By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A Becky’s Dance Steps Studio student was injured during a dance routine at Lee Day on Saturday, April 5.
   April Bishop, 16, was in the middle of a routine on the tennis court when she turned to do a leap and landed on her foot. She heard her ankle pop and went down on the court.
   Madison County EMS responded at the scene and took her to the hospital.
   According to her instructor, Becky Robinson, April suffered a broken ankle and is recovering nicely. She even sat in class on Tuesday evening to observe the other dancers.
   April is the daughter of Terry and Debbie Bishop.

Madison DOH “Steppin’ Out” To Offer Solutions To Critical Choices

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Madison County Health Department’s Abstinence Education Program is sponsoring their 2nd Annual Community Rally on April 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM at Van H. Priest Auditorium.
   Abstinence education classes were taught to 6th-8th grade students during the month of February using the WAIT (Why Am I Tempted?) curriculum.  The instructors for the classes were Jackie Watts and Charlie Barfield for the boys and Judy Hill, Leatha Gervin, Elmire Cantey, Jackie Bradley and Tracey Kelly for the girls.  The separation of the classes is recommended by the WAIT program in order for the students to feel more comfortable with the subject matter and in asking questions with an instructor of the same sex.
   A total of three hundred seventy six (376) students went through the program that included various topics and timely tips on postponing sexual activity until marriage, as well as not becoming involved with drug, alcohol or tobacco use.  Building relationships and setting boundaries with relationships is also a key focus.
   To accompany all topics, students are provided important communication skills as instructors help students understand that building successful relationships is based on learning what kind of communication style best fits his or her personality and the personality of those persons to whom they are closest.  This knowledge enhances relationships and helps avoid future conflict.
   The classes were well received by the students and the instructors enjoyed their experience as well.  The rally is in part a celebration of the development, featuring a student talent show with singing, stepping, and skits related to the topic of abstinence education.  The rally will serve to create additional community awareness of the program. There will be speakers throughout the evening as well.  Organizers invite everyone to join in this exciting and informative evening.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com

BOCC Has Short Session But Several Key Items In-Progress

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The regular meeting of the Madison BOCC held on April 2 consisted of a light agenda, although a few issues in motion will likely bring significant private and public feedback over the next few months. 
   Following a few follow-up items on the Consent Agenda, discussion turned to two Unfinished Business items: the West Farm Project and the Fact Finding Committee Report on the County Extension Office.  The MCDC also delivered a resolution during the Petitions from the Public segment.
   The West Farm Project is an expanded City of Madison effort to relocate residents who have been displaced from flooding that recurs in an area near town off SR 53 along Old West Farm Road.  Efforts began with a $300 thousand grant the city received to address the problem, which was later increased to $600 thousand after efforts expanded into a collaboration with the county and Suwannee River Water Management, each of whom contributed an additional $150 thousand to relieve and correct conditions. 
   After careful consideration of all options, including adding more retention ponds and water rerouting, it’s been determined that property purchase and relocation remains the last viable alternative.  A listing of the property has been established according to each property’s elevation and owners will be contacted in the near future.  Purchase price will be based on current fair market value.
   The Fact Finding Committee Report on the County Extension Office created limited discussion, being held up partly until the County Attorney and County Coordinator can follow-up with IFAS, the University of Florida headquartered agency that oversees the Madison County Extension Office. 
   Dr. John Baldwin, IFAS Director and the most direct senior member over the local Extension Office, issued a Memorandum of Understanding to the BOCC that was apparently inconclusive on a key issue.  The key issue still requiring clarification is determining what authority, if any, the BOCC has in the hiring and firing practices of the Extension Office considering the substantial financial support the BOCC provides the Extension Office annually.
   Following clarification, further actions may be forthcoming, although one County Commissioner, Ronnie Moore, did go on record stating that the matter seemed to be mostly about a few disgruntled employees.  A future article will expose and expand key details and relationships following clarification of these final items.
   In addition to the County Extension debate, a second returning issue came forward during the Petitions from the Public segment of the meeting regarding the recent request by the Madison County Memorial Hospital (MCMH) to use $550 thousand from the half-cent tax fund set aside for a new hospital facility.  The hospital requested the BOCC release these funds so they could grab an opportunity to renovate three buildings currently available for full medical conversion at a rate of $160 per square foot versus rates of $300 per square foot for new construction.
   In support of the request, the Madison County Development Council (MCDC) drafted a resolution and read it to the board.  MCDC Chair Cheryl Archambault, as well as longstanding members Ed Meggs and Lucille Day, delivered the resolution that declared strong support for the proposal.  Generally speaking, the MCDC stated that the project fits the intent for funds being accumulated for a new hospital and is an efficient use of the funds versus new construction.
   One member of the public spoke briefly, literally citing chapter and subsection regarding the debated aspect of the hospital request, which is whether renovation, no matter how cost effective and functional, qualifies as a “new hospital.”  All agreed that either way a solution should be determined quickly for the sake of residents needing and seeking quality medical care, not to mention those seeking to improve the economy of Madison County.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Babe Ruth Opening Day Is Almost Here

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Madison County and its residents are invited to join the Babe Ruth baseball and Softball Opening Day games at the Madison County Recreational Complex on Saturday, April 12. Opening ceremony starts at 9:00 a.m. and games will follow all day, All proceeds from this event will go directly to the recreational Babe Ruth Youth League, and will help make sure the games go on.
   Thirty-two teams this year will participate in the Babe Ruth opening Day Games. The mission of the Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball League is to encourage youth to compete for participation in their local leagues, while promoting and maintaining amateur baseball and softball in the Youth leagues under conditions most favorable to the enjoyment of the game and the spirit of cooperation between players, officials, parents, spectators and managers.
   Join Madison youth on Saturday as they take bat in hand, taking advantage of that all American sport that makes the days childhood turn into sun-filled youthful memories. Nothing says spring like “hey batta batta batta, swing!” so join in on Saturday to let those balls fly.
   For more information, please call the Babe Ruth Youth League President, Billy Tolar, at 673-7979. Let the games begin.
   Staff writer Tyrra B Meserve can be reached at tyrra@greenepublishing.com

Ricky Henderson Announces Candidacy For County Commissioner, District 1

   I am a lifelong resident of Madison. I am the son of Sara and Tommy Henderson. My wife, Elaine and I have one son, Billy and one grandson, Brent. I have served as county commissioner for the past four years and would like to thank each of you for giving me this opportunity.
   I believe the training and experience I have gained throughout my working career has helped me make decisions that have benefited our county government as well as the people of Madison County. Some of this training consists of: using problem-solving techniques to avoid liabilities, establishing policies and procedures, developing people skills and environmental laws and regulations. Thirty-four years of working as an Environmental Coordinator, Safety Coordinator, Quality Manager, Supervisor, Manager and County Commissioner has enriched my professional experiences and has helped me develop abilities in reviewing/setting and adhering to budgets, resolving complaints and setting and achieving goals.
   The commission faces many challenges now and in the future, with the largest being to bring targeted industry that is appealing and yet good for our community. This will provide a stronger economy and a better standard of living for all of us working and living here in Madison. 
   As your commissioner, my goals are to work with the education system to provide an educated work force, recruit new industries and businesses. as well as promote our existing businesses to encourage growth.
   We all love Madison and working together we can achieve these goals and continue our quest for continuous improvement.
   Pd. Pol. Adv. Pd for and Approved by Ricky Henderson, Democrat, for Madison County Commissioner, District 1.