Archive for October 2012

K-9 Max Helps Track Attempted Suicide Subject

October 30, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
Deputy Anderson-Canine Max

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Monday night the 29th day of October 2012 at approximately 8:00 PM Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residence where a subject was attempting suicide by hanging. The reporter advised that they had discovered the subject hanging in a shed and took the subject down. The subject was conscious and upon learning that the Sheriff’s Office had been contacted fled the scene.
Deputy Knight was the first Officer on scene and soon thereafter K-9 Officer Anderson arrived with canine “Max” to assist with locating the subject. Deputy Anderson deployed canine “Max” to track the subject through fields and wooded areas and located the subject as they were trying to conceal themself under debris.
Sheriff Stewart reports that canine “Max” is one of two of the most recent canine additions to the Sheriff’s Office that have been trained and certified in several disciplines as a full “Patrol Dog”. This training and certification includes short tracking, suspect apprehension, narcotic detection and evidence/article location. Sheriff Stewart explains that this addition to the force of the Sheriff’s Office is a tremendous asset to assist with locating suspects that have chosen to flee and having the immediate availability is immeasurable. This addition to the force is a compliment to the historically utilized Madison Department of Corrections K-9 Team to apprehend fugitives. Sheriff Stewart reports that the Sheriff’s Office will continue to utilize the valuable assistance of the Madison Department of Corrections K-9 Team.

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Hospital Groundbreaking Ceremony Set For Nov. 18

October 30, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

According to Hospital Administrator David Abercrombie, the hospital groundbreaking ceremony is set for 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 18, at the site of the new hospital (the old Madison High property near NFCC). Everyone is invited to attend. It was changed from the Nov. 4 date due to schedule conflicts.

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Discussion Meet winner named at Florida Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

October 29, 2012 Farm Comments Off

Jeffery Hamrick Chosen Runner-Up

Kelvin Moreno of Miami-Dade County was named the 2012 Young Farmers & Ranchers Discussion Meet winner at Florida Farm Bureau’s 71st Annual Meeting in Ponte Vedra Beach.
Jeffery Hamrick of Madison County, Nick Larsen of Western Palm Beach County and Kelly Mosley of Clay County were the runners-up for this prestigious award.
The Discussion Meet contest is designed to simulate a committee meeting where discussion and active participation are expected from each participant. This competition is evaluated on an exchange of ideas and information on a pre-determined topic. The judges are looking for the contestant that offers constructive criticism, cooperation and communication while analyzing agricultural problems and developing solutions.
Kelvin Moreno is the president of Florida Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Group. He runs his family business, Moreno Ranches, registered seedstock Limousin and Brahman cattle operations, in both Miami-Dade and Highlands counties. He also manages Moreno Firms, which specializes in cattle brokerage and consulting services.
By winning the Discussion Meet, Kelvin will receive a $500 cash award, an ATV four-wheeler courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Casualty and an expense-paid trip to the 2013 American Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in Nashville, Tenn., where he will represent Florida in the national YF&R competition.

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FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFERS TIPS TO MAKE THIS HALLOWEEN SAFE

October 29, 2012 Around Madison, Education Comments Off

~ Giggling ghosts and winsome witches will be visiting ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – As we prepare for the excitement of Halloween, motorists should be particularly mindful that children will be out trick-or-treating Wednesday evening. We all need to do our part to make this a safe, memorable Halloween for everyone.

The Florida Highway Patrol offers these useful tips for drivers and parents:

DRIVERS
· Stay alert. Pedestrian and bicycle traffic will increase in many neighborhoods on Halloween.
· Keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters who may suddenly dart into traffic from between parked cars.
· Watch for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
· Be patient and slow down. Give children lots of time to cross the street. Their costumes may impair their ability to see and hear you and to get out of your way quickly.
· Remember that children will be excited and may forget to “stop, look and listen” before they cross the street.

