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Stop! In the Name of Art
The long-anticipated "Stop! In the Name of Art: Motown/Downtown Invitational" will open today at the Arts Center of Mississippi with about 60 works displayed. Pieces vary in media, from photography and painting to mixed-media, and feature iconic subjects such as Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The exhibit is in conjunction with the fourth annual Storytellers' Ball, which carries the same theme as the invitational, and will be held Thursday, Aug. 13.
UPDATED: Melton Blames Council for ‘Oversight' Woes
The Jackson City Council learned during a Tuesday budget meeting that the city has "no supervisory oversight" on numerous municipal transactions, which is costing the city revenue and could ultimately jeopardize some federal grants. The internal audit, which led to Mayor Frank Melton walking out of the meeting, also revealed that some checks issued by the city are not clearing one year after issuance, and that the city is not accounting for its fixed assets.
Committee Says Melton ‘Boldly Lied'
Jackson Attorney Dorsey Carson, who represents the Jackson Democratic Executive Committee, is arguing in a March 24, position statement in Hinds County Circuit Court that the committee had the right to reject Jackson Mayor Frank Melton from the Democratic ballot, and that the burden of proof is on the mayor to prove his primary residence is in Jackson. Melton sued the committee in Hinds County Circuit Court March 18 after the Committee unanimously refused to recognize him as a Democratic candidate running in a local election. The committee argues that they do not believe he qualifies as a Jackson resident.
Dish It Out, Ladies
Here is an excerpt from the Maureen Dowd column causing a lot of the women-media chatter:
Answers to Election Day Questions
Do you have questions about voting? You're probably not alone. The Jackson Free Press has put together a list of frequently asked questions that might help you out, including who to call and where to go for more information. Attorney General Jim Hood sent a release outlining even more election day info, which we've added, below.
Governor Vetoes Appropriations
Gov. Haley Barbour has vetoed a number of appropriation bills and parts of bills, leaving some doubt as to what the next steps will beor even whether there are next stepsfor completing the state's $6 billion budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which began yesterday.
Council Bans Smoking in Jackson Restaurants
After three failed starts this morning, an amendment to change a 2003 city ordinance banning smoking in all businesses except standalone bars passed the Jackson City Council this morning. "We're very excited," said Jennifer Cofer, executive director of the American Lung Association of Mississippi and chairwoman of anti-tobacco group Communities for a Clean Bill of Health. "The council saw that they needed to revisit this issue and vote on something today for the city of Jackson. Although it is not 100 percent inclusive, it's the best we can do given the current environment here in the city. This means we can protect the most Mississippians we can without that one exemption.
Capitol Police Re-locate War Vigil at Last Minute
Sharon Lobert, Jackson resident and organizer of the candelight vigil today in Jackson protesting the war in Iraq, said Capitol Police moved the vigil to the steps of the capitol at the last hour. Organizers had originally planned the vigil at the War Memorial, on State Street, but were ferried away to a different location at the last minute.
Burglary, Shots Fired on Melton's Street
The Clarion-Ledger is reporting that a house was burglarized on Riverwood Drive, Mayor Frank Melton's street in North Jackson. The homeowner fired at them and they ran into the woods. Authorities apprehended two men and are looking for a third. Nearby McLeod Elementary School was placed on lockdown.
MDOT Approves Fortification Street Project
A Mississippi Department of Transportation commission voted to approve a plan to narrow Fortification Street and install traffic-slowing features Wednesday. "Obviously we're extremely pleased that we received an affirmative vote on the alternative 3B plan for Fortification," said Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon. "We've been working on this for years, and we think that with MDOT's blessing it will finally move forward.
Lawmakers Closer to Balanced Budget
State legislators have reached a budget compromise, ending a months-long impasse days before the end of the fiscal year. House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement late Sunday on a roughly $5 billion budget for the 2010 fiscal year, which begins July 1. The agreement includes a $60 million assessment on Mississippi hospitals, which will help fund a Medicaid shortfall.
City In Recovery
A spring storm went overboard last Friday, spawning about five tornados in the Jackson area and leaving a large portion of the city and some adjoining communities without power well into the following week. Hinds County Emergency Operation Director Larry Fisher called the storm the worst thing to hit the city since the Easter flood of 1979—another meteorological disaster spurred by frumpy spring weather.
Christopher Walker Accused of Shooting?
Update: Christopher Walker called the Jackson Free Press today to say that he has not been arrested and did not shoot Craig Spiva. More details soon.
At Least One Teen Killed in Brandon Car Wreck
At least one student from University Christian School has been killed in a one-car crash in Rankin County, and another is in critical condition at University Medical Center, sources say. The students were in a white Chevrolet Trailblazer on Scenic Drive that was traveling at a high rate of speed when it ran off the road and then flipped. A third student also went to UMC, but the injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
JPS and Hinds Dismissing School Early
Jackpedia.com: How to Drive in Snow and Ice
JPS Teacher is Mississippi's Best
Last February, Jackson Public Schools named Murrah High School English teacher Stacey Donaldson as Jackson's teacher of the year. Yesterday, state Superintendent of Education Dr. Hank Bounds named her the best teacher in Mississippi for 2009.
Jackson Habitat Looking for Applicants
[verbatim] Habitat for Humanity/Metro Jackson is a non-profit Christian organization whose purpose is to build and sell basic, decent homes at 0% interest to hardworking families in need of better, affordable housing. HFH/MJ partners with families who have a reliable source of income* and that meet the following income guidelines:
Weekend Happenings
Tonight starts the long weekend Labor Day weekend for most of us, with Monday an official federal holiday. Get the weekend off to a rockin' or rappin' start by heading out for some live entertainment. The choices are numerous, as you'll see when you check the JFP Music Listings page, for the city's most complete list of who's playing where. Tonight, head to 930 Blues Cafe for the incomparable Jackie Bell, or over to Schimmel's for dinner and the music of Dr. D. The Auditorium features Larry Brewer, and Ole Tavern hosts Glasgow and Waco Dead. There are plenty more options, including karaoke, DJs and open mics.
Chip Pickering Files for Divorce
WAPT is reporting that the Republican U.S. congressman stepping down to spend more time with his family has filed for divorce from his wife, Leisha.
Rush Limbaugh Arrested on Drug Charges
WAPT is reporting that conservative talk darling Rush Limbaugh has been arrested: