Tuesday, February 28, 2017

The Obamacare trap

Governors met in Washington, D.C. last week to discuss the repeal of Obamacare and the future of Medicaid expansion.  The meeting was rather sobering at times as they were presented with different proposals.  The financial blog Zero Hedge reported in a very good post: 

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JPS to consolidate schools

The Jackson Public School District issued the following press release.

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Meet the Zach Scruggs Employment Act

Is HB# 1615 an attempt by Dickie Scruggs to stick Mississippi taxpayers with the bill for his "good works"? The bill states:

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Monday, February 27, 2017

Reeves: Internet tax is unconstitutional

Leftenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.

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Reward increased for Deaton to $30,000.

Update: Priority One Bank contributed $2,500 to reward.  Reward is now $30,000.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement and pictures.

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Deficit forces UMMC to cut budget

The University of Mississippi Medical Center announced that it will cut $24 million from its budget in an email sent to employees recently.  Vice-Chancellor for Health Affairs Dr. LouAnn Woodward blamed the budget cuts on a loss of DSH funds.*  The email states:

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Will Judge Tomie Green bless Blessed again?

The Mississippi Department of Corrections notified Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green that Blessed Adams was arrested in January for armed robbery in Ridgeland.  Adams pleaded guilty to two counts of armed robbery in August.  Judge Green sentenced him to two fifteen year prison sentences but suspended them after he completed the RID program.  Adams proceeded to mace a female liquor store clerk in the face and steal money from the store.  Adams is currently being held in the Madison County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

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Mayor Yarber announces re-election bid

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber announced last week that he will run for re-election.  He won office in 2014 after Mayor Chokwe Lumumba unexpectedly died.   The video is posted below.  Oddly enough, it was not reported in the media but for WAPT (unless the search engine gods have fallen). 

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Sunday, February 26, 2017

Nationwide alert issued for Alex Deaton

Update: Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey told JJ that Ms. Robinson died of strangulation and blunt force trauma. 

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following alert for Alex Deaton. 

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Reddix company accused of bribery in Alabama jail corruption

A Health Assurance crony pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI.  Michael Goddard was caught lying about payments regular payments he received from Health Assurance and other entities.  Mr. Goddard is a health care consultant for corrections facilities.  Health Assurance, LLC is owned by physicians Carl and Michael Reddix and is on Ridgewood Road in Jackson.  It was formed in 2001. The registered agent is attorney Charlene Priester although Judge Melvin Priester served in that capacity in previous years. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Alabama issued this press release:

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The Hound of Heaven

JJ presents this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard (in this case, a young Dr. Pollard) for readers who can not make it to church this morning.

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Saturday, February 25, 2017

Bill Crawford: Is it a tax increase or a shift?

The Tax Foundation expert legislative leaders brought in last fall to advise them on tax reform recommended a shift in the state’s tax burden – away from corporate and individual income taxes to user-based taxes.

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Suspect sought in Rankin killing (Updated)

Watch for White GMC SUV with tag F396 NF.


Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement and pictures.

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Friday, February 24, 2017

SJW of the day

Meet a true social justice warrior.

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Horhn is running for Mayor.

State Senator John Horhn announced last month he is running for Mayor of Jackson.  Watch his announcement in the video posted below.

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Fl. gun instructor charged in fatal training accident

A Florida police officer who shot to death a participant in a training exercise was charged with felony manslaughter earlier this week.  USA Today reported:

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Ben Allen asks court to toss verdict

Ben Allen filed a motion for a j.n.o.v.* in Hinds County Circuit Court Wednesday. A jury convicted Mr. Allen of one count of embezzlement of Downtown Jackson Partner funds. He is the Executive Director of the business improvement district. The jury acquitted him on nine other counts of embezzlement. The motion states:

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5th Circuit: Citizens can videotape police

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last week that citizens have the right to videotape police officers while they conduct arrests or perform other actions. The court ruled in Turner v. Driver that the right is protected by the First Amendment.  Technology leapfrogged ahead of the courts as the courts have been playing catch-up to the new-found ability of citizens to videotape the police with smartphones and then immediately post the video to social media.  The Fifth Circuit finally got a case that allowed it to take a crack at this issue.

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Thursday, February 23, 2017

The Facebooks visit Mississippi

Mr. Facebook himself visited Mississippi this week as he and his wife tour America.  Below are some posts of his excursion to the Magnolia state. 

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Commish announces health insurance relief

Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued the following statement.

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What is going on at the Pinelands?

A rather intriguing public records fight is currently taking place in Rankin County Chancery Court over the Pinelands Public Improvement District.  The district covers the area surrounding the Hugh Ward Parkway in Rankin County.  The district sold bonds for $7.125 million to finance improvements.  The Pinebrook Homeowner's Association and several homeowners filed a lawsuit to obtain district records in November after the district did not respond to several public records requests.  The lawsuit states:

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Deputy busted

A Hinds County Deputy is currently residing at the Raymond Detention Center not as an employee but as an inmate.  Deputy -probably former Deputy-  Larry Taylor was arrested for possession of controlled substance with intent to distribute. 

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Priester defends borrowing $90 million

Jackson Ward 2 City Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr.  defended the proposed $90 million loan that would be used to fix Jackson's infrastructure on his Facebook page yesterday:

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Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Jackson might borrow $90 million

The Jackson City Council discussed borrowing $90 million last night for infrastructure repair. Mayor Tony Yarber told the city council that it wanted to borrow $90 million against future 1% sales tax revenues. Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon presided over the meeting and said a special meeting will be held before March 8 to vote on obtaining the loan.

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Third sexual harassment lawsuit filed against Sheriff

Here we go again.  A third sexual harassment lawsuit was filed against Hinds County Sheriff Victor Mason in U.S. District Court yesterday.  Deputy Belendia Jones made several lurid allegations against Sheriff Mason in her lawsuit.  Lieutenant Tamekia Barnes and former Chief Deputy Cheryl Matory filed similar lawsuits against the Sheriff last month.

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Madison PD seeks Walmart thief

Crimestoppers issued the following bulletin and pictures. 

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Rick Cleveland: Who should get the Howell Trophy?

The college basketball season is heading ever so rapidly toward March Madness, which in Mississippi means the presentation of the C Spire Howell and Gillom trophies for the state's most outstanding players.

One winner would appear much more clear than the other.

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Governor announces more budget cuts

Date: In the year of the Governorship of Phil Bryant (VI)

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following statement on Facebook. 

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Water outage planned

The city of Jackson issued the following press release. 

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More Skybox drama

The Skybox drama continues as it's landlord kicked the Northeast Jackson dining establishment to the curb for failure to pay it's rent.  Ridgewood Jackson, LLC sued the Skybox and its owner, Raymond Kersh, in January for failure to pay rent on January 18.  The docket states the summons was served on Mr. Kersh on January 27.  Judge Larita Cooper-Stokes didn't waste any time but approved the eviction after the defendant did not appear for trial.  Her order stated:

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Amnesty!!!

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

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MBI: Shooting death of Gorman was accidental.

A Mississippi Bureau of Investigation report concluded that the death of Gaming Commission Director of Investigations John Gorman was accidental.  Gorman was killed when MGC Special Agent Robert Sharp shot him in the chest with a loaded Glock during a training exercise.  The report (posted below) stated:

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Monday, February 20, 2017

Heroine of the day

A woman saved a Baton Rouge police officer from harm while he was beaten by a suspect.  The Morning Advocate reported today:

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Highland Village ceases charity events.

All good things must come to an end.  Blues By Starlight, Take a Tasty Bite Out of Crime, The Zoo Party,  A Taste of Mississippi, Sante South, and other charity events were held for years at Highland Village.  Jacksonians enjoyed the events as the outdoor nature of the shopping center provided a nice venue for events while supporting local charities.  However, Highland Village's management has decided to cease support of those events and ticketed charity functions will no longer be held at Highland Village.

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Zippity Bye-Bye

The Zippity Doo-Da parade is no more.  The parade was founded by the Sweet Potato Queens several years ago after they disassociated themselves from the St. Paddy's Day Parade.  However, the Fondren Renaissance Foundation posted this update on it's website:

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JPS: Spending money is not spending money

If you want to see how the JPS school board thinks, watch this school board discussion on the hiring of Eric Stringfellow that took place earlier this month.  The school board wants to hire Mr. Strinfellow as a "con-sultant" for $24,000 for four months. He will provide media services and "community engagement" under the terms of the contract.  Keep in mind that JPS already has two employees who handle "media relations" as "communications specialists".   Two school board members questioned the need for this contract but the interim superintendent and school board President defended hiring Mr. Stringfellow.  The Interim Superintendent even went so far as to say that this contract would not cost the district any money since it came from money saved through employee attrition.You can't make this up.  Watch for yourself.  A transcript is posted below.  Your record-setting property tax dollars in action. 

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Our divorce laws suck. They really do.

Stuck in the mud is a term often used in Mississippi but the description aptly applies to our divorce laws.  The Clarion-Ledger's Geoff Pender reported yesterday how Mississippi law favors the wife-beaters while keeping their victims enslaved.  Some state senators are trying to change the law for the better yet face opposition from all corners. 
Article.

The story begins by telling the tale of a woman who repeatedly tried to get divorce but her husband refused to grant her one.  She was stuck for years in this unfortunate predicament until she finally moved in desperation to another state with more sensible laws.  Mr. Pender paints a picture that is all too often the reality in Mississippi:

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Sunday, February 19, 2017

The Roads of Madison County

If you are bored today and feel like watching paint dry, here is the Madison County road plan that was rejected by the Madison County Board of Supervisors recently.   Local engineering firm Neel-Schaffer created the plan. Fire away in the comments. 

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On the other side of meaningless

If you can't make it to church this morning, enjoy this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard.

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Saturday, February 18, 2017

CARA vandalized

CARA posted this message on Facebook.

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Bill Crawford: Shortfalls, cuts, & oversight fights

Our Legislature faces deteriorating finances as they move to fund state government for next fiscal year.

Calling revenue collections for this fiscal year "disappointing," the Daily Journal's Bobby Harrison reported "revenue is $116 million or 4 percent below projections" for the year after falling another $18.5 million in January. In an earlier article he noted Governor Phil Bryant may have to cut existing state budgets again. Already the Governor "has been forced to cut budgets four times within a 12-month period and dip into the rainy day fund twice," wrote Harrison.

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Friday, February 17, 2017

Smart dog.

Never let it be said Man's best friend doesn't look after his friends.  Check out this video posted on Liveleak:

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Karl Banks will get his day in court

Karl Banks is down but not out.  Special Circuit Judge Henry Lackey breathed new life into the former Madison County Supervisor's election challenge Wednesday.  Mr. Banks lost his seat when David Bishop beat him by a grand total of two votes in the November 2015 general election.  Mr. Banks contested the results in court.  Judge Lackey  ruled that Mr. Banks is entitled to a trial by jury.  This correspondent wished for a trial by combat but unfortunately, the Mississippi Code does not currently allow for such niceties.  Judge Lackey stated in his opinion:

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SOS gives update on legislative agenda

Secretary of State Hibbit Hosemann issued the following press release. 

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Crimestopper alert

Crimestoppers sent out the following bulletin.

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Thursday, February 16, 2017

Homework was never quite like this

Who can forget this oldie but goodie?

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Yikes!

This sinkhole opened up yesterday at the corner of Ridgewood and Meadowbrook.

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Treasurer: State running up the credit card

Mississippi Treasurer Lynn Fitch issued the following press release. 

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Too funny

A local store decided to have some fun with its sign.

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Pizza Hut & Maywood Mart settle

Pizza Hut and Maywood Mart settled their lawsuit in January.   Maywood Mart is tried to terminate Pizza Hut's lease but Pizza Hut took the fight to court.   The settlement agreement was not disclosed.

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The blessings of Judge Tomie Green

The blessings for criminals continue to flow in Judge Tomie Green's courtroom.  The Keith Moore case shows Judge Green yet going easy on a violent criminal.

