Jackson Jambalaya

JPD issued the following press release:

,or Heckler does good.  American fan David Johnson was giving some grief to Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and Andy Sullivan of England at a Ryder Cup practice session yesterday.  The two golfers each missed a twelve-putt putt with a tricky downward slope six times in a row.  The North Dakotan couldn't help himself and yelled "I could've made that".  So.... British Open champ Henrick Stenson pulled him out of the crowd and told him to go make the shot.  Just to make sure Johnson didn't suffer from a lack of pressure, Justin Rose placed a $100 bill on the ground right in front of the ball.  See what happens next:

A Hinds County grand jury indicted young Steve Turner on September 15 for auto burglary, house burglary, and auto theft.  This is not Turner's first or second scrape with the law, as he does nothing but rob and steal whenever he is free.

Young Turner was sprung from juvie when he turned 18 on December 2, 2015.  JPD arrested him on December 21 for house burglary and possessing a stolen firearm.  He stayed a few weeks in jail before he posted bond and went back to his errant ways.  JJ reported at the time

Sugar Ray is going to go nuts.  Governor Phil Bryant declared today is Jerry Rice Day and issued the following press release:

Mark Willis posted a really cool video of his making a night landing in his plane at Hawkins Field. Enjoy.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement:

The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority issued the following press release:

Why didn't the NAACP just say black cops are Uncle Toms? WCNC reported Tuesday:

The Mississippi Supreme Court overturned Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill's order barring District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith from performing his duties.  The order is posted below.

Update: JPD terminated Williams today. 

The Justice Department issued the following press release:

The Jackson City Council hired law firm Phelps Dunbar to defend the city against the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former assistant to the Mayor Kimberly Bracey.  However, the City Council might be a little surprised by the attorneys Phelps chose to represent the city.

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith tried to throw two Attorney General prosecutors in jail after this website published a transcript of the March 3 preliminary hearing that was held for Christopher Butler.*  The District Attorney accused Assistant Attorneys General Patrick Beasley and Shaun Yurtkuran of leaking the transcript of a sealed proceeding to JJ in his motion for contempt.  There are just two problems: The preliminary hearing was never sealed and this correspondent purchased the transcript from the court reporter. 

JJ came across this two year-old drone video of Belhaven University.  The video is a nice view of one of the assets of the Jackson metro area.  Enjoy.

The city of Clinton issued the following press release:

So, LSU fired Les Miles Sunday and elevated Ed Orgeron to the position of interim head football coach in Baton Rouge.

We can argue the wisdom of the first half of those two moves all day. LSU, a school famously strapped for cash these days, will pay Miles $10 million not to coach. But in my opinion the decision to elevate Orgeron, the former Ole Miss head coach, makes sense. Orgeron's job will be to keep the seat warm and to make sure recruiting stays on course. He can do that. He proved it at Southern Cal.

Orgeron also proved at Ole Miss he is not a long-term solution. We here in Mississippi are reminded of his short, remarkably interesting tenure in Oxford.

The dirt is flying now.  Former JPD officer Tina Bianchini amended her lawsuit against the city of Jackson with some rather lurid allegations yesterday against JPD Deputy Commander Tyree Jones.  Ms. Bianchini filed her lawsuit after she claimed she was fired after she was arrested for a domestic violence incident with another JPD officer she was dating. She claimed she was a victim of sexual harassment and racial discrimination. 

Brandon police arrested Dr. Steven Tincher on September 22 for the trafficking and sale of controlled substances.  The police report states:

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following statement: 

Americans needs jobs, companies need workers. What's the problem?  The Wall Street Journal reported today that American companies are shortchanged by an educational system that is dysfunctional and doesn't mesh too well with the economy:

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement:

Happy Birthday to Kingfish!  Have a wonderful day!

JJ is not watching the debate tonight BUT is allowing you to comment on the debate as it goes along.  Some are expecting Trump to demolish Hillary.  Two words: Perot-Gore.  Similar things were said before that debate.  What was the result? Comment away.

Several law enforcement agencies complained that Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith repeatedly dropped cases against suspects that had ties to him or his staff in several documents that were unsealed today.  JPD complained about the treatment of these suspects while the FBI apparently asked the Mississippi Attorney General in February to investigate the District Attorney.  Special Circuit Judge Larry Roberts ordered several cases unsealed after the Clarion-Ledger challenged their sealing at a hearing held two weeks ago.

The war continues between Pizza Hut and Maywood Mart.  Maywood Mart is trying to terminate Pizza Hut's lease but Pizza Hut took the fight to court.  It appears both sides have dug in for some trench warfare as they refuse to budge from their positions.  A trial is scheduled for next summer unless they settle the case. 

The Justice Department issued the following press release: 

I recently discovered The Wire.  Great series.  Here is a memorable scene that involves chess.

WGNO in Kenner reported:

Whitfield might have one less patient if Dr. Arnold Smith has his way in court.  The Taxpayers Channel reported:

The following missing child alert has been issued:

Too hungover to go to church but feel guilty?  JJ presents Dr. Frank Pollard (deceased) for your Sunday morning sermon. 

JPD released video of a man entering a nail salon in Westland Plaza and shooting three people.  Police sources say a dispute between two men over a woman probably was the "cause" of the shooting.  The video is posted below.

Three home invaders found out the hard way that crime does not always pay.  Pin a medal on this woman.

The Madison Police Department issued the following press release:

The City of Jackson issued the following press release: 

Bloomberg News reported the Mississippi Public Employees Retirement System is the tenth most under-funded retirement plan out of all fifty states. The news service reviewed and ranked all state retirement plans in an August article.  The top ten offenders were:

What happens when some family members encounter someone they think killed a loved one? Nothing less than a beat-down.  WJTV broadcast video yesterday that showed JPD Commander Tyree Jones saving a man from some "street justice":

JPD issued the following statement:

The Richland Police Department posted the following statement and pictures on Facebook:

What is it about Lee Abraham that makes him a target?  The Taxpayers Channel reported:

A journalism student at LSU is intimidated by trucks!!! The horror.  Read this op-ed column at LSUnow.com:

One of Northeast Jackson's finest is back on the streets. The Mississippi Parole Board sprung Broderick Robinson on September 15. Broderick Robinson pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm in Hinds County Circuit Court on September 1, 2015.  However, Judge Winston Kidd remanded two counts of house burglary.  Judge Kidd sentenced him to serve five years in prison and two years of supervised probation but suspended two years of the sentence and gave him credit for time served. Robinson is 22 years old.  Robinson has a long record of arrests for burglary, drug, and firearms-releated offenses.

This past Sunday wasn't that much different than most days here lately for Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier, the Fulton native and former Southern Miss baseball standout.

Playing in New York, Dozier extended his hitting streak to 22 games, made an unassisted double play in the field – and lost. It is the story of this season – and really of Dozier's Major League career.

The Justice Department issued the following press release:

The battle of the dueling press releases.  HUD issued this statement on its website:

First Consul Phil Bryant issued the following proclamation: 

Hinds County District Attorney Jamie McBride filed a motion to quash the indictment against him.  A Hinds County grand jury indicted Mr. McBride earlier this month for two counts of conspiring with District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith and former Assistant District Attorney Ivon Johnson to help criminal defendants.   Attorney Dale Danks represents Mr. McBride.

The King is dead, long live the King.  The Madison County Journal reported that Madison County engineer Rudy Warnock landed on his feet at Canton Municipal Utilities after he was fired as county engineer by the Madison County Board of Supervisors:

Senator Thad Cochran, Senator Roger Wicker, and Representative Gregg Harper issued the following statement:

A brief moment of sanity broke out at the Jackson City Council meeting yesterday when Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote provided the cold, hard numbers on how much money Jackson (5:15) is losing on operating two golf courses.  However, no good deed goes unpunished as Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes went into hysterics (8:20).  This one was one for the books.

Jackson Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr. defended shutting down the Grove Park golf course with something that rarely means anything in Jackson: cold, hard numbers. Mr. Priester posted some financial numbers for the two municipal golf courses. It is a rather dismal picture:

The Public Service Commission tried to make it easier for those suffering from domestic violence to obtain utilities.  However, good ole boy attorney Jim Herring tried to stop the PSC from doing as his message to battered women and children was simply tough luck. Yup, wife-beaters found a friend in Jim Herring and his client.  The Clarion-Ledger reported:

A giraffe had the hots for a reporter at the San Diego Zoo.

A local police officer gets stupid on Facebook.  Can anyone understand what she is saying?

JPD issued the following statement:

Thalia Mara Auditorium generated the most revenue it ever has this year.  While the attendance at the Jackson auditorium is substantially lower than in past years, Thalia Mara is making more money as it enjoyed revenue of $248,050 in FY 2015-2016.  JJ obtained the attendance and revenue information through a public records request. 

What are a redneck's last words? Hey y'all, watch this. That old joke comes to mind when these two girls find out the hard way why the Carolina Reaper Pepper is aptly named when they got their share of Youtube fame in a way they never imagined.

The Greater Jackson Arts Council issued the following press release:

Mississippi Treasurer Lynn Fitch and Senator John Horhn issued the following press release:

Here are the "C" ratings for Jackson metro area restaurants issued since April 20, 2016.  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.

