Jackson Jambalaya

Jackson City Councilman Kenneth Stokes crossed the line today. WLBT reported:

Airports.  Did someone mention Airports? The Jackson Municipal Airport popped up in the news this week as the Jackson City Council learned that Senator Josh Harkins will file a bill in the 2016 session of the Mississippi Legislature that will alter the governing board of the airport.  The airport is currently governed by a board of five commissioners appointed by the city of Jackson.  The bill will replace that board with a seven-member board representing Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties.  Josh  would appoint the members.

Make no mistake, this fight is going to be a battle royale.  However, JJ is going to provide a snapshot of the current state of the airport as presented to the commissioners earlier this month. Most of the loudmouths opining on both sides of the issue have no clue as to what goes on at the airport.  They should read the rest of this post if they want to learn. 

Here is the latest update on Berrrrrrrrrrt Case:

Does anyone remember this Star Wars trailer? First one ever and it was not exactly polished. Speaking of movies, has anyone noticed problems at Malco? Went last week to a 9:00 PM show. No cokes or other soft drinks. Popcorn stations were out of butter and popcorn salt.  One kid running a cash register while others were just walking around doing whatever. Several other people said they experienced the same problems on other nights.  It was the nicest theatre in the area. Hope it is not going down.

Renaissance developer Andrew Mattiace issued this statement today:

Emails between Ridgeland officials and their constituents show several exchanges over the changing racial composition of Ridgeland.  Several Ridgeland residents complained about "Ridgeland school demographics" and  the city becoming the "new Northeast Jackson".  One email even called the demographics at Anne Smith Elementary School "a problem".  Mayor Gene McGee wrote "You are so right" in a response to that particular email.   The emails are posted below.

Many of you are no doubt familiar with a website called The Onion, which produces satirical, often hilarious, “news” stories. I have no problem with The Onion. It sometimes makes me laugh.

Our problem these days is differentiating between The Onion and the countless news outlets, which are serving up ever-increasing volumes of blather and babble that sometimes read like satire but are not.

Exhibit A: An Al Jazeera report last weekend that purported Peyton Manning used HGH, a hormone banned by the NFL, to recover from a career threatening neck injury in 2011.

Here is the latest update on Berrrrrrrrt Case:

Update: Ridgeland PD said suspect is held on a $2,500 written bond. He is bound over to grand jury. The crime will be prosecuted as a felony due to the dollar amount. He has not been arrested before by JPD. He was arrested in September for doing the same thing to the horse statues in front of P.F. Chang's.  The suspect is from Jackson. 

Original post:

Can't have anything nice in this area. Some punk decided to go knock the hooves off of the horse statues that populate the fountain at the Renaissance at Colony Park.   A man allegedly used a sledgehammer to attack the horse statues and Italian fountain.  Ridgeland Police were called to the scene at 6:00 AM yesterday and charged Charles Branch with malicious mischief.   The black male is thirty years old.  He is currently a resident of the Madison County jail.  It is not known what the bond for Branch is.   JJ is working to obtain his identity and more information.  See the damage for yourself.  Free-lance photographer Rick Guy shot these photos for JJ. 

The City of Clinton issued the following press release:

HUD accused Ridgeland of trying to force minorities to leave the city in a complaint served on Ridgeland December 4.  The complaint paints a picture of a city concerned by the "changing demographics" of Southeast Ridgeland and Ridgeland public schools.  The city tried to use several tactics to change the nature of Southeast Ridgeland.  Needless to say, HUD noticed such efforts and seeks to bring the hammer down on Ridgeland. 

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following statement on its Christmas enforcement program results:

Correction: >This post contained two pictures of Mr. Shackelford and a female. JJ misidentified her as Mrs. Thomas. JJ has other pictures of Mrs. Thomas and the women are similar in features. Apologies to Lindsey Thomas and Mr. Shackelford.  The removal of the pictures obviously changes the nature of the story.  We make a mistake on this website, we own up to it and don't bury it on the bottom of page B-18 in fine print.

Journalistus Maximus Jerry Mitchell reported that Madison County Constable Matt Shackleford might have engaged in some questionable behavior.  The story appeared on the front page of the Sunday edition of the Clarion-Ledger.  The article included a picture of the constable holding up a funny-looking plant.  It is not known if he is indeed a horticulturist or has an affinity for plants of the distinctive green-leaf variety.  The story then questioned his actions and relationship with the wife of Lindsey Kirkland Thomas.  Mr. Shackelford arrested Raymond Ethan Thomas after Mrs. Thomas filed charges against him.  The constable later arrested Mr. Thomas for allegedly stalking him as well.  The charges were later dismissed or remanded.   The couple is seeking a divorce.  Mr. Mitchell only posted one picture in his article.  However, JJ obtained more pictures which may tell the Rest of the story. 

Clean up a city, balance the books, get a surplus.  All good things, right? Wrong.  Doing such merely gets you called a "plantation overseer".  Yup.  Pontiac, Michigan is making a comeback after the state revoked home rule for the city.  The Wall Street Journal reported today:

Imperator Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

This owner of a Jackson taxicab company whined to the city council on December 15 that Jackson doesn't need companies such as Uber and that the city keeps things "fair".  Watch the short video for yourself.  Here is what she considers to be fair:

Daniel Henninger muses whether Christmas is passing away in the Wall Street Journal: 

This is the year Christmas died as a public event in the United States.

Award-winning reporter Jerry Mitchell delved into the Ethan Thomas drama in Madison County on the front pages of the Clarion-Ledger this morning.  It seems that Constable Matt Shackleford is ensnared in the mess as he might have gotten a little too close to the wife of Mr. Thomas and has an interesting little green plant in his home as well.  The Thomases have filed for divorce in Madison County.  Mr. Mitchell writes:

A couple of people thought this website was a little rough on Javaris Chambers as he went back to prison courtesy of MDOC and Michael Guest.  Here is a video and picture of young Chambers in action:

Will they pay or won't they pay Rudy Warnock tis the question.  Madison County Engineer Rudy Warnock submitted 31 invoices to the Board of Supervisors Monday.  The Board refused to pay them, while Mr. Warnock threatened to sue if they are not paid (letter posted below).  Board attorney Mike Espy cited an Attorney General's opinion (posted below) placing a statute of limitations on the county's ability to pay the invoices.

Here is the latest update on Berrrrrrrrrt Case:

We are taking the day off today.  Consider this an open thread to praise or skewer anything.

Here are the latest updates on Berrrrrrrrrrt Case.

The first time Stuart Stevens and his dad went to a Sugar Bowl it snowed. This was New Year's Day 1964. Stuart Stevens was 11 and a dyed-in-red-and-blue Ole Miss Rebel.

That Sugar Bowl matched the Rebels against Alabama. Bear Bryant coached Alabama. John Vaught coached Ole Miss. The Bear suspended star quarterback Joe Namath. But Bama, quarterbacked by future Ole Miss coach Steve Sloan, won anyway, 12-7, on four field goals and seemingly countless Ole Miss turnovers. The game was played outdoors, as football was meant to be played, at Tulane Stadium (heaven rest its soul, and it did have soul).

Young Stuart Stevens, cold and bitterly disappointed, cried. His dad, Jackson lawyer Phineas Stevens, comforted him. It is one of the really poignant scenes in Stuart's beautifully written book, The Last Season (Knopf, 2015).

First Citizen Phil Bryant issued the following statement:

Mother nature unleashed its fury on the Delta and North Mississippi yesterday.  Here are videos of the tornadoes in action:

Karl Banks may have started a fight over his loss in court but David Bishop didn't mind hitting him back today as he filed a response in Madison County Circuit Court today.  You know the story.  Madison County District 4 Supervisor and 32-year incumbent Karl Banks lost by two votes to challenger David Bishop.  Banks filed a lawsuit in court that seeks to restore several absentee and affidavit ballots to the election results that oddly enough would make him the winner.

Follow live streams of tornado chasers at this link.

Tornado hits ground near Clarksdale. Pics and video are posted below:

Credit: Brett Adair of TVN app

Sergeant Archie Bennett of the Flowood Police Department created this video to remember his brother in blue.

The Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance recommended that the Mississippi Supreme Court remove Madison Justice Court judge Bill Weisenberger from the bench.  Oddly enough, Mr. Weisenberger would leave office at the end of the year anyway.  The Commission also asked the court to fine the judge $1,000 and require him  to pay $5,918.  The punishments are related several events that occurred at the Canton Flea Market in 2014. The details are published below in a press release and findings issued by the Commission.

Meet Steve Turner.  He likes to break into your house and steal everything he can steal.

A spokeswoman for Donald Trump completely owned a CNN bed-wetter several weeks ago.  We are talking beat down.  Smash-mouthed a la Rhonda Rousey.  Forget whose side you are on or what you're politics are.  This is just plain fun to watch. 

JPD and Crime stoppers seek help your help in finding this suspect.

Governor and First Consul Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

Former Ole Miss footballer Denzel Nkemdiche has been hospitalized at UMMC.  Ridgeland PD issued the following statement:

It looks like I got my first death threat.  A Tia Nichols sent me this email Friday:

Trump is coming.  Batten down the hatches.  Call out the National Guard.  Put up a wall around the coast to keep out the gold-diggers and ban the sale of peroxide for the next two weeks.  The Trumpster will appear on the Gulf Coast on January 2 at 7:00 PM:

Police are still looking for a girl who left her home in Pearl.  Pearl Police  provided the following information to JJ:

The Justice Department issued the following press release:

The Mississippi Development Authority issued the following press release:

Madison County Election Commission met today at 10:00. The public notice was posted in one place Friday. Street committee said the Commission intended to ask Circuit Clerk Lee Westbrook to accept four votes. The election has been certified. Sarah Fowler (Clarion-Ledger) streamed in on Periscope. Watch it here.  It gets real hot at the end. Ms. Fowler provided much more information on her Twitter feed.

20 Mississippi John Does joined as plaintiffs a lawsuit against Ashley Madison in U.S. District Court last November.  They seek an unspecified amount of punitive damages.  The original lawsuit was filed by a John Doe plaintiff in September.  All plaintiffs admitted they created user profiles on Ashley Madison and submitted pictures of themselves.  Several claimed they paid the website a $19.00 fee to delete their information when they decided to quit using the service. The lawsuit reveals the true legacy of Ashley Madison- broken homes, sordid blackmail attempts, and what was in reality, an online scam. 

Epic fail does not even begin to describe Steve Harvey tonight:

SNL takes a shot at kids today.

Innovate Mississippi sued its former accounting firm in Madison County Circuit Court on December 16.  The company accused accounting firm Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, LLP of failing to detect alleged embezzlement by its former Chief Financial Officer, Tanya Klauser.   Innovate Mississippi claims the embezzlement was more than $500,000 and probably $1 million.  Innovate Mississippi was formerly Mississippi Technology Alliance.  Ms. Klauser pleaded guilty to embezzlement in October 2014.

Robert Nkemdiche issued the following statement:

A developer claims the city of Madison is attempting to dictate who his tenants can be for a project on Grandview Parkway. Madison Grandview Forum, LLC sued Madison in U.S. District Court on November 17.

The hits keep coming today.  JPD issued the press release concerning the robbery of EDO restaurant on Ridgewood Road:

These pics of a car were taken during a burglary on Kaywood earlier this week.  Keep an eye out for this car.  Email info to this site at kingfish1935@gmail.com or phone it tips to JPD Precinct 4 at 601-960-0004.

The Jackson Zoo issued the following press release:

Senator Thad Cochran issued the following press release:

Apparently some people missed the November 23 post where JJ stated that JPD cleared Antonio "Animosity" Harris in the Fred's Dollar Store robbery on Parkway Drive.  JPD named him as a suspect in a robbery but later stated he was no longer a suspect. I will repeat that statement again in caps and highlights so those of you who missed that post will see this statement:  ANTONIO "ANIMOSITY" HARRIS IS NO LONGER A SUSPECT IN THE FRED'S DOLLAR STORE ROBBERY!!!

 

The Madison County Journal reported today: 

The Mississippi Department of Education released the PARC results for the third through eighth grades this morning:

Stokes said something about the water thefts by city employees and Jackson residents at the regular meeting of the Jackson City Council Tuesday night:

So much fail here.  Community activist wants city to give Farish Street away.  Group threatens to throw Chancellor Dewayne Thomas out of office. And so on.  Watch this clip from yesterday's meeting of the Jackson City Council for yourself.

The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following press release:

The city of Jackson just issued the following statement concerning the management of the one percent sales tax projects:

Lord Protector and Governor Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

Update: JPD issued a press release that is posted below. 

JPD arrested two employees in the department of Public Works for water theft yesterday.  JPD Chief Lee Vance estimated the amount of the theft to be $14,000. It seems the two employees were running a "hook me up program" as they would keep water service flowing to paying customers- customers who were paying them instead of the city after they received cutoff notices.  Mayor Tony Yarber announced the arrests last night at the regular meeting of the City Council. 

Much of the appeal of writing about Mississippi sports for nearly half a century is trying to pick out who's going to be next.

Next? The next Archie. The next Jerry. The next Walter. And so on...

It seems the Los Angeles Times needs a primer on Ole Miss and Mississippi State:

Here are the latest updates on Berrrrrrrrrrt Case:

The FBI issued the following statement:

Update: Actual budget recommendation, all 52 pages, is posted below. 

Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following press release:

Governor and Defender of the Realm Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

Teeth gnashed, tempers flared, and the heavens rumbled with thunderous debate yet in the end, nothing happened at the special meeting of the Madison County Board of Supervisors yesterday.  It is not known if any clothes were rent. Chancery Clerk Ronnie Lott was probably giving thanks  that he was no longer a supervisor every minute.   The Madison County Journal reported:

The Clarion-Ledger's Anna Wolfe said Mississippi suffered from "tight-lipped officials and toothless watchdogs" in a report for the Center for Public Integrity.  She wrote:

Here are the latest Berrrrrrt Case updates:

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

JPD is looking for Marcus Lawson.  His street  name is "TroubleMane".  He crashed a car while fleeing from JPD Friday night after JPD spotted him and gave chase.  He is wanted for both robbing the Dollar General Store on McDowell Road, and carjacking on October 15.  JPD stated three young black males robbed the store.

Cody Chaffins of Fox5 (ATL) tweeted:

Here's another one.  Dennis Miller tells a funny story about his dinner with Frank Sinatra.

Its Frank Sinatra weekend.  100 years since Ole Blue Eyes was born.  We can kick it off with this video of the Rat Pack performing in St. Louis.  They are all there: Frank, Sammy, and Dino... and a young Johnny Carson.  Probably the only time in Carson's career he looked like a lightweight on stage. Count Basie and his orchestra backed up the knuckleheads.  Enjoy

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

It seems Jackson can do nothing to escape controversy even when it does nothing wrong. Some SJW's are incenses that the Navy dared to name a ship after a man who saved the Union not once but twice.  CNN reported:

Nothing like Sovereign Citizen logic used during a traffic stop.  "I'm not driving, I'm traveling".  Yeah.

It seems Colonel Don Berry doesn't want to do right even when he promises to do so. Captain* Gayle McMullin filed a motion to enforce a settlement agreement against the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Department of Public Safety yesterday in U.S. District Court.  The agency settled a racial discrimination lawsuit with Ms. McMullin in October.  The settlement must have been favorable to Captain McMullin as she now serves as MHP Training Director. The court notice states:

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

The Byram police department issued this Silver Alert:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release:

More and more facts about the San Bernardino terrorist attack continue to come out as law enforcement officials and the media do their jobs.    An American citizen hooked up with the wrong people, took a trip, came back with a terrorist wife, and we know the rest of the murderous story.  Liberals jumped quickly out the gate blaming the NRA and racism for what took place last week. It's all about not letting a crisis go to waste, you see.   However, if we are going to play the blame game, there is indeed one group who is morally culpable for what took place last week and has blood on its intellectual hands: the ACLU.

Here are the last few updates on Berrrrrrrrrt Case:

Remember this little hoodlum?  JJ posted this video and prediction on October 21:

"Let the games begin."  That was meant as a joke when JJ reported on the ballot brawl between Madison County District 4 Supervisor and 32 year champ-een Democrat Karl Banks and his challenger, Republican David Bishop.  However, the games indeed started today as a flurry of activity took place in Madison County.  And you thought the Christmas season would bring good will to all.

Update: Copy of indictment posted below. 

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

You.can't.make.this.up.  Please make it stop, please.

Department of Public Safety Commissioner Santa Cruz told employees this week that he was asked to serve another four years by Governor Phil Bryant. 

A man injured during a 2014 police chase sued the Madison and Jackson police departments as well as their respective chiefs and mayors in November 2014 in Hinds County Circuit Court.  Robert Pugh was injured as Madison police chased two suspects from the Target store in Jackson to the intersection of Gallatin Street and Oakmont Street.  He is represented by attorney Rocky Wilkins.   The case is assigned to Judge Winston Kidd.

When Alcorn State first offered its head football coaching job to Jay Hopson in April of 2012, he turned it down. What has happened since should be a book and then a movie.

Problem is, even Hollywood might consider the story a bit inconceivable.

The Alcorn football program was a train wreck. The previous year's team had won just one conference game. Seven or eight of the top returning players had decided not to return. Fan support? Fewer than 500 fans had shown up for Alcorn's final home game in 2011.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement:

British shadow Foreign Secretary Hilary Benn stood up against his own party and spoke for launching airstrikes against ISIS in Syria last week.  Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn opposed the airstrikes during a heated debate in the House of Commons last week.  Mr. Benn then took the floor and engaged in a bout of oratory rarely seen today in government.  He spelled out the case for fighting ISIS in a way that was logical yet colorful.  It started as a slow crescendo and ended in a forte of sanity seldom displayed in politics today.

Mayor Tony Yarber issued the following press release:

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

Madison-Rankin District Attorney Michael Guest issued the following statement:

The Clinton police department issued the following statement:

Bye-bye Christmas at Ole Miss.

Cliff Torrence pleaded guilty last Thursday to violating the social host law.  However, Mr. Torrence did not appear in court but was represented by attorney Bill Kirksey. Mr. Kirksey presented an open guilty plea to the court on behalf of his client.  Madison County Justice Court  Judge Bruce McKinley accepted the plea but postponed sentencing until January.  The learned jurist told Mr. Kirksey that he wanted Mr. Torrence present for sentencing. 

Former Florida Governor and GOP presidential candidate Jeb Bush visited the home of Randy James today for a fund-raiser for his campaign.  The event is closed to the media. An email that was sent out to invitees provided the following quotes and list of supporters:

Governator Phil Bryant issued the following statement:

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

Pearl police officers made a million dollar drug bust last night.  Pearl PD issued this statement on its Facebook page:

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation took no action against the Madison Police Department after MPD engaged in a high-speed chase in Jackson in February 2014. 

Tony Bennett killed it tonight on the CBS Frank Sinatra special.

