Archive for November 2011

Happenings at Madison First Baptist Church

November 17, 2011 Church Comments Off

By Nell Dobbs

Guest Columnist

“Let us give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” Psalm 118. “In everything give thanks.” We learned Psalm 100 in sixth grade with Miss Louise Watson. Verses 5 and 6 say, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courses with praise; be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.”

We sing, “God is good. God is so good all the time.” Let us be aware of needs of others and help as we can. There are so many needs of all kinds. We receive so many blessings. God’s love, grace, mercy, His promises and provisions on earth and in Heaven, forgiveness, faith, fellowship, food, friends, family, freedom, safety, seasons, the Bible; for all men and women of faith today and of old; thinking of Mr. and Mrs. Van H. Priest and the beautiful flowers given in loving memory of them by their family, only Jargo Clark in attendance these days and their love for the Lord; our church, community and businesses.

A special dedication of the hundred plus Christmas shoeboxes by Judy Phillips and the poem she read, written by Vernelle B. Allen, “Blessings in a Shoe Box.”

The Veterans’ Day program at Pinetta was fantastic and a special thanks to everyone involved. Recognition was given in our church to those who served and then to the families of those who served with prayers for those now serving. Ricky Henderson, in the offertory prayer, also prayed for protection for all now serving and expressed thanks for them.

Preacher Law’s morning message was from the book to the left of Revelation – an easy way to find Jude, which is not een one chapter. We are to keep ourselves in the loved of God; be concerned about everyone; seek out through Sunday School, through deacons, through following, be an encourager and be fishers of men. God love us all so much.

The Harvest Festival Saturday from noon-3 p.m. was really fun and greatly enjoyed by many. Thanks to all involved. The baby shower for Shellie and Joey Smith was good Sunday.

Bless the Quick family in the sudden death of Mark, who was young and our youngest brother Lew’s friend’s family in Cantonment. Lew too his friend to the eye doctor and ten feet from the door, he fell and died seven hours later. Lew’s friend was 77.

Bless all the other sad ones. Bless all the ill ones and families. Roger McCollum is now home under Hospice care; Jane Simmons is in ICU at South Georgia Medical Center; and our niece, Virginia Denman in Arizona.

On Sunday, Nov. 20, there will be a churchwide Thanksgiving dinner.

We thank God for guiding us and providing for us. Amen and amen!

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Second Annual Chili Challenge Slated

November 17, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Cool weather, longer nights, what better way to warm up than with a hot bowl of chili? The second annual Madison County Chili Challenge has been set and this year’s event is expected to be even bigger than last year’s.
The cook-off will be held on Saturday December 3, during the 2011 Light Up Madison Downtown Christmas. The downtown Christmas event will be from 6-9 p.m. The judging for the chili cook-off will be held at 7 p.m. The winners will be announced at 8 p.m. All who enter will receive a free chili cook-off t-shirt.
The cost per entry is $20. All winners will receive a cash prize. For more information on the cook-off call 973-2788. Applications and information is available at the Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce, which is located at 248 SW Range Ave.

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Current List Of Applicants For Vacant Supervisor of Elections Seat And School Board Seat

November 16, 2011 Front Page One comment

This newspaper made a request to the Governor’s Press Office for the current list of applicants for the school board and Supervisor of Elections positions. Below is their response:
Jacob,

Below are the lists of applicants that you have requested.

Madison County Supervisor of Elections

Mark Branham
Margaret “Margie” Foust
Thomas “Tommy” Hardee

Madison County School board Member, District 1

Randolph “Randy” Gray
Marcus Hawkins
Richard Henderson
Heather Miller
Nancy Moral
Mary “Susie” Williamson

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House Burglarized

November 16, 2011 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison Police Department is investigating a burglary that was discovered shortly after 5 p.m. at a residence on Lee Street.
MPD Patrolman Anthony Land was dispatched to the location, where the resident told him that someone had broken into her house between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day.
Items taken from the resident included a flat screen television, a jar of change, two gold bracelets and items stolen from the refrigerator.
Photographs were taken at the crime scene, including the point of entry.
Officer Land spoke with the neighbors who said they had not heard or seen anything.
If anyone has any information on this crime or the suspect, they are urged to call the Madison Police Department at (850) 973-5077.

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Regular County Commission Meeting Cancelled For Today

November 16, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

PUBLIC NOTICE
CANCELLATION OF REGULAR BOARD MEETING

The Chair, the Honorable Roy Ellis, of the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida, and members of said Board, have cancelled the Regular Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners to be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, Madison, Florida.

Dated and posted this 16th day of November, 2011.

Tim Sanders, Clerk
Board of County Commissioners
Madison County, Florida

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Annual Community Thanksgiving Service Set For Sunday Evening

November 16, 2011 Front Page 2 comments

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Make your plans now for the annual Community Thanksgiving Service at the Madison Church of God.
The Madison County Ministerial Association, which sponsors the service each year, would like to invite the entire community to come together Sunday evening, Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., for a praise and worship service.
The Madison Church of God is located at 771 NE Colin Kelly in Madison.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

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Videos: MCHS Cheerleaders at MCHS-ACA Girls Game

November 16, 2011 Sports Comments Off

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PDF: School Board Agenda for Nov. 22 Meeting

November 15, 2011 Education, Front Page Comments Off

School Board Agenda

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Commission To Authorize Clerk of Court To Handle Payroll For Supervisor of Elections Until Interim Is Appointed

November 15, 2011 Front Page Comments Off

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MADISON COUNTY, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of County Commissioners of Madison County, Florida will hold a special public meeting, to which all persons are invited to attend, as follows:

Date: Monday, November 21, 2011

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Place: The Board of County Commissioners Meeting Room, Room No. 107
Madison County Courthouse Annex
229 S.W. Pinckney Street
Madison, Florida 32340

Purpose: Authorize and direct the Clerk of Court to pay the payroll and expenses of the Supervisor of Elections office pending appointment of a successor Supervisor.

Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in any of the above meetings is asked to advise the Board at least 48 hours before the meeting by contacting Tim Sanders, Clerk, at Post Office Box 237, Madison, Florida 32341, telephone:(850) 973-1500. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Clerk by calling 711.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at such meeting he or she will need a record of the proceedings, and that, for such purpose, he or she may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Posted on November 15, 2011.

Board of County Commissioners of
Madison County, Florida

By: /s/ Tim Sanders
Tim Sanders, Clerk

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Stray Vectors

November 15, 2011 Editorials Comments Off

By Joe Boyles

Guest Columnist

Editor’s note: “Stray Vectors” is the author’s byline for random thoughts on the passing scene.
There are now more than 46 million Americans who fit the definition of poor, but it all depends upon what criteria the Department of Agriculture uses to make that determination.  It may not be much comfort, but our “poor” people are actually quite rich when compared to other poor people across the globe.

Emerald Greene recently wrote an editorial where she said that we need to return worship and God to the public square … and she’s dead-on right.  We have paid an enormous cultural price since the Supreme Court decision a half century ago to create a “wall of separation” between church and state.  We are a nation founded on Judeo-Christian principles and we need to return to our roots.

Health insurance in Massachusetts, where Romneycare served as the model for last year’s Affordable Care Act, is not only the most expensive in the nation, but is growing at a faster rate than any other state.  Don’t tell me that Obamacare will cost less!

Speaking of Obamacare, next year the Supreme Court will review the legal challenges to the 2010 health care bill.  The key issue is the “individual mandate” which requires all Americans to purchase a health insurance policy.  Can the federal government require us to purchase something?  If so, do we sacrifice all liberty to the will of Congress?

A recent news report indicated that Madonna feared for the safety of her children when a stalker broke into her home.  I have a suggestion for the “material girl:” get a gun.  Folks around here know that a .357 Magnum discourages home invasion.

A year after his death, John Murtha’s (D-PA) case file of political corruption has been released by the FBI.  For years, he had been using his powerful House defense chairmanship to establish a cozy relationship between lobbyists and sham contractors to benefit family and friends.  He banked millions in taxpayer funds for personal gain.  The Justice Department ought to go after his estate … but they won’t.

Have you seen the video of the outdoor wedding where a gust of wind enveloped the wedding party in a cloud of dust?  Call me old fashioned, but I prefer traditional weddings in places of worship where the religious symbolism is followed.  The weather and elements are more predictable indoors.

The late economist Herbert Stein penned Stein’s Law: “Things that can’t go on forever, don’t.”  I would amend that to say, “unless they are updated for the times and economic reality.”  Social Security and Medicare are two that come to mind.  In similar fashion, out-of-control pensions are exposing the inherent weakness in defined benefit plans.

“I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to life himself up by the handle.”  Winston Churchill

“A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always expect the support of Paul.”  George Bernard Shaw

“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and the car keys to teenage boys.”  P.J. O’Rourke

“I don’t make jokes.  I just watch the government and report the facts.”  Will Rogers

“Talk is cheap … except when Congress is in session.”  Unknown

“You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it.”

I think the government has a role in promoting the research and development of new technologies, but when it begins to subsidize production, that is way over the line.  Spending money for R&D on green energy may be appropriate, but the Obamamites have far exceeded that with companies like Solyndra.

I had intended to write about the Keystone Pipeline this week, but the owners have decided to reroute the TransCanada pipeline away from the Nebraska Sandhills.  But don’t be surprised if another opposition group arises to throw a monkey-wrench in this proposal.  Welcome to the age of “paralysis by analysis.”

Speaking of keystone, the Keystone State is Pennsylvania, and it’s a sad thing to watch what is happening to Penn State.  More bad news is on the way.  The fall from grace of football coach Joe Paterno is sad.  He stayed around too long.  When a great institution is more known for its tenured coach, a crash is inevitable.  Better to step aside gracefully on your own terms.

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Madison Garden Club Yard Of The Month Winner Carolyn Edwards

November 15, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

The first thing one might notice, driving past Carolyn Edwards’ house on Sumter Avenue just off Lake Frances, are the two large brown rabbit statues standing attentively among the pentas and Michaelmas daisies as if to greet visitors.

Then next thing one might notice is the early camellia trained to grow flat against the front wall beside the front porch, its white blooms set off by the green leaves and the red brick wall.  Up on the porch itself, filling an entire corner, is a gigantic fern.  It sits on a high stand, with fronds that rise almost all the way up to the ceiling and sweep all the way down to the floor.  It looks almost like a jolly green giant of a thing that could get up and shamble down the front steps, across the yard, and down to Lake Frances if it had a mind to.

Carolyn Edwards, Winner of the Madison Garden Club’s Yard of the Month for November, said that she grew the gigantic fern from a single cutting given to her many years ago by a good friend, Mack Primm, former principal of Madison High School, where Edwards was a business teacher.  He brought the cutting back with him from a trip to Alabama, and ever since then, Edwards has treasured the fern that grew from it.

Two other large ferns flank the front entrance, although they’re not nearly as big as the “Alabama fern.”

The back yard is edged with groups of whimsical birdhouses and more garden statuary, more flowers and a birdbath or two.  With a yard that inviting, it wouldn’t be complete without the nice little patio where Carolyn and her husband Bill can sit and watch the birds, butterflies and all the other wildlife that visit their little backyard haven.

Carolyn’s artistry isn’t limited to the outdoors; she does tatting and is also a talented painter, working with oils and watercolor.  Several framed examples of her work hang on the wall inside her home.

For her love of growing things and her attention to detail that makes her yard such a treat to look at, she will have the “Yard of the Month Winner” sign from the Madison Garden Club to display in her front yard for the entire month of November.

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Pinetta Volunteer Fire Rescue Hosting Re-dedication Of Community Center Building

November 15, 2011 Around Madison Comments Off

By Kristin Finney

Greene Publishing, Inc.

The community is invited to take part in the re-dedication of one of Pinetta’s most important buildings. The Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a re-dedication for the Pinetta Community Center Building. The Community Center building is located at 401 NE Empress Tree Ave. in Pinetta.

The event will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday November 25. There will be a free chicken pilau dinner. There will also be a Black Friday auction hosted by Hickory Hills Auction. The auction will start immediately following the re-dedication.

All proceeds made from this event will be used to continue making improvements to the Center. For more information call Pinetta Volunteer Fire Rescue Chief, Allen Shadrick at 241-2286 or and PVFR member.

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Senior Class Lifts Warriors To Seventh Win to Close Season

November 15, 2011 Sports Comments Off

By William Smith

Special from ECB Publishing

The Aucilla Christian Academy Warriors ended their 2011 football season on a high note Friday evening when they overwhelmed nonconference opponent Bronson by a score of 32-6, securing one last victory against former longtime ACA head coach Al Cooksey in his last game before retirement. The victory, which was dubbed “The Omega Bowl”, leaves the Warriors with an overall record of 7-3, which represents Aucilla’s best record in four years.

It was a game which was appropriately dominated by the efforts of the senior class, which played its final game in the blue and gold of Warrior tradition. As the closing seconds ticked away in the high school football careers of those six young men, the entire Aucilla football team rallied around to raise the Omega Bowl trophy high above a poignant scene of happy tears and smiles which represented years of sweat and labor on the gridiron. It didn’t seem to matter that the temperature was below freezing for the fans, coaches, and players as they made memories long after the clock read zero.

Aucilla head coach Colby Roberts commented on the success enjoyed in the game, saying, “This is a night that everyone will remember long after this year is over. For the seniors who played their last game as a Warrior tonight, the outcome is one that they can always look back on and be proud. We didn’t have the sharpest mentality in the first half, but the boys were ready to take control of the game in the third quarter and they took care of their business to send the seniors out with style.”

It was indeed a sloppy first half show for both the offense and defense of the Warriors as the physical battle in the trenches along the line of scrimmage favored the Eagles of Bronson. The Warrior defensive line was often controlled by their Bronson counterparts as the Eagles established a physical running game plan that featured simple fullback rushes into the center of the Warrior formation that consistently gained valuable yardage.

Offensively in the first half, the Warriors missed several scoring opportunities when promising drives ended with costly turnovers or dropped passes that thwarted an otherwise explosive demonstration, leaving the score as an unnecessarily close 12-6 Aucilla advantage at the half.

However, the Warriors arrived with a new sense of focused determination as the third quarter began, serving Bronson with a taste of its own physical brand of football.

Offensively, senior running back Phillip Watt provided his best performance of the season in the second half, constantly gashing the Bronson defense en route to a two touchdown, 145 yard performance while averaging over 11 yards per carry. As a team, Aucilla rushed for its highest total of the season, finishing with 272 yards rushing and four of its five touchdowns.

Senior quarterback Trent Roberts eclipsed the 300 yard passing mark for the second time this season, totaling 306 yards and one touchdown, while throwing three interceptions. Roberts’ arm presented the most electrifying plays of the entire night, connecting on 7 of his passes for gains of at least 20 yards.

Cousins Tyler and Jared Jackson paced the Warriors’ receiving corp with 100 yards each, with junior Jared Jackson scoring the solitary receiving touchdown.

Defensively, Aucilla stymied the Bronson rushing attack in the second half by employing a blitzing linebacker scheme that successfully plugged holes and put an end to the Eagles’ bread-and-butter offensive method.

It was a huge improvement over the scene from the first half, as nearly every defender was involved in bringing the Bronson offense to its knees. Gang tackling became the most useful weapon, as 8 Aucilla defenders recorded at least 6 tackles.

Defensive leaders included: junior linebacker Gus Smyrnios, who finished with 19 total tackles, including 1 ½ for loss; senior defensive tackle Corey Burrus, who totaled 14 tackles to go along with one sack and a tackle for loss; and freshman linebacker Timmy Burrus, who tallied 10 tackles, as well as a sack.

“This was certainly a gritty win for us, and I’m proud that it was the senior class that led us tonight.” said Coach Colby Roberts. “The entire season has been about overcoming adversity, and this game was no exception. Half of the seniors were dealing with painful injuries that would sideline almost anyone else, but they fought through to leave Aucilla as a group of winners. That is the kind of football players that coaches always look for.”

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Madison Academy Volleyball Celebrates Winning Season

November 15, 2011 Sports Comments Off

By Kristin Finney

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Madison County would like to congratulate the girls from the Madison Academy Volleyball for have a great season. The Madison Academy volleyball team ended their season with a winning record of 9-5 playing their last game against Corinth on Halloween night, October 31.

While the Academy volleyball team might have been young, that didn’t stop them from having a great season. There were 14 girls on this year’s team: four fifth graders, five sixth graders, four seventh graders and only one eighth grader. Each girl got to play every single game, something that many teams can’t say.

The captain for the Academy this year is Katelyn McCamman, and the co-caption changes each week. The head coach this year is Cathy Rogers, Assistant Coach is Julie Townsend and scorekeeper is Melissa McCamman.

Cathy Rogers, head coach for the Madison Academy volleyball girls said of her team, “The improvement that the players have shown is amazing!  I couldn’t be more proud of these girls and how they had to dig deep and come from behind in most games to earn a win.  The teamwork they exhibited throughout the season was an asset for sure!  My goal is to continue working with these girls and sign up for a volleyball camp this summer!

 

 

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Pinetta Celebrates Fall in a Big Way

November 15, 2011 Education Comments Off

By Lynette Norris

Greene Publishing, Inc.

Elephants and tigers, ponies and pigs…and a little choo-choo train made of large blue barrels put on wheels and linked together behind a small tractor.

The Nov. 4 Friday evening Fall Festival at Pinetta Elementary School had a little bit of everything.

Okay, the tiger was a bounce house that looked like a huge friendly cartoon tiger lying on his back, paws in the air, while children bounced on his tummy.  There was only one elephant, but it was real and it was big, waiting for brave souls to climb up on a huge platform and onto his back for a thrilling ride high up in the air.  Next to the elephant were the ever-popular pony rides, where children led their parents amid choruses of “oh, pleeeeese!”

As for the pig, it was a cute little pink pig, about the size of a really, really huge house cat.   During most of the festival, it waited in a small pen and burrowed into a pile of hay, waiting to find out which lucky teacher would win the honor, at the end of the evening, of kissing the pig.  Seriously.

Next to the little piglet’s pen was a tray full of piggy banks, each labeled with a different teacher’s name.  Throughout the festival evening, the children “voted” for the teacher they wanted to see kiss the pig, by dropping coins into the appropriate piggy bank.  At the end of the evening, the teacher with the most money in his or her piggy bank would be declared the winner.

The train ride was another popular attraction that had children lining up to take a ride around the schoolyard and even into a wooded area at the back.  There were cakewalks with lots of cakes for the winners, and lots of games such as the basketball toss and the fishing game and knocking over soda bottles with a baseball.

The smell of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs was everywhere for hungry festival-goers, but the longest line by far was for the funnel cakes.  Amy Kendrick, June Lucas and school principal Beth Moore stayed busy frying funnel cake after funnel cake and powdering each one with fine white sugar, while Moore recounted the story of the Vietnamese potbellied pig that was the longtime official pet for Pinetta Elementary School many years ago, living in a pen at the back of the playground.

At the end of an exciting evening was the moment everyone had been waiting for:  the piggy banks were collected, the money counted, and the winning teacher announced – June Lucas.

Smiling, Lucas stepped forward and climbed up on a picnic table and kissed the little pig right on the snout, not once but twice, amid cheers and applause.

Meanwhile, the sunny late afternoon was now the dark of early nightfall, and the nip in the air from earlier in the afternoon was now a definite chill — perfect fall festival weather.  There was still a glowing dark red band along the western horizon as the parents and children slowly began drifting away from the festival grounds, with their balloons and colorful hats and other prizes.  No one seemed in much of a hurry to leave, especially some of the children.  They had been having too much fun.

Besides, the tiger was still waiting.  Just one more round of bouncing.  Oh, pleeeeese!

For video clips of the festival, check out our web site at www.greenepublishing.com

 

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AIKENS IS JAA’S NEW CHAIRMAN

November 15, 2011 Front Page 2 comments
chesterPHOTO

Dr. Chester Aikens, a Jacksonville dentist, attorney, and businessman, is the new Chairman of the Board of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. This aviation system consists of four distinct airports—Jacksonville International Airport, Cecil Airport, Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport, and Herlong Recreational Airport. He also starts his second four-year term on the board after recently being reappointed by Mayor Alvin Brown. Aikens will serve as its chair as JAA celebrates its tenth anniversary.
Dr. Aikens, who served on the Jacksonville Port Authority during the 1990s before the marine port and the airports separated, looks forward to continued growth even in an economically challenging environment. Over the past ten years, JAA’s operating revenues have grown steadily from just over $40 million in 2002 to an estimated $63 million this year. The JAA’s total economic impact last year alone was approximately $2.9 billion dollars and provided an estimated 30,000 direct and indirect jobs related to aviation.
Dr. Aikens is a graduate of Madison High School and is the brother of Rhonda Moore and Katrina Aikens of Madison.

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Football Playoffs Begin Friday Evening

November 15, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Coming off a near perfect season, the Madison County High School Cowboys are prepared to battle Episcopal School out of Jacksonville. The first-round football playoff game is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, in the environs of Boot Hill.
If Madison beats Episcopal, they will face the winner of the Trinity Christian-Florida High game in the second round of the playoffs.
The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) has set championship prices for tickets. General admission tickets are $8.
Cowboy Head Football Coach Mike Coe stresses that these prices have been set by FHSAA and not the Madison County School District.
Go, Cowboys!

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Admission Cost Set by FHSAA For Friday’s Playoff Game

November 15, 2011 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

Below is the price for tickets to Friday night’s playoff game against Jacksonville-Episcopal at Boot Hill. Prices are set by FHSAA, not the Madison County School District. Admission Price: General Admission – $8.00.

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Midway Baptist Church Holding Boston Butt Fundraiser

November 14, 2011 Around Madison, Church, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Midway Baptist Church is currently selling Boston butts to raise money for cancer victim Tracy Fox.
Tracy’s doctors diagnosed her with colon cancer 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.
The Boston butts are available for $25 each. Tickets may be purchased from any church member or by stopping by Suwannee Insurance at 348 West Base Street in Madison.
Pickup for the Boston butts will be Saturday, from 8 a.m. until noon at Studstill Lumber, located at 702 South Duval Avenue in Madison.
For more information or to place your order, please call (850) 973-8312.
An account has also been set up for Tracy at Madison County Community Bank. Simply go into the bank and tell one of the clerks that you wish to deposit money in the account for Tracy Fox’s cancer treatments.

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Sheriff’s Office Offering Concealed Weapons Class

November 14, 2011 Around Madison, Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Submitted by Sheriff’s Capt. Mark Joost
　A concealed weapons firearm class will be offering this Saturday, Nov. 19, beginning at 9 a.m.
　For many years, Madison County Sheriff Ben J. Stewart and Captain Mark W. Joost shared a vision of preparing the concerned citizens of Madison County for violent encounters. Our deputies are extremely proactive, but statistics show that the average armed confrontation last approximately 2.5 seconds and a total of 2.8 rounds are expended between both sides. A deputy could be on your front porch during one of these confrontations and still not be close enough to intervene. The sheriff’s office wants to assist concerned law abiding citizens in being prepared however they feel most comfortable. This vision became a reality when the sheriff’s office recently acquired the North Florida Community College Police Academy firing range in Cherry Lake.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has been offering concealed carry weapons classes since April of this year. During this time, 45 students from Florida and Georgia have received training to obtain their Florida Concealed Carry Weapons permit. These students ranged in age from 18 to 70 years old. The National Rifle Association (N.R.A.) First Steps Pistol course is the foundation for the sheriff’s office concealed carry class. In addition, information is provided to ensure that each student is aware of what they can expect to take place before, during and after violent confrontations and how they, as individuals, can best prepare for these dynamics. This instruction is not the typical two-hour gun show concealed carry course. It is very important that you make a personal decision concerning what you are wanting to accomplish through the course you select. According to Captain Joost, there are basically three types of concealed carry courses. The first type is for those who just want to become barely legal. This may be fine if surviving an armed confrontation isn’t really a concern or a priority for you. The second type of course may enable you to barely survive. The third type of course offers you a WINNING foundation for you to keep building upon. This is the type of course we are offering through the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Our personal goal is to help you establish a foundation so that you WIN and not just merely survive. This class far exceeds the requirements to apply for the State of Florida Concealed Weapons Carry Permit for residents and non-residents. Your Florida Concealed Weapons Carry permit is honored in 36 states. These classes are taught by N.R.A. multi-discipline law enforcement firearms instructors who are active S.W.A.T. team members and U.S. military veterans.
The N.R.A.’s “First Steps Pistol” course will be used as the foundation for 4 hours of classroom instruction prior to 1 to 4 hours of firing range time. The time in the classroom and on the firing range will be based on each students needs and desire. A knowledge of firearms is not assumed or required. Everything is explained fully so that the student feels completely comfortable. Our instructors take the time to make sure that each student understands what they can, and cannot, do to be prepared.

