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THE MERIDIAN STAR

814 – 22ND AVENUE


PO BOX 1591
MERIDIAN, MS 39302

Dec. 30, 2017


CNHI Public Service Award nomination letter

A little more than a year after The Meridian Star published “Courthouse Conundrum,” a report
on horrendous conditions at the Lauderdale County Courthouse, and stated in an editorial that
“tomorrow wouldn’t be too soon” to move workers out of the decaying building, those workers
will be in a new temporary, safer home.

We’ll take that accomplishment, after all, the first study to identify courthouse problems was
done 40 years ago. Other studies and condemnations by grand juries were repeated in those 40
years, but The Star made it a mission in 2017 to hammer away at the problem and make it a
priority of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors.

The supervisors first commissioned a study for renovating the 1905 courthouse in 1977 and
$1.8 million was set aside for upgrades. No renovations were made then and later versions of
the supervisors continued to pass on making the difficult choice to spend money on upgrades.

When a new study was commissioned for more than $80,000 and the report was delivered to
the board in December, 2016, it became apparent the supervisors would again delay repairs.

The Star made coverage of the issue a priority and published a comprehensive report online
Feb. 11 and in print Feb. 12. Our reporting included the six favored solutions presented by Be-
linda Stewart Architects, their costs and pros and cons; a Q&A putting each of the six supervi-
sors on record for the commitment to the solution; and a timeline for implementation. The most
compelling component, however, were photographs from inside the courthouse, showing peel-
ing paint, mold, tangled electrical wires, broken windows and other safety hazard. Digital con-
tent included a photo gallery of these problems and Stewart’s full report. An accompanying edi-
torial stated workers needed to be moved out of the courthouse as soon as possible.

The first report can be found at https://tinyurl.com/Courthouse-Conundrum.

The Star continued to publish 1A reports to keep the topic in front of the community. Examples
include grand jury reports citing serious safety issues, tours by the governor and the department
of history and archives, and judges and an attorney stating fear for their safety.

Our editorial board asked each of mayoral candidate how the courthouse decision would affect
the city. Their responses can be found at http://tinyurl.com/Meridian-mayor-courthouse.

We reported on incremental steps through the year and pushed the supervisors again on Sept.
16 in “Decaying and Delayed” for responses on how they would solve the problem.
On Oct. 24, we broke news that the supervisors that the supervisors held a secret meeting with
department heads and were considering an empty former J.C. Penney store at Bonita Lakes
Mall as a temporary home. The supervisors agreed after that report to allow Star reporter Jim
Brock into subsequent meetings discussing a move.

On Dec. 1, the J.C. Penney site was recommended as a temporary home and March 1, 2018 as
the target deadline.

While workers still need to be relocated and construction to begin, we believe it was our report-
ing and persistence that pushed the supervisors to act on a critical, community safety issue.

Dave Bohrer
Editor
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Sunday, February 12, 2017 Since 1898 $1.75 Your Star, Your World

JUCO BASEBALL ONE-MAN SHOW


East Central sweeps Jackson ‘An Evening
State to open season with C.S. Lewis’
PAGE C1 PAGE B1

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

COURTHOUSE CONUNDRUM

Photos by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star


Paint is peeling on the walls in one of the courtrooms at the Lauderdale County Courthouse, one of many problems in the historic building.

Supervisors wrangle with decaying building


By Randall Hammons
rhammons@themeridianstar.com

P aint peeling from the walls.


Black mold in the chancery clerk’s office.
Exposed wires in the tax assessor’s office.
Plaster falling from the ceiling of the main courtroom.
Welcome to the aged and cramped Lau-
Forty years later, we’re now
talking $16-17 million for
renovation. That should tell you
derdale County Courthouse. something that if you don’t do it
A short walkthrough reveals many of the now, 20 years down the road that
problems with the aging building.  
There are bolted windows in the grand $16-$17 million will probably be
jury room, water damage on photos and $30-$40 million.
offensive odors in the county courtroom.
Some hallways are filled with files in
storage, and courthouse workers describe — DISTRICT 4 SUPERVISOR JOE NORWOOD
problems with their workplace: water leaks
and cramped working conditions; health
problems from possible mold.
Those are just a few of the issues
plaguing the historic building, the albatross
WHAT THE ARCHITECT SAYS
Lauderdale County Facilities study
that has hung over the county for at least
four decades as supervisors take a cautious Page A2
approach in deciding the future of the
aging structure.  WHAT THE SUPERVISORS SAY
The courthouse was built in 1905, and Q&A with Lauderdale County supervisors
the third floor and jail were added during Page A2
the 1930s as a Works Progress Administra-
tion project. THE TIMELINE
In 1977, a study was commissioned to A look at how long each scenario would take
look at renovating the building, according Page A3
to District 4 Supervisor Joe Norwood. Some
$1.8 million was set aside for the reno-
vation, but nothing was done in the way
OUR VIEW
Courthouse workers deserve immediate relief
of improving the courthouse.  Mold is visible in a room at the
“Forty years later, we’re now talking $16-17 million for Lauderdale County Courthouse.
renovation,” Norwood said. “That should tell you some- Page A8
thing that if you don’t do it now, 20 years down the road ONLINE
See related photo gallery, the full architect’s report
See Courthouse, page A3 and grand jury reports at www.meridianstar.com

INDEX
Classified ............................... B6-B9
Crossword .....................................B2
Deaths.............................................A4
Horoscope .....................................A9
Local News ........................... A1-A3
3 things to do today
• Order a Mardi Gras King
Cake from Young
• Watch CBS starting at
7 p.m. to catch Jimmie
• Sign up for AARP Safe
Driving Course to save
WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A10
Today
High: 74º
Tonight
Low: 47º
Meridian 360º ......................Inside Professionals of Meridian. Rodgers presented with on your insurance. RSVP
National News ....................A4, A5 Call 601-696-2290. the Grammy’s Lifetime 601-482-0512.  www.meridianstar.com
Opinion...........................................A8 Achievement Award.  
Sports .......................................C1-C4 Vol. 119 • No. 37
World News..........................A6, A10 Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar Copyright 2017
Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar

120000047802466
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, February 12, 2017

WHAT THE ARCHITECT SAYS ...

Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star Bill Graham / The Meridian Star File photo
Lauderdale County Courthouse. The Federal Courthouse in Meridian. The Village Fair Mall site.

SCENARIO A1.0 SCENARIO A2.0 SCENARIO A3.0 SCENARIO A4.0 SCENARIO B1.0 SCENARIO B2.0
Renovated/Restored Renovated/Restored Renovated Renovated New construction at New construction at
Courthouse, Courthouse, Lamar Courthouse, Courthouse, Village Fair Mall site Village Fair Mall site
Lamar Annex Annex New Construction Federal Building, Scenario B-1.0 consoli- Scenario B-2.0 is similar
New Construction dates the county courts and to B-1.0 except that the
In Scenario A-1.0, the There is only some slight Scenario A-3.0 envi- offices into five buildings program allows for private
existing 63,652 square-foot variation between Scenario sions the Lamar Annex with about 106,000-square redevelopment of a portion
courthouse and Lamar A-1.0 and A-2.0. In Sce- being sold for private reuse, Scenario A-4.0 is sim- feet at the former Village of the mall site, along with
Annex are renovated and nario A-2.0, there would be and new construction of ilar to the A-3.0 except Fair Mall site. Surface county government uses. By
restored. There is also con- a somewhat different con- two-story addition to other for a slightly different parking would be accom- allowing private develop-
struction of a new addition, figuration of space, with a county-owned buildings to configuration within the modated on site. Parks ment, the scenario negates
including new courtroom detached chancery addition accommodate growth as well county buildings. More or open space would be many of the impacts gen-
and chancery court facilities, built into existing building as offices that were otherwise offices are accommodated created adjacent to the new erated by the loss of private
with secure internal parking space. The relocation of the located in the Annex. There within existing buildings county facilities on excess redevelopment potential in
included. The addition county jail allows for con- would also be secured parking rather than through a land that was formerly Scenario B-1.0. In Scenario
would include an attached struction of a new parking for staff and judges. As noted new addition. The federal used as surface parking for B-2.0, it is assumed that
22,788 square-foot chancery facility and public space, above, the private sector courthouse building is the mall. Such open space commercial development up
court along with 2,100 square adding amenity value to the would purchase, renovate purchased to accommodate can become an amenity to 175,000-square feet would
feet for security and egress as downtown area and for use and restore the Lamar Annex space as necessary. The for the community as well be accommodated on site. It
well as 12,400 square feet in by county employees. (Hotel). The jail would be county would invest $28.37 as for county workers and is logical that the County’s
internal parking. The existing Price: $37.27 million. relocated, which would free million in renovation, those visiting the county investment in infrastructure
county jail would remain at Pros: up space to accommodate restoration, and new con- facilities. However, the improvements, master plan-
its existing site. • Strengthens downtown parking for the Lamar Hotel struction at its downtown economic impact of such ning, and creation of pad
Price: $37.95 million. by keeping county func- property. location. The private sector public space was not tested sites can speed recruitment
Pros: tions downtown. Price: $30.9 million.  would possibly invest as part of this analysis. of commercial uses to the
• Strengthens downtown • Provides additional Pros: another $16.50 million in Price: $43.65 million. property.
by keeping county functions parking directly across from • All county departments rehabilitation and resto- Pros: Price: $46.75 million.
downtown. the courthouse/addition. are in connected structures. ration of the Lamar Hotel • All county depart- Pros:
• Provides additional • Additions could be • Strengthens downtown facility.  ments are in connected • All county departments
parking less than 250 feet constructed first to allow by keeping county functions Cost: $44.87 million structures. are in connected structures.
from the courthouse. phasing of courthouse res- downtown. Pros: • Additional space for • Additional space for
• Additions could be con- toration. • Provides additional –Federal courthouse is future growth and private future growth and private
structed first to allow phasing • Portions of Annex can parking directly across from well maintained, well-built development. development.
of Courthouse restoration. be used for phasing during the Courthouse Structure and could meet • Private development • Private Development
• Portions of annex can construction. • Additions could be con- County’s needs portion provides additional portion provides additional
be used for phasing during • Jail is moved out of structed first to allow phasing - Strengthens downtown tax revenue and spin-off tax revenue and spin-off
construction. downtown, freeing up of Courthouse restoration by keeping county func- potential. potential.
• Courthouse addition space for parking and green • Portions of Annex can be tions downtown • More visible construc- • More visible construc-
is connected to existing, space. used for phasing during con- - Provides more parking tion on north side of site. tion on north side of site.
allowing for increased acces- Cons: struction. adjacent to both court- • Gateway site to down- • Gateway site to down-
sibility. • The chancery addi- • Jail is moved out of houses town. town.
• Fully restores the tion is separated from the downtown, providing support - Portions of Annex can Cons: Cons:
existing building – remainder of the court- space for the Annex to make be used for Phasing during • Cost of site devel- • Cost of site develop-
improving security, code house. Annex Building is it feasible for private develop- Construction opment and basic work ment and basic work needed
issues, etc. not efficient for county’s ment and space for parking Cons: needed to attract pri- to attract private develop-
• Historic tax credit Needs support to the Courthouse/ - Uncertainty on pur- vate development. ment.
potential if private partner- • Annex building is not additions. chase arrangements and • Negative impact on • Negative impact on
ship. efficient for county’s needs. • Annex turned to private timing downtown. downtown.
Cons: development as housing and - Separates some county • Official FEMA flood • Official FEMA flood
• Jail remains in down- would provide economic departments zone – mitigation required. zone – mitigation required.
town and is inadequate. impact on tax roles and on    • Unknown extent of • Unknown extent of
• Annex building is downtown development. environmental issues. environmental issues.
not efficient for county’s • Cost savings because • Jail remains in place • Potential competition
needs. Annex is not included. downtown. with existing owner / site
• One story addition will Cons: acquisition cost.
not be prominent beside • Does not include the
courthouse. development of the mall site.
SOURCE: Lauderdale County Facilities Study by Belinda Stewart Architects.

WHAT THE SUPERVISORS SAY ...


District 1 Supervisor District 2 Supervisor District 3 Supervisor, District 4 Supervisor District 5 Supervisor
Jonathan Wells Wayman Newell President Josh Todd Joe Norwood Kyle Rutledge
Question: How committed are you to Question: How com- Question: How com- Question: How committed Question: How com-
resolving the courthouse issue? mitted are you to resolving mitted are you to resolving are you to resolving the court- mitted are you to resolving
Answer: “I’m 100 percent committed. the courthouse? the courthouse issue? house? the courthouse?
The can has been kicked down the road for Answer: “Until I see all Answer:  “Of course I’m Answer: “I’m very com- Answer: “When I sought
long enough. The longer we wait the more it the paperwork, I’ll then committed. I don’t know of mitted to resolving the court- re-election, the courthouse
will cost. If we wait, it will cost our children decide what I would like to any supervisor who is not house issue. We will select what was a top priority. It’s been
and grandchildren even more.” do.” committed.” we’re going to do from all the patched all these years. It’s
Q: What is your timeline for making a Q: What is your timeline Q: What is your timeline data we have and will come up a top priority for the entire
decision? for making a decision? for making a decision? with a plan. I don’t want to vote Board.”
A: “There is not a specific date, but it A: “I hope we as a board A: “Personally, I would on something of this magni- Q: What is your timeline
is about collecting enough information to can make a decision before like to see something happen tude until we have every piece for making a decision?
make a final decision.” this year is out. First, you’ve within two years.” of information in making this A: “By the end of this term
Q: Which recommendation or course of got to make a decision. I’m Q: Which recommenda- decision.” we at least need to have the
action do you favor? ready to make a decision. I’m tion or course of action do Q: What is your timeline process started. There is no
A: “At this point, I can’t say where we’re waiting for all the studies to you favor? for making a decision? way to have it completed by
going to go, whether it’s the old Village Fair be done. When they are com- A: “I favor the old Village A: “I don’t have a timeline the time the term ends (at the
Mall or the current location. That all goes plete, I’ll be ready to make a Fair Mall property because because we didn’t get to this end of 2019).”
back to collecting more information. I’m not decision. I’ve said all along it’s not a piece of property point overnight. There is a Q: Which recommenda-
afraid to say I have questions about the fig- that I would like to see some- that we can outgrow in 10 lot of legwork we still need tion or course of action do
ures we were given in Ms. Stewart’s study. I thing new for the employees, or 20 years. It’s a property to do. We’ve got to renovate you favor?
have a hard time believing it would be more judges and citizens.” that we can grow with. It has something or build something A: “Something has got to
expensive to build new versus remodeling Q: Which recommenda- ample amount of parking and to take the people out of the be done. We’re struggling
a building built in 1905 that is on the His- tion or course of action do buildings and there is enough courthouse so we can build or with funding to pay for it in
torical Registry. Does that mean the mall is you favor? room for expansion of build- renovate before we can do any- the most efficient way because
my choice? No, because we’re still collecting A: “I would like to see ings.” thing. We need three times the we’re dealing with taxpayer
information, which includes information on everything in one building. Q: Should the county space the courthouse has.” money. I have not made a
Class 1 and Class 2 environmental studies I’m not in favor of two floors, use the remaining $7.8 mil- Q: Which recommendation decision on which recom-
from DEQ about the Village Fair Mall. but one floor. When you lion of bond money on the or course of action do you mendation I favor. We want
“I would like to see the jail removed, but have two floors you have project? favor? to make sure we have a good
when we can do that I can’t answer. We’re water leaks with bathroom A: “The $7.8 million won’t A:  “There are so many working environment for all
talking about the cost of a courthouse. If we issues and roof issues with come close to what we have pieces to this puzzle. I haven’t courthouse employees.”
do remodel the courthouse, we would have multiple floors. I want to see to do. We still have roads and chosen what direction I want to Q: Should the county
to have a place to house employees. That all the paperwork on all the bridges to maintain, which go in yet. If we choose the Vil- use the remaining $7.8 mil-
would be a logistical challenge. scenarios before I make a at the beginning of every lage Fair Mall site, we’ve got to lion of bond money on the
“I don’t see any other option than the final decision.” term, the board does a $10 make sure any environmental project?
Village Fair Mall and/or current courthouse. Q: Should the county million bond for. We did not issues are ruled out. The mon- A: “I don’t think that will
I’m just one of five people. If we go to the us the remaining $7.8 mil- do that this term. I feel the ster in the room is people are quite cover it. We took out $5
Village Fair Mall, the courthouse is still our lion of bond money on the remainder of the $7.8 million more interested in doing some- million for paving. We have
building. We can’t let it waste away.” project? bond money will go to roads thing with the jail.” to come up with a plan and a
Q: Should the county use the remaining A: “I think we should use and bridges and the Village Q: Should the county use way to finance it. Maybe we
$7.8 million of bond money on the project? it for the courthouse, roads Fair Mall property if the the remaining $7.8 million of can have a public meeting and
A: “We need to spend a majority of the and bridges. I look forward Board chooses to and a small bond money on the project? get input as to whether we
money on this project, but we still have to getting a decision made in part to renovating the court- A: “I would like to see the renovate or move. It’s going
other projects to be concerned about. We the near future.” house. Both are great and remaining bond money used to affect Lauderdale County
didn’t do a new $10 million road bond at the both meet our needs as far as for its intended purpose, that is for a long time and we need
beginning of the new term. If we don’t use building space. A need for us to use $3.5 million to complete to make the best decision we
the $7.8 million for road money, what are we is parking and accessibility to a recreation property at High- can.”
going to use for roads.” the building. land Park.”
THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, February 12, 2017 LOCAL A3
PROPOSED TIMELINE FOR COURTHOUSE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
A1 – Courthouse restored with 2017 – Planning / Design / Funds in vacated / Jail relocated. / Annex to private use / Jail B1 – Mall site – county develop-
1-story addition / Annex reno- place. 2017 – Planning / Design / Funds in relocated. ment only.
vated / Jail stays in place. 2017/2019 – Plan / Design / Construct place. 2017 – Planning / Design / Funds in 2017 – Planning / Design / Funds in
2017 – Planning / Design / Funds in new jail. 2017/2019 – Plan / Design / Construct place. place.
place. 2017/2018 – Construct Chancery new jail. 2017/2019 – Plan / Design / Construct 2017/2019 – Plan / Design / Construct
2017/2018 – Construct additions. addition and Security addition at Court- 2017/2018 – Construct additions. new jail. new jail.
2017/2019 – Phase restoration of house. 2017/2019 – Phase departments 2017 – Purchase Federal Courthouse. 2017 – Purchase mall site / demolish
Annex. 2017/2019 – Phase departments through portions of the Annex as 2017 - Phase one of Courthouse – exte- mall / site development.
2017/2019 – Phase departments through portions of the Annex as needed. rior and limited interior. 2018-2019 – Construct new county
through portions of the Annex as needed. 2018 – Move into addition. 2018 – Construct security addition. facility.
needed. 2018 – Move chancery into addition. 2017 – Phase one of courthouse – exte- 2017/2019 – Phase departments 2019 – Move into new facility on mall
2017/2019 – Likely will need rental 2017 – Phase one of Courthouse – rior and limited interior. through portions of the Annex as site.
space for some relocation (Federal exterior and limited interior. 2018 – Phase two of Courthouse – por- needed. 2019 – Vacate Courthouse, conduct
Courthouse ideal). 2018 – Phase two of Courthouse – por- tion of interior. 2018 – Modifications to Federal Court- limited renovations.
2017 – Phase one of Courthouse – tion of interior. 2019 – Final phase of Courthouse. house for county use / new entrance. 2020 – Move archives, extension (and
exterior and limited interior. 2019 – Final phase of Courthouse. 2019/2020 – Demolish jail and develop 2018 – Move into Federal Courthouse. possibly Justice Court) into historic
2018 – Phase two of Courthouse. 2019/2020 – Demolish jail and develop parking and green space. 2017 –2018 – Phase two of Courthouse Courthouse.
2019 – Final phase of Courthouse. parking and green space. 2019/2020 – Vacate Annex and make – portion of interior. 2019/2020 – Demolish jail.
2019/2020 – Vacate Annex and make available for private development. 2019 – Final phase of Courthouse. 2020 – Vacate Annex and make avail-
A2 – Courthouse restored with available for private development. 2019/2020 – Demolish jail and develop able for private development.
Security addition / Chancery A4 – Courthouse restored parking and green space.
addition / Annex renovated / A3 – Courthouse restored with security addition, Federal 2019/2020 – Vacate Annex and make SOURCE: Lauderdale County Facilities
Jail relocates out of downtown. with 2-story additions / Annex Courthouse purchased/modified available for private development. Study by Belinda Stewart Architects.

