Interim Coroner Named in Columbia County
Longtime Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins announced his retirement earlier this week. After 33 years in the coroner’s office, Collins submitted his letter of resignation to Columbia County Manager Scott…

Police looking for Drivers in Two Richmond County Hit-and-Runs
Longtime Columbia County Coroner Vernon Collins announced his retirement earlier this week. After 33 years in the coroner's office, Collins submitted his letter of resignation to Columbia County Manager Scott Johnson on Monday. He had spent 16 years as a deputy coroner, then assumed the coroner's post in 2006 after the death of Tommy King Sr.
Today, Columbia County Probate Judge Alice Padgett named Keith Cox interim Columbia County Coroner. Cox retired at the rank of Captain from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office after a 30-year career in law enforcement.
Padgett said Cox will serve the remainder of Collins' term, which expires in 2024. Cox's duties as Coroner are effective immediately, according to a news release.