PARENTS
· Talk to your child about looking both ways before crossing the street.
· Purchase or make costumes that are light colored and clearly visible to motorists.
· Decorate (and get the kids to help) or trim costumes, goody bags and other containers with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights.
· Make sure costumes are short enough so they do not cause children to trip or fall.
· Children should wear well-fit, sturdy shoes.
· Masks should not impair a child’s hearing or field of vision. If necessary, enlarge ear and eyeholes or use makeup to create special effects.
· Tie hats and scarves securely to prevent them from slipping over your child’s eyes.

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov or follow us on Twitter @FDHSMV. You can find us on Facebook, too.

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Arrests Made In Lawn Mower Cases; Burglaries

October 29, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that the Sheriff’s Office dedicated the Criminal Investigation Division, the Drug Task Force and the Patrol Division, as a highest priority, to focus on the overwhelming number of stolen lawn mowers and ATV type equipment. Sheriff Stewart proudly reports that through this dedication and effort the CID and DTF with the Sheriff’s Office has closed several cases involving these thefts. These cases were as a result of several months of investigation that resulted in identifying a large ring of participants involving local and out of county individuals. The investigation, thus far, has resulted in recovering approximately $50,000.00 worth of property, executed two (2) search warrants and obtaining arrest warrants for the following;
1. Eric Manfredo Cortez, W/M, DOB: 11/23/1992 of Madison Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
2. Joseph Lee Fudge, B/M, DOB: 02/11/1982 of Lee Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
3. Antwan Darrell Fudge, B/M, DOB: 08/14/1985 of Madison Florida / Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property
4. Vincent Lanard Bryant, B/M, DOB: 05/30/1989 of Madison Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing in Stolen Property
5. Alisa Jay Thompkins, B/F, DOB: 09/03/1971 of Deltona Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property
6. Marcus Shannon Brinson, B/M, DOB: 07/17/1976 of Madison Florida / Dealing in Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING
7. Thaddeus Marquise Robinson, B/M, DOB: 07/09/1989 of Sanford Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING
8. Anthony Maurice Thompkins, B/M, DOB: 06/10/1979 of Sanford Florida / Burglary, Grand Theft and Dealing Stolen Property * AT LARGE AND WARRANT OUTSTANDING

Sheriff Stewart further reports that simultaneously the Criminal Investigation Division, the Drug Task Force and the patrol Division, as a highest priority, focused on the numerous cases involving burglary of dwellings at or near the North East portion of the County. Sheriff Stewart again proudly reports that as a result of the dedication and effort of several months of investigation arrest warrants have been obtained on the following;
1. Tevin Alexander, B/M, DOB: 02/12/1994 of Valdosta Georgia / Burglary, Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.
2. Anthony Dudley, B/M, DOB: 07/16/1995 of Valdosta Georgia / Burglary, Grand Theft and Criminal Mischief.

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Audio Interview with New FFA President

October 29, 2012 Farm, Front Page Comments Off

Audio interview with new National FFA President Clay Sapp

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Clay Sapp Named National FFA President

October 29, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

2012-13 National FFA Officer team announced at conclusion of 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis

INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Six students from across the U.S. have been chosen by their peers to help lead and shape the National FFA Organization as national FFA officers in 2012-13.

Today at the conclusion of the 2012 National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, University of Florida at Gainesville student Clay Sapp was elected to serve as National FFA president.

“It will be my mission to activate change and growth in the National FFA Organization,” he said. “I plan to develop strong relationships, be a champion of FFA and agricultural education and seek new ways to strengthen student experiences within FFA.”

Joining Sapp on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president, Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president and Wiley Bailey as Southern Region vice president.

For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.

“It takes a highly motivated person to become a successful national FFA officer,” said National FFA Organization CEO Dr. Dwight Armstrong. “It is an opportunity afforded to just a few of our members. As a national officer, the lives of these six individuals will be non-stop hard work with never-ending commitments where every moment counts.”

