Local

Former Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams (right) points out a moment on the timeline of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park to Rep. Chuck Brannan during Thursday’s celebration. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Former Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams (right) points out a moment on the timeline of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park to Rep. Chuck Brannan during Thursday’s celebration. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Local officials celebrate progress at Mega Park

TONY BRITT
Friday, November 7, 2025
More than two decades ago Columbia County officials made a commitment toward the county’s future in economic development by establishing a multi-zoned business area.
Bryan Zecher speaks at a celebration Tuesday of his company’s 30 years in business. Missy Zecher listens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Bryan Zecher speaks at a celebration Tuesday of his company’s 30 years in business. Missy Zecher listens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Zechers celebrate 30 years in business

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
There’s nothing like a party where friends and business associates get to celebrate their relationships and the success that you’ve fostered with them.
Sara Singleton (left) stands with Sharon Souder, Pregnancy Care Center executive director, after being named the Ministry of the Year award recipient Tuesday night at the organization’s annual volunteer banquet. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sara Singleton (left) stands with Sharon Souder, Pregnancy Care Center executive director, after being named the Ministry of the Year award recipient Tuesday night at the organization’s annual volunteer banquet. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Pregnancy Care Center recognizes, honors volunteers

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
WELLBORN —  Volunteers have been an integral part of the success at the Pregnancy Care Center in its 40 year of service in the area.
HAECO Americas, including its operation at Lake City Gateway Airport, was purchased Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company. (FILE)

HAECO Americas, including its operation at Lake City Gateway Airport, was purchased Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company. (FILE)

HAECO Americas purchased for $78M

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
One of Columbia County’s largest employers now has a new owner. HAECO Americas, which operates a heavy aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul and modification facility at the Lake City Gateway Airport, was bought Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company, for $78 million.
Columbia High School JROTC cadets, volunteers and chaperones pose for a picture on Saturday after helping Columbia County Republican Executive Committee members erects flags and crosses for their America’s Heroes program. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia High School JROTC cadets, volunteers and chaperones pose for a picture on Saturday after helping Columbia County Republican Executive Committee members erects flags and crosses for their America’s Heroes program. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Veterans, first responders honored with flags, crosses

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
A huge contingent of the area’s veterans and first responders are being honored along a Columbia County roadway.

Pair of jail deaths deemed ‘unfortunate situation’

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
A second inmate death at the Columbia County Detention Facility in three days is an “unfortunate incident,” according to Sheriff Wallace Kitchings. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, a female inmate died Sunday evening in the jail.
Leslie Buckholtz with Precept Acquisitions talked to the Lake City Council on Monday about a five-stage process to develop workforce housing in the city through a partnership with her company and the city. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Leslie Buckholtz with Precept Acquisitions talked to the Lake City Council on Monday about a five-stage process to develop workforce housing in the city through a partnership with her company and the city. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

City wants closer look at housing partnership

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
While the presentation didn’t convince everyone on the council, Lake City officials will at least take a closer look later this month at a workforce housing development partnership.
Meally Jenkins, Christmas Dream Machine founder and director, stands in front of a table filled with toys. The Christmas Dream Machine begins its 2025 operations today at 157 SE Duval Street in its 37th year of service to the community. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Meally Jenkins, Christmas Dream Machine founder and director, stands in front of a table filled with toys. The Christmas Dream Machine begins its 2025 operations today at 157 SE Duval Street in its 37th year of service to the community. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Cranking up the Dream Machine

TONY BRITT
Saturday, November 1, 2025
While several youngsters in Lake City spent most of Friday dressed in Halloween costumes to celebrate the season, there were two local women wearing some Christmas attire that wasn’t associated with Halloween costumes.

FDLE investigating inmate death at jail

NEWS STAFF
Friday, October 31, 2025
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement is investigating the death of an inmate at the Columbia County Detention Facility. According to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, 64-year-old James Michael Millard was found unresponsive in his cell by guards at 6 a.m. Friday during the morning count.