Archive for June 2011

Jasmine Hagan Pleads Guilty To Second Degree Murder Charge

June 9, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Jasmine Hagan

Jasmine Hagan

Jasmine Hagan entered a plea of guilty as charged to second degree murder in the Sept. 12, 2010 shooting death of James Michael Burnett. She was sentenced to 25 years maximum mandatory imprisonment during the plea hearing on Thursday, June 9.
According to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, on Sunday, Sept. 12, at approximately 12:05 a.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call in reference to a subject being shot at 166 SW US 221 South in Greenville. Sheriff’s deputies responded to discover James Michael Burnett exiting his parked vehicle, shouting that he had been shot.
Deputies observed at least two gunshot wounds, one in the arm and one in the back of Burnett.
Burnett disclosed to deputies that Jasmine Hagan had shot him for an unknown reason. Jasmine Hagan was located at the residence and confirmed that she had shot Burnett and was taken into custody. Located at the scene was a .380 caliber pistol used to shoot Burnett.
James Michael Burnett died during transport to the hospital.
Arrested and charged with homicide was Jasmine Ann Hagan, 32, of Greenville.
Burnett was the former mayor of Greenville and worked hard to beautify the town. He helped plant and watered the Bradford pear trees that line both sides of US 90 in downtown Greenville. Friends said that he also helped many people who did not even know that the help they received came from him.

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Small Counties Do Well In A Difficult Budget Year

June 9, 2011 Front Page Comments Off
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Tallahassee, FL – Although it was a tough budget year in Tallahassee for the 2011 Legislative Session, small fiscally constrained counties did see some light at the end of the tunnel. “I represent all or part of ten small counties, of which nine are fiscally constrained. I made sure legislators knew how their decisions would affect the lives of the people in my district,” said Representative Leonard Bembry (D-Greenville). “There were a lot of cuts in the budget that I couldn’t support, mainly affecting education and the elderly.”

Critical programs for fiscally constrained counties were fully funded this year including Revenue Sharing, Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT), and Pre-trial Detention Offset. These monies help fill the gap for struggling counties created by unfunded mandates.

Representative Bembry currently serves on the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee as Ranking Member and was instrumental in retaining the PILT funding. He stated, “I’m very aware of how important these dollars are to our small counties. They depend on this money every year to help defray lost ad valorem revenues due to conservation easements purchased on lands.” To qualify for this program, a county in which the Water Management District has purchased land must have a population of less than 150,000. Payments are made each year for the previous year’s taxes lost by these counties.

Local libraries were saved from the chopping block by being funded at $21.3 million, an increase of $100,000 from 2010. Representative Bembry stated, “Libraries open a new world to our children and helps them understand the importance of learning and of education. They will enjoy their educational background for a lifetime”

Also saved were the Small County Road Assistance Program (SCRAP) and Small County Outreach Program (SCOP). Both of these programs provide funding for repaving and road widening. Without the SCRAP and SCOP funds, many small counties would not be able to improve or pave roads. The Small County Solid Waste Recycling Program was maintained at $2.4 million. These monies provide essential funding for counties with populations fewer than 100,000 to implement education programs and recycling efforts.

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4-H Begins 2011 Summer Camps

June 9, 2011 Outdoors Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Calling all Madison youth; the 4-H of Madison will begin their annual summer camps on June 13. There are six camps this year, ranging from two days to four days long. The themes are art, sewing, boot camp, space camp and Camp Cherry Lake. The Florida 4-H theme for camps this year is Mythology, focusing on legends from multiple cultures.
There will be two art camps from June 13-16; the cost for both is $25. From June 13-14, from 8 a.m.-noon, students can participate in Beginning Art Camp. The description says, “Seeking inspiration and Muses? Want to learn about art from cultures around the world? Learn fun techniques in painting, drawing, sculpting and so much more in our day camp for beginning.”
June 15-16, from 1-5 p.m., will be part two of the art camp, called Advanced Art Camp. The description says, “Are you planning on participating in our art day camp for beginnings? Already have some basic art skills? Then this is the class for you! Advance your art skills, learn new techniques and find your unique style!”
On June 20-22, from 8 a.m.- noon, students can participate in a sewing camp. The description says, “Join us for a crash course in basic sewing techniques or come brush up on your old skills. Participants will tackle machine and hand sewing techniques.” The cost for the camp is $10 and supplies.
On June 27-July 1, 4-H and non 4-H members can experience a classic summer camp by attending Camp Cherry Lake. The description says, “Discover the mythological creatures at Camp Cherry Lake! You’ll learn to build life skills through outdoor adventures at our overnight summer camp!” The cost is $175 for 4-H members and $185 for non 4-H members. Campers who want to participate in Camp Cherry Lake must make a deposit of $75 at the time of registration, and must pay in full by June 17.
July 11-14, from 8 a.m.-noon, campers can train for the Olympics at the 4-H Olympics Boot Camp. The description reads, “Food, fun, and fitness! Come train with us and learn how to run yourself into a healthy 4-H Olympian. Bring home the GREEN from our very own Madison County 4-H Olympics!” The cost is $25 per camper.
Finally, from July 18-21 there will be Space Camp. This camp does not yet have a scheduled time. The description reads, “Join us for this multi-county overnight space adventure! Discover the science behind flight, space engineering, and much more! Deadline to register is July 1st!” The cost for this camp is $60.
Students can participate in as many of the summer camps as they wish. Locations or other information on the camps are available at the Madison County 4-H Extension Office. If you are interested in signing your child up for a summer camp, please call 973-4138.

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Madison County High School Band Holds Annual Banquet

June 9, 2011 Education Comments Off
New band officers were elected for the upcoming year. From left to right: Kristi Ferrell (drum major), Joshua Stafford (equipment officer), Lyric Davis (woodwind captain) and Alana Ellison (executive officer).

New band officers were elected for the upcoming year. From left to right: Kristi Ferrell (drum major), Joshua Stafford (equipment officer), Lyric Davis (woodwind captain) and Alana Ellison (executive officer).

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Next year’s band members and senior band members were recognized at the annual band banquet Thursday, May 26.
Alana Ellison was chosen executive officer for the band for 2011-2012.
For the third year in a row, Kristi Ferrell was chosen the band’s drum major.
Jonathan Cooks was recognized as Most Improved in the band for the past school year.

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Changing Times And McCormicks To Perform At Yogi Bear Opry

June 9, 2011 Church Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Changing Times from Adel, Ga., will be the special guests at the Yogi Bear Opry, which will be held on Saturday, June 11, in Madison.
The Changing Times was formed back in the late 1970’s and, except for a few years out, have been singing and uplifting the name of Jesus ever since. The group sings three-part harmony and specializes in southern gospel, country gospel and some contemporary Christian.
According to their website, “Our goal is to touch a heart, see a soul saved, help to mend a broken heart through the love of Jesus, or see miracles performed. This ministry is from a calling of God and is taken very seriously. Christ is the answer to any and every problem we face today.”
The Yogi Bear Opry is hosted each month by Brenda and Allen McCormick. The McCormick Family will also be performing.
The sing will begin at 7 p.m. inside the Opry Hall at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Campground. Everyone is welcome.

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Campfires currently prohibited on SRWMD lands

June 9, 2011 Uncategorized Comments Off

LIVE OAK, FL, June 9, 2011 – Campfires are prohibited on Suwannee River Water Management District (District) lands until further notice, due to increased fire danger resulting from drought conditions.

Open campfires are normally allowed only for those canoe camping along rivers.

The District urges persons recreating on District lands to exercise caution during all outdoor activities. Sparks from vehicles, equipment and cigarettes can start a wildfire.

Drivers on District roads are encourage to pay special attention to vegetation conditions. Tall grass and vehicle exhaust systems are a volatile mixture and a fire can start in a matter of minutes.

Persons spotting a wildfire on District lands should call 911.

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