Inmate serving life dies in prison hospital
An inmate who died Monday afternoon at the hospital at the Mississippi State Penitentiary at Parchman has been identified. The Mississippi Department of Corrections identified the inmate as 54-year-old James Allen Brown was serving life for murder/homicide, plus 25 years for residential burglary in Scott County. He was sentenced on June 11, 1993. According to the Sunflower County coroner, no foul play is suspected. The official cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy. The post Inmate serving life dies in prison hospital appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi Penitentiary Emergency Status Continuation
Governor Tate Reeves affirmed the continued state of emergency in Mississippi State Penitentiary issued by Governor Phil Bryant as required. The statement was delivered to the Secretary of State today.This continuation allows emergency funds to be available as the state works to address the issues in Unit 29 of Parchman. Interim Commissioner Tommy Taylor has led the effort to improve conditions and restore order, and has made progress effectively and quickly. Governor Reeves previously announced that his administration is working to transfer inmates from the troubled unit quickly, safely, and justly. The post Mississippi Penitentiary Emergency Status Continuation appeared first on News Mississippi.
March Primary Voter Registration Deadline
Today is the final day to register to vote in the March primaries. You must register to vote at least 30 days prior to an election, and today is the deadline to register to vote in the March 10th Primary. Register in person at your Circuit Clerk’s office or by mail-in registration application, as long as it is postmarked by today. For more information, visit the Mississippi Secretary of State’s website at www.yallvote.sos.ms.gov. The post March Primary Voter Registration Deadline appeared first on News Mississippi.
JSU President arrested in prostitution sting, resigns immediately
Jackson State President Dr. William B. Bynum has resigned after he was arrested along with 16 others in a Clinton prostitution sting over the weekend. According to the Clinton Police Department, Bynum was arrested as a result of a two-day operation and he is charged with procuring services of a prostitute, false statement of identity, and simple possession of marijuana. Authorities say that the sting operation was executed by making contact with the suspects online through “dark web” sites. Services and a location at a local hotel were agreed upon. At this time, Jackson State has not commented on the situation. The IHL stated that they “will meet soon to discuss interim leadership for the university.” The full list of suspects in the Clinton prostitution sting can be seen below: Holly Ann Wheaton, age 35, of Springfield, Tennessee: Prostitution Steve Hampton, age 57, of Jackson, Mississippi: Promoting Prostitution, Possession of Crack Cocaine, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Anthony Bowman, age 48, of Vicksburg, Mississippi: Procuring Services of a Prostitute William Bynum Jr., age 57, of Jackson, Mississippi: Procuring Services of a Prostitute, False Statement of Identity, and Simple Possession of Marijuana. Fredrick Robinson, age 41, of Jackson, Mississippi: Promoting Prostitution Sierra Case, age 23, of Jackson, Mississippi: Prostitution Sheena Stanford, age 35, of Jackson, Mississippi: Promoting Prostitution Taylor Ducre, age 30, of Angie, Louisiana: Prostitution and Possession of Cocaine Eric Jackson, age 34, of Jackson, Mississippi: Promoting Prostitution Naketa Williams, age 37, of Jackson, Mississippi: Prostitution Shonda McCarthy, age 46, of Jackson, Mississippi: Procuring Services of a Prostitute and Possession of Marijuana while Operating a Motor Vehicle. Rosella Brown, age 25, of Canton, Mississippi: Prostitution Alexis Miller, age 23, of Memphis, Tennessee: Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution Temeela Palmer, age 31, of Memphis, Tennessee: Prostitution and Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution Joseph Jones, age 30, of Memphis, Tennessee: Conspiracy to Promote Prostitution Jesus Porrata, age 31, of Memphis, Tennessee: Promoting Prostitution The Clinton Police Department did not identify any patterns or activity to suggest that prostitution or human trafficking is prevalent in Clinton. The post JSU President arrested in prostitution sting, resigns immediately appeared first on News Mississippi.