It appears city of Jackson employees like to sneak into Ridgeland for some grub.  A reader sent these photos to JJ:

JJ found this old Traveltalks shortie about 1940 New Orleans.  Enjoy. 

It appears there is a falling out among the geniuses responsible for an anonymous mailer that was sent out to Madison County voters before the August 2015 primary elections for supervisors.     Geoff Pender reported in the Clarion-Ledger last week:

If you can't make it to church this morning, here is a sermon presented by Dr. Frank Pollard (deceased) of First Baptist Church in Jackson. 

The Jackson crime stats for the week ending September 4, 2016 are posted below.  The number of major crimes fell 17% on a year to date basis from 2015.  Property crimes dropped 18% while violent crimes fell 14%. 

As tax collections continue to falter, threatening more mid-year budget cuts, our legislative leaders scurry to shore up the brilliance of their tax cut agenda.

Take a break from the usual stuff and check out the Murrah High School Drum Line.

Justice was served Wednesday as a Hinds County jury found Gerome Moore guilty of Capital Murder in the death of beloved Jacksonian Carolyn Temple.  Read it for yourself below.  He will be sentenced on November 2. Two down and one to go. 

Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher will give his annual State of the City address and host online questions and answers today at noon.  The city website states: 

Some minor actions took place in Bracey v. Yarber et al recently:

Is Jackson going to have to go bankrupt for these people to learn anything? There is apparently much gnashing of teeth over the closure of the Grove Park public golf course.  It is not known if the city council and Mayor wore sackcloth and ashes over the death of Grove Park but time is yet left for this to happen.  The Clarion-Ledger reported:

The Justice Department issued the following press release:

Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill had enough and fired back at Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.  Judge Weill accused the District Attorney of lying, attacking his court through the media, and using the sealing of the files to his advantage in a statement filed with the Mississippi Supreme Court.  The statement also revealed that an unnamed person has been indicted and an employee of the District Attorney has a child and relationship with a "former client" of the District Attorney.  Punches were not held nor did the dirt remain undished. 

Another idiot apparently beat his girlfriend to death. JPD issued the following statement and mug shot:

Madison Restaurant Local 463 is moving to Renaissance.  The restaurant posted on Facebook Monday:

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

The Ridgeland Police Department issued the following press release and mug shot:

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

This was September of 1971. Alabama had just unveiled a surprise Wishbone offense and stunned No. 3 Southern Cal at the Coliseum in Los Angeles, reversing a three-touchdown defeat the year before.

Bear Bryant was back. What’s more, the Crimson Tide was to next play Southern Miss. I was an 18-year-old sports reporter for the Hattiesburg American, dispatched to Tuscaloosa to cover Bryant’s regular Tuesday press conference.

Last Sunday morning at the Rez.

Should this guy really be calling anyone else stupid?

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber issued the following statement: 

JJ obtained through a public records request a copy of the settlement agreement between Penny Corn and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. Ms. Corn sued DPS a year ago for sex discrimination and retaliation.  DPS and Ms. Corn settled the case in May. 

The Reverend Kenneth Fairly will have an opportunity to establish a chapter of Prison Fellowship Ministries as an inmate.  The U.S. Attorney issued the following press release:

Clarion-Ledger Reporter Geoff Pender questions Former MEMA Executive Director Robert Latham's claim that the mismanagement of a $30 million federal program took place without his knowledge.  The federal government allocated nearly $30 million to retrofit homes on the Gulf Coast to lower home insurance rates.  However, this is Mississippi and if we see $30 million in gummint dough, we are going to figure out a way to get our greedy mitts on it or make sure our friends do.  The feds saw what was going on and suspended the program last month.  Mr. Pender reported:

The "Reverend" Kenneth Fairley was found guilty on all counts today in U.S. District Court.  The Hattiesburg American reported:

Judge Roberts unsealed everything in the Robert Shuler Smith cases.  The video of the hearing is posted below.

Mississippi's prison population is increasing because, gasp, judges are actually doing their jobs.  The horror.  The Clarion-Ledger reported last week:

Will sealed records involving Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith finally see the light of day today?  Special Judge Larry Robert will hold a hearing at 1:00 PM today in the Hinds County courthouse to on several motions filed by the Clarion-Ledger to open files, transcripts, and other sealed records.

The city of Jackson issued the following press release: 

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

The 1% Sales Tax Commission met last Wednesday.  The videos and written presentation are posted below.  The documents provide the highlights and progress of the projects funded by the 1% sales tax.  Enjoy.

Can't make it to church this morning? Watch Dr. Frank Pollard (deceased) in the video posted below.

Breitbart News sent a reporter down to Baton Rouge to cover the devastation caused by The Flood With No Name.  Jackson's own Amile Wilson shot the video for the story.

 JJ presented it's own ideas on how to save the Jackson Zoo last Tuesday. The plan would move the entrance from Capitol Street to Fortification Street, make part of Bullard Street similar to the JSU Parkway, and beautify the area around the new entrance, the South entrance to Hawkins Field, and Sonny Guy golf course.  However, some people didn't just reject this idea but were downright hostile to it.  Exhibit A: One Kamikaze's comments on Facebook:

The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following press release:

Check out this old WLBT broadcast.  Bert sure could do the combover just right.

The Clinton Police Department issued the following press release and video.

The Mississippi Federation of College Republicans issued the following press release:

Several victims criticized  a $4.7 million fine imposed on Morgan Stanley and arbitration awards that only gave them "ten cents on the dollar".  WAPT reported:

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber appeared near the end of Tuesday night's City Council meeting.  He and Council President Tyrone Hendrix proceeded to have a little disagreement near the end of this video.

Governor Phil Bryant, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, and Speaker Philip Gunn issued the following statements:

JPD issued the following press release and mug shot.

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

Update: Captured. 

JPD is looking for a Vincent McGee in Northeast Jackson (Between Old Canton Road, Ridgewood Road, and Meadowbrook Road.).  He fled from a traffic stop.  The dude is dangerous.  He was convicted of armed robbery and carjacking around ten years ago.  He was indicted last fall for possession of cocaine and in January 2015 for being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment classifies him as a habitual offender.  His indictment is posted below.

A Hinds County grand jury indicted Hinds County Assistant District Attorney Jamie McBride for two counts of conspiring to hinder prosecution of criminal defendants.  The indictment alleges he acted as a partner in crime with Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith and former Assistant District Attorney Ivon Johnson.  The indictment states:

A lawsuit charges financial advisers ripped off doctors who used a Mississippi State Medical Association Foundation program for millions of dollars for twenty years.  The Foundation sued  Larry Fortenberry, Philip Metz, Richard Howard, and companies they owned in Madison County Circuit Court last week.  The complaint alleges the trio sold and operated charitable gift annuity programs to member physicians.  The Foundation claims losses are at least $15 million. 

Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winning quarterback-turned NFL washout-turned football TV analyst, now wants to become a Major League baseball player.

Good luck with that.

No Rankin County deputies failed weapons qualification this year.  JJ obtained the scores through a public records request.  They are posted below. 

Attorney General Jim Hood asked Special Judge James Bell to drop the charges against Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith.  Judge Bell approved the motion and dismissed the charges against Mr. Smith. The motion and order are posted below.

The Jackson Zoo, what to do, what to do, what to do? The Zoo surrendered its American Zoological Association accreditation a few weeks ago.  The Zoo has been troubled for quite some time as it has been plagued by a declining attendance, a deteriorating neighborhood, and uneven funding.  JJ thinks that the zoo benefits the Jackson metro area as well as the state.  There are world-class zoos in Memphis and New Orleans but there is no reason this area can't continue to operate a quality zoo.  Mississippi loses when we lose our cultural attractions.   What is needed is some truly out of the box thinking.  JJ offers a possible solution.

Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith  made it quite clear he is not going to meekly accept a complaint filed against him by the Mississippi Bar. The Bar submitted the complaint to the Mississippi Supreme Court in July after two Hinds County judges complained to the Bar about Mr. Smith's conduct in and out of the courtroom.  Mr. Smith filed a response on August 16.   Earlier post with copy of bar complaint.

JJ obtained through a public records request the 2015 and Q2 2016 audit and financial statements for the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau.  It is posted below. Some highlights are:

Trucks, concrete barriers, 151 mph, and tempers.  What could possibly go wrong?

Jackson Ward 2 Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr. posted this update on Friday's meeting of the Jackson City Council on his Facebook page:

Some of you can't make it to church so JJ will bring Dr. Frank Pollard (deceased) to you.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following statement:

Governor Phil Bryant told the Clarion-Ledger that he is doing something about "sexist behavior" in state law enforcement agencies:

The Wall Street Journal's "Grid of Shame" named Ole Miss's football programs as one of the most embarrassing in the NCAA. 

Mississippi Baptist Health Systems issued the following press release:

The Mississippi State Department of Health issued the following press release: 

A former Madison County deputy sued the Madison County Sheriff's Office for alleged racial discrimination in U.S. District Court on August 15.  Robert Gibson accuses Sheriff Randy Tucker of firing him after he complained about race discrimination towards employees and suspects.  Sheriff Tucker has not yet filed a response in the case.

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following press release: