By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Sitting with his lovely wife Beanie of 60 years, Bob Searcy discussed the history of the Madison County Airport.  Sitting on Searcy property approximately one-half mile from his home on US 90, “The airport is mostly limited to crop dusters and just a few others these days,” Searcy noted, “There’s not much interest in the place anymore.” 
   Beanie, smiling warmly, recalled a time in the 90s that the airport periodically had planes from Moody Air Force.  She also recalled, “There was another time that planes landed in the middle of the night.  When I called the Sheriff, I was told not to go down there.”  Playfully she went on to say, “So I didn’t.”
   Over the years, there’s been a minor tug-o-war between those wanting, and those opposed, to the airport.  At one point, there was a proposal to bring the airport to FAA standards for larger tonnage planes.  At another time, there was a proposal to construct an airport elsewhere in the county sufficient to handle freight and package delivery, like FedEx.  Tourism promoters would enjoy an airport for “fly-ins” and recreational charters.  Ultimately, each effort has been grounded, as the opposition to noise, proximity and/or costs prevailed.
   Currently operating under “private” status due to the lack of necessary tree clearance, the grass runway is still maintained by the Madison County Department of Public Works (MCDPW).  Planes wanting to utilize the facility should contact MCDPW at 973-2156 for permission details.
   In the end, this reporter wasn’t disappointed at the absence of an in-depth airport story, instead secretly celebrating the opportunity to share time with the Searcy family, who recently celebrated their Diamond (60th) Anniversary.

The Status Of Madison Families
Part 2 - Safety In Numbers

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Madison County safety statistics reveal that crime is one category where the county is not only better than state average, but also has shown dramatic improvement over the last five years.  According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, 2006 Florida County-by-County Crime Data, the crime index for Madison County is 20 percent better than state average and 100 percent better than the worst counties in Florida.  In fact, since 2002, the index has decreased by almost 40 percent.
   “As the area grows however, residents need to be careful with their belongings and personal safety,” stated Rick Davis, Chief of Police for the City of Madison.  A veteran of 26 years, 12 of those as Chief, Davis has an intense devotion to keeping the community safe.  “Most crimes are committed by locals, so numbers will increase and decrease with their conviction and release,” Davis added. 
   Davis is also keeping response time as a top priority.  “Two minute response time is a goal we work hard to maintain, and by using our resources as efficiently as possible, that goal won’t change as the community grows,” says Davis.  “Everybody needs to protect their private information and be on the lookout for Internet and phone scams as well.  You don’t always think about that kind of crime, but its affected people here in Madison already, and residents need to be careful,” Davis went on to say.
   Madison County Sheriff, Pete Bucher, agrees.  “If it doesn’t look right, or seem right, let us know.  Thieves will approach homes disguised as workers, then knock and rob.  Rural areas are more open to this type of crime.  Neighbors looking after neighbors can make a big difference,” Bucher said.
Bucher has been in law enforcement for 42 years, including the time he served in the military police in the Army.  Elected to his first term in 2001, Bucher is pleased with the positive direction crime prevention has taken in the county.
   Lt. Dan Campbell, Subdistrict Commander for the Florida Highway Patrol, gives the area a good report card as well.  “Traffic is our primary focus and the number of traffic incidents hasn’t gone up.  The rise in the number of single vehicle, single occupant fatalities is the only thing that’s gotten worse, but it isn’t drug or alcohol specific,” Campbell noted.  Separately, Campbell has served for 33 years and is scheduled for retirement this Friday, Nov. 2nd.
   Sergeant Charlie Dickey, School Resource Officer Supervisor for the Madison County Sheriff Department, pointed out several improvements he sees at the schools around the county.  “The Madison County Central School uniform requirement for instance, is starting to show positive effects, but we’re always monitoring for problems.  We carefully follow crime reports regarding anything that might concern the high school, middle school, or any of the outlying elementary schools,” Dickey explained.
   Dickey has been working with the schools for almost 25 years.  “We pride ourselves on protecting and working closely with the kids.  We’ve even participated in terrorism training recently to stay on top of the issues of the day,” he said in closing.
   During the assembly of this story, an element of crime came to the surface that doesn’t have a number.   That feature is the “perception” of safety.  It doesn’t take much to shake things up in a small community.  Arrests are front-page headlines, literally.  Bad news travels fast, and it doesn’t have far to go to touch virtually everyone. 
--At the end of the day, private interviews showed that historically most residents have maintained a sense of well-being and safety in Madison County.  A few more said they do lock their doors now however, but don’t know a place elsewhere that feels safer.
--Regardless, there is one thing that remains clear.   If one bases his or her expectation regarding the future safety of Madison County on the intentions of those charged with upholding it, the county will make a great home for years and years to come.

Madison Food Pantry Announces New Harvest

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Consolidated Christian Ministries, serving as the county distribution agent for the Second Harvest Food Bank of North East Florida, is pleased to announce the reorganization of the CCM Food Pantry.  “Madison County is now under the Jacksonville office.  Since we’ve been shifted from Tallahassee to Jacksonville, the quantity and variety of food has increased,” Director Joe McClone explains.
   CCM is part of Lutheran Social Services and is located at 900-A S.W. Pickney Street, Madison, adjacent to the Madison County Jail.  Those seeking food assistance should call 850-973-6208, or stop by for program and qualification details.
   There is another program now available through CCM that has no approval process.  The “SHARE, Florida Food Network,” is a service that offers pre-packaged food in various denominations and combinations.  In addition to the basic packages, which start at only $18, there is a Christmas package that is a great gift idea.
   The SHARE program is designed to help families stretch their food dollars.  On average, packages are approximately 50 cents on the dollar and may be purchased with Food Stamps, although it’s open to anyone.  Orders scheduled for delivery on December 15 should be submitted to the CCM warehouse office no later than November 28.

Three Stabbed In Greenville Over Weekend

By Jessica Higginbotham
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   At 12:53 a.m. on Saturday, October 27, dispatch at Madison County Sheriff’s Department received a call reporting a cutting, according to Sergeant Art Deno. 
   Deno stated that the victim, convicted felon Simmie Lott, was sliced multiple times with a razor blade or razor knife at the John Henry nightclub at U.S. Highway 221 and Short Street in Greenville. 
   Three people were arrested in connection to the cutting.  Ira Lee Denson and Carlos D. Murray were arrested for aiding and abetting following the incident, while Terry Lee Denson was arrested on Monday for attempted murder and aggravated battery.  Terry Denson had been wanted since the incident and was located on Monday after an anonymous tip was called in.
   On Saturday evening another stabbing occurred in Greenville, according to Deno.  This time, a call regarding a stabbing was called into dispatch at approximately 8 p.m., and at the time it was believed that only one person was involved in the incident. 
   While Deputy Kevin Odom was responding to the initial call, he was flagged down at the Fast Track at the corner of 221 and U.S. 90.  A stabbing was reported to Odom, and Sgt. Deno continued on to the first call.  
   The original call, which occurred at a residence on 221, allegedly took place in “16 quarters” outside the Denson residence.  It was discovered that the second stabbing also allegedly occurred outside the same place.
   Both victims were 15-year-old males.  The original victim was transported by life flight to a nearby hospital, and the second victim was taken by his mother to the Madison County Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, where he was treated and released. 
   Kelvin Antonio Leonard Mutch is wanted for questioning in reference to the stabbings.

Madison Academy To Host Fundraiser

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The students will take on the teachers as Madison Academy hosts a fundraiser on Thursday, November 8.
   The eighth graders are raising money for a trip to Washington, D.C. in April.
Tickets for the game are $4 for adults and $2 for students wearing their Madison Academy colors.
---A silent cake auction and raffle will be held at the game.
Tickets may be purchased at Madison Academy or at the door.
---For more information, please call 973-2529.

Fort Mack Hosts Last Evening Of Halloween Horror Nights

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Chills will tingle the spines of anyone who visits Fort Mack's Halloween Horror Nights last night on Wednesday, October 31.
   The hauntingly good time begins at sundown each evening and ends at 10 p.m.
   In addition to frights, there will also be carnival games, train rides and jump-a-roo. Food and drinks will be available.
   Fort Mack, Madison's Wild West town, is located two miles west of the Yogi Bear Jellystone Park, south of Exit 258, off Interstate 10. Fort Mack is located on the first right on Old St. Augustine Road, then travel another three miles and take a left.
   For more information, please call (850) 251-2186.