Archive for October 2012

Tonight: Greene Publishing, Inc. Offering EXCLUSIVE Post-Debate Coverage

October 16, 2012 Front Page One comment


By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Greene Publishing, Inc. will offer exclusive post-Senatorial debate coverage on its website (www.greenepublishing.com). The online broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. tonight.
The debate between incumbent Bill Nelson and Republican challenger Connie Mack will be held at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale.
According to the Florida Press Association, which is partnering with Leadership Florida to sponsor the debate, “The one-hour post-debate program will consist of a moderator or moderators interviewing guest analysts, journalists, individually or as a panel, in addition to interviews with students, and prominent Democrats and Republicans who attend the debate. Guests will be interviewed for several minutes, and the program will then move on to other guests in order to capture a wide variety of viewpoints.”
The post-debate broadcast is only available to be aired by members of the Florida Press Association. The debate itself can be viewed on WCTV Channel 6.

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Public Hearing To Be Held On Hospital Bonds

October 16, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A public hearing will be held on the issuance of hospital revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes for Madison County Memorial Hospital. The meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 1, at noon at Madison County Memorial Hospital.
The bond and notes are in the amount of $22,543,400. Visit our E-edition site for full story or buy a copy of tomorrow’s Madison County Carrier at newsstands throughout the county

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Aerial And Ground Game Keep Cowboys Record Unblemished

October 16, 2012 Sports Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A strong aerial attack, complemented by Madison County High School’s ferocious ground game, helped the Cowboys keep their record perfect at 7-0 on Friday, Oct. 12. Add a stalwart defense in the nix and the Cowboys defeated Potter’s House Christian from Jacksonville by a score of 51-6.
Cowboy quarterback D.J. McKnight completed seven of 11 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown pass. He also rushed twice for 19 yards. Read more Here

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VSU Students Need Your Help To Create A New Twist On Classic Film Noir

October 16, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

A group of students in Valdosta State University’s Mass Media program need your help! The group is in the late preproduction stages of putting together an exciting student film, Valentine’s Rock.

Greene Publishing’s own Kristin Finney will be producing the film. Clay Orr, John Patten and Andrew Parker are directing the film.

Valentine’s Rock will be a new twist on classic noir style. Valentine’s Rock is full of drama and suspense and will leave the audience wanting more. The story follows a private detective by the name of Frank Vincent whose partner is murdered. Frank must use his keen detective skills to unravel the case his partner was working on when he was murdered. The story only gets more complicated when red headed femme fatale aptly named Ginger hires Frank on a case. Frank gets tangled up in all kinds of trouble when he finds out that Ginger’s case ties into the case he initially set out to solve! Will Frank figure out Ginger’s case before the bad guys catch him?

The group is asking for the help of the community to make Valentine’s Rock possible. If you are interested in donating to support this film please visit their KickStarter site at: http://kck.st/SyPvMD or call Kristin Finney at (850)673-1773.

Valentine’s Rock is expected to be premiered at the VSU Film Festival this December. All donators will be sent a link to a digital copy of the film, receive their name in the credits of the movie and possibly more depending on the amount donated. All sponsorship levels can be seen on the KickStarter page. Thank you for your support!

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Get Ready For Senate Debate Analysis Wednesday

October 15, 2012 Front Page Comments Off


Watch Wednesday evening after the debate on WCTV Channel 6

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Pre-Trial In Voter Case Continued Until December 5

October 12, 2012 Front Page 4 comments

Pre-trial hearings for five people charged with voter fraud in the election of Abra “Tina” Johnson to Madison County School Board, District 1, have been continued until Dec. 5.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement began investigating a complaint about potential voter fraud after the Department of State’s Division of Elections contacted FDLE. In the complaint, it pointed out that the election had a “extraordinarily disproportionate amount of absentee votes.”
According to the FDLE, “the investigation revealed that Johnson and her husband, Ernest Sinclair Johnson, Jr., approached voters and obtained their agreement to vote, after which the voters were asked to sign an “Absentee Ballot Request Form.” Without the voters’ knowledge or consent, an alternate address was handwritten on the form, causing the ballots to be mailed to a third party rather than directly to the registered voters. In 2010, Florida law required ballots to be sent to a voter’s registered address unless the voter was absent from the county, hospitalized, or temporarily unable to occupy their residence. The Johnsons retrieved the ballots from the third party locations, brought the ballots to the voter, waited for the person to vote, and then returned the ballots to the Supervisor of Elections. In some instances, the voters were only presented with the absentee ballot signature envelope to sign and never received the actual ballot to cast their vote.
“The Johnsons also secured the assistance of several other individuals to unlawfully obtain absentee ballots directly from the Supervisor of Elections. Despite written notice of penalties of perjury, these individuals signed and submitted an ‘Affidavit to Obtain Absentee Ballot,’ claiming to have been authorized by voter to obtain their absentee ballot. These individuals, however, were unknown to the voters.”
Tina Johnson was charged with 10 counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote and her husband, Sinclair Earnest Johnson, Jr., was charged with 11 counts of fraud in connection with casting votes, one count of corruptly influencing voting and one count of perjury by false written declaration.
Tina Johnson had been scheduled for trial to begin Oct. 1, but the trial has been continued until February 2013.
Jada Woods Williams was charged with 17 counts of neglect of duty and corrupt practices for allowing the distribution of the absentee ballots. Her hearing has been changed to Tallahassee.
Others who will enter pre-trial motions will be:
Judy Ann Crumitie, charged with four counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote, and one count of providing a false report to law enforcement authorities
Laverne V. Haynes, charged with two counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote, two counts of perjury by false written declaration, and one count of providing a false report to law enforcement authorities
Raven Simona Williams, charged with two counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote, two counts of perjury by false written declaration, and one count of providing a false report to law enforcement authorities
Shalonda Michaelle Brinson, charged with nine counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote, and one count of provided a false report to law enforcement authorities.
The charges against Jada Woods Williams are misdemeanors. The charges of voter fraud against the others are felonies.

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Murder Trial Set

October 12, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off

Gary Givens Murder Trial Set Read about it Here

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GREENVILLE HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR CONNECTS WITH SENIOR CITIZENS

October 9, 2012 Health Comments Off

Knowledge is power when it comes to the health of Madison County
senior citizens.
The Greenville Health and Wellness Fair begins at 10 a.m. on Thursday,
Oct. 11, with three informative presentations and 10 organizations to talk
with senior citizens about their medical care questions.
The Greenville Senior Citizens Center is located in downtown
Greenville at 166 SW Onslow Street. Guest speakers for the health fair are
Debbie Gates of Amedisys Home Health Care; Michelle Brantley of Big
Bend Hospice, as well as Karen Cocan of Lake Park of Madison.
Door prizes and refreshments will be provided by vendors and
volunteers for the event, which begins at 10 a.m. and wraps up at
approximately 2 p.m. The public is invited.
Free vision screenings start at 11:30 a.m. with Ken Methvin and his
mobile vision screening center from South East Eye Specialists. Other
organizations participating are: Madison County Emergency Management;
Madison County Memorial Hospital, Brynwood Center, Covenant Hospice,
Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center and Tobacco Free Madison of
the Madison County Health Department.

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Greene Publishing, Inc. Offers Exclusive Post-Debate Coverage

October 9, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Greene Publishing, Inc. will offer exclusive post-Senatorial debate coverage on its website (www.greenepublishing.com). The online broadcast will begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17.
The debate between incumbent Bill Nelson and Republican challenger Connie Mack will be held at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale.
According to the Florida Press Association, which is partnering with Leadership Florida to sponsor the debate, “The one-hour post-debate program will consist of a moderator or moderators interviewing guest analysts, journalists, individually or as a panel, in addition to interviews with students, and prominent Democrats and Republicans who attend the debate. Guests will be interviewed for several minutes, and the program will then move on to other guests in order to capture a wide variety of viewpoints.”
The post-debate broadcast is only available to be aired by members of the Florida Press Association.

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Madison City Commission Agenda

October 8, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

AGENDA
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
OCTOBER 9, 2012

1. Call to Order

2. Adoption of Agenda

3. Items Removed from Consent Agenda

4. CONSENT AGENDA:
(a) Minutes of September 11, 2012 and September 28, 2012
(b) Police Report and Fire Report
(c) Financial Report
(d) Resolution of Appreciation to County Commissioner Roy Ellis for His Service as a County Representative on the North Central Florida Regional Planning Council since January 2000
(e) Community Planning Month Proclamation
(f) Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation
(g) Approval of Contract for Audit Services
(h) Authorization to Solicit Bids for Provision of Information Technology (IT) Services
(i) Authorization to Solicit Bids for Provision of Engineering Services to Review, Approve and Oversee the Construction of Playground Equipment at a Park on Martin Luther King Jr., Drive
(j) Approval to Contract with Aramark Uniform Services
(k) Approval of Letter of Agreement with LAR-DON Consultants for Continued Use of Operator Qualification Sheets by Natural Gas Department Employees
(l) Authorization to Explore Converting City Vehicles to Natural Gas as a Cost-Savings Measure
(m) Authorization to Study Possible Amendment to City Ordinance Regarding Signage on Public Rights-of-Way
(n) Approval of Form to Evaluate the City Manager
(o) A Resolution Concerning Amendment 4 to the Florida Constitution that, If Adopted, Would Create Additional Inequities in Florida’s Tax System by Granting Certain Tax Breaks to Some Taxpayers at the Expense of Other Taxpayers

5. Citizen’s Participation (6:00 p.m.)

6. Briefing on Florida Department of Transportation’s Project to Improve the Intersection of Highways 90, 145 and 53 (Community Development Director and Police Chief)

7. Public Hearing and Possible Approval of Resolution 2012-12 Approving Bonds for Escambia County Housing Finance Authority Relative to the Renovation of Madison Heights Apartments (Elbert Jones, Executive Director, Escambia County Housing Finance Authority)

8. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Contract with Energy Vision Regarding Natural Gas Services (City Manager)

9. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Recommendation Regarding Contracting with a Supplier of Natural Gas (City Manager)

10. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Plan to Celebrate the City’s 175th Anniversary (City Manager)

11. Discuss and Possibly Approve Eliminating the Annual Allocation of $3,000 to the City of Madison’s Volunteer Firefighter Organization (City Manager)

12. Discuss and Possibly Approve Transactions Involving Houses Owned by the City (City Manager)

13. Discuss and Possibly Approve City/County Joint Operation of the Wardlaw-Smith-Goza Conference Center (City Manager)

14. Discuss and Possibly Adopt First Reading of Ordinance No. 2012-6 Involving Access to OakRidge Cemetery (City Manager)

15. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Memorandum of Agreement with Suwannee River Water Management District (City Manager)

16. City Manager’s Report

17. Other Items of Interest to the Commission

18. Adjourn

All times on the agenda are approximate.

Any person who decides to appeal any decision made by the commission with respect to any matter considered at such meeting will need a record of the proceedings, and that for such purpose, he or she may need to insure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based.
Names of persons requesting items to be placed on this agenda are shown in parentheses.

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Two Not To Appear In Court Oct. 12

October 4, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Two of those who were listed for a pre-trial hearing in Madison on Friday, Oct. 12, are not on the docket.
Supervisor of Elections Jada Woods Williams’ trial has been transferred to circuit court in Tallahassee.
Williams was charged with 17 counts of neglect of duty and corrupt practices for allowing the distribution of the absentee ballots.
Ora Bell Rivers, charged with seven counts of fraud in connection with casting a vote, three counts of perjury by false written declaration, and one count of providing a false report to law enforcement authorities.
The other defendants are all slated to appear in court on Oct. 12 to face charges of voter fraud.
Following the November 2010 general election where Abra “Tina” Johnson was elected to represent District 1 as a school board member, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement began investigating a complaint about potential voter fraud after the Department of State’s Division of Elections contacted FDLE. In the complaint, it pointed out that the election had a “extraordinarily disproportionate amount of absentee votes.”

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Gavel Passed To Wayne Vickers

October 4, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
After the passing of the gavel from former Commission Chair Roy Ellis to new Commissioner Chair Wayne Vickers, the latter proceeded with a meeting that included the second required public hearing for Rich Property & Investment Group, a sizable check presented to Madison County and some good news for Madison County’s roads, among several agenda items. Read the full story in tomorrow’s Madison Enterprise-Recorder or online Here

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Supervisor of Elections Newsletter

October 4, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

Click to read the Supervisor of Elections newsletter

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Ashley Killingsworth Named MCHS Homecoming Queen

October 3, 2012 Education, Front Page Comments Off
Ashley Killingsworth, with her escort Cody MacDonald

Ashley Killingsworth, with her escort Cody MacDonald

Congratulations to Ashley Killingsworth, 2012 Madison County High School Homecoming Queen. She was crowned during the coronation last evening. Her escort was Cody MacDonald. Photo by Russell Williams, Photographe

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Value Adjustment Board to Meet

October 3, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

PUBLIC NOTICE
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE
MADISON COUNTY
VALUE ADJUSTMENT BOARD

The Chairman, the Honorable Wayne Vickers, and members of the Value Adjustment Board, will hold an organizational meeting on Thursday, October 4, 2012, beginning at 8:15 a.m. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Courthouse Annex, 229 SW Pinckney Street, Room 107, Madison, Florida.

