Archive for May 2012

Madison County Cowboys 6U T-Ball All-Star Team Hosts Political Rally Fundraiser

May 31, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page, Sports Comments Off

The Madison County Babe Ruth 6U T-Ball All-Star Team has been practicing hard and preparing for their upcoming All-Star tournament in Chiefland, FL on June 14- 17.

To help them with the costs, they will be hosting a Political Rally on Friday, June 8, 2012 at Four Freedoms Park beginning at 6:00pm-8:00pm. They will have fresh watermelons and popcorn and coke for sale.

Any political candidate wishing to participate may have 5 minutes to campaign and then go for a swim in the Dunking Booth.
The team will also have their raffle tickets available to sell. Please come and support the T-Ball All-Star 6U Team!

Candidates please contact Channah Galbraith or Marie Smith to confirm your attendance. Thank you to those who have already signed up!
If you aren’t able to make it, any donations will be greatly appreciated! ☺ All participants will be listed as a sponsor for our team. Thanks in advance.

The team includes: Jailyn Cooks, Parker Copeland, Trey Galbraith, Luke Hanners, Connor Lundy, Ethan Myers, Mason Plain, Blaine Smith, Gunnar Webb, Scott Williams, John Luke Wilson and Eli Underhill. The team is coached by Butch Galbraith, Tammy Leslie and Travis Smith.

Channah Galbraith:850-973-0759 or Facebook: Channah Stewart Galbraith
Marie Smith: 850-973-7179 or Facebook: Marie Smith

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POSTAL SERVICE: “BIRTH CERTIFICATE NOT ACCEPTABLE ID”

May 31, 2012 Editorials, Front Page 2 comments

Submitted by Pat Lightcap
If you have a post office box in Madison, Florida and want to pay your annual renewal fee you may be asked to complete a United StatesPostal Service Form 1093 “Application for Post Office Box Service”. This form requires you also bring a photo indentification card and one non-photo ID. On page one of the instructions it states, “NOTE: Social Security cards, credit cards, and birth certificates are not acceptable forms of ID”.

This reporter became aware of the ID requirements when he took a friend to the Madison post office on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 to check his mailbox after the Memorial Day holiday. He found a notice stapled to the Form 1093 in his box. The notice said the PO Box Application files were being updated and he would have to bring the completed Form 1093 and a photo ID and non-photo ID to the window clerk no later that Tuesday, May 29, 2012 (the day before he received the notice).

Here is the problem, my friend has no acceptable ID’s. The only photo ID’s the US Postal Service accepts are: 1) Valid driver’s license or state non-driver’s identification card (he has no car and has no driver’s license or state ID card). 2) Armed Forces, government, university, or recognized corporate identification card (he has never been in he military nor worked for the government, nerver worked for a corporation and is not in school). 3) Passport, passport card, alien registration card, or certificate of naturalization (he has never been out of the United States and was born in the USA).

Now the non-photo ID criteria was also problematic. Here are their acceptable documents: 1) Current lease, mortgage, or deed of trust (he has no lease, no mortgage, and he doesn’t know what a deed of trust is). 2) Voter or vehicle registration (he does not own a vehicle and is not a registered voter). 3) Home or vehicle insurance policy (he does not own a vehicle and cannot get home insurance).

My friend just wanted to renew the post office box he has used for decades. Because he does not have any of the acceptable identification cards or documents he cannot do this. He has lived all of his life in Madison, pays Federal income tax but cannot have a post office box! He does have a birth certificate–but that is not acceptable.

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New Additions To The Sheriff’s Office Fleet

May 31, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
2012 Ford Explorer 2

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart announces the latest addition to the Sheriff’s Office fleet of patrol vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office, utilizing forfeiture funds from drug dealers, purchased two 2012 Police Package Ford Explorers. The new 2012 Police Package Ford Explorer not only comes with the standard equipment of a police package unit but also comes equipped with an “Economy-Boost” motor to promote better fuel mileage while offering comparative horse power. The Ford Explorer is equipped with an enhanced suspension benefit for operating and handling on the many unpaved roads in Madison. This feature will further reduce maintenance cost and extend the operating period of the unit. The purchase price of the 2012 Police Package Ford Explorer in comparison with the historical Ford Crown Vic, which ended production by Ford in 2011, comes at a lower cost as well.
Sheriff Stewart reports that this is another opportunity to save tax payer dollars and continue to provide proficient services to the citizens of Madison County.

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Obit: Ebbie Mae Bell

May 31, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Ebbie Mae Bell, age 81, died Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at Good Samaritan Center, Dowling Park, FL.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 3, 2012 at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison, with burial at Midway Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at Beggs Funeral Home.

She was born in Madison County where she lived all her life, and was a member of Madison Church of God. 
She is survived by five sons: Donald Wayne Bell and Douglas Arnold Bell, both of Madison, Darryl Roger Bell, Dale Scott Bell and Dwayne Keith Bell, all of Jacksonville; two daughters: Wanda Elaine Scott (Blake) of Pinetta and Wendy Lawann Odom (Ken) of Lee; 3 sisters: Beulah Johnson of Lee, Betty Jean Webb (Louis) of Perry and Maggie L. Webb of Madison; 6 grandchildren: Kalli Nicole Crocier (Ronnie) of Ft. Gaines, Ga., Brandon O’Neal Matheny (Courtney), Kassi Alexis  Lowery (Andy), Kandace Brooke Odom, Kelsey Briana Odom, Kendall Emma Odom; and one great grandchild, Owen Matheny.
 Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements 973-2258.

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Obit: Arthur McNealy

May 31, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Arthur McNealy, 63, a retired Veterans Administration employee and member of Cascade Missionary Baptist Church died Thursday, May 24, 2012, at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, at St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Visitation 4-6 p.m., Friday, June 1, 2012, at the Ganzy Funeral Home (850) 973-3267.

Burial immediately followed at Mt. Horeb Cemetery in Pinetta.

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Obit: Otera Clara DeGrasse

May 31, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Otera Clara DeGrasse, age 92 died Monday, May 28, 2012, at Tallahassee.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, June 2, 2012, at New Testament Christian Center, Madison with burial at Oak Ridge Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9;30 – 11:00 prior to the service at the church.
She was born in Winterville, Ga., and lived in Maine and W Palm Beach before moving to Madison in 1987. 

She was a loving, kind and compassionate person who was much loved by everyone who knew her. She was precious to all of her family and friends.  She imparted her love of life and laughter to all of those around her.  She volunteered for Literacy at the local prison. She loved to read, play scrabble. She was a singer and very musically talented. 
  
 She is survived by two sons, Jim Haynes (Nelyda) of Orlando and Dennis Alan De Grasse (Jeanne) of Trenton; two daughters, Linda Lee DeGrasse of Ruckersville, Va., and Cindi Perron (Dan) of Madison; two sisters: Lillian Conway of Sebring and Gladys Robinson of Middletown, Ohio.

Donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, Florida 32308-5428. 
Beggs Funeral Home, Madison, is in charge of  arrangements. 973-2258.

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Obit: Wilbur Hubert Bishop

May 31, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Wilbur Hubert Bishop, 90, of Valdosta, Ga., passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012. He was born in Aucilla on November 28, 1921 to the late George Thomas Bishop and Alice Eva Anderson Bishop. He retired from Owens Illinois now Packaging Corporation of America after 30 years of service. He was a charter member of Azalea City Baptist Church now known as Crossroads Baptist Church where he was active as a deacon, trustee and in the senior ministry.

Mr. Bishop was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Rebecca Shattles Bishop who died in 2004, his sister, Vera Jones, brother, George Thomas Bishop and son-in-law, Jim Narey. Survivors are his daughters , Gwen Simmons of Valdosta, Sharon Narey of Ringgold, Georgia, grandson and his spouse, Gregg Simmons and Nancy of Jacksonville, Florida, granddaughters and their spouses, Lysbeth Simmons Wilson and Andrew of Cambridgeshire, England, Lynn Simmons Orenstein and Scottie of Valdosta, great grandson, Austin Orenstein and four great granddaughters, Jordan Simmons, Ally Orenstein, Hollie Simmons and McKenna Wilson; a sister, Muriel Taylor of Monticello, Florida, a nephew and two nieces. The family would like to thank United Hospice and Mr. Bishop’s caregivers for their loving and dedicated service.

The family received friends on Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Friday, May 25, 2012 at eleven a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with burial at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Reverend Charlie Scarbrough will officiate. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Crossroads Baptist Church Senior Ministry, 3001 Country Club Drive Valdosta GA 31601 or to United Hospice 407 Cowart Avenue Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneral services.com.

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Sheriff’s Office Recognized by MADD

May 31, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
MCSO - MADD AWARD

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart commends the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office for their continued commitment and dedication to serve the citizens of Madison County. On Monday the 21st day of May 2012 the Madison County Sheriff’s Office was honored by the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Florida 2012 Law Enforcement Recognition in Orlando for the Sheriff’s Office proactive efforts resulting in a significant and positive impact in Madison County during the calendar year 2011.
The banquet and awards ceremony was attended by DUI victims and their families as well as Law Enforcement Officers and their families across the state of Florida. There were many honorees from the many different Law Enforcement agencies in Florida to include Florida Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission and State Attorney’s Offices.
Madison County Deputy Sheriff Corporal Jason Whitfield represented the Madison County Sheriff’s Office in the “Outstanding Dedication to DUI Enforcement-Small/Rural Agency” category. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office was nominated for their efforts in combating drunk driving. The enhanced enforcement of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office deputies resulted in more than doubling the DUI arrests in 2011 from eight (8) in 2010 to eighteen (18) in 2011. This is a 125 percent increase in DUI arrest activity.

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Greenville Recreation Board Sponsoring “Fun Day”

May 30, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

The Greenville Recreation Board will be sponsoring “Fun Day” June 2, 2012 at the Tracy Stephens Recreation Park in Greenville beginning at 9:30 a.m. with a cake auction. Plates of pulled pork sandwiches with sides of cole slaw and baked beans will be available as well. The schedule of events is as follows:

10:30 Madison Community Bank vs. Farmers & Merchants Bank

11:30 Florida Plywood vs. H & R Grocery

12:00 Lunch Break

1:00 Sharon Community Church vs. Greenville Fertilizer & Chemical

Softball games will follow. Everyone is invited to come out and support our youth. We would like to thank everyone that came to Opening Day and showed your support for the children in Greenville. If you have any question, please contact JA Lane, President of the Recreation Board at 850-973-7510.

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Video: Jacob Bembry Interviews Sheriff Ben Stewart

May 29, 2012 Front Page, Video Comments Off


Jacob Bembry interviews Sheriff Ben Stewart. Videography by Brooke Kinsley.

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PVFD Elects New Officers

May 25, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
PVFD Officers

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

On Sunday, May 20, the Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department met for their annual meeting. The meeting began with all in attendance eating a delicious lunch of pork loin and other BBQ fixings. Chief Allen Shadrick also announced that during the meeting and meal there would be two candles lit in honor of two friends and family members that recently passed away, Cathy Wild and Robert Walker.
The meeting began as a standard meeting. They discussed the treasurer’s report, old business and new business. They discussed getting ID’s for the fire fighters as well as the new county insurance policy. Also at the meeting, Barry Shewchuk was nominated as an honorary member.
They also discussed having a fundraised and political rally. The fundraiser will be held on June 23 at the Pinetta Community Center. There will be a chicken and rice dinner served and an auction. All of the political candidates running this election are invited to join and will be given two minutes each to speak on their campaign.
Following the normal meeting came the election of new officers. New officers are now as follows: Landy Johnson will be the Fire Board Representative, Allen Shadrick will continue his position as Chief and Treasurer, Vicky Spires will continue as secretary, Wayne Shuchuck will be the Vice President, Doug Finney will continue as President, Daryl Spires will be the Assistant Chief, Ryan Bass will be the Fire Board Alternate and Ty Leggett was elected to the Board of Directors.

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NFCC “Freezer Extravaganza” Fundraiser to benefit student scholarships

May 24, 2012 Education Comments Off

Drawing for 5 cubic foot freezer filled with meals to be held May 30

MADISON, FL – The North Florida Community College Foundation is selling tickets for its “FREEZER EXTRAVAGANZA” fundraiser now through the end of May. The winner of the “Freezer Extravaganza” drawing will win a 5 cubic ft. freezer filled with meats, casseroles, vegetables, desserts and other freezable meal items. Tickets are $10 each with proceeds benefitting student scholarships at NFCC. The drawing will be held Wednesday, May 30.
The NFCC Foundation is a not-for-profit, IRS approved 501©(3) corporation chartered to acquire and receive gifts that support educational programs and help provide financially for the educational needs of NFCC students.
“FREEZER EXTRAVAGANZA” tickets are available in the NFCC Foundation Office, located in the Walter Bishop Administration Building (Bldg. #3), on the NFCC campus at 325 NW Turner Davis Drive, Madison, FL 32340 or by contacting NFCC Foundation Director Gina Rutherford at (850) 973-9414 or foundation@nfcc.edu. For general information about the Foundation and NFCC scholarships, visit http://www.nfcc.edu/foundationgiving.

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Volunteer Advocates Needed

May 24, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program needs volunteers to join its
corps of dedicated advocates who protect the rights of elders who live
in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and adult family care
homes. The program’s local councils are seeking additional volunteers
to identify, investigate and resolve residents’ concerns. Special
training and certification is provided.

All interested individuals who care about protecting the health, safety,
welfare and rights of long-term care facility residents — who often
have no one else to advocate for them — are encouraged to call
toll-free 1-888-831-0404 or visit the program’s website at

http://ombudsman.myflorida.com.

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Obituary: Wilbur Hubert Bishop

May 24, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Wilbur Hubert Bishop, 90, of Valdosta, passed away Tuesday, May 22, 2012. He was born in Aucilla, Florida on November 28, 1921 to the late George Thomas Bishop and Alice Eva Anderson Bishop. He retired from Owens Illinois now Packaging Corporation of America after 30 years of service. He was a charter member of Azalea City Baptist Church now known as Crossroads Baptist Church where he was active as a deacon, trustee and in the senior ministry.
Mr. Bishop was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Rebecca Shattles Bishop who died in 2004, his sister, Vera Jones, brother, George Thomas Bishop and son-in-law, Jim Narey. Survivors are his daughters , Gwen Simmons of Valdosta, Sharon Narey of Ringgold, Georgia, grandson and his spouse, Gregg Simmons and Nancy of Jacksonville, Florida, granddaughters and their spouses, Lysbeth Simmons Wilson and Andrew of Cambridgeshire, England, Lynn Simmons Orenstein and Scottie of Valdosta, great grandson, Austin Orenstein and four great granddaughters, Jordan Simmons, Ally Orenstein, Hollie Simmons and McKenna Wilson; a sister, Muriel Taylor of Monticello, Florida, a nephew and two nieces. The family would like to thank United Hospice and Mr. Bishop’s caregivers for their loving and dedicated service.
The family will receive friends on Thursday May 24, 2012, from 5 – 7 p.m. at the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 25, 2012 at eleven a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home with burial at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. Reverend Charlie Scarbrough will officiate. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Crossroads Baptist Church Senior Ministry, 3001 Country Club Drive Valdosta GA 31601 or to United Hospice 407 Cowart Avenue Valdosta, GA 31602. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

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Memorial Day Service Set

May 24, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

Memorial Day service at 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 28 at the gazebo in Madison’s city park will remember and honor those we lost in wars. Jim Jenkins will provide patriotic music. Good music and short speeches will commemorate those who gave their lives in America’s wars. Marianne Green

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Video: Jacob Bembry Interviews Jim Jenkins

May 24, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

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Video: Becky’s Dance Steps Studio Performs “Amazing Grace”

May 22, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

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Friday Night Under The Lights At Boot Hill

May 18, 2012 Around Madison, Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County High School Cowboys will compete against concerned community men in a flag football competition called Friday Night Under the Lights on June 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Boot Hill Stadium on the high school campus.
Funnel cakes and more will be available for sale.
There will be a $4 entry fee.
The event is sponsored by dedicated parents and leaders of the Boyz to Kings of Madison.
For more information, please call either Merv Mattair, (850) 673-1003; Denise Robinson, (850) 464-1153; or Jennifer Fulmer, (850) 464-3871.
Go out and cheer on your favorite team.

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Church Being Started In Lee

May 18, 2012 Church Comments Off

Carl Joseph will be holding a church service to help get a church started in Lee at the home of Willie and Gail Carter, located at Highway 90 East in Lee, across from the bar, this Sunday, May 20, at 3 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

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1971-73 Class Reunion Set

May 18, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

Please join us for a
Madison High School
Class Reunion
for 1971, 1972, 1973
Saturday, June 30
Madison Country Club

6:00 Beer & Wine Happy Hour or BYOB
7:00 Seafood Dinner and Dancing

Cost: $25 per person

To make reservations
Send check payable to
MHS Class of 72 to
1190 Cunningham Creek
Jacksonville, FL 32259

To send updated info: madisonclassreunion@gmail.com
Frank Mercer: 850-933-5410
Gene Rutherford: 850-673-9912
Deadline: June 10

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