Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Inappropriate conversations between a minor and a 44-year-old Wellborn man last year recently came to light, leading to felony charges against Stephen Dwight Sanders. According to a probable cause…
Category: Front Page
Bullock sentenced to 14 years in prison
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org “It would have been better to fail with some honor than try to make it work and succeed by fraud.” Those were the words Circuit Judge Kathryn Land…
The US-129 and I-10 Interchange improvement projects have begun
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has begun an almost year-long project in Suwannee County this January, with the aim of providing a tremendous number of improvements the roads…
Roldan found guilty of animal abuse
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org It took the six-person jury 22 minutes to return to the courtroom with a verdict, finding 45-year-old Eric Ivan Roldan guilty of aggravated animal abuse. As Deputy Clerk Trudy…
Electric Cooperative join forces to support suffering lineman Dwayne Law
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Electric Cooperatives are an integral part of Florida; the linemen are heroes across the state for their dedication to the communities around them and their willingness to serve in…
Bullock sentenced to 14 years in prison
Jason Futch reporter2@riverbendnews.org Following months of pre-sentence investigation and finalizing mitigation, Circuit Judge Kathryn Land handed down judgement to Former Apex Metal Building Systems owner Jason Andrew Bullock, sentencing him to 14…
Former Madison County officer sentenced to 35 years in prison
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Robert Lee Mincks was sentenced to 35 years in the Florida Department of Corrections following a plea agreement hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at the Suwannee County Courthouse. Mincks…
Opponents of SB 180 see glimmer of hope in newly proposed legislation
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org Opponents of the controversial Senate Bill 180, which became law in June 2025 and essentially restricts counties and municipalities from amending their comprehensive plans or land-development regulations until late…
Trial to begin in Sweetpea animal cruelty case
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Eric Ivan Roldan, the man accused of abusing a puppy in March 2025, is set to go before Circuit Judge Mark Feagle on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 9 a.m….
Governor proposes legislation to curb AI and AI data centers
Lazaro Aleman editor@riverbendnews.org Governor Ron DeSantis is proposing the enactment of a measure to protect consumers by establishing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bill of Rights for Floridians, as well as another measure…
Zakk Womble awarded Leaders for Life fellowship
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org A new world has opened up for 17-year-old Suwannee High School (SHS) senior Zakk Womble following the announcement last month that he was one of six students selected to…
Hamilton County High School hits historic graduation rate
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Hamilton County High School (HCHS) has a lot to celebrate following news of a significant spike in graduation rates for the Class of 2025. The achievement marks the first…
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…