Jackson Jambalaya

Shades of Firing Line comes to mind when watching Johnny Carson discuss inflation.

The Jackson Fire Marshal recommended closing the Eudora Welty Library Tuesday night.  He said water leaks continued to plague the building.  The State Fire Marshal shut down the building in 2017 due to water damage and leaks.  

Did state welfare money pay for Southern Miss volleyball courts? What is Families First? How did the Dibiases hook up with Families First? Such questions were asked recently as the media continues to unravel the DHS embezzlement scandal.

Getting public records from the Secretary of State will first require going to the bank.  Forget using plastic, checks, or yes, even cash.  The Secretary of State will only accept  a money order, cashier's check, or corporate check for public records.  So much for it being the year 2020. 

Jackson Mayor and First Consul Chokwe Antar Lumumba endorsed Bernard Sanders for President:

UMC issued the following press release authored by Gary Pettus.

Warren Strain's wife posted some good news on Facebook yesterday:

A Raymond child molester will be going to prison for 15 years.  Jimmy Allen Page of Raymond pleaded guilty in Hinds County Circuit Court Tuesday to sexual battery and gratification of lust. The indictment states he molested a five year-old girl in 2015 and continued to do so until 2018.  He also molested an eight year-old girl in 2018.

State health officials warned Mississippians to take precautions against coronavirus even though there are no cases in Mississippi.*

The Siemen's lawsuit is not yet settled but Socrates Garrett wants the city of Jackson to pay his attorney's fees.  The city announced a $90 million settlement with Siemens last week and has been dismissing defendants from the case left and right.  However, Jackson has not yet filed a motion to dismiss against Siemens.  The city dismissed Garrett Enterprises from the lawsuit but Socrates is not going away quietly.

What's wrong with this picture?

Worried about cartel violence at the Mexican resorts? Don't be troubled for one simple reason: the cartels own many of them.  A Mexican cartel expert said recently on the Joe Rogan podcast that the resorts are safe because the cartels own them.   Ed Calderon discusses this little aspect of Mexico in the five-minute clip posted below.  Enjoy.

A Madison County grand jury busted a Canton police officer for insurance fraud.   The indictment alleges Toni Borden falsely reported to an insurance company she was involved in an accident in an effort to obtain insurance proceeds.  The Attorney General is prosecuting the case.  The indictment is posted below.

This guest column was authored by Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney.

When I consider some of the most important jobs a person can hold, firefighter quickly rises to the top of my mind. Firefighting, for some, is a profession: a noble one that requires time, physical strength and stamina. For others, it is a voluntary service to their community and neighbors, still strenuous and demanding. Police officers and other first responders hold equally important jobs in our communities.

The Justice Department issued the following statement.

How does one capture the contradictions and complexities of the life of Forest attorney Oliver Beamon Triplett, who died last week at the age of 81?

Happy 71st Birthday to the original Nature Boy.  Celebrate his life by watching a few videos posted below.

The Mississippi Community Education Center cut loose most of its employees a couple of weeks ago.  The layoffs come as no surprise after top officials were indicted for alleged embezzlement earlier this month.   The email posted below was sent to employees. 

UMC issued the following press release authored by Annie Oeth.

White flight continues in Cleveland public schools.  White enrollment fell by a third in only five years after a federal judge ordered Cleveland's two high schools to consolidate.   Ironically, most of the white flight took place in the high school. 

State Bean Counter Shad White issued the following statement yesterday.

Former Mexican police officer Ed Calderon told Joe Rogan he expects the American military will be forced to intervene in Mexico in a few years.  The Cartels have literally become the government in several areas of Mexico.  They beat the government recently in open battle and the current Prime Minister has adopted a hands-off policy towards the Cartels even though Mexico experienced its most violent year ever last year (Sound familiar?).  Enjoy the rather interesting discussion.

Hinds County Circuit Judge Adrienne Whooter granted an appeal bond to Deangelo Morment.  A jury convicted Morment of aggravated assault after he shot a man and woman at a gas station on North State Street in 2013.
JJ reported August 2, 2018:

Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following statement. 

JSU President Dr. William Bynum may not be leaving JSU after all.  Clinton Police busted Dr. Bynum and JSU Art Professor Shonda McCarthy earlier this month for trying to obtain the services of a prostitute.  Dr. Bynum resigned his position.  However, Dr. Bynum may remain employed by the university.

