By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The fifth grade class at Lee Elementary School will host a chicken and rice dinner fundraiser on Friday, April 11, from 5-7 p.m.
   During the dinner, there will be a silent auction. Anyone interested in donating items for the auction or donating cash may call 850-973-5030.
   The class, which is raising money for educational trip to Sea World in Orlando, is also selling raffle tickets. The cost of the tickets is one ticket for a $3 donation or $5 for two tickets.
   For further information, call Lee Elementary School at 850-973-5030.

Madison County Identifies Projects Needing State Funding

By Steffany Bennett
Your Capitol Bureau
   Madison County has requested $6,587,500 from the state to pay for six projects. They include
• construction of a new emergency medical services facility ($900,000),
• construction of wastewater treatment facility in Lee ($2 million),
• construction of new multi-purpose senior citizens center ($187,500),
• construction of new sewer lines from City of Madison to I-10/SR 14 ($2.8 million),
• operation of North Florida Community College recreational project ($200,000), and
• removal of solid waste and fill abandoned landfill in Greenville ($500,000).
   The Florida Legislature will convene March 4 for its 60-day Regular Session to create the state’s 2008-2009 budget.
   Allen Cherry, Madison County coordinator, said funding for the emergency medical services facility is unlikely. “The chances are very slim, based on the Legislature research I’ve been doing.”
   Madison County is using an old furniture factory that is beyond renovation for its emergency medical services facility.
   Cherry said, “It is not an ideal place for our emergency medical services personnel.”
   If the county does not get the money that it requested, the EMS personnel will remain in the furniture factory.
   Cheryl Archambault, Lee town manager, said she is hopeful about funding for the Lee wastewater treatment facility, the senior citizens center and the new sewer lines, but the county isn’t “banking on it,” she said.
   The current senior citizens center in Madison is too small and some activities are held in the hallways because of a lack of space, Archambault said. “It is a slow process without assistance, we are looking for a hand-up, not a handout.”

MCHS Cowboys To Be Honored With Cookout

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Madison County High School Cowboys state football championship team will be honored at a cookout celebration on Friday, April 11, at 2 p.m. at the Haffye Hays Park in Greeneville.
   The event will be sponsored by Angie Thompkins -- a substitute teacher who lives in Greenville. She is asking for donations and notes that the donations do not have to be money only. They can also consist of food items and drinks.
   For more information on the celebration, contact Thompkins at 850-948-2317 or 850-274-9990.

Madison County To Break Ground April 10 On $675,000 EOC

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Rural North Florida is getting a vital public resource as Madison County and State of Florida Emergency Management officials break ground on a new 2,550 square foot Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Thursday, April 10 at 10 a.m. thanks to over $660,000 in State funds provided by the Florida Legislature. 
   The groundbreaking ceremonies will be held on site at the Madison Industrial Park located at 1083 Harvey Greene Drive in Madison, Florida.
   “This EOC project will help ensure that Madison County officials can meet the needs of their residents each and every day,” said State Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate.  “It is so vital that emergency managers and first responders have a safe facility to work in during hazardous conditions.”
   The new facility will house 30 persons during activations and will be used for training and coordination of first responders and emergency management operations daily.  Local officials note how important this project is for Madison County
   “We could not have begun such a large project given our small size and limited fiscal resources,” said Madison County Emergency Management Director Jim Stanley.  “We are very grateful to the Florida Legislature and State Emergency Management for moving this EOC Building forward.”
   The project was made possible by a $660,154 General Revenue grant provided by the State of Florida through House Bill 7121 (HB7121), passed in 2006.  The Madison County EOC is one of 23 local EOC projects currently being built statewide by the $20 million initiative.  $15,375 in Federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) dollars will help fund the architectural and engineering costs.  Additional HMGP funds will be provided toward the project as work is completed.
   The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) is a federally funded program, administered by the State of Florida to help prevent future losses of lives and property damage due to disasters.  HMGP projects strengthen public facilities and equipment, schools, roadways, public utility systems, water control facilities, and recreational areas in communities throughout Florida.
   There are 67 county emergency management programs in Florida.  For information on Madison County Emergency Management go to: http://www.madisoncountyfl.com/cd-emergency-management.aspx .  For more information on Florida Emergency Management programs go to: www.FloridaDisaster.org.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Department Of Elder Affairs Awards $1,271,607 For Madison Senior Center

