Local

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.

FGC scores STEM funds

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, June 29, 2020
The state has come through with funding for a new STEM building at Florida Gateway College, a pitch that faced an uphill battle in Tallahassee due to economic woes and an atmosphere of skepticism toward college construction projects in general.  Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a $92.

Walk a mile in my shoes, says deputy

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, June 26, 2020
Matthew Montemurno can imagine what it’s like to be in another person’s shoes, even if that person is barefoot.  The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy was working out Tuesday afternoon at his gym, Crossfit 1075.  “I’d just gotten off work,” said Montemurno, who goes by Monte.