The readers have spoken and voted Haley Westbrook of Fox40 the Hottest Reporter in Jackson last week. Wendy Suares Evans was runner-up and if for any reason, Ms. Westbrook vacates her crown, Mrs. Evans will assume the title (This actually did happen last year.). Congratulations to Miss Westbrook. She is a hard-worker, very sharp, and a true journalist. Expect to see her on CNBC one day because her true passion is business journalism. The poll is meant in good fun and JJ has nothing but respect for our local reporters. They work hard, don't get paid much, and are always there when we need them.
Thursday's actions in the Mississippi Legislature:
HB #1611: Introduced & referred to House Ways & Means. Allows Jackson to issue bonds to finance upgrade of its water/sewer system. Bill status
HB #49: Motion to reconsider tabled. Already passed the House. Bars employers from firing employees who file worker's comp claim in good faith. Bill status
HB #155: Passed. Requires Parole Board to submit a recommendation to Governor on applications for pardons. Bill status
HB #298: Motion to reconsider tabled. Passed House last week. Allows family of officer killed in line of duty to keep his service weapon. Bill status
HB #536: Motion to reconsider entered. Passed House last week. Requires nursing homes to carry liability insurance. Bill status
HB #588: Passed. Allow Mississippi Industries for the Blind to establish a non-profit corporation. Bill status
HB #637: Passed. Allow State to sell the "old" Mississippi School for the Blind Property. Bill status
HB #853: Passed. Creates early voting. Bill status
HB #922: Passed. Revises Certificate of Need law. Good luck making sense of it. Bill status
HB #997: Passed. Requires school districts to adopt policies regarding practices in outdoor high temperatures. Bill status
HB #1222: Passed. Authorize counties and municipalities to trap "fur-bearing" animals within 100 yards of any street. Bill status
HB #1309: Passed as amended. Revises the stalking laws. Bill status
HB #1345: Passed as amended. Allows counties to donate to non-profits with guidelines. Bill status
HB #1359: Passed. Workplace Violence Act. Allows employer to seek civil penalties. Bill status
HB #273: Died on calendar. Would create charge of attempted murder. Bill status
HB #300: Died on calendar. Child custody- created rebuttable presumption of shared custody. Thank goodness. Bill status
HB #973: Died in committee. Ban using cellphone without handsfree device while driving. Bill status
HB #1265: Died. Would allow private wholesalers to sell wine to retailers in the state. Bill status.
SB #3120: Introduced in Senate, referred to Finance Committee. Allows bonds for Farish Stree development to be increased from six million to twelve million dollars.
Died in Senate: SB #2339. Make psuedoephedrine a Schedule III drug. Bill status SB #2549. Make 18 the age of majority. Bill status SB #2663: Require fingerprints and background checks for RN's and LPN's. Bill status SB #2981: Revise LLC laws Bill status
And it's about damn time. Erick Erickson posted Friday on Redstate: "We’ve always banned truthers at RedState. Increasingly, we have also banned a number of individuals who think Barack Obama is disqualified from being President because despite the Republican Governor of Hawaii confirming the legitimacy of the Democratic President’s birth origin as a citizen of the United States these birthers (”birfers” because it sounds as crazy as they are) refuse to move on.
Today I want to reaffirm and make it more definitive. If you think 9/11 was an inside job or you really want to debate whether or not Barack Obama is an American citizen eligible to be President, RedState is not a place for you.
Birfers and Truthers are not welcome here. Period. End of Story.
But I want to expand on this too...." Redstate ban
Erickson's proclamation generated nearly 400 comments. There were more than a few birthers who didn't like it, to put it mildly, as these emails show: example 1, example 2, example 3, and example 4. One blogger went so far to accuse Erickson of being a closet leftist and said the fact Erickson practiced law in the same courthouse as the Judge who sanctioned Orly Taitz $20,000 there was indeed a conspiracy between Erickson and other Obama supporters.
Just one problem. Erickson practiced in Macon and Judge Land's courtroom is in Columbus. Not to mention Mr. Erickson quit practicing law before Judge Land assumed his seat on the bench. But little details like that rarely stop the Orly clones. He didn't stop there, calling Mr. Erickson a few more names: "He is also that kind of Republican effete who runs when Democrats shout “Boo!” on any issue, not wanting at all to seem politically incorrect to liberals. He is also that kind of clever progressive..."
So if you don't agree with these people you are now a progressive? Oh, this is rich. Read the rest of the fun here. Erickson is doing the right thing. Obama and the Democrats are having problems because of their policies. They rammed through a stimulus bill, injected Bush's economic policies with steroids, and then tried to cram down our throats a health care bill no one wanted. Oh, and don't forget Obama and Geithner continued the same ass-kissing to Wall Street that Paulson and Bush perfected. Obama's approval ratings are in trouble and Democrats are running scared. Have conservatives learned NOTHING from the 1990's?
Does anyone remember how Clinton and his media allies used the Oklahoma City bombing to smear and discredit the conservative movement? Kind of took the wind out of their sails for a few years, didn't it? Why give the Democrats a weapon with which they can use to paint conservatives as a bunch of kooks? Besides the politics of it, the chances of success in this fight are practically zero. No court in America is going to say Obama is not President because of a birth certificate. Congress is not going to impeach him over this issue and the military is going to take his orders. If it ever got to the Supreme Court, they would likely call it a political question and hand it off to the legislative branch. The truth is, none of our recent Presidents have provided their birth certificates when they ran for office. That's right. George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, Ronald W. Reagan, Jimmy E. Carter. None of them provided a copy of their birth certificate.
The birther jihad is stupid and makes conservatives look like a bunch of kooks. Right now, the grassroots movement actually has the Democrats on the run and the last thing it needs to do is imitate past Republican leadership and snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. We laughed at the Daily Kos-types who ranted Bush knew about 9/11, its time to start laughing at these people and treat them with the same contempt. Anyone who can sound like this:
doesn't really deserve access to a serious forum (By the way, here is a copy of her most recent complaint. Read it for yourself.). Its about time the conservative movement followed Buckley's lead when he threw out the Birchers and throw out the Birthers as well. You do remember the Birchers, right? They wrote books claiming Eisenhower was a communist. Kudos to Erickson for taking the lead and hopefully more conservatives will follow suit.
This week the Mississippi Senate passed SB 2153 (a bill I co-authored) which allows carry permit holders, who have passed extensive state and criminal background checks, to protect themselves in areas of public buildings which are not secure (defined in the bill as having no metal detectors or security personnel present screening visitors) and in privately owned establishments if the controller of the property has not posted the area off-limits. These areas include: courthouses but not courtrooms, public parks, unsecured areas of junior colleges, community colleges, and university buildings (but not in athletic events or establishments serving alcohol), and churches. Individual places of worship can choose whether to ban such activity.
The passage of this bill is a victory for 2nd Amendment rights and affirms my position that law-abiding citizens must have the right to protect themselves!
For a collection of all Evans posts, see sidebar on right side of page.
Bank of Forest, First State Bank, Holmes County Bank, State Bank, First Security Bank, M&F, and Omnibank served James Lee III with a notice of deposition yesterday. JJ has learned Mr. Lee was the former sales manager at Gulf States Directory. Chris and Charles Evans operated the company after inheriting it from their father upon his death. The Evans brothers operated the law practice, directory business, and the LLC's that are the subject of the Evans fraud case out of the same small office on Office Park Drive in Jackson. It will be interesting to see if Mr. Lee takes the fifth amendment during deposition or if any other party moves to stop the deposition. Copy of notice
Synopsis of Evans case (This feature will be included with future posts on Evans case): Charles Evans, Jr. was an attorney approved by Mississippi Valley Title Insurance Company to provide title certificates to MVT and lenders showing a borrower had clear title to property. MVT filed a lawsuit in September accusing his brother of using over 30 LLC's to obtain fraudulent loans from over 30 banks in Mississippi. Chris Evans would allegedly use one company to purchase a large tract of prime commercial real estate in Madison and Desoto Counties. Another company owned by Evans would obtain a commercial real estate mortgage on a smaller section of the tract yet that borrowing company never obtained a deed showing ownership of the land from the other company. Thus the smaller tract was actually non-existed as the larger tract was never actually subdivided. Charles would allegedly provide a title certificate however showing the borrowing company owned the land even though it didn't.
Over 80 loans for nearly $50 million were issued by Mississippi banks to companies owned by Chris Evans for lands those companies either did not own. MVT has testified federal authorities are currently investigating the case. Chris Evans filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy on October 26, which stopped the Mississippi Valley Title's lawsuit against him as federal bankruptcy law stays most state civil court proceedings once a bankruptcy petition is filed. Mississippi Valley Title testified 65 title insurance claims for approximately $41 million have been filed by banks affected by the Evans case.
The EPA recommended the West Rankin Utility Authority repay $663,321 of an original grant of $1,932,200 in a preliminary report issued on October 13, 2009. The grant was issued on August 24, 2001 for sewer system evaluation, a water supply feasibility study, and other related tasks (The details of the project are on p.6). WRMA was a deadline of February 10, 2010 to respond. Copy of report
The EPA ruled the West Rankin Utility Authority violated several guidelines in relation to the grant. It stated WRUA did not seek bids for the architectural and engineering service contract but instead gave it to one firm. WRUA did not have its own "written procurement procedures". WRMA "did not have a financial management system" and "did not monitor grant activities" as required by federal law (p.8). Because there was no such system in place, WRMA was not able to account for how the money was spent as it maintained little, if any records. The EPA further "questioned $1,745,457 of costs claimed under the grant" for A&E fees and that the WRMA met two of the five criteria needed to be classified as a "high-risk" grantee.
What was particularly interesting was the managers did not follow federal guidelines which state the government agency must seek bids for such services. Instead they followed state guidelines, which, surprise, allow such a government entity to select a A&E firm based upon "qualifications" for professional services and requires no bids from competing firms. (Just think Jim Hood and Joey Langston or Mike Moore and Dickie Scruggs.) One must wonder exactly what is going on as Mr. Rhoads, Miller, and other members of the board are experienced public officials and know that for every federal grant, there is a specific set of guidelines that must be followed to the letter or else the grant has to be repaid.
WRMA responded in a letter dated August 31, 2009 signed by WMRA President and Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads. He claimed WMRA was a newly-created agency when the grant was awarded with "little staff". Mr. Rhoads did not deny WMRA's failure to seek bids for A&E services and stated it was in compliance with "state regulations." It said its "bid selection committee" (which was unidentified) was satisfied the fees were not excessive and said the decision was "informed". Mr. Rhoads stated an experienced accounting firm has been hired to remedy the deficiencies in their accounting system.
What exactly IS the West Rankin Utility Authority? It has no website. There is no mention of it in The Yellow Pages or The Yellow Book. An online search of the realpages.com provides a "Rankin West Utility Authority" that is located on Old Highway 49S in Richland but the phone number given is for Flowood City Hall. In contrast to this lack of transparency, the Madison Wastewater Authority posts all minutes of its meetings online (not surprising since the splendid Madison County Chancery Clerk is the secretary), while Jackson's is online as well.
The letterhead in the response states the board members are Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads, Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers, Flowood Public Works Director Gary Miller (Executive Director), Mayor Tim Coulter, Benny French of PRVD, Dick Vanderleest, Richland Mayor Mark Scarborough, and Joe F. Donald, Jr. It should also be noted several of these officials are also members of the Rankin-Hinds Levee Board. It has been reported to JJ Mr. Miller is no longer the Executive Director but that has not been confirmed. Attempts to reach several board members were unsuccessful.
The EPA also made a similar recommendation on a 1995 grant to the City of Flowood. The EPA issued a report on October 27, 2009 in which it recommended Flowood should repay $896,224 for similar violations. Copy of report. Flowood's response is on page 14 of the report. Note:Any additional information provided by Flowood or WRMA officials will be posted on this website. Efforts were made to contact Mr. Miller and Scarborough but were unsuccessful.
