Local

The West Nassau Warrior Guard performs in the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit Regional Color Guard Premiere Jan. 17 in Orlando.

Color guard earns fourth place

News Staff

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

The West Nassau Warrior Guard performs in the Florida Federation of Colorguards Circuit Regional Color Guard Premiere Jan. 17 in Orlando. The Callahan team placed fourth in the competition as the performers combined dance, equipment, and teamwork to bring music to life.

Fernandina Beach High School teacher Sarah Twardy is the Nassau County School District Teacher of the Year. She received the honor Friday night at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island. She will now compete for the state’s top honor, which is announced during the summer. Photo courtesy of the Nassau Education Foundation

Twardy county’s top teacher

News Staff

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Nick Blank News-Leader Sarah Twardy said she couldn’t believe it on The Ritz-Carlton stage Friday night when Superintendent Kathy Burns announced the Fernandina Beach High School social studies teacher as Nassau County School District’s Teacher of the Year.

Hannah Wollitz battles a Lady Kodiak as they race for the ball.

Lady Kodiaks find success Thursday

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Rylee Fortier prepares to kick the ball down field as the Lady Flashes fall short 3-1 battling the Lady Kodiaks on Senior Night Thursday. Hannah Wollitz battles a Lady Kodiak as they race for the ball. Hilliard’s final game of the season is Thursday at Paxon at 5:30 p.m.

Clayton Floyd tries to get the ball from a Kodiak.

Global Kodiaks maul Flashes 6-1

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Clayton Floyd tries to get the ball from a Kodiak as the Hilliard Middle-Senior High School varsity soccer teams face off with Global Outreach Charter Academy Thursday night. Kayden Harvey reaches for the ball at left. The Flashes fell 6-1 during Senior Night. Senior photos will appear in the Jan.

Justice Alderman leads the pack as Hilliard controls the ball.

Hilliard girls hoop victory over Indians

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Alyssa Hallman looks for an open teammate at left as the Lady Flashes defeat Fort White 63-48 Saturday night. Katherine Dillard blocks a Lady Indian above while Charlee Matos moves the ball down court above left. Justice Alderman leads the pack as Hilliard controls the ball.

Bryceville Elementary School honors its December Students of the Month.

Bryceville Elementary celebrates top students

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Bryceville Elementary School honors its December Students of the Month. The character trait for December was empathy. These students are able to understand how and why others think, feel, and act. Pictured in the bottom row are Piper Eastman, Kelby Aton, and Hayley Schlicter.

Board of Nassau County Commissioners Chair Alyson McCullough speaks with Bryceville resident Rocky Lynn and other concerned citizens during a community information session Friday at the Bryceville Community Center. Submitted

County Road 121 concerns residents

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners hosted a Bryceville community event Friday, sharing information about current and future road work. County staff provided updates on the County Road 121 improvements, the Vision 2050 plan, and capital projects.

Florida Teacher of the Year Mark Harrison participates in a math lesson in teacher Alexis Neu’s fourth-grade class Thursday afternoon. He concluded the day by helping students enter vehicles to head home. Photos by Amanda Bishop

Harrison visits CIS

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Amanda Bishop NCR Editor & Publisher Inspired by his grandmother’s 50-year career as a teacher, Mark Harrison became an educator because of his desire to help others. “She really was my anchor growing up,” Harrison said during a visit to Callahan Intermediate School Thursday afternoon.

Customers eat lunch Monday at Gracie’s Kountry Kitchen, which recently opened in Callahan. Photo by Anna Newhoff

Gracie’s Kountry Kitchen now open

News Staff

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter Callahan’s newest restaurant serves up homestyle comfort food for the community. The idea of Gracie’s Kountry Kitchen came to life in October and officially opened its doors Dec. 29, offering an all-American lunch menu.

Locals and visitors alike had the opportunity to visit the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall in Callahan in April 2025.

Murders, snow, NCSO top local headlines

News Staff

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Anna Newhoff NCR Reporter Shocking acts of violence, rare weather, and personnel issues at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office made headlines throughout 2025.