Archive for February 2011

3rd Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission Application Deadline Extended

February 28, 2011 Crime Comments Off

Judicial Nominating Commissions: Deadline extended for the 3rd Circuit for one lawyer vacancy. The Florida Bar must nominate three lawyers for each Judicial Nominating Commission to the Governor for his appointment. Each appointee will serve a four-year term, commencing July 1, 2011. Applicants must be engaged in the practice of law and a resident of the territorial jurisdiction served by the commission to which the member is applying. Applicants must comply with state financial disclosure laws. Commissioners are not eligible for state judicial office for vacancies filled by the JNC on which they sit for 2 years following completion of their 4-year term.

Applications must be received by mail, e-mail, kwilson@flabar.org, or fax, (850) 561-9405 no later than 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 7, 2011, in the Executive Director’s office of The Florida Bar. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. Screening committees of the Board of Governors will review all JNC applications. The Executive Committee will then make recommendations to the Board of Governors.

Persons interested in applying for any of these vacancies may download the proper application form (there is a specific JNC application) from the Bar’s website, www.floridabar.org, or should call Bar headquarters at (850) 561-5757, to obtain the application. Completed applications must be received by the Executive Director, The Florida Bar, 651 E. Jefferson St., Tallahassee, FL 32399-2300, by the extended deadline of March 7, 2011.

Share

Last World War I Survivor Dies

February 28, 2011 Uncategorized Comments Off

Share

Help For Livestock Producers Who Suffered Winter Losses

February 28, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page, Outdoors Comments Off

Gainesville, FL – February 28, 2011 — Tim Manning , State Executive Director for the Florida USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), announced that permanent disaster assistance programs created in the 2008 Farm Bill allow FSA to offer relief to producers affected by adverse weather.

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides livestock producers with benefits for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP) provides emergency assistance to producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish that have losses due to disease, adverse weather or other conditions, including blizzards and wildfires. For livestock producers, ELAP assistance may be available for feed losses due to a major weather event. ELAP benefits paid are based on FSA’s calculation of the value of feed lost compared to the feed needs of the livestock during the disaster period. Producers should document any additional costs associated with transporting feed to livestock.

“Many farmers and ranchers have faced a rough winter, and they need to know FSA has programs that offer relief when they need it most,” said Manning. “For LIP benefits, producers should document the number and kind of livestock that died due to the winter storms and notify our office as soon as possible,” he said.

To meet eligibility requirements under LIP, producers must file a notice of loss within 30 days from when the loss is apparent to the producer. It is also important that the verification of death loss is verified by an unrelated third party.

Another disaster assistance program available to livestock producers is the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) which provides financial assistance to producers who suffer grazing losses due to drought or fire. LFP requires that producers obtain a policy or plan of insurance for the grazed forage crop under the Federal Crop Insurance Act (FCIA) or file the required paperwork and pay the administrative fee by the applicable state application closing date for the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP).

“Although we don’t often think of drought and snow in the same context, it is very possible that both weather conditions are occurring at the same time and LFP is available to help alleviate the financial strain caused by drought, “said Manning.

Manning stressed that applications received for any of the livestock disaster assistance programs are considered on a case-by-case basis and producers should be prepared to provide required information to determine eligibility and applicable benefits.

Producers who have questions regarding livestock disaster assistance program eligibility and the application process should contact your County FSA office or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.

Share

Task Force Arrests Two On Crack Cocaine Charges

February 28, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that The Madison County Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force has conducted investigations over the past several months concerning the sell and possession of controlled substances.
On Thursday the 24 day of February 2011, Anthony “Tony” West, of Madison Florida was arrested for six (6) counts of the sale of crack cocaine and one (1) within 1000 feet of a church.
Also on Thursday the 24th day of February 2011, Nathaniel Pride, of Madison Florida was arrested for one (1) count of sale of crack cocaine, one (1) count of possession of crack cocaine and one (1) count of possession of marijuana also within 1000 feet of a church.
The Sheriff’s Office Drug Task Force reports that as a result of the recent investigations there are additional arrest pending.

Share

Woman Critically Injured

February 28, 2011 Front Page One comment
PAM_2211

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

            A woman was critically injured in a one-car accident at the intersection of NE State Road 6 and NE Old Blue Springs Road Thursday evening, Feb. 24.

            According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Katherine G. Coker, 41, of Santa Rosa Beach, was eastbound on NE State Road 6, when she abruptly steered left.

            Coker lost control of her 2001 Dodge, went off the roadway and onto the north grass shoulder of NE State Road 6. The car overturned three times, ejecting the driver out of the vehicle.

            Coker was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by Madison County EMS.

            Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Whitfield and Reserve Deputy Franklin Kramer assisted FHP with the traffic crash.

            FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

Share

NFCC offers NEW Basic Mathematics Redesign Course

February 25, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off

MADISON, FL –North Florida Community College is offering a new Basic Mathematics Redesign course, which is already becoming popular among NFCC students. The new computer-based course offers student’s self-paced learning through web-assisted software called MyMathLab. NFCC was one of five colleges in Florida to receive funding from the state through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fund the redesign project.
NFCC’s Basic Mathematics course was redesigned using student-centered coursework, which incorporates new teaching strategies, technology, tutoring, and individual and group learning. Basic Mathematics is a refresher to refine and develop basic mathematical skills. The course provides instruction and practice in computation involving the following: arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions and decimals, ratio and proportion, operations with integers and percents and applications of all of the previous.
The goal of the redesign is to encourage students to take an active role in their own learning; giving them freedom to learn at their own pace through activities most suited to their particular learning styles. The redesign is based upon NCAT’s Emporium Model of instruction, replacing classroom lectures with a learning resource center model featuring interactive computer software and on-demand personal assistance from faculty and peer tutors. NFCC’s Learning Resource Center is available five days per week and staffed with peer tutors for a wide range of hours allowing students to work at their convenience.
Students looking to enroll in NFCC’s Basic Mathematics Redesign course must get the instructor’s approval prior to registration. For more information, contact NFCC Redesign Course Coordinator and Instructor Efrain Bonilla at (850) 973-1718 or bonillae@nfcc.edu.

Share

Madison County Commission Agenda

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Agenda 3.02.11 1

Share

NFCC Presents Community Production “A Plot of Murder”

February 25, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

NFCC presents the community theatre production, A Plot of Murder, March 4-5. A hilarious Murder Mystery by Lee Mueller featuring The Sentinel Upstage Players of North Florida Community College. It all begins at Fleur Estates Neighborhood Association meeting – featuring a conspiracy theorist, curious neighbors, & an Elvis impersonator among other hilarious characters. But before Elvis can leave the building, he turns up dead. Special Secret Agent McManshon is quick to arrive. It seems he knows a lot about this plot of murder, but unfortunately, it’s a secret. For now…
Help solve the mystery March 4-5 while enjoying an evening of community theatre at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, contact Denise Bell at (850) 973-9481 or belld@nfcc.edu.

Share

Livestock Show Highlights

February 25, 2011 Front Page One comment
Four-year-old Lexi Cook catches a pig during the Pee Wee Scramble at the North Florida Livestock Show on Tuesday night.

Four-year-old Lexi Cook catches a pig during the Pee Wee Scramble at the North Florida Livestock Show on Tuesday night.

Dillan Moore catches a steer in a headlock and prepares to put a halter on him to be declared the winner in his calf scramble division.

Steven Walden rolls a pig over during the pig scramble at the North Florida Livestock Show on Tuesday evening.

Share

The Internet Is Forever: Part 7 In A Series

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Technology Is Amazing

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Technology changes everyday. Last year, hardly anyone had heard of tablets but now they are everywhere, with iPads and book readers, such as the Kindle and the Nook. This writer had thought he would never love reading anything as good as a book until he purchased his Kindle. Technology has taken hold of us in its death grip. It affects everything, including education, the cars we ride and, yes, even the newspaper.
A few years ago, newspapers had to work hard to get editorial content, including written stories and photographs. They had to get it to the printer on time so that the next issue could be published. It was deadlines, deadlines, deadlines.
These days, journalists and their publishers have to worry not only about a print edition, but also their web site. There’s a demand for breaking news stories to be posted as soon (and in some cases, before) they are ever written. Blog sites used by newspapers, and TV news crews, such as WordPress and Blogger, allow a person to post a few words about what is happening at that very moment. Social networking sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, also allow reporters to print up-to-date information.
Newspapers now find themselves competing with not only print media, but with broadcast media as well. Smartphones and digital cameras now allow newspaper web sites to have the ability to broadcast live on the scene coverage, as well as archive footage for a later airing.
In the near future, newspapers will be able to put their websites on other media. Already, Greene Publishing’s website (www.greenepublishing.com) is enabled for mobile devices, such as cell phones. In the near future, folks will be able to scroll through their newspapers using the remote control on their TV set. Instead of photos accompanying the stories, many will have videos embedded in them.
The future of technology is brighter than ever and remember, the Internet is forever.
Right now, however, enjoy holding this newspaper in your hands and sitting back in your favorite chair to read it.

Share

MCFEE Holding “Sale-Ing” For Scholars

February 25, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education (MCFEE) is having its “Sale-ing for Scholars” event on March 5, 2011, at O’Neals, from 8 a.m. until noon. MCFEE is trying to raise additional funds to support its programs, such as Mentoring, Scholarships, and the Teacher of the Year awards program. They are stil looking for donations of saleable items. Christi Annett can be contacted @ 971-5433 to accept and arrange for pickup of donations (tax deductible).

Share

Third Annual Charity Bass Fishing Tourney Set

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Clint Minter’s Friends and Family team and the Hopewell Baptist Church team are hosting the Third Annual Charity Bass Fishing Tournament. Proceeds will benefit the Relay for Life of Madison.
Registration for the fishing tournament will begin on Saturday, March 12, at 6 a.m. at Cherry Lake. Registration cost is $30 per person. Lunch is included.
The launch for the fishermen and fisherwomen is set for 7 a.m.

The weigh-in will be held at 1 p.m.
There will be a 25 percent payout to all who win or place in the tournament and the American Cancer Society will receive 75 percent of the payout.
For more information, please call Adam Sampson at (813) 267-7510 or email him at asampson@aol.com.
Happy fishing!

Share

Four Injured In Greenville Crash

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Fran Hunt
Special to Greene Publishing, Inc.
Four Monticello residents, including two children, were injured in a two-vehicle crash west of Greenville Tuesday night.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Tametra Crumity, 28, of Monticello, was driving a 2003 Ford SUV, traveling west on US-90 west of Greenville, at 10:30 p.m. February 22. In the front seat as a passenger was Michael Crumity, 29, of Monticello and as passengers in the back were a three-year old and nine-year-old child, both from Monticello.
Terrivo Hobbs, 30, of Thomasville, Ga., was driving a 2000 Plymouth four-door, traveling east on US-90.
For unknown reasons, Crumity, ran off the roadway, entering the north shoulder. She aggressively steered to the left and the vehicle began a counterclockwise rotation as it crossed both lanes of travel. Terrivo’s vehicle struck Crumity’s vehicle with the front of the Plymouth.
The SUV was struck on its right side and Terrivo’s vehicle rotated in a clockwise direction, coming to a rest facing south, partially in the east travel lane and on the south grassy shouder.
Crumity’s vehicle rolled over Terrivo’s vehicle, coming to a rest on its right side, facing east in a ditch on the south side of the road.
The two adult Crumitys were seriously injured, as was the three-year old. The nine year old sustained minor injuries. All four were transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Terrivo was seriously injured and transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment of injuries.
All five involved were wearing seatbelts.
Crumity’s vehicle sustained $9,500 in damage and Terrivo’s vehicle sustained $4,800 in damage.
Charges in the crash are pending further investigation. FHP did not deem the crash to be alcohol-related.
Assisting FHP on the scene were Madison Fire and Rescue, Madison County EMS and deputies of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.

Share

“Baggy Pants Bill” Passes Committee

February 25, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Thanks to Senator Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, students wearing baggy or revealing pants could now face serious consequences. Sen. Siplin presented what is officially known as Bill 228, to the Senate on Monday, Feb. 21.
This bill states that first time offenses will result in the student being excluded from extracurricular activities. A second offense will result in not only exclusion from extracurricular activities, but also a meeting with a parent of  guardian. Third time offenders could face up to three days of in-school suspension and up to 30 days exclusion from extracurricular activities.
Bill 228 not only affects boys with saggy pants, but also girls with low-rise jeans. This bill will make it against the law for student’s underwear to be visible or for teenage girl’s bras to be visible.
This bill has been passed in the Senate several times, but is yet to be cleared by the House of Representatives.
While support for this bill is widespread, many question whether or not this is a valid way for the government to spend taxpayer’s dollars or the government’s time. According to WCTV, Siplin stated, “We teach them how to do arithmetic, reading and math, so I thought why not also teach them how to dress.”
The Senate PreK-12 Education Committee passed the “Baggy Pants Bill” 3-0 and will now be presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Share