The purpose of these meetings is to hold an organizational meeting in accordance with Florida Administrative Code Chapter 12D-9.013.

PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, ANY PERSON REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ABOVE MEETING IS ASKED TO ADVISE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING BY CONTACTING CLERK OF COURT TIM SANDERS OR DEPUTY CLERK PHYLLIS LAWSON AT (850) 973-8012. IF YOU ARE HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED, PLEASE CONTACT THE BOARD BY CALLING 1-800-955-8771.

ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING 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.

The public is invited to attend.

Dated and posted this 3rd day of October 2012.

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

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MCHS Homecoming 2012 Schedule

October 3, 2012 Front Page, Sports Comments Off

By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.

The Madison County Cowboys will be celebrating their 2012 homecoming this week. The Cowboys will be playing the West Port Wolves. During the week, students done their spirit wear and get pumped up for the parade and game Friday. The theme for this year’s homecoming is Whip the Wolves.
Coronation was held at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at North Florida Community College’s Van H. Priest Auditorium.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on Friday. Each class will have a float as well as the homecoming court representatives. There will also be other local businesses and vendors represented.
The game will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday at Boot Hill. The homecoming court and homecoming queen will be presented during half time at the game.

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Man Arrested On Drunk Driving Charges

October 3, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
craigsolomon

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was arrested on multiple charges after he ran a stop sign and traveled into a ditch on Saturday evening, Sept. 29.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Craig L. Solomon, 23, of Madison, was traveling south on SE Arnett Avenue.
Solomon failed to stop at the stop sign on SE Arnett at SE Farm Road and his 1989 Cadillac came to a final rest, facing south. Read full story Here

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United Way Celebrity Waiter Photos

October 3, 2012 Around Madison Comments Off

See photos from the United Way Celebrity Waiter dinner, featuring Sonny Shroyer from The Dukes of Hazzardas well as local celebrities raising money for a good cause at our Facebook page. See story by Kristin Finney, as well as photos by Emerald Greene in today’s Madison County Carrier or at online.greenepublishing.com.

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Obituary: John Alton Coody

October 2, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Mr. John Alton Coody, 67, passed away at his home in Lake City, Florida, on Monday, October 1, 2012. He was a native of Pinetta, Madison County, Florida and was a graduate of Madison High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was employed at Occidental Chemical (PCS) and Turner Electric prior to his retirement due to his health. He is preceded in death by his father A.C. Coody, his beloved mother Rosie Ella Coody and his brother Jimmy Coody.

John is survived by his son Steve (Barbara) Coody, two grandsons Stephen (Ashley) Coody and Jarred (Caitlin) Coody and one grand-daughter Heather Coody; three great-grandchildren Kaydence Michelle Schneiders, Riley Ella Coody and Brantley Hunter Coody. He is also survived by his sister Frances (Tony) Hughey; sister-in-law Carolyn Coody; two nieces Lawanda (Greg) Jennings and Robyn (Steve) Hickey and their families as well as extended family and friends.

Graveside funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, October 4, 2012 in the Mt. Horeb Cemetery located in Pinetta Florida with Rev. Delbert Redditt officiating. Visitation with family will be held from 5:00-7:00 Wednesday evening in the Dees-Parrish Family Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of the DEES-PARRISH FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 458 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 752-1234 Please share your thoughts and wishes for the family at our on-line family guestbook at parrishfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Jobless Rate Steady Statewide; Drops In Jefferson & Madison

October 2, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

By Lazaro Aleman
Special from ECB Publishing, Inc.
Florida’s unemployment rate in August remained unchanged from the previous month, while Jefferson and Madison counties’ rates dropped slightly.
So indicate the latest figures released by the Florida Department of
Economic Opportunity (FDEO) on Friday, Sept. 21.
Read full story Here

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