Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
A long agenda filled the end-of-the-month George County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday, which began with an independent consultant, Randy Jorgenson offering to accompany the Supervisors to the state capitol in Jackson to meet with officials with the Mississippi Development Authority.
The Supervisors has submitted an application for a $150,000 HUD Grant for a Land Use Study, which is the first step in future improvements for the county; but the application has not been considered by the MDA, who will decide the distribution of $5 to $10 Million in HUD grants.
Jorgenson said the HUD grants were still available and George County's application was a very small amount in comparison to surrounding communities. He told the board that he could not understand why such a small amount was not even being considered, when even neighboring cities were submitting applications for much larger amounts.
The supervisors thanked Jorgenson for taking time out of his busy schedule to attend the meeting and said they would get back with him in the next few days on his offer to help.
The meeting continued with a public hearing to close Fore Loop as a public road, with no objections. County Attorney Robert Shepard submitted a resolution on the road closing to be recorded with the board minutes and included suggestions on how to “post” the closed road.
Several other road, land and subdivision issues were addressed, including the signing of a lease contract for the pipeline to be placed on county-owned land.
Sandra Bowling told the board that three of the five homes being built with the 2006 Home Grant Program were completed with the remaining two, more than 50% complete.
George County High School Principal Paul Wallace and Athletic Director Al Jones asked the supervisors about doing the dirt work in preparation for the new soccer field. Board President Kelly Wright said the supervisors would set a time within the week to meet at the site.
Superintendent of Education Donnie Howell told the supervisors that the school district would like to place a resource officer at the high school and one at the middle school and was requesting that the county and city help with some of the expensive. Howell said he was asking the county to assist with the officer at the high school and was on the agenda to make the same request of the city for the officer at the middle school at their April 3 meeting of the Lucedale Board of Aldermen.
Howell said the school system would pay for all training and schooling expensives, and was asking the county to assist with 30% of the salary plus a vehicle for the high school officer.
Supervisors Kelly Wright and Henry Cochran express their interest to help the schools in this matter but could not commit until they could set a work session and reviewed the county's budget.
County Engineer Bob Diamond requested the Supervisors write a letter to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors, requesting any surplus in bridge materials they may could give to George County for bridge repairs. Diamond seem to believe the materials could be obtained and would help with several bridge repairs throughout the county.
The supervisors approved requests made by Emergency Management Coordinator Lorraine Howell to host another First Responders class and also to arrange the training for volunteer firemen to be certified to use the “Jaws of Life” units recently donated to the county. Howell also requested $1,559 as the county's part of a 5% match grant from FEMA for communication equipment and turn-out gear for Salem Volunteer Fire Department.
Board President Kelly Wright signed a contract for District 4 Supervisor Larry Havard to receive a $650,000 MDOT Historic Transportation Enhancement Grant for Merrill Bridge and George County Economic Development Development Director Sue Wright give the board a brief summary on planning the upcoming Official Opening of the Industry Park on April 17th. Wright said Northrop Grumman, Chevron and other neighboring companies have expressed an interest in participating in opening day. The Supervisors plan to set a workshop with Wright to finalize the opening day plans.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Alabama man charged in George County murder
Courtsey of Hattiesburg American/Originally published March 15, 2007
By Royce Armstrong
Jason Edward Boykin, 26, of Loxley, Ala., was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with the capital murder of David Lee Moore of Lucedale. Moore’s charred body was found lying partially on a bed in his mobile home on Mississippi 198 East near Lucedale on March 9, when firefighters responded to a 911 alarm call. Firefighters received the call at about 9:50 a.m. The fire heavily damaged the home where Moore had lived for about one year. A preliminary autopsy report, released Tuesday, indicated that Moore’s death was consistent with a homicide with the death most likely occurring 24 to 48 hours before the fire. Boykin, who apparently had been staying at the Moore residence for the past few weeks, became a suspect early in the investigation, according to George County Sheriff’s Investigator John Keel. Little is known about either Moore, who was 57, or Boykin. Neither had relatives in the area and neighbors said they had spoken to Moore only a few times. “He (Moore) lived almost like a recluse,” Sheriff Garry Welford said.
By Royce Armstrong
Jason Edward Boykin, 26, of Loxley, Ala., was arrested Wednesday afternoon and charged with the capital murder of David Lee Moore of Lucedale. Moore’s charred body was found lying partially on a bed in his mobile home on Mississippi 198 East near Lucedale on March 9, when firefighters responded to a 911 alarm call. Firefighters received the call at about 9:50 a.m. The fire heavily damaged the home where Moore had lived for about one year. A preliminary autopsy report, released Tuesday, indicated that Moore’s death was consistent with a homicide with the death most likely occurring 24 to 48 hours before the fire. Boykin, who apparently had been staying at the Moore residence for the past few weeks, became a suspect early in the investigation, according to George County Sheriff’s Investigator John Keel. Little is known about either Moore, who was 57, or Boykin. Neither had relatives in the area and neighbors said they had spoken to Moore only a few times. “He (Moore) lived almost like a recluse,” Sheriff Garry Welford said.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Mississippi House, Senate Approve Wind Pool Bill
Courtsey of WLOX
Both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature on Thursday approved a bill designed to provide stability for the wind pool -- the insurer of last resort for homeowners in high-risk areas. The bill heads to Governor Haley Barbour.
It is designed to give every wind pool policyholder an estimated $500-a year price break on the premium. The relief would be given for four years, and money to cover it would come from a fund created by the premium taxes paid on insurance policies statewide.
Lawmakers say $20 million a year will be taken from the fund -- that's $80 million over the four years.
Coast leaders say providing stability to the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association, often called the wind pool, is an important step in spurring redevelopment nearly 19 months after Hurricane Katrina left a broad swath of destruction across the southern end of the state.
Any insurance company that writes policies in the state must pay an assessment to the wind pool, which provides coverage in the six southernmost counties. Companies that offer policies in the high-risk areas can write themselves out of the assessment, but many have chosen not to do so.
After Katrina, policyholders statewide saw rate increases as companies tried to cover their costs for the wind pool. Officials say rates on the coast more than doubled in some cases, and the prohibitively high cost of coverage has put the brakes on redevelopment.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature on Thursday approved a bill designed to provide stability for the wind pool -- the insurer of last resort for homeowners in high-risk areas. The bill heads to Governor Haley Barbour.
It is designed to give every wind pool policyholder an estimated $500-a year price break on the premium. The relief would be given for four years, and money to cover it would come from a fund created by the premium taxes paid on insurance policies statewide.
Lawmakers say $20 million a year will be taken from the fund -- that's $80 million over the four years.
Coast leaders say providing stability to the Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association, often called the wind pool, is an important step in spurring redevelopment nearly 19 months after Hurricane Katrina left a broad swath of destruction across the southern end of the state.
Any insurance company that writes policies in the state must pay an assessment to the wind pool, which provides coverage in the six southernmost counties. Companies that offer policies in the high-risk areas can write themselves out of the assessment, but many have chosen not to do so.
After Katrina, policyholders statewide saw rate increases as companies tried to cover their costs for the wind pool. Officials say rates on the coast more than doubled in some cases, and the prohibitively high cost of coverage has put the brakes on redevelopment.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Man's Death May Have Been Homicide
Courtsey of Sun Herald/Posted on Wed, Mar. 14, 2007
Neighbors heard shouts, dogs barking
By ROYCE ARMSTRONG
GEORGE COUNTY - The results of a preliminary autopsy report, released Tuesday by the George County Sheriff's Department, say David Lee Moore's death is consistent with a homicide.
Moore's body was found Friday morning after a mobile home fire on Mississippi 198 East near the George County Senior Citizens Center. Moore had lived in the home for the past year, along with more than 100 birds and animals.
"This is being treated as a homicide investigation," Investigator Ronnie Lambert said Tuesday. "The autopsy report states that the victim may have died between 24 and 48 hours prior to the body being discovered on Friday morning. We have developed a suspect, but so far no arrests have been made."
Firefighters responded to a 911 alarm call at about 9:50 a.m. The body was found partially on a bed a short time later.
Neighbors called Moore "a nice guy."
