Local

CARES business assistance deadline approaching

TONY BRITT
Friday, December 11, 2020
Columbia County has provided more than $2 million to local businesses in CARES funding to recoup funding losses due to covid-19 affiliated hardships. The final day local businesses can apply for the assistance is Tuesday, with roughly more than $4 million in funding remaining.
Lawrence Barrett (left), Florida Gateway College President, gives Kevin Doorman his water services bachelors degree during commencement exercises Thursday evening at the college. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lawrence Barrett (left), Florida Gateway College President, gives Kevin Doorman his water services bachelors degree during commencement exercises Thursday evening at the college. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC graduates lauded for overcoming adversity

TONY BRITT
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Overcoming adversity was the main theme relayed to Florida Gateway College graduates Thursday evening during commencement exercises. After going through several months of changes due to the global pandemic, FGC held a series of graduation ceremonies this week for its Fall 2020 Commencement.

Christmas festivities planned for weekend

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 10, 2020
The holiday spirit will be in the air around Columbia County this weekend. Lake City’s inaugural Holiday Market will start off the festivities Saturday when it opens at 10 a.m. in downtown Lake City.
William Glover (left) and Kerry DeYoung put stakes in the ground Wednesday afternoon while doing preparation work for the James Montgomery Animal Wellness Center at the Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

William Glover (left) and Kerry DeYoung put stakes in the ground Wednesday afternoon while doing preparation work for the James Montgomery Animal Wellness Center at the Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Work begins on Humane Society’s Wellness Center

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
The Lake City-Columbia County Humane Society’s campus is in the beginning stages of a metamorphosis. The site, which has housed the humane society and animal shelter buildings for years, is now in transition with the construction of the James Montgomery Animal Wellness Center.

State lawmakers to visit in January

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Columbia County’s legislative delegation will be visiting town next month. State Representative Chuck Brannan, R-Macclenny, announced the public hearing will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Columbia County School Board meeting room, 372 W. Duval Street.
Cindy Sleezer, Gateway Art Gallery curator, puts a wooden Christmas ornament on a tree at the shop. All the ornaments on the Christmas trees inside the gallery are on sale during the inaugural Mistletoe Magic fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Cindy Sleezer, Gateway Art Gallery curator, puts a wooden Christmas ornament on a tree at the shop. All the ornaments on the Christmas trees inside the gallery are on sale during the inaugural Mistletoe Magic fundraiser. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Mistletoe Magic campaign benefits Gateway Gallery, crafters, shoppers

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
The Gateway Art Gallery is giving and receiving this holiday season. Through a new campaign, Mistletoe Magic, the gallery is showcasing the talents of area crafters while providing patrons with the opportunity to buy unique and homemade gifts and crafts.
Daniel Sweat (left), assistant city manager, gives a presentation about the city’s state of utilities, while Paul Dyal, Lake City’s executive director of utilities, sits and waits to address city council members during Monday night’s city council meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Daniel Sweat (left), assistant city manager, gives a presentation about the city’s state of utilities, while Paul Dyal, Lake City’s executive director of utilities, sits and waits to address city council members during Monday night’s city council meeting. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Staff, council diagnose issues with utility projects as lack of leadership

TONY BRITT
Monday, December 7, 2020
What has hindered the city’s progress on utility projects? According to city officials it’s a lack of leadership.