Local

Deputy Chris Alford comforts a young man after an encounter with racists at a local store. (COURTESY CCSO)

Deputy Chris Alford comforts a young man after an encounter with racists at a local store. (COURTESY CCSO)

Deputy prays with man who had been subjected to racist taunts

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 4, 2020
As Americans lash back against law enforcement over acts of police violence, one photo showing the other side of the spectrum has gained widespread attention, capturing a heartfelt moment between a deputy and a stranger at a Lake City gas station.
Tom Moffses, administrator, Columbia/Hamilton Health Department, left, is seen with William Ponton, general manager, Nutrien-White Springs. In the car are a total of 10,200 masks, a gift from Nutrien to the local DOH. (COURTESY)

Tom Moffses, administrator, Columbia/Hamilton Health Department, left, is seen with William Ponton, general manager, Nutrien-White Springs. In the car are a total of 10,200 masks, a gift from Nutrien to the local DOH. (COURTESY)

10,000 masks donated by Nutrien

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, June 4, 2020
Nutrien released the following statement in the wake of its recent donation of 10,200 masks to local health departments: “Nutrien prides itself on being a strong supporter of our local communities. The  covid 19 pandemic is no exception.
Columbia hopes to snag about $4 million to recoup expenses.

Columbia hopes to snag about $4 million to recoup expenses.

County wants share of covid-19 funds

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, June 4, 2020
A $4 million slice of a larger relief package may go to Columbia County as part of the covid-19 recovery effort, including funding for small businesses trying to regain their footing following the economic damage wrought by the pandemic.  Counties throughout Florida are pushing Gov.
From left are Sheriff Mark Hunter, Deputy Chris Alford and Jacksonville FBI Special Agent In Charge Rachel Rojas. (COURTESY CCSO)

From left are Sheriff Mark Hunter, Deputy Chris Alford and Jacksonville FBI Special Agent In Charge Rachel Rojas. (COURTESY CCSO)

Deputy nabs major FBI drug target

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
A fugitive wanted by the FBI on suspicion of drug trafficking was nabbed by a Columbia County deputy early Wednesday morning.  Daniel Health Willis, 26, of Alachua, was taken into custody following a traffic stop near the intersection of Interstate 75 and U.S. Highway 441.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference at Universal Studios Wednesday, in Orlando. The Universal Studios theme park reopened today for season pass holders and will open to the general public on Friday. Bars and theme parks will be part of Florida's Phase 2 reopening after closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP PHOTO))

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks at a news conference at Universal Studios Wednesday, in Orlando. The Universal Studios theme park reopened today for season pass holders and will open to the general public on Friday. Bars and theme parks will be part of Florida's Phase 2 reopening after closure due to the coronavirus pandemic. (AP PHOTO))

Bars get green light as Florida begins Phase 2 of reopening

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, June 3, 2020
Bars are being allowed to partially reopen Friday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced, but one local businessman says it’s hard to rejoice with the way the shutdown was executed in the first place.  Bill Aldridge, owner of Good Times at the County Line on West U.S.
Dunn & Lawson

Dunn & Lawson

Dunn, Lawson look to save HAECO

CARL MCKINNEY
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Both of the US congressmen representing Columbia County are seeking federal relief dollars for the aircraft maintenance firm HAECO, a major employer in the region bracing for layoffs as a result of the pandemic.