By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Madison man was arrested for disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence on Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Dollar General store in Madison. Read more
Archive for Around Madison
Unruly Customer Arrested
Man Killed In Rollover
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Madison man was killed in a traffic crash on Saturday evening, Dec. 1, at Cherry Lake Circle, 309 feet northeast of Post Road.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Jonathan Hurt, 34, was traveling west on Cherry Lake Drive in a 1984 Ford pickup. For unknown reasons, Hurt traveled onto the north grassy shoulder, struck a culvert and the truck became airborne.
The front of Hurt’s pickup landed in the westbound travel lane and exited onto the north shoulder.
The pickup overturned multiple times and came to a final rest on its roof, facing east on the north shoulder, partially in the westbound travel lane.
Madison County EMS pronounced Hurt dead at the scene.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Cherry Lake Fire and Rescue assisted the FHP at the scene.
FHP Trooper Mark Boatwright was the investigating officer.
Light Up Madison Event Schedule
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
This year’s Light Up Madison event will be held in downtown Madison this Saturday, December 1, from 4:30-8 p.m. There will be several events including a parade, a Jingle Jog, hayrides and many other activities. Read more
Cowboys Advance To State Semi-Finals
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Fingernails were bitten. People were sitting on the edge of their seats. When it was over, one side let out their collective breath, while the other side let out a collective groan. It was one of two games in 2012 that made the Madison County High School-Pensacola Catholic match-up an “instant classic,” as the Pensacola News Journal called it.
Both teams battled to a stalemate after the first quarter and the score was tied 0-0. Read more
Trail Riders To Hold Benefit Ride For Wounded Warriors
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Trail Riders of Madison County, the South Georgia Trail Riders and Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility will hold a benefit trail ride at the Hopes and Dreams Riding Facility, which is located south of Quitman, Ga., at 6300 Madison Highway, on Saturday, Dec. 1.
Hopes and Dreams is a facility dedicated to wounded warriors, veterans and their families. The mission of the facility is to restore peace to the lives and heal the unseen wounds of veterans and their families through the use of horse therapy, camaraderie and understand. Read more
Unusual Delivery: Mother Delivers Baby On Interstate
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When Josiah David Riegsecker is old, he will have a fantastic true story to tell his grandchildren. In a few years, his parents, Justin and Rebecca, will tell him the tale of his birth.
The story is like something you see on sitcoms or on reality television shows. It begins early on a Friday morning. The morning of Nov. 2 to be exact.
Rebecca Riegsecker had plans to have her baby at the Birth Cottage in Tallahassee. Read more
Farm Bureau Celebrates Farm-City Week
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Farm-City Week was celebrated with a dinner at the Farm Bureau office on Tuesday evening, Nov. 20.
The Farm City dinner began with Madison Mayor Jim Stanley signing the proclamation recognizing Farm City Week. Read more
Becky’s Dance Steps Studio Shines At DMI Competition
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Becky’s Dance Steps Studio’s competition team attended Dance Makers, Inc.’s regional convention and competition in Mobile, Ala. The competition was held Nov. 9 -11 at the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel and Convention Center. There were 19 students in total that attended the competition ranging in age from 3-19 years old. The students were helped and encouraged by their “support team” which included many family members and friends. Read more
Driver Has Plenty To Be Thankful For
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc. 
A 19-year-old has a lot to be thankful for after surviving a rollover on Interstate 10 on Monday, Nov. 19.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Almeta Powers, of Jacksonville, was traveling west on I-10 in the left travel lane, approaching mile marker 253. Read more
Doug Brown And Karen Pickles Take Part In First School Board Meeting
By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Newly elected School Superintendent Doug Brown presided over the Madison County School Board’s annual organizational meeting Nov. 20, where the board members chose Bart Alford to serve as chair for the coming year, and Fain Poppell to serve as vice chair. The board also tapped newly elected member Karen Pickles to serve as the school district’s legislative liaison. Kenny Hall agreed to serve as alternate liaison. Read more
Princess Roebuck Addresses School Board
By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When Princess Roebuck addressed the school a month ago, it was to bring to their attention an incident at Madison County Central School’s Homecoming Coronation event, where a recorded song with inappropriate material was played during part of the proceedings. She was assured that the board was aware of the incident and was looking into it.
