News from MadisonJournalTODAY

The House of Representatives voted Feb. 9 to approve an amended budget for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, which ends June 30. HB 77 adjusts the total budget for the current fiscal year to $18.1 billion. Spending by state agencies is reduced by an average of four percent, or about $303 million, in the supplemental budget. State revenues have ... [Full Story »] 

A burglary suspect was arrested recently after a Paoli Road property owner held him at gunpoint until officers arrived. Mark Steve McGarity, 44, 320 College Avenue, of Elberton, was charged with burglary, possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, possession and use of drug-related objects and possession of tools for the commission of a ... [Full Story »] 

I love the yellow daffodils, technically a variety of the narcissus, that begin to show up this time of year, or sometimes, in warmer winters, even a little sooner. It’s my favorite flower. And yes, I love it in all its forms and varieties, including the jonquil and the buttercup, though to me they are all still “daffodils.” One of the ... [Full Story »] 

As most of you know, we are celebrating Madison County’s 200th birthday this year. As some of you know, we are also commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Confederate States of America and the war for Southern Independence. As a part of the county’s bicentennial, there will be a monthly program concerning the county’s history and ... [Full Story »] 

By Stephen Tippins The rioting in Egypt has experts, nevertheless befuddled, split into three camps: There’s the pro-military group that, seeing revolution as a threat, wants a regime similar to the incumbent’s to rise to power; there’s the pro-revolution group that champions modern (meaning non-Greek) democracy; and then there’s the ... [Full Story »]