Madison County Middle School eighth grade physical science teacher Sam Rafal is motivated by an old Hebrew saying: “To save a life, is to save an entire world.”
“I want to teach these students that they can make a difference in this world — that they can save a life by using their head, their hands, and their hearts,” said Rafal.
Rafal and teachers Linda LaZear and Craig Wennerston — along with two on-duty medics from the Madison County EMS — worked this month with middle school students, helping them acquire life-saving CPR and Heimlich maneuver skills.
Every eighth grader received certification in American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR for adults, children and infants. They were also introduced to the automated external defibrillator. This year’s eighth graders were the second eighth grade class to receive the certification, which means that half of the high school — next year’s ninth and tenth graders — will have received the certification.
Meanwhile, all sixth and seventh grade students were also instructed on hand-only CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. That means over 1,000 students at MCHS learned a life saving procedure this year.
[Full Story »]
Top Stories - Topics from May, 2012
Louie Clark honored in May 20 ceremony
The stretch of Hwy. 98 from Ila to Danielsville is now officially the “Louie Clark Highway.”
A crowd of 200 honored the former state legislator May 20 for his service to Madison County with a sign unveiled in his honor on Hwy. 98 in front of the library.
City of Danielsville attorney Dale Perry praised Clark, saying he did a lot to secure funds for the Madison County Library, for the county’s schools and its roads. He said there are numerous bridges and overpasses named after people. Perry said he was going down the highway one day and thought that something should be named for Clark.
“He brought a lot of money into this district and into this county,” said Perry.
State representatives Tom McCall (R) and Alan Powell (R) and state senator Frank Ginn (R) all spoke in Clark’s honor.
Ginn said Clark is a “great American.”
“There’s nothing finer than the serve he gave in the military in a little conflict we call World War II,” said Ginn. “…There’s nobody who brought more to Madison County and worked harder for the citizens of Madison County than Louie Clark.”
[Full Story »]
A crowd of 200 honored the former state legislator May 20 for his service to Madison County with a sign unveiled in his honor on Hwy. 98 in front of the library.
City of Danielsville attorney Dale Perry praised Clark, saying he did a lot to secure funds for the Madison County Library, for the county’s schools and its roads. He said there are numerous bridges and overpasses named after people. Perry said he was going down the highway one day and thought that something should be named for Clark.
“He brought a lot of money into this district and into this county,” said Perry.
State representatives Tom McCall (R) and Alan Powell (R) and state senator Frank Ginn (R) all spoke in Clark’s honor.
Ginn said Clark is a “great American.”
“There’s nothing finer than the serve he gave in the military in a little conflict we call World War II,” said Ginn. “…There’s nobody who brought more to Madison County and worked harder for the citizens of Madison County than Louie Clark.”
[Full Story »]
Candidates toss hats in the ring
Madison County candidates tossed their hats in the ring this week for the 2012 elections. Qualifying for local elections ended at noon Friday.
Here’s a look at who qualified:
COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
•Anthony Dove (R), incumbent
BOC DISTRICT 1
•Stanley Thomas (R), incumbent
•Christopher Lee Parker (R)
BOC DISTRICT 2
•Dewitt “Pete” Bond (R), incumbent
•Larry Stewart (R)
•Conolus Scott Jr. (D)
BOE DISTRICT 3
•Robert Cedric Fortson (NP — non partisan)
•Cindy Nash (NP)
BOE DISTRICT 4
•Amy McKenzie (NP)
•Charles Jeremy Duggins (NP)
BOE DISTRICT 5
•Gregory Wilkes (NP)
PROBATE JUDGE
•Cody Cross, (NP), incumbent
SHERIFF
•Kip Thomas (R), incumbent
•Clayton Lowe (R)
•Brenan Baird (R)
•Timothy “Brent” Zellner (D)
•William Kenneth White (D)
CORONER
•Kevin Lamar Cheek (R)
•Julie H. Phillips (R)
•John Sartain (R)
•Jonathan Michael Tittle (R)
CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
•Michelle Strickland (D), incumbent
TAX COMMISSIONER
•Sally Louise Watson (D), incumbent
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 47
•Frank Ginn (R), incumbent
•Daniel “Danny” Yearwood (R)
•Tim Riley (D)
STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 32
•Alan Powell (R), incumbent
•Mary Beth Focer (D)
STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 33
•Tom McCall (R), incumbent
•David Vogel (D)
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
•Robert “Bob” Lavender (R), incumbent
•Parks White (R)
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•John H. Bailey Jr. (NP), incumbent
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•Thomas L. Hodges (NP), incumbent
•Chris NeSmith (NP)
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•Jeffery S. Malcom (NP), incumbent
U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 9
•Doug Collins (R)
•Roger D. Fitzpatrick (R)
•Martha Zoller (R)
•Jody Cooley (D)
Here’s a look at who qualified:
COMMISSION CHAIRMAN
•Anthony Dove (R), incumbent
BOC DISTRICT 1
•Stanley Thomas (R), incumbent
•Christopher Lee Parker (R)
BOC DISTRICT 2
•Dewitt “Pete” Bond (R), incumbent
•Larry Stewart (R)
•Conolus Scott Jr. (D)
BOE DISTRICT 3
•Robert Cedric Fortson (NP — non partisan)
•Cindy Nash (NP)
BOE DISTRICT 4
•Amy McKenzie (NP)
•Charles Jeremy Duggins (NP)
BOE DISTRICT 5
•Gregory Wilkes (NP)
PROBATE JUDGE
•Cody Cross, (NP), incumbent
SHERIFF
•Kip Thomas (R), incumbent
•Clayton Lowe (R)
•Brenan Baird (R)
•Timothy “Brent” Zellner (D)
•William Kenneth White (D)
CORONER
•Kevin Lamar Cheek (R)
•Julie H. Phillips (R)
•John Sartain (R)
•Jonathan Michael Tittle (R)
CLERK OF SUPERIOR COURT
•Michelle Strickland (D), incumbent
TAX COMMISSIONER
•Sally Louise Watson (D), incumbent
STATE SENATE, DISTRICT 47
•Frank Ginn (R), incumbent
•Daniel “Danny” Yearwood (R)
•Tim Riley (D)
STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 32
•Alan Powell (R), incumbent
•Mary Beth Focer (D)
STATE HOUSE, DISTRICT 33
•Tom McCall (R), incumbent
•David Vogel (D)
DISTRICT ATTORNEY
•Robert “Bob” Lavender (R), incumbent
•Parks White (R)
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•John H. Bailey Jr. (NP), incumbent
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•Thomas L. Hodges (NP), incumbent
•Chris NeSmith (NP)
STATE SUPERIOR COURT
•Jeffery S. Malcom (NP), incumbent
U.S. CONGRESS, DISTRICT 9
•Doug Collins (R)
•Roger D. Fitzpatrick (R)
•Martha Zoller (R)
•Jody Cooley (D)
2012 grads bid farewell to MCHS
The diplomas were received, the tassels turned and the red caps flung high May 18 at the Classic Center in Athens as Madison County’s Class of 2012 said “goodbye” to high school.
Valedictorian Samantha LaZear said graduation day has been in the graduates’ minds for years.
“When starting high school your freshman year, you have this idea in your head of how perfect high school is going to be and plan everything out, however midway through your freshman year you start dreaming of this very day when you can walk across this stage, receive your diploma and finally graduate,” said LaZear. “We will look back on our high school years and reminisce on all the memories we have made.”
LaZear said she looks to Tim Tebow for inspiration, because she said he does not follow the crowd.
“You might not be Tim Tebow’s number one fan, but he has proven himself and his character through his actions on and off the field,” said LaZear, who has signed a softball scholarship with the University of Georgia. “Former Gator or not, he’s someone I look up too and hopefully some day he will call me for a date, and believe me, that’s saying a lot for a future Dawg.”
LaZear urged her fellow classmates to strive for something more than “average.”
“We spend tremendous energy on merely being normal or average when that energy can be used for so much more,” said LaZear. “So class of 2012, are we going to be average or be better? It’s our time to burn brighter than the sun and bask in the excellence that is today.”
Speaker Steven Resby said that “God put 86,400 seconds in the day.”
[Full Story »]
Valedictorian Samantha LaZear said graduation day has been in the graduates’ minds for years.
“When starting high school your freshman year, you have this idea in your head of how perfect high school is going to be and plan everything out, however midway through your freshman year you start dreaming of this very day when you can walk across this stage, receive your diploma and finally graduate,” said LaZear. “We will look back on our high school years and reminisce on all the memories we have made.”
LaZear said she looks to Tim Tebow for inspiration, because she said he does not follow the crowd.
“You might not be Tim Tebow’s number one fan, but he has proven himself and his character through his actions on and off the field,” said LaZear, who has signed a softball scholarship with the University of Georgia. “Former Gator or not, he’s someone I look up too and hopefully some day he will call me for a date, and believe me, that’s saying a lot for a future Dawg.”
LaZear urged her fellow classmates to strive for something more than “average.”
“We spend tremendous energy on merely being normal or average when that energy can be used for so much more,” said LaZear. “So class of 2012, are we going to be average or be better? It’s our time to burn brighter than the sun and bask in the excellence that is today.”
Speaker Steven Resby said that “God put 86,400 seconds in the day.”
[Full Story »]
County schools get charter status
Madison County schools now have fewer strings attached when it comes to state regulations.
The school system received “charter” status last week, meaning that more decisions regarding curriculum can be made locally.
“We’re real excited,” said Madison County school superintendent Dr. Allen McCannon. “The heart of becoming a charter system is instructional innovation and increasing your shared governance.”
McCannon said the charter status will give the schools opportunities to teach in more hands-on ways.
“This gives us a chance to provide some creative classes, some creative options, a chance to have some waivers in some rules as far as more innovative instructional classes,” he said.
For instance, McCannon noted that the change opens doors for students interested in agriculture.
“You could have a student taking an agricultural class,” said McCannon. “Well, we could actually have that student go out to a farm and actually get credit for working and learning and still doing applied math and applied science.”
[Full Story »]
The school system received “charter” status last week, meaning that more decisions regarding curriculum can be made locally.
“We’re real excited,” said Madison County school superintendent Dr. Allen McCannon. “The heart of becoming a charter system is instructional innovation and increasing your shared governance.”
McCannon said the charter status will give the schools opportunities to teach in more hands-on ways.
“This gives us a chance to provide some creative classes, some creative options, a chance to have some waivers in some rules as far as more innovative instructional classes,” he said.
For instance, McCannon noted that the change opens doors for students interested in agriculture.
“You could have a student taking an agricultural class,” said McCannon. “Well, we could actually have that student go out to a farm and actually get credit for working and learning and still doing applied math and applied science.”
[Full Story »]
Pipeline officials meet with local high schoolers
Larry Hjalmarson sometimes sits in his Houston office and looks at a painting of ice skaters in New York City. He pictures someone pulling off the skates and heading back to a high-rise apartment to get warm.
The vice president of safety, environmental and pipeline integrity for Williams (Transco) knows that the gas that warms those skaters will travel from Houston, through Madison County, Georgia, and up the east coast to the “Big Apple.” He and other company workers are responsible for getting the 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas there safely each day. It takes the gas about four days at 10 miles an hour to make that trip.
“In 62 years that gas has never stopped flowing,” said Hjalmarson.
Of course, the gas must be sped up along the pipeline at booster stations, where natural gas is pressurized to help maintain the flow. And Madison County is home to one of Transco’s eastern seaboard booster stations. Actually, Madison County is the site of three major gas pipeline booster stations — one natural gas (Williams) and two petroleum (Colonial and Plantation). In that way, Madison County is a major link in the nation’s energy chain, though it’s easy to overlook this fact, considering that the pipelines are buried three to four feet underground.
These pipeline booster stations are occasionally in the news locally. Most recently, the Williams station in Comer applied for renewal of its air emissions permit from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
[Full Story »]
The vice president of safety, environmental and pipeline integrity for Williams (Transco) knows that the gas that warms those skaters will travel from Houston, through Madison County, Georgia, and up the east coast to the “Big Apple.” He and other company workers are responsible for getting the 3.5 billion cubic feet of natural gas there safely each day. It takes the gas about four days at 10 miles an hour to make that trip.
“In 62 years that gas has never stopped flowing,” said Hjalmarson.
Of course, the gas must be sped up along the pipeline at booster stations, where natural gas is pressurized to help maintain the flow. And Madison County is home to one of Transco’s eastern seaboard booster stations. Actually, Madison County is the site of three major gas pipeline booster stations — one natural gas (Williams) and two petroleum (Colonial and Plantation). In that way, Madison County is a major link in the nation’s energy chain, though it’s easy to overlook this fact, considering that the pipelines are buried three to four feet underground.
