By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   According to Megan Wetherington, P.E., Water Resources Engineer, Suwannee River Water Management District, “Average annual rainfall for the county over the last 30 years is 53.18”.  In the last 12 months (ending June 30), Madison received 51.95”, so the 12-month deficit is about one and a quarter inches.”
   “This is one of the lowest deficits in the District—some counties still have areas with an almost 20” deficit.  Eight of the last 12 months had below-average rainfall, but Madison is only 0.5” behind in rainfall since January.  June’s rainfall was about 0.5” below average,” she added
The question is, since Madison rainfall totals are near normal, is the county still in a drought?
   Unfortunately, there are many definitions and indices for droughts, so the answer depends on what timeframe is being considered, and who is being impacted.  For example: despite recent rains, flows measured in the Withlacoochee River near Pinetta are below the 10th percentile, meaning that at least 90 percent of the flows recorded at this time of year, since 1931 when the station was established, have been higher.  (Most of the Withlacoochee watershed is in Georgia, and they’ve had significantly less rain than we’ve had.)  
   Also to consider is that groundwater levels in monitoring wells in the western half of the county are below normal.  These impacts to stream flow and groundwater constitute what’s called a “hydrological drought.”  So, even if we get normal rainfall this summer, we will see these hydrological impacts linger, because of evaporation and uptake by vegetation.
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.  

Heritage Day Showcases Candidates And Crafts

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Second Annual Red, White and Blue Heritage Day ended with a rainstorm but not before visitors enjoyed a storm of treats and crafts along Range in downtown Madison, as well as an opportunity to hear from local and regional candidates on the Courthouse lawn.  The event combined a political rally that ran from 10:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. with vendor offerings that included everything from classics like cotton candy to unique booths selling personalized mini-horseshoes.
   The day began with a very solemn memorial to Steve Agner, a fallen Madison County Sheriff’s Officer who was adored by family, friends and colleagues alike.  Retired Sheriff Joe Peavy joined Lou Miller, Charles Dickey, Tim Sanders, Pete Bucher and others speaking a few words in Agner’s memory.  The memorial concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative headstone placed near the Range entrance to the Courthouse.  All in attendance shared recollections and encouraged one another for a safe and blessed future to all touched by the tragedy from a grateful community.
   Hundreds were still gathered when the political rally kicked off, beginning with federal and state candidates.  Several hours later, the three-minute speeches, with an additional minute allotted to answer a question selected by organizers, were concluded with each candidate giving a glimpse of his or her brand of politics.  Following the rally, as a candidate for County Commissioner, this reporter joined all candidates who participated in thanking organizers for making the day possible.
   Unfortunately, the day was abruptly cut short only a short while later as the dark clouds rolled in and then poured down.  In the end, however, Democrat and Republican, Madison County resident and visitor, spoke of doing it again next year. 
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Flag Dedicated To Madison County In Patriotic Ceremony

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   Prior to the fireworks celebration at Lake Francis on July 4, Lt. Col. Sam Stalnaker, who is also the Principal of the Madison County Central School, gave a patriotic tribute to the troops in attendance that he led only a short time ago when he and the unit were stationed at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan.  Stalnaker introduced members of the 160th Military Police Battalion one-by-one, stating a few details regarding the contribution each made toward the overall quality of the unit that was.
   Later, as the sun fell, a video tribute was also presented, providing an inside look at the unit’s experience overseas.  When the introductions were concluded, Stalnaker presented a commemorative flag that had actually flown over his post in Afghanistan encased in a handsome box with a few words regarding its origin. 
   Ed Meggs accepted the flag on behalf of all the residents of Madison County to whom Stalnaker offered the patriotic gift.  Following a short display tour at the municipal and county offices, the flag will be prominently displayed at Madison County Community Bank.  
   Staff writer Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greenepublishing.com.

Woman Injured In Semi Vs. Car Accident

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   A woman was injured in a semi vs. car accident on Sunday, July 6, at the 244-mile marker on Interstate 10.
   According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Jenny Mangiafico, 36, of Altamonte Springs, was traveling east on Interstate 10 in the inside lane in a 2002 Nissan. At the same time, Terry Martin, 53, of Boonville, Miss., was traveling east on I-10 in the outside lane in a 2005 Freightliner semi.
   Martin switched lanes into the inside lane from the outside lane into the path of Mangiafico.
   Mangiafico veered to the left and drove her car into the center median. She attempted to steer her car back into the inside lane and struck the trailer of the semi with the right front of her car.
   Both vehicles traveled into the outside lane and then onto the paved outside apron where both vehicles came to rest.
   Mangiafico suffered minor injuries in the accident.
   The Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville Volunteer Fire Department and the Sirmans Volunteer Fire Department assisted at the scene.
   FHP Sgt. Stewart Smith was the investigating officer.

Greenville Volunteer Fire Department To Host Political Rally This Saturday

   The Greenville Volunteer Fire Department will host a political rally on Saturday, July 12, at Haffye Hays Park in Greenville.
   The rally will begin at 4 p.m. and will feature a cake auction, which will take place at approximately 5 p.m.
   Food and refreshments will be served during the “Meet and Greet” at  the rally.
   For more information, please call Tim Dennis at 948-2996.