Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Supervisors met on Monday for their regular first-of-the-month meeting with mostly routine items on the agenda. The supervisors heard the sheriff's report which included the approval of one new hire at the regional jail; accepted a bid from Vance Brothers, Inc. of Arkansas for seal resurfacing; and approved travel for Emergency Management Coordinator Lorriane Howell to attend a district meeting in Wiggins, later this month. Howell told the supervisors that Movella Volunteer Fire Department was approved for a FEMA firetruck grant with the truck expected soon. The supervisors approved to pay $10,600, which is the required 5 percent of the grant total. A couple of road issued were addressed and a preliminary plat was approved for a new subdivision in District 1.
The meeting will be continued on Monday, August 13 at 8 a.m.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Board of Education Revise Cell Phone Policy
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Education District Office was filled with concerned parents on Thursday evening requesting clarification on the “no tolerance” cell phone policy and expressing concerns.
At their first-of-the-month meeting, the Board of Education
heard from several concerned parents including parent representative Vickie Moore, who asked the board to explain the wording in the new policy, which the parents of high school students recently received at registration and orientation. This explanation led to other parent expressing concern with the “no tolerance” policy for after school activities and events. Several of the parents expressed they totally agreed with the “no tolerance” policy during instructional hours but had concerns with activities held beyond regular school hours, such as What time to pick their child up after practice or what time to meet buses after an event. Parent Melissa Garretson said that the teens “should be taught responsibility” in reference to cell phone use and a compromise should be reachable for students who can make responsible decision with a cell phone.
Superintendent Donnie Howell suggested purchasing additional cell phones to be used by students when a land line is not available.
After debating for more than an hour, Board Member Larry McDonald made a motion that cell phones would not be allowed during instructional hours but students could be allowed to have cell phones for after school activities, the motion pasted with a 4-1 vote, with David Nelson voting against.
Later in the meeting Nelson expressed concerns in favor of purchasing the additional cell phones to be used by student to contact parents, when land line phones are not available. The recommendation, made by Superintendent Howell did past. Parents with students in after school activities, will be able to obtain contact numbers for the cell phones to be used by the students.
The “no tolerance” cell phone policy during school hours states that any cell phone found will be taken by school officials for one calendar year.
During the meeting on Thursday evening, a discipline policy was added, which states students caught with cell phones will serve “in house” suspension for 3 day, first offense; 5 days, second offense and 45 days alternative school for third offense. Any child refusing to give up the phone will be expelled. The discipline policy past with a 4-1 vote, Larry McDonald voting against.
Other board action, included the hiring of a Hattiesburg Company to perform random drug testing; the approval of $3,100 to assist with a Baseball Boosters project; and the approval for the construction of a filming tower at the practice field at George County High School.
The George County Board of Education District Office was filled with concerned parents on Thursday evening requesting clarification on the “no tolerance” cell phone policy and expressing concerns.
At their first-of-the-month meeting, the Board of Education
heard from several concerned parents including parent representative Vickie Moore, who asked the board to explain the wording in the new policy, which the parents of high school students recently received at registration and orientation. This explanation led to other parent expressing concern with the “no tolerance” policy for after school activities and events. Several of the parents expressed they totally agreed with the “no tolerance” policy during instructional hours but had concerns with activities held beyond regular school hours, such as What time to pick their child up after practice or what time to meet buses after an event. Parent Melissa Garretson said that the teens “should be taught responsibility” in reference to cell phone use and a compromise should be reachable for students who can make responsible decision with a cell phone.
Superintendent Donnie Howell suggested purchasing additional cell phones to be used by students when a land line is not available.
After debating for more than an hour, Board Member Larry McDonald made a motion that cell phones would not be allowed during instructional hours but students could be allowed to have cell phones for after school activities, the motion pasted with a 4-1 vote, with David Nelson voting against.
Later in the meeting Nelson expressed concerns in favor of purchasing the additional cell phones to be used by student to contact parents, when land line phones are not available. The recommendation, made by Superintendent Howell did past. Parents with students in after school activities, will be able to obtain contact numbers for the cell phones to be used by the students.
The “no tolerance” cell phone policy during school hours states that any cell phone found will be taken by school officials for one calendar year.
During the meeting on Thursday evening, a discipline policy was added, which states students caught with cell phones will serve “in house” suspension for 3 day, first offense; 5 days, second offense and 45 days alternative school for third offense. Any child refusing to give up the phone will be expelled. The discipline policy past with a 4-1 vote, Larry McDonald voting against.
Other board action, included the hiring of a Hattiesburg Company to perform random drug testing; the approval of $3,100 to assist with a Baseball Boosters project; and the approval for the construction of a filming tower at the practice field at George County High School.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Supervisors Hear Concerns of HUD Homeowners
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Supervisors spent most of Wednesday taking care of end-of-the-month business, addressing road petitions and hearing concerns from homeowners of the 2006 Home Grant Program.
During the first half hour of the regularly scheduled meeting, the supervisors approved several routine items, renewed volunteer fire department contracts, heard that grant-purchased generators for Lucedale Waterworks and Benndale Elementary School had arrived, and approved a $100 military car tag exemption for local citizens currently serving in the Middle East.
Sandra Bowling with the 2006 Home Grant Program reported to the supervisors that changes in the floor plans for two of the five HUD homes being built in George County had to be made due to rising cost and changes in state and federal regulations.
Bowling said in April of this year HUD officials put an hold on the program due to rising cost, overspending and inconsistencies. New floor plans were submitted and in June a list of changes and corrections was released with a deadline of July 20 for completion.
Bowling told the board on Wednesday, that the first three homes were built and final inspection were approved before the new regulations when into affect. For the fourth and fifth homeowners, a downsize to cover cost meant changes to the original floor plans.
Both homeowners were in attendance and stated they were thankful for their homes but had concerns with the new house plans. One home owners express contractor problems with leakage around an outside door and the improper installation of the air conditioner unit, which lead to floor replacement.
Bowling said the contractors will correct the mistakes at their own expense. The supervisors told Bowling to visit each of the homeowners and address their concerns before the August 6 board meeting.
Supervisors Henry Cochran, Kelly Wright and Larry Havard expressed concerns for the homeowners, but also told Bowling that they realized state and federal guildlines must be met.
Other items on the end-of-the-month agenda included several road issues, tax roll corrections, adjustments to the budget, the approval of the sale of five trucks previously owned by fire departments, heard updates on several road and bridge projects from County Engineer Bob Diamond and the approval of new employee Amanda Erkhart for Accounts Receivable department.
The George County Board of Supervisors spent most of Wednesday taking care of end-of-the-month business, addressing road petitions and hearing concerns from homeowners of the 2006 Home Grant Program.
During the first half hour of the regularly scheduled meeting, the supervisors approved several routine items, renewed volunteer fire department contracts, heard that grant-purchased generators for Lucedale Waterworks and Benndale Elementary School had arrived, and approved a $100 military car tag exemption for local citizens currently serving in the Middle East.
Sandra Bowling with the 2006 Home Grant Program reported to the supervisors that changes in the floor plans for two of the five HUD homes being built in George County had to be made due to rising cost and changes in state and federal regulations.
Bowling said in April of this year HUD officials put an hold on the program due to rising cost, overspending and inconsistencies. New floor plans were submitted and in June a list of changes and corrections was released with a deadline of July 20 for completion.
Bowling told the board on Wednesday, that the first three homes were built and final inspection were approved before the new regulations when into affect. For the fourth and fifth homeowners, a downsize to cover cost meant changes to the original floor plans.
Both homeowners were in attendance and stated they were thankful for their homes but had concerns with the new house plans. One home owners express contractor problems with leakage around an outside door and the improper installation of the air conditioner unit, which lead to floor replacement.
Bowling said the contractors will correct the mistakes at their own expense. The supervisors told Bowling to visit each of the homeowners and address their concerns before the August 6 board meeting.
Supervisors Henry Cochran, Kelly Wright and Larry Havard expressed concerns for the homeowners, but also told Bowling that they realized state and federal guildlines must be met.
Other items on the end-of-the-month agenda included several road issues, tax roll corrections, adjustments to the budget, the approval of the sale of five trucks previously owned by fire departments, heard updates on several road and bridge projects from County Engineer Bob Diamond and the approval of new employee Amanda Erkhart for Accounts Receivable department.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Son lost on ATV compels mother to speak
Courtsey of Sun Herald/July 5, 2007
A nervous but determined Kim Motes stood beside a wrecked Honda Recon ATV in a Lucedale parking lot and began talking about the accident.
In the background the rain was stopping and people were climbing out of cars to celebrate the Fourth of July. Motes was not celebrating.
She is just now coming to terms with the loss of her child, and she is determined to do something about it.
Her life was turned upside down in February. Her son, Benjamin "Jamie" Dunn, was killed while driving his ATV to a friend's house. He pulled out behind a dump truck at the intersection of Mississippi 613 and Ward Pineview Road, according to witnesses, and was struck by a car he did not see. He died the next day.
He was 16 years old.
"I'll never forget that day. My son just laid there in ICU with all of those machines beeping. He wasn't responsive, but I just prayed for a miracle. At 10:40 in the morning, they pronounced my baby dead," Motes said. "And to make it worse, it was my birthday."
Mote says her son did everything he wasn't supposed to do. Not only had he been driving along a road, he also wasn't wearing a helmet.
"I know ATVs are so popular and kids use them like automobiles around here," she said, "but they're not. They're not meant for the road. And a helmet should always be worn."
She said she understands other parents who don't enforce those rules. She didn't follow them, either. "But it's no excuse now. It's like seat belts. We know better."
Not only are parents not enforcing good safety rules when it comes to children riding ATVs, the state has few rules for them.
George County Sheriff Garry Welford said during an earlier interview there are few laws concerning operating ATVs and similar unregistered vehicles on Mississippi highways.
"I have researched the law thoroughly. The only thing we are able to do is ticket the drivers for improper equipment or because they cannot provide proof of liability insurance."
In the absence of state law, Welford asked George County supervisors on March 5 to adopt a county ordinance regarding ATVs on county highways. The supervisors chose to take no action with board attorney Robert Shepard telling Welford the board could only do so much to protect people from themselves.
Dunn's death was the second ATV-related death on George County highways this year. Jillian Howell, 23, was killed Jan. 26 when she was thrown from an ATV into the path of a car. Howell was a passenger on a machine being driven on the shoulder of Mississippi 198 west of Lucedale when the accident occurred.
Nationwide, 40,000 children under the age 16 are killed or injured in ATV accidents each year, according to Concerned Families for ATV Safety. It is a number that is increasing. During the decade from 1995 until 2005, ATV-related deaths for children increased 88 percent.
Dr. Bill Beazley, George Regional Emergency Room medical director, said ATV accidents are not rare. "Accidents are happening all the time," he said in a recent news release on the topic. "What just tears me up is knowing that these accidents are all preventable."
A nervous but determined Kim Motes stood beside a wrecked Honda Recon ATV in a Lucedale parking lot and began talking about the accident.
In the background the rain was stopping and people were climbing out of cars to celebrate the Fourth of July. Motes was not celebrating.
She is just now coming to terms with the loss of her child, and she is determined to do something about it.
Her life was turned upside down in February. Her son, Benjamin "Jamie" Dunn, was killed while driving his ATV to a friend's house. He pulled out behind a dump truck at the intersection of Mississippi 613 and Ward Pineview Road, according to witnesses, and was struck by a car he did not see. He died the next day.
He was 16 years old.
"I'll never forget that day. My son just laid there in ICU with all of those machines beeping. He wasn't responsive, but I just prayed for a miracle. At 10:40 in the morning, they pronounced my baby dead," Motes said. "And to make it worse, it was my birthday."
Mote says her son did everything he wasn't supposed to do. Not only had he been driving along a road, he also wasn't wearing a helmet.
"I know ATVs are so popular and kids use them like automobiles around here," she said, "but they're not. They're not meant for the road. And a helmet should always be worn."
She said she understands other parents who don't enforce those rules. She didn't follow them, either. "But it's no excuse now. It's like seat belts. We know better."
Not only are parents not enforcing good safety rules when it comes to children riding ATVs, the state has few rules for them.
George County Sheriff Garry Welford said during an earlier interview there are few laws concerning operating ATVs and similar unregistered vehicles on Mississippi highways.
"I have researched the law thoroughly. The only thing we are able to do is ticket the drivers for improper equipment or because they cannot provide proof of liability insurance."
In the absence of state law, Welford asked George County supervisors on March 5 to adopt a county ordinance regarding ATVs on county highways. The supervisors chose to take no action with board attorney Robert Shepard telling Welford the board could only do so much to protect people from themselves.
Dunn's death was the second ATV-related death on George County highways this year. Jillian Howell, 23, was killed Jan. 26 when she was thrown from an ATV into the path of a car. Howell was a passenger on a machine being driven on the shoulder of Mississippi 198 west of Lucedale when the accident occurred.
Nationwide, 40,000 children under the age 16 are killed or injured in ATV accidents each year, according to Concerned Families for ATV Safety. It is a number that is increasing. During the decade from 1995 until 2005, ATV-related deaths for children increased 88 percent.
Dr. Bill Beazley, George Regional Emergency Room medical director, said ATV accidents are not rare. "Accidents are happening all the time," he said in a recent news release on the topic. "What just tears me up is knowing that these accidents are all preventable."
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Recycle Hours Cut to Only Wed, Political Sign in City Discussed
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The Lucedale Board of Aldermen voted to only open the recycle center one day a week at their first of the month meeting on Tuesday evening.
Public Works Director Lavell Henderson reported changes to the state inmate policy would no longer allow them to attend work details on Saturdays and holidays. Henderson said inorder to have a work shift at the recycle center on Saturdays, his employees would have to accumulate over-time. It was unclear if the new inmate policy was only temporary. The aldermen voted to only open the recycle center on Wednesdays, beginning the week of July 9 until further notice.
Several routine items were approved and two resignations were accepted from the Lucedale Police Department, that of patrolman Jason Smith and dispatcher Dawn Pipkins.
The board voted to purchase $100 advertisement for a local team to travel to the All-Star State Baseball Tournament in Vicksburg and voted to begin round 2 in the application process of a Katrina Supplemental Grant.
Billie Tilley, Susanne Whites, Jim Corley and Dave Lollis were appointed to a newly formed “Replant South Mississippi Committee” and travel was approved for the committee to attend an urban forest workshop on the coast on July 25-27.
The aldermen discussed the city's sign ordinance and stated concerns about signs blocking motorist views when placed on right-of-ways; the signs are being collected by city employees, but arrangements can be made for the return of the signs to their rightful owners.
The Lucedale Board of Aldermen voted to only open the recycle center one day a week at their first of the month meeting on Tuesday evening.
Public Works Director Lavell Henderson reported changes to the state inmate policy would no longer allow them to attend work details on Saturdays and holidays. Henderson said inorder to have a work shift at the recycle center on Saturdays, his employees would have to accumulate over-time. It was unclear if the new inmate policy was only temporary. The aldermen voted to only open the recycle center on Wednesdays, beginning the week of July 9 until further notice.
Several routine items were approved and two resignations were accepted from the Lucedale Police Department, that of patrolman Jason Smith and dispatcher Dawn Pipkins.
The board voted to purchase $100 advertisement for a local team to travel to the All-Star State Baseball Tournament in Vicksburg and voted to begin round 2 in the application process of a Katrina Supplemental Grant.
Billie Tilley, Susanne Whites, Jim Corley and Dave Lollis were appointed to a newly formed “Replant South Mississippi Committee” and travel was approved for the committee to attend an urban forest workshop on the coast on July 25-27.
The aldermen discussed the city's sign ordinance and stated concerns about signs blocking motorist views when placed on right-of-ways; the signs are being collected by city employees, but arrangements can be made for the return of the signs to their rightful owners.
McLeod Approved for RCES Principal, Extention Granted to Boys, Girls Club
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Education met on two nights this week, first on Monday night to address regular agenda items and then again on Tuesday to discuss and approve the 2007-08 School System Budget.
On Monday, Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell introduced Roger McLeod to the board as the recommended new principal for Rocky Creek Elementary.
McLeod, originally from Greene County, has worked in administration on every level for 26 years, the past five in Choctaw, Mississippi. His wife is also an educator.
The Board member questioned McLeod extensively, before approving him for the position. McLeod assured the board that he planned to be with the school system six to ten years and his priority was to educate the children and support the teachers. He told the board that his past career records would show an increase in state test scores during his tenures of administration, but said “It's not about the test scores, it's about educating the children.”
New School Resource Officers Al Hillman and Jason Smith were also introduced to the board and George Regional Hospital Administrator Paul Gardner was finally given the go ahead for new hospital construction on what is now the walking tract and the George County Middle School. Many detains are yet to be worked out, but Gardner can move forward with appropriate paperwork for the proposed project.
The George County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club was given another extension for use of the Lucedale Intermediate School, until December 31. Boys and Girls Club Representative Sue Wright told the board that it was possible that the Club could secure property with the assistance of a large corporation in the area, but the project was still in the beginning stages and was too soon to give a definite information.
Concern Citizen Raleigh Sargent questioned the board members on why the kitchen portion of Lucedale Intermediate School had been closed. Superintendent Howell and Food Service Director Debbie Tillman assured Sargent that the students would still receive fresh, hot meals everyday, served from the stream tables just as they have in the past. The meals would just be prepared at Lucedale Elementary and then taken to LIS with specialized equipment.
Tillman explained that the kitchen had to be shut down due to health concerns and to renovated the entire kitchen would be a great cost to the school district. Tillman said due to such a small number of students at both schools, the state recommended closing the kitchen and cooking at an alternate site, which would be LES. Tillman said she had researched the recommendations and spoke with other schools in the district in which the program was in place and felt it was the best solution to the problem.
At the recommendation of George County High School Head Coach Al Jones, the board voted to approve increasing the price of “season tickets” from $50 to $60 for adult passes. Jones also gave updates on the new soccer field project and drainage at the high school football field.
George County High School Principal Paul Wallace reported that the new “no tolerance” cell phone policy would be in the student handbooks and a copy would also be given to parents at pre-registration.
Before adjourning, the board set the next regular agenda meeting for Thursday, August 2.
On Tuesday, the board members reviewed the 2007-08 school budget with Business Manager Stu Whites and approved the estimated $ 38,976, 914 budget. Whites explained that the budget had increase by approximately 5%, but for the first time in two years would operate in the black. Whites said several new job positions increased the budget, along with an increase in salaries, but the school district received increased revenues this year which balanced the extra expenses. The board member discussed researching more efficient and energy-saving power needs, and possibly even setting up a later meeting with Singing River Electrical Power Association Officials and also researching possible re-wiring projects.
A complete budget will run in a future issue of the George County Times for public review.
The George County Board of Education met on two nights this week, first on Monday night to address regular agenda items and then again on Tuesday to discuss and approve the 2007-08 School System Budget.
On Monday, Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell introduced Roger McLeod to the board as the recommended new principal for Rocky Creek Elementary.
McLeod, originally from Greene County, has worked in administration on every level for 26 years, the past five in Choctaw, Mississippi. His wife is also an educator.
The Board member questioned McLeod extensively, before approving him for the position. McLeod assured the board that he planned to be with the school system six to ten years and his priority was to educate the children and support the teachers. He told the board that his past career records would show an increase in state test scores during his tenures of administration, but said “It's not about the test scores, it's about educating the children.”
New School Resource Officers Al Hillman and Jason Smith were also introduced to the board and George Regional Hospital Administrator Paul Gardner was finally given the go ahead for new hospital construction on what is now the walking tract and the George County Middle School. Many detains are yet to be worked out, but Gardner can move forward with appropriate paperwork for the proposed project.
The George County chapter of the Boys and Girls Club was given another extension for use of the Lucedale Intermediate School, until December 31. Boys and Girls Club Representative Sue Wright told the board that it was possible that the Club could secure property with the assistance of a large corporation in the area, but the project was still in the beginning stages and was too soon to give a definite information.
Concern Citizen Raleigh Sargent questioned the board members on why the kitchen portion of Lucedale Intermediate School had been closed. Superintendent Howell and Food Service Director Debbie Tillman assured Sargent that the students would still receive fresh, hot meals everyday, served from the stream tables just as they have in the past. The meals would just be prepared at Lucedale Elementary and then taken to LIS with specialized equipment.
Tillman explained that the kitchen had to be shut down due to health concerns and to renovated the entire kitchen would be a great cost to the school district. Tillman said due to such a small number of students at both schools, the state recommended closing the kitchen and cooking at an alternate site, which would be LES. Tillman said she had researched the recommendations and spoke with other schools in the district in which the program was in place and felt it was the best solution to the problem.
At the recommendation of George County High School Head Coach Al Jones, the board voted to approve increasing the price of “season tickets” from $50 to $60 for adult passes. Jones also gave updates on the new soccer field project and drainage at the high school football field.
George County High School Principal Paul Wallace reported that the new “no tolerance” cell phone policy would be in the student handbooks and a copy would also be given to parents at pre-registration.
Before adjourning, the board set the next regular agenda meeting for Thursday, August 2.
On Tuesday, the board members reviewed the 2007-08 school budget with Business Manager Stu Whites and approved the estimated $ 38,976, 914 budget. Whites explained that the budget had increase by approximately 5%, but for the first time in two years would operate in the black. Whites said several new job positions increased the budget, along with an increase in salaries, but the school district received increased revenues this year which balanced the extra expenses. The board member discussed researching more efficient and energy-saving power needs, and possibly even setting up a later meeting with Singing River Electrical Power Association Officials and also researching possible re-wiring projects.
A complete budget will run in a future issue of the George County Times for public review.
Friday, July 6, 2007
Rain didn't put damper on Fourth, Residents celebrate despite weather
Courtsey of Sun Herald/July 5, 2007
Even with afternoon rain showers, the spirit of celebrating our nation's independence was still in the air as George County residents gathered in two large parking lots, awaiting the evening festivities.
By noon, Bobby and Joann Reed of the Howell community had picked a prime spot to set up their small travel trailer for the day. The Reeds picked a spot near the former Wal-Mart building, close enough to the main stage to enjoy the live entertainment, but far enough back to put them front and center for the evening's main event, the fireworks display.
The Reeds said they usually come later in the afternoon, but this year "we brought the camper and made a day of it," Bobby Reed said, which included inviting friends, Aubrey and Wilene Clark and John and Rosa Hardy, to join them for a late afternoon meal of barbecue chicken with all the trimmings.
The three couples visited throughout the afternoon, huddling under the camper's canopy during an afternoon rain shower. Mrs. Clark said her thoughts were with "our boys over there" and recalled recent news reels of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. "They are doing a good thing and we need to remember them everyday," she said.
Even with afternoon rain showers, the spirit of celebrating our nation's independence was still in the air as George County residents gathered in two large parking lots, awaiting the evening festivities.
By noon, Bobby and Joann Reed of the Howell community had picked a prime spot to set up their small travel trailer for the day. The Reeds picked a spot near the former Wal-Mart building, close enough to the main stage to enjoy the live entertainment, but far enough back to put them front and center for the evening's main event, the fireworks display.
The Reeds said they usually come later in the afternoon, but this year "we brought the camper and made a day of it," Bobby Reed said, which included inviting friends, Aubrey and Wilene Clark and John and Rosa Hardy, to join them for a late afternoon meal of barbecue chicken with all the trimmings.
The three couples visited throughout the afternoon, huddling under the camper's canopy during an afternoon rain shower. Mrs. Clark said her thoughts were with "our boys over there" and recalled recent news reels of U.S. soldiers in the Middle East. "They are doing a good thing and we need to remember them everyday," she said.
Rain doesn't dampen spirits at celebration
Courtsey of Hattiesburg American/July 5, 2007
Rain showers seemed to only add to the excitement in Lucedale as large crowds gathered in the former Wal-Mart and Wayne Lee's parking lots for the annual Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks display Wednesday.
Barbecue grills and smokers cooked up family favorites as local politicians made their way through the crowds waving signs and shaking hands.
Sherry Cooley and her supporters walked through the crowd, waving signs asking the voters to consider her for the George County Circuit Clerk's post.
Cooley said that even with the rain, the festive spirit of the day was strong as the crowds grew and the day's entertainment began.
"It's just about being here, visiting with everybody and having a great time. It's part of who we are in George County, supporting each other and spending time with our family and friends," Cooley said.
Cammie Byrd, incumbent for George County Chancery Clerk, shared hot dogs, sausage and drinks with the crowd as she visited with family, friends and supporters, as well as making a point to visit with voters she has not had the opportunity to see during this political season.
"Today is great, because I get to see and visit with so many people that I would not otherwise get to see," Byrd said, "not just to ask for their support; but just to see them, visit... and have a good time."
Byrd said Independence Day is special and too often taken for granted.
"It is about our freedom. The freedom I have to speak here today. The freedom to vote. The freedom we too often take for granted."
Rain showers seemed to only add to the excitement in Lucedale as large crowds gathered in the former Wal-Mart and Wayne Lee's parking lots for the annual Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks display Wednesday.
Barbecue grills and smokers cooked up family favorites as local politicians made their way through the crowds waving signs and shaking hands.
Sherry Cooley and her supporters walked through the crowd, waving signs asking the voters to consider her for the George County Circuit Clerk's post.
Cooley said that even with the rain, the festive spirit of the day was strong as the crowds grew and the day's entertainment began.
"It's just about being here, visiting with everybody and having a great time. It's part of who we are in George County, supporting each other and spending time with our family and friends," Cooley said.
Cammie Byrd, incumbent for George County Chancery Clerk, shared hot dogs, sausage and drinks with the crowd as she visited with family, friends and supporters, as well as making a point to visit with voters she has not had the opportunity to see during this political season.
"Today is great, because I get to see and visit with so many people that I would not otherwise get to see," Byrd said, "not just to ask for their support; but just to see them, visit... and have a good time."
Byrd said Independence Day is special and too often taken for granted.
"It is about our freedom. The freedom I have to speak here today. The freedom to vote. The freedom we too often take for granted."
New Fees Will Generate Funds For SO, Poll Workers Get Raise
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
With the recent rain and thunder storms moving through the area, the George County Board of Supervisors voted to lift the county-wide burn ban at their first-of-the-month meeting on Monday.
The meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda items and permission was granted to Sheriff Garry Welford and Justice Court Clerk Shawn Strahan to move forward with a new program to generate funds for future purchases.
An additional $10 fee will be added to tickets written by the sheriff's deputies and sent to an account in the county's name and handled by the Department of Public Safety. The funds generated can be used for future electronic and technology purchases for the George County Sheriff's Department The only cost for the service is a 1% fee charged by the Department of Public Safety to maintain the account.
The supervisors approved two new employees for the George County Regional Jail and also granted Strahan permission to change part-time employee Cindy Busby to full-time status for Justice Court.
The Supervisors voted to repair the courthouse downstairs elevator at an estimated cost of $4,780.; two bids were accepted for the expansion of Shipman Volunteer Fire Department, pending District One Supervisor Lit Eubanks review of the specifications. The project will include a slab and mental building at an estimated cost of $71,970 with the electrical work to be decided at a later date.
The Supervisors signed an “agreement of services” contract with United Heart, which is an non-profit, certified emergency response agency, for services they may can provide to the county at no cost to the county and they chose to accept a Prescription drug card program for county employees at no cost to the county, but will allow a 30% to 50% savings on prescription purchases.
The supervisors heard several road and subdivision updates from County Engineer Bob Diamond and voted to move forward with pre-approved Pat Harrison Bridge Projects. Diamond reported that he had secured some salvage bridge materials from Jackson County and Pat Harrison would pay $25,000 for each of the $80,000 plus projects.
The supervisors voted to grant a $30 per day pay increase to poll workers, bringing their pay form $70 to $100 per day. At a previous board meeting Election Commissioner Connie Landcaster made the request, stating that poll workers were harder to find with the new technology She said many of the older citizens were willing to volunteer but they could not lift the heavy voting machines and most did not understand the new technology and paper work well enough to be considered. The state recently passed a pay increase for the poll workers, which could have been as much as $50 extra.
Before adjourning, the supervisors scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. this morning (Tuesday) to look at all the voting precients and make decisions on what needs to be done to get them ready for election day. At a previous meeting the supervisors stated that anyone handicap or elderly which can not get inside their assigned precient to vote, may contact their supervisor or the Circuit Clerk's officer prior to election day to make arrangements to vote.
With the recent rain and thunder storms moving through the area, the George County Board of Supervisors voted to lift the county-wide burn ban at their first-of-the-month meeting on Monday.
The meeting began with the approval of the consent agenda items and permission was granted to Sheriff Garry Welford and Justice Court Clerk Shawn Strahan to move forward with a new program to generate funds for future purchases.
An additional $10 fee will be added to tickets written by the sheriff's deputies and sent to an account in the county's name and handled by the Department of Public Safety. The funds generated can be used for future electronic and technology purchases for the George County Sheriff's Department The only cost for the service is a 1% fee charged by the Department of Public Safety to maintain the account.
The supervisors approved two new employees for the George County Regional Jail and also granted Strahan permission to change part-time employee Cindy Busby to full-time status for Justice Court.
The Supervisors voted to repair the courthouse downstairs elevator at an estimated cost of $4,780.; two bids were accepted for the expansion of Shipman Volunteer Fire Department, pending District One Supervisor Lit Eubanks review of the specifications. The project will include a slab and mental building at an estimated cost of $71,970 with the electrical work to be decided at a later date.
The Supervisors signed an “agreement of services” contract with United Heart, which is an non-profit, certified emergency response agency, for services they may can provide to the county at no cost to the county and they chose to accept a Prescription drug card program for county employees at no cost to the county, but will allow a 30% to 50% savings on prescription purchases.
The supervisors heard several road and subdivision updates from County Engineer Bob Diamond and voted to move forward with pre-approved Pat Harrison Bridge Projects. Diamond reported that he had secured some salvage bridge materials from Jackson County and Pat Harrison would pay $25,000 for each of the $80,000 plus projects.
The supervisors voted to grant a $30 per day pay increase to poll workers, bringing their pay form $70 to $100 per day. At a previous board meeting Election Commissioner Connie Landcaster made the request, stating that poll workers were harder to find with the new technology She said many of the older citizens were willing to volunteer but they could not lift the heavy voting machines and most did not understand the new technology and paper work well enough to be considered. The state recently passed a pay increase for the poll workers, which could have been as much as $50 extra.
Before adjourning, the supervisors scheduled to meet at 8 a.m. this morning (Tuesday) to look at all the voting precients and make decisions on what needs to be done to get them ready for election day. At a previous meeting the supervisors stated that anyone handicap or elderly which can not get inside their assigned precient to vote, may contact their supervisor or the Circuit Clerk's officer prior to election day to make arrangements to vote.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Cost of Education on the Rise
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The cost of education is going up by an estimated $1.8 Million for local students according to George County School District Business Manager Stu White.
During a public hearing on Tuesday evening, White said there was an estimated 5% increase in the budget from $37,106,346 for the 2006-07 fiscal year to an estimated $38,976, 914 for the 2007-08 fiscal year., but for the first time in recent years, the budget will be in the black.
This year the school district will operate with a balanced budget, thanks to additional state funding. For the past two years, the school budget has seen small deficits but the deficits were covered by reserve funds.
Approximately 53% of the total budget is spent on instructional services, which includes teacher salaries, benefits and supplies, according to White, with the district employing 371 teachers and assistant teachers of the 610 total employees.
The funds used by the school district comes from federal, state and local governments, with only a small amount of local taxes used by our local school district, according to White. State laws regulate the amount of local millage that can be used to fund schools, which could be as much as 55 mills, but the local school board has chosen NOT to ask for the full amount to fund George County Schools. White said the amount of mills used by our school district has actually decreased in recent years and is now down to 35 mills, even though the value of each mill has increased.
The amount of state funding expected by the school district this year has increase due to the state government fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), which is the state's portion of the education bill. An increase of $3 Million is expected in the state funding, which will bring the total amount expected to a little more than $24 million.
While the state funding is increasing for this fiscal year, the amount expected from federal funds is expected to decrease from $6.7 Million to around $4 Million.
The school board members have already met in several work sessions to discuss budget priorities and the amount of money the district will be spending next year, White said. The board is expected to approve the budget the next scheduled meeting, on Monday, July 2.
"Special Thanks" to local reporter Royce Armstrong for his assistance with this report.
The cost of education is going up by an estimated $1.8 Million for local students according to George County School District Business Manager Stu White.
During a public hearing on Tuesday evening, White said there was an estimated 5% increase in the budget from $37,106,346 for the 2006-07 fiscal year to an estimated $38,976, 914 for the 2007-08 fiscal year., but for the first time in recent years, the budget will be in the black.
This year the school district will operate with a balanced budget, thanks to additional state funding. For the past two years, the school budget has seen small deficits but the deficits were covered by reserve funds.
Approximately 53% of the total budget is spent on instructional services, which includes teacher salaries, benefits and supplies, according to White, with the district employing 371 teachers and assistant teachers of the 610 total employees.
The funds used by the school district comes from federal, state and local governments, with only a small amount of local taxes used by our local school district, according to White. State laws regulate the amount of local millage that can be used to fund schools, which could be as much as 55 mills, but the local school board has chosen NOT to ask for the full amount to fund George County Schools. White said the amount of mills used by our school district has actually decreased in recent years and is now down to 35 mills, even though the value of each mill has increased.
The amount of state funding expected by the school district this year has increase due to the state government fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program (MAEP), which is the state's portion of the education bill. An increase of $3 Million is expected in the state funding, which will bring the total amount expected to a little more than $24 million.
While the state funding is increasing for this fiscal year, the amount expected from federal funds is expected to decrease from $6.7 Million to around $4 Million.
The school board members have already met in several work sessions to discuss budget priorities and the amount of money the district will be spending next year, White said. The board is expected to approve the budget the next scheduled meeting, on Monday, July 2.
"Special Thanks" to local reporter Royce Armstrong for his assistance with this report.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
New Agenda Format, Voting Issued Address at End-of-Month BOS Meeting
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
Several items were addressed at the George County Board of Supervisors' end-of-the-month meeting on Monday with Supervisors Larry Havard and Lit Eubanks absent.
The Supervisors began by approving items listed on the consent agenda, which included claims dockets, board minutes, tax roll changes and employee travel; which was followed by a brief executive session with Chancery Judges Jaye Bradley and Randy Pierce.
Election Commissioner Connie Lancaster requested the supervisors consider the newly approved pay increase for local poll workers, which could increase as much as an additional $50 per day. Lancaster told the supervisors that getting enough poll workers for elections was the hardest part of the election commissioners job. She said many of the older citizens were willing to volunteer but they could not lift the heavy voting machines and most did not understand the new technology and paper work well enough to be considered. The supervisors took the request under advisement until the July 2 meeting.
Clem Parker, who is the Democrat Party Vice-Chairman for George County, asked the board about handicap accessibility at all the voting precients in the county. Parker said he was there on behalf of the Democrat Party and would have to give them a report. He reminded the board that state and federal laws had been pasted to insure all precients were handicap accessible.
Board President Kelly Wright told Parker that they were well aware of the laws and trying to comply, but to bring each precient up to code would cost “several hundred thousand dollars and the county simply does not have it.,” Wright said. He explained that the county had applied for state funding to bring the buildings up to code, but only received a small amount of state funding. “It was not even enough to complete one,” Wright said. He told Parker that other grants had also been applied for and denied.
Wright and Supervisor Henry Cochran assured Parker that any elderly or handicap person in the county wishing to vote would be able to do so. “We will see to it that they are able to vote,” Cochran said.
Any one handicap or elderly, who can not get to their set precients to vote, needs to contact the Circuit Clerks office or one of the Supervisors prior to election day for arrangements to be made.
Concerned citizen Bill Sheffield addressed the board with wash-out and flooding problems on his property, located on Brannon Road in Dist. 1. Sheffield said he had tried to addressed the problem with the road workers and the foreman on site, and had also spoken to his his supervisor, Lit Eubanks about the problem. Wright told Sheffield that the Board would need to get with Eubanks on the matter.
Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Howell reported an increase in insurance from an estimated $32,000 to an estimated $37,000 due to the increase in trucks and equipment, which were obtained through grants.
Three AT&T permits were approved, Bids were opened and taken under advisement for the expansion of Shipman Volunteer Fire Department, two subcontract request were approved in Districts 2 and 5; and the final approval for Green Field Subdivision in District 2 was approved.
Economic Development Coordinator Sue Wright told the Supervisors that George County Industrial Park was seriously being considered by a large manufacturing business but the county had several steps they needed to take before a decision was made. Wright suggested a meeting with the supervisors and with County Engineer Bob Diamond and a meeting was set.
Next Board Meeting is set for Monday, July 2 @ 9:00 a.m.
Several items were addressed at the George County Board of Supervisors' end-of-the-month meeting on Monday with Supervisors Larry Havard and Lit Eubanks absent.
The Supervisors began by approving items listed on the consent agenda, which included claims dockets, board minutes, tax roll changes and employee travel; which was followed by a brief executive session with Chancery Judges Jaye Bradley and Randy Pierce.
Election Commissioner Connie Lancaster requested the supervisors consider the newly approved pay increase for local poll workers, which could increase as much as an additional $50 per day. Lancaster told the supervisors that getting enough poll workers for elections was the hardest part of the election commissioners job. She said many of the older citizens were willing to volunteer but they could not lift the heavy voting machines and most did not understand the new technology and paper work well enough to be considered. The supervisors took the request under advisement until the July 2 meeting.
Clem Parker, who is the Democrat Party Vice-Chairman for George County, asked the board about handicap accessibility at all the voting precients in the county. Parker said he was there on behalf of the Democrat Party and would have to give them a report. He reminded the board that state and federal laws had been pasted to insure all precients were handicap accessible.
Board President Kelly Wright told Parker that they were well aware of the laws and trying to comply, but to bring each precient up to code would cost “several hundred thousand dollars and the county simply does not have it.,” Wright said. He explained that the county had applied for state funding to bring the buildings up to code, but only received a small amount of state funding. “It was not even enough to complete one,” Wright said. He told Parker that other grants had also been applied for and denied.
Wright and Supervisor Henry Cochran assured Parker that any elderly or handicap person in the county wishing to vote would be able to do so. “We will see to it that they are able to vote,” Cochran said.
Any one handicap or elderly, who can not get to their set precients to vote, needs to contact the Circuit Clerks office or one of the Supervisors prior to election day for arrangements to be made.
Concerned citizen Bill Sheffield addressed the board with wash-out and flooding problems on his property, located on Brannon Road in Dist. 1. Sheffield said he had tried to addressed the problem with the road workers and the foreman on site, and had also spoken to his his supervisor, Lit Eubanks about the problem. Wright told Sheffield that the Board would need to get with Eubanks on the matter.
Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Howell reported an increase in insurance from an estimated $32,000 to an estimated $37,000 due to the increase in trucks and equipment, which were obtained through grants.
Three AT&T permits were approved, Bids were opened and taken under advisement for the expansion of Shipman Volunteer Fire Department, two subcontract request were approved in Districts 2 and 5; and the final approval for Green Field Subdivision in District 2 was approved.
Economic Development Coordinator Sue Wright told the Supervisors that George County Industrial Park was seriously being considered by a large manufacturing business but the county had several steps they needed to take before a decision was made. Wright suggested a meeting with the supervisors and with County Engineer Bob Diamond and a meeting was set.
Next Board Meeting is set for Monday, July 2 @ 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
What Do You Think??
Tell us what you think about the immigration bill??
Do we need to grant citizenship or close our boarders??
Click on "comments" below and post you opinion....
Do we need to grant citizenship or close our boarders??
Click on "comments" below and post you opinion....
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
George County School District Forms Campus Police Department
By Royce Armstrong
Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, George County will join a growing number of school districts with on campus police departments.
“The paradigm has changed,” Robert Laird, the Director of School Safety for the Mississippi Department of Education, said. “Years ago, if you saw a police officer on a school campus, you thought something was terribly wrong. Now, if you do not see one on the campus, there is growing concern.”
Laird, a native Mississippian, spent a career in law enforcement working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He retired as a special agent in New York and took a job heading up the newly formed Division of School Safety for the Mississippi Department of Education in 1998. Since that time his division has become recognized as one of the top school police officer training programs in the nation. The department is one of 16 chosen as advisors to the U.S. Department of Education, and he has helped train school resource officers (SRO) that included Canadian Royal Mounted Police and Mexican Federal police.
When the division was created in 1998, there were three schools and 14 police officers in the program. Today, there are 82 schools with 380 school resource officers and another 300 school safety officers, representing more than half of Mississippi’s 152 school districts.
George County School District Security Officer Ben Brown has already received basic school resource officer training through Laird’s program. Newly hired resource officers Al Hillman and Jason Smith will soon be going through the training.
“School resource officers are the best trained police officers in Mississippi,” Laird said. “The minimum qualifications for an SRO are a minimum of three years as a certified police officer and completion of the basic SRO program. Additionally, SRO must complete 40 hours of continuing training each year compared to a minimum of 12 hours for other police officers.”
Laird said the SRO training is not easy and that approximately 20 percent of each class quits before the training is completed.
The school board recently voted to create the on campus department rather than to share officers employed by either the sheriff’s department or city police. The campus police will have jurisdiction on any school campus in the state, according to Laird. If an extreme emergency arose on another school campus, these officers could be deployed to that area and visa versa. An example, Laird said, would be hurricane evacuation, which falls under the responsibility of the Department of Education because of its school buses.
George County has already been designated as a staging area for evacuees from the coastal counties.
Laird said the George County SRO will have a four-pronged mission. This includes law enforcement, school security, training and support and mentoring.
“About 20 years ago the U.S. Department of Justice recognized that there was a tremendous upsurge in juvenile crime,” Laird said. “Each school campus is a community of juveniles for 180 days each year. In George County, this is approximately 4,000 students, equivalent to the size of a small Mississippi town. Juvenile crime carries over into the school community.”
Laird said the crimes are both violent and non-violent. They include fighting, bullying, extortion and drug and alcohol abuse. During his tenure, he has broken up a prostitution ring in a school and had a situation where kindergarten students were having sex in a restroom.
“There had never been a school shooting before 20 years ago,” Laird said.
School districts forming on campus police departments, rather than sharing officers with local law enforcement agencies is becoming increasingly common, Laird said, although George County is the first in Southeast Mississippi.
Campus police will be equipped similarly to other police departments. School resource officers will wear uniforms and carry handguns on campus. The school board has already approved purchasing campus police cars. Tasers will not be used on students, Laird said.
Creating a campus police department is a long term commitment, Laird said. Now, that the school has done so, it will be very difficult for the school board to disband it because of civil liability issues.
“The issue is constructive notice,” Laird said. “If the school district decided to eliminate the campus police and a serious incident occurred, the courts would look at three tests. These are: What did you know? When did you know it? What action did you take to respond to it? Once it is determined that campus police are necessary, disbanding that police department would put the district out there all alone on a very narrow limb.”
Reporter Royce Armstrong may be reached at rarmstrong@hughes.net or by telephone
at (601) 766-9624.
Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year, George County will join a growing number of school districts with on campus police departments.
“The paradigm has changed,” Robert Laird, the Director of School Safety for the Mississippi Department of Education, said. “Years ago, if you saw a police officer on a school campus, you thought something was terribly wrong. Now, if you do not see one on the campus, there is growing concern.”
Laird, a native Mississippian, spent a career in law enforcement working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He retired as a special agent in New York and took a job heading up the newly formed Division of School Safety for the Mississippi Department of Education in 1998. Since that time his division has become recognized as one of the top school police officer training programs in the nation. The department is one of 16 chosen as advisors to the U.S. Department of Education, and he has helped train school resource officers (SRO) that included Canadian Royal Mounted Police and Mexican Federal police.
When the division was created in 1998, there were three schools and 14 police officers in the program. Today, there are 82 schools with 380 school resource officers and another 300 school safety officers, representing more than half of Mississippi’s 152 school districts.
George County School District Security Officer Ben Brown has already received basic school resource officer training through Laird’s program. Newly hired resource officers Al Hillman and Jason Smith will soon be going through the training.
“School resource officers are the best trained police officers in Mississippi,” Laird said. “The minimum qualifications for an SRO are a minimum of three years as a certified police officer and completion of the basic SRO program. Additionally, SRO must complete 40 hours of continuing training each year compared to a minimum of 12 hours for other police officers.”
Laird said the SRO training is not easy and that approximately 20 percent of each class quits before the training is completed.
The school board recently voted to create the on campus department rather than to share officers employed by either the sheriff’s department or city police. The campus police will have jurisdiction on any school campus in the state, according to Laird. If an extreme emergency arose on another school campus, these officers could be deployed to that area and visa versa. An example, Laird said, would be hurricane evacuation, which falls under the responsibility of the Department of Education because of its school buses.
George County has already been designated as a staging area for evacuees from the coastal counties.
Laird said the George County SRO will have a four-pronged mission. This includes law enforcement, school security, training and support and mentoring.
“About 20 years ago the U.S. Department of Justice recognized that there was a tremendous upsurge in juvenile crime,” Laird said. “Each school campus is a community of juveniles for 180 days each year. In George County, this is approximately 4,000 students, equivalent to the size of a small Mississippi town. Juvenile crime carries over into the school community.”
Laird said the crimes are both violent and non-violent. They include fighting, bullying, extortion and drug and alcohol abuse. During his tenure, he has broken up a prostitution ring in a school and had a situation where kindergarten students were having sex in a restroom.
“There had never been a school shooting before 20 years ago,” Laird said.
School districts forming on campus police departments, rather than sharing officers with local law enforcement agencies is becoming increasingly common, Laird said, although George County is the first in Southeast Mississippi.
Campus police will be equipped similarly to other police departments. School resource officers will wear uniforms and carry handguns on campus. The school board has already approved purchasing campus police cars. Tasers will not be used on students, Laird said.
Creating a campus police department is a long term commitment, Laird said. Now, that the school has done so, it will be very difficult for the school board to disband it because of civil liability issues.
“The issue is constructive notice,” Laird said. “If the school district decided to eliminate the campus police and a serious incident occurred, the courts would look at three tests. These are: What did you know? When did you know it? What action did you take to respond to it? Once it is determined that campus police are necessary, disbanding that police department would put the district out there all alone on a very narrow limb.”
Reporter Royce Armstrong may be reached at rarmstrong@hughes.net or by telephone
at (601) 766-9624.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Time is Running Out for Old County Line School
By Royce Armstrong
After years of neglect, time may finally be running out for the old County Line School.
Without some immediate help, the one room school building, sitting on the north side of the Lucedale City Park, may soon deteriorate into little more than a distant memory in faded photos. The rapidly deteriorating 127-year-old building desperately needs repair and there seems to be little community interest.
“It has been years since I have been in the building,” Gail Gill, a former president of the Lucedale Garden Club said. “The last time I was inside, it was in pretty good shape. But, with the roof the way it is, I would guess that it is not in very good shape now.”
The Lucedale Garden Club is the conservator for the pre-George County structure. The club recently voted to convey the property to the City of Lucedale.
Aldermen are not sure that they want it.
“What are we going to do with it?” Alderman Jessie Underwood wanted to know when Mayor Dayton Whites announced the garden club’s proposed donation at a recent city meeting. “What is it going to take to fix it up?”
According to Gill, she does not believe anyone has been in the building for years, perhaps as many as 10 to 15 years. There are locks on the door, but she does not know if any of the Garden Club members have keys.
What is known, Lucedale Public Works Director Lavell Henderson said, is that the roof needs to be replaced, as well as some of the exterior siding boards. Henderson has not been inside the building. He does not know how much the interior walls, floor, sills or rafters have been damaged by weather and time. Henderson estimated the repairs for what he can see from the outside, including painting, could run around $10,000.
The Garden Club agreed to take charge of the building in the mid-1980s. For the next four or five years, Gill said, the club worked to plant flowers around the building. Period artifacts were collected and borrowed for display inside.
The project was plagued with vandalism, Gill said. At one point the club spent $700 to install an alarm system to discourage the vandals.
“That didn’t work either,” Gill said. “They dismantled the alarm system within three months. Vandals kept breaking in through the windows. The old desks and furniture inside were either stolen or destroyed. For a long time my husband and I would drive by in the evenings to check the windows.”
The Garden Club members eventually became discouraged and stopped spending time or money on the project. The building has basically stood unattended for the past 20 years, according to Gill.
The old one room school house was constructed about 1880, and was originally named the Tyra Evans School, according to a 1969 article written by Gin Grissom for the George County Times. That was 21 years before the City of Lucedale was incorporated and 30 years prior to George County being organized. The building is constructed from heart pine.
The building stood on what was then the Greene and Jackson county line near Evanston. It was built on a 40 acre tract owned by Lamb Davis along a road running from Evanston to Crossroads.
The school was in operation from 1880 until 1924. During the first year, 39 students attended. At the time it was the only school between Pascagoula and Leakesville. The students had names familiar in George County yet today. Names like Frye, Davis, Jordan, Pipkins, Eubanks, Havard, Ward, Walters, Mallette and Cowart.
Aldermen are hopeful that descendents of these early students will step forward, form a benevolent association and work to preserve this piece of their heritage. Or, that some other individual or organization, will agree to help maintain the building.
During the 44 years the building served as a school, it also doubled as a Baptist church. According to the 1969 article, the preachers from the various Baptist churches would take turns holding services in the building.
In 1969, Harrell Tanner, on whose property the school then stood, donated the building to the Lucedale Lions Club. The Lions Club moved it to its present location in the City Park.
Attempts to get the building designated as a historic site, eligible for renovation grant money, have been unsuccessful.
“The reason that we could not get it designated as a historical site,” Gail Gill, a former president of the Lucedale Garden Club said, “is that we were told it had been moved one time too many.”
The garden club has had enough. Now, the city must decide if it wants to try and preserve this unique piece of George County history.
Local Reporter Royce Armstrong may be reached at rarmstrong@hughes.net or by telephone at (601) 766-9624.
After years of neglect, time may finally be running out for the old County Line School.
Without some immediate help, the one room school building, sitting on the north side of the Lucedale City Park, may soon deteriorate into little more than a distant memory in faded photos. The rapidly deteriorating 127-year-old building desperately needs repair and there seems to be little community interest.
“It has been years since I have been in the building,” Gail Gill, a former president of the Lucedale Garden Club said. “The last time I was inside, it was in pretty good shape. But, with the roof the way it is, I would guess that it is not in very good shape now.”
The Lucedale Garden Club is the conservator for the pre-George County structure. The club recently voted to convey the property to the City of Lucedale.
Aldermen are not sure that they want it.
“What are we going to do with it?” Alderman Jessie Underwood wanted to know when Mayor Dayton Whites announced the garden club’s proposed donation at a recent city meeting. “What is it going to take to fix it up?”
According to Gill, she does not believe anyone has been in the building for years, perhaps as many as 10 to 15 years. There are locks on the door, but she does not know if any of the Garden Club members have keys.
What is known, Lucedale Public Works Director Lavell Henderson said, is that the roof needs to be replaced, as well as some of the exterior siding boards. Henderson has not been inside the building. He does not know how much the interior walls, floor, sills or rafters have been damaged by weather and time. Henderson estimated the repairs for what he can see from the outside, including painting, could run around $10,000.
The Garden Club agreed to take charge of the building in the mid-1980s. For the next four or five years, Gill said, the club worked to plant flowers around the building. Period artifacts were collected and borrowed for display inside.
The project was plagued with vandalism, Gill said. At one point the club spent $700 to install an alarm system to discourage the vandals.
“That didn’t work either,” Gill said. “They dismantled the alarm system within three months. Vandals kept breaking in through the windows. The old desks and furniture inside were either stolen or destroyed. For a long time my husband and I would drive by in the evenings to check the windows.”
The Garden Club members eventually became discouraged and stopped spending time or money on the project. The building has basically stood unattended for the past 20 years, according to Gill.
The old one room school house was constructed about 1880, and was originally named the Tyra Evans School, according to a 1969 article written by Gin Grissom for the George County Times. That was 21 years before the City of Lucedale was incorporated and 30 years prior to George County being organized. The building is constructed from heart pine.
The building stood on what was then the Greene and Jackson county line near Evanston. It was built on a 40 acre tract owned by Lamb Davis along a road running from Evanston to Crossroads.
The school was in operation from 1880 until 1924. During the first year, 39 students attended. At the time it was the only school between Pascagoula and Leakesville. The students had names familiar in George County yet today. Names like Frye, Davis, Jordan, Pipkins, Eubanks, Havard, Ward, Walters, Mallette and Cowart.
Aldermen are hopeful that descendents of these early students will step forward, form a benevolent association and work to preserve this piece of their heritage. Or, that some other individual or organization, will agree to help maintain the building.
During the 44 years the building served as a school, it also doubled as a Baptist church. According to the 1969 article, the preachers from the various Baptist churches would take turns holding services in the building.
In 1969, Harrell Tanner, on whose property the school then stood, donated the building to the Lucedale Lions Club. The Lions Club moved it to its present location in the City Park.
Attempts to get the building designated as a historic site, eligible for renovation grant money, have been unsuccessful.
“The reason that we could not get it designated as a historical site,” Gail Gill, a former president of the Lucedale Garden Club said, “is that we were told it had been moved one time too many.”
The garden club has had enough. Now, the city must decide if it wants to try and preserve this unique piece of George County history.
Local Reporter Royce Armstrong may be reached at rarmstrong@hughes.net or by telephone at (601) 766-9624.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Two School Resource Officers Hired; Policies Debated; LIS Cafeteria to Close
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometwon Radio"
During the George County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, two consultants for the Mississippi Department of Education reported to the board that even though the George County School District had some concerns in the special education department in order to meet the Mattie T. Consent Decree, the district was well on its way to be in compliance before the 2010 deadline.