Lee Man Dies During Accident

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee man died after running into two trees on Saturday, Feb. 19, on Baker Avenue, approximately one-third of a mile north of Dale Leslie Drive.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Steven Alan Harrelson, 50, was traveling south on Baker Avenue. Due to a possible medical condition suffered by Harrelson, he traveled onto the west shoulder of Baker Avenue and collided into two trees with the front bumper of his 2003 Chevy Silverado.
The trooper reported that the crash consisted of a low speed collision with two trees.
Harrelson was pronounced dead at Madison County Memorial Hospital.
FHP Trooper Gus Smyrnios was the crash investigator. FHP Cpl. Terrance M. Chukes was the homicide investigator.
Harrelson was born November 21, 1960, in Hollywood. He had lived in Madison for the past 21 years. He was a Methodist.
A memorial service was held Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Lee Methodist Church at 2 p.m.
He is survived by his wife, Leisa M. Harrelson of Lee; two sons, Steven Harrelson, Jr. and Jacob Harrelson, of Lee; two daughters, Stephanie Harrelson and Samantha Harrelson, of Lee; one brother, Billy Harrelson, of Lee; and a sister, Diane Thompson, also of Lee.

Share

Three MPD Patrolmen Being Promoted

February 25, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

The Madison Police Department is having a promotion ceremony on Monday, February 28, at 6 p.m. in the City Hall Commission Chambers. We will recognize the three officers who will be promoted to the rank of Corporal. These officers are Reggie Alexander, Jeff Rosenberg and Eric Gilbert.

Share

Video: Girls Catch Pig

February 24, 2011 Around Madison, Outdoors Comments Off

These girls show how to catch a pig during the pig scramble at the North Florida Livestock Show and Sale.

Share

2011 North Florida Livestock Show Photo Slideshow

February 24, 2011 Around Madison, Outdoors Comments Off
IMG_6921


Share

Breaking News: School Bus Driver Arrested

February 24, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Madison County School bus driver Tony West has been arrested. The charges are reportedly drug-related. More details as they become available. At 12:47 p.m., he was at the Madison County Jail but charges were not available yet

Share

Madison Central School Holds First Science Fair

February 24, 2011 Around Madison, Education Comments Off
(All in a row, left to right) First place: “The Wetter the Better” Cameron Motes; Second place: “Sugar Crystals” Jamila Roberson, Desja Smiley and Denetra Lee; Third place: “To Leak or Not to Leak” Amber Bass and Ashton Terry.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County Central School’s first science fair last week had almost 100 percent participation, said Rick Kazee of JDL Horizons, an education technology company, and for a first effort, it was “better than we expected.”  Kazee, from Chicago, along with Karen Diaz of New York (also with JDL Horizons), has made several trips to Madison this past school year to assist the school with activities that will help it qualify for a grant to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education.
Students had the option of working on projects individually or working with a team, and the projects encompassed everything from genetics to a homemade catapult constructed from spare tractor parts.
The MCCS winners are competing Friday, Feb. 25, in the regional science fair at North Florida Community College.  Winners are:
Fourth Grade:First Place – Artheria Williams, JayKayla Fead, Tesha Aikens, Makeela Hawkins; Second Place – Christopher Halterman, John Vasquez, Dawson Hunt; Third Place – Demondre Davis, Corbin Brown, Daquarius Thompkins, Montarius Marshall;  Honorable Mention, Zorreya Lee, Beyonce Pullens, Jordan Weatherspoon, Shane Green, Donya Farmer, Ashantis Graham, Dalquan Alexander, MaKaidah Johson, Darrian Moore Joycelyn Ford.
Fifth Grade: First Place – Cameron Motes; Second Place, Jamila Roberson, Desja Smiley, Denetra Lee; Third Place – Amber Bass, Ashton Terry; Honorable Mention – Virginia Gwinn, Sierra Powell.
Sixth Grade: First Place – Steven Walden, Pierce Minor, Jarrett Briggs, Brett Shipley, Dalton Lawhorn; Second Place – Tucker Cherry, Hunter Burt, Adam Androski, Jimmy Durst; Third Place: Marshun Adams, David Tijerina, Mondaira Weatherspoon, Jordan DuHart; Honorable Mention – Taurus Allen, Tyrone Jackson, Tyquan Broton, Juan Martinez, Imani Bolden.
Seventh Grade: First Place – Corey Brandies, Toshanna Anderson, Nicholas Jonas; Second Place, Jordan Thigpen, Jacob Makowski, Bethany Greenwood, Zamaury Page; Third Place – Kaitlyn Farnell, Roxanna Whitman, Faith Siplin, Luke Herring, Kay Scurry; Honorable Mention – Shanquez Mitchell, Shaquan Siplin, Sanchez Turner, Asia Smith.
Eighth Grade: First Place – Jacob Moore; Second Place – Zori Rezendiz, Anna Robinson, Tyler Bartow, Tara Gill, Courtney Bailey, Katlynn MaGuire; Third Place – Andrew Strom; Honorable Mention – (Three separate projects) 1. Miranda McCamman, Charles Fulmer, Brittany Bailey; 2. Courtney Bailey; 3. Ashley Ragans, Krystal Tojeiro, Kylie Greenlee, Brianna Hodge, Taylor Killingsworth.

