Archives - Greene Publishing - Madison Enterprise-Recorder

Feb. 26, 2010

Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Computer Crime Center (FC3) arrested Keith Strickland, 37, of Lee, Fla., and charged him with ten counts of sexual performance of a child.

Investigators with FDLE, the Madison County Sheriff's Office, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement executed a search warrant at Strickland's home, located at 1216 SE Bisbee Loop yesterday, after receiving information that child pornography had been downloaded through the Internet at the residence.

During the search, a forensic review of computers located at the home revealed hundreds of images of child pornography.

Strickland was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail. Additional charges are pending a complete forensic examination of all computers located in Strickland's home.

FDLE is an active member of the three Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces in Florida. There are 59 federally-funded task forces nationwide created solely to investigate Internet crimes against children that include the online sexual exploitation of children and child pornography.

Please visit the FDLE Computer Crime Center Web site to review tips for keeping your children safe online at: www.fdle.state.fl.us/FC3/

Feb. 26, 2010

Madison Academy will host a golf tournament at the Madison Country Club on Saturday, March 6.

Registration cost is $400 per team (ages 13+). The registration deadline is Friday, February 26.

Tee time will be at 9 a.m. Fee includes 18 holes of golf, cart, four mulligans, refreshments, prizes, gifts and contests.

To register, log onto www.madisonacademy.org or call the school at (850) 973-2529

Feb. 26, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

The Madison County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual banquet on Saturday, March 5, at 5 p.m. at the Madison County Central School cafeteria.

The purpose of the National Wild Turkey Federation and its JAKES program is to introduce youth to the outdoors.

"We show them that there are other things besides computers and video games," said Wally Davis, NWTF Chapter president.

Youth, ages 1-17, are eligible for the JAKES program.

In addition to the National Wild Turkey Federation and JAKES, the chapter also holds Women in Outdoors Events each year, as well as Wheeling Sportsmen Events.

Admission to the banquet is $25 for those 17 and under and $50 for adults. Admission includes a year's membership in the JAKES chapter for the youth and a year's membership in the National Wild Turkey Federation for adults.

It also includes the seafood buffet at the banquet and a subscription to the respective magazines for the different age groups.

There will be a silent auction, a live auction and a raffle.

"All money raised stays in Florida. We also do profit sharing with the Fish and Wildlife Commission and with the Division of Forestry to provide handicap access for hunters," Davis added.

Tickets are available at Farmers Supply, located at 233 SW Range Street in Madison.

Feb. 26, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

The Madison Youth Initiative is pleased to announce it is expanding its community outreach by partnering with a number of national celebrities. Millions, if not billions, of children know these stars of television and books, and now they will be visiting Madison every Wednesday night to support and promote the efforts of MYI.

Among these superstars is Dora the Explorer, who was spotted giving hugs at the Fifth Saturday Festival held on Jan. 30. There was also Sponge Bob, and most recently, Elmo.

A.D. "Adrian" Kinsey, founder and director of MYI, invited the celebrities to join him at the Madison Sports Grill every Wednesday. The sports restaurant is located in the Harvey's Plaza on US 90, just east of downtown Madison.

Currently pursuing the acquisition of a facility, Kinsey is fostering partnerships throughout the community. MYI is dedicated to providing and creating constructive alternatives for the youth of Madison County.

Realizing that resources for such projects is limited, however, Kinsey has formed strategic partnerships with the Madison County Health Department, Greater Madison County Chamber of Commerce, and Madison County School District, among others.

"We are pleased to bring this youth advocacy program to the community. As a business owner and educator, I realize the challenges facing the youth of Madison County, which is why we started this initiative," Kinsey stated.

For more information on the program, phone Adrian Kinsey at (850) 673-1934, or email madisonyi@yahoo.com.

Feb. 26, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

The Florida Department of Health, Office of Minority Health and the Big Bend Communities are hosting the 2010 Big Bend Community Healthcare Pioneer Awards Ceremony. The ceremony will be held Friday, Feb. 26, from 6-8 p.m., at the Leon County Health Department. Keynote speakers will be Shairi Turner, MD, MPH, Director, Office of Minority Health and Althemese Barnes, Founding Director of Riley House Museum.

Among honorees are Madison County's Deveda Bellamy, who was nominated by Donna Hagan, executive director of Healthy Start of Jefferson, Madison and Taylor Counties. In her nominating narrative, Hagan extolled the virtues of her friend and colleague.

"Deveda Bellamy first began her career working with mentally challenged adults at the Association of Retarded Citizens in Madison in 1988. There she developed life-long professional relationships with community resources that would pave the way for her later career challenges.

Currently, she is still involved in a meaningful way in the lives of two of the disabled adults she met during her tenure.

"In 2006, Deveda was recruited for HIV/AIDS awareness outreach by the Department of Health and has blazed a trail in this area of minority health in Madison County. Deveda applied her resourceful background in an attempt to first break down the stigma of AIDS testing and awareness to create some meaningful dialogue. To date, she partners with over 50 churches in the Big Bend area, eight of those in Madison County, although she serves 14 counties, MadisonCounty is where she calls home and where her heart lies for the underserved rural population.

She purports the bigger message everywhere that blacks are at higher risk of HIV/AIDS, and everyone is paying attention.

"Deveda is widely known and well respected in Madison County. People of all ages, races and backgrounds recognize her as the 'HIV Lady', a testament to her involvement in and reputation among community members. She is the 'go-to' person for local CBOs, the health department, and faith-based organizations for all issues related to HIV/AIDS. Ms. Bellamy continues to be an asset to Madison County as an ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness and education.

"In a rural community like Madison County, Deveda employs her sense of understanding about meeting the basic needs of individuals such as transportation and other access issues before couching the sensitive issue of HIV education and testing. Deveda is well versed in the social determinants of health for African Americans and draws on her ability to prioritize individual needs to promote her message. Deveda conducts presentations, participates in church conventions, and is a loyal member of the Madison County Health Disparities Task Force. At every opportunity she is promoting education and testing for HIV/AIDS. Her tenacity and understanding of her target population combined with her hard work with the African American faith-based community has made a real difference in eliminating the stigma of the topic, and thus reducing the number of AIDS cases in Madison County.

"Deveda is strong, passionate advocate for people and the communities in which they live. Deveda serves in many capacities as a member of Mt. Zion-Madison AME Church, NAACP, HPPI, Jefferson County Whole Child Project, Health Disparities Task Force, McCEDA, and other area and regional groups and organizations.

Deveda received her education from North Florida Junior College and Jacksonville University. She has over 21 years of experience with Children and Family Services, through ARC and as an independent agent, providing services and training to mentally challenged adults. She continues to volunteer her services to several consumers as well as the elderly and indigent populations. Deveda enjoys music, singing, sports, creating unique floral designs and believes strongly in religion, family and the Power of Love."

Feb. 26, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

Please join in at the Sims Boating Club Boat Ramp in Cherry Lake on March 13 at 6 a.m. for the Second Annual Charity Bass Fishing Tournament benefiting Madison County's Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Registration is at 6 a.m. and the tournament will begin at 7 a.m. The cost will be $30 per person ($5 Big Bass included).

The weigh in for the tournament will be at 1 p.m. Clint Minter's friends, family and Hopewell Baptist Church will be hosting the fishing tournament. There will be a 25% payout fee with a 75% benefit for relay for life.

For more information, please call Adam Sampson at (813)-267-7510 or asampson83@aol.com.

Feb. 26, 2010

The Miss Essence and Jr. Miss Essence Pageant of Madison County will be held on Sunday, February 28, at 3 p.m., at the Van H. Priest Auditorium, on the campus of North Florida Community College. There are nine contestants competing for the titles.

The theme for this year's pageant is "Young, Gifted and Exciting." The pageant will be emceed by Ms. Edna Turner and Mr. Jerome Wyche, who have been working together for the past five years. Miss Reiva Copeland, is the reigning Miss Essence, and Miss Tyresha Hill, is the reigning Jr. Miss Essence. Musical guests will include Minister Marcel Monts, his sister Crystal Monts, and Ms. Mary Brinson Hargrett. Miss Copeland, and the praise dance team from Mt. Zion AME Church, will also perform.

Oliver Bradley, the pageant director, stated that it will be one of the best pageants ever, with great talent, and entertainment for the entire family.

Door prizes will be given away courtesy of Mr. Terrance Boatman, of Quick Tax Refund.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and be blessed. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

For more information, contact Oliver Bradley, at 464-1191.

Feb. 26, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

C.D. and Ann Agner celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Pine Grove Baptist Church.

Family and friends came from as far away as Chicago, Ill., to pay tribute to the happy couple.

When asked what his secret was to being happily married for 50 years, C.D. replied, "Two words. Sweet words and pretty flowers."

When asked her secret, Ann replied, "Always keeping the biscuits made and plenty of food on the table." She also added that the Lord was the most important part of the relationship.

Greene Publishing, Inc. salutes C.D. and Ann Agner on 50 years of marriage.

Feb. 24, 2010

Ron Smoak of Madison was inducted as a member of the Georgia Agriculture Education Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center in January. The Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Georgia FFA Alumni Association and William J. Redmond and Son, Inc., is dedicated to outstanding agricultural educators wo have devoted their professional careers to providing the youth and adults of Georgia with instruction in agriculture.

Smoak is a native of Columbus, Ga. He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, then went on to receive his Bachelor's of Science in Animal Science and his Agriculture Teaching Certificate from the University of Florida.

He began teaching at Moore Haven High School, where he taught from 1968-1975. He then transferred to North Florida Junior College, serving as Director and Teacher of the Veterans Farm Co-op from 1975-1981. In 1982, he moved to Georgia, becoming the Young Farmer Teacher at Lowndes High School until his retirement in 2003.

Smoak has been active in the Young Farmer program throughout his career, receiving numerous awards. In 1986, Lowndes County was named GVATA Program of the Year under his direction. He was honored as both the Georgia Vocational Association Vocational Educator of the Year and Ag. Teacher of the Year in 1987. Through student nomination, he was featured in Who's Who of America's Teachers in 2001. In 2002, he received his Honorary American FFA Degree. Smoak has been featured in the Georgia Young Farmer Magazine numerous times, being featured in the Teacher Spotlight and having written numerous articles, for which he received a 30 Minute Club Award.

Smoak served as State Young Farmer Chaplain and was named Young Farmer Advisor of the Year in 1992 and 1996. In 2004, he was awarded his Honorary Georgia Young Farmer membership. Aside from his personal accomplishments, his program produced four Young Farmer State Officers, two of whom were State Presidents, and five State Farm Management winners. He helped coach four State Spokespersons for Agriculture winners, as well as a national winner. He led eight I.D. teams to first place in the state, and was undefeated in his competition. His program received three Chapter of the Year awards and had a District Farm Family winner. He also attended 15 National Young Farmer Institutes with his members.

The success of Smoak's students speaks volumes about his commitment as an educator. He has had 63 Georgia FFA degree recipients, 10 American FFA degree recipients and three state FFA officers. His students have won 79 Area Proficiency Awards, 22 State Proficiency Awards and one National Proficiency Award. In 1984, his chapter was honored as having the largest FFA membership in Georgia, the highest numerical growth in FFA and the third largest FFA membership in the nation.

Outside of FFA and the Young Farmer Program, Smoak is a member of Madison County Farm Bureau and has been President of the Madison County Cattlemen's Association for three years.

Smoak is very involved in his church, serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Baptist Training Course (BTC) Teacher and Church Trustee at Landmark Baptist Church from 1999 to the present. )

Feb. 24, 2010By Lazaro Aleman
Special from The Monticello News

Jefferson County resident Sandra Griffin was smiling and walking much lighter on Thursday morning, Feb. 18, following the removal of a 26-pound tumor from her lower abdominal area nine days earlier.

Griffin's story is partly a cautionary tale about the consequences of not having health insurance. It's also a story about hope and tenacity and the axiom that no one knows one's body like oneself. And it's a story about a caring Greenville doctor whose dedication and compassion made a difference.

Keep in mind: Griffin, by her own telling, visited between 75 and 100 doctors during a five-year period before Dr. Elizabeth Hengstebeck in Greenville correctly diagnosed her illness and referred her to Dr. John McBroom, Tallahassee's only board-certified gynecological oncologist.

"She saved my life," Griffin says of Dr. Hengstebeck. "She put me in touch with the surgeon. Otherwise, I wouldn't be here today."

Griffin's story begins on the West Coast, where she worked 20 years as a cook at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. When she became ill in the mid 2000s, however, Griffin lost her job. And with the loss of her job also went her health insurance and eventually her savings. That left her to rely on Social Security disability, a federal insurance program that pays benefits to individuals who have worked the required years and paid Social Security taxes into the system.

But every doctor who saw her in California diagnosed her symptoms differently and prescribed a different set of pills, Griffin says. She was treated for everything from constipation to obesity to asthma, among a host of other illnesses. "Because I didn't have insurance, no one really took me seriously," Griffin says. "I did everything to the letter and I almost died because I didn't have insurance."

It got to the point that she could barely eat, walk, breathe or sleep.

"I felt like I was 100 years old and I'm 51," Griffin says.

A little more than a year ago, she and Charles Robinson, her partner of 22 years and a native Floridian, decided to move to Florida for health and quality-of-life reasons following his retirement. They also wanted their own "little piece of paradise" in a more rural environment away from the hustle and bustle of LA, she says. They chose Jefferson County based on an Internet search and bought a house and five acres off the Boston Highway.

