Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, April 8, the commissioners voted to allow Cherry Lake Beach to open earlier than the usual Memorial Day weekend. The decision came after it was suggested that the county could be missing out on funds that could come in from entrance fees for the popular recreation spot. During the pre-season, the beach will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Visitors are asked to please abide by all posted signs and rules for the comfort and safety of everyone.
Madison County Development Council Director Doug Brown informed the commissioners that the once hoped for Kellet manufacturing plant that was planning to occupy property currently owned by the Madison County School District has decided to move that operation to Georgia. Brown also informed the commissioners that the anticipated Bioactive Forages plant is expected to break ground in May. An exact date for the Bioactive Forages plant is still to be determined.
There was an update from Lisa Burnham, Director of the Madison County Senior Citizens Council who gave an update to the commissioners on activities at the center. Burnham thanked the commissioners for all their help and support in the past. She said the center still needs approximately $40,000 in funding in order to break even for the year. Burnham and the Senior Citizens Council Board have been active in holding numerous fundraising events in order to raise funds. The next fundraising event will be a BBQ chicken dinner fundraiser on Friday, April 17, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The event will take place at Four Freedoms Park, in Madison. Dinners are $15 and include BBQ chicken, rice, green beans and a roll. Proceeds from the event will be used to help fund the many services provided by the Senior Citizens Center for the elder population of Madison County.
The commissioners approved a proposal from Madison County Fire Rescue (MCFR) aimed at reducing “opioid-related morbidity and mortality while improving continuity of care through coordinated community partnerships.” The MCFR will work closely with the Madison County Department of Health, Disc Village and local hospitals. The initial budget for the program, which includes vehicle acquisition, medication, supplies and personnel is $259,000.
The next scheduled meeting of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m. The meeting will take place in the meeting room of the Madison County Courthouse Annex, located at 229 SW Pinckney St., in Madison.