News from MadisonJournalTODAY

Civic Club to construct 400th ramp Oct. 17 There were a couple of hard hats Oct. 5, but no drills, no hammering. Instead, there was a proclamation. Madison County commissioners opened the Oct. 5 meeting by honoring the county Rotary Club, which will construct its 400th ramp for disabled local residents Oct. 17. “This is one of the best ... [Full Story »] 

A couple was arrested recently on family violence charges after an argument between a man and his wife turned into a physical altercation. Otis Gene Riden, 39, and Buffie Latrice Bolton, 37, both of 3233 Colbert-Danielsville Road, Danielsville, were each charged with one count of simple battery. According to the incident report, Riden summoned ... [Full Story »] 

Colbert approved a $514,110 budget Oct. 5, including enough money to cover dollars lost through the state cutting the homeowners’ relief grant. Colbert collected $43,765 in ad valorem taxes last year, $4,500 of which came via the state’s homeowners tax exemption program. That amounted to about $35 per household in Colbert. That state money ... [Full Story »] 

Despite a well-documented school funding shortage, Madison County Schools Superintendent Mitch McGhee will recommend millage rates stay the same for the 2010 budget year. The Madison County Board of Education will vote on McGhee’s recommendation Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Professional Learning Center. According to assistant superintendent ... [Full Story »] 

A Colbert teen was arrested recently after he allegedly molested a 2-year old female relative while he and others were reportedly babysitting the child while her mother was at work. Jason Randall Guest, 19, of 7960 Hwy. 72 West, Lot 11, was charged with one count each of child molestation and cruelty to children in the first degree. The case ... [Full Story »] 

Madison County commissioners have become familiar with the word “guano” in recent weeks — too familiar. Now, they’re hoping that contracts with bat removal companies will help relieve two county structures — the old courthouse and the Strickland House — of bat infestation problems, where guano, or bat droppings, pose potential ... [Full Story »]