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OUR OPINION: Sunshine Week helps freedom stand strong

Freedom is under attack constantly and from all angles. A free society is a strong and powerful, living, breathing thing, but at times an uncomfortable wrestling match between the watchdogs and all levels of government must take place.

Patrons, vendors, participants all pleased with 2021 rodeo

While the covid-19 pandemic has taken more events than it has given, the annual Florida Gateway Pro Rodeo was not among its casualties after it went on as planned over the weekend.  Roughly 2,000 guests attended Friday’s opening-night festivities at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds.

LCPD officer arrested, placed on administrative leave

A Lake City police officer was placed on administrative leave after his arrest Saturday following an altercation at a local convenience store. According to a Lake City Police Department release, officers responded around 9:27 p.m. Saturday to the Sunstop convenience store at 1101 N. Marion St.

Homeless man arrested for kidnapping

A homeless Columbia County man kidnapped a female acquaintance’s roommate at gunpoint, stole her car and hid out in a camper before being arrested Friday evening, according to police reports.

City council changes utility committee again

Change has been a constant in the makeup ok the Lake City Utility Advisory Committee the past few months. The latest change resulted in Councilman Chris Greene requesting that he be removed from the committee Monday night.

Columbia, Suwannee jobless rates rise; still below state average

The unemployment rate locally rose by more than a point in January, but both Columbia and Suwannee counties still beat the state average. According to data released Monday by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Columbia County’s jobless rate rose from an adjusted 3.

FGC breaks ground on STEM project

With the ceremonial tossing of a few shovels of dirt, Florida Gateway College officials turned to the next phase of the college’s future:  the addition of the first new building on campus in a decade.

Council tweaking utility advisory committee again

The one constant about Lake City’s utility advisory committee is it’s constanty changing.

High speed chase leads to arrest

A high speed chase into the early hours of Thursday morning ended in an arrest after officers tailed a suspect for about 30 miles.  According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, Jason Alan Bernier, 33, was spotted by officers near the Treasure Island Casino on South U.S. HIghway 441.

CCSO: Shopping spree backed by stolen checks

An O’Brien man who was recently arrested is now facing more charges.  According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report, Jason Lee Paul, 25, is facing an even stronger case against him after officers say he used stolen identities for purchases and bank withdrawals.  On Feb.