A 1979 investigation showed that the state of Mississippi did not properly identify and educate special needs children; but since that time the Mississippi Department of Education has been working with all school districts in the state to meet the requirements set by the Mattie T Consent Decree, which ensures that special needs children are given the best education possible.
The hiring of two School Resource officers, Al Hillman and Jason Smith, for the 2007-08 school year were approved by the board on Tuesday night, along with the first consideration approval of the policy and guidelines the officers will use in performance of their duties. These new officers and new policies will place a well-trained, certified police officer in the George County Middle School and one in the George County High School. Chief Security Officer Ben Brown will continue with his duties at the elementary schools, overseeing the new officers and continuing to operate and maintain the school security cameras and other security systems.
The school officials also approved to purchase and detail three patrol cars at a total cost of $10,900, which will include a car for each of the resource officers plus a car for Brown.
Several policies were on the evening's agenda, including the high school test exemption policy, which was passed with a 4/1 vote, with Larry McDonald voting against the new policy. McDonald said he was against the lower grade exemption, even though the students met the attendance and “no discipline” requirements. McDonald made a motion to change back to the original policy but the motion died due to no second.
Changes in the Drug Testing Policy were also approved by the board, though some final procedures and who will conduct the testing are still to be worked out.
All students who participate in extracurricular activities are subject to random drug testing with mandatory re-testing for anyone found to test “positive.” For the first offense, parents will be notified, the student must enroll in counseling until dismissed by counselor and one week's suspension from extracurricular activities; second offense students will be suspend from extracurricular activities for 25 school days; and third offenders will be removed from extracurricular activities for one calendar year.
The no tolerance cell phone policy was debated by the board members, passing with a 3/2 vote. All the board members agreed that students should not have cell phones during school hours but Larry McDonald debated that students should be able to have the phones during after school practices to call parents. Wendell Fallon agreed.
The board voted to close the cafeteria at Lucedale Intermediate School for cooking and preparing food, though the students would still be served meals in the cafeteria. Food Services Director Debbie Tillman explained that the food preparations would be made at Lucedale Elementary and with the use of specialized equipment, the food could be taken to Lucedale Intermediate, placed on the steam tables and served, just as the procedures are now. Tillman said the students will not know the difference, they would still be served the same hot, healthy meals as at the other schools.
Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell told the board that the entire kitchen area would have to be renovated and the expense was too great for consideration. He and Tillman both, reassured the board that the newly purchased equipment would allow students at both LES and LIS to be served the same hot, healthy meals as the other schools in the district with no scheduling upsets.
Several bills were approved for payment, including the final payment of $27,660 to D&D Construction for the work at Agricola Elementary and payment of $22,495 to Scott Company for siding work at the Lucedale Intermediate Gymnasium.
Maintenance approvals included the SPED Building air conditioning at $1,860; Central Elementary Gym at $2,122 and storage building at Agricola for $2,000.
To advertise for BIDs to rubberize the George County High School Track was also approved.
A work session with George Regional Hospital to discuss the hospital expansion was set for June 19 at 7 p.m.
During the George County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday night, two consultants for the Mississippi Department of Education reported to the board that even though the George County School District had some concerns in the special education department in order to meet the Mattie T. Consent Decree, the district was well on its way to be in compliance before the 2010 deadline.
A 1979 investigation showed that the state of Mississippi did not properly identify and educate special needs children; but since that time the Mississippi Department of Education has been working with all school districts in the state to meet the requirements set by the Mattie T Consent Decree, which ensures that special needs children are given the best education possible.
The hiring of two School Resource officers, Al Hillman and Jason Smith, for the 2007-08 school year were approved by the board on Tuesday night, along with the first consideration approval of the policy and guidelines the officers will use in performance of their duties. These new officers and new policies will place a well-trained, certified police officer in the George County Middle School and one in the George County High School. Chief Security Officer Ben Brown will continue with his duties at the elementary schools, overseeing the new officers and continuing to operate and maintain the school security cameras and other security systems.
The school officials also approved to purchase and detail three patrol cars at a total cost of $10,900, which will include a car for each of the resource officers plus a car for Brown.
Several policies were on the evening's agenda, including the high school test exemption policy, which was passed with a 4/1 vote, with Larry McDonald voting against the new policy. McDonald said he was against the lower grade exemption, even though the students met the attendance and “no discipline” requirements. McDonald made a motion to change back to the original policy but the motion died due to no second.
Changes in the Drug Testing Policy were also approved by the board, though some final procedures and who will conduct the testing are still to be worked out.
All students who participate in extracurricular activities are subject to random drug testing with mandatory re-testing for anyone found to test “positive.” For the first offense, parents will be notified, the student must enroll in counseling until dismissed by counselor and one week's suspension from extracurricular activities; second offense students will be suspend from extracurricular activities for 25 school days; and third offenders will be removed from extracurricular activities for one calendar year.
The no tolerance cell phone policy was debated by the board members, passing with a 3/2 vote. All the board members agreed that students should not have cell phones during school hours but Larry McDonald debated that students should be able to have the phones during after school practices to call parents. Wendell Fallon agreed.
The board voted to close the cafeteria at Lucedale Intermediate School for cooking and preparing food, though the students would still be served meals in the cafeteria. Food Services Director Debbie Tillman explained that the food preparations would be made at Lucedale Elementary and with the use of specialized equipment, the food could be taken to Lucedale Intermediate, placed on the steam tables and served, just as the procedures are now. Tillman said the students will not know the difference, they would still be served the same hot, healthy meals as at the other schools.
Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell told the board that the entire kitchen area would have to be renovated and the expense was too great for consideration. He and Tillman both, reassured the board that the newly purchased equipment would allow students at both LES and LIS to be served the same hot, healthy meals as the other schools in the district with no scheduling upsets.
Several bills were approved for payment, including the final payment of $27,660 to D&D Construction for the work at Agricola Elementary and payment of $22,495 to Scott Company for siding work at the Lucedale Intermediate Gymnasium.
Maintenance approvals included the SPED Building air conditioning at $1,860; Central Elementary Gym at $2,122 and storage building at Agricola for $2,000.
To advertise for BIDs to rubberize the George County High School Track was also approved.
A work session with George Regional Hospital to discuss the hospital expansion was set for June 19 at 7 p.m.
Aldermen Unsure of Annexation
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your HomeTown Radio"
"Special Thanks" to Local Reporter Royce Armstrong, who assisted with this report.
Two issues topped the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday evening with debates and unanswered questions.
First, the Aldermen debated the annexation proposal, which will encompass an approximate two mile area on Beaver Dam Road. Many unanswered question swarmed the issue concerning water, sewage and fire protection for the annex area but to adopt an ordinance was passed with a 3/2 vote—Aldermen Peyton Dudley and Lloyd Welford voting against the issue until some of the concerned could be addressed. Several legal steps must be completed before the annexation is completed, including advertising and a public hearing.
The second debated item was the acceptance of the Old County Line School, located at the Lucedale City Park. The building is currently owned by the Lucedale Garden Club, who wishes to sign ownership over to the City of Lucedale.
Alderman Carrie Moulds expressed that she would like to see the building restored and designed an historical site.
According to Mayor Dayton Whites, the building was constructed in 1880 but exploration to secure possible grant funds to restore the building has been unsuccessful.
The Aldermen chose to continue the issue until next board meeting.
Other items of interest, included the renewal of the Jackson-George Regional Library contract, approving a resolution authorizing the city clerk and the mayor to apply for funding under the Small Municipality and Limited Population Grant to construct the Depot Street sewer.
The aldermen also approved spending $9,016.60 to purchase a sewer inspection camera system and $3,854 to purchase full coverage insurance for the new city-owned Senior Citizens bus.
"Special Thanks" to Local Reporter Royce Armstrong, who assisted with this report.
Two issues topped the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday evening with debates and unanswered questions.
First, the Aldermen debated the annexation proposal, which will encompass an approximate two mile area on Beaver Dam Road. Many unanswered question swarmed the issue concerning water, sewage and fire protection for the annex area but to adopt an ordinance was passed with a 3/2 vote—Aldermen Peyton Dudley and Lloyd Welford voting against the issue until some of the concerned could be addressed. Several legal steps must be completed before the annexation is completed, including advertising and a public hearing.
The second debated item was the acceptance of the Old County Line School, located at the Lucedale City Park. The building is currently owned by the Lucedale Garden Club, who wishes to sign ownership over to the City of Lucedale.
Alderman Carrie Moulds expressed that she would like to see the building restored and designed an historical site.
According to Mayor Dayton Whites, the building was constructed in 1880 but exploration to secure possible grant funds to restore the building has been unsuccessful.
The Aldermen chose to continue the issue until next board meeting.
Other items of interest, included the renewal of the Jackson-George Regional Library contract, approving a resolution authorizing the city clerk and the mayor to apply for funding under the Small Municipality and Limited Population Grant to construct the Depot Street sewer.
The aldermen also approved spending $9,016.60 to purchase a sewer inspection camera system and $3,854 to purchase full coverage insurance for the new city-owned Senior Citizens bus.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
No County Funds Expected to be Used for Million Dollar Road Project
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
In Tuesday's Board meeting, the Supervisors voted to move forward with the $1 million Will Howell Road Project with no cost expected to be paid by the county.
According to District 2 Supervisor Kelly Wright, the entire project will be funded with state funds. Wright explained that each district is allowed funds each quarter (four-year term), to build and maintain state-aid roads, which must meet strict state regulated guidelines.
Wright said when he first took office, almost four-years ago, he chose the Will Howell Road Project at an estimate cost of then $690,000.
Wright said that before the project began, the state funds available became unstable due to Hurricane Katrina recovery and state government decision and the available funds for District 2 fell to less than $500,000. But in recent months, other state funds were added to District 2's state-aid project fund bringing the total to $790,000.
According to County Engineer Bob Diamond, the estimated cost of the Will Howell Road project is now more than $1 million with some of the expenses uncertain due to the rise of fuel and fuel-related cost.
Wright said he voted on Monday to move forward with the Will Howell Project even with a $230,000 short fall on the cost of the entire project, explaining that the portion of county funds to be made available for the project, has been approved to be reimbursed by the state.
In Tuesday's Board meeting, the Supervisors voted to move forward with the $1 million Will Howell Road Project with no cost expected to be paid by the county.
According to District 2 Supervisor Kelly Wright, the entire project will be funded with state funds. Wright explained that each district is allowed funds each quarter (four-year term), to build and maintain state-aid roads, which must meet strict state regulated guidelines.
Wright said when he first took office, almost four-years ago, he chose the Will Howell Road Project at an estimate cost of then $690,000.
Wright said that before the project began, the state funds available became unstable due to Hurricane Katrina recovery and state government decision and the available funds for District 2 fell to less than $500,000. But in recent months, other state funds were added to District 2's state-aid project fund bringing the total to $790,000.
According to County Engineer Bob Diamond, the estimated cost of the Will Howell Road project is now more than $1 million with some of the expenses uncertain due to the rise of fuel and fuel-related cost.
Wright said he voted on Monday to move forward with the Will Howell Project even with a $230,000 short fall on the cost of the entire project, explaining that the portion of county funds to be made available for the project, has been approved to be reimbursed by the state.
Broome to Receive Tanker, Sheriff Request Pay Increase For Deputies
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
During their first of the month meeting on Monday, the George County Board of Supervisors voted to change the format of their agenda to hopeful increase the efficiency of their meetings.
The new format will group routine items, such as accepting claims dockets, approving the Justice Court reports, and approving travel expenses for county employee into a “consent agenda,” requiring only one board action to approval all the items at once. Any item the Supervisors wish to discuss, will be pulled from the consent agenda and added as a main agenda items.
As the meeting continued, travel was approved for County Bookkeeper Amy Havens to attend the Mississippi Association of County Administrators Comptrollers seminar in Biloxi on June 20 and for Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Howell and her assist, Nancy Smith to attend a one day training Session in Wiggins for MEMA on June 6 and for Howell herself to attend a three-day workshop on June 25-27.
Howell also reported the Broome Volunteer Fire Department was approved for a Homeland Security Grant for a Tanker Truck at a cost to the county of only $9,750; the remaining 95% of cost will be paid by the Homeland Security Grant.
Several Road issues were addressed and a couple of tax roll corrections were approved.
Senior Citizen Building Coordinator Melinda Harvison gave a report on several items of interest, including a request for a time-limit to be place on the rental of the Senior Building in a single day. Harvison oversees “rented” actives at the Senior Building at a pay rate of $5 per hour and stated that some of the activities last for as many as 16 to 18 hours. She also request her pay rate for overseeing these actives to increase by $1.
A short executive session was held with Sheriff Garry Welford to discuss a county employee and two new hires were accepted at the regional jail and one new deputy for the Sheriff's Department. A new employee for District 1 and one for District 5 was also accepted.
Sheriff Welford made a presentation to the Supervisors at a work session last week for a pay increase for his deputies. On Monday Welford asked the Supervisors to consider a $60,000 increase to his department for next fiscal year, stating that he could make the pay increase effective in July but needed assurance that he could maintain the increase with next year's budget. Welford told the Supervisors that much of his budget was used to train and outfit new officers due to losing newly certified officers to other agency with high pay and better benefits. Welford said that in some nearby communities, the starting pay for a certified officer was more than he could pay his seasoned officers.
Board President Kelly Wright complained that everyone was already putting in for budget increases but the Supervisors had not began to work on next year's budget, with the new fiscal year beginning on October 1. Supervisor Larry Havard commented that the fuel prices were killing the entire county's budget with short falls in all the departments due to fuel cost and increase pricing. Welford's request was taken “under consideration.”
Before adjourning, the Supervisors voted to move forward with a million dollar State-aide Road project for Will Howell Road in District 2.
During their first of the month meeting on Monday, the George County Board of Supervisors voted to change the format of their agenda to hopeful increase the efficiency of their meetings.
The new format will group routine items, such as accepting claims dockets, approving the Justice Court reports, and approving travel expenses for county employee into a “consent agenda,” requiring only one board action to approval all the items at once. Any item the Supervisors wish to discuss, will be pulled from the consent agenda and added as a main agenda items.
As the meeting continued, travel was approved for County Bookkeeper Amy Havens to attend the Mississippi Association of County Administrators Comptrollers seminar in Biloxi on June 20 and for Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Howell and her assist, Nancy Smith to attend a one day training Session in Wiggins for MEMA on June 6 and for Howell herself to attend a three-day workshop on June 25-27.
Howell also reported the Broome Volunteer Fire Department was approved for a Homeland Security Grant for a Tanker Truck at a cost to the county of only $9,750; the remaining 95% of cost will be paid by the Homeland Security Grant.
Several Road issues were addressed and a couple of tax roll corrections were approved.
Senior Citizen Building Coordinator Melinda Harvison gave a report on several items of interest, including a request for a time-limit to be place on the rental of the Senior Building in a single day. Harvison oversees “rented” actives at the Senior Building at a pay rate of $5 per hour and stated that some of the activities last for as many as 16 to 18 hours. She also request her pay rate for overseeing these actives to increase by $1.
A short executive session was held with Sheriff Garry Welford to discuss a county employee and two new hires were accepted at the regional jail and one new deputy for the Sheriff's Department. A new employee for District 1 and one for District 5 was also accepted.
Sheriff Welford made a presentation to the Supervisors at a work session last week for a pay increase for his deputies. On Monday Welford asked the Supervisors to consider a $60,000 increase to his department for next fiscal year, stating that he could make the pay increase effective in July but needed assurance that he could maintain the increase with next year's budget. Welford told the Supervisors that much of his budget was used to train and outfit new officers due to losing newly certified officers to other agency with high pay and better benefits. Welford said that in some nearby communities, the starting pay for a certified officer was more than he could pay his seasoned officers.
Board President Kelly Wright complained that everyone was already putting in for budget increases but the Supervisors had not began to work on next year's budget, with the new fiscal year beginning on October 1. Supervisor Larry Havard commented that the fuel prices were killing the entire county's budget with short falls in all the departments due to fuel cost and increase pricing. Welford's request was taken “under consideration.”
Before adjourning, the Supervisors voted to move forward with a million dollar State-aide Road project for Will Howell Road in District 2.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
24 New Certified Officers Graduate
Courtsey of Sun Herald/Sunday, June 3, 2007
Twenty-four graduates of the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute celebrated their completion of the law enforcement training program at Camp Shelby recently. The SRPSI certifies Mississippi law enforcement officers through a nine-week, 400-hour basic academy, and it also offers in-service or advanced training in public safety.
Gulfport police officer Darren Vedros received the Larkin I. Smith Award for his outstanding achievement during the class.
Other South Mississippi graduates of the academy: Tammy Anderson of Gautier; John Bennett of Gulfport; Van Flynt of Wiggins; A.J. Gambino of Hancock County; Mitch Howell of George County; Donald Ison of Gulfport; Michael Krauss of Gulfport; Kyle Malley of Hancock County; Patrick McRaney of Pearl River County; Lance Miller of Biloxi; William Morris of Gautier; William Newell of Biloxi; Brenton Pitre of Bay St. Louis; Troy Prather of Pearl River County; Ashly Ruiz of Gulfport; Deanna Thompson of Hancock County; Jeffery Williams of Gautier; and Shawn Williams of Gulfport.
Twenty-four graduates of the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute celebrated their completion of the law enforcement training program at Camp Shelby recently. The SRPSI certifies Mississippi law enforcement officers through a nine-week, 400-hour basic academy, and it also offers in-service or advanced training in public safety.
Gulfport police officer Darren Vedros received the Larkin I. Smith Award for his outstanding achievement during the class.
Other South Mississippi graduates of the academy: Tammy Anderson of Gautier; John Bennett of Gulfport; Van Flynt of Wiggins; A.J. Gambino of Hancock County; Mitch Howell of George County; Donald Ison of Gulfport; Michael Krauss of Gulfport; Kyle Malley of Hancock County; Patrick McRaney of Pearl River County; Lance Miller of Biloxi; William Morris of Gautier; William Newell of Biloxi; Brenton Pitre of Bay St. Louis; Troy Prather of Pearl River County; Ashly Ruiz of Gulfport; Deanna Thompson of Hancock County; Jeffery Williams of Gautier; and Shawn Williams of Gulfport.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Positive Iterest in Industry Park, Estimates for Drug Court Improvements on Supervisors' Agenda
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your HownTown Radio"
The George County Board of Supervisors heard that positive interest in the newly developed industrial park is in the air, with many inquires per day according to Economic Development Director Sue Wright. Wright told the board at their end-of-the-month meeting on Friday that she has received dozens of phone calls and inquires about the industrial park, and though nothing is planned for the near futures, she believed the outlook of the park is definitely a positive one, with many potential businesses.
Local attorney Mark Maples inquired about upcoming improvements to the Drug Court Building, stating that Judge Kathy King Jackson has discussed the construction with a former Drug Court Graduate and felt he could supervisor the work with current drug court enrollee doing the labor. Maples presented the Supervisors with a construction list of materials and other estimated cost; but the Supervisors chose to take cautionary action with obtaining two estimates before approving Judge Jackson's request.
A $1,500 donation was approved to the Local Law Enforcement Organization, for the Annual 4th of July Fire Works Display.
Several routine items were approved including travel expenses for 911 Coordinator Lorraine Howell, a request by Tax Assessor Wilburn Bolen for a land roll adjustment and committees were appointed to asses road issues.
Two road “school zone” signs request by Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell were approved with instruction that the placement of the sign must meet state regulations.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is set for Monday, June 4.
The George County Board of Supervisors heard that positive interest in the newly developed industrial park is in the air, with many inquires per day according to Economic Development Director Sue Wright. Wright told the board at their end-of-the-month meeting on Friday that she has received dozens of phone calls and inquires about the industrial park, and though nothing is planned for the near futures, she believed the outlook of the park is definitely a positive one, with many potential businesses.
Local attorney Mark Maples inquired about upcoming improvements to the Drug Court Building, stating that Judge Kathy King Jackson has discussed the construction with a former Drug Court Graduate and felt he could supervisor the work with current drug court enrollee doing the labor. Maples presented the Supervisors with a construction list of materials and other estimated cost; but the Supervisors chose to take cautionary action with obtaining two estimates before approving Judge Jackson's request.
A $1,500 donation was approved to the Local Law Enforcement Organization, for the Annual 4th of July Fire Works Display.
Several routine items were approved including travel expenses for 911 Coordinator Lorraine Howell, a request by Tax Assessor Wilburn Bolen for a land roll adjustment and committees were appointed to asses road issues.
Two road “school zone” signs request by Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell were approved with instruction that the placement of the sign must meet state regulations.
The next Board of Supervisors meeting is set for Monday, June 4.
Monday, May 28, 2007
City Receives $650,000 for Downtown Restrooms
By Royce Armstrong
It may not be a spreading chestnut tree and it will not be a village smithy, but the huge old oak tree at the downtown intersection of Mill and Main streets may soon spread above a visitor’s center and informational kiosk, part of a $650,000 community revitalization grant. The project will include renovations to the pavilion in the city park.
Governor Haley Barbour announced $97.2 million in grants for projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on May 10, according to Jennifer M. Spann, with the Communications and Marketing Division, Mississippi Development Authority. The Community Revitalization grants primarily provide millions of dollars for projects in the three coastal counties. Included in this list is the grant for the Lucedale downtown project.
“I don’t know of anything we can do to the downtown that will be more beneficial than this project,” Mayor Dayton Whites said. “Our downtown area and our city park are among the most beautiful in Mississippi. The one thing that has been lacking is decent restroom facilities."
“We need to appreciate that the Governor has worked hard to get money for development and revitalization in the six coastal counties,” Whites said.
The project will include building the visitor’s center on what is now a school district parking lot, building a new public parking lot on the north side of Commerce street east of Mills street and renovating the restroom facilities in the city park.
The project came together through the cooperation of the county board of supervisors, the school district and the city.
Although approval of the grant has been announced, no timetable has been set for disbursement of the funds to the cities.
“We hope to start this project soon,” Kathy Johnson, Lucedale City Clerk said. “All bidding procedures will be followed."
It may not be a spreading chestnut tree and it will not be a village smithy, but the huge old oak tree at the downtown intersection of Mill and Main streets may soon spread above a visitor’s center and informational kiosk, part of a $650,000 community revitalization grant. The project will include renovations to the pavilion in the city park.
Governor Haley Barbour announced $97.2 million in grants for projects along the Mississippi Gulf Coast on May 10, according to Jennifer M. Spann, with the Communications and Marketing Division, Mississippi Development Authority. The Community Revitalization grants primarily provide millions of dollars for projects in the three coastal counties. Included in this list is the grant for the Lucedale downtown project.
“I don’t know of anything we can do to the downtown that will be more beneficial than this project,” Mayor Dayton Whites said. “Our downtown area and our city park are among the most beautiful in Mississippi. The one thing that has been lacking is decent restroom facilities."
“We need to appreciate that the Governor has worked hard to get money for development and revitalization in the six coastal counties,” Whites said.
The project will include building the visitor’s center on what is now a school district parking lot, building a new public parking lot on the north side of Commerce street east of Mills street and renovating the restroom facilities in the city park.
The project came together through the cooperation of the county board of supervisors, the school district and the city.
Although approval of the grant has been announced, no timetable has been set for disbursement of the funds to the cities.
“We hope to start this project soon,” Kathy Johnson, Lucedale City Clerk said. “All bidding procedures will be followed."
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Many Students Honored for Academic Achievements
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Education recently honored several high school and middle school student for academic achievements, including sixth grader Joshua Mallett for winning the Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge for the state of Mississippi. Joshus is the youngest son of Dr. Presley and Dr. Tara Mallett. He will compete in the National Completion on May 14 and 15.
The Board of Education also honored middle school students for perfect scores on the MCT state exams for the 2005-06 school year, they included sixth graders Lexi Bolin, Dillion Eubanks, Tiffany Miller, Colt Reynolds, and Caleb Rollins in Reading; sixth graders Keirsten Cowart, Leah Gardner, Kaylee Jeminson, Alex McNeely, Colby Parker and Sawyer Steede in Language; sixth graders Emma Harris and Theodore Riley made a perfect score in both Reading and Language. Sixth graders Dylan Boutwell and Joshua Mallett made a perfect score in Math and LeRoy Martin made a perfect score in both Math and Language.
Seventh graders Matthew Cain, Meredith Moody and Brysan Murrah scored 100 percent on their MCT state testing exams in Reading; and Edward Maples made a perfect score on his state math exam; seventh graders Ashley Fiveash, Courtney Hancock, Kelsea Nero and Tara Roberts made a perfect score on their state Language exam.
Eight graders Chip Adkins, Brandon Creel, George Parker and Keaton Pope scored perfect on their MCT state reading exams, and seventh graders Christa Hare and Drew Kirkwood scored perfect on their state math exam and Jacqulyn Ladiner score perfect on the state Language exam.
At the George County High School, the Yearbook Staff and Student Press Staff were awarded first place in “General Excellence” by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association; the Yearbook staff students include: Student Editor Jannetta DeSalvo, Keli Rester, Shyanne Holland, Brittni Pierce, Hillary Howell, Pamela Beck and Chiquita Jack; and The Student Press staff includes: Student Editors Xerxes A. Wilson, III, Brittany Mason, Barbara Thompson and Cassidy Havens and staff members Brianne Rogers, Ana Solo'rzano, Skye Lacy, Victoria Kaplan, Desiree Addison, Kimberly Howell and AnnDaree Morris.
All the students were honored with certificates and words of congratulations from high school principal Paul Wallace and middle school principal Patsy Horn and Board of Education President Ronnie Cooley. Members of the board also express their congratulations to the parents of the students for their hard work and guidance in the upbringing of the students honored.
The George County Board of Education recently honored several high school and middle school student for academic achievements, including sixth grader Joshua Mallett for winning the Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge for the state of Mississippi. Joshus is the youngest son of Dr. Presley and Dr. Tara Mallett. He will compete in the National Completion on May 14 and 15.
The Board of Education also honored middle school students for perfect scores on the MCT state exams for the 2005-06 school year, they included sixth graders Lexi Bolin, Dillion Eubanks, Tiffany Miller, Colt Reynolds, and Caleb Rollins in Reading; sixth graders Keirsten Cowart, Leah Gardner, Kaylee Jeminson, Alex McNeely, Colby Parker and Sawyer Steede in Language; sixth graders Emma Harris and Theodore Riley made a perfect score in both Reading and Language. Sixth graders Dylan Boutwell and Joshua Mallett made a perfect score in Math and LeRoy Martin made a perfect score in both Math and Language.
Seventh graders Matthew Cain, Meredith Moody and Brysan Murrah scored 100 percent on their MCT state testing exams in Reading; and Edward Maples made a perfect score on his state math exam; seventh graders Ashley Fiveash, Courtney Hancock, Kelsea Nero and Tara Roberts made a perfect score on their state Language exam.
Eight graders Chip Adkins, Brandon Creel, George Parker and Keaton Pope scored perfect on their MCT state reading exams, and seventh graders Christa Hare and Drew Kirkwood scored perfect on their state math exam and Jacqulyn Ladiner score perfect on the state Language exam.
At the George County High School, the Yearbook Staff and Student Press Staff were awarded first place in “General Excellence” by the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association; the Yearbook staff students include: Student Editor Jannetta DeSalvo, Keli Rester, Shyanne Holland, Brittni Pierce, Hillary Howell, Pamela Beck and Chiquita Jack; and The Student Press staff includes: Student Editors Xerxes A. Wilson, III, Brittany Mason, Barbara Thompson and Cassidy Havens and staff members Brianne Rogers, Ana Solo'rzano, Skye Lacy, Victoria Kaplan, Desiree Addison, Kimberly Howell and AnnDaree Morris.
All the students were honored with certificates and words of congratulations from high school principal Paul Wallace and middle school principal Patsy Horn and Board of Education President Ronnie Cooley. Members of the board also express their congratulations to the parents of the students for their hard work and guidance in the upbringing of the students honored.
Board of Education Has Tough Agenda at First-of-Month Meeting
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
A zero tolerance on cell phones, drug testing, the high school semester exam exception policy, and moving forward with placing a School Resource Officer at both the high school and middle school next school year were among agenda items discussions at the first-of-the-month George County Board of Education meeting last week.
The board meeting began with an awards ceremony to recognized many high school and middle school students for academic achievements.
After approving a lengthy consent agenda and hearing from Middle School Student Trey Perkins about the petitions he has collected against school uniforms; the board also heard a new proposal to consider for the George Regional Hospital Expansion and voted to extend a six-week summer program stay for the Boys and Girls Club at Lucedale Intermediate School if a school official can be obtained for lock-up and daily inspection with funds provided by the Boys and Girls Club.
Superintendent Donnie Howell presented the board with a pay scale and list of other expensive needed to move forward with the School Resource Officers project. The board members questioned the pay scale and asked how the salaries were set.
Howell explained that the officers must meet certain qualifications before they could even be considered for the position, based on national and state guidelines, one of which included the officers had to be an academy trained, certified police officers with more than three years post-academy service in the field.
Security Officer Ben Brown told the board that the pay scale was derived after obtaining a pay scale for Lucedale Police Officers with more than three years experience plus taking in consideration the job description of the resource officer, and other requirements.
All the board members expressed they wanted to move forward with the project but were uncomfortable with voting on a pay scale without more information and without knowing if they school districted would have support and financial assistance from the county board of Supervisors or the Lucedale Board of Aldermen.
Assistance from both boards had been requested at their previous board meetings, but neither of the boards have voted on the request as this time. Howell told the school board that a commitment from either board had not been received, but the school board must vote to move forward at this meeting in order for the applicants to be obtained, interviews completed and the officers to be hired and required training completed before the beginning of the next school year. Brown said the required training for the resource officers was scheduled in July but the officers had to be hired and paper sent for the training in advance.
One member asked what the county deputies were paid and Brown told the officers he had not been able to collected that information from Sheriff Garry Welford by the time the pay scale for the resource officers had to be completed. It was suggested that the city police officers pay scale was more than what the deputies made. Brown assured the board members that the pay scale presented was still below the state guidelines and recommendations set for that position.
Even though all the board members expressed wanting to move forward with the project, the project passed with a 3-2 vote due to the uncertainties of the expensive and not knowing if assistance would be received by the Supervisors or from the Board of Aldermen.
Another hot topic of the evening included changes in the high school handbooks. The school board voted unanimously to approved the changes for the middle school students, but a discussion ensued on setting changes on the high school random drug testing policy and semester exam exemption policy.
Stricter changes were made to the drug testing policy, including upping the percentage of extra curricular students chosen for random testing from 5% to 10% per test, and stricter changes were made to the punishment for students testing positive. It was voted to set the first offense punishment for suspension of activities for 5 school days and for the student to enroll in counseling with the counseling being completed in the recommended time; second offense punishment would include 25 school days suspension from activities, and third offense would include suspension of all extra curricular activities for one calendar year.
Set guildlines and changes to the semester exam exemption policy at the high school could not be agreed upon and was continued until next meeting.
The school board did vote unanimously to invoke a “Zero Tolerance” cell phone policy!For the 2007-08 school year student will NOT be allowed to have cell phone on school property. “You bring them you loose them” was Howell recommendation. Participants in sports, band, cheerleaders and student who participate in other extra curricular activities will NOT be allowed to have cell phones during the activities or on the buses, in the locker rooms or on any school property. The new policy will be strictly enforced and cell phones will be taken away from the students on the FIRST offense. Teachers, principals and other faculty and staff will not be allow to USE their cell phones during school hours. Howell said this policy will also be strictly enforced. “If they need to use a phone during school hours, they will have to use the school phone during their off period,” Howell said.
Other approvals of the evening included giving Lucedale Elementary PTO permission to install safety fencing around the playground and divide the play area into two sections, one for grades K-1 and the other for grades 2-3. The school district agreed to pay for the installation of the fencing and the PTO will pay for all materials.
The PTO was also given permission to purchase some new playground equipment to be added to the existing equipment already there.
Title I monies was shifted from the middle school to the elementary schools, and a $40,000 air conditioning project was approved for Lucedale Intermediate School Gymnasium. The project will include the purchase and installation of Mitsubishi air conditioning units, and also to install siding to cover the upper windows of the gym.
A summer feeding program was approved and the school district agreed to paid the difference in the elementary school nurses salaries in order to keep them at each of the schools.
The meeting was concluded with an Executive Session and a workshop was set for May 15th at 6:30 to work on the budget.
A zero tolerance on cell phones, drug testing, the high school semester exam exception policy, and moving forward with placing a School Resource Officer at both the high school and middle school next school year were among agenda items discussions at the first-of-the-month George County Board of Education meeting last week.
The board meeting began with an awards ceremony to recognized many high school and middle school students for academic achievements.
After approving a lengthy consent agenda and hearing from Middle School Student Trey Perkins about the petitions he has collected against school uniforms; the board also heard a new proposal to consider for the George Regional Hospital Expansion and voted to extend a six-week summer program stay for the Boys and Girls Club at Lucedale Intermediate School if a school official can be obtained for lock-up and daily inspection with funds provided by the Boys and Girls Club.
Superintendent Donnie Howell presented the board with a pay scale and list of other expensive needed to move forward with the School Resource Officers project. The board members questioned the pay scale and asked how the salaries were set.
Howell explained that the officers must meet certain qualifications before they could even be considered for the position, based on national and state guidelines, one of which included the officers had to be an academy trained, certified police officers with more than three years post-academy service in the field.
Security Officer Ben Brown told the board that the pay scale was derived after obtaining a pay scale for Lucedale Police Officers with more than three years experience plus taking in consideration the job description of the resource officer, and other requirements.
All the board members expressed they wanted to move forward with the project but were uncomfortable with voting on a pay scale without more information and without knowing if they school districted would have support and financial assistance from the county board of Supervisors or the Lucedale Board of Aldermen.
Assistance from both boards had been requested at their previous board meetings, but neither of the boards have voted on the request as this time. Howell told the school board that a commitment from either board had not been received, but the school board must vote to move forward at this meeting in order for the applicants to be obtained, interviews completed and the officers to be hired and required training completed before the beginning of the next school year. Brown said the required training for the resource officers was scheduled in July but the officers had to be hired and paper sent for the training in advance.
One member asked what the county deputies were paid and Brown told the officers he had not been able to collected that information from Sheriff Garry Welford by the time the pay scale for the resource officers had to be completed. It was suggested that the city police officers pay scale was more than what the deputies made. Brown assured the board members that the pay scale presented was still below the state guidelines and recommendations set for that position.
Even though all the board members expressed wanting to move forward with the project, the project passed with a 3-2 vote due to the uncertainties of the expensive and not knowing if assistance would be received by the Supervisors or from the Board of Aldermen.
Another hot topic of the evening included changes in the high school handbooks. The school board voted unanimously to approved the changes for the middle school students, but a discussion ensued on setting changes on the high school random drug testing policy and semester exam exemption policy.
Stricter changes were made to the drug testing policy, including upping the percentage of extra curricular students chosen for random testing from 5% to 10% per test, and stricter changes were made to the punishment for students testing positive. It was voted to set the first offense punishment for suspension of activities for 5 school days and for the student to enroll in counseling with the counseling being completed in the recommended time; second offense punishment would include 25 school days suspension from activities, and third offense would include suspension of all extra curricular activities for one calendar year.
Set guildlines and changes to the semester exam exemption policy at the high school could not be agreed upon and was continued until next meeting.
The school board did vote unanimously to invoke a “Zero Tolerance” cell phone policy!For the 2007-08 school year student will NOT be allowed to have cell phone on school property. “You bring them you loose them” was Howell recommendation. Participants in sports, band, cheerleaders and student who participate in other extra curricular activities will NOT be allowed to have cell phones during the activities or on the buses, in the locker rooms or on any school property. The new policy will be strictly enforced and cell phones will be taken away from the students on the FIRST offense. Teachers, principals and other faculty and staff will not be allow to USE their cell phones during school hours. Howell said this policy will also be strictly enforced. “If they need to use a phone during school hours, they will have to use the school phone during their off period,” Howell said.
Other approvals of the evening included giving Lucedale Elementary PTO permission to install safety fencing around the playground and divide the play area into two sections, one for grades K-1 and the other for grades 2-3. The school district agreed to pay for the installation of the fencing and the PTO will pay for all materials.
The PTO was also given permission to purchase some new playground equipment to be added to the existing equipment already there.
Title I monies was shifted from the middle school to the elementary schools, and a $40,000 air conditioning project was approved for Lucedale Intermediate School Gymnasium. The project will include the purchase and installation of Mitsubishi air conditioning units, and also to install siding to cover the upper windows of the gym.
A summer feeding program was approved and the school district agreed to paid the difference in the elementary school nurses salaries in order to keep them at each of the schools.
The meeting was concluded with an Executive Session and a workshop was set for May 15th at 6:30 to work on the budget.
Middle School Students Speaks Against Uniforms
Middle School Student Trey Perkins seem to have earned the respect of the George County Board of Education last week with a presentation against school uniforms.
A very nervous Trey made his argument with several points; he began with stating that uniforms were an extra expense on low income families.
Trey told that counting his siblings and step-siblings there were six children living in his home with only his dad working. “It is hard for some families to provide school uniform and other clothes, too,” Trey said, “George County is not the richest county in Mississippi,” he continued with pointing out that many students eat free or reduced lunches.
Trey told the board that the citizens of the county voted against the uniform policy, when they were able to vote on it several year ago and he had more than 500 names on petitions against the policy.
He pointed out that sometimes purchasing the uniforms were an issue due to local stores, not keeping them is stock year round.
Speaking from experience, Trey said that the approved light-weight jackets and sweaters that can be purchased as part of the uniforms, nor were the uniforms themselves thick enough to keep the students warm in the cold season. “For those of us who have to ride a bus, we freeze waiting on it on those morning, especially on really, really cold days.” Trey pointed out.
Before completing his presentation, Trey and his step-sister both told the board they personally did not like the uniforms and neither did most of the students because “it takes away our self-expression.”
School Board President Ronnie Cooley told the students that the board would discuss the issues Trey brought up in an upcoming work session and both Cooley and board member Larry McDonald told the youngsters that their input on the matter was much appreciated.
A very nervous Trey made his argument with several points; he began with stating that uniforms were an extra expense on low income families.
Trey told that counting his siblings and step-siblings there were six children living in his home with only his dad working. “It is hard for some families to provide school uniform and other clothes, too,” Trey said, “George County is not the richest county in Mississippi,” he continued with pointing out that many students eat free or reduced lunches.
Trey told the board that the citizens of the county voted against the uniform policy, when they were able to vote on it several year ago and he had more than 500 names on petitions against the policy.
He pointed out that sometimes purchasing the uniforms were an issue due to local stores, not keeping them is stock year round.
Speaking from experience, Trey said that the approved light-weight jackets and sweaters that can be purchased as part of the uniforms, nor were the uniforms themselves thick enough to keep the students warm in the cold season. “For those of us who have to ride a bus, we freeze waiting on it on those morning, especially on really, really cold days.” Trey pointed out.
Before completing his presentation, Trey and his step-sister both told the board they personally did not like the uniforms and neither did most of the students because “it takes away our self-expression.”
School Board President Ronnie Cooley told the students that the board would discuss the issues Trey brought up in an upcoming work session and both Cooley and board member Larry McDonald told the youngsters that their input on the matter was much appreciated.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Lucedale Receives Check, Makes Fire Works Donation
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Howtown Radio"
Britt Hubbard with the Mississippi Forestry Commission presented Mayor Dayton Whites and the Lucedale Board of Aldermen a check for $29,900 to begin their first-of-the-month meeting on Tuesday night.
The city officials received the check as a grant from the forestry commission's Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund for the removal of dead and diseased trees and for the replacement of the removed trees. At the April board meeting the funds were approved for the tree removal project and 150 trees will be planted as replacements in Lucedale City Park. Britt Hubbard told the board that Mississippi lost approximately 2.7 million trees during the recent hurricanes and grants were made available to help rebuild the urban forest.
A donation of $2,000 was approved for payment to the Local Law Enforcement Organization to go toward the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show, which brings large crowds from all over south Mississippi, the coast and south Alabama, as well as locals into Lucedale each year for the annual celebration.
The Aldermen also approved a $12,005.90 quote from Premier Foam Insulation for the installing of insulation at the Lucedale Police Department and Police Chief Darrell Brewer spoke highly of the new renovations and told the aldermen that a new filing system was in place.
The city officials also approved for the extra wood chips located at the Recycle Center to be placed in a fenced-in area for distribution to the public. The wood chips, which can be used as mulch, will be given to the public but individuals must load the wood chips themselves.
Mayor Whites reported a successful “Wild Wing” festival and also said that a group from the Mississippi Housing Authority had recently visited the city to view the public restrooms site and City Park pavilion. Mayor said the group did not state if Lucedale was approved for the grant but said he has hopes that a notification should be returned within a short time.
After a short executive session, the meeting was recessed until May 15
at 7 p.m.
Special Thanks to Royce Armstrong for providing the photo, read his complete story in this week's George County Times, May 10, 2007.
Britt Hubbard with the Mississippi Forestry Commission presented Mayor Dayton Whites and the Lucedale Board of Aldermen a check for $29,900 to begin their first-of-the-month meeting on Tuesday night.
The city officials received the check as a grant from the forestry commission's Hurricane Katrina Recovery Fund for the removal of dead and diseased trees and for the replacement of the removed trees. At the April board meeting the funds were approved for the tree removal project and 150 trees will be planted as replacements in Lucedale City Park. Britt Hubbard told the board that Mississippi lost approximately 2.7 million trees during the recent hurricanes and grants were made available to help rebuild the urban forest.
A donation of $2,000 was approved for payment to the Local Law Enforcement Organization to go toward the annual Fourth of July Fireworks Show, which brings large crowds from all over south Mississippi, the coast and south Alabama, as well as locals into Lucedale each year for the annual celebration.
The Aldermen also approved a $12,005.90 quote from Premier Foam Insulation for the installing of insulation at the Lucedale Police Department and Police Chief Darrell Brewer spoke highly of the new renovations and told the aldermen that a new filing system was in place.
The city officials also approved for the extra wood chips located at the Recycle Center to be placed in a fenced-in area for distribution to the public. The wood chips, which can be used as mulch, will be given to the public but individuals must load the wood chips themselves.
Mayor Whites reported a successful “Wild Wing” festival and also said that a group from the Mississippi Housing Authority had recently visited the city to view the public restrooms site and City Park pavilion. Mayor said the group did not state if Lucedale was approved for the grant but said he has hopes that a notification should be returned within a short time.
After a short executive session, the meeting was recessed until May 15
at 7 p.m.
Special Thanks to Royce Armstrong for providing the photo, read his complete story in this week's George County Times, May 10, 2007.
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Andra Harris Wins National Merit Scholarship
Courtsey of George County Times
By Royce Armstrong
Andra Harris, a George County High School senior, will be attending Mississippi State University this fall with the help of a $10,000 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship program and Northrop Grumman.
“Knowing Andra, I was not surprised that she was one of the winners,” Misty Harris, Andra’s mother, said. “She has been a good student all of her life. She brought home a copy of her transcript the other night and she has not received a grade lower than an A on her report card since she was in the eighth grade.”
Harris is one of 1,000 high school seniors nationwide to be selected for scholarships funded by 300 companies, foundations and other business organizations, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Harris was selected from more than 1.4 million students representing 21,000 high schools.
“She is the epitome of a superior student,” Gayle Gunter, Andra’s high school counselor, said. “She is quiet and unassuming. She is well-liked by both her peers and her teachers. I was not one bit surprised that she won the National Merit Scholarship. I would have been surprised if she had not won it. It is not every year that we have a student that qualifies for this honor, and when we do we are very excited about it.”
Taking the PSAT test during her junior year, Andra scored high enough to be named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, her mother said. MSU offers tuition-free education to National Merit semi-finalists. On-campus housing and meals are provided for National Merit Finalists.
“The Northrop Grumman scholarship money is on top of that,” Misty Harris said. “We told her that since she had taken care of all of that, we would go ahead and buy a car for her.”
Sponsoring companies offer stipends ranging from $500 to $10,000. Northrop Grumman Corporation is sponsoring two Mississippi students, Harris and one other; through its Pascagoula ship building facility.
Andra plans to major in meteorology, according to her mother. “The meteorology department at MSU is ranked second only to M.I.T. I think she is the type of person who would like to be a storm chaser and researcher.”
Harris and her husband, Ben, who are both alumni of MSU, said the scholarship money will take a great deal of financial pressure off of them.
“Andra is the oldest of our three daughters,” Misty Harris said. “This really frees us up to concentrate on saving to pay the college expenses for the other two. Also, this sets an example for sisters.”
By Royce Armstrong
Andra Harris, a George County High School senior, will be attending Mississippi State University this fall with the help of a $10,000 scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship program and Northrop Grumman.
“Knowing Andra, I was not surprised that she was one of the winners,” Misty Harris, Andra’s mother, said. “She has been a good student all of her life. She brought home a copy of her transcript the other night and she has not received a grade lower than an A on her report card since she was in the eighth grade.”
Harris is one of 1,000 high school seniors nationwide to be selected for scholarships funded by 300 companies, foundations and other business organizations, according to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation website. Harris was selected from more than 1.4 million students representing 21,000 high schools.
“She is the epitome of a superior student,” Gayle Gunter, Andra’s high school counselor, said. “She is quiet and unassuming. She is well-liked by both her peers and her teachers. I was not one bit surprised that she won the National Merit Scholarship. I would have been surprised if she had not won it. It is not every year that we have a student that qualifies for this honor, and when we do we are very excited about it.”
Taking the PSAT test during her junior year, Andra scored high enough to be named a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, her mother said. MSU offers tuition-free education to National Merit semi-finalists. On-campus housing and meals are provided for National Merit Finalists.
“The Northrop Grumman scholarship money is on top of that,” Misty Harris said. “We told her that since she had taken care of all of that, we would go ahead and buy a car for her.”
Sponsoring companies offer stipends ranging from $500 to $10,000. Northrop Grumman Corporation is sponsoring two Mississippi students, Harris and one other; through its Pascagoula ship building facility.
Andra plans to major in meteorology, according to her mother. “The meteorology department at MSU is ranked second only to M.I.T. I think she is the type of person who would like to be a storm chaser and researcher.”
Harris and her husband, Ben, who are both alumni of MSU, said the scholarship money will take a great deal of financial pressure off of them.
“Andra is the oldest of our three daughters,” Misty Harris said. “This really frees us up to concentrate on saving to pay the college expenses for the other two. Also, this sets an example for sisters.”
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Local Student Among Bumpers Scholarships Awards
Courtsey of Clarion Ledger/April 29, 2007
A number of Mississippi teens are winners in the annual Bumpers Discover Mississippi Scholarship Contest.
Winners were announced April 21 at the Bumpers location in Ridgeland. More than $36,000 in college scholarships were awarded to high school juniors and seniors as part of the Bumpers Scholarship Program.
Winners include Joseph Marquez of Madison, St. Joseph Catholic School, $10,000; Hannah Phillips of Byram, Terry High, $5,000; Jessica Holland of Lucedale, George County High, $2,500; Ashley Cotton of Macon, Central Academy, $1,000; Hannah Jordan of Wesson, Wesson High, $2,000; and Ambreana Thompson of Gulfport, Harrison Central High, $2,000.
Others are Justin Nichols of Mantachie, Mantachie High, $2,000; Rachel Saunders of Canton, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, $2,000; Christopher Dye of Tupelo, Tupelo High, $2,000; Brandon Greer of Crystal Springs, Copiah Academy, $1,000; Ashli J. Walker of Brookhaven, Brookhaven High, $1,000; and Jeremy Prewett of New Albany, New Albany High, $1,000.
Other winners include Laura Brodbeck of Clinton, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, $1,000; David Borzik of Yazoo City, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Patrick Davs of Benton, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Justin Nichols of Mantachie, Mantachie High, $1,000; Jensi Parker of Brandon, Brandon High, $1,000; Courtney Brown of Yazoo City, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Justin Pruden of Louise, Manchester Academy, $1,000; and Kinesias Ford of Brookhaven, Brookhaven High, $2,500.
A number of Mississippi teens are winners in the annual Bumpers Discover Mississippi Scholarship Contest.
Winners were announced April 21 at the Bumpers location in Ridgeland. More than $36,000 in college scholarships were awarded to high school juniors and seniors as part of the Bumpers Scholarship Program.
Winners include Joseph Marquez of Madison, St. Joseph Catholic School, $10,000; Hannah Phillips of Byram, Terry High, $5,000; Jessica Holland of Lucedale, George County High, $2,500; Ashley Cotton of Macon, Central Academy, $1,000; Hannah Jordan of Wesson, Wesson High, $2,000; and Ambreana Thompson of Gulfport, Harrison Central High, $2,000.
Others are Justin Nichols of Mantachie, Mantachie High, $2,000; Rachel Saunders of Canton, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, $2,000; Christopher Dye of Tupelo, Tupelo High, $2,000; Brandon Greer of Crystal Springs, Copiah Academy, $1,000; Ashli J. Walker of Brookhaven, Brookhaven High, $1,000; and Jeremy Prewett of New Albany, New Albany High, $1,000.
Other winners include Laura Brodbeck of Clinton, St. Andrew's Episcopal School, $1,000; David Borzik of Yazoo City, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Patrick Davs of Benton, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Justin Nichols of Mantachie, Mantachie High, $1,000; Jensi Parker of Brandon, Brandon High, $1,000; Courtney Brown of Yazoo City, Manchester Academy, $1,000; Justin Pruden of Louise, Manchester Academy, $1,000; and Kinesias Ford of Brookhaven, Brookhaven High, $2,500.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
McLeod Said Procedures Followed, Miller Taken to Hospital
Courtsey of Hattiesburg American/April 27, 2007
By Royce Armstrong
LEAKESVILLE - Greene County Sheriff Stanley McLeod said Thursday that officials followed procedure when a county jail inmate's infant died during childbirth.
"As soon as my office became aware of the situation, we followed all procedures and made sure that Ms. Miller got to the hospital and received the medical help that she needed," McLeod said.
"It is unfortunate that this happened, and I hate that it happened. This office, my staff, we try to help people, not hurt people."
Amber Miller, 26, claims in a lawsuit to be filed today that county officials were negligent in providing medical care for her and her baby while she was incarcerated.
The suit also claims wrongful death for the deceased infant, Kayla Danielle Miller.
Miller, now serving a five-year sentence at the state prison in Pearl for uttering forgery, is seeking at least $1 million from the county. Officials said she has been arrested numerous times in both George and Greene counties.
"I cannot comment on the specifics of this case out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Miller and because of the pending lawsuit," McLeod said. "I will say that in regard to the allegations that are being made, some are erroneous and some are incomplete."
The allegations are found in the Notice of Claim, a legal instrument that must be filed at least 120 days before filing a lawsuit, according to Miller's attorney, Malcolm N. Murphy. The notice was filed on Nov. 6 and says that Miller was in the second trimester of a pregnancy on Jan. 4, 2006.
Miller began feeling pain at approximately 8 p.m. while playing cards with two other female inmates. Miller and the other inmates asked the jailer-dispatchers for help, the court document said. Instead of receiving help, the three women were told to be quiet and were threatened with Mace if Miller did not stop screaming.
Jail personnel were told Miller's baby was being born and that it was a breech birth. The court document said jail personnel asked the other inmates to spread Miller's legs and turn her so that they could see the baby. The baby was partially protruding from the mother. Jail personnel then directed that Miller, who was lying on a towel on a concrete floor, be turned in such a way that male prisoners in another cell block could "see what a woman had to endure while birthing a baby."
Jail personnel continued to refuse getting medical help for Miller, according to the court document. Finally, one of the male prisoners called for help. Emergency medical personnel arrived and Miller was taken to the Greene County Hospital. A doctor on duty finished delivering the baby just before midnight. The baby had been born, except for its head, according to hospital medical records. The baby was dead.
McLeod said Miller and two other inmates had escaped from the jail several days earlier and were on the loose for two or three days.
"We do not know what happened during that time. What I do know is that when we got them back into custody, we put all three of them in a secure cell. I can assure you that male prisoners could not view what was happening in that cell. If this case goes to trial, these facts will come out. This is a tragic situation and I hate it for Ms. Miller, her family and her child. It is just something that we have to work through."
Ron Scott of Lucedale, who said he is the baby's father, said, "She was looking forward to having that baby. Amber is a good person, man. Everybody has their moments."
Miller was living with Scott until she was incarcerated. Miller and Scott have another child, a girl who is now 2 years old.
"She wanted that baby," said Barbara Ann Miller of Leakesville, Amber Miller's aunt. "She would not intentionally have done anything to harm it."
Barbara Ann Miller said she helped raise Amber and has maintained a close relationship with her.
By Royce Armstrong
LEAKESVILLE - Greene County Sheriff Stanley McLeod said Thursday that officials followed procedure when a county jail inmate's infant died during childbirth.
"As soon as my office became aware of the situation, we followed all procedures and made sure that Ms. Miller got to the hospital and received the medical help that she needed," McLeod said.
"It is unfortunate that this happened, and I hate that it happened. This office, my staff, we try to help people, not hurt people."
Amber Miller, 26, claims in a lawsuit to be filed today that county officials were negligent in providing medical care for her and her baby while she was incarcerated.
The suit also claims wrongful death for the deceased infant, Kayla Danielle Miller.
Miller, now serving a five-year sentence at the state prison in Pearl for uttering forgery, is seeking at least $1 million from the county. Officials said she has been arrested numerous times in both George and Greene counties.
"I cannot comment on the specifics of this case out of respect for the privacy of Ms. Miller and because of the pending lawsuit," McLeod said. "I will say that in regard to the allegations that are being made, some are erroneous and some are incomplete."