Fourth Grade

Fourth grade, First Place: Artheria Williams, JayKayla Fead, Tesha Aikens and Makeela Hawkins.

Second place: “Does a Magnet’s Size Affect Its Strength?” Christopher Halterman, John Vazquez and Dawson Hunt.

Third place: “Which Color Absorbs the Most Light?” Demondre Davis, Corbin Brown, DaQuarius Thompkins and Montarius Marshall

Honorable Mention: “The Apple Project” Zorreya Lee, Beyonce Pullens, Jordan Weatherspoon, Shane Green, Donya Farmer and Darrian Moore. Not pictured – Makaida Johnson.

Fifth Grade

(All in a row, left to right) First place: “The Wetter the Better” Cameron Motes; Second place: “Sugar Crystals” Jamila Roberson, Desja Smiley and Denetra Lee; Third place: “To Leak or Not to Leak” Amber Bass and Ashton Terry.

Honorable Mention: “Which Paper Recycles Easier?” - Virginia Gwinn and Sierra Powell.

Sixth Grade

First place: “What About Erosion?” - Steven Walden, Pierce Minor, Jarrett Briggs, Brett Shipley and Dalton Lawhorn.

Second place: “Different Soils with Different Qualities.” Tucker Cherry, Hunter Burt, Adam Androwski and Jimmy Durst.

Third place: “Let’s Have Fun With Chemical Weathering.” Marshun Adams, David Tijerina, Mandaira Weatherspoon and Jordan Duhart.

Honorable Mention: “Different Types of Soil.” Taurus Allen, Tyquan Broton and Juan Martinez. Not pictured – Tyrone Jackson and Imani Baldwin.

Seventh Grade

First place: “Light and the Eye.” Corey Brandies, Toshanna Anderson and Nicholas Jonas.

Second place: “Color Absorption.” Jordan Thigpen, Jacob Makowski, Bethany Greenwood and Zamaury Page.

Third place: “Eternal Rainbow.” Kaitlyn Farnell, Roxanna Whitman, Faith Siplin, Luke Herring and Kay Scurry.

Honorable Mention: “Ice Cubes.” (Standing, back) Shanquez Mitchell, Shaquan Siplin and Sanchez Turner. (Front, seated) Asia Smith.

Eighth Grade

First place: “So You Think Your Hands are Clean.” Jacob Moore.

Second place: “DNA Extraction.” (Back row) Courtney Bailey, Katlynn McGuire and Tara Gill. (Front) Zori Resendiz. Not pictured – Anna Robinson and Tyler Bartow.

Third place: “Archimedes Squeeze. ”Andrew Strom.

Honorable Mention: “How Much Salt to Float an Egg?” Miranda McCammon, Charles Fulmer and Brittainy Bailey.

Honorable Mention: “Fingerprints.” (Back row) Katlynn McGuire, Courtney Bailey and Tara Gill. (Seated in front) Zori Resendiz.

Honorable Mention: “Blood Spatter.” Krystal Tojeiro, Briana Hodges, Ashley Ragans and Kylie Greenlee.

Share
« Older Entries