Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org First Federal Bank has long been an integral part of the community, with locations across all three of Riverbend News’ counties. The bank has consistently supported local families, sports…
Category: Front Page
“I’m not that person anymore” Live Oak teen’s life transformed by rare disease treatment
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Live Oak native Marley Gaskins is a teenager in the most ordinary ways. She dances. She goes to camp. She spends time with friends, experiments with her hair and…
White Springs voters to decide on charter amendments April 28
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Voters in the Town of White Springs will head to the polls on Tuesday, April 28, for a municipal referendum election that will determine the fate of several proposed…
Domestic incident leads to arson charges; residents safely evacuated
Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Contributor On Thursday, April 2, just before 2 a.m., the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Communications Center received a 911 call regarding a domestic battery incident at a…
Hokanson arrested on homicide charges in Martina Lundy case
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On June 18, 2024, 61-year-old Martina Ratliff Lundy was reported missing. Her granddaughter, who spoke with Lundy multiple times each week, had reported her disappearance to the Columbia County…
Mayo welcomes new gift and bookstore
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org “I am the vine and you are the branches.” John 15:5. Mayo seems to be adding new businesses every day. This was proven again on Friday, March 27, during…
One dead in crash at U.S. 27, County Road 49 intersection
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.or A 49-year-old O’Brien woman was killed Friday afternoon, April 3, in a two-vehicle crash at the intersection of U.S. 27 and County Road 49, in Branford. According to the…
17 Arrested in Operations Running Wild: FDLE partners with CCSO, LCPD, FDC, SAO to conduct enforcement operation
FDLE Contributor Inspectors, agents and analysts with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) joined the Columbia County Sheriff’s (CCSO), the Lake City Police Department (LCPD), the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC)…
After decades of advocacy, Stanley Brothers earn place in Country Music Hall of Fame
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org For nearly 20 years, Jeanie Stanley Allinder pushed for what she believed was long overdue. When the call finally came, she almost didn’t let herself believe it. “I said,…
Colliers facilitates $5.25 million sale of South Oaks Shopping Center
Colliers Contributo On Wednesday, March 11, Colliers announced the sale of South Oaks Shopping Center, a 102,816-square-foot community retail center in Live Oak, Fla., to CrossMarc Services for $5.25 million. The property…
Carter family in need of help after devastating fire
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Many residents of Branford know of Carter’s Beef Jerky, operated by Sandy and Andy Carter. While the business is based in Branford, the Carters are known across Suwannee County…
Suwannee County ag officers find over 50 pounds of illegal cannabis
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, March 24, Florida Agriculture Law Enforcement officers in Suwannee County made a major drug bust. According to a report from Florida Agriculture Law Enforcement, the incident began…
Accident in Lafayette County claims two lives
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Friday, March 20, a tragedy struck Lafayette County. According to a report from Florida Highway Patrol, at 8:30 p.m., a Chevrolet pickup truck, driven by a 60-year-old man from Jennings and containing a 72-year-old…
Jasper welcomes new mayor with council appointments
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Thursday, March 19, the Jasper City Council held its regular meeting. While council members met for normal business, there were two special things that happened during the meeting. First were council seat assignments. The…
Her light continues to shine: Branford honors Cloey Criggall with field dedication
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org On opening day, as baseball and softball seasons began again, the Branford community made sure one of its own would always remain part of the game. On Saturday, March…
The Arc open house welcomes community to new Mayo facility
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org The Arc is coming to Mayo – there is no doubt about that. The building is in the final stages of preparation, with decorations and supplies being brought in….
Ellianos raising funds for Live Oak child battling cancer
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Ellianos Coffee in Live Oak is asking the community to rally behind a local child battling cancer through a special fundraising campaign called “Evangeline’s Fight.” The campaign invites customers…