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Doctors said 31-year-old Mike Leedom became the county’s first covid-19 casualty on Saturday, according to his brother, Brandt Hayes, who disputes that the virus caused the death.

Doctors said 31-year-old Mike Leedom became the county’s first covid-19 casualty on Saturday, according to his brother, Brandt Hayes, who disputes that the virus caused the death.

County may have 1st fatality from covid-19 but victim's brother doesn't buy it

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, April 27, 2020
Mike Leedom always talked about starting his own repo business. The 31-year-old Columbia County tow truck driver would assure his friends and family members that his plans were going to happen one of these days, according to his brother.  But they never did and never will.
On the day the state topped 1,000 deaths from the contagious respiratory disease, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears suggested a “surgical” reopening, with businesses following safety guidelines outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

On the day the state topped 1,000 deaths from the contagious respiratory disease, Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears suggested a “surgical” reopening, with businesses following safety guidelines outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

State official: Rural counties could reopen quicker

NEWS STAFF
Friday, April 24, 2020
Shop owners in rural counties without large reported outbreaks of covid-19 are ready to reopen under new sanitation and physical distancing guidelines, the state’s top business regulator said Friday.

Carter, Wilson claim seats

CARL MCKINNEY
Friday, April 24, 2020
Two candidates for separate local offices, one seeking a judge’s gavel and the other vying for the public defender position, are lock-ins after the qualifying period ended with no challengers to oppose them.
The suspects are seen in a video surveillance still. (COURTESY SCSO)

The suspects are seen in a video surveillance still. (COURTESY SCSO)

Attempted-murder pair cased pawn shop here

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, April 23, 2020
The man and woman who carried out an especially ruthless robbery at a Live Oak pawn store on Monday also had their eyes on a shop in Lake City, Suwannee County sheriff’s officials said after catching new leads in their hunt for the presumably armed and dangerous perpetrators.
From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, testing will be available at Richardson Community Center for walk-up patients with a referral, according to the Florida Department of Health in Columbia County. 

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, testing will be available at Richardson Community Center for walk-up patients with a referral, according to the Florida Department of Health in Columbia County. 

Walk-up covid testing set for 10-12 Saturday

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Local health officials are organizing a walk-up covid-19 testing event for those who meet the relevant criteria.  From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Tyre announces candidacy for District 3 commission seat

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, April 23, 2020
In the County Commission District 3 race, a competition with multiple challengers vying to replace the incumbent, Jeff Tyre says he’s banking on his varied professional background and history of community involvement to elevate him above the rest of the pack.