By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   By unanimous vote of those in attendance at the July 28 meeting of the Citizens Against Legalized Liquor (C.A.L.L.), Madison County Sheriff Pete Bucher was elected as Chair and Spokesperson for the organization.  The meeting, which was held at the Madison County Courthouse, drew a diverse crowd of supporters from throughout the county.
   Early in the procedures, Manning Hicks, former Director of the Middle Florida Baptist Association, proposed the adoption of a resolution condemning all acts or threats of violence and harassment in any form associated with the liquor issue referendum.  The group voted unanimously to accept the resolution.  In fact, before the meeting closed, several in the room expressed their absolute indignation for any behavior short of the standards on which C.A.L.L. was formed.
Additional leadership assignments included Gene Stokes as Vice Chair, Steve McHargue as Publicity Committee Chair and Willie Gamalero as Finance Committee Chair to work alongside Treasurer Connie Peterson.  Linda Howell serves as Secretary.  It was also agreed that the committee chairs and officers would form an executive committee. 
   “As of 4:00 today, no petition has been filed with the Supervisor of Elections,” Stokes stated.  “When it is, the petitioner will have 120 days to collect signatures from one-fourth of the registered voters of Madison County in order for it to go to ballot for a countywide vote,” Stokes went on to say.
   Comments during the meeting included references to the condition of other counties that have gone through the same process.  Of particular interest is that apparently none of those counties that have gone wet, whose demographics are similar to Madison, have experienced any significant degree of economic improvement.  These numbers, as well as law enforcement input, will be highlighted as full committee formation is completed.
   For more information, comments, or to join the efforts of C.A.L.L., simply phone Gene Stokes at (850) 973-8607 or (850) 971-5744.

Carrier Celebrates Anniversary With Open House

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   On August 5, 1964, Tommy and Mary Ellen Greene launched the Madison County Carrier newspaper and the Carrier Office Supplies, on Rutledge Street in downtown Madison.  Later, on October 20, 1993, they purchased The Madison Enterprise-Recorder fromthe Tom Ricketson Group.  They had purchased it from retiring T.C. Merchant, who with his Dad, had been operating the historic paper, which was founded in 1865.
   August 5th marks the 44th Anniversary of the Carrier.  The Greenes would like to share a double celebration with the community on that date by holding an Open House from 4 until 6 p.m. at the old Enterprise-Recorder office, which has just been stylishly renovated back to the early 1900s era and is now available for occupancy.  Located at 111 Shelby Avenue, across the street from the east side of the Courthouse, everyone is invited to stop by and share in a piece of Madison County history.

Democrat and Republican Rally Set For August 8

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   On Friday, August 8 at 5:15 p.m. at the gazebo in the Four Freedoms Park in downtown Madison, a Democratic Rally will be held, followed by a Republican Rally, immediately upon their conclusion.
   Democratic candidates who will be elected without opposition will speak first.  Democratic candidates with opposition in the General Election will speak next.    Candidates running in the Democratic Primary will then speak, followed by judicial candidates.  Finally, candidates in nonpartisan elections (school board, conservation district) will speak.
   The Republican Rally begins immediately following the conclusion of the Democratic Rally.  No party affiliation and independent candidates will speak immediately following the conclusion of Republican Rally.
   Please contact Jim Catron (DEM) 850-673-8201 or Wendy Branham (REP) 850-251-0904 for more details.

Recycle For Charity In Full Swing

By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
   The Madison County Board of County Commissioners approved the selection of the Needy Families of Madison County, Inc. to be the charity recipient of recycling fees received from aluminum cans deposited at the solid waste and recycling collection sites around Madison County. 
   Last year, which was the inaugural year of the aluminum cans charity collection project, Junior Auxiliary of Madison County was the donation recipient.  Lisa Flournoy, who was a driving force in the creation of the program, actively supports JA.  In short time, the project numbers were extremely impressive, so the “Recycle for Kids,” project was extended another year, allowing a new charity to be designated for the proceeds.
   During the June 18 regular meeting of the board, Needy Families of Madison County was selected.  The organization will use the aluminum can collections to provide Christmas toys for underprivileged children in Madison County.  Last year, the organization provided toys to over 600 children around the Madison community, largely due to donations from the public.  The project has already garnered regional awareness and praise. 
   The can collection will enable the organization to double, if not triple their efforts.  Wyche met with President Judy Dean and Project Chair Christy Grass, where a memo of agreement was drafted and signed, complying with the program criteria.  The collection of the aluminum cans became effective July 16 and will remain in effect for one year. Other businesses in the county are also participating in the collection process, enhancing the efforts of Dean and Grass.  If you are a business and would like to participate, you may reach the Needy Families of Madison County by calling (850) 973-3105.