By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   According to the accident report from the Florida Highway Patrol, driver Isabel Ramirez (59) of Cape Coral lost control of her Ford SUV while traveling east on I-10, resulting in the vehicle rolling over several times and the subsequent death of passenger Irmo Marino (88) also of Cape Coral.  Another passenger, Dayana Caballero-Duarte (25) was ejected from the car during the wreck, but she and the remaining four passengers survived.  They, too, are from Cape Coral.
   The report stated that the vehicle drifted off the right shoulder of the interstate, over-corrected back to the left, turning over on its right side as it went into the median, where it then rolled over several times.  The report showed charges of “Careless Driving” were issued.
   Marino was officially pronounced dead on New Year’s Day at Shands Hospital in Live Oak.  Seriously injured passenger Imperia Torres (34) was also taken to Shands, although ejected passenger Duarte was delivered to Tallahassee Memorial. 
   Counted among the blessings of this horrible incident is that the three children on board, Israel Torres (7), Victoria Torres (2) and Zion Estrada (1) escaped with minor injuries.  Trooper Gus Smyrnios was the Crash Investigator for the Florida Highway Patrol.

TDC Reviews Promotional Strategies

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   During their monthly meeting held on January 3, the Madison County Tourism and Development Council reviewed several promotional tools, determining some should stay, some should go and others should be introduced soon.  Among the items, the one receiving the most debate was the decision to no longer participate in the “Original Florida” program.  More information about the program may be found at www.originalflorida.org.
   County Commissioner Ricky Henderson, serving as liaison to the council, gave a brief history about the affiliation with the program, which Clerk of the Court Tim Sanders detailed more extensively.  The project is designed as a multi-county tourism promotional tool that a majority of current TDC membership has now determined to be a greater expense than benefit.  The situation was aggravated by the fact that the actual contract is between the Board of County Commissioners and Original Florida, meaning that the formality of canceling the membership must go through the BOCC, rather than simply being executed directly by the TDC.
   There was also discussion regarding the proposal to publish and distribute a glossy, high-end, multi-purpose brochure/magazine capable of serving as the premier calling card for the county.   Designed to attract both tourism and economic development, the brochure will be placed in key commercial locations throughout the county, in relevant kiosks throughout the state, distributed to targeted recipients as a marketing tool and finally tied to the new TDC website that is nearing completion.  A collaboration between the TDC, the Chamber of Commerce and Greene Publishing, the brochure will provide a year-round advertising solution as it showcases participating businesses and parties in a style on par with the highest quality publications and promotions in the market today.

