Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Senior citizens in Hamilton County are invited to attend a free informational event at the Hamilton County Senior Center on Friday, Jan. 30. The event will take place at…
Lafayette School Board hears first round of public input regarding school-start times
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org During its regular meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, the Lafayette County School Board recognized the district’s Students of the Month and heard its first bout of public input on…
Letter to the Editor: Khrys Kantarze
Dear community, We have entered a pivotal time in our history. What we have known and taken for granted is crumbling before our eyes. We are allowing our relationships on a personal…
Letter to the Editor: An update from the Town Manager of White Springs – January 2026
I want to thank the White Springs Town Council for giving me a longer contract by appointing me as the city manager. It is a pleasure to serve both the council and…
Cagle Grams: Finding complete satisfaction
James H. Cagle Guest Columnist “All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing” (Ecclesiastes 1:8 KJV). Men…
Living God’s Way: Made complete in Christ
Carlton G. McPeak Guest Columnist When one is established in their faith, then they are made complete in Christ. Paul gave several reasons for this conclusion (Colossians 2:9-13). Paul began by saying…
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…
Suwannee Commissioners approve multiple agreement amendments
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, Jan. 20, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The board began by approving the minutes from the previous meeting, followed by a call for public comment, to which…
Honoring the area’s 2025-26 Teachers and School-Related Employees of the Year
Jason Futch Reporter2@RiverbendNews.org Each year, Riverbend News is honored to share with the community each school district’s Teacher of the Year and School-Related Employee of the Year for the 2025-26 school year….
Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Live Oak to host Ladies Retreat
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Winter is coming to an end, and with warmer weather beginning to return, many churches are preparing for their annual retreats. The Apostolic Lighthouse Church of Live Oak is no different, as it has scheduled its 2026 conference for…
Suwannee County celebrates Florida Arbor Day
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org Arbor Day is celebrated around the nation, but some states observe the holiday at different times of the year. In Florida, Arbor Day is celebrated in January. This year, it was celebrated on Friday, Jan. 17….
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…
Honoring the musical legacy of Stephen C. Foster
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org Stephen Collins Foster left an enduring mark on American music despite his short life. His creative influence even reached Florida, where he wrote the song “Old Folks at Home.”…
HCHS Beta Club competes at state conference
Jason Futch Reporter2@riverbendnews.org The Hamilton County High School (HCHS) Senior Beta Club earned high marks at the Beta Club state conference, which was held at the Signia by Hilton at Bonnett Creek…