Regional

Jennifer Anchors, United Way of Suwannee Valley Executive Director, stands outside the agency’s office Monday afternoon. The United Way of Suwannee Valley provided financial assistance to 68 families through its Covid Relief Fund during the past four months. The agency received more than 200 applications for financial assistance from the fund. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Jennifer Anchors, United Way of Suwannee Valley Executive Director, stands outside the agency’s office Monday afternoon. The United Way of Suwannee Valley provided financial assistance to 68 families through its Covid Relief Fund during the past four months. The agency received more than 200 applications for financial assistance from the fund. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

UWSV helping 68 families survive virus fallout

TONY BRITT
Monday, July 6, 2020
Furloughs, layoffs and reduced hours were all common results of the covid-19 global pandemic impacting the local workforce. As some local families saw their wages decrease, the United Way of Suwannee Valley was able to provide assistance to nearly 70 families facing financial uncertainty.
Charlie Daniels. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Charlie Daniels. (AP FILE PHOTO)

Charlie Daniels dead at age 83

NEWS STAFF
Monday, July 6, 2020
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Charlie Daniels, who went from being an in-demand session musician to a staple of Southern rock with his hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” has died at 83.
Lynda Cauley spoons up some Mandarin oranges as she prepares food at the Columbia County Senior Services Lifestyle Enrichment Center kitchen. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Lynda Cauley spoons up some Mandarin oranges as she prepares food at the Columbia County Senior Services Lifestyle Enrichment Center kitchen. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

New look at LEC: Upgrades mean hot meals for seniors

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 26, 2020
The kitchen area for the Columbia County Senior Services Lifestyle Enrichment Center has been upgraded and the agency is now providing hot meals to local senior citizens.
The fate of Shands Lake Shore is up in the air as current lease is canceled. (FILE)

The fate of Shands Lake Shore is up in the air as current lease is canceled. (FILE)

Services to be cut at Lake Shore

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, June 26, 2020
Certain services at Lake Shore Hospital will be eliminated over the next three months. Beyond that, the fate of the long-standing institution is an open question.
The Columbia and Hamilton County health departments will offer free drive-thru covid-19 testing during the remainder of June as well as several days in July.

The Columbia and Hamilton County health departments will offer free drive-thru covid-19 testing during the remainder of June as well as several days in July.

DOH, VA are offering covid tests

TONY BRITT
Friday, June 26, 2020
Local health care providers are offering free covid-19 screenings through the Columbia County and Hamilton County health departments, while the local VA Medical Center is offering testing to veterans who are symptomatic, as well as those who are scheduled for certain medical procedures.
Michael Lydick, Lake City Elks Lodge #893 Veterans Committee chairman, stands with Cynthia Voltz of the Lake City VA Medical Center, as the two showoff a 65-inch television that was recently donated to the facility. The TV was one of several items donated for veterans who have been restricted from normal social outings due to the global pandemic. (COURTESY)

Michael Lydick, Lake City Elks Lodge #893 Veterans Committee chairman, stands with Cynthia Voltz of the Lake City VA Medical Center, as the two showoff a 65-inch television that was recently donated to the facility. The TV was one of several items donated for veterans who have been restricted from normal social outings due to the global pandemic. (COURTESY)

Covid can’t keep Elks from helping local vets

TONY BRITT
Thursday, June 25, 2020
A program offering veterans residing in assisted living or specialized housing an opportunity to visit see rodeos, monster truck shows, hockey, professional football or the Jacksonville Zoo, was shuttered by the recent health crisis.
Eastside Elementary music teacher Teresa Cameron holds an angklung, an instrument originating in India. Cameron brought a large collection of world instruments with her when she joined Eastside 13 years ago. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

Eastside Elementary music teacher Teresa Cameron holds an angklung, an instrument originating in India. Cameron brought a large collection of world instruments with her when she joined Eastside 13 years ago. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

Cancer couldn’t quell her dreams, says Eastside’s music teacher

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, June 24, 2020
Her father thought she’d make a good country star, but Teresa Cameron wanted to sing opera. The costumes, the drama — it all spoke to her, made the music feel engaging.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission bear biologists Teri Graves (left) and Allan Hallman, set up a bear trap using doughnuts as bait hoping to capture a 300-pound bear that was recently perched in a tree near Interstate 75. (KAREN PARKER/FWC)

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission bear biologists Teri Graves (left) and Allan Hallman, set up a bear trap using doughnuts as bait hoping to capture a 300-pound bear that was recently perched in a tree near Interstate 75. (KAREN PARKER/FWC)

Bears are back looking for love, food or both

TONY BRITT
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
Two Florida black bears, on the prowl for food or bear love, were sighted in local residential and commercial areas last week.