State-of-the-art research and testing facility investing $1.5 million in Jackson County
The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has approved the sale of land in Sunplex Light Industrial Park to RespirTek Consulting Laboratory for their new headquarters that will include a state-of-the-art research and testing facility. Image courtesy of the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation RespirTek is an accredited environmental testing and research laboratory, providing services related to consumer product biodegradability certifications, wastewater treatment and toxicity assessments, and optimized bioremediation and natural attenuation strategies. Domestic and international companies desiring certification of their products as biodegradable rely on RespirTek’s expertise and many years of experience, partnering in research and development of product formulations, especially developing biodegradable plastics. The company is investing $1.5 million dollars in this project and will create 25 new jobs. “Our company is making significant investments in research technology which is creating a need for a new and expanded headquarters”, said Jerry Hodges, RespirTek President and CEO. “With its advantageous location and amenities, Sunplex Light Industrial Park is the right choice for our expansion. We appreciate the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation (JCEDF) and its partner organizations – Jackson County Board of Supervisors and Jackson County Port Authority – for coming together to understand our needs and execute the necessary approvals.” JCEDF worked with RespirTek to identify an ideal location within Sunplex Light Industrial Park. Cooperative Energy and Singing River Electric are assisting with the project through the Cooperative Competes grant program. L to R: Randy Bosarge, JC Supervisor District 5, Jerry Hodges, President and CEO of RespirTek, Natalia Diaz, Director of Asset & Resource Management, JCEDF, and George Freeland, Executive Director, JCEDF “Sunplex Light Industrial Park has been an area of growth for our membership for over four decades”, says Singing River Electric General Manager Brian Hughey. “With the new RespirTek facility, we are ready to power yet another state-of-the-art company, and support the creation of career opportunities in Jackson County”. “RespirTek’s decision to choose Jackson County for its new headquarters and research facility is a testament to the effectiveness of our public-private economic development partnership,” said Randy Bosarge, District 5 Supervisor, who represents this area of Jackson County. “With this project announcement, we continue to diversify our economy with high technology job creation and investment. The Sunplex Light Industrial Park was developed with the specific intention of recruiting high-growth, technology-oriented investment such as this.” “This international research laboratory expansion demonstrates that Jackson County’s business community is growing and becoming more diverse, adding companies positioned to complement our well-established manufacturing assets,” said George Freeland, JCEDF Executive Director, “This project is yet another example of multi-level partnerships that JCEDF adopted as its approach to economic development and that has proven to be successful over the years.” The construction of the new laboratory is projected to be complete in approximately 6 months. The post State-of-the-art research and testing facility investing $1.5 million in Jackson County appeared first on News Mississippi.
Gov. Reeves joins Trump for “gamechanging” rapid test announcement
Governor Tate Reeves joined President Trump at the White House this afternoon as the administration announced that the rollout of over 100 million rapid tests to states has begun. The test, developed by Abbott, does not require a machine to process it and provides a result in less than 15 minutes. Demonstrated by U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brett Giroir, the test is intended to benefit nursing homes, schools and other settings that require rapid, low-tech points of care. Focusing on education, President Trump explained during his remarks that when the tests are fully administered it will allow “every state to, on a very regular basis, test every teacher who needs it.” During a meeting with the nation’s governors and state health officers, Admiral Giroir said that the term “gamechanger” was used—a notion echoed by Governor Reeves when he was asked by the president to speak on the deployment of the tests. “While we have testing available now at least once a week in every county, what this allocation is going to allow for us is, we will have testing available for our K-12 teachers every single day going forward. Kids learn so much better when they’re in the classroom than when they’re distance or hybrid, and while we have 75-80% of our kids back in the classroom, we want to get 100% of our kids back in the classroom,” he said. Governor Reeves also commended the President’s announcement of the allocation of over one million tests to HBCUs, specifically mentioning the impact this will have on Jackson State, Alcorn State, and Mississippi Valley State. 6.5 million tests will be sent out to states this week, and while the Trump administration is encouraging the tests to be used for the stated situations, governors are being given the flexibility to use them as they see fit. Watch the governor’s full comments below: We’re incredibly lucky to have President @realDonaldTrump leading this pandemic response. Our priority has been opening our schools and our economy, and it’s been successful—largely because of strong support from the Trump administration like these game-changing rapid tests. pic.twitter.com/k5yromAcTM — Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) September 28, 2020 The post Gov. Reeves joins Trump for “gamechanging” rapid test announcement appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi delegation largely supportive of President’s choice for Supreme Court
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to begin confirmation hearings on October 12th for Amy Coney Barrett, President Trump’s nomination to the Supreme Court to replace late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Mississippi’s delegation in D.C. is largely supportive of the President’s choice: U.S. Senator Roger Wicker said, “Amy Coney Barrett is an outstanding judge and an even better person. A mother to seven children, she was subjected to unfair attacks on her religious faith and judicial philosophy during her previous confirmation process. Her grace under pressure and long-standing commitment to the rule of law indicates that she has the right temperament to serve on the Supreme Court and go through a highly-charged confirmation process. I commend President Trump on another exceptional pick for the high court, and I hope to meet with Judge Barrett soon.” U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith stated, “President Trump has exercised his right to put forth a nominee to fill a Supreme Court vacancy. In Judge Barrett, I believe President Trump has chosen a qualified conservative jurist who, if confirmed, will bring an important perspective to the Court.” “I look forward to being part of her historic and important confirmation process, which will follow precedent and regular Senate order. I take my constitutional ‘advice and consent’ responsibility very seriously, and I will carefully weigh Judge Barrett’s merits and qualifications and vote accordingly. Filling a vacancy on the U.S. Supreme Court is a solemn process for our nation, and I hope Senate consideration of Judge Barrett will not descend into the dishonorable spectacle that Americans witnessed during the confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh,” said Hyde-Smith. Congressman Steven Palazzo said, “President Trump made a promise to the American people to uphold the Constitution, and just like he’s done for the last three and a half years, he will keep his promise. President Trump has made a great choice with the selection of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to be a Supreme Court Justice. I know she is a principled conservative who values faith, family, and freedom. I look forward to the Senate fulfilling its responsibility and filling the vacant seat with the fifth woman to serve on the Supreme Court.” Congressman Trent Kelly stated, “Judge Amy Coney Barrett is an excellent choice by President Trump as a nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court. I look forward to a swift confirmation by the U.S. Senate.” Congressman Bennie Thompson said, “Senate Republicans are going back on their word to achieve a conservative agenda that will strip away imperative rights for millions of Americans. We do not need a Supreme Court that will dismantle health care, women’s rights, worker’s rights, and voting rights. Senate Republicans should move with the same deliberate speed on addressing the coronavirus pandemic and delivering relief to Americans. Rather, they’ve made it clear to the American people that having a conservative Supreme Court nominee confirmed is more important than addressing the pandemic that has killed 200,000 people due to their leader’s lack of leadership.” President Trump nominated Barrett to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in May 2017. She was confirmed by the Senate in October 2017. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Barrett graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. She attended Notre Dame Law School, where she was executive editor of the Notre Dame Law Review and graduated summa cum laude. She clerked for Judge Laurence Silberman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, and for the late Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. In 2002, Barrett began teaching courses on federal courts, constitutional law, and statutory interpretation at Notre Dame Law School. She was named “Distinguished Professor of the Year” three times. The post Mississippi delegation largely supportive of President’s choice for Supreme Court appeared first on News Mississippi.
UMMC speaks out against Initiative 65
As Mississippians prepare to vote on two potential medial marijuana options on the November ballot, the state’s largest hospital has weighed in on the matter. On election day, you’ll vote between Initiative 65, a referendum that was created through a public petition, and the alternative presented by the Mississippi Legislature—Alternative 65A. Related: Everything you need to know about Initiative 65 v. Initiative 65A The original initiative, spearheaded by the Medical Marijuana 2020 Campaign, gained over 228,000 signatures and has a large amount of public support, but the University of Mississippi Medical Center is speaking out against it. In a social media post, UMMC explained that the initiative’s intent to amend the Mississippi Constitution would not allow for the oversight and regulation of medical marijuana. We do not support Initiative No. 65. For the safety of all Mississippians, #VoteNOto65. pic.twitter.com/AuMeHqJQZo — The University of Mississippi Medical Center (@UMMCnews) September 28, 2020 The organization’s statement does not mention any support or rejection of the legislative alternative, which was passed by state lawmakers back in March. It does go noted that Initiative 65 has received support from over 70 members of the medical community. At the polls, you’ll first vote “for” or “against” the concept of medical marijuana, and regardless of your choice, you can still choose between the two initiatives. Mississippi will become the 34th state to legalize medical marijuana if the initial measure and one of the two initiatives receives a majority of the vote. A sample ballot can be seen below: The post UMMC speaks out against Initiative 65 appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSDH confirms 190 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting just 190 new cases of COVID-19. Today’s report — the second straight day under 200 new cases — brings the state’s total number of cases up to 97,049. With the confirmation of *2 additional deaths, 2,921 Mississippians have now passed away from the virus. *MSDH Note: Both deaths occurred on September 26. The latest hospital data from the MSDH shows a significant decrease in overall hospitalizations. Recovery estimates have not yet been updated for this week. The post MSDH confirms 190 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths appeared first on News Mississippi.
Legislature to reconvene this week for final time in 2020
For what (hopefully) appears to be the final time during the 2020 session, the Mississippi State Legislature is set to reconvene this week. According to the state’s two chamber leaders, lawmakers plan to return to Jackson on Thursday with two main priorities: (1) adjust any CARES Act appropriations that were made back in June, and (2) distribute what federal dollars remain from the original $1.25 billion. “Right now, we’re looking at coming back [on] Thursday, October 1st,” Speaker of the House Philip Gunn said. “We passed most of our bills in June regarding the CARES Act money. We put the money where we thought it would be best needed, but we reserved some days for ourselves to come back and adjust those dollars.” Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann echoed similar remarks as his cross-chamber counterpart. “We’ll be paying attention to the monies that are not used this time and to reallocate those to other people,” he said. “We’re looking at things like the [agriculture] community, which has suffered a good bit, and our veterans’ homes.” RELATED: Bill-by-bill recap of what’s happened in the 2020 Session Hosemann also said that $60 million of the $240 million Back to Business grant program for small businesses will need to be reallocated to the Employment Security Trust Fund as over $3.1 billion, during 2020 alone, has been paid in unemployment compensation for Mississippians. “When we look back on our Back to Business, which we allocated $240 million to, the max that has been applied for would be $180 million, so there will be $60 million there that will need to be reallocated somewhere,” he explained. “A lot of this money, we’re putting into Employment Security Commission’s trust fund as we’re paying out, with our own money, somewhere between $9 and $12 million a week.” Regarding what’s been appropriated already, the first term lieutenant governor seemed pleased overall, especially in the realm of distance learning. “We gave every child…397,000 Ipads or Chromebooks for children across Mississippi. A lot of good things came out of this.” Sine Die day for the 2020 session is scheduled for October 10, keeping the legislature under the 120 allowed days. The post Legislature to reconvene this week for final time in 2020 appeared first on News Mississippi.
Upset victory catapults Mississippi State into Top 25
After Mike Leach’s Mississippi State Bulldogs made a statement Saturday with their upset victory over the defending-champion #6 LSU Tigers, they find themselves ranked inside the Top 25. The Bulldogs enter the Amway Coaches Poll at #14 and the AP Poll at #16 following the 44-34 win in Baton Rouge — the first time MSU has been ranked in both polls since the beginning of the 2018 season. As for individual recognition, grad transfer K.J. Costello was named the ‘Walter Camp Football Foundation FBS National Offensive Player of the Week‘ after throwing for an SEC record 623 yards and 5 touchdowns in the win. Costello completed 36 passes to 10 different receivers and quickly answered any questions of whether or not Leach’s air raid offense could succeed in the SEC. Speaking on the win with CBS’ Jamie Erdahl after the game, Leach gave a response as only he can. Today was… “better than average” – @Coach_Leach pic.twitter.com/rMARTeno22 — Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) September 26, 2020 The post Upset victory catapults Mississippi State into Top 25 appeared first on News Mississippi.
“Fake” letter from Governor making the rounds on social media
A “letter” claiming to be from the governor’s office is circulating on social media. A Facebook post from the Mississippi Emergency Agency warns the letter is a FAKE and advises Mississippi residents to stay up to date with the latest executive orders posted on the Secretary of State’s website. The agency says any major changes will be addressed in a press conference and through an updated executive order. Image courtesy of the Mississippi Emergency Management AgencyHere is the full text of the “fake” letter: This is a formal letter to all of the Residents and Business in Mississippi, the beginning of October 2020 the statewide mask requirements will be abolished,” the post reads. “Meaning that it will no longer required to wear them in the state of Mississippi. NO BUSINESS can refuse your entry with out a mask on. All business are hereby ordered to take down all facemasks must be worn on or in they establishments. This Executive Order has been Signed and Sealed this 17th Day of September in the Year of 2020.” The current statewide mask mandate is set to expire on Wednesday but could be extended if Governor Reeves chooses to do so. The post “Fake” letter from Governor making the rounds on social media appeared first on News Mississippi.
Fraud, Drugs, and Murder: Three different crimes in Mississippi, but the ending doesn’t change
This week, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst announced sentencing in two major crimes and a guilty plea in a murder case. Case #1: Louisiana man sentenced to 3 Years for conspiracy to commit health care fraud 51-year-old Joseph L. Wiley, II, of West Monroe, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 36 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Wiley was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine and forfeit $300,000 to the government. In April 2019, Wiley pled guilty to helping Mississippi pharmacies submit millions worth of fraudulent claims to government health care programs through the use of his business, Affordable Medication Solutions, LLC (AMS). Wiley used AMS to create a program that allowed compound pharmacies to provide healthcare benefit programs documents showing co-payments had been paid on prescription medications when in fact, AMS did not make payments to the pharmacies for the co-payments. When a few of the compound pharmacies were audited, Wiley assisted those pharmacies by providing fictitious documents, including explanations of benefits and fake checks. Through AMS, Wiley facilitated the concealment of at least $56 million in fraudulent billings to health care benefit programs. Case 2: Gulfport man sentenced to over 15 years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine 24-year-old Xzavier Earl Damon Wilson was sentenced to 188 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Wilson was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and forfeit two firearms. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Narcotics Unit was investigating a heroin overdose and received information that Wilson was the source of supply. On September 30, 2019, during a traffic stop of Wilson, deputies found 55.15 grams of 100% pure Methamphetamine, a small amount of marijuana, and a Schedule I controlled substance, a synthetic cannabinoid. A search of a car belonging to Wilson produced 27.873 grams of Heroin and 375.9 grams of pure Methamphetamine. Wilson was charged in a federal criminal indictment and pled guilty before Judge Guirola on June 25, 2020. Case #3: Petal man pleads guilty to role in 2016 killing at Hattiesburg Mugshots Restaurant 24-year-old James Windham, of Petal, pled guilty this week to aiding and abetting the carrying and use of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, resulting in the firearm being discharged. On June 26, 2016, Windham and a co-defendant met with a third party at a Hattiesburg Mugshots restaurant in order to sell two ounces of marijuana. Windham brought his co-defendant along as an armed enforcer and as backup, in case the drug deal turned sour. During the drug transaction, at least one firearm was discharged between Windham and his co-defendant, resulting in multiple rounds being fired and, ultimately, the death of the third party. Following the shooting, Windham and his co-defendant fled from the scene, at which time they discarded the marijuana and all firearms associated with the shooting. Due to the diligent police work of the Hattiesburg Police Department, the marijuana and all firearms were recovered shortly after the shooting. Windham and his co-defendant were charged in a federal criminal indictment on June 25, 2019. Windham will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on January 12, 2021, at 9:30 a.m. He faces a minimum of ten years and a maximum of life in prison. The post Fraud, Drugs, and Murder: Three different crimes in Mississippi, but the ending doesn’t change appeared first on News Mississippi.
Wild Hog Control Program application period begins Monday
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will be accepting applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) Monday, September 28, through Monday, October 12. Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson says, “smart” wild hog traps will be provided to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. Traps will be deployed in concentrated focal areas across the state, which will be determined by MDAC through the application process. MDAC will provide the training necessary to use the “smart” traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands. Image courtesy of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce “We are excited to offer the ‘smart’ traps to private landowners and managers to help control invasive wild hogs on their property,” said Commissioner Gipson. “We have been in a test phase for the last month, and now we are ready to offer the Wild Hog Control Program to the public. As part of the program, our staff will work closely with participants to ensure that they have the required knowledge and training to successfully use the traps. This will be a great opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to use some of the best trapping equipment available today.” Submitted applications will be evaluated based on the number of acres available for trapping, historical agriculture losses caused by wild hogs and current trapping efforts on the property. A cooperative application is encouraged for small acreage (i.e., adjoining land managers of small parcels should work together to submit one application.) Traps will be available for one-month intervals, dependent upon use and success. One trap per 1,000 acres is recommended, depending on landscape and land use. On Monday, you can click here to download an application which can be submitted by email or mail. If submitting by email, send applications to MDAC’s Director of Federal and Environmental Affairs Chris McDonald at chris@mdac.ms.gov. If submitting by mail, send applications to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce WHCP, 121 North Jefferson Street, Jackson MS 39201. The WHCP is the result of legislation passed during the 2020 Legislative Session, which authorized Commissioner Gipson to operate programs to fight nuisance wildlife species on private agricultural and forestry lands. In Mississippi alone, wild hogs cause more than $60 million in damages annually. The WHCP will provide the equipment and technical guidance needed to control wild hogs across the state. The Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation provided key support to the program with the acquisition of additional traps that will be deployed to help control wild hogs on private lands. The post Wild Hog Control Program application period begins Monday appeared first on News Mississippi.