Local

2 jailed in late-night armed robbery at Dollar General

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, July 2, 2020
Two men were arrested after deputies say they targeted a local Dollar General store in a late-night armed robbery on Wednesday.  Marquece Henry, 21, and Cam’ron Lee, 20, both of Lake City, were taken into custody following a brief manhunt, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
The final issue of the Suwannee Democrat was published Wednesday.

The final issue of the Suwannee Democrat was published Wednesday.

The Suwannee Democrat folds; Jasper News, Mayo Free Press also gone

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
The Suwannee Democrat has sung its swan song.  The newspaper, which has reported on Live Oak and the surrounding area since 1884, published its last edition on Wednesday, saddening long-time readers. “I sure hate to lose it,” said Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis.
Man, 91, was latest victim, says DOH.

Man, 91, was latest victim, says DOH.

Covid-19 claims 21st death in Live Oak

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Another death in Suwannee County has been linked to covid-19, bringing the total there to 21.  On Wednesday, the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County announced the death of a 91-year-old man previously diagnosed with the virus.

LifeSouth needs virus-survivors’ plasma

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
LifeSouth is hoping to get blood donations from recovered covid-19 patients to donate convalescent plasma, as the need for the plasma increases to help people who are fighting the deadly virus.
Deputy Anthony Cortese, left, is seen with Jim Osburn and Sheriff Mark Hunter. (COURTESY)

Deputy Anthony Cortese, left, is seen with Jim Osburn and Sheriff Mark Hunter. (COURTESY)

Deputy Cortese award Lifesaving Medal for actions in February

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
In a Wednesday ceremony attended by family, friends and sheriff’s office personnel, Sheriff Mark Hunter awarded Deputy Anthony Cortese the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Lifesaving Medal for his actions on February 24.
Only emergency calls to be answered for next 2 weeks.

Only emergency calls to be answered for next 2 weeks.

Humane society on hold after worker tests positive for coronavirus

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
Animal control officers in Lake City and Columbia County are only answering emergency calls for the next couple of weeks, after the Lake City Humane Society temporarily shut down its facility and scaled down services due to an employee testing positive for the coronavirus.
Columbia County Fire Rescue workers assess damage to a home west of Columbia City on County Road 240 Saturday during a thunderstorm. An oak tree fell onto the house during the storm and first responders at the scene helped relocate the family’s belongings due to the opening in the roof. No injuries were reported. (COURTESY)

Columbia County Fire Rescue workers assess damage to a home west of Columbia City on County Road 240 Saturday during a thunderstorm. An oak tree fell onto the house during the storm and first responders at the scene helped relocate the family’s belongings due to the opening in the roof. No injuries were reported. (COURTESY)

Saturday storms do damage

TONY BRITT
Monday, June 29, 2020
A Saturday afternoon thunderstorm felled trees and damaged some eastern and central Columbia County homess. ““Strong thunderstorms moved through the area that caused some downed trees,” said Shayne Morgan, Columbia County Emergency Management director.