Turning a working tobacco farm into a self-sustaining showcase of multiple-use and habitat diversity is a daunting task, but the Ashley Family of Madison County, Florida, has certainly succeeded. In ceremonies at their farm here on Thursday, November 6,  Don Ashley and his sister, Theo Ashley Meadows, received, on behalf of their family, well-deserved recognition as Florida’s Forest Stewardship Landowner of the Year.
            Following the award presentation, a tour of the property showing many planned and on-going practices and many, many accomplishments was conducted and attended by about 60 interested landowners, agency representatives, and guests. This tour provided excellent examples for others interested in doing the same for their property and also identified available assistance sources.
            The Florida Forest Stewardship Program is one such source.  A voluntary program begun in 1990, the Forest Stewardship Program requires no contractual obligations from participating landowners.  The Program provides a detailed, written management plan for landowners who own at least 20 acres of forestland and are interested in multiple land use objectives.  Certified Forest Stewards also receive a sign for their property, a plaque, and local publicity (if desired).
            Madison County has a long history of participation in the Forest Stewardship Program and one of the highest participation rates in the State. Currently, 380 landowners with nearly 100,000 acres are enrolled in the Program in Madison County, including the Ashley Family. 

If you’d like to see if your property qualifies for the Forest Stewardship Program (or need any other assistance related to managing your Madison County timberland), contact the Madison County Forester by phoning 850.973.5115, emailing to fleminj@doacs.state.fl.us, or visiting the Division of Forestry’s excellent web-site at fl-dof.com.

Home Destroyed By Fire

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            A home, located on Hall Street in Madison, was destroyed in a fire early Monday morning, November 10.
            According to Madison Fire and Rescue Chief Alfred Martin, the alarm came in at 7:51 a.m. The department responded to the blaze at the home belonging to Catherine Irvine at 8:01 a.m.
            Irvine was treated for smoke inhalation and Darryl Epps was treated for minor burns.
            Martin said that the fire started from an electric blanket belonging to Epps.
            The family lost everything in the fire.
            Martin said that he had contacted the American Red Cross but anyone wishing to donate anything to the family can contact Irvine’s family members at 973-2562 or 673-9446.

Police Officer Charged With Domestic Violence

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            A Madison Police Department sergeant was arrested on domestic violence charges on Thursday, November 6.
            According to a Madison County Sheriff’s office report, William Greene was arrested without incident after his ex-wife, who had reportedly been at his home, said that he threatened to kill her.
            Greene was at a relative’s home eating, when the law officers arrived at his house and contacted him via cell phone. He then went to his home to meet with the police officers.  He was later booked at the county jail and was released on bail.
            MPD Chief Rick Davis placed Greene on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Editorial Comment- The Important Thing To Remember

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            “There is nothing wrong with change, if it is in the right direction” – Winston Churchill
            Tuesday’s election brought changes to the American and to Madison County’s political offices. While some officials kept their posts, the country will have its first black president, and Madison County will have a new sheriff and two new county commission members.
            The Sheriff’s race was a tough campaign between good men with no-party affiliation candidate Ben Stewart emerging as the winner by 243 votes with Democrat Opie Peavy coming in a close second. Kenny Johnson, an independent, finished third in the race.
            The county commission will also feature two new fresh faces with Justin Hamrick winning his District 1 race handily over Ronnie Ragans and Corky Brandies. Hamrick, who is 26 years old, will be the youngest county commissioner in a long time, if not the youngest in the county’s history. Renetta Parrish will serve as the District 2 commissioner after defeating Ronnie Moore in the September race. Parrish is the first female to hold her district’s commission seat and only the second female commissioner in Madison County history. The late Marybelle James was the first one, serving in the District 4 seat now held by Alfred Martin. Roy Ellis defeated Republican challenger Mark Branham in the District 5 race. Ellis will now be a three-term county commissioner.
            The School Board will remain the same for at least the next two years as Clyde Alexander soundly defeated            Sandra Monlyn to retain his District 4 seat.
            Jada Woods Williams won reelection to the Supervisor of Elections office with a clear-cut win over Shane Roland.
            Leonard Bembry, a distant relative of this writer, was selected to the Florida House of Representatives by defeating Don Curtis.
            Barack Obama became the first black president-elect by defeating Republican John McCain.
            Changes will be coming, even to Madison County. The changes will not be as drastic as everyone thinks, however. They will come slowly and, in many cases, painlessly, but they will come. Some of the changes will be good. Some of the changes may not be so good but they will be coming.
            The important thing to remember is to remember that mere men do not run Madison County and this country. God is still in control of everything. He appoints the leaders of this country and of this world. I admit that I voted for John McCain, but I believe that Barack Obama was elected on God’s appointment and that we should remember him and our country in prayer every day.  (A side note: The reason that Obama was not on the front page of Friday’s newspaper was that this is a local weekly newspaper and local news is our focus.)
            If God-fearing men and women will remember to pray and to live according to God’s laws, everything will work out for good.

Sex Offenders Register            

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            Two men have registered as sexual offenders with addresses in Madison County.
            Eddie Roy Turner, also known as Eddie R. Givens, Eddie Roy Givens, Eddie Roy Givins and Eddie Roy Moore, registered with an address of 5825 NE Rocky Ford Road in Madison.
            Turner is a 45-year-old, 5’7,” 167-pound black male.
            Turner’s qualifying offense is a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 16 years of age.
            Edgar Tim Roberts registered with an address of 1035 NW County Road 150 in Madison.
            Roberts, also known as Roberts Tim, Tim Roberts, Edgar Timothy Roberts and Edgar Roberts, is a 46-year-old white male who stands 5”10” and weighs 175 pounds.
            Roberts’ qualifying offense is a lewd and lascivious child under 16 years old.