Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Sid Hayes didn’t always dream about being a firefighter. However, in 1988, he had gone from looking for a job to looking for a career. He had frequently driven…
Farming industry devastated by Idalia
Lee Trawick reporter2@riverbendnews.org It’s undeniable that Hurricane Idalia has caused significant damage to residential properties across Suwannee, Hamilton and Lafayette Counties. Residents are still clearing debris from their yards, and some have…
Cowgirls defeat Trojans in close match
Rick Patrick reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com It was an exciting evening of volleyball action in the Madison County High School gymnasium on Tuesday, Sept. 12, when the Cowgirls hosted Hamilton County High School Trojans. After…
Smokin’ In The Pines BBQ festival kicks off Sept. 22: Heating things up in Perry, Fla.
Taylor County Chamber of Commerce Contributor Are you ready for some exciting news? The most popular barbecue contest in North Florida, Smokin’ In The Pines, is coming up soon! This event promises…
Live Oak resident recognized with SunFest 2023 President’s Pinnacle Award
SunFest Contributor A Live Oak resident was honored for her 17 years of volunteering during the Team SunFest volunteer award reception in August at Palm Beach Gardens. Four volunteers received the elite…
Domestic dispute ends in arrest
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Wednesday, Sept. 6, the Live Oak Police Department (LOPD) was sent to Walker Avenue in response to a call from Johnny Lopez regarding his two siblings. Upon arriving…
Town Talk: San Juan Mission BBQ chicken dinner cancelled
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews @gmail.com San Juan Mission Catholic Church in Branford has announced its Barbecue Chicken Dinner, which was scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 30, has been cancelled.
Wellborn Community Center hosts Tabletop Night
Hannah Kolstad reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Every second and fourth Friday of the month, the Wellborn Community Center, located at 1340 8th Ave., in Wellborn, will be hosting Tabletop Night. This entertaining event will begin…
Debris cleanup threatened Pioneer Day festivities
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Words of gratitude opened the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Sheriff Brian Lamb began the cascade of appreciation with a shout-out to the…
FDOT highlights importance of rail safety
FDOT Contributor This week, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) joins transportation partners throughout the state and country to recognize Rail Safety Week and the importance of making safe decisions around trains…
Donations requested for Trojans football team
Hannah Kolstad reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com Coaches for the Trojans football team look forward to the advent of football season. However, as the many months of practices and games go on, supplies are quickly becoming…
Celebrating Peanut Day with Office Snack Sneak Attack
Adyson Hammock reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) is doing an Office Snack Sneak Attack in honor of National Peanut Day on Wednesday, Sept. 13. To join, send the FPF a picture…
Spirits of Suwannee County hurricane victims raised by nutritious hot meals
Susan Burnett Contributor Hurricane Idalia made a beeline for North Central Florida on Wednesday, Aug. 30. She left devastation in her wake, but there was help almost before the day was out….
Around the banks
Before Idalia, I drove up to Jasper, Fla., and had a good time looking through the back issues of “The Jasper News.” They are bound and, in my humble opinion, at some…
AWANA is back in action
Adyson Hammock reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The AWANA program is back for the 2023- 2024 school year for Friendship Baptist Church. The sign-up party to kick off AWANA was moved to Wednesday, Sep. 13, due…
Buccaneers volleyball team remains undefeated
Lee Trawick reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Branford High School volleyball team went to play against the Newberry High School Panthers on Wednesday, Sept. 6. The Buccaneers had an undefeated record of 6-0, while the…
Hamilton students recognized during FAST celebration
Michelana Byrd Contributor Hamilton County Superintendent Lee Wetherington-Zamora, alongside district and school-based staff, held FAST (Florida Assessment of Student Thinking) Incentive Celebrations on Friday, Aug. 18, for students in the district. The…