Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Friday, March 20, a tragedy struck Lafayette County. According to a report from Florida Highway Patrol, at 8:30 p.m., a Chevrolet pickup truck, driven by a 60-year-old man from Jennings and containing a 72-year-old…
Flea Across Florida is April 10-11
Laura Young editor@riverbendnews.org The organizers of Flea Across Florida are encouraging residents and businesses along U.S. Highway 90 between Pensacola and Macclenny to “clean out your sheds, garages and closets” and prepare…
Easter Egg Hunt set for March 28 at Hatch Park
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Families are invited to celebrate the Easter season at a community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 28, at Hatch Park in Branford. Hosted by Ash Grove Cement and…
Jasper welcomes new mayor with council appointments
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Thursday, March 19, the Jasper City Council held its regular meeting. While council members met for normal business, there were two special things that happened during the meeting. First were council seat assignments. The…
“Art in the Open” showcase set for April 7 in downtown Jasper
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Local artists and community members are invited to take part in “Art in the Open,” a community art showcase celebrating patriotism in Jasper on Tuesday, April 7. Hosted by…
Lafayette Commission approves multiple resolutions during meeting
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, March 10, the Lafayette County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting, beginning with the board approving the minutes from the previous meeting. After that, the board called for public comment. …
Her light continues to shine: Branford honors Cloey Criggall with field dedication
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org On opening day, as baseball and softball seasons began again, the Branford community made sure one of its own would always remain part of the game. On Saturday, March…
Suwannee Commissioners caught off guard by high engineering cost
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org On Tuesday, March 17, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners met for its regularly scheduled meeting. The board began by approving the minutes from the Tuesday, March 3, meeting before moving into public comment. First to speak…
The woman behind the Matilda Effect: Matilda Joslyn Gage and the fight for recognition
Hailey Waldo editor@riverbendnews.org During Women’s History Month, many people reflect on the women who helped shape society through activism, science, literature and innovation. One woman whose influence continues to shape how historians…
Remembering Suwannee: Black history in Suwannee County, Part 7
This week, we continue our discussion of African American history in Suwannee County during the trying Reconstruction era (1865-1877). Religion and politics were not the only things on the minds of African…
Today Can Be Different: Speaking your mind – at what cost?
Sheryl Boldt Guest Columnist Several years ago, Brianna, a Facebook friend, reminded us that when we become wiser with our words, life becomes better. Sometimes, the wisest words are the ones we…
Suwannee Showers provides hygiene services, meals and clothing
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org A local outreach program is helping individuals without reliable access to hygiene services by providing showers, meals and clothing to those in need. Suwannee Showers, overseen by One in…
Fernanda Gomez selected as 2026 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Ambassador
Tiffany Quintero Contributor The Hamilton County School District is proud to share that 10th grader Fernanda Gomez from Hamilton County High School has been selected as a 2026 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership…
Hamilton students receive CTE certifications
Tiffany Quintero Contributor The Hamilton County School District wishes to congratulate the following students on achieving Career and Technical Education (CTE) certifications in Entrepreneurship and Small Business: • Gavin Combass • Chaneil…
Ravens story brings triple- negative breast cancer to light
Jason Futch editor@riverbendnews.org Hamilton County lost a brave young woman in Hamilton County High School (HCHS) teacher Raven Merine. Her story brought attention to the tragedy of breast cancer. It also showed…
Doggie Dude Ranch celebrates Biggins’s first birthday
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org The Doggie Dude Ranch team celebrated a special milestone on Saturday, March 7 — the birthday of Biggins, a dog whose difficult start in life has become one of…
Suwannee County Farm Bureau supports Vivid Visions during Food Check-Out Week
Tina Strickland Contributor Each year, Suwannee County Farm Bureau proudly participates in Food Check-Out Week, a time dedicated to recognizing the abundance of safe, affordable food we enjoy and giving back to…