Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com After spending three years in the Suwannee County Jail, 60-year-old Live Oak resident Frank Martin Kalandek will be spending the rest of his life behind bars at the Florida…
Roush sick leave, RIVEROAK arrest subject of Auditor General’s Audit
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Former Suwannee County Superintendent of Schools Ted Roush is facing an investigation into paid sick leave by the Florida Auditor General’s Office. The investigation is one of 13 findings…
Local indie artist wins Florida Artist of the Year
Jason Futch Reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com David Reed, Jr., recalled a simple gift West Suwannee Elementary School teacher Cheryl Mae Brinson gave him that changed the course of his life. “It was a pen,” he…
Gayheart’s sister reflects on 31-year legal journey
Jason Futch Reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com When the news broke of Anthony Floyd Wainwright’s impending execution for the brutal murder of Maria Tortora’s sister, Carmen Gabriella Gayheart, it was a significant announcement marking the near-end…
SVEC to host eighth annual Cornhole Tournament on June 7
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative is gearing up for its eighth annual Cornhole Tournament this Saturday, June 7. Funds raised from the tournament will benefit the United Way of…
Around the Banks
My family has been a part of North Central Florida for over 200 years. In comparison to some of the eastern seaboard or the United Kingdom and Europe, a short time, but…
Growing Through It: Fear, faith and a little moth
This morning, as I was getting ready to leave, a little moth flew into my car. It wasn’t big — just a tiny, fluttery thing that landed quietly on my windshield. But…
Living God’s Way: Speaking to encourage and make better
Paul, writing to the Ephesians concerning one’s character, addresses how we speak to one another. He says we are not to use “unwholesome words” but rather words that will encourage others and…
Lafayette Commission declares May as National Foster Care Month
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Tuesday, May 27, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, the Board called for…
Students recognized for achievements
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Tuesday, May 27, the Suwannee County School Board met for its regular board meeting, which started off as a recognition of the school district’s ambassadors, who represent Suwannee…
Branford Volunteer Fire Department hosting chicken and rice fundraiser on June 6
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Branford Volunteer Fire Department will soon be hosting a chicken and rice dinner fundraiser. The dinner, which will be offered on Thursday, June 6, from 5 p.m. to…
Post 107 honors the fallen with Memorial Day ceremony
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com A crowd of Veterans, their families and residents gathered at Live Oak Cemetery to honor fallen Veterans during the American Legion Harry C. Gray II Post 107’s annual Memorial…
The Blueberry Festival is right around the corner
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com The summer season has arrived, the school year has ended, and folks are ready to enjoy the warm weather. The first opportunity for this is set to take place…
Riverbend News’ Blackberry Festival
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Get ready to “berry” your day in fun as Riverbend News hosts its third annual Blackberry Festival from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 21. The festival,…
Hoover Family Farms: A generation of farming in Suwannee County
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com In 2021, after farming the land that they have called home for over 30 years in Suwannee County, Bradley and Mary Hoover decided to open a retail shed promoting…
Celebrating the joys of fishing and boating nationwide
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Get ready to cast a line, launch your kayak and make lasting memories on the water during National Fishing and Boating Week! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying…
Florida marks National Safe Boating Week with release of FWC 2024 boating accident report
FWC Contributor As National Safe Boating Week concludes, boating safety advocates in Florida and nationwide are urging boaters to stay vigilant as the summer season begins. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation…