At approximately 7:58 PM the Madison County Fire/Rescue and Pinetta Fire/Rescue were called to the scene of a car fire on Celotia Drive about three miles north of the City of Madison.
   The driver escaped the vehicle but the car appears to be a total loss.  Fire fighters were able to quickly contain the blaze so that the nearby houses were not in danger.  They did keep a close eye on the power lines above the car.
   The cause of the fire is not known at this time.  No injuries have been reported.

Trailer Claimed In Afternoon Blaze

   According to the fire report, a trailer located at 3154 South SR 53 belonging to Mildred Favors caught fire on Saturday, March 15.  The fire department responded to the call at 4:46 p.m. and did not leave until 6:50 p.m.
   The City of Madison, Madison Volunteers and Pinetta VFD contained and extinguished the blaze that had an estimated loss valued at $7,000.  The cause was determined accidental and started from an electrical source.

Cutbacks Force Wal-Mart To Pass On Madison County

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Even the biggest retailer in the world has budget constraints.  Unfortunately for those wanting as local Wal-Mart, or perhaps fortunately for those who didn’t welcome the arrival of the retailing giant, Wal-Mart has withdrawn their plans for a Wal-Mart at the interchange of State Road 53 and I-10.
   Wal-Mart remains the world’s largest retailer and fourth quarter revenues were as substantial as ever but there has been as slight shift in the business model and that shift doesn’t include Madison.  Specifically, many of the dollars that once went for new stores are now going into upgrading old stores and/or expanding existing markets.
   The Johnson family of companies, represented by Jay Johnson, brought their great reputation and property to the exchange.  County officials too worked hard to take the process forward, which at times looked very favorable.  But in the end, neither Johnson’s good reputation nor a bounty of county incentives could overcome the economic constraints that ultimately prevented the project.
   All involved expressed mixed sentiments.  On the one hand were the numerous jobs and the significant increase in the county tax base.  On the other hand were the existing businesses that could have been hurt.  In the end though, regardless of one’s position, the bottom line for the county remains the bottom line and local business leaders will continue to play a key role in new business coming to the county.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

NFCC Women’s Basketball In Limbo

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.           
   The North Florida Community College Women’s Basketball Team, the Sentinel’s, may very well be a thing of the past. According to sources, which wish to remain anonymous, there will be a board of trustees meeting on March 25, to decide the final fate of the NFCC Sentinels along with the fate of all indoor sports and recreations programs. Due to budget cuts coinciding with remodeling and the addition project, the president of NFCC, Morris Stein, will reportedly be recommending to the NFCC’s Board of Trustees that they suspend the indoor sports and recreation programs, including Women’s Basketball.
   With it being well over ten years since the NFCC men’s program has officially played, as the program was being rerouted through the Men’s Basketball Academy, some are worried that women’s basketball may be on the way to suffering the same fate. In the past, it has been possible to confuse the word suspend with terminate and many are concerned that is exactly what will be the end result of women’s basketball. Not wanting to watch such an important part of NFCC’s recruitment draws be taken, some are anxious that doing away with women’s basketball may have even worse consequences in the future for the school as a whole.
   “What effect will this move have on gender equity,” one source asked. “Basketball is one of the strongest sports in which women participate. There are already students checking into NFCC for upcoming years based largely on the athletic programs. What are they going to decide if there is no longer a basketball program?”
   Efforts to contact President Morris Stein or Athletic Director Steve Givens were unsuccessful due to spring break. No official word has been given as to the intentions of NFCC regarding the upcoming meeting. For as many of those who have sat on the sidelines, watching the sport and cheering their teams on, now is time to cheer on those Sentinels for what may be their most important victory ever. Some other decision must be discussed, for to lose the Sentinel Basketball would be to lose some of NFCC itself.
   Staff writer Tyrra B Meserve can be reached at tyrra@greenepublishing.com

