Local

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said he was unaware of problems at Ellisville and Suwannee County water plants prior to his June hiring. (FILE)

NFWUA Executive Director Shannon Roberts said he was unaware of problems at Ellisville and Suwannee County water plants prior to his June hiring. (FILE)

County fined by DEP for Ellisville plant

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Ellisville wastewater treatment plant’s problems with properly treating the water has cost Columbia County. More state fines could be coming if the issue with meeting permit standards aren’t met.

CRA considers façade grant expansion

MORGAN MCMULLEN
Friday, December 12, 2025
The City of Lake City is hoping to set a strong foundation for future Community Redevelopment Agency projects. The CRA, which consists of the Lake City Council members as well as Mayor Noah Walker, is slated to host a meeting Monday at 5 p.m. at Lake City Hall, 205 N.
Cadets with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office graduated Wednesday from the police academy at Florida Gateway College. Graduates were Jesse Braden (from left), Jarrod Spurlock and Anthony Cortese, Jr. Sheriff Wallace Kitchings is pictured with the graduates. (COURTESY)

Cadets with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office graduated Wednesday from the police academy at Florida Gateway College. Graduates were Jesse Braden (from left), Jarrod Spurlock and Anthony Cortese, Jr. Sheriff Wallace Kitchings is pictured with the graduates. (COURTESY)

CCSO cadets graduate from academy

NEWS STAFF
Friday, December 12, 2025
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office hired three deputy sheriff cadets into its sponsorship program in October. The program includes a tuition-paid academy and a starting salary of $45,625 with the CCSO while in training.
The Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association raised money and collected toys for the Christmas Dream Machine at a Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

The Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association raised money and collected toys for the Christmas Dream Machine at a Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday. (COURTESY)

Tennis group gives back to Dream Machine

NEWS STAFF
Friday, December 12, 2025
Tennis players of all ages from the community participated in the Lake City Columbia County Tennis Association’s Mistletoe Tennis Social event Tuesday afternoon.
Florida Gateway College graduates turn their tassels after graduating during the college’s commencement ceremony Tuesday evening at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Florida Gateway College graduates turn their tassels after graduating during the college’s commencement ceremony Tuesday evening at the Howard Center. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Christmas comes early at FGC, graduating largest class

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Just weeks before Christmas 2025, more than 300 Florida Gateway College students added a college certificate or diploma to their list of holiday heirlooms.

Christmas in Columbia market returns

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Vendors, food trucks, entertainment, unique gift items and Santa Claus will bring the Christmas spirit to the downtown area this weekend for local shoppers. An estimated 206 vendors will have their goods for sales as the Christmas in Columbia Holiday Market takes place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Mason grandmaster visiting this weekend

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
The Most Worshipful Grandmaster of Florida, with the Prince of All Masons, will visit Columbia and Suwannee counties this weekend as part of the Zone 1 visitation. While in Columbia County at 9 a.m. on Saturday there will be a public meeting at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, 541 NE Davis Avenue.
Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lake City Mayor Noah Walker is helped by Sierra Lacy (from left), Ariah Leonard, Willow Leonard, Liam Villamil and Legend Brown in lighting the Christmas tree in downtown Olustee Park on Monday night. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Downtown Christmas tree lit in delayed ceremony

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
While a seasonal downpour caused local officials to postpone the traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday evening, it didn’t dampen the Christmas spirit. Instead, more than 100 people gathered at Olustee Park on Monday evening to officially light the downtown tree.