Lazaro Aleman [email protected] Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law on March 27 House Bill 399, one of several bills in the recently concluded legislative session that aimed to further weaken home rule…
Category: Community News
Longtime Hamilton County Sheriff J. Harrell Reid passes at 77
Christian Peterson [email protected] Hamilton County Sheriff J. Harrell Reid, was one of the most influential law enforcement leaders in Florida history and the state’s longest serving sheriff passed away peacefully on Thursday,…
Healing through helping: Branford High junior promotes emotional support through nonprofit
Danny Federico [email protected] At just 17 years old, Branford High School junior Ashlee Combee is already using her own experiences with grief to help others navigate some of life’s most challenging moments….
Suwannee Commissioners welcome new Grant Project Administrator and Emergency Management Director
Christian Peterson [email protected] On Tuesday, April 21, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. Following the approval of the minutes, the board turned to its time-…
Department of Education clarifies religious policies in schools
Ady Hammock [email protected] The Florida Department of Education’s (FDOE) Commissioner of Education, Anastasios Kamoutsas, sent out a letter on Tuesday, March 17, to parents of students regarding religion and prayer in public…
Tree appreciation today for a better tomorrow
Riverbend News Staff [email protected] “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” – Greek Proverb April 25 is National Arbor Day. Arbor Day is…
April is National Lawn Care Month
Hailey Heseltine [email protected] Did you know that April is National Lawn Care Month? In North Florida, spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to start thinking about your yard for the…
Fuzzy but dangerous: The tussock moth caterpillar
Ady Hammock [email protected] Anyone who has been around oak trees lately has probably noticed several hairy caterpillars. Chances are it was a tussock moth caterpillar. These insects eventually develop into tussock moths,…
“We Will, When Others Won’t”: NFC Correctional Officer graduates answer the call to serve
NFC Contributor North Florida College (NFC) proudly celebrated the graduation of Correctional Officer Basic Recruit Academy Class 45-2025-3016-1 on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the North Florida College Public Safety Academy. The ceremony…
Catfish Festival hooks crowd in Branford
Danny Federico [email protected] The Branford community gathered once again on Saturday, April 11, to celebrate the annual Catfish Festival. Hosted by American Legion Post 59 in Branford, the annual festival raises funds…
American Legion Post 107 to host annual Spring Yard Sale
Danny Federico [email protected] American Legion Post 107 will host its annual Spring Yard Sale on Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25. The event will take place from 7 a.m. to 4…
How can you sponsor your local 4-H clubs?
Cheltsie Holbrook [email protected] Looking for a way to support the kids of Suwannee County and Lafayette County 4-H? Then be sure to break out your wallets on these local upcoming fundraisers. Suwannee…
Art in the Open returns to downtown Jasper
Jennifer Gisonni Contributor Downtown Jasper came alive with color, creativity and community spirit as residents gathered for the second Art in the Open event, hosted by Florida Youth Charitable in partnership with…
Paw-sitive Adoption Spotlight: Hamilton
Danny Federico [email protected] “Healing happens at both ends of the leash.” Hamilton is already showing how true that can be. He is described as a “scruffy little doodle mix” and is approximately…
Free mammograms to be provided at library
Christian Peterson [email protected] Mammograms have saved countless lives – a real-life medical marvel. However, access to these lifesaving measures can sometimes feel limited by cost or time constraints. There are organizations working…
Jail Report
Lafayette County April 16 Matthew Williamson, failure to appear, attach tag not assigned Hamilton County Arrest information for Hamilton County will be featured on our website and in our Wednesday, April 29,…
Kennedy’s Call to Service: Reigning American Little Miss Florida pays a local visit
Ady Hammock [email protected] Kennedy Kafka, the 6-year-old Reigning American Little Miss Florida and a Live Oak resident, has been at work in the community lately. Kennedy will be heading to the national…