Local

Distance learning set to begin for schools on Monday

CARL MCKINNEY
Thursday, March 26, 2020
The physical campus will still be empty, but classes will be back in session come Monday.  An experiment in distance learning, one the Columbia County School District hopes will be only short-term, is set to begin that day. By order of Gov.
A man deliberately coughed at deputies while being detained under the Baker Act, according to a CCSO report, putting three law enforcement officers out of commission for two weeks. 

A man deliberately coughed at deputies while being detained under the Baker Act, according to a CCSO report, putting three law enforcement officers out of commission for two weeks. 

Coronavirus: Possibly infected man hacks on deputies deliberately, says report

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Recently armed, possibly suicidal and a suspected COVID-19 case — the 911 call early Tuesday morning described a nightmare scenario for law enforcement, according to the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
Columbia County government offices are closed to the public through at least April 10.

Columbia County government offices are closed to the public through at least April 10.

Coronavirus: County government offices closed

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Columbia County government offices are closed to the public through at least April 10, officials announced Wednesday afternoon.  As it continues to monitor the progress of COVID-19, the county will assess whether to extend the closures, according to a statement.
The CCSO released a statement Wednesday about its efforts to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. 

The CCSO released a statement Wednesday about its efforts to deal with the COVID-19 crisis. 

Coronavirus: Vigilance is high at jail, says sheriff

CARL MCKINNEY
Wednesday, March 25, 2020
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is making some changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including additional limitations on public access to its operations building, but officials say day-to-day operations will remain largely the same.
Jury trials are on hold statewide due to COVID-19, the Florida Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday.

Jury trials are on hold statewide due to COVID-19, the Florida Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday.

Coronavirus: Jury trials are nixed for now

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
The Columbia County Courthouse won’t see any jury trials for a while.  Jury trials are on hold statewide due to COVID-19, the Florida Supreme Court ordered on Tuesday. The order is effective through April 17.
A third case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Columbia County.

A third case of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Columbia County.

Third case of COVID-19 confirmed in Columbia County

NEWS STAFF
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Columbia County received notice of its third positive case of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, today. The person ill with the virus is a 46-year-old male. It is not clear if the case is travel-related.
Niblack Elementary will be shuttered, then disinfected.

Niblack Elementary will be shuttered, then disinfected.

Coronavirus: 1 local patient a worker at Niblack Elementary

CARL MCKINNEY
Monday, March 23, 2020
School officials say they’re taking extra precautions following news that one of the two COVID-19 cases now confirmed in Columbia County involves a 46-year-old woman employed at Niblack Elementary. Schools are shut down statewide and won’t be open again until at least April 15.