The allegations are found in the Notice of Claim, a legal instrument that must be filed at least 120 days before filing a lawsuit, according to Miller's attorney, Malcolm N. Murphy. The notice was filed on Nov. 6 and says that Miller was in the second trimester of a pregnancy on Jan. 4, 2006.
Miller began feeling pain at approximately 8 p.m. while playing cards with two other female inmates. Miller and the other inmates asked the jailer-dispatchers for help, the court document said. Instead of receiving help, the three women were told to be quiet and were threatened with Mace if Miller did not stop screaming.
Jail personnel were told Miller's baby was being born and that it was a breech birth. The court document said jail personnel asked the other inmates to spread Miller's legs and turn her so that they could see the baby. The baby was partially protruding from the mother. Jail personnel then directed that Miller, who was lying on a towel on a concrete floor, be turned in such a way that male prisoners in another cell block could "see what a woman had to endure while birthing a baby."
Jail personnel continued to refuse getting medical help for Miller, according to the court document. Finally, one of the male prisoners called for help. Emergency medical personnel arrived and Miller was taken to the Greene County Hospital. A doctor on duty finished delivering the baby just before midnight. The baby had been born, except for its head, according to hospital medical records. The baby was dead.
McLeod said Miller and two other inmates had escaped from the jail several days earlier and were on the loose for two or three days.
"We do not know what happened during that time. What I do know is that when we got them back into custody, we put all three of them in a secure cell. I can assure you that male prisoners could not view what was happening in that cell. If this case goes to trial, these facts will come out. This is a tragic situation and I hate it for Ms. Miller, her family and her child. It is just something that we have to work through."
Ron Scott of Lucedale, who said he is the baby's father, said, "She was looking forward to having that baby. Amber is a good person, man. Everybody has their moments."
Miller was living with Scott until she was incarcerated. Miller and Scott have another child, a girl who is now 2 years old.
"She wanted that baby," said Barbara Ann Miller of Leakesville, Amber Miller's aunt. "She would not intentionally have done anything to harm it."
Barbara Ann Miller said she helped raise Amber and has maintained a close relationship with her.
Inmate to Sue in Baby's Death
Courtsey of Hattiesbuurg American/April 25, 2007
By Royce Armstrong
Greene County Jail officials refused to provide medical care to a pregnant inmate who went into labor, costing her baby her life, according to court documents.
Lucedale attorney Malcolm N. Murphy said he expects to file a lawsuit in Greene County Chancery Court on Friday on behalf of Amber Miller and her deceased newborn daughter, Kayla Danielle Miller. The lawsuit, which represents only one side of a legal issue, seeks at least $1 million in damages.
"I can prove everything in our claim," Murphy said Tuesday. "We will win this suit."
Greene County Sheriff Stanley McLeod was out of his office and did not return a phone call regarding this case. Greene County Board of Supervisors President L.F. Lambert also could not be reached for comment.
Amber Miller, now 26 and serving a five-year sentence in state prison for uttering forgery, was a prisoner in the Greene County Jail on Dec. 26, 2005. She was in her second trimester of pregnancy when her water broke. She was not given any medications or instructions on how to protect herself, according to court documents.
Over the course of several days Miller repeatedly asked for medical help, but was denied by jailers and deputies.
Here are circumstances according to the notice of claim, which was filed in November by Murphy to notify county officials that a lawsuit was forthcoming:
At approximately 8 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2006, Miller felt pain while playing cards with two other female inmates. Miller and the other inmates asked jail personnel for medical help. Instead, the document claims, the dispatchers on duty, Melba Bradley and Perle Rose Smith, threatened to spray Miller with Mace if she did not stop screaming.
Jail personnel were told that the baby was being born and that it was a breech birth. According to the court document, the jail personnel directed that Miller be positioned so male prisoners in a cell across the hall could "see what a woman had to endure while birthing a baby," according to Murphy.
In an effort to get medical help for Miller, one of the other female inmates, Brandy Mills, attempted to call Miller's grandmother. Dispatcher Melba Bradley turned off the telephone, the court document claims.
A male prisoner did manage to make a call for medical help from the telephone in the men's cell block, Murphy said.
Miller and her partially born baby were taken to the Greene County Hospital and the attending physician finished delivering the baby just before midnight. By this time, the baby was dead.
Miller was returned to the Greene County Jail the next day.
The baby's body was turned over to the state medical examiner's office by Greene County Coroner Clyde Gilley.
By Royce Armstrong
Greene County Jail officials refused to provide medical care to a pregnant inmate who went into labor, costing her baby her life, according to court documents.
Lucedale attorney Malcolm N. Murphy said he expects to file a lawsuit in Greene County Chancery Court on Friday on behalf of Amber Miller and her deceased newborn daughter, Kayla Danielle Miller. The lawsuit, which represents only one side of a legal issue, seeks at least $1 million in damages.
"I can prove everything in our claim," Murphy said Tuesday. "We will win this suit."
Greene County Sheriff Stanley McLeod was out of his office and did not return a phone call regarding this case. Greene County Board of Supervisors President L.F. Lambert also could not be reached for comment.
Amber Miller, now 26 and serving a five-year sentence in state prison for uttering forgery, was a prisoner in the Greene County Jail on Dec. 26, 2005. She was in her second trimester of pregnancy when her water broke. She was not given any medications or instructions on how to protect herself, according to court documents.
Over the course of several days Miller repeatedly asked for medical help, but was denied by jailers and deputies.
Here are circumstances according to the notice of claim, which was filed in November by Murphy to notify county officials that a lawsuit was forthcoming:
At approximately 8 p.m. on Jan. 4, 2006, Miller felt pain while playing cards with two other female inmates. Miller and the other inmates asked jail personnel for medical help. Instead, the document claims, the dispatchers on duty, Melba Bradley and Perle Rose Smith, threatened to spray Miller with Mace if she did not stop screaming.
Jail personnel were told that the baby was being born and that it was a breech birth. According to the court document, the jail personnel directed that Miller be positioned so male prisoners in a cell across the hall could "see what a woman had to endure while birthing a baby," according to Murphy.
In an effort to get medical help for Miller, one of the other female inmates, Brandy Mills, attempted to call Miller's grandmother. Dispatcher Melba Bradley turned off the telephone, the court document claims.
A male prisoner did manage to make a call for medical help from the telephone in the men's cell block, Murphy said.
Miller and her partially born baby were taken to the Greene County Hospital and the attending physician finished delivering the baby just before midnight. By this time, the baby was dead.
Miller was returned to the Greene County Jail the next day.
The baby's body was turned over to the state medical examiner's office by Greene County Coroner Clyde Gilley.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Report From State, Military Training on End of Month Agenda
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Supervisors' end-of-the-month meeting on Wednesday began with a report from State Representative Deryk Parker. Parker told the board that the state legislators had approved the county's request for a lodge and hotel tax, but decreased it by 1%. The now 2% tax would apply to hotel and motel stays within the county, and would fund the local economic development budget. The local population will have the opportunity to vote to pass this tax on the November ballot.
The Supervisors had also requested to raise the local sales tax by 1% to fund a sports complex but Parker said this request had died in committee. A restaurant tax was discussed as a possible option for the funding for a later date.
The Supervisors were also paid a visit by an officer from Camp Shelby, Micheal Douglas. Douglas was requesting the use of the fair grounds for a couple of days as part of an upcoming training simulation. After hearing the presentation, the supervisors said they were willing to assist the military in any way and two dates in May were set. The training simulation is off limits to the public but the local law enforcement will be advised of the details.
Several routine items were included on the agenda, including road issues, tax roll adjustments and the approval of travel expenses for employee training.
Bids for the day included the acceptance of a $32,500 new steel wheel packer from Midsouth but bids for a new chip spreader were taken under advisement.
The next Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 7 at 9 a.m.
The George County Board of Supervisors' end-of-the-month meeting on Wednesday began with a report from State Representative Deryk Parker. Parker told the board that the state legislators had approved the county's request for a lodge and hotel tax, but decreased it by 1%. The now 2% tax would apply to hotel and motel stays within the county, and would fund the local economic development budget. The local population will have the opportunity to vote to pass this tax on the November ballot.
The Supervisors had also requested to raise the local sales tax by 1% to fund a sports complex but Parker said this request had died in committee. A restaurant tax was discussed as a possible option for the funding for a later date.
The Supervisors were also paid a visit by an officer from Camp Shelby, Micheal Douglas. Douglas was requesting the use of the fair grounds for a couple of days as part of an upcoming training simulation. After hearing the presentation, the supervisors said they were willing to assist the military in any way and two dates in May were set. The training simulation is off limits to the public but the local law enforcement will be advised of the details.
Several routine items were included on the agenda, including road issues, tax roll adjustments and the approval of travel expenses for employee training.
Bids for the day included the acceptance of a $32,500 new steel wheel packer from Midsouth but bids for a new chip spreader were taken under advisement.
The next Supervisors meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 7 at 9 a.m.
Student Assault Charges Dropped
Courtsey of Hattiesburg American/April 25, 2007
By Royce Armstrong
Assault charges against Wendell Fairley, 19, and Derek Davis, 18, both students at George County High School and players on the baseball team, were dismissed Tuesday.
The charges, filed on March 30 by the parents of a 16-year-old student, stemmed from an incident that allegedly took place on a school bus the evening of March 22. Fairley and Davis were among seven team members charged in the incident.
Team members were returning home from a game when seven members of the team, including Fairley and Davis, reportedly pulled the 16-year-old student down between two seats, pulled down his pants and photographed his genital area with cell phone cameras.
The 16-year-old student has not been back to school since the incident and has been under a psychologist's care.
George County Youth Court also met on Tuesday morning. Information on whether or not the charges against the other five students, who are minors, were dropped was not available. Legal action involving minors is not open to the public.
"We are very apologetic for all that this family has gone through," Superintendent Donnie Howell said. "We are currently working out an academic arrangement so he does not lose his school year. We are doing everything we can to meet his educational needs."
Howell said that as far as he knew the school district was not compensating the student's family in any way.
The Justice Court case against Fairley and Davis was pending the appointment of a special prosecutor and judge. Both Justice Court judges M. L. Goff and Connie Wilkerson had recused themselves from the case, as had county attorney Mark Maples.
Maples also serves as the attorney for the school board.
By Royce Armstrong
Assault charges against Wendell Fairley, 19, and Derek Davis, 18, both students at George County High School and players on the baseball team, were dismissed Tuesday.
The charges, filed on March 30 by the parents of a 16-year-old student, stemmed from an incident that allegedly took place on a school bus the evening of March 22. Fairley and Davis were among seven team members charged in the incident.
Team members were returning home from a game when seven members of the team, including Fairley and Davis, reportedly pulled the 16-year-old student down between two seats, pulled down his pants and photographed his genital area with cell phone cameras.
The 16-year-old student has not been back to school since the incident and has been under a psychologist's care.
George County Youth Court also met on Tuesday morning. Information on whether or not the charges against the other five students, who are minors, were dropped was not available. Legal action involving minors is not open to the public.
"We are very apologetic for all that this family has gone through," Superintendent Donnie Howell said. "We are currently working out an academic arrangement so he does not lose his school year. We are doing everything we can to meet his educational needs."
Howell said that as far as he knew the school district was not compensating the student's family in any way.
The Justice Court case against Fairley and Davis was pending the appointment of a special prosecutor and judge. Both Justice Court judges M. L. Goff and Connie Wilkerson had recused themselves from the case, as had county attorney Mark Maples.
Maples also serves as the attorney for the school board.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Cord Fallon Chosen for Summer Leadership Conference
Courtsey of Sun Herald/April 25, 2007
Three high school juniors represented Singing River Electric Power Association at the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson on March 7-9. The students also will participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Leadership Conference in Washington this summer.
Candidates were required to have a 3.0 grade average and reside in Singing River Electric's service area to apply for the program. After being selected by their school, the students participated in interviews. Hayley Barnes of St. Martin High School, Cord Fallon of George County High School and Glenn Wells Jr. of East Central High School were chosen as Singing River Electric's representatives for the program.
While visiting Jackson, the young leaders spent time learning about electric cooperatives, participating in leadership workshops and meeting state legislators.
Three high school juniors represented Singing River Electric Power Association at the Electric Power Associations of Mississippi Youth Leadership Workshop in Jackson on March 7-9. The students also will participate in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Youth Leadership Conference in Washington this summer.
Candidates were required to have a 3.0 grade average and reside in Singing River Electric's service area to apply for the program. After being selected by their school, the students participated in interviews. Hayley Barnes of St. Martin High School, Cord Fallon of George County High School and Glenn Wells Jr. of East Central High School were chosen as Singing River Electric's representatives for the program.
While visiting Jackson, the young leaders spent time learning about electric cooperatives, participating in leadership workshops and meeting state legislators.
George County Sr Among 9 to Receive Corporate-Sponsored Scholarships
Courtsey of WLOX/April 22,2007
Nine Mississippi high schools seniors will attend college this fall on corporate-sponsored scholarships they earned by being finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Corp. program.
The spring graduates are among about 1,000 students nationwide receiving Merit Scholarship awards financed by some 300 companies, foundations and other business groups.
Their road to becoming National Merit finalists and scholars began in their junior year of high school, when they took a National Merit qualifying test.
Andra Harris of Lucedale, a senior at George County High, is among them. She's thrilled to receive a $10,000 award sponsored by Northrop Grumman, her father's employer in Pascagoula.
"I'm going to Mississippi State, and I'm going to major in meteorology," Harris said. "This scholarship means a lot less pressure on my parents for having to pay for my college."
Austin Alexander of Ridgeland, 18, a senior at Jackson Academy, is bound for Ole Miss, where he'll be in the Honors College. His Merit scholarship is sponsored by BellSouth.
"It's a really big honor," Alexander said. "It was really good news. I did get a full ride, and that's really great."
Those receiving corporate awards meet the criteria of their scholarship sponsors. Corporate organizations generally provide Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who are children of their employees, residents of communities the company serves, or have plans to pursue majors or careers the grantor wishes to encourage.
The amounts vary - from $500 to $10,000 per year - and most of the awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. The Gannett Foundation, through its Madelyn P. Jennings Scholarship Program, is a corporate sponsor.
Luke Schwalm, a senior at Madison Central High, is receiving a National Merit scholarship through the foundation.
"We've done this for years because it's a very effective and very rewarding program, not only for the kids who are selected, but for Gannett," said Tara Connell, vice president of corporate communications for Gannett and executive director of the Gannett Foundation. "It's great for our employees, and we love doing it."
Recipients can use their award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.
"The corporate organizations funding these Merit Scholarships recognize the value of supporting the intellectual development of some of our nation's most capable students," National Merit officials said in a news release.
Winners had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a school official, and earn SAT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance.
Some 15,000 Merit semifinalists met finalist requirements.
Later this spring, Merit Corp. officials will announce more finalist scholars whose awards are sponsored by their colleges or from the Merit Corp.'s own funds.
Nine Mississippi high schools seniors will attend college this fall on corporate-sponsored scholarships they earned by being finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Corp. program.
The spring graduates are among about 1,000 students nationwide receiving Merit Scholarship awards financed by some 300 companies, foundations and other business groups.
Their road to becoming National Merit finalists and scholars began in their junior year of high school, when they took a National Merit qualifying test.
Andra Harris of Lucedale, a senior at George County High, is among them. She's thrilled to receive a $10,000 award sponsored by Northrop Grumman, her father's employer in Pascagoula.
"I'm going to Mississippi State, and I'm going to major in meteorology," Harris said. "This scholarship means a lot less pressure on my parents for having to pay for my college."
Austin Alexander of Ridgeland, 18, a senior at Jackson Academy, is bound for Ole Miss, where he'll be in the Honors College. His Merit scholarship is sponsored by BellSouth.
"It's a really big honor," Alexander said. "It was really good news. I did get a full ride, and that's really great."
Those receiving corporate awards meet the criteria of their scholarship sponsors. Corporate organizations generally provide Merit Scholarship awards for finalists who are children of their employees, residents of communities the company serves, or have plans to pursue majors or careers the grantor wishes to encourage.
The amounts vary - from $500 to $10,000 per year - and most of the awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study. Some provide a single payment between $2,500 and $5,000. The Gannett Foundation, through its Madelyn P. Jennings Scholarship Program, is a corporate sponsor.
Luke Schwalm, a senior at Madison Central High, is receiving a National Merit scholarship through the foundation.
"We've done this for years because it's a very effective and very rewarding program, not only for the kids who are selected, but for Gannett," said Tara Connell, vice president of corporate communications for Gannett and executive director of the Gannett Foundation. "It's great for our employees, and we love doing it."
Recipients can use their award at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.
"The corporate organizations funding these Merit Scholarships recognize the value of supporting the intellectual development of some of our nation's most capable students," National Merit officials said in a news release.
Winners had to have an outstanding academic record, be endorsed and recommended by a school official, and earn SAT scores that confirmed their qualifying test performance.
Some 15,000 Merit semifinalists met finalist requirements.
Later this spring, Merit Corp. officials will announce more finalist scholars whose awards are sponsored by their colleges or from the Merit Corp.'s own funds.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
3 Lucedale Men Held in Murder
Courtsey of Sun Herald/April 19
By ROYCE ARMSTRONG
LUCEDALE --The George County Sheriff's Department has charged two more Lucedale men with murder in the April 2 shooting of Matthew Rogers.
Daniel Ray Hancock, 28, and Kevin D. Davis, 19, made first appearances before Justice Court Judge M.L. Goff on Tuesday. Bond was set at $200,000 for each. Both are being held in the George County Regional Correctional Facility.
The George County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call and found Rogers shot to death at a residence on Old Mobile Highway near the Rocky Creek community.
An initial investigation found that three men besides the victim were present at the scene when the shooting took place. All three immediately became suspects in the case, according to George County Sheriff Garry Welford. Only one of the men was still at the scene when deputies and emergency personnel arrived.
Jeremy Pitts, 27, was arrested and charged with murder the day following the shooting.
Evidence produced by the investigation led to the additional arrests.
The Sheriff's Department declined to comment on a possible motive for the crime, the number of times the victim was shot, the type and caliber of weapon used or the number of weapons used in the shooting.