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 557,318 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,498 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

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Lee Woman a Big Winner; Lands a $10,000 Vacation at fred’s Super Dollar

October 29, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off
DSC_0001A

MEMPHIS, Tennessee (October 26, 2012)– Synthia Aaron, a long-time resident of Lee, Florida, and a relative of baseball great Hank Aaron, hit a home run of her own this month by winning a $10,000 vacation from fred’s Super Dollar.
Aaron won the prize playing fred’s “Explore The Store” collect-and-win game currently taking place at participating fred’s Super Dollar stores. The vacation is one of more than $2 million worth of prizes, including a Ford F-150 Pickup, a Ford Mustang, $10,000 family vacations and even two cash prizes of $150,000 each.
“I was at home after work and was going through the game pieces with my grandson, A.J.,” Aaron recalled. “At first I couldn’t believe it, but I finally realized I had won. I told A.J. we had to get to Fred’s and show them. He’d never in his life seen me get dressed so fast.”
Aaron and 12-year-old A.J. quickly made the six-mile drive to the fred’s Super Dollar in nearby Madison, Florida, where the store manager checked her game board. Indeed, the $10,000 vacation was hers.
Store visitors can play the game through November 4, 2012, or until all game tickets have been distributed. Thousands of gift cards, free products and money-saving discount coupons also are available to shoppers as part of the game.
Aaron, 49, who works from 6 am to 3 pm at a 24-hour restaurant in Madison, decided to trade the vacation for cash.
“I’ve got three kids and 13 grandchildren and this money is a lifesaver,” said Aaron, whose mother’s side of the family is related to the Atlanta Braves’ Hall of Famer and home run king Hank Aaron. “With the holidays near, this couldn’t have come at a better time.”
On Friday (October 26) Aaron was presented her check at the fred’s Super Dollar at 935 East Highway 90 in Madison.
“We congratulate Synthia,” said Ursula Roman, marketing director for fred’s Super Dollar. “We’re very pleased that our customers are having so much fun playing the ‘Explore the Store” game. All those smiles really are a reward for us. It underscores our motto, ‘A smile on every customer’s face.’”
Shoppers can pick up an “Explore the Store Collect & Win” game board at a participating fred’s Super Dollar. They can then attach the various game markers found inside their game tickets to the appropriate prize grids on the board. When a prize grid is complete with the matching game markers, the customer wins the prize pictured on that particular prize grid. All the game marker spaces in a particular prize grid on the board must be matched and completed in order to win the prize represented in that prize grid.
“It’s easy. The more you visit a participating fred’s Super Dollar, the more game tickets you can collect,” said Roman, who pointed out that shoppers also receive either a
25-cent discount coupon or a free product coupon inside each game ticket.
The Official Rules and Odds Chart are posted at every participating fred’s Super Dollar store and also available at fred’s website, www.fredsinc.com.
fred’s Super Dollar is a convenient shopping destination during the upcoming holiday season, with a wide variety of products, including home décor, cleaning supplies, pet supplies, party supplies, and grocery items. fred’s Super Dollar is famous for its everyday low prices; with more than 2,200 items for just $1.
fred’s Super Dollar offers a variety of products that their customers need most, and is proud to offer these products at the lowest prices, every day.

About fred’s
fred’s Super Dollar operates more than 700 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised fred’s stores in 15 states in the Southeastern United States. For more store and company information, visit fred’s website at www.fredsinc.com. fred’s also operates 339 pharmacies with cost-saving offers on prescriptions. For a list of pharmacies in your area, visit www.fredsmeds.com .

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Greenville Donates Old Fire Truck To American Legion

October 26, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A ’78 fire truck’s in the big parade, with American Legionnaires close at hand…they were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuosos, the cream of all our high school bands (with apologies to composer Meredith Willson).
Aside from a really snazzy decked-out float, a fire truck is the most awesome ride there is in a town parade.
Now, the American Legion Post 131 of Greenville will have its very own fire truck to ride in parades and use for other public displays.
The 1978 Ford F700 is no longer reliable enough to operate in emergency conditions, and was no longer being actively used by the fire department. The local American Legion had asked for the 35-year-old vehicle at a Greenville Town Council meeting, and the Town Council voted to transfer the vehicle free of charge to American Legion Post 131, in honor of the Legion and the local veterans they represent.
Post Commander Roy Scott hopes to have the vehicle ready to go for Greenville’s Veteran’s Day Parade, if possible.