The Little Footprints Day Care Center allegedly kicked a family out after the mother dared, dared mind you, to ask to see the video of her child after the little tot came home bruised. WJTV reported:

HBO dropped a new trailer for Season 3 of Westworld last week.  The show returns on March 15. The trailer is promising and introduces Aaron Paul into the show.  The showrunners said the maddening timeline jumping that ruined the second season will be no more.  Thank goodness.   Enjoy the trailer.

Nothing like someone dying for a cause, even if he is a flat-earther:

If you can't make it to church this morning, enjoy this sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard.  Dr. Pollard faced the challenge feared by most Sunday night preachers every year: Super Bowl Sunday.  Dr. Pollard handled the challenge in rather good humor.  As for the game, the Giants  won when the Bills missed a field goal on the last play of the game.  

Politicians tend to be adept at tactical political thinking. How do I win the next election? How do I get this project my financial backers want approved? How do I keep special interest groups on my side? And so on.

Strategic policy thinking to solve systemic and long-term problems, well that’s another story.

Meet your new addiction: Marble racing.  Watch for yourself. 

Baker Donelson attorney Jon Seawright might not be able to protect himself in the bankruptcy court after all.  SEC Receiver Alysson Mills challenged his bankruptcy petition earlier this  month.  Her complaint is posted below.  Some Madison Timber porn for those following the case.

The Color Purple returns to the big screen Sunday.  Check below for showtimes.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following press release. 

Hinds County District 2 Supervisor David L. Archie just can't help himself.  This message popped up on the Facebook page of Hinds County Administrator Jennifer Riley Collins this week:

The Pearl Police Department issued the following statement. 

This post is a guest column submitted by State Senator Angela Hill

A cancer diagnosis is devastating, no two ways about it. Every year in Mississippi, more than 15,000 people will find out they have cancer. Along with their families, they will face many health, financial, and emotional burdens. While fighting cancer is never easy, insurance companies are making things worse by improperly denying cancer treatment. My fellow legislators and I have an opportunity to step up and change that.

The city of Jackson issued the following statement. 

Did State Representative Doug McLeod beat his wife? The Sun-Herald obtained bodycam footage of the arrest of McLeod for domestic violence charges last year.  George County deputies.  A Justice Court Judge acquitted him after his wife testified he did not hit her.  The video is posted below. 

Siemens issued the following statement after  Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba announced a settlement of $90 million with the company.

Surprise, surprise.  The man who killed two Baptist Hospital employees yesterday is a graduate of the Hinds County catch & release program. 

Jackson Ward 2 City Councilman Melvin Priester, Jr. was nice enough to break down the Siemens settlement on his Facebook page for the rest of us:

You.can't.make.this.up. Check out Cooperation Jackson's comments on the flood.

Onions.  Make sure you don't cut any onions while watching this video of a woman receiving a Valentine's Day present from her late husband.  

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba sent out the following press release last night. 

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement. 

A man murdered two people at Baptist Hospital this morning and later killed himself at a cemetery in Pearl.

Flowood police arrested Reginald Graham for marijuana possession early Sunday morning on Lakeland Drive.  Graham is a Hinds County Reserve Deputy.  The police report is posted below.

First human jetpack?  Check out this one-man flight over Dubai.  For at least a minute, this was his world. 

Up on the agenda tonight at a meeting of the Jackson City Council is the lobbying contract for Quincy Mukoro.   Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba placed the contract's renewal on the agenda at an earlier meeting but tabled it when he couldn't round up the votes.

Some of our betters cottoned up to the idea of banning the sale of raw goat milk in Mississippi.  Mississippi law allows goat farmers to sell up to 9 gallons of raw goat milk on their farms.  People buy it to make cheese, produce soaps, and of course, consume.  Well, a dairy farmer just happens to chair the House Agriculchah Committee so he did what comes naturally to those in power: He wrote a bill to wipe such farmers out of existence.  Representative Bill Pigott (R-Land of the Moos) authored HB #609.  The bill states:

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.

Some hoodlums in Northeast Jackson shot at WLBT reporters last night.  Maggie Wade posted on Facebook:

Nothing like a tough guy who turns into a crybaby.

Rick Guy sent Kingfish1 into the sky and shot some video of some of the flooding around Jackson yesterday.  The video and some still photos are posted below.

It is a shame that it has to be said but.... KEEP YOUR DAMN KIDS OUT OF THE FLOOD WATER!!! THAT MEANS YOU!!!  Hinds County EOC Director Ricky Moore admonished parents, especially over on Sheffield Drive, who are allowing their kids to play in the water:



The rest of the press conference is posted below. 

Unfortunately, many people are unable to make it to church this morning.  Enjoy this 1990 sermon on pride presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard. 

Posted below are various videos taken in the last 24 hours of flooding around Jackson.  Feel free to send your pictures and videos to kingfish1935@gmail.com. 

As you lurch over another crevice in your favorite rural highway, here are some facts you can use to dull your senses. That apparently works for our state leaders.

Mississippi has the third lowest gas tax rate among the 50 states. The lowest is Alaska at 14.4 cents per gallon. Second is Missouri at 17.4 cents. Then comes Mississippi at 18.4 cents.

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.

Sandbags and sand will be available from 8 AM to noon tomorrow at Michael Avalon Street. It is open for another half hour.  However, it is apparently taking a while to get sandbags.  A friend posted on Facebook:

Tickets to Dave Chapelle & Joe Rogan's New Orleans show just went on sale:

The city of Jackson issued the following statement.

The DHS scandal welcomed the "no bail, no jail" movement to Hinds County last week.  District Attorney Jody Owens didn't request bail for any of the defendants, thus none of them had to post bail, not even those accused of embezzling millions of dollars.  They were simply released on their own recognizance. 

Rick Guy took out Kingfish 1 yesterday and shot some photos of Ratliff's Ferry.  Check out the Pearl River as it rises over Ratliff's Ferry. 

Nothing like good ole natural disaster drama.....

Getting some sandbags tomorrow? Sandbagging newbs might want to watch this quick tutorial on how to sandbag properly.  Of course, sandbagging should not be confused with shammin'.

Update (6:45 PM): Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba declares a state of emergency for the city of Jackson.

Posted below is a list of streets that are predicted to flood if the Pearl River rises to 38 feet.  Interactive map.

If you need sand bags, the city of Jackson was gracious enough to provide sands and bags.  Bring your own shovel and definitely bring your own back because guess who is going to be filling those bags? You are!  Nice to see the Mayor has finally become a do it yourself anti-government conservative.  Sandbags are available for pickup Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4225 Michael Avalon Street.

Arkel Coleman, the killer of Erick Hambrick, will go free in May 2022.    Coleman will not even serve ten years for Hambrick's murder at the Waffle House on High Street in 2015.

New Learning Resources, Inc, issued the following statement.  It is the parent company of New Summit School.

Secretary of State Michael Watson issued the following statement.

Pelahatchie Mayor Ryshonda Beechem filed a Bill of Exceptions in Rankin County Circuit Court yesterday.  The bill names the Town of Pelahatchie as the defendant.

Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement.

State Rep. Carl Mickens of Brooksville is from the northern part of Noxubee County. A former Noxubee County circuit clerk and justice court judge, Mickens is a second-term Democratic lawmaker who is apparently quite popular with his home county’s voters.

JJ posted a syllabus from an Ag seminar class at Mississippi State University Monday. The syllabus had been floating around on social media and drew no small amount of criticism as an example of communist/collectivist/liberal/animal rights ideology/fill in the blank for your personal fear  used to indoctrinate college students.  MSU Communications Director Sid Salter stated in an email to JJ:

There's been enough crime and sordid misdeeds reported over the last few days. It's time to spruce up this place with some culture.  Look down.  Enjoy. 

The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District issued the following statement.

Harold Jackson walked away with a $170,000 check in October 2018 after he settled a lawsuit against Jackson State University and IHL.  JSU fired the former head football coach in 2015 when his team achieved a 6-11 record.  Coach Jackson sued the school for breach of contract.  JJ obtained a copy of the settlement agreement through a public records request.

What’s wrong with how Mississippi regulates electricity rates? The short answer: No one in the process represents only the customers – the everyday Mississippians who pay their electric bill.

Update (4:35 PM): Judge Peterson vacated the injunction without prejudice. 

Update (12:15 PM): State Auditor Shad White filed a petition today asking the court to dismiss the injunction freezing MCEC's Regions bank account.  The petition is posted below in the court file. 
 
The Mississippi Community Education Center asked Hinds County Circuit Judge Faye Peterson yesterday to lift an order freezing its bank account.  Judge Peterson froze the account last week when MCEC Executive Director Nancy New was indicted for allegedly embezzling $4.15 million in grant funds received from the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Friday night saw a rather interesting exchange on Friday night's edition of Real Time with Bill Maher.  Mr. Maher posited that one President Donald J. Trump used his State of the Union speech to gasp, recruit black voters.  Enjoy watching his panelists engage in some rather interesting mental gymnastics to refute his claim.  Forget the usual presidential politics, this is just downright funny regardless of party.   Enjoy.

Insurance Commish Mike Chaney issued the following statement. 

Check out what made the syllabus of one ag class at Mississippi State University.

What happens when high winds meet a plane trying to land in Birmingham?

State Bean-Counter Shad White issued the following statement.

Saturday Night Live had some fun with Friday night's Democratic debate last night.  Enjoy.

It's a beautiful pre-spring day and some readers will want to play hookey instead of going to church.  No problem. Enjoy this sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church (Jackson) from 1990. Dang, he laid the wood at 7:00.  Enjoy.

Speaker of the House Philip Gunn is right to bow up about state retirees serving in the Legislature.

It is never a good idea to ask Nick Saban a dumb question.

Leftenent Governor Delbert Hosemann issued the following statement.

Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker issued the following statement.

Warren Strain's wife posted the following update on Facebook. 

We've had some pretty heavy-duty news for a couple of days with more to come.  Time for a break. Check out this Nashville "chef" as he attempts to boil crawsfish.

The Justice Department issued the following statement.

The Justice Department issued the following statement.

State Auditor Shad White issued the following statement. 

First Consul Tate Reeves issued the following statement. 

Who will lobby for Jackson?  Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba placed Quincy Mukoro's lobbying contract on the agenda for yesterday's meeting of the City Council. The contract was up for renewal but the Mayor tabled it until the February 18 meeting.  Several sawces said the Mayor did so when he realized he did not have the votes to get the contract renewed.

Mississippi is one of three states that will vote on some type of marijuana-related referendum in the November 2020 elections – the others being New Jersey and South Dakota. Up to eight additional states could get referendum before their votes in 2020, but so far only three states are certain to pose marijuana questions to their citizens this year.

Since the medical marijuana debate is heating up, it's time to post one of the most definitive movies on drugs ever made.  Enjoy.

A real treat hits the movie screens in the Jackson metro area tomorrow.  The great American opera, Porgy & Bess, returned to the Metropolitan Opera last Saturday. This is not a movie. Malco and Tinseltown theatres graced us with a simulcast of the live performance.  It was simply an awesome performance.  Angel Blue rocked it as Bess.   If you didn't make it Saturday, there is an encore presentation tomorrow at the two theatres.  The Kingfish was very proud of y'all as the Saturday show sold out.   Tired of tier 4 performances? Go buy a ticket and support some top-notch culture.  Enjoy the videos are posted below.

State Auditor Shadrack White issued the following statement and report.

It is that time of the year to discuss SLRP.  SLRP is appropriately named for a special benefit the legislators voted themselves many years ago.  Nothing like a bunch of pigs slurping away at a taxpayer trough.  The legislature created SLRP in 1989 to give themselves extra retirement pay not available to other state employees.  Call it time and a half pay for doing half of the work- if that much.

Apologies for the non-diversity among the pigs.

Jeff Good, yes THE Jeff Good, issued the following press release. 

UMC issued the following statement. 

El Rushbo announced on the radio today he has advanced lung cancer.   Video of his announcement is posted below.  Start at 46:30.

Robert's Company posted an update on social media about the status of :

The city of Jackson issued the following statement.

JPD issued the following statements. 

Bernie Ebbers passed away.  The Wall Street Journal reported:

Don't want to watch the Super Bowl halftime show? Watch this alternative programming that ends when the halftime show ends.

Let's face it, some people aren't going to go to church on Super Bowl Sunday.  ;-)  This post is a public service for those who will play hookey and want to ease the guilt.  Enjoy this 1990 sermon presented by the late Dr. Frank Pollard of First Baptist Church (Jackson). 

Here we go again at PERS, the state employee retirement system.

Despite last year's promise to legislators that a boost in employer contributions would right the ship, the ship sank again in FY 2019. The latest Actuarial Valuation Report (delayed until after the election) showed PERS' unfunded pension liability jumped up $1 billion, from $16.9 billion to $18 billion.

Once upon a time, an NBA rookie trashed MJ a year or two after he retired.  Something about he could easily beat MJ one on one.  Soon afterwards,  MJ showed up at the Bulls practice and simply said "check ball."  Watch the rest. Start at 2:50 in first video.

Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement as well as his budget yesterday. 

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba issued the following statement.