By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A mobile home's interior was gutted by fire on Monday evening, November 12.
   The home, which was owned by Joanne Waters, was located at 615 NE Jasmine Terrance east of Lee.
   It is unknown at this time how the fire started.
   No one was at home when the fire started.
   The home was ruled a total loss.
   D & J's Pub in Lee is planning a fundraising benefit at the pub starting at 6 p.m. Friday evening.  All Proceeds from the fundraiser will be donated to the Waters Family.

Wal-Mart, Love's Still On Track

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Wal-Mart and Love's Truck Stops are still on track to open in Madison, according to Sherilyn Lightcap, an administrative assistant to County Coordinator Allen Cherry.
   Lightcap said that Wal-Mart is still waiting for information on requests made to the Florida Department of Transportation.
   In Live Oak, the Wal-Mart there dramatically changed the landscape of the roads as new stoplights and lanes were added to the area for travelers to get in and out.
   Lightcap also said that Wal-Mart had spoken with the City of Madison about new infrastructure (sewer and water), which has been added at the interstate.
   If built, the Wal-Mart location in Madison will be located northeast of the interstate on property owned by the Kinjac Corporation.
   The Arkansas-based company has not closed on the deal with Kinjac, but are expected to within the next couple of months.
   Lightcap said that the county is waiting for Love's Truck Stops to pull the building permits for their new auto plaza, which will be located at the County Road 255 and Interstate 10 interchange, south of Lee. Bubba Bullock, the county's building inspector, has already signed off on the permits, according to Lightcap.

Principal Quells Fears About Staph Infection At High School

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Madison County High School Principal Ben Killingsworth said that he believes the school has a handle on rumored staph infection outbreaks at the school.
   Killingsworth confirmed that earlier in the year there was a student at the school who was believed to have staph infection. Because of the student's illness, efforts to clean the school have intensified. Killingsworth said that a part of the school would also be fogged with a spray to kill anything that might cause the infection.
   "We're always trying to stay one step ahead," Killingsworth noted. "We're trying to treat it."
   Killingsworth said that hand sanitizers have been placed all around the school. He noted that if students don't bathe or wash their hands, they are always more susceptible to infections and viruses.
   Killingsworth said that the areas the school is most concerned with are in locker room situations where athletic teams are gathered.
   "They're sweating and there's a big group of them together," he said, noting that the infection could become easier to contact.
   A staph infection is actually the staphylococcus aureus bacteria. According to doctors in the Columbia University Health System, common minor (or relatively minor) skin infections caused by staph include:
   *Folliculitis - Infections of hair follicles that cause itchy white pus-filled bumps on the skin (often where people shave or have irritations from skin rubbing against clothes).
   *Boils - Infections deeper within hair follicles that leave large, frequently red inflammations (often occur on the face or neck).
   *Sties - Infection of the follicle surrounding the eyelashes, causing a sore red bump in the eyelid.
   *Impetigo - The infection children often get around their mouths and noses that cam cause blisters and red scabby skin.
   *Abscesses - Infection characterized by pus and swelling that can occur in the skin and in any other organ.

Morris Steen Announces Retirement Effective Summer 2008

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The opening topics of the North Florida Community College Board meeting November 13, which included an extremely impressive overview of the new campus security program, will scarcely be remembered because of the closing news.  President Morris Steen is retiring effective Summer 2008.
   Following seven years of stellar service to NFCC and the community, Steen intends to spend time with family and enjoy retirement.  According to everyone in attendance, no one could have earned it more than Steen. 
   Chairman John Maultsby expressed his extreme disappointment at the loss, but joined the others in praising the entirety of Steen’s time at NFCC.  Several board members recalled the period prior to Steen’s Presidency, acknowledging that the improvements since were like night and day. 
   Board member Lester Padgett made a poignant comment, perhaps saying it best, “When I first heard about it, I was really upset.  Then I thought about it more.  And if it’s good for Mr. Steen, then it’s good for me.  He’s done such a good job and will be missed, but I want what’s good for him.”
   Each board member took a moment to share similar sentiments, concluding with Chairman Maultsby.  Maultsby reflected several minutes about Steen’s achievements, giving Steen credit for the excellent state of affairs at NFCC.  As is typical of effective leadership however, Maultsby looked to the future, outlining the daunting task of finding a replacement.
   One of the legacies Steen will be leaving behind is a very capable management team and department heads capable of picking up the torch.  The procedures for choosing a replacement are regulated, and will include at least three outside candidates selected by a search committee, to go with select campus candidates.  Exact selection criterion will be determined by the next meeting.
   Separately, Skip James, Director of Public Safety, gave a multi-month review of the installation of new security systems, and the extensive training he and others have received to effectively operate the program.  In the aftermath of the shootings at Virginia Tech, safety measures at campuses around the nation are being overhauled.  NFCC has the benefit of formal police training by its leadership as well.  
   The new program includes a five hundred thousand dollar “all alert” phone system, a security vehicle, and official Class D Security ratings for all security staff.  James, along with Public Safety Coordinator, William Sircy, has worked tirelessly to deliver the system in an incredibly short period of time.
   There were a few more housekeeping items on the agenda, including a few comments regarding the great marks NFCC received during their recent “Equity Review,” which is an outside, top-to-bottom, review that last occurred twenty years ago.  Kudos also went out to Melissa Burke, the Student Government Association representative to the Board.  Burke just won the Miss North Florida Fair Pageant.

Madison County School Board Keeping Steady Course

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   This time of year, the Madison County School Board business at-hand tends to level off, although Superintendent Lou Miller’s commitment to executing plans in motion is as strong as ever.  Consequently, the meeting of November 6, held at 6:00, contained no exceptional items, and those recommended for approval collectively by consent were formally approved.
   In order to efficiently process the significant flow of agenda items coming before the Board, items that are mostly fixed or likely to need little discussion are placed on the, “Items recommended for approval collectively by consent” list.  These items are then distributed to School Board members at least a week prior.  If a member has questions, these inquiries can be directed to the sponsoring handler.  In the case of Grants Funding and Management for instance, Cheryl James would be contacted.  Ultimately, a member may have it removed from collective consent and placed for individual consideration if he or she chooses.      
   Individual items for this meeting included a few zone transfer requests and a brief discussion of volunteer procedures.  An informal highlight of the meeting was the warm congratulations extended to Brittany Davis, Student Body President from Madison County High School, who has a non-voting position on the Board.   Davis, along with her teammates, was praised for the success of the MCHS Volleyball team.