News from MadisonJournalTODAY

Actions filed recently in the office of the Clerk of Superior Court of Madison County include: •Marion Scott Laseter, 48, 1130 Pannell Road, Monroe, was sentenced to one year probation and fined $270 for harassing phone calls (reduced from stalking). •Shannon Lance Johnson, 33, 4130 Janel Lane, Loganville, was sentenced to one year ... [Full Story »] 

Big changes are coming to those who buy a car — used or new — in the upcoming year. Beginning next March, car purchasers will no longer be required to pay an annual ad valorem tax (also called the “birthday tax”) or state and local taxes on the purchase of a vehicle. Instead, those taxes will be replaced with a one-time state and local ... [Full Story »] 

Madison County’s Barry Bailey was sentenced to eight years and one month — 97 months — in prison recently in federal court for possession of child pornography. The former Ila Elementary School physical education teacher was also sentenced in United States District Court on Nov. 27 to 25 years probation and a $15,000 fine. A second charge ... [Full Story »] 

The new Hwy. 191 Bridge over Scull Shoal Creek in Madison County is now open to traffic. Hwy. 191 over Scull Shoal Creek is approximately four miles northeast of Danielsville. The bridge closed Dec. 27, 2011 and opened today at 2:50 p.m., 18 days ahead of the project completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. The original bridge outlived its life ... [Full Story »] 

Madison County board of education said goodbye to two of its longtime members Dec. 11, chairman Jim Patton, who has served on the board for 13 years and Leslie Neal, who has served on the board for the past eight years. Both board members decided not to run for re-election this year. Superintendent Dr. Allen McCannon presented both men with a ... [Full Story »] 

The Madison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 27, in the county government complex. Agenda items are as follows: •Chairman’s report. (Chairman Anthony Dove) •Business involving guests, groups or multiple visitors. •Report from IDA – Marvin White. •Statements and remarks from citizens on agenda ... [Full Story »]