Local

The oldest veterans to attend the annual veterans barbecue luncheon posed for a picture with State Rep. Danny Alvarez during the event. Pictured from left are: Leonard Kenneth Keen, 94, Army veteran; Donald Christensen, 95, Air Force veteran; Ray DeCant, 100, World War II veteran, State Rep. Danny Alvarez and Walt Lhamon, 93, Air Force veteran. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The oldest veterans to attend the annual veterans barbecue luncheon posed for a picture with State Rep. Danny Alvarez during the event. Pictured from left are: Leonard Kenneth Keen, 94, Army veteran; Donald Christensen, 95, Air Force veteran; Ray DeCant, 100, World War II veteran, State Rep. Danny Alvarez and Walt Lhamon, 93, Air Force veteran. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Veterans honored at annual luncheon

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Veterans from around the region gathered at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds on Saturday to share in fellowship, camaraderie and to meet fellow veterans while enjoying a free lunch.
Price Creek LLC attorney Patrick Krechowski (right) addresses the Lake City Council in front of protesting Price Creek residents during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Price Creek LLC attorney Patrick Krechowski (right) addresses the Lake City Council in front of protesting Price Creek residents during Monday’s meeting. (MORGAN MCMULLEN/Lake City Reporter)

Price Creek zoning heading to state after city approval

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Tuesday, November 18, 2025
County residents are upset over a potential change in zoning around their farmlands. Residents packed the Lake City Council meeting room Monday night in anticipation of speaking against a proposed land zoning change in Price Creek.
Briana Collier, a Lake City Middle School math teacher, was named the Columbia County School District’s Teacher of the Year on Thursday. She received her award from Superintendent Keith Couey and School Board Chair Narrie Smith. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Briana Collier, a Lake City Middle School math teacher, was named the Columbia County School District’s Teacher of the Year on Thursday. She received her award from Superintendent Keith Couey and School Board Chair Narrie Smith. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

LCMS’ Collier wins county’s 2027 Teacher of the Year

TONY BRITT
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Briana Collier is accustomed to working with a full slate duties each day as an educator. Collier’s duties at Lake City Middle School, which has seventh and eighth grade students, includes teaching only eighth grade students.

Second teen gets life sentence for Smith shooting

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, November 15, 2025
A second teen will spend his life in prison for the 2023 murder of a young girl. During a sentencing hearing Thursday at the Columbia County Courthouse, Third Judicial Circuit Judge Leandra Johnson sentenced Matthew Rice, 18, to life in prison for the murder of 12-year-old Mariah Smith.
The firm behind a feasibility study for a new Lake City Hall is set to present its findings at Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (FILE)

The firm behind a feasibility study for a new Lake City Hall is set to present its findings at Monday’s Lake City Council meeting. (FILE)

Council to hear proposal on new $11M city hall

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, November 15, 2025
The City of Lake City could be getting serious about a new city hall building. The Lake City Council is set to take up the issue at its Monday meeting, beginning at 6 p.m. at 205 N. Marion Ave.
Westside Elementary School’s Shelly Teel speaks to the crowd after winning the Columbia County Teacher of the Year award last year. (FILE)

Westside Elementary School’s Shelly Teel speaks to the crowd after winning the Columbia County Teacher of the Year award last year. (FILE)

Teacher of the Year awards set to seek best in the county

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Columbia County teachers, administrators and staff are set to have a night meant to honor educators and all connected to public schools. The Columbia County Public Schools Foundation is set to host its annual Night of Excellenece in Education on Thursday, Nov.
First Sgt. Trena Dettmer, Columbia High School JROTC instructor, is hugged by students after she received a Quilt of Valor from the Lady of the Lake Quilters Guild on Wednesday morning. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

First Sgt. Trena Dettmer, Columbia High School JROTC instructor, is hugged by students after she received a Quilt of Valor from the Lady of the Lake Quilters Guild on Wednesday morning. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Local veterans gifted Quilts of Honor in ceremony

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
While 13 local veterans were recognized for their military service on the day following Veterans Days, the reception they received was just as heartwarming, solemn and appreciative — and even more touching since they received quilts. The 13 veterans were recipients of Quilts of Valor.
Veterans dine during a prior Veterans Dinner at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (FILE)

Veterans dine during a prior Veterans Dinner at the Florida Gateway Fairgrounds. (FILE)

Fairgrounds set to serve up Veterans Dinner

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Local veterans will be celebrated and honored this weekend when an area business and its sponsors holds its annual free veterans dinner. The 34th annual Veterans Dinner will take place from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.
Elaine Lagasse, a member of the American Legion Post 57 Honor Guard, displays a collection box for the upcoming charity ride that scheduled to take place on Saturday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Elaine Lagasse, a member of the American Legion Post 57 Honor Guard, displays a collection box for the upcoming charity ride that scheduled to take place on Saturday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Riders hoping for big toy turnout

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
American Legion Riders Post 57 are looking to add a little more Christmas spirit, gifts and toys for Columbia and Suwannee County children through an upcoming charity ride. The Riders will be participating in the “Toy Run” that will take place on Saturday.