Auditor identifies Gov. Bryant as whistleblower in DHS investigation
New information has come to light in the ongoing investigation into what State Auditor Shad White has called the “largest public embezzlement case in Mississippi history.” Last week, former Department of Human Services Executive Director John Davis and five others were arrested following an 8-month long investigation that revealed that Davis and his co-conspirators allegedly obtained millions in public funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program administered by DHS, and used a variety of business entities and schemes to defraud the taxpayers. While no specific dollar amount has been made public, White has stated that the loss already exceeds any embezzlement scheme in the records of the Auditor’s office which dates back 20 years. The investigation began following a tip from a previously unknown whistleblower, who has now been identified as former Governor Phil Bryant. “We would not have found out about this without somebody coming forward to the Auditor’s office and letting us know, and that person, in this case, was Governor Phil Bryant,” White explained during an appearance on the Gallo Show on SuperTalk Mississippi this morning. White stated that DHS employees alerted the then-Governor to the alleged wrongdoings within the department, and the investigation began immediately after Bryant came to the Auditor’s office with the information. In addition to Davis, the five other suspects in the scheme include former DHS employee Latimer Smith; Dr. Nancy New, owner and Director of the Mississippi Community Education Center (MCEC) and New Learning, Inc.; Zach New, Assistant Executive Director of MCEC; Anne McGrew, accountant for MCEC; and Brett DiBiase. The list of exact charges has not been released, but the allegations against the individuals were detailed in a press release from White’s office last week. “Davis and Smith stand accused of fraudulently manufacturing documents to enrich Brett DiBiase using TANF money. Davis and Smith created invoices to pay DiBiase TANF funds for teaching classes about drug abuse, but DiBiase was in a luxury rehabilitation facility for his own drug use in California at the time and did not perform the services. Davis and Smith created documents and arranged payment knowing DiBiase was not performing the work he was hired to perform. Nancy New and her son, Zach New, stand accused of using the News’ non-profit, MCEC, to pay for DiBiase’s drug treatment using TANF funds. At Davis’ direction, MCEC used TANF money received from DHS to pay for DiBiase’s opioid treatment at the Rise in Malibu facility. The documentation submitted by the News claimed this was to pay DiBiase for conducting training classes that never, in fact, took place. The News also stand accused of transferring millions in TANF funds to their private businesses. They then converted funds to their personal use and concealed the conversion through various fund transfers, fraudulent documents, at least one forged signature, and deceptive accounting measures. Finally, Davis and the News are accused of creating a fraud scheme to take TANF funds to pay for personal investments in medical device companies (Prevacus, Inc., and PreSolMD, LLC) in Florida.” On Thursday, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst released a statement explaining that the FBI had not been made aware of the ongoing investigation and learned about it along with the general public. White said that “all the violations that were uncovered were violations of state law,” but as the investigation continues, it will broaden in scope. The Auditor’s office was set to meet with the FBI this morning. “Now is the time to bring every investigative resource together to make sure we get to the bottom of all of this, “White said. During his interview on SuperTalk, White urged the legislature to order a “full forensic audit” of DHS to be handled by an independent CPA firm to determine the full extent of the scheme. If this is done, White says this will provide the most complete look at the case. “We will have had the most exhaustive & transparent look at a state agency in Mississippi so far,” White said. The post Auditor identifies Gov. Bryant as whistleblower in DHS investigation appeared first on News Mississippi.
A North Mississippi Man Is Missing
The Tupelo Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding Philemon Jones, also more commonly known as PJ Jones. Jones has not been in touch with his family since last month and his phone, keys, wallet, and car are all at his home. Philemon D. Jones, a former Mississippi State Football player, stands 6-foot-3-inches tall and weighs 300 pounds. Someone reported they last saw him in the Indian Hills/Barnes Crossing area. Police said Jones may be suffering from unidentified medical issues. If you know anything about Jones’ whereabouts, please contact Northeast Mississippi Crime Stoppers at 1-800-773-TIPS. Missing Person. Photo Courtesy of Pj Jones Facebook page. Missing Person. Photo Courtesy of Pj Jones Facebook page. The post A North Mississippi Man Is Missing appeared first on News Mississippi.
$56 million from USDA to help farmers improve water quality
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $56 million this year to help agricultural producers improve water quality in more than 300 high-priority watersheds across the country. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is continuing two of its successful landscape-level water quality efforts, the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI) and National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). “We’ve learned that when we partner with producers to deliver conservation practices to critical watersheds, we see a positive impact,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr, who made the announcement at the Hypoxia Task Force meeting today. “Through these partnerships we maximize the delivery of our conservation efforts which yields greater results to water quality and benefits the public, our natural resources and farmers’ bottom lines.” NRCS launched MRBI in 2009, focusing on watersheds in the Mississippi River Basin, then took the concept nationwide in 2012 with the launch of NWQI. Since then, priority watersheds across the country have seen improvements, including the delisting of once impaired streams. Through these initiatives, NRCS offers technical and financial assistance to farmers and ranchers to implement practices that avoid, control and trap nutrients and sediment, which in high quantities negatively impact water quality. Practices include filter strips, cover crops and manure management, which promote soil health, reduce erosion and lesson nutrient runoff. NRCS has strengthened focus on watershed assessment and partner engagement in priority small watersheds in fiscal 2020. NRCS will soon solicit state partners for new MRBI and NWQI watersheds and source water protection areas for fiscal 2021. See NRCS website for a list of the watersheds for MRBI and for NWQI. Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative This year, NRCS will make available $17.5 million to producers in 13 states: Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Wisconsin. MRBI supports each state’s nutrient loss reduction strategy with overall goals of improving water quality, restoring wetlands and enhancing wildlife habitat while ensuring economic viability of agricultural lands along the nation’s largest river. The nation’s largest hypoxic zone, or low-oxygen area, sits at the mouth of the Mississippi River. Since its launch, MRBI has: Helped producers implement conservation on nearly 1.5 million acres Reduced sediment loss by 2.1 million tons Reduced phosphorous loss by 4.1 million pounds Reduced nitrogen loss by 16 million pounds. National Water Quality Initiative Additionally, NRCS will make available $38.9 million this year through NWQI. The Initiative is a partnership among NRCS, state water quality agencies and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify and address impaired water bodies through voluntary conservation. Through the Initiative, NRCS provides targeted funding for financial and technical assistance in small watersheds most in need and where farmers can use conservation practices to address impaired surface water. In 2019, NWQI was expanded to include protection of both surface and ground sources of drinking water. Water quality is improving in NWQI watersheds. State water quality agency partners report that 27% of NWQI monitoring watersheds show an improvement in water quality in at least one of the NWQI-monitored pollutants (based on 2016 data). Further, 81% of these improvements can be attributed to or associated with agricultural conservation practices implemented by farmers and ranchers. Since its launch, NWQI has: Helped producers implement conservation on 825,000 acres Reduced sediment loss by 850,000 tons Reduced phosphorous loss by 2 million pounds Reduced nitrogen loss by 9.6 million pounds Participating in MRBI and NWQI NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round, but applications are ranked and funded by enrollment periods that are set locally. Producers interested in technical and financial assistance should contact their local NRCS field office. The post $56 million from USDA to help farmers improve water quality appeared first on News Mississippi.