Madison Firefighters Get COLA Raise

By Ginger Jarvis
   Madison’s retired firefighters will get a one-time cost-of-living adjustment to their pension checks, in accordance with action by the Madison City Commissioners at their regular meeting on March 11. The commissioners unanimously approved a change in the language of a 2007 ordinance addressing the situation.
   Archie Strickland explained to the commissioners that an action from 2007 had the same purpose, but missing language prevented the rate from being tabulated. In the March 11 vote, the commissioners approved addition of the phrase “for each year of service” to the previous ordinance. With the addition, retired firefighters will receive a raised based on .54 percent for each service year. Strickland said that the raise for this year only, not to be calculated as an annual event.
   In a split vote, the commissioners refused to allow Justin Davis to erect a sign on the right-of-way at Madison Commons. Davis requested a permit for sign which has already been partially installed. He said that his contractors thought they had legal rights to use the right-of-way because the city had approved the site design. However, City Manager Harold Emrich explained that neither the contractors nor Davis never applied for a permit.
   Davis said that the sign construction was underway when City Building Inspector Chuck Hitchcock stopped the work on Friday, February 29. He added that recent strong winds caused about $3,000 of damage to the unfinished sign.
   Davis commented that he understood that the sign could be removed at any time that the city needed to sue or work on the property. Emrich advised the commissioners to disallow erection of the sign on city property, explaining that a similar request by another business has been refused. Commissioner Sumter James commented that if Davis receives permission to build on the right-of-way, other such requests will come before the board. Emrich warned of a “snowball effect.”
   James and Commissioner Judy Townsend moved to let the regulation stand as it is. With no exception for the Davis project. Mayor Jim Catron voted for the motion; Commissioner Jim Stanley voted against it. Commissioner Myra Valentine was absent due to election business.

Opie Peavy Announces Candidacy For Sheriff Of Madison County

   Opie Peavy is announcing his candidacy for Sheriff of Madison County.
   “I plan to be accessible and accountable.  By combining officer training with community involvement and education, I intend to maximize all available resources in support of department and community priorities, especially those targeting the fight of street drugs in our area. The Sheriff’s Office is an integral part of law enforcement, seeking to ensure public safety for the citizens of Madison County. I am firmly committed to working with all community leaders to achieve this common goal.”
   Peavy states that becoming Sheriff has been a long time dream. Wanting to be “The Peoples Candidate for the Future of Madison County” is more than just a slogan, it’s a promise.
   Having served for twenty years with the Florida Department of Corrections at Madison Correctional Institution and Hamilton Correctional Institution, Peavy worked his way up through the ranks, presently holding the position of Major. Serving a central role on the management team, Peavy provides oversight for one of the largest institutions in the state. Currently, Hamilton Corrections Institute employs over 600 with an annual payroll of over 18 million dollars. The Institution houses approximately 3,000 inmates.
   Peavy was born and raised in Madison County, where he graduated from Madison County High School. He later received dual certification in Law Enforcement and Corrections, also earning his AA Degree from North Florida Community College. He went on to Valdosta State University, where he graduated with a BS Degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in sociology. Additionally, he has received extensive training in combating gang activity and gang recruitment.
   Peavy has been a Reserve Deputy for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards certifies him in Law Enforcement and Corrections. Peavy is also a graduate of The Dale Carnegie Course.
   Married to the former Paige Blair, of Madison, Opie and Paige have two children: Lane, eleven, and J.D., five. Paige has taught for thirteen years and is presently teaching first grade.  The family is active members of Fellowship Baptist Church.
   Opie is the son of Joe and Suzanne Peavy and Shirley Peavy, all of Madison. His father Joe proudly served as Sheriff of Madison County for 28 years. Shirley worked at Madison County Memorial Hospital in the lab and X-ray department for over twenty years.
   Peavy is actively involved in the community, having served as the President of the Madison Lion’s Club and the Madison Shrine Club. He serves as a board member for the Madison County Council for Senior Citizens, the North Florida Livestock Association and The Madison County Cattlemen’s Association. Peavy is also a member of Madison Masonic Lodge #11, Marzuq Shrine Temple, Vision 2020 for Madison County, the Florida Council of Crime and Delinquency and the Florida Sheriff’s Association.
   Peavy is intent on holding true to what Madison County values, TRUTH, HONESTY, AND INTEGRITY.
   “I respectfully solicit your prayers and support.”
   “Please visit my web site at www.opiepeavyforsheriff.com. My e-mail is opiepeavy@shareinet.net. My home number is 850-929-2364 and cell number is 850-464-0953.”
   Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Opie Peavy, Democrat, for Sheriff.