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
Jesse LeRoy Brown led a life full of firsts, carving the way for African American men and women to reach new heights years after his life and heroic death. He proved that dreams can be captured, regardless of circumstances, rules, and even race.
As a young Mississippi boy, Jesse always dreamed of flying a plane. He was a smart young man, having made good grades in the segregated Eureka High School of Downtown Hattiesburg, Mississippi. He went on to study engineering at Ohio State University, as one of the first African American students accepted to the institution. Taking a chance on his dreams, Jesse applied and was accepted to the Navy Pre-Flight School in 1946.
As the most notable first of his life, Jesse earned his wings in 1948 as the first African American Naval Pilot and was assigned to
serve on the aircraft carrier Leyte during fleet maneuvers in the Caribbean. He was commissioned an ensign by the Navy and joined Fighter Squadron 32 in January of 1949, which joined the Fast Carrier Task Force 77 to serve the United Nations Forces in Korea.
Overcoming obstacles and achieving success was not foreign to Jesse. Instead, he was driven by challenges and determined to make much of his life. As a pilot, Ensign Brown became a section leader who received the Air Medal for daring attacks against enemy lines of communication, transportation, facilities, military installations, and troop concentrations at Wonsan, Chonjin, Songjin, and Sinanju. While aboard the carrier USS. Leyte, Jesse flew a total of 19 combat missions. His commanding offer, Captain Thomas Sisson of Winona, Mississippi, called Brown, “one of the best pilots of the air group.” He was respected by his peers and admired by all who knew him.
Another first came during his 20th mission – Jesse’s plane was hit by enemy gunfire. While he survived the crash, Jesse was trapped in the cockpit, unable to release himself from the burning wreckage. On December 4, 1950, Jesse Brown became the first African American to lose his life in combat during the Korean War. Consequently, Jesse was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his exceptional courage, airmanship, and devotion to duty in the face of great danger.
As a testament to Jesse’s great impact on his fellow wing mates, Captain (then-Lieutenant junior grade) Thomas J. Hudner crashed his plane alongside Jesse’s in a brave effort to save his friend. Hudner received the Congressional Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism.
In citation from the Secretary of the Navy, it is stated that “by his unfaltering determination, personal valor, and gallant devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions, Ensign Brown reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.” What an honor to have at the young, yet courageous age of 24.
In a tribute to Jesse on November 22, 1993 from the Honorary Gene Taylor, former Mississippi Congressman, it is said that the story of Jesse Brown should survive forever. “In 1948 [Jesse L. Brown] accomplished a goal that had never been accomplished by an African American before him. As an aviator and as an officer, he made tremendous strides in the U.S. Armed Forces and saved innumerable lives. We must never forget his unselfish acts of courage.”
After 43 years, Michael Gregory, a Marine who was fighting around the Chosin Reservoir when Jesse offered air support, stated that “Jesse L. Brown died for us, the survivors.”
In 1973, the U.S. Navy named a ship in his honor. The USS Jesse L. Brown served for more than twenty years and was decommissioned in 1994. Today, Jesse continues to be honored for his bravery and his legacy. The USS Jesse L. Brown’s 80-pound bell was sent to the Forrest County Board of Supervisors, and placed on display in the Federal Tax Building in Downtown Hattiesburg, where it currently remains.
Hattiesburg is a special place in the life of Jesse L. Brown. As his first city, it is one filled with honor and respect for this hometown hero. Jesse’s mother, Daisy P. Thorne, and daughter, Pamela Knight, still reside in Hattiesburg. Together, they continue his legacy in the place where it all began.
Throughout the months of January and February, Jesse L. Brown will be honored through an exhibition in his honor at the African American Military History Museum in Hattiesburg. A Pilot Lights the Way exhibition will tribute Jesse L. Brown and Blacks in Aviation through a collection of art, photographs, artifacts, literature, and oral accounts.
