Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Bellville Bridge has been re-opened for travel.
Archive for Around Madison
Buddy Liles To Appear In Concert In Madison
Buddy Liles will appear in concert on Saturday, March 9, at 7 p.m. at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Opry Hall.
According to his website: Buddy accepted the Lord at a young age in Newport, Kentucky. He states: “I depend on the Lord in all that I do,” Psalms 37:4, 5.
Buddy’s barritone/bass interpretation of many songs have thrilled and warmed hearts across America. His first “full time” singing job was with the Orrell Quartet of Detroit, Michigan in 1963. From 1966 to 1968 he sang with the Landmark Quartet out of the Landmark Baptist Temple of Cincinnati, Ohio. Buddy was a member of the Florida Boys Quartet for more than 25 years, performing on the “Gospel Singing Jubilee” many years, and singing on over twenty “Singing” and “Preaching” cruises by Templeton Tours.
Buddy was the recipient of the prestigious MARVIN NORCROSS AWARD at the National Quartet Convention in 1995, known as one of the most honorable awards in Gospel music. . He also received the FAVORITE BASS AWARD given by the “Singing News” Magazine. He has appeared on many of the BILL GAITHER VIDEOS, singing a solo on the “Sing Your Blues Away” Video. He sang at a Congressional Breakfast in Washington D.C., and appeared on Nashville Now, Nashville Prime Time, and The Today Show from New York and has toured Israel with Gospel Concerts of California. Buddy was also inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Buddy is now a solo ministry and is scheduling concerts, revivals, camp meetings and special services.
The Opry Hall is located in Jellystone Campground, just off Old St. Augustine Road, just south of Interstate, Exit 258, in Madison.
A love offering will be received.
Cowboy Nights All You Can Eat Dessert Concert Set for March 15
The Madison County High School Jazz Band, the Cowboy Nights, would like to announce their annual “All You Can Eat Dessert Concert” for 2013. The concert will be held Friday night, March 15th at 7:00pm in the Madison County High School gym. The Nights will be performing from a variety of jazz genres including blues, swing, Latin and popular music. The special guest artists will include: Shelly Smith, Lynne Sapp, and Jay Hicks. There will also be a trombone duet featuring Mark Branham and Gabe Krell. Student members of the Nights include: Lyric Davis, Taylor Sever, Jesse Smith, Courtney Bailey, Adam Kalinowski, William Terry, Cullen Gudz, Joshua Stafford, Kammeron Joseph, Victor Perez, Tyler Belinski, Jorge Tojeiro, Casey Phillips, Cheyenne Sheffield, Jessica Ross, Kaitlyn Farnell, Jamarian Robinson, William Reaves, Roxanna Whitman, and Kyle Courtney.
The concert this year will also serve as the premier performance for the new Madison County High School Chorus. This group of young people will be performing for the very first time after an absence in the vocal arts at MCHS for over ten years.
Tickets are available for $5.00 through March 14th and will be $6.00 at the door. You may order tickets at geoff.hill@madisonmail.us or call 850.973.5753.
Deputies Recognized
The officers recognized were as follows: Corporal Jarrod Lauth, Deputy David Myers and Deputy Odell Livingston. Livingston also was recognized for his highest level of enforcement activity concerning motor vehicle occupant safety.
Sheriff Stewart further reports that the “Click it or Ticket” Campaign starts Friday the 1st day of March 2013 and continues through Sunday the 16th day of March 2013. Sheriff Stewart encourages all motorists to wear their seat belt and have their children properly restrained in accordance with Florida law.
Greene Publishing and Interpress Studios Are Looking For Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Greene Publishing, Inc. and Interpress Studios are looking for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Interpress Studios will be in Madison from 2:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, to take photos of those leaders. All parents who want their children to be featured in this should call Emerald Greene at (850) 973-4141 or (850) 464-0865 to set up appointments to have the photos taken.
The photos will be taken at the Masonic Lodge on Rutledge Street.
Each child who has his or her photo taken will be featured in the newspaper spread for free at a later date. Each parent will also have a chance to purchase photo packets.
