Columbia County

Two churches in Columbia County, Georgia, have asked local authorities for zoning changes to allow them to expand. The requests would free up land or permissions needed for building projects tied to congregation growth. Local outlet The State reported the story, and the proposals now await consideration by county officials.

New legal briefs have been filed in the ongoing dispute over a proposed solar farm in Copake, New York, with a ruling still pending. The project has drawn local opposition and debate over land use and renewable energy development in the rural Columbia County town. Residents and officials are now waiting for a decision that will determine whether the solar installation can move forward.

Candidates running for Vernonia City Council in Oregon have answered questions about the local economy and other community issues in a published Q&A. The feature lays out where each candidate stands ahead of the election, giving voters a side-by-side look at their priorities for the small Columbia County city.