Rising Gas Prices Due To Speculation

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   With gas prices continuing to rise, apparently with no end in sight, the economy is starting to panic. According to authorities on the subject, much of the price inflation is due to speculation. The free market is set up to protect consumers, however when speculators rule reaches from trading stock to vital commodities, such as oil, it is none other than the
consumer that pays the speculated price.
   NYMEX, or the New York Mercantile Exchange, has become the price-setting mechanism for oil. Oil prices have risen over the past year and will continue to rise according to their speculations. Yet, there may be no reason for it. On Monday, crude oil dropped once more for a third day in a row. Still, at the pump, gas prices rose overnight, once again, to a national average of  $3.106 a gallon, according to AAA and the Oil Price Information Service.
   This is due to a number of factors. The West’s standoff with Iran growing into a wider confrontation last year was just one factor that raised the price of gas. Oil’s jump back into record territory is another, as is the oil workers strike in Venezuela.  Also weighing on oil prices is a stronger dollar. As the dollar rises and falls, crude futures bought and sold in dollars that are more attractive to foreign investors. Analysts believe that a weakened dollar drew speculative investors into oil markets that drives the oil prices above $100 a barrel, and NYMEX sets the margin requirement, or “good faith” deposit.
   The most significant factor in determining gasoline prices is the price of crude oil. a publicly traded commodity. Retail gas prices vary and are determined by a number of factors. These factors include transportation costs, competitive mix, location being either rural or urban, and average volume pumped. According to the EIA, or Energy Information Administration, the price consumers pay is based on those four major components.          
   The approximate percentages in calculating the cost of a gallon of gasoline are Crude oil at 49%, Federal/State and Local taxes at 26%, refining at 15%, and marketing/distibution and profits at 10%. Federal excise taxes are 18.4 cents per gallon while the state of Florida also levies 14.1 cents per gallon in motor fuel taxes. Local governments can levy anywhere from 9.6 to 17.5 cents in some counties, which creates a range from 42.1 to 52.29 cents in total fuel taxes and inspection fees. Add to that the fact that Florida does not have a refinery, which creates higher distribution costs. Most of Florida’s gasoline barged in from the Gulf Coast.
   This leaves the consumer paying mostly for speculation, as retailers of Florida’s gas only report an average of between 5 to 10 cents per gallon. Cutting fuel consumption is a strategy that may help ease the burden of the average consumer, and additives that supposedly deliver better gas mileage for your car, may actually harm your vehicle. As gas is a significant expense for many Floridians, cutting fuel consumption may be the only answer that many consumers are left with.
   To cut fuel consumption, try these tips to save at the pump. First, avoid aggressive driving and keep the speed down. Each 5 mph above 60 is going to cost approximately 10 extra cents per gallon at the pump. Aggressive driving can lower your vehicle’s mileage up to 33% on the highway and 5% around town. This translates anywhere from 23 cents to $1.10 per gallon.
   Next, keep your vehicle tuned properly. Replace air and oil filters regularly as clogged air filters can increase fuel consumption up to ten percent and a poorly tuned engine can increase consumption up to four percent. Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve mileage as much as 40% which can lead to a savings of as much as 20 cents per gallon.
   Always make sure to use the recommended grade motor oil for your vehicle. One with “energy conserving” on the label is preferred. This can improve gas mileage one to two percent, saving you two to four cents at the pump.
   Keep all tires properly inflated as under inflated tires cause fuel consumption to increase more than 3%. Proper inflation levels, which can be found either in the owners manual or on the drivers side doorjamb, can save up to 7 cents per gallon.
    Eliminating junk in your trunk that weighs your car down can raise mileage 2% for each 100 pounds removed. Avoid carrying large items on the roof of the vehicle, which can decrease mileage 5 percent. Your vehicle can save 14 cents per gallon by eliminating both a roof item and 100 pounds from the trunk.
   Cruise but don’t idle and combine your trips. Taking several shorts trips from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the exact same distance when the engine is warm. Use your car’s cruise control as it also improves fuel economy, but don’t idle. Turn off your engine if you’ll be sitting a while as idling gets 0 miles per gallon.
   If you own more than one vehicle, try to use the one that gets better gas mileage and don’t over buy fuel. Unless your vehicle requires a higher-grade gas, buy regular. Contrary to some beliefs, costlier high-octane fuel does not improve the performance of your vehicle.
    There are other more radical changes you can make to further increase your savings at the pump, but this few tips should get you on the road to savings until those speculations take a new turn.

Man Arrested After Chase

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   On Sunday, January 6th, Patrick O. Hampton was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase down Main Street in Greenville, that resulted in his overturning the vehicle he was driving. Cpl. Kevin Odom, the officer involved in the chase and subsequent arrest of Hampton, was almost struck as Hampton tried to elude capture. Dispatched to the scene after an anonymous tip informed police that Hampton was wanted in the county, and in the area, Cpl. Odom was able to make the arrest only after a chase that lead to Hampton being charged with aggravated assault on an officer and resisting with violence.
   Sunday evening, dispatch advised Cpl. Odom that Hampton, who was wanted in the county, had been seen in a white sports car off Ray Charles and Ormond streets. Upon arrival, Odom observed the vehicle backing in on the west side of the old Boom Boom Room. Odom notified dispatch of the vehicle’s location and then proceeded to approach the vehicle with caution.
   Three subjects were seen in the vehicle and Patrick Hampton, the occupant in the rear passenger seat was identified. Hampton tried to exit the vehicle in what appeared to be an attempt to flee. Cpl. Odom advised Hampton to stop before he was forced to use his tasor, however, “Fluffy” Hampton was unresponsive. Hampton climbed into the front driver’s seat, unheeding the Officer’s commands to stop, and proceeded to put the car in gear to flee.
   Almost striking Cpl. Odom in the process, Hampton accelerated rapidly and fled the scene. Odom, then followed Hampton in his patrol car, emergency lights activated, down Grand Street, to Old Mission Road and across the railroad tracks. The vehicle that Hampton was driving then turned right on Main St. and continued driving at unsafe rates of speed through a residential section.
   Swerving erratically, the vehicle drove west on Overstreet Ave. reaching speeds of over 100 mph. Hampton lost control of the vehicle several times before finally overturning the car in a ditch. Cpl. Odom once again approached the car, tasor drawn, and witnessed Hampton trying to crawl out of the passenger window. After commanding Hampton several more times to stop evading, Odom was forced to deploy his tasor, hitting Hampton in what he later found out to be the right rib cage.
   After placing Hampton under arrest, Odom called dispatch to send out an EMS.
--Once EMS arrived, Hampton was transported to the Madison County Emergency Room, where X rays showed no injuries. Hampton was then transported to Madison County Jail for processing.

