Open Arms Ministries will be serving a meal Wednesday, Jan. 16, at noon at the First United Methodist Church in Madison.
Please contact Chad McCormick by email at openarmsfumc@yahoo.com or by phone at (850) 929-7561.
Archive for January 2013
Statement From the National Rifle Association of America Regarding Today’s White House Task Force Meeting
Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association of America is made up of over 4 million moms and dads, daughters and sons, who are involved in the national conversation about how to prevent a tragedy like Newtown from ever happening again. We attended today’s White House meeting to discuss how to keep our children safe and were prepared to have a meaningful conversation about school safety, mental health issues, the marketing of violence to our kids and the collapse of federal prosecutions of violent criminals.
We were disappointed with how little this meeting had to do with keeping our children safe and how much it had to do with an agenda to attack the Second Amendment. While claiming that no policy proposals would be “prejudged,” this Task Force spent most of its time on proposed restrictions on lawful firearms owners – honest, taxpaying, hardworking Americans. It is unfortunate that this Administration continues to insist on pushing failed solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems. We will not allow law-abiding gun owners to be blamed for the acts of criminals and madmen. Instead, we will now take our commitment and meaningful contributions to members of congress of both parties who are interested in having an honest conversation about what works – and what does not.
-NRA-
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest civil rights and sportsmen’s group. Four million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation’s leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NationalRifleAssociation and on Twitter @NRA.
Central School Student Arrested For Possession Of A Weapon And Assault
A Madison County Central School student was arrested on charges of possession of a weapon at school and aggravated assault on Tuesday, Jan. 8.
According to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office report filed by Cpl. Josh Harris, Assistant Principal Stacey Frakes contacted him at 8:45 a.m. in reference to a student being in possession of a knife.
Harris met with Frakes and the student. Frakes informed Harris that a P.E. teacher had contacted her. The teacher told her about a student possibly having a knife. Read more
City To Pursue Private Funding For Tennis Courts
City Commission Ina Thompson asked the board for permission to seek funding from grant sources, such as private foundations, to build six tennis courts (four requlation size, two United States Tennis Association (USTA) size) in the city at Lanier Field. To Read More
Obit: Jacquelyn Thomas Hartley
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) family is deeply saddened by the passing of FAMU alumna Jacquelyn Thomas Hartley, the wife of Col. (Ret) Brodes H. Hartley.
Jacquelyn Thomas Hartley’s wake was held Friday, Dec. 21, 2012, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Christ Fellowship Church located at 8900 SW 168th St., Palmetto Bay, Fla 33157. Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. at Christ Fellowship. The repast will occur at Palmetto Bay Village Center located at 18001 Old Cutler Road in Palmetto Bay, Fla.
Individuals can send their expressions of sympathy to Col. (Ret) Brodes H. Hartley Jr. and Family, 19338 SW 80th Court, Cutler Bay, Fla. 33157.
A native of Madison, Fla., Jacquelyn Thomas Hartley earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from FAMU in 1956. She earned her master’s degree in maternal and child nursing from the University of Maryland, and her doctorate in education administration from Florida State University. Her first job was at the FAMU Hospital, where she excelled as a graduate nurse. She was licensed on her first sitting on the Registered Nursing Examination. Her scores were in the 19th percentile.
Hartley had a distinguished nursing career. Her professional experience included many years of working for the Federal government and state of Florida. Hartley served as an associate professor at FAMU from 1982-1984. She had advanced from faculty to chairperson to associate dean. She served twice as acting dean during her tenure. She retired from Florida International University as a special projects officer.
Her honors and awards included the following: Distinguished Fellow Award and the Gallery of Distinction at FAMU, one of FAMU’s 125 Outstanding Alumni, The Black Employees Arad at Florida International University, the Family Christian Association of America Inc., and the Black Achievers Award. She was the first African-American president of the District 5 Florida Nursing Association.
She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., The Girlfriends and The Holidays. She was also involved with the Parent-Teacher Association for her grandchildren from elementary school through high school.
Hartley was very active in her community. She volunteered at Community Health Inc. of South Florida in the Human Resources Department and Family Medicine. She faithfully volunteered at Christ Fellowship Church in the nursery, on the health committee as well as served as greeter on Sunday mornings and prepared folders for service. Her home often served as a regular meeting place for the South Miami-Dade Chapter of the FAMU National Alumni Association.
She was a loyal FAMUan who knew at a very early age that she was destined to attend FAMU, a place where her mother, sisters and brothers attended. During her FAMU Freshmen Orientation Week, she met her future husband, Col. Hartley. They married after dating for four years and had been married for 55 years. The couple had two children, six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
She leaves to mourn her passing a loving and devoted husband Col. Brodes H. Hartley II of Palmetto Bay; two children Cmndr. Brodes Hartley III, and Jacquelyn Hartley White both of Miami; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. A loving sister Cheryl Thomas-Tate of Las Vegas, Nev., aunts, uncles, numerous friends, and extended family also survived her.
Obit: Robert Brady “Bob Cur Dog” Cade, Sr.
Robert Brady “Bob Cur Dog” Cade, Sr., 69, of Madison, left this earth for the Kingdom of Heaven on Jan. 2, 2013, with family at his bedside.
Bob was born Aug. 12, 1943 in Lexington, Miss., and moved to Live Oak in 1956, where he graduated in 1961 from Suwannee High School.
After receiving a degree in education from Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss., he was a teacher and coach in Mayo and Wildwood. Later in his career, he worked with the State of Mississippi and the State of Florida’s prison systems in various rehabilitation programs, where he was able to positively affect many lives.
His parents, Lois Brady Cade and John Allen Cade of Live Oak, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his son, Robert Brady Cade, Jr.; his grandson, Robert Bryce Cade; his former wife and dear friend, Gwen Brown Cade of Perry; his sister, Jamie Cade McKenzie (Rod) of Jacksonville; and a niece and nephew, as well as many cousins.
The “Cur Dog” is what Bob named himself when he turned his life over to God, and under that nickname began a Christian ministry that inspired many people to overcome and rise above the circumstances in their lives. “On the line with guts and God” was his motto as he spoke and motivated many groups, including A.A., football teams and students throughout the south. Bob was at his happiest when he was giving pep talks and walking the sidelines with his Madison County High School Cowboys football team.
He was a member of Hopewell Baptist Church in Madison, where there will be a memorial service and celebration of his life on Jan. 13, 2013, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Preston Gainey officiating.
Memorial contributions may be sent to his church at 4730 SW County Road 360, Madison, FL 32340.
Daniels Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., of Live Oak, (386) 362-4333, was in charge of arrangements.
Obit: Ralph E. Williams
Ralph E. Williams, 80, passed away January 4, 2013 at his home in Lee, Florida. Born February 19, 1932 in Connersville, Indiana, he lived in Indiana until 1982 when he moved to Lee.
Ralph was a farmer and retired from the Pennsylvania/Conrail Railroad where he was a conductor and brakeman. He attended Lee First Baptist Church. An avid Harley Davidson rider, he was a member of the North Florida Road Riders.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 35 years, Erma; 3 children, Linda (Jack) Bales of Coaldale, Col., Kevin (Beth) Williams, of Farmland, Ind., Annette (Wayne) Miller of Winchester, IN; 3 step-children, Julie (Tim) Brumley, of Ft Lauderdale, Lori (Donnie) Jackson of Tallahassee, and Troy Hershberger of Muncie, Ind.; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Juanita (Bill) Frazier of Connersville, Ind.; step-brother, Don Freland of Hagerstown, Ind.; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, John R. and Mary Jeanette Williams, step-mother, Mary Freland Williams, brother Gerald R. Williams, and granddaughter Breanna Bales.
Funeral services will be held at Waskom Capitol Hill Chapel in Cambridge City, Indiana on Thursday, January 10, at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.waskoms.com.
Memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice or Lee First Baptist Church.
Obit: Florence Ruth Long
Florence Ruth Long, age 84, died Sunday, January 5, 2013 at Lake Park of Madison.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at Beggs Funeral Home Madison Chapel with burial at San Pedro Cemetery. Visitation was Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Beggs Funeral Home.
She was born in Lockmoor, Mich, and moved to Madison in 1978 coming from Ft. Lauderdale. She was a member of New Home Baptist Church.
