It’s that time of year again; time for the community to show their support to the talented students of Becky’s Dance Step Studios during their annual recital. This year’s recital will be held this Saturday, May 18. The first show will begin at 1 p.m. the evening performance will begin at 7 p.m. The recital will be held at North Florida Community College’s Van H. Priest Auditorium.
This year’s theme is “Coast to Coast” with the dancers performing their way across the United States. Price of admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children under the age of 12. There will be no reserved seating, however, tickets will be available at the dance studio as well as at the auditorium one hour prior to the show.
During the show there will be no flash photography or video taping of any kind. If you are interested in taking pictures of the performances, please feel free to stop by the dress rehearsal performances, which will be held on Thursday and Friday at 4 p.m.
Becky’s Dance Step Studios To Hold Annual Recital This Weekend
Madison City Commission Agenda Tuesday, May 14
AGENDA
MAY 14, 2013
MADISON CITY COMMISSION MEETING
CITY HALL
321 SOUTHWEST RUTLEDGE STREET
MADISON, FLORIDA 32340
5:30 P.M.
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Items Removed from Consent Agenda
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
(a) Minutes of April 9, 2013
(b) Minutes of May 6, 2013
(c) Fire Report
(d) Police Report
(e) Financial Report
(f) Revision to City Vehicle Policy
(g) Proclamation Recognizing Police Week and Peace Officer Memorial Day
(h) Proclamation Recognizing Viva Florida 500 Celebration
(i) Proclamation regarding Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness
(j) Re-Appointment to Tourist Development Council
5. Citizen’s Participation (6 p.m.)
6. Acceptance of Donation of Property (City Manager)
7. FY 11-12 Annual Audit (City Manager)
8. USDA Project to Renovate the 2nd Floor of the Police Facility (Architect Will Rutherford)
9. Traffic Safety Recommendations Regarding Area in and around Site of New Hospital and New Charter School (Police Chief Gary Calhoun)
10. Wastewater Agreement with Department of Corrections (City Manager)
11. Proposed Recreation Park near Jeanette Circle (City Manager)
12. Playground Equipment at Recreation Park Located on Martin Luther King Drive (City Manager)
13. Proposed Directional Signage for Intersections (City Manager)
14. Proposed Expansion of Tax Increment Finance District (City Attorney)
15. Proposed Golf Cart Crossings (Police Chief Gary Calhoun)
16. Change Date of July 2013 City Commission Meeting (Commissioner Thompson)
17. City Manager’s Report
18. Other Items of Interest to the Commission
19. Adjourn
Texting and Driving Banned in Florida
Texting and driving will soon be illegal in the State of Florida, following the Legislature’s passage of a bill.
In April, the Florida Senate voted 36-0 to outlaw texting and driving. On Thursday, May 1, the bill (CSSB 52) overwhelmingly passed the Florida House of Representatives.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Detert (R-Venice) enjoyed bipartisan support.
The bill, which had earlier been passed by the House, had to be sent back to the Senate, because of an amendment to the bill. Sen. Detert concurred with the amendment and the bill was reconfirmed by the Senate.
Senate Bill 52 now goes to Gov. Rick Scott for his signature.
The law bans anyone from typing on a device while operating any moving vehicle. First offenses will be a $30 fine and any additional tickets within a five-year period will be a $60 fine and take three points off an offender’s driver’s license.
There is a clause in the law, which allows texting while stopped at a red light.
Obituary: Sarah Taylor Malone
Sarah Taylor Malone, age 59, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at Capital Regional Medical Center.
Graveside funeral services will be Friday at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery.
Visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home.
She was born in Monticello and had lived in Greenville since 1978. She loved her family, and was a homemaker.
She is survived by her husband: William L “Willie” Malone of Greenville; one son: William “Toby” Malone (Bridget) of Greenville; three brothers: Riley Taylor of Jennings, John Taylor of Quitman, Ga., and James Taylor of Key West.; two sisters: Hazel Schuebert of Lake Park, Ga., and Carolyn Taylor Scott of Tenn.; and two granddaughters: Kersten and Kiley Malone.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (850) 973-2258.
Obituary: George Florence Joseph
George Florence Joseph, age 89, died Monday in Haven Hospice in Lake City.
Graveside Funeral service will be Wednesday 4 p.m. at Mt. Horeb Cemetery.
She lived in Valdosta, Ga., before going to Haven Hospice and operated a Laundry Mat. She was a member of Forrest St. United Methodist Church, Valdosta, GA.
She is survived by two daughters: Florence Diane Henderson-Simmons of Lake City, and Mary Ann Willis of Nashville, Ga.; one sister: Van Dalah Thompson of Sanford; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 850-973-2258.
Obituary: Sally Lou Wilson
Sally Lou Wilson, age 80 died Monday, April 29, 2013 at Haven Hospice in Lake City.
Graveside funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, at Cherry Lake Baptist Cemetery.
She graduated from Madison High School in 1951, and retired from Gold Kist and was of the Baptist faith.
She is survived by several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
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Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 850-973-2258.
5K “Spontaneous Fun Run/Walk” for Martin Richard Family – Saturday May 18, 2013 – 7:30 a.m. – Madison, Florida – meet at NFCC Gym – Race starts at 8 a.m.
Submitted by Alexis Sowell
This is 8 year old Martin Richard, who died April 15th in the Boston Marathon bombings. This picture has become the poster/face of #RunforBoston. His words say it all.
My friends and I love to run! We run 10-12 miles a week and run in surrounding area 5k’s. It has been our dream to one day run in the NY Marathon and/or the Boston Marathon. We love the crowds cheering the on the runners at the finish line. That is why we are all so moved and feel such sadness for the family of Martin Richard, the 8 year old boy killed at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on April 15th. Martin was with his family, his Dad who is a runner, his Mom who underwent brain surgery after injuries sustained that day, his little sister who lost a leg resulting in injuries sustained that day and his little brother, who by the grace of God was not hurt. They were simply cheering on the runners (most of them friends) as a right of passage marking the signs of Spring and warmer weather. This is a family who is constantly giving to others. They now need help and gifts from strangers.
Having said this, my friends and I simply want to help in some small way. We are having a 3.1 mile spontaneous fun run/walk in honor of Martin Richard and his family. 100% of the profits will go directly to the Martin Richard family to help with medical bills, wheel chairs, and anything possible to help make their suffering a little easier. Their lives will never be the same again. Please come out and support this great cause. The price is $20.00 per runner/walker, which includes a T-shirt. We must have your sizes and registration on or before Friday, May 10th to guarantee shirt availability. (Sign up will be available day of race, but cannot guarantee shirt).
If you would like to donate, volunteer or have any questions, please contact us, Alexis Sowell 850-869-0016, Ashley Jackson 850-591-6896, or Allie Jackson 850-273-0744
Name:______________________________________ Age:___________
Address:)____________________________________ City,State,Zip:_______________________
Run or Walk:________________ T-Shirt size: (Adult S, M, L, XL) _______
You can also mail the registration form along with your check made payable to: Martin Richard 5K
Send to: Alexis Sowell, 169 SW Range Avenue, Madison, Florida 32340 or Ashley & Allie Jackson, 18326 Talquin Dr. Tallahassee, FL 32310
Update: Department of Motor Vehicles Intercepts Threatening Letter Out of Abundance of Caution, Department Initiates Normal Safety Measures
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) has re-opened for business after a threatening letter led officials to close the building this morning. Following standard protocol, the building was temporarily evacuated until deemed safe by the Regional Domestic Security Task Force.
After conducting field tests on the letter and the office in which it was received, members of the task force believe no credible threat was posed. However, exercising an abundance of caution, the letter will undergo confirmatory laboratory testing by the Florida Department of Health.
Julie L. Jones, Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles said, “We appreciate the quick response of the first responders to the Kirkman Building, especially the Tallahassee Fire Department, Tallahassee Police Department, FBI, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Leon County Emergency Medical Services. I am proud of our employees who displayed their professionalism throughout the process.”
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FDHSMV or find us on Facebook.
Obituary: Jack Oxford Wade
Jack Oxford Wade, 97, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2013 in Bainbridge.
A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Oak Ridge cemetery in Madison, FL. In lieu of flowers, family asked donations be made to a favorite charity.
Jack was a native of Madison Co. FL. where he lived most of his life. He operated the Pure Oil Station in front of the Smith Goza Mansion and later was owner/operator of Jack Wade Oil Company. He was an Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Madison, members of the Lions Club and the Country Club, enjoyed playing golf and was a volunteer Fire Fighter. He later retired to Tallahassee spending several years of his life at Westminster Oaks.
