Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Over the years, the importance of keeping elders safe has been a hot-button topic. Thanks to cameras, concerned family members and advocates, the exposure of elder abuse has led…
Honoring CNAs: The backbone of patient care
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Behind every successful doctor’s office, in-care patient clinic or long-term care facility are compassionate individuals who go above and beyond for medical patients in their times of need: the…
My first time giving blood – and why you should try it, too
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com I’ve always admired people who regularly give blood. It seemed like such a selfless, meaningful thing to do — and, if I’m honest, a little intimidating. I’d never donated…
My third Father’s Day: Patience and Love
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com For the past two years, on Father’s Day, I have written a small article detailing my experiences as a new father. Last year, when I wrote my article, my…
Cagle Grams: A demon-possessed man in church
“And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught…And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; saying, Let us…
NFC’s Dean’s and President’s Lists announced for Spring 2025
NFC Contributor North Florida College is proud to recognize its Sentinels for outstanding academic achievement at the conclusion of its Spring Term 2025. Students included in the President’s List are full-time students…
Lafayette Chamber helps award the next generation
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce is always focused on helping its community, especially by hosting events and helping build up local businesses. Yet, sometimes, supporting the community means…
Remembering Suwannee: Live Oak in 1905, Part 4
Eric Musgrove Contributor This week, we will continue quoting from a 1905 newspaper article entitled, “Live Oak, A Town That’s Alive…” “Two smaller roads, with their terminals here, are of inestimable importance…
Kalandek gets life in prison for sex crimes
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com After spending three years in the Suwannee County Jail, 60-year-old Live Oak resident Frank Martin Kalandek will be spending the rest of his life behind bars at the Florida…
Roush sick leave, RIVEROAK arrest subject of Auditor General’s Audit
Jason Futch reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com Former Suwannee County Superintendent of Schools Ted Roush is facing an investigation into paid sick leave by the Florida Auditor General’s Office. The investigation is one of 13 findings…
Local indie artist wins Florida Artist of the Year
Jason Futch Reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com David Reed, Jr., recalled a simple gift West Suwannee Elementary School teacher Cheryl Mae Brinson gave him that changed the course of his life. “It was a pen,” he…
Gayheart’s sister reflects on 31-year legal journey
Jason Futch Reporter2.riverbendnews@gmail.com When the news broke of Anthony Floyd Wainwright’s impending execution for the brutal murder of Maria Tortora’s sister, Carmen Gabriella Gayheart, it was a significant announcement marking the near-end…
SVEC to host eighth annual Cornhole Tournament on June 7
Danny Federico reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com The Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative is gearing up for its eighth annual Cornhole Tournament this Saturday, June 7. Funds raised from the tournament will benefit the United Way of…
Around the Banks
My family has been a part of North Central Florida for over 200 years. In comparison to some of the eastern seaboard or the United Kingdom and Europe, a short time, but…
Growing Through It: Fear, faith and a little moth
This morning, as I was getting ready to leave, a little moth flew into my car. It wasn’t big — just a tiny, fluttery thing that landed quietly on my windshield. But…
Living God’s Way: Speaking to encourage and make better
Paul, writing to the Ephesians concerning one’s character, addresses how we speak to one another. He says we are not to use “unwholesome words” but rather words that will encourage others and…
Lafayette Commission declares May as National Foster Care Month
Christian Peterson reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com On Tuesday, May 27, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. After approving the minutes from the previous meeting, the Board called for…