Murdered Woman Found In Greenville

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The body of a 52-year-old woman was found by hunters in a wooded area off Pettis Springs Road, west of Greenville on Thursday morning, January 15, at approximately 11 a.m. Following an autopsy on Friday, January 16, the woman was identified as Marilyn Harris of Woodville. The identification came following a fingerprint check by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
   According to Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart, the death was not a natural one and Harris was murdered. Stewart said that the Sheriff’s Office could not release how she was killed, due to the case being an ongoing investigation.
   Stewart said that the FDLE and the State Attorney’s office are assisting with the investigation. Stewart also noted that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had also been called, because of the proximity of Pettis Springs Road to Jefferson County. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is also assisting with the investigation because Harris was from that area.
   FDLE crime scene investigators processed the scene where the body was found on Thursday.
   Harris’ truck was found in western Jefferson County on Wednesday night, according to Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Major Bill Bullock said. At the time, law enforcement had no report of Harris being missing.
   The Sheriff’s Posse searched the wooded area where Harris’ body on Saturday, searching for more clues.
   Captain Mark Joost is the chief investigator in the homicide investigation for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
   If anyone has any information on the murder, they are asked to call the Madison County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 973-4001.
            Your help is greatly appreciated.

Woman Found Dead In Greenville

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

The body of an unidentified woman was found by hunters in a wooded area off Pettis Springs Road, south of Greenville, Jan 15. According to Madison County Sheriff Ben Stewart, the death was not a natural oneand the woman was the victim of a homicide. Stewart said that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s office is assisting with the investigation. Stewart also noted that the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office had also been called, due to the location being close to that county. Captain Mark Joost is the chief investigator in the homicide investigation.
Please see The Madison County Carrier on Wednesday, Jan. 21, for more details.

Pilgrim’s Growers Urgently Search For Options

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Dozens of local growers who supplied services to Pilgrim’s Pride are reacting to the company’s recent decision to cancel contracts representing tens of millions of pounds of chicken annually. In order to discuss options and unite efforts, these displaced broiler growers will be meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. in downtown Branford at the recently opened banquet and event hall, A Perfect Setting.
   The news of Pilgrim’s Pride cutbacks and layoffs has been in the media nonstop since the company filed for bankruptcy late last year. Further announcements that the Live Oak facility intends to dismiss over 500 workers next month, coupled with the elimination of approximately 100 grow houses, has left few optimistic of a turnaround anytime soon.
   Locally, both growers and plant workers have expressed their concern, not only at the cutbacks, but also at the manner in which they occurred. As one aggrieved party noted, “Each time we hear from the company, they make it sound like things aren’t falling apart, and then we get worse news. Now with so many growers being cutoff, many of whom were courted by Pilgrim’s Pride to take on large mortgages to build and expand operations, how can we expect or believe anything will get better.”
   The meeting at A Perfect Setting, located on Suwannee Ave. in downtown Branford, is the second of its kind leading up to the bankruptcy meeting scheduled for the 27th in Texas, which some affected parties plan to attend. Madison County has a rich, albeit currently challenging, history of poultry farming. This agricultural pride and community commitment is being demonstrated in the support being shown to both growers and employees of the ailing poultry giant. Organizers gratefully invite all who have a stake, or know someone who does, to come out and let their opinions be known.
   Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greene publishing.com.

Coach Carroll Staying At MCHS

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Madison County Head Football Football Coach and Athletic Director Frankie Carroll said that he turned down a job as the Taylor County head coach and athletic director before it was offered to him.
   “They were going to offer it to me,” Carroll said, “but I didn’t give them the chance.”
   Carroll, who has been the MCHS head coach for the past six years, said, “The Lord led me here. I love Madison County. I love the kids here.”
   Carroll was interviewed twice by Taylor County. He had a meeting with the school’s principal, Michael Thompson, and met with parents and boosters on Friday.
   Carroll has won numerous honors as the head coach and has placed over 40 players in college, as well as one in the National Football League (Geno Hayes). Two of the players from his 2008 team (Chris Thompson and Jacobbi McDaniel) have committed to play college football at Florida State in the fall.
   Carroll’s 2007 team won the state championship, beating Tampa Catholic.
   While Carroll turned down the job, some people, including school board member Kenny Hall, expressed concern that the interviews with Taylor County may have been a ploy to get more money to remain at MCHS.
   If Carroll had been chosen to coach Taylor County, he would have replaced Price Harris, a former MCHS player who played under the regime of former Coach Bud O’Hara.
   Carroll denied rumors that he had been offered $90,000 to coach at the school in Perry.

Momentous Birthdays Celebrated

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Mrs. Emma Lammons, formerly of Lee, now a resident of Dowling Park, celebrated her 99th birthday on Dec. 27. 
She was born on Dec. 29, 1909. Her oldest granddaughter from San Antonio, Texas, along with other family members, came to help celebrate this very special day.
   She had an afternoon of fun with everyone. 
She says the Lord has been good to her and she’s lived a good life and worked hard.  The family feels so lucky to still have her around.
. . .
   Born in Brooks County, Georgia, Dec. 14, 1908, Leaster Martin moved to Greenville with her family when she was a teenager. After living in New York for many years, Martin decided to return home and is now a resident at the Madison Nursing Center. Having no children of her own, Martin is nonetheless surrounded by the love of family as she has several nieces and nephews in the area.
   “So much has changed,” Martin said of the last 100 years since her birth. “The world has just changed so much.”
   A deeply religious woman, Martin is a devoted member of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Greenville. She enjoys gospel music, taking part in spiritual activities, gardening, chatting, crocheting and watching TV. Still very active, Martin is known around the Center for her warm smile and spunky spirit.
   Everyone at Madison Nursing Center wishes Martin a very happy 100th year birthday and hopes there are just as many to come.
   Staff writer Tyrra B Meserve can be reached at tyrra@greenepublishing.com.

Fundraising Boxes Set Up For Donna Kinard

By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Donna Kinard is a wife and a mother, both grand and great. She has called Madison home for over 23 years, eight of which she was a dedicated employee at Dixie Packers. She has a family she raised with laughter and grandchildren that want to grow with her love. Donna Kinard was taken to the hospital in November because she had debilitating migraines. What they found was a brain tumor.
   Kinard underwent surgery for the tumor. After only a few days, she was back at home and striving to get back on her feet.
The battle is not over, however; the tumor is growing back. Two more tumors have also been discovered in Kinard’s lungs.
For anyone, this would be a tremendous struggle, but in Kinard’s case, added is the fact that she has no insurance. This is where the silver boxes that are springing up in shops and businesses around Madison can help save Kinard’s life.
   Anyone who has an unwanted, used, unused or broken cellphone can drop it in the box for donation. These cell phones, along with empty inkjet cartridges, digital cameras, MP3 players and small game systems such as Nintendos, Gameboys, Playstations and Segas are being collected to be recycled.
   Following in accordance with EPA regulations on refurbishing and reusing these items, all proceeds collected will in turn be used to help Kinard and her family with medical and travel expenses.
   Kinard started radiation on Dec. 29. This will be followed by chemotherapy. Her battle is already underway. For anyone who has these items and can help Kinard fight on, please look for these silver boxes whenever out and about in Madison. They will be picked up on Feb. 20 and 21 for recycling. For more information, please go to www.phoneraiser .com.
   The silver boxes in local stores can be what saves a mother’s life in Madison.

Rockets Returns As Lee’s Mascot

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Recently, Lee Elementary School’s administration and parent volunteers launched a campaign to change the school’s mascot and symbol from “Trailblazers” to one that would create more benefit and recognition. The idea was obviously well timed, as this reporter talked to no one that was even aware of the current name. Some adults recalled that it was “Rockets” when they attended as children, but that was about it.
   Well, after a community- and school-wide vote, with student nominations ranging from Pioneers, Rabbits, Rattlesnakes, Rockets, Wranglers and keeping the old Trailblazers, to community suggestions, including Lariats, Lions and Spurs, the votes have been tallied. 
   According to Principal Jack McClellan, “When put to a vote, the students lobbied hard for Rattlesnakes, but the majority of students, staff and community members came out, overwhelmingly, in favor of a return to the Rockets.”
   The Lee community has a wonderful reputation for supporting its school and all children’s programs for that matter. This was especially notable during the emotional retirement of Principal Larry Alderman earlier this school year, as students, parents and residents rose to welcome McClellan as the new school principal.
   The Rockets have therefore been launched and hopefully will not land until every child that passes through the doors of Lee Elementary leaves prepared for middle school.
Go Rockets!
   Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greene publishing.com.

Man, Woman Arrested For Aggravated Battery With Deadly Weapon

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A man and a woman were arrested for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, which occurred on Tuesday, Jan, 6.
   According to a Madison County Sheriff’s Office report, Wendy Tate, 43, and Jimmy McCray, 41, both of Quitman, Ga., were visiting the victim at his residence on Garefowl St. in Madison.
   According to the report, an altercation occurred and Tate hit the victim in the back of the head with a beer bottle, knocking him to the ground. While on the ground, McCray jumped on the victim and stabbed him in the middle part of the upper back with a knife.
   Warrants were obtained for the arrest of McCray and Tate. They were arrested the next day in Quitman, Ga., and extradited to Madison County.
   MCSO Deputy Keith Kirkland was the arresting officer.

LATMA Student Delegation Attending Inauguration

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The students of the LATMA School are finalizing arrangements to attend the Presidential Inauguration on Jan. 20 and have asked the community for a little assistance.
   The LATMA School encourages good citizenship at all levels of society, and realizing the special piece of history an inauguration represents, school leadership has completed plans to leave Madison on Jan. 17, returning on Jan. 21.
   Organizers thank all those who have already volunteered time and do nated money to this worthwhile effort, humbly requesting additional contributions to fill in the shortfall. For those wishing to make an affordable donation, please call (850) 973-2359 or (850) 673-1961. If preferred, simply mail to, or drop by the campus located at, 491 SW Captain Brown Rd., Madison, FL 32340.
   Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greene publishing.com.

Miss Madison County Pageant Accepting Registrations

   Calling all kings and queens of Madison County! Executive Director Toni Blanton is pleased to announce that applications are being sought for the 2009 Miss Madison County Pageant.  Ages are as follows: 0–11 months boys and girls, 12–23 months boys and girls, 2–3 years boys and girls, 4–6 years Little Miss, 7–9 years Petite Miss, 10–12 years Junior Miss and 13–15 years Teen Miss Madison County.
   Contestants who are 16 years or older will have the opportunity to compete for the title of Miss Madison County along with a chance to win scholarship money.
   Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s Mr. and Miss Heart of Madison and Sweetheart Program, once again, anyone who wishes to participate can do so without having to enter the actual pageant.
   The Sweetheart Program raised a grand total that surpassed $1,000 for the Miss Madison scholarship fund, which, in return, aided last year’s Miss Madison, Ashton Williams, attend NFCC.    Since this program holds such prestige, everyone that participates and completes the requirements will walk away with a beautiful crown, sash or cape.
   The pageant is scheduled for Saturday, Mar. 21, 2009, at Van H. Priest Auditorium. The birth through 12-year-old pageant will take place at 9 a.m. The show for Miss and Teen Miss Madison will start at 7 p.m.
   For further information, contact Toni Blanton at (850) 673-1162 or email Madisonpageants@aol.com. Applications may be picked up at Becky’s Dance Steps Studio located at 438 E Base St. in Madison. The deadline to receive an early bird discount on entry is Feb. 13.
   Hurry and enter today. Divisions fill up fast.