COURTHOUSE from page A1


that $16-$17 million will in price from $30 million to
probably be $30-$40 mil- more than $46 million.
lion.”   Stewart’s firm specializes
The courthouse question in restoring aged buildings
is at the forefront once again. and been in business more
Supervisors have $7.8 mil- than 20 years, in which time
lion frozen to use from a $14 it’s won more than 40 design
million bond issue passed in awards. Some of its notable
2013. About $5 million was redesign projects include Bay
recently taken out for roads St. Louis City Hall and the
and bridges. restorations of courthouses
About $3.8 million of the in Tallahatchie, Yalobusha
$14 million was proposed for and Pontotoc Counties. The
a 32,000-square-foot sports county paid Stewart approx-
complex at Highland Park imately $75,000 for the study. 
that would house a four-court
gymnasium with bleachers. LOOKING AT
Approximately $3.5 million OPTIONS
of the money was to go to Four scenarios from the
the county-owned fields of study involve renovating the
the West Lauderdale Youth existing courthouse, while
Association and $2.5 million two center around the Village
to the county-owned Clark- Fair Mall site. 
dale Community Recreation The first option includes
Association park construc- renovating the courthouse
tion. The remaining $4.2 and Lamar Annex and the
million was meant to fund construction of a new addi-
a partial renovation of the tion. This option would
courthouse. cost $38.05 million. A second
Among county supervi- option, estimated to cost
sors, there’s no consensus on $38.6 million, involves a
how to tackle the courthouse detached chancery addition Photos by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
conundrum, which involves built into existing building Wires are visible in an office at the courthouse.
either renovating the existing space and the relocation of
structure or moving opera- the county jail. with about 106,000 square horrible shape. The restrooms addressed over the years.   of Supervisors President
tions elsewhere. A third option, estimated feet at the former Village are in horrible shape. The The heat and air condi- Josh Todd’s recent inter-
Moving the courthouse to to cost a total of $47.8 million Fair Mall site. Costs asso- plumbing is horrible …the tioning systems were replaced view on a local television
the old Village Fair Mall site ($31.3 million in public funds ciated with development building is unrespectable … two years ago, according station concerning the
seems to have the most sup- and about $16.5 million in of the mall site, along with there needs to be a plan for to District Attorney Bilbo board’s impending decision
port from board members, private money), envisions the rehabilitation costs for the upgrades to meet needs of the Mitchell. regarding the courthouse.
but environmental concerns Lamar Annex being sold for courthouse, are estimated at courthouse workers.” Grand jury reports go “I appreciate the supervi-
have slowed the process. Dis- private reuse, and new con- $40.25 million. There would The report said jurors through Mitchell, whose sors’ effort and I think they
trict 5 Supervisor Kyle Rut- struction of two-story addi- also be $16,500,000 in private also reported seeing some 10th Circuit includes Clarke, are sincere and want to get
ledge suggested supervisors tion to other county-owned investment in rehabilitation broken windows at the jail Kemper, Lauderdale and something done about the
probably won’t make a deci- buildings. The jail would be and restoration of the Lamar and recommended upgrades Wayne counties. courthouse,” Mitchell added.
sion on what to do until the relocated.  Hotel building. Together, to its heating and air systems. Mitchell said Lauderdale “My preference would be to
end of the 2019 term. District The fourth option is public and private investment It said sheriff’s department County is in dire need of an refurbish this courthouse
2 Supervisor Wayman Newell similar to the third scenario would total $56.75 million.  investigators also need more improved facility. rather than moving it because
said he wants to examine as except the federal courthouse A second mall option space to work. “Of my four counties, I think it is a beautiful
much information as possible building would be used. The allows for private redevel- A 2013 report included Lauderdale County is the big- building and has a lot of his-
before he renders a decision estimated cost is $44.87 opment of a portion of the much of the same. In August gest and we have, by far, the tory behind it.”
on what to do. million, with the county mall site, along with county 2013, jurors said the building worst courthouse,” Mitchell Mitchell said the focus
investing $28.37 million in government uses. County was in such bad shape that it said. “The Kemper County of the grand jury changed
ARCHITECT’S renovation, restoration, and construction costs in this should be bulldozed. The next Courthouse is in a single recently.
REPORT new construction at its down- scenario would total $46.75 month, jurors called condi- block you see when you enter “For about 10 years, the
Last May, supervisors town location. The private million, which includes $6 tions in parts of the court- DeKalb. It’s beautiful. Clarke grand jury was concerned
hired noted Eupora architect sector would possibly invest million for partial restoration house “deplorable.” County built an entire wing with the Juvenile Center on
Belinda Stewart to develop a another $16.5 million in of the courthouse to house In late 2015, Bill Waller, on the back of existing court- 20th Street, which is closed
plan on whether to renovate rehabilitation and restoration the county archives.  the chief justice of the Mis- house and built a new court- now. At some point about
the cramped structure or of the Lamar Hotel facility. sissippi Supreme Court, room in the part they added,” 10 years ago, the grand jury
build elsewhere. She recently ‘UNRESPECTABLE’ called the building  “the worst Mitchell said, while sitting stopped visiting the Juvenile
delivered the final draft in a MALL SCENARIOS For the last decade or so, courthouse in the state,” after in his cramped courthouse Center and started concen-
66-page study, which costs Another option consoli- grand jury after grand jury touring the historic building.   office. trating on the courthouse,”
the county about $75,000. dates the county courts and has toured the courthouse, all “Think of a beautiful “They refurbished the Mitchell said. “If the old jail
The top five options range offices into five buildings reaching the same conclusion: courthouse, like in Lafayette old courtroom and it’s like was taken off the roof and
that the building is in dire County. When it was built in a courtroom you see in a the outside was cleaned up
need of repair. the 1830s, there were three movie. It’s a great place to and inside was refurbished, I
The most recent grand stores, a couple of saloons try a lawsuit. Wayne County think it would be a showcase
jury report, delivered in Jan- and 400 people living there,” built a new jail and new of the county like Kemper
uary, called the facility “unre- Waller said. “It was a huge courtroom, so we have two County’s courthouse is.”
spectable.” investment for the county. circuit courts there.” Assistant District
The report stated “jurors They understood the impor- “All of these things have Attorney Thomas Bittick said
were horrified by the smell tance of the courthouse. It taken place since I became the courthouse is nothing like
and odors in the courthouse. symbolizes the rule of law.” DA, and I’ve been here for 30 anywhere else he has worked.
One of the jurors had trouble years,” Mitchell added. “In “I’ve practiced in several
with her allergies due to the SOME ISSUES Meridian, nothing has hap- locations in this state and
120001230102001

mold and dust…a light is ADDRESSED pened.” this one is by far the most
about to fall in the big court- Some complaints about Mitchell said he heard dilapidated courthouse of
room. The courtrooms are in the courthouse have been Lauderdale County Board them all,” he said.

The Meridian
Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic, P.A.

• General E.N.T.
• Treatment & Surgery for Sun
Damage and Skin Cancers
• Hearing Aid Sales and Service

J. Thomas Balzli, M.D., F.A.C.S.


Robert J. Cater, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Stacy McInnis-Blalock, Au.D.
NEW OFFICE HOURS for the practice of Otolaryngology:
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon

120001229302001
601-483-9358 120001228702002
A8 THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, February 12, 2017

OPINION
Meridian Star The FirsT AmendmenT
Editorial Board:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establish-
Rebecca Combs-Dulaney ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
Debby Delshad or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or
Jeff East the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
Adrian Tureaud Mosley petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Syria Sturdivant

Alexander Gould express YourselF


publisher The Meridian Star welcomes the views of its
readers on public issues. Letters must include a full
David Bohrer name, address and phone number. We publish only
editor original letters of 300 words or less, unless . E-mail
letters to editor@themeridianstar.com.

Alternate execution OUR VIEW

method bill ignores Courthouse workers


larger debate deserve immediate relief
S TARKVILLE – There is no gentle way to say it,
so here goes. House Bill 638 as passed by that
chamber of the Mississippi Legislature isn’t a bill
that considers whether the state should impose the
death penalty. No, that’s not the matter at hand in this
I magine 40 years ago, a building
inspector told you your historic
home built in 1905 was showing
You delayed the hard decision,
year after year, and the problems
grew.
pollution problems at the mall site
and the all important question of
how it will be financed.
its age and needed remodeling This is the situation the latest ver- There’s no apparent consensus
legislation. promptly. sion of the Lauderdale County Board on the board of whether to preserve
House Bill 638 is a bill that would govern the Now imagine, you took out a of Supervisors faces as it decides the historic building or start fresh
method by which the state would impose the death substantial loan to make the needed whether to renovate the courthouse, in another location. And there’s no
penalty should the current lethal injection method at repairs — and then spent it on relocate — or delay the hard decision consensus whether to use the more
some point in the future be ruled unconstitutional. desires now so small you forgot yet again. than $7 million remainder of the $14
Nationally, lethal injection as a method of execution where the money went. A report today by The Meridian million bond passed by county resi-
is mired in litigation over the specific drugs used in Over the years, problems Star’s Randall Hammons describes dents in 2013.
the lethal injection “cocktail” and whether the practice mounted. The roof leaked, paint some of the outrageous problems at We agree, use prudence in
actually is the “more humane” method that legislators peeled, old wires and lights detached the Lauderdale County Courthouse spending the peoples’ money.
thought they were adopting almost 20 years ago. from the ceiling, windows broke, and potential solutions presented by We disagree, however, on their
Attorney Jim Craig represents two the extension cords tangled, restrooms architect Belinda Stewart. apparent lack of urgency.
Mississippi prisoners who lost their repelled, drafts whirled through The firm’s solutions include Lauderdale County Courthouse
2016 case at the 5th U.S. Circuit the rooms. The family grew and so options such as renovating the his- workers should not spend another
Court of Appeals. Craig has been you crowded the bedrooms, moved toric courthouse, relocating into the unnecessary day in a building that is
a longtime legal player in litiga- others across the street and pushed Federal Building or building new at clearly a hazard to their safety.
tion opposing the death penalty cabinets into the hallways. the old Village Fair Mall site. The The supervisors need to demon-
in Mississippi – whatever the After a while, odors emerged. You price tags range from more than $30 strate leadership and make a difficult
method. suspected mold. Maybe that made million to more than $46 million in choice, preferably by this summer.
Craig, co-director of the Rod- you sick. today’s dollars. Spending money for maintenance
erick & Solange Justice Center Guests stopped by periodically Delivering that bill to the 80,000 earlier would have prevented the
at New Orleans, argued in 2016: and reminded you of the need to ren- residents of Lauderdale County is shock of the current estimates. And
“Neither compounded pentobar- ovate or move out — for your own likely giving the five supervisors those will only go up. The low-end,
bital or midazolam are in the class SID SALTER health and safety. “Unrespectable,” cause to pause. At the high end, $30 million estimate in 2017, using a
of drugs specified by state law for syndicated columnist they called it, embarrassingly, shame- $575 per person if everyone anted modest 2.5 percent rate of inflation,
use in executions. There is good fully. up today, may be difficult to pitch to would be $31.5 million in two years,
reason for that. In other states, Sometimes, you listened to the a populace who’d prefer not to pay $33.9 million in five years and $38.4
both compounded pentobarbital and midazolam have complaints of family and guests. You another 10 cents in tax. million in 10 years.
been used in botched executions, which tortured pris- studied the problems, shopped for We appreciate the board’s caution If that difficult choice can’t be
oners to death. Those states have changed their proto- solutions, borrowed more money, and deliberateness in making a life- made quickly, please find tempo-
cols to create safeguards against chemical torture.” spent more money, but the expense time decision for county residents. rary quarters and move workers out
Last year, Hood responded to the federal appeals of doing the right thing seemed over- We also appreciate the need to study while the building is made habitable.
court decision as follows: “For years and years, anti- whelming. the scenarios, unknown potential Tomorrow wouldn’t be too soon. 
death penalty groups have clogged the courts with
bogus legal claims that only delay justice for murder
victims and their families. If these anti-death penalty
groups want to change the law, they should be lobbying YOUR VIEW
the Legislature to change the law to stop use of the
death penalty, not filing frivolous claims attempting
to dupe judges into stopping executions at the last Circus mistreats animals caught on video hooking an elephant two weeks, it was only a matter of time
minute.” after she attacks Libby in a circus ring before Donald Trump got around to
Hood’s response defines where the majority of the Readers deserve to know the truth and he completely loses control of the hurting animals – already the most
Mississippi House of Representatives apparently is on about the elephants with Garden Bros. animals. This was only one of many oppressed sentient beings on earth.
the subject – and that’s a place where the death penalty Circus (“UNDER THE BIG TOP: Ele- such perilous incidents. At least three The animals’ turn came this week –
is still the law and implementation methods are subject phants the main attraction at Garden elephants have escaped from Garden by taking down the Animal and Plant
to expansion. Bros. Circus,” Feb. 7). Like virtually Bros. Carson & Barnes has a long his- Health Inspection Service (APHIS) site
The new legislation provides that if lethal injection every circus with animals, Garden tory of elephant escapes and recently that reports on government regula-
cannot be the method, then the state would proceed Bros. has a history rife with not just paid a penalty for its unsafe handling tion of roughly 9,000 animal handling
to implement the death penalty by nitrogen hypoxia. animal abuse but also endangering of elephants. Elephants are dangerous facilities. These are laboratories, dog
“Hypoxia” occurs when someone has a lack of an ade- public health and safety. and can easily kill a human with a breeders, fur farms, circuses, zoos, and
quate supply of oxygen. The head trainer for Carson & single trunk swipe or foot stomp. aquariums.
The air we breathe is normally about 78 percent Barnes, the outfit currently supplying Garden Bros. has also repeat- The site is used every day by animal
nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen (the rest is argon or the elephants for Garden Bros., was edly exposed the public to zoonotic protection activists to monitor govern-
other gases). Giving a condemned prisoner 100 percent caught on video screaming at ele- diseases. The circus has featured an ment enforcement of the 1966 Animal
nitrogen would induce hypoxia, unconsciousness and phants while violently attacking them elephant carrying tuberculosis, even Welfare Act, the only effective federal
death in what proponents in the scientific and legal with electric prods and bullhooks— though the potentially fatal disease law protecting animals.
communities suggest would be far more human than weapons that resemble fireplace is transmissible from elephants to Taking down the APHIS inspec-
lethal injection. pokers—and encouraging others to do humans—even without direct contact, tion site is a huge setback for animal
If nitrogen hypoxia is ruled unconstitutional, then the same. since it’s airborne. protection. It will almost certainly lead
the state would proceed with implementing the death Habib Omar, the elephant handler Until Garden Bros. ends its reck- to reduced government inspection of
penalty by firing squad. If the firing squad method is currently with Garden Bros. who is less and dangerous use of elephants, animal facilities and more animal suf-
ruled unconstitutional, then the state would proceed quoted at length in your article, was everyone who cares about animal fering – a virtual repeal of the Animal
under the new law to implement the death penalty by caught on video using the sharp, welfare or just the health and safety of Welfare Act. Ironically, this oppressive
electrocution. pointed tip of a bullhook to force the their family should stay far away from act was launched by the same dark-of-
In other words, HB 638 says that Mississippi is pre- elephant Libby’s head down while this notorious circus. night process as that of pulling more
pared to carry out the imposition of the death penalty swearing at her. Libby is currently Delcianna J. Winders than 100,000 visas from thoroughly
by any accepted form of execution used in the state’s being forced to perform with Garden Animal Law & Policy Fellow vetted Muslim immigrants one week
history with the exception of the old cyanide-fueled Bros. Circus, along with Bunny, Harvard Law School earlier – no notice, no hearings, no due
gas chamber. Remember, Mississippi has engaged in even though both of these elephants Cambridge, Massachusetts process, no public announcement.
almost all of the accepted forms of execution during the are about 50 years old and likely The oppressive mindset doesn’t
suffer from painful and potentially really care who the victims are. Hope-
state’s history including hanging, electrocution, the gas
life-threatening arthritis that is aggra-
This time animals hurt fully, the courts will.
chamber, and lethal injection.
The notion that imposition of the death penalty can vated by circus tricks and transport. Malcolm Williams
As he was signing edicts hurting Meridian
be somehow sanitized and guaranteed to be painless or In another incident, Omar was one group after another over the past
free from fear and anxiety is one that flies in the face  
of what the death penalty really is – which is the most
extreme form of punishment. Those who argue other-
wise delude themselves.
I have covered four executions incorporating death
sentences carried out both in Mississippi’s old gas READERS’ POLL
chamber and in the state’s present lethal injection Log onto meridianstar.com to participate in our latest readers’ poll:
chamber. By any method, watching a condemned man Would you be willing to pay more in taxes if it would help the county deal with the courthouse issue?
strapped down and killed by the State of Mississippi is a
sobering experience – and not one whit like the experi- Yes
ence portrayed in the movies. No
House Bill 638 is the reaction to litigation filed chal-
lenging the “cruel and unusual punishment” aspects
of lethal injection. Most of those legal challenges were
filed as a delaying tactic to thwart the imposition of the Our Saturday poll asked, “Do you think you’re vulnerable to a scam?
death penalty.
For good or ill, state legislatures are pushing back Yes: 25 percent
hard against those challenges with this type of legisla- No: 58 percent
tion. The propriety of maintaining the death penalty at Not sure: 17 percent
all is by no means part of the current discussion.

Sid Salter is a syndicated columnist. Contact him sid-


salter@sidsalter.com.
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Friday, February 17, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
REGION TOURNEY OUTDOORS
Clarkdale stumbles Murphy, Temple top
to Bay Springs states’ best anglers
PAGE B1 PAGE A8

County may hire consultant for courthouse project


By Randall Hammons TJCMFSFMPDBUJPO‫ڀ‬ )FTTGPSBOZBDRVJTJUJPOPSTFMMJOH IPXUPSFNFEZJUw OFFEFE
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.BMMTJUFPOOE"WFOVF DPVOUZ EVSJOH5IVSTEBZTXPSLTFTTJPO CFGPSFPSBOPMEHBTTUBUJPOBOE 4VQFSWJTPS8BZNBO/FXFMMTVH QBSUCFDBVTFPGDPODFSOTBCPVU
TVQFSWJTPSTBSFMPPLJOHBUIJSJOH i8FBSFHPJOHJOUPBQSPGFT BOZUIJOHUIFSFUIBUDPVMEIBSN HFTUJOHBTLJOH11.UPFTUJNBUF
BDPOTVMUBOUUPIFMQXJUIUIFQPT See COURTHOUSE, page A2
TJPOBMTFSWJDFTBHSFFNFOUXJUI UIFFOWJSPONFOU TVDIBTPJM BOE IPXNBOZFNQMPZFFTXPVMECF

Jeannie’s Place Southeast


named ‘Storm-
Ready’ school
By Cheryl Owens
cowens@themeridianstar.com

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Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star ‫ڀ‬
Jeannie’s Place will expand access for children with disabilities at Planet Playground. #JMM1BSLFS NFUFPSPMPHJTUJODIBSHF
Inset:Jeannie Null was joined by city of Meridian officials, including Mayor Percy Bland, as plans for Jeannie’s Place at Planet XJUIUIF/BUJPOBM8FBUIFS4FSWJDFJO
Playground were unveiled Thursday. (Submitted photo) +BDLTPO TBJE,FFOFXPSLFEEJMJHFOUMZ
XJUIUIF/84POUIFEFTJHOBUJPO
Planet Playground expanding access for children with disabilities i0OFPGUIFUIJOHTXFMPPLGPSJTDBO
UIFZSFDFJWFXFBUIFSJOGPSNBUJPOGSPN
By Randall Hammons .FSJEJBO‫ڀ‬ DFTTJCMFUPDIJMESFOXJUIEJTBCJMJUJFTBOE UIF/84 BOEDBOUIFZEJTTFNJOBUFJU
rhammons@themeridianstar.com 5IFJOTQJSBUJPOGPSUIFQSPKFDU SFDFOUMZDMPTFECZUIFDJUZ5IFGBDJMJUZ UPUIFUFBDIFSTBOEUIFTUVEFOUTXFMM
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%SBXJOHTPGUIFOFXGBDJMJUZ  TNJMFBTUIFSFOEFSJOHTXFSFQSFTFOUFEUP +BTPO/VMM XIPDPOUBDUFEUIFDJUZBCPVU UIFZSFDFJWFXFBUIFSJOGPSNBUJPOGSPN
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BQSFTTDPOGFSFODFBU%VNPOU1MB[BJO JOUPBTUBUFPGEJTSFQBJSBOEXBTJOBD See PLAYGROUND, page A2 See SOUTHEAST, page A3

Students think about future careers


By Dave Bohrer SFBMJ[FJUTOFWFSUPPFBSMZUPTUBSUUIJOLJOHBCPVUDPMMFHF w
dbohrer@themeridianstar.com MJCSBSJBO#FUIBOZ(BSSFUUTBJE‫ڀ‬i*UT0,GPSUIFNUPTUBSU
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DPBDIFEGPPUCBMM UBVHIUDMBTTFT QMBZFENVTJD ESPWF PGUIFUBCMFTUIBUMJOFEUIFXBMMTBOEUIFDFOUFSPGUIF
USBDUPSUSBJMFST QMBZFENVTJD QVUPVUGJSFTBOEXPSLFE BVEJUPSJVN5IVSTEBZ BMUIPVHIKFUQJMPUTBOEGJSFGJHIUFST Dave Bohrer / The Meridian Star

See CAREER DAY, page A3 U.S. Navy CDR John Eveges, a pilot instructor at Naval
JOUIFNBOZPUIFSCVTJOFTTFT TFSWJDFTBOEBHFODJFTUIBU Air Station Meridian, talks about his job Thursday morning
NBLFVQBDPNNVOJUZ with Poplar Springs Elementary students, from left, Karma
i8FIBEBCPVUUPQFPQMFDPNFJOGSPNPVS See a video of this event at Green, Stephen Boler and Sullivan Reed. Lt. Tom Sharp
DPNNVOJUZUPHJWFUIFNUIFJSUJNFBOEMFUUIFNBTL www.meridianstar.com. of the Royal Navy, one of Eveges’ students, listens in the
UIFNRVFTUJPOTBCPVUUIFJSKPCTBOEXIBUJUFOUBJMTBOE background.
HBJONPSFJOGPSNBUJPO CFDBVTFXFXBOUPVSTUVEFOUTUP

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A10
Today
High: 70º
Tonight
Low: 49º
Classified ......... B5-B8
Comics.................. B4
INDEX

Deaths .................. A4
National News .. A4,A9
Opinion ................. A6
Records ................ A7
3 things to do today
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www.meridianstar.com BU-ZOXPPE%SJWF  $MBTTXJOOFSTBU3PTT$PM CZ-BVEFSEBMF$PVOUZ
Horoscope ............ A7 Sports .............. B1-B3
5BOHMFXPPE&TUBUFT MJOT$BSFFSBOE5FDIOJDBM 5PVSJTN#VSFBV
Local News ...... A1-A3 World News......... A10 $FOUFSBUBN

Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 41 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar

120000059502233
A2 LOCAL/STATE THE MERIDIAN STAR
Friday, February 17, 2017

Expert: Mississippi Attorney questions police


economy remains behind shooting victim’s paternity
national average
$0-6.#64 "1
‰ in 2015. Boykin, who is wrongful death lawsuit
An attorney defending a white, faces manslaughter brought on behalf of Mar-
former Columbus police charges in addition to two tin’s daughter.
officer against a wrongful civil suits. Both civil suits raise
death lawsuit questions 3FZOPMETTBJE.BSUJO similar complaints against
working or actively looking 2015. Webb said the state whether the plaintiff is isn’t shown as Ball’s father Boykin, former offi-
By EMILY WAGSTER actually the father of the on Ball’s birth certificate cers Garrett Mittan and
PETTUS for a job. The national economy grew by 0.5
average was nearly 63 per- percent in 2015 and per- deceased. and questioned whether he Yolanda Young, current
The Associated Press In a motion filed has standing to sue. Martin, officer Johnny Branch,
cent. Webb said only West formed well during the
Virginia, at 53 percent, had first nine months 2016 but Tuesday in federal court in claiming to be Ball’s father, former Columbus Police
+"$,40/ "1
‰ Aberdeen, the Commer- filed the suit last October. Chief Tony Carleton, the
a worse rate than Missis- was bumpy in the final
Mississippi’s economy is DJBM%JTQBUDI IUUQCJU *OBOJOUFSWJFX 3FZO- city of Columbus and 10
sippi. three months.
growing at a modest pace MZMP%9'[
SFQPSUFEUIBU olds said Martin could have unidentified police officers.
The only demographic Tax collections have
but continues to lag behind BUUPSOFZ+FGGSFZ3FZOPMET taken several steps, such as The suits accuse the
group in Mississippi fallen short of expectations
the national average, an TUBUFEUIBU3JDLZ.BSUJOT obtaining an order of pater- officers of failing to activate
with a workforce partic- during the state budget
expert told lawmakers SFMBUJPOTIJQUP3JDLZ#BMMJT nity from a court, before their body cameras and
ipation rate higher than year that started in July,
Thursday. unproven. Ball’s death to establish that dishonestly reporting the
the national average was BOE3FQVCMJDBO(PW1IJM
State economist Darrin Former officer Canyon he is Ball’s father. However, events surrounding the
women aged 35 to 44. Bryant has had to make
Webb said Mississippi pre- Boykin has said he shot he said that’s no longer an case. They also accuse the
Mississippi’s popula- two rounds of spending
sented a report packed with Ball after the 26-year-old option because Ball is dead. city of failing to properly
tion is also growing more cuts.
statistics . It showed Missis- appeared to point a gun at The lawyer said he also fund and train the police
slowly than that of the Bryant, who was not at
sippi was one of eight states Boykin during a foot chase wants dismissed a second force.
nation or the Southeast. the economic briefing, told
that with a lower employ-
“People tend to go reporters later Thursday
ment rate in December

3 workers arrested in
where the economic that he doesn’t know
2016 than in December
opportunities are,” Webb whether he will have to
2007, the starting point of
said. make more cuts.
UIF(SFBU3FDFTTJPO
Mississippi’s strongest “If it appears that we

thefts from UPS center


“Since 2000, we’ve
burst of growth in recent will not have sufficient
struggled to gain
years was in 2008, when revenues coming in, I will
momentum,” Webb said
the economy expanded make sufficient cuts to
of Mississippi’s non-farm
4.1 percent. It contracted balance the budget or draw
employment. (6-'1035 "1
‰1PMJDFTBZUISFF ZFBSPME%FTIVO)BXUIPSOF‰XFSF
4.1 percent in 2009. The upon the rainy day fund,”
The state had the sec- XPSLFSTIBWFCFFOBSSFTUFEPOFNCF[[MF- arrested and jailed Tuesday. Bromen says
state has not experienced Bryant said. “That’s a
ond-lowest workforce par- ment charges in the theft of commercial all three of the suspects were UPS line
two consecutive years simple act of the executive
ticipation rate in the nation packages from a United Parcel Services workers.
of growth since 2008, branch here, and if we have
in 2016. Only 56 percent center in south Mississippi. A judge initially set each of their bonds
according to numbers to do that again, we’ll have
of Mississippi residents Gulfport Police Sgt. Joshua Bromen at $30,000, but Yost’s bond was reduced to
that were current through to do it.”
who are 16 are older were says managers of the UPS Customer $10,000 at her initial court appearance.
Center reported the thefts to investigators. The Sun Heraldeports that a UPS
5IFTVTQFDUT‰ZFBSPME,FJUI representative couldn’t immediately be
WWW.MERIDIANSTAR.COM Johnson, 30-year-old Heather Yost and reached for comment.