One neighbor, Amy Chenevert, said Wednesday night she heard Moore's dogs barking. Her bedroom window was open and she also heard angry shouts that someone should be quiet. Chenevert did not see Moore on Thursday or Friday morning.
Another neighbor, Darren Edwards, said his family also heard the yelling and dogs barking at about midnight Wednesday.
The George County Sheriff's Department said Moore, 57, reportedly moved to South Mississippi from Wilmer, Ala., last year and was receiving a military disability pension. The department has no information regarding next of kin.
At the time of the fire there were more than 75 exotic birds, chickens, pea fowl and pigeons at the residence in addition to a number of dogs and rabbits.
Moore also reportedly had a 14-foot boa constrictor, which has not been found, Lambert said.
Neighbors heard shouts, dogs barking
By ROYCE ARMSTRONG
GEORGE COUNTY - The results of a preliminary autopsy report, released Tuesday by the George County Sheriff's Department, say David Lee Moore's death is consistent with a homicide.
Moore's body was found Friday morning after a mobile home fire on Mississippi 198 East near the George County Senior Citizens Center. Moore had lived in the home for the past year, along with more than 100 birds and animals.
"This is being treated as a homicide investigation," Investigator Ronnie Lambert said Tuesday. "The autopsy report states that the victim may have died between 24 and 48 hours prior to the body being discovered on Friday morning. We have developed a suspect, but so far no arrests have been made."
Firefighters responded to a 911 alarm call at about 9:50 a.m. The body was found partially on a bed a short time later.
Neighbors called Moore "a nice guy."
One neighbor, Amy Chenevert, said Wednesday night she heard Moore's dogs barking. Her bedroom window was open and she also heard angry shouts that someone should be quiet. Chenevert did not see Moore on Thursday or Friday morning.
Another neighbor, Darren Edwards, said his family also heard the yelling and dogs barking at about midnight Wednesday.
The George County Sheriff's Department said Moore, 57, reportedly moved to South Mississippi from Wilmer, Ala., last year and was receiving a military disability pension. The department has no information regarding next of kin.
At the time of the fire there were more than 75 exotic birds, chickens, pea fowl and pigeons at the residence in addition to a number of dogs and rabbits.
Moore also reportedly had a 14-foot boa constrictor, which has not been found, Lambert said.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
School Board Meets at AES, Honors HS Students
Courtsey of' WRBE; "Your Hometown Radio"
The George County Board of Education held their first of the month meeting on Tuesday night at Agricola Elementary School for the Board members and school officials to tour the new school library. The board also approved that the old library be converted into a computer lab at a cost of $9,000.
The meeting began with the honoring of high school students Jessica Hearndon and Joshua Williams for making a perfect score on the state English II writing exams and the honoring Edward Rich for making a perfect score on the state Biology I exams. The varsity cheerleaders were also honored for their state championship.
George Regional Hospital Administrator Paul Gardner made a presentation on the future hospital expansion. He requested the hospital purchase 3.83 Ac of school property but the board took no action. They requested that Board Attorney Mark Maples check in to the legality of a land purchase between the school system and the hospital.
Several parents were in attendance at the meeting with assault concern from the high school and middle school. Police Chief Darrrell Brewer and Sheriff Garry Welford were also in attendance and addressed concerns of both the parents and school board. The parents requested the placement of Security Resource Officers at the schools but the board told the parents that the hiring of Security Resource Officers could not even be considered until budget discussions for the next school year.
Lighting upgrades at the high school baseball field were approved at a cost of $15,000 with another $1,000 approved for lighting upgrades at the football field, which will also benefit the annual Relay for Life event.
The board also heard academic presentations from Agricola Elementary Principal Teresa Lawrence, Benndale Elementary Principal Dr. Shelia Bexley and Central Elementary Principal Kathy Sellers.
The board approved cost of $4,000 for the installation of ActivBoards, which had been donated by Chevron, to be installed at all eight schools.
The next board meeting has been set for Tuesday, April 3rd at the Board of Education District Office.
The George County Board of Education held their first of the month meeting on Tuesday night at Agricola Elementary School for the Board members and school officials to tour the new school library. The board also approved that the old library be converted into a computer lab at a cost of $9,000.
The meeting began with the honoring of high school students Jessica Hearndon and Joshua Williams for making a perfect score on the state English II writing exams and the honoring Edward Rich for making a perfect score on the state Biology I exams. The varsity cheerleaders were also honored for their state championship.
George Regional Hospital Administrator Paul Gardner made a presentation on the future hospital expansion. He requested the hospital purchase 3.83 Ac of school property but the board took no action. They requested that Board Attorney Mark Maples check in to the legality of a land purchase between the school system and the hospital.
Several parents were in attendance at the meeting with assault concern from the high school and middle school. Police Chief Darrrell Brewer and Sheriff Garry Welford were also in attendance and addressed concerns of both the parents and school board. The parents requested the placement of Security Resource Officers at the schools but the board told the parents that the hiring of Security Resource Officers could not even be considered until budget discussions for the next school year.
Lighting upgrades at the high school baseball field were approved at a cost of $15,000 with another $1,000 approved for lighting upgrades at the football field, which will also benefit the annual Relay for Life event.
The board also heard academic presentations from Agricola Elementary Principal Teresa Lawrence, Benndale Elementary Principal Dr. Shelia Bexley and Central Elementary Principal Kathy Sellers.
The board approved cost of $4,000 for the installation of ActivBoards, which had been donated by Chevron, to be installed at all eight schools.
The next board meeting has been set for Tuesday, April 3rd at the Board of Education District Office.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Aldernen Take First Steps Toward Future Annexation
Courtsey of WRBE
During the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night, the Aldermen voted to begin the first steps toward a future annexation for the City of Lucedale.
In a work session prior to the meeting Shelly Johnston gave a report from an Annexation study, which had been requested by the city board several months ago. She explained that the study was done to find reasons that the possible annexation would be a success.
Johnston told the board that there were many reasons to consider the annexation including the increase in population and increase in traffic flow since Hurricane Katrina as well as the population and business growth near the U.S. Highway 98 Bypass in recent years.
Johnston also said the Aldermen needed to consider the cost of expanding city services to the annex area such as city streets; the expansion of fire protection and law enforcement; and the need to provide sewer and water services to the new residents.
Johnston said the study showed the economic impact to the residents would be minimum with only a slight increase in garbage fees and taxes, which should be returned to the residents with a decrease in fire insurance premiums.
With the approval at the board meeting, the next step in the project is to write and past an ordinance, define the area boundaries and to define the city services for the area.
During the Lucedale Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday night, the Aldermen voted to begin the first steps toward a future annexation for the City of Lucedale.
In a work session prior to the meeting Shelly Johnston gave a report from an Annexation study, which had been requested by the city board several months ago. She explained that the study was done to find reasons that the possible annexation would be a success.
Johnston told the board that there were many reasons to consider the annexation including the increase in population and increase in traffic flow since Hurricane Katrina as well as the population and business growth near the U.S. Highway 98 Bypass in recent years.
Johnston also said the Aldermen needed to consider the cost of expanding city services to the annex area such as city streets; the expansion of fire protection and law enforcement; and the need to provide sewer and water services to the new residents.
Johnston said the study showed the economic impact to the residents would be minimum with only a slight increase in garbage fees and taxes, which should be returned to the residents with a decrease in fire insurance premiums.
With the approval at the board meeting, the next step in the project is to write and past an ordinance, define the area boundaries and to define the city services for the area.
City Hall To Close on Saturdays
Courtsey of WRBE
Saturday closings for Lucedale City Hall was one of many items on the first-of-the-month agenda for the Lucedale Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night.
City Clerk Kathy Johnson said that traffic flow on Saturdays was very low with less than four visitors on most Saturdays. She said a recent study preformed by Saturday employees showed that only the first Saturday of each month yielded more visitors, with 15 recorded on January 6th and on February 3rd, but other Saturdays in both months yielded as few as zero, with only three visitors recorded as the highest visitations on any Saturday past the first one of each month. March 31 has been set as the last Saturday Lucedale City Hall will remain open.
