Local

White Springs man learns you can’t hide from CCSO database

A White Springs man has learned that you can’t hide your criminal past from the long arm of the law’s computer database. On Wednesday at about 5 p.m., William Gregory Powell, 39, of SE 154th Place in White Springs, was driving a black SUV down the middle of SW Saturn Lane in Lake City.

Helfenberger: Give a little on Olustee move

Arguably Lake City’s biggest attraction, the annual Olustee Festival is a powerhouse of an event, drawing in tens of thousands of visitors each year and injecting millions into the local economy.

Vote to decide future of city’s election setup

Three questions will show up on the ballot next month in a special citywide referendum, but they’re all effectively asking the same thing, officials say — are voters willing to put up with the hassle of visiting multiple polling places on a single election day, or do they want to save time and...

Charlie Keith seeks County Commission District 3 seat

Pledging to keep local government business-friendly, a pawn shop owner with public service experience is chasing after a seat on the Columbia County Commission.

Trip to delivery room slowed by cops

When a deputy stopped a vehicle for speeding Monday night, it became apparent that the woman in the passenger seat was in the throes of labor, according to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office report.

Census count critical for local economy, official stresses

What do the Meals on Wheels program, local property taxes and the U.S. Congress all have in common?  The census.

Hundreds gather at parade to honor Martin Luther King Jr.

Hundreds of local residents braved cold temperatures and high winds Monday morning to participate in or watch the annual Martin Luther King Jr. parade.

Campaign placard in MLK parade draws fire

Political drama reared its head during Lake City’s Monday morning parade honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr., after a challenger for local office got involved in a political dispute with his incumbent rival, who happened to be one of the event’s main organizers.

Spring cleaning, anyone?

Spring cleaning doesn’t have to wait until spring, Lake City officials say as they invite people to help tidy up the town.  The city is hosting a cleanup day on Feb. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Crash claims a life, closes US 90

A head-on crash claimed the life of a Lake City woman late Saturday. Jane Kaufman, 64, was killed when the westbound 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis driven by John Thomas Hinrichs, 27, Lake City, crossed the center line of U.S. 90 near NW Noegal Road at 9:53 p.m.