Local

Hutto accused of stalking pair

A pair of local women are seeking protection from alleged stalking by millionaire manslaughter suspect, Michael Troy Hutto.

Gun violence crackdown nets seven arrests

A months-long investigation triggered by rising gun violence in Lake City and Columbia County netted results Tuesday. The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S.

Drug boss looks to change plea

JACKSONVILLE — The Lake City native accused of leading an armed drug trafficking organization is looking to change her plea. A plea change hearing for Kimberly Claridy Walker is scheduled for Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Jacksonville.

Siegmeister plea hearing canceled

JACKSONVILLE — The change of plea hearing for the Third Judicial Circuit’s former state attorney was canceled instead of continued. Ordered to be continued to Monday by U.S.

Escaped inmate captured after 5-hour search

A five-hour manhunt Saturday morning ended with the capture of an escaped inmate. Stadius Brown, a 34-year-old, escaped from the Lake City Work Release Center around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, but was apprehended little more than five hours later.

CCFR, CCE collect donations for vets

Cupid is known for Valentines Day but not with making deliveries in a fire truck. This Valentines Day, Cupid got a helping hand as Columbia County Fire Rescue partnered with Columbia City Elementary School students in a collection drive to provide items to the Lake City VA Medical Center.

Joint meetings make headway for Fort White water

Steps to address the water and wastewater needs in southern Columbia County continue to be taken. The Town of Fort White and Columbia County Utility Committee held its first meeting last week as it tries to lay the groundwork for infrastructure improvements in the area.

Joyride ends in arrest for ATV drivers

It wasn’t exactly high-speed, but a pair of drivers on ATVs decided to try their luck at evading police. It went about as well as expected.

Escaped inmate captured after 5-hour search

A five-hour manhunt Saturday morning ended with the capture of an escaped inmate. Stadius Brown, a 34-year-old, escaped from the Lake City Work Release Center around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, but was apprehended little more than five hours later.

Hunter retires as econ chief

Columbia County is in the market for a new economic development director. Glenn Hunter let county officials know Friday he intends to retire before the end of the year, according to a prepared statement from County Manager David Kraus.