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Tentative Agenda for Lamar County Board of Supervisors Meeting for Thursday Feb 17

Board of Supervisors

Of

Lamar County, Mississippi

Board Meeting

Date: February 17, 2011 Time: 9:00 A.M.

Bid Opening:

  1. Annual, legal and depository bids.  Receive and enter Proof of Publication.  (10:00 am).

Subject Matter:

  1. Reading of Minutes for Correction and Approval
  1. Approval of the February 7, 2011 board minutes.
  1. Personnel Matters
  1. Approval to transfer 10 hours of vacation time from Jimmy Breazeale to Stephen Pierce.
  2. Approval to transfer 10 hours of vacation time from Gary Holston to Stephen Pierce.
  3. Approval to transfer 20 hours of sick time from Joey Walker to Stephen Pierce.
  4. New Hire: Trey Wood, tax office at $18.50 per hour as of February 14, 2011.
  5. Terminated: Joshua Delancey, multipurpose center as of February 14, 2011.
  6. Approval of the following county personnel handbook revision: In the event of a dismissal or delay of the work day, all employees that report to work will be compensated for the entire day, not to exceed each employee normal current daily work schedule of hours.
  1. Road Department Matters
  1. Approval of the request from the City of Purvis to remove seven big trees located off Highway 589.
  1. Bids and Claims
  1. Approval to award the bid of 35 replacement doors to 10 fire stations to Overhead Door of Hattiesburg in the amount of $61,181. The cost breakdown: $50,681 for doors, $7,000 for labor and $3,500 removal fee. (The board finds the bid of Underwood Sales failed to meet bid specifications).
  2. Approval of a check in the amount of $12,442.30 made payable to MDA for payment of a fire truck.  (Payment is due March 1, 2011).
  3. Approval of a $2,500 disbursement to the City of Purvis to assist with recreation needs.  (To be paid from Fund 012 District 2 Parks and Recreation).
  1. School Board Matters
  1. Sheriff Department Matters
  1. Approval to retire K9 dog Mikey from active duty and allow him to remain with Lt. Brad Weathers for the remainder of his retirement.
  2. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Matt Henderson and Christopher Regan to attend North American Sniper Competition, March 20-25, 2011 in Southaven, Mississippi.
  1. Planning Matters
    1. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Tara Coggins to attend the 2011 Association of Floodplain Managers Conference, April 26-29, 2011 in Natchez, Mississippi.
    2. Approval of a lot line change for Lot J-6 of Bellegrass, Neighborhood J.  (The driveway was partially built on the adjacent property; therefore, they have to move the lot line 500 feet).
    3. Discuss changes in the Site Plan Ordinance.
  1. Fairground Matters
  1. Fire Coordination Matters
  1. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend Deerfield Wage & Hour Youth Employment Seminar (to assist with Jr. Volunteer Firefighters), March 8, 2011 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
  2. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the Mississippi Association of Public Fire Safety Educators Conference, April 27-30, 2011 in Jackson, Mississippi.
  3. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the National Volunteer Fire Council Conference, April 3-6, 2011 in Alexandria, Virginia.
  4. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the National Fire and Emergency Services Seminar, April 6-7, 2011 in Washington, DC.
  1. Emergency Management Matters
  1. Approval to transfer a 2005 Ford Truck from Hinds County to our inventory.  The vehicle to be used by the local Homeland Security personnel.
  1. Economic Development Matters
    1. Report from the Area Development Partnership/Lamar County Economic Development District.
  1. Additional Matters
  1. Approval of changes in Assessments per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  2. Approval of changes in Homestead per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  3. Approval of Tax Sale Cancellations per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  4. Approval to surrender old vehicle tags per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  5. Approval of the attached asset deletion list and sell as surplus at auction.
  6. Approval of the attached asset transfer list.
  7. Approval to pay the legal expenses of Frankie Glennis, Molly Goff, Marvin Pittman, Chance Curry, Tangi Carter, Prentiss Harrell and Matthew O’Quain to attend the Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals annual training conference, May 4-6, 2011 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
  8. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Michelle Martin to attend HR Training (certification credit), March 29-30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  9. Approval to pay the annual dues of $50 to the Mississippi Recycling Coalition.
  10. Update: The County received a $23,544 grant from InterAct Funds.  (Helps pay a small portion of the dispatch upgrades).

