Archive for December 2012

Man Charged With Leaving Scene Of An Accident

December 28, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee man was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a fire hydrant on Wednesday, Dec. 26.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Charles N. Kuhl, 59, of Lee, was southbound on State Road 53 in a 1998 Chevy S-10. The pickup entered the west shoulder and struck a fire hydrant head-on.
Kuhl left the scene of the crash but his pickup was found about a mile away on SR 53 by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office after it became disabled due to its damage.
FHP Trooper Manuel Smyrnios was the investigating officer.

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Scam Alert

December 28, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

Progress Energy warns customers of utility bill-payment scam

Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is urging customers to be on alert for a new utility bill payment scam affecting customers across the country.
Under the scam, customers are receiving a call informing them their electric service is scheduled for immediate disconnection and they should make a payment by purchasing a “money pack” card at a local drug or convenience store. Progress Energy has received reports of customers who have been contacted about this scam in its Florida service territory, targeting Spanish-speaking customers. Read more

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Madison Jiffy Store, Fred’s Burglarized

December 28, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison police officers were dispatched to two active alarms early Christmas morning.
The first call was at 12:10 a.m. when the officers responded to the Jiffy Store, located on East Base Street. Upon their arrival, the officers observed that the front glass had been shattered. They proceeded to clear the inside of the building and notified the key holder. Read more

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Dog Found; Owner Sought

December 26, 2012 Uncategorized Comments Off

A Llewelen setter has been found in the area of Wild Wing Kennels in Lee. If you are the owner or know who the dog belongs to, please call (850) 971-2832.

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Clyde Alexander Appointed To Madison County Commission

December 21, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

Governor Rick Scott today announced the appointment of Clyde Alexander Jr. to the Madison County Board of County Commissioners, District 4.

Alexander, 63, of Madison, is currently the director of fitness and wellness and minority recruiter at North Florida Community College. Alexander previously served on the School Board of Madison County from 1986 to 2012. He received his bachelors’ degree from Canisius College and his master’s degree from Florida A&M University.

He will fill a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning December 21, 2012, and extending for the period of suspension, not to extend beyond the term.

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MCHS Student Clay Sapp Honored by County Commission

December 21, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page, Uncategorized Comments Off

By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Since the FFA’s beginning in 1928, only five other people from the entire state of Florida, including long-time Commissioner of Agriculture Doyle Conner (served 1961-91, under seven state governors) have ever been elected as the organization’s national president. Madison County High School graduate and class salutatorian Clay Sapp, son of Ed and Gina Sapp, brings that number to six. Read more

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Structure Fire

December 21, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

At approximately 10:58 a.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Madison fire departments were notified of a structure fire at 6286 NE Rocky Ford Road in north central Madison County.  Responding units found smoke coming out of a residential mobile home located about one-half mile off the road.  The fire was quickly brought under control but there was extensive smoke and water damage to the interior.
Units from the following agencies provided assistance at the scene: Pinetta Fire Rescue, Madison Fire Rescue, Cherry Lake Fire Rescue, Tri-County Electric, Madison County Emergency Medical Services, the State of Florida Division of Forestry, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office.  No injuries were reported.
The homeowner, Kenneth Herring, was on scene also. Read more

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Obit: Arva Grace Granger

December 21, 2012 Uncategorized Comments Off

Arva Grace Granger, 88, of Madison, died on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
She is survived by four children, 11 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
She was a resident of Madison for 18 years and a member of Grace Presbyterian Church. A graveside service was held on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 3 p.m. at Oak Ridge II Cemetery in Madison.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.

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Obit: Michael Andrew Shea

December 21, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Michael Andrew Shea, 55, died Thursday, December 13, 2012 at UAB Hospital, Birmingham, Ala. after a long illness.  He was born in Mobile, Ala., and grew up in Madison County before moving to Gulf Shores, Ala.
Mr. Shea was owner of American Carpet Care, located in Gulf Shores.  Prior to owning and operating his own business, he was active in all manner of construction.  He was also part of the Dames Point Bridge Project in Jacksonville.
Survivors include wife, Christine; son, Samuel (Amber); daughter, Sophie; granddaughter, Kyley; mother, Pat Anders; stepmother Immi Shea; brothers, Pete (Mary-Ann), Shaun, and Andy (Darlene); and several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Shea was preceded in death by his father, Peter F. Shea, Jr.
A memorial Service was held Sunday, December 16, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Gulf Shores where Mr. Shea was a member.

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MCHS Earns “A”

December 21, 2012 Education, Front Page Comments Off

From Doug Brown, Madison County Superintendent of Schools:

Colleagues:

The preliminary 2012 school grades have been released and Madison County High School has earned a preliminary ‘A’ grade!!! The school grades are listed on the DOE website. I must stress that the high school grades are preliminary, but the grades are now displayed on the website for public consumption.

This school grade is testimony to (1) the establishment of high expectations (2) ‘buy in’ to those expectations by students, teachers, parents, and administrators, (3) hard work, dedication, and commitment by all involved and (4) leadership at the school level by the principal, AP’s, and curriculum coaches.

