Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from the previous…
Category: Community News
Hamilton County commissioners pass code enforcement amendment
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org During the Hamilton County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, a proposal was made to amend the county’s code enforcement ordinance. The amendment would allow the…
Lafayette receives million-dollar grant for flooding issues
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The meeting began with the board approving the minutes from the previous…
Three arrested in vehicle crash and assault
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office arrested three individuals following a vehicle accident and assault that took place near Jennings. According to a press release from the sheriff’s office, on…
SCSO locates 10-year-old child near Little River Springs
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) made a dramatic recovery on Friday, Jan. 9, with the rescue of a 10- year-old child near Little River Springs. The child was…
Branford council weighs county fire services proposal, votes to begin drafting agreement
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Branford Town Council met twice this month — during a workshop on Monday, Jan. 5, and again at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13 — to continue…
Wanted sexual predator turns himself in
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Convicted sexual predator Samuel Dillon Free, who absconded from probation, turned himself in at the Suwannee County Jail on Friday, Jan. 16, at approximately 7:50 a.m. Free, 42, had…
MISSING SCSO continues to seek information on whereabouts of 13-year-old girl
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is continuing to investigate the disappearance of 13-year-old Live Oak resident Elizabeth Fortescue. Fortescue was reported missing on Thursday, Dec. 25, after last…
Breaking ground: Watson Healthcare begins construction on new facility
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Community leaders came together in Jasper on Wednesday, Jan. 14, to watch Dr. James and Jennifer Watson finally break ground on a new facility that has been years in…
Behind every prescription: Celebrating National Pharmacist Day
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org National Pharmacist Day falls on Sunday, Jan. 12. The goal of the day is to honor the contributions of pharmacists everywhere. The role of a pharmacist isn’t on many…
Local food pantries help feed those in need
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Life happens and, sometimes, it gets hard to make ends meet. In times such as these, it helps to know many churches and organizations in the area have ministries…
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office hosts inaugural Blessing of the Badges
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org For the first time in Hamilton County, law enforcement and emergency services personnel came together for the county’s first annual Blessing of the Badges. The event was held on…
LCSO deputy earns employee of the year honors
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) Deputy Chase Buchanan was recognized as the agency’s employee of the year during its annual Christmas party on Thursday, Dec. 11. Buchanan, who began…
Third District American Legion Riders announce 2026 Bike for a Veteran recipient, Applications for next opportunity open until Feb. 28
Butch Deihl Contributor The American Legion Third District Riders announced the winner of their Bike for a Veteran giveaway during their bi-monthly district meeting on Saturday, Dec. 6, at American Legion Post…
Jail Report
Lafayette County Jan. 6 David Retalic, driving while license suspended second subsequent offense Marvin Velazquez DeLeon, operating motor vehicle without valid license Jan. 8 John Anderson, violation of probation Jan. 11 Xavier…
Florida leads new wave of SNAP junk food restrictions as 18 states prepare changes in 2026
Hailey Waldo Contributor This year, Florida secured approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restrict the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for certain “junk food” items beginning…
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s role in the Civil Rights Movement
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to be one of the most influential figures in American history. He is remembered for his courage, compassion and dedication to justice and…