He is survived by his daughter, Sissy McCown (husband John) of Attapulgas, GA;
two grandchildren, Eloise McCown Johnson (husband David) and John McCown (wife Kate) of Bentonville, AR; great-grandchildren, David James, Sarah Kate, Caroline Wade and Eloise Grace Johnson and Jack, Mary Ella and Ashlyn McCown.
Jack is preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Bronson Wade.
City of Madison Code Enforcement Board Agenda
AGENDA
CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD HEARING
CITY OF MADISON, FLORIDA
APRIL 25, 2013
4 p.m.
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Approval of March 21, 2013 Minutes
4. Status update regarding Violation of the City of Madison’s Nuisance Ordinance Article IV
5. Hearing regarding Violation of the City of Madison’s Health and Sanitation Ordinance, Chapter 13, Article II
6. Adjourn
Health Department and Community Leader Talk About Sex Education
Abstinence isn’t cool with students, community leader Merv Mattair, founder of Boyz 2 Kings, told the school board. It’s not exactly what most parents and school officials would like to hear, but it is mostly true.
Mattair, along with Pam Robinson of the Madison County Health Department, spoke to the Madison County School Board about a sex education curriculum that not only covers the science and biology, but also puts it into a context students can readily understand…how it can effect their lives.
The first unit of the program begins by asking the student to “get to know your dreams” and look closely at their hopes and plans for the future. What do they want to do, study or be? What kind of work and effort will it require to reach that goal?
However, the consequences of sexual activity, i.e., pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases, are not consequences teenagers are well equipped to handle. Plans for college, vocational school, or even finishing high school become difficult, if not impossible. Time, energy and resources are diverted to dealing with childcare or medical expenses. Dreams are derailed, education suffers and earning power drops.
Even if a few students are fortunate and manage to escape the pitfalls of early sexual activity, it still has a negative impact on schoolwork.
“When students are sexually active, their mind is not on the FCAT,” said Mattair. “It’s on sex.”
There is also the problem of peer pressure, even for students who might not normally become sexually active. Abstinence is seen as the deviation, not the norm, and that is a challenge the proposed curriculum will meet by making abstinence the ultimate “cool.”
Using the slogan “Abstinence is my Swag,” Mattair and Robinson hope that by getting students to see that choosing not to engage in sexual activity while they’re still in school is not only cool, it is something positive, something that they do for themselves because they understand that their dreams are important.
The program is an eight-hour course that also includes such things as role-playing and developing negotiation skills that help students say “no.”
Students can opt out of particular chapters or the entire program if they or their parents wish; the course is not mandatory.
It is, however, something that would be suitable for churches to use with their youth groups, in getting young people to look more realistically at early sex and the effect it could have on their lives. With the backing of the Health Department, which “110 percent behind this,” Mattair hopes the message reaches the young people of Madison County, especially the ones who most need to hear it.
Obituary: Danny Daniel
Danny Jerome Daniel, age 70, died Monday, April 22, 2013 in Tallahassee.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Thursday, April 25, 2013 at Beggs Funeral Home Madison Chapel, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery, Greenville. Visitation was held Wednesday from 5 – 7 at Beggs Funeral Home.
He was born in Columbus, Ohio and lived most of his life in Madison. He was a member of American Legion #224. He loved to hunt, fish, and cook. He was a Avid Gator Fan and loved his family and friends. He attended Unity Baptist Church.
He is survived by 1 son: Jay Daniel (Carla) of Leesburg, GA; 2 daughters: Nicole Roddenberry (Keith) of Monticello and Marsha Bass (Robert) of Greenville; One sister: Susie Stafford (Doyle) of Madison. Six Grandchildren and two Great
Grandchildren, and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Linda Davis and his parents: Woodson and Dot Daniel
Donations may be made to American Legion #224 or to the charity of your choice.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (850)973-2258.
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HAM EATING TIME IN HANSON AGAIN!
Remember those “oh-so delicious” dinners of country ham prepared by those wonderful cooks of the Hanson United Methodist Church? Well, now’s your chance, once again, to indulge in one of these scrumptious dinners.
The church is baking these delicious hams once again on Friday, May 3, to be sliced into thick slices and added to plates of potato salad, green beans, pickles, rolls, tea and dessert.
A donation of $7.00 per generous plate will be collected beginning at 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Carryouts will be available or you can dine with your family and friends in our fellowship dining room hall.
