Today marks the 40th anniversary of the passing of Officer Jimmy Earl Kennedy from the Juneau (AK) Police Department.  Kennedy was from Magee, MS and is buried in the Magee City Cemetery.

As is custom, the Juneau (AK) Police Department sends a floral arrangement to be placed at Kennedy’s graveside for the 2019 anniversary.  Jimmy was 32 years old when he died.

Click this link for more information

Officers from the Magee Police Department placed the wreath at the graveside.

(pictured from left to right are: Officer Matt Sullivan, Lt. Matt Gipson (CID), Lt. Ben Stephens (Narcotics), Assistant Chief Joey Womack, and Chief of Police Randy Crawford)

The following is information from the incident:

Jimmy Earl Kennedy

Officer Jimmy Kennedy and Officer Richard Adair were ambushed while responding to a shots fired call.

The officers were dispatched to a weapon call, as the suspect had opened fire without provocation on a neighbor and wounded him as he drove out of his driveway. The wounded driver drove down a hill, passed out and wrecked, prompting neighbors to call police.

As the officers pulled up near the suspect’s home, he fired on both with a rifle from a second-floor window, striking them both in the head and killing them instantly. A back-up officer, a responding detective, was also shot and wounded. The chief of police then arrived and contained the scene while calling for backup from Alaska State Troopers. Before the troopers arrived, the suspect committed suicide.

Officer Kennedy had served with the Juneau Police Department for 18 months.

Juneau Police Department, Alaska

End of Watch Tuesday, April 17, 1979

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California Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison

for Multi-State Methamphetamine Conspiracy

Extensive Law Enforcement Cooperation Resulted in 19 Convictions and Sentences, Disrupting California-to-Mississippi Drug Trafficking Pipeline

Jackson, Miss. – Christopher Raynard Kidd, 27, of Rialto, California, was sentenced Friday afternoon by Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 336 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst. He was also ordered to pay a $2,500 fine. Kidd was previously found guilty of the charges following a five-day trial in October 2015.

This case is the result of an extensive investigation dubbed AOperation Yeti Ice@ targeting an illegal narcotics distribution network in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of over 100 Kilograms of Methamphetamine.

Beginning in early March 2013, and continuing through August 2014, Christopher Raynard Kidd conspired with others to obtain and distribute methamphetamine in Scott, Newton, Leake, and Neshoba Counties in Mississippi. The defendants used Federal Express, UPS, and the United States Postal Service to send methamphetamine from California to Mississippi. The defendants also transported the narcotics in compartments that were concealed in motor vehicles.

The network encompassed the States of California and Mississippi. The investigation yielded arrests of 19 additional defendants. The co-defendants and their sentences are listed below:

1. Rodney Gerald Henderson, 69, of Newton, Mississippi and Rialto, California, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release and ordered to pay $4,800 in restitution.

1. Steven Elias Ochoa, 29, of San Bernardino, California, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
   
2. Kafien Kidd, 35, of Newton, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
   
3. Walter Pernillo, 42, of San Bernardino, California, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
   
4. Michael Thomas McLemore, 38, of Pearl, was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
   
5. Jennifer Higgins McLemore, 35, of Pearl, was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release.
   
6. Marcos Jones, 35, of Newton, was sentenced to serve a term of 160 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,400 in restitution.
   
7. Jennifer Toole Kidd, 30, of Newton, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
   
8. Angelina Fortenberry, 38, of Decatur, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
   
9. Stacy Shelwood, 32, of Ocean Springs, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
   
10. Jakeivia Fairley, 24, Rialto, of California, was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
    
11. Cliff Williams, 36, of Meridian, was sentenced to 133 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
    
12. Princess Grace, 35, of Meridian was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
    
13. Terry Garth, 24, of Newton, was sentenced to 66 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
    
14. Thomas Odell Mason 55, of Little Rock, Mississippi, was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison followed by 5 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
    
15. Ronnie Round, 45, of Conehatta, was sentenced to 53 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
    

1. Beatrice Williams McEntee, 56, of Forest, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release.
   
2. Jaime Tavare Thames, 40, of Forest, was sentenced to 124 months in federal prison followed by 4 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,106 fine.
   
3. Kenneth Waggoner, 46, of Forest, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison followed by 3 years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.
   The OCDETF program is a joint federal, state and local cooperative approach to combat
   

drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations, and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets.

This OCDETF case is a result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assisting agencies include the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Leake County Sherriff’s Office, Madison County Sherriff’s Office, United States Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service, Carthage Police Department, Forest Police Department, Newton County Sherriff’s Office, Lauderdale County Sherriff’s Office, Decatur Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Richland Police Department, Pearl Police Department, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, and the United States Marshal Service.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Chalk.

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To celebrate the Easter season, the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board recently presented First Lady Deborah Bryant with seven eggs created by The Mustard Seed “Seedsters.” The board worked with The Mustard Seed, a Christian community for adults with developmental disabilities, to craft the eggs.

Seven Mustard Seed community members were given the opportunity to decorate an egg that represents the various regions of the state of Mississippi and its culture. The egg descriptions and artists were “Coast Mississippi” by Linda Byrd; “Our Magnolia State” by Blair Allen; “Highway 61 Blues Trail” by Russell Cobb, one of the newest seedsters; “Mississippi’s Agriculture,” which featured chicken, of course, by Matthew Davis; the “Mississippi Teddy Bear” created by Bill Brown, the oldest seedster at The Mustard Seed; “Honey Bees” by Rebecca Bratley, and “Mississippi’s Abundant Wildlife and Pines” by Logan Chew.

All seven artists, along with the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, were invited to the Governor’s mansion to present Bryant with the Easter eggs.

“We have come full circle in our partnership with The Mustard Seed community members. Our first “Easter egg artist,” Amber Carraway is now the Art Instructor,” Board President Ryn Laster said. “It was easy to see it meant as much to the First Lady as it did the artists to honor them for their “eggs”ceptional work.”

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JACKSON, Miss. – Horses for Handicapped returns to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds April 15-18 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Established in 1981, this annual event takes place every April at the same location. With its primary purpose being to provide an opportunity for children and adults with disabilities to congregate and enjoy a recreational aspect of agriculture that is both fun and entertaining, Horses for Handicapped is supported by many volunteers who come out every year to support the event.  

“I was introduced to this wonderful event last year, and I quickly saw what a special outreach this is for children and adults with disabilities. I want to invite the public to come out and support Horses for Handicapped on your Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. 

More than 1,900 children and adults with mental and physical disabilities will come to the fairgrounds over four days to enjoy horseback riding, wagon rides, a petting zoo and games.

“It’s such an honor to be able to offer the use of our facilities for an event such as this.  Our entire team looks forward to helping in any way possible,” said Steve Hutton, Executive Director of the Mississippi Fair Commission.

For more information about this event, visit www.horsesforhandicappedms.com. Kim Crotwell can be contacted via phone at 769-610-2406, via email at info@horsesforhandicappedms.com, or via fax at 601-898-8041.

Photo by Allyson Brooke Winn

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Mara Polk, Director of Central MS Regional Library System, and employees Rhonda Branch, Frances Meadows, and Cathy Ward. Central MS Library received Star Library Award and #3 Library in the state. Polk updated the board on library achievements and took time to pose for a picture with Board of Supervisors.

Road Manger Ben Warren thanked  the road crews and workers for all of their hard work during the high winds and tree damage over the weekend. Crews worked from 3:00 Saturday afternoon until 12:00 pm Sunday. Supervisor Danny Craft along with Ben Warren and other supervisors thanks the Sheriff’s department for working hand and hand in the clean up of the debris and notifying the crews where damage was located.

The Sheriff’s report was approved. The sheriff asked for Courtney James to be moved from Sergeant full-time certified to sheriff’s full-time patrol deputy(Part-time certified). The approval for Shane Brown to move from part-time certified sheriff’s deputy to full-time non-certified sheriff’s deputy was given. Approval for Cambree McCMullum to be moved from part-time certified jail to full-time certified jail was granted. Approval for Diahanna Perkins to be moved from non-certified part-time jail to full-time certified jail was given. Approval for Brianna Williams to move from part-time certified jail to full-time certified jail was given. Approval for Megan Rhodes to move from parti-time certified jail to full -time certified jail was given. Approval to hire Jenna Womack as a jail part-time non-certified and hire James E Dampeer as jail part-time certified was granted.

County Administrator, Rhuel Dickinson, received approval for his report. The report was as following: Approval was granted for Stacy Jones with a five percent pay increase after her six-month probationary period. The loss settlement from Geico was approved for total damage to 2008 Ford Sheriff’s vehicle in the amount of $2,172.94. A contract with Terminix for termite treatment at the Justice Complex in the amount of $335.00. Approval was given to purchase four additional election express poll tables from ES&S for the total amount of $3,800.00. Richard Rankin declined the appointment tot he Simpson County Development Foundation due to his decision to continue working as an employee of the foundation. Dr. Bo Huffman has been recommended to fill this appointment. Board approved the request.

A permit was approved to  for A T & T to replace a defective copper cable along or across Shows Road East.

The board tabled a decision to hire or appoint a new Emergency Manager due to the retirement of Glen Jennings.

With no further business the meeting was adjourned until the next monthly meeting May 6, 2019.

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 Riley Mangum met Daytime Legend and star of The Young and the Restless portraying Victor Newman, Eric Braeden, this past weekend in Metairie, LA at a book signing event.

Riley was accompanied to the event by his mother and grandmother, Shawna Mangum and Shirley Powell. Riley is the 7 year old son of Brian and Shawna Mangum and is a 1st grader at Mize Attendance Center.

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Congratulations to Co-Lin Tennis Team for winning the MACJ State Overall Championship and the Regional District XXIII State Championship Title. The team also has 2 State Championship Titles and 5 runner-up titles in Championship Matches!  Coach Rob Chanel of Co-Lin has been named the Regional Coach of the Year.

The team is heading to Tyler Texas for Nationals!

The Shows Twins ( McKenzie & Madison) are former SCA 2018 State Tennis Champs and are members of the winning championship teams.

For the fourth time in school history and the first time since 2002, the Co-Lin Lady Wolves are MACJS State Champions /NJCAA Region XXIII Champions.

Magee and SCA’s own Bethany Bar was a member of the 2002 winning tennis team!

2019 Team:

Paula Coronado

Carmen Manicea

Twins – Katy & Kara Clark

Twins – McKenzie & Madison Shows (SCA 2018)

Ashlyn Locke

Coach Rob Chanel

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Michael Anthony Eubanks

(July 6, 1961 – April 7, 2019)

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home for Michael Anthony Eubanks, 57 of Mize, who passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2019 at his residence.

Elder Reece Douglas, Jr. will officiate at the services with interment to follow in the Blakely Creek Baptist Church Cemetery in Collins. Special music will be provided by Mrs. Melanie Nunnally. Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins will be in charge of the arrangements.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Eubanks, Jeffery Eubanks, Daniel Eubanks, Kelly Eubanks, Allen Eubanks, Matt Nunnally, Aaron Sullivan, Jose’ Perdomo, Carter Tisdale, and Ray Eubanks. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present co-workers of W.E. Blain and Sons, Inc. (The Blain Companies), and his life-long hunting and fishing buddies.

Michael was born on July 6, 1961 in Magee, Mississippi. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Michael was employed as a superintendent at W.E. Blain and Sons, Inc. (The Blain Companies) and has been with them for the last thirty-eight years. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Michael enjoyed hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors. He loved spending time with his family, and attending sporting events for his grandchildren. Michael (Pig) will be truly missed by his family and all that knew him. 

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Sullivan Eubanks.

Survivors include his wife of thirty-one years, Clemmie Sellers Eubanks of Mize; his father, Billy Eubanks of Mount Olive; his father-in-law, Clem Sellers of Collins; three daughters, Kimberly Harvey (James) of Mount Olive, Bethany Eubanks of Mize, and Valerie Howell (Samuel) of Collins; five grandchildren, Trent Harvey, Tristan Harvey, Trinnity Harvey, Maddox Howell, and Emerson Howell; two sisters, B.J. Sullivan (Dempsey) of Mount Olive, and Peggy Taylor (Mike) of Magee; three brothers, Delmas Eubanks (Brenda) of Mount Olive, Delton Eubanks (Deborah) of Sontag, and Jeff Eubanks (Rhonda) of Mount Olive; a sister-in-law, Karen Tisdale of Ellisville; a brother-in-law, Leslie Tisdale of Ellisville; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. 

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com

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On Monday, April 15, Republican Candidate for Sheriff Paul Mullins discussed his plan for the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department. Paul discussed his experience in law enforcement and how he plans to use his connections to better Simpson County. Paul will face a challenger from the Democrats in the November election. The next TalkShow will feature the Democrat candidates for Sheriff so be sure to tune into that on April 29. Check out the interview below for a deeper look into Paul Mullins.

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SIMPSON COUNTY TECHNICAL CENTER IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE OUR 3^RD NINE WEEKS STUDENTS OF THE TERM!

AG & NATURAL RESOURCES (KAYLEE MEACHAM)

AG & NATURAL RESOURCES (KAYLEE MEACHAM)

CONSTRUCTION & CARPENTRY (VONTREL JOHNSON)

POLYMER SCIENCE (JASMINE DECKER)

DELANE MELTON (LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY)

DIESEL TECHNOLOGY (Eli Thomas)

HEALTH INFORMATICS (HALEY COLEMAN)

CAREER PATHWAYS EXPERIENCE (KELSEY SHEPPARD)

CAREER PATHWAYS EXPERIENCE (KELSEY SHEPPARD)

HEALTH SCIENCES (LEAH MARTIN)

METAL FABRICATION (THOMAS WILLIAMSON)

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The Mendenhall High School Golf Team finished in second place in the Pearl Invitational Golf Tournament.

Team members include Alex Seghini, Ethan Seghini, Brett Olney, Stephan Smith, Chase Booth, Zane Thomas, and Coach Cyril Fisher.

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9^th Grade Superintendent Scholar

9^th Grade Principal Scholar

10^th Grade Superintendent Scholar

10^th Grade Principal Scholar

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12^th Grade Superintendent Scholar

12^th Grade Principal Scholar

11^th Grade Superintendent Scholar

11^th Grade Principal Scholar

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Gary C Bailey with Bailey Education Group, LLC met before the board Thursday, April 11, 2019 to discuss procedures and options to consider consolidation of the county schools.  Bailey Education Group, if hired, would gather assessments and assist the district in the entire planning of the consolidation process. The group would conduct multiple community listening sessions, meet with principals and faculty, and organization planning needs. Board work session, discussing facility and organization planning issues would be observed. The group would conduct central office, superintendent, and leadership meetings. The studies would provide cost projections for long-range plan of existing facility and/or consolidation. The assessment would cost the county $22,000.00.

Mr. Robert Sanders, filling in for Superintendent Greg Paes, and the Simpson County School Board recognized Ms. Phyllis Smith, parent from Magee Middle School, for being chosen as District Parent of the Year.

Jeffery Walker, Maintenance and Transportation Director, presented information gathered concerning the baseball field which the City of Mendenhall owns. The field is currently used by Mendenhall Jr. High and High School. Mendenhall’s Mayor Todd Booth was willing to do what was affordable for the city. But, due to substantial funds needed, the city would not be able to address the issues at the current baseball field.  Mr. Walker met with sub contractors just to get an idea of cost to build a baseball and softball field for Mendenhall. The rough estimate would run approximately $750,000. If approved by the board, the location of the field would be where the bus barn is presently located. The district would move the bus barn to Magee. The board took this information under advisement and in a 4-1 vote with Stan Bulger opposing asked Mr. Walker to obtain bids for the actual cost of the fields.

The board proudly mentioned the Archery teams from Simpson County for winning State Championships. Simpson Central Elementary and Jr. High won State along with Mendenhall High School. Mendenhall Elementary and Jr. High placed 3rd.

Mr. Donnie Caughman, with the Simpson County Development Foundation, met before the board asking permission to market 16-section land located south of Magee. The area has rail access. Caughman would like to market the land to companies seeking the need for rail. The board approved Caughman to market the area to any potential customers.

The board approved $100 donation from Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church for unpaid meal balances.

The following travel agenda was approved. Jill Zattoni requested permission to attend the MS School Nurse Association Annual Conference and Executive Board Meeting. The conference is paid for with district funds and is scheduled for June 5-7, 2019 in Vicksburg. Greg Pages requested permission to attend Summer MASS Conference for Superintendents July 7-12 in Biloxi, Ms. The conference is paid for with district funds.  Debbie Davis, Misty Hanna, Terrell Luckey, Jeanie Pigg and Robert Sanders requested permission to attend Summer MASS conference for Alliance members, July 9-12, 2019 in Biloxi, MS. The conference is paid for with district and federal funds. Kitzmet Craft and Magee Middle School cheerleaders requested permission to travel to the University of Southern Mississippi to attend UCA Cheer Camp, May 30-June 2, 2019. Parents and fundraisers pay for the Camp. Kim Holloway request permission to attend the 6th Annual One Loud Voice – A Multi-Disciplinary Team Approach to Child Abuse, April 15-17, 2019 in Biloxi, Ms. The trip is paid for with federal funds. Jeanie Pitt and Veronica Magee requested permission to attend the METIS Conference, July 16-19, 2019 in Biloxi. The conference is paid for with federal funds. Patrice Williams and Brenda White requested permission to travel with Simpson County Technical students to the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium in New Orleans, LA on May 15, 2019. Parents and students are funding the trip. Jeffery Walker and Brad Smith requested permission to travel to Louisville, KY for the National Archery Tournament, May 10-12, 2019. The tournament is paid for with Archery funds.

With no further business, the meeting went into executive session to discuss student discipline and a personnel issue.

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WESSON – Two outstanding sophomores on Copiah-Lincoln Communter Hall of Fameity College’s Simpson County Center have been named to the college’s Hall of Fame, the highest honor that can be given a Co-Lin student.
During the Simpson County Center’s Annual Awards Day, Co-Lin President Dr. Jane G. Hulon announced the 2018-2019 Hall of Fame recipients are Baylea Brown of Magee and Patrick Mullins of Braxton.

Baylea Brown
Baylea Brown serves as President of the Trailblazers and is a member of the Beta Xi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. She was selected to Who’s Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and was on the President’s List. After Co-Lin, Baylea plans to attend the University of Mississippi to complete her degree in secondary mathematics education to become a high school math teacher.
She is the daughter of Patrick and Norma Brown.

Patrick Mullins
Patrick Mullins serves as Vice President of Leadership for the Beta Xi Psi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He is a member of the Alpha Omega Bible Club and was on the President’s List. Patrick was selected as a Campus Favorite and to Who’s Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
He is the son of Paul and Melissa Mullins.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Simpson County Center 2018-2019 Hall of Fame inductees are Baylea Brown (left) and Patrick Mullins.

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Prison for Extortion
Jackson, Miss. – Frank Saddler, 52, of Ridgeland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate to serve 39 months in federal prison for extortion, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, and Dax Roberson, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General – Southwest Regional Office. Judge Wingate also ordered Saddler to pay $28,374.64 in restitution to the victims and to serve three years of supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence.
Saddler was a certified law enforcement officer working for the Mississippi Department of Human Services charged with investigating criminal fraud related to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”), a program funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. From July 23, 2014 to June 15, 2015, Saddler extorted money from convenience store owners who had been charged with criminal violations relating to SNAP in exchange for not pursuing criminal charges against them. Saddler would tell store owners that they were paying restitution to the State of Mississippi when, in fact, they were making payments to Saddler which he deposited in his own bank account.
The case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant

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Outside-the-Classroom K-12 Spending Balloons Despite

Fewer Students and Teachers

JACKSON, Miss. – State Auditor Shad White released a report today which shows outside-the-classroom spending on administration and non-instruction activities has increased in Mississippi over the last decade, despite the fact that the number of K-12 students and classroom teachers has decreased during the same period. If outside-the-classroom spending had remained the same per student for the last decade, Mississippi could have had more than $358 million to dedicate to spending in the classroom—enough for an $11,000 teacher pay raise.

“As the product of our public schools, the son of a retired public school teacher, and the grandson of two public school teachers, the issue of how we spend education dollars is incredibly important to me,” said Auditor White. “Education policymakers need to take a careful look at where our money is going, and they should explain why outside-the-classroom spending is growing so much.”

Through a months-long analysis of data from the Mississippi Department of Education, auditors found that overall K-12 spending increased in Mississippi over the last 10 years, but instructional costs increased more slowly than any other part of K-12 spending.

At the same time, Mississippi has seen a decline in K-12 student enrollment. If outside-the-classroom spending had decreased at the same rate as enrollment, Mississippi would spend $358 million less on outside-the-classroom costs than what the state spends today. This amount is equivalent to an $11,000 teacher pay raise. If outside-the-classroom spending had simply been kept the same over the last ten years, it would have yielded enough savings to fund for a $9,000 teacher pay raise.

“Common sense says that money spent on a high quality teacher is the best way to use education funds. When money is spent on administrative costs, outside the classroom, we lose the chance to spend that money on teachers,” said White. “In Mississippi, we can’t afford to waste a single dollar on administrative costs when that money could be going to teachers.”

While administrative costs have increased by 18% over the last ten years, the number of teachers has decreased by 8%.

Some of the outside-the-classroom spending accounts with the largest increases include administrative staff services (increased cost of 113% and includes operations, recruiting, training, and accounting) and information services (103% increase and includes costs for producing “educational and administrative information” for students, staff, managers, and the general public).

The full report can be viewed online at the Auditor’s website by clicking “Reports.”

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Hardworking dispatchers and public safety tele-communicators serve as a vital link between our community, fire department, medical, and police officers.

April 14-20, 2019 has been designated as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week.

When these dispatchers are working they are a critical lifeline to other first responders.  These behind the scenes heroes are always there to answer the call. Dispatchers are the first line of response when it comes to an emergency. Simpson County is very fortunate to have good teams in place to assist the county.

Magee Dispatcher, Brandi Hanna, Officer Joey Womack, Investigator Matt Gibson along with Sue pose for a picture.

Austin Moore at the E911 office in Mendenhall takes time out for a quick picture.

Dispatchers hard at work

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The following is an arrest report from the Magee Police Department for the week April 8-15, 2019.

Carless Driving –  1

Driving while License Suspended – 4

No Insurance – 2

Possession of Paraphernalia – 6

Possession of Methamphetamine – 3

Seat belt warning – 1

Expired tag – 2

Disorderly Conduct – 2

Failure to Appear – 3

Failure to Pay – 1

Warrants – 5

DUI – 3rd – 1

DUI Other – 1

Petit Larceny – 2

Hold for Simpson – 1

Hold for Madison – 1

Open Container – 1

Hold for Information – 1

Trespassing – 1

Shooting into an occupied building – 1

Reckless discharge of a firearm – 1

Violated court program probation – 1

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By:  Sharon Womack

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