Area Rivers Continue to Rise as Georgia Rivers Crest
LIVE OAK, FL, February 28, 2013 – Most river gages on Georgia tributaries to the Suwannee River are cresting after back-to-back storms earlier in February. As the peak flows approach Florida, river forecasts are showing a potential for higher stages on the Withlacoochee, Alapaha, middle Suwannee, and Santa Fe rivers than earlier forecasts indicated. The rainfall distribution was similar to storms in March and April of 2009, which caused record floods on the Alapaha and Withlacoochee Rivers. The recent rains were less widespread and intense, resulting in lower expected stages than the historic 2009 flood. However, the forecast crest at the Withlacoochee near Pinetta could be higher than other recent floods, including ones in 2008 and 2003. The crest forecast for Pinetta called for moderate flooding at 3 feet above flood stage by Saturday March 2. The Alapaha River at Statenville is expected to rise another 5 feet by mid-week, to nearly 3 feet above flood stage. Similar stages were seen during a February 2010 flood. Downstream on the Suwannee, the river at Ellaville could crest at least 2 feet above flood stage starting late Monday March 4. As the crest makes its way downstream, people on the lower Santa Fe River could see the river rise above flood stage by Tuesday. River forecasts are issued by the National Weather Service Southeast River Forecast Center near Atlanta as needed during times of flooding. Forecasts and river levels can be found at www.mysuwanneeriver.com and on the District’s automated river level line at 386-362-6626 or 1-800-604-2272 (toll-free in Florida). People with property along the rivers are advised to check the forecasts frequently. Rainfall totals over the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the headwaters of the upper Suwannee River, were much lower than in 2009. Conditions at the Suwannee River around White Springs are average for this time of year and suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
Additional Rainfall in Georgia Will Cause Further Rises in Some Area Rivers
Submitted
An additional 6-10” of rainfall fell in the Withlacoochee and Alapaha river basins in the last 5 days, resulting in the potential for flooding on those rivers and further rises on the Suwannee River.
The Alapaha and Withlacoochee Rivers are major tributaries of the Suwannee River. More than half of the watershed contributing to the Suwannee River lies in Georgia. In March and April of 2009, more than 16” of rain fell in Georgia over 10 days, causing major flooding downstream in north Florida. The recent storms were generally not as intense as 2009, and flooding of the severity seen in 2009 in Florida is not expected.
River forecasts are issued by the Southeast River Forecast Center near Atlanta. The Withlacoochee River near Pinetta is expected to crest below flood stage early next week, while the Alapaha River near Statenville should crest near flood stage this weekend .The Suwannee River at Ellaville, downstream of where both rivers flow into Suwannee, is expected to rise at least another 10 feet in the next week, but a rise above flood stage on the Suwannee is not expected at this time. In the longer term, the rising Suwannee should cause the Santa Fe River to back up, as it did in 2008 and 2009. The forecast for the Santa Fe River at Three Rivers Estates calls for a crest below flood stage next week.
Megan Wetherington, the Suwannee River Water Management District’s hydrologist, said that while severe flooding is not expected, people with interests on the Withlacoochee, Alapaha, and Suwannee rivers should monitor forecasts closely for the next several days.
“The intensity and timing of local rainfall between river gages can cause unforeseen impacts. It’s best to wait a few days to see how the Georgia gages crest before letting your guard down. Every flood is different,” Wetherington said. “It takes 8 to 10 days for the crest to travel from the Georgia border to Branford, so people farther down the Suwannee have time to watch and make decisions as the forecasts become more definitive.”
Locally, 4 -6” fell in Madison, Hamilton, and Suwannee counties. This rainfall will not impact the rivers significantly, but will improve aquifer conditions. Conditions on the upper Suwannee around White Springs will continue to improve, after falling to extremely low levels in the last month.
Elsewhere, the Aucilla River in Madison and Jefferson counties also received more than 6” of rain. Minor flooding is expected, with a crest above flood stage later this week.
The District provides daily flood forecasts to the public. Visit the District’s webpage www.mysuwanneeriver.com and look for Flooding Information & Updates.
NWTF Banquet Set For Saturday
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The National Wild Turkey Federation Banquet is set for Saturday evening, Feb. 23, at Madison County Central School. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the banquet.
Tickets are available for $60 for a single ticket; $100 for couples; $275, which includes being a sponsor, tickets, which includes a meal and one of only 800 turkey prints; or $310, which includes two meals and two memberships; Jakes tickets, 6 and under, $15; over six up to 17, $25.
Tickets are available at the door or from any member of the NWTF.
Knights of Columbus Selling Fish Dinners
The Knights of Columbus will be offering a fish dinner consisting of fried or grilled fish (Alaskan Pollock), hush puppies, coleslaw, dessert and tea or water.
Friday, March 1st from 10:30 a.m. till ? at the courthouse lawn.
Price will be $8.00 per dinner.
