Local

The 2024-25 West Nassau High School cheerleaders recently received their state, national and world championship rings. The team won the school’s 14th state championship in January and also won West Nassau’s fifth world championship and eighth national championship in February.

Callahan Methodist Church Pastor Bodie Riddle and David Haskett carve turkey as the church congregation prepares to serve Thanksgiving dinner to community members Nov. 22. The tradition began 45 years ago. This year’s menu included smoked turkeys, a variety of side dishes, and desserts. Attendees enjoyed the meal and fellowship with other patrons. Photos by Susie Bass

Bowls of soup are served up during Barnabas Center’s 12th annual Empty Bowls event Nov. 25. The event raised $50,000, including the online auction of several locally hand-painted bowls, pictured above right. Photos by Marisa DeMar

Buford’s grave received a U.S. Lighthouse Service grave marker in honor of his career, during which he manned the St. Johns River Lighthouse. Photos submitted and by Anna Newhoff

Mariah Riley lifts his arms in triumph while competing in the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes Eating Contest at Hallmark Our Hilliard Saturday. He won the adult division while Riley Savord, above center, won the kids’ competition. They each received Little Debbie boxes filled with donations from local vendors who were selling wares at the town’s market. Santa Claus and the Grinch arrived in the evening for the town’s annual tree lighting ceremony, with carols sung as attendees enjoyed cookies, coffee and

Logs spill onto the ground near the Circle K gas station across from the Marathon at the intersection of County Road 108 and U.S. 1 in Hilliard Monday morning. The driver was not injured. Photo by Amanda McCullough

Students from the fifth grade classes of Stephen Simmons and Heather Drury participate in the Warrior Run at Callahan Intermediate School Nov. 21.

Fernandina Beach High School students Passion Roberts and Myo Magyari practice bathing a mannequin. Medical programs of various degrees now exist within all four county high schools. Photo by Nick Blank

Members of the Future Educators of America from West Nassau High School visit Callahan Elementary School Nov. 17.

Hilliard Public Works Department employees repair a water service line on Front Street between Illinois and Florida streets Monday morning. Photo courtesy of the Town of Hilliard