In other board action, several upcoming workshops and seminars were approved for police officers and firemen; and Mayor Dayton Whites reported that Phase I of a handicapped accessible nature trail would soon be completed at the Lucedale Greenway. He said the project would be completed at no cost to the city; The match required funds will be paid by the landtrust. Whites also said that the completed project would be ready the upcoming nature festival, scheduled in April.
Other agenda items for the Aldermen included payment for Senior Citizen Bus Insurance, the approval and acceptance of a 10-year lease between Craig Vincent and the City of Lucedale to be used for public parking, and the appointment of Fire Chief Matt Amick to be 2010 Census Coordinator.
Before adjourning, Johnson thanked the Aldermen and others for their hard work and assistances in meeting the recent March 1 Mississippi Development Authority Municipalities improvement Grant deadline.
Saturday closings for Lucedale City Hall was one of many items on the first-of-the-month agenda for the Lucedale Board of Aldermen on Tuesday night.
City Clerk Kathy Johnson said that traffic flow on Saturdays was very low with less than four visitors on most Saturdays. She said a recent study preformed by Saturday employees showed that only the first Saturday of each month yielded more visitors, with 15 recorded on January 6th and on February 3rd, but other Saturdays in both months yielded as few as zero, with only three visitors recorded as the highest visitations on any Saturday past the first one of each month. March 31 has been set as the last Saturday Lucedale City Hall will remain open.
In other board action, several upcoming workshops and seminars were approved for police officers and firemen; and Mayor Dayton Whites reported that Phase I of a handicapped accessible nature trail would soon be completed at the Lucedale Greenway. He said the project would be completed at no cost to the city; The match required funds will be paid by the landtrust. Whites also said that the completed project would be ready the upcoming nature festival, scheduled in April.
Other agenda items for the Aldermen included payment for Senior Citizen Bus Insurance, the approval and acceptance of a 10-year lease between Craig Vincent and the City of Lucedale to be used for public parking, and the appointment of Fire Chief Matt Amick to be 2010 Census Coordinator.
Before adjourning, Johnson thanked the Aldermen and others for their hard work and assistances in meeting the recent March 1 Mississippi Development Authority Municipalities improvement Grant deadline.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
County Receives 28K in Phone Savings Audit, Will Support Red Cross Fund Raiser But Sheriff Get No Support on ATV Regulations
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your Hometown Radio"
Bid openings, telephone service audit, a Red Cross fund raiser and economic development were all items of discussion for the George County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday.
The meeting began with a request from Attorney Darryl Hurt, Jr. on behalf of Lillie Mae Dickerson for a family cemetery in her late husband's name, which was approved by the supervisors.
An estimated $28,000 per year in savings plus reimbursements on over spending, fees and taxes were the findings in a lengthy report from Wesley Overton on a recent audit on the county's current telephone system and billing. An additional monthly $300 in savings were found in the county's current cell phone plan. The supervisors requested that Overton began implementing the recommendations to maximize the savings the the county. The fee for the service is 50% for the total amount recovered for a 12 month period.
American Red Cross representatives Shirley Phillips and Dickie Roberts explained to the Supervisors that a fund raiser for the George County Branch is being planned for April 16-20. Roberts said the details of the fund raiser were still in the works but it would be similar to Relay for Life with ten teams. She also commented that the county was lucky to have someone like Phillips.
Economic Development Director Sue Wright told the board that now is the time to get aggressive with the Industry Park plans, she even suggestive that the supervisors should consider a trip to Washington, D.C.
Sheriff Garry Welford told the board that enlight of the two recent death in connection with ATV accidents; that he would like to enforce laws to forbid ATV's from being used on public roads. The Supervisors took no action when Welford requested a county ordinance on the matter. Welford said he would continue to research the laws and he was also speaking with State Officials on the matter.
Two bids were accepted by the board, the sale of a 1979 Ford dump truck to James Pipkins in the amount of $726 and the sale of a 1988 Chevrolet truck to Barbara Reeves in the about of $300.
The next board meeting will include a public hearing to close Fore Loop in District 5 and has been set for Monday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
Bid openings, telephone service audit, a Red Cross fund raiser and economic development were all items of discussion for the George County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday.
