By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Although the operating millage rate increased from 8.082 to 8.4205 for the 2008-2009 fiscal year, the new rate is equal to the rolled-back rate.  Clerk of the Court Tim Sanders read the Resolution to adopt the ad valorem tax rate effective September 24 to the Madison County Board of County Commissioners who unanimously approved it.
   The rolled-back rate generates the same ad valorem tax dollars as last year.  So even though the rate is higher, the gross taxable value of the property in the county went down.  The rate the board adopted was also below the original proposed rate of 8.9015, which was initially suggested when the budget process began, and was then published in the Proposed Tax Notices that were distributed several weeks ago.
   Clerk of the Court Tim Sanders and his staff were commended by the board for working hard to trim the fat anywhere they could, including a 7.2% decrease in Health Insurance.  In the end, it was apparent that every dollar was searching for a good home and that it won’t be taxation improvements that up the standard of living in Madison County, rather it will be effectively growing the base of business, property and jobs on which those rates are set.

Truck Overturns

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A semi truck overturned, its driver was injured, a load of paint was spilled and the rig sustained massive damage in a wreck on Monday evening, September 22, at the Greenville exit on Interstate 10.
   According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Frederick A. Fure, 55, of Hutchinson, Kansas, was eastbound on I-10 in the right lane in a 2007 Kenworth tractor-trailer.
   Fure became distracted from his driving and veered to the left and entered into the center grass median. The truck traveled in a northeasterly direction across the median and entered into the westbound lanes, entered onto the north shoulder and overturned onto the left side, causing the load of paint to be ejected from the trailer.
   The truck came to a final rest on the north shoulder on the left side and pointing in an easterly direction.
   Fure received minor injuries and was transported to the local hospital by Madison County EMS.
   Damage to the truck was estimated at $40,000.
   Units from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS, Madison Fire and Rescue and the Greenville Volunteer Fire Department assisted on the scene.
   FHP Trooper Berry Crews was the investigating officer.

Madison County Has Cyber-Bullying Policy

   Despite the popularity and usefulness of the Internet, it also has its pitfalls.  Websites such as MySpace and Facebook are a good way for friends to keep in touch on the Internet, but they are not without their liabilities.
   There have been numerous stories in the media of predators, playing up to young people and lying about their ages, and arranging to meet them.   Currently, authorities relate that young people who just want to engage in chats of interest to young people, have encountered others online who 
are cruel and hateful for no reason, in what is known as cyber-bullying.
   Exacerbating the situation is that this cyber-bullying is carrying over into the schools on a face-to-face level.  It is easy enough to shut down a computer or change websites if one is harassed online, but when this occurs in person, it becomes a different story.
   To counter this situation, schools across the state are educating students on cyber safety.      
   Attorney General Bill McCollum announced a partnership, Wednesday, Sept. 17, that allows school resource officers to teach students in middle and high schools how to stay safe online.
   In addition, by December all schools in Florida will have an anti-bullying ordinance in play.
   The Madison County School Board has addressed all types of bullying, including cyber-bullying in its board policy and its discipline grid.

TOWN OF LEE TO CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY APRIL 4, 2009

   The Town of Lee is busy preparing forthe annual Lee Day celebration for the year 2009. Only this year is a very special one – the 100th birthday of the town – and they would like to add activities which will create memories that will be treasured throughout the years. For one of the activities, they really need your support and cooperation!
   They are asking everyone who has memories of Lee – those who were “born and raised here;” those who have been here for a time and moved on; those who are new residents of our community; and those who just have a love for the Lee community – which will probably include most everyone who reads this request in the paper – to write their memories and share them with the Lee Homecoming Committee. The Committee hopes to compile these and publish a booklet to share and distribute on Lee Day 2009. Please include pictures. The Committee is also sending letters of request to those for whom they have addresses. They hope you will support them by contacting others “by word of mouth”. PLEASE HELP DEVELOP A BOOKLET TO BE SHARED AND ENJOYED BY GENERATIONS TO COME.
   You may call Lee City Hall (971-5867), Ernestine Kinsey (971-5890), or Thelma Thompson (971-0011) for questions and/or information.

MPD Investigating Smash And Grab Burglaries

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Madison Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a series of smash and grab burglaries.
   According to law officers, the assailant is using a brick to smash out of the windows of cars. After breaking the window, they then enter the car and grab valuables.
   The MPD is working two smash and grab incidents and the Sheriff’s Office is working several more.
   The burglaries all occurred on Sunday.
   MPD Capt. Willie McGhee urges everyone that if they leave their valuables in the car, they secure them in the trunk.
   If anyone has any information on the culprit in these cases, please call the MPD at (850) 973-5077 or the Madison County Jail at (850) 973-4001.

Jury Selection To Begin In Murder Trial

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Jury selection will begin Monday, September 29, for the trial of Brandon Javar Williams, who was allegedly involved in a murder, which occurred November 24, 2006.
   According to a Madison Police Department report, Terry Donnell Johnson, Jr. and Williams were involved in an altercation at a party at the Zarm Building on Thursday, November 23, 2006.
   MPD Inv. Ben Ebberson said that Williams allegedly shot Johnson at the southwest corner of MLK and Baumgartner Streets at approximately 12:30 a.m. the following morning.
   Ebberson said that Johnson had been shot one time.
   Johnson died at the local hospital at 3 a.m. before he could be transferred to another hospital by helicopter.
   Johnson was the son of Terry Donnell Johnson, Sr. and Cheryl White.
           

Jury Selection To Begin In Murder Trial

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Jury selection will begin Monday, September 29, for the trial of Brandon Javar Williams, who was allegedly involved in a murder, which occurred November 24, 2006.
   According to a Madison Police Department report, Terry Donnell Johnson, Jr. and Williams were involved in an altercation at a party at the Zarm Building on Thursday, November 23, 2006.
   MPD Inv. Ben Ebberson said that Williams allegedly shot Johnson at the southwest corner of MLK and Baumgartner Streets at approximately 12:30 a.m. the following morning.
   Ebberson said that Johnson had been shot one time.
   Johnson died at the local hospital at 3 a.m. before he could be transferred to another hospital by helicopter.
   Johnson was the son of Terry Donnell Johnson, Sr. and Cheryl White.