By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A sex offender has registered with a Madison address.
   Stanley L. Brown registered at the Madison County Jail on Tuesday, August 12, with an address at 163 NE Burch Street in Madison.
   Brown has also used the aliases Stanley Robinson, Stanley L. Robinson and Stanley Leon Robinson.
   Brown’s qualifying offense was a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age.
   Brown is a 6’, 200 pound black male with black hair and brown eyes.

Two Clerks Arrested For Grand Theft And Credit Card Fraud

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Two clerks at the Jiffy Store in Madison were arrested on Friday, August 15, for grand theft and credit card fraud.
   According to a Madison Police Department report, Gaynika B. Florence, 19, had written down someone’s credit card number on a yellow piece of paper.
   She ran the credit card in the amount of $350 for cash, gas and other merchandise.
   Florence later threw the piece of paper in the garbage can.
   Sgt. Nathan Curtis and another store employee observed Kim Alexander, 19, going into the garbage and getting the number. When Alexander tried to run the number, the credit card was declined.
   Both Florence and Alexander were arrested.

School Is In!

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Lee Elementary Principal Larry Alderman welcomed back a full house of excited children, as well as a few new teachers yesterday, as Madison County Schools launched a new school year.  Two of the new teachers, Kim Gordon and Delores Mobardy, actually came in last year but did not get a full session and are now official for the 2008-2009 year.  The third addition, Lisa Smith, came aboard to teach the fourth grade.
   Lee Elementary, as with the other schools in the district, is coming off a year of transition and improvement.  Each is looking to carry the momentum forward.
   “We are so proud of our school and district improvements.  Our success gives us a mark to keep going after and with these fine teachers, including a few great additions, not to mention the best staff in the world, we are expecting great things from all these boys and girls,” Alderman explained.
   Parents are urged to contact the school as needed.  Everyone associated with Lee Elementary expressed his or her thanks for getting the year off to such a good start. 
   Writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Winds Wreak Havoc Throughout County

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Two strong storms swept through Madison County on Thursday, August 13.  The earlier storm, which came through the county about 1 p.m., brought enormous winds that wreaked havoc on both residences and businesses.  Personal property, such as cars, as well as outdoor residential property,, like picnic tables and chairs, were destroyed by downed limbs, and in many instances; entire trees. 
   According to Madison County Emergency Management Director Jim Stanley, “Sustained winds of 40 to 50 mph came through the county, mostly with the earlier storm, and the National Weather Service confirmed wind bursts as high as 70 mph. No tornados were confirmed, although some residents reported extremely severe wind damage.”
   Stanley and Program Coordinator Vicki Brown kept communications clear and connected throughout the day that saw 1,400 without power at one point.  By the end of the day, two inches of rain had also fallen, although flooding is not an immediate concern.

Ronnie Ragans Announces Candidacy For County Commissioner, District 1

   I am announcing my candidacy and applying to the voters of District 1 to be their voice and representation on the Board of County Commissioners. I have the experience, determination and time to serve and truly make a difference for the citizens of District 1.
   I believe in government for the people, by the people. A commissioner should know the needs of the constituents and be their voice of action. As a life time resident and having 22 years of self-employed business experience, I know the issues facing Madison County.
   Our county government should lead by example during this economic downturn. So many of us are hurting financially and our county governments should be decreasing our tax burdens.
   A more efficient operating county government by all departments would allow for some relief for the taxpayers. Now is the time to streamline government and not a time to raise taxes. As an example, the number of county vehicles, amount of equipment and the fuel use of each of these should be evaluated.  Also, an evaluation of use for each vehicle and piece of equipment would be a good start at efficiency.
   All residents of Madison County should have fair and equal government representation. I will be there for you to make sure that all your needs and concerns are addressed. I will be available by phone (973-6439) or in person during all reasonable hours of the day or night.
   I have eight years of board experience (1994-2002) on the District School Board of Madison County. During that time an unprecedented number of new school facilities were built and paid for. I feel that I demonstrated leadership and was a voice for the constituents during those years.
   I have four years of military experience in the United States Air Force (1968-1972).
   During those years I served in Japan, Korea and Texas. This was truly a life-learning educational experience. Traveling across the United States and Canada for the past 35 years has also been very educational to me.
   I am willing to be available to work full time on County Commission business. My travel and professional experience will be beneficial in helping to expand and improve upon tourism, economic development, Madison County Memorial Hospital and all aspects of county government policy and procedures.
   On November 4th - Please vote Ronnie Ragans for County Commissioner District 1

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Ronnie Ragans, no party affiliation, candidate for County Commissioner District 1