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Wednesday, February 15, 2017

DPS stonewalls again

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety refused to provide a copy of a report on the death of Gaming Commission Special Agent John Gorman.  JJ submitted a public records request for a copy of the report that was compiled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigations.  DPS Spokesman Warren Strain replied in an email last Friday:

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Fatality in Spillway Road accident

The Reservoir Patrol issued the following statement. 

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New weight loss procedure comes to Madison.

Reve Body Sculpting in Madison aims to bring the light to those who struggle to lose weight.  Specifically, LED laser light.  Reve recently opened in Madison and offers a new laser technique that dissolves fat cells and helps clients lose those unwanted inches.  Reve is in Strawberry Festival on Main Street in Madison. 

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Camera shows suspect in WMPR vandalism

WMPR surveillance cameras apparently provided a clue to who might have painted "KKK" on it's van.  The incident happened a few days after someone painted "KKK" on the house of Wesley Stanley and set it on fire.  The fire was quickly extinguished by the fire department.  Mr. Stanley is the leader of the local organization "Respect Our Black Dollars."  The video shows a black male on the premises of the radio station. WAPT reported:

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Sales Tax Commission Update

The 1% Sales Tax Commission meets today.  Here is the video and presentation from last month.  The January meeting grew testy at times as IMS Engineers sought to have its project management contract renewed for another year and increase the compensation from $839,000 to $1.5 million.  IMS President John Calhoun and Commissioner Pete Perry sparred back and forth over the contract and work performed by IMS. The proposed IMS fees are posted below as well.

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Rick Clevelend waxes on about college baseball

My first paying job in life came early. I was 6 years old. Reed Green, the athletic director at then-Mississippi Southern College, paid me to chase down foul balls at baseball games at the old ballpark, now a football practice field.

There was a lot running involved, some dodging of traffic. And it definitely required some people skills. Think not? You try talking a college student out of a shiny, new baseball that he just picked up on his way to class.

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Tuesday, February 14, 2017

DA posts Ben Allen's SSN online

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith filed a motion in State v. Benjamin Allen.  The motion doesn't really ask the court to take any action but instead makes allegations about how much money was embezzled and requests that the court take the motion into consideration when determining Mr. Allen's sentence.  The motion is posted below. 

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Claiborne keeps trying

Never let it be said that Claiborne Frazier is a quitter.  The former J.A. quarterback and developer is currently serving a five year federal prison sentence for conspiracy to commit bank,mail, and wire fraud after he pleaded guilty in 2014.  Frazier filed a motion to vacate sentence in December.  He is serving his prison sentence in Florida.

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To be 14 and stupid

JPD issued this press release and mug shot.

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JPS wants to pay Stringfellow $24,000 for "consulting"


The Jackson Public School Board of Trustees considered awarding a $24,000 consulting contract with Eric Stringfellow at its February 7 meeting.  This contract would be the second such consulting gig JPS has thrown at Mr. Stringfellow in the last six months.  The contract states that Mr. Stringfellow will:

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Monday, February 13, 2017

Training Director sues DPS for retaliation

The Training Director for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety sued DPS and several DPS officials for retaliation Friday in U.S. District Court.   Captain Gayle McMullin charged in her complaint that DPS officials engaged in acts of discrimination and retaliation against her after DPS settled a reverse discrimination lawsuit with her last year for $118,906 and promoted her to Training Director as part of the settlement.  Captain McMullin  alleged in her original lawsuit that Mississippi Highway Patrol Colonel Don Berry "rigged" the hiring process so that the Training Director Position could be awarded to Master Sergeant Marshall Pack.  Both men are black.

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JPD officer fired for striking suspect

JPD issued the following statement.

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Boil water notice continues in South Jackson

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

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Former Mississippi Soccer Association Executive Director indicted for embezzlement.

In October, a Rankin County grand jury indicted Jerry Brent Clements for embezzling from the Mississippi Soccer Association.  The two-count indictment (posted below) alleges that he embezzled more than $25,000 from MSA from 2009 to 2010 in one count and less than $25,000 in the second count.  He is the former Executive Director of the MSA.

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Sunday, February 12, 2017

Ouch!!!

Spicey is back and better than even last week on Saturday Night Live last night.  Enjoy.

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Presenting the late Dr. Frank Pollard

Can't make it to church this morning?  JJ will bring church to you in the form of this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard.

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Saturday, February 11, 2017

Triple homicide

JPD issued the following press release.

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Bill Crawford: Move remediation to community colleges and hybrid universities.

Across the nation ever rising higher education costs are in conflict with tight state budgets. At the same time ever rising tuition costs are in conflict with stagnant family incomes. Many states are looking to restructure higher education to reduce costs, both for the state and for students.

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Friday, February 10, 2017

Gobbledygook of the day

See if you can make sense of this language in SB #2322.  Clue: It is somehow supposed to increase sales tax revenue for cities.  

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Terror at Terry High School

What is going on at Terry High School? Check out these videos.

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Update on the story Jerry Mitchell won't cover

Absent from the pages of the Clarion-Ledger is any mention of the embezzlement lawsuit Downtown Jackson Partners filed against its former secretary.  Linda Brune was the whistleblower who gave star reporter Jerry Mitchell the scoop in his investigative story on the spending of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen.  Mr. Allen was convicted on one count of embezzlement earlier this week.  However, DJP sued the whistleblower for allegedly embezzling over $43,000 from the non-profit organization.  The case has been fought up in Madison County Court yet Mr. Mitchell somehow has deemed that it should not be mentioned in any of his reporting on Downtown Jackson Partners and the trials of Benjamin Wade Allen.

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Retaliation?

Former trooper Bobby Reed posted this message on Facebook:

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Thursday, February 9, 2017

Senate bans gov. agencies using lobbyists

Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.

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Landing employee arrested for embezzlement

Madison police arrested an employee at The Landing for felony embezzlement.  Police charged Decota Henry with embezzling $3,578 from the men's clothing store on January 24.  The police report (posted below) states that Henry allegedly embezzled money every time she logged into the computer since she was hired in October 2016.

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Governor appoints Lamar to IHL Board

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following statement.

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Carjacking gone live (Video)

They are getting more and more bold.  Some local thugs decided to carjack two people not once, but twice in one night.  They carjacked a woman in Ridgeland, drove to Scott County, and carjacked another car in Scott County in the same night.  Police chased them back to Jackson on I-20.  The police threw down strips in Rankin County but the perps got through them somehow and hit several police cars.  One source said they tried to run over a deputy.  Police attempted to shoot out a tire but the bullet ricocheted and struck one suspect in the arm. The five suspects were teens from Jackson. 

The crime itself is pretty bold but what was even more brazen is that the suspects live-streamed the chase on Facebook with um, color commentary.  You read that sentence correctly.  They attempted to go Worldstar by showing a live carjacking and police chase in action. The video is posted below. 

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Hood goes after Epps accomplices

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release. 

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Wednesday, February 8, 2017

More blessings from Judge Tomie Green

Yet another armed robber received a blessing from Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green.  Judge Tomie Green suspended a fifteen year prison sentence for Willie Dotstry in August after he was convicted of armed robbery.  The treatment of Dotstry continues a pattern of suspended sentences issued by Judge Tomie Green to violent criminals. 

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Ewwww!!!

Warning: this post contains probably the most disgusting pictures ever posted on this website.  A reader sent these two photos showing raw sewage bubbling out of a manhole cover at the intersection of Northside Drive and Kimwood after the storm yesterday.  This not the first time JJ has received a complaint about this problem.  The reader stated in his email:

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Clinton property owner pleads guilty to 1,400 code violations.

The city of Clinton issued the following press release.

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Rick Cleveland: Suffering the deadline monkey

We were watching the Super Bowl, dripping with drama, at my house. The New England Patriots had overcome a 28-3 deficit and were about to beat the Atlanta Falcons. The crowd was going bonkers. The announcers were running out of superlatives to describe Tom Brady.

And me?

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Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Guilty of one count

credit: WLBT
 A Hinds County jury found Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen guilty on one of ten counts for embezzlement. Mr. Allen was guilty on count four of the indictment.  Count 4 states:

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CAUGHT!!!

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following update on the hunt for the suspects in a home invasion and shooting of a Rankin County gun dealer last month.

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Hood slams Gov

Attorney Generalissimo James Hood issued the following press release.

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Lock & load: Suspects ID'ed in Rankin home invasion & shooting

Crimestoppers issued the following alert for the following pimp & ho:

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Senate passes BP bill

Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.

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The jury steps up to the plate

The fate of Ben Allen will finally be placed into the hands of the jury today.  The defense rested yesterday and closing arguments will be heard this morning.  The courtroom circus continued yesterday as Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith called none other than one Jackson Ward 3 councilman Kenneth Stokes to testify as a rebuttal witness.  The D.A. also attempted to change eight of the ten counts in the indictment but Judge Winston Kidd said hell no to that idea.  A Hinds County grand jury indicted Mr. Allen for embezzlement in his position as Executive Director of Downtown Jackson Partners.

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Monday, February 6, 2017

No comment.

Two yewts apparently had a bit of a disagreement at Callaway High School.

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Bigger Pie: Kemper doomed from the start.

The promised value of Kemper lignite gasification to customers was false in 2010, but the PSC chose to ignore the Emperor (Southern) wore no clothes. It is time for the PSC to acknowledge the naked facts and Rule the lignite portions of Kemper Not Useful. Based on MPC’s own cost data from 2010, Kemper burning lignite is shown below to be economically worse over 40 years than Kemper turbines on natural gas, even if natural gas prices escalated to over $70/MMBTU during the last 30 years of plant operations.

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Judge Tomie Green gives more blessings

Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green gave yet another criminal her blessing.  Sentobia was convicted of armed robbery and auto burglary in 2016 yet did not serve one day in prison thanks to Judge Green's participation in the Hinds County catch & release program. 

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D.A. tries to subpoena Jerry Mitchell

Update #2:  The prosecution actually tried to amend the first eight counts of the indictment.  Both sides rested.  Jury excused until tomorrow morning.  You can't make this up.

Update: The surprise rebuttal witness is......................one Mr. Kenneth Stokes.  Defense rested this morning.

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith tried to subpoena Clarion-Ledger star reporter Jerry Mitchell as a witness in the prosecution of Ben Allen.  However, Circuit Judge Winston Kidd quashed the subpoena and ruled he did not have to testify.  The subpoena and motion to quash are posted below. 

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Madison County pays Warnock $550,000

The Madison County Board of Supervisors paid $550,000 to Rudy Warnock as part of a settlement agreement. The settlement appears to close the book on a relationship that brought much controversy to Madison County as well as a great deal of money to the engineer.  The relationship changed after three new supervisors were elected to the board and voted to terminate the relationship with Mr. Warnock and his firm once they assumed office.  The settlement agreement is posted below. 

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Sunday, February 5, 2017

Catch & Release Carjacker

JPD issued the following statement and mug shot. 

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Ben Allen Trial Update: "You are confused"

The trial of Downtown Jackson Partners President Ben Allen will enter its second week tomorrow.  Here are the updates on Friday's proceedings.

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Too funny

Saturday Night Live actually produced a very funny skit last night.  Enjoy.

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Deputies seize $300,000 of liquid meth

Update: Caught!

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release.

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Sunday morning sermon.

JJ presents the late Dr. Frank Pollard for readers who can't make it to church this morning.  He asks the question "Why do I exist?"  in this sermon. 

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Saturday, February 4, 2017

Stop teasing us.

Emilia Clarke posted this message on Instagram.  We are getting there.

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C.Y.A. time for Jackson Judge

Jackson Municipal Court Judge Ali Shamsid-dunce is in full CYA mode after he got called out for giving two $5,000 bonds to a suspect arrested for armed robbery and carjacking.  WAPT reported last night:

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Bill Crawford: Inflated University Enrollment Costs Taxpayers

With tight state budgets looming for the foreseeable future, government operations must be rationalized to higher levels of efficiency and performance. Mississippi’s public universities should not be exempt from this process.