Five Cowboys Involved In Wreck

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Returning from San Antonio, Texas on Friday where they had been taking part in an invitation-only scouting event for top junior football players, Assistant coaches Travis Hodge, Mike Coe and Jeremy Carroll, as well as players Chris Thompson and Jacobbi McDaniel were involved in a crash on Interstate 10.
   The five members of Madison County High School’s football program were driving back from San Antonio in one of the high school’s vans and had reached Louisiana, just outside of Crowley, when the crash occurred.
    Marilyn Womack, of New Orleans, was passing the van on the left when her vehicle had a tire blowout and her vehicle slammed into the left side of the van, causing it to run off the road into an embankment.
   The van flipped over, rolling numerous times before finally crashing into a tree. Both McDaniel and Carroll were knocked unconscious, while Hodge was thrown from the van. All five occupants were taken to area hospitals. Coe, McDaniel and Thompson were released shortly after 2a.m., Saturday morning. Coe, McDaniel and Thompson, checked into a hotel room where they waited until Carroll was released later that morning.
   Hodge, another assistant coach for the Cowboys is still being held in a Louisiana Hospital where he is expected to be released later this week. His injuries require surgery, however he is said to be doing better.
   Frankie Carroll, Madison County head coach and Jeremy Carroll’s father, drove to Louisiana late Friday night to pick up the four members who had been released. He commented that the victims of the accident were doing better. All are waiting for Hodge to be released as soon as possible.
   Marilyn Womack, 32, was cited for careless driving and for driving without a license.

Fact-Finding Committee To Review County Extension Complaints

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   On December 11, a fact-finding committee will meet at 1:00 in the Board of County Commissioner’s meeting room to discuss complaints levied against County Extension Director Diann Douglas.  Several of these complaints were made public during the December 19 BOCC meeting.  High turnover was mentioned among the protests. 
   In order to review the topics a fact-finding committee was formed.  Committee members will review the complaints in an effort to restore confidence in the agency.  Historically, the achievements in the various areas that the local office covers have included numerous awards and public recognition.  Conversely, in this particular instance, it was the large number of public protesters that set this process in motion. 
   The committee will consist of Donny Salter, who with his wife Mickie has championed the cause for the public they represent, Dr. Clint Rogers, Madison County Coordinator Allen Cherry, IFAS District Director Dr. John Baldwin and Douglas. 
   “Our first priority is to support the needs of those we are set up to serve.  The safety and development of our children, for instance, is a top priority.  To that end, I’m very happy to announce that the new 4-H Agent for Madison County has been hired.  Her name is Heather Johnson and we look forward to her contribution,” Baldwin explained.
   Douglas agrees.  “Until we meet and discuss the issues, it’s difficult to reply to the specifics that will be detailed in the fact-finding committee.  As this process is happening however, we will continue to maintain the work and progress of the office,” noted Douglas.  Many of the achievements of the Extension Office were recently outlined during the annual report to the BOCC on January 2.
   Historically and by design, the County Extension Office serves several areas. The three main program focus areas are Agriculture & Livestock, Family & Consumer Sciences, and 4-H Youth Development.
   “I started with the Extension Service in the early 70’s as a livestock agent in Madison County.  As District Director, my position now covers 16 counties including Madison, but I will always remember those first affiliations there and want to continue to build positive relationships going forward,” said Baldwin.  Michael Curtis can be reached by email at michael@greenepublishing.com.