News from MadisonJournalTODAY

News from MadisonJournalTODAY - Topics from December, 2008

OPINION: The firing of Fortson and the unemployment issue

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Sunday, December 7. 2008

When county commissioners took personnel management authority away from Chairman Wesley Nash a couple of years ago, it seemed inevitable that they would fire county clerk Morris Fortson, who has long been seen as a de facto county manager. The move to strip Nash of his personnel powers was made after Nash initially failed to reprimand Fortson ... [Full Story »]

Unemployment climbing in NEGA area

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Sunday, December 7. 2008

Barrow County had the highest unemployment rate in the heart of Northeast Georgia in October with a rate of 7.4 percent. That was higher than the state average of 7 percent and higher than all of the Northeastern Georgia area which was at 7.3 percent. In addition, Barrow saw its unemployment insurance claims jump in October from 230 in 2007 to ... [Full Story »]

Colbert baffled by digest figures

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Saturday, December 6. 2008

Colbert mayor John Waggoner had hoped the city would tentatively set its millage rate Monday night. Then he saw the county digest figures for Colbert. Now, he’ll take extra time to review some numbers he found puzzling. “There are so many questions on it that I’m not ready to go forward with it,” he said. “Evidently, I’m going to ... [Full Story »]

OPINION: Far too much politicking and far too little governing

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Saturday, December 6. 2008

I have good news and bad news. The good news is that the 2008 elections are finally over. The bad news is that the 2010 elections are already underway. Ours has become a society of perpetual political campaigns. No one ever takes time to actually govern in the best interest of the people. We waste trillions of dollars and millions of hours of ... [Full Story »]

Spence charged in BOC office theft

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Friday, December 5. 2008

Former Madison County deputy clerk Melinda Spence, 40, of 275 Bedford Drive, Hull, was arrested Friday morning for allegedly taking over $80,000 in county funds. Spence turned herself in to the Madison County Jail Friday and was charged with one count of felony theft by taking. According to chief deputy Mike Benner of the Madison County ... [Full Story »]

LETTER: Appreciates support of Thanksgiving dinner

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Friday, December 5. 2008

Dear Editor: This evening I came upon this verse that I feel describes the purpose of Thanksgiving Dinner for the community. “Simon, son of John do you love me? “Yes Lord, you know I do”, then Jesus answered, “Take care of my sheep.” We are all Simon and today you fed His sheep! We had a wonderful, productive Thanksgiving because of ... [Full Story »]

Ila approves lease for well site

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Friday, December 5. 2008

Ila leaders are in the process of finalizing an amended agreement for a back up well site for the city’s water system. The council met with resident and former mayor, William Smith, again Monday night to discuss leasing a half-acre of land for an additional well site. Last month, Smith offered some of his property for a 35-year lease at $1 ... [Full Story »]

Schools to levy tax for debt retirement

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Friday, December 5. 2008

However, board of education won’t raise M&O millage rate The Madison County Board of Education must raise approximately $570,000 in property taxes to make its annual bond payment for the construction of Danielsville Elementary School. The BOE will hold three public hearings on the school bond millage rate, one on Dec. 15 and two on Dec. 22. ... [Full Story »]

Colbert man charged with burglarizing estranged wife’s home

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Friday, December 5. 2008

A Colbert man was arrested by the sheriff’s office last week after he allegedly burglarized his estranged wife’s Alberta Drive home. Willie Richburg Jr., 39, 391 Alberta Drive, was charged with one count each of burglary and aggravated stalking. According to the incident report, Deputy Jeff Strickland was dispatched to a “burglary in ... [Full Story »]

Christmas in Comer set for Saturday

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MadisonJournalTODAY

Thursday, December 4. 2008

Tis’ the day to be in Comer. The annual Christmas parade in Comer will be held Saturday Dec. 6, at 2 p.m. The theme this year will be “Peace on Earth.” The day will start with a fun run (see Page 2B for details) followed by the Comer Fire Department chicken barbecue. The music will begin at 1 p.m. at the grandstand with Tommy Hall. The ... [Full Story »]

Entries from December 2008