PLAYGROUND from page A1


special needs. 
“I am so excited and happy,” Jeannie gushed when asked
what her name being attached to the park meant to her.
“Mommy worked so hard to get this done.”
+VMJF/VMMTBJEUIFGBDJMJUZJTTPSFMZOFFEFE
“I think this is a long time coming for Meridian. We need
a place where all children with a disability or not can play
UPHFUIFS w+VMJF/VMMTBJEi4IFTOFWFSCFFOBCMFUPQMBZBUB
playground because the surfacing is not feasible for wheel-
chairs or for anybody with a physical limitation.”
+FBOOJF/VMMIBTVTFEBXIFFMDIBJSTJODFTIFXBT IPX-
ever she can walk with assistance. She has undergone five
surgeries, one of which caused paralysis on her right side.
Jeannie’s Place at Planet Playground will be a community
program, meaning the community is requested to donate to
the project and volunteers will construct the facility.
“We’re ready to start this community mission with
+FBOOJF/VMMBOEUIFDJUZJTQSPVEUPCFBQBSUPGJU5IJT
young girl went out raising money for the playground and
we’re here because of your work,” Meridian Mayor Percy
#MBOETBJEHFTUVSJOHUPXBSE+FBOOJF/VMM
Ward 1 Councilman Dr. George Thomas said the project,
which is in his ward, has been in the works for two years. He
said $50,000 has been raised so far toward the facility.
“We need all of you folks to all show up when we get
ready to build this thing,” Thomas said. “It will be a play-
ground where all children can play together. When we get it
done, we can all be proud of what we’ve done.”
Meridian Junior Auxiliary Provisional Class member
Casey Hendricks said her group is raising money to buy
equipment for the playground. 
“We will buy a merry-go-round so wheelchairs can roll
Dave Bohrer / The Meridian Star
on it. We love this piece of equipment, becauae everybody
The old Village Fair Mall site, off 22nd Avenue in Meridian, is being considered as a location for a new Lau- can play on it,” Hendricks said.
derdale County Courthouse. The city of Meridian will maintain the refurbished park.
“The difference when Planet Playground was built in
1999 and this new park is that this structure will be con-
COURTHOUSE from page A1 structed from industrial-grade plastic and the design will
incorporate local community identifiers, such as Union Sta-
UJPOBOEUIF+JNNJF3PEHFSTUSBJO w.FSJEJBO$IJFG"ENJO-
contamination. The of $30.9 million. The current the board did not vote on construction of the building.” JTUSBUJWF0GGJDFS3JDIJF.D"MJTUFSTBJEi5IFQMBZHSPVOEXJMM
federal government defines jail is not included in the contracting with Hess, but In other business, super- also be reincorporated with hand tiles with children’s names
brownfield sites as ‘aban- plan; supervisors are expected to visors opened bids for HVAC on them.
doned, idled or underused t.PWJOHBMMDPVOUZCVTJ- take up the issue at their next system modification at the Donations for the playground can be sent to the Planet
industrial and commercial ness to the old Village Fair meeting Monday.  Lauderdale County Depart- Playground Fund at PO Box 865 Meridian, MS 39302–0865.  
properties where expansion Mall site at a projected price Also Thursday, the board ment of Human Services.
or redevelopment is com- of $43.65 million; discussed a $37,500 quote Meridian’s McLain Plumbing
plicated by real or perceived t.PWJOHBMMDPVOUZCVTJ- GSPN5PPNTVCBT+%3 & Heating bid $305,000,
environmental contamina-
tion.’ “
“Of course, we have the
ness to the Village Fair Mall
and selling lots around the
site for private development
Enterprises Inc. concerning
the paving and striping
project for Meridian Com-
while Leakesville’s Universal
Services submitted a bid of
$322,000.
Business
Village Fair Mall in mind,
but it’s not just the Village
Fair Mall but anything
at a projected price of $46.75
million.
PPM has offices in
munity College Workforce
Development Center. 
“The county is paying for
Lauderdale County Tax
"TTFTTPS+BNFT3BJOFZ
reminded supervisors that
Is
we may do,” Todd said
Thursday. “He will be our
Jackson. Hess is a 1986
graduate of Meridian High
all the cracks to be sealed in
the whole parking lot and
his office will be open on Sat-
urday, Feb. 25 and Saturday, RUFF!
go-to guy for anything in School. striped,” Todd said. “We April 1 from 8 a.m.-noon
the future. We want him to Because Thursday’s had to wait to do it until both days so people can file
You need advertising
look at all the documents meeting was a work session, Meridian got through with for Homestead Exemption.  solutions that deliver!
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MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Thursday, June 15, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
MUELLER PROBE POWER HOUR
Trump under investigation District 4 erupts with
for possible obstruction 15 runs for win
PAGE A5 PAGE B1

Judges, attorneys say courthouse ‘a safety issue’


By Whitney Downard with the cramped and aging Lau- courthouse.
wdownard@themeridianstar.com derdale County Courthouse and the Aside from the need for more
current board needs to take action, a space, the flooding that ruined Paula Merritt /
File Photo
Though allergies, dust and falling group of lawyers and judges told the Young’s photos in her office and
Workers at the
ceiling tiles threaten all courthouse Meridian Rotary Club Wednesday.  the technical problems with elec-
Lauderdale County Court and trical outlets the women, joined Lauderdale County
workers, judges and district attor- Courthouse deal
neys have another concern: physical Juvenile Court Judge Veldore by attorney Will Parker, brought
with cramped
safety. Young and Lauderdale County attention to the need for a better
offices.
For decades, generation after Assistant District Attorney Lisa way to protect both the public and
generation of county supervisors Howell both spoke to the club, courthouse workers.
have known about the problems detailing their work lives in the See COURTHOUSE, page A3

State community
FROM THE QUEEN CITY
colleges make cuts
TO to staff, sports
THE WINDY CITY By Jeff Amy
The Associated Press
JACKSON (AP) — Community colleges across
Mississippi are eliminating nearly 250 jobs for the
upcoming year to close budget gaps, and five are
dropping at least one intercollegiate sport.
The moves come as the 15 community col-
leges increase tuition by an average of 13 percent,
mostly because state funding has fallen. Average
tuition and fees will rise to $3,104 annually, up
from $2,748 this year.
Community College Board Executive Director
Andrea Mayfield said Tuesday in a statement that
81 people will be laid off, while 122 jobs will be
See COLLEGES, page A4

Associated Press | J. Scott Applewhite


Republican team manager Rep. Joe Barton,
R-Texas, right, accompanied by Democrat
team manager Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Pa.,
discuss the shooting incident at a Congres-
sional baseball practice in Alexandria, Va.
Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
Tymikka Williams, station agent at Meridian Regional Airport, holds a passenger’s ticket for Chicago.
Since the airport started offering the non-stop service to Chicago, 343 passengers have used it.
Rifle-wielding
Meridian to Chicago air service takes off attacker wounds
By Whitney Downard
wdownard@themeridianstar.com
flight for work.
“We work overseas,” Weir said.
“And I really hope they keep this
Wednesday. 
On March 7, the airport
announced it would be adding the
GOP leader
Whether traveling for work, grad- flight.” new service on June 2. Between June
uations or a short visit, passengers For Weir, the later Chicago flight 2 and June 13, 343 passengers trav- By ERICA WERNER and CHAD DAY
boarding Wednesday’s Chicago flight meant he could stay home just a eled to Chicago from Meridian and The Associated Press
from the Meridian Regional Airport few hours longer instead of flying to 316 passengers traveled from Chicago ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) — A rifle-wielding
were enthusiastic about the new Dallas-Ft. Worth, Meridian’s other to Meridian, according to Tom Wil- attacker opened fire on Republican lawmakers
travel option. service option, around 8 a.m. liams, the president of the Meridian as they practiced for a charity baseball game
“It’s really been exciting,” Marjorie “It can only be good for Meridian. Regional Airport Authority.  Wednesday, critically wounding House GOP
Alexander said. “I’m really excited to I hope they get even more hubs and The airport offers roundtrip, non- Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana and hitting aides
be able to go to my grandson’s (high more options out of Meridian,” Weir stop flights daily to Dallas-Ft. Worth and Capitol police as congressmen and others
school) graduation.” said. and Chicago. Meridian shares this dove for cover. The assailant, who had nursed
Alexander, with family in Chi- The airport has offered the non- service with the Hattiesburg-Laurel grievances against President Donald Trump and
cago, said she visits frequently to see stop flights to and from Chicago Regional Airport, meaning passen- the GOP, fought a running gun battle with police
family. for less than two weeks. Around 25 gers traveling to and from Chicago before he, too, was shot and later died.
Other passengers, such as Derek people waited to board the plane on
Weir and Josh Alexander, used the See FLIGHTS, page A3 See CONGRESSMAN, page A2

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A10
Today
High: 87º
Tonight
Low: 71º
Classified ......... B5-B8
Comics.................. A8
INDEX
National News .. A5-A6
Opinion ................. A9
3 things to do today
• Blood Drive at Mitchell
Distributing Warehouse from
• Myrtle the Turtle for
grades K-12th at the Meridi-
• See guitar prodigy
Quinn Sullivan on stage at
Deaths .................. A4 Records ................ A7 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Donors will be an-Lauderdale County Public the MSU Riley Center at 7:30
www.meridianstar.com registered to win a Dodge Ram Library from 3-4 p.m. p.m. Tickets $22, $16.
Horoscope ............ A7 Sports .............. B1-B4
1500 Big Horn 4X4. Donors
Local News ...... A1-A4 World News......... A10 will also receive a t-shirt.

Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 142 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
120000059506301
THE MERIDIAN STAR
Thursday, June 15, 2017 LOCAL A3

FLIGHTS from page A1


MCC MEDIA TECH PROGRAM
RECEIVES GIFT
via Hattiesburg-Laurel stop in flew out in 2015.
Meridian both ways.  “We’ve had some folks with
“Meridian is filling, on average, family in Chicago that are using it
55 percent of the airplane,” Wil- and are excited to be able to visit
liams said. “We’re doing 55 percent nonstop. We’ve had some folks
on our own and I’m very pleased going to Wisconsin and Michigan
with that.” that connect in Chicago and this is
Williams said the response from just a perfect hub for them,” Wil-
the community about the new ser- liams said.
vice has been positive. One of those families, the
“The public, in general, seems to Windhams, drove from Iowa to
be excited about it. The passenger Chicago and flew into Meridian to
loads for this early in the new ser- visit grandparents in Bay Springs.
vice have been good,” Williams “I didn’t even know they had
said.  flights,” Jeff Windham, the father,
“I don’t know that there are said. “I was looking for flights from
any guidelines on what to expect Jackson, where we usually fly from,
at a certain period of time. I don’t and this popped up. It was cheaper
know if this is ahead or behind the and more convenient.”
curve but we feel like it’s pretty Windham, traveling with his
good.” children Grace, 11, and Carter, 7,
Williams said service to Dal- flew in Saturday to visit his parents
las-Ft. Worth grew stronger over and said he would use the flight
time and he said proving Merid- service again.
ian’s Chicago service would help “As long as it stays available,
justify continued growth with Sky and for this price, I’ll keep using
West, an American Airlines-affil- it,” Windham said. 
iated carrier that operates flights Meanwhile, Williams said that
through Meridian’s airport. Meridian could only keep this ser-
The 50-seat CRJ 200 jet from vice with the public’s support.
Chicago departs at 3:50 p.m., “It is very unusual for an air-
Submitted photo arriving in Chicago by 5:48 p.m. port our size to have this kind
Representatives of the MCC Foundation and The Radio People gathered at Hardin The return flight leaves Chicago at of service, this good service. So
Hall on the campus of Meridian Community College Wednesday for the presentation 6:04 p.m. and arrives in Meridian many airports our size have lost
of a check worth $1,600. The check was presented to the MCC Foundation with the at 8:16 p.m. all of their service,” Williams
intention to help future students entering the Media Production Technology program The Meridian Regional Airport said. “Every passenger makes a
offered by the college. From left are: Scott Elliott, Barbara Jones, Shannon Coleman, saw 16,574 passengers fly out of difference. We need the support of
Kathy Brookshire, Bryan Holiday, Scott Stevens, Susan Taylor and Joseph Knight. the facility in 2016, a slight increase the community and we do our best
from the 16,296 passengers who to earn that support.”

COURTHOUSE from page A1


While inmates are a bench only 10 feet from past the inmates before him down and found a ladder to escape her third- Board of Supervisors and
shackled and guarded the office of Circuit Court trials or hearings, some- loaded gun that had made floor office in the case of a recognized their efforts
at the courthouse, the Judge Lester Williamson Jr. thing that puts them at it past security. fire, since her other option to make things happen
cramped space means Young, Howell and other risk. “There are three access would be to jump. But, by contracting architect
they must be lined up on courthouse workers walk Often, Howell said, points on the first floor,” she said, others told her Belinda Stewart for plans
feelings in the courtroom Young said. “One deputy not to open the windows and touring the court-
can get heated, especially can’t cover everybody. in the courthouse because house-turned museum in
when cases don’t go the There should be metal they could fall out of their Oxford, Miss.
way defendants planned. detectors at every door.” frames – which once hap- “They are not to blame
“If you’re taking some- Parker, close to the pened to a juror in the for this issue. However, it
one’s child or their home beginning of the presenta- grand jury room. is their responsibility to
that’s enough to drive a tion, discussed the number “It’s downright embar- deal with it,” Parker said. 
2000 24th Ave. good person bad,” Howell of indictments the county rassing when I fill in for Supervisors have
601-693-0033 said.  handled. another judge and see acknowled the problems
Fast, Friendly Service. Young recalled a time In the 1930s, the last their courtroom,” Young and for months have been
& Our Customers always comeFirst she worked on a protec-
tion order between a wife
time the county approved
a major renovation and
said. “Even more so when
they come here and I have
studying possible solu-
tions. Belinda Stewart, of
120000594906069

Hickory Family Pharmacy JEWELRY • PHOTO FRAMES


and her husband. He got added the top three floors, to show them our court- Belinda Stewart Architects,
18205 Hwy 80 • MELISSA AND DOUG TOYS angry and Young threat- the county handled less room.” from Eupora, delivered a
601-646-0015 • WATKINS PRODUCTS ened to charge him with than 100 indictments, In 1905, when the 66-page study to the board
contempt. A deputy patted according to research from county built the court- in December, recom-
retired judge Larry Rob- house, Lauderdale County mending potential solu-
erts.  had a population of tions, including: 
HHealthy
eall t h y made
madd e easy with
wii t h your SNAP
S N A P card.
cardd . Today, Howell esti-
mated that the county han-
approximately 14,500. Cur-
rently, the population of
• Adding on to the
courthouse and renovating
dled around 2,000 indict- Lauderdale County hovers the Courthouse Annex at a

Save big on fresh fruits ments annually.


“It’s not the way you
operate a courthouse,
closer to 80,000, Parker
said.
“It’s serving many more
price of $37.95 million;
• Not adding on to the
existing courthouse but

and vegetables. especially not with the


number of indictments
that we have,” Parker said.
residents than it ever was
meant to,” Parker said. 
Young, Howell, Parker
renovating the annex and
removing the existing jail
at a price of $37.27 million;
“You would not want your and other attorneys with • Renovating the court-
family member working in the Lauderdale County house and adding on and
that place.” Courthouse committee selling the annex at a price
Howell said she’d stressed that this problem of $30.9 million. The cur-
considered buying a rope predated the current rent jail is not included in
the plan;

+ = • Moving all county


business to the old Village
Fair Mall site at a projected
price of $43.65 million;
MERIDIAN • Moving all county
business to the Village
MATTRESS Fair Mall and selling lots
F A C T O R Y around the site for private
Spend up to $20 on SNAP eligible food. WE SPECIALIZE IN VALUE! development at a projected

601-693-3875
price of $46.75 million.
Get up to $20 more FREE. Howell repeatedly said
Wednesday that attorneys
The Fresh Savings program is 200 26th Ave. South • Meridian • M-F 8am-5pm and courthouse workers
available seasonally at these locations: www.mermat.com 120000143306047
chose their professions and
chose to be in the court-
house. 

HEAR
MATHIS PEACHES AND PHILADELPHIA FRESH “But we also force the
PRODUCE – HWY 45 SOUTH MARKET community to come in
there (for jury duty, etc.)
287 CR 482 (Hwy 45 South) 256 W. Beacon St. and take the chance that

Joe Pags
7 days a week 8am-6pm 2nd and 3rd Saturday of the ceiling will fall on
each month 6am-noon you,” Howell said. “It’s our
choice. For citizens, it’s not
MATHIS PEACHES AND PINE BELT COMMUNITY their choice.”
PRODUCE – CRICKET RD. Chief Justice of the Mis-
FARMERS MARKET AT THE sissippi Supreme Court,
6495 Cricket Road/Hwy 19th N. DOWNTOWN HATTIESBURG William Waller, Jr., once
Mondays-Saturdays 8am-6pm FARMERS MARKET called the Lauderdale
Townsquare Park, Buschman St. County Courthouse the
“Worst courthouse in
MATHIS PEACHES AND Thursdays 3pm-6pm the state.” The attorneys
PRODUCE – C STREET present agreed. 
PINE BELT COMMUNITY “It’s not just for the
2605 C St.
FARMERS MARKET lawyers,” Charles Wright,
Mondays-Saturdays 8am-6pm local attorney and member
IN HATTIESBURG
of the committee, said
714 Williams St. from the crowd. “It’s the
NESHOBA COUNTY Tuesdays 3pm-5pm people’s courthouse.”
FARMERS MARKET
704 East Main St., Philadelphia PINE BELT COMMUNITY
Tuesdays, Thursdays and FARMERS MARKET
IN LAUREL FIND IT ON THE WEB
Saturdays 6am-8am
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Wednesdays 10am-noon
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Locations subject to change. Please visit www.aarpfoundation.org/freshsavings for updates.


This offer is subject to change and only available at select locations. A Burke Broadcasting Station
www.meridianstar.com
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Thursday, July 6, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
RECONCILIATION WEEK CHANGE UP
10th annual celebration Baty steps away from
begins Friday softball to focus on school
PAGE A2 PAGE B1

‘We are the Queen City’

File photo
Lauderdale County Courthouse.

County looks to
move forward with
courthouse project
By Jim Brock
jbrock@themeridianstar.com

“Moving forward” continues to be the mantra


of the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors,
as further discussion concerning the aging county
courthouse resumed on Wednesday.
Photos by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star “I think that we as a board need to take
Judge Robbie Jones swears in Percy Bland as he takes the oath of office for a second time as the mayor aggressive steps and move forward,” said District
of Meridian Wednesday at the Temple Theatre. Bland’s wife, Deidre, holds the Bible. 2 Supervisor Wayman Newell.
Options for the courthouse include renovation
Mayor, city council sworn in during upbeat ceremony and add-ons for the existing building and reloca-
tion to another site.
According to a Lauderdale County grand jury
report released last week, immediate needs include
By Whitney Downard upgrades to the ventilation system, removal of
wdownard@themeridianstar.com mold and creating more sufficient emergency exits. 
“The conditions of the courthouse are unaccept-
Meridian Mayor Percy Bland and the new city council
able for employees and citizens,” the grand jury
opened their new term with live music and energetic
report stated.
speeches Wednesday morning, demonstrating an enthu-
The report also said courthouse employees
siasm for all they hope to accomplish in the next four
should be relocated to a healthier and safer
years. 
working environment until a final decision is
“The six of us, we have to do this together with your
made.
help, with your input, and with your eyes and ears,” Kim
Houston said, addressing the crowd. “(We) can only do See COURTHOUSE, page A2
so much, but it takes the people of Meridian to make it
all that it can be.
“We are the Queen City.”
Houston, the representative for Ward 4, with her Audrey Dixon gets the crowd on their feet as she
four fellow council members and Bland took an oath of
office at the Temple Theatre. The event featured spiritual
performances from Felicia Clay Boyd, Krista McKenzie,
delivers a powerful song during the inauguration of
Mayor Percy Bland and the city council members. Months later, no
decision on state
Cassandra Hall and Audrey Dixon that brought many of Johnson, Fannie Johnson and Lindemann are starting
the crowd to their feet. their first terms. 
Members of the city council include George Thomas, “To those that voted for me, I thank you,” Fannie

online tax plan


Ward 1; Tyrone Johnson, Ward 2; Fannie Johnson, Johnson said. “I will serve you with the strength of a
Ward 3; Houston, Ward 4; and Weston Lindemann, soldier, the love of a mother and the understanding of a
Ward 5. Thomas has been on the council since the 1985
and Houston is starting her second term, while Tyrone See SWEARING IN, page A2
By JEFF AMY
The Associated Press

JACKSON (AP) — Months after Mississippi’s


top tax official proposed requiring large online
Veterans groups despair Medicaid cuts, urge Senate to scuttle plan sellers to collect taxes on internet sales, he still
hasn’t enacted the rule.
By Kery Murakami insurance coverage from the Depart- them not to pass the Republican health Revenue Commissioner Herb Frierson is still
CNHI Washington Reporter ment of Veterans Affairs. care bill that would also put millions of considering the proposal, spokeswoman Kathy
Those that don’t qualify have other Americans at risk if Medicaid is Waterbury said Wednesday.
WASHINGTON – The battle over either served less than two years or scaled back. “The reason the rule remains under consid-
the future of Medicaid in the Repub- have non-military related injuries, Conservatives arguing for Medicaid eration is that we’re working on getting it right,”
lican effort to repeal and replace the according to the Congressional cuts contend the rate of spending Waterbury told The Associated Press.
Affordable Care Act has given little Research Service. Still others qualify growth is unsustainable; that if it isn’t Frierson has acknowledged that the rule would
attention to how reduced funding will but rely on private insurance for sup- reined in, the program will imperil directly challenge U.S. Supreme Court rulings
affect military veterans. plemental coverage or because they the millions of poor people, including forbidding states from requiring tax collections by
Veterans groups are now speaking live in rural areas far from the nearest children, who rely on it. companies without in-state locations. He has said
out, saying rolling back financial sup- VA hospital. The Senate Republican bill would the move aims to spark court reconsideration of
port for Medicaid, the health insur- In addition, about 660,000 spouses reduce federal spending to the 31 past rulings. Alabama, Tennessee, South Dakota,
ance program for the low-income and of veterans get health coverage states and District of Columbia that Massachusetts, Vermont and Wyoming have all
vulnerable, could put at risk the 1.7 through Medicaid, according to an expanded Medicaid under the Afford- pursued challenges against the 1992 U.S. Supreme
million veterans receiving Medicaid estimate by Families USA, a pro-Af- able Care Act to cover adults whose Court decision that rejected tax collection by
benefits. fordable Care Act group, based on income is just above the poverty line. retailers with no in-state presence.
Contrary to popular belief, they Census figures. It would also reduce the growth of The rule could have been enacted as early as
report, less than half of America’s Paralyzed Veterans for America
veterans, about 43 percent, get health See VETERANS, page A3 See TAXES, page A2
wrote to senators last week urging

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A8
Today
High: 92º
Tonight
Low: 74º
Classified ......... B5-B8
Comics.................. A7
Deaths .................. A4
INDEX
National News ....... A3
Opinion ................. A5
Records ................ A6
3 things to do today
• Mississippi Blood Ser-
vices will hold a community
• Snow Cone Day for all
ages at the Meridian-Lau-
• Souls-A-Thon Revival
continues at Meridian Holi-
www.meridianstar.com blood drive at McAlister’s derdale County Public ness Deliverance Church at
Horoscope ............ A6 Sports .............. B1-B4
Deli 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Library at 3 p.m. 7 p.m.
Local News ...... A1-A3 World News........... A8

Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 160 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar

120000059507313
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Thursday, July 6, 2017

Reconciliation Week activities start Friday


By Victoria Hosey focuses on healing the racial backgrounds together. Miller encouraging.”
vhosey@themeridianstar.com divide, begins Friday, July lost her father Rev. Charles Schedule of Events
7, and ends Wednesday, J. Miller in the shooting, and • Friday: Mayor’s Prayer
It’s been 14 years since July 12. This year’s theme is has worked to continue his Breakfast at city hall, fea-
Douglas Williams walked “empowering community legacy through both Recon- turing Mission Mississippi
into a diversity seminar at through reconciliation.” ciliation Week, and the Rev. President Neddie Winters,
the Lockheed-Martin plant in “I think it’s something Charlie J. Miller Foundation, 7 a.m.
Meridian and shot 14 of his very needed here,” said the a charity she helped to found • Saturday: Reconcilia-
coworkers, fatally wounding Rev. Christopher Von Cock- in his name. tion Run, led by Queen City
six of them, before commit- rell, who lost his brother, “We really want to get the Cruisers to Forest Lawn
ting suicide. Samuel, in the shooting word out about reconcilia- Cemetery, 10 a.m.
And while the memory “There needs to a stronger tion week,” Miller said. “This • Sunday: Pastors encour-
of the tragedy may fade as effort across the board to is a time where we can really aged to lead congregations in
years go by, the weight of make sure Meridian stays emphasize progress as we prayer.
the shooting, and the social integrated… We need a remember our loved ones in • Monday: Free lemonade
issues it brought to light, diverse community in order File photo a positive light. This is a way and music at Dumont Plaza,
remain fresh to the families to move forward.” William Miles, his wife, Keisha, and daughter, Kyra, of keeping their spirits alive. 10:30 a.m. -noon.
of those affected on that A different event will take perform during Reconciliation Week Celebration at When I think about my dad • Wednesday: Rev.
summer day in 2003. place each day of Reconcilia- Dumont Plaza in Meridian in 2015. and the good things he con- Charlie J. Miller Memorial
This week marks the tion Week, with the celebra- tributed to our community… Luncheon at Union Station,
10th annual Reconciliation tion beginning Friday at City Queen City Cruisers, as well week in 2008 after Stacey to see all of that evaporate featuring pastor of First Pres-
Week Celebration, a yearly Hall with the Mayor’s Prayer as free lemonade and music Miller, chairwoman of the once he’s gone, to me would byterian Church Dr. Rhett
event that promotes social Breakfast, beginning at 7 at Dumont Plaza. Reconciliation Committee, be the greater loss. But to Payne as speaker, 11:45 a.m.
understanding and unity to a.m. Other events include a Originally a one-day cel- observed a need in the com- have people respond with Breakfast and luncheon
honor those who died in the “reconciliation run” to Forest ebration and memorial, the munity for an opportunity love and concern around tickets are available at the
shooting. Lawn Cemetery, led by the event was expanded to a full to bring people of various this event, to me this is very Nave Allstate Agency.
The celebration, which

SWEARING IN from page A1


friend.” patient with us until we get to their needs block the appointment. The confirmation One of the three new council members,
Following the oaths, Bland asked the as well.”  of these appointees appears on the coun- Lindemann acknowledged the depth of
crowd to stand and take their own oath of Bland said that improvements in enter- cil’s agenda for their first meeting at 9 a.m. knowledge he and his fellow council mem-
office. tainment options, such as the Mississippi Thursday, July 6. bers needed to adapt to their new council
“We are not going to sit at the sidelines. Arts and Entertainment Experience, and “I want to build on the progress and roles.
We are going to be active and engaged in our safety would remain priorities as he con- momentum that we have in our of our “We’ve learned what are their percep-
communities,” Bland said, leading the crowd. tinued to work for all citizens. departments with their projects,” Bland said tions and we’re taking their advice,” Lin-
“I am committed today to do my part.” “Because we are a winning city. We have about reappointing the same department demann said about the department heads.
Bland said after the ceremony that he a new energy and a new pride,” Bland said. heads. “It’s a learning curve no matter what.”
wanted residents to understand their role “(We’ll) make Meridian a great city, the Partridge said he’d spoken to all the city Though the new council will tackle the
in making Meridian a better place along- best city and the number one city in the council members by phone but that Linde- confirmation first, their biggest obstacle
side local government, law enforcement, state of Mississippi.” mann made a special, in-person visit dedi- will be setting the budget for the upcoming
public education and businesses.  One of the first duties of the council will cated to learning about dilapidated housing. fiscal year. 
“It’s not just up to government,” Bland be the confirmation of department heads: “I think it’s great, open communica- “We’ve been able to study, call and ask
said. “I wanted people to connect the dots Richie McAlister as chief administrative tion... They (the council) want to ask ques- questions,” Fannie Johnson said. “This
between what we do in government.” officer; David Whitaker as chief finan- tions about projects and what’s going on,” is a bigger budget than I’m used to and
Bland also asked for understanding and cial officer and city clerk; Hugh Smith as Partridge said. “I told (Lindemann) how we probably more important because it affects
patience, ensuring that all wards would public works director; Bunky Partridge as address things, the process we go through. everyone... I’m not saying that anything
receive equal attention but that pressing cir- community development director; Benny We have a certain procedure with housing. about becoming a city councilor is going to
cumstances might force the city to consider Dubose as police chief; Anthony Clayton Unfortunately, we can’t just go in there.” be easy but I’m willing to do the work.”
other wards first. as fire chief; Kelvin McGruder as parks and Lindemann remained committed to Besides Thursday’s council meeting,
“We might have to address something in recreation director; and Buck Roberts as addressing housing issues in Ward 5, his the Reconciliation Committee will host the
Ward 2 because it’s more pressing,” Bland public safety and training director.  district, but also wanted to dedicate energy Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday,
said, adding that limited funds meant issues The mayor appoints all of these posi- to city-wide projects that could benefit all July 7 at City Hall. The event is open to the
had to be handled one at a time. “Just be tions and the city council can confirm and residents – such as bringing more jobs.  public. 

COURTHOUSE from page A1 STAY CONNECTED


During last week’s work session, Bill Stewart, of Belinda Stewart Architects, facebook.com/meridianstar
Yates of Yates Construction, who has from Eupora, for $75,000 to study court-
expertise in courthouse renovation and house options. She delivered a 66-page
restoration, offered to create a proposal study to the board in December, recom-
at no cost to the county. He is expected mending potential solutions.
to present the proposal at the next work The board on Wednesday also approved
session. a resolution authorizing a maintenance and
“I think we would be willing to do this service contract for a heating and air condi-
analysis you’re talking about really fast,” tioning system at the courthouse with The
Yates said. Service Company for one year. Newell said
At Wednesday’s regular board meeting, although the system is needed, it is ulti-
District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Wells said mately “money down the hole” while the
he was “very impressed” with Yates’ pre- board still considers courthouse options.
sentation. He then told the board that he In other action, the board approved:
was ready to move forward and hire Merid- • The transfer of $30,210 from Bond
ian-based architect Bob Luke, who was also Fund 3383 to Volunteer Fire Fund 106 to
at last Thursday’s work session. reimburse for the purchase of fire equip-
“[Yates] is going to keep whoever we ment
hire in check with cost management,” • The transfer of $50,670.84 from the
Wells said. General Fund 001 to E911 Fund 097 for the
But board attorney Lee Thaggard
advised the board that a professional ser-
county’s share of lease purchase payments
in FY2017
SEMI-ANNUAL
vices agreement must be in place before • The use of $1,000 for the advertisement
Luke can be hired. of county resources with the Mississippi
Last year, the county contracted Belinda Association of Gang Investigators
CLOTHING
TAXES from page A1
SALE
50 %
March, following a February filled out their state income
hearing where opponents tax forms. Mississippi law-
questioned whether Frierson makers this year failed to
had the power to make a rule write parallel language into
contradicting federal law. state law after Lt. Gov. Tate

OFF
“It’s still sort of in limbo,” Reeves blocked the legisla- *
said John Fletcher, a tax tion, saying it was unconsti-
lawyer who has questioned tutional.
the rule. “I’m just assuming Still, Waterbury said
they’re still considering about 20 other retailers
whether to move forward besides Seattle-based
with it and how to do it.” Amazon had signed up to
On Feb. 1, Amazon.com collect taxes voluntarily for
started collecting use taxes Mississippi. She said she
voluntarily in Mississippi, an couldn’t disclose their names
amount that could be worth because of taxpayer privacy See us for all your
$15 million to $30 million a laws. Waterbury said offi- Beads and Bead Supplies too!
year. That came weeks after cials weren’t immediately Fashions & Fabrics
the Revenue Department able to estimate how much 466 E. Beacon St. • Philadelphia, MS 39350
proposed a rule requiring money the voluntary collec- Mary & Anita Winstead, Owners
every retailer with more tors had paid to Mississippi. (601) 656-6122
than $250,000 in yearly sales 120000360806558

to collect taxes on behalf of


Mississippi.
Right now, individuals
and companies that make
purchases from out-of-state
sellers are required to pay
the 7 percent use tax, which
parallels the sales tax that
in-state retailers are sup- *Nominal fee for alterations.
Limited to stock on-hand.
posed to collect. Officials
said in February that Missis-
sippi could be missing out
on as much as $100 million
or $150 million a year in
revenue.
While businesses often
pay for purchases, individ-
uals typically do not. The
department said in February Selection varies by size and store. Call 1-800-345-5273
that consumers paid only
$250,000 in 2016 when they
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Friday, June 23, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
STATE GAMES MISS MISSISSIPPI
Stickball event attracts Locals compete
crowd to Choctaw Central HS in Vicksburg
PAGE B1 PAGE A3

Senate GOP
‘IN NEED OF REPAIR’ unveils
‘Obamacare’
overhaul
WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Republicans
launched their plan for shriveling Barack Obama’s
health care law Thursday, edging a step closer to
their dream of repeal with a bill that would slice
and reshape Medicaid for the poor, relax rules on
insurers and end tax increases on higher earners
that have helped finance expanded coverage for
millions.
Four conservative GOP senators quickly
announced initial opposition to the measure and
others were evasive, raising the specter of a jarring
rejection by the Republican-controlled body. But
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.,
indicated he was open to discussion and seemed
determined to muscle the measure through his
chamber next week.
Release of the 142-page proposal ended the
long wait for one of the most closely guarded bills
in years. McConnell stitched it together behind

Jim Brock / The Meridian Star


See Overhaul, page A2
Lauderdale County District 1 Supervisor Jonathan Wells, left, shows Gov. Phil Bryant the condition of the
county courthouse on Thursday. The governor was in town for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a local busi-

Federal appeals
ness earlier in the day.

Governor Bryant weighs in on courthouse court upholds


conditions during brief tour
By Jim Brock
state’s ‘religious
freedom’ law
jbrock@themeridianstar.com

G
ov. Phil Bryant on support Meridian in their down-
Thursday called the con- town effort. But this courthouse
dition of the Lauderdale is a symbol to the people that By Larrison Campbell
County Courthouse serve and live here in Lauderdale Mississippi Today
“concerning” after a brief tour of County, and I hope we can find
the building. a way to help them.” It obviously is in desperate The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed
The governor stopped by the The governor said some need of repair. The occupancy a lower federal court’s decision to strike down
courthouse after participating funding could come from House Bill 1523, allowing the law to take effect.
in a local business’ ribbon cut- the Mississipi Department of
has certainly outgrown it… Writing on behalf of himself and Judges Cath-
ting earlier in the day. Archives and History or the U.S. People of Lauderdale County arina Haynes and Jennifer Elrod, Judge Jerry E.
“You’ve got judges who Department of Justice. need to understand we’re going Smith dismissed last summer’s U.S. District Court
are trying to hold trials and Lauderdale County District verdict, ruling that the original plaintiffs chal-
plaster falling,” Bryant said. “It 1 Supervisor Jonathan Wells,
to have to as a state and as lenging House Bill 1523 lacked standing.
obviously is in desperate need who joined the governor on a county support Meridian in “Under this current record, the plaintiffs have
of repair. The occupancy has the courthouse tour, said the not shown an injury-in-fact caused by HB 1523
their downtown effort. that would empower the district court or this court
certainly outgrown it…People meeting was “productive.”
of Lauderdale County need to “We want him to know that to rule on its constitutionality. We do not foreclose
understand we’re going to have
— Gov. Phil Bryant the possibility that a future plaintiff may be able to
to as a state and as a county See Tour, page A3 show clear injury-in-fact … but the federal courts
See Law, page A2

IN NESHOBA COUNTY
Brantley returning to familiar ground as superintendent of education
By Michael Neary School and, trict after two years of service district after the recent passing of He said that throughout his
mneary@themeridianstar.com beginning there. He succeeds Joe Killens, state legislation requiring all Mis- career, in Neshoba County and
on July 1, the who is retiring, in Neshoba sissippi school districts to appoint, beyond, he’s served as principal
For Lundy Brantley, returning new super- County. rather than to elect, superinten- for every grade except sixth grade.
to the familiar ground of Neshoba intendent of “It was a tough decision to dents. Such experience seeps into a
County created a powerful incen- the Neshoba leave Union,” Brantley said. “It’s a Brantley, who earned a doc- superintendent’s responsibilities,
tive in his decision to apply for County School great place.” torate in school administration especially when working with
the position of superintendent of District. Brantley, who has served in from Mississippi State University, other principals.
education.  Brantley, many educational positions, was has already spent nine years of his “I can sympathize and empa-
“The opportunity to go back 41, will leave Brantley
appointed the superintendent of professional career in the Neshoba thize with every one of them,” he
and lead your home school district his post as the schools by the Neshoba County County School District, including said.
is very enticing,” said Brantley, a superintendent Board of Education. He is the first two years as elementary school
of the Union Public School Dis- superintendent appointed in the principal. See Brantley, page A2
graduate of Neshoba Central High

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A10
Today
High: 86º
Tonight
Low: 73º
Classified .......... B5-B8
Comics.................... B4
INDEX

Deaths .................... A4
Opinion ................... A6

Outdoors ................. A8

Records .................. A7
3 things to do today
• Opening of “Play On!” at
the Roxy Theatre in Newton,
• Shape Note Singing
Workshop in Decatur at
• Today is National Pink Day
– celebrate by wearing pink
www.meridianstar.com Horoscope .............. A7
7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for Macedonia Primitive Baptist or enjoying food or bever-
Sports ............... B1-B3
Local News ....... A1-A3 adults and $5 for children 12 Church from 6-8:30 p.m. ages that are pink.
National News ...A4, A5 World News.....A9, A10 and under.

Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 149 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
120000059506306
THE MERIDIAN STAR
Friday, June 23, 2017 LOCAL A3

LOCAL WOMEN COMPETE IN MISS MISSISSIPPI PAGEANT Bonita Lakes to be closed Monday
Five women from Meridian and Philadelphia are competing this week in the Miss Mississippi Pageant, which
morning for maintenance
began Wednesday evening in Vicksburg. Local contenders include Anna McDaniel, Arielle Marie Dale and Mia Bonita Lakes will be closed from 5 a.m. until noon for
Hall, of Meridian, and Macen’z Smith and Miriam Grace Seale, of Philadelphia. In addition, Collinsville native and maintenance on Monday, June 26.  
Meridian Community College alumnus Telvin Lewis, a former American Idol contestant, is performing at the pag- Contact the Public Works Department at 601-485-1975
eant, which concludes Saturday night. for more information.

Cindy weakens but


still stirs weather
over wide swath
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A suspected tornado near Bir-
mingham, Alabama, flattened businesses and injured one
person Thursday, while the mayor of a coastal Louisiana
town urged residents to evacuate ahead of a rising tide — two
lingering effects of a weakening Tropical Depression Cindy
that was fueling harsh weather across the Southeast.
The walls of a liquor store and an oil-change service in
Fairfield, west of Birmingham, collapsed in the apparent
twister. A fast-food restaurant also was among the damaged
businesses. Dean Argo, a spokesman for the Alabama Alco-
holic Beverage Control Board said one employee of the liquor
store was hurt.
Meteorologist Jason Holmes of the National Weather
Service said trees were down and buildings were reported
damaged along the Interstate 20 corridor on the western
outskirts of Birmingham, Alabama’s most populous city. The
weather service had issued tornado warnings earlier for the
Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Coast was still suffering from the
effects of Cindy, a former tropical storm in the Gulf of
Photos by Chris Todd Photo / Special to The Star
Mexico that crawled ashore early Thursday near the Louisi-
See a photo gallery at Vocalist Telvin Lewis (second row, third from left), originally of Collinsville, ana-Texas state line. Downgraded to a tropical depression,
www.meridianstar.com. sings during a production number on Wednesday, June 21, 2017, the first Cindy weakened as it crossed Louisiana toward Arkansas but
of three nights of preliminary competition in the Miss Mississippi Pageant a broad circulation around the system swept moist Gulf air
at the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Miss. over the South, fueling severe weather and pushing up coastal
tides.
In the low-lying Louisiana town of Lafitte, south of New
Orleans, Mayor Tim Kerner urged residents in and around
the town to seek higher ground because of rising water.
“The tide’s rolling in. It’s getting to a dangerous level,”
Kerner said. Streets and yards in the town were covered
and Kerner worried that homes, even those in parts of town
protected by levees, might be flooded. “I’m hoping not,” he
added.
“Certainly it’s not been as bad as we feared. That’s the
good news, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in Baton
Rouge. “The bad news is it’s not over yet.”
As a slow-moving tropical storm that formed Tuesday
in the Gulf, Cindy was blamed for one death: a 10-year-old
boy, Nolan McCabe of St. Louis, Missouri, was vacationing
with his family on the Alabama coast when he was hit by a
log washed in by a large wave. Cindy also caused widespread
coastal highway and street flooding and several short-lived
Miss Neshoba County Miss William Carey Uni- Miss Belle of the Bayou Miss Rolling Hills Mack- tornadoes, but no other deaths.
Fair Miriam Grace Seale versity Anna McDaniel of Arrielle Marie Dale of en’z Smith of Phila- In Louisiana, Edwards said two fishermen reported
of Philadelphia com- Meridian sings during the Meridian competes delphia competes in missing in a coastal area were located and rescued Thursday.
petes in the evening wear preliminary competition in lifestyle/swimwear lifestyle/swimwear on A day earlier off Texas, the U.S. Coast Guard helped the four-
competition Wednesday in the Miss Mississippi Wednesday, the first of Wednesday, the first of member crew of a shrimp trawler limp to shore at Freeport
during the Miss Missis- Pageant at the Vicksburg three nights of preliminary three nights of preliminary after the crew radioed in distress amid fears of sinking.
sippi Pageant in Vicks- Convention Center in competition in the Miss competition in the Miss
burg. Vicksburg Wednesday. Mississippi Pageant at Mississippi Pageant at
the Vicksburg Convention the Vicksburg Convention
Center in Vicksburg. Center in Vicksburg.