Her health continuing to decline and her Medicaid not kicking in until Feb. 1, 2010, Griffin started visiting a free clinic in Tallahassee, where doctors continued to misdiagnose her symptoms. Then this last Thanksgiving Day, her illness became so acute that she rushed to the Jefferson County Health Department clinic for medical attention.

"A doctor wasn't here," Griffin says. "But they sent me to see the doctor in Greenville. The moment I walked into her office, Dr. Hengstebeck said 'I'm going to find out what's wrong with you.'"

Unlike the other doctors, Griffin says Dr. Hengstebeck listened and took an interest in her plight, despite the lack of insurance.

"Dr. Hengstebeck got me every test that she could get me," Griffin says. "And she followed up. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be here. Since November until two weeks ago, she worked with me."

Dr. Hengstebeck made sure Griffin's Medicaid insurance was in effect before referring her to Dr. McBroom. The latter, for his part, rushed Griffin into the operating room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital (TMH) immediately upon examining her, fearing that the tumor was about to burst. He told Griffin afterwards that the reason she had been experiencing so much difficulty walking, breathing and sleeping was that the tumor was pressing against her organs. He also told Griffin that hers was the biggest tumor that he had ever seen, with the exception of one other that he had removed earlier and that had weighed a couple of pounds less. And the size of the latter tumor had warranted TV coverage at the time, Dr. McBroom told her.

"He said I was a celebrity at TMH because of the size of my tumor," Griffin says.

On Thursday morning when Griffin visited the News, she and Robinson were on their way home from the hospital, where the medical staff had just removed the surgical staples.

Griffin was feeling joyful and as well as could be expected under the circumstances. She was looking forward to taking a little walk in her yard later in the day and then sitting outside in the sunlight and watching Robinson work on their garden. But first and foremost she wanted to proclaim the merits of Hengstebeck and McBroom.

Her message: life was good and Hengstebeck and McBroom were good doctors and the medical staff on the 7th floor of TMH also deserved praise. Equally important, she wanted to convey that hope mattered and that in the end, no one knew one's body better than oneself.

Feb. 24, 2010

Mayor Jim Stanley is seeking re-election as District 4 Commissioner for the City of Madison. Coming off four years of service distinguished by his commitment to listen to the needs of all residents and businesses in the city, Stanley continues to show his appreciation to all voters for their consideration and community support.

"The feeling of helping others and serving this great community – which my family has been blessed to be part of for generations – is what led me to run for city commissioner four years ago. It is this same commitment that is leading me now to seek re-election," Stanley noted.

"Of course, it's not always easy, and it's tough to be reminded that things we want to do in Madison may be limited by resources. The economy has been hit hard this past year. Knowing that, it is my goal is to get the very most out of what we do have. Fortunately, we have a great staff that is devoted to keeping Madison safe and getting the job done as economically as possible. The taxpayers that support us deserve that attention 24/7," he added.

As the 2004 Madison County Citizen of the Year, and as an Outstanding Alumnus of North Florida Community College, Stanley has a proud history of accomplishment. This recognition extends to his professional achievements as well, where he received great praise for his role as Emergency Management Director during the 2009 flooding.

Stanley's service to his community extends to his church, where he has served as secretary/treasurer for almost 25 years. Additionally, he is entering his 30th year as secretary of the Madison Masonic Lodge and Madison Shrine Club. He is also past president of Madison Rotary Club, past vice-chairman of the hospital board, and previously a member of the 3rd Judicial Nominating Committee.

The best example of Jim Stanley's commitment to the community, however, would best be seen in his devotion to friends and family. Impressively, he warmly extends this closeness to all who seek his time and assistance – a commitment that extends to his lovely wife, the former Sandra Tuten, who tirelessly supports these same causes...no matter how big or small. The couple has two children, Shawn Godwin and Jason Stanley. Shawn and her husband, Ben, have two children, Terra (14) and J.B. (8). Jason and his wife, Jennifer, have one son, Sam (6).

Jim Stanley gratefully requests the support of voters in District 4, although he reminds everyone that he is available to any City of Madison resident or business owner that calls on him.

Feb. 24, 2010

This past weekend the band students from Madison County High School represented the school and our community with great results in music performance. While taking part in the Florida Bandmasters Association solo and ensemble performance assessments, they brought home not only medals, but levels of success that can only be achieved by hard work and dedication.

On Friday night, Feb. 12, many schools in the area visited Madison County High School to show off their abilities in competitive indoor flags, rifles, sabers, and dance. Madison County High School received excellent and superior ratings in all of their events with three events being invited to the state level of assessment in April. Not to be out done the instrumentalist from MCHS met Saturday the 13th at the Florida A&M University where once again every event received an excellent or superior rating for their performances. The results are listed below by student and event. The Madison County High School Band would like to thank the Band Parent association for all of their continued support as well as all of their sponsors for the 2009/2010 school year.

There are a couple of upcoming performances you may want to catch if you enjoy great band music. On March 6, the MCHS Concert Band will be performing at Godby High in Tallahassee for their annual district assessment. One of the most anticipated events of the year is always the Cowboy Nights jazz ensemble "All You Can Eat Dessert Concert." This year that concert will be held on March 25th in the gym of MCHS. For tickets and reservations, please call 850-973-5061 x240 or email hillg@madison.k12.fl.us

Solo and Ensemble results from Friday February 12th and Saturday February 13th :

Ensemble receiving an "Excellent" rating for their performance:

Madison County High School Cowboy Nights

Students receiving an "Excellent" rating for their solo performance:

Cody Belinksi – Flag Solo

Danielle Bentley – Flag Solo

Katie Dedge – Flute Solo

Lonna Holmes – Clarinet Solo

Robby Williams – Flag Solo

Ensembles receiving a "Superior" rating for their performance:

MCHS Drum Ensemble

MCHS Drum Trio

MCHS Indoor Guard (invited to state level)

Students receiving a Superior rating for their solo performance:

Katie Dedge – Flag Solo (invited to state level)

Kristi Ferrell – Flute Solo (invited to state level)

Shabrielle Haynes – Flag Solo (invited to state level)

David Sanders – Baritone Solo

Feb. 24, 2010By Toni Blanton Norris
Pageant Coordinator

Now is the time to once again crown the new representatives of our community. Applications for the annual Miss Madison County Pageant are now available at various locations throughout Madison. Ages are as followed; 0-11 months both boys and girls, 12-23 months boys and girls, 2-3 years both boys and girls, 4-6 years Little Miss, 7-9 years Petite Miss, 10-12 years Junior Miss, and13-15 years for the title of Teen Miss Madison County. Contestants who are 16 years or older will have the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Madison County along with a chance to when scholarship money.

