Jackson Jambalaya

Halloween is never complete without this guy.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the following press release:

Here is the second question asked by former WLBT News Director Dennis Smith in the Ward 1 forum Tuesday night.  Mr. Smith asked "Do you feel property and personal taxes are too high for residents of Ward 1 and if so, what areas of the budget would you cut in an effort to reduce the taxes?"

There was no small amount of controversy after JJ published a list of individuals that the Hinds County grand jury did not indict during its September session.  One particular case was that of Chirag Kharbanda (Not to be pronounced Kowabunga), the owner of the Jubilee gas station at 905 Northside Drive in Jackson.  He was charged with:

You can now use the text function on your cellphone to report crime.  Tip411 is now active in Jackson.  Simply text your tip about suspicious activity to 847411 and begin message with
"JPD".  This tool allows police officers to respond to the person providing the tip without learning his identity.  More information is posted below and on the city website at jacksonms.gov.

A Circuit Judge doesn't just handle criminal cases, he must also adjudicate those of an economic nature.  Hinds County Circuit Judge candidate Ali Shamsid-Deen penned quite a few racially inflammatory columns in the  Jackson Advocate back in the 1990's.  Here are some choice quotes from a column he wrote on August 6, 1992 that delve more into the economic realm. Enjoy.

 Note:  Video is fixed.

The Lefleur East Foundation held a forum for the candidates for Ward 1 City Council Tuesday night.  JJ recorded the entire session and is posting video segments of the forum.  Here is the first question: "What do you think is the most pressing need facing Jackson and Ward 1?"

The Department of Finance & Administration issued the following press release:

Warren Strain will be the new Alderman-at-large for the city of Madison.  Mr. Strain is the only candidate who qualified before the 5:00 PM deadline today.  He will assume the seat vacated by John Howland on the Madison Board of Aldermen.  Mr. Strain is the spokesman for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release:

The Associated Press reported Kemper costs are going up again:

Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill appeared on the show.

Update: Judge Emfinger denied the petition.

JJ obtained through a public records request a copy of the charges Mrs. Robin Mayfield filed against three Madison police officers on October 17, 2014.  The state entered a petition for a probably cause hearing against Madison police officers Dean Scott, Chuck Harrison, and Vickie Currie.  Mrs. Mayfield alleged they committed the offense of "unlawful entry without permission" onto her property.  Mrs. Mayfield is the wife of Mark Mayfield.  Mr. Mayfield committed suicide shortly after he was arrested by Madison police for allegedly helping Clayton Kelly take pictures of Rose Cochran in her room at St. Catherine's Village.

The Office of the Courts sent out this press release:

Mississippi Secretary of State Dilbert Hosemann issued the following press release:

The City Council set December 2, 2014 as the date for the special election.

ESPN provided a new way to look at the LSU-Ole Miss game from Saturday night. All the post-game ribbing aside, this is a pretty cool way to watch the game. No commentary, no commercials, just a totally different way to watch it. Skycam video of the game.

Rankin-Madison District Attorney Michael Guest issued the following press release:

Indian convenience store owners are complaining about a lack of police presence at their stores.  The Clarion-Ledger reported last week:

This Rebelette throws a tantrum from hell last night:

Josh Robinson went into beast mode yesterday:

JJ has confirmed that WLBT news director Wilson Stribling will return to the morning show tomorrow.  He hosted the show as co-anchor before assuming the job of assistant news director.  He replaced long-time news director Dennis Smith upon Mr. Smith's retirement last year.  He will replace Brandon Artiles.  Mr. Artiles left WLBT Friday to join WLBT alumni Katina Rankin and Paul Williams at the Fox affiliate in Memphis. A reader sent this email about changes at WLBT:

Here is nice interview with Billy Cannon that was broadcast this week. Something for the readers who like stories told by the old-timers.

The Chris McDaniel campaign issued the following press release:

The Mississippi Supreme Court denied Chris McDaniel's appeal and ruled that he filed his challenge to the Republican primary after the twenty day deadline. Justices Coleman and Lamar dissented.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

Nothing like a blast from the past when running for office.  If we can kick Paula Deen off the air for something she said twenty years ago with a gun in her face or run some politician out of town for old writings (I don't have a specific example in mind, it just sounded good when I wrote it), then we an enlighten you on what a certain candidate for Hinds County Circuit Judge wrote on the pages of the Jackson Advocate back in the 90's.  This was a good one. 

Nothing like a little competition to scare the hell out of the good ole boy network as Uber dared to grace the city of Oxford with its presence. One would think a progressive city such as Oxford would welcome a company that brings competition to taxis. Such is not the case in the land that time forgot. What is Oxford's response to Uber? Throw 'em in jail. That will show 'em. We don't need no new-fangled ideas he-unh in Misissippi. Everything works just fine.  The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported:

The FBI sent this alert out to news organizations and journalists this afternoon:

The Madison Police Department issued the following press release:

Rebekah Staples took a look at the Mississippi blogosphere and etched her observations onto her blog.  It contained some interesting statements.

The money comes out for the Guv tonight:

A Rankin County grand jury indicted Steve Page for sixteen counts of tax evasion on October 6, 2014. Mr. Page operates Fannin Mart Restaurant on Lakeland Drive.  The indictment claims Mr. Page claimed only $61,830 in revenue while actually earning $285,631.  It also alleges he only paid $5,543 in sales taxes to the state of Mississippi and Flowood when the tax bill should have been $25,702- a difference of $20,155.   The indictment states Mr. Page "did business as Fannin Mart of Flowood, LLC".

Hinds County Court Judge Bill Skinner appeared on the show.

The Madison Police Department issued the following press release:

Looks like one of our No-billers is back in custody for murder- again.  WLBT reported:

Here is another installment of the Ali Shamsid Deen Chronicles-  -The Uncle Tom edition. Hinds County Circuit Judge candidate Mr. Ali Shamsid-Deen wrote in the Jackson Advocate on August 15, 1991 a column in which he had a few things to say about Black conservatives.  Kim Wade, brace yourself: 

The Madison Police Department issued the following press release:

It seems the Germanys are at it again in court.  Attorney Bob Germany sued attorney Barry Gilmer and several other parties over the sale of his wine collection.  Mr. Gilmer represents his ex-wife Ginger.   Mr. Germany accused  Ginger and the defendants of selling his wine collection for $203,500 without his consent as well as keeping the proceeds of the sale.  Mr. Germany claims the collection was worth more than $400,000.

These pics are making the rounds on the message boards. Meet Bo Wallace's hairstylist:

Some people apparently had too much fun in Little Rock last weekend.

Ridgeland Police confirmed to JJ that Robin Mayfield filed trespassing charges against three Madison police officers last Friday.  She is the wife of Mark Mayfield.  Mr. Mayfield committed suicide in June after he was arrested by Madison police.  MPD accused him of conspiring with others to help Clayton Kelly gain access to Rose Cochran's room at St. Catharine's Village so Mr. Kelly could take photos of Ms. Cochran.  The pictures were to be used in videos that would attack her husband, Senator Thad Cochran.  Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler issued the following statement:

Original post with copy of complaint.

The Madison County School District provided a few more details in its response to a lawsuit filed by the family of an expelled student.  The district transferred "J.B." from Germantown High School to the alternative school in Canton after he posted a nude picture of a 14-year old student on Instagram.

Who is missing from this list?

Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin after the um, game:

Peggy Noonan has a gift of seeing the big picture and illustrating it in a way as few others can.  Which is the bigger threat, Ebola or the attitude of our public servants towards the rest of us?  She makes some interesting points in this October 3 column:

Madison police issued the following press release.  The school is CLEAR.

Here is a video of the boxer I rescued a few weeks ago.  As you can see, he has figured things out and is living the good life.  He had hookworms, heartworms, and more than a few infected flea bites when I got him in West Jackson.  He's moved from giving up on life to assuming the role of a spoiled brat.  See for yourself.

