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CHS Principal Trey Hosford oversees the distribution of distance-learning packets on Monday, when classes resumed following an extended spring break. Physical schools statewide are still closed to students, forcing school districts to either adopt online classes or pen-and-paper distance-learning methods. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

CHS Principal Trey Hosford oversees the distribution of distance-learning packets on Monday, when classes resumed following an extended spring break. Physical schools statewide are still closed to students, forcing school districts to either adopt online classes or pen-and-paper distance-learning methods. (CARL MCKINNEY/Lake City Reporter)

Back in school, but not in class: Distance learning now set to go through at least May 1

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 30, 2020
Spring break lasted longer than usual due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the vacation is over for Columbia County’s public school students — even if many of them still feel like they’re off the hook.

3 jailed in odd flurry of ‘emergency’ calls

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 30, 2020
Three 911 abusers were arrested on Sunday: one faked a medical emergency to get out of an arrest; another one called dispatchers to inquire about the address of a famous country singer, among other questions, then yelled obscenities at a dog; and a third was a repeat offender known for making bogus...
Burkett, Shackelford & Wiltgen

Burkett, Shackelford & Wiltgen

3 guards jailed in inmate beating

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 30, 2020
Three guards at Hamilton Correctional were taken into custody Thursday after they “brutally beat” an inmate, according to state prison officials.
A stolen Dodge Ram pickup, left, is seen after it was spun out and wrecked in Gainesville. (COURTESY CCSO)

A stolen Dodge Ram pickup, left, is seen after it was spun out and wrecked in Gainesville. (COURTESY CCSO)

Robbery suspect nabbed after I-75 chase, wreck

JORDAN KROEGER
Monday, March 30, 2020
She pulled over and surrendered. He did not, instead hopping in the the driver’s seat of a stolen Dodge Ram pickup and taking off before sheriff’s deputies eventually slammed into him to end the chase following a Sunday morning robbery. The incident began shortly after 9 a.m.
A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the coronavirus in Suwannee County.

A 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the coronavirus in Suwannee County.

Suwannee confirms 3rd case of coronavirus

NEWS STAFF
Monday, March 30, 2020
Suwannee County has its third confirmed case of the novel coronavirus, putting it in the same position as Columbia County as of Monday.  According to state department of health data released Monday, a 64-year-old woman was diagnosed with the virus in Suwannee County.
A 47-year-old man in Suwannee County has tested positive for coronavirus.

A 47-year-old man in Suwannee County has tested positive for coronavirus.

Suwannee records 2nd case of coronavirus

NEWS STAFF
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Suwannee County now has its second confirmed case of coronavirus. According to state department of health data released today, the patient is a 47-year-old man. The first case, reported Friday, was a 51-year-old woman.
Florida law enforcement officials are locking up fewer people and in some cases releasing non-violent offenders, a strategy designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus through the state’s criminal-justice system.

Florida law enforcement officials are locking up fewer people and in some cases releasing non-violent offenders, a strategy designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus through the state’s criminal-justice system.

CCSO: Don’t think anything goes due to virus

NEWS STAFF
Friday, March 27, 2020
Florida law enforcement officials are locking up fewer people and in some cases releasing non-violent offenders, a strategy designed to stem the spread of the coronavirus through the state’s criminal-justice system. The new approach is showing up across the state, including here in Columbia County.
The local housing market is holding firm despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

The local housing market is holding firm despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus: Home sales haven’t missed a beat

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, March 27, 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to stoke fear on a global level, but the local housing market is holding firm, according to local real estate industry professionals, who say they’re busy as ever thanks to an exodus from urban areas hit hard by the crisis and a steady stream of existing Lake City...

FGC makes virtual return on Monday

JORDAN KROEGER
Friday, March 27, 2020
The spring semester resumes Monday for FGC students, just not in the classroom. Following a two-week extended spring break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the college is moving to online learning for at least the next two weeks.