My hat is off to principal Ben Killingsworth, former superintendent Lou Miller, and the entire MCHS faculty and staff for this AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENT!!! This is the first time that the high school has earned an A grade, but it will not be the last. The bar is set! BTW, MCHS is the only ‘A’ high school in the six-county region (Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Suwannee, and Taylor). Let’s celebrate!!!

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Accident Near Prison

December 20, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Two people, checking for oncoming traffic, were involved in an auto accident on Thursday, Dec. 13, at approximately 2:45 p.m. Read more

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SRWMD Approves $15 Million Budget

December 20, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) Governing Board on December 11 approved a preliminary budget of $14.9 million and a proposed millage rate of 0.4143, the same as last year.
In accordance with a new statutory requirement, the District must present a preliminary budget to the Legislature by January 15. The preliminary budget provides the Legislature with additional oversight of the district’s budget.
The preliminary budget with the assistance of projected state funding supports the District’s core mission, including springs protection, and maintains reserve funding for cost-share programs.
Strategic priorities and program highlights include continuation of:
• Heartland Springs Initiative
• Minimum flows and levels (MFLs)
• North Florida Regional Water Supply Partnership
• Aquifer recharge feasibility study
• Land management and surplus lands programs
• Data collection, monitoring and analysis
• Agricultural cost-share program
• Santa Fe and Suwannee River Basins Nutrient Reduction and Irrigation Retrofit program
• RIVER (Regional Initiative Valuing Environmental Resources) cost-share program
 Also:
• Initiating Otter Springs restoration
•Implementing aquifer replenishment projects
• Implementing dispersed water storage projects
• Developing MFLs for the Aucilla River, Wacissa River, Econfina River, Fenholloway River, Steinhatchee River and Lake Palestine.

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obit: Joseph Hiram Millinor, Jr.

December 20, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Mr. Joseph Hiram Millinor Jr., 83, of Perry, died Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee, following an extended illness. Mr. Millinor was born July 11, 1929 in Madison, to the late Joseph Millinor Sr. and the late former Orena Jackson.
Mr. Millinor was of the Christian Faith and was a member of the Spring Warrior Church of Christ in Perry. He was a veteran of the US Army having served in the Korean War where he received the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Korean Service Medal with Bronze Star. He lit the eternal flame at the courthouse on May 24, 1970. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and gardening.
He is survived by his wife, Belvajean Bethea Millinor, of Perry, two sons, Calvin E. Millinor, of San Diego, CA , and Joseph R. Millinor, of Jacksonville, one daughter, Susan M. Lynn, of Perry, one brother, Robert Millinor, of Perry, one sister, Lucille Millinor, of Perry, four grandchildren, three great, grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Karen L. Millinor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 20, 2012 at the Spring Warrior Church of Christ, in Perry, with Bro. Jeff Himmel officiating. Interment will follow in Spring Warrior Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Joe P. Burns Funeral Home who is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send condolences to the family at www.joepburnsfuneralhomes.com.

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One Arrested For Fleeing And Eluding

December 19, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Earl Davis

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Sunday the 16th day of December 2012 Madison County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Brad Johnson was patrolling an area where complaints had been received concerning drug activity. Deputy Johnson observed Earl Dewayne Davis driving an older model primer gray 4 door sedan. Deputy Johnson had prior knowledge that Davis’s driver licenses were suspended and the tag on the car that Davis was driving was expired more than 6 months. Deputy Johnson conducted a traffic stop on Davis on Georgetown Road for the expired tag and driver license violation. Deputy Johnson approached Davis’s vehicle and immediately detected a strong odor of marijuana. Deputy Johnson asked Davis for his driver license. Davis turned away as if to retrieve his driver license but instead put the vehicle in gear and sped off at a high rate of speed. Deputy Johnson returned to his patrol vehicle and began to pursue Davis with blue lights and siren activated. Deputy Johnson caught up to Davis on Georgetown Road as Davis continued to elude apprehension turning North onto Ganzy Street then East onto Brooklyn Ave. Still refusing to stop, Davis turned South onto State Road 14 continuing at a high rate of speed. Deputy Johnson continued to pursue Davis until the engine in Davis’s vehicle began to lose power causing Davis to finally come to a stop just south of Summerset Way on State Road 14.
Davis put his hands up and was ordered out of the vehicle where he was placed under arrest without further incident. During a probable cause search of the vehicle, Deputy Johnson located a pill bottle that contained several Hydrocodone pills (controlled substance not prescribed to Davis), a large gray digital scale with marijuana residue, a shoe box containing a large number of small plastic baggies commonly used to package marijuana and a small amount of loose marijuana. Davis was transported to the Madison County Jail and his vehicle towed by rotation.
Earl Dewayne Davis, B/M, DOB: 12/05/1969, of 207 SE Davis Street, Madison, FL 32340

Charged: Fleeing and Eluding
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of Marijuana less 20
Possession of Controlled Substance
DWLSR
Expired Tag over 6 mths

