There were commissioners decked out in the garb of days gone by, festivals with old-fashioned games and storytellers sitting before crowds to share the tales of yesteryear in Madison County.
Yes, 2011 will be remembered as Madison County’s bicentennial.
But 2012 is a major election year. And Jan. 1 ushers in a wave of campaigning on the local, state and national levels.
But first, here’s a look back at some notable Madison County stories over the past 12 months:
Madison County band members show off their national championship trophy in November.
Local, state and national races ahead — but first, a look back at 2011
Local officer slain in line of duty
Madison County’s Elmer “Buddy” Christian, an Athens-Clarke County police officer, was slain in the line of duty March 22 in Athens. Athens district attorney Ken Mauldin has filed for the death penalty for alleged shooter, Jamie Hood, 33, who was apprehended days after the incident after a massive manhunt. Christian’s death was met with widespread outpouring of grief and generosity toward the fallen officers wife and children, such as the donation of a home now under construction on the Christians’ Madison County farm.
Madison Co. grows 9%
Madison County got the results of the 2010 Census this past year. The numbers showed a population increase of nine percent in Madison County between 2000 and 2010, up 2,390 from 25,730 to 28,120.
The Madison County town with the highest rate of growth was Hull, with 38 more residents in 2010 than in 2000, a 23.75 percent growth rate. Ila had the lowest increase — nine additional residents, a population jump of 2.7 percent.
According to the Census, Madison County’s racial makeup is 87.6 percent white, down slightly from 89.4 percent in 2000, and 8.4 percent black, the same percentage as 2000.
E-LOST passes, will fund renovations
A sparse contingent of county voters hit the polls on a rainy Tuesday in March, with 83.8 percent of voters saying “Yes” to the continuation of a five-year, one-cent tax for education in Madison County.
There were exactly 1,000 “Yes” votes, with 193 voting “No.” The 1,193 who voted comprise 7.45 percent of Madison County’s 16,144 registered voters.
The tax will be used to continue payments for the Madison County Middle School, as well as to fund renovations at Madison County High School and Comer Elementary School.
Fine Finish finds new home
Madison County’s Fine Finish program for mentally and physically challenged adults moved to a new location in 2011, relocating from a structurally flawed building off Hwy. 98, to a vacant commercial structure in Lakeview Business Park off Rock Quarry Road, not far from the red light in Danielsville.
The old Fine Finish building sits atop an old landfill and has had numerous structural problems over the years and corrective efforts failed.
After months of negotiations, county commissioners voted 4-1 Aug. 25 — with John Pethel providing the lone “no” — to purchase three buildings at the business park for $550,000 from John Purcell. The structures were purchased with cash from the county reserves. No financing was necessary.
Library expansion under way
The Madison County Library broke ground on a major expansion project March 17.
The expansion project will increase the library’s size from 10,000 to 17,500 square feet. The library now holds 32,226 books, audio and visual materials. The expansion will give the facility a 100,000 capacity for such materials. The project will be completed in 2012.
IDA installs water lines in Neese area
The Madison County Industrial Building and Development Authority received a $2,014,136 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan/grant package in 2011 from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to install new water lines in the Neese area this year. Those lines were installed down Neese-Diamond Hill Road, across Hwy. 106 South then down Neese-Commerce Road to Hwy. 98 West and then to the Jackson/Madison county line, where there will be a tie-in with the Commerce water system.
Water lines will also be extended from Neese-Diamond Hill Road down Hwy. 29 South to Bryant Drive, where the lines will be tied in with the Hull-Sanford water system.
Local youth lost in accidents
Madison County mourned the loss of three male youth in 2011, with the losses of Tyler Moon, 14, in a lawnmower accident in April and Evan Escoe and Samuel Hart, both 10, in a car accident on Hwy. 441 in Athens in June. The three were memorialized at the recreation department later in 2011, with the construction of a wall ball facility next to the tennis courts in Moon’s honor. Granite benches were also placed by that court with the images of Escoe and Hart.
Perpall retires; Pendleton named new rec director
Long-time Madison County recreation department director Dick Perpall retired in July after 32 years at the department. He started with the department April 1, 1979.
Perpall was replaced by another familiar face at the rec department, Robin Pendleton, who joined the department in 1984.
Danielsville dismisses three employees
In the scope of one day in May, Danielsville city employees were reduced from nine to just four.
City clerk Connie Riley, public works superintendent Scott Anglin and police chief Rodney Christian were all fired Friday, May 6. Assistant clerk Becky Delay resigned May 6 after hearing of the firings, and police officer Steve Gary also resigned, though it is unclear when he did so.
Danielsville Mayor Philip Croya said that he was responsible for the dismissals.
“It was my decision,” said Croya. “I am over personnel. If I decide to terminate people, that’s my decision. I do get input from the council, but I can’t go solely on that. I’m the one who has to make the tough calls.”
Davis pleads guilty to bank robberies
The former Marine who robbed a Colbert bank twice received a life sentence in May for his crimes in Madison County Superior Court.
Mark Alexander “Alex” Davis changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” toward the end of jury selection prior to his bank robbery trial.
He will be eligible for parole in 30 years, according to Northern Judicial Circuit district attorney Bob Lavender.
Davis robbed Colbert’s First Citizens Bank last July 24 and again Aug. 27 in 2010.
Davis pleaded guilty May 4 to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault.
Investigators said Davis, a 20-year-old Marine stationed at Camp Lejuene in North Carolina, committed the crimes while in Madison County visiting family last year.
Madison Co. aids Alabama tornado victims
Colbert Baptist Church members spearheaded efforts to get a trailer full of donated goods to victims in the devastating May tornadoes that ripped through Alabama. Numerous churches, businesses and individuals answered the call.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said BOC chairman Anthony Dove of the mass of donated items. “… I’m proud of the people involved.”
Shelter director resigns
Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter director Susan Fornash has resigned July 29. Fornash took the job in January 2009.
“They were basically all personal reasons,” said Fornash of her reasons for resigning. “Just the stress of the job and I’m just worn out — and I just was not able to do it anymore.”
Fornash said the shelter faces constant financial strains.
“I’m frightened for the future of the shelter,” said Fornash. “It takes a certain amount of money to keep the shelter going. It’s always been a struggle financially. When you have as many animals turned in as that shelter receives, people don’t realize that every one of those animals has a dollar figure attached to it. And people just don’t seem to understand that when they turn in a litter of nine puppies.”
Alleged chop shop busted
A Madison County man was arrested in August for allegedly operating a chop shop.
John Michael “Mike” Thomas, 48, 10133 Hwy. 98 W. was arrested after investigators tied Thomas to an attempted theft of a Jeep. Deputies searched numerous stripped out vehicles. Law enforcement officials discovered four stolen vehicles. And stolen car parts were also discovered in vehicles at the Hwy. 98 shop, officials said.
Sunday sales defeated in Comer; municipal elections held
A referendum on Sunday alcohol sales in Comer was defeated by city voters Nov. 8 by a vote of 101-89.
Meanwhile, Comer has a new face for mayor.
Newcomer Jody Blackmon handily defeated opponent Billy Burroughs, a former Comer mayor 162-25. Current mayor David McMickle did not seek re-election.
In another Comer race, Estelle Gilstrap defeated long-time councilman Howard Threlkeld, 36 to 18, for the district 3 council seat.
Brian Fortson defeated Claudia Gantt 36–23 for Comer’s district 2 seat, currently held by Kevin Booth, who decided not to seek re-election.
In Danielsville, incumbent councilman Ron Faust was defeated by challenger Tim Stamps, who won the seat 58–13.
Councilman Jamie Spurlin narrowly hung on to his seat, 34–31, against challenger Toby Payne.
Mayor Philip Croya, who had no competition, received 35 votes.
In Carlton, long-time Mayor Rufus Kidd defeated challenger Mike Jones, 46–31.
The following five candidates will have a seat at the council table Jan. 1: incumbent David Seawright, 68 votes; incumbent Claudia Thornton, 64 votes; incumbent Terry Kidd, 61; newcomer Brad Bird, 60 votes and Ronald Turner, 55 votes. Joey Cash received 47 votes.
BOC, BOE to keep district arrangements
Madison County’s school board and county commission have different district maps. Both boards plan to keep it that way. Due to the population changes shown in the 2010 Census, district lines had to be adjusted to account for population shifts. Both boards agreed in 2011 to change the current district alignments as little as possible. The Danielsville area is represented by district 2 on the school board and district 4 on the county commission.
Felt named ‘Teacher of the Year’
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Madison County High School science teacher Andy Felt was named the countywide “Teacher of the Year” in 2011. Felt credits his former teacher, “Mr. Kesler,” with inspiring him with a love of learning.
Watson Mill faces downgrade
Due to budget concerns, the Department of Natural Resources decided to downgrade Watson Mill State Park in Madison County from a “state park” to an “outdoor recreational area” in 2011. This included the elimination of three positions at the park. Madison County leaders have adamantly fought this decision, contending that the downgrade will have a negative effect on the county economically, with fewer people traveling through the county to use the park. They also said the downgrade could lead to crime at Watson Mill. Madison County commissioners continue to negotiate with state leaders on the issue.
MCHS band wins national championship
Madison County band members stepped off the bus before a large crowd at the high school and hoisted a five-foot tall national championship trophy Nov. 13. The 99 band and color guard members won the 2011 U.S. Scholastic Band Association’s National Championship.
The band also marched in the New York Veterans’ Day Parade and visited Washington D.C. during the trip.
Madison County’s 2011 halftime performance, “Heroes Fallen, Not Forgotten” drew enthusiastic applause from audiences this year. The patriotic performance honored the sacrifice of men in women in defense of the U.S. It included 8’ by 4’ printings in the back of the field, which were unveiled throughout the show. Images included Lincoln, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima, John John Kennedy saluting his father’s casket, Martin Luther King Jr., the Vietnam War and the 9/11 attacks. The climax of the show included the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty and the playing of “Amazing Grace.”
Madison County remembers 9/11
Madison County’s Middle School gym bleachers were packed Sunday evening, Sept. 11, for “An Evening of Hope.”
The evening, organized by the Madison County Ministerial Association, included patriotic music and words of encouragement from Madison County pastors and featured speaker Jerry Ediger, a local teacher who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a football game in the 1980s.
Royston officer charged with molestation
A City of Royston police officer was arrested Sept. 13 and charged with the alleged molestation of a Madison County child.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Athens Regional Office and officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office arrested Royston police officer Timothy Irwin Lewis, 32, of Hull, at about 3 a.m. Tuesday, charging him with one count of child molestation. Lewis was arrested after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor.
Former PE teacher indicted on federal porn charges
Former Ila Elementary School physical education teacher Barry Bailey was indicted in 2011 on federal child pornography charges for images on his personal computer.
There is no evidence that Bailey took any photos or possessed any photos of local children, or that any Madison County kids were involved in the alleged porn crimes.
However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered approximately 1,500 child porn images on Bailey’s hard drive.”
BOC approves aerial photography contract
All Madison County properties will soon be photographed through the air with high-resolution cameras.
Madison County commissioners approved a contract with Pictometry, an aerial photography company, by a 3-2 vote Oct. 10. Commissioners Stanley Thomas, Mike Youngblood and Dewitt “Pete” Bond voted in favor of the photography, while commissioners John Pethel and Jim Escoe voted against it.
Gary Steele of “Pictometry” aerial mapping first met with commissioners July 8 to go over the details of the system, which carries a price tag of approximately $30,000.
“It allows you to take a virtual walk around the county,” Steele said, adding that the software can be used to measure the height of a tree or building, the size of a body of water, and other such detailed information. “This is some of the same technology used in guidance technology such as cruise missiles. We can pretty much ‘mow the lawn’ up to a mile outside the county.”
BOC approves 911 alert system
When there’s an emergency, Madison County citizens know to call 9-1-1. But pretty soon, 9-1-1 can call, text, or e-mail you when there’s a weather crisis, major accident or other emergency.
Madison County commissioners unanimously approved a contract with First Call Nov. 7 to implement a web-based citizen notification system. The total cost to the county will be $11,700. The system costs $23,400, but the county received a 50-percent grant from the state government.
Man pulls wreck victim from path of train
The wounded car wreck victim sat on the train track unable to move. The train blasted its whistle and chugged straight for him. A passerby hurried down a hill and dragged the man to safety just before the locomotive slammed into the wrecked car.
Sounds like something out of a movie.
But it was a reality in Madison County at 7:38 a.m. Oct. 22 off Hwy. 72 in a curve just past the Carlton Grocery about .2 miles west of Lexington Road.
Norb Krzak, 49, Loganville, pulled Bradley Neal Fleming, 25, Elberton, off the railroad track near Carlton Saturday morning just before a train barreled into this wrecked Nissan Altima. Fleming and Wesley Eric Fleming, 17, Elberton, were both ejected from the car in a wreck prior to the collision with a train.
Krzak was later honored at a Madison County commissioners’ meeting. Fleming was also at the meeting.
Madison County’s Elmer “Buddy” Christian, an Athens-Clarke County police officer, was slain in the line of duty March 22 in Athens. Athens district attorney Ken Mauldin has filed for the death penalty for alleged shooter, Jamie Hood, 33, who was apprehended days after the incident after a massive manhunt. Christian’s death was met with widespread outpouring of grief and generosity toward the fallen officers wife and children, such as the donation of a home now under construction on the Christians’ Madison County farm.
Madison Co. grows 9%
Madison County got the results of the 2010 Census this past year. The numbers showed a population increase of nine percent in Madison County between 2000 and 2010, up 2,390 from 25,730 to 28,120.
The Madison County town with the highest rate of growth was Hull, with 38 more residents in 2010 than in 2000, a 23.75 percent growth rate. Ila had the lowest increase — nine additional residents, a population jump of 2.7 percent.
According to the Census, Madison County’s racial makeup is 87.6 percent white, down slightly from 89.4 percent in 2000, and 8.4 percent black, the same percentage as 2000.
E-LOST passes, will fund renovations
A sparse contingent of county voters hit the polls on a rainy Tuesday in March, with 83.8 percent of voters saying “Yes” to the continuation of a five-year, one-cent tax for education in Madison County.
There were exactly 1,000 “Yes” votes, with 193 voting “No.” The 1,193 who voted comprise 7.45 percent of Madison County’s 16,144 registered voters.
The tax will be used to continue payments for the Madison County Middle School, as well as to fund renovations at Madison County High School and Comer Elementary School.
Fine Finish finds new home
Madison County’s Fine Finish program for mentally and physically challenged adults moved to a new location in 2011, relocating from a structurally flawed building off Hwy. 98, to a vacant commercial structure in Lakeview Business Park off Rock Quarry Road, not far from the red light in Danielsville.
The old Fine Finish building sits atop an old landfill and has had numerous structural problems over the years and corrective efforts failed.
After months of negotiations, county commissioners voted 4-1 Aug. 25 — with John Pethel providing the lone “no” — to purchase three buildings at the business park for $550,000 from John Purcell. The structures were purchased with cash from the county reserves. No financing was necessary.
Library expansion under way
The Madison County Library broke ground on a major expansion project March 17.
The expansion project will increase the library’s size from 10,000 to 17,500 square feet. The library now holds 32,226 books, audio and visual materials. The expansion will give the facility a 100,000 capacity for such materials. The project will be completed in 2012.
IDA installs water lines in Neese area
The Madison County Industrial Building and Development Authority received a $2,014,136 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan/grant package in 2011 from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to install new water lines in the Neese area this year. Those lines were installed down Neese-Diamond Hill Road, across Hwy. 106 South then down Neese-Commerce Road to Hwy. 98 West and then to the Jackson/Madison county line, where there will be a tie-in with the Commerce water system.
Water lines will also be extended from Neese-Diamond Hill Road down Hwy. 29 South to Bryant Drive, where the lines will be tied in with the Hull-Sanford water system.
Local youth lost in accidents
Madison County mourned the loss of three male youth in 2011, with the losses of Tyler Moon, 14, in a lawnmower accident in April and Evan Escoe and Samuel Hart, both 10, in a car accident on Hwy. 441 in Athens in June. The three were memorialized at the recreation department later in 2011, with the construction of a wall ball facility next to the tennis courts in Moon’s honor. Granite benches were also placed by that court with the images of Escoe and Hart.
Perpall retires; Pendleton named new rec director
Long-time Madison County recreation department director Dick Perpall retired in July after 32 years at the department. He started with the department April 1, 1979.
Perpall was replaced by another familiar face at the rec department, Robin Pendleton, who joined the department in 1984.
Danielsville dismisses three employees
In the scope of one day in May, Danielsville city employees were reduced from nine to just four.
City clerk Connie Riley, public works superintendent Scott Anglin and police chief Rodney Christian were all fired Friday, May 6. Assistant clerk Becky Delay resigned May 6 after hearing of the firings, and police officer Steve Gary also resigned, though it is unclear when he did so.
Danielsville Mayor Philip Croya said that he was responsible for the dismissals.
“It was my decision,” said Croya. “I am over personnel. If I decide to terminate people, that’s my decision. I do get input from the council, but I can’t go solely on that. I’m the one who has to make the tough calls.”
Davis pleads guilty to bank robberies
The former Marine who robbed a Colbert bank twice received a life sentence in May for his crimes in Madison County Superior Court.
Mark Alexander “Alex” Davis changed his plea from “not guilty” to “guilty” toward the end of jury selection prior to his bank robbery trial.
He will be eligible for parole in 30 years, according to Northern Judicial Circuit district attorney Bob Lavender.
Davis robbed Colbert’s First Citizens Bank last July 24 and again Aug. 27 in 2010.
Davis pleaded guilty May 4 to two counts of armed robbery and two counts of aggravated assault.
Investigators said Davis, a 20-year-old Marine stationed at Camp Lejuene in North Carolina, committed the crimes while in Madison County visiting family last year.
Madison Co. aids Alabama tornado victims
Colbert Baptist Church members spearheaded efforts to get a trailer full of donated goods to victims in the devastating May tornadoes that ripped through Alabama. Numerous churches, businesses and individuals answered the call.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes,” said BOC chairman Anthony Dove of the mass of donated items. “… I’m proud of the people involved.”
Shelter director resigns
Madison Oglethorpe Animal Shelter director Susan Fornash has resigned July 29. Fornash took the job in January 2009.
“They were basically all personal reasons,” said Fornash of her reasons for resigning. “Just the stress of the job and I’m just worn out — and I just was not able to do it anymore.”
Fornash said the shelter faces constant financial strains.
“I’m frightened for the future of the shelter,” said Fornash. “It takes a certain amount of money to keep the shelter going. It’s always been a struggle financially. When you have as many animals turned in as that shelter receives, people don’t realize that every one of those animals has a dollar figure attached to it. And people just don’t seem to understand that when they turn in a litter of nine puppies.”
Alleged chop shop busted
A Madison County man was arrested in August for allegedly operating a chop shop.
John Michael “Mike” Thomas, 48, 10133 Hwy. 98 W. was arrested after investigators tied Thomas to an attempted theft of a Jeep. Deputies searched numerous stripped out vehicles. Law enforcement officials discovered four stolen vehicles. And stolen car parts were also discovered in vehicles at the Hwy. 98 shop, officials said.
Sunday sales defeated in Comer; municipal elections held
A referendum on Sunday alcohol sales in Comer was defeated by city voters Nov. 8 by a vote of 101-89.
Meanwhile, Comer has a new face for mayor.
Newcomer Jody Blackmon handily defeated opponent Billy Burroughs, a former Comer mayor 162-25. Current mayor David McMickle did not seek re-election.
In another Comer race, Estelle Gilstrap defeated long-time councilman Howard Threlkeld, 36 to 18, for the district 3 council seat.
Brian Fortson defeated Claudia Gantt 36–23 for Comer’s district 2 seat, currently held by Kevin Booth, who decided not to seek re-election.
In Danielsville, incumbent councilman Ron Faust was defeated by challenger Tim Stamps, who won the seat 58–13.
Councilman Jamie Spurlin narrowly hung on to his seat, 34–31, against challenger Toby Payne.
Mayor Philip Croya, who had no competition, received 35 votes.
In Carlton, long-time Mayor Rufus Kidd defeated challenger Mike Jones, 46–31.
The following five candidates will have a seat at the council table Jan. 1: incumbent David Seawright, 68 votes; incumbent Claudia Thornton, 64 votes; incumbent Terry Kidd, 61; newcomer Brad Bird, 60 votes and Ronald Turner, 55 votes. Joey Cash received 47 votes.
BOC, BOE to keep district arrangements
Madison County’s school board and county commission have different district maps. Both boards plan to keep it that way. Due to the population changes shown in the 2010 Census, district lines had to be adjusted to account for population shifts. Both boards agreed in 2011 to change the current district alignments as little as possible. The Danielsville area is represented by district 2 on the school board and district 4 on the county commission.
Felt named ‘Teacher of the Year’
-
Madison County High School science teacher Andy Felt was named the countywide “Teacher of the Year” in 2011. Felt credits his former teacher, “Mr. Kesler,” with inspiring him with a love of learning.
Watson Mill faces downgrade
Due to budget concerns, the Department of Natural Resources decided to downgrade Watson Mill State Park in Madison County from a “state park” to an “outdoor recreational area” in 2011. This included the elimination of three positions at the park. Madison County leaders have adamantly fought this decision, contending that the downgrade will have a negative effect on the county economically, with fewer people traveling through the county to use the park. They also said the downgrade could lead to crime at Watson Mill. Madison County commissioners continue to negotiate with state leaders on the issue.
MCHS band wins national championship
Madison County band members stepped off the bus before a large crowd at the high school and hoisted a five-foot tall national championship trophy Nov. 13. The 99 band and color guard members won the 2011 U.S. Scholastic Band Association’s National Championship.
The band also marched in the New York Veterans’ Day Parade and visited Washington D.C. during the trip.
Madison County’s 2011 halftime performance, “Heroes Fallen, Not Forgotten” drew enthusiastic applause from audiences this year. The patriotic performance honored the sacrifice of men in women in defense of the U.S. It included 8’ by 4’ printings in the back of the field, which were unveiled throughout the show. Images included Lincoln, Arlington National Cemetery, the Marines raising the flag at Iwo Jima, John John Kennedy saluting his father’s casket, Martin Luther King Jr., the Vietnam War and the 9/11 attacks. The climax of the show included the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty and the playing of “Amazing Grace.”
Madison County remembers 9/11
Madison County’s Middle School gym bleachers were packed Sunday evening, Sept. 11, for “An Evening of Hope.”
The evening, organized by the Madison County Ministerial Association, included patriotic music and words of encouragement from Madison County pastors and featured speaker Jerry Ediger, a local teacher who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a football game in the 1980s.
Royston officer charged with molestation
A City of Royston police officer was arrested Sept. 13 and charged with the alleged molestation of a Madison County child.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Athens Regional Office and officers with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office arrested Royston police officer Timothy Irwin Lewis, 32, of Hull, at about 3 a.m. Tuesday, charging him with one count of child molestation. Lewis was arrested after an investigation into allegations of inappropriate sexual contact with a minor.
Former PE teacher indicted on federal porn charges
Former Ila Elementary School physical education teacher Barry Bailey was indicted in 2011 on federal child pornography charges for images on his personal computer.
There is no evidence that Bailey took any photos or possessed any photos of local children, or that any Madison County kids were involved in the alleged porn crimes.
However, the Federal Bureau of Investigation discovered approximately 1,500 child porn images on Bailey’s hard drive.”
BOC approves aerial photography contract
All Madison County properties will soon be photographed through the air with high-resolution cameras.
Madison County commissioners approved a contract with Pictometry, an aerial photography company, by a 3-2 vote Oct. 10. Commissioners Stanley Thomas, Mike Youngblood and Dewitt “Pete” Bond voted in favor of the photography, while commissioners John Pethel and Jim Escoe voted against it.
Gary Steele of “Pictometry” aerial mapping first met with commissioners July 8 to go over the details of the system, which carries a price tag of approximately $30,000.
“It allows you to take a virtual walk around the county,” Steele said, adding that the software can be used to measure the height of a tree or building, the size of a body of water, and other such detailed information. “This is some of the same technology used in guidance technology such as cruise missiles. We can pretty much ‘mow the lawn’ up to a mile outside the county.”
BOC approves 911 alert system
When there’s an emergency, Madison County citizens know to call 9-1-1. But pretty soon, 9-1-1 can call, text, or e-mail you when there’s a weather crisis, major accident or other emergency.
Madison County commissioners unanimously approved a contract with First Call Nov. 7 to implement a web-based citizen notification system. The total cost to the county will be $11,700. The system costs $23,400, but the county received a 50-percent grant from the state government.
Man pulls wreck victim from path of train
The wounded car wreck victim sat on the train track unable to move. The train blasted its whistle and chugged straight for him. A passerby hurried down a hill and dragged the man to safety just before the locomotive slammed into the wrecked car.
Sounds like something out of a movie.
But it was a reality in Madison County at 7:38 a.m. Oct. 22 off Hwy. 72 in a curve just past the Carlton Grocery about .2 miles west of Lexington Road.
Norb Krzak, 49, Loganville, pulled Bradley Neal Fleming, 25, Elberton, off the railroad track near Carlton Saturday morning just before a train barreled into this wrecked Nissan Altima. Fleming and Wesley Eric Fleming, 17, Elberton, were both ejected from the car in a wreck prior to the collision with a train.
Krzak was later honored at a Madison County commissioners’ meeting. Fleming was also at the meeting.
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