Archive for April 2011

Sleigher Awarded Medal Of Valor By FHP

April 29, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
John Sleigher, center, was awarded the Medal of Valor for lifesaving actions

John Sleigher, center, was awarded the Medal of Valor for lifesaving actions

FHP HONORS TROOPER WITH MEDAL OF VALOR
~ Trooper honored for life saving actions ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol awarded Trooper John Sleigher the Medal of Valor, the highest award bestowed by the Patrol, for his actions during an armed confrontation in Madison County. FHP awards the Medal of Valor for exceptional cases where a member displayed outstanding bravery, gallantry or courage for law enforcement purposes despite hazardous circumstances.

“Trooper Sleigher had a difficult decision to make in a split second, and his decision likely saved the life of a fellow law enforcement officer and the lives of others,” said Colonel David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “His brave actions exemplified the skills we try to instill in all of our troopers.”

On Jan. 8, 2011, at approximately 9:40 a.m., Sleigher and Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy David Myers approached a transient who was illegally camping in a tent in a drainage ditch at the westbound entrance ramp of Interstate-10 from southbound SR 53. They approached the tent from opposite sides of its entrance. Myers announced their presence and asked the transient, later identified as Rudy G. Taylor, to exit the tent. Taylor opened the tent and began to exit it while armed with a 12-gauge pump action, short barreled shot gun pointed in Myers’ direction. Sleigher drew his service weapon, shouted “gun” to alert Myers, and opened fire on the transient. Myers drew his weapon and opened fire. Taylor was fatally wounded as a result.

The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists to dial *FHP (*347) on your cell phone to report an impaired driver. Motorists can also request roadside assistance at that number.

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PDF: Agenda for May 4 Madison County Commission Meeting

April 29, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Agenda 5.04.11

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Reggie Doston in State Track Meet Tomorrow

April 29, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off
Reggie Doston will represent Madison at the Florida High School Track and Field Meet, Saturday, April 30, where he will be vying for the state championship.

Reggie Doston will represent Madison at the Florida High School Track and Field Meet, Saturday, April 30, where he will be vying for the state championship.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Reginald “Reggie” Doston, a 17-year-old senior at Madison County High School, will be competing in the state high school track meet in Orlando tomorrow, the only high school student from Madison County to do so.
Doston, who has been on the high school track team all four years, competed with thirteen other high school students at the regional level last Thursday, April 21, where he placed second in the shot-put event, good enough to land him a spot in the state competition and making him he only one of the thirteen regional competitors to advance to the next level. In fact, Doston qualified in both the shot-putt event and another separate event – weightlifting, but had to choose only one. The state finals for both are on the same day.
Good luck, Reggie.

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Video: Cowboys vs. Lions in Senior Night Action

April 29, 2011 Sports Comments Off

Video by Cheltsie Kinsley from the Madison County High School Cowboys’ senior night game against the Leon Lions on Thursday, April 27.

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Video: Florida’s Lt. Gov. Addresses Madison County Republican Club

April 29, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

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Video: Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll Addresses Madison County Republican Party

April 29, 2011 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

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Greenville High School Class of 1961 Asked To Tell Life Stories

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Education, Front Page Comments Off

Class of 1961 participated in Project Talent study fifty-one years ago;
Asked to share their stories once again in historic follow-up study

Fifty-one years after being selected to take part in the Project Talent study of American high school students, the Class of 1961 from Greenville High School is being asked to participate once again.

In 1960, 400,000 students took part in Project Talent, a study of the aptitudes and abilities, hopes and expectations of high school students from across America. The study was conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) and the United States Office of Education. Now the original Project Talent participants, including Greenville High School’s class of 1961, are being asked to tell their stories in a follow-up study being planned by AIR.

“The Project Talent generation is very important in the history of the country,” says Sabine Horner, Project Talent’s Director of Outreach and Communications. “They came of age during an era of great upheaval and they transformed the United States as we knew it. Project Talent is an opportunity to share their perspectives and experiences in a meaningful way that can benefit future generations.”

Large studies that follow people from adolescence to retirement are both rare and extremely valuable. They allow researchers to make connections between early life experiences and later life outcomes. New information gained from a fifty year follow-up study can help researchers and policy makers understand how family and educational background impact the life course, up to and including the retirement process. Researchers can also learn why certain people stay healthier and happier and are more able to enjoy their later life.

Members of the class of 1961 from Greenville High School are being asked to contact AIR to register their interest and provide details of where they can be contacted to receive further information. Project Talent is also interested in information about upcoming 50th reunions for the class of 1961. You can call the project on 1 866 770 6077 or send an email to projectalent50@air.org. You can also visit the Project Talent website: www.projecttalent.org.

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Cherry Lake General Store Burglarized

April 28, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Cherry Lake General Store was burglarized on Thursday evening, April 19.
According to Madison County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy Epp Richardson, someone threw a brick through the window and gained entry.
While inside, the suspect(s) grabbed cigarettes and a case of beer and fled the scene.
Richardson arrived on the scene within minutes but the assailant(s) had left.
If you have any information on who may have committed this crime, please call the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4001.

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Madison Postpones Celebration Of National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

April 28, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off
From left to right are Terry Lenz, the Chief Communications Officer, Jessie Prince, Brian Bish and Barbara Thrift.

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Most anyone would say that a firefighter, a police officer or EMT responders are heroes. But what about the people that answer the 911 calls and contact the responders? Who would include them in their list of heroes? The truth is everyone should count these people as heroes. From April 10-16 the nation honored these men and women during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. The Madison County Sheriffs Office postponed their celebration of the week due to the loss of Deputy Marcus Jones. They celebrated this week and had a luncheon on April 27.

From left to right are Terry Lenz, the Chief Communications Officer, Jessie Prince, Brian Bish and Barbara Thrift.

Terry Lenz, Chief Communications Officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, stated, “It takes a truly special person to do what they do.  We try to keep the responders and the public safe in all situations.  You have to be caring, but professional, at the same time. You have to be the strength for these people during emergencies. If someone is not breathing, or is unresponsive, the telecommunicators must maintain a professional attitude during the phone conversation. Then once the call has been handled, that’s when they can show their emotion about the call.”
Madison County Sheriff’s Office is home to 11 dispatchers that rotate 12-hour shifts. The shifts last from either 6 a.m.-6 p.m. or 6 p.m. – 6 a.m. They will work either five days a week or two, rotating weekly, and they will rotate monthly from night shifts to day shifts.

Dispatchers Carol Taylor and Allan Shadrick.

When a call comes in to the Communications Center, whether by 911 or their direct line, it is the telecommunicators’ job to help handle the situation. They listen to the caller’s emergency and determine which rescue units should be contacted. If EMS, the police or a fire department is needed, the telecommunicators are the ones who contact them. Once they have alerted the rescuers, the telecommunicator will give them the details on the call such as the address they are responding to, the type of call and any dangers that the rescuers might face when responding to the call.
The public safety telecommunicators are also the ones that will assist in providing the necessary instructions on protecting themselves. If someone calls saying that the person in need is not breathing, the dispatchers will tell the person how to effectively perform CPR. If there is a robber in their home, they are injured or in any other way hurt, the telecommunicator will tell them what to do to stay safe until the first responders get there.

Dispatchers Daniel Dukes and Michelle Sparkman.

This will be the third year that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office has celebrated the nationally recognized week. To honor the Communications Officers of Madison County, the Sheriffs Office will be presenting them with certificates honoring their time in service and Communications Officer of the Quarter. Also during the week, the Communications Officers will be dressing up for “Theme Days.” These themes will include western, tropical and sports attire. They will also be served lunch one day during the week.
There are several ways that the community can make the jobs of telecommunicators easier as well as guarantee that the responding unit will be able to serve them effectively. If a person moves to a new residence, but keeps their old phone number, it is important for them to contact their service provider and change the site address for their phone number.
This will ensure that telecommunicator has the correct information and can send the responders to the correct home.

Dispatchers Sarah McGraw (left) and Eve Langell (right).

Terry Lenz, as well as 9-1-1 Coordinator Juan Botino, Chief Deputy Epp Richardson, Sheriff Ben Stewart and all of the other members of the Sheriff’s Office, would like to say that they are very proud of the team of Communications Officers that serve Madison County.
Lenz stated, “We are all like one big family and the community is our extended family. We want to protect them and keep them as safe as we can. We are the Lifeline and must be alert at all times. We are the first responders.”
The 11 Madison County Sheriff’s Office Communications Officers being honored this week are: Carol Taylor, Jessie Prince, Sarah McGraw, Allen Shadrick, Eve Langell, Barbara Thrift, Michelle  Sparkman, Brian Bish, Daniel Dukes, Heather Sheffield and Chris O’Brian.

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Seth Richardson Wows With His Roping Skills

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Outdoors Comments Off
seth

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
For many high school students, their afternoons and weekends consist of hanging out with friends or doing homework. Seth Richardson’s schedule, however, includes not only that but also a rigorous roping schedule. Seth is the son of Epp and Miki Richardson. He is a senior at Madison County High School and is also dual enrolled at North Florida Community College; he maintains a 3.5grade point average(GPA).
Seth explained, “I started roping about five years ago with a local roper, Andy Briggs, and developed a real passion for the sport. Andy got me started in the right direction and I started roping in competition when I reached high school, four years ago. I just keep working to be the very best I can and practice every day, either riding my horses, throwing my ropes or roping calves or steers. Some say I was a bit late getting started, comparatively speaking with all my competition, but I never allow that to discourage me and have proven that, with hard work and dedication, you can catch up and excel and be right in the mix with those that have been participating for a lot longer time.”
There are many factors that go into being a successful roper. Richardson stated, “As with any sport, it takes commitment, dedication and a lot of hard work and practice to excel and be competitive. Roping requires taking care of your horses because you can only be as good as the care you put in them.”
He is an active member of the Florida High School Rodeo Association. Being involved with the FHSRA allows him to compete monthly with other high school students across the state. He is currently in first place in the Team Roping event and sixth place in Calf Roping. He has also qualified for the NHSRA finals in Gillette, WY. The competition takes place in July. While there, he will compete with other high school students across the nation.
Richardson is an active member of the Georgia/Florida Youth Rodeo Association. He has also taken first place in the Team Roping event and second in the Calf Roping event in this association. He is qualified for the International Youth Finals Rodeo in July in Shawnee, Ok. where he will be competing with other youth across the country.
He is an active member of the United States Team Roping Championship (USTRC) and The National Team Roping League (NTRL) where he competes all over the United States. Seth has been awarded numerous prizes in these types of events that include several saddles, buckles, cash, etc.
Seth plans to continue his talents as a calf roper and team roper with the Professional Rodeo Association (PRCA) as well as the Professional Cowboy Association (PCA) while finishing his A.A. at NFCC. Upon completion of his A.A. he plans to continue to rodeo in college while pursuing a degree in business agriculture.

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Survivor Spotlight: Cindy Vees

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Health Comments Off
Cindy Vees

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Cindy Vees’ story begins in November of 2008. Her parents, Elmer and June Spear, were already living in Madison. It was around this time that Cindy began visiting Madison and began volunteering at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce. Vees is the mother of six children, ranging from 9-21 years old. She decided to move her family permanently to Madison on July 1, 2009.