Due to the overwhelming success of last year's Mr. and Miss Heart of Madison and Sweetheart Program we are please to announce once again that anyone who wishes to participate can do so without having to enter the actual pageant. The Sweetheart Program raised a grand total that surpassed one thousand dollars for our Miss Madison scholarship fund which in return aided last years Miss Madison, Laurie Smith, in attending N.F.C.C. Since this program holds such prestige everyone that participates and completes the requirements will walk away with a beautiful crown, sash, or cape. A new and exciting program will be implemented in this year's Teen and Miss pageant. As a way to mentor to young ladies, Teen and Miss Contestants will be encouraged to select girls between the ages of five and twelve years old as their Miss Madison Princess. Princesses will have the opportunity to be involved with the Teen & Miss contestants during rehearsals and will appear onstage with their mentor during the evening gown competition. Each princess will receive a crown, a custom embroidered sash and best of all a princess party! If you are interested or know someone who would be interested in becoming a princess, please contact Toni Blanton Norris.

The pageant is set for March 27 at Van H. Priest Auditorium. Applications maybe picked up at Becky's Dance Steps Studio, Madison Dental Associates, and Madison Chamber of Commerce. Deadline to enter is March 5th so hurry and enter today division feel up fast! For further information feel free to contact Toni Blanton Norris at 673-1162.

Feb. 24, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.

Harold Emrich, Madison City Manager, will be hosting a casual reception for the three finalists under consideration for the position of Chief of Police.

The three finalists include:

Edward James King, of Tallahassee, who is currently a special agent in the Economic Crimes and Public Integrity Unit at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)

Gary T. Calhoun, of Longwood, who retired as the Chief of Police in Maitland in 2009.

Scott Bradford Bunch, of Madison, who retired from the Garland, Texas Police Department in 2009 as Administrative Lieutenant to the Chief of Police.

Emrich would like to invite the city commissioners, the City of Madison and all citizens to drop by the Police Department on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 3-4:30 p.m. to meet and greet these gentlemen.

Feb. 24, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.

In an effort to prepare students for the upcoming FCAT, Madison County Central School hosted a FCAT tutoring session on Saturday, Feb 20, where over one hundred students received assistance. The results were exceptional.

For the next two Saturdays, Feb. 27 and Mar. 6, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., additional tutoring will be offered. There is no charge, however, for these valuable services.

If interested, register by calling the school at 973-5192 no later than 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb 24.

Transportation is also available with centralized pick-up and drop-off points at Greenville,

Pinetta, Lee, Cherry Lake, Jimmy's Firestone, Arby's, Harvey's and Winn Dixie. Parents may bring their children to school as well. And should arrive no earlier than 8:15 a.m.

Additionally, MCCS will be having two drawings for student participation on each Saturday. Organizers expressed their appreciation for support of this worthwhile effort, and for assisting them in providing the best for our students.

Feb. 24, 2010

The Madison Lions Club continues to combine fun, fellowship and community service. During their weekly meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 9, at Shelby's Restaurant, the club reviewed and renewed community service plans for the next few months. Most recently, they set up a fundraising booth at the Fifth Saturday Festival, where in spite of heavy rains early in the day, participation was good.

This spirit of cooperation and teamwork apparently extends to the leadership's birthdays apparently, as Lions President Lee FerDon (Feb. 5), Vice-President Tom Moffses (Feb. 9) and local Lion legend, Larry Cabot (Feb. 7) share such a sense of club commitment that they wanted to make celebrations as convenient and efficient as possible. Seriously, the group was quick to acknowledge the milestones, even offering up a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Tom Moffses, since the meeting was held on Feb. 9.

The Lions were also looking forward to their annual Valentine's Dinner, which was being celebrated at Tom and Tucky Moffses' home. The Lions extended a big roar of appreciation to Tucky for her hospitality and catering.

Vision health remains the cornerstone of Lions charities and residents are asked to participate in the eyewear donation drives as they are conducted. In the interim, for questions regarding membership and weekly programs, contact Lee FerDon at (850) 929-3527.

Feb. 19, 2010

National news releases continue to add details to the story that "a demented Texas pilot crashed his small plane into an Austin office building after torching his house and posting a bitter Internet rant against the IRS and corporate 'thugs.'"

The black glass Echelon Building in the state capital housed a 200-employee IRS office.

A suicide note he left included the following:

"Nothing changes unless there is a body count," software engineer Andrew Joseph Black, 53, wrote. He further attacked the Catholic Church and Wall Street.

He added, "Violence not only is the answer, it is the only answer. I know I'm hardly the first one to decide I have had all I can stand."

"Well, Mr. Big Brother IRS man, let's try something different; take my pound of flesh and sleep well," he went on to say.

It was signed, "Joe Stack (1956-2010)."

Feb. 19, 2010By Ginger Jarvis

It's baaaaaack! The April festival formerly called Down Home Days has regained that title after several years of being called Four Freedoms Festival. The Madison City Commissioners approved this change at their regular meeting on February 9.

Chamber of Commerce Director Ted Ensminger approached the board with a plan to keep the title Down Home Days for the spring event. He also asked permission to have a rodeo at Lanier Field in conjunction with Down Home Days. The rodeo would be fielded by the Professional Rodeo Association April 15 and 16. He said that the Chamber would provide any funds necessary for the rodeo.

Ensminger also requested permission to host an event in November called Four Freedoms Festival, centered around Veterans Day.

The commissioners agreed to Ensminger's proposals, with a stipulation that he will offer more details at their March 11 meeting.

Senior Citizens Director Rosa Richardson presented a status report on the new Senior Citizens Center presently under construction. She said, "The project is 80 percent completed and should be finished by the end of March, depending on the weather." So far, $835,674 of the project grant has been spent, along with $80,000 of in-kind contribution from the Department of Correction.

City Manager Harold Emrich brought a request to apply for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. He said, "The grant will be used to purchase radios that will put us in compliance with new requirements."

Commissioners Jim Catron and Myra Valentine moved to approve the request; the board passed it unanimously.

Feb. 19, 2010

Two separate times Mike Brock, a resident of Madison, has found bullets embedded in his shingled roof. The latest find was Wednesday, February 10, when doing some roof maintenance. The second bullet was located within 30 feet of the first one which was found a couple of years ago.

"Every New Years and 4th of July we hear a lot of gun fire in the City of Madison," Brock said.

Apparently, those firing the weapons are shooting them in the air, disregarding the law of gravity. The lead that goes up comes back to earth and creates damage and sometimes death across the U.S.

Brock's home is located near U.S. Hwy 90 and Hwy 53 North in downtown Madison.

Authorities have been contacted and will be following up with the evidence.

Feb. 19, 2010

On Feb. 6, two athletes from New York rollerbladed through Madison County on their way across the USA in an attempt to raise funds and awareness for select charities through their project, "In Motion For A Million." The trek will benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Stopping briefly in Lee, Steven Feigenbaum, co-founder of In Motion For A Million and a participating athlete, has been overwhelmed by the journey's response so far. "Everything is going real ly well. The people of Madison have been extremely kind and hospitable. The response has really been unbelievable!"

The team hopes to raise at least one million dollars while rollerblading across the USA to San Diego, California. The team has already received over $1,000 in donations since their kick off in St. Augustine on February 1. The team also wanted to send out a big thank you for their free stay at Yogi Bear Campgrounds.

Complete tour details, blogs and donation information can be followed on the In Motion for a Million website at http://www.inmotionforamillion.org.

For more information on In Motion for a Million or to request information, please contact Steven Feigenbaum at steven@inmotionforamillion.org or (609) 203-6398.

Feb. 19, 2010

The Junior Auxiliary of Madison will be hosting a book drive. They are collecting gently used or new children's books.

There will be drop off boxes at: Madison Academy, Lee Elementary School, Pinetta Elementary School, Greenville Elementary, MCCS, MCHS, Madison County Community Bank, Citizens State Bank, Wachovia, Capital City, and Bank of America. The dates are Feb 19-26, 2010.

If readers don't have any books to donate, but would like to help in the effort to promote reading, monetary donations are accepted.

Please send monetary donations to: Junior Auxiliary of Madison, P.O. Box 15, Madison, FL 32341.

Once the books are collected, they will be donated to the Early Learning Coalition of Madison.

If you have any questions, contact Christi Annett at (850) 971-5433.

Feb. 19, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

Unity Baptist Church will hold a fundraising gospel sing and cake auction for Angie Thigpen Bennett on Saturday evening, Feb. 20.

A 32-year-old single mother with three children, Angie was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. She has no job and no health insurance and must undergo treatment for the disease.

The cake auction will begin at 6 p.m. A sing will follow at 7 p.m., featuring the Master's, the Reflectsons and local talent.

All proceeds from the cake auction and the love offering received at the sing will go towards Angie's medical expenses.

Angie is the daughter of Tommy and Marie Thigpen of Madison.

Feb. 19, 2010

What: Promotion of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (free tax preparation and filing service), which is available to individuals and families with a household income of $56,000 or less. This is an important component of UWBB's B.E.S.T. Project (Believe, Earn, Save, Thrive), which focuses on proactive and collaborative efforts to meet the needs of working individuals and families utilizing strategies that empower them to achieve long-term financial stability.

Who: Trained IRS Volunteers, and VITA Service Clients who may want to share their experience with the free tax-prep-and-filing service.

Where: Senior Citizens Council, 486 SW Rutledge St., Madison, FL

When: March 14 and April 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Key Events:

Promote a free tax service that will help local people keep their hard-earned money by avoiding tax-prep fees

Great interview/video/photo opportunities with key tax volunteers, and tax-prep clients who want to tell their story of how the free tax prep/filling will help them and why others should take advantages of this free service

Background: The BEST focuses on proactive and collaborative efforts to meet the needs of working individuals and families utilizing strategies that empower them to achieve long-term financial stability. Key components of the BEST Project are VITA, and Money Smart Free Financial Education classes.

VITA offers free tax preparation at sites throughout the Big Bend. Volunteers from the Community help prepare basic, current year tax returns for eligible taxpayers free of charge.

Feb. 19, 2010

Oliver Bradley, president of the Kiwanis Club of Madison, presented a $3,000 scholarship check to Faye Browning, president of the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education, at a recent club meeting.

The family and friends of Pat Cantey, in a joint effort with his Kiwanis family established the Pat Cantey Scholarship to honor his memory. Pat died suddenly in the fall of 2009.

The Pat Cantey Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to a student selected through the Take Stock in Children Program of the Madison County Foundation. This program will assure that the student receives guidance, mentoring and support as he/she progresses through their educational experience. This partnership will result in a Florida Prepaid Scholarship, which will become a four-year college tuition scholarship for the recipient.

Pat Cantey was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club where he served faithfully as President, Secretary, and Chairman of various committees, and on the Board of Directors for many years. The Kiwanis have noted how they greatly miss his service, laughter and zest for fun. He was also a charter member of the Madison County Foundation for Excellence in Education.

Feb. 12, 2010

Rudy Hamrick was inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame on Tuesday evening, Feb. 9.

Rudy Hamrick was a major force in North Florida agriculture for nearly three decades. As director of the Madison County Extension office from 1951 to 1977, his impact on the county's economy was dramatic. When Hamrick first came to Madison, the tobacco industry was declining all across Northwest Florida. Farm incomes were shrinking, along with the population in rural areas. But Hamrick was determined to try to reverse these trends. Under his leadership, Madison County became one of Florida's leading agricultural counties, a top producer of swine, poultry, and cattle. Hamrick was instrumental in developing the county's thriving peach industry, and by the mid-1970s there were over 2,000 acres in production.

Hamrick was born in 1922 on a farm in Monticello, to a father who divided his time between farming and dentistry. He attended Monticello High School and the University of Florida, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1944 and a master's degree in agriculture in 1950. He taught agriculture at vocational schools in Lake and Wakulla counties before joining the Extension Service as an assistant farm agent in Lake County. In 1951, he was appointed director of the Extension office in Madison County.

In 1964 Hamrick formulated a 10-year plan for agricultural production in Madison County. The goal was to double agricultural income. Committees were established for each major agricultural product. Members of these committees joined state and national associations and worked to improve both production and marketing. By 1974, Madison County had become the largest swine producer in Florida and one of the state's largest cattle producers. A peach industry had been established, while the poultry industry had quadrupled in size to become the county's single largest income agribusiness. In the end Hamrick's 10-year plan exceeded even the most optimistic expectations. It didn't just double agricultural income; it tripled it.

Agriculture was the main industry in Madison County, but for many years the county lacked adequate facilities for agricultural meetings and other activities. Recognizing the need, Hamrick successfully lobbied the Legislature for funds to construct a facility that would provide a centralized location for all agriculture-related offices in Madison County. Completed in 1960, the Madison County Agricultural Building housed the county Extension office, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) offices, and farm forestry offices. It was also the site of Farm Bureau meetings, 4-H meetings, feeder pig sales, quarter horse sales, and the annual North Florida Livestock Show and Sale, one of the largest livestock sales in Florida.

Hamrick always said the key to his success as a county agent was "liking people" and liking to help them. He believed in the power of education and in helping farmers help themselves. He spent most of his time and energy out in the fields, offering technical advice about both production and marketing. He knew how important it was to help farmers stay informed about the latest agricultural research findings, and he was known for his excellent teaching skills. Hamrick was the first Extension agent ever to be granted the status of full professor at the University of Florida, and he was also chosen by the university to train new agents.

It's not surprising that Madison County's 4-H Club flourished under the leadership of this gifted teacher. The program's popularity surged as it was expanded to cover a new diversity of subject areas, including wildlife management and entomology, as well as home economics, cattle production, and showmanship. Hamrick lobbied tirelessly for the improvement and enlargement of Madison's Cherry Lake facility, an outdoor classroom used primarily for 4-H summer camp programs. With its rustic cabins, open-air pavilion, and lush natural areas, Camp Cherry Lake continues to provide children with an opportunity for hands-on learning in the context of the real world.