Attorney Nick Norris issued the following press release:

Some REALLY bad dudes went on a crime spree yesterday that began at Fortification Street and ended at Chastain Middle School although one scumbag is still at large.  WLBT reported:

 The Meridian Star reported Peavey Electronics is closing one plant in Mississippi.  Mr. Peavey told the newspaper it was much harder for him to compete and that the state is not "business friendly" while the Governor could not believe the business owner could think such a thing.  Terri Ferguson Smith reported:

Rankin-Madison District Attorney issued the following press release:

Former WLBT news director Dennis Smith appeared on the show to discuss all kinds of groovy topics such as father rape, litterin', and the draft.

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Schuler Smith filed a motion for contempt of court against Hinds County Chief Deputy Chris Picou and HCSO Spokesman Othor Cain Monday. WLBT and other media outlets published a list of cases that were recently "no billed" by the Hinds County grand jury. The D.A. said the employees were "published prohibited grand jury material to the media via WLBT, WJTV, 901. FM, and Othor Cain's blog".

Here are the "no bill" lists returned by the Hinds County grand jury this year.  A prosecutor presents a case to the grand jury.  The grand jury will return either a true bill (indictment) or no bill (no indictment) for the suspect.  The first two pages are from the most recent meeting of the grand jury and have generated no small amount of controversy downtown because the media has usually failed to examine such lists.  Some observations:

Olga and Yuri enjoy their 25th wedding anniversary today.  Here is a remembrance of their wedding day:

Someone is doing the Lord's work.  WLBT reported a man on a bicycle was shot last night:

A Gretchen Moss of Greenville shot these pictures after the storm passed through the Delta yesterday. Enjoy.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following press release:

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release:

This episode seemed appropriate on Columbus Day.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

The Legislative Committee of the Jackson City Council rejected the hiring of two Jackson lobbying firms last week.  Ward 6 Councilman Tyrone Hendrix made motions to hire Hayes Dent Public Strategies and Cornerstone Government Affairs Group.  Each motion died for lack of a second.  City Council members Melvin Priester, Jr. and Charles Tillman were present while Margaret Barrett-Simon was absent.

Between the McDonald's and Walmart on Old Hammond Highway and Airline Highway in Baton Rouge.  Clue: Need to have one of Jerry Clower's old rat killin's.

The AP College Football rankings are out:

It looks like State Senator Josh Harkins (R-Gold Coast) is passing the hat this week:

Does music raise IQ? A Wall Street Journal essay argues that listening to music has little effect on a child's performance in school but playing a musical instrument does improve performance. Joanne Lipman writes:

Jackson City Council President DeKeither Stamps appeared on the show.

Rankin-Madison District Attorney Michael Guest issued the following press release:

Northeast Jackson resident Ashby Foote issued the following press release:

Sports Illustrated published a nice little story about the Mississippi State University football program and its recent success on the gridiron:

State Senator Melanie Sojourner still has not filed her campaign finance report. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann levied a $500 fine against Ms. Sojourner for failing to file the report earlier this year.  The State Senator requested a waiver of the fine as she claimed tornado damage to her home that took place last fall prevented her from filling out the report.  However, the Secretary of State's office informed this correspondent that the fine can not be waived until the report is submitted. Ms. Sojourner is the only member of the legislature not to file the required annual campaign finance report this year.

Check out the voice mail greeting on the Hinds County Coroner's phone:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release concerning the animal cruelty case reported this week:

Note: Who can forget this blast from the past?

It looks like Dr. Smith will escape prosecution via the insanity route.  The Greenwood Commonwealth reported:

The City of Jackson issued the following press release:

Rudy Warnock filed simple assault charges against Chuck Shelby last week. Mr. Warnock claimed that Mr. Shelby threatened to "get him" and "destroy his family". Mr. Shelby became upset at an earlier meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors after he learned the board was going to appoint a replacement for outgoing supervisor Ronnie Lott.