Cindy Vees

Nine days after moving to Madison Vees was diagnosted with Stage Two Breast Cancer. She explained, “I had a routine mammogram in October 2008 and results required an ultrasound.  During the ultrasound a spot was detected that had not shown up on the mammogram.  I was told to go back for a follow-up ultrasound six months later.  In June 2009, I went back for the follow-up when the spot that had previously been seen had grown one millimeter larger since the ultrasound six months prior.  My specialist did a biopsy on the spot, which came back pre-cancerous, had a partial mastectomy, which brought back the result that I did indeed have cancer.  I was scheduled immediately for a bilateral mastectomy and lymph node biopsy.  Cancer was found in my lymph nodes as well.
“I will never forget the day I was diagnosed, the doctor even seemed surprised.   When I found out the emotions, thoughts and confusion raged… Why me, what about my kids, what am I going to do.  Then reality quickly set in and solid decision making had to kick in.”
Having recently moved, there was still much to be done at her new home. This was accomplished thanks to the help of many people. “My children and friends from Mount Olive Baptist Church helped my daughter move us here and provided so much that was needed while I recovered from surgery.”
Cindy had to undergo 16 rounds of chemotheropy between December 2009 until April 2010.
When asked about someone who went above and beyond to help her, Vees stated, “I didn’t begin chemo until December 2009, it was then that an angel on earth, Cheryl Abercrombie, who worked at the Mailroom next door to the Chamber, adopted me and was my chauffer to chemo in Tallahassee.  She cooked meals and helped me with my children, and has become the dearest friend anyone could ever have.  She is my biggest cheerleader and without her, I really do not know how I would have made it through.  People I didn’t even know would come in the chamber bringing food, encouraging words and comfort to me.   Teachers and staff from Corinth Christian Academy in Jasper where my children attended school provided meals, and travel help – what a blessing they all were. Ted Ensminger who directed the Chamber at the time, as well as the Board of directors were kind and patient as I received my treatments.   My parents, June and Elmer Spear, have helped me beyond description and I am so very grateful for them and all they have done for me as well.”
She also praised the 4H Saddles and Spurs club and the Perry and Madison Chambers, both of which held fund raisers to help with her expensive medical bills, “which were huge, having a $10,000 deductible each year.” She also stated, “There are so many people I haven’t mentioned that I am so grateful for who helped me in the battle against cancer.”
Relay for Life has played a special part in Cindy’s life, she recalled, “In May of 2009, I went to my first Relay for Life – I had never experienced it before.  When I got home that evening, I found out that a childhood friend of mine had died while I was walking the laps that night.  Little did I know that one year later I would be walking again, this time as a survivor and bald from chemo treatments.  This year will be my third Relay for Life, now with hair, one year to the day from my last chemo treatment.  I am so grateful for a clean bill of health, which I received on January 14, 2011.”

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April is National Car Care Month

April 28, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off
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Basic Maintenance Helps Avoid Costly Repairs Down the Road
National Car Care Month in April is the time of year to give your car some extra attention. Basic maintenance can go a long way toward improving the safety and dependability of your vehicle, plus it helps avoid costly repairs down the line. The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at its best:

Check the oil, filters and fluids should be checked regularly. Oil should be changed per the owner’s manual recommended intervals. Your car’s filters need regular inspection and replacement.

Inspect hoses at each oil change and have them replaced when leaking, brittle, cracked, rusted, swollen or restricted.

Check the brake system every year and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change.

Check that the battery connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. If it is three years old or more, the battery should be tested and replaced if necessary.

Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay.

Schedule a tune-up that will help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

Check the car’s heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons, such as defrosting.

Inspect the steering and suspension system annually, including shock absorbers and struts, and chassis parts, such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

Check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. Check the tread for uneven or irregular wear and cuts and bruises along the sidewalls. Have your car’s alignment checked at least annually to reduce tire wear and improve fuel economy and handling.

Test exterior and interior lights and have bulbs that are not working checked immediately. Replace windshield wiper blades every six months or when cracked, cut, torn, streaking or chattering for optimum wiping performance and safety.

To help you drive smart and save money, visit www.carcare.org and check out the free
digital Car Care Guide.

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North Florida Medical Center Sponsors Easter Egg Hunt For Greenville Youngsters

April 28, 2011 Around Madison, Health Comments Off
Posing on the gazebo steps for “Nana” are, front row, left to right: Lacee Eastham, six; Harlee Davis, four; Jake Myers, two; Kiera Davis, three. Back row: McKenzie Myers, seven; Breanna Eastham, seven; Jocelyn Davis, nine; Ethan Myers, nine.

Posing on the gazebo steps for “Nana” are, front row, left to right: Lacee Eastham, six; Harlee Davis, four; Jake Myers, two; Kiera Davis, three. Back row: McKenzie Myers, seven; Breanna Eastham, seven; Jocelyn Davis, nine; Ethan Myers, nine.

On a warm, sunny Good Friday afternoon, dozens of children and their parents gathered under the picnic pavilion in Haffye Hayes Park to hunt Easter eggs. Tri-County Family Health Care Center sponsored the event, to promote dental health among Greenville’s children.  With blue balloons sporting the center’s logo everywhere, Shawn Hamm, of Tri-County Family Health, welcomed the crowd.  Other representatives passed out free toothbrushes, toothpaste and other dental supplies, and offered free fluoride rinses for children who had their parents’ permission.
Hamm held a series of drawings for prizes, such as stuffed animals and stuffed-full Easter baskets, with plenty of help from eager children who wanted to help him draw names.  However, those same children vanished in a heartbeat as soon as Hamm announced, “Let’s hunt some Easter eggs!”  The picnic table area was suddenly empty of everyone except adults, while the park was full of children running around grabbing all the eggs they could find.  There were a lot of eggs, but the children worked fast and soon had them all gathered.
There were a few more drawings for prizes, and some more running around and playing in the park, and then the tired, happy children began going home with their parents and prizes.

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National Day Of Prayer In Madison

April 28, 2011 Church Comments Off
PrayingHands1103

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
At 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, many citizens of Madison will be gathered on the Madison County Courthouse lawn for the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer.
Prayer has been a part of the national consciousness since at least 1775, when the First Continental Congress  “designated a time of prayer in forming a new nation.”  A day set aside for national prayer has been a frequent occurrence in the decades to follow, including proclamations by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, but it was not until April 17, 1952, that it officially became an annual occurrence.  On that day, a bill proclaiming a National Day of Prayer passed both houses of Congress and was signed into law by President Harry Truman.
In 1972, the National Prayer Committee was created, and the National Day of Prayer Task Force became one of its projects.  In 1988, another Congressional bill designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer from that time onward.
Since then, the National Day of Prayer has become a multi-faith event where, as President Ronald Reagan described it, “people of many faiths join together to petition God to show us His mercy and His love, to heal our weariness and uphold our hope….”
This year’s theme, chosen by the NDP Task Force, is “A Mighty Fortress is our God,” a theme based on Psalms 91:2 – “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress.”
When the people of Madison County begin to gather on the Courthouse lawn Thursday afternoon, they will be continuing in that tradition of joining together with their fellow Christians to pray for God’s intercession of behalf of America and its leadership in the seven centers of power:  Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family.
Connie Peterson, one of the local organizers of the event, says that several local ministers and church leaders will be speaking and praying at the gathering on the Courthouse lawn, and urged everyone to come out and bring friends, family and neighbors, to join together in prayer for the healing of our land.

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From July 4, 1975 Enterprise-Recorder

April 28, 2011 History, Sports Comments Off
Comer-Team-Pic

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Severe Weather Anticipated This Evening And Into The Morning

April 27, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

Severe Weather is anticipated throughout the South this evening and into the morning. According to the National Weather Service, Madison County should expect the greatest chances of severe weather from dawn into the mid morning. However, we may see strong wind gusts prior to the line coming through the area. These storms are predicted to produce mainly strong winds and large hail. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out. Please take necessary precautions to stay safe during these weather events.

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Account Set Up For Tracy Fox At MCCB

April 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Tracy Fox, right, has been diagnosed with colon cancer. She is shown with her sister, April Leonard, who helped set up an account for her medical expenses at MCCB.

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
An account has been set up at Madison County Community Bank for Tracy F

Tracy Fox, right, has been diagnosed with colon cancer. She is shown with her sister, April Leonard, who helped set up an account for her medical expenses at MCCB.

ox, who is undergoing treatment for colon cancer.
Tracy’s doctors diagnosed her with the ailment on Tuesday, April 19. Since Tracy isn’t working, her sister, April Leonard, set up an account in her name. Money deposited into Tracy’s account will go for medical treatment, as well as travel and other expenses.
Tracy said that she had been out of work with an injury and was set to return to work when she was diagnosed with cancer.
Tracy and her husband, Albert Keith Fox, have one son, Toby.
“Any donations will be greatly appreciated,” Tracy said.

 

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Not Exactly Chicken Salad

April 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
With the truck backed out of the way, truck driver Roy White and Street and Sanitation Department Supervisor, J.R. Olmstead, scoop up the rest of the mess.

With the truck backed out of the way, truck driver Roy White and Street and Sanitation Department Supervisor, J.R. Olmstead, scoop up the rest of the mess.

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Amid jokes about chicken salad and chicken salad sandwiches, and a smell that rivaled really ripe roadkill, members of the police department, fire department and the city street department awaited word on how to handle the mass of spilled chicken guts at the intersection of Base and Range Streets.
About 10 a.m., the driver of an American Proteins, Inc. truck, a company based out of Cuthbert, Ga., was headed west on Base Street when the traffic light at Range Sreet caught him short and he had to stop suddenly; the load in his truck slopped forward over the top of the container and some of it splattered onto the street.  The container top was covered with a tarp-like covering tied down with rope.
The lane behind the truck was quickly blocked off.  Officer David Stevenson and Police Chief Gary Calhoun called the DOT and the EPA to determine what kind of biohazard the pile of reeking renderings might pose, but they were eventually advised to shovel it into buckets, load it back onto the truck, and have the company responsible come and hose the area down.

American Proteins, Inc., of Cuthbert, said their facility was three hours away and they had no one available locally to do the job.  There was some discussion of calling Pilgrim’s Pride in Live Oak, where the truck had picked up its load, but the task ultimately fell to the Madison Fire Department.
Madison City Street and Sanitation Department Supervisor J.R. Olmstead grabbed a pitchfork and then a shovel as he scooped up innards and joked, “Man, this takes me back to my childhood!”
The driver, Roy White, who had been sitting dejectedly on a nearby park bench and declining to comment except to say that he had worked with the company for ten years without incident, grabbed a wide shovel and assisted Olmstead.
The driver was issued a citation for having an unsecured load.
.

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Greenville Teens, Lamont Teen Injured In Crash

April 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

By Fran Hunt
Special to Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lamont teen and two teens from Greenville, were injured in a single-vehicle crash, Saturday afternoon.
Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) reported that at 12:35 p.m., Saturday, April 23, Jarrod Flowers, 17, of Lamont, was driving a 1990 Ford F-150 northbound on Wilbur Knowles Road in Taylor County, at approximately 50 miles per hour.
Riding in the vehicle as passengers were Corey Miller, 18, of Greenville and in the bed of the pickup truck, was passenger Bradley Miller, 17, of Greenville.
Flowers lost control of the vehicle and overcorrected the steering in an attempt to gain control.
The vehicle rotated sideways and slid off the roadway onto the west shoulder, where the vehicle struck several small trees.
This caused the vehicle to overturn, ejecting Flowers and Bradley Miller.
The vehicle came to a rest upright on top of Flowers, facing north.
Flowers was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital for treatment of critical injuries.
Corey Miller and Bradley Miller each sustained minor injuries.
FHP reported that the crash was not alcohol-related and none of the three teens were wearing seatbelts.
The vehicle sustained $6,500 damage.
Assisting FHP on the scene were Taylor City Sheriff’s Office, Fire and Rescue and EMS.

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EOC Building Named After Jim Stanley

April 26, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
Jim Stanley stands in front of the plaque dedicating the Emergency Operations Center in his honor.

By Jacob Bembry

Jim Stanley stands in front of the plaque dedicating the Emergency Operations Center in his honor.

Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Emergency Operations Center has been renamed in honor of Jim Stanley.
The building was dedicated to him on Wednesday, April 22.
Describing the event as one of the most important that had ever happened to him, Jim stood before family and friends who had gathered to pay tribute to Madison County’s former Emergency Management Director.

Stanley said that Joe Peavy, who was sheriff at the time, had walked across the street from the courthouse to Beggs Department Store, where Stanley served as manager, with the news of the position coming open.
“If Joe hadn’t come and told me that Bernard Wilson was stepping down, I never would have learned of it,” he said.
Stanley said the first person he spoke to about it was Tommy Beggs, who was one of his employers at the time.
“I never got anything but support from Tommy,” he said.
Stanley started out as emergency management director with no office and a part-time salary of $250 per month.
“Alan Sowell told me I was crazy to work for $250 a month,” said Stanley, who also continued to work as the store manager at Beggs.
Joe Peavy shared that when the governor declares a county in a state of emergency, the emergency management director has total control of everything, including law enforcement. He said that he was glad that Stanley had not stuck him directing traffic in Eridu or somewhere during a hurricane or tornado.
Over the years, Stanley was able to make some changes to the Emergency Management department ,including getting an office and hiring Vicki Brown as the department’s Program Coordinator. Later, with the aide of Vicki’s grant writing, the department was able to secure a grant, which helped build the Emergency Operations Center.
Brown replaced Stanley after he retired. After her husband, Mike, got a job in Auburn, Ala., she resigned from the post.
Stanley said that, through the years, Emergency Management had a lot of help from the public, from businesses, from utility companies from law enforcement and from the news media. He said that not one person or group could have done it alone.
Jim and his wife, Sandra, have a son, Jason, and a daughter, Shawn Godwin, and three grandchildren: Terra Godwin, 15, J.B. Godwin, 9, and Sam Stanley, 7.

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