A Pilot Lights the Way has been exhibited in several locations throughout Florida, but will be making its debut in Mississippi. Jesse’s family is looking forward to seeing the exhibit in Hattiesburg and are excited about remembering his life together in their hometown. “I will always be proud of him,” said Knight. “As his family, we are honored because of all the sacrifices and contributions he has made, and the honor that he has brought to our family. Displays like the one in Hattiesburg always give my children and me a sense of accomplishment. We continually strive to make him just as proud as he’s made us.”
The African American Military History Museum is a facility of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. It is located within the Historic USO Club at 305 E. Sixth Street in Downtown Hattiesburg. Open Tuesday through Saturday 10am-4pm, the Museum offers free admission for all guests. For more information on A Pilot Lights the Way exhibit or the African American Military History Museum, visit www.HattiesburgUSO.com or call 601.450.1942.
AGENDA
HATTIESBURG CITY COUNCIL
4:00 P.M. JANUARY 18, 2011
1. Adopt the January 18, 2011 Amendments to the budget for the City of Hattiesburg for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011; and adopt Resolution authorizing publication of amendments for funds in excess of 10% of the original appropriation fund balance.
2. Adopt Resolution adopting the 2010 Forrest County and Lamar County Real and Personal Property Assessment Rolls containing property located within the City of Hattiesburg, in accordance with Section 21-33-9C of the Mississippi Code of 1972.
3. Authorize the Mayor to execute an Authority to Cancel an Adjudication Resolution on the property located at 705 Dearborne Avenue, Owner: Wesley M. Breland, Parcel Number 28-296-3-6, recorded in Forrest County Deed Book 1091, Page 0359, to adjust demolition clean-up cost.
4. Approve and authorize Mayor to execute Sell Agreement and Contract between the City of Hattiesburg and Lamar Park Water and Sewage Association, Inc., for the City to purchase a portion of Lamar Park’s certificated sewer franchise area; approve issuance of manual check for first installment in accordance with said agreement.
5. Acknowledge Order from the Municipal Court of the City of Hattiesburg, establishing the Tracker Pal Program.
6. Approve Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Court Programs, Inc., to operate an electronic monitoring program for the Hattiesburg Municipal Court.
7. Declare and approve the purchase of Various CPAT Testing Equipment in the amount of $22,298.18 from CPAT Distribution, Inc. as a sole source purchase as provided for in Section 31-7-13 (viii), of the Mississippi Code of 1972, based on information in the attached memorandum and letters.
8. Adopt a Resolution approving the form of, and authorizing the execution of the Development Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and SGI-Hattiesburg III, LTD., its successors and assigns, relating to The Ridge at Turtle Creek Project; and for related purposes.
VI. ROUTINE AGENDA
1. Approve and authorize publication setting a Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 7, 2011 in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, for the purpose of reviewing proposed amendments to the 2010 and 2011 Action Plans related to the CDBG and HOME programs and to receive public comments regarding the same.{Entitlement}
2. Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Engineering Department in the amount not to exceed $1,200.00, beginning November 1, 2010.
3. Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Hattiesburg Police Department Communications Division in the amount not to exceed $750.00, beginning January 1, 2011.
4. Authorize Mayor to Renew Maintenance Agreement between the City of Hattiesburg and Owens Business Machines for maintenance on a copier located in the Hattiesburg Police Department Records Division in the amount not to exceed $1,200.00, beginning January 1, 2011.
5. Acknowledge Permit to Canadian National Railroad to install 12″ water main Encroaching Over, Under or Parallel to the Railroad Tracks of Canadian National Railroad and Authorize Payment in the amount $2350.00 as a non-refundable locate fee and flagging fee to Canadian National Railroad.
6. Acknowledge execution of Letter of Engagement between the City and Brunini, Grantham, Grower & Hewes, PLLC, to provide legal services regarding USA Yeast.
7. Acknowledge Order of Forrest County Circuit Court, Frank A. Polk VS City of Hattiesburg, Case No. C106-0218, dismissing case for want of prosecution.
8. Acknowledge receipt of a Declaration of Forfeitures from the Forrest/Perry Metro Narcotics Task forfeiting $99,038.39 to the Hattiesburg Police Department. The monies will be forfeited in the following manner: $79,230.71 to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund and $19,807.68 to the Forrest/Perry County District Attorney’s Office.