Hamrick was recognized as one of the best Extension directors in the country. In 1964 he received the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. In 1971 he became the first recipient of the SHARE Award for Excellence in Extension presented by the University of Florida. That year he was also named the national winner of the Ciba-Geigy Leadership Recognition Award.

The Florida Association of County Agricultural Agents honored him with the Search for Excellence Farm Income Award in 1973, and in 1975 he received an Outstanding Service Award from the Florida Farm Bureau.

For Hamrick, being an agent was not simply a 9-to-5 job. He was often at his office late into the evenings, and he attended many meetings at night and on the weekends. He was a member of the National Peach Council, the Peach Growers Association, the Madison County Farm Bureau, and the Florida Association of Agricultural Agents. He was an organizing member of the Madison County Swine Producers, the Madison County Milk Producers, the Madison County Cattlemen's Association, the North Florida Livestock Association, the Georgia-Florida Breeding Association, the State Feeder Pig Sale Committee, and the State Hog Cholera Eradication Committee.

Rudy Hamrick has two grown sons, Rudy Jr. and Bill, and four grandchildren. Myrtice, his wife of 58 years passed away in 2002. He and his wife, Ann, live in Madison.

Feb. 12, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

M.C. Herring, 85, died Wednesday evening, Feb. 10, 2010.

A native of Madison County, he was born Jan. 1, 1925, to Bubba and Minnie Herring.

A veteran of World War II, he was married to his bride, the former Louise Shaw, 64 years ago. After World War II, Herring spent his life as a farmer and a State of Florida employee.

Herring was a lifelong member of Pine Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. He helped build the new church there and serve as chairman of the church's building committee, as well as an organizing member of the church's cemetery committee.

Survivors include his wife, Louise; his sons, Jerry and Kenny; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at Pine Grove Baptist Church. Arrangements had not been made at press time, but the funeral was tentatively scheduled for Saturday. Please call Beggs Funeral Home at (850) 973-2258 for the official date and time of the funeral.

Feb. 12, 2010

An employee at the Jiffy Food Store in Madison was arrested for grand theft of the store on Thursday, Feb. 4.

According to a Madison Police Department report, on Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 12:53 a.m., Ptl. Jeffery Rosenberg was dispatched to the Jiffy Food Store in reference to an activated burglary alarm.

On his arrival, Rosenberg found the front door to the store to be unlocked. At this time, the store manager was notified.

On the store manager's arrival, it was discovered that an undisclosed amount of money was missing from the store.

That morning, at 8 a.m., Inv. Ben Ebberson was assigned to the investigation. After interviewing possible suspects and witnesses, Ebberson concluded the investigation.

On Thursday, Feb. 4, Inv. Ebberson placed Joann Hills (Jiffy Store employee) under arrest charged with grand theft.

Hill was transported to the county jail.

Feb. 12, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

Sarah Anderson has joined the Town of Lee as its new Town Manager.

The personable new manager, she was formerly the secretary at the First Baptist Church in Lee, where she and her husband, Jimmie, a retired electrician are members.

The Andersons moved to Lee last year from Jacksonville and immediately immersed themselves into the community, helping the victims of the April flooding.

While in Jacksonville, Sarah had worked as an associate manager with Prudential Insurance, working with global operations on a real-time basis for call management.

When asked if she and her husband belonged to any local civic clubs, she replied, "Not at this time. All of our community involvement has been with the church."

When asked what the most challenging part of her new job is, Sarah quickly replied, "Getting quickly up to speed on the wastewater situation."

Sarah was equally as quick when asked the most fun part of her new job: "Meeting the community."

Originally hired on Jan. 19 and stepping into the role on Jan. 21, Sarah said that she felt that her first Lee Town Council meeting as the new manager went very well.

"I look forward to the opportunity to get more involved with the community and the different opportunities (the job as town manager) affords me," she said.

Feb. 12, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

The Lee Town Council held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new wastewater system on Monday, Feb. 8, at 4 p.m. at the water tower located on Dale Leslie Drive.

According to information provided by Mittauer & Associates, consulting engineers, "In 2005, envisioning the need for the development of a wastewater system for the future, the Lee Town Council applied for grand funding through a Small Disadvantaged Communities Development Grant." The wheels were then set in motion and by May 2009, Lee had been awarded an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Grant. The award was only one of nine such grants in the state. The town was awarded $4,249,000 in grant and loan funding to construct the project.

The project will consist of construction of nearly 15 miles of pipe, including approximately 28,000 linear feet of 8-inch and 10-inch gravity sewers, 100 precast manholes, two wastewater pump stations, 30 grinder pump stations, 46,000 linear feet of 3-inch, 4-inch and 8-inch force mains and related valves, fittings, sewer services, restoration work and other associated work.

The project will be funded by money made available by the ARRA, which requires that all iron, steel and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States.

Total breakdown of the funding for the project includes:

*DEP Small Community Wastewater Facilities Grant, $104,000

*State Legislative Appropriation, $400,000

*ARRA Grant (75%), $3,176,000

*ARRA Loan (25%@2.08%), $1,073,000

*Anticipated CDBG Sewer Hook-ups and Paving, $600,000

Total funding for the wastewater project is $5,353,000 with 80 percent of it coming from state and federal grants.

Members of the Lee Town Council were presented hard hats and green vests. As Mayor Ernestine Kinsey drove the shovel into the dirt, she was surrounded by Roger Parsons, Council President, and Council Members Doug McNicol, Donna Muller, Shirley vonRoden and Shirley Yeager.

Following the ceremonial groundbreaking, Mayor Kinsey was presented with a gold shovel by Justin Webb, operations manager for Onas Corporation.

Feb. 12, 2010By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
michael@greenepublishing.com

The Complete Count Census Committee for Madison County met Feb. 8 to discuss and launch actions supporting National Census Day, which is April 1. From now until then, staff and volunteers will be meeting with organizations throughout Madison County to ensure the word gets out about the census. The role of the census is extremely important to the county and throughout the country, as huge amounts of funding and political districts are based on the results.

Unfortunately, not everybody likes the idea of the census, and many are mistrusting of it. To eliminate these obstacles, the committee is launching a variety of campaigns designed to increase understanding and decrease resistance to join the effort. From T-shirts to newsletters to faith-based involvement, volunteers from throughout the county are joining hundreds of census workers to ensure participation exceeds the dismal results of Census 2000, where participation was only 48 percent.

Fortunately, the officials, workers and community volunteers in charge of Census 2010 understand the resistance. So, to make sure everybody has no worries, the government has passed laws to guarantee privacy and ensure there are absolutely no consequences to filling out the simple, 10-question form. In fact, the law will seal census records for 72 years, like top-secret government documents.

Of course, many may take a little more time and effort to believe it's safe and necessary, and that's the mission of the Complete Count Committee. Working closely with the schools, churches and other community partners to get their information to all residents, their message is clear: everybody matters. And the "Count Me In, 2010!" campaign urges all to take part.

On Feb. 22 at 11 a.m., the committee will be meeting again at the Courthouse Annex, in the county commission meeting room. Of course, the public is welcome and urged to attend. The Census continues to look for workers and volunteers, and this meeting can provide useful information on contributing to this worthwhile cause.

Michael Curtis can be reached at Michael@greenepublishing.com.

Feb. 12, 2010

According to a recent press release issued from their headquarters in Pittsburg, Texas, Pilgrim's Pride continues its financial comeback following bankruptcy reorganization and buyout from Brazilian beef giant JBS SA, which now owns 64 percent of the company.

Currently trading at over $9 per share, the company's quarterly report showed a profit of $33.6 million, or 44 cents a share. That compared with a year-ago loss of $228.8 million, or $3.09 a share, although the gain was largely increased due to a tax benefit.

"Pilgrim's Pride today is a stronger, leaner company with an improved capital structure," President and Chief Executive Officer Don Jackson told analysts.

In spite of the paper improvements, sales for the quarter fell about 15 percent due to production cutbacks and the reorganization.

When the company took its major dive in 2008, it took actions that were unpopular locally, as growers and workers were terminated. Before it was over, the company had closed about 10 plants, leaving approximately 41,000 workers.

Experts remain cautious, however, because the operating margin was just 0.6 percent, down 9.4 percent. There was also a few shareholder protests associated with the quarterly results, as the report also showed $14 million in fees that were actually comprised of incentives and bonuses rewarding management for getting the company through the bankruptcy process.

Feb. 10, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

A woman was killed Friday, Feb. 5, on Interstate 10 in Madison County.

According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, a 2002 Honda sedan, driven by Jillian E. Gillis, 20, of Hollywood, was traveling eastbound n the left lane. It was raining and there was standing water on the roadway.

The Honda hydroplaned, veered to the right and began rotating in a clockwise direction.

Gillis lost control of the car, traveled onto the south shoulder and collided with the left rear of the Honda into a tree.

Gillis came to a final rest against the tree and pointing in a westerly direction.

Gillis was critically injured in the crash and was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Sarah R. Bolf, 21, of Plantation, Gillis' passenger, received fatal injuries during the crash and died at the scene.

Units from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, Madison County EMS, Madison Fire and Rescue and the Florida Department of Transportation assisted at the scene.

FHP Trooper Berry Crews was the investigating officer.

Feb. 10, 2010By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
michael@greenepublishing.com

The Madison County School District recently held its official spelling bee, where fifth through eighth graders competed for the coveted prize. Following the bee, fourth graders from throughout the district lined up for a primer bee, giving these young spellers an opportunity to feel the excitement of competition.

Taking the tournament as seriously as their older counterparts, the fourth grade contestants exhibited skill and nerves of steel until only one speller, Mishaila Berman of Lee Elementary School, was left standing.

"Casserole, C-A-S-S-E-R-O-L-E, Casserole," declared the precocious student. The applause that followed said it all: congratulations and see you next year.

Feb. 10, 2010

The Madison County High School Baseball team will be holding its Second Annual Homerun Derby Fundraiser at the Cowboy Baseball Field on Friday, Feb. 12, starting at 5 p.m. All past and present MCHS players are invited to participate. There will also be participants from the Major Leagues and college levels. Come join them in supporting the 2010 Cowboys by having a hot dog and apple pie. Other activities include a cake auction and silent auction. Cowboy T-shirts and caps will also be available for purchase.

Any and all support will be appreciated. GO, COWBOYS!

Feb. 10, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

It took a year, but Quanta Barfield finally realized his dream of signing a scholarship to play college football.

Barfield did the work himself, sending a film to Georgia Military College, a two-year college in Milledgeville, Ga., to set the wheels in motion.

"I sent it (the film) last year," he said, "but they had already given out the scholarships and didn't have any money left."

Barfield said that he had called the coach again this year and asked him once again about the possibility of playing for the college.

"I've already seen your film," the coach told Barfield, "and we'd love you to come play for us."

Barfield said that he had originally been recruited by Illinois State University last year, but that the coaching staff had all been fired at the end of the season, so he did not get to play there.

While sitting out a year of football, Barfield tried to find ways to keep himself out of trouble, including working at his father's restaurant, Barfield Supreme Eatery in Valdosta, Ga.

While playing high school football in Madison, Barfield was nicknamed "the Missile" by Greene Publishing, Inc. writer Michael Curtis. The nickname stuck.

"I still have friends who call me 'the Missile,'" Barfield said. "I'm hoping to carry that name with me to college."

While he played linebacker in high school, Barfield will play a hybrid strong safety position at Georgia Military College.

Barfield said that he would like to extend a special thanks to Coach Greg Ray at MCHS for letting him practice with the track team in order to get back into shape for football.

Feb. 10, 2010

The Madison County Senior Citizens will be having a Red & White Day at the Greenville Senior Center on Thursday, Feb. 11. All seniors are encouraged to attend. This will be a covered dish lunch, and there will also be an arts and crafts time. The time will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

On Friday, Feb. 12, Doctor Sanauallah will be at the Senior Citizens Center in Madison talking with the seniors about healthy heart care. The time is set from noon until 12:30 p.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, a representative from Three Rivers Legal Services will be at the Senior Citizens Center in Madison talking to the seniors about changes that have been made concerning seniors and their rights. The time will be from 10-11 a.m.

Feb. 05, 2010By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
jacob@greenepublishing.com

DOE Examines Facility Problems At High School

In Madison County School Board action on Tuesday evening, Feb. 2, James Brown, a teacher at the Madison County Excel Alternative School, was suspended with pay. The suspension is the result of allegations concerning students' grades.

The School Board also suspended Dennitt Cruce, a school bus driver, without pay. Cruce was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 28, for criminal solicitation to commit murder.

A subcommittee from the Florida Department of Education (DOE) came to Madison at the request of the School Board on Wednesday, Feb. 3rd, to review Madison County High School facilities. The subcommittee was composed of two members of the department and others from two school districts who are not eligible for the Special Facilities funding that the School Board is requesting.

The group did an onsite review, determining what needs to be done.

The roof, technology problems (including needed updates), plumbing and lighting were among the things looked at during the walk-through.

The Special Facilities funding has to go through the Legislature and it could take up to a year for the Madison County School District to learn if they have been approved or not.

Feb. 05, 2010

Three men were arrested for aggravated battery on Friday, Jan. 22.

According to the Madison Police Department, on Friday, Jan. 22, at 8:40 p.m., Officer Ruth Parks was dispatched to South Jackson St. in reference to a subject lying in the road.

Upon her arrival, Parks observed the 61-year-old victim lying in the road, bleeding from his head and mouth.

A witness advised Parks that a group of people had run from where the victim was lying.

The witness provided Parks with names of a few suspects who were in the crowd.