Tickets can be purchase from any Knight or at the event.
We are raising funds to help support Knights of Columbus Charitable Activities in Madison County
Thank you for your support.
Greene Publishing and Interpress Studios Are Looking For Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Greene Publishing, Inc. and Interpress Studios are looking for Tomorrow’s Leaders.
Interpress Studios will be in Madison from 2:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, to take photos of those leaders. All parents who want their children to be featured in this should call Emerald Greene at (850) 973-4141 or (850) 464-0865 to set up appointments to have the photos taken.
The photos will be taken at the Masonic Lodge on Rutledge Street.
Each child who has his or her photo taken will be featured in the newspaper spread for free at a later date. Each parent will also have a chance to purchase photo packets.
Way Back When
February 19, 1943
The Lee school building was burned down early Monday morning between four and five o’clock.
Pvt. J.C. Kinsey was painfully and very seriously injured last Friday afternoon at Camp Butner, N.C. While taking a .30-caliber machine gun apart, a compressed spring flew out, striking him in the right eye.
All volunteer workers who can, please meet at the Madison High School Auditorium Friday afternoon at 5 o’clock to go through the procedure of point rationing.
A surplus Army egg-buying depot has been opened in the store buildings in back of John Henry Plant’s store, beginning this Saturday.
February 13, 1953
B.L. McLane was recently given a safe driving award by his employer, American Bakeries Company.
Members of St. Mary’s Episcopal enjoyed a parish supper last Thursday in the new Parish House.
Mrs. R.C. Horne was a visitor at White Springs Friday at the Stephen Foster Memorial.
More than two-and-a-half inches of rain fell here last Friday and Saturday night, bringing the rainfall for the first week in February up to more than that for the month of January.
February 15, 1963
The Madison Red Devil basketball team defeated Florida High Saturday night to become champions of the North Florida Conference.
Dr. and Mrs. T.H. Callahan had as weekend guests Mr. and Mrs. William Robison.
Bob and Beanie Searcy have sold the 40-acre farm of Mr. and Mrs. George T. Goodridge close to Driggers Crossing on Highway 6 to Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Dennis, Sr.
Miss Elizabeth Mays of Monticello is the guest this week of Mrs. Emy Howerton and Mr. C.B. Kelly.
February 16, 1973
Three inches of snow falls and blankets the ground in Madison County on Feb. 10, 1973.
The Madison High Cougars basketball team travels to Greenville to play the Pirates at 6:30 tonight.
Madison High School’s 1973 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow is Rachel Ann Hughey.
Bright Side shampoo, 2 for $1 and Colgate Instate Shave, 2 for $1 at the Van H. Priest Company.
City of Madison Meeting Agenda for Feb. 12, 2013
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Items Removed from Consent Agenda
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
(a) Minutes of January 8, 2013
(b) Fire Report
(c) Police Report for December and January
(d) Financial Report
(e) Use of Forfeiture Funds to Purchase Mobile Data Terminals for Police Vehicles
(f) Third Circuit Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Agreement
(g) Application for Florida Municipal Insurance Trust Matching Safety Grant
(h) Resolution of Support for Restoration of Passenger Rail Service New Orleans to Jacksonville
(i) Declaration of Surplus Property (1998 Chevrolet Model 3500 Truck) and Donation of Same Property to the Madison Correctional Institution
(j) Property Agreement with Corporate Graphics
(k) Revision to City of Madison Property Transfer to Madison First Baptist Church
5. Citizen’s Participation (6:00 p.m.)
6. Acceptance of a Resolution from the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council Recognizing the 175th Anniversary of the City of Madison (Martha Orthoefer, North Central Florida Regional Planning Council)
7. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Course of Action Regarding the City’s Housing Renovation / Community Development Block Grant (Martha Orthoefer, North Central Florida Regional Planning Council)
8. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Course of Action Regarding City Property and a Proposed New Business (Chuck Hitchcock, Community Development Director)
9. Discussion of Use of Golf Carts on State-Owned Roadways (Police Chief Gary Calhoun)
10. Discussion of Sign Regulations within the City of Madison’s Land Development Regulations (City Manager)
11. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Resolution Regarding Water/Wastewater Impact Fees (City Manager)
12. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Course of Action Regarding Purchase of Properties Comprised of 31.690 Acres of Vacant Land at Southeast Byrd Avenue (Parcel ID 27-1N-09-4308-001-000) and 18.1 Acres of Vacant Land at Southeast Byrd Avenue (Parcel ID 27-1N-09-4308-000-000) (City Manager)
13. City Manager’s Report
14. Other Items of Interest to the Commission
15. Adjourn
All times on the agenda are approximate.