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New Wells Comes Online For Greenville

October 26, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
It is a project that has been about a year in the making, made possible by a $600,000 Community Development Block Grant.
On a sunny Friday morning, Oct. 12, Greenville city employees and officials brought the city’s brand new well online.
Nestled among 100-year-old oaks trees off NW Riverine Way, the new well is operated via satellite and communicates the same way with the water plant in town, improving Greeneville’s water quality and ensuring that it has an adequate supply for its needs. The old well will be put on standby mode as a backup in case of an unforeseen emergency.
Patricia Hinton, the new city clerk for Greenville, actually grew up in a large three-storey farm house on the property where the new well is located, and recalled a childhood spent playing “Tarzan” with her brother, sister and friends Bill Kerr and Bobby Harrison, swinging on vines that dangled from the very same oaks that now surround the well structure.
Years later, after the house burned down, Hinton’s mother sold the property to Charles Roland. It passed through several more hands and was eventually donated to the city of Greenville, which used part of it to install the well
“Isn’t it funny how things come around,” she remarked, standing beside the large well structure with Greenville Mayor Kovacherich Arnold and Public Works Supervisor J.C. Fead and Greeneville Public Works employee Joseph Jackson.
After making sure everything was communicating properly and all the tests were completed, the men flipped the proper levers…and the new well was up and running.

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USDA Approves Grant For New Hospital

October 25, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County Memorial Hospital CEO David Abercrombie had just gotten the good news when he announced at the Rotary Club Wednesday, Oct. 24, that the USDA had just approved the long-applied-for grant money to build the new hospital.
Read more

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Florida’s Jobless Rate Sees Minuscule Drop

October 25, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

Madison and Jefferson Rates Also Fall Slightly

By Lazaro Aleman
Special from ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (FDEO) reports that Florida’s unemployment rate dropped slightly in September, a situation reflected in Jefferson and Madison counties’ jobless figures.
Statistics released by the FDEO on Friday, Oct. 19, show Florida’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.7 percent in September, representing a 0.1 percentage point drop from the previous month’s rate. Read more

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Kim Allbritton Keeping Ship Afloat At Health Department

October 25, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When Kim Barnill left the Madison and Jefferson County Health Departments in July, the departments didn’t have to look far to find someone. Kim Allbritton took over that role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is found.
Allbritton has been working in public servant since 1987. A graduate of Taylor County High School, she attended North Florida Junior College and Florida State University, where she received a degree in Business. Read more

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Givens Sentenced For Murder Of Campbell

October 25, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Gary Givens was sentenced to two life terms without parole for the murder of James Edward “Ed” Campbell on Monday, Oct. 22.
Givens was arrested in March on charges of murdering Campbell, who was a retired school principal from New Port Richey.
Givens was also charged with burglary, grand theft and credit card fraud.
Campbell had trusted Givens and his friend, Jeremiah Gillyard, and had allowed them to visit at his house.
Gillyard was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card and possession of stolen property.
Evidence in the case included witness statements from citizens in the community as well as photographs of two suspects using the victim’s vehicle and other items stolen from the victim’s home.
Because he waived the right for a 12-person jury, Givens did not have to face the death penalty.

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SGA Hosting Q&A For Superintendent Candidates

October 24, 2012 Around Madison, Education, Front Page Comments Off

The Madison County High School SGA is hosting a question an answer forum for the Superintendent candidates at Madison County Central School gym Thursday October 25th at 6 o clock.

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11 Proposed Amendments Made Comprehensible

October 23, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Lazaro Aleman
Special from ECB Publishing, Inc.
Chances are most citizens are aware by now that the Florida Legislature has placed 11 proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot for the Nov. 6 general election.
Chances are also that the average citizen will have difficulty understanding the intent of the amendments, given the legal language that comprises the text of each.
At the least, the average citizen may find it difficult to decipher what exactly a yes or a no vote will accomplish, in terms of expressing the voter’s particular preference on the issue.
Read more

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Constitutional Amendment Workshop Set For Tuesday

October 18, 2012 Front Page Comments Off
Microsoft Word - Constitutional Amendment flyer.docx

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Lee Ministries Seeking Help for Elderly Couple

October 18, 2012 Church Comments Off

To the Members of the Body of Christ:
We would like to take this opportunity to share with you one of the highlights of Celebration Ministries. Celebration Ministries is one of the outreach arms of LUMC into the community for Jesus. As an outreach we go into the homes of our elderly, and the vulnerable public. We carry meals, build ramps, we provide transportation to doctors, we assist with grocery shopping, provide respite care, connect our clients with with available servicies to meet their needs beyond our bounderies. We also share a small supply of medical equipment such as: wheel chairs, canes, walkers, beside commodes and even a hospital bed. We are fatih based and reach into a faith community that is not limited to the Methodist faith. We reach where Holy Spirit leads.
We have an elderly couple in our church that is in need. This couple serves our community of faith tirelessly and quietly. Unasked they have been responsible for maintaining the grounds this past summer when the health of those meeting that need failed and were unable to continue their duties. They have reached out in faith to provide shelter for a young woman visiting in our country. They assisted her until she was able to stand alone in the care for her infant child . They continue to help the elderly in our area. They mindful of community needs. Even though they struggle with their own illnesses they continue to reach out with the love of Christ. Now is our opportunity to assist them.
With their own failing health they can no longer continue restoration on their home. Where they have managed to make their home livable they are loosing ground do to a deteriorating roof. With multiple leaks the damage is adding up. Our quest is to replace their roof and show them of a greater love returning to them.
Ben Ewing, of Ewing construction, is dedicating his talent to the Lord. Under his contractors license he will provide staff, expertise, and insurances for the project. He has connected with Studstill Lumber in Madison, and they are willing as well to add to the blessing. Here is how you can help. Glen, owner of Studstills, has set up an account for LUMC Celebration Ministries. If you would like to make a contribution you may call 973-6106 and ask an employee to help you. You may also call Celebration Ministires at 971-5380. You may wish to buy a sheet of tin, or a piece of plywood or even a bag of screws. Together as the Body of Christ all things can be done according to His perfect will. His perfect will is that we serve one another. If a contribution is not possible for you then never ever doubt your contribution of prayer. Our prayers to the Father in the name of the Son Jesus has the ability to shake the Heavens and He will hear the cry of His people.
We would love for each of you to be a part of this blessing. With all the darkness and sadness in our world, we have an opportunity to show His love.
May God’s Grace continue with you,
Celebration Ministires
971-5380
LUMC Office
971-5585

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Man, Woman Arrested On Meth Charges

October 18, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Sherry Daggy

Sherry Daggy

Flores

According to the Lowndes County, Ga. Sheriff’s Office, a Madison woman was arrested on drug charges. Investigators arrested Sherry Daggy and Andrew Flores after observing the two buying cold medication at a local pharmacy. Tubing was also located in the vehicle they were stopped in. Flores was charged with F-Possession of Tools to Manufacture a Schedule II Narcotic (Party to a Crime). Daggy was charged with F-Possession of Tools for the Manufacture of a Schedule II Narcotic and F-Use of Communications Device to Facilitate VGCSA.

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Madison County man arrested for capital sexual battery

October 18, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Richard Sweitzer

Richard Sweitzer

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Tallahassee Regional Operations Center yesterday arrested Richard George Sweitzer, 65, of Madison, Fla., for one count of capital sexual battery on a victim under 12 years of age.

The investigation began in September 2012, when FDLE was provided information relating to this case that allowed agents to secure a warrant for his arrest. The alleged crime occurred in Madison County.

The investigation is continuing.

Sweitzer was booked into the Madison County Jail and his bond is $250,000.00.

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