JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | City With Soul

[vetteking]

I really like that greenery amphitheater for UMMC Nursing building, wish there was something similar in downtown Jackson. It could look something like this

[vetteking]

More high-end apartments coming to North Jackson following council vote

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - A recent vote by the Jackson City Council clears the way for more high-end apartments to come to Northeast Jackson.

On Monday, the council voted 5-0 to approve a request for a use permit to allow developers to convert an office building in the 2600 block of Ridgewood Road into a unit of up to 20 multifamily apartments.

The request was made by Capitol Magnolia LLC. Speaking on that firm’s behalf was Justin Peterson, president of StateStreet Group.

“This area has a good bit of smaller office on Ridgewood, on Crane Ridge Drive, and along Lelia Drive, and we have learned over the past few years that apartments, particularly high-quality apartments, is a use that meets market demand and is in harmony with the area,” he told the council.

The use permit was needed because the office building is currently located in an area zoned C-2 commercial.

The Quarter House, a 138-unit apartment complex developed by StateStreet Group located behind the nearby Quarter shopping center, opened in 2021.

Ward One Councilman Ashby Foote urged his fellow councilmembers to vote in favor of the measure.

He spoke to WLBT afterward, saying the nature of the area along Lakeland, Ridgewood, and Lelia has changed, and that the apartments would help attract more people to the city, in particular, medical professionals and medical students at the nearby hospitals.

“They had good success with the other apartments they’ve done,” Foote said. “I think it’s great and helps build Jackson’s population base.”

It’s not known when construction will begin or when the project will be completed.

Peterson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. We will provide additional details on the development when they are made available.
https://www.wlbt.com/2024/08/19/more...-council-vote/

Buyouts? Flooding? One Lake meetings underway for Jackson residents

The Army Corps of Engineers held public meetings in communities that would be impacted by flooding from One Lake.

Controversy over the One Lake development project continued last week as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held “Environmental Justice” meetings on Thursday and Friday in economically disadvantaged and majority minority areas the project would impact.

Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba made an appearance at Friday’s meeting at New Jerusalem Church, advocating for the Corps’ alternative D version of the One Lake plan.

The meetings come just two weeks after a Clarion Ledger investigation found that residents in South Jackson, Byram and Richland — areas potentially impacted by downstream induced flooding of the Corps moves forward with alternative D — had no idea their homes and neighborhoods were on the map for increased flooding.

The Corps announced that it would hold “Environmental Justice” or “EJ” meetings on Aug. 9 at 4:05 p.m. and scheduled the meetings for a week later on Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Emails with the meeting announcements were sent to civic organizations and neighborhood associations provided by the Rankin Hinds Flood Control District. While the body of the email said the location of the South Jackson meeting was “forthcoming,” an email attachment said it would be held at Miracle Temple Church.

A public comment period specifically for residents in impacted areas will be open until Aug. 30.

Approximately 15 people turned out for Friday’s 10 a.m. meeting at New Jerusalem Church. Deon Thompson, who lives across from the Canton Club and is concerned about the project’s flooding impacts, said the “EJ” meetings came last minute. Sharon Paige, also a resident of Canton Club, noted that two of the four meetings were held during working hours.

Lumumba spoke at the meeting Friday morning in support of alternative D. He was the only elected official to attend any of the meetings and left 25 minutes into the meeting during the presentation portion and before the question and answer period. Lumumba said alternative D will not build a dam on the Pearl River and would not produce any downstream impact.

Alternative D, as stated in the Corps’ main report, would include a weir, which is a type of low-head dam and barrier across a stream or river to control water flow. The Corps’ main report also states that the plan would create induced flooding downstream that would impact over 200 structures.

Fifty two of those structures would have flooding so severe with an induced 5 inches or more that the Corps wrote in its report that it would offer floodproofing and voluntary buyouts to owners.

After Lumumba spoke, he spoke privately to Thompson.

Lumumba tried to convince him to support alternative D, saying it was in the best interest of Jackson as a whole, Thompson said.

“They're looking at the real estate value of it, that's all they see,” Thompson said. “We are sitting here waiting for the next flood to happen to us.”

Lumumba said in his comments he was concerned about buyouts that would uproot Jackson residents and further diminish the city’s taxpayer base. The confusion about whether the Corps would be offering buyouts and in what form continued through the presentation and open house portion of the meeting.

“Structures with no action would flood as well, and then they are eligible for the non structural plan, which is elevations for buyouts, hopefully voluntary,” Jason Emery, chief of cultural social analysis for the Army Corps, said.

Emery did not respond to a question during public comment about the “voluntary” buyouts and whether there would be mandatory buyouts.

The Corps said they would also offer home elevation for those impacted by induced flooding. However, the process could take weeks or months and “homeowners are responsible to pay for costs associated with temporary quarters,” Emery said. The Corps estimates that the maximum cost for temporary displacement would be $6,500 per month.
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...t/74825690007/

Will the Lights on Broadway Stay Lit?

Broadway in Jackson issued the following statement.

The City of Jackson recently informed Broadway in Jackson that they have identified unidentified microbial growth in Thalia Mara Hall.

Unequivocally, the safety and comfort of all ticketholders is of paramount importance to Innovation Arts & Entertainment, the Executive Producers of Broadway in Jackson. Without question, there should never be a question as to whether a performing arts and concert venue is safe and healthy for its attendees, and we share the concerns of the public about what we have read, heard, and witnessed. As such, this week, we traveled to Jackson to advocate for proper care and repair of this iconic venue to the highest, most safe level. We have made ourselves available and are assisting the City and Thalia Mara Hall management to help them navigate the challenges facing the theatre and ensure that the venue is clean, safe, and comfortable.

While we maintain our concerns about the condition of the venue, we are satisfied with the initial steps and commitment to returning TMH to its proper condition and status. Our experience in venue maintenance and operations leads us to believe that the prognosis for a full recovery is strong.

The City has hired the Center for Toxicology & Environmental Health (CTEH), an independent, licensed Certified Industrial Hygienist to investigate, perform laboratory analyses, and assess all substances uncovered through their rigorous testing protocols. Furthermore, the City has hired Belfor, a nationally renowned, independent and licensed property restoration company to handle the remediation and repairs required to ensure that the venue is safe, healthy, and comfortable for all guests, on stage and off.



