Regional

Pair of local deaths linked to covid-19

NEWS STAFF
Monday, September 7, 2020
A pair of local deaths reported over the weekend were linked to the covid-19 pandemic. The Hamilton County Health Department announced the death of a 70-year-old man on Saturday, while a 40-year-old man was reported dead Sunday in Columbia County, both tied to the coronavirus.

Mayhew stepping down as AHCA chief

NEWS STAFF
Monday, September 7, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Florida Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew, who has been one of the state’s key people handling the coronavirus pandemic, is stepping down to take a job with a hospital industry group. Gov.
Michael Heston, featured artist of the Art League of North Florida, enjoys the outdoors and highlights that in his photography such as ‘Little River Sunset.’ (COURTESY)

Michael Heston, featured artist of the Art League of North Florida, enjoys the outdoors and highlights that in his photography such as ‘Little River Sunset.’ (COURTESY)

Nature photog excited about exhibit

TONY BRITT
Friday, September 4, 2020
Michael Heston is a natural. Armed with a camera in hand shooting outdoor scenes since he was a young child, Heston often captures nature’s simplicity as well as the atmosphere the outdoors provides in a variety of North Florida settings.
During the closure of U.S. 129 in downtown Live Oak, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 90 and County Road 49 (Perimeter Road). (Florida Department of Transportation)

During the closure of U.S. 129 in downtown Live Oak, traffic will be detoured along U.S. 90 and County Road 49 (Perimeter Road). (Florida Department of Transportation)

Rail crossing work closing U.S. Hwy. 129

NEWS STAFF
Friday, September 4, 2020
LIVE OAK — Traffic will have to detour around downtown Live Oak for the next two weeks. Improvements to the rail crossing on U.S. Highway 129 (Ohio Avenue) near U.S. Highway 90 (Howard Street) in downtown Live Oak are set to begin Tuesday and will close U.S. 129.

Covid-19 inmate death toll tops 100

NEWS STAFF
Friday, September 4, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Florida’s prison system reached a grim milestone this week, as state corrections officials reported that more than 100 inmates have died of complications related to covid-19.
Shirley Marshall talks about her doll collection with guests during a diorama at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Marshall owns more than 600 dolls, including more than 300 black dolls. (FILE)

Shirley Marshall talks about her doll collection with guests during a diorama at the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park. Marshall owns more than 600 dolls, including more than 300 black dolls. (FILE)

All dolled up: White Springs native aims to turn collection into museum

TONY BRITT
Thursday, September 3, 2020
Doll collecting has been a lifetime hobby with therapeutic value for Shirley Marshall.  From Cabbage Patch dolls to Barbie dolls to Madame Alexander dolls — all of which could be worth thousands of dollars — are featured in Marshall’s collection.

SOSMP hosting Labor Day Getaway

TONY BRITT
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
The last fling of the summer is going down at the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. With summer quickly drawing to a close, the Music Park will be hosting a Labor Day Getaway, with a Saturday fireworks show, from Sept. 4-7.

Florida bars cook up ways to reopen

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Hot dogs, cold sandwiches and Hot Pockets admittedly aren’t fancy fare. But low-budget, hassle-free cuisine might be a financial godsend for desperate bar owners who’ve been sidelined for months because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Three covid-19 deaths reported in Suwannee

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
Three more deaths linked to the covid-19 pandemic have been confirmed in Suwannee County. The Suwannee County Health Department announced Wednesday the deaths of an 89-year-old man, an 81-year-old woman and a 74-year-old woman, all connected to a long-term care facility.