Author Archives

James Combs

Akers Media Group's James Combs has been a staff writer for several local publications since August 2000. He has had the privilege of interviewing some of Lake County's many fascinating residents—from innovative business owners to heroic war veterans—and bringing their stories to life. A resident of Lake County since 1986, James recently embarked on a journey to lead a healthier lifestyle. He has lost 60 pounds and walks nearly five miles a day. In his spare time, he enjoys target shooting, skeet shooting and watching his beloved Kentucky Wildcats!

Faces of epilepsy

Two brave women refuse to let their condition put a damper on life. Approximately 3.4 million people in the U.S. live with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation. Depending on what part of the brain seizures originate from, patients can experience…

Spirits: Creating a buzz

Jose Villafana, Jr. taps into the increasingly popular craft beer scene. Photos: Nicole Hamel Pam Gordon remembers the first time she saw the dark brown liquid cascading into a glass with milky white bubbles rising to the top. She brought…

Final Thought: You can’t spell “feast” without “e-a-t”

On Thanksgiving, don’t feel guilty when you’re as stuffed as the turkey. The large brown table is topped with a beige tablecloth and 10 stylish white plates. I’m more fixated on what’s on those plates. Roasted turkey. Mashed potatoes.…

Outstanding Student: Emily Curatolo

No test is too tough for Emily Curatolo, who always strives for academic excellence. Vital stats: Graduated from East Ridge High School in 2020. Maintained a 5.2 grade-point average. Completed 14 advanced placement (AP) classes. Now a freshman at the…

Azure reaches a high-water mark

With humidity still rearing its ugly head, attending an outside event in Florida will likely leave one needing to quench his thirst. That fact didn’t escape organizers of President Donald Trump’s recent rallies in The Villages and Pensacola on Oct.…

Lake Countians plan to float the vote

Thousands of supporters will attend President Donald Trump’s rally this afternoon in The Villages. Tomorrow, thousands of more supporters will take his message across Lake County’s waterways. Organizers of The Trump Boat Parade hope to shore up support before the…

Something is fishy in Lake County

When you have the reputation as one of the top bass fishing destinations in the country, it only seems logical that you’ll reel in prestigious fishing tournaments. Such is the case in Lake County, where two major tournaments are coming…

Lake Technical College cooks up another success story in 2020

The year 2020 has brought us many stories of gloom and doom. However, success stories are still plentiful. Just look at William McCray, who graduated from Lake Technical College’s professional culinary arts and hospitality program in June 2020. William was…

Purr-fect Companions

Cat Protection Society lives up to its name. Photos: Nicole Hamel and Anthony Rao Get those tissues ready when visiting the Cat Protection Society, a no-kill shelter that provides a safe haven for cats. There are many tear-jerking tales. When…

Diagnosis of hope

Thyroid cancer is rising dramatically, particularly among women. Photo: Nicole Hamel Anxious. Afraid. Overwhelmed. Those emotions hit Mary Jo Zylowski like a ton of bricks as three dreadful words came out of her doctor’s mouth eight years ago. “You’ve got…