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   During the 2007 legislative session, Governor Charlie Crist signed into law a $9.1 million Fixed Capital Outlay (FCO) appropriation designated for grants to construct, repair and maintain Florida’s senior centers.   After a comprehensive application process that included matching funds requirements, the final award of $1,271,607 was granted to the Senior Citizens Council of Madison County.  Applicants were required to provide at least a 25 percent match of funds that the city and county provided mostly in “like kind” services, including property and site work. 
   Director Rosa Richardson could not be more grateful and excited.  At the recent Board of County Commissioners meeting, Richardson used the word “love” to fully express her appreciation for all involved.  In addition to the board, city officials, county officials and local contributors, Richardson thanked Crist, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson and his aide, Lynn Bannister, State Representative Will Kendrick, State Senator Charlie Dean, State Representative Dwight Stansel and U.S. Representative Allen Boyd.
   Overall, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs awarded funds to 21 senior center grant applicants.  “This is the first time in recent history that our department has been able to offer a senior center grant program, thanks to Governor Crist and the Florida Legislature,” said Secretary E. Douglas Beach, Ph.D. “Senior centers are truly the backbone of the aging network, and my only regret is that we were not able to fund all the worthy projects.”
   An estimated 380,000 seniors visit Florida's senior centers every year.  These centers provide a place where older citizens can come together to socialize and maintain involvement with their community.  Florida’s 240 centers provide a wide range of activities that enhance the daily lives of seniors and extend beyond traditional programs and events to a family.
Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Mike Williams Announces Candidacy for Florida House of Representatives District 10 Seat

   Mike Williams, a long-time business owner from Madison, has filed with the Florida Elections Commission, to seek the Republican nomination to become the next State Representative from District 10. Williams has owned retail businesses in Madison and Thomasville, Ga. since 1978 and is involved in many business and community organizations.
   "Will Kendrick's shoes will be pretty big to fill but I think we need a Representative that will continue the fight for our values and our families. We need to fight to lower taxes and keep government from creeping further into our lives and businesses. If the good
people of district 10 will permit me, I'll go to Tallahassee and be their voice," Williams
stated.
   Mike's desire to serve grows from a deep and abiding faith that began as a child at home and at Lee Methodist Church where he was taught to worship by his parents, James and Betty Williams. That faith has provided guidance and direction throughout Mike's life.
   In 1979 Mike married Susan Newman of Greenville, daughter of Doris Newman and the
late Norman Newman. Mike and Susan have been active in church all of their lives serving as Sunday school teachers, Children's Church leaders, Youth leaders, committee members, Deacon, and choir member. They are now members of Fellowship Baptist Church where Mike teaches an adult Sunday school class and Susan sings in the ladies
ensemble.
   While faith motivates him, family is what keeps him anchored. Mike and Susan have been married for over 28 years and have two children. Lauren is 23 and graduated from the University of Florida. She is living and working in Gainesville. Bruce is 20 and
is attending NFCC. While Lauren and Bruce were growing up Mike and Susan's lives revolved around the children and their activities. Every decision that was made included a discussion about what was best for the children. Lauren and Bruce both graduated from Madison Academy and Madison County High School. They both also attended North Florida Community College. Like their parents they have also been involved in church activities and are both members of Fellowship Baptist Church. Family time is cherished.
   Trips, reunions, or just hanging out at home are a priority and provide a chance to connect and to enjoy each other.
   Mike was born and grew up in Madison. He attended Madison Elementary School, Madison Academy and Aucilla Christian Academy. While growing up, he was active in 4-H and exhibited show steers at the North Florida Livestock Show for many years. He was also athletic and lettered in football, basketball and baseball. Mike attended the
University of Florida and tried out for the football team there as a "walk-on."  A shoulder
injury ended his athletic career and his dream of playing college football.
   Mike's business career began in 1978 when he and his parents purchased Madison F-R-M Farm Center. For over 20 years Mike served the farmers and livestock producers of Madison and surrounding counties. Mike's focus was helping farmers solve
their livestock production challenges by providing them with the newest information, products, and innovative strategies available. Over the years, the business grew to include The Clothing Gallery, a men's and women's clothing store, and Sears Dealer
Stores in Madison, Fl and Thomasville, Ga. Currently, Mike has a Sears Dealer Store in
Thomasville, Ga. and his wife Susan has a Merle Norman Studio, located at Daylight
Salon in Madison.
   Through his business career, Mike also became involved in community service. Williams
attended the White House Conference on Small Business in 1986 and 1992, served Governor Lawton Chiles on the Governor's Task Force on Private Sector Health Care Responsibility and was the President of the Madison County Cattleman's Association in 1985 and 1986. Williams served on the National Federation of Independent Business
Guardian Advisory Council for eight years. He also completed six years of service on the Madison County Chamber of Commerce board, serving as President in 1987 and 1988.
   He served as Chairman of the original Madison County Planning and Zoning Board.
Williams also served on the boards of the North Florida Livestock Association for 16 years and Madison Academy. As a Rotarian, Mike help organize and start the Rotary-sponsored Interact Club at Madison County High School. Mike coached Little League baseball for eight years and was instrumental in starting the athletic program at Madison
Academy.
   Florida House District 10 includes all or part of Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson, Madison, and Taylor, Levy, Alachua, Dixie, Columbia and Hamilton counties. The seat is currently held by Will Kendrick, who is retiring due to term limits. Mike welcomes your comments, concerns and questions during his campaign. He may be reached at (850) 673-
9866 or via email at Mike4Florida@hughes.net.
   Paid political advertisement, paid for and approved by Mike Williams, Republican, for Florida House of Representatives, District 10.