Local

K-9 apprehends suspect following high-speed chase

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 13, 2026
A Wellborn man didn’t stop at a stop sign or for law enforcement Tuesday night. But after a PIT maneuver was performed to end the high-speed chase, 44-year-old Jeffery Steele still refused to cooperate, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.

Lake City man charged with possessing child pornography

NEWS STAFF
Friday, February 13, 2026
A two-week investigation led to a Lake City man’s arrest for possessing child pornography. Joshua Hoger, 30, was arrested Thursday on charges of using a two-way communication device to commit a felony and possession of child pornography and is being held on a $275,000 bond.
North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy students wave American flags at last year’s Olustee Festival. This year’s festival theme is Celebrate America in honor of the semiquincentennial. (FILE)

North Florida Arts & Sciences Academy students wave American flags at last year’s Olustee Festival. This year’s festival theme is Celebrate America in honor of the semiquincentennial. (FILE)

47th annual Olustee Festival focused on America’s semiquincentennial

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Columbia County’s oldest and largest festival hits town this weekend, bringing thousands of visitors to the downtown area for a festival that will celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
Fort White student Cody Maggard was recognized by the Columbia County School Board on Tuesday for being named the district’s Sunshine State Scholar. Maggard is pictured with Superintendent Keith Couey and School Board Chair Dana Brady-Giddens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White student Cody Maggard was recognized by the Columbia County School Board on Tuesday for being named the district’s Sunshine State Scholar. Maggard is pictured with Superintendent Keith Couey and School Board Chair Dana Brady-Giddens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Fort White’s Maggard named Sunshine Scholar

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
FORT WHITE — Cody Maggard of Fort White High School was chosen as the Columbia School District’s 2026 Sunshine State Scholar.
Youngsters attending the Baby Prom at the Blanche Hotel play under a parachute of cloth. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Youngsters attending the Baby Prom at the Blanche Hotel play under a parachute of cloth. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Baby Prom spreads love at The Blanche

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The ballroom at the Blanche Hotel took on a youthful flavor on Wednesday morning when several infants, toddlers and other children too young to attend school and their parents held a pre-Valentines Day celebration.

United Way hosting leadership conference

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
The United Way of Suwannee Valley invites local leaders, professionals, and community members to the fifth annual Leading for Tomorrow Leadership Conference, scheduled for Feb. 26 at Florida Gateway College. The emphasis is on community impact and leadership focus.
2026 Golden Voice contestant Skye Flournoy (from left) gets musical tips from Ronnie Collins, Golden Voice founder, as Aleah Rogers and Stella Jennings also take in the information. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

2026 Golden Voice contestant Skye Flournoy (from left) gets musical tips from Ronnie Collins, Golden Voice founder, as Aleah Rogers and Stella Jennings also take in the information. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Eleven singers up for Golden Voice top prize

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Some of Columbia County’s boldest, freshest and newest voices are preparing to hit the stage and share their vocal talents with the area when they compete in the Golden Voice competition later this month. The 2026 Golden Voice competition will take place 7 p.m. Friday, Feb.
Students and staff at Belmont Academy pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Monday’s debut of their new playground equipment. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students and staff at Belmont Academy pose for a ribbon-cutting ceremony during Monday’s debut of their new playground equipment. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

New playground equipment debuts to Belmont students

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Students attending Belmont Academy’s VPK, kindergarten and first grade classes will add a new level to their love of recess after the school recently installed new playground equipment.