It’s Friday night. Don’t cook when you can eat a nice dinner and relax while you eat with the nicest folks around the wonderful people of Madison County. See you all there!.
Hanson United Methodist Church is located at 290 N.E. Daisy Street, seven miles north of Madison off the Colin Kelly Highway (Highway 145)
They will be looking for you!
Cash Seized
Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Tuesday the 16th day of April 2013, Sgt. Doug Haskell stopped a 2 door Volkswagen for two separate traffic violations on Interstate 10 in Madison County. The driver and sole occupant was identified as Walter Eric Holmes of Quincy, FL.
While taking enforcement actions Sgt. Haskell detected signs of deception and other indicators of possible criminal activity. After completing the enforcement actions for the traffic violations committed, Sgt. Haskell inquired of Holmes if he was transporting any drugs, weapons or large amounts of currency. Holmes stated that he was not. Sgt. Haskell asked Holmes for consent to search the Volkswagen and Holmes granted permission.
During the search Sgt. Haskell located a large amount of bundled U.S. Currency concealed inside a plastic bag containing men’s clothing. The currency was packaged in a manner indicative of drug courier’s method of transporting currency either for or from the purchase of illegal narcotics. Holmes claimed the bag and clothing but denied owning or having any knowledge of the currency discovered therein. Holmes could not provide an explanation on how the currency became wrapped in his clothing or concealed in his bag.
Holmes signed a disclaimer of ownership and the currency was seized pending further investigation.
Madison County EMS Helps With Jefferson County Crashes
On April 22, 2013 at approximately 7:30 AM, the Florida Highway Patrol investigated a series of crashes on Interstate 10 in the area of the 217 mile marker in Jefferson County. There were 4 individual crashes involving 10 vehicles including one Commercial Motor Vehicle. Traffic was affected both eastbound and westbound on Interstate 10. There were no significant injuries as a result of these crashes.
The Florida Highway Patrol was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Fire-Rescue, Jefferson County Emergency Medical Services, Leon County Emergency Medical Services, Madison County Emergency Medical Services, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
Playground Equipment at Lake France to Be Removed
The playground equipment at the Madison city park across from Lake Frances will be removed by City Public Works personnel beginning the week of April 29, 2013.
Jimmy Davis Enterprises Inc., owner of the property, has given the city a 60-day notice that it will terminate the lease between the city and Davis Enterprises regarding the property. The 60-day notice is effective April 4, 2013.
The playground equipment has been in place since approximately 1992.
The playground area will be roped off by Public Works personnel as a construction site. Access by the public will not be allowed during the removal.
The city and Davis Enterprises signed the lease in 1992. The original lease was for 10 years, and the property, according to the lease, was to be used by the city “as a children’s playground and recreation area for the general public.”
In its letter notifying the city of the lease termination, Davis Enterprises wrote: “We have been pleased to extend the time frame for an additional 11 years (beyond the original 10), however now we have decided to demolish the old warehouses on this property and incorporated the park parcel to entertain the idea of building apartments or commercial offices fronting Rutledge Street and Lake Francis.”
The letter goes on to say: “We have been proud in partnering with the City to provide this playground for our community all these years. We appreciate your understanding as we look forward to building something that will make us all proud to live here in beautiful Madison.”
Obituary: Ida Mae Selph Gerald
Mrs. Ida Mae Selph Gerald, age 87 died April 20, 2013 in Madison, Florida.
Graveside funeral services will be at 11:00 AM Monday, April 22, 2013 in the Cherry Lake Methodist Cemetery. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Rev. Benjie Dial will be officiating.
She was born in Mayo, Florida and had lived in Pell City, Alabama before moving to Madison County 25 years ago. She worked as an office manager in a doctors office for many years. She was a big NASCAR fan and loved Alabama Football. She was a member of Cherry Lake Methodist Church.
She is survived by a brother, T. M. Selph of Citrus FL, and a sister, Melba Barrs of Madison FL. several nieces and nephews, Randell Selph, Wayne Selph, Kirk Selph, Linda Williams, Ray Selph, Paul Selph, Billy Selph, Jerry Selph, Bobby Barrs and Lisa Tuten.
She was pre-deceased by her husband, Bob Gerald, and 2 brothers, Bill Selph and Paul Selph.
T. J. Beggs, Jr. & Sons of Madison, Florida in charge .(850)973-2258








