News from MadisonJournalTODAY

The Madison – Oglethorpe Animal Shelter plans to begin implementing “scheduled surrenders” of animals, according to a press release. The shelter has already taken in over 1,800 dogs and cats, puppies and kittens this year, and only accepts animals from Madison and Oglethorpe counties, shelter officials stated. Beginning Oct. 1, in order ... [Full Story »] 

Madison County commissioners are still trimming expenses from the 2013 county budget. The group met for nearly four hours recently to work on a roughly $1 million shortfall in county revenues versus expenses in its approximate $13.5 million budget. The projected shortfall is due to a drop in overall county property values this year, which will ... [Full Story »] 

A Madison County resident working as a paramedic with National EMS in Athens has been honored with the 2012 Georgia Emergency Medical Technician of the Year Award. Kristine Woodward, a commander who has worked in emergency services for the past 12 years, received the prestigious award during the annual Georgia EMS Awards Banquet, held at the ... [Full Story »] 

The county industrial authority plans to open bids for the Hwy. 29 North water line project on Oct. 1. IDA executive director Marvin White said the board, depending on bid prices, may have to seek an additional $200,000 - $300,000 in additional funding from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to complete the project. White ... [Full Story »] 

How many days of vacation should a Madison County employee be able to carry from one year to the next? County commissioners discussed the issue last Thursday and will talk about the matter again when they meet Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the county government complex. County human resources director Donna Sisk appeared before the BOC Thursday to ask ... [Full Story »] 

A Hull convenience store owner is in the crime reports again recently. Mohammad Shafiq, 43, 84 Hidden Falls Drive, Hull, was charged with battery under the Family Violence Act and cruelty to children in the third degree Aug. 30. According to an incident report released this week by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, a Department of Family ... [Full Story »]