Two sisters, Mildred Woodhouse and Marion Switzer, and many nieces and nephews survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Long.
Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 850-973-2258.
Obit: Karen Leslie Mosier
Karen Leslie Mosier, 49, of West Palm Beach, died in an automobile accident on December 20, 2012.
She grew up in Madison, and attended Madison County High School. She had many friends in Madison and was well loved by everyone.
She is survived by two children, Shaun and Deziray; her parents, Kermit and June Mosier; one brother, Howard; and two sisters, Paula and Michelle.
Services were held for her in Tamarac on Saturday, December 29, 2012.
Lee Postal Customers Asked To Attend Meeting Next Tuesday
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A meeting will be held on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 15, at 2:30 p.m. at Lee City Hall to announce the results of a recent questionnaire sent out by the United States Postal Service.
At least 60 percent of the votes from the survey will be needed to keep the Lee Post Office Open. Should the numbers not reflect that percentage and the USPS decides to close the office, people may have to go to Live Oak or Jennings to pick up packages and would likely have to go to Madison to conduct any in-person postal service or have to do postal business online.
This move could potentially hurt many residents with a Lee Post Office address who are transportation disadvantaged and who may not have access to a computer or be computer literate.
The people of Lee are asked to show up and voice their support to keep the local post office open.
Agenda: Lee Town Council Meeting
Lee Town Council
Regular Meeting Agenda
January 7, 2013
7 p.m.
Minutes of: December 4, 2012 Regular Meeting
Amend or Update Agenda
Public Comments
New Business
Discussion with Possible Action Regarding:
1. LVFD Generator Need (Town Manager)
2. LVFD Building’s Need for Certification (Town Manager)
Old Business
Discussion with possible action regarding:
1. Status of NFBA Lease Agreements (Attorney Copeland)
2. Opening on Code Enforcement Board (Town Manager/Attorney Copeland)
Departments:
Fire Department
Town Manager
Bills :
Utility: #1350- #1371; ACH #51- # 56
Utility Deposit Account: No Activity
CDBG : #1048- #1050
Debt Service Account: EFT #3
CDBG Economic Dev: No Activity
General: #6873- #6904; ACH# 256 – # 267
Town Attorney
Rick Davis, County Commissioner
Public Comments: IF A PERSON DECIDED TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE COUNCIL, WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT ANY SUCH MEETINGS, 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.
Madison Academy Has A Surprise Visitor
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison Academy held their Christmas program, “The Plane Truth About Christmas” on December 7. While the students knew that the night would be about making memories with friends, they were not expecting one of the friends that they were able to spend time with.
Iott is 25 years old, and he went to Madison County High School, then North Florida Community College. He later transferred to FAMU and received his Bachelors degree in physical education. Iott explained, “During my enrollment at FAMU I was able to work with the basketball team and traveled all over the United States. I loved it.”
After college Iott needed to find a job and the Madison Academy needed a Physical Education teacher/basketball coach. “I was more than happy to meet the demand.”
However, basketball was not Iott’s only passion. “The thought of the military was always in my mind, and before I took the job in Madison Academy I knew I would join. The Madison Academy teaching job was only temporary, but then it turned permanent. And to be honest, I fell in love with those students, each and every one. But I had already made my mind to join the United States Navy. It was a very, very tough decision, but I had to follow my heart.” Iott chose to join the Navy. “I know that seems like a very selfish move, and to some it may be. But to me, it feels like I’m serving the students even more. I was sad to tell my academy family goodbye, but excited to begin a new chapter in my life.”
However, Iott was not simply leaving his Academy family behind. “I would write and call the school as much as I could.” It was one of those calls that led to his surprise visit. “One day, I had the time and called Mrs. Barrs. We chatted a while and she and I schemed a very brilliant plan. We would surprise the students with me showing up at the Christmas play. The plan started around the first of November.
Iott is currently stationed in Naval Air Station Pensacola Florida. After the phone conversation, Iott quickly started talking to his chain of command and getting it cleared for him to go. It was not too long before he had the green light. Iott was joined by his liberty buddy, Airman Norton. He is Iott’s roommate and he is from North Dakota. “I was introducing him to the southern style living of Madison County.”
“I was super excited. I told my mother and significant other, Ariel, to pick me up the day of the show. We drove 5 hours and made it on time. At one point I had to stop and change. It was funny, going into the bathroom and seeing two grown males changing into uniform. It was certainly not the everyday sight. We arrived on time and were able to see the entire play. I sat in the sound room at NFCC and watched them perform, while the students had no idea. When I was called on stage, it could have been the most nervous I’ve ever been, but everything went according to plan. Only five or six people knew I was there. There are no words that can describe how I felt that night. It was so great to see all their faces; students and faculty.”

Seen from left to right are Iott’s Liberty Buddy, Airman Norton, Zach Iott and Head of School Janna Barrs.
Agenda: Madison City Commission Meeting
AGENDA
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 8, 2013
1. Call to Order
2. Adoption of Agenda
3. Items Removed from Consent Agenda
4. CONSENT AGENDA:
(a) Minutes of December 11, 2012
(b) Fire Report
(c) Financial Report
(d) Pitney Bowes Postage Meter Contract
(e) Request to Use Lanier Field for Down Home Days Rodeo April 19-20, 2013
5. Citizen’s Participation (6:00 p.m.)
6. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Proposal Regarding Water/Wastewater Service Impact Fees (City Manager)
7. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Request for Reimbursement for Sidewalk Construction
(City Manager)
8. Discuss and Possibly Approve a Proposed Revision to the City’s Personnel Rules and Regulations Regarding Use of City Vehicles (Fire Marshal Juan Williams and Police Chief Gary Calhoun)
9. Discuss and Possibly Approve Nominations of Alternates for the Code Enforcement Board (City Manager)
10. City Manager’s Report
11. Other Items of Interest to the Commission
12. Adjourn
Woman Injured in Wreck
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A woman was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 10 on Friday, Dec. 29.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at approximately 11:35 a.m., Terri Bell Crawford, 47, of Navarre, was driving a 2008 Ford F250 westbound on I-10 in the outside lane at approximately the 237-mile marker. Read more
Clyde Alexander Joins County Commission For First Meeting of 2013
By Lynette Norris
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to represent District 4 (replacing Alfred Martin), new County Commissioner Clyde Alexander took his seat on the Board of County Commissioners for their first meeting of 2013. Commission Chair Wayne Vickers took a moment to formally welcome Alexander to the board, and the latter replied that he was glad to be there and glad to be able to serve Madison County once more. Previously, he was a long-time member of the Madison County School Board. Read more
175th Anniversary Celebration Begins Sunday
By Kristin Finney
Greene Publishing, Inc.
On Sunday, January 6, Madison residents are invited to join together to celebrate the 175th anniversary of our lovely city. The 175th anniversary celebration will be held on the west side of the Madison County Courthouse. The event will begin at 3:30 p.m. and will celebrate the origins of the city of Madison, originally Newtown, and the establishment of the seat of government for Madison County. This will be the beginning to a year of celebration. For more information please contact the Madison County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism at 850-973-2788. Those in attendance are asked to bring a lawn chair for their comfort.
Cherry Lake General Store Burglarized
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Early Christmas Eve morning, thieves broke in and burglarized the B&B Convenience Store in Cherry Lake.
According to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office report, Deputy Chris O’Brian was dispatched to the store in reference to a broken glass alarm.
Upon O’Brian’s arrival, he noticed that a portion of the Plexiglas in the front door had been busted out. He entered the store and found non one inside.
O’Brian processed the scene and took photographs.
The key holder of the store told O’Brian that a number of cartons of cigarettes and a bottle of cane syrup were missing.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking a suspect in the burglary. If you know who the suspect is, please call the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4001 or call Madison County Crime Stoppers at 973-2762 or Text “ CMC” plus your message to 274637 (CRIMES).
Obituary: Karen Leslie Mosier
Karen Leslie Mosier, 49, of West Palm Beach, died in an automobile accident on December 20, 2012.
She grew up in Madison, and attended Madison County High School. She had many friends in Madison and was well loved by everyone.
She is survived by two children, Shaun and Deziray; her parents, Kermit and June Mosier; and two sisters, Paula and Michelle.
Services were held for her in Tamarac on Saturday, December 29, 2012.






