Jackson Jambalaya

A road rage incident recently took place on I-55S by Crystal Springs.  Two vehicles apparently mistook the interstate for turn four at Bristol. Watch for yourself.

Filed today in Madison County Chancery Court:

Note: This case has never been reported by Jerry Mitchell. 

An investigative file submitted as an exhibit in the Downtown Jackson Partners lawsuit provides more information on the organization's efforts to prosecute its former secretary. DJP sued Linda Brune for damages caused by her alleged embezzlement of over $43,000. However, Ms. Bruine is a witness in the trial of her former boss, Ben Allen, that is currently taking place in Hinds County Circuit Court. Mr. Allen was indicted on ten counts of embezzlement from DJP.

Mississippi Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney issued the following press release:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement:

Governor Phil Bryant issued the following press release:

Update: Dead (#1)

State Senator Lydia Chassaniol filed a bill that will place the Mississippi Arts Commission under the control of the Mississippi Development Authority.  To say this bill stirred up a hornet's nest is an understatement.  Social media has been afire with outrage as the arts community did not like this bill one bit.  Marshall Ramsey captured the zeitgeist in this cartoon:

Ballots for the election of two members to represent retirees on the PERS Board of Trustees are due on February 6.  The list of candidates is posted below.  The candidates range from retired teachers to finance directors.  Retirees should remember to vote early and often.

It appears the song remains the same as Madison County supervisors continue to squabble. The subject of the latest scrum is the county road plan. It seems one Gerald Steen is determined to have his way. The Madison County Journal reported recently:

The late Dr. Frank Pollard preaches on how to restart your life in this sermon. 

Social media has indeed spawned some online monsters.  Check out this loon who wears a body camera, records the arguments he starts in public, and then posts them for all to see. 

Rankin County Chancellor John McLaurin upheld the MDEQ permit for the construction of a wastewater treatment facility to the West Rankin Utility Authority.  The city of Jackson was obviously not pleased and issued this statement:

Is the truth finally coming out about the Emmitt Till case? The facts of the case are known to virtually every adult in Mississippi.  The woman who claimed young Till grabbed her and whistled at her recanted her accusations from over sixty years ago. Vanity Fair published a story about an author who managed to interview her in 2007.  The interview is part of a new book about the Till murder.  Vanity Fair reported: 

USM cut out-of-state tuition by 40% "to reverse a 2,000-student enrollment dip by pricing a USM education below some public universities in nearby states," reported the Clarion-Ledger.

IHL data shows the average percentage of out-of-state students attending Mississippi public universities is 30%. The averages for each university are ASU 24%, DSU 17%, JSU 23%, MSU 34%, MUW 15%, MVSU 23%, UM 41%, USM 21%.

 Madison County Court Judge Stacy O'Neal cancelled an arrest warrant for former Downtown Jackson Partners secretary Linda Brune. Judge O'Neal also set aside the default judgment that her predecessor awarded against Ms. Brune.  Downtown Jackson Partner sued Ms. Brune in Madison County Court to recover over $40,000 she allegedly embezzled. 

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement and mug shot.

It is the Radio Strongman's birthday today.  Wish him a Happy Birthday.  Doesn't look bad for 73 years old.  Here is a little something for a good Democrat like Mr. Wade:

Check out this WJTV report on the Wayne Parish indictment that was broadcast earlier this month. 

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following statement.

Hurricane Katrina didn't destroy Bourbon Street but will Bourbon Street survive New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu after he announced that he wants to make some changes to the Bourbon Street scene?  The New Orleans Morning Advocate reported:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement.

Say goodbye to $15/hr burger flippers and meet the new Big Mac ATM:

Leftenant Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.

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

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release.

The tragic story of Rivers McGraw has been reported by the media over the last several months.   His mother is pushing a bill that will prevent minors under the age of 21 from posting bail when they are arrested for a DUI until a parent is notified.  Representative Andy Gipson introduced HB #1089 on behalf of Ms. McGraw.  WJTV reported:

This video is pretty funny if you are into satire.

Local UPS drivers are going to hate life for the next few days.  The Mississippi Department of Revenue issued the following statement:

Crimestoppers issued the following bulletin and picture. 

The Public Interest Legal Foundation issued the following press release.

So much about professional football has changed and evolved since this writer first began to watch in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

There was a strong-arm robbery on Myrtle Street (in Belhaven) this afternoon.  Two black males robbed two Hispanic men who were working on a construction project.  One hoodlum pistol-whipped one of the victims in the back of the head.  JPD caught the men a short distance away.  The two suspects are now in custody. They were carrying fishing poles when they robbed the two men.   Good job, JPD>  

Coming soon to a Starbucks near you!!!

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement and mug shot.

The Mississippi Insurance Department issued the following bulletin on disaster assistance for Pine Belt storm victims.

JPD issued the following statement.

The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following press release.

The President of the Mississippi Bar sponsored a bill to help the judges and justices of the Mississippi Court of Appeals and Supreme Court feather their retirement nests.  State Senator and Bar President Briggs Hopson introduced SB #2908. Copy of bill. The bill states:

Downtown Jackson Partners issued the following press release.

JJ conducted a poll last week that asked if you thought the legislature should pass an "Amazon tax" bill.  The results weren't even close: Don't even think about it.  See for yourself.

This woman took the inauguration of President Trump way too seriously.

Note: This story was broadcast a year ago but JJ thought it was worth posting on the second anniversary of Mr. Gorman's death.

WLBT interviewed the family of the late John Gorman.  Mr. Gorman was a Gaming Commission Special Agent who was killed two years ago yesterday when an instructor shot him in the chest during a training exercise.  No one has been charged in the death.  Instructor Robert Sharp claimed he thought his Glock was unloaded when he fired the weapon in an exercise that was supposed to only use "dummy" weapons.  Watch the interview below.

If you can't make it to church, JJ will bring church to you.  JJ presents this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church in Jackson.

Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney issued the following statement.

Thieves are getting more and more bold.  A thief, or thieves, broke into the Lakeland Courthouse, oops, I meant the University of Mississippi Wellness Center on Lakeland Drive in Flowood, Mississippi, by cutting through the bubble that covers the pool and then removing all but two tv's from the cardio exercise room.  See for yourself.

The Madison and Ridgeland Police Departments issued the following statements:

Meridian Republican Representative Steve Horne has introduced House Bill 305 to abolish party primaries for state and local elections.

Meridian Republican Representative Greg Snowden has introduced House Bill 496 to require party primaries for state and local judicial elections.

Hmmm.

A Lieutenant at the Hinds County Sheriff's Office joined a sexual harassment lawsuit against Sheriff Victor Mason today.  Former Hinds County Chief Deputy Cheryl Matory and Tomeca Barnes filed an amended complaint against Sheriff Victor Mason for today in U.S. District Court.  Cheryl Matory filed her original complaint last month.  Matory made several allegations that were salacious in nature as she accused Sheriff Mason of channeling his inner Bill Clinton by trying to use her to arrange sexual encounters with another employee.  The amended complaint states:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release:

Never change, Bill, never change.

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release:

Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal had a few things to say about serial armed robber Blessed Adams.  RPD arrested him last month after he pepper-sprayed a female clerk in the face and robbed a liquor store.   Blessed is one of Hinds County Circuit Judge Tomie Green's special children as she gave him two fifteen year suspended sentences for armed robbery when he was convicted of those crimes last August.  JJ interviewed Chief Neal last week about Adams.

The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following press release:

The burglar who has been hitting businesses throughout Madison County is now in custody.  Darrah Williams is currently in custody at the Madison County Detention Center.  He is charged with burglary for the Ridgeland crimes.  He is expected to be charged with burglaries in Madison as well.  His mugshot is posted below. He is very well known to MDOC and law enforcement. 

The Mississippi Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to review the appeal of Watkins Development, LLC v. C. Delbert Hosemann, Jr. The order states:

The Trademart is going to be crumblin' down in after a new one is built at the fairgrounds on High Street.
The Mississippi Business Journal reported this week:

State Representative Charles Busby wants to make it legal for wine connoisseurs to order wine online and have it shipped to their home.  Since this is Mississippi, there is some opposition to this bill.   However, it might be a good idea to first take a look at HB #545. The relevant parts of the bill are:

UPDATE: FOUND.  Child sustained minor injuries.

JPD posted the following messages on Twitter:

The term “sports dynasty” brings to mind several teams in several sports over the years.

Update: The Secretary of State reinstated the company's status to one of  good standing at noon today.

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors paid $12,000 to a company that does not exist.  The board hired KSA Professional Services in May for consulting services for the Continental Tire project.  The contract states the county would pay $6,000 per month to KSA.  The company is owned by none other than Jackie Andrews and Rena Fisher.  However, the Secretary of State dissolved the company on November 30, 2016 after KSA failed to file its annual report.

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following press release:  

Consider this spreadsheet to be the public record of the day.  The Mississippi Department of Public Safety issued a $1,000 per year clothing allowance to 106 employees in 2016.  The allowance was not renewed at the end of 2016 for 17 additional employees.  It is rather interesting to see who took advantage of the allowance. Clue: Some of those receiving the allowance were not the ones who need it the most.   The records were obtained through a public records request. 

Attorney General Jim Hood issued the following statement. 

JPD reported on Twitter that an 18-wheeler drove into a supporting pillar of the Fortification Street overpass at I-55S. JPD also posted this video of the aftermath.   WLBT reported the driver was killed. 

 Edbuild's recommendations for adjusting the MAEP formula were released today.  The legislature generated much controversy when it hired the company in October to review the formula and determine whether any changes should be made.  The company advised focusing funding on the student rather than the classroom.  It suggested that the legislature should set the minimum base formula per student at $4,840.  The report was just released.  JJ has not had time to review the study but excerpts of the summary are posted below:

Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee announced last Thursday he will seek re-election.  He made the announcement at a press conference in front of Ridgeland High School.  He touted developing Highland Colony Parkway, building parks, and keeping Ridgeland safe from crime as some of his achievements.   The video of his press conference is posted below.

Note: This post was written last fall but for some reason, it was not published.  Apologies.

A great sportswriter died last year.  The New Orleans Times-Picayune's Peter Finney passed away in August at the age of 88 years old.  He defined sportswriting for the entire South for several generations. The newspaper's Les East paid homage to the scribe when he passed away:

Update: There were several more burglaries from Renaissance to Highway 51 in Ridgeland earlier in the weekend. Police sources say the same thieves who committed the Renaissance burglaries today are suspects in these as well. There were three similar burglaries at businesses on Highway 51 on Friday night and five more at The Township on Highland Colony Parkway late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.  Video from the security camera at Donut Palace is posted below.

The Ridgeland Police Department issued the following press release:

Major crimes in Jackson fell 18.3% in 2016 from 7,773 to 6,351.  The drop included a 20% reduction in property crimes and a 13.5% reduction in violent crime.  The biggest reductions came in house burglaries (25%) and armed robberies (20.5%).  There were also 35 fewer rapes.  Unfortunately, homicides increased to 59 from 53 a year ago.

Superfly Jimmy Snuka left this world today for the great squared circle up in the sky. This video shows him at his best.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.  District 2 Supervisor Darrell McQuirter kept his position as Hinds County Board of Supervisors President with the support of supervisors Robert Graham and Bobcat McGowan.  Supervisor Peggy Hobson-Calhoun was left out in the cold as the new junta booted her from the Vice-President position and awarded it to none other than Robert Graham.

Consider this post to be lawyer porn. Grenada attorney Carlos Moore made a splash Friday when he announced on Facebook that he will sue Wayne Parish on behalf of the mother of the late but not great Charles McDonald.   However, Mr. Moore made a different kind of splash up in Coahoma County a few years ago when he was accused of helping his client lie to the court in Hines v. Mascot Planting.  The motion to dismiss that cites all of Mr. Moore's falsehoods is posted below with the relevant statements highlighted in yellow for your convenience.   Mr. Moore agreed to dismiss the case with prejudice after this motion appeared. 

JJ presents this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard for readers who can't make it to church this morning.

Leroy Walker announced in the Mississippi Link that he will not run for Mayor of Jackson:

Riding the rural highways of Mississippi, it’s easy to see why so many citizens want taxes cut. Vistas of disrepair and deterioration overwhelm. Strapped folk in these areas see little benefit from state spending. To them, every precious dollar they send to state and local governments must seem to disappear down endless holes. They are beyond taxed enough already.

It appears Wayne Parish will face a lawsuit over the death of Charles McDonald.

Milli Silly Montana and Yung Fung Me show off their trip to the gun store in this Youtube video.

See the new jumpsuits issued at the Clinton jail.

And fish gotta swim and birds gotta fly. That’s why things get built that aren’t needed, cost too much, don’t work, benefit regulated companies, cost taxpayers who pay the regulators, and hurt customers who have to buy from the regulated companies. This is about Mississippi Power’s Kemper County Lignite Plant and the Mississippi Public Service Commission which regulates it. But it’s more about the unintended consequences of regulator’s ambitions and decisions. The PSC is a case in point.

Attorney Generalissimo James Tiberius Hood issued his legislative agenda yesterday: 

LL Bean is having a sale right now.  Spend $100 and get 25% off.  The sale ends Tuesday.  Check it out for yourself.

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement: 

Two knuckleheads decided it was a good idea to rob a gun store in Mapleton, Gawgia:

Mississippi Baptist Health Systems continued to post operating losses in 2016.   The hospital system has suffered such losses four out of the last five years and Fitch revised its ratings outlook to negative last March.  Baptist revenue has increased but the system still suffered a $3.9 million loss that was nearly double projections.  However, that was an improvement over the previous two years that saw operating losses of $17 million and $29 million.  Baptist is also hurt by some gambling on variable rate swaps on bonds as well. 

U.S. Attorney Greg Davis issued the following statement:

Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn issued the following statement:

JPD posted the following information and picture on Twitter:

Secretary of State Gibbit Hoseman issued the following statement:

Mississippi State's remarkable women's basketball team has made statement after statement in rolling to a 17-0 record and a No. 4 national ranking.

Ridgeland's "serial robber" who was arrested last week was turned loose by Judge Tomie Green after he was convicted of two counts of armed robbery.   Ridgeland police arrested Blessed Adams for  strong-armed robbery, possession of marijuana, failure to yield to the police, and simple assault last week after he maced a clerk and then stole money from Old Canton Liquor and Wine.  Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal called him a "serial robber".  The Madison County Journal reported:

Someone managed to leave the Raymond Detention Center yesterday:

Check out this post from the Facebook page of the Pike County Sheriff:

Wayne Parish will have a chance to go free after Hinds County Circuit Judge Winston Kidd set bond for him this morning.  Parish was indicted for murder in the shooting death of 17 year-old Charles McDonald last June.   Parish attorney Merrida Coxwell requested a $50,000 bond.  Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith unexpectedly appeared for the prosecution.  He said he did not object to the bond.  He told the court that he learned of "the existence of a video of the incident three days ago" and had not had time to review it. Anxious friends and family packed the small courtroom as they anxiously waited to see if Parish would receive a bond. 

Here are some odds and ends  about the Robert Shuler Smith trial that ended last week.

Vote in the new poll on the right side of the page.  Mississippi needs money, as usual.  An "Amazon sales tax" is up for discussion at the capitol right now.  Should Mississippi tax internet sales? Vote early and often.  

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement:

Today, registration opened for the fourth annual College Savings Mississippi Art Contest. Running January 9 through February 28, 2017, students across Mississippi can compete for over $3600 in Mississippi Affordable College Savings (MACS) scholarships by submitting an original piece of art on the theme, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Update: There were two outstanding warrants for McDonald's arrest at the time of the shooting. One involved a police chase. The motion for bond states that he was "involved in a house burglary and almost shot by homeowner." See motion posted below.

"Criminal is what I think is going on and what has happened to my dad" said the son of accused killer Wayne Parish.  He was indicted for murder in the shooting death of 17 year-old Charles McDonald last June. The shooting occurred when McDonald jumped out of his mom's car and ran away when she attempted to take him to Henley-Young Youth Detention Center. Parish confronted McDonald as he broke into a secretary's car.  Security camera video shows a struggle over the gun taking place when McDonald was killed. JPD declined to arrest him at the time.  The police report is posted below.

So you think the weather was rough this weekend? Check out this front page of the Jackson Daily News:

Check out this invitation:

Iced in and can't make it to church? JJ brings church to you as it presents this sermon by the late Dr. Frank Pollard. 

National Review asked that question this week in a scathing essay.  The alleged multi-service fighter plane is plagued by costs overruns, delays, safety problems, and -get this- part of the plane is now obsolete since it has taken so long to roll out into full-scale production.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following statement:

There was a shooting this morning at Panera Bread at Renaissance.  The shooter is in custody.  Both the shooter and victim were employees.  The victim suffered a non-life threatened wound.  Ridgeland Police Chief John Neal said the scene is under control.  More information will be posted as it becomes available.

Update: Shooting was in parking lot.   Victim is in critical condition.  WLBT posted this picture of the suspect:

Tulane's Madison experiment is ending.  An email sent to students yesterday announced the Madison campus of Tulane University is closing.

The Attorney General presented introduced into evidence a series of text messages between Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith and Clarion-Ledger reporter Anna Wolfe.  Nothing like seeing what one really thinks in his own words.   The relevant ones are posted below. 

The New York Mississippi Society posted this notice on its Facebook page:

Everything happened pretty quickly at the courthouse today so JJ is just now posting the videos of the closing arguments in the trial of Robert Shuler Smith.  Judge Larry Roberts gave each side one hour to present its final case.  Assistant Attorney General Marvin Sanders opened for thirty minutes.  Attorney Jim Waide and Mr. Smith presented their side for an hour and the prosecution closed with a final thirty minute oral argument by Assistant Attorney General Bob Anderson.

The Clinton Police Department issued the following statement:

A Hinds County grand jury indicted Wayne Parish for the murder of a teen who tried to steal him car at his business last July.

Here is the video and handouts for the December meeting of the Jackson 1% Sales Tax Commission. A quorum was not present so the members present treated it as a work session.   Some highlights are:

You are the New Orleans Saints. You have had three straight seasons with seven victories vs. nine defeats. You are under contract to pay your head coach, Sean Payton, $45 million over the next five seasons.

But the Los Angeles Rams – and possibly other teams – reportedly want to talk to Payton about becoming their head coach. It well could be that the Rams want to make a deal to secure Payton.

So, Saints, what do you do?

A former Hinds County prosecutor claimed that Hinds County District Attorney Robert Shuler Smith fired her because she wanted to prosecute Christopher Butler.  Mr. Smith was indicted by a grand jury in September for hindering the criminal prosecution of Mr. Butler.  Former Hinds County District attorney Gale Walker testified as a rebuttal witness for the prosecution today.

JPD issued the following press release:

Hinds County deputies arrested Wayne Parish last Thursday for the murder of 17 year-old Charles McDonald in July.  McDonald's mother was taking him to Henley-Young when he jumped out of her car and took off running.  He attempted to steal a car at Performance Oil.  Mr. Parish allegedly tried to stop his robbery attempt.  The two struggled with Mr. Parish's gun and the teen was shot several times in the chest. Parish has not yet been arraigned and thus no bond has been set.

Here is some more video from Friday's events in the trial of Robert Shuler Smith.  Retired Jackson firefighter and community activist Tony Davis took the stand Friday.  The defense called Mr. Davis to the stand to rebut the testimony of Robert "Too Sweet" Henderson.  Mr. Davis called Too Sweet a liar in no uncertain terms and also said what he thought about the prosecution.   The exchanges between Mr. Davis and Assistant Attorney General Marvin Sanders were um, rather colorful and spirited at times as it was quite clear these two men did not like each other. It was also the only time the jury appeared to be awake all day as several jurors laughed when things got hot.  The entire video of the testimony is posted below.

JPD issued the following statement and video on Twitter:

Atmos Energy issued the following notice to its customers:

Dr. Timothy Alford climbed to the top of Mount Kosciusko to issue his commandments on education in Mississippi last week.  It is not known if these commandments were written on clay tablets or gold plates but they did appear as sacred writing in the scrolls of the Clarion-Ledger.  However, JJ must engage in a bit of heresy and disagree with Dr. Alford.   His column is posted below along with some comments by yours truly. 

The Mississippi Highway Patrol issued the following statement:

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release:

Children's hospitals truly do the Lord's work. They give many parents hope and have brought much joy to the lives of patients and their families. Unfortunately, many children must experience a blue Christmas by spending it in the hospital.  Thus many people donate toys to the hospitals.  Amazon has made it possible for donors to purchase toys on its website and ship them directly to over 100 children's hospitals that are posted on its website. However, Mississippi's only children's hospital is not on the list.

Happy New Year.  Many of you are just being lazy today so JJ offers this recording of Jimi Hendrix playing at the Fillmore on New Year's Eve in 1969. 

Many of you definitely can't make it to church this morning so JJ presents a sermon of the late Dr. Frank Pollard. Enjoy.