The Five Point Plan to ensure we get back to normal is as follows:

Inspection and Assessment:
1. CTEH’s certified industrial hygienist has inspected the inside physical spaces inside Thalia Mara Hall and taken samples of all surfaces where there was visible microbial growth. They have also taken samples of the air present, tested for moisture sources, and potential hidden microbial growth in areas like walls, ceilings, and under flooring.
2. The samples have been examined in a laboratory testing facility under stringent, medical grade processes to identify all foreign growth, spores, and mold.
3. It is our understanding that a report has been completed of the laboratory examination of the samples.
4. If the findings indicate concerning elements, growth, or mold, the same report will identify standard operating procedures for the containment and remediation. These operating procedures are a How-To manual and Scope of Work for Belfor to fix what ails Thalia Mara Hall thoroughly.

Containment:
1. If the findings of the analysis of the Thalia Mara Hall samples indicate concerning elements, immediate steps will be taken to prevent microbial growth spores from spreading to unaffected areas using containment barriers. This involves using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to keep microbial growth spores contained within the affected area.

Remediation
1. The goal of remediation is to ensure all microbial growth spores are eradicated, preventing regrowth through air filtration, material removal, cleaning, and disinfection. The affected materials are carefully removed and disposed of.

Re-Inspection
1. A re-inspection ensures that the microbial growth has been completely removed and that the property is safe and clean.
​​​​​​​ 2. If the re-inspection demonstrates that remediation proves that all growth has been eradicated, a report is issued allowing for re-occupancy. Only after this “bill of health” is issued, will Broadway in Jackson shows go on.
​​​​​​​ 3. If the re-inspection finds the continued presence of microbial growth or spores, the entire remediation process occurs again, until the growth, spores, mold, etc are eradicated. No events will occur at Thalia Mara Hall until re-inspection confirms full eradication.

Restoration
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ 1. Once the microbial growth has been removed, and verified via re-inspection, that all traces are gone whereas the area is dry, restoration work to restore the areas to their pre-damaged condition.

Our experience in venue management and operations verifies that this Five-Point Plan complies with best practices for ensuring that any hazardous substances are found, and permanently eliminated from Thalia Mara Hall.

We stand with you, our most loyal supporters, friends, and guests. Thalia Mara Hall, this critical civic institution, must be maintained at the highest standards in order to keep the best in live entertainment coming to Jackson, MS, and audiences coming in to enjoy it.

Your commitment and investment in Broadway in Jackson is critical to our ability to bring the Best of Touring Broadway direct from New York to Mississippi. We will never put you and your families at risk by asking you to attend an event in a venue that is not safe and healthy.

Your Season Ticket purchase is guaranteed safe with Broadway in Jackson. If Thalia Mara Hall is deemed unsafe or a Broadway in Jackson or Jackson Live show is cancelled, you will receive a full refund for the shows affected.

We will stay vigilant in our investigation of the condition of Thalia Mara Hall and the work being done by the hired contractors who are entrusted with its restoration. We commit that our events will only proceed when the venue is safe and healthy.

Sincerely,
Adam Epstein
CEO
Innovation Arts & Entertainment &
Broadway in Jackson​​​​​​​
http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/202...-stay-lit.html

Ready for Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburger in Jackson metro area? When and where?

Mississippi's third Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburger is slated to open in the metro area very soon.

According to the City of Flowood, Giesen Management Associates Management of Colorado has said it expects to open the new fast-casual restaurant in September.

The restaurant is being completed along Lakeland Drive in conjunction with the Pinelands development.

Giesen Management is a restaurant management group with Slim Chickens, Dunkin', Arby's, and Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburgers brands.

Daniel Lang, director of economic development at City of Flowood, said getting Freddy's to come to Flowood was easier than he expected. After attempting to lock down other food franchises, he came across Freddy's and gave them a call.

"I told them a little bit about our area and what all we had going on, and they were very interested," he said. "It really came together pretty quickly."

Freddy's two other locations in Mississippi are in Horn Lake and Olive Branch.

It has more than 490 locations in 37 states and 375 cities. Texas has the most locations with 73, and the company also has locations in Canada.

According to its website, Freddy’s was co-founded in 2002 by brothers Bill and Randy Simon with their friend and business partner, Scott Redler. It was named in honor of Bill and Randy’s father, Freddy Simon.

Freddy Simon worked in the service industry for nearly 60 years after having served in World War II.

Flowood's Freddy's will be just down the street from one of the newest restaurants along Lakeland Drive, Smalls Sliders. Owned by Matt Gallagher, along with his son Zack, it was the first Mississippi location for the restaurant chain. The family is expected to open three others in the metro area in the next year or so and have been awarded more franchises for the Gulf Coast area.
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/74812520007/

[vetteking]

Jackson city leaders considering bond to help with libraries, Thalia Mara Hall



Much of the Richard Wright Library has been damaged by vandals since it was closed.(Floyd Council)

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson city leaders are considering issuing a bond to address issues at Thalia Mara Hall and various public libraries.

“What we are studying is a proposal to issue debt... a bond issuance to be able to support some of this capital infusion that needs to happen,” Chief Financial Officer Fidelis Malembeka said. “This should happen soon.”

Budget presentations continued Monday, with the city council hearing from Jackson Public Schools, the Jackson Redevelopment Authority, and the Jackson/Hinds Library System.

The presentation comes just days after Thalia Mara had to be shut down due to “early microbial activity,” and months after the council deeded over the Eudora Welty Library to the state, leaving JHLS with just five libraries in the capital city.
“We currently have five of eight libraries open, and in Ward One, as you know, the Charles Tisdale Library was closed and demolished. In Ward Six, the Richard Wright Library is permanently closed. And, as everyone knows, the Eudora Welty Library, which is in Ward Seven, has been closed,” JHLS Executive Director Floyd Council said. “And then there [are] several other libraries... that are pending repair.”

Those libraries include the Willie Morris Library and Medgar Evers Library. Currently, Medgar Evers is being cooled by temporary chillers installed by the city of Jackson. Council did not go into details about the needs at Morris.