On Monday, Jan. 26, Inv. Jimbo Roebuck was assigned to investigate the complaint.

After a weeklong investigation and interviewing suspects and witnesses involved with the case, three arrests were made.

On Friday, Jan. 29, Inv. Roebuck placed Jeremy Johnson, Jerry Harris and Terell Smith under arrest for aggravated battery.

Feb. 05, 2010

A woman was arrested for beating a car with a baseball bat last Saturday evening.

According to a Madison Police Department report, on Saturday, Jan. 30, at 10:54 p.m., Ptl. Eric Gilbert was dispatched to Sumatra Ave. in reference to a criminal mischief.

On arrival, the victim advised Gilbert that Candra Blue had beat his car with a baseball bat.

Ptl. Gilbert made contact with Blue and questioned her about the incident.

At this time, Candra Blue was placed under arrest for criminal mischief and transported to the County Jail.

Feb. 05, 2010

A man was arrested for burglary last Saturday evening.

On Saturday, January 30, at 7:55 p.m., Ptl. Joel Rosenberg was dispatched to Parramore Ave. in reference to a burglary.

On Rosenberg's arrival, the victim advised that Henry Johnson had forced his way into the residence and stolen some property belonging to the victim.

The victim advised that Johnson had fled the scene. The victim provided officers with a clothing description of Johnson.

At this time, officers began canvassing the area for the suspect. Madison County Deputy Mike Maurice located the suspect walking on Bentley Avenue.

Rosenberg arrived and questioned Johnson.

At this time, Johnson was placed under arrest for Burglary and transported to the county jail.

The victim's property was located and returned.

Feb. 05, 2010

Madison police arrested a convicted felon for possession of a firearm on Monday, February 1.

According to a Madison Police Department report, at 2:05 a.m., Ptl. Eric Gilbert was patrolling around Lake Francis when he observed a subject walking, wearing all black clothes.

Gilbert made contact with the subject and conducted a field interview with the subject. Gilbert identified the subject as Keevis R. Dobson.

As a result of the field interview, a handgun was located on Dobson's person. Dobson was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Dobson was transported to the county jail.

Feb. 05, 2010

On February 6 and 7, two athletes from New York will be rollerblading through Madison, on their way across the USA in an attempt to raise funds and awareness for select charities through their project "In Motion For A Million". The trek will benefit the Huntington's Disease Society of America and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Steven Feigenbaum, co-founder of In Motion For A Million and participating athlete, is overwhelmed by the journey's response so far. "Everything is going really well.

The people of St. Augustine have been extremely kind and hospitable. The response has really been unbelievable!"

The team hopes to raise at least one million dollars while rollerblading across the USA to San Diego, California.

The team has already received over $1,000 in donations since their kick off in St. Augustine, Florida on February 1.

Media personnel are invited to join the athletes for a part of the rollerblade journey as the venture through and out of Madison.

The athletes will be available for media interviews between February 6 and 7, 2010 before they continue their journey to Tallahassee. Complete tour details, blogs and donation information can be followed on the In Motion for a Million website http://... p://www.inmotionforamillion.org.

information on In Motion for a Million or to request information, please contact Steven Feigenbaum at steven@inmotionforamillion.org or (609) 203-6398.

Feb. 05, 2010

How many of you can use some help with a gift for your loved ones this Valentine's Day?

The Hanson United Methodist Church knows the perfect answer - some of their "world renowned" peanut brittle!

Your Sweetheart might be disappointed if it's not a box of chocolates or a dozen roses but once she or he tastes how delicious it is, they'll be happy. At the price of the peanut brittle, you could even give it along with the roses.

The price of a package of the peanut brittle is $2.00. For a $1.00 more you can get it bagged in a beautiful decorated Valentine bag.

When ordering, don't forget Mom and Dad, classmates teachers, bus drivers, etc. The church would like to remind everyone that they make candy all year long and can be ordered any time for any occasion. The proceeds go towards their building fund and home missions.

To place your orders, call 929-6903, Glendyle Littleton or 973-6206, Laura Pulliam or any member of the church.

Feb. 10, 2010By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
michael@greenepublishing.com

Jo Ann Kessler has a passion for cooking, and an even greater passion feeding folks. On Tuesday, Feb. 16, she will be bringing this love to the residents of Lee and Madison, as she opens her meal delivery business, Nuthin Fancy.

Headquartered in Lee, the menu features "comfort foods and cakes," at very affordable prices. For less than $9, meals including treats, drinks and free delivery (Lee and Madison) are available between 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday – Friday. Two different specials are available daily, and she caters all occasions.

"I've enjoyed cooking and especially the joy of feeding people since I was a young girl. In fact, the name 'Nuthin Fancy' was taken from my mamaw's restaurant in Man, West Virginia. My father was also a cook, in the service," Kessler said with a smile.

Numerous neighbors who have had the pleasure of trying some of her recipes are already praising Kessler's cooking, with two of her neighbors, Bill and Ouida Davidson, expressing their extreme favor for her pork chops. Her greatest fans, however, are her husband, Victor Sardina and son, Jordan Haibi.

The community is invited to contact Jo Ann Kessler and Nuthin Fancy at (850) 464-3339.

Feb. 05, 2010By Pat Lightcap

The ability to get messages in and out of disaster areas was amplified lately by the destructive and deadly 7.0 earthquake in Haiti.

The State of Florida has a mobile Emergency Operations Center that can drive to any area in the state where the local communications infrastructure is not operational. They have the capacity to call upon resources needed from most anywhere.

A back-up to the State system is Amateur Radio Emergency Services made up of volunteer Ham Operators who make their time, expertise and equipment available when needed.

One example is the Skywarn program with the National Weather Service.

Ham radios and antennas are in place at the NWS office in Tallahassee and when potentially damaging weather systems are coming in to our area the radios are activated and Ham operators who are trained weather observers can call in what is happening in their cities by two-way radio.

It is good to have all of these resources working together in Florida for the safety of our citizens.

Feb. 05, 2010By Pat Lightcap

A cool, wet Saturday morning on January 30 turned in to a bright and sunny afternoon on the Florida State University campus in Tallahassee, which is the home of the National Weather Service (NWS) office for our area.

Paul Duval, Meteorologist-in-Charge of the NWS office and his capable and friendly staff put on another successful WeatherFest with assistance from the FSU Department of Meteorology and various community groups.

The WeatherFest provided learning opportunities for all age groups with seminars, demonstrations, a weather game fashioned after Jeopardy, weather balloon launches, local TV meteorologists, a State communications van, Amateur Radio, and the Severe Weather Simulator to mention a few of the activities.

Duval and all the others who assisted are to be congratulated for putting on this event and also for the work they do 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep people safe.

"We cannot control the weather but we can control our response to the weather when we know what is coming," said Pat Lightcap who attended the event. "Keep your weather alert radio on and have a personal, family and business plan to respond to any severe weather events."