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Fugitive Arrested

December 19, 2012 Crime, Front Page Comments Off
Victor Mature Miller

Victor Mature Miller

Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart reports that on Thursday the 13th day of December 2012, Investigators with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received information that Fugitive Victor Mature Miller was hiding at a residence located at 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville FL. Miller had been on the run and hiding out for several months. An arrest team comprised of Sheriff’s Office personnel to include investigators, patrol deputies and the K-9 unit was assembled and responded to 245 Reedbuck Loop.
Upon arrival the rear of the residence was secured by Cpl. Kevin Stout and K-9 Onyx while other members of the arrest team went to the front of the residence. Contact was made with the home owner and a female identified as Sonya Denise Coleman. The home owner was questioned concerning anyone else being inside the residence. The home owner confirmed that a man known to him as “Frog”.
Simultaneously, investigators learned that Sonya Denise Coleman was Victor Millers girlfriend. When Coleman was questioned concerning who else was in the residence she answered “no one”. When Coleman was questioned concerning the whereabouts of Miller she answered that she did not know. Investigators explained to Coleman that she would be arrested for obstruction if in fact she was being untruthful.
Cpl. Kevin Anderson and K-9 Max along with the arrest team assembled at the opened front door. Commands were given to the unknown male inside the residence to come out. After several minutes with no response, Cpl. Anderson along with K-9 Max followed by the arrest team entered the residence. K-9 Max led Cpl. Anderson and the arrest team to a back bedroom with a closed door. Once the door was opened K-9 Max located Victor Mature Miller hiding in a corner concealed by a headboard of the bed. Victor Mature Miller was arrested without incident. Sonya Denise Coleman was also arrested for obstruction.
Arrested and charged are the following:
Victor Mature Miller, B/M, DOB: 01/03/1969 of 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville, FL 32331
Charged: Parole Violation Warrant-Second Degree Murder

Sonya Denise Coleman, B/F, DOB: 12/04/1979 of 245 Reedbuck Loop, Greenville FL 32331
Charged: Obstruction

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Lee Post Office Could Close

December 18, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

Lee Community Asked to Rally to Stop Shutdown
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Postal customers in Lee had a questionnaire in their box from the United States Postal Service on Monday.
The Postal Service is trying to close down the Lee Post Office. Postal customers need to carefully read and fill out the questionnaire. Option number one will keep the post office as it is now. Read more

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Pickup Strikes Power Pole

December 18, 2012 Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Traffic was backed up as a pickup truck struck a power line at the corner of US 90 and SE Brown Road on Friday, Dec. 14.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Douglas Doty, 47, of Madison, was eastbound on US 90 in the left lane. He went off the south side of the road and struck a utility pole with the front of his 1981 GMC pickup truck. Read more

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Obit: Mackey Shaffer Fisher

December 18, 2012 Obituaries Comments Off

Mackey Shaffer Fisher, 88, of Denton, Tex., died Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the Medical Center of Plano.
Mrs. Fisher was born on December 26, 1923 in Brooks County, Ga., to James Clayton and Janie P. (Lewis) Shaffer. She graduated from Dixie High School in Brooks County, Ga. She was married to Samuel J. Henderson, Jr. in 1944 and he preceded her in death in 1954; she married James Fisher 1972 and he preceded her in death in 1979. She was retired from Community Hospital in New Port Richey and was a Baptist.
Mrs. Fisher is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Camp and her husband Al of Denton, Tex.; a son, Samuel J. Henderson, III and his wife Jill of Palm Harbor; a sister, Martha S. Hewlett of Birmingham, Ala.; brother, Homer A. Shaffer of Murphy, N.C,; grandchildren, Richard C. Traylor, Hillary B. Henderson, Aaron B. Henderson, Emily J. Henderson; three great grandchildren, Mallory, Madison and Grayson Traylor. She was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Cline, and a brother, James C. Shaffer, Jr.
A visitation and a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 in the chapel at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison, and interment will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery, Madison County.
Online condolences may be left at www.mulkeymasondenton.com.

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An Appeal For Lee Residents to Join Together to Save the Local Post Office

December 17, 2012 Front Page Comments Off

If you live in Lee, Florida….you have probably received a questionnaire in the mail about your Lee Post Office. They are trying to close down the Lee Post Office. Please carefully read and fill out the questionnaire and please choose option #1 (It will keep the post office the same as it is now!!). If you don’t choose that option, you will have to drive to Live oak or Jennings to pick up your packages that are undeliverable when you are not home. The questionnaires are due by January 1st 2013. A meeting is going to be held at Lee City Hall to reveal the results of the survey on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 @ 2:30pm. If they do not receive at least 60% votes from the survey that the people of Lee, Florida want to keep the post office the same and stay open, they are going to decide the fate of the Lee Post Office. Please help keep the Lee Post Office OPEN for the convenience of our little community!!!

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Open Arms Ministry Meal Set

December 17, 2012 Church, Front Page Comments Off

An Open Arms ministry meal will be held during the Christmas season on Wednesday, Dec. 19, from noon-2 p.m.
A Christmas movie will be shown during the meal for entertainment.
For more information, please call Chad McCormick at (850) 929-7561 or email him at openarmsfumc@yahoo.com.

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