“The facilities that are open and notably pending repairs in the county are the Evelyn Taylor Majure Library in Utica [which] requires some repairs to the roof and other substantial repairs, and our Byram Library is also pending repairs. In the county, the Annie T. Jeffers Library in Bolton has been closed for a considerable period,” he said.


Floyd Council, executive director of the Jackson/Hinds Library System, speaks to WLBT previously. (WLBT)

He said the Library Board of Trustees was working with the county on getting that branch open to the public, and residents should “hear something about that in the future.”

As for libraries in Jackson, JHLS is an additional $50,000 increase over last year’s budget allocation to address structural issues early on.

The total amount being requested by the library system is $1,997,000, a little less than half of the system’s $4.2 million budget.

“The first thing I would say is, with $50,000... once Evers gets a new air conditioner, the first thing we’d like to do is service that air conditioner, clean the coils every year, things like that, to prevent us from ever being in a position where it becomes a total replacement,” said JHLS Chief Financial Officer Justin Carter. “That’s number one on my list... and HVAC is obviously the number one problem with most of our branches.”

Council told council members that maintaining library buildings is akin to people maintaining their homes, such as plumbing issues, broken doors, and the like, but the system has little money to address them.

“When we came to the council last year, we proposed a more comprehensive plan, out of which we asked the Council for $750,000 to actually develop a comprehensive plan for all of the facilities, and this was in response to normal operations and patrons concerns about, you know, while libraries were having to close, how could we fix things?” he said.

“And I think that our last proposal was, if the money [was] actually presented to us under the guidance of our board, then we [could] quickly respond to these things, to keep the buildings open by making repairs,” Council continued. “One thing that is for certain, if you don’t have any money allocated to do anything, there’s not anything that you can do in response.”

Jackson has been struggling to maintain libraries for years. In 2017, the Charles Tisdale Library closed due to black mold issues and flooding in the basement. The popular East Northside Drive branch was torn down in 2022, about five years after it had been abandoned by the library system and ransacked by vagrants.


Charles Tisdale Library demolished, five years after closing(WLBT)

A year later, library officials were moving books out of the Richard Wright Library after vandals had wreaked havoc on the McDowell Road facility, with Council telling WLBT at the time that he was “determined to make sure that this situation here... does not become another Tisdale.”

Wright was the only library providing service for South Jackson.

Then, in December, the council approved transferring ownership of the Welty Library to the Mississippi State Department of Archives and History. The agency is planning to tear down the one-time flagship branch to make way for a green space for the Two Mississippi Museums.


Even with the closures, JHLS Board President Peyton Smith told council members that libraries in Jackson remain in high demand, pointing to the 6,962 people who visited the Medgar Evers branch in June.

By comparison, documents obtained by WLBT showed that the Jackson Zoological Park had fewer than 8,400 people visit it between January 1 and July 16 of this year.

“We think there is a significant demand for library service in this city that’s going unmet because we have closed branches,” he said. “We believe that moving back toward full service and having those eight branches is probably going to be the right number.”
https://www.wlbt.com/2024/08/19/with...falling-apart/

[vetteking]

Sonic Boom of The South presents

Sonic Boom of The South

The 2024-2025 Prancing J-Settes of Jackson State University. #LuvDaBoom
https://www.facebook.com/jsusbots/po...UgeJNRPCyFc3Dl

The Girls Night Out Fashion Show in Pearl

Pearl Chamber of Commerce added 71 new photos to the album: Girls Night Out Fashion Show 2024.

The Girls Night Out Fashion Show was once again a wonderful evening of fashion, fun and lots of shopping! Thank you to the Pearl Mayor’s Youth Council and others that volunteered your time to help us make this event a huge success! This is the first of several posts that we will make so get ready for picture overload! The photographer’s pictures will be posted tomorrow.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00064817136120

Welcome Jam and Play Fair at Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University

We kicked off our Brave Beginnings | New Student Orientation with a Welcome Jam and Play Fair! #Alcorn28 #BraveBeginnings
https://www.facebook.com/AlcornState...uKTcSCMHe6Uyvl

[vetteking]

Madison the City welcomes L.A. Green

Madison the City

We welcomed L.A. Green to Madison with a ribbon-cutting ceremony this past Friday. L.A. Green is a wonderful addition to our city and we are grateful they chose Madison as their most recent location. Be sure to stop by and visit this beautiful lifestyle boutique at 119 Merchant St., Ste. A, right down from Half Shell. Their hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00 am- 5:00 pm.
https://www.facebook.com/madisonthec...A4UppVHBwUnmMl

Alcorn State's State of the University address event

Alcorn State University

Alcorn State University opened its Fall Faculty and Staff Institute with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and institutional priorities. The event featured a State of the University address by President Tracy M. Cook, Ed.D. and a keynote speech on AI’s impact on education. Read more — https://tinyurl.com/2s3tk2vp #AlwaysAlcorn #AI
https://www.facebook.com/AlcornState...agRkV8WWUfDU1l

Alcorn State University welcomes 600 freshman

Alcorn State University

August 14, 2024, signaled a significant transition in the life journey of nearly 600 young people as they traveled from near and far to their new home, Alcorn State University. Freshmen and their families were welcomed onto the campus with open arms as they embarked on this new endeavor. Read more — https://tinyurl.com/2kdxsnmh #AlcornMVN24 #AlwaysAlcorn
https://www.facebook.com/AlcornState...yex1L6Zs7XDeol

https://www.facebook.com/search/post...OlwiXCJ9In0%3D

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...00089147236282

https://www.facebook.com/debra.white...7XrRu7jDZMS2Zl

[vetteking]

Lou's Full Serv: Seafood and steaks highlight a mix of Southern and coastal flavors

A restaurant’s historic roots is an odd recommendation, but it's the first adjective that comes to mind when I’m asked about Lou’s Full Serv Neighborhood Kitchen in Jackson. In fact, it’s such an interesting place to eat (I’ll get to the amazing food in a minute) that it’s worth a detour when you’re in the Jackson area or en route to other areas.

Here’s what first comes to mind when I think of Lou’s Full Serv. It’s located next to Jitney #14 in the Parkins Pharmacy building. Yes, I know, neither of these two establishments still exist. However, in my mind and I’m quite sure, in the minds of many others, these buildings will always be associated with and called by the names of their former occupants.
















Another fact that is part of my personal Jackson history: owner and executive chef Louis LaRose was formerly a chef at POET’S, Sam’s Westside and Bravo! – three of my regular hangouts during the two decades I lived in Jackson and surrounding areas.

History aside, today Lou’s projects an energetic, yet laid-back vibe in a restaurant that's part history/part modern-day courtesy of original features from the previous century like subway tiles and an old post office window combined with metal features and industrial-like lighting.

Guests can take their pick of one of several tables in the open dining room or dine al fresco on the adjacent patio. On any given day, especially when the Mississippi legislature is in session, seeing legislators and state and city officials dining next to office workers and physicians is a normal occurrence.

Novelty and historic factor aside, ultimately it’s the food that draws people to Lou’s. LaRose takes innovative dining to a new level with fresh, creative dishes that manage to taste homemade despite the necessity of serving a steady stream of customers that begin arriving at 11 a.m. and doesn’t end until late in the evening. Lou’s offers a delightful mix of southern and coastal flavors in its menu options, including seafood dishes, salads, sandwiches, burgers, steaks and daily blue plate-like specials.














While you’re waiting on the main dish to arrive at lunch, sample one or a selection of what Lou’s calls “snacks.” In some cases, you may not feel the need to move past this section.

Sample-worthy appetizers are crawfish cake with local sausage cracklins and Chile butter ($17), mushroom toast ($12), salmon dip ($12), crawfish fondue and seasoned steak fries ($17) and onion rings with smoked tomato remoulade ($8).

Many come to Lou’s for its creative sandwiches topped with homemade sauces and dressings. Believe me, they don’t disappoint.

There’s the bacon-wrapped meatloaf sandwich topped with Lou’s dill pickle mix and mustard aioli on sourdough bread ($13), Chick-Fil-Lou ($13), a crispy chicken thigh topped with Comeback sauce and pickles, grilled cheese ($13), filled with ham and bacon, caramelized red onions and mayor on crusted sourdough, Cuban ($14) stuffed with ham, pork, pickles, Swiss cheese and brown mustard on a hoagie bun and roast beef ($15) composed on Wagyu eye of round, shoestring potatoes, herb aioli and homemade mustard on sourdough.

If you’re a burger lover, you’ve come to the right place. Mile-high choices like Burger No. 7 ($15) is piled high with candied bacon, grilled green tomatoes, caramelized red onion, smoked tomato-bacon aioli and provolone on a house bun. Or, try the D-Luxe burger ($16), an appetizing albeit somewhat unusual concoction of griddle pork belly, fried egg, barbecue aioli, vegetables, smoked gouda and a house bun.

Each one of these and others on the menu are served with your choice of salad or onion rings or fries.

You can’t go wrong with the daily rotating place lunches ($12) that include red beans and rice, crispy chicken, meatloaf, pork chops and shrimp and crawfish etouffee. Entrees come with vegetables, team, salad and bread, making it one of the best deals on the menu.

There are also a variety of salads filled with your choice of toppings or meat additions on the menu.

For dinner, things are kicked up a notch, especially in the “snacks” section. A favorite stopping-off place for those heading to downtown events after dark, Lou’s is famous for appetizers served with house-made sauces. Selections include the chef’s board (market price) filled with sliced meats, vegetables and other small bites, shrimp crunch ($17), crispy Gulf oysters ($15) and Lou’s famous onion rings ($8), among others.

Besides salads, burgers and sandwiches similar to the lunch menu, dinner selections include heartier meals like Bolognese over fettuccine ($25), shrimp and grits ($27), redfish ($28), salmon ($28), short rib ($26), filet ($36) and ribeye ($38). They’re taken to greater heights with the addition of creative sauces, locally-grown vegetables and house-made breads and sides.

Dessert is another treat you don’t want to overlook. Dishes like tiramisu, salted caramel blondie, bread pudding and blueberry cobbler ($10) are perfect endings to any meal.

Lou’s is located at 904B E. Fortification St. next to Froogle’s Market. Hours are Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Monday and Saturday. Lou’s is closed on Sunday.








https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...pi/1902107001/

[vetteking]

Excited to see all the performances from the beautiful J-Settes of Jackson State University this season. Here some of their powerful performances over the years:
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[vetteking]

What's the latest update on the Russell C. Davis Planetarium? Staffing, security needed

Seven years after it initially closed, the Russell C. Davis Planetarium is expected to open its doors in October 2025.

Mike Williams, the City of Jackson's deputy director of the Department of Human and Cultural Services, provided an update to members of the Jackson City Council on Tuesday, during the department's annual budget presentation.

Previously, Williams shared that construction of the planetarium was estimated to be finished in July 2025. But during Tuesday's budget presentation, Williams said "construction should be complete in probably late August."

Once it opens, Williams said he believes the planetarium will generate $1 million in revenue. Prior to the renovations, the best year in revenue the planetarium had was "$300,000 or something maybe a bit below that," Williams said.

"That's the best year that the planetarium had in it's previous 45 years," Williams said. "We are aiming for a sustained ($1) million, give or take, annual revenue."

In total, the budget for the renovations of the planetarium is $21 million. The city approved $7 million for the project, the state approved $2 million, and the county approved $1.5 million. Private donors have also contributed a significant amount of dollars for the project.

Another issue is staffing. Pamela Scott, director of the Department of Human and Cultural Services, said $170,000 is estimated "just for the most critical staff." She said the department wants to start the hiring process at least six months prior to the planetarium's opening, including an education coordinator.

There's also the need for security, not just for the planetarium, but also for the Jackson Convention Center, the Arts Center and Thalia Mara Hall, which are all along Pascagoula Street in Downtown Jackson.

"That’s where a lot of the unhoused population spends time and lives and do things that would probably deter the use of the facilities. So, security is a need in that area," Scott said.

Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote emphasized the need for security.

"We need a partnership with JPD to help us address (the unhoused population)," Foote said. "This undermines our ability to attract customers and people to come to these facilities. That's a big deal. We need to embrace them and have them help us address the unhoused population so that our facilities can be utilized (by people) who want to utilize them."

Williams said that the homeless issue "is such a constant," that he didn't think the Jackson Police Department has enough manpower to "give us the kind of security that we need."

"I think what we need looks more like what they have at the Museum of Art behind us, which is basically a 24-hour patrol," Williams said.

Foote said the city should be talking to Capitol Police Chief Bo Luckey as well. Downtown Jackson falls within the boundaries of the Capitol Complex Improvement District which is the jurisdiction of the Capitol Police.

Once renovations are complete, the planetarium will feature multiple exhibits explaining the history and future of space, how Mississippi has contributed to the space frontier and an atrium lobby.

It will also feature the Ronald McNair space theater where guests can give talks. McNair was an astronaut who trained to become the world’s first orbital cinematographer with his work on the award-winning documentary, “The Space Shuttle: An American Odyssey.” One of the two lenses McNair used in space is still in the planetarium's artifact storage awaiting display. McNair died in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986.

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...m/74730038007/

City pushing forward with search for convention center hotel developer amid bribery scheme

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Jackson city leaders say they’re still planning to evaluate responses submitted months ago to build a convention center hotel, despite the fact one of those proposals is now believed to be fake.

“No one has been disqualified because it’s not even been scored,” said Jackson Director of Communications Melissa Faith Payne. “The next step is a feasibility study.”

In January, the city issued a “Statement of Qualifications,” seeking firms interested in developing the 7.75-acre property across from the Capital City Convention Complex.

An SOQ is essentially seeking resumes from firms seeking to be involved in a particular project. Those firms are evaluated and a feasibility study is conducted, in part, to see which firms would be suitable to help do the work.

The project, according to the SOQ, would include a 335-room full-service hotel, a parking garage, and entertainment space.

Responses were due to the city on March 12. The city was supposed to review and select a firm by April 16, and a final contract or contacts were expected to be awarded by September 24.

Three companies responded, including Facility Solutions Team, the firm believed to be tied to a bribery scandal that recently brought down a member of the Jackson City Council.

Last week, former Ward 2 Councilwoman Angelique Lee pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with taking nearly $20,000 in cash and gifts for support for a downtown development project.

According to court records, Lee met with FBI informants posing as Nashville developers looking to develop a project downtown. Lee was paid for her support for the project, and for closing off a road key to the project’s success.

The meeting was organized by an unindicted co-conspirator, now believed to be Hinds County District Attorney Jody Owens.

While the name of the development firm was not mentioned in court, FST also is from Nashville and was formed by Owens, with the formation papers being filed with the Mississippi Secretary of State on March 19, a week after responses were due to the city.

WLBT has confirmed that the so-called Nashville developers met with five city council members: Lee, Ashby Foote, Vernon Hartley, Aaron Banks, and Virgi Lindsay. Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell met the developers in passing at a groundbreaking event in February but never met with them individually.

“I don’t have much recollection of that day because it was a busy day for me,” Grizzell said, adding that he is not a target of any FBI investigation.

Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth Stokes previously said he did not attend any meetings.

At a meeting on June 4, Foote asked for an update on the SOQ. Director of Planning Jai Keeton said the city had received three responses and had organized a committee to evaluate those responses.

That committee, he said, included “seven or eight different people,” including representatives from Visit Jackson, the Department of Planning and Development, the convention center, and other divisions. However, no firms’ resumes had been evaluated at the time.


Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote says the FBI notified him after the May 22 raids that he was not a target of the investigation.(WLBT)

Foote, who said he was notified after the May 22 raids that he was not a target of the federal investigation, believes the city should scrap the SOQ and temporarily shelve plans for a convention center hotel.

“The whole thing with the Department of Justice and the FBI have cast a long, dark cloud over Jackson and this is at the heart of it,” he said. “We’re better off waiting for this thing to clear.”
https://www.wlbt.com/2024/08/21/city...ribery-scheme/

New Mississippi National Guard maintenance shop opens in Brandon

BRANDON, Miss. (WJTV) – The Mississippi National Guard (MSNG) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday at a new maintenance shop in Brandon.

The Brandon Field Maintenance Shop, FMS #9, is located at 122 Metropolitan Lane, off of Interstate 20, Exit 54 behind the General Motors Corporation building.

The recently completed project is comprised of two building areas, including a more than 37,000 sq. ft. vehicle maintenance shop, tool rooms, supply rooms and storage areas. The other building area includes an administration building with offices, a classroom, and community space on-site.

“This is a great day for the Mississippi National Guard, which means by definition, it’s a great day for America. Obviously, they’re going to have the ability to bring significant assets into this facility, work on them to make sure that our men and women in uniform have the equipment that they need, that if we were to deploy, that we have the equipment we need to be successful in whatever that deployment looks like,” said Gov. Tate Reeves (R-Miss.).

FMS #9 will provide daily maintenance support services, ensuring equipment readiness for Mississippi National Guard mobilization efforts and natural disaster response and relief mission reaching far into the future.

“They will be able to bring these vehicles and do the services on them and then bring them back out to the units to be able to accomplish those missions, either being here in the state, the nation or overseas, depending upon where those were at. So, it makes sure that we’re able to support readiness here in the state,” said Colonel Rick Weaver, Construction and Facilities Management officer.

“This is the most dangerous period that we’ve had since World War II. And facilities like this are going to help our Guardsmen and help them help the rest of the military in keeping us peaceful and keeping us out of war,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).

FMS #9 will support more than 1,100 pieces of military equipment from 34 units within the Mississippi National Guard, providing more than 35 full-time positions.

• Video Link

https://www.wjtv.com/news/local-news...ns-in-brandon/

Aurora Flight Sciences expanding in Columbus

The aerosystems manufacturer is investing $43.8 million in their Lowndes County facility and adding 63 jobs.

The Mississippi Development Authority announced Wednesday that aerosystems manufacturing company Aurora Flight Sciences is expanding in Columbus.

The project is a $43.8 million investment that will create 63 new jobs by the end of 2025.

Aurora Flight Sciences Vice President of Manufacturing Luke Colville said in a statement that the company is proud to bring this investment to the community.

“Since coming to Mississippi in 2005, our manufacturing business has grown exponentially. This success would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of Aurora’s team members here in Columbus,” Colville said. “We are thankful for our incredible employees and for the continued support of local organizations such as the Mississippi Development Authority and Golden Triangle Development LINK.”
Aerospace industry blooming in Mississippi

The company opened its Columbus facility in 2005. As a subsidiary of Boeing, Aurora Flight Sciences designs, builds and flies advanced aircraft and enabling technologies for commercial and defense applications.

MDA says Aurora’s expansion is adding 50,000 square feet of new manufacturing space onto its existing aerosystems production facility. The company also is refurbishing 40,000 square feet, adding new equipment and machining and improving its automated fiber placement technology.
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Governor Tate Reeves (R) stated that the investment by Aurora Flight Sciences is further proof that Mississippi is an outstanding location for cutting-edge aerospace manufacturing.

“The Golden Triangle Region is a hotspot for aerospace excellence, and its skilled pipeline of experienced workers ensures companies like Aurora Flight Sciences remain at the forefront of the industry,” Reeves said. “Congratulations to the Aurora team on this latest expansion and I wish them many more successful years in Lowndes County.”

MDA notes that the agency is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program, and AccelerateMS and Lowndes County are assisting with the project.
https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/08/...g-in-columbus/

[vetteking]

Fire crews still working to put out South Jackson fire over 48 hours later

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - The Jackson Fire Department has been working around the clock since Saturday afternoon to extinguish a fire at Mississippi Tire Recycling in South Jackson.

According to Deputy Fire Chief Cleotha Sanders Jr., the fire is under control, and they do not see it progressing further.

He estimates it will take about a week and a half to two weeks to fully extinguish.

Sanders told WLBT 3 On Your Side it was a team effort from multiple departments and agencies to get to this point.

“The men and women of the Jackson Fire Department did an amazing job to bring the fire to this point under control. We believe that this past weekend, our brothers and sisters of our metro area fire departments really showed up to support the Jackson fire department during this fire,” Sanders said.

Jackson Fire Department is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to ensure fire departments are able to extinguish the fire while also protecting the environment.

Cody Fisher with the Department of Environmental Quality says there is no current threat to public health from air quality.

“The readings that we’ve gotten for the constituents of concern you have during a fire like this have came back below action levels. Those action levels would be something that we would give back to the fire department if they had to issue shelter in place or evacuations or anything like that,” Fisher said.

As crews continue to work in the summer heat, the fire department is protecting firefighters’ physical and mental health by providing hydration and rehabilitation stations on site and spacing out shifts.

“We have three different shifts, so it’s not that every firefighter on scene is the same person that was there the day before. So we’re switching out crews. We’re making sure that, even like today, that we rotate the crews that are on scene throughout, so it won’t be so taxing on a specific crew,” Sanders said.

Sanders told WLBT 3 On Your Side that a gas line could have played a role in the fire, but that has not been confirmed.

This is an ongoing investigation.
https://www.wlbt.com/2024/08/19/fire...8-hours-later/

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Here's more pictures from Clarion Ledger:






Praying the firefighters are okay and thankful for their service and that no one was injured battling the flames. Mane its been a scorching HOT these past few days so I know they were feeling it battling this fire. Through the flames Jackson will rise like the phoenix rising through the ashes!

[vetteking]

Happy National Catfish Month

Mississippi Department of Agriculture & Commerce
@MSDeptofAg
Last year, Mississippi's catfish industry earned $252 million from its 32,900 acres of production across the state! MDAC is proud to recognize our hardworking Mississippi catfish farmers this August during #NationalCatfishMonth.
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9:00 AM · Aug 21, 2024
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https://x.com/MSDeptofAg/status/1826257991152140423

Custom, high-end jewelry boutique coming to Madison. Get the details

The first business to open in Madison's Magnolia District will be Klein Jewelry when construction is complete this fall.

Kristi and Eddie Klein are taking the mom-and-pop approach and will offer custom jewelry to their customers in a brick-and-mortar way.

There are two buildings associated with Phase 1 of the Magnolia District, one a 10,000-square-foot building that will house the Foxtail Restaurant. The other building is 6,000 square feet and have retail and office space. It will be broken up into four slices of 1,500 square feet each, two downstairs and two upstairs. The two buildings will be connected in the middle by an elevator tower.

Situated on nine acres in downtown Madison near the intersection of Madison Avenue and Magnolia Street, The District project got its beginnings in 2005 through the efforts of Greg Johnston, who is a developer and contractor. Johnston and his parents, Brent and Cynthia Johnston, wanted to restore historic buildings in the area and recreate historically accurate new buildings.

Klein Jewelry will have 1,500 square feet downstairs and will be ready as quickly as developer Johnston can complete the construction.

"All of our fingers and toes are crossed that we will be able to open in October. That is what we are counting on," said Kristi, who has been in the jewelry business most of her adult life as she has worked with local stores doing repair and custom work.

Eddie worked with FedEx for 23 years until his position was part of cutbacks in the industry.



It was at that point the two decided to jump into building a business together with a store front.

"We are really trying to create an approachable environment that will be more of an intimate setting and a boutique-style of store," she said. "We won't be a very traditional store. We will have options in the cases, but we are geared more toward custom jewelry. That feels like what everybody is looking for these days."

She says her experience with CAD design will help in being able to bring customers' visions to reality. She will be the craftsman and the artist of the business, while Eddie says he will handle the business side of the store.

He also is studying Gemology at the International School Of Gemology "to bring a next level of expertise to our store," he said.

"As a family-owned and operated establishment, we understand the significance of every piece of jewelry that passes through our doors," Kristi said. "Whether it's a custom engagement ring symbolizing a lifetime of love or a heartfelt gift marking a milestone achievement, we pour our hearts into every we do, ensuring it exceeds your expectations."

In addition to creating jewelry, they will offer jewelry repair services, but the custom work is where their hearts are.

"I really love taking multigenerational, inherited pieces and putting them together to create something new," Kristi said. "I have done that on my own the past five years with the custom work. We could see someone coming in with their mom's engagement ring and the diamond from their grandmother's engagement ring and they want to put them together for something they can wear every day. It really means the world to me to make that happen for people. We can't wait to get started."

https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...t/74884843007/

The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division brought water, food to Jackson Fire Department

The Salvation Army Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi Division

#TheSalvationArmy has been on-site for over 18 hours, serving firefighters battling a fire that broke out at a Jackson tire recycling center Saturday afternoon. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the Jackson Fire Department (JFD), the blaze is now largely contained.
Our Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services USA (EDS) team will maintain operations until this evening and continue monitoring the situation to assess whether any ongoing support is needed.
We're #grateful for the tireless work of our first responders and #volunteers and continue to #pray for the safety of all.
#JacksonFire #SalvationArmy #FirstResponders #DoingTheMostGood
https://www.facebook.com/SalArmyALM/...s8bpkXgQznfdXl

[vetteking]

Mississippi Department of Transportation building in downtown Jackson

[vetteking]

Let’s Eat, Mississippi: H.D. Gibbes & Sons

An old store in Learned that happens to serve steaks.

One of the greatest joys in my life is attending our monthly supper club. We rotate homes, and the host couple always delivers. From formal dinner parties with elegantly set dining room tables to casual backyard barbeques, the food never disappoints. Dietary restrictions? There’s no place for that at supper club. Either you eat what’s served or you don’t. And believe me, everyone eats.

Sometimes we deviate from dining in each other’s homes and go out to eat. Good food is a given, but our outings require having a memorable experience — like the “Plenty” dinners that take place just a few times each spring and fall in a beautiful outdoor setting at the Little Blue Stem flower farm outside Carthage. Or taking a trek to Gibbes Steakhouse in Learned, which we made just last week.

We loaded up two cars, one for the ladies, one for the men, each with a designated driver – paid for their services with dinner. We took off from Madison late Friday afternoon, just in time to hit rush-hour traffic in the pouring rain. South on I-55, west on 220 to Highway 18 towards Raymond. Winding country roads in the middle of nowhere finally led to our destination – H.D. Gibbes & Sons, a short 45-minute drive from my home in Madison. This is not a place you happen upon. You have to want to go there.

Gibbes is located in Learned, a small, incorporated hamlet about eight miles outside of Raymond. The town has fewer than 100 people. There was once a railroad that ran through the town, and H.D. Gibbes & Sons, built in the late 1800s, was the center of commerce for the area. Open six days a week, it has always been a place to get supplies and snacks, including gas, chips, soft drinks, and cold beer. At some point the store began serving hamburgers and sandwiches for lunch.


The railroad eventually left, but the store remained. It has been run continuously by member of the Gibbes family since it opened. Chip Gibbes, and his wife, Susan, operate the store, along with Chip’s mother, Mary Bell Gibbes. Chip and Susan’s two sons, Henry and Kirk, represent the fifth generation Gibbes family.

The store is positioned on the corner, across from a quaint old church. It looks like a movie set, but with cars and pickup trucks parked up and down the street.
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In 2009 Gibbes started offering steaks, lamb chops, and seafood, along with homemade potato and vegetable casseroles and other sides. Dinner is served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Word spread, and the steakhouse has become a destination for folks from around the state. Some come in tour buses and limousines. But none have reservations. It’s first come, first served at the communal tables. Well-worn rocking chairs dot the old wooden front porch.

Put your name on the list, grab a cold beer and relax. You’re going to have to wait, so be patient. If you’re with a group, enjoy that time to visit with one another – and be sure to take a group photo on the front steps. Or introduce yourself to others waiting to go inside. You may just end up sitting next to them at dinner.

We called the restaurant when we were on our way and asked to put our name put on the list, so we didn’t have to wait very long for our table. Once inside, we were transported back in time. It’s like nothing had changed in the old store for the past century. We walked through the big screen doors, past the Coca-Cola case to our table. There were ten of us, so we had a table to ourselves.






There are cold beers and soft drinks in a cooler in the back. It’s a serve-yourself situation where you save your bottle caps and present them at the check-out when you leave to be charged for your drinks. The honor system is alive and well there. Live music filled the room, along with laughter and greetings as folks said hello to friends both old and new. There was a happy energy in the place, and a feeling that this was someplace special.

There was nothing fancy about the tables. While it is a steakhouse with premium prices, there are no white tablecloths or sparkling crystal wine glasses. Instead, plastic cups were passed out to those of us who brought our own wine, which is encouraged. Rolls of paper towels were spaced down the middle of the long table, and silverware was placed on our paper placemats (which I was happy to see, as I had read online comments that they used plastic forks and knives).



The menu features steaks, pork chops, lamb chops and seafood, ranging in price from a $49 rack of New Zealand lamb or a 16-oz. ribeye to $26 for sauteed Gulf shrimp. Each entrée comes with two sides. The most popular side at the restaurant, according to our waitress, is the potato casserole. I can testify that it was delicious.

What may surprise some people is that the food is served on paper plates. There is nothing pretentious about Gibbes. Their focus is on good food, prepared well – meant to be enjoyed in a comfortable atmosphere.



Save room for dessert, or order one to take home. Pound cake with fresh strawberries, buttermilk pie, bread pudding and funeral brownies are all made locally.

When it’s time to leave, get in line at the check-out counter. It’s cash or check only, so be sure you hit the ATM on the way. And if you drank a beer (or more), be sure to turn in your beer caps because it’s not on the house.

Gibbes is nothing but an old store that happens to serve steaks. And it provided a fun evening out for our supper club that we will talk about for a long time to come.

https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/08/...d-gibbes-sons/

[vetteking]

Loaded Lettuce — a hearty, healthy alternative

In the Deep South, folks tend to fry everything. The list of fried items is like a rendition of legendary gospel singer Shirley Caesar belting out a litany of Sunday soul food dishes — “beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, lamb,” and everything else from A to Z, including okra, fish, chicken, pickles, and, yes, even watermelon.

Visit outdoor events like the Mississippi State Fair or any backyard cookout, and load up on fried oreos, turkey legs, funnel cakes, alligator, Snickers candy bars and even Kool-Aid.

All that fried food is quick to make, tasty and inexpensive. But, the far-reaching results — Mississippi ranks at the top of the nation in obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.







“In this area, you don’t have to go far to find fast-food. And, more often than not, it’s something fried,” said Christopher Deans III, operator and co-owner of Loaded Lettuce, located in the Westland Plaza restaurant in west Jackson. “It’s not just the fast-food restaurants, even the convenience stores and gas stations offer something deep fried.”

Deans III is a former teacher at Provine High School in Jackson. Raising his growing family on a teacher’s salary convinced him to go full-time with the business. His former students work at the restaurant, and he hires from the community with plans to open a second restaurant near Jackson State University.

Loaded Lettuce opened in September 2021, and is the brainchild of Deans’ father, Christopher Deans, Sr., a local physical therapist. The business was first called Simply Salad, but trademark issues resulted in the change to Loaded Lettuce.

“My dad has been in health care for over 20 years. He’s seen the long-term effects of an unhealthy diet, a bad diet,” said Deans. “He gets you after you’ve had that stroke, so he knows. And he cares. Loaded Lettuce is the result of his caring.”

“Here at Loaded Lettuce, we offer a nutritious alternative. Our goal is to bring a hearty, healthy, and convenient choice to the community,” Deans explains. “Our customers tell us that we are a breath of fresh air,” he says with a huge smile.















https://mississippitoday.org/2022/07...oaded-lettuce/

[vetteking]

Recalled to Life: The Mayflower Cafe

Some restaurants crash, some fade away, and others somehow, some way, get back on top. Thanks to a team of investors and chefs, the storied Mayflower Cafe might just be be on the cusp of a renaissance.



Mike Kountouris and George Gouras opened the Mayflower Cafe in 1937. The cafe quickly became a fixture on the restaurant scene as generations of Jacksonians enjoyed its fine seafood even as downtown's fortunes faded. Mike's son, Jerry, kept the tradition alive but ready to retire, he put the restaurant for sale. Time passed and appeared the Mayflower might close for good until former Jackson Mayor Kane Ditto, Mart Lamar, and other investors stepped in and saved the Mayflower.

The investors hired Cody McCain and Hunter Evans of Elvie's Restaurant. Nestled in Belhaven, Elvie's quickly blossomed after it opened in 2020. Evans earned the respect of his peers, garnering a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award this year. In other words, this guy knows how to cook.

McCain and Evans took a long look at the Mayflower, did their homework, and took on the restoration of a Jackson legend.

Restaurateurs have dreams but dreams need capital and in this case, much capital if they were to revive the Mayflower. The team studied old pictures, stories, and the architecture and elected to restore it to how it appeared in the 1930's - but with some much-needed improvements.

One common complaint about the Mayflower was what passed for bathrooms. One had to leave the cafe, go to the rear of the building, and walk up a flight of stair to get some relief. The bathrooms were not exactly in pristine condition. To say they were an unattractive feature of the restaurant is a gross understatement with gross being the key word.

The Ditto team leased the room next door and built a hallway connecting the cafe to the bathrooms. With that problem solved, the team turned its attention to restoring the restaurant.

Burned out lights were replaced. A new outdoor neon sign that captures the Mayflower's seafood offerings was installed.


Labor of love

The blue booths were restructured and reupholstered in brown while the bar was moved to the front. The middle tables remain the same although the booth tables were replaced.





The Mayflower ceiling is actually 20-25 feet high. However, the owners installed a false ceiling in the over 70 years ago when air-conditioning was installed. The ceiling's height made the temperature inside hotter so a "drop ceiling" was installed that was four feet lower.

The team removed the drop ceiling, giving the Mayflower this look.


The original ceiling


Here comes the sun!

One forgotten feature of the Mayflower were the ice bins. Once upon a time, the Mayflower Cafe presented fresh fish placed on a bed of ice behind the front windows.


"I walked in and said what are these? I said this is amazing, why do we not do this? We buy a lot of stuff from the Gulf. We do that at Elvies. It's a one of a kind" said Evans about the bins. Evans and McCain studied the old pictures, replaced the pump, and cleaned up the bins. Voila:


Before....


After

One bin will be used to display seafood while the other bin will serve as an oyster bar of sorts. An employee will shuck oysters and place them on the ice. Progress!

The renovations exposed a rather attractive feature ignored over the years: the porthole-shaped windows. Covered up by memorabilia, the windows were barely noticed. Cleaning up the wall yielded the following result.



Memorabilia will be placed back on the wall but not at the expense of the windows.

Restoration took place outside as well as no detail was too small for the Ditto team. The flooring outside the front door sported an anchor logo. A car crash demolished a few of the times years ago. Check out the anchor today.



Speaking of expense, little was spared on the Mayflower Cafe's revival. McCain said it cost from $300,000 to $400,000 to bring the restaurant up to code while Ditto and his merry band of investors spent over $700,000 on the restoration. The contractor was Carraway Construction. The team kept the employees.

"We wouldn't have signed on without someone like Kane. It is apparent how much he cares about this place. It's a bonus he is providing much of the capital," said Evans.

The Mayflower will be open for lunch and dinner. Reservations will be accepted for dinner although walk-ins are welcome. Wi-fi will be available.

One tradition will not remain at the Mayflower. Diners will no longer be able to bring their own bottle of wine. The Mayflower obtained a permit to sell liquor so patrons can order a drink with their dinner. Profit margins are profit margins, after all. Evans said he is considering adding Greek wines to the menu.

Most of the menu will remained unchanged but will include new items such as frog legs. Evans said he is going to redo the stuffed flounder. Deviled crabs will return with the stuffing won't be frozen but will be made in the kitchen. Bottles of the cafe's legendary comeback sauce will be placed on the tables.

The Mayflower will be open Monday through Friday all day and Saturday for dinner. Oyster happy hour will be 4-5 weekdays. Private parties can rent out the space next door.

There will be a soft opening this weekend. The hard opening will take place at the end of the month.


Available for parties

Kingfish note: Posted below are more pictures. Local photographer Rick Guy shot all photos for this story.


























Mr. Ditto, please considering bringing these back. Once upon a time, back in the 1950's, the Mayflower used these plates. Just a thought.




Some history.









http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/202...ower-cafe.html