Local

Johnson retiring from bench

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, November 7, 2025
The Third Judicial Circuit will be in search of a new judge in the new year. Circuit Judge Leandra Johnson submitted a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis on Tuesday announcing her plans to retire from the bench at the end of 2025. Her last day as judge will be Dec. 31.
The signage outside the former HAECO Americas repair hangar at the Florida Gateway Airport was updated as of Thursday to reflect the company’s sale to AAR. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

The signage outside the former HAECO Americas repair hangar at the Florida Gateway Airport was updated as of Thursday to reflect the company’s sale to AAR. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

AAR has welcomed all Lake City HAECO workers

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, November 7, 2025
Lake City’s aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul operation is officially under a new name.
American Legion Post 423 officers Commander Mark Beebe (from left), First vice Tom Johnson, Finance officer Chuck Caldwell, Service officer Rusty Ann Brown, Sgt. at Arms Michael McKinney, Historian Seven Beebe and Auxiliary President Lisa Dye. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

American Legion Post 423 officers Commander Mark Beebe (from left), First vice Tom Johnson, Finance officer Chuck Caldwell, Service officer Rusty Ann Brown, Sgt. at Arms Michael McKinney, Historian Seven Beebe and Auxiliary President Lisa Dye. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

New American Legion Post in service

TONY BRITT
Friday, November 7, 2025
While much of the country is preparing to honor veterans for their service on Veterans Day, a local group is putting their finishing touches on creating a new American Legion Post in Columbia County for veterans.
Coal Williams (left) completes information for Samantha Waldron, an employee at Another Way, during the inaugural Career Cafe. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Coal Williams (left) completes information for Samantha Waldron, an employee at Another Way, during the inaugural Career Cafe. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Students grab a head start with first Career Cafe

TONY BRITT
Friday, November 7, 2025
Columbia County is looking to create a pipeline of employees for the local workforce and has created a Career Canteen that lets local Career Technical Education students get insight to employment opportunities. Columbia County Economic Development conceived the idea of the Career Canteen.
First responders investigate the scene of a crash on N. Marion Avenue Wednesday afternoon that led to the death of an 82-year-old woman. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

First responders investigate the scene of a crash on N. Marion Avenue Wednesday afternoon that led to the death of an 82-year-old woman. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Woman dies after downtown crash

NEWS STAFF
Friday, November 7, 2025
A woman died following a crash into a concrete power pole Wednesday afternoon on N. Marion Avenue on the north side of downtown Lake City. According to a Lake City Police Department release Thursday, a 2022 Honda Odyssey crashed into a concrete power pole around 1:10 p.m. Wednesday on N.
Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford holds up a document during the discussion about whether to renew the contract with WastePro on solid waste collection or go back out to bid. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford holds up a document during the discussion about whether to renew the contract with WastePro on solid waste collection or go back out to bid. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

County wants more discussion on solid waste, again

JAMIE WACHTER
Friday, November 7, 2025
Columbia County is not willing to trash its current solid waste contractor or its policy on bidding contracts. At least not yet.
Former Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams (right) points out a moment on the timeline of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park to Rep. Chuck Brannan during Thursday’s celebration. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Former Columbia County Commissioner Ron Williams (right) points out a moment on the timeline of the North Florida Mega Industrial Park to Rep. Chuck Brannan during Thursday’s celebration. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Local officials celebrate progress at Mega Park

TONY BRITT
Friday, November 7, 2025
More than two decades ago Columbia County officials made a commitment toward the county’s future in economic development by establishing a multi-zoned business area.
Bryan Zecher speaks at a celebration Tuesday of his company’s 30 years in business. Missy Zecher listens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Bryan Zecher speaks at a celebration Tuesday of his company’s 30 years in business. Missy Zecher listens. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Zechers celebrate 30 years in business

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
There’s nothing like a party where friends and business associates get to celebrate their relationships and the success that you’ve fostered with them.
Sara Singleton (left) stands with Sharon Souder, Pregnancy Care Center executive director, after being named the Ministry of the Year award recipient Tuesday night at the organization’s annual volunteer banquet. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Sara Singleton (left) stands with Sharon Souder, Pregnancy Care Center executive director, after being named the Ministry of the Year award recipient Tuesday night at the organization’s annual volunteer banquet. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Pregnancy Care Center recognizes, honors volunteers

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
WELLBORN —  Volunteers have been an integral part of the success at the Pregnancy Care Center in its 40 year of service in the area.
HAECO Americas, including its operation at Lake City Gateway Airport, was purchased Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company. (FILE)

HAECO Americas, including its operation at Lake City Gateway Airport, was purchased Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company. (FILE)

HAECO Americas purchased for $78M

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, November 4, 2025
One of Columbia County’s largest employers now has a new owner. HAECO Americas, which operates a heavy aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul and modification facility at the Lake City Gateway Airport, was bought Monday by AAR Corporation, an Illinois-based company, for $78 million.