V14n24 Where the Potholes End

Page 1

EVENTS Thursday, February 18 Free Fanfare For The Arts — Old Capitol Museum NOON Free Brass Master Class MADISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 4:00 PM Free Evening Hausmusiks CHAMBRE MUSIC ENCOURAGED IN HOMES

Friday, February 19 Tickets $30 Pre-Concert Lunch With The Gaudete Brass Quintet And Mso Maestro, Crafton Beck NOON FAIRVIEW INN Tickets $20 Gaudete Brass Quintet In Concert 7:30 PM ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH Saturday, February 20 Jazz Breakfast With Jason Mathena Trio 9:00-10:30 AM Luby's Buffet $12 Adult "What Is Chambre Music?" Appreciation Class 101 W/ Chuck Reynolds And D. Royce Boyer 11:00 Am $6 Kids Fowler Hall, St. James Episcopal Church Concerts All In Fowler Hall, St. James Episcopal Church Metro Student Musicians 1:00 PM Free Amateur Musicians 2:00 PM Free Usm Graduate Student Ensembles 3:30 PM Tickets $20 Mso Musicians Chamber Ensembles 7:30 PM Tickets $20

Tickets Required

Sunday, February 21 Churches have been encouraged to incorporate chambre music into their worship services.

Free

Concert With Festival Fanfare Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra 3:00 Pm St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral

Mississippi Chambre Music Guild See MSCMG.net For Individual Event Tickets Or Call 601.594.2902.

THURSDAY

2/18

OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL 5-9 P.M.

FRIDAY

2/19

CBDB AND BACKUP PLANET 10 P.M.

SATURDAY

2/20

CHARGE THE ATLANTIC

& CHICKENPOX PARTY 10 P.M.

SUNDAY

2/21

BEER BUCKET SPECIAL (5 Beers for $8.75)

ALL DAY LONG!

MONDAY

2/22

OPEN MIC NIGHT

$5 APPETIZERS (D O ) INE IN

THANKS FOR THE VOTES

Best Jukebox in Jackson Best of Jackson 2016

LIVE MUSIC Every Saturday - FEBRUARY 18 -

$9.99 TAMALE THURSDAY 4-9PM LADIES NIGHT 9PM - FEBRUARY 19 -

MUSIC THERAPY

DVDJ REIGN

& SPECIAL GUEST DJ: VIOLATOR ALL STAR DJ - FEBRUARY 20 -

YOUNG VALLEY W/ EUROPEAN THEATER

601-960-2700 facebook.com/Ole Tavern

416 George St, Jackson, MS

NLY

TUESDAY

2/23

SHRIMP BOIL 5 - 10 PM

*/5&3/

$1 PBR & HIGHLIFE $2 MARGARITAS 10pm - 12am

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

UPCOMING SHOWS

2

2/26 - Dave Jordan & The NIA 2/27 - The Congress w/ Special Guest Robby Peoples 3/4 - Mike Zito (of Royal Southern Brotherhood) 3/5 - The Stolen Faces 3/12 - Chrome Pony w/ Buffalo Rodeo & Heaters 3/18 - George Porter Jr. & His Runnin’ Pardners 3/19 - Dirty Dozen Brass Band / St Paddy’s Blowout + More Bands, Dj’s & Entertainment TBA 3/25 - Samantha Fish 4/8 - Ocean Disco

See Our New Menu

WWW.MARTINSLOUNGE.NET

214 S. STATE ST. DOWNTOWN JACKSON

601.354.9712

"5 5)& +'1 %POÂľU GFUDI DPGGFF Hone your skills, gain valuable experience and college credit*. Set your hours, and attend free training workshops.

8F DVSSFOUMZ IBWF PQFOJOHT JO UIF GPMMPXJOH BSFBT s .EWS 2EPORTING s -USIC !RTS #ULTURE 7RITING s 0HOTOGRAPHY s 'RAPHIC $ESIGN s 3OCIAL -EDIA s -ARKETING %VENTS

*OUFSFTUFE

E-mail interns@jacksonfreepress.com, telling us why you want to intern with us and what makes you the ideal candidate. *College credit available to currently enrolled college students in select disciplines.

COURTESY AUSTIN WILKES

JACKSONIAN AUSTIN WILKES

M

adison-based hip-hop artist Austin Wilkes, known to fans as Mildred Noor, entered the music world with a bit of an awkward conversation. After he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Mississippi in May 2015, completed a summer internship with Sen. Thad Cochran and received an offer for a full-time job, Wilkes’ parents asked the question that haunts all recent college graduates. Wilkes says: “It’s hard graduating, and your parents put all this money behind you to get your degree, and then they go, ‘All right, so what do you want to do?’ And I was like, ‘Yeah, I want to be a rapper.’” At the same time, his decision was a long time coming. He’d been interested in music ever since he picked up a recorder for the first time in third grade, shortly after moving to Madison from Jackson, where Wilkes had lived following the family’s move from his birthplace, Arlington, Texas. He continued pursuing music when he joined band in sixth grade, playing tuba. He began writing songs with his friends in eighth grade, but he never recorded his work in a studio until his debut mixtape, “No Direction,” which he released in October 2015. “I’ve been pretty much practicing on a craft that I didn’t know I was going to pursue,” Wilkes says. “Now that I’ve actually decided to pursue it, I have about 10 years in writing lyrics and making music. … It just feels like waiting allowed me to get everything done that I

CONTENTS

wanted to do, that I needed to do.” Waiting also influenced what his music would eventually sound like. Wilkes enrolled at Howard University in Washington, D.C., in 2009 and studied there for two years before transferring to UM. He says the artists he was exposed to at both universities inspired the sound—and title—of “No Direction.” He isn’t even necessarily catering to hip-hop fans with his songs, he says, but music fans in general. “I feel like there was no set genre for the music—a little hip-hop, a little R&B, some trap rap songs,” Wilkes says. “But pretty much, there was no direction. I knew I liked to make music, but I didn’t know exactly what path I wanted to take my music on.” Wilkes, 24, is finalizing his follow-up project as Mildred Noor, “Six Acres,” which he hopes to release Feb. 29. He says this will be a more personal introduction to him as an artist and person, complete with improved recording quality, but “No Directions” has opened doors for his music. In less than a year of performing, Wilkes has been a featured artist for the inaugural 3rd Eye Music Festival and Jackson Indie Music Week. He will also perform with LV Baby, Sir Flywalker and several other popular regional rappers at Offbeat on Feb. 28. “I’m getting a lot of different opportunities to motivate me,” Wilkes says. “I feel like I’m starting young, starting early, but I’m getting great feedback, and there’s no reason why I should quit as far as I can see.”—Micah Smith

cover photo of City worker filling a pothole by Imani Khayyam

10 ÊÌ iÊ `Ê iÃiÀÌ

A new bill could help stem the food deserts that plague Mississippi.

13 > «> } ÊÌ Ê Ý i

“What (Bernie) Sanders means by that nebulous word (socialist) seems to be a strong belief in what Lincoln called a ‘government of the people, by the people, for the people.’” —Joe Atkins, “For the People”

27 ,i ÌÀ `ÕV }Ê->À> Ê, ÃÃ

Sarah Restuccio was 17 when she appeared on “American Idol.” Now, she’s reinvented herself as country hip-hop artist Sarah Ross.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

4 ....................... PUBLISHER’S NOTE 6 ............................................ TALKS 12 ................................ EDITORIAL 13 .................................... OPINION 15 ............................ COVER STORY 22 ............................ FOOD&DRINK 22 .......................................... ARTS 24 ....................................... 8 DAYS 25 ...................................... EVENTS 25 ..................................... SPORTS 27 ....................................... MUSIC 27 ....................... MUSIC LISTINGS 29 .................................... PUZZLES 31 ....................................... ASTRO

COURTESY SARAH ROSS; COURTESY JOE ADKINS; COURTESY HOPE POLICY INSTITUTE

FEBRUARY 17 - 23, 2016 | VOL. 14 NO. 24

3

PUBLISHER’S note

by Todd Stauffer, Publisher

What If We Could Fill Potholes ... With Jobs?

“D

o you all have a problem with potholes there?� My mom asked me that question when I called her on Valentine’s Day, lamenting the state of the streets in south Florida where she lives. “Yeah, they’re pretty bad,� I replied, aware that my response was something of an understatement. At the end of our street is a pothole so big that I’ve actually reported it to 3-1-1 (it’s been only a few weeks, so I still hope for a fix soon); it’s easily 4 feet across, and when filled with water, it’s at least shin deep. In the evenings, when our neighbors park in front of their houses, it’s essentially impossible to turn into our street without plopping right into this pothole. The Honda Insight we drive has regular-profile tires and some ground effects appropriate to a hybrid; it bottoms out every time I go (gingerly!) through there. Our Miata—much less anything with low-profile sport tires—might honestly not make it through that pothole without a blown tire, bent rim or worse. (Some friends coming to visit make a point of going around the block to get to us.) Not to mention, like so many deep potholes in Jackson, it has no warning or barriers to warn drivers. Are potholes the worst problem we face in Jackson? No. But they represent a pretty big problem for more than one reason. It may feel a little whiny to worry about potholes when we’ve got serious sewer and water infrastructure issues, but there’s a little context to consider. First, potholes are a safety issue and a transportation issue. In terms of safety risks, things seem to be getting worse over the past few years, possibly because water has taken precedence, and the 1-percent tax program has been in limbo. Maybe I’m just paying more attention to it—but there seems to be a lot of orange

cones and sawhorses that aren’t even in the hole they’re supposed to protect us against; it feels like nobody has the job of even driving through the city and looking for dangerous spots to flag. People’s cars are getting banged up, affecting their finances—given the state of public transportation in Jackson, that could mean not being able to get to work for many people who can’t afford fixes. Second, potholes (and other woes) can affect investment. As Duane O’Neill of the

Let’s DO this. Not just talk about it. Not just contract it out. Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership points out in this week’s cover feature (and other city leaders and economic-development folks have mentioned to me personally), potholeriddled streets can be a problem for recruiting businesses. When you have to map your route for the smoothest ride while showing prospects around town, you’re hurting your chances to create new jobs. (Yes, New Orleans has bad roads, too, so I’m not discounting the possibility that one way to deal with the roads might just be more open containers, street festivals and brass bands on the corner. Couldn’t hurt.) Third, potholes wouldn’t be as frustrating if they didn’t feel like “more of the same� when it comes to our infrastructure woes. It’s clear to me that the $91 million Siemens contract for water and sewer repairs has been a huge lost opportunity for Jackson’s citizens. (As far as I can tell, Siemens and some of the

contractors and subcontractors did just fine for themselves, at our expense.) After spending three times what San Francisco spent on each new water meter, and millions to overhaul the software, the experience for the consumer is worse and more expensive. I’m still getting estimated water bills weeks after they are supposed to arrive. And those estimates are easily 60 percent to 100 percent higher than what I was billed under the old system, when someone was actually reading the meters! Who is accountable for the billing issue? Who can fix it? When? Now, we’ve got the 1-percent sales tax dollars that are supposed to go to streets and bridges, among other infrastructure. The first-year money technically kicked in back in May 2015, but it took half a year before a program manager was hired and projects started to get budgeted. By May 2016, the City expects to have spent a little over $13 million on infrastructure improvements, city spokeswoman Shelia Byrd told me today. To make that happen, the next three months will need to be a whirlwind of projects to meet that goal, given the state of some of the “first year� projects. For instance, none of the major street-reconstruction projects on the city’s list (Medgar Evers, State Street, Mill Street, Lynch Street and Riverside Drive in two phases) has their cost and scope finalized, although some are in different phases of being advertised and consulted on. Only eight of the total 38 initiatives among the “year one� projects have city council approval, according to a document the City provided us. Hopefully, many of those will start this spring. Jackson is big in terms of square miles; we have more space to manage than much more populous cities such as Oakland and Cleveland. As you’ll read this week, we have two crews patching potholes, and one of them is a crew with shovels and a pickup

truck. Which, to my mind, presents the question—I wonder if we could proactively hire and manage a few more crews and a few more pickup trucks so they can get more done faster? Certainly, one approach is to contract for a project manager, scope each project, contract it out, receive the bids, fight it out in council, court and press ‌ and then, if we’re lucky, bring on some of these fabulous subcontractors who have helped spend the Siemen’s project money. That, so far, is how the Yarber administration seems to spool up these big projects. But, unlike the Siemens “performanceâ€? contract, to me it seems that the 1-percent sales-tax dollars present the very real opportunity for the City of Jackson to build some internal capacity and to fill some jobs in the Public Works department. I, for one, would love to see this extra tax burden on Jacksonians’ and Jackson businesses translate not only into filled potholes, manicured exits and smoother streets, but also into some honest middle-class jobs for Jackson-based workers who can then use some of that money to reinvest in their homes, families and neighborhoods. As we consider the prospects of spending an extra $15 million or more per year on infrastructure, let’s remember that $14 million divided by $40,000 is 350 decent jobs—with a million left for admin. Those jobs could lead to a better city for all Jacksonians—including commuters, investors, visitors, business owners—who could bring more money to the city. That’s real infrastructure investment, which we sorely need. Let’s DO this. Not just talk about it. Not just write it down. Not just contract it out. Just for starters, how about we hire some more folks, fill some more trucks with asphalt ‌ and get some more streets fixed? Todd Stauffer is the president and publisher of the Jackson Free Press. Email him at todd@jacksonfreepress.com.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

CONTRIBUTORS

4

“>Â˜ÂˆĂŠ Â…>ÞÞ>“

>Ăž>ĂŠ ˆÂ?Â?iĂ€

Ă€ÂˆiÂ?Â?iĂŠ Ă€iÂ…iĂ€

-ˆiÀÀ>ĂŠ >˜˜ˆi

"˜iÂ?ˆ>ĂŠ >Ăœ>

Ă•Â?ˆiĂŠ-ÂŽÂˆÂŤÂŤiĂ€

ˆV>Â…ĂŠ-Â“ÂˆĂŒÂ…

ĂžĂ€ÂœÂ˜ĂŠ >ĂŒÂ…iĂž

Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam is an art lover and a native of Jackson. He loves to be behind the camera and capture the true essence of his subjects. He took the cover photo and many in the issue.

Deputy News Editor Maya Miller, a Jackson State University graduate, enjoys running the ever-so popular Netflix marathon and all things social media. Email news tips to her at maya@jacksonfree press.com. She helped coordinate the news section.

News Reporter Arielle Dreher is working on finding some new hobbies and adopting an otter from the Jackson Zoo. Email her story ideas at arielle@jackson freepress.com. She wrote about the Mississippi Legislature, food deserts, among other topics.

Education Reporting Fellow Sierra Mannie is a University of Mississippi graduate whose opinions of the Ancient Greeks can’t be trusted nearly as well as her opinions of BeyoncÊ. She wrote about the Senate and House education bills.

Onelia Hawa is an average 20-something-year-old Atlanta native and a journalism and nonprofit graduate from USM. She is bi-lingual, a foodie, activist and lover of all things Frida Khalo. She wrote about Fondren Fro-Yo.

Freelance writer Julie Skipper practices law by day and gets out and about around Jackson as much as possible the rest of the time. She fancies art, fashion and travel. She wrote about Hal & Mal’s Arts & Apps event.

Music Editor Micah Smith is married to a great lady, has two dog-children named Kirby and Zelda, and plays in the band Empty Atlas. Send gig info to music@jacksonfreepress.com. He wrote about Sarah Ross.

Sales and Marketing Consultant Myron Cathey is from Senatobia. He is a graduate of Jackson State University and enjoys traveling, music and spending time with family and friends.

FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS / Â

6 Winners every Friday and Saturday. One case each night will contain $5,000 Cash! Once it’s won it comes off the board. Which case will you choose? Earn entries now! Up to 50X multipliers! See Casino Services for details.

Tuesdays in February (% (%

10 Winners each night win their choice of $75 Cash or $150

Thursdays & Saturdays #& ! ), ). / (% (% " " ( " & $%" ' "% "' !

# ! " ! # Must be 21 or older to enter casino. Management reserves all rights to alter or cancel any event at any time without notice. Gambling problem? Call ( $ % ! ' " "! ! $

NOW OPEN AND SERVING

/ 7am-3am Blue Plate Lunch Specials served '& . +,) . / % (%

TICKETS ON SALE

THIS FRIDAY 10AM ARDENL AND.NET

APRIL 12 & 13 THALIA MARA HALL A FOOD DRIVE EVENT

T I X & I N F O A T A R D E N L A N D . N E T O R C H A R G E B Y P H O N E A T 8 7 7. 9 8 7. 6 4 8 7 widespreadpanic.com

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

! " !

"# & " & " # "

#

5

¹/BVIOUSLY IT´S A HORRIBLE IDEA ¨ ;9=OU SHOULD NOT BE STUDY ING SCIENCE IN RELIGION CLASS AND RELIGION IN SCIENCE CLASS ²

7KH VWDWH 'HSDUWPHQW RI 0HQWDO +HDOWK LV VWUXJJOLQJ ZLWK VWDII WXUQRYHU S

² 'U 3DXO /DJR ELRORJ\ GHSDUWPHQW FKDLUPDQ DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI 0LVVLVVLSSL DERXW OHJLVODWLRQ WR SURWHFW WKH WHDFKLQJ RI FUHDWLRQLVP

ĂƒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ*>Ăž`>ÞÊ-ÂœÂœÂ˜ĂŠ"Ă›iÀÊvÂœĂ€ĂŠ*>Ăž`>ÞÊ i˜`iĂ€ĂƒÂśĂŠ by R.L. Nave

IMANI KHAYYAM

Wednesday, February 10 Jackson police arrest two teenagers for a recent string of armed robberies, including of Beatty Street Grocery, Nail City and Waffle House. Thursday, February 11 Mississippi prosecutors file a criminal charge in federal court against Robert Simmons, alleging he kicked back part of his consulting fees on three separate contracts to former Mississippi Corrections Commissioner Christopher Epps. Friday, February 12 Dana Larkin, executive director of the Mississippi Campaign for Teen Pregnancy Prevention, tells parents during a public forum at Koinonia Coffeehouse that they should talk to their children about sex when they are between 11 and 15 years old. ‌ South Korea shuts down an inter-Korean factory park that North Korea had been using to fund its nuclear and missile programs, and begins talks on deploying a sophisticated U.S. missile defense system in South Korea. Saturday, February 13 Antonin Scalia, an influential conservative member of the U.S. Supreme Court, dies of natural causes, leaving the high court without its conservative majority and setting up an ideological confrontation over his successor.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Sunday, February 14 A wildfire burns more than 4,400 acres of land in the Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge in south Mississippi, and in an Alabama marsh. ‌ Bahrain arrests four American journalists covering the anniversary of its 2011 uprising amid a long crackdown on dissent in the Gulf nation.

6

Monday, February 15 Senate Republicans unite behind Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in insisting that President Barack Obama’s successor fill the Supreme Court vacancy created by Justice Antonin Scalia’s death. ‌ The World Health Organization announces that it may be necessary to use controversial methods like genetically modified mosquitoes to wipe out the insects spreading the Zika virus across the Americas. Tuesday, February 16 Justice Dawn H. Beam of Sumrall is sworn in as Mississippi’s newest State Supreme Court Justice. Get breaking news at jfpdaily.com.

A short strip of Ellis Avenue in west Jackson is home to more than a dozen businesses that offer short-term loans or checkcashing services. Jackson Ward 4 City Councilman De’Keither Stamps proposes a halt on the expansion of these businesses, which he believes suck money out of the local economy and keep people in cycles of poverty.

L

ike a sadder version of Las Vegas, the signs towering above Jackson’s payday-loan shops and check-cashing joints seem designed to entice motorists in the city’s major thoroughfares. In some cases, the businesses’ color schemes mimic those of cheap fast-food restaurants. And, ironically, several of the businesses happen to operate out of repurposed fastfood restaurants. The signs make statements that often are alliterative (e.g. “Quick Cash�), rhyme (e.g. “Fast Cash�), or straight and to the point (e.g. “Check Cashing� and “Payday Loans�). Because of the principles of supply and demand, one might argue that the concentration of these kinds of businesses— which say they offer customers the conve-

*ÂœĂŒÂ…ÂœÂ?iĂŠ œŽiĂƒ

by Amber Helsel

Potholes seem to be a never-ending problem in Jackson, do what do you do to lighten the mood? Tell jokes. Here’s some of our best ones from the last year.

nience of a microloan in exchange for not looking at their credit history for a premium—is a sign of an economy working the way it should. De’Keither Stamps, who represents Ward 4 and serves as chairman of the Budget Committee, argues the converse. In his view, these businesses depress the economic potential in the city. Wearing a purple golf shirt buttoned to the neck in his City Hall office looking out onto President Street, Stamps said the “fringe economy� is holding Jackson back. “We’ve got to figure out what we’re going to do to change the economics of the city so that people can afford other types of retail and businesses,� Stamps said. The councilman’s view is also rooted

in supply-and-demand theory: In essence, the more money people spend on payday-loan and check-cashing fees, the less they have to help bolster the City’s treasury by purchasing goods and services. That’s why Stamps is pushing for a one-year moratorium on future growth of such businesses. His proposed ordinance, which would deny business licenses to new payday-loan and check-cashing locations as well as pawn shops and liquor stores. Stamps said the ordinance would also include a financial-literacy component, which he believes could help end the intergenerational cycle of relying on high-interest financial services instead of traditional banks.

Vol. 13, Issue 20, Jan. 28Feb. 4, 2015, “The Best of the Rest�: Best Act of Public Service: Ron ‘Robin Hood For Potholes’ Chane Fixes Jackson Roads

Vol. 13, Issue 36, May 20-26, 2015, “Classes JPS Should Teach�: Divination 103JAX: Reading the City’s Future from Its Potholes

Vol. 13, Issue 25, March 4-10, 2015, “If People Were Honest When Painting a Mural�: If artists were brutally honest in their murals of Jackson, they’d have lots of potholes in them.

Vol. 13, Issue 37, May 27-June 2, 2015, “Pothole Parade�: The Jackson Free Press would like to see a “Sinkhole Surfers: Hanging 10 on 10th Street: float in the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade (now Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival).

PRUH 3$<'$< VHH SDJH

Vol. 13, Issue 39, June 3-9, 2015, “#PotholesMatter�: Build a Jackson-centric Large Hadron Collider in a sinkhole. Have a potluck with pothole soup. Vol. 13, Issue 52, Sept. 2-8, 2015, Jackson Haikus: Don’t exaggerate Jackson potholes aren’t that bad Where did my car go?

THROWBACK THURSDAY

FREE LIVE MUSIC

Starting at 8p

Featuring

THE STRANGER “A Billy Joel Tribute�

iLÀÕ>ÀÞ Ă“x] Ă“ä£Ăˆ U Ç\ĂŽä Tickets $5 with mychoiceÂŽ card

Rusty Yates February 19

Mike Rob & The 601 Band

Tricky Dickies February 26

The Anteeks March 11

March 4

SATURDAY NIGHT BLUES Starting at 8p Mr. Sipp

“The Mississippi Blues Child� February 20

Eddie Cotton

“100% Cotton, 100% Bluesâ€? iLÀÕ>ÀÞ ÓÇ

Call 601.638.1000 for more information.

4116 WASHINGTON ST VICKSBURG, MS 39180 | AMERISTAR.COM Must be at least 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1.888.777.9696. Š2016 Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.

Starting a healthy lifestyle has never been so easy!

Simply pay the date to get started ($1 on the 1st, $2 on the 2nd, etc.) and receive a

FREE Get Started Session

from one of our Fitness Coaches.

3HRLSHUK 7SHJL :\P[L Flowood, MS (in front of Walmart) Ă RZRRG#DQ\WLPHĂ€ WQHVV FRP /PNO^H` :\P[L , %UDQGRQ 06 DFURVV IURP +RPH 'HSRW

EUDQGRQPV#DQ\WLPHĂ€ WQHVV FRP 0 5VY[O :\P[L -DFNVRQ 06 LQ IURQW RI .URJHU

MDFNVRQPV#DQ\WLPHĂ€ WQHVV FRP /^` : :\P[L , )ORUHQFH 06 Ă RUHQFHPV#DQ\WLPHĂ€ WQHVV FRP ^^^ HU`[PTLĂ„ [ULZZ JVT =V[LK 6UL VM [OL )LZ[ 7SHJLZ [V >VYR 6\[ )LZ[ VM 1HJRZVU

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Check out our Facebook page! www.facebook.com/anytimefitnessjacksonms

7

LEGISLATURE: Week 6

Off to the Races ‌ and the Chopping Block by Arielle Dreher

M

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

3$<'$< IURP SDJH

8

In Jackson, more than 30 percent of people live below the poverty line compared to 22 percent of people across Mississippi, itself the poorest state in the nation. But under the Mississippi Check Cashers Act, people can borrow up to $410 from payday lenders. State law allows the loan company to charge $20 or less per $100 on loans of up $250. For loans between $251 and $500, lender can charge up to $21.95 per $100. “For example, a borrower writes a $500 check, pays the $90 fee, and receives $410 in cash. It is illegal to write a check for more than $500,� according to a factsheet from

wraparound services in the state. “We have more people living in the community than we ever have in the past in Mississippi,� Mikula said. “... (But) we have moved about all the individuals that we can

DOJ, we’re still talking to them and getting calls ‌ we’ve been giving them updates about our expansion of community-based services,� Mikula said. The state must provide funding up to IMANI KHAYYAM

oney was front of mind over the last week in the Mississippi Legislature as Senate and House appropriations committees began budget hearings for state agencies last week. Several agencies are grappling with the 1.5 percent tax cut to all agencies (not including large agencies like Education and Medicaid) that Gov. Phil Bryant announced in midJanuary when tax collections were falling short of projections. Agencies came to the Capitol last week for what has become the norm in terms of budget requests: Don’t cut us; give us more cash please. Several state agencies have dealt with budget cuts in recent years without having to cut personnel, but the hearings showed that more cuts might force state agencies to lay off state workers. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health is struggling with turnover for its onthe-ground employees. Executive Director Diana Mikula told the House Appropriations Special Committee on Public Health last Wednesday that direct-care workers in the department—who work directly with the mentally ill—have an annual turnover rate of 48 percent. The department is attempting to implement employee training, but Mikula said that several direct-care workers have other jobs. The department continues to transition patients to home and community-based services, but Mikula said that she cannot meet the demand of those requiring such services without the funding. Currently, 2,293 Mississippians benefit from home and community-based services, the type of treatment proven to successfully treat mentally illness (unlike institutionalization), but there is a long wait list. Mikula told the committee that 1,780 people are on the waiting list for

Diana Mikula, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, addressed the Legislative &YHKIX 3JĂ&#x;GI MR September 2015. she wants $69.17 million for her department for Ă&#x;WGEP ]IEV

to relocate and meet their needs.� Like several state agencies, the Department of Mental Health receives a certain amount of federal funding as long as the state funds the department up to a certain amount. The Department of Mental Health is embroiled in a 2010 lawsuit filed on behalf of children in the state who are institutionalized at high rates, despite research that shows they need home and community based services instead. Mikula said her department is still in discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice about how to resolve the lawsuit, despite reports that negotiations had reached an impasse called by the U.S. Department of Justice and plaintiffs in December. “We are still having negotiations with

a certain level in order for the department to function as it has been. In one part of the Department of Mental Health’s budget, it would lose $8 million in federal funding without its Medicaid match. The state Division of Medicaid, which represents one of the state’s largest budgets, addressed the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Health last week. Executive director David Dzielak asked the committee for $1.017 billion for fiscal-year 2016, which is a smaller request than the agency’s initial Legislative Budget Office request. Committee members expressed concern over the number of Mississippians enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP benefits, which the majority of the division’s funding goes toward. The transition to managed

the state banking department. Charles Lee, director of consumer protection at the Mississippi Center for Justice, explains: “People use what’s closest to them. If that’s the closest financial— quote—institution to where they live, that’s what they’ll use.�

from the Washington, D.C.-based Consumer Federation of America shows. If Jackson follows through, it would be the latest blow to a high-cost lending in-

A Growing Trend If Stamps’ proposal sounds radical, it isn’t. As of 2010, the Mississippi cities of Byram, Canton, Clinton, Flowood, Jackson, Laurel, Pearl, Rankin County, Ridgeland, Starkville, and West Point had either imposed moratoria or restricted the businesses with zoning regulations. Nationwide, more than 120 cities have imposed similar restrictions, information

The “fringe economy� is holding Jackson back. dustry already reeling from regulatory crackdowns from the federal government as well as the state of Mississippi, which holds the distinction as home of the most payday-loan

care—meaning Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries get a health plan through United Healthcare or Magnolia Health—seemed at first to lead to a dip in enrollment statewide. At the start of 2014, 714,338 Mississippians were on Medicaid or CHIP benefits, and by March 2015, the enrollment hit its high point at 796,103. In 2015, however, the numbers seemed to dwindle. Dzielak attributed this downtick to the possible number of new enrollees who were new to the system and were not aware that they had to re-enroll in the program. January’s enrollment numbers prove he might be right. After a downward trend in enrollment since March 2015, January Medicaid and CHIP numbers saw a jump to 777,866 enrollees, about where the state was in October 2014. “As they (first-time enrollees) went and tried to access healthcare and they find out that their status wasn’t active, then they went back and reapplied,� Dzielak said. “We think that is why there was a decline and also now why they’re might an uptick.� Appropriations hearings continued this week for several House subcommittees. The Mississippi Department of Human Services and the Division of Family and Children’s Services presented their budget requests to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Health on Feb. 15. The Mississippi Division of Family and Children’s Services told the committee that it needs the funding to get started—and to avoid federal receivership. The division asked for $34.4 million, which would provide funding for an infrastructure of social workers that have yet to be hired. Comment at jfp.ms. Read more legislative coverage at jfp.ms/msleg. Email reporter Arielle Dreher at arielle@jacksonfreepress.com.

companies per capita in America. In 2014, the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance ordered All American Checking, a Madison-based payday lender, to end a practice that the department said was tantamount to illegal rollovers of payday loans. Mississippi law requires customers to pay loans in full before taking out a new loan. State regulators said All American unlawfully allowed customers to pay the fees, but delay paying the principal. All America sued the state in federal court in Jackson on Jan. 29, saying the state’s regulatory actions could unlawfully shutter the business. Dale Danks Jr., an attorney for the company, did not return a phone message. In response to a follow-up email,

TALK | education

Legislators Determined to Tinker with Public Ed by Sierra Mannie

“It’s important to keep in mind that every bit of this consolidation conversation has been around consolidation of administrative functions and not consolidation of schools,” former Mississippi Superintendent of Education Tom Burnham told the Jackson Free Press in 2010. If involuntarily consolidated districts don’t reflect substantial gains in accountability and accreditation, Blackmon’s bill will require that those school districts be released

erished school districts often benefit from smaller schools and districts,” the report states, adding that “irreversible damage can occur” with consolidation. The report also specifically warns that the claim that school districts are saving money by reducing the number of superintendents is a “dangerous oversimplification.”

into their own autonomous districts once more.

Danks referred a reporter to the complaint, saying, “At this time, I do not feel it is proper to discuss matters concerning All American Check Cashing’s motion against the Mississippi Banking Commission.” All American’s complaint against Charlotte Corley, the state banking commissioner and other individuals, states that in June 2014, banking department agents showed up at six All American locations, including its corporate headquarters in Madison. The company said the agents used “heavy-handed and unnecessary tactics” and forced their way into back rooms and bathrooms to present employees with a questionnaire about the company’s lending practices. “These heavy-handed tactics were in-

tended to cause and, indeed, did cause fear in All American’s employees,” the complaint states. Officials with the state banking department also did not respond to a phone message. A hearing is set in the matter for Feb. 12.

nificant contributions to the U.S. and state economies employing more than 50,000 Americans who earn $2 billion in wages and generating more than $2.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.” The organization has an influential lobbying presence, both in Washington, D.C., as well as in state capitals. During the 2014 election cycle, the CFSA spent $161,500 on campaigns and $1.5 million lobbying, data from the Center for Responsive Politics show. Since 2000, the CFSA has spent almost $21 million on political races in U.S. states, including Mississippi, where candidates receive contributions of between $250 and $1,000, according to the Helena, Mont.-based National Institute on Money in State Politics.

IMANI KHAYYAM

tion on districts after a period of three years. “These districts seem arbitrarily consolidated,” Blackmon said in an interview. “It is represented that it (consolidation) will save money and increase test scores, and I just wanted to be able to effectively evaluate it. A 2011 report by the National Education Policy Center recommends that instead of prescribing involuntary consolidation as a cure-all solution, states should decide consolidate on a case-by-case basis. “[I]mpov-

Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, has introduced seven involuntary consolidation bills in the Senate so far this session.

Not Without a Fight The payday-loan industry, which asserts that its products simply help people with limited options out of jams for a small fee, will not fade into oblivion without a fight, however. The Community Financial Services Association of America, the group’s national lobbying organization, argues on its website that the “payday loan industry makes sig-

Coming for Evolution Creationism is having a moment in the Mississippi Legislature. Rep. Mark Formby, R-Picayune, in-

troduced House Bill 50, with the support of several House Republicans, to support teachers in discussing the religious version of the origin of humanity in science classes. The bill seeks to “create an environment that encourages students to explore scientific questions,” but not necessarily with the use of accepted scientific methods. The bill would prohibit the state Board of Education, local school board, public school superintendent, public-school administrator or principal from intervening in a classroom where the teacher is allowing students to explore creationism. The sponsors are quick to clarify in the bill that its intentions are specific to science curriculum and not intended to “promote any religious or non-religious doctrine,” though the bill calls “biological evolution, the chemical origins of life, global warming and human cloning” as topics “that may cause debate and disputation.” “Obviously, it’s a horrible idea,” said Dr. Paul Lago, biology department chairman at the University of Mississippi. “It’s OK to encourage discussion in general, but eventually you have to get around to evidence, and that’s the key,” Lago said. “Science is science, and religion is religion, and both merit study, but you should not be studying science in religion class and religion in science class. If I’m teaching a course in cell biology, I shouldn’t be talking about photography. It doesn’t make any sense.” “It seems to me when bills like this get passed, it’s a recipe for setting back education several steps,” Lago added. “It would be very sad if they did that.” Sierra Mannie is an education reporting fellow for the Jackson Free Press and The Hechinger Report. Email her at sierra@jacksonfreepress.com.

Felicia Lyles, vice president and regional branch administrator for HOPE Enterprise Corp., which operates credit unions that offer alternatives to payday loans, believes some consumers are making better decisions in eschewing payday loans in recent years. Even though HOPE and other banks increasingly offer alternative loan products and financial education to their customers, Lyles, who has worked for HOPE for nine years, said despite all that high-interest lenders continue to thrive. “If all financial institutions offered solutions and alternatives, that’s how (they) can put the predatory lenders out of business,” Lyles said. Comment at www.jfp.ms.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

J

ust three months after Initiative 42 failed in the November election, the Mississippi Legislature has already seen an explosion of controversial education bills—with school consolidation leading the pack. Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, is a former Democrat and public-education proponent who is acting as the front man in education battles in the Senate. He authored seven involuntary school-consolidation bills this session despite failed attempts at passing some of those same bills in the last two legislative sessions. Following former Gov. Haley Barbour’s lead, Tollison told The Hechinger Report in 2015 that maintaining money saved by administrative cost reductions could go back into classrooms. In 2010, Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, an education consulting firm, recommended the consolidation of 18 Mississippi school districts. The report predicted $12.5 million to $13.8 million in savings, but made clear that this would not serve to reduce state aid to school districts. Though some Mississippi school districts have seen success with consolidation, there is a lack of substantial data showing that consolidation in rural areas positively affects student achievement. Mississippi Department of Education data show that after consolidation in July 2014, 22 percent of Sunflower County Consolidated School Districts students failed a standardized reading assessment in May of the next school year. Sen. Barbara Blackmon, D-Canton, says mass consolidation in Mississippi has occurred so far without evidence that it will lead to scholastic achievement. Blackmon has authored a bill that requires the analysis of the effect of consolida-

9

TALK | state

Urban, Rural Areas Need Food Stores, Health Clinics by Arielle Dreher

T

it for supermarkets with a $4 million cap. Blount said he first introduced the legislation last year when the Kroger in south Jackson announced it was closing in 2015. “People in low-income areas need access to quality

grocery stores,” Blount said. Hunger Free Jackson held its first annual conference last week, and leaders in food networks that provide food to low-access areas of the state discussed strategies and HOPE POLICY INSTITUTE

he map of food deserts in Mississippi is staggering. At least a third of the state has regions considered “lowincome census tracts” where a significant number of the residents are more than a mile (in urban settings) or 10 miles (in rural settings) from the nearest supermarket. In Hinds County, the entire northwest part of the county is considered a food desert. The U.S. Department of Agriculture sets the definitions for food deserts, which are tracked in order to illuminate where lowincome areas of states, counties or neighborhoods need help accessing healthy food. Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, introduced legislation in the 2015 session that would have provided tax incentives for grocery stores to enter communities considered to be “food deserts” by the USDA’s standards. The bill, backed by several Senate Democrats, passed through the Senate and then died on the House calendar. This year, Blount is reintroducing the legislation, and Rep. Jarvis Dortch, DJackson, is introducing the same bill in the House of Representatives. The bill would authorize a job tax-cred-

*SSH HIWIVXW FSVHIV XLI [IWX WMHI SJ XLI -RXIVWXEXI GSVVMHSV ERH XLI RSVXL[IWX GSVRIV SJ ,MRHW 'SYRX] 2SXI XLMW QET MWSPEXIW ,MRHW 'SYRX] ERH HSIW RSX WLS[ JSSH HIWIVXW MR WYVVSYRHMRK GSYRXMIW :MWMX XLI 97(%³W [IFWMXI XS WII E JYPP QET SJ 1MWWMWWMTTM³W JSSH HIWIVXW

ways to increase access to good, quality food. Blount and Dortch’s bills would not just apply to the Jackson area, although food deserts affect two parts of Hinds County, the USDA data shows. The northwest corner of Hinds County and the Interstate 220 corridor are considered food deserts in the county. Speaking at the Hunger Free Jackson conference, Catherine Montgomery, a program manager at the Mississippi Food Network, said the root of most problems with food in the state is access. She helps run a summer program for the network, providing food for children who are usually on the free-and-reduced lunch program during the school year and might go without food in the summer. “We can put a site in a county and think it’s going to be very successful, but if a child has to cross a road or walk far, they’re not going to get to that site,” she said. “So it’s important that we provide enough access to these families.” Rural Health Clinic Access Rural parts of the state with little access to healthcare could benefit from two

ÕL> ÃÊ Àii \Ê Ê-Ìi«Ê ÃiÀÊÌ Ê,i ivÊ by R.L. Nave

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

10

COURTESY DUVALL DECKER

R

esidents along a section of Eubanks Creek in Fondren are a step closer to getting relief from flooding and high-cost flood insurance. In the past year, developers, architects and city officials have analyzed the creek for solutions. Venyu, a Louisiana-based company remodeling the former McRae’s Department Store into a data center and telehealth center at Meadowbrook at State Street, paid the costs for engineering studies, which sought to analyze whether the creek’s boundaries needed updating. The creek runs east to west behind the future Venyu site. Roy Decker, a principal in Duvall Decker Architects, said the creek has not been maintained over the years, which contributed to the flooding. Creek channels should be cleared of debris regularly so that the water flows freely instead of backing up. In the assessment, Bill Colson of Aqua Engineering Services redrew outdated FEMA floodplain maps for the area; Colson’s updated maps show that flooding can be reduced an average of 3.2 feet. In January, the Federal Emergency Management Association granted conditional approval to those maps, clearing the way for the City to start construction work, which could include the removal of the Seminole Street Bridge, also behind the old McRae’s. Jackson taxpayers, through the 1-percent sales tax, will help defray the costs of the $1 million to $1.5 million construction price tag. Once the work is complete, if FEMA signs off, hundreds of homeowners could see a reduction in their flood-insurance rates. “It’s a really good example of the city working with a private owner. It’s a good example of how this should work,” Decker told the Jackson Free Press.

6IWMHIRXW EPSRK )YFEROW 'VIIO GSYPH WII àSSHMRK HIGVIEWI F] ER EZIVEKI SJ JIIX

TALK | crime

by Sierra Mannie and R.L. Nave

“T

ruancy.� “Property crime.� “Loitering.� “Curfew.� “Basketball goals in the street.� “Sagging pants.� Tyrone Hendrix, the Jackson city councilman who represents Ward 6, had just led participants, most of whom are over age 35, in a Feb. 11 crime forum in a free-association exercise at Wingfield High School. The first task was to name problems and then start talking about solutions. Sagging pants, which is perfectly lawful

Cassio Batteast warns that blaming parents for youth crime is the easy way out. Instead, tackle poverty and provide real opportunities. He is pictured with his nephews, Malik (left) and Lequarius (right) Roberson.

despite several efforts over the years, including by Ward 2 City Councilman Kenneth Stokes, to criminalize the fashion trend, led much discussion. Although major crimes are trending downward in south Jackson and throughout the City, several recent highprofile incidents have citizens on edge about kids committing crime. On Feb. 11, the brass of the Jackson Police Department announced the arrest of two teens they believe to be responsible for a string of armed robberies at local businesses. Those suspects are 17 and 19 years old;

JPD Chief Lee Vance told the south Jackson audience that his officers encounter kids as young as 12 and 13. “We need to get our kids under control,� Vance said, drawing grunts of agreement from members of the Wingfield audience. It was a similar sentiment expressed by Rep. Omeria Scott, D-Laurel, in a bill she often presents, including this session, that would bring more mandates to public schools. Her reasoning in the bill includes: “That many African American parents in this day and age, regardless of their socioeconomic standard, are facing the same problems and that their children are out of control; That substance abuse, Internet pornography, rude defiant behavior and authority issues are a few of the challenges AfricanAmerican parents and communities face each day; consequences of their behavior.� Overwhelmingly, parent-blaming was the most frequent mantra of the evening, with visible frustration over the need for families to keep their kids out of trouble—a common refrain by people of all races, but usually directed at families of color. But Cassio Batteast, parent and the executive director of KINGS Leadership institute, has long worked with young men of color in the criminal-justice system. He says that the reason people blame parents is because it’s easy. “It’s not anything that I haven’t heard before,� Batteast said in a later interview. “We have to understand that white youth experience the same peer pressure that black students do. To say that phones and television cause school districts not to be successful is a blank argument.� Batteast warned that family-blaming is a way to avoid finding real solutions. “When you don’t have solutions, you pass the buck. So legislators aren’t going to talk about programs you don’t have in the school system that provides parents with opportunities for engagement,� he said. Some of the forum’s participants did interject that a lot of parents need help from the community. James Coleman II, whose

³%LJ )UHHGLD %DQQHG IURP +DWWLHVEXUJ &OXE IRU ¾,OOHJDOœ *\UDWLQJ 3ODQV WR 6XH´ E\ 'RQQD /DGG ³0RHœV 6RXWKZHVW *ULOO 5HWXUQLQJ WR -DFNVRQ´ E\ 'XVWLQ &DUGRQ ³5HS 0RRUH &DPSDLJQ 8VHG 7HDFKHUV OLNH ¾&KHDS 5XJ œ $XWKRUV %LOO WR /LPLW 3ROLWLFL]LQJ´ E\ 6LHUUD 0DQQLH ³/RYH LQ D &OHYHU 5XVH´ E\ 5 + &RXSH ³/HFLOH +DUULV´ E\ *HQHYLHYH /HJDF\ -RLQ WKH FRQYHUVDWLRQ DW MIS PV

-OST VIRAL EVENTS AT JFPEVENTS COM

'L[LH 1DWLRQDO /LYHVWRFN 6KRZ DQG 5RGHR -DQ )HE 9DOHQWLQHÂśV 1LJKW ([WUDYDJDQ]D )HE /RYH +LS +RS &RQFHUW )HE 9DOHQWLQH 'LQQHU 6KRZ )HE 7KH 7KLUG $QQXDO 0DNH /RYH ([SHULPHQW )HE )LQG PRUH HYHQWV DW MISHYHQWV FRP

family lives off McDowell Road in the Suncrest neighborhood, said he and his wife have helped organize trips for about 600 children through a program called God’s Haven. “There are issues with parents (who) don’t have enough time to see what their kids are doing,� Coleman told the JFP. Willie Killins, the principal at Wingfield, said dealing with problems at students’ homes isn’t always as simple as calling mom and dad. Killins said schools should help families with capacity building. Right now, Killins said Wingfield parents have access to a computer where they can apply for jobs and check email during the school week; he hopes to open a Saturday computer lab specifically for parents. “In urban communities, we’ve gotten decades behind where we need to be. We can build that back up,� Killins told the Jackson Free Press after the event. Batteast warns the public not to think of crime as a race problem, but to understand it’s about young people growing up in poverty and hopelessness. “Low-income parents don’t have a voice. And it’s easy to pick a fight with those who don’t have a voice,� Batteast says. “From educators, to law enforcement officers, to principals, to legislators—blaming parents alone is a cop-out. Economics plays a major role in the lack of resources for parents. Wealthy kids aren’t smarter than low-income kids. “They just have more opportunities.� Comment at www.jfp.ms/jxncrime. Sierra Mannie is an education reporting fellow for the Jackson Free Press and The Hechinger Report. Email her at sierra@jacksonfreepress.com.

.O ³(INEY #ONTESTS ´ 'OT )T ³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´ 5HDG PRUH DW MIS PV ELJIUHHGLD COURTESY BIG FREEDIA

W

KHQ D ZDUQLQJ E\ D VWDWH $OFRKRO %HYHUDJH &RQWURO LQYHVWLJDWRU VSRRNHG %HQ 6KHPSHU WKH RZQHU RI 7KH 'ROODUER[ 6KRZURRP LQ +DWWLHVEXUJ LQWR FDQFHOLQJ %LJ )UHHGLDœV )HE WKHUH LW GLG PRUH WKDQ EULQJ PDVVLYH SXEOLFLW\ WR WKH 1HZ 2UOHDQV ERXQFH TXHHQ ,W PHDQW WKDW PDQ\ 0LVVLVVLSSLDQV VXGGHQO\ VDZ LQVLGH $%&œV VWDWH UHJXODWLRQV RI WKH NLQGV RI HQWHUWDLQPHQW WKDW LV DFFHSWDEOH 7KH GRFXPHQW OLQNHG DW MIS PV ELJIUHHGLD FRQWDLQV ODQJXDJH WKDW ZHOO FRXOG FXUO \RXU KDLU %XW RQH VHFWLRQ DPXVHG -)3 UHDGHUV PRUH WKDQ RWKHUV WKH RQH IRUELGGLQJ ³EHVW KLQH\´ FRQWHVWV +HUHœV WKH SURKLEL WLRQV GHWDLOHG LQ WKDW VHFWLRQ YHUEDWLP

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Expert: Parent-blaming Does Little to Prevent Crime

COURTESY CASSIO BATTEAST

bills that would update an old part of Mississippi’s healthcare law currently preventing some for-profit healthcare clinics from moving into the state. In rural health clinics, a nurse practitioner can practice on his or her own as long as their collaborative doctor is 15 miles away. Sen. Angela Hill, R-Picayune, introduced two bills to change this rule, so that nurse practitioners can collaborate with doctors anywhere in the state. Hill said with modern technology and telemedicine, this rule change makes sense and is timely for such a rural state. “We don’t have the luxury of waiting; we need to get business development and healthcare development to come to Mississippi,� she told the Jackson Free Press. Zach Allen, one of Hill’s constituents in Picayune, works for the Children’s International Medical Group, which would like to expand in Mississippi but cannot cost-effectively do so with the current law. The group cannot build a clinic more than 15 miles past a consulting doctor currently, and financially, this does not make sense because the group would have to bring in a pediatrician to each clinic. Pediatrician salaries are costly, compared to setting up clinics with nurse practitioners in rural areas who can consult with doctors from any distance away. Allen’s group specializes in clinics that have nurse practitioners or pediatricians. There are 34 counties in Mississippi that do not have pediatricians, a Mississippi State study found. “Mississippi is the only state with a rule this restrictive,� Allen said. “We have two new clinics in the pipeline, and I had to put them in Louisiana.� Allen said this legislation should not be a political issue and appeals to both political parties because changing the 15-mile rule would promote private business development in the state as well as bring healthcare to rural areas with no previous access to pediatric care. The Children’s International Medical Group clinics accept Medicare and Medicaid patients, as well, so expansion into rural areas would not curb some from access to healthcare. Sen. Hill said her legislation will not result in any detrimental outcomes for patients at all—the bills also do not require tax cuts or cost taxpayers. “It’s about access, convenience and people not having transportation to drive long distances to see one doctor or pediatrician,� Hill said. Comment at jfp.ms. For more legislative coverage visit jfp.ms/msleg.

-OST VIRAL STORIES AT JFP MS

11

Muzzling Mississippi’s Educators

G

oing into last November’s elections, Mississippi educators were hoping for real leadership. Instead, what they got was more of the same. The best example of this is House Education Chairman John Moore’s bill to silence educators, which he filed last year and again this year. This is a blatant attempt to tell educators, especially superintendents: “Keep your mouth shut. Don’t challenge us.” This session, House Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Snowden filed a similar bill. Snowden, as you may remember, authored the confusing legislative alternative to Initiative 42. Moore’s bill is the more onerous of the two, leveling $10,000 fines and revoking teacher licenses. But without any provision for who can file a complaint, or to whom, it appears the education chairman’s bill is reactionary and not well thought out. Snowden’s bill, while similar, is not as toxic and is more measured. It only has fines of $100 for the first offense and $250 for each further offense, to be investigated by the secretary of state’s office. Complaints can be filed by “any state or federal oversight, enforcement or regulatory governmental enmity,” which includes those poor, harassed legislators. Both authors claim the bills are not about stifling free speech, but about making sure educators are about the business of educating and not using school time, facilities or materials for partisan politics. And, honestly, that is a valid point. Teachers should not use class time for anything non-educational. And, of course, school materials should not be used for personal or political purposes. But these bills go well beyond flyers and phone calls. They would prohibit talking to fellow teachers at lunch, or the playground, or on duty about anything that can be construed as political or policy, or even voicing a political opinion on Facebook during a school break. Teachers can’t discuss who they prefer for governor, or why they may oppose a bond issue, nor can they encourage each other to meet with a local legislator about changing state testing. School administrators, while working after school at ball games or other activities, would be prohibited from discussing the latest state standards proposal of the Legislature or whether or not funding for students with special needs is appropriate. Likewise, both bills require the school superintendent and school board to be totally neutral publicly, except for their own personal campaigns. The bills prohibit political signs and the solicitation of students and employees to become involved in political activity. Goodbye Teenage Republicans and Democrats, because we don’t need to get young people involved in the political process anyway. And no one has asked how this affects charter schools, which Moore and Snowden both tout as a form of public schools. Would they fall under this since they accept state funds? Didn’t a group of charter students and faculty members come to the state capital during “normal operating hours” to lobby support for school choice? Moore was quoted as being very enthusiastic with these groups; would he be so if a local school in Rankin County bussed a fifth-grade class to the capital to push for more school funding? The truth, and hypocrisy, of the matter is that this is about stifling speech that the Legislature disagrees with. The campaign to pass Initiative 42 was the most organized educators in Mississippi had been in 30 years. And legislators, who often forget they serve at the will of the voters and instead act as if they are members of the aristocracy, were taken aback when educators had the audacity to challenge their votes. Due to teachers’ strikes 30 years ago, we now have legislation saying that educators taking part in an illegal strike are to be dismissed and may not be rehired by any public school district in the state unless a court finds the rehiring to be a “public necessity.” This action had the intended effect, as teachers haven’t even sniffed of another strike. The Mississippi Association of Educators, then the largest teacher group in the state, has fallen from a position of power to near irrelevance. And the voice of educators has gone from a shout in the halls of the Capitol to little more than a whisper. And even that is too loud for some legislators. Shannon Eubanks is the principal of the Enterprise Attendance Center in 12 Brookhaven. Opinions stated here are his own. iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎÊ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

This is about stifling speech the Legislature disagrees with.

Lawmakers: Sound Smarter About Education

I

n January, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves used Mississippi Department of Education data to conclude that lower-performing school districts spend their education funding on administrative costs rather than on instruction. Thus, Reeves oddly concluded, that must be the reason they performed worse than A and B school districts. It is a leap in logic to say that districts in more affluent areas perform better with less public dollars; thus, that’s all the funds poorer districts need. Besides, it’s not based in fact. A 2013 PEER report revealed that only 10 Mississippi school districts spend less than 60 percent of their total budget, from federal to local contributions, on instructional costs. Then, last week Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, told the Senate he had “no doubt” that the appointment, rather than the election of school superintendents, would positively affect student achievement. Then, he told the Senate that he had no data—but he was confident about it anyway. It is difficult to believe that legislators are truly invested in providing solutions for schools when they allow ideology rather than evidence, faulty logic rather than critical analysis, and agenda rather than altruism to guide their decision-making skills regarding the state of Mississippi’s public schools. It is difficult to believe that legislators share those same sentiments when they take resources and a compassionate ear away from the educators and administrators who work to educate kids even as schools and neighborhoods fall apart around them. Then they tell the very educators who struggle to provide textbooks and school supplies for chil-

dren from poor families that they do not deserve more money due to the unfounded claims that “no evidence” exists that proves that money affects student achievement. And it’s remarkable that legislators first brand education as a “political” issue and then try to pass laws that say the very people in the education trenches every day cannot legally talk about what they believe is best for those children. An investment in education is an investment in the strength of the public good. More than 90 percent of Mississippi’s children attend public schools, all of which have the potential to produce an intelligent and thriving citizenship that will ensure a similarly successful future for this great state. Education should not be the battleground for ideological arguments. Anecdotal evidence falters in the face of data and evidence, which legislators should consider in the face of the crisis of poverty in Mississippi, which still robs children of the equality of opportunity that allows them more chances to be healthier and more successful adults. Children living in poverty need additional resources just to keep up, much less excel. It may be inconvenient to Tate Reeves and Gray Tollison’s politics, but it is fact. But dangerously, legislators scratch at the surface of data, rather than applying information to the depth of nuance it deserves. This cherry-picking can shortchange schools of more than money, which they already lack—but progress, which the state desperately needs. It also, ironically, sends a sadly anti-intellectual message to kids that if they don’t like something, just dismiss it as “political.”

Email letters and opinion to letters@jacksonfreepress.com, fax to 601-510-9019 or mail to 125 South Congress St., Suite 1324, Jackson, Mississippi 39201. Include daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity, as well as factchecked.

JOE ATKINS

Editor-in-Chief Donna Ladd Publisher Todd Stauffer EDITORIAL Assistant Editor Amber Helsel Reporter Arielle Dreher Deputy News Editor Maya Miller Education Reporting Fellow Sierra Mannie JFP Daily Editor Dustin Cardon Music Editor Micah Smith Events Listings Editor Latasha Willis Editorial Assistant Adria Walker Writers Bryan Flynn, Genevieve Legacy, Danie Matthews, LaTonya Miller, R.L. Nave, Greg Pigott, Julie Skipper Editorial Intern Kendall Hardy Consulting Editor JoAnne Prichard Morris ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Art Director Kristin Brenemen Advertising Designer Zilpha Young Staff Photographer Imani Khayyam ADVERTISING SALES Advertising Director Kimberly Griffin Sales and Marketing Consultant Myron Cathey Sales Assistant Mary Osborne BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS Distribution Manager Richard Laswell Distribution Raymond Carmeans, Clint Dear, Michael McDonald, Ruby Parks Bookkeeper Melanie Collins Assistant to the CEO Inga-Lill Sjostrom Operations Consultant David Joseph ONLINE Web Editor Dustin Cardon Web Designer Montroe Headd

CONTACT US: Letters letters@jacksonfreepress.com Editorial editor@jacksonfreepress.com Queries submissions@jacksonfreepress.com Listings events@jacksonfreepress.com Advertising ads@jacksonfreepress.com Publisher todd@jacksonfreepress.com News tips news@jacksonfreepress.com Fashion style@jacksonfreepress.com Jackson Free Press 125 South Congress Street, Suite 1324 Jackson, Mississippi 39201 Editorial (601) 362-6121 Sales (601) 362-6121 Fax (601) 510-9019 Daily updates at jacksonfreepress.com

The Jackson Free Press is the city’s awardwinning, locally owned newsweekly, reaching over 35,000 readers per week via more than 600 distribution locations in the Jackson metro area— and an average of over 35,000 visitors per week at www.jacksonfreepress.com. The Jackson Free Press is free for pick-up by readers; one copy per person, please. First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year for postage and handling. The Jackson Free Press welcomes thoughtful opinions. The views expressed in this newspaper are not necessarily those of the publisher or management of Jackson Free Press Inc. Š Copyright 2016 Jackson Free Press Inc. All Rights Reserved

O

XFORD—Southerners are friendly folk, so Bernie Sanders is going to hear a lot of “Y’all come!� as he takes his populist presidential campaign to Dixie. The question is: Will they mean it? The Brooklyn-bred son of a Polish Jew and current Vermont senator scored a lopsided victory in the recent New Hampshire primary and what he correctly called a “virtual tie� in the Iowa caucuses. However, he faces his toughest challenge in South Carolina’s Feb. 20 Democratic primary as well as in the subsequent March 1 “Super Tuesday� primaries across the South, and in Mississippi’s on March 8. Sanders brings a strong pro-working-class message with him to the South. However, his Democratic opponent has the Clinton brand name that still resonates with African Americans, a powerful force in the Democratic leadership and among the party’s most loyal Southern voters. The reality behind that brand name, sadly, is that the Clinton legacy—certainly Bill’s—has left more harm than good for African Americans and the working class. Polls show why Sanders is giving Clinton a run for her money (and there’s a lot of that money!). According to the CBS News/ New York Times, a strong majority of all Americans support raising the minimum wage; believe U.S. corporations have too much power; support more even distribution of wealth in the country; oppose cuts in Social Security; and support workers’ right to join a union. In other words, most Americans stand with Bernie Sanders on these issues and in opposition to most Republican politicians. Sanders calls himself a “Democratic Socialist,� the first major politician in U.S. history since Eugene Debs (way back in 1920) to use the term “socialist� in a serious bid for the presidency. What Sanders means by that nebulous word seems to be a strong belief in what Lincoln called a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.� So far this election, voters don’t seem bothered by the term. The big question for Hillary Clinton is: What does she believe? As The Economist once noted, “No one knows what she really believes.� The former secretary of state and U.S. senator once supported the NAFTAlike Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, which promises to further enrich her Wall Street friends but at the expense of workers. Now she opposes it. On the campaign trail, she has been

mildly critical of Wall Street—a reaction to the Amos-like Bernie Sanders’ fiery condemnation of the princes of greed. Yet she remains close to Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein, a major financial supporter, and she and her husband benefitted from hundreds of millions of dollars Blankfein’s firm and other financial giants steered their and their foundation’s way. That Clinton brand I discussed earlier was shaken in 2008 after Bill’s attacks against Barack Obama in that year’s election, but Hillary looks to the South and its primaries as what has been called her “firewall.� Closer scrutiny of both Clintons shows little substantial support of black communities. Hillary Clinton was a forceful advocate of her husband’s welfare reform measures in the 1990s as a way to get “deadbeats� off the government dole. Bill Clinton’s welfare reform did nothing to alleviate poverty, but it did do something Republicans love: cut the federal deficit. Hillary Clinton today talks about criminal justice reform, yet she has never acknowledged how Bill Clinton’s Violent Crime and Enforcement Act in 1994 made black communities targets in the “get tough on crime� campaign while marching untold numbers of black males off to prison for minor crimes. Democrat and economic populist John Bel Edwards’ victory in Louisiana’s recent gubernatorial race should be a harbinger to Clinton that Southerners—like the nation as a whole—are tired of the status quo. They’re not seeing benefits from Wall Street profits. As important as the social triggers of abortion, gender and gay rights may be to many, the economy is the issue to most in 2016. Bernie Sanders has already made serious inroads into Clinton strongholds like women voters as well as black voters. And what’s ironical for a 74-year-old politician is his strongest constituency is young voters, many of them strapped by college debt and uncertain job prospects. Hillary Clinton’s biggest weapon in her arsenal may be money, but Sanders’ grassroots fundraising is even challenging her on that front. In many ways, this is an election about money. Those who have it wield lots of power. However, if this country is still the democracy we’d like to think it is, so do the people who don’t have it. Joe Atkins is a veteran journalist, columnist and professor of journalism at the University of Mississippi. His blog is laborsouth.blog spot.com. Email him at jbatkins@olemiss.edu.

“Of the people, by the people, for the people.�

ALL STADIUM SEATING Listings for Fri. 2/19 – Thurs. 2/25 The Witch R The Finest Hours PG13 Race PG13 Risen PG13 The 5th Wave The Lady in the Van PG13 The Boy Deadpool

R

PG13

PG13

Ride Along 2 PG13

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers R Zoolander 2 PG13 of Benghazi How to Be Single

R

Hail, Caesar PG13 The Revenant R The Choice PG13 Star Wars: The Kung Fu Panda 3 Force Awakens PG

PG13

Fifty Shades of Sisters Black R

R

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE DAILY BARGAINS UNTIL 6PM Online Tickets, Birthday Parties, Group & Corporate Events @ www.malco.com

Movieline: 355-9311

THANK YOU For Voting Us

Best Fried Chicken Best of Jackson 2016 707 N Congress St., Jackson | 601-353-1180 .PO UISV 'SJ BN QN t 4VO BN QN

Do You Get the JFP Daily? - Exclusive Invite to the Best of Jackson Party! - Headlines - Events and Music - Special Offers - Ticket Giveaways

Sign up at JFPDaily.com

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎÊ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Bernie Sanders: For the People

13

OPEN FOR BUSINESS PAID ADVERTISING

W

hile Osteostrong was initially developed for people with osteoporosis—a debilitating disease where bones lose density and strength. However, according to testimonials of people who’ve used the Osteostrong system, just a few minutes per week can eliminate back and joint pain, improve flexibility, shorten rehab times and give you better posture, balance and strength. With Osteostrong, you’re not lifting weights in a gym for hours—instead, you spend just 7 to 10 minutes, once a week, without breaking a sweat. You don’t have to wear gym clothes, and you won’t feel muscle or joint fatigue afterward. Osteostrong works on the principle of “natural adaptive response�—by putting the body under short-term but intense pressure, the body will activate its ability to create

bone density and increase strength. This doesn’t take a lot of grunting and sweating though. With just small doses of pressure, Osteostrong customers frequently see their strength increase from session to session. Scientific studies support the idea that maximum loading leads to improvements in bone density and muscle mass. If you do suffer from osteoporosis, then we absolutely recommend you visit Osteostrong in Brandon for your free sessions. But it’s also recommended for people with back pain and athletes—tennis players, skiers, team sports—anyone looking for the edge that can come from muscle and bone density. Osteostrong Brandon offers 2 FREE sessions, just call 662-645-1869. Or visit osteostrongbrandonms.com to learn more.

1149 Old Fannin Rd #22 Brandon, MS 39047 Located in shopping center with Fannin Lanes Bowling www.osteostrongbrandonms.com Facebook: OsteoStrong-Brandon-MS

hen Fondren Fro-Yo opened in early February, it launched as something special—Jackson’s only yogurt shop.

dry toppings, 18 fresh fruit toppings and eight syrup flavors. Ritter is proud that they don’t use any powders or water to make their yogurt.

Fondren Fro-Yo is the brainchild of Anthony Ritter, an award-winning interior designer who also owns Glo Design Studio, which used to be housed where Fondren Fro-Yo is now. “I just felt like there was a great need for something like this in Fondren and in Northeast Jackson,� says Ritter. “There aren’t a lot of places opening that are family-oriented.�

Fondren Fro-Yo is a self-serve frozen yogurt shop, which allows customers to customize their serving size and their toppings. Once you complete your order, you take it to the counter, and it’s weighed. Seating is available inside and outside. Grab the family and stop in today!

Fondren Fro-Yo has eight full-dairy yogurts and one vegan option. Staples include chocolate, vanilla, sea salt caramel, and cookies and cream. Other flavors change out weekly. The store offers 25

Fondren Fro-Yo

2951 Old Canton Road Winter Hours: 11am-8pm FondrenFroYo.com

&) &, .4 .. 0- "

&) &, /0 3 % "

)"" &' ()& ($& ' $ $ , #$+' '' '' %% ( $ '(' # ! ( $#' # ( .52-'

&(' ()& & ' "" &' ' # * &' (, $ 6 $ )!(, #' " !

&) &, .5 1 0- % "

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Ritter also wanted to increase Fondren’s foot traffic. “I wanted to give people another reason to come to Fondren. I had this space for a long time, and I wanted something here that would be really good for the neighborhood.�

&) &, /2 . % "

& , $&)" ( ' & ( + , 6# $#* &' ( $#

& , $&)" ()& # . --- $& ' ( ! & $!$ , ( $"% # & )! # )"

!

&) &, /. 0 % "

&) &, /5 3 0- % "

)!(, ( ! &,! $ & '$%& #$

)!(, ( ! " ' &( # ( #$& # ,## ! , % #$

Delicious

Flickr DeliciousFacebook Twitter Flickr

14

PAID ADVERTISING

Flickr

Twitter

Retweet

MySpaceRetweet TwitterStumbleUpon

Slash Dot Mixx MySpace StumbleUpon Facebook MySpace

Digg

Skype StumbleUpon

Digg Retweet

Digg Technorati

IMANI KHAYYAM

The City allocated just over $2 million to streets in the recent budget, but sinkholes, utility cuts, cracks, ruts, and potholes come in every shape, size and depth imaginable.

The City Battles Nature, Resources When his Bluetooth lights up with a call from a superior, many of his answers are “yes, sir� and “no, sir.� Generally speaking, the dividing line between the north and south crews is Fortification Street, itself one of the more representative symbols of pothole despair in Jackson until a major reconstruction commenced in 2012. This cold January morning is an exception. The work order is to patch three holes off the Pearl Street exit from Interstate 55, where the road forks toward the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. On a map, it is simply called Access Road, and the City is unclear whether the state or the city is responsible for its maintenance. Heavy traffic volume flying off I-55 combined with water coming down a hill created the holes, which have elicited enough complaints to the City that public works sent one of Lewis’ teams to make repairs. Called “The Patcher,� the massive truck evokes the anatomy of an insect with distinct mandible, head, thorax and abdomen-like sections. The truck, procured about six months earlier, is designed as a

one-man truck, but the crew consists of two people for safety reasons. Inside the cab, a husky guy’s face is behind a large clipboard, while a skinnier man wearing a backward baseball cap operates the controls. The Patcher approaches a teardropshaped hole about 2 feet wide and deep enough that if it filled with water, and an adult stepped in it, water would reach her ankle. First, the pneumatic arm sends a puff of air into the pothole to clear it of debris. Next, the mechanical arm sprays a mist of emulsion—a petroleum-based tar that will harden when it cools and bind to the gravel—into the hole like spray-on adhesive. In the next step, the arm spits out graycolored rock chips less than a dime in a diameter and roars like a 50-foot-tall vacuum cleaner. Filling the first hole takes about 25 minutes. When it’s finished, the machine again blasts the edges with air, creating a corona of rock debris around the patchwork. The crew repeats the process with a smaller fissure about 40 feet back from the first hole. Then it repeats the process again near the bottom of the road, near where it

Counting potholes is like counting the members of a rebel force.

intersects with Greymont Avenue. Satisfied with the progress of the team, Lewis climbs back into the truck. The South team is scheduled to be in the Queens neighborhood, but Lewis is told of a problem at the asphalt plant off Gallatin, so he heads over to check it out. Dangerous and Costly Counting potholes is like counting the members of a rebel force, close to impossible. For starters, Jackson has 1,200 miles of road, which is the same distance between Mississippi’s capital and New York City, and lost more than 20,000 residents between 1990 and 2011, U.S. Census records show. By area, Mississippi’s capital city is bigger than Sacramento and Tallahassee, the government seats of California and Florida, respectively. In fact, Jackson is the 90th largest city in the United States, and bigger than the more populous cities of Seattle, Milwaukee, St. Louis and Baltimore. Jackson’s population decline, combined with a road-maintenance budget that had, until recently, not grown more than $1 million since anyone can remember, means that many of Jackson’s streets have some sort of blemish. Compounding

Febryuary 17 - 23]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

C

hris Lewis checks his driver’s side mirror before hopping down from his pickup truck. He grabs an orange and white folding barricade from the bed and sets it up 20 feet away and starts directing the vehicles zooming by to the right. Lewis is the acting road superintendent for the city’s public-works department, which includes overseeing potholepatching operations. Brown-skinned with a short, gray beard, Lewis resembles the late “60 Minutes� journalist Ed Bradley. In place of Bradley’s trademark gold hoop earring, Lewis wears a black Bluetooth device in his right ear. His bosses at the City’s Department of Public Works told Lewis not to be interviewed, he says; he’s to drive a Jackson Free Press reporter and photographer to several work sites so we can observe. On the ride over from the publicworks maintenance department, we mostly ride in silence except for the soft hum of old-school gospel tunes such as the Williams Brothers’ 1986 hit “Sweep Around Your Own Front Door.� In Jackson’s war against potholes, Lewis would be akin to a sergeant, commanding two teams and five men total.

by R.L. Nave

PRUH 327+2/(6 VHH SDJH 15

POTHOLES IURP SDJH COURTESY CHANE

Ron Chane, the “Pothole Robin Hood,â€? took asphalt from a Mississippi (ITEVXQIRX SJ 8VERWTSVXEXMSR HITSX XS Ă&#x;PP TSXLSPIW EVSYRH LMW &IPLEZIR neighborhood before the City told him he’d better stop.

the degradation of the streets is the fact that the City is fighting two other battles, against failing water and sewer infrastructure. Moisture is to pavement what potholes are to vehicle tires and suspension components: anathema. City officials estimate Jackson needs to raise close to $750 million for all of the capital city’s infrastructure needs. When it comes to paved streets, to which the City allocated just over $2 million in the recent budget, pile on heavy traffic, and the results are a lot of sinkholes, utility cuts, cracks, ruts, and potholes that come in every shape, sizes and depth imaginable. In recent months, city residents have seen a spate of high-profile pothole-related incidents that include a Jackson police cruiser that crashed after hitting a pothole, a night where eight or nine cars hit a pothole on Woodrow Wilson near a water leak and a TV news story about a child who fell into a water-filled “pothole�—which was actually a sinkhole created by a utility failure deep under the street. Potholes are caused by a combination of water, expanding soil and constant traffic. To people in Jackson, who have to battle blown tires, crooked front-end alignments and nearly drowned children, the distinction between potholes, sinkholes

and utility cuts are meaningless. They’re dangerous and costly, and they want the city to fix them. Duane O’Neill, president of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, said the condition of Jackson’s infrastructure can affect economic development. In fact, when the chamber wants to woo businesses to the area, choosing to the least pothole-pocked route to show visitors around comes into play, he said. “Anytime you’re trying to sell someone, you have to be upfront and honest. And the honest answer is we got behind, and we have a plan to rectify that, but it’s not going to happen overnight,� O’Neill said. That plan involves spending from the 1-percent local-option sales tax. Jackson voters approved the tax in early 2014, but the City only received approval from an oversight commission in spring 2015 to begin spending money; the City says a little over $13 million from the fund will be committed in the first year, from May 2015 to May 2016. City officials estimated that between $15 million to $20 million will be spent per year for a five-year period representing a total of about $90 million.

iLÀÞÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

PACK Â UP Â YOUR Â FOSSILS Â AND Â HIT Â THE Â ROAD Â FOR Â THE Â 13TH Â ANNUAL

16

BRING Â YOUR Â FOSSIL Â DISCOVERIES Â TO Â THE Â SCIENCE Â MUSEUM Â AND Â GET Â EXPERT Â OPINIONS Â ABOUT Â THEIR Â AGES Â AND Â IDENTITIES Â BY Â OUR Â TEAM Â OF Â SCIENTISTS.

PRUH 327+2/(6 VHH SDJH

-*7&

"/%&34 04#03/&

.":

5)"-*" ."3" )"-5*$,&54 0/ 4"-& 5)*4 '3*%": "5 "3%&/-"/% /&5 $)"3(& #: 1)0/& 03 $0-*4&6. #09 0''*$&

HSFHHBMMNBO DPN

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

41&$*"- (6&45

17

POTHOLES IURP SDJH In December, the City hired Jacksonbased IMS Engineers to develop a master plan for and over projects in years two through five of the sales-tax program. City officials say the 1-percent money will not go toward quick-fix pothole patching, but will pooled with other funding sources to address some of the most visible trouble spots. Three major road renovation projects are outlined for the first year

“What motivated me was knowing the only option was to complain about it or do something about it,� Chane recalls. Chane abruptly ended his crusade after a media firestorm and political pressure from then-Mayor Chokwe Lumumba, who said through a media statement at the time that, “We do not accept any use of the city’s resources without going through the proper legal channels.�

Each day, the pothole crews pull up the 311 system and select work orders that can be based on a number of factors, including risk to public safety and number of complaints, said Leroy Lee, manager of the Division of Infrastructure Management under the public-works department and one of Chris Lewis’ supervisors. Lee, who has managed the division for two years, and Lewis provide direction, but IMANI KHAYYAM

The City of Jackson procured °8LI 4EXGLIVÂą EFSYX WM\ QSRXLW XS LIPT Ă&#x;\ MXW TSXLSPI WGSYVKI

iLÀÞÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

of the sales-tax: North State Street, Lynch Street and Riverside Drive. In October, the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Jackson a $16.5 million grant for the North State Street project. At the Feb. 9 meeting of the Jackson City Council, a Jackson State University student named Devon Curtis pressed officials during the public-comment period about the condition of City streets. “It’s because of disinvestment, and when you haven’t invested in 25 (to) 30 years, this work doesn’t happen because you want it to,� Mayor Tony Yarber told Curtis. But asking residents to be patient with potholes is a bit like asking the people of Flint, Mich., to have patience while government officials try to make their water safe to drink again. Elections can be won and lost because of infrastructure-related maladies, which become fodder for public mockery. In 2013, Jackson business owner Ron Chane made national news as a “pothole Robin Hood� when he stole asphalt from a Mississippi Department of Transportation depot to fill potholes around his 18 Belhaven neighborhood.

Nonetheless, Chane says public-works crews eventually came along and fixed his amateur patch job. Chane, who says he recently shelled out $2,000 in front-end work on his car that he blames on the condition of City streets, says that three years since that episode, the number of potholes has increased, at least in Belhaven. “At this point, I think it’s fair to say that the pothole problem is far worse than any time in the past,� he said. Chane said he recently observed a public-works crew fix a large hole in front of a Fondren business, which drew a crowd of awestruck pedestrians. “Nobody should stand in awe because somebody is filling a pothole. That should be standard.� What’s the 3-1-1? Jackson launched 3-1-1, a publicservice request hotline, in April 2011 for residents to report everything from dead animals to leaky fire hydrants to potholes. When someone calls 311 to report a pothole, an operator enters into the system usually under the street name; that becomes what public works personnel call a work order.

where the crews work is mostly left to the discretion of the crews. Another thing that happens is that a citizen will report a pothole when it’s actually a sinkhole, caused by the rupture of a water or sewer line under the street, which over time can cause the pavement to cave in. “The community doesn’t see a utility cut or a sinkhole,� Lee said. “They see a pothole.� That’s why residents may see a pothole crew show up at a job site but leave because sinkholes require heavy equipment and more work that the patch crews can do. Lee’s voice is deep, and he keeps his answers succinct, referring questions about road design to engineers and eschewing questions about whether his department has adequate funding. He admits that the maintenance division has several positions that need to be filled—City officials have said that more than 100 vacancies exist in the public-works department, where some wages started at the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour until the City Council boosted the minimum in 2014—and that in the past, crews have worked hours beyond the current schedule of Monday

through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Asked what qualities Lee seeks in potential employees, he offers, plainly: “Hard working and dedication.� Alternate Routes Although 3-1-1 is the City’s preferred method for receiving complaints, more informal, but equally effective methods include Facebook and Twitter direct messaging elected officials, including Yarber and the city council. City council members have no executive power so they can’t pick up the phone and get a pothole fixed. But, because they’re more accessible than the mayor’s office, council members act as conduits for people who live in their wards. Ward 1 Councilman Ashby Foote asks constituents to send photos of potholes, which his assistant, Lee Morris, sends along to the department of public works. “Sometimes, they’re very responsive, and we get a quick (response) and sometimes it seems like it takes a long time for them to get them fixed,� Foote said, referring to potholes. Ward 6 Councilman Tyrone Hendrix, whose south Jackson district includes Mayor Yarber’s home, says his office gets a fair amount of email, and uses a Facebook group called South Jackson Connected. Enough people bend Hendrix’s ear at the supermarket that his wife, Ercilla, won’t let him go if they’re in a hurry. Hendrix is dubious of the ability of the 3-1-1 system to address the volume of complaints that pour in about infrastructure problems, so his office enters complaints on constituents’ behalf directly into 3-1-1 so that he can track them. From there, he sends a message to the mayor’s constituent-services office and a public-works manager such as Leroy Lee. “We follow up every day until something is done. We advocate. We push. We shame at public meetings. We scream in order to get our constituents issues resolved quickly,� Hendrix said. “The most diligent resident will, of course, get the most attention. The most organized neighborhood association will get the most attention or the most organized council member (will get attention). It comes down to being an advocate for the people you represent.� In Hendrix’s view, potholes are a socioeconomic issue. Coincidentally, his interview with the Jackson Free Press took place the same day the City Council met to consider a ordinance that would ban the expansion of payday loan and checkcashing stores, which charge customers fees for quick access to cash for emergencies like car repairs. PRUH 327+2/(6 VHH SDJH

#SJOH JO ZPVS 8 BOE %3*7& B DBS IPNF UPEBZ Have your taxes prepared by a Tax Professional and use a portion of your refund for a downpayment! Fast Service Quick Turn Around Time We Make it Easy Friendly Professional Service

$BMM VT UPEBZ

555 Sunnybrook Road, Ridgeland, MS 39157 t XXX QBUUZQFDLIPOEB DPN

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Thanks for your votes! Finalist Best Local Place to Buy a New or Used Car Best of Jackson 2016

19

POTHOLES IURP SDJH

4HE ON

#ITIZENS REPORT POTHOLES BY CALLING 1RQ HPHUJHQF\ LQIUDVWUXFWXUH LVVXHV FDQ EH UHSRUWHG E\ FDOOLQJ 7KH &LW\ DVNV WKDW UHVLGHQWV DOORZ KRXUV IRU SRWKROH UHSDLUV

iLÀÞÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

#ITIZENS WHOSE VEHICLES ARE DAMAGED E\ SRWKROHV FDQ FDOO WKH 'LYLVLRQ RI 5LVN 0DQDJHPHQW WR ÂżOH D FODLP DW

Pothole Science Today, the stretch of Woodrow Wilson is closed to traffic. The pothole Case hit in December was caused by a water-line rupture that gushed for weeks. Because of its proximity to University of Mississippi Medical Center, City officials could not 20 simply shut off the main.

There are a number of different kinds of potholes and several different ways to fix them, depending where you live. Dave Bergner, a retired public-works superintendent in Arizona, seems surprised that Jackson has a problem with potholes. Most of the problem spots, he said, are in northern states that experience the freeze-thaw cycle in which water freezes, causing asphalt to expand and break up. During thawing, the water erodes the pavement even further. Jackson has its own unique geological feature—namely, the heavy soil known as Yazoo Clay that fills with moisture in the same manner as freezing water. When it dries, it contracts, causing roads and home foundations to shift. In addition, the water table in Jackson is high, meaning there’s a lot of water close to the surface. “For pavement and roadways, water is similar to (how) unprotected metal will cause rust. Water on wood causes wood rot. Water can cause a lot of damage. When it gets below subsurface, it cant escape (and) you see a lot of rutting and breaking away the pavement,� Bergner said in a telephone interview. Naturally, climate and topography also comes into play. In addition to its eternal fight against Yazoo Clay, Jackson sometimes experiences freezes, exacerbating the pothole situation. For instance, Denver is flat and gets a lot of snow. When it melts, water cannot run off fast enough, said Pat Kennedy, a engineering supervisor at Denver Street Maintenance in Colorado. “It starts with one small hole,� he said. Patching will hold up for a few days, but a better longer-term solution involves cutting a rectangle around the problem spot then filling it with the asphalt. Other factors in fighting the war on potholes involves using the right mix of tar and asphalt based on the temperature ranges of a given surface. Kennedy said the best way to fight potholes is to engineer the roads so water drains off and doesn’t create soft spots. Other, costlier, methods include installing drainage pipes under the road surface topped with rock or gravel or elevating the roadway with a slight crown to help the water drain, which is expensive. Another solution is to apply a tar-like crack seal every two or three years, which also helps as does resurfacing the streets on a regular basis. The rock solution is better than asphalt, even though the City has another pothole patcher on the way that will use asphalt instead of rock chips. The older the street, the more prone to potholes they are, Kennedy said. “It becomes a futile effort after a time,� Kennedy said of patch jobs. “It’s like scraping the rust away from your car or painting over it. Likewise, not going down and correcting the problem

you’re just going to be repeating it over and over again.� A Lower-Tech Approach Chris Lewis’ south Jackson pothole crew is scheduled to work in the Queens neighborhood, but is stuck in line at the asphalt plant off Gallatin.

the debris from the hole. Once sufficiently clean, another crew member uses a regular household broom to drizzle a thin tar to outline the hole. Then, they go to work. Steam wafting from each scoop, asphalt is shoveled in a line on the edge of the hole and inside before another worker spreads it evenly over IMANI KHAYYAM

Referring to the damage that a pothole can do to a car, Hendrix said: “Two hours and 50 bucks—for a lot of people, it can be life changing.� Carl Case is all too familiar with the scenario Hendrix paints. On the night of Dec. 10, Case had finished up a final exam at Millsaps College where he’s studying for his master’s in business administration and was headed to celebrate with friends. As he drove down Woodrow Wilson, where a water main erupted months ago and the flowing water has damaged the street, he hit a hole that blew out his tire and bent his rim. “The way they had it set up, they were pointing you to the pothole,� Case says, referring to the orange barrels that lined the street ostensibly as a safety precaution. Thanks to the bent rim, Case couldn’t get his tire off so he called his auto club. In the meantime, he also talked to a WLBT news crew along with eight or nine other motorists who also had blowouts. In all, he spent an hour outside, missed his outing with friends and, the next day, had to shell out $50 for a new tire. He may also need a new rim. Citizens whose cars are damaged by potholes can file a claim with the City’s risk-management division, which is part of the city attorney’s office, not public works, and it’s not very well publicized. “I would think there would have been some kind of warning. I don’t know if they knew about it or even cared,� Case said. A JFP staffer who suffered pothole damage costing $300 filed a claim about a month ago, which is still pending.

Ward 6 Councilman Tyrone Hendrix is dubious of the ability of the 3-1-1 system to address the volume of complaints that pour in about infrastructure problems, so he enters constituents’ calls directly into 3-1-1 so he can track them.

There, Jackson’s truck is in a line of dump trucks that, during busy periods, can be backed up onto Gallatin. The Dickerson & Bowen plant is one of two places to buy asphalt in the Jackson area. The other is in Flowood. Yellow-hued gravel, piled taller than Jackson City Hall, goes up a conveyer into a massive oven that resembles a large barbecue grill where it mixes with emulsion, which gives asphalt its blackness, and goes into silos. Trucks pull up under the designated silo, and the requested amount of asphalt drops from a chute at a temperature of around 400 degrees. Unlike the patching machine working in downtown, the south-of-Fortification crew is noticeably less high-tech. It consists of a pickup truck pulling an open trailer that carries the asphalt and tools. Lewis trails the crew down Gallatin and west along U.S. 80 to avoid the interstate, arriving on pothole-riddled work site on Queen Anne Lane. Younger and energetic, the crew members bounce from the truck, lower the tailgate and get to work. One of the workers, wearing a Department of Public Works uniform with a bright yellow-green mesh safety vest, manually picks several large pieces of rock out of the targeted hole. A second worker uses a push broom to clean

the hole. The third worker uses a hand tamper, a tool with a long handle with a metal plate attached to the end, to flatten the still hot asphalt. Like the three-man weave in basketball, this is pothole-filling fundamentals: sweep, spread, and tamp, all the way of the block. After 25 minutes, 14 black patches pock the block-long stretch of road; their durability hinges on the amount of precipitation and other moisture that seeps into the cracks, whether Jackson has a freeze and for how long, and how many vehicles drive other them. Lee, the city’s maintenance management, shows up and looks on. “As you see, this isn’t the first time we’ve been here,� Lee says, pointing to faint craters in the pavement, some which can also be seen using Google Map’s satellite-view. A man driving a dark wine-colored Jaguar wearing black and red Atlanta Braves cap approaches the site and, to no one in particular, states with a twinge of anger in his voice, “I had a blowout right there� and speeds off. As Lewis makes a U-turn to and pulls off, he drives over the newly repaired road, proving that driving over patched potholes doesn’t feel that different than driving over potholes. Comment at www.jfp.ms/potholes. Send city story tips to news@jacksonfreepress.com.

FEBRUARY 19

NEVER A COVER!

COMING UP

WEDNESDAY

 â€¨â€Š2 /17

 â€¨â€Š

JAMIE WEEMS & MARK ROEMER

Pub Quiz PERFORMING LIVE

WITH

 â€¨â€ŠGUEST

 â€¨â€ŠHOST

 â€¨â€Š KODIE

 â€¨â€ŠMANN

THURSDAY

 â€¨â€Š 2 /18

SPIRITS OF THE HOUSE

HAPPY HOUR Tuesday - Friday 5 pm - 7 pm 1/2 off drink menu.... 2 for 1 shots

FRIDAY

 â€¨â€Š 2 /19

TATUM SHAPPLEY SATURDAY

 â€¨â€Š 2 /20

SCOTT ALBERT JOHNSON M ONDAY

 â€¨â€Š2/22

KARAOKE WITH

 â€¨â€ŠMATT

 â€¨â€ŠCOLLETTE

TUESDAY

 â€¨â€Š2 /23

OPEN MIC CONTEST WITH

 â€¨â€ŠB ROCK

 â€¨â€Š BAILEY

WINNER: Best Open Mic Night Best Place to Drink Cheap 1060

 â€¨â€ŠE

 â€¨â€ŠCounty

 â€¨â€ŠLine

 â€¨â€ŠRd.

 â€¨â€Š Ridgeland

601-­â€?899-­â€?0038 WWW.BURGERSBLUES.COM

Best of Jackson 2016

WEDNESDAY 2/17

Restaurant - 5 - 8 pm

THURSDAY 2/18

BROTHERLY LOVE Restaurant - 5 - 8 pm

FRIDAY 2/19

Friday, February 12 Saturday, February 20

$1%!- #4,3 3(% '),,2

THE HUSTLERS Restaurant SCOTTY ATL

'1)336 1/#+ 2()--%1).' 0/0

Red Room - Doors 7 pm - $10

SATURDAY 2/20

PELL

Thursday, February 25

doors at 7 tickets available at thelyricoxford.com

%41/0%!. 3(%!3%1

MONDAY 2/22

Saturday, February 27

CENTRAL MS BLUES SOCIETY PRESENTS:

026#(/"),,6 -%%32 241& #/4.316 #,!22)# 1/#+

BLUE MONDAY

: '1!--6 5)..%1 &/1 "%23 .%5 !'% !,"4- &/1 &/1%23

TUESDAY 2/23

Restaurant - 7pm - $5

PUB QUIZ with Jimmy Quinn Restaurant - 7:30pm - $2 to Play

WEDNESDAY 2/24

NEW BOURBON STREET JAZZ BAND Restaurant - 6 - 8:30 pm

UPCOMING

Saturday, February 27 2016: Ardenland Presents: Strung Like A Horse doors at 8/show at 9 tickets $8 in advance/$10 at door available at www.ardenland.net Tuesday, March 8 2016: CeeLo Green tickets available at www.thelyricoxford.com Friday, April 15 2016: Ardenland Presents: Mothers doors at 8/show at 9 tickets $7 in advance/$10 at door available at www.ardenland.net OFFICIAL

HOUSE VODKA

901

 â€¨â€ŠE

 â€¨â€ŠFORTIFICATION

 â€¨â€ŠSTREET

Visit HalandMals.com for a full menu and concert schedule

WWW.FENIANSPUB.COM

Downtown Jackson, MS

601-948-0055

Thursday, February 18

&%!341).' -!1").

601.948.0888 200 S. Commerce St.

Saturday, March 5 ,)2! -),,2

!-%1)#!.! ",4%'1!22 2/.'51)3%1 '1/40 &1/- -/"),%

Thursday, March 10

83(% "%23 ,)33,% ).$6 1/#+ "!.$ ). !-%1)#!9 3(% (4<.'3/. 0/23

Wednesday, March 23

'1!#% !2+%5

314% #/4.316 31/4"!$/1 +%%0%1 /& 3(% ;!-%

*423 #%$ !../4.

Wednesday, April 6 -!23%12 /& 2/4,&4, &/,+

*423 #%$ !../4.

Saturday, May 14 %,%!2% !136

!.'%,)# (!1-/.)%2 !.$ #/4.316 7%. 2%.3)-%.3

dulinghall.com

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

HUNTER AND THE GATORS BAND

21

LIFE&STYLE | food&drink

A New Frozen Treat by Onelia Hawa

KRISTIN BRENEMEN

W

hen customers walk into Fondren FroYo, which recently opened in the Jackson neighborhood, bright colors, designs and topping dispensers surround them. The business, which is Jackson’s first independently owned one of its kind, has seating both inside and outside depending on the weather, and familiar songs play softly in the background. Located off Old Canton Road, Fondren Fro-Yo sits at the entrance of the neighborhood and occupies a once-desolate side of Old Canton Road. The space that Fondren Fro-Yo now occupies previously housed GLO Design Studio. After owner Anthony Ritter moved GLO upstairs five years ago, the space transformed into an office and storage area, but none of the business ventures was a good fit for the area. Then, last summer, came the idea for Fondren Fro-Yo. Pop Culture Pops was interested in the space for their storefront; however, after the business got the space in the Pix/Capri Theatre, Ritter had the idea of bringing frozen yogurt to Jackson. “We wanted to bring something to that all of Brandon, Flowood and Madison already have,” Ritter says. “We don’t have anything in Jackson like this.” Betsy Mullins, Ritter’s business partner for Fondren Fro-Yo and a pastry chef by trade, says: “It’s defi-

*SRHVIR *VS =S LEW àEZSVW WYGL EW XVMTPI GLSGSPEXI SVERKI WSVFIX ERH OI] PMQI ERH W[MVPW WYGL EW VIH ZIPZIX [IHHMRK GEOI XLSYKL àEZSVW GLERKI IEGL [IIO

nitely been a learning experience and will continue to be one for sure, but I’m excited to take on that responsibility.” The shop had its grand opening on Wednesday, Feb. 3, and debuted signature flavors such as strawberry, cheesecake, triple chocolate, Tahitian vanilla, California tart, sea-salt-caramel pretzel and Valencia orange sorbet. The yogurt dispensers also offer a swirl option combination for selected flavors. The flavors change weekly. Of the two cases of cups ready for filling, at least 350 fro-yo fans snacked at Fondren Froyo on its opening day. The self-serve topping bar offers assorted treats such as coconut shavings, Nerds candy, M&Ms, marshmallows, kiwi pieces, strawberry, several syrups, among many others. “We would eventually like to do more gourmet toppings and smoothies with the different yogurts,” Mullins says. This winter, Fondren Fro-Yo (2951 Old Canton Road is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; however, once the time changes on March 13, the business will be open until 9 p.m., and possibly on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For updates, photos, and directions, find Fondren Fro-Yo on Facebook and Instagram or visit fondrenfroyo.com.

girl about town

A Common Identity

22

saw an event in the Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series featured a panel about the creative economy with Nell Linton Knox and Ellen Rodgers Johnson, who published a book, “Studio Jackson: Creative Culture in the Mississippi Capital” (The History Press, $23), in 2014, and also Malcolm and artists ELLEN RODGERS JOHNSON

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

I

n the South, we’re all about tradition and family. Passing on memories and values is deeply ingrained in our culture, but often, we pass along those intangibles by way of physical objects, like my grandmother’s vintage mink fur I’ve inherited and fondly wear, or the tacky Christmas decorations my grandfather made that I hang with excitement each year, or by rituals such as the family attending a Christmas Eve service together each year. Our Jackson community is full of shared traditions that bind us together and create a shared common identity. For instance, I think about the Mal’s St. Paddy’s Parade (now the Hal’s St. Paddy’s Parade & Festival), which over the years has come to symbolize, to me, so much of what’s great about Jackson. And, appropriately enough, the parade and Hal & Mal’s itself come from and are being carried on by a family— brothers Malcolm White and the late Hal White, and, now, their progeny. I’m friends with Brandi White Lee, Hal’s daughter, and her husband P.J., who are among those I’ll deem the next-generation Hal & Mal’s gang. I’m also hugely supportive and proud of Mississippi’s strong creative economy. So in November, when I

by Julie Skipper

+MRKIV ;MPPMEQW 'SSO MW XLI JIEXYVIH EVXMWX MR ,EP 1EP³W 1EVGL %VXW %TTW IZIRX

Jerrod Partridge, Elizabeth Robinson, and Tony Davenport, I was eager to attend. During the evening’s discussion, Malcolm talked some about the history of Hal

& Mal’s and its connection to not only music and food, but also visual artists. He mentioned that back in the day, he and Hal would invite local artists to show their work in the restaurant on a regular basis, and how the mutual support of artists and their venture was important to creating Hal & Mal’s identity and sense of place in the community, as well as its revenue. Not long after that, I learned that Hal & Mal’s was reviving that tradition. A new series of events, which Lee spearheaded, dubbed Arts & Apps, highlight different musicians and artists for an evening. One particularly busy workday in November ended with my law partner concluding that a drink was in order, and it just so happened to be the night of that month’s Arts & Apps. So off we went, with family joining us once we got there. Walking into the restaurant, I found local artist Ellen Langford set up at her easel, painting the band for that night, The Hustlers, and selling works on paper. It quickly became clear that this art-andmusic event tradition is rooted in the Hal & Mal’s ethos of bringing together art and music in a friendly and family-oriented atmosphere. Kids were welcome, the music

was low-key enough to be able to facilitate conversation, and people circulated from table to table, visiting old friends, making new ones and enjoying dinner. And since the event ended early, it was a good weeknight-friendly outing for those with work or school the next day. In short, it was a great time. I’m so glad to be a part of a community where traditions like that can be born and nurtured and celebrated. The December edition was Dec.16 and was a special holiday fête with double the artists and music. During happy hour, which was from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., artists Rebecca Wilkinson and Teresa Haygood were paired with music from Mark Roemer and Jamie Weems, and Mallory Palmertree from Electric Dagger also showcased her work with music from Joe McCullough. The March 12 event is the first one of 2016. It is from 7 p.m. to 9 :30 p.m., and features Ginger Williams-Cook as the artist. At press time, the music for the night had not been chosen. Kudos to Hal & Mal’s for continuing traditions of art and family. Go check it out. Attending Arts & Apps may become a tradition of your own. For more information, visit halandmals.com.

E TH G

O RO M

E RE N

-Pool Is Cool-

We’re still #1! Best Place to Play Pool Best of Jackson 2016

Crawfish Live & Boiled New Location!

INDUSTRY HAPPY HOUR

The Bayou

DAILY 12pm

-

7pm BEER SPECIALS

5649-C Hwy. 25 (Behind Burger King) (601) 326-2723 Hours: Wed-Thurs:11am-8pm Fri - Sat: 11am - 9pm Sun: 11am - 6pm

Daily

11pm

-2am

POOL LEAGUE Mon

-

Fri

Night

DRINK SPECIALS "52'%23 s 7).'3 s &5,, "!2 GATED PARKING BIG SCREEN TV’S LEAGUE AND TEAM PLAY B EGINNERS TO A DVANCED I NSTRUCTORS A VAILABLE

444

Bounds

St.

Jackson

MS

601-718-7665

in Flowood

The Shack

941 Highway 80 East l Clinton, MS (601) 926-4793 Hours: T-Th: 12pm-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm www.facebook.com/tbeauxscrawfish

The Swamp 5752-B Terry Rd. l Byram, MS

(769) 230-3855 Hours: T-Th: 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-9pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm www.facebook.com/tbeauxsbyram

ACCESS LOCAL MENUS ANY TIME day or night, on your computer, tablet or smartphone!

Join Us For

HAPPY HOUR $1 OFF

100 Craft Beers PLUS: maps, phone numbers, social media feeds and much more!

*#22; *174

4:30-7PM | 7 DAYS A WEEK 1/2 Nigiri/Maki roll $2 Off House Wines by Glass, Beer and Signature Martinis

&#+.; .70%* /'07

$11- 174 2#46; 411/

for Rehearsal Dinners, Birthday Parties, Corporate Events and more! 3000 Old Canton Road, Suite 105, Jackson | (601)981-3205 Like us on Facebook! www.surinofthailand.com

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

Monday -Friday 3-6pm

23

FRIDAY 2/20

SATURDAY 2/20

SUNDAY 2/21

“The Dance of the Lion King” is at Thalia Mara Hall.

Teaching History in Mississippi: The 2016 Teaching Institute is at the Mississippi Museum of Art.

Feed the City, Feed the State is at Battlefield Park.

BEST BETS FEB. 17 - 24, 2016

BELHAVEN UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR THE ARTS

WEDNESDAY 2/17

History Is Lunch is at noon at the William F. Winter Archives and History Building (200 North St.). noon. Clay Williams presents “The End of Spanish Rule and Beginning of Mississippi Territory.” Free; call 601-5766998. … “Annie” is at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The musical is based on the classic comic strip about an orphan who goes from rags to riches. $25-$85; call 800-745-3000; jacksonbroadway.com.

THURSDAY 2/18

COURTESY PAUL PORTER FACEBOOK

Networking in the Neighborhood is from 5 to 7 p.m. at Workplace Solutions Barefield (251 W. South St.). The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is the host. Open to all metro-area professionals. Includes a cash bar, water and soft drinks. Free; call 601-948-7575; email dgreen@greaterjacksonpartnership.com. … The Mississippi Chambre Music Guild’s Fanfare Festival is at

Actor Connor Bingham stars in “Doctor Faustus” Feb. 24-27 at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts.

FRIDAY 2/19

The Millsaps Friday Forum is at 4:30 p.m. at the Millsaps College Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.) in the recital hall. The speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, who will give a reading and conduct a discussion along with author Katy Simpson Smith. Free; call 601-974-1000; millsaps.edu. … Rodney Perry Live is from 8 to 11 p.m. at The Hideaway (Deville Plaza, 5100 Interstate 55 N. Frontage Road). The comic and host of Bounce TV’s “Off the Chain” has appeared on “The Mo’Nique Show,” “Madea’s Big Happy Family” and more. Local comedian Rita B. also performs. For ages 21 and up. $20 in advance, $25 at the door; call 601-709-7894 or 601-941-2423.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

SATURDAY 2/20

The Paul Porter Experience performs Sunday, Feb. 21, at Thalia Mara Hall.

various metro Jackson locations. The festival is from Feb. 18-21 and features chamber music from amateur and profession musicians. The Gaudete Brass Quintet headlines the event along with the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra. Visit the website for details and a full schedule of events. Admission varies, some events free; 24 call 601-594-2902; mscmg.net.

Ignite the Night is from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Highland Drive). The theme for the adults-only event is “Primetime Rewind.” Guests enjoy cuisine, games, raffles and music with a classic television twist. $75; call 601-981-5469; mississippichildrensmuseum.com.

SUNDAY 2/21

BY MICAH SMITH

EVENTS@

JACKSONFREEPRESS.COM FAX: 601-510-9019 DAILY UPDATES AT JFPEVENTS.COM

The Paul Porter Experience performs at 5 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). The red carpet is at 4 p.m. Performers include Paul Porter, Ruben Studdard, Le’Andria Johnson, the Mississippi Mass Choir and the Canton Spirituals. $25-$50; call 800-745-3000.

MONDAY 2/22

The Ridgeland Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet is at 6:30 p.m. at the Country Club of Jackson (345 St. Andrews Drive). The event includes dinner, awards and music. Performers include Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Raphael Semmes and the Mississippi Live Ensemble. Wear business attire. RSVP. $65, sponsorships available; call 601-991-9996; ridgelandchamber.com.

TUESDAY 2/23

Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series—Hammers & Reeds: A University of Idaho Faculty Ensemble is at 7 p.m. at the Millsaps College Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Jovanni-Rey de Pedro, Javier Rodriguez and Shawn L. Copeland make up the trio. They perform songs from Beethoven, Glinka, Nansi Carroll and more. $10; call 601-974-1130; millsaps.edu/conted. … Melissa Etheridge performs at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). $39.5$59.5; call 601-292-7121; ardenland.net.

WEDNESDAY 2/24

The Planet Deep South Colloquium begins at 8 a.m. at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). Scholars, artists and students discuss the future of southern black and Pan African culture. Registration required. Additional dates: Feb. 25-27, 8 a.m. Free; call 601-9791563; jsums.edu/hamerinstitute. … “Doctor Faustus” is at 7:30 p.m. at the Belhaven University Center for the Arts (835 Riverside Drive) in Flexible Theatre. Additional dates: Feb. 25-26, 7:30 p.m., Feb. 27, 2 p.m. $10, $5 seniors and students, free for Belhaven students and employees; call 601-965-7026; belhaven.edu.

*&0 30/.3/2%$

+)$3

30/243 7%,,.%33

#/.#%243 &%34)6!,3

Networking in the Neighborhood Feb. 18, 5-7 p.m., at Workplace Solutions Barefield (251 W. South St.). The Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership is the host. Open to all metro-area professionals. Includes a cash bar, water and soft drinks. Free; call 601-948-7575; email dgreen@ greaterjacksonpartnership.com.

Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) UÊ Ê> `Ê i>À ÊÜ Ì Ê Ì Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m. This educational opportunity for ages 5 and under and their parents features a hands-on art activity and story time. Please dress for mess. Free; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org. UÊ ÌÊ> `Ê iÀÊ > ÞÊ Ài>Ì Ê >L]Ê }iÃÊ 8-10 Feb. 21, 2-4 p.m. Lesley Collins guides families in conversations around works from the permanent collection and related studio projects. $10; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

º 6 > iÌiÃ\Ê i>À }ÊÌ Ê 6 ÊÜ Ì Ê >Lites” Super Conference Feb. 20, 7:45 a.m.-1:45 p.m., at Jackson Marriott (200 E. Amite St.). The Diabetes Foundation of Mississippi hosts. Includes speakers, cooking demonstrations, and more. Registration required. $25, $40 for two, $10 ages 12 and under; call 877-DFM-CURE; msdiabetes.org.

Events at Duling Hall (622 Duling Ave.) UÊ/,ÎÊ i>ÌÕÀ }Ê/ Ê,iÞ `ÃÊFeb. 18, 7:30 p.m. Marbin also performs. $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $3 surcharge for under 21; call 601292-7121; ardenland.net. UÊ, V Ê Õ« À>ÊFeb. 20, 9 p.m. Dream Cult and the Gills also perform. $5 in advance, $10 at the door; call 601-292-7121; ardenland.net. UÊ >L>ÀiÌÊ>ÌÊ Õ }Ê > \Ê Ê iÜÊ9 À Ê-Ì>ÌiÊ vÊ Mind Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. The Mississippi Opera hosts the concert featuring show tunes. $20; call 601-960-2300; msopera.org.

Ignite the Night Feb. 20, 7-11 p.m., at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Highland Drive). The theme for the annual adults-only event is “Primetime Rewind.” Guests enjoy cuisine, games, raffles and music with a classic television twist. $75; call 981-5469; mississippichildrensmuseum.com.

#/--5.)49 Women in Higher Education Mississippi Network Conference Feb. 18, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Feb. 19, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. The purpose of the event is to identify, develop, advance and support women in higher education in Mississippi. Registration required. $95 registration, $10 optional membership fee; call 601-979-0552; jsums.edu/whemn. Teen Dating Violence Summit Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at King Edward Hotel (235 W. Capitol St.). Butterflies by Grace Defined by Faith is the host. The keynote speaker is activist Damien Thaddeus Jones. Also includes food, breakout sessions for teens and parents, and a performance from Shirley Hopkins. Free with registration; call 601-8962509; butterfliesbygracedefinedbyfaith.org. Teaching History in Mississippi: The 2016 Teaching Institute Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). In Trustmark Grand Hall. The workshop is for history and social studies teachers, and includes hands-on actitvities, discussions and lunch. Preregistration suggested. Space limited. Free; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org. The Cancer League Gala Feb. 20, 6:30-11:59 p.m., at The South Warehouse (627 E. Silas Brown St.). This year’s honoree is Lori Newcomb. Includes casino games, music from Almost Famous, an auction, gourmet hors d’oeuvres with beer and wine parings, and tributes to those who battled cancer. For ages 21 and up. $150, $250 couples; call 601-321-5500; cancerleaguegala.org. Feed the City, Feed the State Feb. 21, 2 a.m.-6 p.m., at Battlefield Park (953 Porter St.). Weight loss inspiration, actor and hip-hop artist Douglas “Rfd Pioneer” Lacey hosts. Includes food, a documentary and video shooting, and music from Ron Tha DJ. Free; call 832-409-0430. Millsaps Arts & Lecture Series—Hammers & Reeds: A University of Idaho Faculty Ensemble Feb. 23, 7 p.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Jovanni-Rey de Pedro, Javier Rodriguez and Shawn L. Copeland perform Beethoven, Glinka, Nansi Carroll and more. $10; call 974-1130; millsaps.edu. Planet Deep South Colloquium Feb. 24-27, 8 a.m., at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). The theme is “Speculative Cultural Production and Africanisms in the American Black South.” Scholars, artists and students discuss the future of southern black and Pan African culture. Registration required. Free; call 601-9791563; jsums.edu/hamerinstitute.

SLATE

Polarpalooza Feb. 20, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., at Town of Livingston (Highway 463 and Highway 22, Madison). Includes the Nate Rogers Race for the Laces 5K and the Polar Plunge, chili samples, children’s activities, and music from

the best in sports over the next seven days by Bryan Flynn

As the NBA returns from the All-Star break, one thing worth watching is if the Golden State Warriors can break the 1995-1996 Chicago Bulls’ record for most wins. The Bulls went 72-10 in their record-breaking season. THURSDAY, FEB. 18 College basketball (6-8 p.m., SECN): The No. 14 MSU >`ÞÊ Õ ` }Ã host the No. 16 i ÌÕV Þ Lady Wildcats in a big SEC matchup.

MONDAY, FEB. 22 NBA (7-9:30 p.m., NBATV): Here is a chance to check out the Golden State Warriors as they travel east to take on the Atlanta Hawks.

FRIDAY, FEB. 19 College basketball (9-11 p.m., ESPNU): This game is worth a watch to see what the Monmouth bench comes up with as it hosts Iona in a battle of top teams in the MAAC.

TUESDAY, FEB. 23 College basketball (8-10 p.m., SECN): The University of Mississippi has another big chance to climb the SEC as it hosts the worst team in the conference, Missouri.

SATURDAY, FEB. 20 College basketball (4-6 p.m., SECN): The Rebels hit the road with a chance to gain ground in SEC play against one of the worst teams in the conference, Auburn.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24 College basketball (6-8 p.m., ESPN2): If MSU wants even a chance at the NIT, the Bulldogs need to start winning games, and a road win at /iÝ>ÃÊ A&M would go a long way. The Warriors are a game ahead of the ’96 Bulls. Golden State has a 48-4 record to Chicago’s 47-5 after 52 games.

SUNDAY, FEB. 21 NASCAR (Noon-5 p.m., Fox): It’s the Super Bowl of NASCAR as the Daytona 500 sees the 58th annual running of the Great American Race.

Events at Mississippi Children’s Museum (2145 Highland Drive) UÊ6 Ã Ì }Ê ÀÌ ÃÌ\Ê i >Ê iÞ Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m.5:30 p.m. Make your own sculptures and prints in Inspiration Studios. Included with admission ($10, children under 12 months free); call 601981-5469; mississippichildrensmuseum.com. UÊ >} >Ê Ê Ü>À`ÃÊTuesdays-Saturdays through Feb. 29. Children in grades K-12 read and vote for their favorite books. Facilitators announce the winners at the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival in April. Included with admission ($10, children under 12 months free); call 601-981-5469; mschildrensmuseum.org.

&//$ $2).+ ‘sipp Sourced with Chef Nick Wallace Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 19-Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Order from a pop-up menu featuring products from Mississippi sources. Food prices vary; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports and at facebook.com/jfpsports.

Jason Miller Band, Hannah Belle and Young Valley. Benefits Special Olympics Mississippi. $11 admission ($10 at the gate), ages 6 and under free, $35 Nate Rogers 5K and/or Polar Plunge; $15 Fun Run, $100 per cookoff team; call 898-0212; polarpaloozafest.org.

34!'% 3#2%%. º/ iÊ > ViÊ vÊÌ iÊ Ê }» Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.). Members of the City of Jackson Department of Parks and Recreation’s Champion Dance Program and the Montage Theatre of Dance perform. $15-$25; call 601-857-3266 or 800-745-3000. “Yazoo Revisited: Integration and Segregation in a Deep Southern Town” Documentary Screening Feb. 18, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at Jackson State University (1400 John R. Lynch St.). In the JSU Student Center Theater. Includes a discussion and Q&A with filmmaker David Rae Morris. Free; call 601-9793935; davidraemorris.com.

Events at Thalia Mara Hall (255 E. Pascagoula St.) UÊ/ iÊ*>Õ Ê* ÀÌiÀÊ Ý«iÀ i ViÊFeb. 21, 5 p.m. The red carpet event is at 4 p.m. Performers include Paul Porter, Ruben Studdard, Le’Andria Johnson, the Mississippi Mass Choir and the Canton Spirituals. $25-$50; call 800-745-3000. UÊ i ÃÃ>Ê Ì iÀ `}iÊFeb. 23, 7:30 p.m. The award-winning singer-songwriter performs songs from her album, “This Is M.E.” $39.5-$59.5; call 601-292-7121; ardenland.net.

,)4%2!29 3)'.).'3 Ûi ÌÃÊ>ÌÊ i ÕÀ >Ê Ã (Banner Hall, 4465 Interstate 55 N., Suite 202) Uʺ,iÛi >Ì \Ê Ê-i>ÀV Êv ÀÊ > Ì Ê Ê>Ê6 i ÌÊ Religious World” Feb. 17, 5 p.m. Dennis Covington signs books. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $26 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com. Uʺ À Ê vÊ Û VÌ » Feb. 18, 5 p.m. Joseph T. Reiff signs books. Reading at 5:30 p.m. $35 book; call 601-366-7619; lemuriabooks.com. Millsaps Friday Forum Feb. 19, 4:30 p.m., at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). In the recital hall. The speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natasha Trethewey, who will give a reading and conduct a discussion along with author Katy Simpson Smith. Free; call 601-974-1000; millsaps.edu.

%8()")4 /0%.).'3 Events at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.) UÊ ÕÃiÕ Ê vÌiÀÊ ÕÀÃ\Ê À i` iÌÌiÀ*ÀiÃÃ Feb. 18, 5:30-10 p.m. Exhibitors include Thimblepress and the Purple Word Center for Book and Paper Arts. Visitors also get to make their own prints. Cash bar and food for sale. Free; call 601-960-1515; msmuseumart.org. UÊ Û }Ê >ÌÕÀi\Ê7>ÌiÀV ÀÃÊLÞÊ7> ÌiÀÊ } ÃÊ Anderson Tuesdays-Saturdays through March 6, in Barksdale Galleries. See 30 of the late artist’s Horn Island watercolor painting from the museum’s permanent collection. Free; call 601960-1515; msmuseumart.org.

"% 4(% #(!.'% Spaytacular Under the Sea Feb. 20, 6-10 p.m., at Table 100 (100 Ridge Way, Flowood). News anchor Andrew Harrison of WJTV is the emcee. Includes a buffet dinner, a silent auction and a costume contest. Proceeds benefit Mississippi Spay and Neuter - The Big Fix Clinic. For ages 21 and up. $50, $75 sponsor ticket, $500 VIP table of eight; call 601-420-4202; msspan.org. Check jfpevents.com for updates and more listings, or to add your own events online. You can also email event details to events@jacksonfreepress.com to be added to the calendar. The deadline is noon the Wednesday prior to the week of publication.

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

Mississippi Chambre Music Guild’s Fanfare Festival Feb. 18-21, at various metro Jackson locations. Includes chamber music from amateur and profession musicians. The Gaudete Brass Quintet headlines the event along with the Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra. Visit the website for details. Admission varies, some events free; call 601-5942902; email info@mscmg.net; mscmg.net.

25

-

WIN YOUR SHARE OF OVER

$40,000

IN CASH & FANPLAYÂŽ. EVERY WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY& SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Swipe your card at the kiosk machine to receive your one free entry for the drawings held on Wednesdays from 4:00PM – 9:00PM. Get extra entries on Fridays and Saturdays with drawings from 7:00PM – 11:00PM

26

CONNECT WITH US Š 2015 Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. FanPlay is a registered trademark of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. Must be 21. Gambling Problem? Call 1.888.777.9696. www.ladyluckvicksburg.com

Beer, Wine, Liquor, Mixers | Glass and Stemware Bar Equipment | Professional Bartending Teams Licensed by MS. ABC and Insured for Events

601.398.0151 | theironhorsegrill.com

by Micah Smith

S

says she doesn’t want to take away from country, but melding the two styles is a fair representation of what many modern music fans like. “I see people and friends my age and what they listen to,� she says. “One station in their car is country, one station is rock, one station is rap, and it’s all over the place. I always want (country) to keep its roots, but I know the genre is changing. I feel like I’m just trying to stay ahead of the game and going for what the next best thing would be.� Evolving from Sarah Restuccio to Sarah Ross was a quick transition for the young singer. Only a few weeks after her stint on “American Idol,� Shannon Houchins, founder of Average Joes Entertainment Group, asked to meet with Ross in Nashville. That same day, she entered the studio for the first time. She released her debut EP, “Calm Before the Storm,� with the label in July 2015 and says she’s preparing to hit the studio again soon. “With my EP, I feel like it was super dynamic,� Ross says. “I go from ‘Happy Hour’ being a ballad to ‘Shotgun’ being intense and kind of like a ‘Dude, watch out,’ song. But I honestly think how (a release) varies gives people a lot of different looks at an artist. So I think staying with one specific style but continuing to put Country-rap artist Sarah Ross performs Friday, a variety of different things Feb. 19, at Pop’s Saloon. on my next EP would make a difference.� In the past year, she has performed around the counshow during Hollywood Week, that first try alongside labelmates Colt Ford and introduction to her musical duality turned The Lacs, the latter of whom will perout to be a pretty accurate depiction of form with Ross at her stop in Jackson on what was to come. Now, three years later, Friday, Feb. 19. Touring has allowed her she performs under the moniker Sarah to travel to states that she’s never been to Ross, and blending sweet country melo- before, she says, even if her music made dies with swift hip-hop verses has become it there first. her calling card. “The craziest thing for me is, of course, Ross says: “I took the words from working with Colt and The Lacs, they have Nikki Minaj when she told me, ‘Don’t fans high and low, everywhere—hardcore, change for anyone. Be who you want to die-hard fans,� Ross says. “So going to these be.’ That’s what I try to do with the whole places with them, it’s just cool that (audirap thing, keeping that in my music. It ences) know some of my music. I’m not doesn’t interest everyone, but I love it, so going to lie, every time I’m onstage and I think that’s all that matters.� play with those guys somewhere and people Her love of both genres precedes know my song ‘Shotgun,’ I want to cry.� her TV appearance, though. She fell in Sarah Ross performs at 8 p.m. Friday, love with country music by listening Feb. 19, at Pop’s Saloon (2636 S. Gallatin to it with her family, and she latched St., 601-961-4747). For more information, onto hip-hop throughout school. Ross visit sarahrossmusic.com.

COURTESY SARAH ROSS

arah Restuccio was only 17 years old when she appeared on Season 12 of Fox’s soon-to-end singing show, “American Idol,� but she made an impression. After Restuccio delivered a rendition of Carrie Underwood’s “Mama’s Song,� judge Randy Jackson asked to hear another. She responded with a performance of “Super Bass� by judge Nicki Minaj, who beamed as the young girl who grew up in Hammonton, N.J., rapped her hit song. Jackson’s response: a mixture of confusion and fascination. While Restuccio was cut from the

0XVLF OLVWLQJV DUH GXH QRRQ 0RQGD\ WR EH LQFOXGHG LQ SULQW DQG RQOLQH OLVWLQJV PXVLF#MDFNVRQIUHHSUHVV FRP

&%" 7%$.%3$!9 )LW]JHUDOGÂśV +XQWHU *LEVRQ &KULV /LQN S P +DO 0DOÂśV -DPLH :HHPV 0DUN 5RHPHU UHVW S P +DPSÂśV 3ODFH %HVW LQ +LS +RS Z $]LDWLNN %ODNN .DWKU\QÂśV /DUU\ %UHZHU 'RXJ +XUG S P IUHH .HPLVWU\ 2SHQ 0LF 1LJKW S P 0LVVLVVLSSL &ROLVHXP /HH %ULFH S P 2IIEHDW $OIUHG %DQNV 7OR GD &KDPS 'HDWK ,, 6RFLHW\ PRUH S P 6KXFNHUÂśV 6WRJGDGG\ S P IUHH

,6+ $NDPL *UDKDP S P .DWKU\QÂśV 6ROH 6KDNHUV S P IUHH 0 %DU )OLUW )ULGD\V Z '- IUHH 0DUWLQÂśV &%'% %DFNXS 3ODQHW S P 2OH 7DYHUQ 0XVLF 7KHUDS\ IHDW '- 5HLJQ 9LRODWRU 3RSÂśV 6DORRQ 6DUDK 5RVV 7KH /DFV %XUQKDP 5RDG S P

&%" 35.$!9

&%" 4(523$!9 &HUDPLœV -DVRQ 7XUQHU S P 'XOLQJ +DOO 75 IHDW 7LP 5H\QROGV Z 0DUELQ S P DGYDQFH GRRU DUGHQODQG QHW )HQLDQœV 6SLULWV RI WKH +RXVH )LW]JHUDOGœV -HQQLIHU +DOO 6KDURQ 5RVV (PLO\ &RRSHU S P *HRUJLD %OXH )ORZRRG %UDQGRQ *UHHU *HRUJLD %OXH 0DGLVRQ -RQDWKDQ $OH[DQGHU +DO 0DOœV %URWKHUO\ /RYH UHVW S P ,URQ +RUVH *ULOO %ULDQ -RQHV S P .DWKU\QœV 7UDYHOLQ¡ -DQH S P IUHH 0 %DU 6LSSLQ 7ULSSLQ &RPHG\ 6KRZ Z '- 6KDQRPDN S P IUHH 2OG &DSLWRO 0XVHXP )DQIDUH )HVW 2SHQLQJ &HUHPRQ\ 3HUIRUPDQFH QRRQ IUHH 6KXFNHUœV $FRXVWLF &URVVURDGV S P IUHH 6RXOVKLQH 5LGJHODQG 6WDFH &DVVLH S P

