A 20-year-old Madison man was arrested on Friday, October 31, and charged with murder following his confession.
According to a Madison Police Department report, on Friday, October 31, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the MPD received information from the victim’s mother (who resides in St. Augustine) that she was worried about her son. She had not heard from her son in more than a week.
The son, David Crosby, 46, was living in Madison with his son, Ryan Crosby, 20, at 334 NE Shelby Street. The mother was concerned for David Crosby’s well-being, because he had been suffering from depression. She had talked with her grandson, who said that David Crosby left home on October 23 in the middle of the night and he had not seen him since. Ryan told his grandmother that he had already made a missing persons report to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, but no missing persons report could be found.
MPD Sgt. James Roebuck met with Ryan Crosby at approximately 11 a.m. at his residence to follow up on the report, and to begin a missing person investigation. During questioning, Ryan Crosby gave statements of David Crosby’s travel plans and other statements that were quickly proven untruthful. Roebuck left the residence, stressing to Ryan that the police department would continue looking for David Crosby until he was found.
On the same date at approximately 12:45 p.m., Ryan Crosby drove to the police department and met with Sgt. Roebuck. Ryan Crosby confessed to Inv. Ben Ebberson and Roebuck that he killed his father on the morning of October 23 and later disposed of the body in a wooded area south of Madison.
Chief Rick Davis notified the Sheriff, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office.
Ryan Crosby led law enforcement to the site where he disposed of the body.
The FDLE Crime Lab Unit processed the crime scene at the disposal site and residence.
Ryan Crosby gave specific details of the crime and, as a result, was charged with murder and is being held at the Madison County Jail.
Pilgrim's Pride Responding To Challenges
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Although no statements have been made from local Pilgrim’s Pride management or the national headquarters, two North Florida regional newspapers recently released new articles detailing the financial challenges facing Pilgrim’s Pride.
According to one article, “Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the nation’s largest chicken producer and Suwannee County’s biggest employer, will likely face bankruptcy in the coming months, an independent research firm reported Thursday. The research firm, CreditSights, called bankruptcy ‘highly probable’ for the Pittsburg, Texas-based company, according to widespread reports.”
The article went on to say, “On Thursday, Pilgrim’s stock was trading at $1.08 per share, down from a 52-week high of $29.59 in December 2007. The Pilgrim’s Pride processing plant in Suwannee County employs more than 1,300 workers. In addition, farmers and growers throughout North Florida and South Georgia depend on the plant for their livelihood.”
The second article was equally unpleasant. Discussing the challenges facing Tyson Foods, which is Pilgrim’s Pride’s largest competitor, the article stated, “Saddled with debt and facing the same high grain costs (as Tyson), Pilgrim’s Pride’s stock has lost nearly all its value this year and the company is facing an uncertain future.”
As members of the Lee community, this reporter and the paper’s editor have built strong relationships with both growers and employees of Pilgrim’s Pride that reside in Lee and do not want to suggest anything negative other than what is known. At this point, all that is known is that the company is trying to respond to the challenges noted above and that product continues to be produced and shipped.
Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greene-publishing.com.
"Fright Night At Boot Hill" Shirts Still Available"
Congratulations to the Madison County High School Cowboys for their big win last Friday night!
The Fright Night Halloween football game win turned out to be a success in another way as well. ARC / PDS designed a t-shirt for the big game between the un-defeated MCHS Cowboys and the un-defeated Godby Cougars as a potential fundraiser.
The idea was born less than 48 hours prior to the game. It was a risk to purchase six hundred shirts for this purpose but a calculated risk.
Thanks to the folks at MCHS, Principal Ben Killingsworth, the front office staff, the Varsity Cheerleaders, a special thank you to Ms. Judy Hill, Seena McCall, Catherine Murphy, Leatha and Temicko Gervin, Madison Community Bank, Capitol City Bank and everyone involved.
This fundraiser was a joint effort with the proceeds being shared with the MCHS Varsity Cheerleading Fund and the MCHS Girls Softball Team.
One thing we knew for sure was that the citizens of Madison County would support their team. It was especially nice to see all the Cowboy fans wearing the shirts for the big game on ESPNU. We do have about one hundred t-shirts left.
If you would like a special commemorative “Fright Night at Boot Hill Shirt,” please go by and see Jenna Bass or Tami Brown at the MCHS front office or call 973-5061 to secure one for yourself, friend or family member before they are all gone.
Man Charged With DUI Following Rollover
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was charged with DUI with property damage and personal injury and careless driving following a traffic crash on Old Blue Springs Road, north of Lee, on Monday evening, November 3.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Brian Keith Anderson, 47, was traveling north on Old Blue Springs Road when he lost control of his 1994 Dodge pickup, entering a curve in the roadway.
Anderson traveled onto the west shoulder at the intersection of NE Rutherford Road, striking a wooden pole and then a guide wire connected to a utility pole with the front of the truck.
Anderson continued in a northwest direction on the shoulder and the pickup overturned, coming to rest on its right side in a north direction on the west shoulder of Old Blue Springs Road.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee Volunteer Fire Department assisted with the crash.
FHP Sgt. Stewart Smith was the investigating officer.
Randell Rowe Dies
Randell H. Rowe, Jr., retired attorney of Madison, died on October 31, 2008.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m., on Monday, November 3, at Beggs Funeral Home in Madison. Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday,
November 4 at 11 a.m., at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Madison.
Randell, son of the late Judge and Mrs. Randell H. Rowe, Sr., was born in Thomaston, Ga., on August 13, 1927, and was reared in Madison. He was a 1945 graduate of Madison High School. He was awarded a degree in forestry from the University of Florida in 1951 and a degree of Juris Doctor from the University of Cumberland Law School in 1957. He served in the United States Navy in 1945 and later served as a First Lieutenant with the United States Army in Korea.
Randell was a 50-year member of the Florida Bar. In addition, he was a member of the Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the First United Methodist Church of Madison. He was on the Founding Board of Madison Academy. As one of Madison’s first Eagle Scouts, Randell developed a life-long love for the Boy Scouts of America, serving for several years as Scoutmaster.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Mugge Rowe; a son, Judge Randell H. Rowe, III and wife Susan Ifshin Rowe; a daughter, Kathryn Rowe Chadwick and husband Craig Chadwick; and three grandchildren, Rick and Sarah Rowe and Christy Chadwick.
Randell had one brother, William J. Rowe, Sr., D.D.S, who died in April of 2008, and a sister-in-law, Betty Cobb Rowe; their son, William J. Rowe, Jr., D.D.S, wife Kristy Roberts Rowe, and their daughter Katherine Grace Rowe.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, Fl 32308; Madison Academy, P.O. Box 690, Madison, Fl 32340 or the Suwannee River Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, 2032 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, Fl 32308.
20-Year-Old Confesses To Murder Of Father
A 20-year-old Madison man was arrested on Friday, October 31, and charged with murder following his confession.
According to a Madison Police Department report, on Friday, October 31, at approximately 10:20 a.m., the MPD received information from the victim’s mother (who resides in St. Augustine) that she was worried about her son. She had not heard from her son in more than a week.
The son, David Crosby, 46, was living in Madison with his son, Ryan Crosby, 20, at 334 NE Shelby Street. The mother was concerned for David Crosby’s well-being, because he had been suffering from depression. She had talked with her grandson, who said that David Crosby left home on October 23 in the middle of the night and he had not seen him since. Ryan told his grandmother that he had already made a missing persons report to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, but no missing persons report could be found.
MPD Sgt. James Roebuck met with Ryan Crosby at approximately 11 a.m. at his residence to follow up on the report, and to begin a missing person investigation. During questioning, Ryan Crosby gave statements of David Crosby’s travel plans and other statements that were quickly proven untruthful. Roebuck left the residence, stressing to Ryan that the police department would continue looking for David Crosby until he was found.
On the same date at approximately 12:45 p.m., Ryan Crosby drove to the police department and met with Sgt. Roebuck. Ryan Crosby confessed to Inv. Ben Ebberson and Roebuck that he killed his father on the morning of October 23 and later disposed of the body in a wooded area south of Madison.
Chief Rick Davis notified the Sheriff, Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney’s Office.
Ryan Crosby led law enforcement to the site where he disposed of the body.
The FDLE Crime Lab Unit processed the crime scene at the disposal site and residence.
Ryan Crosby gave specific details of the crime and, as a result, was charged with murder and is being held at the Madison County Jail.
Pilgrim's Pride Responding To Challenges
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Although no statements have been made from local Pilgrim’s Pride management or the national headquarters, two North Florida regional newspapers recently released new articles detailing the financial challenges facing Pilgrim’s Pride.
According to one article, “Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., the nation’s largest chicken producer and Suwannee County’s biggest employer, will likely face bankruptcy in the coming months, an independent research firm reported Thursday. The research firm, CreditSights, called bankruptcy ‘highly probable’ for the Pittsburg, Texas-based company, according to widespread reports.”
The article went on to say, “On Thursday, Pilgrim’s stock was trading at $1.08 per share, down from a 52-week high of $29.59 in December 2007. The Pilgrim’s Pride processing plant in Suwannee County employs more than 1,300 workers. In addition, farmers and growers throughout North Florida and South Georgia depend on the plant for their livelihood.”
The second article was equally unpleasant. Discussing the challenges facing Tyson Foods, which is Pilgrim’s Pride’s largest competitor, the article stated, “Saddled with debt and facing the same high grain costs (as Tyson), Pilgrim’s Pride’s stock has lost nearly all its value this year and the company is facing an uncertain future.”
As members of the Lee community, this reporter and the paper’s editor have built strong relationships with both growers and employees of Pilgrim’s Pride that reside in Lee and do not want to suggest anything negative other than what is known. At this point, all that is known is that the company is trying to respond to the challenges noted above and that product continues to be produced and shipped.
Michael Curtis can be reached at michael@greene-publishing.com.
"Fright Night At Boot Hill" Shirts Still Available"
Congratulations to the Madison County High School Cowboys for their big win last Friday night!
The Fright Night Halloween football game win turned out to be a success in another way as well. ARC / PDS designed a t-shirt for the big game between the un-defeated MCHS Cowboys and the un-defeated Godby Cougars as a potential fundraiser.
The idea was born less than 48 hours prior to the game. It was a risk to purchase six hundred shirts for this purpose but a calculated risk.
Thanks to the folks at MCHS, Principal Ben Killingsworth, the front office staff, the Varsity Cheerleaders, a special thank you to Ms. Judy Hill, Seena McCall, Catherine Murphy, Leatha and Temicko Gervin, Madison Community Bank, Capitol City Bank and everyone involved.
This fundraiser was a joint effort with the proceeds being shared with the MCHS Varsity Cheerleading Fund and the MCHS Girls Softball Team.
One thing we knew for sure was that the citizens of Madison County would support their team. It was especially nice to see all the Cowboy fans wearing the shirts for the big game on ESPNU. We do have about one hundred t-shirts left.
If you would like a special commemorative “Fright Night at Boot Hill Shirt,” please go by and see Jenna Bass or Tami Brown at the MCHS front office or call 973-5061 to secure one for yourself, friend or family member before they are all gone.
Man Charged With DUI Following Rollover
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was charged with DUI with property damage and personal injury and careless driving following a traffic crash on Old Blue Springs Road, north of Lee, on Monday evening, November 3.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Brian Keith Anderson, 47, was traveling north on Old Blue Springs Road when he lost control of his 1994 Dodge pickup, entering a curve in the roadway.
Anderson traveled onto the west shoulder at the intersection of NE Rutherford Road, striking a wooden pole and then a guide wire connected to a utility pole with the front of the truck.
Anderson continued in a northwest direction on the shoulder and the pickup overturned, coming to rest on its right side in a north direction on the west shoulder of Old Blue Springs Road.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Lee Volunteer Fire Department assisted with the crash.
FHP Sgt. Stewart Smith was the investigating officer.
Randell Rowe Dies
Randell H. Rowe, Jr., retired attorney of Madison, died on October 31, 2008.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m., on Monday, November 3, at Beggs Funeral Home in Madison. Graveside Service will be held on Tuesday,
November 4 at 11 a.m., at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Madison.
Randell, son of the late Judge and Mrs. Randell H. Rowe, Sr., was born in Thomaston, Ga., on August 13, 1927, and was reared in Madison. He was a 1945 graduate of Madison High School. He was awarded a degree in forestry from the University of Florida in 1951 and a degree of Juris Doctor from the University of Cumberland Law School in 1957. He served in the United States Navy in 1945 and later served as a First Lieutenant with the United States Army in Korea.
Randell was a 50-year member of the Florida Bar. In addition, he was a member of the Rotary Club, the Masonic Lodge, and the First United Methodist Church of Madison. He was on the Founding Board of Madison Academy. As one of Madison’s first Eagle Scouts, Randell developed a life-long love for the Boy Scouts of America, serving for several years as Scoutmaster.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn Mugge Rowe; a son, Judge Randell H. Rowe, III and wife Susan Ifshin Rowe; a daughter, Kathryn Rowe Chadwick and husband Craig Chadwick; and three grandchildren, Rick and Sarah Rowe and Christy Chadwick.
Randell had one brother, William J. Rowe, Sr., D.D.S, who died in April of 2008, and a sister-in-law, Betty Cobb Rowe; their son, William J. Rowe, Jr., D.D.S, wife Kristy Roberts Rowe, and their daughter Katherine Grace Rowe.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice at 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, Fl 32308; Madison Academy, P.O. Box 690, Madison, Fl 32340 or the Suwannee River Area Council of Boy Scouts of America, 2032 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, Fl 32308.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Latest Headlines
Third Judicial Circuit Shares A Father’s Pride
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In a ceremony as rare as it was wonderful, on October 3, among a room full of family, friends and community visitors gathered at the Madison County Courthouse, Judge Wetzel Blair performed an unprecedented ceremony that would bring any father to tears and any community to immense pride. On this unique occasion in Florida judicial history, Blair not only got the opportunity to see his daughter, Sara Elise Blair, be sworn in as a member of the Florida Bar Association, but he also had the honor of being the judge to perform the service.
Elise Blair, a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, grew up in Madison, a graduate of Madison County High School. Her mother Marilyn Blair, sister Caroline and grandparents Sadie Blair, Newton Collins and Betty Collins, as well as aunts Donna Blair and Diane Howard, joined cousins and dozens of friends and community for the awesome ceremony, each looking on with her father’s pride and joy.
State Attorney Jerry M. Blair of the Third Judicial Circuit concluded the ceremony by swearing Elise Blair in as Assistant State Attorney, where she will be working out of the Perry office. State Attorney Blair then presented her a framed certificate authorizing and commemorating the event.
The Blair family has been part of the Madison County landscape for generations. Since being elected as Madison County Judge 32 years ago, Judge Wetzel Blair has built an exceptional reputation for fairness and justice, safeguarding the community while never forgetting the human side of the judiciary. All agreed that Elise is a fine example of those same judicial qualities and will certainly continue the Blair legal heritage for years to come.
Commissioners To Hear Wastewater Infrastructure Proposals
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
During the upcoming regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for Madison County, the board will hear proposals from the top three companies that have been screened by the County Coordinator’s office regarding the construction of a lift station to provide wastewater services to property located on the east end of Dale Leslie Drive near the Lee interchange. This project, which is estimated in the range of $750 thousand, will be funded with a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that is being facilitated by grant consultant Jim Parrish who has proven to be an exceptional resource in this critical county function.
A lift station is exactly what the name implies. In a water system, which is obviously a critical resource for commercial and industrial development, fresh water is made available to a facility using a combination of gravity from towers, elaborate pressure lines and pumps. Removing the wastewater from that same facility, however, has the additional challenge of starting at ground level and often running uphill along portions of the line that runs to the treatment plant. Simply put, it must be lifted there.
So, in order to facilitate this process, lift stations are constructed. And, again, while this is a common industrial project, it is essential for building out the 50-acre site being developed on behalf of the Madison County Development Council.
Several weeks ago, three companies were identified according to criteria established for this specific application, yielding the top three applicants that will now come before the board to award the contract. During the county infrastructure development that runs between Exit 258 and 262 along I-10 was launched a few years ago, these projects have been executed very effectively, although there was one disappointment that arose during this selection process.
Local engineer Brent Whitman, who has steadily increased the presence of his company, Madison Engineering, throughout the county in recent years, was not among the three engineering firms selected. He noted that his firm has earned the credentials to sit at the table for these types projects, further stating that the county should revisit the award-scoring format, which is too heavily weighted in favor of established firms.
Whitman spoke to CDBG Grant Manager, Steve Fellerman, headquartered in Tallahassee, to get more insights for future projects. Whitman said he very much enjoys working with the county and local municipalities; he simply wants an opportunity for more and larger local projects in Madison County where he and his family are proud to call home.
Realtor Objects To Price Of Courthouse Expansion
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
During a recent civic group meeting, realtor Roy Milliron voiced strong opposition to the recent $525,000 courthouse expansion. He emphasized that three separate appraisals acquired by the county averaged $200,000 less than the purchase price, further noting that the best appraisal, one that included a narrative acknowledging the additional benefits of the building being adjacent to the Courthouse Annex, was still over $150,000 lower than the purchase price. Considering these challenging economic times, Milliron suggested others speak out about the purchase.
Clerk of the Court Tim Sanders, who has established a conservative reputation for watching the cookie jar, disagrees with the characterization, and stands firm on his reasons for promoting the building so strongly to the commissioners.
“Several years ago, State Representative Joe Pickens, who sits on the Fiscal Council and Judiciary Committee, was speaking to regional clerks regarding the monies the we received as a “fiscally constrained” county. In the two-year period preceding that conference, Madison County had received about $1.2 million. Representative Pickens stated that using these funds for purchases like the courthouse expansion that are constructive to the county, but might otherwise be out of budget, is exactly how they were intended,” Sanders explained.
The Clerk was very gracious and understanding of the objections that have been voiced, remaining available as needed for discussion. He further thanked the board for their appreciation of this effort and looks forward to the facility serving the county for decades to come.
Do You Know A Real Hero?
By Bryant Thigpen
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The definition of a hero is simply “a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.” To me, a hero is a person who gives their life and donates their time for the cause of Christ, without complaints, but with gladness. Often a hero sacrifices their personal comfort or goes out of the way to do for another, or for God. These are true heroes. They can be found in every church when it’s church time, workdays or any activity involving their church.
In this issue of the Path of Faith, we have begun a series recognizing local heroes. We are looking for individuals who have been the backbone of the church and their family. One who sacrifices their time serving in the church, and someone you can count on, no matter what. If you know of someone who fits the criteria, please contact Bryant Thigpen at (850) 973-4141, or email bryant@greenepublishing.com.
NFCC Board Members Tour Renovated Buildings On NFCC Campus
Tour features NFCC College Preparatory Education Building and new Technology Center
Members of the North Florida Community College District Board of Trustees, left to right, Dr. Bill Brothers (Suwannee County); Linda Gibson (Madison County); Lester Padgett (Taylor County); Verna M. Hodge (Hamilton County); Brantly Helvenston (Suwannee County); Vice Chair Albert Thomas (Jefferson County); and Chair John Maultsby, Jr. (Madison County) toured two of NFCC’s newly renovated buildings on Sept. 16 following the college’s regular board meeting. The tour began in NFCC’s College Preparatory Education Building which houses classrooms, student support services, tutoring facilities, college preparatory education programs, as well as faculty and staff offices. Board members then toured NFCC’s new Technology Center which houses employee development and training facilities, multimedia presentation and video production facilities, and NFCC ‘s computer services department and duplication center. Both buildings were renovated over the summer and now offer the newest technology to students and employees in an optimal learning and teaching environment.
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In a ceremony as rare as it was wonderful, on October 3, among a room full of family, friends and community visitors gathered at the Madison County Courthouse, Judge Wetzel Blair performed an unprecedented ceremony that would bring any father to tears and any community to immense pride. On this unique occasion in Florida judicial history, Blair not only got the opportunity to see his daughter, Sara Elise Blair, be sworn in as a member of the Florida Bar Association, but he also had the honor of being the judge to perform the service.
Elise Blair, a graduate of Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, grew up in Madison, a graduate of Madison County High School. Her mother Marilyn Blair, sister Caroline and grandparents Sadie Blair, Newton Collins and Betty Collins, as well as aunts Donna Blair and Diane Howard, joined cousins and dozens of friends and community for the awesome ceremony, each looking on with her father’s pride and joy.
State Attorney Jerry M. Blair of the Third Judicial Circuit concluded the ceremony by swearing Elise Blair in as Assistant State Attorney, where she will be working out of the Perry office. State Attorney Blair then presented her a framed certificate authorizing and commemorating the event.
The Blair family has been part of the Madison County landscape for generations. Since being elected as Madison County Judge 32 years ago, Judge Wetzel Blair has built an exceptional reputation for fairness and justice, safeguarding the community while never forgetting the human side of the judiciary. All agreed that Elise is a fine example of those same judicial qualities and will certainly continue the Blair legal heritage for years to come.
Commissioners To Hear Wastewater Infrastructure Proposals
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
During the upcoming regular meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for Madison County, the board will hear proposals from the top three companies that have been screened by the County Coordinator’s office regarding the construction of a lift station to provide wastewater services to property located on the east end of Dale Leslie Drive near the Lee interchange. This project, which is estimated in the range of $750 thousand, will be funded with a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that is being facilitated by grant consultant Jim Parrish who has proven to be an exceptional resource in this critical county function.
A lift station is exactly what the name implies. In a water system, which is obviously a critical resource for commercial and industrial development, fresh water is made available to a facility using a combination of gravity from towers, elaborate pressure lines and pumps. Removing the wastewater from that same facility, however, has the additional challenge of starting at ground level and often running uphill along portions of the line that runs to the treatment plant. Simply put, it must be lifted there.
So, in order to facilitate this process, lift stations are constructed. And, again, while this is a common industrial project, it is essential for building out the 50-acre site being developed on behalf of the Madison County Development Council.
Several weeks ago, three companies were identified according to criteria established for this specific application, yielding the top three applicants that will now come before the board to award the contract. During the county infrastructure development that runs between Exit 258 and 262 along I-10 was launched a few years ago, these projects have been executed very effectively, although there was one disappointment that arose during this selection process.
Local engineer Brent Whitman, who has steadily increased the presence of his company, Madison Engineering, throughout the county in recent years, was not among the three engineering firms selected. He noted that his firm has earned the credentials to sit at the table for these types projects, further stating that the county should revisit the award-scoring format, which is too heavily weighted in favor of established firms.
Whitman spoke to CDBG Grant Manager, Steve Fellerman, headquartered in Tallahassee, to get more insights for future projects. Whitman said he very much enjoys working with the county and local municipalities; he simply wants an opportunity for more and larger local projects in Madison County where he and his family are proud to call home.
Realtor Objects To Price Of Courthouse Expansion
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
During a recent civic group meeting, realtor Roy Milliron voiced strong opposition to the recent $525,000 courthouse expansion. He emphasized that three separate appraisals acquired by the county averaged $200,000 less than the purchase price, further noting that the best appraisal, one that included a narrative acknowledging the additional benefits of the building being adjacent to the Courthouse Annex, was still over $150,000 lower than the purchase price. Considering these challenging economic times, Milliron suggested others speak out about the purchase.
Clerk of the Court Tim Sanders, who has established a conservative reputation for watching the cookie jar, disagrees with the characterization, and stands firm on his reasons for promoting the building so strongly to the commissioners.
“Several years ago, State Representative Joe Pickens, who sits on the Fiscal Council and Judiciary Committee, was speaking to regional clerks regarding the monies the we received as a “fiscally constrained” county. In the two-year period preceding that conference, Madison County had received about $1.2 million. Representative Pickens stated that using these funds for purchases like the courthouse expansion that are constructive to the county, but might otherwise be out of budget, is exactly how they were intended,” Sanders explained.
The Clerk was very gracious and understanding of the objections that have been voiced, remaining available as needed for discussion. He further thanked the board for their appreciation of this effort and looks forward to the facility serving the county for decades to come.
Do You Know A Real Hero?
By Bryant Thigpen
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The definition of a hero is simply “a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.” To me, a hero is a person who gives their life and donates their time for the cause of Christ, without complaints, but with gladness. Often a hero sacrifices their personal comfort or goes out of the way to do for another, or for God. These are true heroes. They can be found in every church when it’s church time, workdays or any activity involving their church.
In this issue of the Path of Faith, we have begun a series recognizing local heroes. We are looking for individuals who have been the backbone of the church and their family. One who sacrifices their time serving in the church, and someone you can count on, no matter what. If you know of someone who fits the criteria, please contact Bryant Thigpen at (850) 973-4141, or email bryant@greenepublishing.com.
NFCC Board Members Tour Renovated Buildings On NFCC Campus
Tour features NFCC College Preparatory Education Building and new Technology Center
Members of the North Florida Community College District Board of Trustees, left to right, Dr. Bill Brothers (Suwannee County); Linda Gibson (Madison County); Lester Padgett (Taylor County); Verna M. Hodge (Hamilton County); Brantly Helvenston (Suwannee County); Vice Chair Albert Thomas (Jefferson County); and Chair John Maultsby, Jr. (Madison County) toured two of NFCC’s newly renovated buildings on Sept. 16 following the college’s regular board meeting. The tour began in NFCC’s College Preparatory Education Building which houses classrooms, student support services, tutoring facilities, college preparatory education programs, as well as faculty and staff offices. Board members then toured NFCC’s new Technology Center which houses employee development and training facilities, multimedia presentation and video production facilities, and NFCC ‘s computer services department and duplication center. Both buildings were renovated over the summer and now offer the newest technology to students and employees in an optimal learning and teaching environment.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Board Welcomes Greg Parker To Madison
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Among business discussed during the September 17 regular session of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners, the board and Clerk of the Court were pleased to announce that the incoming judge of the circuit court who is replacing the retiring Hon. Judge John W. Peach will locate his office in the Madison County Courthouse. This is the first time the circuit court seat has been in Madison County since 1966 when Hon. Judge Randall Rowe occupied it.
According to details provided the board in a Special Assignment Order dated September 16, Gregory S. Parker, who was recently elected to replace Peach, “has practiced in nearly every major area of the law, including civil, criminal, real property, probate, commercial litigation, and family law, thus allowing him to immediately meet the diverse needs of the people of Madison County… the people of the Third Judicial Circuit would best be served by having their judicial officials located throughout the geographic region.”
In his Third Judicial Circuit of Florida Administrative Order No. 2008-016, Chief Judge E. Vernon Douglas further announced that Investiture ceremonies for Parker would be held in the Madison County Courthouse on Friday, January 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m.
In consideration of Parker, and generally to address the current office space limits of the court, the board is actively looking at ways to accommodate this critical need. In fact, Circuit Judge Leandra G. Johnson, whose two-year assignment in Madison will conclude with Parker’s arrival, wrote a letter to Board Chair Alfred Martin, praising the community and Clerk’s Office for their support while strongly urging the board to add an additional courtroom. Johnson is slated to move to Lake City, as Parker will hear the felony cases in Madison County.
“I’m excited and uplifted to be coming to Madison, not only because I’ll be serving as a trial judge, but because of the great people. The old friends and the new ones I’ve made are incredible and I look forward to becoming part of the community,” Parker noted.
Madison County Chamber Hosts Event Honoring Johnson Bibb as Hometown Hero
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has declared this Friday, September 26 as “William Johnson Bibb Day” and will be saluting our “Hometown Hero” with a special celebration and reception at the Four Freedoms Park in downtown Madison.
Representatives from over a dozen local organizations will be on hand to present resolutions and proclamations from their organizations honoring Bibb’s nearly 46 years of service to the citizens of Madison County.
The event kicks off at noon this Friday at the Four Freedoms Park with Myra Valentine and Ted Ensminger serving as co-masters of ceremonies and with Jackie Johnson as the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend as the entire community unites to honor one of its finest. For additional information, contact Ted Ensminger, Executive Director, at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 850-973-2788.
Lee Community VFD Hosing Fish Fry Saturday
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish dinner on Saturday, September 27, from 4-8 p.m.
Fish dinners, with all of the trimmings, will be available for $8 a plate. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the door while quantities last.
The event will be held at the fire station in Lee.
For more information, please contact Reese Thomas at (850) 971-5222 or Jim and Shirley von Roden at (850) 971-4178 or any Lee volunteer firefighter.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a community yard sale on Saturday, October 11, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The fire department is actively seeking donations. If you would like to donate or set up a table for $10, please call Carolyn at (850) 971-5573 or Cindy at (850) 971-5222.
The yard sale will be held at the fire department, located next to Lee City Hall, on Highway 255 North in Lee.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department thanks you for your support.
Traffic Fatalities Decrease, But Alcohol-Related Fatalities Increase
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Traffic fatalities throughout the State of Florida have decreased for the second year in a row, while alcohol-related fatalities increased by 13.1 percent.
Traffic fatalities dropped from 3,084 in 2006 to 2,947 in 2007, representing a 4.44 percent decrease.
