Local

Community members watch the mane event

Community members watch the mane event

Local kids rock mullets at Mane Event

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   The party in the back took center stage at the third annual Mane Event Saturday. Twenty contestants were all business as they competed at the Community First Credit Union Entertainment Pavilion at the Northeast Florida Fair.
Hilliard Mayor John Beasley stands with Emily’s Promise President Doug Adkins and Vice President Janet Adkins. He read a proclamation in honor of the town naming October as Emily Adkins Blood Clot Awareness Month. The Adkins aim to raise awareness and help stop preventable blood clot related deaths. Photo by Anna Newhoff

Hilliard Mayor John Beasley stands with Emily’s Promise President Doug Adkins and Vice President Janet Adkins. He read a proclamation in honor of the town naming October as Emily Adkins Blood Clot Awareness Month. The Adkins aim to raise awareness and help stop preventable blood clot related deaths. Photo by Anna Newhoff

Council hires four, supports awareness

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   Three resignations and four new hires were announced during the Hilliard Town Council meeting Thursday night. Administrative assistant Elise Earnest resigned Oct. 2 from her position with the town and administrative assistant Jennifer Cone resigned Oct. 8.
The property outlined in red was purchased by the county in 2024 and will be the eventual home to a western Nassau government complex with several county offices within one central location in Callahan.

The property outlined in red was purchased by the county in 2024 and will be the eventual home to a western Nassau government complex with several county offices within one central location in Callahan.

Government annex design underway

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher   A new Nassau County government annex will be built in Callahan in the coming years, with the design phase now underway. The county acquired the 3.6-acre property adjacent to Hagan Ace Hardware in April 2024 for $1.6 million.
West Nassau Art Alliance co-chair Brenda Schwend, John Hendricks, co-chair Janie Sheehan, Linda Carr, Michelle Swank, Pam Jones, guest artist Walter Cartategui, and Stephanie Bucci pose together at a recent West Nassau Art Alliance meeting. Community members who are interested in helping to expand western Nassau’s cultural offerings can attend the next meeting Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Callahan Train Depot.

West Nassau Art Alliance co-chair Brenda Schwend, John Hendricks, co-chair Janie Sheehan, Linda Carr, Michelle Swank, Pam Jones, guest artist Walter Cartategui, and Stephanie Bucci pose together at a recent West Nassau Art Alliance meeting. Community members who are interested in helping to expand western Nassau’s cultural offerings can attend the next meeting Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Callahan Train Depot.

West Side art scene growing

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   The art scene in western Nassau grows with the start of the West Nassau Art Alliance.  The WNAA officially began in March, following its first meeting held at the historic Callahan Train Depot.
Hilliard Middle-Senior High School art teacher Heather Cash-Canode cuts the ribbon to open the new Alumni Art Courtyard Friday evening. Joining her are Principal John Crawford and Walnut Creek Furniture owners Gene and Treana Jackson. Photos by Anna Newhoff

Hilliard Middle-Senior High School art teacher Heather Cash-Canode cuts the ribbon to open the new Alumni Art Courtyard Friday evening. Joining her are Principal John Crawford and Walnut Creek Furniture owners Gene and Treana Jackson. Photos by Anna Newhoff

Alumni courtyard opens

News Staff
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter   The Alumni Art Courtyard is officially in use at Hilliard Middle-Senior High School. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday night before the Flashes football game to commemorate the new creative opportunities the outdoor classroom will offer HMSHS students.