Latest shenanigans at the Mississippi Legislature:
HB #35: Passed. Revises the reporting requirements for educator misconduct with a student. Increases the penalties for teachers and students having sex (if they are not married to each other. ;-) ) and treats it as sexual battery. Bill status
HB #80: Passed. Creates panel to study creation of pre-school program. Bill status
HB #262: Passed. Creates damages in whistleblower law. Bill status
HB #232: Passed. Novelty lighter bill. Bill status
HB #273: Read the third time. Creates a crime of attempted murder. Bill status
HB #536: Read the third time. Requires nursing homes to carry liability insurance. Bill status
HB #683: Passed as amended. Require LLC's to file an annual report. Good bill. Bill status
HB #694: Passed. Require applicants for nursing license to undergo criminal background check. Bill status. I know some nervous nurses.
HB #718: Passed as amended. Clarifies powers of Gaming Commission to regulate bingo.Bill status
HB #769: Read the third time. Includes strangling in domestic violence laws. Bans parole for domestic violence convictions. Bill status
HB# 973: Read the third time. Bans use of cellphones without hands-free device while driving. Bill status
HB #1135: Passed. Bans sleeping with inmates. Bill status
HB #1309: Read the third time. Revise the stalking laws. Bill status
HB #1456. Passed as amended. Require county medical examiners to be certified in forensic pathology. Bill status
SB #2026. Motion to reconsider entered. Medical claims get first priority over other bills. Bill status
SB #2153. Passed as amended. Allows concealed-carry permit holders to bear concealed weapons in a public park. Bill status
SB #2337: Passed. Requires a statement from doctor or nurse to accompany application for absentee ballot due to temporary disability. Bill status
SB #2521: Passed. Creates a Silver alert system. Bill status
SB #2595: Motion to reconsider entered. Bans all texting while driving. Bans drivers under the age of eighteen from using a cellphone while driving. Bill status
SB #2857: Passed. Bans hunting with a firearm near home without owner's permission. Bill status
SB #3097: Passed. Gives Department of Finance authority to lease for development the "Blind School Property" near Eastover. Bill status
Why are you down at the legislature all week giving the Black Caucus grief over HB #1549? Right now Rankin, Flowood, Pearl, and Richland outnumber Hinds and Jackson 4-2 on the Rankin-Hinds Levee Board. This bill would make it 4-3, not counting the Governor's appointments. One can probably assume the Governor (and the Governor will not always be Barbour) will not appoint individuals from only Rankin or Hinds County either.
Did it ever occur to you some of our local legislators want the people of Jackson and Hinds to have better representation on a board currently dominated by Rankin County interests?
Considering how Harvey treated the surrounding burbs in his first two terms, I never thought I would see the day when the Mayor acted with Rankin County interests against Jackson. But, I'm pretty stupid so maybe someone can explain this change of heart to me.
Mr. Galtelli must be in hog heaven this morning. McGlowan's comments on his radio show got picked up by Redstate this morning. Needless to say, McGlowan is taking some grief over her Second Amendment views
Update: Here is a Copy of a letter McGowan sent to the Levee Board concerning the possible dredging of the Pearl River in Jackson. It is mentioned at the end of the original post.
Levee Board meetings used to be well, Levee Board meetings. Boring. Laid back. Adopt a few reports, make a few recommendations, vote on a few motions and resolutions, adjourn, and go home. Nice. Quiet. Such is not the case anymore as sparks flew yesterday at the monthly meeting of the Rankin-Hinds Levee Board as Flowood Mayor Gary Rhodes repeatedly attacked fellow board member, Leland Speed.
The meeting started off simple enough. A full quorum was present: Flowood Mayor Gary Rhodes, Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers, Richland Mayor Mark Scarborough, Hinds County Representative Socrates Garrett, Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson, Board Attorney Trudy Allen of Watkins Ludlam, Chairman Billy Orr, and Fairgrounds Representative Leland Speed. The scene was an interesting contrast as on one side of the board were the gentlemen from Jackson were all dressed impeccably in nice suits while the Rankin members wore sleeveless sweaters, button down shirts, pullovers, and rain jackets or whatever those members-only clones are now called. .pdf of members and terms
The audience contained a diversity of interested individuals: Joe Waggoner of Mississippi Engineering Group, Dallas Quinn and several other members of the McGowan/Two Lakes Clan, WLBT, Clarion-Ledger, Jackson Free Press, local attorney Sam Begley, Kenny Samples of Pickering Engineering, Flowood Public Works Director Gary Miller, Lee Ann Mayo of Capital Resources (She identified herself as the Public Information Officer for the Board), and Barry Royals of Waggoner Engineering.
Barry Royals presented the board with a draft of an Executive Summary of Lefleur Lakes economic impact study and said the final version will be submitted next week. The Treasurer gave her report and then Trudy Allen gave a briefing on the board about current bills in the legislature. Ms. Allen stated there are three bills alive in the House: HB #918 (Eminent domain guidelines, bill status), HB #1548 (Study of flood control districts, bill status), and the soon to be infamous HB #1549 (bill status).
I write infamous because Ms. Allen's presentation of this bill created a firestorm on the board. The bill gives the Governor and Lieutenant Governor the authority to appoint four additional members to the board as well as giving Hinds County an additional representative on the board as well. The mere thought of the State and Hinds County placing five more members on the board gave the Rankin members a conniption although it must be pointed out Mayor Johnson, even though he opposed the bill, was a bit more calm in his demeanor. Scarborough first raised the issue of Hinds County having an additional member and made it clear he was opposed to such an idea. Rhodes then asked if it was an election year as it made little sense why such a bill would be introduced in an off-year. He then asked if anyone on the board sponsored the legislation. Rhodes asked Speed if he was behind it.
Speed shot back he wasn't but that he thought it was a good idea. Speed called the proposed flood control projects "the single largest economic development affecting the state of Mississippi." Speed further argued since the board will be asking the state for help with financing the project (JJ has heard estimates ranging up to $70 million in state aid), the board would be better off including state participation now if were to seek state funding later.
Johnson opposed the measure, saying there was no need for state involvement at this time. Johnson further argued the bill "was giving undue influence (the proposed appointments) to what is ultimately a local issue." Johnson said the state "should not appoint anyone until the state actually does finance it."
Rhodes also indicated he didn't think the state should be involved unless it was actually providing money. Scarborough chimed in and said Rankin County pays 85% of the current costs of the levees and was clearly opposed to Hinds having one more member than Rankin. It should be pointed out that if municipalities are included, Rankin has a 4-2 edge over Hinds (excluding the Governor's appointment). The additional Hinds appointment will narrow the difference it to a 4-3 Rankin edge.
The board then voted to send a letter to Governor Barbour stating its opposition to the bill. Speed cast the sole dissenting vote and Garrett abstained. However, this skirmish was the prelim for the main event.
Flowood Mayor Gary Rhodes then waved a copy of the Jackson Free Press "All About Water" issue and accused Speed of unethical behavior. Rhodes said "Mr. Speed, I think that you’re in the middle of an ethics violation sitting on this board and making decisions that could have personal gain for you in the future" Rhodes made hay of the fact Speed owns a "sliver of land" by the Pearl River (This story in the JFP provides more details on Speed's property). The argument is captured in the video above and is worth watching.
What is ironic is Mr. Rhodes ignored the fact that the law actually requires board members to own property in the district (Oh the irony: You better own some land in the district but don't own land that is too close to the river.). Mr. Speed didn't back down one bit as he immediately said it was a worthless piece of property that he was going to donate to the appropriate government agency in a public manner when the final plan was implemented. Rhodes had none of it as he told Speed he needed to step down from the board. Speed reiterated he would donate the land "publicly" and would "talk to Mr. (Tom) Hood about it today."
After Mr. Rhodes' little spat with Mr. Speed was over, Mr. Garrett then inquired if information was being kept from him and wondered aloud if there was a bloc of members were making decisions for the board.
Speed asked about a proposal submitted by McGowan to the board to dredge and clear out vegetation between the levees. Joe Waggoner chimed in and said permits from various government agencies would be required. Miller said removing the stumps is what would likely require permits. The board agreed to investigate the idea and seemed inclined to follow the course that would not require permits. The proposal will be posted on this website if obtained.
Its that time of year again: The Hottest Reporter in Jackson Poll. Pretend you are a Democrat and vote early and often. Last year's winner was Monica Hernandez. Can she repeat or will Wendy Suares-Evans reclaim her crown? There are more entries than ever and the competition has gotten tougher. Barbi is tanned, rested, and ready and is in the poll. That's right, Barbie Bassett is in da house. This poll is in good fun so be nice and show some respect. They work long hours, in most cases don't get paid much, are always there for us no matter what time of day it is, and do it all with a smile. Crank up the blast emails and the Facebook panhandling for votes. Have fun.
HB #1599 is referred to Ways & Means Committee. Allows a municipality to impose a special sales tax of not more than 1%. Requires a 3/5 vote. Bill status
HB #113: passed the House. Limits costs of public records request to actual costs. See Snowden's amendment. He weakend it somewhat. Nice to see a Republican backstabbing the public. Thanks for nothing. Bill status
HB #1069: Motion to reconsider tabled. Exempts attorneys in Legislature from CLE requirements except one hour of Ethics. Bill status
HB #1122: Passed out of committee. Bans use of nitrous oxide in motor vehicles. The No Fun Law. Bill status
HB #1526: Passed out of committee. Allows District Attorney's to receive supplemental pay from other sources besides state treasury. Bill status
HB #1527: Passed out of committee. "Allow district attorneys to employe additional assistant district attorneys and criminal investigators without limitation if paid with nonstate funds." Bill status
SB #2335: Transmitted to House. Authorizes all prosecutors to carry concealed weapons. Bill status
SB #2373: Transmitted to House. Revises penalties for violating open meetings and public records acts. Bill status
SB #3013: Passed out of committee. Mandates trucks with open tops must have cover if carrying debris or similar matter. Bill status
Hearing scheduled for 9:00 AM today was cancelled due to snow. Mr. Farese is from North Mississippi and was unable to reach the hearing. The hearing was supposed to resolve the issue of whether Mr. Irby should testify or give a deposition in the civil lawsuit filed by the estates of Dr. Pogue and Dr. Dedousis against Stuart and Karen Irby.
Tell you what Donna, why don't you ask Leah Rupp what she thinks about your trashing her more than once on your website. Ask Marshall Ramsay what he thinks about your smearing him and then bragging about it. In fact, why don't you wake up and get a reality check before you start lying about everyone else. While you're at it, don't forget April 15 is just around the corner.
This beautiful Eskimo Spitz is at the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. I had two of them for fifteen years and they are great dogs. He was picked up by Clinton Animal Control. I played with him some today and he is very friendly and has a very good temprement. I would shave mine in May and they would feel much better in the summer. This dog has not even made it to the website yet but he is available for adoption. These are great dogs and wonderful with kids. They had some beagles too.
I appreciate the opportunity to discuss the reservoir legislation with all of you. I know that there is some controversy with the legislation and also some misinformation. What I am trying to achieve through all of this is higher property values and better quality of life for reservoir homeowners. There is no question that the PRV does a lot of things well. I have never questioned their ability to run the dam, provide water to Jackson, or the performance of the Reservoir Patrol. What I am concerned with are zoning decisions and responsiveness to the concerns of reservoir homeowners. I would like to respond to the comments from your earlier post.
1. Currently, the Board of Supervisors in Rankin County are making a concerted effort to crack down on nuisance properties and a moratorium on residential rental properties particularly in District Two. Because they are elected by the people, they are answerable to the people every four years. Each county board of supervisors that surrounds the reservoir does have one appointment to the PRV but more than half of the board is appointed by state agencies (Wildlife, DEQ etc.) and other officials.
2. This bill has absolutely nothing to do with the Two Lakes Project or anything south of the dam no matter what the Jackson Free Press says. :)
3. The Pearl River Industrial Commission is a different animal than the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. My bill does not apply to the Industrial Commission.
4. I do not own a boat.
5. Rankin County has grown tremendously in the last 50 years and the new supervisors will be focused on zoning like never before. I will tell you that zoning is a priority of mine and I will continue to file bills that will be vehicles to enhance property values and improve quality of life. I have just added an amendment to a bill that will allow for the 5-laning of Old Fannin Road from Laurelwood to to Spillway Road. The bill allows the PRV to donate the easement and right-of-way property to the city and county and all parties are in favor of it.
As always, I welcome your input. I am not perfect but I mean well.
A review of yesterday's mischief in the Mississippi Legislature:
HB #336 passed the House. It states "Proceedings in justice or municipal court involving domestic abuse shall be recorded and may be transcribed at the request of either party in the same manner as matters in county or chancery court." Bill status
HB #277 passed the House. The bill will allow judgements to be renewed after seven years. State law currently bars renewal of judgements. Bill status
HB #568 passed the House. It will cut down the waiting period for a marriage license from three days to one. Bill status
HB #688 passed the House. It gives the Attorney General and MBN the power to seek permission to wiretap from the courts. Bill status
HB #1030 passed the House. Bill limits the investments domestic insurance companies have in foreign holdings to 20% of their portfolio. Bill status
HB #1069: Passed the House, motion to reconsider entered. Ready for this? All attorney members and the Lieutenant Governor would be exempt from all CLE requirements except ethics if passed. Bill status
HB #1262 passed the House. Requires out-of-state pharmacies to maintain a Mississippi pharmacy license if they ship drugs to Mississippi. Uh-oh. Wonder how much money the local pharmacists gave to Holland. Bill status
SB #3109 referred to Finance Committee. Coke tax. Bill status
SB #2032 passed the Senate. Motion to reconsider entered. Immigration reform bill that increases various penalties. Bill status
SB #2078 passed the Senate. Creates the crime of public intimidation of a law enforcement officer. Bill status
SB #2215 passed the Senate. ATV drivers must have a driver's license and wear a helmet. Bill status
SB #2315 passed the Senate. Requires "commercial photographic film processor, computer repair technician" to report child abuse. Bill status
HB #203 passed the House. This bill allows for hunters to use supplemental feed in hunting deer. Guess we have to fight this battle all over again.
HB #223 passed the House. It will extend the Mortgage Licensing Act to 2013. Bill status
HB #359 passed the House. Good bill. It allows anyone to videotape any law enforcement officer in the performance of his duties. Since many cities such as Jackson don't see fit to equip their cars with video cameras, its about time citizens were given some protection from wayward law enforcement officers just because they choose to video tape a cop. Bill status
HB #607 passed the House. It extends the statute of limitations for larceny of timber to six years. Bill status
HB #962 passed the House. It allows the MHP to re-employ retired Highway Patrol Officers under certain guidelines. They are given the rank of Sergeant First Class and have to work patrol duties. No desk jockeys allowed. Bill status
HB #1123 passed the House. Gives UMC supporters their own little license plate. Bill status
HB #1298 passed the House. It revises squirrel and wabbit seasons. Bill status
HB #1465 passed the House. Gives preference to Mississippi firms in on government purchases. Bill status
House Concurrent Resolution 26: "Private Property shall not be taken for private economic development purposes". It passed the House. Status
SB #2058 passed the Senate: Mandates life without parole for rape or sexual battery of a child younger than 12. Bill status.
SB #2343 passed the Senate: Increases threshold requiring cities to have a municipal judge from 10,000 to 20,000 citizens. Bill status
SB #2344: passed the Senate. Bans discrimination by health insurance companies against victims of abuse. Bill status
SB #2383: passed the Senate. Lowers BAC for a BUI offense from .10 to .08. Bill status
SB #2706: passed the Senate. Changes date when municipal officers take office from First Monday in July to the first day in July that does not occur on a weekend. Guess someone was bored and had nothing to do when he drafted this bill. Bill status
SB #3011: passed the Senate. REPEALS "no-pass, no play." Stupid. Very stupid. Bill status
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!!!