6RXOVKLQH )ORZRRG -RKQ &DXVH\ S P 6W -DPHVÂś (SLVFRSDO &KXUFK )DQIDUH )HVW 0HWUR 6WXGHQW 0XVLFLDQV S P IUHH $PDWHXU 0XVLFLDQV S P IUHH 860 *UDGXDWH (QVHPEOHV S P 062 &KDPEHU (QVHPEOHV S P

Eddie Cotton 5HHG 3LHUFHœV %\UDP /RYLQ¡ /HGEHWWHU S P IUHH 6KXFNHUœV &URFNHU 5H\QROGV S P IUHH 6SXQN 0RQNHHV S P &KDG 3HUU\ GHFN S P IUHH 6RXO :LUHG &DIH (OOH &DUSHQWHU 6RXOVKLQH )ORZRRG &URRNHG &UHHN S P 6RXOVKLQH 5LGJHODQG 5RQ (WKHULGJH S P 6W -DPHVœ (SLVFRSDO &KXUFK )DQIDUH )HVW *DXGHWH %UDVV 4XLQWHW S P

&%" 3!452$!9

$PHULVWDU %RWWOHQHFN %OXHV %DU 9LFNVEXUJ (GGLH &RWWRQ S P %LJ 6OHHS\ÂśV ( PHWHUV .LOMR\ 'UHDP :LQGRZ S P 'XOLQJ +DOO 5RFN (XSRUD 'UHDP &XOW 7KH *LOOV S P DGYDQFH GRRU DUGHQODQG QHW ) -RQHV &RUQHU -M 7KDPHV PLGQLJKW )HQLDQÂśV 6FRWW $OEHUW -RKQVRQ &%" &2)$!9 *HRUJLD %OXH )ORZRRG 6KDXQ $PHULVWDU %RWWOHQHFN %OXHV %DU 3DWWHUVRQ 9LFNVEXUJ 5XVW\ <DWHV S P *HRUJLD %OXH 0DGLVRQ %UDQGRQ %RQQLH %ODLUÂśV 6LG 7KRPSVRQ *UHHU 'RXEOH6KRW] S P +DO 0DOÂśV 3HOO Z 'D\H -DFN %XUJHUV %OXHV /DUU\ %UHZHU 6LOD6 /9 %DE\ S P 'RXJ +XUG S P 7KH +LGHDZD\ 3UR (JR :UHVWOLQJ ) -RQHV &RUQHU 5RRVHYHOW IHDW %XUQKDP 5RDG S P 5REHUWV PLGQLJKW ,URQ +RUVH *ULOO 7HQHLD S P )HQLDQÂśV 7DWXP 6KDSSOH\ .DWKU\QÂśV 6WHHO &RXQWU\ S P )LW]JHUDOGÂśV -RKQQ\ %DUUDQFR IUHH S P 6RQQ\ %URRNV 5LFN /XE\ÂśV )DQIDUH )HVW -D]] 0RUHLUD $PDQGD -RXOOLDQ %UHDNIDVW D P S P 0 %DU 6DWXUGD\ 1LJKW /LYH Z '- *HRUJLD %OXH )ORZRRG %ULDQ 6KDQRPDN IUHH -RQHV 0DUWLQÂśV &KDUJH WKH $WODQWLF *HRUJLD %OXH 0DGLVRQ -LP &KLFNHQSR[ 3DUW\ S P 7RPOLQVRQ 2OH 7DYHUQ <RXQJ 9DOOH\ Z +DO 0DOÂśV 7KH +XVWOHUV UHVW (XURSHDQ 7KHDWHU 6FRWW\ $7/ UHG S P 3HOLFDQ &RYH 6LG 7KRPSVRQ +DPSÂśV 3ODFH %HVW LQ 5 % 'RXEOH6KRW] S P 6RXWKHUQ 6RXO 5HHG 3LHUFHÂśV %\UDP 0RQNH\ 7KH +LGHDZD\ -RNLQJ $URXQG IHDW %RQH S P IUHH 5RGQH\ 3HUU\ 5LWD % PRUH 6KXFNHUÂśV 6RID .LQJV GHFN S P S P IUHH 6SXQN 0RQNHHV ,URQ +RUVH *ULOO -HVVH 5RELQVRQ S P -RQDWKDQ $OH[DQGHU S P GHFN S P IUHH

3URYLVLRQV )DLUYLHZ ,QQ .QLJKW %UXFH D P &KDU %LJ (DV\ 7KUHH D P 7KH +LGHDZD\ 0LNH 0DUW\¡V -DP 6HVVLRQ .DWKU\QœV 5RDG +RJV S P IUHH 6KXFNHUœV $[H LGHQWDOV GHFN S P IUHH 6RPEUD 0H[LFDQ .LWFKHQ -RKQ 0RUD D P 6W $QGUHZœV &DWKHGUDO )DQIDUH )HVW 0HWUR &KDPEHU 2UFKHVWUD S P IUHH 7DEOH 5DSKDHO 6HPPHV D P 7KDOLD 0DUD +DOO 3DXO 3RUWHU ([SHULHQFH 5XEHQ 6WXGGDUG /H¡$QGULD -RKQVRQ 06 0DVV &KRLU &DQWRQ 6SLULWXDOV S P :HOOLQJWRQœV $QG\ +DUGZLFN D P

&%" -/.$!9 'XOLQJ +DOO 06 2SHUD¡V ´&DEDUHW DW 'XOLQJ $ 1HZ <RUN 6WDWH RI 0LQG¾ S P +DO 0DOœV &HQWUDO 06 %OXHV 6RFLHW\ UHVW S P )LW]JHUDOGœV 'RXJ +XUG &KULV /LQN S P .DWKU\QœV 6WHYLH &DLQ S P IUHH /DVW &DOO 6SRUWV *ULOO , /RYH 0RQGD\V Z '- 6SRRQ DIWHU S P 0DUWLQœV 2SHQ 0LF S P

&%" 45%3$!9 )HQLDQÂśV 2SHQ 0LF )LW]JHUDOGÂśV +XQWHU *LEVRQ 5RQQLH 0F*HH 'XHOLQJ 3LDQRV S P .DWKU\QÂśV 6FRWW $OEHUW -RKQVRQ S P IUHH 0DUJDULWDÂśV -RKQ 0RUD S P 2IIEHDW 2SHQ 0LF &RPHG\ S P IUHH 7KH 3HQJXLQ -D]] 7XHVGD\ 7KDOLD 0DUD +DOO 0HOLVVD (WKHULGJH S P DUGHQODQG QHW

&%" ÂŻ 7%$.%3$!9 )LW]JHUDOGÂśV -RKQQ\ %DUUDQFR S P /DUU\ %UHZHU 'RXJ +XUG S P +DO 0DOÂśV 1HZ %RXUERQ 6WUHHW -D]] UHVW S P +DPSÂśV 3ODFH %HVW LQ +LS +RS Z $]LDWLNN %ODNN .DWKU\QÂśV *DWRU 7ULR S P IUHH .HPLVWU\ 2SHQ 0LF 1LJKW S P 6KXFNHUÂśV &DQGLFH 0RUH -LP +DUWQHU S P IUHH

4HE /´*AYS ,3 &DVLQR 5HVRUW 6SD %LOR[L 6INCE 'ILL ,YLE ,OVETT 7KH $ODEDPD 7KHDWUH %LUPLQJKDP 4Y 3EGALL 2QH (\HG -DFNV 1HZ 2UOHDQV

ĂŠ iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Sarah Ross, Reintroduced

MUSIC | live

COURTESY EDDIE COTTON

DIVERSIONS | music

27

saturday

March 5th 9am - 5pm

Sunday

March 6th 11am - 4pm

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK, SHARE & WIN! /mscraftshow

When you join us on Facebook you have the chance to enter the drawing for FREE tickets to the show

6 PRESENTS

PRIME TIME

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

Rewind

28

Art of the Burger – a pop-up menu celebrating a year of ‘sipp Sourced Thursday, February 18 - Saturday, February 20, 2016 Available for lunch, 11 AM - 2 PM Museum After Hours, Thursday, 5:30 PM til

THE PALETTE CAFÉ

MISSISSIPPI MUSEUM of ART 380 SOUTH LAMAR STREET 601.960.1515

@MSMUSEUMART.ORG

Fundraiser for the Mississippi Children’s Museum

SATURDAY, FEB 20, 2016 ÂĽ 7:00 PM 6

www.mschildrensmuseum.com

/DVW :HHN·V $QVZHUV

%< 0$77 -21(6

0HPEHUVKLS FKDUJH 5HG RU 'HDG IROORZHU ³3RHWU\ 2XW /RXG´ RUJ 5HVSRQVH WR WKH REVHUYDWLRQ SDUW 5HVSRQVH SDUW ³7KH .LVV´ DUWLVW *XVWDY %DE\ IRRG W\SLFDOO\ /HJHQGDU\ FRDFK 3DUVHJKLDQ :RUG EHIRUH FUDIW RU ERDUG 1RUWKHUQPRVW 1<& ERURXJK 0RGHUQ LQ 0XQLFK 0DNH VRPH ]¶V

³8QGHUVHD :RUOG´ H[SORUHU -DFTXHV (YDGHV WKH VHHNHU &KHFNHUV SLHFHV 3RRO WDEOH IDEULF *UDQW DQRWKHU PRUWJDJH 'HVFULELQJ D OLYLQJ RUJDQLVP SUR FHVV XQOLNH VD\ IURP D WHVW WXEH

<XSSLH¶V *HUPDQ FDU VODQJLO\ ³%HLQJ DQG 1RWKLQJQHVV´ DXWKRU 836 ULYDO *RWK QHFNODFH SHQGDQWV

6PDOO VRQJELUG V +XQJDULDQ OHDGHU 1DJ\ 7HVOD IRXQGHU 0XVN ³%H RQ WKH ORRNRXW´ PHVVDJH /RZ GRZQ VRUW 3UH¿ [ VRPHWLPHV VHHQ DURXQG YDVHFWRPLHV -RQHVLQ¶ &URVVZRUGV HGLWRU# MRQHVLQFURVVZRUGV FRP

)RU DQVZHUV WR WKLV SX]]OH FDOO FHQWV SHU PLQXWH 0XVW EH 2U WR ELOO WR \RXU FUHGLW FDUG FDOO 5HIHUHQFH SX]]OH

$OWN

±.O 7HEY ² VRPHKRZ \RX JRWWD WDNH \RXU OXPSV

/HWWHUKHDG LOOXVWUDWLRQV .H\ KROGHU ³<RXU 0RYLH 6XFNV´ DXWKRU 5RJHU ³,¶P RQ BBB ´ $QRQ\PRXV 5LFKDUG LQ FRXUW FDVHV :KHUH LW¶V KDSSHQLQJ /LNH VRPH )UHQFK VDXFHV 2EVHUYDWLRQ IURP RQH SHUVRQ WR DQRWKHU SDUW 2EVHUYDWLRQ SDUW 6WUHHW RI EDG GUHDPV" ³,FH $JH´ VORWK $OORZ

6WLFN RXW

6LQJHU ZKR GURSSHG ³0F(QWLUH´ IURP KHU SHUIRUPLQJ QDPH /DVW QDPH LQ FDUWRRQ VNXQNV $SSHDVH IXOO\ 3RVVLEOH SLJHRQ SHUFK %DVHEDOO +DOO RI )DPHU 7RQ\ 2EVHUYDWLRQ SDUW ³2K BBB ²LW¶V IXOO RI VWDUV ´ OLQH IURP WKH QRYHO ³ ´

³$QG WKHUH \RX KDYH LW ´ 5DNH LQ %ULWLVK DUWLVW /XFLDQ %%4 VSHFLDOW\ GHJUHHV IURP 66:

%< 0$77 -21(6

/DVW :HHN·V $QVZHUV

±+AIDOKU²

(DFK RI WKH OHWWHUV RI WKH DOSKDEHW LV UHSUHVHQWHG LQ WKLV JULG E\ D QXPEHU EHWZHHQ DQG 8VLQJ OHW WHU IUHTXHQF\ ZRUG SDWWHUQ UHFRJQLWLRQ DQG WKH QXPEHUV DV \RXU JXLGHV ¿ OO LQ WKH JULG ZLWK ZHOO NQRZQ (QJOLVK ZRUGV +,17 VLQFH D 4 LV DOZD\V IROORZHG E\ D 8 WU\ KXQWLQJ GRZQ WKH 4 ¿ UVW 2QO\ ORZHUFDVH XQK\SKHQDWHG ZRUGV DUH DOORZHG LQ NDLGRNX VR \RX ZRQ¶W VHH DQ\WKLQJ OLNH 672&.+2/0 RU /21* /267 LQ KHUH EXW \RX PLJKW VHH $)*+$1 VLQFH LW KDV DQ XQFDSLWDOL]HG PHDQLQJ WRR 1RZ VWRS ZDVWLQJ P\ SUHFLRXV WLPH DQG 62/9( SV\FKRVXGRNX#JPDLO FRP

CUPSESPRESSOCAFE.COM

What

do

you

like

about

St.

Alexis? Kelsey

Stone

says

“

If

you’re

looking

for

a

church

community

that

ϔ Dz Are

Welcome”

means,

St.

Alexis

is

the

place

for

you.” ( 6RXWK 6WUHHW -DFNVRQ 6XQGD\ 6HUYLFHV DP SP

St. Alexis

Episcopal Church

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇÊ ÊÓÎÊ]ÊÓä£ÈÊÊUÊÊ v«° Ã

!CROSS

%ULHI ZULWHU 0DU\ODQG¶V VWDWH ELUG /RVH VHQVDWLRQ ³,Q 0\ 2ZQ )DVKLRQ´ DXWRELRJUD SKHU &DVVLQL BBB D IR[ &KROHVWHURO ODGHQ EXUJHU WRSSHU ³*DPH RI 7KURQHV´ DFWUHVV &KDSOLQ 6FDUDE H J :KDW¶V KDSSHQLQJ 7LWDQLF REVWDFOH 3DLU RI EXQQLHV" %LWWHUO\ UHJUHW *ROIHU¶V VXSSRUW 0RXQWDLQWRS IHDWXUH )LUVW QDPH DPRQJ HDUO\ ³61/´ UHJXODUV &URZV¶ FRXVLQV ³5HDGHU´ IRXQGHU (ULF /RZHVW WZR GLJLW SRVLWLYH LQWHJHU ³*RRG (DWV´ KRVW %URZQ ³3HW´ DQQR\DQFH 6D\ VRPH QDXJKW\ ZRUGV /$; OLVWLQJ 3RPDGH DOWHUQDWLYH %OXH XVHG LQ SULQWLQJ 6KUHN IRU H[DPSOH

29

your

 â€¨â€Š

Cocktails

Prepare to be Blown Away.

Book Your Bridal Party and the Bride is Free! Book at least 5 members of your bridal for a blowout and the bride gets her services for free. (Free service is limited to blowout. Up-dos and other services are extra.)

4400 Old Canton Road, Suite 110, Jackson, MS 39211 | 769-230-4648 5VFTEBZ 'SJEBZ BN QN t 4BUVSEBZ BN QN

HOME

HOME EQUITY USE IT WHENEVER,

iLÀÕ>ÀÞÊ£ÇʇÊÓÎ]ĂŠĂ“ä£ĂˆĂŠĂŠUĂŠĂŠÂ?v°Â“Ăƒ

FOR WHATEVER

30

Download our new app!

Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Maywood Mart Shopping Center 1220 E. Northside Dr. 601-366-5676 www.mcdadeswineandspirits.com Please Drink Responsibly mecuanywhere.com

*For qualified borrowers. Property must be owner occupied and located in the state of Mississippi. Restrictions and limitations apply. Call for more details.

,Q WKH ORQJ UXQQLQJ 79 VKRZ ┬│0 $ 6 + ┬┤ WKH FKDUDFWHU NQRZQ DV 6LGQH\ )UHHGPDQ ZDV D SV\FKLDWULVW ZKR GLG KLV EHVW WR QXUWXUH WKH PHQWDO KHDOWK RI WKH VROGLHUV LQ KLV FDUH +H VRPH WLPHV GHSDUWHG IURP FRQYHQWLRQDO WKHUDSHXWLF DSSURDFKHV ,Q WKH VHULHV ┬┐QDOH KH GHOLYHUHG WKH IROORZLQJ VSHHFK ZKLFK , EHOLHYH LV KLJKO\ SHUWLQHQW WR \RXU FXUUHQW TXHVW IRU JRRG PHQWDO K\JLHQH ┬│, WROG \RX SHRSOH VRPHWKLQJ D ORQJ WLPH DJR DQG LW┬╢V MXVW DV SHUWLQHQW WRGD\ DV LW ZDV WKHQ /DGLHV DQG JHQWOHPHQ WDNH P\ DGYLFH 3XOO GRZQ \RXU SDQWV DQG VOLGH RQ WKH LFH ┬┤

!2)%3 -ARCH !PRIL

┬│2OG SDLQW RQ D FDQYDV DV LW DJHV VRPHWLPHV EHFRPHV WUDQVSDUHQW ┬┤ VDLG SOD\ZULJKW /LOOLDQ +HOOPDQ ┬│:KHQ WKDW KDSSHQV LW LV SRVVLEOH WR VHH WKH RULJLQDO OLQHV D WUHH ZLOO VKRZ WKURXJK D ZRPDQ┬╢V GUHVV D FKLOG PDNHV ZD\ IRU D GRJ D ODUJH ERDW LV QR ORQJHU RQ DQ RSHQ VHD ┬┤ :K\ GRHV WKLV KDSSHQ" %HFDXVH WKH SDLQWHU FKDQJHG KLV RU KHU PLQG (DUO\ LPDJHV ZHUH UHSODFHG SDLQWHG RYHU , VXVSHFW WKDW D PHWDSKRULFDO YHUVLRQ RI WKLV LV XQGHUZD\ LQ \RXU OLIH &HUWDLQ FKRLFHV \RX PDGH LQ WKH SDVW JRW VXSSODQWHG E\ FKRLFHV \RX PDGH ODWHU 7KH\ GLVDSSHDUHG IURP YLHZ %XW QRZ WKRVH ROGHU SRVVLELOLWLHV DUH UH HPHUJLQJ IRU \RXU FRQVLGHUDWLRQ ,┬╢P QRW VD\LQJ ZKDW \RX VKRXOG GR DERXW WKHP , VLPSO\ ZDQW WR DOHUW \RX WR WKHLU JKRVWO\ SUHVHQFH VR WKH\ GRQ┬╢W FDXVH FRQIXVLRQ

4!5253 !PRIL -AY

/HW┬╢V WDON DERXW \RXU PRXWK 6LQFH \RXU ZRUGV ├АRZ RXW RI LW \RX XVH LW WR FUHDWH DQG VKDSH D ORW RI \RXU H[SHULHQFHV <RXU PRXWK LV DOVR WKH SODFH ZKHUH IRRG DQG GULQN HQWHU \RXU ERG\ DV ZHOO DV VRPH RI WKH DLU \RX EUHDWKH 6R LW┬╢V FUXFLDO WR IXHOLQJ HYHU\ PRYH \RX PDNH <RX H[SHULHQFH WKH EHORYHG VHQVH RI WDVWH LQ \RXU PRXWK <RX XVH \RXU PRXWK IRU NLVVLQJ DQG RWKHU DPRURXV DFWLYLWLHV :LWK LWV KHOS \RX VLQJ PRDQ VKRXW DQG ODXJK ,W┬╢V TXLWH H[SUHVVLYH WRR $V \RX PRYH LWV PDQ\ PXVFOHV \RX VHQG RXW DQ DUUD\ RI HPRWLRQDO VLJ QDOV ,┬╢YH SURYLGHG WKLV VXPPDU\ LQ WKH KRSH RI LQVSLULQJ \RX WR FHOHEUDWH \RXU PRXWK 7DXUXV ,W┬╢V SULPH WLPH WR HQKDQFH \RXU DSSUHFLDWLRQ RI LWV EOHVVLQJV

'%-).) -AY *UNE

&RORULQJ ERRNV IRU DGXOWV DUH EHVW VHOOHUV 7LJKWO\ ZRXQG IRONV UHOLHYH WKHLU VWUHVV E\ XVLQJ FUD\RQV DQG PDUNHUV WR EULJKWHQ XS EODFN DQG ZKLWH GUDZLQJV RI EXWWHU├АLHV ├АRZHUV PDQGDODV DQG SUHWW\ ┬┐VKHV , KLJKO\ UHFRPPHQG WKDW \RX DYRLG WKLV W\SH RI UHFUHDWLRQ LQ WKH QH[W WKUHH ZHHNV DV LW ZRXOG VHQG WKH ZURQJ PHVVDJH WR \RXU VXEFRQVFLRXV PLQG <RX VKRXOG H[SHQG DV OLWWOH HQHUJ\ DV SRVVLEOH ZRUNLQJ ZLWKLQ IUDPHZRUNV WKDW RWKHUV KDYH PDGH <RX QHHG WR IRFXV RQ GHVLJQLQJ DQG FRQVWUXFWLQJ \RXU RZQ IUDPHZRUNV

FRPLQJ ZHHNV ZLOO EH WR DVN PRUH TXHVWLRQV WKDQ \RX KDYH DVNHG VLQFH \RX ZHUH \HDUV ROG &XULRVLW\ DQG JRRG OLVWHQLQJ VNLOOV ZLOO EH VXSHUSRZHUV WKDW \RX VKRXOG VWULYH WR DFWLYDWH )RU QRZ ZKDW PDWWHUV PRVW LV QRW ZKDW \RX DOUHDG\ NQRZ EXW UDWKHU ZKDW \RX QHHG WR ┬┐QG RXW ,W┬╢V D IDYRUDEOH WLPH WR JDWKHU LQIRUPDWLRQ DERXW ULGGOHV DQG P\VWHULHV WKDW KDYH SHUSOH[HG \RX IRU D ORQJ WLPH %H VXSHU UHFHSWLYH DQG H[WUD ZLGH H\HG

,)"2! 3EPT /CT

3RHW %DUEDUD +DPE\ VD\V WKH 5XVVLDQ ZRUG RVW\W FDQ EH XVHG WR GHVFULEH ┬│D FXS RI WHD WKDW LV WRR KRW EXW DIWHU \RX ZDON WR WKH QH[W URRP DQG UHWXUQ LW LV WRR FRRO ┬┤ $ OLWWOH ELUGLH WROG PH WKDW WKLV PD\ EH DQ DSW PHWDSKRU IRU D FXUUHQW VLWXDWLRQ LQ \RXU OLIH , FRPSOHWHO\ XQGHUVWDQG LI \RX ZLVK WKH WHD KDG ORVW OHVV RI LWV RULJLQDO ZDUPWK DQG ZDV H[DFWO\ WKH WHPSHUDWXUH \RX OLNH QHLWKHU EXUQLQJ QRU WHSLG %XW WKDW ZRQ┬╢W KDS SHQ XQOHVV \RX WU\ WR UHKHDW LW ZKLFK ZRXOG FKDQJH WKH WDVWH 6R ZKDW VKRXOG \RX GR" 2QH ZD\ RU WKH RWKHU D FRPSURPLVH ZLOO EH QHFHVVDU\ 'R \RX ZDQW WKH OXNH ZDUP WHD RU WKH KRW WHD ZLWK D GLIIHUHQW ├АDYRU"

3#/20)/ /CT .OV

5XVVLDQ ZULWHU ,YDQ 7XUJHQHY ZDV D 6FRUSLR 0LGZD\ WKURXJK KLV ┬┐UVW QRYHO ┬│5XGLQ ┬┤ KLV PDLQ FKDUDFWHU 'PLWULL 1LNRODHYLFK 5XGLQ DOOXGHV WR D SUREOHP WKDW DIIHFWV PDQ\ 6FRUSLRV ┬│'R \RX VHH WKDW DSSOH WUHH"┬┤ 5XGLQ DVNV D ZRPDQ FRPSDQLRQ ┬│,W LV EURNHQ E\ WKH ZHLJKW DQG DEXQGDQFH RI LWV RZQ IUXLW ┬┤ 2XFK , ZDQW YHU\ PXFK IRU \RX 6FRUSLRV WR EH VSDUHG D IDWH OLNH WKDW LQ WKH FRPLQJ ZHHNV 7KDW┬╢V ZK\ , SURSRVH WKDW \RX VFKHPH DERXW KRZ \RX ZLOO H[SUHVV WKH LPPHQVH FUHDWLYLW\ WKDW ZLOO EH ZHOOLQJ XS LQ \RX 'RQ┬╢W OHW \RXU OXVK DQG VXFFXOHQW RXWSXW JR WR ZDVWH

3!')44!2)53 .OV $EC

$VNLQJ \RX 6DJLWWDULDQV WR EH SDWLHQW PD\ EH DNLQ WR RUGHULQJ D ERQ┬┐UH WR EXUQ PRUH SROLWHO\ %XW LW┬╢V P\ GXW\ WR LQIRUP \RX RI WKH FRVPLF WHQGHQFLHV VR , ZLOO UHTXHVW \RXU IRUEHDUDQFH IRU QRZ +RZ DERXW VRPH QXDQFHV WR PDNH LW PRUH SDODWDEOH" +HUH┬╢V D TXRWH IURP DXWKRU 'DYLG * $OOHQ ┬│3DWLHQFH LV WKH FDOP DFFHSWDQFH WKDW WKLQJV FDQ KDSSHQ LQ D GLIIHUHQW RUGHU WKDQ WKH RQH #!.#%2 *UNE *ULY 7KH 2OG 7HVWDPHQW ERRN RI /HYLWLFXV SUHVHQWV D ORQJ OLVW \RX KDYH LQ PLQG ┬┤ 1RYHOLVW *XVWDYH )ODXEHUW ┬│7DOHQW LV D ORQJ SDWLHQFH ┬┤ )UHQFK SOD\ZULJKW 0ROLHUH ┬│7UHHV WKDW RI IRUELGGHQ DFWLYLWLHV DQG GHFODUHV WKDW DQ\RQH ZKR FRPPLWV WKHP VKRXOG EH SXQLVKHG <RX┬╢UH QRW VXSSRVHG DUH VORZ WR JURZ EHDU WKH EHVW IUXLW ┬┤ :ULWHU $QQ /DP RWW ┬│+RSH LV D UHYROXWLRQDU\ SDWLHQFH ┬┤ ,┬╢YH VDYHG WKH WR JHW WDWWRRV KDYH PHVV\ KDLU FRQVXOW RUDFOHV ZRUN EHVW IRU ODVW IURP 5XVVLDQ QRYHOLVW ,UqQH 1pPLURYVN\ RQ 6XQGD\ ZHDU FORWKHV WKDW EOHQG ZRRO DQG OLQHQ ┬│:DLWLQJ LV HURWLF ┬┤ SODQW GLIIHUHQW VHHGV LQ WKH VDPH ┬┐HOG RU HDW VQDLOV SUDZQV SLJV DQG FUDEV ,W┬╢V 2. WR EX\ VODYHV WKRXJK :H ODXJK DW KRZ DEVXUG LW ZRXOG EH IRU XV WR REH\ #!02)#/2. $EC *AN WKHVH RXWGDWHG UXOHV DQG SURKLELWLRQV DQG \HW PDQ\ ┬│,I \RX DVN IRU KHOS LW FRPHV EXW QRW LQ DQ\ ZD\ \RX┬╢G RI XV UHWDLQ D VXSHUVWLWLRXV OR\DOW\ WRZDUG JXLGHOLQHV HYHU NQRZ ┬┤ 3RHW *DU\ 6Q\GHU VDLG WKDW DQG QRZ ,┬╢P DQG EHOLHIV WKDW DUH DOPRVW HTXDOO\ REVROHWH +HUH┬╢V SDVVLQJ LW RQ WR \RX &DSULFRUQ 7KH FRPLQJ ZHHNV ZLOO WKH JRRG QHZV &DQFHULDQ 1RZ LV DQ H[FHOOHQW WLPH WR EH DQ H[FHOOHQW WLPH IRU \RX WR WKLQN GHHSO\ DERXW WKH GLVPDQWOH RU SXUJH \RXU RZQ IRVVLOL]HG IRUPXODV SUHFLVH NLQGV RI KHOS \RX ZRXOG PRVW EHQH┬┐W IURP┬▓ HYHQ DV \RX ORRVHQ XS \RXU H[SHFWDWLRQV DERXW KRZ \RXU UHTXHVWV IRU DLG PLJKW EH IXO┬┐OOHG %H DJJUHVVLYH ,%/ *ULY !UG LQ VHHNLQJ DVVLVWDQFH EXW UHDG\ DQG ZLOOLQJ WR EH ┬│, ZRXOG QRW WDON VR PXFK DERXW P\VHOI LI WKHUH ZHUH VXUSULVHG DV LW DUULYHV DQ\ERG\ HOVH ZKRP , NQHZ DV ZHOO ┬┤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┬▓HYHQ LI WKDW HIIRUW WDNHV RGG EXW LW┬╢V WKH VWUDLJKW XS WUXWK 7KH QDWXUH RI WKH WLPH DQG HQHUJ\ DZD\ IURP \RXU TXHVW IRU XOWLPDWH VHOI FRVPLF UK\WKPV DUH UDWKHU HUUDWLF ULJKW QRZ 7R EH LQ NQRZOHGJH 'RQ┬╢W ZRUU\ <RX FDQ UHWXUQ WR HPSKDVL]LQJ PD[LPXP DOLJQPHQW ZLWK WKH LUUHJXODU RSSRUWXQLWLHV 7KRUHDX┬╢V SHUVSHFWLYH E\ WKH HTXLQR[ WKDW DUH KHDGHG \RXU ZD\ \RX VKRXOG SUREDEO\ PDNH \RXUVHOI PDJQL┬┐FHQWO\ P\VWHULRXV HYHQ WR \RXUVHOI 7R TXRWH DQ ROG WHDFKHU WKLV PLJKW EH D JRRG WLPH WR EH 6)2'/ !UG 3EPT <RX DUH HQWHULQJ WKH LQTXLVLWLYH SKDVH RI \RXU DVWURORJL ┬│VR XQSUHGLFWDEOH WKDW QRW HYHQ \RX \RXUVHOI NQRZV ZKDW┬╢V JRLQJ WR KDSSHQ ┬┤ FDO F\FOH 2QH RI WKH EHVW ZD\V WR WKULYH GXULQJ WKH +RPHZRUN :KDW JRRG WKLQJ ZRXOG \RX KDYH WR JLYH XS LQ RUGHU WR JHW D JUHDW WKLQJ" 7HVWLI\ DW )UHHZLOODVWURORJ\ FRP &OLFN RQ ┬│(PDLO 5RE ┬┤

NOTICES

SERVICES

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

7UHH 6HUYLFH 7UL &RXQW\ 7UHH 6HUYLFH 7UHH 5HPRYDO 7UHH 7ULPPLQJ 6WXPS *ULQGLQJ 3OXV <HDUV RI ([SHULHQFH /LFHQVHG DQG ,QVXUHG &DOO )UHH +RPH '95 6ZLWFK WR ',5(&79 DQG JHW D )5(( :KROH +RPH *HQLH +' '95 XSJUDGH 6WDUWLQJ DW PR )5(( PRQWKV RI +%2 6+2:7,0( 67$5= 1HZ &XVWRPHUV 2QO\ 'RQtW VHWWOH IRU FDEOH &DOO 1RZ

REAL ESTATE 0RELOH +RPH )RU 6DOH [ %5 EDWK PRELOH KRPH RQ DFUH ORW ZLWK GRZQ ZH ZLOO ┬┐QDQFH XS WR \HDUV SOHDVH FDOO

HELP WANTED 6HDUV +RPH 6HUYLFHV 1RZ +LULQJ /DZQ (TXLSPHQW 5HSDLU 7HFKV 6PDOO (QJLQH 5HSDLU 7HFKV )RU 0RUH ,QIRUPDWLRQ (PDLO -DVPLQH :LONLQV# VHDUVKRPHSUR FRP 0DQDJHUV &DVKLHUV 6WRFN .LGV IRU /HVV FKLOGUHQV FORWKLQJ VWRUH 1RUWK 3DUN 0DOO 5LGJHODQG QG /HYHO QH[W WR %HON 1R H[S QHF $SSO\ ZLWKLQ

MISCELLANEOUS 0HHW 6LQJOHV LQ 0LVVLVVLSSL 0HHW VLQJOHV ULJKW QRZ 1R SDLG RSHUDWRUV MXVW UHDO SHRSOH OLNH \RX %URZVH JUHHWLQJV H[FKDQJH PHVVDJHV DQG FRQQHFW OLYH 7U\ LW IUHH &DOO QRZ

TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Post an ad at jfpclassifieds.com, call ├И├д┬г┬З├О├И├У┬З├И┬г├У┬г]├Кi├Э├М┬░├К┬г┬г├Кor fax to ├И├д┬г┬Зx┬г├д┬З┬Щ├д┬г┬Щ┬░ Deadline: Mondays at Noon.

Epidemiologist

┬атАитАйI The

┬атАитАйMississippi

┬атАитАйState

┬атАитАйDepartment

┬атАитАйof

┬атАитАйHealth,

┬атАитАй570

┬атАитАйE.

┬атАитАй Woodrow

┬атАитАйWilson.,

┬атАитАйJackson,

┬атАитАйMS

┬атАитАй39216

┬атАитАйseeks

┬атАитАйa

┬атАитАйEpide-┬нтАР miologist

┬атАитАйI

┬атАитАйto

┬атАитАйserve

┬атАитАйas

┬атАитАйthe

┬атАитАйmedical

┬атАитАйrecord

┬атАитАйabstractor

┬атАитАй for

┬атАитАй

┬атАитАйthe

┬атАитАйMedical

┬атАитАйMonitoring

┬атАитАйProject

┬атАитАй(MMP),

┬атАитАйconduct

┬атАитАй r-ржЮ;m| u;1ou7 -0v|u-1ржЮomv |o 1o╤┤╤┤;1| 7-|- =ou ─╖ v1u;;mv r-ржЮ;m|v─╜ ;╤┤b]b0b╤┤b|┬Л -m7 ;mv┬Жu;v -╤┤╤┤ 7-|- ]-|_-┬нтАР ;u;7┼Жv┬Ж0lb┬В;7 |o |_; ;m|;uv =ou bv;-v; om|uo╤┤ -m7 u;┬И;mржЮom ┼Р ┼С bv ┬Жm7┬Жr╤┤b1-|;7─╖ -vvbv|v |_; ruof;1| 1oou7bm-|ou bm ruof;1| r╤┤-mmbm]─╕ 1oou7bm-ржЮom -m7 ru;r-u-ржЮom o= u;rou|v bm 1olr╤┤b-m1; ┬Йb|_ |_; ]┬Жb7;-┬нтАР ╤┤bm;v v;| =ou|_ 0┬Л |_; ─║ $_; -rr╤┤b1-m| l┬Жv| rov-┬нтАР v;vv - _─║ ─║ bm rb7;lbo╤┤o]┬Л─╖ ┬Ж0╤┤b1 ;-╤┤|_─╖ "|-ржЮvржЮ1v─╖ bo┼К"|-ржЮvржЮ1v─╖ ;-╤┤|_ ╤┤-mmbm]─╖ ;7b1bm; ou ;-╤┤|_ -u; 7lbmbv|u-ржЮom─║ -v|;u ;]u;; bm rb7;lbo╤┤-┬нтАР o]┬Л─╖ ┬Ж0╤┤b1 ;-╤┤|_─╖ "|-ржЮvржЮ1v─╖ bo┼К"|-ржЮvржЮ1v─╖ ;-╤┤|_ ╤┤-mmbm] ou ;-╤┤|_ -u; 7lbmbv|u-ржЮom r╤┤┬Жv |┬Йo ┬Л;-uv o= 7bu;1|╤┤┬Л u;╤┤-|;7 ;┬Кr;ub;m1; bv -11;r|-0╤┤;─║ Send

┬атАитАйresume

┬атАитАйto

┬атАитАйRon

┬атАитАйDavis,

┬атАитАй P.O.

┬атАитАйBox

┬атАитАй1700,

┬атАитАйJackson,

┬атАитАйMS

┬атАитАй39215-┬нтАР1700. MSDH

┬атАитАйis

┬атАитАйan

┬атАитАйEqual

┬атАитАйOpportunity

┬атАитАйEmployer

iL├А├Х>├А├Ю├К┬г├З├К┬З├К├У├О]├К├У├д┬г├И├К├КU├К├К┬Нv┬л┬░┬У├Г

0)3#%3 &EB -ARCH

BULLE TIN BOARD: Classifieds As low as $20! jfpclassifieds.com

31

DON’T MISS OUT! on the

$ BIG BUCKS $ to be made in telesales.

$10.00/HR 30 DAY TRAINING THEN UP TO $15.00/HR

Join Sports Nation & get 10% off each item today!

No Experience Necessary!

(sale items excluded)

IF YOU ARE A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT MAKE $1,000-$1,500 PER WEEK Full Time, Part Time, and Weekend only Positions available.

7ZR ORFDWLRQV WR VHUYH \RX

2SHQ VHYHQ GD\V D ZHHN ( /^` ‹ 4HKPZVU )LOPUK [OL 4J+VUHSKZ PU 4HKPZVU :[H[PVU

Text SPORTS to 51660

;YLL[VW )S]K ‹ -SV^VVK

NEW LOCATION Bigger Store... Bigger Selection Outlets of Mississippi | Suite 270 Next to Great American Cookies 769-293-7604

Affordable Direct Life Email resume to omire01@aol.com or call (601) 957-3841

ÇÎäĂŠ >ÂŽiÂ?>˜`ĂŠ Ă€°ĂŠUĂŠ >VÂŽĂƒÂœÂ˜]ĂŠ /iÂ?\ĂŠĂˆä£Â‡ĂŽĂˆĂˆÂ‡ĂŽĂˆÂŁĂŽĂŠÂœĂ€ĂŠĂˆä£Â‡ĂŽĂˆĂˆÂ‡ĂˆäĂŽĂŽ Fax: 601-366-7122

DINE-IN OR TAKE-OUT!

Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm

WE DELIVER!

Fondren / Belhaven / UMC area

WE ALSO CATER! VISIT OUR GROCERY STORE NEXT DOOR.

)LOPUK [OL (WWSLILLÂťZ VU 3HRLSHUK

Come See Why We Were Voted

iĂƒĂŒĂŠ i>Â?ĂŠ1˜`iÀÊf£ä ˜`ĂŠ/Â…>Â˜ÂŽĂŠ9ÂœĂ•ĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠĂ›ÂœĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂ•ĂƒĂŠÂœÂ˜iĂŠÂœvĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ iĂƒĂŒ\ %HVW 3ODFH )RU $ *\UR %HVW 3ODFH )RU +XPPXV %HVW 3ODFH )RU +HDOWK\ )RRG %HVW 7DNH 2XW %HVW 0HDO 8QGHU %HVW 9HJHWDULDQ 2SWLRQV

Let’s Talk About Tuesday! Ă•Â˜VÂ…ĂŠ-ÂŤiVˆ>Â?\ÂŁÂŁ>“ʇÊ{“ 3 chicken or beef tacos RICE s BEANS s DRINK

$10.00

£Ó™äĂŠ ĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜ĂŒĂžĂŠ ˆ˜iĂŠ,`]ĂŠ,ˆ`}iÂ?>˜`]ĂŠ -ÊΙ£xÇÊUĂŠ­Ăˆ䣎ʙxLJÇ{ĂŽĂˆ

WWaanntt ttoo sshheedd tthhoossee uunnwwaanntteedd ccllootthheess?? !MMoovviieess ttoo mmaassssaaggee ooiillss,, wwee’’llll hheellpp yyoouu ggeett tthhee mmoosstt eennjjooyyaabbllee ssttrreessss rreelliieevviinngg wwoorrkkoouutt eevveerr..))

!7755 HHwwyy 8800 EEaasstt iinn PPeeaarrll ** 6600!..993322..2288!! MM-­-TThh:: !00-­-!00pp FF-­-SSaa !00-­-MMiidd SSuu:: !-­-!00pp ** wwwwww..sshhoopprroommaannttiiccaaddvveennttuurreess..ccoomm

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.