What is the future of news? One writer argues that the centers of media power will shift from New York and Washington to Silicon Valley as a new generation of oligarchs arise. Oligarchs  who want to dominate journalism in ways Ted Turner and Rupert Murdoch could have only imagined.  Chris Morris writes in the Orange County Register:

We have an early update on Berrrrrrrrrt Case tonight:

Woman got thrown out of One Block East last night after trying to steal the tip jar and then starting a fight.   She gets on Twitter and plays the race card as this is 2015:

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following statement:

WJTV reported a woman's wallet was stolen at the Kroger in Clinton.  However, there is a good ending to the story.  WJTV broadcast last night:

Here is the latest update on Berrrrrrrrrrrrt Case:

Uh-oh.  Remember the fella who claimed he was beaten to a pulp by the police at the Ole Miss-LSU game and then denied medical treatment while in jail? Even posted pictures of his beaten face on Facebook (pun intended).  Well, they say a picture is worth a thousand words.   WREG posted the booking photo of Chris Barnes and lets just say it appears he looks much better in the jailhouse photo than he does in the Facebook photo. Judge for yourself.

 Update: JJ obtained a copy of the peititon to challenge the results. It is posted below.

The Mississippi Pep blog reported the following statement by Senator Melanie Sojourner:

The Mississippi Supreme Court issued the following order:

Check out what was floating around Mayes Lake last weekend.

This video from York County, PA shows why police officers are over-cautious during traffic stops (That means you, Diamond Harris).  Routine traffic stop.  Driver tosses out the license and then shoots the cop.  He survived and a manhunt is underway for the shooter.

Here are the October 2015 crime statistics for Rankin County.

Was the mission to bring the Shuckers to Biloxi a quest for fool's gold or will it bring golden times?  Steve Wilson likes the project to a Field of Dreams gone bad over at Watchdog.org.  He reports:

In the Kevin Costner baseball movie “Field of Dreams,” a mysterious voice from the cornfield told Costner’s character Ray Kinsella if you build it, he will come.

But in Biloxi they didn’t come.

Now seems a good time to ask this question: Would John Vaught, Bear Bryant and Vince Dooley have lasted in today's college football climate?

Georgia's firing of Mark Richt should give us all time to consider carefully before answering.

And we should pause to ask: What exactly has college football become?

Does this Calvin and Hobbes strip seem dated?

JPD is promoting Precinct 4 Commander James McGowan to the position of District 2 Commander.  He will oversee the operations in Precincts 3 and 4.  Precinct 4 Lieutenant Keith Freeman will be promoted to the rank of commander and lead Precinct 4 as well.   JPD Chief Lee Vance told JJ that he has not yet made a decision on filling the precinct lieutenant position.

Found this dude on Facebook yesterday.  He hasn't made the JPD list of press releases but he probably will one day:

Uber moved one step closer to being "legal" in Jackson.  The Rules Committee of the Jackson City Council passed an ordinance yesterday allowing Uber and other "transportation-network" companies to operate in Jackson. The ordinance will treat these companies differently than taxi cab companies.

The highlights of the ordinance* are:

Somehow this cop keeps his cool during a BLM protest.

Raymond Ethan Thomas had a good day in Madison County justice court today as several charges against him were dismissed. Two were dismissed, one was remanded to file for one year, and the fourth one was continued. The Madison County gentleman was vindicated as two charges were dismissed due to a lack of evidence.  He was represented by attorney Cynthia Speetjeens.  The charges were:

The Jackson Zoo issued the following press release:

The fight between the Clarion-Ledger and Andrew Mattiace will take place today at 1:30 in Chancellor William Singletary's courtroom.   The Chancellor sealed all records of Mattiace's application to the Mississippi Development Authority for $29 million in sales tax rebates for a proposed expansion of the Renaissance development.  Buster Bailey and Jim Barksdale of co-developers on the project as well.  The newspaper filed a motion to intervene and the two sides have skirmished through several motions and responses.

 Mississippi brewers are trying to change a law that prevents them from selling their craft on site.  Steve Wilson reported for Watchdog.org:

After touring the Lucky Town Brewery in Jackson, brewmaster Lucas Simmons can give you a sample of his pub ale or his Belgian style blonde ale, but forget about buying a six-pack from him. He’ll have to send you down the road, to a nearby store.

It's that time of year and you know what it means: It's time for my award-winning egg nog recipe:

U.S. District Judge Dan Jordan, III remanded a lawsuit filed by the West Rankin Utility Authority against Jackson back to Rankin County Circuit Court today.  West Rankin sued Jackson in April for the return of funds it paid to Jackson for treatment of its wastewater.  West Rankin claimed Jackson misspent the funds after it audited how the funds were spent.  Jackson tried to remove the lawsuit to federal court.

The fight to put Jackson zoning applications online continues into another month.  Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote is trying to pass an ordinance that will require the city to post all zoning requests online.   However, the council delayed taking action as Mr. Foote was unable to attend and city officials wanted to water down his proposal.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following press release:

JPD issued the following press release:

Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss all boast 8-3 records heading into the last weekend of the regular season. Ole Miss and State are ranked. All are headed to bowls. USM plays for a division championship Saturday. There's a chance, albeit slight, Ole Miss will, as well.

This is quite a bit of football success for one small state. It's not unprecedented, but it is rather remarkable.

Smart football people often correctly say quarterbacks get too much credit for a team's success and too much blame for a team's failure. So let's put it this way: You can't blame Dak Prescott, Chad Kelly or Nick Mullens for much at all this season. They do deserve lots and lots of credit.

Here are three days' worth of update on Berrrrrrrrt Case:

He who controls the spice, controls the SEC.

Meet Joe Ray Williams.

This is what happens when someone lives in the most corrupt state in America.  You grow up seeing everyone on the take and just assume when you go out of state that everyone else is on the take as well.  A Vicksburg drug dealer found out the old saying about "assume" is true as well.  Our friend Carol Robinson reported in Al.com:

If the football games get boring today, watch a session between the PM and the House of Commons as such sessions are rarely boring.  Too bad we can't use this format here in our Congress or state legislature.

Enjoy your turkey day and bringing misery to those poor souls forced to work retail tonight.  Here is a memory from the distant past preserved on Youtube.  Nothing holiday about it, its just rather cool.

Kiiiiiiim Wade discusses his visit to Reimagine Prep on November 13.  He goes into the usual Friday afternoon Jackson Gun & Knife Club rap but then moves on the McDowell Road charter school at 10:50.   The opponents of charter schools have had their run in the media for the last few years.  Now it is time to present the real story.

Our man Undra Harper, star of Hinds County's Catch & Release program, posted these photos on his Facebook page:

A group of Ridgeland residents filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn zoning changes granted to developers Andrew Mattiace, Buster Bailey, and Jim Barksdale for the Costco development. The lawsuit is posted below.  It was filed in Madison County Circuit Court. 

JPD issued the following press release:

Dilbert creator Scott Adams provided a very interesting analysis of Donald Trump the Presidential candidate in this video.

The family of accused killer Zebulum James protested last weekend.  WLBT reported

Here are the latest updates on Berrrrrrrrrrt Case:

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following press release:

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release:

Voters in Rankin and Madison counties have a choice between Steve Ratcliff and Marty Miller for Circuit Court judge.  If you want to learn more about each candidate, click on their ads on the right side of the page.  The circuit judge handles all criminal cases so this election might be important.  You have a no-good shyster and a real American running for this job so choose wisely. ;-) 

The losers for Supervisor, Justice Court Judge, and Constable all filed election challenges this morning in Hinds County Circuit Court.   Robert Graham just won't stop trying to get that third vote.

Gulfside Casino Partnership petitioned Chancellor Dewayne Thomas in September to seal records that were part of its application for a Mississippi Tourism Sales Tax rebate.  Gulfside sued MDA and the Kingfish (oui, c'est moi) on September 10 after this website asked for copies of all rebate applications submitted to MDA.  Judge Thomas granted the protective order on September 11.

This is the most recent video by Animosity aka Antonio Harris. He was a suspect in the Fred's Dollar Store robbery but is no longer wanted by JPD.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

Madison County District 4 Supervisor Karl Banks sued the Madison County Election Commission and David Bishop today in Madison County Circuit Court. Mr. Banks lost the recent election to Mr. Bishop by two votes. Mr. Banks claims the Commission didn't open four sealed paper affidavit ballots and improperly excluded 27 affidavit ballots as well.  The complaint is posted below.

When assessing the turnaround of Southern Miss football this season, you'd first like to find a similar situation with which to compare it. Who else has gone from so bad to this good this quickly?

No similar case study comes immediately to mind, certainly not in USM history, because USM had never been that bad.

United Healthcare is preparing to throw in the towel on the Affordable Care Act as it is hemorrhaging money on the exchanges.  $700 million in the red is not exactly chump change, even in the Fortune 500.  The Wall Street Journal reported Friday: 

Updated with witness statement  posted below.

A security officer punched an Ole Miss fan in the face at Vaught-Hemingway stadium yesterday during the LSU-Ole Miss game.  Holly Barnes, the wife of the victim, posted this message and video on Facebook:

George Lucas whines that Disney cut him out the production of the new Star Wars movie and that it doesn't resemble his um, vision.  Gamespot reported:

Tomorrow is Jeff Gordon's last race.  He is hanging it up for good although I wish he would give Indy car a try for one year.  Here is what I consider to be one if his most entertaining races although he lost by a few inches at the end.Start at 45:00.  Six laps to go is some of the best racing you will ever see.

Who can forget this classic meltdown after the Ole Miss loss to LSU last year?

Neal Cavuto embarrasses a college student who wants free college, cancellation of all student debt, and a $15/hour minimum wage by asking her one simple question.

Here is some new information on Zebulum James.

Update: Gofundme account set up for Mrs. Mitchell's funeral.

Missouri native Kristy Mitchell was murdered in the parking lot of Logan's on County Line Road last night. The suspect allegedly murdered another woman, and went on a shooting spree that started in Jackson and ended in Ridgeland. Few people here probably knew Mrs. Mitchell. She was a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. Her Facebook profile shows she loved her bassett hound and wasn't afraid to take the ice bucket challenge with her grandchildren last year. She was proud of her son who serves in the Army. Her Facebook posts are poignant when one realizes it is her last day in this world. She  is not another statistic but a victim who came to Jackson. 

Our friends over at Slabbed.org issued this press release and also sued some pals of Aaron Broussard. Broussard of Katrina and Louisiana corruption fame.  The lawsuit is posted below as well.

Howard Ballou spoke out against the recent crime wave in Jackson on Facebook yesterday.  It is posted here with his permission.

Health insurance premiums and deductibles are going up next year.  The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday:

Update: Ridgeland PD told JJ that Zebulum James is a suspect in the Logan's murder.  He has no prior felony arrests.

JPD issued the following press release:

The war over all things Costco continues as the Clarion-Ledger and Andrew Mattiace slug it out in the courtroom.  The issue is pretty simple.  Mr. Mattiace and his fellow developers want nearly $30 million in tourism sales tax rebates from the Mississippi Development Authority while the newspaper and this website think you have a right to know how your money is spent.  If Mr. Mattiace wants to get his hands on the sales tax money, perhaps its times to dissect the tourism sales tax rebate program and see what exactly is in the MDA woodpile.

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

And there arose to the north of Eden a tribe called the Hotty-Toddys, who were also called metros. And the Hotty-Toddys were very displeasing; they didst place centerpieces on their banquet tables, and didst exalt themselves much. And they didst glorify the southern kingdom of the past.

The Justice Department issued the following press release:

JPD issued the following press release:

This photo is re-posted with Marshall Ramsey's permission.

Mississippi Democratic Party Chairman Rickey Cole issued the following statement in response to Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn's remarks about female legislators*: 

Here is the latest update on Berrrrrrrrrt Case. 

Local community activist and humanitarian Enoch Sanders addressed the Jackson City Council last night about water bills in a rather um, memorable fashion.

Yet another health club in the Jackson area is closing down.  Fitness Lady will shut its doors on Thanksgiving and become part of Holmes Community College.  Fitness Lady will join the Courthouse Racquet Club and  The Club in selling to non-profit or government agencies and thus going off of the tax rolls. 

JJ  obtained a copy of the purchase agreement for the sale of the Courthouse to UMMC through a public records request.  However, the term "sale" must be loosely used because much of the transaction appears to be a donation.  The contract is posted below.  Some observations of the transaction are:

The Mississippi Business Journal reported that the Jackson Redevelopment Authority could not sell the bonds that would fund the Westin Hotel project:

Here are the crime stats for Jackson for the week ending November 1, 2015. Property crimes are down substantially across the city on a year to date basis while violent crimes are more of a mixed bag:

Here is the latest Berrrrrrrrrrrt Case update:

The entire video of the Holm-Rousey bout is hard to find online but here is a Mexican broadcast of the fight.  Don't  know how long it will stay up so enjoy it will it lasts.

State Auditor Stacey Pickering issued the following press release:

UPDATE: Owners saw this post, made contact, and dog is now home safe and sound. Probably getting spoiled rotten right now.

 Correction: The story posted below has been corrected.  The original post stated the home and dog owner was Hubbard Saunders of Douglas Street.  The actual owner was Perry Richardson and the attack was on Gay Street.   Mr. Saunders' name was posted after talking to JPD.  However, JJ later learned the information was wrong. Mr. Saunders is not connected to this story at all.   JJ apologizes to Mr. Saunders.  Mistakes will be made but this website has no problem owning up to them. Comments with his name will be removed. 


JPD euthanized five pit bulls and pit bull mixed-breed dogs after they attacked a homeowner and his friend late on October 1. JPD said the attack took place on Gay Street in Northeast Jackson.  The homeowner was Perry Richardson.  Police sources say the man was chewed up so badly that he resembled a homicide victim.  The dogs then turned on the owner when he tried to restrain them.  Police were called to the residence.  One police officer said the dogs "were killing machines. They were not dogs."   JPD seized the dogs and later put them down.  This was the second attack by the dogs in six months.  A neighbor stated in an email sent to JJ:

Clarion-Ledger reporter Clay Chandler will be leaving the newspaper for a job down the street.  The hard-working scribe will assume the new position of Communications Director for Governor Phil Bryant.  He has a reputation as a solid business reporter.  We wish him well in his new endeavor.

Update at 9:06: The Governor's office just issued this press release:

A lawsuit filed on November 12 in U.S. District Court claims Noxubee County has more registered voters than actual residents of voting age.  The American Civil Rights Union filed the lawsuit against the Noxubee County Election Commission.  It is a public interest group in Washington, DC.  It claims that there were 9,217 registered voters in March 2015 despite having a voting age population of 8,245 according to the U.S. Census (See page 4 in the complaint posted below.).   The plaintiff claims number of registered voters grew to 9,444 in September.  Attorney Henry Ross in Eupora represents the plaintiffs. The ACRU asks the court to order the county to purge and maintain accurate voter rolls.

The Medical Board of Licensure held its bi-monthly meeting Thursday in Jackson.  The board held several hearings for doctors seeking to regain their medical licenses.   The board literally flew through the agenda until it reached the section for the hearings.  The hearing for Dr. Michael White of Columbus grew very contentious as Dr. White attempted to regain his license. 

Environmental groups stopped Synagro Technologies from using sewage sludge as "fertilizer" in Pennsylvania farms.  The state oddly enough granted the permits to Synagro for this particular use of the sludge but then refused to dismissed the lawsuits.  Law360 reported:

JJ was going to post this video last night but the terrorist attacks in Paris derailed that plan.  Here is a disagreeable disagreement between two young ladies that was posted on Facebook a few days ago.

Check out these tweets whining that the terrorists attacks in Paris pushed all things Missouri off of the front pages. 

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following press release:

Update on 11/14/15: Sheriff Bailey just issued this statement.

 Missing Rankin County teen Kaelyn Grace Conerly has been located. At approximately 3:30pm  the Rankin County Sheriffs Office developed information that the missing teen was in Smith County. Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton had deputies stop the vehicle the missing teen was supposed to be in and they did locate her inside the vehicle. Rankin County deputies are on the way to Smith County to pick her up. She is in good health. This investigation continues.


Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement and picture:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release:

LSU student and Reveille* columnist Clarke Perkins freaked out on Twitter yesterday as she mistook a guy wire hanging over a branch for a noose. Yup.  You can't make this up.  She tweeted yesterday morning:

There was a rumble in Hinds County Chancellor Dewayne Thomas's courtroom Tuesday.  The lawyers participating in the Farish Street litigation required the "intervention" of the bailiffs after a heated argument quickly devolved into a screaming match.  One attorney accused other attorneys of not communicating settlement offers to the client.  That allegation lit the fuse.  The Chancellor held them all in contempt and fined each lawyer $200.

Leroy Smith issued a press release about his interest in Farish Street:

JPD issued the following press release:

Meet the faces of the enemy.  Animosity & crew brag about thuggin' and robbin' people in this 2015 video. Animosity is Antonion "Animosity" Harris.  See 1:49

The Madison County Election Commission certified the results for the District 4 Supervisor race.  The Clarion-Ledger's Sarah Fowler is tweeting away from the courthouse in Canton. Follow her at @fowlersarah as she is providing pretty good coverage on Karl Banks's loss.  Don't worry, there will probably be a ballot examination and a court challenge. 

Some incredible drone footage of the IHOP sinkhole in Meridian appeared on Youtube.

Here are the "C" ratings for Jackson metro area restaurants issued since July 30.  The Mississippi Department of Health inspects and grades each restaurant.  The department inspects the restaurant again within ten days after the "C" is issued.  The restaurant listed below all passed their follow-up inspections unless otherwise noted.

The Farish Street fracas in Hinds County Chancery Court may be over as the parties reached a settlement that was approved by Chancellor Dewayne Thomas.  JRA and Watkins Development agreed to turn over the whole deal to LCS Land Development.  JRA The company is owned by Leroy Smith of Colorado.

Madison County District 4 Supervisor Karl Banks challenged the certification of the District 4 supervisor election as he claimed 29 affidavit ballots were omitted from the results.  He sent this letter to the Madison County Election Commission.

The Courthouse News reported that Viking Range and its parent company Middleby Marshall, Inc. are suing former CEO Fred Carl, Jr. and other former Viking officers for fraud in Delaware Superior Court.  The plaintiffs seek $100 million in damages.  The Courthouse News reported:

When Mississippi's PGA Tour stop began so humbly 48 years ago, organizers called it the Magnolia State Classic.

With nearly half a century of history, it now seems perfectly clear a more appropriate name was available: The Monsoon Open.

Bert's doing better.  Here is the latest update.

Medicaid enrollments shot up 34% for the 28 states that expanded Medicaid.  JJ reviewed enrollments posted on the Kaiser Family Foundation's website.  The growth occurred between the passage of the Affordable Care Act and August 2015.  The 19 states that did not expand the Medicaid program under the ACA saw their enrollments rise only 8%.

Hotdiggitydamn!!! We found us 9 affidavit ballots in the House race between Bo Eaton and Mark Tullos.  We now got us a tied-up ball game.  Got to love Mississippi elections.

Another video has popped up showing Missour Associate Professor Melissa Click at her very best.  This video shows much more than previously shown in another video.  Start at 7:00.

McDonald's workers protested for a higher minimum wage at Jackson City Hall today:

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation issued the following press release: