Local

Skeletal remains found

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, December 5, 2020
Looking for a friend Thursday evening, a man found more than he was looking for: skeletal remains. The Lake City Police Department said the bones were discovered in a wooded area near Levings Forest Products on NW Railroad Ave. around 8:20 p.m. Thursday.

TDC seeks grant for sports park

TONY BRITT
Saturday, December 5, 2020
The Columbia County Tourist Development Council has applied for a grant to help determine the best use for  500 acres purchased for future recreational use.

Columbia Homeroom cleared for spring

TONY BRITT
Thursday, December 3, 2020
While the Columbia School District will continue to offer Columbia Homeroom the rest of the academic year, some students could be forced to return to brick and mortar school settings.
Construction crew workers from Dales Excavation move pieces of asphalt at Florida Gateway College on Thursday afternoon. The asphalt walkways on campus will be demolished during the holiday break and replaced with concrete pavers before students return to classes in January. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Construction crew workers from Dales Excavation move pieces of asphalt at Florida Gateway College on Thursday afternoon. The asphalt walkways on campus will be demolished during the holiday break and replaced with concrete pavers before students return to classes in January. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

FGC begins three-phase project to beautify walkways

TONY BRITT
Thursday, December 3, 2020
The Florida Gateway College campus will be sporting a new look when students return for spring semester classes in January. Construction crews are currently demolishing and removing several walkways for safety reasons as well as to beautify the campus.

Family ties lead to Strange photo surfacing

TONY BRITT
Thursday, December 3, 2020
While Derek Smith’s mission to track down information about his great-great-great-grandfather Thomas Strange was successful, something was missing. Smith’s research showed  Strange was the first Civil War soldier from Florida killed in Florida at the Battle of the Brick Church in Jacksonville.
Mike McKee, Florida Gateway College executive director of media/public information, adjusts ornaments on a Christmas tree at the Wilson Rivers Library Wednesday afternoon. FGC will host its inaugural Winter Wonderland event 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Mike McKee, Florida Gateway College executive director of media/public information, adjusts ornaments on a Christmas tree at the Wilson Rivers Library Wednesday afternoon. FGC will host its inaugural Winter Wonderland event 5-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Spreading holiday cheer: FGC holding inaugural Winter Wonderland

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
The Florida Gateway College campus is turning into a winter wonderland.

TDC feels impact of covid-19

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
Fewer events and fewer travelers has meant less revenue for the Columbia County Tourist Development Council. In 2019 the TDC’s revenues were just less than $1.6 million and 2020 year-end figures indicate the organization revenues are at $1.3 million, a 14.74% decrease, equating to a $231,324 loss.
Veteran Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who was wounded in Afghanistan, stands with his wife Julia Todd, as the two hold a red ribbon in front of their new 2020 Honda CR-V. Todd, the recipient of a Purple Heart, was given the payment-free vehicle through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program Tuesday afternoon at Honda of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Veteran Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant who was wounded in Afghanistan, stands with his wife Julia Todd, as the two hold a red ribbon in front of their new 2020 Honda CR-V. Todd, the recipient of a Purple Heart, was given the payment-free vehicle through the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s Transportation4Heroes program Tuesday afternoon at Honda of Lake City. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Transportation for a hero

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
On Giving Tuesday, a local wounded veteran was given a new car. Jesse Todd, a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant, received a payment-free 2020 Honda CR-V on Tuesday at Honda of Lake City.

City adds downtown festivities

TODD WILSON
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Lake City had nothing happening downtown to launch the Christmas season so Terri Phillips said why not take a simple idea for a one-day festival and boost the holiday spirit in the community. Lake City’s first Holiday Market will run from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.