9. Acknowledge receipt of two (2) checks totaling $15,636.20 from the State of Mississippi to the Hattiesburg Police Department, and authorize monies to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund.
10. Acknowledge receipt of Declaration of Forfeitures from the Forrest/Perry Metro Narcotics Task force forfeiting $1,593.00 to the Hattiesburg Police Department. The monies will be forfeited in the following manner: $1,274.40 to be placed in the Hattiesburg Police Department’s Forfeiture Fund and $318.60 to the Forrest County District Attorney’s Office.
11. Acknowledge receipt of bids received December 9, 2010 for Two (2) Year Depositories and accept bids received.
12. Acknowledge bids received on January 6, 2011 for Wesley Water Tank Treatment Plant, Project No. F05-1214-W2 and accept bid from Greenbriar Digging Service, Inc. for the amount of $1,370,500.00 as the best and lowest received.
13. Acknowledge bids received for 592 Program Sewer Rehabilitation, Contract No. 3 on December 16, 2010 and accept bid from C.B. Developers, Inc. for the amount of $1,996,351.76 as the best and lowest bid received.
14. Acknowledge receipt of the bids received on January 6, 2011for Early Warning System, Project No. 1269 and accept the bid from Precision Communications in the amount of $136,979.78 as the best and lowest bid.
15. Acknowledge receipt of the bids received November 18, 2010, for One or More New Track-Type Tractors and Lease Purchase Financing and accept the bid of Stribling Equipment, LLC at a total cost of $135,860.88 as the lowest and best bid received that meets the City’s advertised specifications.
16. Acknowledge receipt of the bids received November 18, 2010, for One or More New Backhoe Loaders and Lease Purchase Financing and accept the bid of Puckett Machinery Co. at a total cost of $87,849.00 as the only bid received that meets the City’s advertised specifications.
17. Approve Specifications and Authorize Publication of Advertisement for Intelligent Transportation Systems Software.
18. Authorize publication of Request for Proposal from interested firms and/or individuals interested in qualifying for installation and implementation of an automated demand response transportation management system for Hub City Transit. (2011 FTA ARRA)
19. Approve the issuance of taxi permit/badge E-096 to Michael Eugene Collier, to drive for Yellow Cab Company.
20. Acknowledge receipt of Privilege License Report for the month of December, 2010 from the Tax Department, as per recommendation.
21. Approve sale of grave spaces per attached memo.
22. Acknowledge Proofs of Publication for the month of December, 2010.
23. Authorize and approve issuance of manual checks for CDBG Program claims per attached memorandum. {Entitlement}
24. Authorize and approve issuance of manual checks for HOME Program claims per attached memorandum. {Entitlement}
25. Approve Claims Docket for the period ending January 14, 2011.
HATTIESBURG- Forrest General’s Surgical Services Department will host their Fifth Annual Relay for Life Softball Tournament on April 9.
The tournament will be held at Timberton Ball Park next to William Carey University, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society. The Surgical Services Department is seeking teams and individuals to umpire and help with the concession stand, as well as anyone interested in participating as an event sponsor. The cost to play is $15 per person. For information please contact Shirley Smith at 601-433-2964 or 601-288-5634.
Registration is taking place for our spring soccer season. Easy registration is available online at our website: hysams.org. There
are no extra fees for registering online and it is available 24 hours a day. So register your child now!
Remember if your child did not play in the fall a birth certificate will need to be sent to us.
You can do so by faxing one to 601-582-8887, scanning and emailing it tohysaregistrar@bellsouth.net, or mailing a copy of it to: 159 Newell Sullivan Rd., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
If you have any questions please call 601-582-8887 or email hysaregistrar@bellsouth.net.
HATTIESBURG, MISS., Friday, December 31, 2010- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is nearing completion of a comprehensive project involving six miles of U.S. Highway 98 West in Lamar County.
The $ 7.5 million project, awarded to Dunn Roadbuilders, of Laurel, MS, has involved work to resurface all lanes and pave the shoulders of the roadway starting at Weathersby Road and continuing west to Highway 589.
Final work on the project includes finishing the traffic signal upgrades at the Highway 98 and Old Highway 11/King Road intersection and at the Highway 98 and Hegwood Drive intersection.
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, MISS., Tuesday, December 7, 2010- The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has begun work on a $937,000 construction project to resurface a 3.2 mile section of SR Highway 13 in Pearl River County.
Warren Paving, Inc. of Hattiesburg was awarded the project which began this month. The project begins at the Pearl River, Forrest County line to 1.7 miles east of Interstate 59.
Along with resurfacing work, crews will raise roadway slopes to improve safety for motorists. The project is scheduled for completion in the spring.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Angela Brav, COO of InterContinental Hotels Group, North America, will share her experiences as a business executive during two appearances in Hattiesburg on Thursday, Nov. 4.
Brav is scheduled to address students at the University of Southern Mississippi from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in Room 218 of the Thad Cochran Center. She will also be the keynote speaker during a women’s leadership event set for 2-4 p.m. at Walnut Circle Grill in downtown Hattiesburg.
“It is a rare opportunity for our department to have such a prestigious leader in the lodging industry come to meet with our students,” said Dr. Catherine Price, chair of the Department of Casino, Hospitality and Tourism Management at Southern Miss. “InterContinental Hotels Group Americas region alone has 3,260 hotels with more than 425,000 rooms. Angela is the number one executive for North America and a particularly good role model for our students as a women with a family.”
Brav’s downtown appearance is being sponsored by the Southern Miss College of Business, Forrest General Hospital’s Spirit of Women, the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association and Visit Hattiesburg. Her keynote speech is titled, “Women and 21st Century Leadership.”
The cost to attend the downtown event is $10 per person and space is limited. To learn more or register visit www.downtownhattiesburg.com or call 601.266.4569.
The Beverly Drive-in located just off Hwy 49 south on the south side of Hattiesburg has been destroyed in an early morning fire.
Beverly Drive In Destroyed by Fire
The Hattiesburg American has pictures and the complete story, which can be found here:
The Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association (HHDA) will host three representatives of a Rotary Group Study Exchange program from England, Wednesday, October 20, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Downtown visit will be in response to a specific request from the group for information related to a variety of government and private sector involvements.
According to Rowell a walking tour of Downtown followed by an information session is planned. “A Forum will allow us to cover several of their preferred topics, and we will show them some of our projects and talk about how we collaborate between various organizations, Rowell said.
Members of the Group Study Exchange participating in the Downtown event include: Pamela Burns, Team Leader, who has a particular interest in Organizational Development and Change Management programs, specifically working with staff to minimize vulnerabilities and maintaining motivation at times of great uncertainties. Kate Lang is committed to taking forward an exciting package of regeneration and development projects which will deliver real change within her hometown of Hemel Hempstead. She is also interested in various departments of City Government and other organizations tackling the following issues including: blight, economic development and inward investment. Natalie Sullivan works as a Business Improvement District Ranger and her particular interest is Downtown Development District.
“This is a good opportunity to exchange ideas and to share information that will help them and will be beneficial to us as well, “Betsy Rowell, Executive Director of Historic Downtown Hattiesburg said.
The schedule for the visit will be: 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. Downtown Tour, and a Roundtable Discussion in the Cultural Center, 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Following the Roundtable Discussion, the HHDA Design Committee is hosting lunch at 11:45 –1 p.m. at the Cultural Center.
Participants in the Roundtable Discussion include: Andrew Murff, ADP, Economic Development – Retail vs. Industrial; Catherine Lott, ADP, Special Events Coordination; Kristie Fairley, VisitHattiesburg, Marketing a Community; Andrea Saffle, Historic Neighborhoods, Promoting Neighborhood Development. Representatives of the City of Hattiesburg also participating in the Roundtable include: Bert Kuyrkendall, City Engineer; Ann Jones, Grounds Maintenance; Pattie Brantley, Urban Planning; Franklyn Tate, Federal Funding; Justin Heskew, Historic Planning. House of Representative member, Toby Barker is also schedule to participate.
Information about this event may be obtained by calling the Historic Hattiesburg Downtown Association t 601-583-4329.