The investigation is continuing, according to a Sheriff's Department press release.
By ROYCE ARMSTRONG
LUCEDALE --The George County Sheriff's Department has charged two more Lucedale men with murder in the April 2 shooting of Matthew Rogers.
Daniel Ray Hancock, 28, and Kevin D. Davis, 19, made first appearances before Justice Court Judge M.L. Goff on Tuesday. Bond was set at $200,000 for each. Both are being held in the George County Regional Correctional Facility.
The George County Sheriff's Department responded to a 911 call and found Rogers shot to death at a residence on Old Mobile Highway near the Rocky Creek community.
An initial investigation found that three men besides the victim were present at the scene when the shooting took place. All three immediately became suspects in the case, according to George County Sheriff Garry Welford. Only one of the men was still at the scene when deputies and emergency personnel arrived.
Jeremy Pitts, 27, was arrested and charged with murder the day following the shooting.
Evidence produced by the investigation led to the additional arrests.
The Sheriff's Department declined to comment on a possible motive for the crime, the number of times the victim was shot, the type and caliber of weapon used or the number of weapons used in the shooting.
The investigation is continuing, according to a Sheriff's Department press release.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Two More Arrest Made in Rogers' Death
A second and third arrest has been made in the shooting death of 21-year-old Matthew Rogers. Daniel Ray Hancock, 28, and Kevin D. Davis, 19, were both arrested by George County authorities and made an initial appearance before Justice Court Judge M.L. Goff earlier this week. Judge Goff set a $200,000 bond for both men. The first arrest was that of 27-year-old Jeremy Pitts on April 3. The day following the discovery of the shot-to-death body of Rogers at a residence on Old Mobile Highway. A press release from the George County Sheriff's Department states that all three men are still in custody.
New industrial park opens
George County unveils 1,200-site with rail access
Courtsey of Sun Herald/April 18, 2007
BY ROYCE ARMSTRONG
Between 75 and 100 state and local government officials, business leaders, economic development experts and members of the general public watched as local officials cut the ceremonial ribbon on a 1,200-acre industrial site in George County Tuesday afternoon.
"This event showcases what George County has to offer," said Kelly Wright, president of the George County Board of Supervisors. "This park is important to bring jobs to George County. We want to attract quality jobs that will be a benefit to the entire county."
The industrial park has a number of key features that will help make it successful, said Steven C. Hardin, the director of regional services for the Mississippi Development Authority. One of those key features is railroad access.
"Rail sites are important to major manufacturers," Hardin said. "This site is a large acreage with an active rail line."
The Mississippi Export Railroad, which connects two major railways, the CSXT and the CNIC, has a spur extending nearly a mile into the park, said Mark Miller, the vice president of operations.
"Do you hear that?" Miller said. "That is the CNIC running on a line right over there. The CNIC goes clear up into Canada. The CSXT runs from Florida to Texas. This park has major railroad access. Our focus is to help bring multiple industries into this park. We want to provide good jobs for George County. If we do that, some of those industries will also ship by rail."
State Rep. Deryk Parker said that the number of people who came to the park for the ribbon-cutting showed the event's importance.
"This just goes to show that business leaders, elected officials and the public are excited about the future of George County and the opportunities that we have in this growing economy," he said.
Mark Loughman, the director of economic development for Mississippi Power, said he felt the ribbon-cutting ceremony was important to two groups.
"First, there are the various economic development partners, the people that will likely be instrumental in bringing industry to the county," he said. "The other audience is the citizens and leaders of George County. They must believe in the growth that is coming."
Loughman said he expects the county may see significant new growth and development within the next five years.
"With this industrial park, the county will get exposure like never before, like it would never have gotten before Hurricane Katrina. There will be development in all three of the counties just north of the three coastal counties. George County has an advantage because it is near a major metropolitan area - Mobile, Alabama."
It is not just the rail service that makes the industrial park attractive, said Sue Wright, executive director of the George County Economic Development Foundation. The county is strategically positioned between three major metropolitan areas - Mobile, Pascagoula and Hattiesburg. It is also connected by two major highways, Mississippi 98 and Mississippi 63, and is less than 30 minutes from the airport in Mobile.
Courtsey of Sun Herald/April 18, 2007
BY ROYCE ARMSTRONG
Between 75 and 100 state and local government officials, business leaders, economic development experts and members of the general public watched as local officials cut the ceremonial ribbon on a 1,200-acre industrial site in George County Tuesday afternoon.
"This event showcases what George County has to offer," said Kelly Wright, president of the George County Board of Supervisors. "This park is important to bring jobs to George County. We want to attract quality jobs that will be a benefit to the entire county."
The industrial park has a number of key features that will help make it successful, said Steven C. Hardin, the director of regional services for the Mississippi Development Authority. One of those key features is railroad access.
"Rail sites are important to major manufacturers," Hardin said. "This site is a large acreage with an active rail line."
The Mississippi Export Railroad, which connects two major railways, the CSXT and the CNIC, has a spur extending nearly a mile into the park, said Mark Miller, the vice president of operations.
"Do you hear that?" Miller said. "That is the CNIC running on a line right over there. The CNIC goes clear up into Canada. The CSXT runs from Florida to Texas. This park has major railroad access. Our focus is to help bring multiple industries into this park. We want to provide good jobs for George County. If we do that, some of those industries will also ship by rail."
State Rep. Deryk Parker said that the number of people who came to the park for the ribbon-cutting showed the event's importance.
"This just goes to show that business leaders, elected officials and the public are excited about the future of George County and the opportunities that we have in this growing economy," he said.
Mark Loughman, the director of economic development for Mississippi Power, said he felt the ribbon-cutting ceremony was important to two groups.
"First, there are the various economic development partners, the people that will likely be instrumental in bringing industry to the county," he said. "The other audience is the citizens and leaders of George County. They must believe in the growth that is coming."
Loughman said he expects the county may see significant new growth and development within the next five years.
"With this industrial park, the county will get exposure like never before, like it would never have gotten before Hurricane Katrina. There will be development in all three of the counties just north of the three coastal counties. George County has an advantage because it is near a major metropolitan area - Mobile, Alabama."
It is not just the rail service that makes the industrial park attractive, said Sue Wright, executive director of the George County Economic Development Foundation. The county is strategically positioned between three major metropolitan areas - Mobile, Pascagoula and Hattiesburg. It is also connected by two major highways, Mississippi 98 and Mississippi 63, and is less than 30 minutes from the airport in Mobile.
Friday, April 13, 2007
GEORGE COUTY TO PARTICIPATE IN ANNUAL WILD WING FESTIVAL
Courtsey of George County Times
Special events are planned in George County and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the 2007 Wild Wing River and Nature Festival, which begins today (April 13).
Events scheduled for the Lucedale area will be held on Friday ad Saturday, April 20 and 21. The Friday event will be a BirdSong Identification session, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free, and will be held at the Lucedale Fine Arts Building.
Expert birder Daniel Edelstein will reveal the secrets of identifying birds by their song. Beginning with a basic understanding of the ecology of bird songs and calls, the program (which includes a dynamic slide show featuring images of birds and recordings of their songs/calls) proceeds to introduce the different kinds and patterns of birds vocalizations-songs, calls, sub-song, whisper song, repertoires, mimicry- and the reasons researchers believe they are used.
Edelstein will allow attendants to hear typical songs as well as distinguish difficult-to-identify songs from sound-alike birds and groups of birds.
Then on Saturday, Edelstein will lead in a field trip to test participants' skills and learn bird song Identification. The trip will be to the Charles Deaton Nature Preserve, owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy.
Saturday events include a ribbon cutting and nature walk at the Havard Nature Trail and Greenway at Depot Creek in Lucedale. This event is free, also, and will be held from 9-11 a.m.
Included at the Greenway Nature Walk will be a guided tour of the area's unique opportunity for outdoor recreation. A book signing by Pascagoula native Laura Hildick Burge, author of “Singing River Story,” is planned.
In addition, Joe McGee, from Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, will provide a hands-on display about turtles, snakes and reptiles of the Pascagoula Rive Basin. Music will be provided by Rochambeaux in the City Park adjacent to the Greenway, from noon to 3 p.m.
Another planned event in George County will be an Egret Rookery Tour, which will be held at the Herman Murrah Preserve on Saturday, April 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. There is a 15-person limit. Call (601)947-3111 for more details. Call (229)872-2769 for reservations; there will be a $25 fee.
ALONG THE GULF COAST
Among events planned along the Gulf Coast are:
**Friday, April 13 – Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Escatawpa, Moss Point, 5 to 8 p.m., $100. Limit 20.
**Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, Wings Along the Bayou, Gautier City Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free to public. Includes boat trips, seminar on “Backyard Habitat for Wildlife,” guided Wildflower Walk, birding and lecture on Mississippi sandhill cranes.
**Tuesday, April 17, Horn Island Naturalist ad Birding Tour, Ocean Springs, 1 to 8 p.m., $110. Limit 25. Explore the connection between art and nature ae Mary Anderson Pickard, daughter of renowned natural artist Walter Anderson, leads the tour to Horn Island aboard a Biloxi Schooner sailing vessel. On the island, naturalist-guided walk planed to learn about the barrier island or join local birding groups.
**Wednesday, April 18, Creole Bayou Heritage Tour, Pelican Landing Conference Center, Moss Point, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $75, Limit 6. A natural and cultural heritage tour of Creole Bayou on the Pascagoula River to view natural habitats of the abundant flora and fauna of the area, including several threatened and endangered species. Water fowl and migratory birds like brown pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets, even bald eagles- are often seen on these excursions along with American alligators and other wildlife.
Other events are planned along the Gulf Coast, see http://www.wildwingfestival.com/for a complete schedule of events or call Leah Bray at (228) 826-3032 for more details.
Special events are planned in George County and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast during the 2007 Wild Wing River and Nature Festival, which begins today (April 13).
Events scheduled for the Lucedale area will be held on Friday ad Saturday, April 20 and 21. The Friday event will be a BirdSong Identification session, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is free, and will be held at the Lucedale Fine Arts Building.
Expert birder Daniel Edelstein will reveal the secrets of identifying birds by their song. Beginning with a basic understanding of the ecology of bird songs and calls, the program (which includes a dynamic slide show featuring images of birds and recordings of their songs/calls) proceeds to introduce the different kinds and patterns of birds vocalizations-songs, calls, sub-song, whisper song, repertoires, mimicry- and the reasons researchers believe they are used.
Edelstein will allow attendants to hear typical songs as well as distinguish difficult-to-identify songs from sound-alike birds and groups of birds.
Then on Saturday, Edelstein will lead in a field trip to test participants' skills and learn bird song Identification. The trip will be to the Charles Deaton Nature Preserve, owned and managed by the Nature Conservancy.
Saturday events include a ribbon cutting and nature walk at the Havard Nature Trail and Greenway at Depot Creek in Lucedale. This event is free, also, and will be held from 9-11 a.m.
Included at the Greenway Nature Walk will be a guided tour of the area's unique opportunity for outdoor recreation. A book signing by Pascagoula native Laura Hildick Burge, author of “Singing River Story,” is planned.
In addition, Joe McGee, from Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, will provide a hands-on display about turtles, snakes and reptiles of the Pascagoula Rive Basin. Music will be provided by Rochambeaux in the City Park adjacent to the Greenway, from noon to 3 p.m.
Another planned event in George County will be an Egret Rookery Tour, which will be held at the Herman Murrah Preserve on Saturday, April 21 from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. There is a 15-person limit. Call (601)947-3111 for more details. Call (229)872-2769 for reservations; there will be a $25 fee.
ALONG THE GULF COAST
Among events planned along the Gulf Coast are:
**Friday, April 13 – Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Escatawpa, Moss Point, 5 to 8 p.m., $100. Limit 20.
**Saturday and Sunday, April 14 and 15, Wings Along the Bayou, Gautier City Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., free to public. Includes boat trips, seminar on “Backyard Habitat for Wildlife,” guided Wildflower Walk, birding and lecture on Mississippi sandhill cranes.
**Tuesday, April 17, Horn Island Naturalist ad Birding Tour, Ocean Springs, 1 to 8 p.m., $110. Limit 25. Explore the connection between art and nature ae Mary Anderson Pickard, daughter of renowned natural artist Walter Anderson, leads the tour to Horn Island aboard a Biloxi Schooner sailing vessel. On the island, naturalist-guided walk planed to learn about the barrier island or join local birding groups.
**Wednesday, April 18, Creole Bayou Heritage Tour, Pelican Landing Conference Center, Moss Point, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., $75, Limit 6. A natural and cultural heritage tour of Creole Bayou on the Pascagoula River to view natural habitats of the abundant flora and fauna of the area, including several threatened and endangered species. Water fowl and migratory birds like brown pelicans, ospreys, herons, egrets, even bald eagles- are often seen on these excursions along with American alligators and other wildlife.
Other events are planned along the Gulf Coast, see http://www.wildwingfestival.com/for a complete schedule of events or call Leah Bray at (228) 826-3032 for more details.
GOVERNOR BARBOUR SIGNS “MISSISSIPPI HEALTHY STUDENTS ACT"
JACKSON– Governor Haley Barbour on Wednesday signedinto law Senate Bill 2369, known as the “Mississippi Healthy Students Act,” which requires public schools to provide increased amounts of physical activity and health education instruction for elementary and junior high students. The legislation also adds additional physical education or physical activity requirements before high school students are eligible for graduation. “I’m pleased the Legislature honored my request to set a state mandate for weekly physical activity and to increase the requirements for physical education-related instruction,” Governor Barbour said. “It’s imperative that our schools and our children understand that learning takes many forms, and along with academics we must also teach the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.” “Increasing physical activity is very important for our students” said Dr. Hank M. Bounds, State Superintendent of Education. “We know the important connection between good health and student achievement. While academic preparation is crucial to the success of our boys and girls, they also need physical activity to grow and develop into healthy, well-prepared adults.”The bill, proposed by the Governor and passed by the Legislature duringthe 2007 Regular Session, requires schools to provide at least 150 minutes of physical activity-based instruction as well as 45 minutes of health education instruction per week for students in kindergartenthrough 8th grade. In addition, the legislation requires students in grades 9 through 12 to complete a ½ Carnegie unit of physical education or physical activity before qualifying for graduation. “This is common sense legislation that emphasizes the value of learning how to adopt a healthy lifestyle at an early age,” GovernorBarbour said. “By teaching our children the importance of good nutrition and physical activity, we are taking the necessary actions to ensure the benefits of a healthier lifestyle—lower costs, more job creation, mental clarity, and a longer and better quality of life. ”The Mississippi Healthy Students Act is part of Governor Barbour’s Healthy Mississippi initiative, which focuses on providing more and better ways to improve the overall health and fitness of Mississippi residents, such as school children, working adults, and senior citizens.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
7 High School Students Arrested After Alleged Sexual Assault
Courtsey of Hattiseburg American and Clarion Ledger/April 6,2007
By Royce Armstrong
Student horseplay on the back of a bus got out of hand, resulting in the arrest of seven George County High School students and leaving a 16-year-old in a psychologist's care.
"Those boys violated my son," the victim's mother said Thursday. "But the school has also violated him by not taking any action."
The Hattiesburg American and The Clarion-Ledger do not identify victims of sexual crimes. The incident took place on a bus returning home from a baseball game on March 22.
One student was pulled down to the floor of the bus and held down by others while his slacks and boxers were pulled down. In the process, his mouth was covered so he could not yell for help and his clothes were torn.
He struggled to stop the incident. His private parts were allegedly photographed with cell phone cameras, and those images later circulated around the school.
"The school is covering it up because one of the players involved is their 'golden boy,' " the alleged victim's mother said. "He has already received scholarships and they cannot understand why we don't just let this go. I don't think they are going to do anything about this until after the baseball season is over."
School officials could not be reached for comment Thursday. The alleged victim did not tell his parents about the incident until the following day, the mother said. The parents immediately contacted school officials and met with the baseball coaches on March 24.
By March 31, the parents had not heard back from the school. The lack of action infuriated them.
They then filed charges to have the seven players involved arrested. All seven were charged and released to the custody of their parents.
The Sheriff's Department would not say what the charges are. Five of the students are under 18 years old, while the other two are 18 and 19. None of the students is being charged as an adult.
"Those students have not missed a class or a baseball game," the mother said. "And my son is not able to go to school. He was on the prom committee, and he will not be able to go to the prom because he is afraid.
"The school is calling this a hazing. It's not. It is an assault," the mother said. "It stopped being a hazing when he stopped being a willing participant."
By Royce Armstrong
Student horseplay on the back of a bus got out of hand, resulting in the arrest of seven George County High School students and leaving a 16-year-old in a psychologist's care.
"Those boys violated my son," the victim's mother said Thursday. "But the school has also violated him by not taking any action."
The Hattiesburg American and The Clarion-Ledger do not identify victims of sexual crimes. The incident took place on a bus returning home from a baseball game on March 22.
One student was pulled down to the floor of the bus and held down by others while his slacks and boxers were pulled down. In the process, his mouth was covered so he could not yell for help and his clothes were torn.
He struggled to stop the incident. His private parts were allegedly photographed with cell phone cameras, and those images later circulated around the school.
"The school is covering it up because one of the players involved is their 'golden boy,' " the alleged victim's mother said. "He has already received scholarships and they cannot understand why we don't just let this go. I don't think they are going to do anything about this until after the baseball season is over."
School officials could not be reached for comment Thursday. The alleged victim did not tell his parents about the incident until the following day, the mother said. The parents immediately contacted school officials and met with the baseball coaches on March 24.
By March 31, the parents had not heard back from the school. The lack of action infuriated them.
They then filed charges to have the seven players involved arrested. All seven were charged and released to the custody of their parents.
The Sheriff's Department would not say what the charges are. Five of the students are under 18 years old, while the other two are 18 and 19. None of the students is being charged as an adult.
"Those students have not missed a class or a baseball game," the mother said. "And my son is not able to go to school. He was on the prom committee, and he will not be able to go to the prom because he is afraid.
"The school is calling this a hazing. It's not. It is an assault," the mother said. "It stopped being a hazing when he stopped being a willing participant."
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