Regional

Front line staff member Sara Driggers (left) administers the first Moderna covid-19 vaccine allocated to the Columbia County Health Department to Sarah White. The health department will begin administering vaccinations to residents, 65 and older, on Monday. (COURTESY)

Front line staff member Sara Driggers (left) administers the first Moderna covid-19 vaccine allocated to the Columbia County Health Department to Sarah White. The health department will begin administering vaccinations to residents, 65 and older, on Monday. (COURTESY)

A shot in the arm: Health department eager to start administering vaccine

JAMIE WACHTER
Saturday, January 2, 2021
They’re making a list (and they’ll probably check it more than twice.) The health departments in Columbia and Hamilton counties will begin administering covid-19 vaccines to residents, 65 years and older, on Monday. The Suwannee County Health Department will begin providing the vaccine Tuesday.
Bob and Frances McGranahan have been recognized as outstanding forest landowners by the Florida Forest Service for their exceptional forest management practices, public outreach and conservation efforts. (COURTESY)

Bob and Frances McGranahan have been recognized as outstanding forest landowners by the Florida Forest Service for their exceptional forest management practices, public outreach and conservation efforts. (COURTESY)

McGranahans recognized as outstanding forest landowners

NEWS STAFF
Saturday, January 2, 2021
LIVE OAK — Bob and Frances McGranahan are outstanding forest landowners, according to the Florida Forest Service. As part of the National Association of State Foresters’ 100th anniversary celebration, the Florida Forest Service is recognizing 100 forest landowners from across the state.

DeSantis urges patience amid vaccine demand

NEWS STAFF
Thursday, December 31, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Gov.Ron DeSantis on Wednesday asked Floridians to be patient as covid-19 vaccines are rolled out for the state’s seniors, a process that is already creating a rush and placing a substantial burden on hospitals that play a key role in carrying out the governor’s directives.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) departs after the Republican policy luncheon on Nov. 18 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (YURI GRIPAS/Abaca Press/TNS)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) departs after the Republican policy luncheon on Nov. 18 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (YURI GRIPAS/Abaca Press/TNS)

Trump’s $2k checks stall in Senate

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000 covid-19 relief checks stalled out Tuesday in the Senate as Republicans blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House, on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House, on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

House backs Trump’s $2K check request

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, December 28, 2020
WASHINGTON — The House voted overwhelmingly Monday to increase covid-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger payments and sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate, where the outcome is uncertain.

Prosecutors push back against Brown’s appeal

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 28, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Federal prosecutors have asked an appeals court to uphold the conviction of former Congresswoman Corrine Brown on fraud and tax charges, pushing back against arguments that a juror was improperly replaced after he said the “Holy Spirit” told him Brown was not guilty.

New laws focus on government ethics, bus safety

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 28, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — A bill dealing with a voter-approved prohibition on public officials and employees using their offices to benefit themselves, their families or employers is among four new laws that will take effect this week.
President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

Trump signs massive measure funding government, covid relief

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, December 27, 2020
WEST PALM BEACH — President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown.

City, county to tackle utility master plan

TODD WILSON
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Lake City Manager Joe Helfenberger said the city’s joint utility committee that will welcome three members from the Columbia County Commission has the potential to break through the gridlock of decades past and put everyone on a clear path to future development where utilities are needed.