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Friday, February 3, 2017

The triumph of Triumph

Triumph the Insult Comic Dog had a field day at the Presidential Inauguration.  Watch for yourself.  Can one imagine how much fun he would have at the Neshoba County Fair?

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SOS reports late-filers

Mississippi Secretary of State Gibbit Hosemann issued the following press release. 

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Our thug judge does it again

Judge Ali Shamsi-Doom went easy on yet another thug.  WLBT reported last night:

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SOS honors students

Mississippi Secretary of State Eggbert Hosemann issued the following press release.

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$33.5 million aquatic center proposed

The Ridgeland Tourism Commission proposed building an aquatic center that will cost $33.5 million.  The Commission released a study (posted below) that claimed Mississippi lacked adequate resources to host major swim meets and that current available facilities were old and falling apart.  The study was also supported by the Sunkist Swim Team and city of Ridgeland.

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Ben Allen trial update

The prosecution rested yesterday in the trial of Ben Allen.  However, Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith attempted to call Mr. Allen's defense lawyer as a witness but didn't call the whistleblower who reported Mr. Allen's alleged wrongdoing to the stand. 

Othor Cain posted this report about yesterday's events in the courtroom on his Facebook page.

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Thursday, February 2, 2017

Giles Bryant killer dies

The Mississippi Department of Corrections issued the following press release.

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Former Jackson employee alleges sexual harassment, pay to play schemes

Former city of Jackson employee Stephanie Coleman sued the city  today in U.S. District Court for alleged sexual harassment by several city employees.  Her EEOC complaint states she was sexually harassed by Former Chief Administrative Officer Gus McCoy and Jason Goree, the former Director of Economic Development. She also charges she was forced to participate in pay to play schemes with cronies of the administration.  The complaints are posted below.

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Welcome back to Mississippi

Mike Evans of WLBT managed to get these shots of the couple accused of killing three people at Bill's Coin Store on Terry Road in December.

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Ben Allen trial update

Update at 2:45 PM. The prosecution rested.  Judge Kidd denied a defense motion for a directed verdict.  The prosecution did not call former Downtown Jackson Partners secretary Linda Brune to testify. Will she testify as a surprise rebuttal witness?

Here are the latest updates on the trial of Ben Allen. Defense got on the board yesterday while attorney John Reeves and our illustrious District Attorney are trying to do their best impression of the Freebirds this morning.

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Arts Commission bill dies.

A bill that would transfer control of the Mississippi Arts Commission to the Mississippi Development Authority died in committee this week after it generated much controversy.  Arts advocates celebrated as they made their opposition to the bill well-known.  However, JJ thought it might be a good idea to post a spreadsheet below that contains a list of all the MAC grants, the recipients, and their purpose. Enjoy.

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Child drowns.

These are the press releases you really hate to post.  JPD issued this statement:

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Someone will not be partying this weekend

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Replay: The Kenneth Fairley Sentencing

More than a few people are rejoicing over the fact that the Reverend Kenneth Fairley now resides in the pokey.  JJ dug up an audio recording of his sentencing for those who want to listen to it.  The recording is posted below.  His statement to the court begins at 2:05 and the judge's sentencing is around 2:30 (hours:minutes).  Enjoy.

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JSU must pay $1.17 million to feds

U.S. Attorney Greg Davis issued the following press release:

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Ben Allen trial update

Othor Cain sat in the courtroom all day yesterday and provided an update on the trial of Ben Allen.  He also posted complete video of the opening arguments as well.  The videos are posted below.

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Update

The Kimberly Bracey lawsuit continues to plod along in federal court.  The latest notice states:

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Rick Cleveland: The Super Bowl's Mississippi Connections

The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons will play the 51st Super Bowl in Houston Sunday. That's Super Bowl LI if you are keeping score in Roman numerals, which was Pete Rozelle's plan all along.

I've been to XXIX of them, all but one as a reporter. Always, there have been Mississippi connections.

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Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
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