  1. Under Advisement

  1. Approval to accept the roads for maintenance in Dandridge Subdivision, Phase 4. (May 3, 2010).
  2. The purchase of 35 replacement fire department doors.  (January 20, 2011).
  3. The recommendation of the Planning Commission to fine owners of a mobile home located on Cole Road.  (February 7, 2011).

Next Board Meeting: Monday, March 7, 2011

Future Board Meetings:
Thursday, March 24, 2011 (4th Thursday)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011

Filed under: Government, Lamar County, Oak Grove, Politics, Purvis, Sumrall, agenda, Lamar County, supervisors meeting

Pine Belt Fire Coordinators Issue Outdoor Burning Warning Dry, windy conditions fueling grass, brush and woods fires

Fire Coordinators from Covington, Forrest, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties are warning local residents in each county about the dangers of outdoor burning.  Over the past week,

volunteer fire departments in these seven Pine Belt counties have responded to dozens of out of control grass, brush and woods fires with several of the fires threatening structures.  “Our volunteer

fire departments have been very busy responding to grass, brush and woods fires with some fairly large acreage fires reported in the Pine Belt,” notes Lamar County Fire Coordinator George Stevens.

Adds Wayne County Fire Coordinator Doug Hutto, “The past several weeks have been extremely cold with numerous heavy frosts which has dried out the already dead vegetation.  Combine the dry

vegetation with moderate to strong winds and you have perfect conditions for rapid fire spread.”

Forrest County Fire Coordinator Chip Brown notes, “We are urging the public to be very careful if conducting any outdoor burning activities and refrain from outdoor burning if possible until

we have had some rainfall in the area.  When a volunteer fire department is out on a preventable wildland fire, they are unavailable to respond to potentially more serious calls such as vehicle

accidents and structure fires.”  Should a controlled fire get out of control, residents are urged to call 911 to report the fire and take steps to protect life and property.  Keep a water hose or

appropriate fire suppression equipment handy and be sure not to conduct outdoor burning activities when windy conditions are present.  “We’ve been very fortunate that no one has been injured

in some of these fast moving fires,” notes Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna.  He adds, “It just takes a moment for a small fire to get out of control and become a monster fire.  We just

want local residents to pay close attention to this fire warning and take steps to prevent damage to their homes and property and that of their neighbors – it’s a serious situation right now.”

Filed under: Covington County, Forrest County, Jones County, Lamar County, Marion County, burn, Dan McKenna, Disaster/Accident, Doug Hutto, fire, George Stevens, Wildfire

All Jones County Schools Closed Fri. Feb. 4; Hattiesburg Public Schools and Lamar County OPEN

All Jones County Public Schools are closed today including Laurel Schools.

JCJC has cancelled classes for today.

Headmaster Ronnie Jones at St. John’s Day School in Laurel has announced that classes are cancelled today, Friday, February 4, 2011.

Hattiesburg Public Schools will be OPEN today.

Lamar County Schools are OPEN

Filed under: Breaking News, Ellisville, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Jones, Jones County, K-12, Lamar County, Laurel, Oak Grove, Petal, Purvis, Sumrall, education, Forrest County Mississippi, Lamar County Mississippi, laurel, school closings, St. John's Day School

MDOT News Release: roads being

MDOT Prepares for Wintry Weather in South Mississippi

JACKSON, MISS., Thursday, February 3, 2011— The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) would like to announce a winter weather alert on roadway conditions for motorists traveling in southern Mississippi.

 

MDOT crews have begun distributing de-icing material (salt brine) on four-lane and two-lane roads in Forrest, Lamar, Jones, Wayne, Jasper and Clarke Counties. MDOT urges all motorist traveling in these counties to use extreme caution while crews are at work.

 

For the most up-to-date information in your area, please visit www.MSTraffic.com and sign up for your traffic alerts.  Also, visit http://www.mstraffic.com/mobile to get the latest traffic information from MSTraffic.com on your mobile device. MDOT advises the public to pull off the road to a safe location if you need to check the MSTraffic.com website while driving. For more information, please contact MDOT Public Affairs Division at (601) 359-7074 or visit www.GoMDOT.com. MDOT's number one concern is the safety of the traveling public.

 

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Filed under: Breaking News, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Jones County, Lamar County, Laurel, Oak Grove, Petal, Purvis, Weather, ice, traffic, Weather

Legislators meet with PRCC students, faculty

Folks at Pearl River Community College heard a little good news Monday – they’ll probably get through the school year without losing any more funding.

Eighteen consecutive months of falling tax revenue meant most state agencies, including community college, were asked to cut their budgets more than once in fiscal 2010.

“The good news is five out of the last six months, we’ve met tax projections,” said Rep. Toby Barker, R-Hattiesburg. “I don’t think there will be mid-year budget cuts, but the growth is microscopic.”

Members of the Forrest County Center PRCC Faculty Association and students met with four area legislators, Sen. Tom King, R-Petal; Rep. Larry Byrd, R-Petal; Rep. Harvey Fillingane, R-Sumrall; and Barker.

“I enjoyed it,” said radiography student Logan Holden of Poplarville. “I thought it kind of gave us a bird’s eye view of the state and what’s going on.”

While the state’s economy grows at a snail’s pace, enrollment at the state’s 15 community colleges is booming, said PRCC President Dr. William Lewis.

Sen. Tom King, R_Petal, left, and Rep. Toby Barker, R_Hattiesburg, talk with Pearl River Community College radiology student Logan Holden of Poplarville Monday while Rep. Harvey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, greets another student during an open house at the Forrest County Center. PRCC Public Relations photo

Statewide, 88,000 students are enrolled in a community college this semester, 11,000 more than are attending a four-year institution, he said. Of the state’s freshmen, 70 percent are attending community college and 97 percent of community college students live in Mississippi, he said.

“We have a lot of needs,” Lewis said. “We continue to grow. We continue to need help. These are the folks we can count on.”

The economy downturn appears to have bottomed out but recovery won’t be quick, Fillingane said.

“As far as real solid growth goes, we’ll  have to have new jobs,” he said.

King agreed recovery will be slow.

“They’re telling us 2014 or 2015 to get to where we were five years ago,” King said.

Byrd predicted South Mississippi will benefit from reapportionment this year as well as economic factors such as expansion of the Port of Gulfport and the opening of the Stion solar panel plant in Hattiesburg.

“Because of the shift in population, we’ll see more lobbying efforts for South Mississippi,” he said.

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Government, Lamar County, Marion County, Pearl River, Harvey Fillingane, Larry Byrd, Pearl River Community College, Poplarville Mississippi, Toby Barker, Tom King, William Lewis

PRCC speaker says to laugh long and often

POPLARVILLE – Women need laughter and tears to maintain an emotional balance and cope with the changes life brings, the keynote speaker told more than 300 people Saturday at Pearl River Community College for the Women’s Health Symposium.

Sally Baskey of Arlington, Texas, reminded the audience that laughter causes the brain to release endorphins which increase feelings of happiness.

Sally Baskey of Arlington, Texas, was keynote speaker and told the audience laughter is her drug of choice. PRCC Public Relations photo

“You control the dosage,” Baskey said. “That’s what self-medicating is all about.”

Baskey spoke at the fifth annual Women’s Health Symposium, which offered women free health screenings and pampering, including manicures and chair massages; an art walk, break-out sessions on a variety of topics as well as the luncheon where she spoke.

“We’re very proud to have you come to our campus and be part of special events,” Dr. William Lewis, PRCC president, said in welcoming the women.

Health becomes more important to people as they age, he said.

“Quite frankly, we sometimes take our health for granted,” Lewis said. “We hope events like this help put a spotlight on various health issues.”

Women lined up for health screenings, including blood pressure, blood glucose, blood cholesterol and posture analysis. They also stood in line for the chair massages offered by Healing Touch Day Spa in Hattiesburg.

“It was fabulous,” said Alicia Logan of Hattiesburg.

Sharon Ezell, left, and Jean Massey, both of Petal and members of the Hub City Red Hat Dames, get their cholesterol checked Saturday during the Women's Health Symposium at Pearl River Community College. Pricking their fingers are PRCC medical laboratory technology students Kyle Payne of Purvis and Hannah Skipper of Picayune. PRCC Public Relations photo

The luncheon included entertainment by The Voices, PRCC’s jazz vocal ensemble, and more than 100 door prizes. Rachel Fucich of Starkville won the grand prize of a two-night stay at the Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino.

Baskey started her career as a motivational speaker after a year which started when her husband left her.

“My husband was not as happy with me as I was with him,” she said. “I so did not see this coming. I get home one day and the man is gone.”

During the next year, the divorce was finalized, their dream home was sold, her Lexus was totaled and her father died of cancer. The changes left her disliking the adage about a door doesn’t close unless a window opens.

“That much cross ventilation can blow you away,” she said.

But the adage is true, and laughter eases the pain, Baskey said.

“Laughter is a good thing,” she said. “Why is it so undervalued as a way to take care of ourselves? Laughter is my drug of choice; crying is my physical therapy. Life is about 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we react to it.”

Grand sponsor for the symposium was the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation. Silver sponsors were Firth National Bank of Picayune/Poplarville, Hancock Band and Mississippi Power Foundation. Bronze sponsors were BankPlus, Hattiesburg Clinic, Highland Community Hospital, Southern Bone and Joint Specialists, Wal-Mart Supercenter of Picayune and Wesley Medical Center.

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Lifestyle, Marion County, Medical, Oak Grove, Pearl River, Petal, Purvis, Pearl River Community College, prcc, Sally Baskey, Women's Health Symposium

Miss Daisy Rides Again | Encore Performance of Driving Miss Daisy on Valentines Day

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre (JORT) will present an encore performance of “Driving Miss Daisy” at the Saenger Theatre in Hattiesburg on Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m.

JORT recently won The Warren McDaniel Award for best production at the Mississippi Theatre Association (MTA) 2011 Festival in Meridian and is raising funds to take the production to competition at the Southeastern Theatre Conference, Inc. (SETC) in Atlanta where they will compete against community theatres from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

Ruth Ann Black and Michael Marks star in "Driving Miss Daisy" submitted photo

The special one night only performance features Ruth Ann Black in the title role; Michael Marks as the chauffeur, Hoke; and Tom Hardy as Daisy’s son Boolie.  Hardy, who also directs the play, said that JORT has never before won the state title.  “We are looking forward to competing against successful theatre groups from other states.  We believe we have an excellent chance of winning the regional competition.  It will take a lot of money and support from our community to get the production to Atlanta and we are hoping to have a large audience to come see this award winning show on Valentine’s Day,” said Hardy.

Deborah Hardy, JORT president and assistant director of the play, commented on the timing of the fundraising performance.  “This show will make a wonderful Valentine’s Day date, and there are excellent restaurants in the area where our patrons can enjoy a fine meal either before or after the show,” said Hardy.

The historic Saenger Theatre is located at 201 Forrest Street in Hattiesburg.  General seating tickets are $10 and will be available at the door.  Sponsorships are still available and may be obtained by calling 601-549-8349.

For more information go to www. jortonline.org.
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Filed under: Arts, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Deborah Hardy, Driving Miss Daisy, Entertainment/Culture, jort, Just over the rainbow, Michael Marks, Mississippi Theatre Association, play, Ruth Ann Black, Saenger Theatre, The Warren McDaniel Award

Southern Miss Announces Expansion to Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The Southern Miss baseball program announced an expansion plan for its playing facility, Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field, at its annual preseason banquet Saturday night at the Thad Cochran Center.

The expansion will add 1,358 new seats, including 220 deluxe chairbacks and 1,138 bench seats, as the length of the grandstand will expand beyond the reaches of each dugout.

In addition to the additional seating, the plan calls for a new weight room to be built under the third-base grandstands.
The project is slated to be ready in time for the 2012 campaign.

For more information on how you can purchase your piece of The Pete, please call the Eagle Club at 601-266-5299.

Drawings of the what the completed expansion should look like can be found here: http://southernmiss.cstv.com/view.gal?id=85980

Filed under: Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, Sports, USM, Eagle Club, Pete Taylor Park, Southern Miss Golden Eagles baseball, University of Southern Mississippi

Jones County Rape Suspect to be returned from Mexico

Assistant District Attorney J. Ronald Parish held a press conference today along with Sheriff Alex Hodge and Major Robbie Suber with the Jones County Sheriff’s Department to discuss plans to extradite Miguel Oros, alleged serial rapist.

According to an email received at approximately 1:47pm from the Department of Justice addressed to Parish, extradition of Miguel Oros had been granted.

In commenting on the email Parish said, “This is a day for the victims! Mexican Authorities confirmed that they will in fact extradite him back to the states. Sheriff Alex Hodge, Major Suber, Jimmy Herzog, Jamie Bush with the Mississippi Crime lab and others really kicked this into high gear enabling us to get evidence to get this guy indicted.”

Parish continued, “We have not been given an exact date of when we will pick him up but when they say we can get him, Sheriff Hodge and his guys will pick him up and place him in the Jones County Jail. I know that when he gets in Jones County, he aint going nowhere but until then we’re still depending on a foreign country.”

“I know this is a great day for the victims as they continue to deal with their emotions surrounding this event. I am thankful to the citizens, Jones County Board of Supervisors, and all those who worked so very hard on this case. We’re relieved in knowing that the Mexican Government will extradite Miguel Oros. One of my major objectives when I took office as Sheriff was to commit to working full-time on this case. Thanks to Major Robbie Suber, Lt. Gov Phil Bryant, Patti Fields, Jimmy Herzog, Jamie Bush, and our team of investigators who spent countless hours on this case. There were also many others who worked diligently; this has been another rewarding step in the extradition process. I also would like to thank Mr. Jim Mayfield for leading the charge in soliciting sponsors for the reward and all those who came forward to contribute,” said Hodge.

Parish said, “Final closure will be after the jury renders verdict.”

Filed under: Crime, Ellisville, Featured, Lamar County, Laurel, alex hodge, Assistant District Attorney, J. Ronald Parish, Jones County Board of Supervisors, Jones County Sheriff’s Department, Miguel Oros, Robbie Suber

Verna Robertson Cole of the Midway Community in Lamar County

Verna Robertson Cole of the Midway Community in Lamar County died Wednesday afternoon January 26, 2011. Mrs. Cole was retired from the University of Southern Mississippi where she worked in Food Services. Mrs. Cole was a dedicated member of Midway First Baptist Church where she took pride in assisting her husband in caring for the church grounds. When she was able her hobbies included gardening, sitting on the “Gallery”, and spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Judy and Terry Thomas of Sandy Hook, MS; her daughter-in-law Debbie Cole of the Midway Community; grandchildren Heather and Jason Graham of Sandy Hook; Shane Cole of Oak Grove; Vanessa and Ben David of Sandy Hook; and Kacey Cole of Birmingham, AL. Great-Grandchildren Anna and Cassidy Graham and Wyatt and Will David all of Sandy Hook, MS. A sister Ivloy Davis and brother Hermon Robertson, both of the Midway Community.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Claude Elbert Cole; her son, Danny Dannon Cole; her parents Charlie Zeno and Ruth Webster Robertson; and her brothers, Walter, Clyde, and Cassie Ray Robertson.
Pallbearers are her nephews: Steve, Jonathan and Randy Robertson, Mickey Friend, and Bartley Faulkner of the Midway Community; Winford and Robert Cole of Columbia; and Ronnie Newton of Madison, MS.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Midway First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund.

Visitation was held Thursday January 27, from 5:00-9:00pm and Services will be held at Midway First Baptist Church at 11:00am on Friday.

Filed under: Lamar County, Oak Grove, Obituaries, huelett-winstead funeral home, Obits, Verna Robertson Cole