Mary Ellen (Selman) Greene, 86, passed away on Monday, Feb. 16, at 11:25 p.m., in the Madison County Memorial Hospital in the presence of family, after an extended illness. Mary Ellen was…
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…
Live Oak Garden Club launches annual Caladium Sale for 2026, Proceeds to support community youth
Live Oak Garden Club Contributor The Live Oak Garden Club urges members of the community to support its annual Caladium Sale this year. These beautiful plants are happy anywhere in your yard…
Jail Report 3.11 – 3.15
Lafayette County March 11 Scott Thompson, battery Lucille Thompson, battery Dale Norris, battery March 14 Antonio Porter, out-of-county warrant, open container of alcohol within 100 feet of business Suwannee County March 9…
Farm Bureau establishes disaster relief fund for agriculture
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Florida Farm Bureau has created a disaster relief fund that will assist Florida farmers and ranchers who have suffered significant agricultural losses or expenses because of weather-related events and…
From the Sunny Side: Is it all in my head?
Rick Patrick Columnist I recently had a fun little chat with one of our local softball athletes who told me she insists on “doing her nails” before every game. She said she…
Living God’s Way: Renewed to the image of Christ
Carlton McPeak Guest Columnist When one becomes a Christian, they put away one image and put on another image. The image they put away is that of themselves, their way of thinking…
Cagle Grams: You can’t beat death
James H. Cagle Guest Columnist “There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no…
The Arc open house welcomes community to new Mayo facility
Christian Peterson reporter@riverbendnews.org The Arc is coming to Mayo – there is no doubt about that. The building is in the final stages of preparation, with decorations and supplies being brought in….
Ellianos raising funds for Live Oak child battling cancer
Danny Federico editor@riverbendnews.org Ellianos Coffee in Live Oak is asking the community to rally behind a local child battling cancer through a special fundraising campaign called “Evangeline’s Fight.” The campaign invites customers…