Riverbend News photo by Danny Federico, September 8, 2025 The Lyons family was announced as the Lafayette County Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year during the Lafayette County Farm Bureau’s annual…
Live Oak City Council considers renaming building
Rick Patrick reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com During its regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 9, the Live Oak City Council discussed the possibility of renaming the old City Hall building after long-time Council Member John W….
Have faith in dark times
Nora Jonas Westwood Christian School Writer We all go through dark times in our lives. It might be that your parents are fighting, or possibly your grades are declining. We all are…
Back on the Court
Andrea Deas Westwood Christian School Writer Volleyball season is back at Westwood Christian School! Westwood’s volleyball program started in 2017 and, in 2022, they expanded the program further by introducing J.V. (Junior…
Chapel
Carson Alford Westwood Christian School Writer Chapel is one of the many privileges that students and parents get to experience here at Westwood Christian School. This weekly time on Wednesday is set…
Remembering Suwannee: Convict leasing system, Part 10
Eric Musgrove Contributor This week, we complete our multi-part series on the convict lease system in Florida. Although Section 1 of the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution allows “slavery” and…
Women have now been voting for 105 years
Kathy Egan reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com In 1787, the U.S. Constitution was drafted, establishing the government of the United States. By 1788, all the necessary states had ratified it, so, in 1789, it became effective,…
Full circle success at North Florida College: NFC’s BSN program builds careers, leaders and communities
NFC Contributor In rural North Florida, where hospitals are often miles apart and dependable health care is a lifeline, North Florida College’s (NFC) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program is doing…
United Way of Suwannee Valley seeking ReadingPals volunteers
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com The United Way of Suwannee Valley is seeking volunteers throughout the area to take part in its ReadingPals program. The program enables volunteers to assist pre-kindergarten and elementary school…
Fruits of their labor: Lyons family named Lafayette County’s Farm Family of the Year
Emily Beach Contributor Chris and Kelly Lyons, along with their four daughters and Chris’s brother, Dale, have built a farming operation rooted in faith, family and farming. Their dedication to the land…
Jasper Woman’s Club Fall Bazaar set for Sept. 27
The Woman’s Club of Jasper is gearing up to host its annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event, held at the club building, will…
Hamilton County Fair Events Day happening soon!
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Hamilton County Fair Events Day is set to take place on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Hamilton County Arena. The day will begin with check-in for swine exhibitors…
Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness Association prepares for annual Open Bass Tournament
The Suwannee River Breast Cancer Awareness Association is preparing for its annual Open Bass Tournament at Sandy Point Restaurant in Branford. The event, which started in 2011, was born in the minds…
Suwannee County Farm Bureau hosts annual Speech Contest
The Suwannee County Farm Bureau recently hosted its annual Speech Contest, where local students showcased their public speaking skills and agricultural knowledge. This long- standing event, held each year, provides an excellent…
Jail Report
Lafayette County Sept. 15 Kenneth Beebe, out-of-county warrant Jasmine Hannah, marijuana possession, drug equipment possession Sept. 20 Michael Warren, battery domestic Antonio Pacheco, driving while license suspended or restricted Hamilton County Sept….
Community Calendar
Tuesdays – Sundays “You want to drink? That’s your business. You want to stop? That’s our business.” Join Live Oak’s Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group to discover a new way of life. Regular…
Branford Town Council defends proposed raises amid criticism
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Branford Town Council met to hold its first budget hearing. Several residents were in attendance to speak against and in favor of one specific…