Archive for February 2013

Greene Publishing and Interpress Studios Are Looking For Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

February 28, 2013 Around Madison Comments Off

Greene Publishing, Inc. and Interpress Studios are looking for Tomorrow’s Leaders.

Interpress Studios will be in Madison from 2:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, to take photos of those leaders. All parents who want their children to be featured in this should call Emerald Greene at (850) 973-4141 or (850) 464-0865 to set up appointments to have the photos taken.

The photos will be taken at the Masonic Lodge on Rutledge Street.

Each child who has his or her photo taken will be featured in the newspaper spread for free at a later date. Each parent will also have a chance to purchase photo packets.

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Area Rivers Continue to Rise as Georgia Rivers Crest

February 28, 2013 Around Madison, Uncategorized Comments Off

LIVE OAK, FL, February 28, 2013 – Most river gages on Georgia tributaries to the Suwannee River are cresting after back-to-back storms earlier in February. As the peak flows approach Florida, river forecasts are showing a potential for higher stages on the Withlacoochee, Alapaha, middle Suwannee, and Santa Fe rivers than earlier forecasts indicated. The rainfall distribution was similar to storms in March and April of 2009, which caused record floods on the Alapaha and Withlacoochee Rivers. The recent rains were less widespread and intense, resulting in lower expected stages than the historic 2009 flood. However, the forecast crest at the Withlacoochee near Pinetta could be higher than other recent floods, including ones in 2008 and 2003. The crest forecast for Pinetta called for moderate flooding at 3 feet above flood stage by Saturday March 2. The Alapaha River at Statenville is expected to rise another 5 feet by mid-week, to nearly 3 feet above flood stage. Similar stages were seen during a February 2010 flood. Downstream on the Suwannee, the river at Ellaville could crest at least 2 feet above flood stage starting late Monday March 4. As the crest makes its way downstream, people on the lower Santa Fe River could see the river rise above flood stage by Tuesday. River forecasts are issued by the National Weather Service Southeast River Forecast Center near Atlanta as needed during times of flooding. Forecasts and river levels can be found at www.mysuwanneeriver.com and on the District’s automated river level line at 386-362-6626 or 1-800-604-2272 (toll-free in Florida). People with property along the rivers are advised to check the forecasts frequently. Rainfall totals over the Okefenokee Swamp, which is the headwaters of the upper Suwannee River, were much lower than in 2009. Conditions at the Suwannee River around White Springs are average for this time of year and suitable for canoeing and kayaking.

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Obituary: Robert Eugene Byington, Sr.

February 28, 2013 Obituaries Comments Off

Robert Eugene Byington, Sr, age 72, died Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at his home in Valdosta.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 2, 2013 at Beggs Funeral Home with burial at Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, March 1 from 5 – 8 PM at Beggs Funeral Home, Madison Chapel.

He was born In Micanopy and moved to Madison before moving to Valdosta in 1987. He was a Blue Grass Musician and played the Banjo with the Georgia Five, and worked as a Deputy at Madison Police Department, and Florida State Trooper. He was a retired Engineer from Norfolk and Southern Railroad.

He is survived by his wife: Patsy Byington of Valdosta; 2 Sons: Robert E Byington Jr (Michelle) of Valdosta, and Russell “Rusty” Byington (Deborah) of Lake Park, GA; 2 stepsons: Aaron Sparks (Carrie) of Valdosta, and Shawn Chabot (Jamilyn) of PA,; 1 daughter: Jeri O’Halloran of Valdosta; 1 step-daughter Adrienne Sparks of Valdosta; 2 Brothers: Roger Byington (Loretta) , and Barney “Jr” Byington (Wanda) both of Greenville; 1 sister: Bootsie Cone (Jim) of Greenville; 17 Grandchildren, 4 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren.

Donations may be made to American Cancer Society, Hopelodge, 2121 SW 16th St. Gainesville, FL.

Beggs Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (850)-973-2258.

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Flood Warning

February 28, 2013 Front Page Comments Off

A FLOOD WARNING IS IN EFFECT FOR THE WITHLACOOCHEE RIVER NEAR PINETTA (CR 150). THE WARNING RUNS FROM LATE FRIDAY NIGHT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE OR UNTIL THE WARNING IS CANCELLED. THE RIVER LEVEL IS CURRENTLY 68.5 FEET WITH FLOOD STAGE AT 79 FEET.

CURRENT FORECAST FOR THE WITHLACOOCHEE IS FOR IT TO RISE ABOVE FLOOD STAGE BY EARLY SATURDAY MORNING AND CONTINUE TO RISE TO NEAR 81.6 FEET BY MONDAY EVENING. MINOR FLOODING WILL BEGIN AT 79 FEET AFFECTING UNPAVED ROADS ALONG THE RIVER.

ALL PERSONS WITH INTEREST ALONG THE RIVER SHOULD MONITOR THE LATEST FORECASTS AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT
LIFE AND PROPERTY. DO NOT DRIVE CARS THROUGH FLOODED AREAS. IF YOU SEE FLOOD WATERS…REMEMBER TO TURN AROUND AND DO NOT DROWN. WE URGE YOU TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS NOW, DO NOT WAIT UNTIL CONDITIONS HAVE DETERIORATED AND SAFETY IS AT RISK.

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