At the Nov. 20 meeting, she again appeared before the board regarding the same incident. Read more
Kiwanis Club Poised To “Light Up Madison”
Submitted by Jerome Wyche
If you and your family are thirsty for a Christmas environment with everything that you can imagine, combining an old and new fashioned celebration, then hold on to your seats and get ready! The Kiwanis Club of Madison is poised to “Light up Madison” in a way that will be remembered by all for a time to come. This will be the second year that the Kiwanis Club has assumed the responsibility of hosting this event that promises to be bigger than it was last year. There is so much family excitement planned for Dec. 1, 2012, it is literally hard to wait for the few days to pass until it’s here. The “Light Up Madison” event will begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude at approximately 8 p.m. Project Chairperson Willy Gamalero and members of the Light Up Madison Committee began planning for this special event as early as May of this year. The purpose of the event is to afford families the chance to come out and enjoy an exciting Christmas gala without the worry of overspending, as well as recognizing the reason for the season. Because of the success from the previous year, this event has received unbelievable inquiries from citizens from surrounding counties that are anxious and waiting to attend. The committee has secured approval from the Department of Transportation to block off traffic on Highway 90 for the Christmas Parade, sponsored by Lake Park of Madison. There will be prizes for the best entries as judged by a committee of Kiwanians. As in the past, there will be over 30 custom decorated Christmas trees donated by Madison County Community Bank, with their own personalities, to be lit in a timely fashion adding to the ambience. There will be a one mile Jingle Jog, sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary, opened to all joggers. In order to secure a spot in the Jingle Jog, bring a jar of peanut butter and jelly, or a children’s book, or make a $5.00 donation for the cause. To be eligible for the “Big Prize Drawing,” you will also asked to bring a jar of peanut butter and jelly, a children’s book, or $5.00 for your chance to win. The peanut butter and jelly that is collected will be donated to a local food bank to feed the needy.The children’s books will be donated to the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. In view of one of the goals of the District President of the Florida Kiwanis, the peanut butter and jelly will help feed the body; the children’s books will help feed the mind. Becky’s Dance Steps Studio promises to electrify the event with its “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree Dance Program.” Families may choose to lounge on the courthouse lawn and watch Christmas movies, sponsored by the Tent Builders of Madison, or take and old fashioned hay ride, sponsored by Gordon Tractor and Kenny McLeod. Choirs from various community churches will belt out Christmas songs along with other offerings of entertainment. Jolly ol’ Santa and Mrs. Claus will be waiting at the Four Freedoms Park Gazebo to take memorable photographs in Winter Wonderland, sponsored by Tudor Rose Photography and Odiorne Insurance. Food vendors will be available to offer their treats of chicken and rice, hot dogs and hamburgers, cotton candy and other tasty morsels. All of the local businesses and food outlets will be open for your shopping conveniences. After the children have exhausted themselves in the bounce houses, watched movies on the courthouse lawn and experienced the real meaning of Christmas, some lucky ticket holder will win a “Power Wheels Vehicle” at the drawing to take place at the main tent of the Kiwanis Club of Madison at 8:00 PM. The Kiwanis Club of Madison will also be taking orders for its annual Citrus Sale to raise funds to award scholarships to our community youths. Any interested citizen that would like to donate a jar of peanut butter and jelly, or donate a children’s book are encouraged to do so. If you have a sincere interest to serve our communities, Kiwanis membership is open to you. Your voluntary participation will help underscore the defining statement of Kiwanis International; “Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one child and one community at a time.” Come early, bring your lawn chairs and secure your favorite spot. This is one event that you will not want to miss. See you there!
Obituary: Jesse Lee Brown
Jesse Lee Brown, age 90, died Thursday, November 8, 2012 at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday, at Beggs Funeral Home Madison Chapel with burial at Pine Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 5–7 PM.at Beggs Funeral Home.
He retired from the Bus Barn with the Madison County School System. He moved to Madison in 1951 from Highland City, Florida and was the Baptist faith.