There was also a 1.39 percent decrease in injuries and a 1.23 percent decrease in injury crashes.
There were 1,244 alcohol-related fatalities in 2007, representing a 13.1 percent increase over 1,099 alcohol-related fatalities in 2006.
A total of 517 motorcyclists were killed in 2007, representing a .77 percent decrease in 2.39 decrease from 521 motorcyclists killed in 2006.
Mitigation Workshop Reviews And Sets Key Priorities
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In recent years, more and more agencies are being asked for their input and cooperation to improve emergency response and management, especially when in light of the catastrophic emergencies that have hit the Gulf. Realizing that the process involves numerous entities, Madison County Emergency Management, under the supervision of Director Jim Stanley and Coordinator Vicky Brown, held a strategy workshop on September 15 to develop new, and review existing, priorities.
Attendees included governmental, emergency and health agency leadership from around the county, literally filling the room to capacity. According to Stanley, “The number of people that participated was exceptional. They really demonstrated their commitment to the community.”
Stanley opened the meeting by thanking everyone for their participation, further explaining that, “the meeting was requested to discuss the updates and revisions to the Local Mitigation Strategy and for networking those entities that are listed in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.”
Brown provided summaries from 2007 with handouts that covered current Mitigation Projects, asking those involved to comment on the status of their respective projects. Existing projects include:
Greenville Drainage System: This is an on-going problem as evidenced by recent flooding from Tropical Storm Fay.
Interoperability/Joint Communications: Pat Lightcap distributed copies of his report and discussed the projects regarding emergency communications.
County Public Safety Building: Emergency Management has been awarded two grants to fund the EOC construction, which should be complete by March 2009.
Generators at lift stations: Continued need. City has applied for CDBG grant funding.
Greenville Landfill Reclamation: Legislature approved appropriation for $116,000 for monitoring costs.
Greenville Sewer System Extension: Have applied for USDA grant - project is on-going.
Greenville Potable Water Wellfield: Land has been acquired. Project is on-going.
Update Flood Maps: This is an ongoing project, work in progress. Suwannee River Water Management District is working on this as well.
Tower/storage tank for Coody Well: On-going project; seeking funding.
Tower/storage tank for Hwy 90 West: On-going project; seeking funding.
According to notes provided by Brown, the following noteworthy comments were also provided:
Miriam Hinton, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, explained that she was working on a project to harden the two Public Health buildings here in Madison County. The project goal is to install shutters on all windows and obtain a generator to supply back-up power. She is applying for a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant for that purpose. A motion was made to include this project in the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). The motion carried unanimously.
Madison City Manager Harold Emrich advised that the city has three public facilities downtown and that only one, the fire station, has a generator for emergency power. He is searching for grant funding to obtain generators for the Police Station and City Hall. A motion was made to include this project in the LMS, which carried unanimously.
Director of the Senior Citizens Center, Rosa Richardson advised that they have received grant funding of $1.2 million to construct a new building on the property next to the new Emergency Operations Center scheduled for construction on Harvey Greene Drive. She also asked that a back-up generator for this facility be included as a project in the LMS. A motion was made and carried unanimously.
Jim Parrish thanked Madison County, the City of Madison, and Emergency Management personnel for their assistance during the recent flooding in Greenville due to Tropical Storm Fay. He advised that while the Town of Greenville was hardest hit by flooding this time, there are several problematic areas in Madison County that are vulnerable to flooding as well. He suggested that a project for a Madison County Stormwater Management Plan be introduced. The motion was made accordingly and carried unanimously.
School Board Impressed With Student Success Stories
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The agenda for the Madison County School Board meeting of September 16 was rather light, although the board did approve the 2008-2009 Salary Schedules for Instructional and Non-Instructional Employees. The board was, however, treated to a Central School success story thanks to the efforts Instructor Carroll Ryals and several of her students who shared excerpts of a biography project they had recently completed.
In order to address critical writing requirements established by last year’s district testing, Ryals found a creative way to make learning fun. Students in fourth and fifth grade were instructed regarding the method for writing biographies, everything from gathering personal and interesting data to writing the actual paper in an organized and entertaining manner.
Three of Ryal’s students, Kavisa Aikens, DeShoun Love and LaResha Crumity took turns reading excerpts from their respective biographies. One of the biography subjects, Javaris Forbes, was also in attendance.
The show began with Ryals presenting a musical PowerPoint, which fully explained the project. The three readings followed. In the end, the board, and all attending including this reporter, was very impressed. Central School Principal Sam Stalnaker, who introduced Ryals’ project as one among many in an ingoing effort to improve student performance, stated his intention to bring other success stories to the board during this school year, although he was quick to note that all the praise should go to the students and instructors.
The new Madison County High School Student Body President, Laurie Smith, was also in attendance, taking the customary place at the end of the boardroom table, where her input on relevant issues is both welcome and expected. Smith made a name for herself with exemplary achievements in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) prior to being elected Student Body President.
Board Chair VeEtta Hagan expressed her thanks to Ryals’ group and Smith, noting that these types of student achievers are proof of what can be accomplished with the right effort and guidance. Other success stories from throughout the district will be covered in upcoming issues. If any reader has a success story to share, simply email michael@greenepublishing.com or phone (850) 973-4141.
Russian Judges Enjoy Taste Of Madison County
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A delegation of five high-ranking Russian judges visited Lake City on September 16 as part of the Sister City Program of Gainesville. In a working exchange with Third Judicial Circuit Chief Judge, E. Vernon Douglas, the five federal Russian jurists shared and received advice on several topics, sitting in on a full day of actual cases.
The visiting judges included: Chief Justice Leonid Ivanovich Egorov, Marina Valeryevna Kozhemyakina, Tatyana Niklayevna Kalmykova, Larisa Nikolayevna Galkina and Nicolay Borisovich Gudushin, all of the Court of the Arkhangelsk region.
In addition to learning and teaching topics of jurisprudence, the judges took a moment to enjoy a taste of Madison County, thanks to chef Jimmy Lyons of Lee who was requested personally by Douglas to host lunch and cook for the visiting dignitaries.
Madison County Judge Wetzel Blair, as well as Third Judicial Circuit Judges Leandra Johnson and Paul Bryan, were among local legal notables in attendance. In fact, Blair added to Lyons culinary offering by presenting each visiting judge homemade cane syrup, as well as a can of homemade boiled peanuts. Then to really cap the local culinary experience, Tommy Greene, the founding publisher of the Madison County Carrier,presented each judge a copy of his cookbook, Florida Cookin’ Wild Style.
“The judges were asked what local favorites they would like for lunch and they decided on a barbecue of smoked sausage, chicken and corn on the cob. So we set up the grill at the courthouse and did it just like they requested,” Lyons explained.
Lyons has built an exceptional reputation in the region for his marvelous menus, having hosted official functions and cooked for numerous dignitaries over the years. Lyons is humble about the command performance and very appreciative of the praise he received from both the local and visiting judges.
While visiting, the Russian contingency heard cases regarding domestic violence, divorce and one case of wrongful imprisonment. At the end of the day, each expressed his or her appreciation for the experience, suggesting that their American host return the favor by visiting Russia in the future.
In response, Douglas said he plans to visit the northern Russian region where the five judges rule next July as part of overseas travel he has scheduled for next summer. It was noted that the sun doesn’t set at night during that time of the year and that polar bears are a regular sight in the outskirts of this Arkhangelsk region, which is located at the far north of European Russia.
Before the gathering closed, Greene asked visiting judge Gudushin about his views on the freedom of the press. Through an interpreter Gedushin responded by saying, “We view journalists as watchdogs of a democratic society. Sometimes, however, dog’s bark, and other times, dog’s bite.”
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Among business discussed during the September 17 regular session of the Madison County Board of County Commissioners, the board and Clerk of the Court were pleased to announce that the incoming judge of the circuit court who is replacing the retiring Hon. Judge John W. Peach will locate his office in the Madison County Courthouse. This is the first time the circuit court seat has been in Madison County since 1966 when Hon. Judge Randall Rowe occupied it.
According to details provided the board in a Special Assignment Order dated September 16, Gregory S. Parker, who was recently elected to replace Peach, “has practiced in nearly every major area of the law, including civil, criminal, real property, probate, commercial litigation, and family law, thus allowing him to immediately meet the diverse needs of the people of Madison County… the people of the Third Judicial Circuit would best be served by having their judicial officials located throughout the geographic region.”
In his Third Judicial Circuit of Florida Administrative Order No. 2008-016, Chief Judge E. Vernon Douglas further announced that Investiture ceremonies for Parker would be held in the Madison County Courthouse on Friday, January 16, 2009, at 1:30 p.m.
In consideration of Parker, and generally to address the current office space limits of the court, the board is actively looking at ways to accommodate this critical need. In fact, Circuit Judge Leandra G. Johnson, whose two-year assignment in Madison will conclude with Parker’s arrival, wrote a letter to Board Chair Alfred Martin, praising the community and Clerk’s Office for their support while strongly urging the board to add an additional courtroom. Johnson is slated to move to Lake City, as Parker will hear the felony cases in Madison County.
“I’m excited and uplifted to be coming to Madison, not only because I’ll be serving as a trial judge, but because of the great people. The old friends and the new ones I’ve made are incredible and I look forward to becoming part of the community,” Parker noted.
Madison County Chamber Hosts Event Honoring Johnson Bibb as Hometown Hero
The Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism has declared this Friday, September 26 as “William Johnson Bibb Day” and will be saluting our “Hometown Hero” with a special celebration and reception at the Four Freedoms Park in downtown Madison.
Representatives from over a dozen local organizations will be on hand to present resolutions and proclamations from their organizations honoring Bibb’s nearly 46 years of service to the citizens of Madison County.
The event kicks off at noon this Friday at the Four Freedoms Park with Myra Valentine and Ted Ensminger serving as co-masters of ceremonies and with Jackie Johnson as the keynote speaker. Refreshments will be served.
Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend as the entire community unites to honor one of its finest. For additional information, contact Ted Ensminger, Executive Director, at the Madison County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 850-973-2788.
Lee Community VFD Hosing Fish Fry Saturday
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish dinner on Saturday, September 27, from 4-8 p.m.
Fish dinners, with all of the trimmings, will be available for $8 a plate. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the door while quantities last.
The event will be held at the fire station in Lee.
For more information, please contact Reese Thomas at (850) 971-5222 or Jim and Shirley von Roden at (850) 971-4178 or any Lee volunteer firefighter.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a community yard sale on Saturday, October 11, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.
The fire department is actively seeking donations. If you would like to donate or set up a table for $10, please call Carolyn at (850) 971-5573 or Cindy at (850) 971-5222.
The yard sale will be held at the fire department, located next to Lee City Hall, on Highway 255 North in Lee.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department thanks you for your support.
Traffic Fatalities Decrease, But Alcohol-Related Fatalities Increase
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Traffic fatalities throughout the State of Florida have decreased for the second year in a row, while alcohol-related fatalities increased by 13.1 percent.
Traffic fatalities dropped from 3,084 in 2006 to 2,947 in 2007, representing a 4.44 percent decrease.
There was also a 1.39 percent decrease in injuries and a 1.23 percent decrease in injury crashes.
There were 1,244 alcohol-related fatalities in 2007, representing a 13.1 percent increase over 1,099 alcohol-related fatalities in 2006.
A total of 517 motorcyclists were killed in 2007, representing a .77 percent decrease in 2.39 decrease from 521 motorcyclists killed in 2006.
Mitigation Workshop Reviews And Sets Key Priorities
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
In recent years, more and more agencies are being asked for their input and cooperation to improve emergency response and management, especially when in light of the catastrophic emergencies that have hit the Gulf. Realizing that the process involves numerous entities, Madison County Emergency Management, under the supervision of Director Jim Stanley and Coordinator Vicky Brown, held a strategy workshop on September 15 to develop new, and review existing, priorities.
Attendees included governmental, emergency and health agency leadership from around the county, literally filling the room to capacity. According to Stanley, “The number of people that participated was exceptional. They really demonstrated their commitment to the community.”
Stanley opened the meeting by thanking everyone for their participation, further explaining that, “the meeting was requested to discuss the updates and revisions to the Local Mitigation Strategy and for networking those entities that are listed in the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan.”
Brown provided summaries from 2007 with handouts that covered current Mitigation Projects, asking those involved to comment on the status of their respective projects. Existing projects include:
Greenville Drainage System: This is an on-going problem as evidenced by recent flooding from Tropical Storm Fay.
Interoperability/Joint Communications: Pat Lightcap distributed copies of his report and discussed the projects regarding emergency communications.
County Public Safety Building: Emergency Management has been awarded two grants to fund the EOC construction, which should be complete by March 2009.
Generators at lift stations: Continued need. City has applied for CDBG grant funding.
Greenville Landfill Reclamation: Legislature approved appropriation for $116,000 for monitoring costs.
Greenville Sewer System Extension: Have applied for USDA grant - project is on-going.
Greenville Potable Water Wellfield: Land has been acquired. Project is on-going.
Update Flood Maps: This is an ongoing project, work in progress. Suwannee River Water Management District is working on this as well.
Tower/storage tank for Coody Well: On-going project; seeking funding.
Tower/storage tank for Hwy 90 West: On-going project; seeking funding.
According to notes provided by Brown, the following noteworthy comments were also provided:
Miriam Hinton, Public Health Preparedness Coordinator, explained that she was working on a project to harden the two Public Health buildings here in Madison County. The project goal is to install shutters on all windows and obtain a generator to supply back-up power. She is applying for a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant for that purpose. A motion was made to include this project in the Local Mitigation Strategy (LMS). The motion carried unanimously.
Madison City Manager Harold Emrich advised that the city has three public facilities downtown and that only one, the fire station, has a generator for emergency power. He is searching for grant funding to obtain generators for the Police Station and City Hall. A motion was made to include this project in the LMS, which carried unanimously.
Director of the Senior Citizens Center, Rosa Richardson advised that they have received grant funding of $1.2 million to construct a new building on the property next to the new Emergency Operations Center scheduled for construction on Harvey Greene Drive. She also asked that a back-up generator for this facility be included as a project in the LMS. A motion was made and carried unanimously.
Jim Parrish thanked Madison County, the City of Madison, and Emergency Management personnel for their assistance during the recent flooding in Greenville due to Tropical Storm Fay. He advised that while the Town of Greenville was hardest hit by flooding this time, there are several problematic areas in Madison County that are vulnerable to flooding as well. He suggested that a project for a Madison County Stormwater Management Plan be introduced. The motion was made accordingly and carried unanimously.
School Board Impressed With Student Success Stories
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The agenda for the Madison County School Board meeting of September 16 was rather light, although the board did approve the 2008-2009 Salary Schedules for Instructional and Non-Instructional Employees. The board was, however, treated to a Central School success story thanks to the efforts Instructor Carroll Ryals and several of her students who shared excerpts of a biography project they had recently completed.
In order to address critical writing requirements established by last year’s district testing, Ryals found a creative way to make learning fun. Students in fourth and fifth grade were instructed regarding the method for writing biographies, everything from gathering personal and interesting data to writing the actual paper in an organized and entertaining manner.
Three of Ryal’s students, Kavisa Aikens, DeShoun Love and LaResha Crumity took turns reading excerpts from their respective biographies. One of the biography subjects, Javaris Forbes, was also in attendance.
The show began with Ryals presenting a musical PowerPoint, which fully explained the project. The three readings followed. In the end, the board, and all attending including this reporter, was very impressed. Central School Principal Sam Stalnaker, who introduced Ryals’ project as one among many in an ingoing effort to improve student performance, stated his intention to bring other success stories to the board during this school year, although he was quick to note that all the praise should go to the students and instructors.
The new Madison County High School Student Body President, Laurie Smith, was also in attendance, taking the customary place at the end of the boardroom table, where her input on relevant issues is both welcome and expected. Smith made a name for herself with exemplary achievements in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) prior to being elected Student Body President.
Board Chair VeEtta Hagan expressed her thanks to Ryals’ group and Smith, noting that these types of student achievers are proof of what can be accomplished with the right effort and guidance. Other success stories from throughout the district will be covered in upcoming issues. If any reader has a success story to share, simply email michael@greenepublishing.com or phone (850) 973-4141.
Russian Judges Enjoy Taste Of Madison County
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A delegation of five high-ranking Russian judges visited Lake City on September 16 as part of the Sister City Program of Gainesville. In a working exchange with Third Judicial Circuit Chief Judge, E. Vernon Douglas, the five federal Russian jurists shared and received advice on several topics, sitting in on a full day of actual cases.
The visiting judges included: Chief Justice Leonid Ivanovich Egorov, Marina Valeryevna Kozhemyakina, Tatyana Niklayevna Kalmykova, Larisa Nikolayevna Galkina and Nicolay Borisovich Gudushin, all of the Court of the Arkhangelsk region.
In addition to learning and teaching topics of jurisprudence, the judges took a moment to enjoy a taste of Madison County, thanks to chef Jimmy Lyons of Lee who was requested personally by Douglas to host lunch and cook for the visiting dignitaries.
Madison County Judge Wetzel Blair, as well as Third Judicial Circuit Judges Leandra Johnson and Paul Bryan, were among local legal notables in attendance. In fact, Blair added to Lyons culinary offering by presenting each visiting judge homemade cane syrup, as well as a can of homemade boiled peanuts. Then to really cap the local culinary experience, Tommy Greene, the founding publisher of the Madison County Carrier,presented each judge a copy of his cookbook, Florida Cookin’ Wild Style.
“The judges were asked what local favorites they would like for lunch and they decided on a barbecue of smoked sausage, chicken and corn on the cob. So we set up the grill at the courthouse and did it just like they requested,” Lyons explained.
Lyons has built an exceptional reputation in the region for his marvelous menus, having hosted official functions and cooked for numerous dignitaries over the years. Lyons is humble about the command performance and very appreciative of the praise he received from both the local and visiting judges.
While visiting, the Russian contingency heard cases regarding domestic violence, divorce and one case of wrongful imprisonment. At the end of the day, each expressed his or her appreciation for the experience, suggesting that their American host return the favor by visiting Russia in the future.
In response, Douglas said he plans to visit the northern Russian region where the five judges rule next July as part of overseas travel he has scheduled for next summer. It was noted that the sun doesn’t set at night during that time of the year and that polar bears are a regular sight in the outskirts of this Arkhangelsk region, which is located at the far north of European Russia.
Before the gathering closed, Greene asked visiting judge Gudushin about his views on the freedom of the press. Through an interpreter Gedushin responded by saying, “We view journalists as watchdogs of a democratic society. Sometimes, however, dog’s bark, and other times, dog’s bite.”
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Lee Fire Department To Host Fish Dinner
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish dinner on Saturday, September 27, from 4-8 p.m.
Fish dinners, with all of the trimmings, will be available for $8 a plate. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the door while quantities last.
The event will be held at the fire station in Lee.
For more information, please contact Reese Thomas at (850) 971-5222 or Jim and Shirley von Roden at (850) 971-4178 or any Lee volunteer firefighter.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department thanks you for your support.
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department will host a fish dinner on Saturday, September 27, from 4-8 p.m.
Fish dinners, with all of the trimmings, will be available for $8 a plate. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the door while quantities last.
The event will be held at the fire station in Lee.
For more information, please contact Reese Thomas at (850) 971-5222 or Jim and Shirley von Roden at (850) 971-4178 or any Lee volunteer firefighter.
The Lee Community Volunteer Fire Department thanks you for your support.
Cowboys To Square Off Against Godby On National TV
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County High School Cowboys who are ranked number 14 in the nation by USA Today will square off against the Godby High Cougars from Tallahassee on Halloween night, October 31, on ESPNU, a national sports network.
Before that, however, the Cowboys will square off against Arlington Country Day from Jacksonville on Friday night, September 12, at Boot Hill in Madison.
The silver and maroon attack is back!
The long, hot, wet summer will soon give way to brisk fall evenings, filled with the rah-rah spirit of cheerleaders, the blazing speed of fleet-footed running backs and old-fashioned smash mouth football.
The Cowboys did it last year and they can repeat this year because the team doesn’t have to rebuild. They don’t even have to reload. They just have to take the safety off and fire.
Head Coach Frankie Carroll has both barrels loaded, as he returns eight offensive starters and nine defensive stalwarts and the whole gun is aiming for another state title.
Two returning stars from last year’s state championship have already committed to Florida State University.
All-American defensive lineman Jaccobi McDaniel stands 6’1” tall and weighs in at almost 280 pounds. Though smaller than many lineman, he “overcomes his deficiencies by routinely winning the leverage battle,” according to his ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. evaluation. They added, “(He) has good lateral quickness and is active with his hands. Shoots his hands coming out of his stance and is very violent in his use of them. He can shed and pursue.”
Running back Chris Thompson averaged 12.1 yards per carry for a total of 2,256 yards in 2007. He scored 33 touchdowns, including two in the Cowboys’ 28-7 victory over Tampa Christian in the state title tilt.
According to Scouts, Inc., “Thompson could pose serious match-up problems for defense coordinators at the college level and hurt you in a number of ways. Great skills in the kicking game only add to his upside as a prospect.”
The Cowboys have a total of 28 seniors on the roster as they aim for a 13th straight District 2 title.
The Cowboys will have Kelvin Singletary pulling the trigger at quarterback. Josh Arnold will be the backup.
Jordan Johnson will play adjuster, which is sort of a combination linebacker/strong safety and Kazmon English will be featured at cornerback.
Other Cowboy stars include Chad Mitchell, Cortez Akins, Corey Akins, Quanta Barfield and Kyndell Kornegay.
The Cowboy coaching staff remains the same, except for Mikhal Kornegay, who is now a graduate assistant coach at Florida State University. Travis Hodge, who came to the coaching staff from Jacksonville, replaces Mikhal Kornegay.
The Cowboys can’t be accused of playing against cowardly outlaws, although some teams will be buried on their own fields or left dying with their cleats on at Boot Hill when they come to Madison. This year, the Cowboys will be gunning against the Godby Cougars from Tallahassee, and they will be loaded for bear when they play Dixie County out of Cross City.
The Cowboys will be featured on national television (ESPNU) when they play against Godby on Halloween night.
Another tough team who the Cowboys will be playing is district rival Fort White, who just missed cracking the 2A Top Five. The Cowboys sit alone at the top of the polls, outdistancing their nearest rival South Sumter by 23 votes.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Boot Hill as the Cowboys go nose to nose with Arlington Country Day! Go, Cowboys!
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The Madison County High School Cowboys who are ranked number 14 in the nation by USA Today will square off against the Godby High Cougars from Tallahassee on Halloween night, October 31, on ESPNU, a national sports network.
Before that, however, the Cowboys will square off against Arlington Country Day from Jacksonville on Friday night, September 12, at Boot Hill in Madison.
The silver and maroon attack is back!
The long, hot, wet summer will soon give way to brisk fall evenings, filled with the rah-rah spirit of cheerleaders, the blazing speed of fleet-footed running backs and old-fashioned smash mouth football.
The Cowboys did it last year and they can repeat this year because the team doesn’t have to rebuild. They don’t even have to reload. They just have to take the safety off and fire.
Head Coach Frankie Carroll has both barrels loaded, as he returns eight offensive starters and nine defensive stalwarts and the whole gun is aiming for another state title.
Two returning stars from last year’s state championship have already committed to Florida State University.
All-American defensive lineman Jaccobi McDaniel stands 6’1” tall and weighs in at almost 280 pounds. Though smaller than many lineman, he “overcomes his deficiencies by routinely winning the leverage battle,” according to his ESPN’s Scouts, Inc. evaluation. They added, “(He) has good lateral quickness and is active with his hands. Shoots his hands coming out of his stance and is very violent in his use of them. He can shed and pursue.”
Running back Chris Thompson averaged 12.1 yards per carry for a total of 2,256 yards in 2007. He scored 33 touchdowns, including two in the Cowboys’ 28-7 victory over Tampa Christian in the state title tilt.
According to Scouts, Inc., “Thompson could pose serious match-up problems for defense coordinators at the college level and hurt you in a number of ways. Great skills in the kicking game only add to his upside as a prospect.”
The Cowboys have a total of 28 seniors on the roster as they aim for a 13th straight District 2 title.
The Cowboys will have Kelvin Singletary pulling the trigger at quarterback. Josh Arnold will be the backup.
Jordan Johnson will play adjuster, which is sort of a combination linebacker/strong safety and Kazmon English will be featured at cornerback.
Other Cowboy stars include Chad Mitchell, Cortez Akins, Corey Akins, Quanta Barfield and Kyndell Kornegay.
The Cowboy coaching staff remains the same, except for Mikhal Kornegay, who is now a graduate assistant coach at Florida State University. Travis Hodge, who came to the coaching staff from Jacksonville, replaces Mikhal Kornegay.
The Cowboys can’t be accused of playing against cowardly outlaws, although some teams will be buried on their own fields or left dying with their cleats on at Boot Hill when they come to Madison. This year, the Cowboys will be gunning against the Godby Cougars from Tallahassee, and they will be loaded for bear when they play Dixie County out of Cross City.
The Cowboys will be featured on national television (ESPNU) when they play against Godby on Halloween night.
Another tough team who the Cowboys will be playing is district rival Fort White, who just missed cracking the 2A Top Five. The Cowboys sit alone at the top of the polls, outdistancing their nearest rival South Sumter by 23 votes.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Boot Hill as the Cowboys go nose to nose with Arlington Country Day! Go, Cowboys!
Woman Arrested For Grand Theft
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
An employee of Citi Trends was arrested for letting people leave the store with numerous items that she had not rang up and charged them for on Wednesday, September 3.
According to a Madison Police Department report, Patrolman Eric Gilbert was dispatched to Citi Trends in reference to an employee letting people walk out of the store with merchandise.
Upon Gilbert’s arrival, he spoke with Tiffany Travis, who works at Citi Trends on her days off from the police department. Travis advised that there was an employee named Johniethiea Izadella Boykin in the back room they had caught on tape letting people walk out of the store with merchandise totaling over $1.400 without paying for it.
Gilbert spoke with a loss prevention agent for Citi Trends, who spoke with Boykin who admitted letting people walk out of the store without paying.
Gilbert spoke with the employee who advised that she did not realize she was doing anything wrong.
Sgt. William Greene, who assisted Gilbert in the arrest, placed Boykin under arrest for grand theft and transported her to the county jail.
Greene Publishing, Inc.
An employee of Citi Trends was arrested for letting people leave the store with numerous items that she had not rang up and charged them for on Wednesday, September 3.
According to a Madison Police Department report, Patrolman Eric Gilbert was dispatched to Citi Trends in reference to an employee letting people walk out of the store with merchandise.
Upon Gilbert’s arrival, he spoke with Tiffany Travis, who works at Citi Trends on her days off from the police department. Travis advised that there was an employee named Johniethiea Izadella Boykin in the back room they had caught on tape letting people walk out of the store with merchandise totaling over $1.400 without paying for it.
Gilbert spoke with a loss prevention agent for Citi Trends, who spoke with Boykin who admitted letting people walk out of the store without paying.
Gilbert spoke with the employee who advised that she did not realize she was doing anything wrong.
Sgt. William Greene, who assisted Gilbert in the arrest, placed Boykin under arrest for grand theft and transported her to the county jail.
Greenville Home Left In Ashes
By Tyrra B Meserve
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Late Saturday evening, August 30, a fire broke out in a residence in Greenville, leaving the house in ashes and the family who lived there homeless.
The Greenville Volunteer Fire Department arrived first on the scene, aided by Hamburg/Lovett’s Volunteer Fire Department and the Sirmans Volunteer Fire Department, their efforts were in vain.
“The house was completely engulfed in flames by the time our team arrived,” Madison Firefighter Dwight Vickers said.
Ronnie and Sandy Lee and their two sons, including one who is quadriplegic, were not at home at the time of the fire, which was sparked by some faulty light fixtures.
The rescue teams battled the blaze for approximately an hour-and-a-half before the structure was completely burned, leaving nothing but sand and ash behind. The family that once lived there is now forced to start from the ground up as well.
The family lost everything in the fire.
Clothes are needed in the following sizes:
Mens pants – 31 waist; 32 inseam
28 waist; 31 inseam
36 waist; 32 inseam
Men’s shirts – small, medium and extra-large
Women’s shirts – Size 26
Women’s pants – Size 24 (with elastic, due to a pinched nerve in the back)
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Late Saturday evening, August 30, a fire broke out in a residence in Greenville, leaving the house in ashes and the family who lived there homeless.
The Greenville Volunteer Fire Department arrived first on the scene, aided by Hamburg/Lovett’s Volunteer Fire Department and the Sirmans Volunteer Fire Department, their efforts were in vain.
“The house was completely engulfed in flames by the time our team arrived,” Madison Firefighter Dwight Vickers said.
Ronnie and Sandy Lee and their two sons, including one who is quadriplegic, were not at home at the time of the fire, which was sparked by some faulty light fixtures.
The rescue teams battled the blaze for approximately an hour-and-a-half before the structure was completely burned, leaving nothing but sand and ash behind. The family that once lived there is now forced to start from the ground up as well.
The family lost everything in the fire.
Clothes are needed in the following sizes:
Mens pants – 31 waist; 32 inseam
28 waist; 31 inseam
36 waist; 32 inseam
Men’s shirts – small, medium and extra-large
Women’s shirts – Size 26
Women’s pants – Size 24 (with elastic, due to a pinched nerve in the back)
Pinetta Man Injured
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was critically injured in a one-vehicle accident on State Road 53, two miles north of Cherry Lake early Saturday morning, September 7.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at 5:30 a.m., John Ross Pickles, 27, of Pinetta, was southbound on State Road 53 and approaching a curve.
For an unknown reason, Pickles veered his 2005 Chevrolet pickup to the left. He entered onto the east shoulder and traveled into a ditch.
The pickup became airborne and collided the left side into several pine trees.
Pickles’ truck came to a final rest on the east shoulder, pointing in a southeasterly direction.
Pickles received critical injuries during the crash. Madison County EMS transported him to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga. He was later transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville where he remains in the trauma intensive care unit.
Units from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS, Madison Fire and Rescue and Cherry Lake Fire and Rescue assisted on the scene.
FHP Trooper Berry Crews was the investigating officer.
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A man was critically injured in a one-vehicle accident on State Road 53, two miles north of Cherry Lake early Saturday morning, September 7.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at 5:30 a.m., John Ross Pickles, 27, of Pinetta, was southbound on State Road 53 and approaching a curve.
For an unknown reason, Pickles veered his 2005 Chevrolet pickup to the left. He entered onto the east shoulder and traveled into a ditch.
The pickup became airborne and collided the left side into several pine trees.
Pickles’ truck came to a final rest on the east shoulder, pointing in a southeasterly direction.
Pickles received critical injuries during the crash. Madison County EMS transported him to South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, Ga. He was later transported to Shands Hospital in Gainesville where he remains in the trauma intensive care unit.
Units from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS, Madison Fire and Rescue and Cherry Lake Fire and Rescue assisted on the scene.
FHP Trooper Berry Crews was the investigating officer.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Miller, Peavy, Bembry Win
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Lou Miller was re-elected as she defeated Jerri Haynes 64 percent to 36 percent in the race for Madison County School Superintendent. Opie Peavy moves on to the November general election where he will face off against Ben Stewart and Kenny Johnson for Sheriff. Greenville resident Leonard Bembry won the Democratic primary for District 10 representative and will face Republican Don Curtis in the general election.
In the Superintendent’s race, Miller garnered 3,002 votes to 1,684 for Haynes. The incumbent will be seated for a second term.
The Sheriff’s race saw Peavy getting 1,979 votes to 1,306 for Madison Police Chief Rick Davis and 551 for David Paulk, a local businessman and bail bondsman.
Bembry carried the county with 2,622 votes to 1,194 for Monticello mayor Julie Conley in the State House race. Bembry also won the District, getting 60 percent of the vote to 40 percent for Conley.
Madison resident Mike Williams carried the county in the Republican State House primary, getting 487 votes to 193 votes for Don Curtis, but Curtis pulled out the district by 150 votes and will face Bembry in the November general election.
Two County Commission incumbents were defeated in the election.
Justin Hamrick won the District 1 County Commission primary with 277 votes to 250 votes for Alston Kelley. Ricky Henderson, the incumbent, garnered 242 votes.
Hamrick will face Corky Brandies and Ronnie Ragans in the November election.
Renetta Warren Parrish beat incumbent Ronnie L. Moore in the District 3 County Commission primary, getting 384 votes to 325 for Moore.
Roy Ellis maintained his District 5 seat, getting 380 votes. His nearest challenger, Sam McGhee, got 244 votes. Coy Donaldson gathered 162 votes. Upstart newcomer Michael Curtis got 104 votes. Howard James Bennett received 50 votes.
District 4 School Board incumbent Clyde Alexander will face Sandra Edwards-Monlyn in a runoff election. Alexander got 400 votes to Monlyn’s 258 votes. William “Billy” Tolar got 223 votes.
In other races, Skip Jarvis won for State Attorney and Greg Parker won for Circuit Judge.
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Lou Miller was re-elected as she defeated Jerri Haynes 64 percent to 36 percent in the race for Madison County School Superintendent. Opie Peavy moves on to the November general election where he will face off against Ben Stewart and Kenny Johnson for Sheriff. Greenville resident Leonard Bembry won the Democratic primary for District 10 representative and will face Republican Don Curtis in the general election.
In the Superintendent’s race, Miller garnered 3,002 votes to 1,684 for Haynes. The incumbent will be seated for a second term.
The Sheriff’s race saw Peavy getting 1,979 votes to 1,306 for Madison Police Chief Rick Davis and 551 for David Paulk, a local businessman and bail bondsman.
Bembry carried the county with 2,622 votes to 1,194 for Monticello mayor Julie Conley in the State House race. Bembry also won the District, getting 60 percent of the vote to 40 percent for Conley.
Madison resident Mike Williams carried the county in the Republican State House primary, getting 487 votes to 193 votes for Don Curtis, but Curtis pulled out the district by 150 votes and will face Bembry in the November general election.
Two County Commission incumbents were defeated in the election.
Justin Hamrick won the District 1 County Commission primary with 277 votes to 250 votes for Alston Kelley. Ricky Henderson, the incumbent, garnered 242 votes.
Hamrick will face Corky Brandies and Ronnie Ragans in the November election.
Renetta Warren Parrish beat incumbent Ronnie L. Moore in the District 3 County Commission primary, getting 384 votes to 325 for Moore.
Roy Ellis maintained his District 5 seat, getting 380 votes. His nearest challenger, Sam McGhee, got 244 votes. Coy Donaldson gathered 162 votes. Upstart newcomer Michael Curtis got 104 votes. Howard James Bennett received 50 votes.
District 4 School Board incumbent Clyde Alexander will face Sandra Edwards-Monlyn in a runoff election. Alexander got 400 votes to Monlyn’s 258 votes. William “Billy” Tolar got 223 votes.
In other races, Skip Jarvis won for State Attorney and Greg Parker won for Circuit Judge.
Two Women Arrested For Burglary And Grand Theft
On August 24, Wendalyn Ann Vann, 31, and Jeanette Danielle Cotrelll, 21, were arrested by the Madison County Sheriff's Office for Burglary and Grand Theft.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the two suspects were reported trying to sell a large amount of jewelry to owner of a local store. The merchant contacted the authorities.
The owner of the jewelry was contacted and confirmed the jewelry was taken in a pasted burglary to their home.
Vann had been arrested on August 19 on unrelated charges in a drug investigation. Cotrell had also been arrested on an unrelated charge several weeks ago involving credit card fraud.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the two suspects were reported trying to sell a large amount of jewelry to owner of a local store. The merchant contacted the authorities.
The owner of the jewelry was contacted and confirmed the jewelry was taken in a pasted burglary to their home.
Vann had been arrested on August 19 on unrelated charges in a drug investigation. Cotrell had also been arrested on an unrelated charge several weeks ago involving credit card fraud.
Two Killed In Crash
By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A 58-year-old Madison man and a 28-year-old Hispanic migrant worker were killed in a two-vehicle head-on collision on County Road 141 in Hamilton County on Sunday afternoon, August 24.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Jose Faustino de la Cruz-Polonio was traveling southbound on County Road 141 in a 1996 GMC Suburban. The Suburban crossed the centerline into the northbound lane of the road.
Edward Woodrow Smith was traveling north in a 1989 Ford F-150 pickup and collided head-on with the Suburban, which was in the wrong lane.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Polonio was a suspect in a hit and run that occurred on US Highway 41, approximately 10 minutes prior to the fatal crash.
County Road 141 was blocked for about three hours.
Preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol consumed by Polonio may be a factor in this crash.
FHP troopers are continuing the investigation.
Madison County Farm Bureau Accepting Nominations For George Townsend Good Neighbor Award
Madison County Farm Bureau is presently accepting nominations for the annual George Townsend Good Neighbor Award, which will be presented at the local Madison County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, September 16.
This award has been presented annually for the past eight years. The award is given to someone in our community who truly demonstrates what being a “Good Neighbor” is all about.
“Mr. Townsend fit into this category as being a good neighbor to everyone he came in contact with,” said Richard Terry, a member of the Farm Bureau.
George Townsend owned and operated the Madison Stockyards for years and years and his son and daughter and her husband still operate Townsend Livestock Company in Madison.
“Mr. Townsend always had a kind word for everyone he met, and especially, the younger generation. He supported every youth program held in the county and surrounding counties as well. He never met a child he did not really love and have time for. That was what George Townsend was all about,” added Terry.
Terry said, “Farm Bureau is indeed proud to present this award every year to someone in our community who really makes a difference in our world.”
If anyone has a nomination that would qualify for the award, they need to submit the name and a short one-page narrative about the person, which must include why the person deserves the award.
The nomination MUST be delivered to the Madison County Farm Bureau office before Friday, September 5.
The applications will be judged by a committee of the Madison County Farm Bureau and the presentation will be made at the September 16th Annual Meeting.
Landfill Workshop Adds Insult To Injury
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The City of Madison Commissioners joined the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on August 20 for a workshop to discuss the status and future proposals regarding the toxic contamination centered at the closed landfill on Rocky Ford Road caused by chemicals that came from the nearby ITT-Thompson Industrial Site. As noted in a recent article, the site hasn’t come close to standard following years of a “pump and treat” system that was intended to be complete years ago. Toxic levels, particularly when water tables rise, remain at hundreds of times the safe limit.
There was minimal discussion of new alternatives, although there is the looming price tag for whichever direction is pursued. Many observers were shocked when reminded that the city and county are each shouldering 20 percent of the costs of cleanup. In fact, when the attorney for ITT-Thompson expressed his sympathy at what the community was facing financially and environmentally in dealing with this issue, this reporter caught more than a few eyes rolling considering that the poison belonged to ITT-Thompson in the first place.
After all, the city and county didn’t manufacture any of the deadly contaminant called TCE, therefore wanting ITT-Thompson to step up and absorb 100 percent of the costs, especially after initial reports that they are intending to absorb the entire financial burden for cleaning up their nearby abandoned industrial site that created the cancer-causing chemicals. In a disturbing side-by-side comparison, common sense would have the two situations quite comparable.
In recent developments, a previous city official very close to the situation expressed his willingness to go on record stating that hundreds of additional barrels remain undiscovered. This same party has already spoken to several current officials where he offered physical evidence to accompany his serious desire to support the community in this challenge. Another expert associated with the process expressed his concern that counsel woefully served the city and county at the time the cleanup agreement was executed.
When the meeting broke an underlying sentiment was apparent. ITT-Thompson needs to respect the expectations of officials and residents who attended, as well as hundreds of others throughout the county when they say that ITT should spare no expense in eliminating this deadly threat to the children of Madison County and that they should not rob Madison County of those limited and precious financial resources it does possess, resources that are literally earmarked for causes central to its daily survival.
Mayor Presents Kendrick Key To The City
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Florida District 10 Representative Will Kendrick visited Madison on August 19 to present a few checks and share a memory or two with the grateful supporters who came out to meet him. Dignitaries and guests gathered on the grounds located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Bunker Street, where Kendrick delivered two checks for $33,902.17, one designated for Madison Park and the other for Lake Frances Park.
The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, referred to as FRDAP (pronounced “fer-dap”), issued the two grant checks that Kendrick passed on to Madison City Manager Harold Emrich. FRDAP grants totaling in the millions have been responsible for parks development throughout Madison County. Mayor Ernestine Kinsey and Town Manager Cheryl Archambault of the Town of Lee joined Madison City Commissioners Sumpter James and Judy Townsend in thanking for Kendrick for his regional and local efforts.
City of Madison Mayor Myra Valentine returned the gesture by giving Kendrick a key to the city. An additional surprise was created when the fifth grade class of Jessica Galbraith from Madison Academy was invited to attend. The class had visited the state capitol earlier this year as part of a government awareness field trip and wanted to wish Kendrick well before he left office. Kendrick is coming to the end of his two-term limit.
Joint Collection Site Approved By City And County
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County is concluding preparation for its 11th Solis Waste and Recycling Collection Center. The site has the unique feature of being the first collaborative effort between the City of Madison and Madison County. Coordinator Allen Cherry and City Manager Harold Emrich strongly supported the process, agreeing that resources could be used much more efficiently by serving both groups collectively.
The new site, named the Madison Central Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Center, will be located on Highway 53 North, tentatively scheduled to open within the next 30 days, weather permitting. The governments have drafted a local agreement that will outline the procedures and responsibilities of county and city, including an outline for use.
At the Madison City Commissioners meeting held on August 12, Cherry and Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Jerome Wyche briefed the Commissioners regarding joint usage of the site. The City Commissioners were pleased with the presentation and unanimously endorsed the project. Other than that, the site will operate under the same procedures as the other 10 sites located throughout the county.
Specific directions on site usage will appear in a future article when final details are determined. Organizers thanked the Board of County Commissioners and the Madison City Commissioners, stating that this venture will be a giant step in furthering the efficient efforts for keeping a clean and healthy Madison County.
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A 58-year-old Madison man and a 28-year-old Hispanic migrant worker were killed in a two-vehicle head-on collision on County Road 141 in Hamilton County on Sunday afternoon, August 24.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Jose Faustino de la Cruz-Polonio was traveling southbound on County Road 141 in a 1996 GMC Suburban. The Suburban crossed the centerline into the northbound lane of the road.
Edward Woodrow Smith was traveling north in a 1989 Ford F-150 pickup and collided head-on with the Suburban, which was in the wrong lane.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
Polonio was a suspect in a hit and run that occurred on US Highway 41, approximately 10 minutes prior to the fatal crash.
County Road 141 was blocked for about three hours.
Preliminary investigation indicates that alcohol consumed by Polonio may be a factor in this crash.
FHP troopers are continuing the investigation.
Madison County Farm Bureau Accepting Nominations For George Townsend Good Neighbor Award
Madison County Farm Bureau is presently accepting nominations for the annual George Townsend Good Neighbor Award, which will be presented at the local Madison County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, September 16.
This award has been presented annually for the past eight years. The award is given to someone in our community who truly demonstrates what being a “Good Neighbor” is all about.
“Mr. Townsend fit into this category as being a good neighbor to everyone he came in contact with,” said Richard Terry, a member of the Farm Bureau.
George Townsend owned and operated the Madison Stockyards for years and years and his son and daughter and her husband still operate Townsend Livestock Company in Madison.
“Mr. Townsend always had a kind word for everyone he met, and especially, the younger generation. He supported every youth program held in the county and surrounding counties as well. He never met a child he did not really love and have time for. That was what George Townsend was all about,” added Terry.
Terry said, “Farm Bureau is indeed proud to present this award every year to someone in our community who really makes a difference in our world.”
If anyone has a nomination that would qualify for the award, they need to submit the name and a short one-page narrative about the person, which must include why the person deserves the award.
The nomination MUST be delivered to the Madison County Farm Bureau office before Friday, September 5.
The applications will be judged by a committee of the Madison County Farm Bureau and the presentation will be made at the September 16th Annual Meeting.
Landfill Workshop Adds Insult To Injury
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
The City of Madison Commissioners joined the Madison County Board of County Commissioners on August 20 for a workshop to discuss the status and future proposals regarding the toxic contamination centered at the closed landfill on Rocky Ford Road caused by chemicals that came from the nearby ITT-Thompson Industrial Site. As noted in a recent article, the site hasn’t come close to standard following years of a “pump and treat” system that was intended to be complete years ago. Toxic levels, particularly when water tables rise, remain at hundreds of times the safe limit.
There was minimal discussion of new alternatives, although there is the looming price tag for whichever direction is pursued. Many observers were shocked when reminded that the city and county are each shouldering 20 percent of the costs of cleanup. In fact, when the attorney for ITT-Thompson expressed his sympathy at what the community was facing financially and environmentally in dealing with this issue, this reporter caught more than a few eyes rolling considering that the poison belonged to ITT-Thompson in the first place.
After all, the city and county didn’t manufacture any of the deadly contaminant called TCE, therefore wanting ITT-Thompson to step up and absorb 100 percent of the costs, especially after initial reports that they are intending to absorb the entire financial burden for cleaning up their nearby abandoned industrial site that created the cancer-causing chemicals. In a disturbing side-by-side comparison, common sense would have the two situations quite comparable.
In recent developments, a previous city official very close to the situation expressed his willingness to go on record stating that hundreds of additional barrels remain undiscovered. This same party has already spoken to several current officials where he offered physical evidence to accompany his serious desire to support the community in this challenge. Another expert associated with the process expressed his concern that counsel woefully served the city and county at the time the cleanup agreement was executed.
When the meeting broke an underlying sentiment was apparent. ITT-Thompson needs to respect the expectations of officials and residents who attended, as well as hundreds of others throughout the county when they say that ITT should spare no expense in eliminating this deadly threat to the children of Madison County and that they should not rob Madison County of those limited and precious financial resources it does possess, resources that are literally earmarked for causes central to its daily survival.
Mayor Presents Kendrick Key To The City
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Florida District 10 Representative Will Kendrick visited Madison on August 19 to present a few checks and share a memory or two with the grateful supporters who came out to meet him. Dignitaries and guests gathered on the grounds located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and Bunker Street, where Kendrick delivered two checks for $33,902.17, one designated for Madison Park and the other for Lake Frances Park.
The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, referred to as FRDAP (pronounced “fer-dap”), issued the two grant checks that Kendrick passed on to Madison City Manager Harold Emrich. FRDAP grants totaling in the millions have been responsible for parks development throughout Madison County. Mayor Ernestine Kinsey and Town Manager Cheryl Archambault of the Town of Lee joined Madison City Commissioners Sumpter James and Judy Townsend in thanking for Kendrick for his regional and local efforts.
City of Madison Mayor Myra Valentine returned the gesture by giving Kendrick a key to the city. An additional surprise was created when the fifth grade class of Jessica Galbraith from Madison Academy was invited to attend. The class had visited the state capitol earlier this year as part of a government awareness field trip and wanted to wish Kendrick well before he left office. Kendrick is coming to the end of his two-term limit.
Joint Collection Site Approved By City And County
By Michael Curtis
Greene Publishing, Inc.
Madison County is concluding preparation for its 11th Solis Waste and Recycling Collection Center. The site has the unique feature of being the first collaborative effort between the City of Madison and Madison County. Coordinator Allen Cherry and City Manager Harold Emrich strongly supported the process, agreeing that resources could be used much more efficiently by serving both groups collectively.
The new site, named the Madison Central Solid Waste and Recycling Collection Center, will be located on Highway 53 North, tentatively scheduled to open within the next 30 days, weather permitting. The governments have drafted a local agreement that will outline the procedures and responsibilities of county and city, including an outline for use.
At the Madison City Commissioners meeting held on August 12, Cherry and Solid Waste and Recycling Coordinator Jerome Wyche briefed the Commissioners regarding joint usage of the site. The City Commissioners were pleased with the presentation and unanimously endorsed the project. Other than that, the site will operate under the same procedures as the other 10 sites located throughout the county.
Specific directions on site usage will appear in a future article when final details are determined. Organizers thanked the Board of County Commissioners and the Madison City Commissioners, stating that this venture will be a giant step in furthering the efficient efforts for keeping a clean and healthy Madison County.
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