Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee remembers the fallen on Memorial Day

Wednesday, May 27, 2026

McALPIN — It is a day for remembrance.From the guest speaker at the American Legion Harry C.

Local

Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White’s Williams wins scholarship for essay

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
FORT WHITE — A local middle school student athlete, who was already fond of Gatorade, probably now...
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Around Columbia County

Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee remembers the fallen on Memorial Day

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
McALPIN — It is a day for remembrance.
Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

SHS graduates thank village for support

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
In a flipped around commencement ceremony, Suwannee High valedictorian Noah Lopez reversed the...
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Sports

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Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Joy Geiger sings the national anthem during Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107 in McAlpin as the American flag waves in front of her. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee remembers the fallen on Memorial Day

JAMIE WACHTER
McALPIN — It is a day for remembrance.From the guest speaker at the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Memorial Post 107’s annual Memorial Day remembrance ceremony to the history of the poppies to the list of veterans called home, remembering and honoring those who made the “ultimate sacrifice”…

Nearly 400 CHS seniors ready for commencement

TONY BRITT
Close to 400 students will cap their career as high school students this weekend when Columbia High School holds commencement exercises.The 2026 CHS graduation ceremony will take place 8 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium, 469 Fighting Tiger Drive. The gates open at 6 p.m. and entry will be allowed at…

$7M in funding lined up in state budget for local projects

JAMIE WACHTER
The delayed state budget has nearly $2 million earmarked for a school safety project in Columbia County as well as funding to upgrade the Columbia County Detention Facility.The Florida Legislature is slated to vote Friday on the $114.46 billion spending plan after needing extra time to finalize a…
Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White Middle School student Maverick Williams won a state essay contest on ‘Celebrating Florida’s Contributions to America’ for his entry on Dr. James Cade, the founder of Gatorade. Williams won a two-year scholarship as well as a picture of Cade from Gov. Ron DeSantis in the contest. (COURTESY)

Fort White’s Williams wins scholarship for essay

TONY BRITT
FORT WHITE — A local middle school student athlete, who was already fond of Gatorade, probably now loves the sports drink even more after his essay on its founder won him a two-year scholarship. Governor Ron DeSantis announced the winners of the America250FL art and essay contest at a…
Supporters cheer during a previous year’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser for Columbia County Senior Services at the Lifestyle Enrichment Center. (FILE)

Supporters cheer during a previous year’s Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser for Columbia County Senior Services at the Lifestyle Enrichment Center. (FILE)

Senior Services hosting Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser

TONY BRITT
Local residents will have an opportunity to raise funds for Alzheimers and dementia services this weekend during an annual Columbia County Senior Services fundraising event at the Lake City Lifestyle Enrichment Center.The Walk a Mile in My Shoes fundraiser will take place 10 a.m.-noon Saturday at…

Lake City man arrested on CSAM charges

NEWS STAFF
A Lake City man is in custody as law enforcement continues its operations against Child Sexual Abuse Material. According to a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office release, CCSO detectives began an investigation on Feb. 18 with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding CSAM…

New Lafayette school, shelter in line for state funding

JAMIE WACHTER
More than $2.5 million in projects are earmarked in the delayed state budget for Lafayette County.The Florida Legislature is slated to vote Friday on the $114.46 billion spending plan after needing extra time to finalize a budget — the only thing it is required to do each year by the Florida…
Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

Suwannee High’s Kynzie Hall delivers part of the Salute to Parents during commencement as she is joined by Andrea Baez, Rylee Bonds, Mackenzie Champagne, Elise Mudd and Kolby Riegel. (JAMIE WACHTER/Lake City Reporter)

SHS graduates thank village for support

JAMIE WACHTER
In a flipped around commencement ceremony, Suwannee High valedictorian Noah Lopez reversed the script on those in attendance at Paul Langford Stadium on Saturday.With the 234 graduates at SHS already with their diplomas in hand before the valedictorians and salutatorian gave their addresses due to…
Branford High graduates toss their caps into the air after graduating during Friday’s commencement ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Branford High graduates toss their caps into the air after graduating during Friday’s commencement ceremony. (ROB WOLFE/Lake City Reporter)

Buccaneer ‘family’ celebrates graduation

JAMIE WACHTER
BRANFORD — Branford High’s Class of 2026 was more than just a group of classmates.Rather, Student Body President Jon Weisner said the 111 graduates honored at Buccaneer Stadium on Friday night during a weather-shortened commencement were a family. The ceremony ended immediately following the…

Suwannee in line for $2 million in projects from state budget

JAMIE WACHTER
Suwannee County projects are in line for more than $2 million in the delayed state budget.The Florida Legislature is slated to vote Friday on the $114.46 billion spending plan after needing extra time to finalize a budget — the only thing it is required to do each year by the Florida Constitution…

Runoff early voting begins

NEWS STAFF
Early voting for the runoff election in Live Oak’s District 1 begins next week.The polls are open for early voting in the runoff from Monday through June 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily at the Suwannee County Judicial Annex, 218 SW Parshley Street in Live Oak.Election Day for the runoff…
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