Richmond mayor: Keep Confederate


statues, but add historical context
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The their time — a false narrative etched statues are prominent fixtures on
towering Confederate monuments in stone and bronze more than 100 Monument Avenue, a wide thorough-
in Virginia’s capital city shouldn’t be years ago — not only to lionize the fare lined with churches and historic
taken down, but instead should be architects and defenders of slavery, mansions considered by many to be
supplemented with historical context but to perpetuate the tyranny and the city’s most prestigious address
about why they were built, Rich- terror of Jim Crow and reassert a new and one of the nation’s loveliest Jim Brock / The Meridian Star
mond’s mayor said Thursday. era of white supremacy,” the mayor thoroughfares. Likenesses of Confed- Lauderdale County District 1 Supervisor Jonathan
“Whether we like it or not, they said. erate generals Robert E. Lee, Thomas Wells, left, shows Gov. Phil Bryant the condition of
are part of our history of this city, and Stoney’s announcement comes as “Stonewall” Jackson, J.E.B. Stuart, the Ulmer Building on Thursday.
removal would never wash away that many cities across the South engage President Jefferson Davis and ocean-

TOUR from page A1


stain,” Mayor Levar Stoney said. in bitter debates over Confederate ographer Matthew Maury are perched
Instead, a commission of his- symbols, prompted in part by the on large stone pedestals.
torians, authors and community 2015 shooting of nine black worship- Stoney, who is African-Amer-
leaders will solicit public input and pers at a Charleston, South Carolina, ican, took office in December as
make suggestions about how to “set church by an avowed white suprem- the youngest mayor ever elected in we’re trying to work in courthouse and renovating
the historical record straight” on the acist. Opponents say the monuments Richmond. Before that, he worked for conjunction with Archives the Courthouse Annex at a
monuments in the former capital of are offensive relics of the region’s Gov. Terry McAuliffe as Secretary of and History,” Wells said. price of $37.95 million;
the Confederacy, he announced at a racist past, while supporters call them the Commonwealth, a cabinet posi- “We might need his help • Not adding on to the
news conference. a part of history that should be pre- tion with duties including processing down the road on things existing courthouse but
“Equal parts myth and deception, served. the restoration of voting and civil like grants and things such renovating the annex and
they were the ‘alternative facts’ of Richmond’s five Confederate rights for felons. as that.” removing the existing jail
Wells said the next step at a price of $37.27 mil-
in the process is a June lion;

Are You 27 meeting with “pres-


ervation experts” from
Archives and History. 
• Renovating the court-
house and adding on and
selling the annex at a price
Getting Ready “We’re trying to find
some traction to get the
of $30.9 million. The cur-
rent jail is not included in

To Retire?
ball rolling, so we feel like the plan;
after that meeting next • Moving all county
week we’ll be able to do business to the old Vil-
that,” he said. “This is lage Fair Mall site at a
You can trust the knowledge of a number-one for us, but it projected price of $43.65
Retirement Income Certified Professional.® is a process.” million;
For a free consultation call Harold Harris, RICP. County Administrator • Moving all county
Chris Lafferty said the tour business to the Village
The American College created the RICP to prepare was a good way to show Fair Mall and selling lots
financial advisers to help customers aim to make their nest citizens that county gov- around the site for private
eggs last and have greater confidence during a retirement ernment is working to fix development at a projected
that could be decades long. It focuses on topics like how the situation. price of $46.75 million.
to convert your savings into steady retirement income, “A lot of people think Wells said he person-
choosing when to claim Social Security and company it’s not a priority for ally favors keeping the
retirement benefits, addressing health and long-term care the Lauderdale County courthouse in its current
and more. leadership, but when the location rather than relo-
Harold Harris, RICP
See us for your governor comes to look at cating across town.
Laser it — that’s a priority,” Laf- “I think as time has
First Vice President
at Trustmark Financial Services
Engraving ferty said. passed, time has just
Currently, the board showed us the right place
LPL Financial of supervisors is studying to go would be down-
hharris@trustmark.com possible solutions. Belinda town,” Wells said. “But
Plaques • Trophies • Models • Awards Stewart, of Belinda Stewart I’m saying that as Jona-
120000781111026

601-693-9778
Architects, from Eupora, than Wells, not on behalf
4900 Poplar Springs Dr. • Meridian delivered a 66-page study of the board.”
to the board in December,
(601) 483-5595 recommending potential Staff Writer Whitney
solutions, including:  Downard contributed to
• Adding on to the this report.
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Tuesday, July 18, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
POLITICS YOUTH BASEBALL
Senate delays vote on Phil Hardin 15U team
healthcare overhaul headed to regional
PAGE A4 PAGE B1

Father charged with County hires Yates


as construction

murder of child manager for


courthouse
By Jim Brock
jbrock@themeridianstar.com
The Lauderdale County Board of Supervi-
sors now have a partner to help solve the problems
with its deteriorating courthouse, but work won’t
begin for at least a few months.
The Board of Supervisors on Monday voted
unanimously at its regular meeting to hire Yates
Construction as its construction manager, and the
next step is choosing the most viable solution.
Monday’s vote authorized a construction
manager agreement for “phase-one tasks,” which
would include potential renovation of the court-
house, potential construction of an addition to
the building and acquisition and/or renovation of
other buildings and properties for use as a court-
house or an additional annex. Yates’ fee is not to
exceed $60,000 for this agreement.
See COURTHOUSE, page A2

Whitney Downard / The Meridian Star


Joshua Salovich enters the courtroom for his preliminary hearing in the death of three-year-old Bailey
Salovich.

Police: Failed math lesson and soiled pants


led to beating death of 3-year-old The Lauderdale County Board of Supervi-
File Photo

sors hired Yates Construction on Monday to


By Whitney Downard hospital notified law enforcement U-shaped marks on her legs and but- advise them on finding a solution to the aging
wdownard@themeridianstar.com of Bailey’s suspicious injuries and tocks as well as a head wound, Boyd courthouse building.
police interviewed both Salovich and said. 
Meridian police told the city court Bailey’s mother, Boyd said.  Boyd said, according to Salovich,
Monday that a failed math lesson Bailey was flown to Jackson for he was teaching Bailey her numbers.
and soiled pants led to the beating
death of a 3-year-old child over the
weekend.
treatment but she died by Saturday
evening. Her cause of death has
not been determined but the local
“She apparently did not want
to participate and get the correct
numbers,” Boyd said. “He said he
Meridian school
Meridian Police Detective Kevin
Boyd told the court that Joshua A.
Salovich, 25, of Davidson Road,
hospital told police that the toddler
suffered brain bleeding, a possibly
detached retina and her lungs were
would pop her with his hands on her
butt and legs when she got a wrong
answer... (he said he) backhanded her
officials announce
early release schedule
Meridian, said, “It was all his fault,” filled with blood.  several times in the stomach because
following the death of his 3-year-old Bailey had a swollen, red she kept getting it wrong.”
daughter, Bailey Salovich. abdomen, bruises and welts on her
On Friday afternoon, a local legs, lacerations on her buttocks, See DEATH, page A2
By Michael Neary
mneary@themeridianstar.com

Drive-by shooting an act of gang retaliation With an eye toward helping teachers and other
staff members stay informed about changing
educational policies and standards, the Meridian
Public School District has crafted an early release
By Whitney Downard House’s Playground for Jesus, where
wdownard@themeridianstar.com some Black Disciples (or BD for short) schedule for the coming school year. The board
from a rival gang would be. gave the go-ahead for the plan earlier this year.
The shooting, around 7:30 p.m. that Superintendent Amy Carter announced, at
A drive-by shooting near the the district’s board of education meeting Monday
Highway Village Apartments earlier Thursday, occurred with children and
bystanders present, police said.  evening, that a specific plan had been developed.
this month was an act of gang retal- The arrangement means that students will end
iation that wounded four innocent Because Williams was behind the
driver, he told Ball he shot over the roof their school day before the
bystanders at a birthday party, police regular stopping time once a
said.  and aimed into the sky, rather than
shooting directly into the crowd, Ball week, leaving time for teachers
During the preliminary hearing and other staff members to
Monday in Meridian City Court for said. 
Williams also told Ball that Tubbs conduct collaborative planning
Michael Williams, 14, of Meridian, sessions.
police described the events of July and Lewis, while leaving, shot at a white
car with three passengers as they left the “Previously our teachers
6 when four men were injured in a spent late evenings (away)
drive-by shooting at the Wesley House’s scene, Ball said. 
After police released his photo fol- from their families planning
Playground for Jesus on 8th Avenue.  and preparing for the …
Meridian Police Officer Anthony lowing the incident, Williams’ turned
himself into police and police charged school year,” Carter said at Amy Carter
Ball told the court that Williams stated Whitney Downard / The Meridian Star Monday’s board meeting, held
that Kudarrius (D. Tubbs) and Ced- Michael Williams, accompanied by him with three counts of conspiracy, at the Meridian High School
mondray (Lewis) picked him up and Meridian Police Detective Kevin three counts of drive-by shooting and
three counts of attempted murder.  Multi-Purpose Building. “We saw this as an
gave him a gun, telling him that they Boyd, enters the Meridian City opportunity to give them additional time to plan
were seeking retaliation for a gunshot courtroom Monday for his hearing Williams’ public defender, Joseph
and prepare as it relates to standards.”
wound one of them had suffered earlier.  related to a quadruple shooting ear- Denson, argued that Williams should For elementary school students, early release
A driver, who faces no charges lier this month. not face conspiracy charges because,
per the testimony of Williams, Williams will take place at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesdays, rather
and has not been named, drove Wil- than the regular 2:45 p.m., said Charlotte Young,
liams, Tubbs and Lewis to their homes Ball, part of the Meridian Police never discussed the shooting before-
Department’s Gang Unit, said Tubbs hand.  assistant superintendent of student services, in
for supplies, such as an AK-15 or an interview outside of the board meeting. For
‘Chopper’ for Tubbs, according to Ball’s and Lewis wanted to shoot at a crowd
recounting of Williams’ statement. celebrating a birthday at the Wesley See SHOOTING, page A2 See SCHEDULE, page A2

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A8
Today
High: 91º
Tonight
Low: 72º
Comics.................. A7
Crossword ............ A7
INDEX
Classified .............. B4 National News ....... A4

Opinion ................. A5

Records ................ A6
3 things to do today
• Parkinson Support
Group meets at 10 a.m. at
• Stuff the Van with school
supplies at Bedford Care
• Certificate Ceremony
for Summer reading at
www.meridianstar.com Deaths .................. A4
Sports ................... B1 Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Center in Marion to help the Meridian-Lauderdale
Horoscope ............ A6 Church. Fellowship and local students, 2-4 p.m. County Public Library at
Local News ........... A2 World News........... A8 refreshments. 3 p.m.
Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 170 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Tuesday, July 18, 2017

SCHEDULE from page A1 ECCC, MSU among


‘Great Colleges
middle and high school we need to do that for pro- other staff members, as well. school district and Greater
students, early release will fessional development and “Policies are changing Meridian Health Clinic.
occur at 2:15 p.m., also on overall district cohesiveness. every year, and we want to The agreement entails the
Wednesdays, rather than at I’m sure the community will make sure that our librar- providing of “medical and
3:35 p.m.
Carter said early release
“has been a request of our
get behind that.”
Houston noted that the
plan revives a practice that
ians, counselors, all of our
staff have that common
planning time,” Young said.
dental services for the stu-
dents in the Meridian Public
School District.” The agree-
to Work For’
principals and teachers for the district had conducted “It’s an opportunity for ment opens up the oppor- Staff Reports small, medium, and large
years.” She added, too, that in the past. principals to plan with their tunity to place health clinics institutions, with East Cen-
principals have met with “The board supports staff, also.” throughout the school East Central Commu- tral Community College
“after-school partners,” or our teachers and adminis- Young said various district, staffed by Greater nity College in Decatur was included among the small
organizations such as the trators,” he added. “We’re administrators — including Meridian Health Clinic, as named one of the best col- institutions with 2,999 stu-
Boys & Girls Club that offer striving not so much for a John Taylor, assistant super- Superintendent Carter and leges in the nation to work dents or fewer.
after-school programs, to grade but for student suc- intendent of curriculum Wilbert L. Jones explained for, for the second straight East Central was recog-
alert them of the change. cess. The school grades are and instruction — will assist earlier in the summer. year, in an annual survey of nized in the categories of
Parents, she said, were noti- important, but we want to with the planning. Last year, Jones is the Chief Executive more than 45,000 college Compensation and Bene-
fied in May that the change make sure we’re supporting Young said, teachers and Officer of Greater Meridian and university employees fits, for pay that is fair and
would be coming. our staff and administrators. staff members stayed after Health Clinic. by The Chronicle of Higher benefits that meet the needs
She said the sessions will That’s our goal.” hours about once every Carter said the first Education. The college of employees; Confidence
be carefully structured, with Young said the weekly month to conduct planning. school-based clinic may was among 79 institutions in Senior Leadership, for
some based in school build- professional development open this fall in a mobile named. leaders who have the neces-
ings and some conducted times will give teachers a In other business unit next to T.J. Harris The Chronicle, a top sary knowledge, skills, and
district-wide. chance to conduct planning Upper Elementary School. trade publication for colleges experience for institutional
“I think it’s great,” sessions together, incorpo- The school board The proposed agreement and universities, released success; and Work/Life Bal-
said Board President rating new state standards as approved an agreement — now goes before Greater online Monday its 10th ance, for policies that give
Gary Houston during the they devise lessons. She said listed as part of the consent Meridian Health Clinic’s annual report on The Aca- employees the flexibility to
meeting. “I certainly think planning time will involve agenda — between the Board of Directors.  demic Workplace, including manage their personal lives.
its list of the 2017 Great “To be recognized two
DEATH from page A1 Colleges to Work For. The
report will also be published
years in a row as a great place
to work by one of the most
in The Chronicle’s Academic recognized publications in
According to testimony, Salovich told Boyd said.  Bailey’s mother, who cried with Workplace Special Issue to higher education is just a
Boyd and Detective Thomas Abate that When he learned about Bailey’s death, family through most of the preliminary be released July 23. remarkable accomplishment
Bailey soiled herself and, after Salovich Boyd said Salovich “got upset. What he hearing, collapsed after the hearing and ECCC was one of three for East Central Community
removed her clothing, she soiled herself stated was, ‘I killed my child. I killed my was taken to a local hospital by Metro community colleges in Mis- College,” said ECCC Presi-
again. child.’ “ Ambulance.  sissippi and one of 22 two- dent Billy Stewart in a pre-
According to Salovich, he grabbed a According to Abate’s reading of Police Chief Benny Dubose said after year schools in the nation to pared statement. “The credit
lash – a rod of bamboo – and hit Bailey Salovich’s statement, when they ques- the hearing that this was the first time law be honored this year by The for this honor goes to our
until the lash broke. Then he grabbed tioned Salovich about the discipline and enforcement had encountered Salovich Chronicle. hard-working and dedicated
a heavy-duty phone charging cord, learning numbers he said, “The streets or Bailey.  Six two-year or four-year faculty, staff, and admin-
according to Boyd.  are hard... for her to survive she has to be “I know that there are individuals colleges and universities istration, and to all those
Boyd said the detectives asked hard, too.” who may lose their temper or become in the state received recog- who support our college in
Salovich how hard he had hit Bailey with The court charged Salovich, of frustrated,” Dubose said. “But that is no nition. Those universities so many ways, including
the last and cord on a 1-to-10 scale. Davidson Road, with capital murder and excuse, in my opinion, for this sort of included Mississippi State our Board of Trustees, the
“And he said, ‘10,’ with no hesitation,” denied bond.  action against a child.”  University, which has a five counties we serve, our
campus in Meridian. alumni, and our elected

COURTHOUSE from page A1 Results are reported for officials.”

Services would include


assisting in the procurement
SHOOTING from page A1
of architects; assessing the
courthouse feasibility study, “There were four people in the car,” Denson said.
operations, unknown vari- “The driver had more to do with conspiring than my
ables and constraints; and defendant.”
assisting the architect with Conspiracy, Denson said, occurred when people
a “high-level courthouse agreed to commit a crime but Williams never verbally
program,” which would agreed.
include selecting a location, Ball disagreed.
a budget, phasing and a “He agreed to the conspiracy when he shot out that
master schedule. window,” Ball said.
Concerns such as The defender also said Williams shot into the air and
parking, jail relocation and no evidence contradicts that claim. Because of this, Wil-
property redevelopment liams should not be charged with attempted murder but
would also be addressed. a lesser charge. 
Yates would also give “It’s not attempted murder (if he shot in the air)
recommendations on the because there was no intent,” Denson said. “It would be
temporary relocation of murder by way of recklessness.” 
courthouse staff to loca- Ball said the driver had stated that, despite the driv-
tions such as the old federal er’s pushback, Tubbs and Lewis insisted and said ‘No,
courthouse and the annex we’re going to kill someone today.’ “
building. Lastly, Yates None of the victims shot were part of the BD gang,
would provide recommen- Ball testified. 
dations for direction with Ball added that the fourth victim had not been identi-
the project. fied to him before he filed the affidavit, hence why there
While the board is still Dave Bohrer / The Meridian Star were only three charges.
studying the options, Dis- The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors hired Yates Construction on The court disagreed with the defense’s motions and
trict 1 Supervisor Jonathan Monday to advise them on finding a solution to the aging courthouse building, charged Williams with all nine counts but reduced his
Wells has said he favors upper right. Use of the county annex building, left, and jail, foreground, have also bond from $270,000 to $150,000 or $20,000 for each
keeping the courthouse been part of the discussion. attempted murder and drive-by shooting charge and
operations in the existing $10,000 for each conspiracy charge.
building. in December 2016. The to move workers out of the especially judges. The grand After the hearing, Williams’ mother, Mary Williams,
“During the process, study cost about $85,000. courthouse and address jury recommended that briefly spoke about previous gang encounters.
we’re going to be developing Stewart’s recommenda- safety issues. the judges have a private “Our house has been shot up 16 times. I could have
where to put the workers,” tions include the following Its latest report states, entrance to be inaccessible been killed,” Mary Williams said.
Wells said. “We could use potential solutions:  “The Board of Supervi- to inmates.  Williams said she thought the Meridian Police
the old federal building, • Adding on to the court- sors need to be making Last month, Gov. Phil Department should have investigated those reported
annex or do a hybrid of all house and renovating the every effort to acquire the Bryant called the condition shootings more seriously.
that. And once we break courthouse annex at a price finances needed for a new of the Lauderdale County “We did not deserve to be targeted. It’s gang activity.
ground, we can move people of $37.95 million; courthouse.” Courthouse “concerning” They target the families to continue the cycle of vio-
into that. I see the original • Not adding on to the Existing issues include after an impromptu tour of lence,” Williams said.
courthouse being one of existing courthouse but an antiquated ventilation the building. Tubbs, 20, and Lewis, 19, both waived their right to
the last things that gets fin- renovating the annex and system, mold problems “You’ve got judges who a preliminary hearing and accepted a bond of $270,000
ished.” removing the existing jail at and insufficient emergency are trying to hold trials last week.
District 2 Supervisor a price of $37.27 million; exits. and plaster falling,” Bryant
Wayman Newell said this is • Renovating the court- While many reports have said. “It obviously is in des-
just a first step, and he wants house and adding on and noted the pressing need for perate need of repair. The
the public to understand selling the annex at a price upgrades, this report also occupancy has certainly
that the project will cost of $30.9 million. The cur- said courthouse employees outgrown it…People of
much more than $60,000. rent jail is not included in need to be relocated to a Lauderdale County need to
“I think it’s well worth the plan; healthier and safer working understand we’re going to
the cost,” Newell said. • Moving all county busi- environment. have to as a state and as a
County Administrator ness to the old Village Fair “The conditions of the county support Meridian in
Chris Lafferty said Yates Mall site at a projected price courthouse are unacceptable their downtown effort. But
was the only construction of $43.65 million; for employees and citizens,” this courthouse is a symbol
company considered for the • Moving all county the report states. to the people that serve
project, “because nobody business to the mall and The report also notes the and live here in Lauderdale
can do what Yates can do.” selling lots around the site need for improved safety County, and I hope we can
This decision comes for private development at and security for employees, find a way to help them.”
several months after a feasi- a projected price of $46.75
“Running an advertising
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MERIDIAN STAR
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17, 2017

Your Star, Your World


September
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Sunday, September 17, 2017 Since 1898 $2.00

TASTE OF MERIDIAN
INSIDE BAanNd D Chef Robert St. John to headline
TODAY CHEER Meridian Home & Style event
PAGE B1
STAR
MERIDIAN
THE

LAUDERDALE COUNTY

DECAYING AND DELAYED


Many opinions, no quick solutions for courthouse
By Jim Brock
jbrock@themeridianstar.com

More than a century old,


in desperate need of repairs,
the 30,000-square-foot Lauderdale
County Courthouse has been a topic
of debate since renovation was first
discussed 40 years ago. 
Well-documented issues such as
an antiquated ventilation system,
black mold, insufficient emergency
exits, paint and plaster peeling from
the walls and ceilings, exposed
wires, bolted windows in the grand
jury room and offensive odors
in the county
courtroom have
been studied and
studied again,
but they have yet
to be physically
addressed.
Mean-
while, county
employees con-
tinue to work
in the building, Chris Lafferty
and likely will for
months, while
elected officials wait for new recom-
mendations and deliberate.
Currently, the Lauderdale
County Board of Supervisors is
working with construction manager
W.G. Yates & Sons Construction
and Bob Luke of LPK Architects
P.A., the latest commissioned to
find solutions.
“The only thing to do is to fix
it,” Board President and District 3
Supervisor Josh Todd said. “This File Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star

needs to last through my grandkids. The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors continue to wait for further recommendations before moving forward on a
So we need to shut it down, gut it solution to the decaying Lauderdale County Courthouse. Most now favor a plan that would save the old building, in the


and completely rebuild it from the foreground, but also use the federal post office building, in the background, for county offices.
inside out — we’re going to have
to.”
The board is considering options INSIDE
including remodeling the existing ... So we need to shut it down, gut
courthouse and adding extra space
or relocating courthouse operations • A3: 40 years of study it and completely rebuild it from the
to another location, according to and recommendations inside out — we’re going to have to.
Lauderdale County Administrator
Chris Lafferty. • A8: Safety demands
Faced with estimates of at temporary home for — District 3 Supervisor Josh Todd
See COURTHOUSE, page A2 courthouse workers

Prospective foster parents prepare for next step


Michael Neary /
The Meridian Star
By Michael Neary “Family children — they’ve who’d like to support them.
Jamie Walley, mneary@themeridianstar.com been living with us for years,” The Ridgeland-based non-
director of church she said. “Now they are all adults. profit organization 200 Million
“Empty nest syndrome,” Some are married. In college. So Flowers is partnering with the
relations and Leticia Horton said.
training for 200 there’s no one home.” Mississippi Commission on Chil-
That, she said, is what brought The Hortons were among dren’s Justice and the Mississippi
Million Flowers, led her, along with her husband,
Tuesday’s Rescue about 20 people who came to an Department of Child Protection
Henry Horton, to an orientation orientation for prospective foster Services, along with churches
100 orientation for on Tuesday for prospective foster parents Tuesday evening at the
prospective foster throughout the state, to conduct
parents. Leticia Horton said Lauderdale County Courthouse the initiative, according to a news
parents — and for she and her husband have been
people who sup- in Meridian. The orientation release.
helping out with the raising of was part of a faith-based, Chris- An orientation such as Tues-
port them — at the children in the family for a long
Lauderdale County tian-focused initiative called day’s is required for people who
time, but now those children have “Rescue 100” to find prospective
Courthouse in
Meridian.
grown. foster parents, along with people See FOSTER PARENTS, page A2

INDEX
Classified ............................... B5-B8
Crossword .....................................B2
Deaths.............................................A4
Horoscope .....................................A9
Local News ........................... A1-A4
3 things to do today
• Revival services at First
Baptist Church in Marion,
• Simmons Chapel M.B.
Church in Collinsville
• Today is Wife Appre-
ciation Day – Let your
WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A10
Today
High: 88º
Tonight
Low: 69º

