Regional

Covid-19 linked to another death in Columbia County

A 32nd person in Columbia County has died after contracting the covid-19 coronavirus. The Columbia County Health Department announced Thursday confirmation of the death of a 61-year-old male, who had the virus.

Former defense attorney to plead guilty in bribery scandal

The former defense attorney central to a federal bribery case that has also implicated former Third Circuit State Attorney Jeff Siegmeister plans to plead guilty next week.

Suwannee teachers union prez says district violated policies

LIVE OAK — Eric Rodriguez admits that Suwannee County School Board policy has been violated when it comes to the reopening of schools in the covid-19 pandemic.

DeSantis receives blueprint for visits to nursing homes

TALLAHASSEE — Florida should allow the resumption of face-to-face visits in nursing homes — and let certain visitors touch residents — under recommendations approved Wednesday by a task force and sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Florida Gateway awarded $1.3M grant

More students will soon receive an opportunity to succeed and graduate from Florida Gateway College. The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that FGC was the recipient of a $1.

Three deaths added to Suwannee’s covid-19 toll

Three more deaths were added to the toll the covid-19 pandemic has wreaked on Suwannee County. The Suwannee County Health Department announced Tuesday the deaths of an 82-year-old woman, an 82-year-old man and a 95-year-old woman, who had previously been diagnosed with the disease.

Klausner fetches $61M at auction

LIVE OAK — Say goodbye to Klausner and hello to Binder Beteiligungs AG. Binderholz was the winning bidder during Friday’s virtual auction of the Klausner Lumber One sawmill in Suwannee County in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. Binderholz’s winning bid was $61 million.

Report: Cases popping up on campuses

TALLAHASSEE — More than 700 coronavirus cases have been linked to K-12 schools and higher-education institutions over the course of two weeks as students and employees began returning to campuses across the state, according to a Florida Department of Health report released Monday.

Covid-19 testing sites to also test for HIV

WellFlorida Council will be onsite at the Columbia County Health Department’s Southside Sports Complex covid-19 testing site to conduct the HIV testing to those who are interested. Testing will be conducted at Southside, 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive in Lake City, from 9-11 a.m.

Suwannee union chief under fire for video

LIVE OAK — Eric Rodriguez couldn’t believe his ears. The veteran Suwannee High School teacher and president of United Teachers of Suwannee County was told Wednesday that he was being placed on administrative leave by the Suwannee County School District.