Lee TrawickReporter2@riverbendnews.org On Monday, Aug. 8, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatch center received a call about someone driving recklessly in the area of Hamilton County High School on 55th Drive. Deputy…
Tessie Allen accepts District Five City Council seat
Grace McAlisterReporter1@riverbendnews.org Live Oak City Councilman James Donald “Don” Allen tragically passed away on Saturday, July 16. Allen was born on Aug. 23, 1949, making him 72 years old when he passed,…
They’re not just for kids
Kim Griffin, Suwannee County UF/IFAS Extension Contributor August is National Immunization Awareness Month. During this time of year, we highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. Vaccines are not…
Pine Grove looks back on 200 years of history
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org Tucked away in a corner of Suwannee County stands Pine Grove United Methodist Church, one of the first churches in Florida and the oldest Protestant church in the county. As…
Hamilton County 16u All-Stars finish fourth in World Series
Lee TrawickReporter2@riverbendnews.org The girls of Hamilton County Babe Ruth Softball began a journey in February of 2022. As most recreation departments provide an opportunity to play baseball and softball, the girls of…
The journey from train station to museum
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org The center of Live Oak was originally located at the intersection of Houston and Conner Streets. It was next to a railroad station that had been built in 1861. However,…
Introducing Suwannee’s newest band director
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org After some instability in the position, Suwannee High School (SHS) has found itself a new, official band director, Clayton McPeak. McPeak was born in 1988 in the State of Tennessee….
New Teacher Spotlight: Brittany Thomas
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org As the new school year begins, there are new teachers to hear about, including Brittany Thomas. Thomas was raised in Live Oak and attended Suwannee schools, graduating from Suwannee High…
Have you seen Snowball?
Grace McAlisterReporter1@riverbendnews.org The Flanigin family is from Orlando, Fla., however, they found themselves in Live Oak while they were traveling back from Niceville after saying goodbye to Debra Flanigin’s aunt, who is…
See ya later alligators
Grace McAlisterReporter1@riverbendnews.org Alligator hunting season officially opens on Monday, Aug. 15. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) approved a rule change in May of this year extending the hours when…
Get ready to vote
Grace McAlisterReporter1@riverbendnews.org Early voting for the primary election has begun, with voters soon getting a chance to choose their political party bearers for three state races and outright picking a winner in…
Town Talk: Why are schools still doing FSA?
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org Rumors have been circulating that schools in the tri-county area are continuing to administer Florida Statewide Assessment (FSA) testing, even though it has been replaced by the Florida Assessment of…
Justin Hernandez and Seth Humphries sign with Thomas University
Lee TrawickReporter2@riverbendnews.org Many high school athletes are still looking for homes at the next level with the upcoming school year. However, that search is now over for two Branford Buccaneer greats, Justin…
Jeannette “Jan” Estep
Jeannette “Jan” Estep 82, of Live Oak, Florida passed away on June 30, 2022. Jan was born on March 14, 1940, in Watertown, South Dakota to the late Eva (Davis) and Oliver…
Withlacoochee River meets standards
Rick Patrickreporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Friday, July 29, the Florida Department of Health issued a statement that the precautionary health advisory for the Withlacoochee River had been lifted. This decision was based on results…
Windstream set to bring broadband to Hamilton County
Lee TrawickReporter2@riverbendnews.org Hamilton County is set in rural north Florida, where the internet is outdated compared to today’s technology. For years, unfortunately, the cost outweighed the production of bringing in better service….
High-speed internet, coming to a home near you
Christian PetersonReporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, July 26, the Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) invited members, elected officials and business partners to a special announcement. Suwannee County Commissioners, Hamilton County Commissioners, Live Oak City…