By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A piece of history went up in smoke Monday, May 12, as an old Cherry Lake home burned to the ground. The house was located at 1090 NE County Road 150 and was owned by Ron and Judy Rathmussen, who used it as a guest house.
   According to Hiram Rutherford of the Cherry Lake Volunteer Fire Department, his department and the Pinetta Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call of a porch on fire at 12:34 p.m.
   “When we arrived,” Rutherford said, “the house was already fully involved.”
   Rutherford said that he did not know what had caused the fire and that the state fire marshal is currently investigating it.
   Madison Fire and Rescue, Madison County EMS and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the blaze.
   The fire departments battled the blaze and did not leave until after 4 p.m.
   Rutherford estimated the damage done to the house in the $50,000-$65,000 range.

Madison Man Injured In Rollover

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A Madison man was seriously injured in a crash, six miles east of Greenville, early Friday morning, May 9.
   According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Raymond C. Mullenix, 25, was headed east on U.S. 90 in the eastbound lane. For unknown reasons, Mullenix drove across the roadway and onto the grassy shoulder on the north side of the roadway.
   The 1997 Chrysler that Mullenix was driving skidded down the shoulder before overturning onto its right side.
   The bottom of the car struck a tree before coming to a final rest on its left side, facing west.
   Madison County EMS took Mullenix to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga.
   The Madison County Sheriff’s Office helped assist at the scene.
   FHP Trooper Allen Kennard was the investigating officer.

Love’s Travel Stop Opens in Lee
Store hosts ribbon cutting ceremony at 2 p.m., Thursday, May 15

   Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores has announced it has opened a new travel stop in Lee, located at I-10 and county road 255, Exit 262 at 3204 SE County Road 255. The store will host a grand opening 2 p.m., Thursday, May 15, in partnership with the Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce. The Lee Love’s employs approximately 35 people and includes an Arby’s restaurant. It also features 111 truck parking spaces, 5 showers, CAT scales and other amenities.
    As part of its ongoing commitment to the people and communities in which it operates, Love’s will donate $1,000 to Lee Elementary School and $1,000 to Madison County Jr. High School. Love’s General Manager Joe Lucarino will present a check during the ribbon cutting ceremony to representatives from each of the schools.
   “This location fits well with our commitment to offer a variety of amenities for professional drivers and the motoring public,” said Greg Love, president of Love’s Development Companies. “We’re excited to continue our growth in Florida, and we’re proud to support the local schools, which do so much to grow our next generation of leaders.”
   About Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores
Founded in 1964 by Tom Love, Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Okla., and remains family owned and operated. With more than 200 locations in more than 30 states, Love’s current growth rate is approximately 15 stores per year. Love’s is currently ranked No. 42 on Forbes’ Magazine’s annual listing of America’s largest privately held companies. From the first filling station in Watonga, Okla., the Love’s mission has remained the same: “Clean Places, Friendly Faces.” For more information, go to www.loves.com.