Local

Alexander Zadai (from left), Deanna Lumpkin, Makeba Murphy, Sonical Mitchell and Twylah Queen hold backpacks that Core Civic donated to Niblack Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Core Civic provided roughly 50 backpacks and other school supplies to three local elementary schools. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Chris Batten with the Lake City Humane Society said the organization was still interested in discussions with the county on providing animal services. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Columbia County Commissioner Rocky Ford said the $7.5 million offer for the wastewater treatment plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park by the City of Lake City is a ‘non-starter’ to him because it doesn’t fully remove the ounty’s debt and obligation at the site. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Sheriff Wallace Kitchings told the Columbia County Commission that his agency is at critical staffing levels and a significant raise for his employees is needed. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Van Long (left), the Foundation For Florida Gateway College board chair, stands with Lawrence Barrett, Florida Gateway College President, holding a ceremonial check for $1.3 million, representing funds for scholarships and to support other programs at the college. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Firefighters from the Lake City Fire Department and Columbia County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on NE Richardson Terrace Tuesday afternoon. (COURTESY)