Meridian 360º ......................Inside 5711 Clinton St. - 11 a.m. Church Anniversary with wife know how much you
and 6 p.m. Dr. John Temple Pastor Obediah Clemons appreciate the things they www.meridianstar.com
National News ....................A5, A6
speaker. at 2 p.m. do all year long.
Opinion...........................................A8 Vol. 119 • No. 223
910 Hwy 19 N. • Meridian
Sports .......................................C1-C4 Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
601-483-8241 World News..........................A7, A10 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
Copyright 2017

Term II Classes begin Oct. 11


Register now • www.meridiancc.edu 120000044209038
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, September 17, 2017

FOSTER PARENTS from page A1


wish to attend a Rescue emphasized the need for Tuesday. “The goal of the been caring. reflections on the hymn, People interested in
100 Training Weekend service on a variety of levels. state of Mississippi … is to Walley noted that adop- “Amazing Grace.” more information about the
from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1 at “Not everyone who reunify that child with his tion is a possibility when “We receive amazing next two Rescue 100 orien-
the MSU Riley Center in comes through our orienta- or her family.” foster children are taken in grace, but sometimes we’re tations, or who want to reg-
Meridian. The weekend tions is called to bring chil- Walley also stressed the — but he returned several not as good at extending ister, can go to rescue100.
provides consolidated dren into your home,” he importance of support for times to the importance of amazing grace,” he said. org.
training to become a cer- said. “But for the Christ fol- people seeking to serve as a working to reunite children “The children in the state of People seeking more
tified foster parent, but it lower, there’s no loophole foster family. with their families. Mississippi who are in crisis general information about
meets the same require- when it comes to orphan “You cannot be a suc- “You’re cooperating today and their biological helping with foster care in
ments, officials say. care.” cessful foster family if with reunification whether families who are hurting, Mississippi can call 1-800-
Rescue 100 will present As of this past Monday, you’re on an island,” he you agree with it or not,” and (who may have) made 821-9157.
two additional hour- 6,012 children are in state said. he said. “Families have poor decisions — these They can also log into
long orientations in the custody in Mississippi, said Walley recounted his gotten a court order to do families, these children www.mdcps.ms.gov/
state before the training Lea Anne Brandon, director own experiences caring their thing, and you’re not are in need of great grace. become-a-resource-fostera-
weekend. One orientation of communications for the for children in foster care, hindering this reunification Amazing grace.” doptive-parent.
will take place at 6 p.m. Mississippi Department of describing the way his wife process. You’re helping.
Monday at Agape Church, Child Protection Services. first presented the idea to You have to be mindful that
on 415 Central Ave. in In Lauderdale County, him, and noting his own it’s not just a ministry to the
Laurel; another will be 142 children are in MDCPS initial reluctance. But then children that are in foster
offered at 6 p.m. Tuesday custody as of Sept. 1, he noted the vigor with care, but also to the families.
at Meadow Grove Baptist according to statistics from which he and his wife cared We’ve seen some really cool
Church, on 3221 Louis the Mississippi Department for children in a range of things happen in the lives of
Wilson Drive in Brandon. of Child Protection Services. situations and for starkly foster families and (biolog-
But people interested There are 45 licensed foster different periods of time. ical) families.”
in becoming foster parents homes in the county, 17 of “We’ve had kids for a Walley acknowledged
may also go through the which were licensed only to few hours, we’ve had a child the potential for awkward-
traditional path with the care for children who are for overnight, we’ve had ness between biological and
Mississippi Department of relatives. children for a couple weeks, foster families, but he said
Child Protection Services. Walley stressed that the and we had a child for about some powerful connections
Jamie Walley, director goal of foster care, ulti- a month,” he said. have also emerged.
of church relations and mately, is to reunify the And just this past He also talked, early
training for 200 Million child with the family. August, he said, he and his in his presentation, about
Flowers, led Tuesday’s “I use the word ‘reuni- wife finalized the adoption the importance of grace
session in Meridian. He fication’ a lot,” he said on of a child for whom they’d — springing from his

COURTHOUSE from page A1


least $30 million to solve the home of build a new building next house and adding a 100,000
problems, the supervisors Merid- to the old building and square-foot building. How-
have yet to reach a con- ian’s begin to renovate [the ever, Newell thinks it would
sensus on a favored option. down- courthouse], even if it took be best for staff to remain
The majority of the board, town post 10 years — kind of phase it in the current courthouse
however, now leans toward office. out.” building until the new addi-
saving the current building “So we Rutledge said there tion is completed, then move
as part of the solution. find some is about $2.8 million left into the new building and
Here are their thoughts, of our from the $14 million bond start the renovation, unless a
which show a range of people issue for the courthouse. deal can be negotiated rela-
opinions on how to move there and He would like to take that tive to the federal courthouse
forward: then we Jonathan money, along with some building.
120000128809051

renovate Wells funds in reserves to help “We could work some-


District 4 Supervisor Joe the cur- fund the project. thing out if they gave us the
Norwood rent courthouse, and we The option of a bond court building,” Newell said,
Norwood favors moving do a slight add-on out to issue is on the table, but if citing a
county government opera- the east side of the current that’s the case, he said he situation
tions to courthouse,” Wells said. “If wants to keep the price tag where a
the old there’s anything that’s left as low as possible. school
Value that needs to be done as far board in
Fair Mall as housing people, we still District 3 Supervisor Alabama
site, off have room in the annex to Josh Todd obtained
22nd do something.” Todd favors renovating a federal
Avenue, Wells said the county’s the court-
and ren- “good bonding capacity” current house at
ovating will make it easy for the court- no charge.
the court- county to move forward house, as In fact, Wayman
house to with the project. He is also an extra Lafferty said Newell
be used considering the “lease-pur- 100,000 such a plan
strictly for Joe Norwood chase option,” where an square is on the
court. investor purchases the feet of table.
“When we go into [the courthouse, allowing the space is “We’re in near constant
courthouse] to renovate — county to finance the court- “going to communication with the
with how long it’s been — house project and pay back have to United States Postal Ser-
what will happen is you will the investor — like a mort- happen.” vice — I’ve talked to them
get in there and find some gage. And Josh Todd this week,” Lafferty said.
problems that you didn’t “I don’t know if that’s a using the “We may not get it for free
expect and the cost is going great option, we just know second and but for a substantially dis-
to run over,” Norwood that is an option,” Wells third floors of the federal counted price that would
said. “…It looks like it’s the said. courthouse building tempo- bring it back to its intended
board’s decision to build “There’s so many options rarily is a great idea, he said. governmental purpose,
something next to the court- out there that we have Using the annex to tempo- which is to serve citizens
house and attach it. We’re to educate ourselves and rarily house staff, he said, and taxpayers.
out of space at the court- find the best deal for our would be a waste of money, “We haven’t even started
house. Until we can find people,” Wells said, adding as money to renovate empty the process of talking cost
somewhere to put people, I that he hopes to see the rooms in the annex could with the postal service
don’t see how we’re going project moving forward by be used toward the actual yet. There are so many
to renovate anything. You the first of the year. “This is courthouse project. unknowns with the build-
can’t renovate something going to be our legacy.” “We would like to pur- ings.”
with people in it.” chase the [federal court- “The only way you could
Norwood also stated District 5 Supervisor house],” Todd said. “There is do is with bonds,” Newell
concern over parking in the Kyle Rutledge a lot of office space in there. said. “If you tied all of it
area, which will only get Rutledge said he is The maintenance on the together … parking, jail,
worse when the Mississippi waiting on Yates to deliver building has been kept up.” courthouse, federal building
Arts and Entertainment “good, firm numbers” Todd said saving money — I just don’t believe that
Experience is completed in before he can make an isn’t his only goal with this would pass if it went to a
the spring. informed decision con- project. vote…
“Now you’re talking cerning “Everybody wants it as “I’m looking forward
about putting an additional the court- cheap as they can get it, but to getting started on the
wing next to the court- house. we don’t need to compro- courthouse plan - whatever
house? If you look across “I’m mise the longevity of the it may be. It’s been long
the street, there are probably trying to building for money,” Todd enough.”
60 cars across that little figure out said. “We don’t swap one
block,” Norwood said. the best for another. We want to
Norwood suggested way to do build the building to last
moving the Meridian Lau- it and be throughout great-grandkids
derdale County Tourism able to best — not because we want to

FAMILY COUNSELING
Bureau to the old fire sta- serve the save money.”
tion, along with turning the taxpayers, Kyle Rutledge Todd hopes to see a plan
old JC Penney building into but also do in place and have contracts

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Wells said he would like Announces with pleasure
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THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, September 17, 2017 LOCAL A3

Historic courthouse: 40 years of study and recommendations


Jim Brock “The conditions of the court- • Not adding on to the existing entered into a construction manager On Sept. 11, Lauderdale County
jbrock@themeridianstar.com house are unacceptable for courthouse but renovating the annex agreement for “phase-one tasks.” Administrator Chris Lafferty said he
employees and citizens,” the report and removing the existing jail at a Yates’ fee is not to exceed $60,000 had been in contact with represen-
The ongoing issues surrounding states.  price of $37.27 million; for this agreement. tatives from the U.S. Postal Service
the decaying conditions at the Lau- Earlier in the summer, Gov. Phil • Renovating the courthouse and According to the proposal, concerning the old federal court-
derdale County Courthouse date at Bryant called the condition of the adding on and selling the annex at a services rendered would include house. The county has also been in
least to 1977 when a study was com- courthouse “concerning” during an price of $30.9 million. The current assisting in procurement of archi- contact with Mississippi Archives
missioned to renovate the building, impromptu tour of the building. jail is not included in the plan; tects; assessing the courthouse fea- and History to explore grant funding
and about $1.8 million was set aside “You’ve got judges who are trying • Moving all county business to sibility study, operations, unknown options.
to for the proposed renovation. to hold trials and plaster falling,” the old Village Fair Mall site at a variables and constraints; and Jim Woodrick from the Missis-
However, nothing was done. Bryant said. “It obviously is in des- projected price of $43.65 million; assisting the architect with a “high- sippi Archives and History office in
Grand jury reports, after grand perate need of repair. The occupancy • Moving all county business to level courthouse program,” which Jackson says the courthouse is defi-
jury reports dating to 2000 have has certainly outgrown it…” the Village Fair Mall and selling lots would include selecting a location, nitely worth saving.
cited unsafe conditions and the need Last year, the board hired Belinda around the site for private develop- a budget, phasing and a master “I’m not an engineer, but based
to make repairs, add space and pro- Stewart of Belinda Stewart Archi- ment at a projected price of $46.75 schedule. Concerns such as parking, on our visits, I saw no reason to
tect courthouse workers and visitors. tects, P.A., to begin addressing the million. jail relocation and property redevel- think the building’s not salvageable.
The June, 2017 grand jury report issues with the building. Stewart was among the five archi- opment would also be addressed. It’s solidly built,” Woodcock said.
cited unsafe and unsanitary condi- Stewart delivered a 66-page tects this summer who submitted Yates would also give recommen- Woodrick said there is no grant
tions and the need for the Board of feasibility study to the board recom- requests for proposals, along with dations on the temporary relocation money currently available to assist
Supervisors to make it a priority to mending potential solutions. The Barlow-Eddy-Jenkins, P.A., from of courthouse staff to locations such the county with renovation “unless
move workers out of the courthouse study cost the county approximately Jackson; JH&H Architects, P.A. from as the old federal courthouse and the the legislature provides it in the next
and address safety issues. $75,000 and included the following Flowood; Starkville-based Shafer annex building. Lastly, Yates would session.
Existing issues include an anti- recommended solutions:  Zahner Zahner, PLLC; and Bob provide recommendations for direc- “We have 82 counties we serve,
quated ventilation system, mold • Adding on to the courthouse Luke’s firm, LPK Architects, P.A., tion with the project. and we generally have to split $2 or
problems and insufficient emergency and renovating the Courthouse which was hired. Yates could have a recommenda- $3 million between 82 counties,”
exits. Annex at a price of $37.95 million; In July, the board and Yates tion in a few months. Wooddrick said. 

WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY


Event encourages physical activity for parents and children
By Jessica Lauren letting kids have a day to come
Morris outside and enjoy the outdoors
Correspondent now that summer is ending
and school is back,” said Hallie
Families from all over East Crews Saulters, a member of
Mississippi enjoyed food and Deb’s Social Service Club, who
fun, while also gaining valu- volunteered to paint children’s
able health information during faces. “We have been involved
Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day with the Boys and Girls Club
of Play Saturday at Highland for a while, and we really enjoy
Park in Meridian. helping them serve this com-
The Worldwide Day of munity.”
Play was created to be the Bounce houses, slides
finale for Nickelodeon’s Let’s and an inflatable laser tag
Just Play Campaign, which house were set up and the
fought childhood obesity. playground was open. Older
Though the campaign ended kids participated in a basket- Jessica Lauren Morris / Correspondent
in 2009, the Worldwide Day ball shootout. Hula hoops, Among the children who came out Saturday to enjoy
of Play is still celebrated by bubbles, jump ropes and the Nickelodian Day of Play at Highland Park on Sat-
schools and organizations hacky sacks were available for urday are, from left: Jaden Rue, Austin Rue, Wikeshia
nationally. The event encour- younger children. Hurde, Roosevelt Miller and Yavahnei Holloway.
ages children and their par- The Meridian Fire Depart-
ents to take a day away from ment brought a fire engine, for a free meal. Burgers, chips, The Highland Park splash
watching TV to go outside and offering demonstrations and and juice boxes were provided pad was also open for children
be physically active. rides, and Zumba Fitness to every child and parent, to take a break from the heat.
The Boys and Girls Club and Happy Smiles Dentistry allowing families a chance to The Nickelodeon televi- Jessica Lauren Morris / Correspondent
of East Mississippi and the offered free health informa- eat a meal together. Raffles sion channel will suspend Trevor Williams attempts a basket Saturday during
City of Meridian teamed up tion. were held for a new bike. programming from 11 Worldwide Day of Play at Highland Park. The event
to sponsor Saturday’s event in All activities were tempo- After lunch, a DJ played a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 to was sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club and the
Meridian.  rarily closed at noon, and chil- music and children danced to encourage kids to get outside city of Meridian.
“Day of Play is all about dren were pointed to pavilions the Cupid Shuffle. and play.

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010931_R1_20170917_FLIP_MERIDIAN_STAR.indd 1 9/12/17 5:39 PM
A8 THE MERIDIAN STAR
Sunday, September 17, 2017

OPINION
The FirsT AmendmenT
Congress shall make no law respecting an establish-
ment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;
or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or
Alexander Gould the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to
petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
publisher

David Bohrer
editor
express YourselF
The Meridian Star welcomes the views of its
readers on public issues. Letters must include a full
name, address and phone number. We publish only
original letters of 300 words or less, unless . E-mail
letters to editor@themeridianstar.com.

We are OUR VIEW

a changed
Safety demands temporary
people home for courthouse workers
“Those who would give up essential liberty to pur-
chase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty
nor safety.”
O n Feb. 11, we wrote, “tomorrow
wouldn’t be too soon” to find
temporary quarters and move
workers out while the Lauderdale
County Courthouse is made habitable.
to finding a solution ... but probably
not for at least a few more months
and only after more studies are com-
pleted by Yates Construction and LPK
Architects.
health, the cost of compensation for
illness, injury or worse could bring an
unimaginable additional burden to
county taxpayers.
The supervisors have found money
—Benjamin Franklin
Seven months later those It can safely be predicted the for several preliminary studies, other

R
workers continue to toil in crowded, supervisors then will need more time county projects, travel and training.
OLLING FORK — What was on Monday now
unsafe conditions among mold, to deliberate, find funding, negotiate Certainly they can find money to rent
16 years ago, a handful of fanatical thugs flew
exposed wires, broken windows and contracts and then, maybe, finally, space temporarily while they ponder a
hijacked American airplanes into American
peeling paint. find a safe haven for courthouse permanent solution.
buildings and what both we and rest of the world had
Would you want your mother workers. What can be a greater priority than
always thought of as America almost immediately
working in those conditions – your Again, we commend their caution the health and safety of our people?
changed.
son, your daughter, your father? in making a decision that could cost County officials have said a
There are just entered college freshmen who have
In those seven months, more grand county taxpayers in excess of $30 mil- decision wouldn’t be rushed, there
no memory of what happened on that fateful day nor
juries have condemned their sur- lion. would be no mass exodus from the
any of what this country was before it.
roundings, a few courthouse workers We are baffled, however, at their courthouse. Forty years since the first
The truly Shakespearean-quality irony of Sept. 11,
have spoken out and the governor lack of caution for the safety of the study, seven months from a well-doc-
2001, what we have come to know as
has been appalled, but the day-to-day people under their care. umented need for safety, patience
simply 9/11, is that 19 mostly Saudi
workers continue to clean the paint Given the courthouse’s decay and should be at its limit.
zealots, armed only with box cut-
chips off their desks and breathe the tight quarters, it seems only a matter As we wrote on Feb. 11, tomorrow
ters, accomplished what neither
stale air within the building’s walls. of time before those conditions cause wouldn’t be too soon” to find tempo-
the British Empire, nor the Nazi
To their credit, the Board of illness, injury or worse. Beyond the rary quarters and move workers out of
war machine nor the Soviet
Supervisors now appear committed greater importance of everyone’s the Lauderdale County Courthouse.
Union with its nuclear arsenal
could do. It turned a proud and
powerful people into a fright-

New Vietnam documentary series


ened one.
The United States of America
changed on that most awful of
days, changed in ways which I RAY MOSBY

provides a timely booster shot


often think we no longer even rec- syndicated columnist
ognize.
Little good often comes from fear and little good
has.

W
Men and women, even the best of them, even the ASHINGTON – Many resourcefulness of the man who infinite patience, their loyalty to each
smartest of them, stop thinking when they become Americans’ moral vanity destroys the bridge. I saw how he other, their courage under fire. ...
afraid. Fear robs men and women of their judgment. is expressed nowadays coped with war, and I learned from You would ask yourself, ‘How does
Fear robs men and women of their reason. in their rage to disparage. They are that character.” As did another com- America produce young men like
There has been many an analysis of, much written incapable of measured judgments batant who loves that novel, John this?’”
about 9/11 in the years since. Similarly, there has been about past politics – about flawed McCain. Or like Okamoto. He was born
much thought and discussion given to the heightened historical figures who were forced Eleven years after his Saigon during World War II in Arizona, in
and dueling passions which are seen as separating by cascading circumstances to make dinner, President Kennedy said, “We a Japanese-American internment
Americans into virtual warring tribes today on every- difficult decisions on have not sent combat troops in the camp. Karl Marlantes, a Rhodes
thing from politics to culture to even the way we view the basis of imper- generally understood sense of the Scholar from Yale who voluntarily
one another. fect information. word.” Obliqueness and evasions left Oxford for Marine service in
But what if the two are cause and effect? So, the nation greased the slide into a ground war Vietnam, recalls a fellow lieutenant
Suppose that the real legacy of 9/11 is the prevailing now needs an of attrition. Kennedy, his successor radioing to battalion headquarters
fear that even yet abides and even yet is manifested in example of how (who said, “Foreigners are not like over 20 kilometers away the fact that
what we do and don’t do today. to calmly assess the folks I’m used to”) and their he had spotted a convoy of trucks.
That’s an easy enough notion to dismiss, I suppose, episodes fraught advisers were determined not to The battalion commander replied
but I also think to do so summarily is to just continue with passion make the Munich mistake of con- that this was impossible because
what so much of the contemporary dialogue has and sorrow. An fronting an enemy tardily. Tapes of intelligence operatives reported no
degenerated into—whistling past our suddenly uneasy example arrives Lyndon Johnson’s telephone conver- trucks near there. In a Texas drawl
graveyard. Sunday night. sations with advisers are haunting the lieutenant replied: “Be advised.
I never thought I would live to see the America For 10 nights GEORGE WILL and horrifying: To national security I am where I am and you are where
that his evolved in the past 16 years. I don’t recognize on PBS, Ken syndicated columnist adviser McGeorge Bundy: “What the you are. Where I am, I see god-
it because so many of its crucial contours have been Burns’ and Lynn hell am I ordering [those kids] out damned trucks.”
eroded away. I sometimes feel myself a stranger in a Novick’s “The Vietnam War,” 10 there for?” Weary of hearing the prudence
strange land because so many of the old American years in the making and 18 hours in In 1966 alone, 18 large-scale U.S. that was so painfully learned in
landmarks are no longer visible. length, tells the story of a war “begun offensives left more than 3 million Indochina derided as the “Vietnam
Our own fears born on that day that ignited not in good faith by decent people, out South Vietnamese – approximately syndrome,” Marlantes says (in his
only buildings but the lasting sense of vulnerability, of fateful misunderstandings,” and one-fifth of the country’s population Wall Street Journal review of Mark
have done to us what more than 200 years of enemies “prolonged because it seemed easier – homeless. Just on the Laos portion Bowden’s book “Hue 1968”): “If
foreign and domestic could not—begin the ebbing of to muddle through than admit that of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, more tons by Vietnam syndrome we mean
our essence that so much defined us as a people and it had been caused by tragic deci- of bombs – 3 million tons – were the belief that the U.S. should
lead us to sacrifice it all in the empty name of keeping sions” during five presidencies. The dropped than fell on Germany and never again engage in (a) military
us safe. combat films are extraordinary; the Japan during World War II. By body interventions in foreign civil wars
I might not have been able to foresee 2017 America, recollections and reflections of com- counts, America was winning. As an without clear objectives and a clear
but George Orwell could and did. batants and others on both sides are Army adviser says in episode 4, “If exit strategy, (b) ‘nation building’
If you have young children, perhaps you should even more so, featuring photos of you can’t count what’s important, in countries about whose history
tuck this away somewhere so that they might someday them then and interviews with many you make what you can count and culture we are ignorant, and (c)
read about the America that used to be, the United of them now. important.” sacrificing our children when our
States that existed before Sept. 11, 2001. A 1951 photo shows a con- Vincent Okamoto earned in lives, way of life, or ‘government
Before 9/11, the United States was not trillions of gressman named John Kennedy Vietnam the Army’s second-highest of, by, and for the people’ are not
dollars in debt and actually had a budget surplus. I dining in Saigon. There is an inter- honor, the Distinguished Service directly threatened, then we should
know that sounds incredible, but it’s true. view with Le Quan Cong, who Cross. He recalls the platoon he led: never get over Vietnam syndrome.
Before 9/11, the United States was not engaged in became a guerilla fighter in 1951, at “Nineteen-, 20-year-old high It’s not an illness; it’s a vaccination.”
perpetual warfare on multiple fronts and had not seen age 12. Viewers will meet Madame school dropouts ... they looked upon The Burns/Novick masterpiece is, in
thousands of its increasingly children soldiers die or Le Minh Khue, who was 16 when military service as like the weather: Marlantes’ words about Bowden’s
become horribly maimed in combat. she joined the “Youth Shock Bri- you had to go in, and you’d do it. book, “a powerful booster shot.”
Before 9/11, there was something in this country gade for National Salvation”: “I But to see these kids, who had the
called habeas corpus, which meant we couldn’t simply love Hemingway. I learned from least to gain, there wasn’t anything George Will’s email address is
keep somebody locked up forever, never charging him ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls.’ Like the to look forward to. ... And yet, their georgewill@washpost.com.
nor bringing him before a judge. Really, no kidding.
We really did.
Before 9/11, U.S. citizens were free from “unrea-
sonable searches and seizures.” Believe it or not, the
government’s alphabet agencies could not spy upon or READERS’ POLL
collect electronic dossiers on them. Log onto meridianstar.com to participate in our latest readers’ poll:
Before 9/11, the very concept of torture was alien How many times do you eat out in a month?
and abhorrent to Americans. We truly did not do such More than 30:
a thing, would not consider doing such a thing, instead 16-30
of playing semantic games with it, in essence arguing 6-15:
over “what the definition of is, is.” 1-5:
Before 9/11, we could disagree without hating; we None:
didn’t have to concoct wild conspiracy theories to jus-
tify our politics and never once would it occur to us to
attack the 1st Amendment. Our Saturday poll asked, “Is it a good idea for Donald Trump to negotiate with the Democratic leadership?”
Little good often comes from fear and little good
has. Yes: 70 pct.
No: 20 pct.
Ray Mosby is editor and publisher of the Deer Creek Not sure: 10 pct.
Pilot.
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

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PAGE A4 PAGE B1

County courthouse workers may move to vacant JC Penney


By Jim Brock heads, Lauderdale County Admin- “The full plan is unknown but annex. building is attractive because it’s so
jbrock@themeridianstar.com istrator Chris Lafferty wrote, “the what is known is the fact that wher- “What was discussed was some large.”
Board of Supervisors has reached a ever we go will temporary and we possible targets, but nothing is ever District 5 Supervisor Kyle Rut-
Do Lauderdale County super- point in the courthouse project that will all have to sacrifice,” Lafferty set in stone,” Lafferty said. “When ledge also weighed in.
visors plan to temporarily relocate we need to take the next step and get wrote. it gets on the board minutes — it’s “… There are so many different
courthouse workers to the vacant JC some feedback.” “That means we will have to think official.” aspects into this thing — the federal
Penney store at the Bonita Lakes At the meeting, Lafferty, along outside the box and be realistic in When asked about the relocation building or moving people to the
Mall? with District 1 Supervisor Jonathan our expectations.” to the JC Penney building, Wells annex — it’s just hard to say on
The answer is maybe. Wells, District 3 Supervisor Josh On Tuesday, Lafferty confirmed said, “If you were to prioritize, that where we’re going to go with this
After hearing about the pos- Todd and others involved with the meeting and a possible scenario, would probably be at the top, but stuff,” Rutledge said. “We’ve got to
sible relocation, The Meridian Star the courthouse project met with which includes relocating employees right now it’s just talk.” look at the cost of all the different
obtained an email about a meeting department heads and other county to the JC Penney building, using the “It is being looked at, but we’re things of which way to go and move
held last Friday. In the email, employees to discuss an imminent old federal courthouse for court pro- also looking at some other build-
See JC PENNEY, page A2
addressed primarily to department move. ceedings and selling the courthouse ings,” Wells said. “The [JC] Penney

Forum focuses
Spooky treats on opioid abuse
By Whitney Downard
wdownard@themeridianstar.com

Earlier this year, the Mississippi Bureau of Nar-


cotics, in a report on the growing problem of opioid
abuse, warned the state that “we are on the brink of
a super pandemic.” 
In 2015, the most recent data available, 52,404
people died from accidental overdoses in the United
States. At least 33,091 of those deaths are opioid
related, meaning that someone died from an over-
dose, on average, every 16 minutes that year. 
In a town hall meeting at Meridian Community
College’s Tommy Dulaney Center Tuesday, more
than 100 people listened to these statistics and tried
to understand the impact of opioids on their com-
munities.
The town hall was hosted in partnership with
several Mississippi agencies, including the Depart-
ment of Mental Health, the Department of Public
Safety, the Bureau of Narcotics, the Board of Phar-
macy, and the Mississippi offices of the FBI. 
Michael Jordan, with the Bureau of Alcohol and
Drug Services, discussed the increase of deaths in
Mississippi, which hasn’t reached the scale of other
states, such as Ohio or West Virginia, but caused
enough concern that Gov. Phil Bryant established a
task force to tackle the issue.  
Jordan said 38 people had died from overdoses
in Mississippi in August and another 21 in Sep-
tember. 
Photo by Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star
Frank Dungan, right, plays a Halloween trick on children before he hands them a treat Tuesday evening
Presenters discussed how many heroin abusers
during this year’s Candy Crawl downtown. Children enjoyed rides and games, a petting zoo, scavenger said they first started abusing prescription drugs
hunt, costume contest, arts and craft and more. See more photos online at www.meridianstar.com. before turning to heroin - considered the easier and
cheaper alternative.  

Candy Crawl a sweet experience in Meridian For Savannah Moore, the town hall hit close to
home. Moore, a recovering opioid addict, came to
the town hall because she’d lost friends to overdoses
in the past, including a woman she’d spent her time
By Jim Brock chicken because when she walks in recovery with.
jbrock@themeridianstar.com she waddles anyway,” said Juli- “It’s definitely an issue that needs to be
anne Jones. addressed,” Moore said. “I think things like this
Is that Spiderman? No, it’s The early trick-or-treat experi- help fight the stigma.”
Catboy! ence was part of the kid-friendly More than anything, Moore stressed that while
“We’ve been coming the last festival held at City Hall, which loving someone with an addiction can be difficult,
two years, and he decided to put also featured pony rides, a petting they still need help.
on his costume as Catboy,” said zoo, giant inflatables, arts and “Don’t be afraid when someone reaches out to
Eboni Kelly, whose 2-year-old crafts, a costume contest, and a you,” Moore said. “Don’t turn away... because for
son LaMarkus Johnson wore scavenger hunt. the person with that addiction, it’s scary to reach
his costume proudly during the “We are very excited to bring out.”
annual Candy Crawl in Meridian this annual holiday event back to Presenters also emphasized that addiction
Tuesday evening.  City Hall this year,” Mayor Percy should be seen as a disease, not a moral failing, a
Hundreds of youngsters clad Bland said in a statement. “The lesson that James Moore, of Hattiesburg, (who is
in Halloween costumes hit the Candy Crawl is family-oriented not related to Savannah Moore) repeated. 
streets while downtown busi- festival that allows everyone to “It must be as easy for an addict to seek help for
nesses distributed candy. trick or treat in a fun, safe envi- a broken life as it is for you to seek help for a broken
Everleigh Jones, 1, the ronment.” arm,” said Moore, who told the story of losing his
daughter of Andy and Julianne New this year was the Spooky son, Jeff, to an opioid addiction. 
Jones, “waddled” into The Scavenger Hunt sponsored by the Locally, Weems Community Mental Health
Meridian Star office dressed as East Mississippi Business Devel- Center offers services on a sliding-fee scale and
a little chick. One parent com- opment Corporation. encourages families of those with addictions to
mented that this bright-eyed The city will celebrate Hal- reach out and schedule a free assessment. 
Sixteen-month-old Everleigh Jones youngster stole every heart in the loween on Oct. 31, when young For more information, contact Weems’ Rush
walks the sidewalks in her chicken room. people 12 and under are allowed Andreacchio at 601-693-1001 and visit the Missis-
costume as she collects candy. “I really wanted to do the to trick or treat until 9 p.m.  sippi Targeted Opioid Project on Facebook. 

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A8
Today
High: 65º
Tonight
Low: 44º
Comics.................. A9
Crossword ............ A9
INDEX
Classified .............. B4 Local News ........... A2
National News ....... A5
Opinion ................. A6
3 things to do today
• Craft for Young Adults
(bracelet making) at the
Clarke will host a book
signing at Choctaw County
• Revival at Mt. Carmel Bap-
tist Church, 4126 York Road
www.meridianstar.com Deaths .................. A4 Records ................ A7
Meridian-Lauderdale County Library in Butler, Ala. to in Lauderdale, with speaker
Education .............. A6 Sports ................... B1 Public Library at 4:30 p.m. sign copies of his latest book Pastor James McDonald at
Horoscope ............ A7 World News......... A10 • Mississippi writer Hewitt “Dark Secrets” at 5:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 255 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar

23354-1
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Wednesday, October 25, 2017

MCC serves community for My College Cares Day


By Michael Neary knew they were coming ... and Kindness” teams operating “We’re trying to get the
mneary@themeridianstar.com I just enjoyed it.” this year. She said one team Hope Village Thrift (Store)
Marie Roberts, MCC’s assembled supplies for people geared up for Christmas,”
After his Tuesday morning director of recruiting and enduring homelessness, and noted Willis, who said he also
performance, Cedric Williams campus life, said My College another brought lunch and works with property control
thought carefully about the Cares Day included more than other items to law enforce- and energy management
music he’d played for residents 70 locations this year, and by ment officers. at MCC. “We are making
at the Aldersgate Retirement Tuesday afternoon participa- Roberts said the college wreaths and Christmas deco-
Community. tion had risen to about 1,500 conducted a version of My rations for them to sell in the
“Once you hear it,” he people, including MCC’s College Cares Day in the shop.”
said, referring to pieces students, faculty and various 1990s, but then it fell away for Willis emphasized the
by Ferdinando Carulli, “you’ll staff members all offering their a time. importance of the Hope
remember it.” volunteer services throughout “We brought it back in Village’s mission in helping
Williams, a student at the community. 2014,” she said. children.
Meridian Community College, Roberts said the purpose of A drive through the area “It gives them an opportu- Michael Neary / The Meridian Star
played for the Aldersgate resi- the day was twofold. at various times of the day on nity to be successful,” he said. Seth Crocker, left, Cedric Williams, Jaywaun Johnson
dents alongside students Seth “On the one hand, it gives Tuesday might have turned up Patricia Garnett, manager and Mitch Brantley play for residents at the Alders-
Crocker, Jaywaun Johnson the college an opportunity MCC members at all sorts of of the Hope Village Thrift gate Retirement Home in Meridian during My College
and guitar instructor Mitch to give back to the area we locations. Store, stressed the importance Cares Day. Crocker, Williams and Johnson are stu-
Brantley. represent,” she said. “On the Becky Pierce, a Workforce of volunteer work, especially dents at Meridian Community College, and Brantley is
Together they make up a other hand, volunteering is as Development receptionist, was as the holidays approach. the instructor for the group’s Guitar Ensemble class.
Guitar Ensemble class at the much of a growing experience with a group of MCC com-
college — and on Tuesday, for the person who does it as munity members planting,

Celebrating 30 Years
they were participating in My for the person who receives it. weeding and doing other tasks
College Cares Day. It’s another example of active outside the Meridian-Lauder-
“They’re really listening,” learning.” dale County Public Library.
said Brantley, thinking about
the audience at Aldersgate.
“They’re an attentive audi-
She noted a host of dif-
ferent kinds of sites where
members of the MCC com-
“We planted fall flowers
and mulched the flower beds,”
Pierce said. “The library pro-
You’re Invited!
ence. It’s not just background munity served on Tuesday, vided the material, and we’re What: Ed Chaney Tire Pros 30th Birthday Celebration
music.” including elementary schools, doing the labor.”
Virginia Wheat, a resident parks, special needs camps, Pete Willis, who works in Where: Dumont Plaza
at Aldersgate, said she was animal shelters and other the MCC business office, was
pleased to see the musicians organizations where volun- helping out upstairs in the When: Thursday, October 26th from 5:30-8:30pm
and to hear their wide breadth teering could play key roles. Hope Village Thrift Store on
of their selections. She said, too, that there were Tuesday with another group of
“I was glad,” she said. “I Don’t miss this Join us for a night of food, fun and prizes!
two special “Random Acts of MCC community members.
awesome event!

Enter to Win BIG in


JC PENNEY from page A1 t of
win a se es!
4 new tir
the Tire Pros
cash vault!

people around and keep an action by the board on eral courthouse building and
the wheels of government June 5 to “approve a final the JC Penney building, have
rolling. “I’m undecided.” payment of $12,920.70 to sup- been added to the list, along
A date of Jan. 1 has been plement previous payments with many others.
mentioned as a deadline for totaling $492,207.42 for a total Lafferty said the board
county employees to vacate amount paid to Joe McGee is doing its due diligence to
the courthouse. Construction Company, Inc. make the right decision.
Lafferty confirmed that of Lake, Miss., from the bond “They are committed to
Jan. 1 has been discussed as issue passed by the Board of this courthouse project — they
“an arbitrary date” to have the Supervisors on April 1, 2013 are closer than they’ve ever RSVP to the event page on Facebook
courthouse vacant and ready of $505,128,12,” according to been,” Lafferty said. “This is for a chance to win a special prize!
for renovation. Williams’ filing. Those funds something that should have
“What would you say the were used to construct a base- been done 20 years ago. This
chances are of us being out of ball field. problem was not created over-
any building by January 1?” night, and it is not going to be 306 22nd Avenue South • Meridian, MS • 601-693-8473 • EdChaneyTirePros.com
inquired Lafferty, who said solved overnight.”
supervisors earlier this year Ongoing issues
also discussed a deadline date The 80,000-square-foot
of Oct. 1. “Having to be out by JC Penney store, owned
January 1 is absolutely false. by Rockstep Capital, was
That cannot happen — and recently vacated after JC
that has not been approved by Penney announced on Feb. 24
the board.” its intent to close two distri-
bution facilities and 130-140
retail stores.
Open meetings At the courthouse,
Rutledge and fellow employees continue to work
supervisors Joe Norwood and in what a Lauderdale County
Wayman Newell were not at grand jury this summer called
Friday’s meeting, as having “unacceptable” conditions “for
more than two supervisors at employees and citizens.”
the meeting would constitute “The Board of Supervi-
a quorum, making it open to sors need to be making every
the public.   effort to acquire the finances
The two-at-a-time tactic needed for a new courthouse,”
has been an issue in the past the grand jury stated, citing
for the board. In January 2015, issues that include an anti-
the board was hit with a vio- quated ventilation system,
lation of the Open Meetings mold problems and insuffi-
Act by the Mississippi Ethics cient emergency exits.
Commission. The com- Over the past year, super-
plaint was brought by local visors have been looking at a
watchdog Tommy Williams number of options regarding
of the Lauderdale County the courthouse. 
Citizens for Responsible Gov- Lafferty said any tempo-
ernance, who alleged supervi- rary move would last for more
sors had illegally met before an than one year, possibly longer.
official meeting. Williams said While the federal courthouse
board members were guilty of building is still an option,
what is commonly referred to Lafferty said moving to the
as a “rolling quorum,” where old Village Fair Mall was “no
supervisors meet two at a time longer really sought after.”
to avoid a quorum. “That is pretty much the
The board has appealed the leaning of the board that any
ethics commission’s decision. move is going to be tempo-
Meanwhile, Williams has rary,” Lafferty said. “The idea
filed a motion to consolidate of the board is to support
five civil action cases against downtown Meridian and to
the the Lauderdale Board of stay local, but even that hasn’t
Supervisors. Williams’ cases been made official…That
involve the board’s alleged could change.”
misuse of parts of the $14 Since the board hired
million bond issue from April construction manager Yates
2013. Construction and Bob Luke
Williams’ most recent civil of LPK Architects, P.A., more
case, filed June 15, concerns options — including the fed-

PUBLIC
MEETING NOTICE
The City of Meridian and Meridian Police Department
to hold a Community Input Meeting on October 26, 2017
The City of Meridian and Meridian Police Department
will hold a Public Input Meeting at 6:00 PM on October
26, 2017 at The Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church
(544 James E. Chaney Drive, Meridian, Mississippi
39307). The Purpose of the Public Meeting will be to
inform the Public about a Settlement Agreement along
with a Summary of Action Plan and Compliance Reports
between the United States Department of Justice and the
City of Meridian in Civil Action No. 3:13-CV- 978-HTW-
LRA.

The City encourages any interested citizen to attend,


gather information, and provide input. The City seeks
to create a more comprehensive plan to provide a safer
learning environment for all students in the Meridian
Public School District.

A meeting agenda will be available prior to the meeting.


Please contact the Meridian Police Department at (601)
485-1893 for more information.
MERIDIAN STAR
THE

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World
CHURCH SHOOTING GIRLS HOOPS
Texas gunman had history Meridian heads into season
of domestic violence with new coach at helm
PAGE A5 PAGE B1

Meridian police officer injured; suspect killed


Video from Sunday morning shooting not available
By Whitney Downard a handgun and started firing at the Griffith said.
wdownard@themeridianstar.com officer, who returned fire and killed “He’d been without a camera for
the suspect.  one to two months,” Griffith said.
A gunfire encounter that left a sus- The officer was struck by two shots The department had problems
pect dead and a veteran police officer to the chest and another bullet grazed with cameras dating back six months
injured went unrecorded Sunday his leg and arm, police said. His bullet- and it was in the process of switching
morning due to ongoing problems proof vest was credited for protecting to a new system, Griffith said. With
with the Meridian Police Department’s him from further injury.  a finite number of functioning cam-
cameras.  The exchange was not captured on eras, incoming classes of new officers
Around 1:45 a.m. Sunday, video because the officer didn’t have depleted the number of working cam-
an unidentified officer responded to a a body camera, police said during a eras.
be-on-the-lookout report of an armed noon Monday news conference.  Problems included broken power
suspect driving a truck with a female The officer, a shift supervisor, buttons and lithium batteries that Whitney Downard / The Meridian Star
passenger. Upon finding the truck didn’t have a body camera because the swelled if left too long on the charger, Meridian Police Capt. John Griffith addresses the
on the 3600 block of Poplar Springs department had experienced problems media during a Monday press conference at the
Drive, the suspect exited the car with with some of its cameras, Capt. John See SHOOTING, page A2 Meridian Police Station.

IN LAUDERDALE COUNTY Body found in


On-the-job training lot across from
Central Fire
Station
By Whitney Downard
wdownard@themeridianstar.com

The Meridian Police Department responded


to the discovery of a dead body at 14th Street and
25th Avenue Monday morning.
Sgt. Dareall Thompson said the cause of death
appeared to be natural and identified the victim as
a white woman.
Capt. John Griffith said police combed over the
lot in case any evidence suggested any foul play,
but said there were no visible signs of trauma.
Griffith said a firefighter spotted the body in
the grassy lot, across from the Central Fire Station,
and said the body would be sent to the State Crime
Lab in Pearl for an autopsy. 
Autopsy results depend on the crime lab’s cor-
oners’ schedules, but could take only a few days,
Griffith said.

Courthouse
relocation could
be complete
Michael Neary / The Meridian Star
LaNautica Warren, a Meridian Community College student, works with young children at the Ross Collins
Career and Technical Center.

Prospective teachers from MCC, high within 2-3 months


schools gain experience career center By Jim Brock
jbrock@themeridianstar.com

Officials involved with the Lauderdale County


By Michael Neary my’s program, high school students Courthouse renovation project hope to see
mneary@themeridianstar.com alongside students in Meridian Com- workers moved to a temporary location within two
munity College’s Early Childhood or three months.
For Shiberlon Watson, the path to Education Technology Program to “Or sooner if the stars line up,” said project
becoming a teacher — one that she’s educate and care for a group of up designer Bob Luke of LPK Architects, P.A.
still traveling — began close to home. to 14 pre-kindergartners, ages 3 to 5 Luke and Justin McDonald of Yates Construc-
“I love my little siblings, and kids years old. It’s a long-standing pro- tion gave a courthouse update Monday during the
just make me happy,” said Watson, a gram that provides preschool and Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Meridian High School junior. She’s child care to families, as it enhances While several relocation options are still on the
in her second year at the Teacher the education of prospective table, Luke said the key is to put together a “solid
Academy, a two-year program at teachers. plan that’s financially feasible.” Keeping costs as
the Ross Collins Career and Tech- It also contributes to a growing low as possible, he said, would only mean more
nical Center — part of the Meridian emphasis on early academic prepara- Michael Neary / The Meridian Star
money that can be used to renovate the courthouse
Public School District — for high tion for pre-kindergartners. Dianna Hughes serves as director itself.
school students in Meridian City and “When students hit kindergarten, of the Child Care Center at the McDonald said moving court operations into
Lauderdale County public schools. Ross Collins Career and Tech- the federal courthouse building, which is now the
See TEACHERS, page A2 nical Center.
As part of the Teacher Acade-
See COURTHOUSE, page A4

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A8
Today
High: 79º
Tonight
Low: 58º
Comics.................. A9
Crossword ............ A9
INDEX
Classified .............. B4 National News ....... A4