He is survived by 1 daughter: Rose Marie Prince (Paul) of Madison; 1 sister: Dorothy Bracewell of Highland City, Fl; 2 Granddaughters: Kay Stephenson (Tony) and Jessie Prince; 3 Great Grandchildren: Davy Dempsey, Torry Stephenson, and Jarrett Stephenson.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Katie Brown and granddaughter: Angie Dempsey.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (850)973-2258.
Senior Appreciation Day Set
Seniors citizens in need of raking, yard work or minor repairs done at their homes are receiving a helping hand during Senior Appreciation Day on Saturday, Dec. 1, which is a half-day volunteer work day sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Madison County, Inc. for their elderly clients.
For individuals and groups that would like to volunteer, a planning lunch is scheduled on Wednesday, Nov. 14, at noon at the Madison County Senior Center located at 1161 SW Harvey Greene Drive, just off State Road 14 south. Please RSVP by Nov. 8 so that the number of complimentary meals can be planned by the kitchen. The phone number to call is (850) 973-4241.
Senior Appreciation Day on Dec. 1 will begin at the Madison County Senior Center with a continental breakfast at 7-8 a.m. for those who wish to gather. Groups will then break out at 8 a.m. to go to seniors’ homes throughout the county. Volunteers from churches, youth groups, clubs, civic groups and leaders of the community are needed to spearhead this special day.
Later in the evening is the 5th Annual Light Up Madison Celebration downtown on Range Street, and many seniors will have a warm glow in the hearts from services performed by kind volunteers during the day.
For further information, call the Senior Citizens Council of Madison County at (850) 973-4241.
8th Masonic District Charity Fundraiser Pistol Match
Greenville Masonic Lodge No. 28 will be holding a Charity Fundraiser for the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory. All proceeds will be donated.
When: Saturday November 10, Registration 8am, Matches begin at 9 a.m. and last until 2 p.m.
Where: Madison County Sheriff’s Firing Range located at:
1243 N.E. Palmetto St.
Pinetta, FL 32350
The pistol match will be a Police Pistol Qualifier and will require either a semi-automatic or revolver handgun, ideally 4 magazines or speedloaders and a holster. It will take 48 rounds to complete the match. Ammunition will be available to purchase at the event in popular calibers (i.e. .38spl, 9mm, 40S&W, and .45acp) by Seminole Armaments, LLC.
Any minors that wish to shoot must have a legal guardian present, and if they do not have their own firearm, a .22lr handgun and ammo will be provided at no additional cost.
For course of fire information, please go to:
http://www.opsc-ppc.com/index_files/Page844.html review PPC 48 Round Combat Course.
Please join us for a great time and to support a great cause! Only a $20 donation for adults, $10 for minors or if you wish to shoot a second time.
Avon and Bake Sale To Raise Money For Church
An Avon and Bake Sale will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at 3282 NE Colin Kelly Highway from 8 a.m-4 p.m. to raise money for an air conditioning unit for Jeslamb A.M.E. Church. Go out and support this worthy cause.
Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony Set For Nov. 18
According to Hospital Administrator David Abercrombie, the hospital groundbreaking ceremony is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the site of the new hospital (the old Madison High property near NFCC). Everyone is invited to attend. It was changed from the Nov. 4 date due to schedule conflicts.
FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFERS TIPS TO MAKE THIS HALLOWEEN SAFE
~ Giggling ghosts and winsome witches will be visiting ~
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As we prepare for the excitement of Halloween, motorists should be particularly mindful that children will be out trick-or-treating Wednesday evening. We all need to do our part to make this a safe, memorable Halloween for everyone.
The Florida Highway Patrol offers these useful tips for drivers and parents:
DRIVERS
· Stay alert. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will increase in many neighborhoods on Halloween.
· Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters who may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.
· Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
· Be patient and slow down. Give children lots of time to cross the street. Their costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you and to get out of your way quickly.
· Remember that children will be excited and may forget to “stop, look and listen” before they cross the street.
PARENTS
· Talk to your child about looking both ways before crossing the street.
· Purchase or make costumes that are light colored and clearly visible to motorists.
