Project Eagle Has Endangered Bird In Madison

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            A group of concerned citizens who volunteer their time watching and tracking electronically tagged American Bald Eagles as part of conservation efforts to restore the population of this great symbol of America, request that anyone coming in contact with a specimen now roosting in Madison County should exercise care and caution, as its roosting habits have fallen into a discouraging pattern.
            The eagle is tagged with a chip that allows close monitoring, which now shows the bird is spending time at and around the SR 53 South corridor, extending toward CR 255, and east toward the Suwannee River. The disturbing issue is that the animal is feeding on carcasses left behind by hunters, creating a carrion behavior in this otherwise majestic creature.
            Tracker volunteers request that everyone take great care if contact is made. Participants also urge anyone who would like to join this worthwhile effort to phone Robert Jordan at (850) 971-2803 for more details.
            “The bird is tagged with an advanced electronic system that helps us make sure no poachers get any ideas. We’re mostly concerned that the bird thrive during this period while it works through this feeding period.
            Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@ greenepublishing.com.

Third Circuit Court Officers Sworn In

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 6, the Third Circuit Court Officers for the judiciary of the state of Florida, which includes Madison County, made their official rounds, swearing in officers to launch the new year. Officials, family and friends came out to congratulate and support these elected and appointed officers holding the position of judge, state attorney and public defender.
The afternoon ceremony held at the Madison County Courthouse had a stately tone that was magnified by the classic courtroom setting. By all measures, the gathering was very effective at underscoring one sentiment that transcends the court: in Madison County, all will be treated fairly and respectfully.
Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@ greenepublishing.com.

Dump Truck Wrecks South Of Greenville

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            A dump truck was involved in a wreck on US 221, south of Greenville, on Wednesday, at approximately 8:40 a.m.
            According to the Madison Police Department, Michael Rizer, 35, of Trenton, was traveling south on US 221, when the 2004 Mack truck he was driving struck a culvert and traveled across a driveway on the west shoulder.
            The dump truck rotated towards the east and the front of the dump truck traveled into the southbound lane. The truck’s rear tires struck an embankment on the west shoulder and a roll-off container broke free from the truck.
            Rizer traveled into the southbound lane of US 221 in an easterly direction.
            The container traveled from the rear of the vehicle and struck US 221, digging three gouges into the roadway.
            Rizer traveled across both lanes onto the east shoulder of US 221 and the front of the vehicle struck an embankment of a driveway.
            The truck traveled across the driveway, headed south, and struck a tree with its front and came to rest.
            Rizer and his passenger, Timothy Wood, 36, of Trenton, were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and treated for minor injuries.
            Members of the Sirmans Volunteer Fire Department, Greenville Volunteer Fire Department, Madison Fire and Rescue, Madison County EMS and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist at the scene.
            FHP Patrolman Matt Boatwright was the investigating officer.

Medical Choppers To Be Based In Madison

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
            Pending final review of site selection, Madison will apparently benefit from the consolidation of two medical chopper bases—one currently in Tallahassee, the other in Perry—owned by Air Methods and operated locally as LifeNet. Randy Layman, Air Methods local spokesperson, stated the move to consolidate the two helicopter bases is financially necessary and a good decision for the service area, allowing them to provide the same quality care more efficiently. They further emphasized that the economic challenges that forced the action would not result in compromised service.
            LifeNet, which once was called LifeFlight, operates helicopters out of Perry, Quincy and Tallahassee. Employees were told the company is consolidating Tallahassee and Perry’s bases and moving them to Madison, although Madison County Emergency Medical Services Director Juan Botino noted that Jefferson County had not been completely ruled out as a possibility. Employees say they were told that the Tallahassee base was not profitable.
            The company is keeping the one helicopter base in Quincy and all of the employees there will keep their jobs. The exact date of the Tallahassee and Perry base consolidation is unknown. What is known for sure is that Madison is ready when Air Methods is ready.
            Director of the Public Safety Academy at North Florida Community College, Skip James, has met with Botino and the area coordinator for Air Methods, Marty Thompkins, to review preparations for the Madison Base. The campus ground, including a landing pad that was constructed previously for such purposes, is ready to go. Fuel storage, security and access can be delivered as specified.
            Botino also forwarded the request for a Certificate of Need to the Board of County Commissioners, a compliance step required for the move. He actually began coordinating the talks locally several months ago, but kept everything quiet until plans were finalized.
            A dozen or more Air Methods employees will be displaced but have the option of applying for jobs at the new Madison base. Besides this obvious inconvenience, some paramedics have also voiced concerns that the move will adversely affect service to Leon County. Company officials disagree, assuring all concerned that the move wouldn’t disturb service; especially considering that most Leon County calls can be effectively serviced by ground personnel.
            Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@ greenepublishing.com.

Prayer Walk for Elected Officials Set For Saturday

            On Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., everyone is invited to come out and pray for our officials, our towns, county, state and nation. Areas will be designated around Four Freedoms Park for each official or group of officials, and the public will have the opportunity to walk to each location and pray for those officials.
            All officials have been invited, and everyone will have the opportunity to pray for them whether or not they are present, as all agree that America and its leaders stand in need of prayer.
            This is the first time this event has been held publicly, so please come out and be part of inviting God’s leading and blessing on our nation.