Opinion ................. A7

Records ................ A8
3 things to do today
• Mississippi Children’s
Museum-Meridian gives an
at the Meridian-Lauderdale
County Public Library at 10
Meridian Community Col-
lege Graham Gymnasium
www.meridianstar.com Deaths .................. A4
Sports ................... B1 update on plans at MSU- a.m. Chess Club meets at at 11 a.m. Keynote Speaker
Horoscope ............ A8 Riley Center, 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. NAS Commanding Officer
Local News ........... A2 World News......... A10 • Baby/Toddler Leaf Activity • Veterans Day Program at Capt. Brian S. Horstman.
Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 266 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
A4 NATION THE MERIDIAN STAR
Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Why debt from GOP tax cuts might impose a painful price
WASHINGTON (AP) — vate borrowers for credit. It recovery that followed — 2027, according to the Con-
When House Republicans could also eventually require drove deficits to new heights, gressional Budget Office.
proposed their tax-cut plan cuts to popular spending shrinking tax collections Likewise, spending on
last week, critics noted that it programs. And it might and increasing government big health care programs
came with a towering price: It leave policymakers with less spending on such safety net is expected to rise from 5.4
would swell the nation’s debt ammunition the next time a programs as food stamps and percent of GDP to 6.9 percent
by $1.5 trillion at a time when recession strikes. unemployment aid. President over the same period as more
the economy is already faring For now, the American Barack Obama’s $862 billion older Americans tap Medi-
well on its own and a vast economy is already gliding emergency stimulus program care, the CBO says.
generation of retiring baby along at a decent pace. in 2009, made up of spending Then there is the effect
boomers threatens to strain Growth has come in at a solid increases and tax cuts, wid- of interest rates: Decades of
the Social Security and Medi- annual rate of 3 percent or ened the budget imbalance. historically low rates have
care programs. better in each of the past two The federal deficit peaked allowed the government to
President Donald Trump quarters. Employers have at $1.4 trillion in the reces- borrow cheaply. Those days
and Republicans in Congress added jobs for a record 85 sion year of 2009 and began may be fading.
argue that their plan, which straight months. Corporate to decline as the economy The Federal Reserve,
Associated Press | J. Scott Applewhite, File
would shrink the corporate profits are strong. And the strengthened. It dropped in which kept short-term rates
tax rate and end taxes for unemployment rate is 4.1 The House Republican tax plan would add $1.5 tril- 2015. Then it started rising near zero during and after the
most wealthy estates, would percent, its lowest level in lion to the federal debt at a time when the economy is again, hitting $666 billion Great Recession, has reversed
doing pretty well on its own and the retirement of the
accelerate economic growth. nearly 17 years. in the fiscal year that ended course as the economy has
Baby Boom generation is already putting a strain on
It would do so, they say, by All of which is why some Social Security and Medicare.
Sept. 30. improved.
leaving more after-tax money analysts argue that big tax Now, even though the Longer-term rates are also
for businesses to invest and cuts aren’t needed now — last week. “The proposed tax top 1 percent of earners, economy is healthier, the expected to rise as the gov-
to increase pay for their even if they would help stim- cuts would add to an already who would save on average budget is still under strain. ernment debts grow, thereby,
employees, who would then ulate the economy, which unsustainable long-term $52,780, according to an A key reason is demo- worsening the problem. Trea-
spend more and help invigo- is far from sure. Instead, fiscal situation.” analysis by the Tax Policy graphics. The baby boom sury will likely have to pay
rate the economy. policymakers and lawmakers Mark Zandi, chief econ- Center. generation is trudging into higher rates to keep investors
Kevin Hassett, chairman could be capitalizing on good omist at Moody’s Analytics, The government runs a retirement and collecting buying its expanding debt.
of the White House Council times to take a whack at the says the cost of the Republi- deficit when it spends more Social Security and Medicare. The CBO foresees federal
of Economic Advisers, has government’s surging debt — cans’ proposed tax cuts would than it collects in taxes and a Nearly 61 million Americans interest payments rising from
contended that the proposal $14.8 trillion (or $20.5 trillion add considerably to the surplus when it takes in more were enrolled in Social Secu- 1.4 percent of GDP this year
to cut the corporate tax rate if you include including debts federal debt burden, which than it spends. Government rity last year, up from 49 mil- to 2.9 percent in 2027.
to 20 percent from 35 per- the government owes itself). now equals 75 percent of debts are the cumulative lion a decade earlier. Social Zandi warns that rising
cent could, by itself, enlarge In a report last month, the U.S. gross domestic product, result of years of deficits and Security spending is projected rates would offset any eco-
the economy by up to $1.2 International Monetary Fund the broadest measure of eco- surpluses. to rise from 4.9 percent of nomic benefits from the GOP
trillion over the long run and concluded that many wealthy nomic output. By 2027, Zandi The federal budget last GDP this year to 6 percent in tax plans.
eventually add $4,000 a year countries could afford to pare says, that burden would recorded a surplus in 2001.
equal 97 percent of GDP with Deficit spending returned
to average household income.
Those claims were promptly
their deficits by raising taxes
on the wealthiest without the tax plan and 87 percent when the dotcom bubble Nothing is more important than
dismissed as wildly optimistic jeopardizing economic without it. burst, knocking the economy
by Democrats and many growth. “It’s an unsustainable debt into recession in 2001, and planning for your Family’s future.
economists. “We should be running path,” Zandi says. the administration of Presi-
Adding to the govern- surpluses when the economy The enlarged debt would dent George W. Bush pushed When you prearrange your funeral needs with Stephens Funeral
ment’s debts poses risks, is strong,” William Gale, benefit mainly the most through tax cuts in 2001 and Homes, you relieve your family from unnecessary stress and
too: More debt could drive co-director of the Tax Policy prosperous sliver of Amer- 2003. discomfort. Our caring staff will help make sure the needs of
interest rates up as the gov- Center, wrote in a blog post icans. By 2027, nearly half The Great Recession of you and your family are put first.
ernment competes with pri- after the tax plan was released the tax cuts would go to the 2007-2009 — and the anemic
For your FREE Personal Planning Guide or more information,
COURTHOUSE from page A1 call or visit Tommy Miller at Stephens Funeral Home of Meridian,
Union or DeKalb at 601-483-2206.

United States Post Office, is “currently for court and selling the courthouse animal control and E911.
in discussion.” annex. “It gives an avenue for the depart-
“It will determine how much space “That is pretty much the leanings of ment to talk to the board of supervisors
we need to add on to the existing court- the board that any move is going to be in a legal setting,” Lafferty said last
house,” McDonald said. Supervisors temporary,” Lafferty said in a previous week. “And the committee reports to
have estimated that at least 100,000 report. “The idea of the board is to sup- the (entire) board of supervisors.” Stella McMahan
Funeral Director/
square feet of extra space is needed at port downtown Meridian and to stay In other action, the inoperable ele- Manager
the courthouse. local, but even that hasn’t been made vator at the courthouse will soon be
Luke said relocation could last up official…That could change.” up and running again, as the board Meridian Union DeKalb

29366-1
to 36 months, which is how much Lafferty has consistently maintained approved the emergency purchase of 601-483-2206 601-774-9291 601-743-5602
time it will take to renovate the court- that “everything is on the table” and $33,925 with Kone, Inc., to replace an
house. Currently, the 1905 courthouse nothing is “set in stone” until approved obsolete elevator drive. The elevator has
is in a state of disrepair. Employees
continue to work in what a Lauderdale
by the board.
In an effort to streamline communi-
not worked since Oct. 30.
“The motor went out and regard-
DEATH NOTICES POLICY
County grand jury over the summer cation between the board and depart- less of when we move we will have to The Meridian Star offers a tier-pricing system for all obituaries.
called “unacceptable” conditions “for ment heads, Wells and Board President have the elevator,” Lauderdale County There will be a minimum $25 charge for all death notices, which
employees and citizens.” An antiquated and District 3 Supervisor Josh Todd Administrator Chris Lafferty said last
ventilation system, mold problems have been appointed to the Courthouse week. are limited to 40 words and can include the name of the funeral
and insufficient emergency exits were Committee. During the meeting, supervisors home handling the arragements.
among the issues cited by the grand The committee, which met with briefly discussed the importance of Additional tier-pricing is based on word count as follows.
jury. some department heads on Monday, having a working elevator, as workers Tier 1 Obit: 1 to 100 words: $1.25 per word
Lafferty recently confirmed a will track the progress of the project and will need an elevator to move equip- Tier 2 Obit: 101-200 words: $1.00 per word
possible relocation scenario, which seek input from various departments. ment and materials when the renova- Tier 3 Obit: 201-plus words: $.75 per word
includes moving employees to the According to Lafferty, two-member tion project begins. In the meantime,
former JC Penney store at Bonita Lakes committees are common for most citizens with disabilities also require a Additional Day Publication: 50% of first day cost
Mall, using the old federal courthouse departments. Examples include IT, functional elevator.  Death Notices: 1-40 words, $25 one-time fee
Online Only Obits: $200
Photos: $20 each
DEATH NOTICES Emblems: $10 each
Funeral Home Logos: $15 each
Madie Claire Chambers Martha Jane Tolbert Free flag emblem for veterans
Services for Mrs. Madie Claire Chambers will be Memorial services for Martha Jane Tolbert will be Free obiutary for military, police, fire, emergency personnel
Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. at Webb Funeral Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Memo- who died in the line of duty
Home with the Rev. Marty Harper and Bro. John rial Cemetery in Newton. Free five complimentary papers of that day’s edition.
Sweeney officiating. Burial will be at Freedom Church Martha Jane, "Sweet Thang" Tolbert, 72, of Meridian
Additional papers, $1 each; and full page plaques $75.
Cemetery. passed away surrounded by family on Nov. 4, 2017. She
Mrs. Chambers, 79, died Nov. 4, 2017, at Rush Foun- was the daughter of Albert Phillips and Martha Naomi Additional copies may be picked up at The Meridian Star office,
dation Hospital. Wedgeworth. or may be mailed with an additional charge for postage.
She is survived by her husband, Lamar Wayne Cham- She is survived by her sisters, Onie Mae Deavers of Obituaries must be submitted by a funeral home by 4 p.m. for
bers Sr.; son, Lamar Wayne Chambers Jr. (Donna); Meridian, JoAnn Phillips of Little Rock, her brother publication in the next day’s edition by faxing to 601-485-1275 or
daughters, Lisa Charlene Lee (Joe) and Rhonda Gay Jimmy Phillips of Virginia Beach and many nieces and by email at obits@themeridianstar.com.
Creel (Keith); son-in-law Marty Harper; 10 grandchildren nephews.
and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Contact Cheryl Owens at 601-693-1551, ext. 3248, Monday-
She was preceded in death by her parents, Naomi and Leroy Tolbert, her sister Florence Reed and brothers Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for more information.
Earnest Burkes and one daughter Patsy Lynn Harper. Ernest and Raymond Phillips. All obituaries are posted on The Meridian Star’s website at
Pallbearers will be Patrick Harper, Brandon Harper, A proud cancer survivor, avid Elvis fan and passionate www.MeridianStar.com.
Justin Linton, Michael Chambers, Corey Smith, Keith dog lover-to know her was to love her. Words are not

MERIDIAN STAR
Smith and Kyle Smith. possible to convey how wonderful Jane was and how
Visitation will be Tuesday night from 5-7 p.m. at much she will be missed by family and friends. Those THE
James F. Webb Funeral Home. she leaves behind will be comforted by her memory.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at In lieu of flowers a contribution to a charity of your

601-693-1551
YOUR STAR, YOUR WORLD
www.jamesfwebb.com. choice in her name is appreciated.
Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at
Elnora Brown www.jamesfwebb.com.
814 22nd Avenue • Meridian, MS 39301
DEKALB - Services for Ms. Elnora Brown, 70, of
Ronald Ray Rickles MANAGEMENT TEAM SUBSCRIPTION RATES
Scooba, are incomplete, and final arrangements will be BY CARRIER
announced by New Haven Memorial Funeral Home. Alexander Gould .........................Publisher EZ Pay..................................................$17.99
Mr. Ronald Ray Rickles passed away Nov. 3, 2017, at 1 Month..............................................$18.99
Ms. Elnora Brown died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017, at her his residence. David Bohrer ...................................Editor 3 Months............................................$56.40
residence. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is in charge of James Rainey ...........................Circulation 6 Months......................................... $111.66
1 Year................................................ $216.49
arrangements. BY MAIL
Mandy Farrow .................... Sales Manager
Louise J. Danner His family will have a memorial service at a later date. EZ Pay..................................................$20.99
1 Month..............................................$21.99
3 Months............................................$65.31
Arrangements were incomplete at Berry and Gardner 6 Months......................................... $129.30
Funeral Home for Louise J. Danner, 90, of Meridian, who NEWROOM EDITORS 1 Year................................................ $250.69
ONLINE E-EDITION ONLY
died Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, at Regency Hospital. EZ Pay..................................................$13.99
David Bohrer, Editor .....................601-485-1206 1 Month..............................................$14.99
Bill Graham, News Editor ..............601-485-1228 3 Months............................................$44.50
6 Months............................................$87.99
Ida Brown, Lifesyles Editor ...........601-485-1220 1 Year................................................ $167.86
SINGLE COPY RATES
Drew Kerekes, Sports Editor..........601-485-1207 Daily $1.00 • Sunday $2.00

Where Family And Payment Information: The Meridian Star accepts no responsibility for subscription payments made
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• GOP nears Senate OK of tax bill after flurry of final deals, page A4

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Saturday, December 2, 2017 Since 1898 $1.00 Your Star, Your World

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CHevrolet-Buick 601-656-4802 tolbertchevy.com 29949-1

LAUDERDALE COUNTY COURTHOUSE PROJECT

J.C. Penney recommended as temporary home


By Jim Brock house operations. there, and we’ve got to get them The board will decide whether 82,000-square-foot building meets
jbrock@themeridianstar.com The relocation would last a out of there now,” Luke said. or not it will commit to the prop- the county’s minimum need of
minimum of two years. While the board is set to vote erty after all details are reviewed, 81,000 square feet for the tempo-
It looks like it will probably be At a meeting with the Lau- Monday on moving forward with the most important being the cost rary relocation.
J.C. Penney after all. derdale County Board of Super- the tentative plan, no official lease of renting the property. Criteria considered in choosing
The architect and construction visors on Friday, Bob Luke of agreement has been drafted. Justin McDonald of Yates Con- the building included the neigh-
manager hired for the Lauderdale LPK Architects, P.A. suggested As the Monday vote would struction said J.C. Penney was at borhood, functionality, secured
County Courthouse project have preparations be made to have the not be binding, it would be what the top of a short list made after parking and operating costs.
recommended the vacant J.C. county operations up and running Board President and District 3 inspecting a number of properties In terms of operating costs,
Penney store at Bonita Lakes mall by March 1. Supervisor Josh Todd called “a in Lauderdale County.
as a temporary location for court- “We’ve got to get people out of letter of intent.” McDonald said the See COURTHOUSE, page A2

Miss. Power
Rickles learns, teaches officials reach
from lung cancer diagnosis settlement
on Kemper plant
By Jim Brock
jbrock@themeridianstar.com

Mississippi Power Co. on Friday announced


a settlement agreement with Mississippi Public
Utilities Staff and other parties for the $7.5 billion
Kemper County power plant.
According to a statement from the utility,
key parties have agreed on final terms, which are
pending review and approval from the Mississippi
Public Service Commission. 
The PSC on Friday canceled a hearing sched-
uled for Monday to “encourage a negotiated settle-
ment” for the plant.
“The Commission will take up consideration of
the December 1 stipulation, and finds that additional
See SETTLEMENT, page A3

Suspects in Frank’s
Drive-In shooting
in custody


Whitney Downard / The Meridian Star
Ashley Rickles of Meridan was diagnosed with lung cancer Oct. 19, despite having never been a smoker.
Hearing scheduled Monday
By Whitney Downard
By Whitney Downard wdownard@themeridianstar.com
wdownard@themeridianstar.com
The suspects of the Oct. 16 fatal shooting of
Oct. 19 will remain a date forever etched in Ashley Robert Trout at Frank’s Drive-In are now in cus-
Rickles’ memory. tody at the Lauderdale County Detention Facility. 
Rickles, 36, who has never smoked, received a life- Dystiny D. Davis, 25, and Donshay Meundre
changing diagnosis that day: adenocarcinoma, a stage Sanders, 21, were transferred from the custody of
4 lung cancer. How could you be thankful the Killeen, Texas Police Department to Meridian,
“My doctor said it looked like someone took a BB following their capture Nov. 21 in Killeen. 
gun and filled my lungs with tiny BBs,” Rickles said. for a diagnosis with lung Davis, of Killeen, and Sanders, of Meridian, face
“Obviously I had to educate myself quickly and it’s a charges for the murder of Trout and the attempted
little bit... intimidating.”
Rickles pulled up some statistics on her phone,
cancer? I’m thankful that I murder of three others, as well as armed robbery.
Davis and Sanders were denied bond because of
graphs that said more women die of lung cancer than know because there’s no telling their capital murder charges.
breast, ovarian and uterian combined, accounting Meridian Sgt. Dareall Thompson said the
for more than a quarter of all cancer deaths, according where I’d be in a year from Meridian Police Department anticipates more
to the Lung Cancer Alliance.  arrests in the case and said details will be released
The organization adds that nearly 80 percent of now if I had not known. Monday following a preliminary hearing at noon. 
those diagnosed are former or never smokers, contrary The charges come after Trout, 52, died and
— Ashley Rickles three others were shot during an armed robbery of
See RICKLES, page A2 Frank’s Drive-In, a bar on Fifth Street in Meridian.

WEATHER FORECAST
Complete details A12
Today
High: 70º
Tonight
Low: 44º
Classified ......... B4-B6
Comics................ A11
INDEX

Deaths .................. A4
Opinion ................. A8

Records .............. A10

Religion ................. A5
3 things to do today
• Candy Cane 5K Dash and
1 Mile Fun Run at
• Merry Meridian
Christmas Parade down-
• Meridian Symphony
Orchestra Peppermint Pops
www.meridianstar.com Horoscope .......... A10
St. Patrick School. Registra- town Meridian at 5 p.m. at the MSU Riley Center at 7
Sports .............. B1-B3
Local News ...... A1-A3 tion from 7:15-8:15 a.m., race p.m. FMI: 601-696-2200 or
National News . A4, A9 World News... A9, A12 begins at 8:30 a.m. 601-693-2224.

Follow us on facebook.com/meridianstar
Vol. 119 • No. 288 Copyright 2017 Facebook and Twitter @meridianstar
33462-1
A2 LOCAL THE MERIDIAN STAR
Saturday, December 2, 2017

ECCC to close CRASH ON VALLEY ROAD INJURES TWO


for holidays
on Dec. 13
From staff reports

East Central Community College in Decatur will close


all offices for the Christmas holidays beginning on Dec. 13,
according to a report from the college.
Offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Orientation for new students for the 2018 spring
semester will be held on Jan. 4, beginning at 9 a.m., in
the Vickers Fine Arts Center auditorium. As part of the
orientation, new students will register for spring classes.
Students can still apply to attend ECCC for the 2018 spring
semester by using the online application at www.eccc.edu/
admissions.
Day and evening classes for the spring semester begin
Monday, Jan. 8. The last day to register is Jan. 9.
Online courses begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. The last day to
register for online classes is Wednesday, Jan. 17.
People seeking more information on registering for the
2018 spring semester may contact Student Services at 601-
635-6205 or email Randall Lee, vice president for student
services, at rlee@eccc.edu. 

Paula Merritt / The Meridian Star

RICKLES from page A1 A pickup truck was involved in an accident Thursday night on Valley Road in Lauderdale County. The male
driver and a female passenger were taken to a hospital with head injuries, according to the Lauderdale
County Sheriff’s Department.
to a public misconception. This advocacy work
Rickles, who has never attempts to battle a stigma
been a smoker, falls into the surrounding lung cancer –

COURTHOUSE from page A1


latter category. that somehow those with
Despite the progress of lung cancer “deserve it”
her strain of cancer, Rickles because of an assumed his-
has no symptoms. She expe- tory of smoking.
riences fatigue from her County Administrator Chris Lafferty said utility costs courthouse are “important records.”
medication – an oral tar- at the J.C. Penney building would be cut in half, as Luke also said there is no word as to whether or not
The diagnosis it spent about $124,000 last year for utilities at the the county will be able to obtain the federal courthouse,
geted therapy that attempts
to shrink the tumors courthouse and the annex building. Lafferty estimates now the location of the U.S. Post Office. Luke said it
“There’s not as much utilities will cost about $5,000 per month — or about will be at least Jan. 31, 2018 before any further informa-
growing in both lungs.  research with lung cancer as
“It sounds worse than it $60,000 per year — at J.C. Penney. tion on the federal courthouse will be available.
with breast cancer,” Rickles Per Luke’s suggested timeline, a professional moving McDonald said clearing the county courthouse will
is,” Rickles said. “There isn’tsaid. “By the time you find
any spreading at this time company would be needed for the relocation effort. help speed up the renovation process.
out... it’s usually too late.” Because the service exceeds $50,000, the board would “You don’t want to disturb anything while someone
to my other organs: brain, The discovery of Rickles’
bone, blood.” be required to advertise for bids. is still in the building,” McDonald said.
tumors happened by acci- Todd suggested hiring a part-time crew to incre- Luke said “selective demolition” will be the first part
Like with all medica- dent. She had a scan for
tions, however, Rickles mentally move items from one location to the other of the process. He also suggested removing the dilapi-
an unrelated infection that instead of spending upward of $75,000 for a moving dated jail from the top of the courthouse.
could grow resistant just happened to catch the
and have to try something company. “Our recommendation is that we take the old jail
bottom of her lungs. District 2 Supervisor Wayman Newell said he would off,” said Luke, citing issues with leaking water that
else – but there’s ultimately The radiologist made
no way to predict whether prefer a professional service, as some of the items at the have caused water damage in the building. 
note and Rickles’ doctor
the medication will last followed up, sending her to
three months or five years. a pulmonary specialist “just
Because the tumors are to be sure,” but doubted it
in both lungs, Rickles’ case
is considered inoperable. 
could be cancer.
Until the fourth doctor
O P E N T O D AY, 1 0 a . m . - 9 p . m .
“It’s a gamble, pretty sent sections of Rickles’
much,” Rickles said. “If they lungs to a Mayo Clinic in Calvin Klein Jones New York
removed all the nodules (the Arizona, some doctors Oatmeal twill, Black, S-XL.
tumors) I’d have no lungs thought it could have been a S-XL. $189 $399
left.” fungus, Rickles said. 
Rickles, a 1999 Quitman “But, really, if you have
High School graduate, lungs – which all of us do –
studied communication and if you breathe than
and public relations at you’re at risk to have lung
the Mississippi University cancer,” Rickles said. 
for Women. She works at Still, Rickles finds herself Find the perfect coat at
Visit Meridian/ Lauderdale in disbelief. 
County Tourism, serves on
the board at the Meridian
Little Theater.
“If I had smoked it would
have made more sense,”
Rickles said. “I was always
LADIES’
Finding support
healthy, never had any real
medical issues, no surgeries,
nothing more than a cold or
wool
COAT leather
lea
When Rickles shares her flu ... and overnight, within
diagnosis, she said people
will sometimes ask about
her smoking habits and,
a moment, I was converted
to a cancer patient with a
life-shortening, incurable
DAY!
in online support groups, disease.” Guess Cole Haan
others with lung cancer say Rickles said she hopes White, S-XL. Black,
they feel blamed for the
disease.
sharing her story will
encourage those with per-
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“This one child fought
lung cancer for years and
sistent coughs or shortness
of breath to get a screening, Saturday, December 2
died at 19,” Rickles said. or just raise awareness
“There weren’t any screen- about the disease that can be
ings because it was thought so life changing.
that a child couldn’t get But, despite her diag- TRY ON A LADIES’
lung cancer.” nosis, Rickles said much in
In these groups, Rickles her life hasn’t changed. Gallery MICHAEL
Claret, S-XL. Michael
finds support and hope in She’s often fatigued
$119 Kors
others: those living with because of her medication Black, S-XL.
lung cancer long term and but she hasn’t had to make $169
caregivers who have lost any lifestyle changes.
someone to the disease.
“Everybody’s story is
“How could you be
thankful for a diagnosis
$
500 DILLARD’S
different,” Rickles said. “No with lung cancer?” Rickles
two stories are the same, no asked herself. “I’m thankful
two diagnoses are the same that I know because there’s casual down
and no two lines of treat- no telling where I’d be in a
ment are the same.” year from now if I had not
The most public cham- known.”
pion of lung cancer aware- Rickles remains positive,
ness and research, Rickles saying she can’t control the
learned, was Chris Draft, a diagnosis – only her reac-
former professional football tion to it. 
ALSO
linebacker who created the “The only thing different
Chris Draft Family Founda- now is knowing the impor-
tion after his wife died from tance of living versus just
the disease.  kind of existing,” Rickles
“He experienced it with said. “To live intentionally
the loss of his wife,” Rickles now and in the moment.
said. “And he made a vow to “What does tomorrow MICHAEL Calvin Klein
keep going and find a cure hold? I don’t know but, then Michael Pearlized
for those still struggling.” again, who does?” Kors crimson,
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