These pipeline booster stations are occasionally in the news locally. Most recently, the Williams station in Comer applied for renewal of its air emissions permit from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
[Full Story »]
State, local officials celebrate preservation of Watson Mill
Watson Mill is a “state park.” It has employees on hand to take reservations from those wanting to camp or enjoy its well-known equestrian paths. Its pavilion can be rented for family reunions and other functions.
Just a few months ago, each of these long-time facts neared artifact status as the state government faced a budget crisis and approved a downgrade for the long-time sunny day getaway. The state Department of Natural Resources changed Watson Mill’s status from a “state park” to an “outdoor recreational facility.” Park employees were laid off. Vandals started showing off their criminal handiwork. Drug busts reinforced leaders’ concerns that the park would become a hub for unsavory activities.
But local citizens and leaders responded loudly. They wanted Watson Mill to remain a point of pride, not a problem. They talked about the economic impact of the park, how the influx of visitors helps local businesses.
Local school children wrote letters to the governor, urging him to “save the park.” Local leaders talked with DNR officials about working together to maintain Watson Mill. The negotiations between the DNR and Madison County commissioners continued for months.
[Full Story »]
Just a few months ago, each of these long-time facts neared artifact status as the state government faced a budget crisis and approved a downgrade for the long-time sunny day getaway. The state Department of Natural Resources changed Watson Mill’s status from a “state park” to an “outdoor recreational facility.” Park employees were laid off. Vandals started showing off their criminal handiwork. Drug busts reinforced leaders’ concerns that the park would become a hub for unsavory activities.
But local citizens and leaders responded loudly. They wanted Watson Mill to remain a point of pride, not a problem. They talked about the economic impact of the park, how the influx of visitors helps local businesses.
Local school children wrote letters to the governor, urging him to “save the park.” Local leaders talked with DNR officials about working together to maintain Watson Mill. The negotiations between the DNR and Madison County commissioners continued for months.
[Full Story »]
Qualifying for local elections opens Wed.
It’s almost time for election hopefuls to toss their hat in the ring for local elections.
Qualifying for the July 31 county primaries opens May 23 for Republicans and Democrats and non-partisan candidates.
Here is a summary of local qualifying information:
[Full Story »]
Qualifying for the July 31 county primaries opens May 23 for Republicans and Democrats and non-partisan candidates.
Here is a summary of local qualifying information:
[Full Story »]
BOC approves contracts for soccer field irrigation, sodding
Madison County aims to open a soccer complex in the fall off Brewer Phillips Road.
And county commissioners approved two more steps in the construction process Monday, giving the go-ahead to irrigation and sod contracts.
The board approved an irrigation system contract with College Pro Landscaping of Hull for $21,428 and a sodding contract with College Pro Landscaping, Hull, for $71,300.
The soccer complex is being funded with special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) money approved by county voters in 2008.
[Full Story »]
And county commissioners approved two more steps in the construction process Monday, giving the go-ahead to irrigation and sod contracts.
The board approved an irrigation system contract with College Pro Landscaping of Hull for $21,428 and a sodding contract with College Pro Landscaping, Hull, for $71,300.
The soccer complex is being funded with special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) money approved by county voters in 2008.
[Full Story »]
Former Madison Co. School Superintendent passes away
Long-time Madison County educator Jim Perkins passed away Wednesday, May 16, at 4:10 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital after recently suffering a stroke.
Perkins, who would have turned 80 in June, served the Madison County School System for 38 years as superintendent, principal, teacher and coach.
“His dedication and commitment to the Madison County School System was legendary,” said Madison County superintendent Dr. Allen McCannon.
Visitation will be at Bernstein Funeral Home tomorrow (Friday), May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will at Bernstein Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m. The burial will be at Evergreen.
Mrs. Perkins has asked that all of his former basketball players serve as honorary pallbearers for the funeral. Those former players interested in serving in this capacity can contact Bernstein Funeral Home at 706-643-7373.
Perkins, who would have turned 80 in June, served the Madison County School System for 38 years as superintendent, principal, teacher and coach.
“His dedication and commitment to the Madison County School System was legendary,” said Madison County superintendent Dr. Allen McCannon.
Visitation will be at Bernstein Funeral Home tomorrow (Friday), May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. The funeral will at Bernstein Saturday, May 19, at 2 p.m. The burial will be at Evergreen.
Mrs. Perkins has asked that all of his former basketball players serve as honorary pallbearers for the funeral. Those former players interested in serving in this capacity can contact Bernstein Funeral Home at 706-643-7373.
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