Margot Kaplan, an Associate Professor at Rutgers School of Law, thinks that the Americans with Disabilities Act should be broadened to include pedophiles.  She even wrote a column stating her ideas that appeared on the pages of the New York Times: 

Jackson Ward 1 Councilman Quinten Whitwell submitted his letter of resignation today to the Jackson City Council.  Mr. Whitwell had said that he would not resign until October 31.  Meanwhile, Charles Barbour announced his candidacy for the position.   The Street Committee also says Northsider Ashby Foote will jump in the race in the next few days as well.

PEER stated in a letter to Representative Cecil Brown (D-Geritol) that the Port of Gulfport Restoration Program has created only a few jobs after  HUD granted permission to the Mississippi Development Authority to redirect $600 million of Hurricane Katrina-related housing relief funds towards the restoration and repair of the Port of Gulfport.  MDA claimed the transfer would create 2,586 jobs "created or retained".  The port had 2,058 jobs prior to Hurricane Katrina.  However, there is PEER states that such is not the case:

$$$$.  Yes, there is something online called "Missy from Mississippi".  Free turkey leg if you can actually watch this video all the way through without um, stopping.

Feminist thinker Naomi Wolf goes off the deep end:

Update: Sheriff Bailey said the dog was turned over to his department. Dog will be evaluated by a vet.

This video of a man spanking, beating, striking, hitting -whatever you want to call it- his dog made the social media rounds tonight:

Madison resident Warren Strain announced his candidacy for the position of Madison Alderman at large.  The seat became vacant after the Madison County Board of Supervisors appointed Madison Alderman at large John Howland to the replace Ronnie Lott.  Ronnie Lott vacated his seat after assuming the office of Chancery Clerk.  Mr. Strain created a Facebook page for his campaign.  Mr. Strain is the communications director for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

Another installment of Sanders Speaks for you Caucasians.

Watchdog Mississippi takes a look at JSU's proposed Taj Mahal, otherwise known as the $200 million domed stadium. The story reveals a few uncomfortable facts about the actual reality surrounding the proposal:

The Wall Street Journal published a story Friday lauding the "Might of Mississippi Football":

Bama fan gets stupid yesterday at the game:

They took Bama's best shot today and won.  Rebs have a chance at a championship season.  One game at a time.  Saban has a 24-hour rule for a reason.  Just remember 1997 LSU-Florida.  Ole Miss won a game yesterday.  A game.  It can beat the rest of the teams on its schedule if the team stays focused and that includes the fans.  And yes, LSU got its ass kicked last night.  Too bad it won't mean the end of Miles.  Meanwhile,  Katy Perry celebrates below (sound turned off):

Will Mr. Palmer lead PIMCO?

Mayor Tony Yarber issued the following press release:

The Grand Jury issued a report on the Hinds County Jail yesterday. There is no way to sugarcoat it: the grand jury said Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis was "incompetent" in running the jail.  The brief report is posted below.  However, there is one very curious statement made by the grand jury.

Looks like the McPurge does not apply to the Governor as he will attend a fund-raiser for State Senator Michael Watson.  A Bart Edminston sent out an invite via email and text message to various Gulf Coast Republicans this week. The message states:

Local attorney Nick Norris issued this press release:

Rankin-Madison District Attorney Michael Guest issued the following press release:

Update: Indictment added below. This post was first published 6:08 PM yesterday. 

A Madison County Grand Jury indicted "Constitutional Clayton" Kelly on one count of burglary, one count of attempted burglary, and one count of conspiracy to commit burglary.

or..... Hinds County Circuit Judge candidate Ali Shamsid-Deen proves he can successfully use "n****r" in a sentence.  Here is what JJ published four years ago about the would be jurist:

The American Planning Association awarded the Greater Belhaven neighborhood a place  on its 2014
list of "Great Places in America".  The APA's website describes the area and history: