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The family of a Columbia County jail inmate who died in custody last year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Sheriff Clay Whittle and his medical staff.

The complaint filed Friday in U.S. District Court includes an affidavit from Dr. Harlan Luke, who says that after reviewing medical records he thinks “the nurses who treated John Wayne Siple violated the standards of care exercised by nurses in general.”

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Jeremy Story learned last summer on a cross-country cycling trip how quickly the best-laid plans can fall apart.

The Evans resident had expected something would go wrong when he left Charleston, S.C., for Santa Cruz, Calif., but it was far worse than the flat tires, scorching heat and aching muscles he was prepared to endure on the 84-day trip.

About two weeks into his trip with Build and Bike, a friend and co-leader of the 33 people traveling with him was hit and killed by a sport utility vehicle in Rainsville, Ala.

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Fort Gordon’s 27th commanding general was hailed at his funeral Thursday as a “national treasure” and “American hero.”

Peers of retired Lt. Gen. Robert E. Gray, 70, took turns at the lectern, speaking on the legacy of the veteran with 31 years of Army service and the character of a close friend they knew as Bob.

A scheme that authorities say involved more than $400,000 earned by an Evans couple through the use of illegal immigrants brought the husband and wife before a federal judge Monday.

Hugo Diaz and Blanca Miranda De Diaz are accused of harboring the immigrants, beginning around January 2008, “for the purpose of commercial advantage and private financial gain,” according to an indictment unsealed Monday.