The meeting began with a request from Attorney Darryl Hurt, Jr. on behalf of Lillie Mae Dickerson for a family cemetery in her late husband's name, which was approved by the supervisors.
An estimated $28,000 per year in savings plus reimbursements on over spending, fees and taxes were the findings in a lengthy report from Wesley Overton on a recent audit on the county's current telephone system and billing. An additional monthly $300 in savings were found in the county's current cell phone plan. The supervisors requested that Overton began implementing the recommendations to maximize the savings the the county. The fee for the service is 50% for the total amount recovered for a 12 month period.
American Red Cross representatives Shirley Phillips and Dickie Roberts explained to the Supervisors that a fund raiser for the George County Branch is being planned for April 16-20. Roberts said the details of the fund raiser were still in the works but it would be similar to Relay for Life with ten teams. She also commented that the county was lucky to have someone like Phillips.
Economic Development Director Sue Wright told the board that now is the time to get aggressive with the Industry Park plans, she even suggestive that the supervisors should consider a trip to Washington, D.C.
Sheriff Garry Welford told the board that enlight of the two recent death in connection with ATV accidents; that he would like to enforce laws to forbid ATV's from being used on public roads. The Supervisors took no action when Welford requested a county ordinance on the matter. Welford said he would continue to research the laws and he was also speaking with State Officials on the matter.
Two bids were accepted by the board, the sale of a 1979 Ford dump truck to James Pipkins in the amount of $726 and the sale of a 1988 Chevrolet truck to Barbara Reeves in the about of $300.
The next board meeting will include a public hearing to close Fore Loop in District 5 and has been set for Monday, March 26 at 9 a.m.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Appoint Garbage Judges Among Many Items of BOS Agenda
Courtsey of WRBE, "Your HomeTown Radio"
Much was on the George County Board of Supervisors agenda for their end-of-the month meeting on Monday with an agreement of a land swap between the Supervisors and the City Officials, a report from the George Regional Hospital Auxiliary, the appointment of garbage judges and several items for County Attorney Robert Shepard to look into, including a request from Sheriff Garry Welford for speed limits on county roads.
The meeting began with several routine items, including the first steps to approve Polk Road Village Subdivision and the appointment of Justice Court Judges Connie Wilkerson and M.L. Goff to also serve as judges for garbage issues. Later in the meeting, Skip Holland presented the board with his plans for a Retirement Complex in District 1.
The Board of Supervisors, Mayor Dayton Whites and the Lucedale Board of Aldermen along with County Attorney Robert Shepard and City Attorney Cheryl Cook worked out a solutions to a property debate in which the city requested a portion of property, belonging to the county for possible public restrooms.
Hospital Auxiliary member Marshall Hicks invited the Supervisors to the 8th Annual Hospital Gala, coming up on March 17 at a cost of $30 per ticket; he told the Supervisors that 250 tickets were sold each year, along with a silent auction and presented the board with a detailed finical report of the annual fund raiser , along with an extensive list of items purchases for the hospital, which has been made in recent years. Hicks added that more than 40,000 volunteer hours had been logged in recent years and some of the volunteers had logged as many as 3000 hours.
County Fire Coordinator Lorraine Howell reported that two “Jaws of Life” units had been donated to the Central Volunteer Fire Department, along with a 1977 Chevy Truck in which they plan to convert into a brush truck.
The Supervisor made an ordinance that ONLY firemen trained and certified to used the “Jaws of Life” would be allowed to use them and ONLY at the request of hospital emergency personnel.
Sheriff Garry Welford asked the board about speed limits on county roads. He said he has been unable to find any posted speed limits nor any regulations on speed limits on county roads. After a brief discussion, the Supervisors asked Shepard to check into the matter.
Welford also asked the Supervisors about purchasing radios and equipment to better the communication between sheriff department personnel and State Troopers. The Supervisors said they each would donated radios slated for their trucks for the cause but questioned Welford and Shepard about the legality of the matter. Shepard said he could check into that as well.
The meeting was wrapped up with the several routine approvals and reports.
Much was on the George County Board of Supervisors agenda for their end-of-the month meeting on Monday with an agreement of a land swap between the Supervisors and the City Officials, a report from the George Regional Hospital Auxiliary, the appointment of garbage judges and several items for County Attorney Robert Shepard to look into, including a request from Sheriff Garry Welford for speed limits on county roads.
The meeting began with several routine items, including the first steps to approve Polk Road Village Subdivision and the appointment of Justice Court Judges Connie Wilkerson and M.L. Goff to also serve as judges for garbage issues. Later in the meeting, Skip Holland presented the board with his plans for a Retirement Complex in District 1.
The Board of Supervisors, Mayor Dayton Whites and the Lucedale Board of Aldermen along with County Attorney Robert Shepard and City Attorney Cheryl Cook worked out a solutions to a property debate in which the city requested a portion of property, belonging to the county for possible public restrooms.
Hospital Auxiliary member Marshall Hicks invited the Supervisors to the 8th Annual Hospital Gala, coming up on March 17 at a cost of $30 per ticket; he told the Supervisors that 250 tickets were sold each year, along with a silent auction and presented the board with a detailed finical report of the annual fund raiser , along with an extensive list of items purchases for the hospital, which has been made in recent years. Hicks added that more than 40,000 volunteer hours had been logged in recent years and some of the volunteers had logged as many as 3000 hours.
County Fire Coordinator Lorraine Howell reported that two “Jaws of Life” units had been donated to the Central Volunteer Fire Department, along with a 1977 Chevy Truck in which they plan to convert into a brush truck.
The Supervisor made an ordinance that ONLY firemen trained and certified to used the “Jaws of Life” would be allowed to use them and ONLY at the request of hospital emergency personnel.
Sheriff Garry Welford asked the board about speed limits on county roads. He said he has been unable to find any posted speed limits nor any regulations on speed limits on county roads. After a brief discussion, the Supervisors asked Shepard to check into the matter.
Welford also asked the Supervisors about purchasing radios and equipment to better the communication between sheriff department personnel and State Troopers. The Supervisors said they each would donated radios slated for their trucks for the cause but questioned Welford and Shepard about the legality of the matter. Shepard said he could check into that as well.
The meeting was wrapped up with the several routine approvals and reports.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
County, City Makes A Mends
During the course of the day on Wednesday, the Lucedale Board of Aldermen and the George County Board of Supervisors, along with their attorneys were able to work through their differences and the city officials will be able to meet the grant submission deadline of Mar 1.
Over the past few weeks the officials have been trying to work out an agreement for the city to be deeded a portion of land at Mill and Commerce Streets, measuring 68 by 30 feet, which will be used to built a 1,000 square foot public restroom facility but still allow a drive through the parking area.
According to County Attorney Robert Shepard, the land could not be given as a gift, so a property swap was arranged between the two governing bodies. An equal footage of property will be deeded back to the county, which will be part of a 50-space parking area, if the city is awarded the grant.
In a special called meeting on Wednesday evening, the board of Aldermen unanimously accepted a new contract from the county with the agreed terms, which will allow the City Officials to meet the March 1st deadline for a submission for a $650,000 Mississippi Development Authority Municipal Improvement Grant. Along with the public restrooms facility and the 50-space public parking area, the grant funds will also be used to make improvements at Lucedale City Park, the pavilion and park restrooms.
Over the past few weeks the officials have been trying to work out an agreement for the city to be deeded a portion of land at Mill and Commerce Streets, measuring 68 by 30 feet, which will be used to built a 1,000 square foot public restroom facility but still allow a drive through the parking area.
According to County Attorney Robert Shepard, the land could not be given as a gift, so a property swap was arranged between the two governing bodies. An equal footage of property will be deeded back to the county, which will be part of a 50-space parking area, if the city is awarded the grant.
In a special called meeting on Wednesday evening, the board of Aldermen unanimously accepted a new contract from the county with the agreed terms, which will allow the City Officials to meet the March 1st deadline for a submission for a $650,000 Mississippi Development Authority Municipal Improvement Grant. Along with the public restrooms facility and the 50-space public parking area, the grant funds will also be used to make improvements at Lucedale City Park, the pavilion and park restrooms.
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