Local

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)

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)

County moving ahead with expanded kennel

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Columbia County Commission Chairman Tim Murphy made it quite clear during a marathon budget workshop Thursday: the county is still full speed ahead on constructing its own animal shelter.
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)

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)

County flushes talk of sewer plant sale

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Talks between the City of Lake City and Columbia County over a sewer plant at the North Florida Mega Industrial Park may already be flushed away.
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)

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)

Kitchings seeks 17% raises for deputies, CCSO employees

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, August 16, 2025
The first “bite” in trying to address critical staffing issues and low pay at the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is proposed to be a big one. During the Columbia County Commission budget workshop Thursday, Sheriff Wallace Kitchings requested a 15% increase in his budget to $25.3 million.

South Florida pair killed in I-75 crash

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Two Homestead residents, traveling together in a pickup truck, were killed Friday morning when the pickup truck they were traveling in smashed into the rear of a tractor trailer parked along Interstate 75. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, the crash occurred around 6:27 a.m.
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)

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)

FGC hosts donors for annual luncheon

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
An organization dedicated to funding education for others, the Foundation for Florida Gateway College, celebrated its donors, new endowments and its increased presence with helping local students get a college education.
Firefighters from the Lake City Fire Department and Columbia County Fire Rescue responded to a house fire on NE Richardson Terrace Tuesday afternoon. (COURTESY)

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

House fire sparks rapid response

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
A local home sustained severe damage after a fire broke out in its kitchen area on Tuesday afternoon, forcing a response from several first responder units. The fire occurred at a home on NE Richardson Terrace and local firefighters spent more than two hours on he scene.

One killed in Wednesday crash

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
HIGH SPRINGS — A High Springs man was killed early Wednesday morning after a crash near Adams Street. According to a Florida Highway Patrol release, a 73-year-old man from High Springs was walking in the northbound land of U.S. Highway 41 around 5:14 a.m. just north of Adams Street.
Kevin Paulk stands in front of his winning photograph, ‘With an Edge & Charm,’ during Saturday’s photo contest reception hosted at the Gateway Art Gallery. Paulk won a $125 cash prize in the second contest put on by the Branford Camera Club. (COURTESY)

Kevin Paulk stands in front of his winning photograph, ‘With an Edge & Charm,’ during Saturday’s photo contest reception hosted at the Gateway Art Gallery. Paulk won a $125 cash prize in the second contest put on by the Branford Camera Club. (COURTESY)

Photographers honored at Gallery reception

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Local photographers got their chance to flex their skills during a recent photo contest. The Gateway Art Gallery, along with the Branford Camera Club, held a reception Saturday to honor 27 different photographers, who submitted 75 photos for this year’s show, the second of its kind.