　
COURSE TOPICS INCLUDE:

1) Handgun cartridges and components.
2) Handgun knowledge and safe firearm handling.
A) Semi-automatic pistol knowledge.
B) Revolver knowledge.
3) Fundamental firearm safety rules.
4) Handgun tactics and techniques.
5) Ammunition malfunctions.
6) Live fire shooting safety and proficiency.
7) Handgun maintenance and cleaning.
8) Holster selection and concealment techniques.
9) Outline of laws pertaining to Florida Con-cealed Carry to include:
A) Safety and responsibility by law of firearms around children.
B) Restricted carry areas.
C) Weapons laws.
D) Shoot/don’t shoot scenarios and use of force justification.
E) Escalation of force.
F) Interaction with law enforcement.
10) Less lethal options.

Our instructors, work violent crimes and deal with predators on a daily basis. We want to share with you the knowledge on how to prepare for, and win, a violent confrontation mentally, physically and spiritually. We are offering a sound foundation that you will hopefully build upon with us as we offer more advanced handgun classes in the future. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will also be offering future classes for rifle, shotgun, less lethal options, intermediate weapons and unarmed self defense.
The cost of the concealed carry weapons class is $85.00. This includes a booklet, concealed carry weapons application packet including fingerprint card, firing range fees, ammunition, targets, professional instruction, personalized firing range time and course certificates. Fees will be used to pay instructors, pay for supplies, range maintenance and upgrades. Due to the small class sizes and instructor to student ratio, it is required that a non-refundable $50.00 deposit be received at the time of your registration. The balance will be due on the day of the class. There is a reduced rate for each additional member of a group. 45, 9mm, 40 and 38 ammunition will be provided for the practical portion of the class. Students who would like to participate in further training should bring additional ammunition. Firearms may be available for use if you do not have one.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office firing range is also now open on a limited basis for private citizen use. Captain Joost volunteers time on the firing range two weekends per month to assist interested citizens. The cost for use of the firing range is $7.50 per Saturday or $100.00 per year. This fee goes into a fund through the clerks office and is used for insurance, firing range maintenance and improvements. Captain Joost and other officers who may be present ensure safety and provide free instruction when requested. Captain Joost states that, after over 22 years of working violent crimes, his goal is to assist law abiding citizens so that they are prepared for, and not intimidated by, violent predators.
Captain Joost and Deputy Tracy W. Dowdy have taken the initiative to achieve N.R.A. certifications as Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, Personal Defense Inside The Home and Personal Defense Outside The Home instructors. The primary instructor is Captain Joost, who is a 10 year U.S. Army veteran as an Airborne Ranger with the 1st Ranger Battalion, Honor Graduate of the U.S.M.C.’s 8 week Scout Sniper school and a scout sniper instructor. He has over 22 years of law enforcement experience and is a law enforcement firearms, defensive tactics, TASER and less lethal options instructor. Captain Joost is the Madison County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. commander and he has prevailed in numerous deadly force encounters. If you are interested in the concealed carry weapons classes, other firearms and personal defense training or use of the firing range, you can contact Captain Joost at 850 519-0947.
Psalm 91:5
　
　
　
　
　
　
　

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