Prayer Vigil Set For September 19 At Damascus
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
When residents around the county began discussing the hazards of introducing stronger and more available liquor into Madison County, it aroused very deep feelings in those that have been injured or adversely affected by alcohol use. This reporter was initially surprised at the number of people that are comfortably outspoken against the hazards of cigarette smoking but were slow to include alcohol. In fact, the “What does it hurt?” reply was quite common.
However, for those that have been hurt, whether emotionally, physically or financially by alcohol, or for those who simply wish to lay the decision before God for guidance, there is a Prayer Vigil set for September 19 at 6 p.m. at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church on MLK just south of Base Street in Madison.
Many believe the issue isn’t just about booze; it’s about a community with many different parts and critical needs, especially children and families. Further realizing that no rural community in generational poverty in Florida has ever improved its jobs or economy from alcohol revenues despite claims to the contrary, seeking the blessings and guidance of the Lord to help others understand is appropriate.
Manning Hicks and Octavious Tookes are organizing the vigil in the fellowship hall at the church, with spillover into the sanctuary as space permits. Tookes, an Associate Pastor at Damascus, is pleased to invite and welcome members and guests to this timely affair.
Discovery Channel To Feature Retired Jefferson County Chief Deputy In Documentary
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Retired Jefferson County Chief Deputy Mike Joyner will be featured in a documentary on the Discovery Channel about the arrest of Aileen Wournos.
“A production company from California called me and asked me to take part in it,” Joyner said. “They came to Florida and interviewed me in the middle of August.”
Joyner was working undercover with the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and was with Wournos when she was arrested in Volusia County in the early 1990s. Maintaining his undercover assignment, Joiner was arrested for disorderly conduct, along with Wournos. He was released after Volusia County deputies discovered who he was.
“We went undercover and stayed with her a couple of days and nights,” Joyner said. “The arrest took place at the Last Resort Bar in Port Orange.”
Wournos was convicted of murder in 1992, maintaining that she had been raped and abused. She later confessed to a number of other murders. She received the death penalty and was executed in 2001, becoming the first woman to die in the electric chair in Florida after the death penalty was reinstated in 1976.
Actress Charlize Theron won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Wournos in the 2003 movie Monster.
Joyner retired as Jefferson County Chief Deputy after seven years in Monticello and 33 years in law enforcement.
When asked about his family, Joyner replied, “I’ve been real lucky. I have one of the best families around.”
Joyner, who said that the documentary would air in either January or February on the Discovery Channel, would not reveal the county he currently resides in. He also said that he didn’t wish to reveal his wife, children and grandchildren’s names because of undercover work that he had done over the years.
“Just say that I live somewhere in Florida,” Joyner said. “I worked undercover for 28 years and enjoyed it, but I’m retired now.”
Mike Joyner is the brother of Felix “Skeet” Joyner and Bubba Joyner, both of Monticello.
Help Needed For Greenville Fire Victims
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Ronnie and Sandy Lee and their two sons, including one who is quadriplegic, lost everything in a fire on August 30.
The family needs clothes in the following sizes:
Mens pants – 31 waist; 32 inseam
28 waist; 31 inseam
36 waist; 32 inseam
Men’s shirts – small, medium and extra-large
Women’s shirts – Size 26
Women’s pants – Size 24 (with elastic, due to a pinched nerve in the back)
If anyone would like to donate, please call 948-6983. If there is no answer, please leave a message.
Town Of Greenville Receives Money For Landfill Cleanup
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Town of Greenville received $116,000 in legislative funding during the past session to pay for required semi-annual monitoring of the town’s former landfill off Highway 221, just south of Greenville.
“We had tried to get money to dig it up and remove the old garbage, but were only able to get a compromise,” according to Jim Parrish, consultant for the Town of Greenville.
Parrish elaborated, stating, “The $116,000 will pay for two sampling events per year for the next fie years at a cost of about $23,000 per year. That will help the Town financially and allow us time to see if there are any options for the future.”
Parrish noted that the old landfill has been inactive for many years.
“Several years ago, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) required the Town to construct 14 monitoring wells around the perimeter of the old landfill to make sure the old garbage does not contaminate anything,” Parrish said. “The Town has been doing semi-annual monitoring and sending the results to DEP.”
Parrish emphasized that the Town of Greenville has paid for all the costs to date, which has placed a tremendous financial burden on the Town.
“There has never been a problem,” Parrish stressed, “but we are still required to keep monitoring as long as there is old garbage buried there.”
Outgoing State Rep. Will Kendrick visited Greenville and presented a check for the funds to the Town.
Hanson United Methodist Church To Host Annual “Fun Day”
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord”! That is what is planned when the entertainment begins at the Hanson United Methodist Church’s Fun Day on September 13. Planned so far are special friends from Perry -- The Crimson Flow. This group has performed many times at Hanson and is well-loved by all the members. This is your opportunity to hear them yourselves.
Expect a real blessing when a member of the church takes the stage at 9 a.m. Her name is Michelle Pulliam and the beauty of her voice will bless you.
The next group is the youngest group during the day and the trio hails from neighboring Unity Baptist Church across the highway. Corey Brandies, Casey Odom and Ashley Walden make up the trio, but performing with them will be Hal Sprenkle. These three youngsters were born with natural singing voices; their singing will astound you.
Who will be the special mystery guest that will be honored throughout the day? Will it be you, a member of your family, your best friend? We just can’t tell. It will only be announced for the first time at 9:30 a.m. that morning. This person will be one who donates his or her life toward helping others when needed, and doing God’s work each day. He, or she, will receive special gifts from the church and also receive free meals of their choice throughout the day.
The Hanson members have been busy in the kitchen this month, making their famous peanut brittle for regular customers plus a supply for visitors during Fun Day. It’s unbelievable how busy they have been making candy throughout the year. The holiday period, November and December are really busy for candy making, doubling orders and making candy twice a week or more. If anyone would like to place an order for Christmas, please call 929-6903 or 929-4504.
Uncle Tom’s (Tommy Morse) Hayride, throughout the small Hanson Community, continues to be a favorite of young and old. It will be available every thirty minutes.
Just a reminder: Food will be available all day. Assorted breakfast biscuits, coffee, orange juice, iced tea, soft drinks, funnel cakes, onion rings, chicken and dumplings, churned ice cream and a variety of jellies.
Don’t forget to bring a chair and spend the day. There is no need to miss any of it and a wonderful chance to visit with others. How often a chance does one have to do this any more?
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