Regional

Cops say: Ga. man tried to rent room with meth

LIVE OAK — A Georgia man tried to pay for a motel room with meth Wednesday night, according to the Live Oak Police Department.  Michael Allen Radford, 63, of Moultrie, Georgia, was arrested after officers received a complaint from the manager at the Royal Inn on Ohio Avenue.

Early voting not stopped by covid-19 cases

LIVE OAK — On the eve of early voting beginning, the Suwannee County Supervisor of Elections office was faced with a new challenge: positive covid-19 cases.

Suwannee up to 40 covid-19 deaths

LIVE OAK — Two additional deaths related to covid-19 were confirmed Friday for Suwannee County, raising its death toll from the pandemic to 40. The new deaths the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County announced were an 80-year-old male and a 92-year-old female.

Ethics commission dismisses elections fraud complaint

LIVE OAK — A complaint alleging elections fraud against the Suwannee County Supervisor of Elections office has been dismissed.

Rep. Dunn supports ‘Buy American’ effort

PANAMA CITY — Following President Donald Trump’s lead, Congressman Neal Dunn wants federal agencies to buy locally. Trump signed a “Buy American” executive order Thursday calling on agencies to purchase essential drugs and medical supplies in the U.S. It was a move that Dunn, the U.S.

Local agencies helping distribute CARES funding

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners dedicated $2 million from its CARES Act funding to assist local households impacted by covid-19. County officials contracted with the United Way of Suwannee Valley and Catholic Charities to disburse the funds to family who need assistance.

Covid testing planned for Southside

The Southside Sports Complex will host covid-19 testing twice next week. The Florida Department of Health in Columbia and Hamilton counties will conduct free testing at the sports complex, located at 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive in Lake City, Wednesday and Saturday.

Sales tax holiday includes breaks on computers

TALLAHASSEE — Retailers reeling from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic hope Floridians will indulge in a chance to save some money this weekend as students prepare for the new school year, whether it be in traditional classrooms or online.

Suwannee, Hamilton add covid-19 deaths

Area health department officials reported two covid-19 related deaths, one in Suwannee County and the other in Hamilton County on Wednesday.

Family resource center coming to Richardson Community Center

LAKE CITY — The Partnership for Strong Families’ new family resource center now has its official location. The organization announced Wednesday that the resource center will open in early 2021 at the Richardson Community Center in the Ferguson Building.