Local

Elem Ed program unveiled at FGC

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Starting this fall, aspiring teachers will be able to earn a Bachelor of Science in elementary education at Florida Gateway College.  The degree will equip educators to teach kindergarten through sixth grade, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math.

Cops say: Angry at losing pets, she punches officer

TONY BRITT
Thursday, July 9, 2020
A Lake City woman who punched an animal control officer who was trying to take neglected dogs from her property had to be tasered three times before she was taken into custody Wednesday evening by a Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy, according to CCSO.

Charity dinner to benefit 3-year-old Bristol Risner

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, July 9, 2020
A charity dinner to benefit 3-year-old Bristol Risner, whose left foot was amputated after a tragic lawnmower accident on Independence Day, is scheduled for tonight from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Landing Family Restaurant, 3445 U.S. Highway 90.

Cops say guard gave security info to inmate

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
A recently-ousted guard from Suwannee Correctional Institution had an affair with an inmate, tried to help him evade authorities and used her position to provide him with security-related information after his arrest, prison officials say.  Cynthia N.

Man tased in arrest for stolen property

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
A man wanted for trafficking in stolen property was arrested after he was seen acting suspiciously in a local motel parking lot Tuesday afternoon. Jason Patrick Morgan, 42, of Northwest Brady Circle, was seen walking in the parking lot at Baymont Inn off U.S. Highway 90 around 1 p.m.
From left are Lieutenant Chris Sharpe, Sheriff Mark Hunter and Corporal Matthew Baucom. (COURTESY)

From left are Lieutenant Chris Sharpe, Sheriff Mark Hunter and Corporal Matthew Baucom. (COURTESY)

2 receive commendations at CCSO

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
In a ceremony attended by family, friends and Sheriff’s Office personnel on Wednesday, Sheriff Mark Hunter awarded Lieutenant Chris Sharpe and Corporal Matthew Baucom the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office Commendation Medal for their actions on June 24.
President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, left, and first lady Melania Trump, attend a “National Dialogue on Safely Reopening America’s Schools,” event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday in Washington. The conversation continues on the state level as well. (ALEX BRANDON/AP)

President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, left, and first lady Melania Trump, attend a “National Dialogue on Safely Reopening America’s Schools,” event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday in Washington. The conversation continues on the state level as well. (ALEX BRANDON/AP)

No, you don’t have to send your kids to school if you don’t want

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
After an order that came down from Tallahassee sparked confusion school reopenings, Columbia County Superintendent Lex Carswell is reassuring local parents that no child will be required to attend classes in person.