· Decorate (and get the kids to help) or trim costumes, goody bags and other containers with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
· Make sure costumes are short enough so they do not cause children to trip or fall.
· Children should wear well-fit, sturdy shoes.
· Masks should not impair a child’s hearing or field of vision. If necessary, enlarge ear and eyeholes or use makeup to create special effects.
· Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over your child’s eyes.
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 or follow us on Twitter @FDHSMV. You can find us on Facebook, too.
Lee Woman a Big Winner; Lands a $10,000 Vacation at fred’s Super Dollar
MEMPHIS, Tennessee (October 26, 2012)– Synthia Aaron, a long-time resident of Lee, Florida, and a relative of baseball great Hank Aaron, hit a home run of her own this month by winning a $10,000 vacation from fred’s Super Dollar.
Aaron won the prize playing fred’s “Explore The Store” collect-and-win game currently taking place at participating fred’s Super Dollar stores. The vacation is one of more than $2 million worth of prizes, including a Ford F-150 Pickup, a Ford Mustang, $10,000 family vacations and even two cash prizes of $150,000 each.
“I was at home after work and was going through the game pieces with my grandson, A.J.,” Aaron recalled. “At first I couldn’t believe it, but I finally realized I had won. I told A.J. we had to get to Fred’s and show them. He’d never in his life seen me get dressed so fast.”
Aaron and 12-year-old A.J. quickly made the six-mile drive to the fred’s Super Dollar in nearby Madison, Florida, where the store manager checked her game board. Indeed, the $10,000 vacation was hers.
Store visitors can play the game through November 4, 2012, or until all game tickets have been distributed. Thousands of gift cards, free products and money-saving discount coupons also are available to shoppers as part of the game.
Aaron, 49, who works from 6 am to 3 pm at a 24-hour restaurant in Madison, decided to trade the vacation for cash.
“I’ve got three kids and 13 grandchildren and this money is a lifesaver,” said Aaron, whose mother’s side of the family is related to the Atlanta Braves’ Hall of Famer and home run king Hank Aaron. “With the holidays near, this couldn’t have come at a better time.”
On Friday (October 26) Aaron was presented her check at the fred’s Super Dollar at 935 East Highway 90 in Madison.
“We congratulate Synthia,” said Ursula Roman, marketing director for fred’s Super Dollar. “We’re very pleased that our customers are having so much fun playing the ‘Explore the Store” game. All those smiles really are a reward for us. It underscores our motto, ‘A smile on every customer’s face.’”
Shoppers can pick up an “Explore the Store Collect & Win” game board at a participating fred’s Super Dollar. They can then attach the various game markers found inside their game tickets to the appropriate prize grids on the board. When a prize grid is complete with the matching game markers, the customer wins the prize pictured on that particular prize grid. All the game marker spaces in a particular prize grid on the board must be matched and completed in order to win the prize represented in that prize grid.
“It’s easy. The more you visit a participating fred’s Super Dollar, the more game tickets you can collect,” said Roman, who pointed out that shoppers also receive either a
25-cent discount coupon or a free product coupon inside each game ticket.
The Official Rules and Odds Chart are posted at every participating fred’s Super Dollar store and also available at fred’s website, www.fredsinc.com.
fred’s Super Dollar is a convenient shopping destination during the upcoming holiday season, with a wide variety of products, including home décor, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, party supplies, and grocery items. fred’s Super Dollar is famous for its everyday low prices; with more than 2,200 items for just $1.
fred’s Super Dollar offers a variety of products that their customers need most, and is proud to offer these products at the lowest prices, every day.
About fred’s
fred’s Super Dollar operates more than 700 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised fred’s stores in 15 states in the Southeastern United States. For more store and company information, visit fred’s website at www.fredsinc.com. fred’s also operates 339 pharmacies with cost-saving offers on prescriptions. For a list of pharmacies in your area, visit www.fredsmeds.com .
USDA Approves Grant For New Hospital
By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County Memorial Hospital CEO David Abercrombie had just gotten the good news when he announced at the Rotary Club Wednesday, Oct. 24, that the USDA had just approved the long-applied-for grant money to build the new hospital.
Read more
