Local

Christmas festivities planned for weekend

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

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

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

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

What has hindered the city’s progress on utility projects? According to city officials it’s a lack of leadership.

Tobacco group wants purchase age 21 locally

The county’s Tobacco Free Partnership wants the City of Lake City to implement a Tobacco Retail License regulation on merchants who sell tobacco products of any type or any type of vaping products within city limits.

Douberly, Lydick to serve

In routine business Monday night, the Lake City Council approved the following: Reappointed Vivian Douberly and Christopher Lydick to the Planning and Zoning Board, the Board of Adjustments, and the Historical Board.