Any person who decides to appeal any decision made by the commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, he or she may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON STRUCTURE FIRE IN MADISON COUNTY
Photos and text submitted by Pat Lightcap
In the midafternoon of Sunday, February 10, 2013 Madison County 911 Center received a report of a structure fire at 412 Sampala Lake Road. Madison Fire/Rescue was first on-scene and reported the sturcture was fully involved. Additional help was requested from New Home Fire/Rescue and Greenville Fire/Rescue. Because the fire had spread to an open field the Division of Forestry was requested. Tri-County Electric and Progress Energy responded to secure the electrical lines. Madison County Sheriff’s Deputies were on scene as well as Madison County EMS. The American Red Cross was notified to assess the needs of any residents. The State Fire Marshall’s office was also notified. No injuries were reported as of the writing of this article at 4:50 PM.
Miss Madison County Pageant and Tots to Tween Pageant Now Accepting Applications
Submitted by Toni Blanton, Pageant Director
Applications for the annual Miss Madison County Pageant are now available at Becky’s Dance Steps Studio, located at 438 E Base Street in Madison. New age divisions are being created this year! Ages are as followed; 0-11 months boys and girls, 12-23 months boys and girls, 2-3 years boys and girls, 4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years,
10-12 years, 13-15 will have the chance to compete for the title of Teen Miss Madison County 2013.
Contestants who are between the ages of 16 to 24 years old will have the opportunity to compete for the coveted title of Miss Madison County 2013, along with a chance to when a $1500 scholarship to attend North Florida Community College. As a way to get more young ladies involved within our community, a new category this year will be added. The title of Ms. /Mrs. Madison County is for any lady that is married, single, divorced or with children.
With the incredible success of last year’s Mr. and Miss Heart of Madison Program, we are pleased to announce once again that anyone who wishes to participate can do so without having to enter the actual pageant. This program raised a grand total that surpassed one thousand dollars for our Miss Madison scholarship fund which in return aided last year’s Miss Madison, Ashley Killingsworth. Since this program holds such a prestigious title everyone that participates and completes the requirements will walk away with a beautiful crown and sash.
The pageant is set for Saturday, April 13th at 10:00a.m. & 6:00p.m. The event will take place at Van H. Priest Auditorium located at North Florida Community College, who is also a co-sponsor to this event. Also, make sure to come out to the 6:00p.m. show to catch WCTV’S favorite weatherman, Mr. Rob Nucatola, who is always a crowd favorite!
Applications may be picked up at Becky’s Dance Steps Studio. Enter today and receive a discount on your entry fee! The deadline for the discounted rate is March 8th. Be sure to submit applications early as spaces are limited!
For more information feel free to contact:
Toni Blanton Norris at (850) 253-5394 or email: madisonpageants@aol.com. Checkout madisonpageants on Facebook!
Way Back When
February 12, 1943
Prof. Carl E. Rude, principal of Madison High School, and the High School Athletic Association, generously donated to the Library Association $5.00, with the request that it be used for the purchase of new books or any other way that the Library Association sees fit.
Mrs. J.H. Sale of Cherry Lake brought to the newspaper last week a half dime minted in 1842.
Dr. E.D. Tharp spent the past 10 days as a business visitor to Defuniak Springs.
Col. C.B. Marshall was a visitor to the city last week, visiting his brother-in-law and sister, Dr. and Mrs. J.E. Ellis.
February 6. 1953
Prof. A.J. Hargrove is confined to his bed with illness this week.
The dental trailer from the State Board of Health stopped at the elementary school in Greenville. According to Dr. A.W. Peterson, dentist, 152 children had their teeth examined. This included in the first three grades.
Jimbo Bell is at home on a 35-day furlough. He has been stationed in Pensacola.
The District Seminar of the Methodist WSCS will be held in Monticello on Feb. 12.
February 8, 1963
The Florida Power Corporation in Madison County will have an outage of electricity Sunday, Feb. 10, between 2 and 4 p.m. for repairs to the sub-station.
Service will be interrupted to those Tri-County Electric Co-op members east of Madison, including the area around Pinetta, Lee and south of Lee, from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10.
Miss Toni Jean Wells of FSU was a visitor at her home here Sunday.
Alex H. Smith and sons, Jimmy and Zet, spent the weekend at their Fernandina Beach home.
February 9, 1973
Henry Fead is in the jailhouse on a murder charge and Emma Tucker, 19, is dead of a bullet to her brain as the result of a family squabble in Greenville Sunday.
Bob and Beanie Searcy spent an all-expenses paid weekend in Freeport in the Bahamas, guests of United Farm Agency. Mr. and Mrs. Searcy are members of the President’s Round Table, one of the top classifications of company salesmen.
Gay Swift, son of Mr. and Mrs. Red Swift, is being treated in the Key West Naval Hospital for a serious eye injury, caused when an electric drill struck him in the eye. He has lost virtually the entire sight of the eye, Mr. Swift reported. Young Swift will be given a medical discharge from the Coast Guard.
Two men, ages 20 and 22, were jailed and charged with murder in the shooting of Highway Patrol Trooper C.W. Parks, husband of the former Carolyn Davis of Madison. Parks was shot as he attempted to arrest the men in connection with the robbery of a Woodbine, Ga., loan office. He was left dead in the ditch alongside I-95. A passing motorist who witnessed the killing gave the alarm over the trooper’s radio and the two men were picked up shortly thereafter.
Jeff & Sheri Easter and the Bowlings to Appear in Madison
The music of Jeff & Sheri Easter and Mike and Kelly Bowling will touch hearts in Madison on Feb. 8.
Jeff & Sheri Easter will bring their ministry to Yogi Bear’s Jelly Stone Park at 1051 SW Old St. Augustine Road, on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at 7 p.m. in a special concert. The Bowlings will also appear. Admission for the event is $10 and a love offering will be received.
Two-time GRAMMY ® nominees Jeff & Sheri have a unique musical legacy that reaches out from Southern musical sounds of Appalachia Mountains of North Carolina and the Piedmont of Georgia within them. Jeff is the son of James, one of North Carolina’s Easter Brothers and Sheri the daughter of Polly from the three-time music hall of fame inductee The Lewis Family.
“Jeff and I both appreciate the heritage of gospel music we have in our respective families, and we choose to honor that legacy,” Sheri said.
One of Sheri’s latest projects – the book “Hear My Heart,” is a reflection of her life as a mother, daughter, wife, and friend as she shares journal entries, stories, quotes and blogs to inspire readers.
After a battle with breast cancer in 2008, Sheri is now even more passionate about the hope her music offers.
“I am more assured today after three and a-half years as a survivor, that God has a purpose for my life to encourage the lives of others through our music,” Sheri said. “I’ve celebrated with other friends who have heard the words ‘cancer free’ and I’ve mourned the loss of those who battled, then rested in the arms of Jesus.
“When you get the call, your world stops, and you know your life is changed. I am thankful that I had a wonderful support system of my family and all our wonderful friends throughout the country and the world,” Sheri said. “ I know all our fans can help make the difference in the lives of others who are facing breast cancer.”
The group has won two Grammy nominations, six GMA Dove Awards, 15 Singing News Fan Awards, three Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association Awards, two International Country Gospel Music Association honors, 16 Voice Awards, seven AGM Ovation Awards, four Southern Gospel Music Fan Fair Awards, five SGN Scoops Diamond Awards, four Hearts Aflame Awards and three Cash Box Awards.
“We are greatly honored by the way the people who care about our music continue to recognize what we are doing through these awards,” Sheri said. “The greatest gifts however we receive are the wonderful stories that many share with us along our path as how our music has changed their lives to look to Christ in times of trouble and joy.”
Among their best known hits are “Thread of Hope,” “Roses Will Bloom Again,” “Speak to the Mountain” “Praise His Name,” and “Born to Climb.” They are regulars of the Gaither Homecoming video series and tours, sharing their music on over 15 million videos sold.
Jeff & Sheri’s performances include the contributions of their three children Madison, Morgan and Maura Easter daughter-in-law Shannon and drummer Landan Smith as they share a love of Jesus through their music and uplifting experiences of life on stage. The Easter children each add dimensions to the show – vocally, musically and even with uplifting comedy.
Their latest CD “ Eyes Wide Open” from SpringHill Records, is available from iTunes and retail stores.
Among the titles on the project are “I Know How It Feels To Survive, ” “Love Is,” “Anything But Happy,” “I Wonder If He Ever Cries,” “It Must Have Been You,” “Sitting On Top Of The World,” “I’ll Take It,” “A Little Bit of Sunshine,” “A Good Old Gospel Song,” “Standing Here Wondering,” “There Is A Purpose,” and “I Won’t Have To Worry.”