Ahead of Tuesday’s showdown, Rebels & Bulldogs pick up SEC wins
Photos Courtesy of Ole Miss/MSU Athletics For the first time this season, Ole Miss and Mississippi State won a conference game on the same day as the Rebels were able to take down Florida, and the Bulldogs used a big second half to beat Vanderbilt. The next time these two teams step on the court, it will be for their first head-to-head matchup of the season. Below, you’ll get a breakdown of each of Saturday’s games from SportsTalk Mississippi’s beat reporters Brian Scott Rippee and Brian Hadad. Ole Miss earns back-to-back SEC wins for the first time this season in 68-51 drubbing of Florida Story by SportsTalk Mississippi Ole Miss Beat Reporter Brian Scott Rippee A week ago, in the moments after a crushing double-overtime defeat to Auburn, Kermit Davis remarked that he felt his team was better than its poor record. At the time, Ole Miss was 10-10 (1-6), and the manner in which it was defeated that night was reflective of how it arrived at that record — unable to salt away a double-digit lead in the second half. This week, the Rebels have proved Davis to be prophetic after back-to-back top-100 NET wins, the latest a 68-51 thrashing of Florida on Saturday. It is the first time Ole Miss has won back-to-back top 100 games since beating Auburn and Missouri on February 13 and 16 of last year. Breein Tyree scored 23 on 9-19 shooting and Devontae Shuler complimented that with 14 of his own. Ole Miss held Florida to 33 percent shooting and turned the Gators over 15 times. “That is the best we have defended for 40 minutes all year long,” Davis said. “We kept getting stop after stop.” Ole Miss seized control of this game early with a 20-3 run that spanned seven minutes and led for just under 37 minutes of this game. So often, the Rebels have played well for pieces of a game and built up a double-digit lead like the one they had early on in this one, only to crumble down the stretch. The way Ole Miss defended, coupled with a few key perimeter jump shots from Tyree down the stretch, ensured that didn’t happen. Florida cut the deficit to two early on in the second half, but the Rebels quickly ballooned it back out to 10 and didn’t look back. “We got some quality stops defensively,” Shuler said. “I feel like we have a good chance to keep this going and get some quality wins.” Shuler has found his rhythm offensively over the last couple of weeks. He’s averaging 19 points per game over his last four and is providing the supplementary scoring behind Tyree that this club has lacked for the majority of this season. Shuler’s shot selection has been better and he is driving to the rim more often, and doing so with more of a purpose. “It’s just me being more aggressive and attacking the rim a lot,” Shuler said. “It opens up gaps for Breein and takes pressure off of him too. That is really what my focus is. I know I can get my shot off. I just want to get to the rim.” K.J. Buffen added 14 points and snared nine rebounds in a performance that Kermit Davis called the best of Buffen’s young career. “It was good,” Davis said. “He got some offensive rebounds at critical times. We ran some sets for him and he finished around the goal. I just thought he, Khadim (Sy) and Blake (Hinson) all attacked. But I was really proud of K.J.” The sophomore played 38 minutes and has done a better job of staying out of foul trouble lately, something that plagued him for a good portion of this season and forced him to sit for long stretches, to the detriment of the team. As good as Tyree was offensively, his greatest value came on the other end. He held Florida guard Andrew Nembhard to five points on 2-9 shooting. Tyree welcomed the challenge of defending the Gators’ talented guard and was up to the task. Nembhard isn’t Florida’s leading scorer. That title belongs to Kerry Blackshear. But Nembhard gets others involved and is the straw that stirs the proverbial drink on the offensive end. This was a quality win for Ole Miss and this group is beginning to play a better brand of basketball. Davis challenged his team this week to look forward, to focus on what is ahead rather than agonize over its previous defeats. The team’s goal is to win every game in the month of February and is off to a good start with its first 2-0 week of the SEC season. “We didn’t look like or feel like a one-and-whatever team,” Davis said. “But we were one. You have to come in our gym every day and come in our locker room and see how we go about our business. I get a feel for our team I practice. We have totally shifted to trying to win the month of February. I think our guys have bought into that.” The Rebels close out a three-game homestead on Tuesday with a Mississippi State team that is currently playing as well as anyone in the SEC, led by SEC Player of the Year candidate with Reggie Perry. Tipoff on Tuesday is slated for 6 P.M. Mississippi State Gets Back on Track with 80-70 Win Over Vanderbilt Story by SportsTalk Mississippi MSU Beat Reporter Brian Hadad Reggie Perry and Nick Weatherspoon have big nights as State derails the Commodores Mississippi State knows its tournament fate is likely sealed if the Bulldogs continue to win the games they are favored in. It might have been a little tougher than Ben Howland and his team would have liked, but the Bulldogs were able to hold off a tough Vanderbilt squad and grab an 80-70 win over the Commodores at the Humphrey Coliseum. State rode to victory behind 25 points from Reggie Perry and a
Commissioner Brent Bailey Breaks Down Mississippi’s NO CALL Program
Understanding more about the process and how to file a complaint Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey explains the complete process of registering for Mississippi’s No-Call Program and filing a complaint against illegal telemarketing calls made to consumers and businesses in Mississippi. The Mississippi No Call Registry is a list, which is maintained and updated by the Mississippi Public Service Commission (MSPSC), of residential, cellular and business telephone subscribers who wish to reduce the number of telephone solicitations they receive. The program is free to all telephone customers in the state of Mississippi. Consumers may register an unlimited number of telephone numbers. However, the only numbers that will be added to the Mississippi No Call list must be valid Mississippi residential, cellular or business telephone numbers whose name and address match the name and address provided by Directory Assistance for that number. “In the last year, the Mississippi Public Service Commission has received more than 22,000 complaints from consumers in the Central District regarding unsolicited telemarketing calls,” Commissioner Bailey said. “I want to make sure consumers have the correct information on the process to register to the list. Signing up for Mississippi’s No-Call list is the first step toward reducing unwanted phone calls and text messages to their cell phones or landlines. And should you receive and then wish to report an illegal telemarketer, I want you to know the various ways to file a complaint.” Businesses and consumers may register for the No-Call program via mail, using the Mississippi No Call App, calling the toll free number: 1-86NOCALLMS (1-866-622-5567) or by visiting the home page of the No-Call program:https://www.psc.ms.gov/nocall/home. Should you receive an illegal telemarketing or fraudulent scam call or text message, you can file a complaint via https://www.psc.state.ms.us/NoCallV2/complaint.aspx or by using the app. Steps to utilizing Mississippi’s No-Call program and filing a complaint to successfully eliminate calls: 1) First, the consumer must register their number on the Mississippi No Call list. (Please note that the Federal No Call List is a separate program.) 2) Once registered on the list, the consumer may then file a telemarketer complaint with the MPSC against the number they are receiving calls from whom they believe is an illegal telemarketer. Consumers are eligible to file a complaint 60 days after registering for the No-Call program. The chart below outlines the timeframe. If You Register in the Month Of: The List is Effective and Complaints May Be Filed on or After: January March 1 February April 1 March May 1 April June 1 May July 1 June August 1 July September 1 August October 1 September November 1 October December 1 November January 1 December February 1 Before filing a complaint with the MPSC, make sure the telemarketer is not exempted from the law, which includes calls from, but is not limited to, Mississippi banks, licensed realtors, licensed automobile dealers, licensed insurance agents, newspapers, volunteers calling on behalf of registered charitable organizations or politicians. (For a complete list of those who are exempt: https://www.psc.ms.gov/nocall/faq) 3) To begin the process, our No Call Specialist must have the telemarketer’s number and specific date and time of the call you received. Additional questions consumers will be asked include if the call was a recorded message or if they blocked their number from Caller ID. Typically, during the process, a subpoena would be issued to prove the number called the consumer. If a consumer changes their telephone number and wishes to remain in the No-Call program, it will be necessary to register their new telephone number in the program. Commissioner Bailey added, “This program is designed to reduce the number of telemarketing calls residential and cellular consumers receive. However, it will not completely eliminate all telemarketing calls. Our No Call Specialist is ready to assist consumers and business owners with registering for the program and filing their complaint with the goal of eliminating as many telemarketing calls as possible.” The post Commissioner Brent Bailey Breaks Down Mississippi’s NO CALL Program appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor announces disaster assistance for DeSoto & surrounding counties
Courtesy of Gov. Reeves’ Office Governor Tate Reeves has announced disaster assistance for Mississippi businesses and residents hit by severe weather and tornadoes on January 10-11, 2020. Working to help Mississippians recover from the devastation, Governor Reeves sent a letter to Administrator Jovita Carranza at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) requesting a disaster declaration to make loans available to those impacted. The declaration covers DeSoto County and the following Northwest counties: Marshall, Tate, and Tunica. Residents and businesses in those counties can apply for low-interest disaster loans from SBA. “Here in the Hospitality State, we never have to think twice about helping out our neighbors when times are tough. We step up and hold out a helping hand to our fellow Mississippian. The people and businesses in Northwest Mississippi deserve that helping hand. Working with the U.S. Small Business Administration, I am committed to helping Mississippi families, businesses, and communities get back on their feet whenever disaster strikes,” said Governor Reeves. Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at DisasterLoan.sba.gov. Businesses and individuals may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is April 6, 2020. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Nov. 6, 2020. The post Governor announces disaster assistance for DeSoto & surrounding counties appeared first on News Mississippi.