Terrance Watts, 40, pleaded guilty Monday to illegally casting absentee ballots in two Canton municipal elections in 2009.
Watts was convicted of forgery, a disenfranchising crime, in 2005 and has not had the right to vote restored by the Mississippi Legislature, but he voted in Canton’s primary and general elections.
“The crime was that Mr. Watts falsely swore to an Affidavit on an absentee ballot that he was a duly and qualified elector of Madison County, when he knew he was not,” Madison/Rankin District Attorney Michael Guest said in a news release.
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Showing posts with label City of Canton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label City of Canton. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Christmas Challenge: Donate now to keep Boys and Girls Club doors open.
Want to show your kids what the Christmas Season really means? Then here's an opportunity, and a challenge.
Boys and Girls Club of Central Mississippi President and CEO Billy Redd said yesterday that the organization will likely be closing three area facilities after December 31. Lack of funding has left the facilities in Bolton, Magnolia and Canton without the money to keep the doors open affecting more than 1,000 kids.
Billy tells me that one time donations are welcome, but what is really need to sustain the programs are long-term committments.
"We need folks to sign up for our monthly check draft program," he said. "We have people who are having a monthly check draft from as low as $5 per month to several hundred dollars per month."
So here is the challenge part. Sharon, Isaac, Rickey and I are pledging $20 per month. Surely your family can give that much to help out kids in need in our own community. Write "The Flora Harvester" at the top of the form before mailing it in, and the Boys and Girls Club will keep a running tally of how much we all give.
The Boys and Girls Club mission statement is “To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens”. The group is a God centered organization that teaches the important of dedication to Faith, country, honesty and fair play. Who can deny these truths to be needed in our communities today.
Here's a few more stats Billy shared with me:
- 95% of Boys and Girls Clubs members graduate from High School
- 0% Pregnancy rate of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi members
- 95% of our members are on free or reduced-cost lunch programs at their schools.
- The Boys and Girls Club in Central Mississippi serves over 3,200 youth in six clubs (4-Jackson, Bolton, and Canton) each year and they spend over 750,000 hours a year in the Clubs.
- The membership fee for a child to attend the club is only $25.00 per year. However, the actual cost to serve a child is over $500.00 per year.
• 57% said the Club literally “saved their lives;”
• 95% said the Club was one of the best things available in their community;
• 79% said the Club had a positive impact on their self-esteem; and
• 70% said the Club had a positive impact on their ability to avoid difficulty with the law.
The education aspect can't be overstated. The stat I find to be incredibly important is that of the latest report card info. As of last week, the overall grade average of kids particpating in the Boys and Girls Club ranges from 81.41 to 88.24. Our future is pretty bleak if we can't find a way to instill learning in all children in every community, and the Boys and Girls Club is doing that.
Matthew 25:45 tells us that Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me."
We can argue all day long about geopolitics, race, personal responsibility and a number of other reasons these kids fall through the cracks. We can also argue about all the problems in other parts of the world. But, the simple truth is the Lord didn't put us in a different place, He put us here. It is here where we must work out in the real world our beliefs and attempt to do the most good.
To do your part to help, print and fill out the Pledge Form below and mail it to the address on the form. Remember to write The Flora Harvester at the top. Billy will give us regular reports on the tally.
Pledge Form
Major motion picture filming in Canton
A local company, Eyevox which is based in Ridgeland, is behind a big production in the City of Lights.
It has the look and feel of a Hollywood set, but this movie is based in Mississippi, written by three people who live here and is now being filmed by a Mississippi company. Opie Cooper is the director.
"We can shoot a city scene here, we can shoot a country scene here, we can shoot just about anything here. We can do winter scenes if we have to, we can do summer scenes if we want to, its just, Mississippi is just a great place to make movies", said Cooper.
The movies is called "Big Bad".
It's a throw back to the 80's thrillers like "The Goonies".
The crew has been working in Canton for about a week.
"There's a monster in it so there's the misconception that we're making a horror film. We're making an action adventure film about 3 kids. A young boy and two girls", Cooper said.
Read More
It has the look and feel of a Hollywood set, but this movie is based in Mississippi, written by three people who live here and is now being filmed by a Mississippi company. Opie Cooper is the director.
"We can shoot a city scene here, we can shoot a country scene here, we can shoot just about anything here. We can do winter scenes if we have to, we can do summer scenes if we want to, its just, Mississippi is just a great place to make movies", said Cooper.
The movies is called "Big Bad".
It's a throw back to the 80's thrillers like "The Goonies".
The crew has been working in Canton for about a week.
"There's a monster in it so there's the misconception that we're making a horror film. We're making an action adventure film about 3 kids. A young boy and two girls", Cooper said.
Read More
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Canton Flea Market Today
If you have business in Canton today, reschedule.
The Flea Market will be from 8-5. Held on the second Thursday in May and October, it began in 1965 as an art show on the grounds of the Courthouse. It now takes up several streets, and attracts many thousands of visitors.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
CL: Ex-Canton official avoids jail time for animal cruelty
Judge fines Alonzo Esco, orders community service
Former Canton animal control officer Alonzo Esco will get no jail time for two misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and dumping.
Justice Court Judge Tommy Faulkner ordered Esco on Wednesday afternoon to perform 120 hours of community service with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.
Esco has 30 days to pay a $500 fine for each count and $320 in court costs.
Faulkner suspended the 120 days in jail that Esco could have served.
With two defense attorneys, Esco gave no comments and asked no questions during the sentencing. Faulkner accepted a handwritten statement that he expected from Esco 59 days ago.
“Mr. Esco has had a lot on his plate this year and he’s glad to have this chapter behind him,” said Esco’s attorney, Trey O’Cain.
Esco is suspected of shooting more than 100 animals and dumping the carcases in a Canton creek and possibly other sites.
Read More: CL
 |
| Alonzo Esco |
Justice Court Judge Tommy Faulkner ordered Esco on Wednesday afternoon to perform 120 hours of community service with the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol.
Esco has 30 days to pay a $500 fine for each count and $320 in court costs.
Faulkner suspended the 120 days in jail that Esco could have served.
With two defense attorneys, Esco gave no comments and asked no questions during the sentencing. Faulkner accepted a handwritten statement that he expected from Esco 59 days ago.
“Mr. Esco has had a lot on his plate this year and he’s glad to have this chapter behind him,” said Esco’s attorney, Trey O’Cain.
Esco is suspected of shooting more than 100 animals and dumping the carcases in a Canton creek and possibly other sites.
Read More: CL
MCH: Funding request may get OK in '11
Madison County has denied Canton's request for a 76 percent increase in firefighting funds, but the county's interest could reignite early in 2011.
"I don't have a problem reimbursing them, but I don't have the numbers right now to justify it," county fire coordinator Mack Pigg said.
Calling the handling of calls in the county a financial burden, Canton officials asked the Board of Supervisors last week to increase the financial assistance the city receives from $17,000 to $30,000 annually. The city's year-to-year agreement with the county to assist with calls ended Sept. 30.
The supervisors, at Pigg's recommendation, agreed to extend the contract, now in its third year, but at the current $17,000 level, for now.
"We don't have the money to guarantee" the higher pay, Pigg said.
The county pays Canton, Flora and its five volunteer departments contracted amounts from fire insurance rebate funds and uses the rest of the money for major fire safety expenses throughout the county. Last year, the county received $124,000 in fire insurance rebates. Madison and Ridgeland have mutual aid agreements with the county but receive no money.
"I don't want to cost Canton any money, but I don't want to pull any numbers from the air," Pigg said. "We don't want them to be operating in a deficit."
Pigg said he needs to determine how much insurance rebate money the county will get in 2011 before Canton can get an increase. The rebate, issued through the Mississippi Department of Insurance, is based on population, Pigg said. Once census data is received early next year, the amount of the county's rebate will be known, he said.
"I don't want to commit to Canton, not knowing any figures now," Pigg said. "We want to show justification on how much this is costing the city of Canton."
Canton Mayor Richard Truly told the supervisors the city would appreciate consideration of the higher fees "because of increased medical calls and increased fuel and equipment costs."
Read More: MCH
"I don't have a problem reimbursing them, but I don't have the numbers right now to justify it," county fire coordinator Mack Pigg said.
Calling the handling of calls in the county a financial burden, Canton officials asked the Board of Supervisors last week to increase the financial assistance the city receives from $17,000 to $30,000 annually. The city's year-to-year agreement with the county to assist with calls ended Sept. 30.
The supervisors, at Pigg's recommendation, agreed to extend the contract, now in its third year, but at the current $17,000 level, for now.
"We don't have the money to guarantee" the higher pay, Pigg said.
The county pays Canton, Flora and its five volunteer departments contracted amounts from fire insurance rebate funds and uses the rest of the money for major fire safety expenses throughout the county. Last year, the county received $124,000 in fire insurance rebates. Madison and Ridgeland have mutual aid agreements with the county but receive no money.
"I don't want to cost Canton any money, but I don't want to pull any numbers from the air," Pigg said. "We don't want them to be operating in a deficit."
Pigg said he needs to determine how much insurance rebate money the county will get in 2011 before Canton can get an increase. The rebate, issued through the Mississippi Department of Insurance, is based on population, Pigg said. Once census data is received early next year, the amount of the county's rebate will be known, he said.
"I don't want to commit to Canton, not knowing any figures now," Pigg said. "We want to show justification on how much this is costing the city of Canton."
Canton Mayor Richard Truly told the supervisors the city would appreciate consideration of the higher fees "because of increased medical calls and increased fuel and equipment costs."
Read More: MCH
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
CL: Canton police probe burglaries
Chief Vickie McNeill said homes and churches have been targeted by criminals.
“It takes a very small person who wants to burglarize, and when you go after a church, you have no substance as far as I’m concerned,” McNeill said.
CL
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Charges dropped against Canton alderman
All charges were dropped today against Canton Alderman Rodriquez Brown as well as against two other men involved in a dispute over a stolen television.
Brown and his uncle, Curtis Clark, faced simple assault charges against Levor Taylor, who the city charged with disorderly conduct after the three men got into the altercation April 9.
With both sides dropping the charges in Madison County Justice Court, the case was dismissed.
“It was what my client wanted to do,” said Kevin Broughton, Taylor’s attorney.
Judge Mamie Chinn signed an order for Canton Municipal Court to return a $255 cash bond to Taylor, Broughton said.
Canton Mayor William Truly, Police Chief Vickie McNeill and other city officials were seated in the courtroom.
Chinn scheduled the proceedings for today, at Broughton's behest, so the relatives’ assault case and Taylor’s disorderly conduct case could be dealt with together.
Taylor was the lone person in the dispute arrested by the Canton Police Department.
Photographs taken after the incident show Taylor with an injured lip and eye.
Brown, during his probable cause hearing in April, admitted he, Clark and other relatives confronted Taylor at a Dobson Street apartment to get information on who may have stolen Clark’s TV, but the alderman denied striking Taylor.
After the hearing, a judge issued arrest warrants for Brown and Clark. Each posted a $1,000 bond. Brown and Clark were represented by state Rep. Ed Blackmon, whose law firm also represents the city of Canton.
Brown has been serving as Ward 1 alderman since July 2009.
CL
Brown and his uncle, Curtis Clark, faced simple assault charges against Levor Taylor, who the city charged with disorderly conduct after the three men got into the altercation April 9.
With both sides dropping the charges in Madison County Justice Court, the case was dismissed.
“It was what my client wanted to do,” said Kevin Broughton, Taylor’s attorney.
Judge Mamie Chinn signed an order for Canton Municipal Court to return a $255 cash bond to Taylor, Broughton said.
Canton Mayor William Truly, Police Chief Vickie McNeill and other city officials were seated in the courtroom.
Chinn scheduled the proceedings for today, at Broughton's behest, so the relatives’ assault case and Taylor’s disorderly conduct case could be dealt with together.
Taylor was the lone person in the dispute arrested by the Canton Police Department.
Photographs taken after the incident show Taylor with an injured lip and eye.
Brown, during his probable cause hearing in April, admitted he, Clark and other relatives confronted Taylor at a Dobson Street apartment to get information on who may have stolen Clark’s TV, but the alderman denied striking Taylor.
After the hearing, a judge issued arrest warrants for Brown and Clark. Each posted a $1,000 bond. Brown and Clark were represented by state Rep. Ed Blackmon, whose law firm also represents the city of Canton.
Brown has been serving as Ward 1 alderman since July 2009.
CL
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Canton OKs rezoning for new apartments, Madison County Schools and South Madison Fire District plans to appeal.
Complex to be inside school zone; district plans appeal
CANTON — Canton aldermen on Tuesday approved a rezoning that clears the way for an apartment complex on land that sits inside the Madison County school zone, over protests from both school and nearby fire protection officials.
By a 6-1 vote, the Board of Aldermen granted the change in zoning for 23 acres proposed for apartments within a 63-acre commercial development planned by First Choice Development. Attorney Ron Farris said the "high-end, luxury multi-family community" is part of the $40 million development that will be built in the Sowell Road area just east of I-55.
Attorney John Hooks said the school district is concerned about the number of students that could flood nearby schools. "We still have not received details of the number of students utilizing the Madison County schools. It's critical for schools to prepare," he said.
"We have no specifics (about the apartments). We still don't have anything but platitudes and rambling projections," Hooks said.
"You don't stop growth because the school district doesn't want more children to educate," Farris said, adding that at most the likelihood is 60 to 61 additional students would enter Madison County schools from the apartments.
John Scanlon, the attorney for the South Madison Fire Protection District at Gluckstadt, said the volunteer department has concerns over fire safety. An apartment complex could affect the fire insurance rating in the area that the Gluckstadt department is working to lower, he said.
"If the fire insurance rating is affected, it will adversely affect the residents of the fire district and the city of Canton," said Gluckstadt resident Kerry Minninger, a member of the volunteer department. "We've put in a lot of work to improve fire protections. We would ask the aldermen to consider that."
Farris disputed the chance of a change in the area's fire rating, which would increase homeowners' insurance rates. "There is no negative impact on public safety. There is no proof that the fire rating will be lowered."
Canton Alderman Billy Myers said he supports the commercial development but voted against the rezoning because of the problems that can arise from apartments.
"It's a proven fact that no matter the intent from the start, apartments become problems in any city," said Myers, who works with the Madison County Sheriff's Department. He said deputies answer frequent calls to another apartment complex in Canton that isn't far from the Sowell Road area.
Madison County School Superintendent Mike Kent said the district plans to appeal the Board of Aldermen's decision to Madison County Circuit Court. Scanlon said the fire district will join that appeal to halt the rezoning.
CL
CANTON — Canton aldermen on Tuesday approved a rezoning that clears the way for an apartment complex on land that sits inside the Madison County school zone, over protests from both school and nearby fire protection officials.
By a 6-1 vote, the Board of Aldermen granted the change in zoning for 23 acres proposed for apartments within a 63-acre commercial development planned by First Choice Development. Attorney Ron Farris said the "high-end, luxury multi-family community" is part of the $40 million development that will be built in the Sowell Road area just east of I-55.
Attorney John Hooks said the school district is concerned about the number of students that could flood nearby schools. "We still have not received details of the number of students utilizing the Madison County schools. It's critical for schools to prepare," he said.
"We have no specifics (about the apartments). We still don't have anything but platitudes and rambling projections," Hooks said.
"You don't stop growth because the school district doesn't want more children to educate," Farris said, adding that at most the likelihood is 60 to 61 additional students would enter Madison County schools from the apartments.
John Scanlon, the attorney for the South Madison Fire Protection District at Gluckstadt, said the volunteer department has concerns over fire safety. An apartment complex could affect the fire insurance rating in the area that the Gluckstadt department is working to lower, he said.
"If the fire insurance rating is affected, it will adversely affect the residents of the fire district and the city of Canton," said Gluckstadt resident Kerry Minninger, a member of the volunteer department. "We've put in a lot of work to improve fire protections. We would ask the aldermen to consider that."
Farris disputed the chance of a change in the area's fire rating, which would increase homeowners' insurance rates. "There is no negative impact on public safety. There is no proof that the fire rating will be lowered."
Canton Alderman Billy Myers said he supports the commercial development but voted against the rezoning because of the problems that can arise from apartments.
"It's a proven fact that no matter the intent from the start, apartments become problems in any city," said Myers, who works with the Madison County Sheriff's Department. He said deputies answer frequent calls to another apartment complex in Canton that isn't far from the Sowell Road area.
Madison County School Superintendent Mike Kent said the district plans to appeal the Board of Aldermen's decision to Madison County Circuit Court. Scanlon said the fire district will join that appeal to halt the rezoning.
CL
Friday, August 13, 2010
Ex-Animal Control Officer Pleads Guilty
Former Canton animal control officer Alonzo Esco pleaded guilty today to one count of animal cruelty and one count of illegal dumping in connection with an animal-cruelty case that drew strong condemnation from animal-welfare groups.
The city of Canton fired Esco in January after a Madison County Sheriff's Department investigation turned up nearly 100 dogs that had been shot and dumped in drainage ditches and other locations around Canton. In June, police charged him with four counts of animal cruelty and five counts of illegal dumping, all misdemeanors.
Justice Court Judge Tommy Faulkner talked to attorneys in his chambers for roughly 10 minutes before Esco's hearing. Esco faces up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine for the animal cruelty count and a fine of between $200 and $400 for the dumping charge. Faulkner postponed Esco's sentencing until Oct. 13.
Esco, wearing a white shirt and a floral-patterned tie, did not speak during the hearing or later outside the courtroom when reporters questioned him.
Giwada Williams, who says that her dog was among those Esco killed, told reporters outside the court that she was not satisfied with Esco's plea.
"Enough is enough," Williams said. "You don't treat animals like they're nothing. Right now, I'm very, very angry."
JFP
The city of Canton fired Esco in January after a Madison County Sheriff's Department investigation turned up nearly 100 dogs that had been shot and dumped in drainage ditches and other locations around Canton. In June, police charged him with four counts of animal cruelty and five counts of illegal dumping, all misdemeanors.
Justice Court Judge Tommy Faulkner talked to attorneys in his chambers for roughly 10 minutes before Esco's hearing. Esco faces up to six months in prison and a $1,000 fine for the animal cruelty count and a fine of between $200 and $400 for the dumping charge. Faulkner postponed Esco's sentencing until Oct. 13.
Esco, wearing a white shirt and a floral-patterned tie, did not speak during the hearing or later outside the courtroom when reporters questioned him.
Giwada Williams, who says that her dog was among those Esco killed, told reporters outside the court that she was not satisfied with Esco's plea.
"Enough is enough," Williams said. "You don't treat animals like they're nothing. Right now, I'm very, very angry."
JFP
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Gluckstadt move to incorporate threatened by Canton action
In early June Canton Mayor William Truly said he had no objection to the proposed incorporation of Gluckstadt. However, a recent filing by the City of Canton to annex more land has some Gluckstadt residents worried.
In an email shared with the Flora Harvester, Gluckstadt incorporation proponent Bill Weisenberger states he expects an objection to be filed with the court over Canton's plan to annex an area that extends south on Old Canton Road's west side almost to Harvey Crossing Subdivision, and then west to a line on north side of Church Road. That area overlaps part of the proposed incorporated area of Gluckstadt.
The message to supporters is to begin pushing hard towards incorporation in order to fend off moves by the City of Canton, including a controversial rezoning on Sowell Road to allow apartments. That move has been opposed by many area residents and Madison County School officials. The Canton Board of Aldermen is scheduled to meet on August 17th , 6pm at City Hall to vote on the rezoning issue. Opponents hope to pack the meeting, but expect Canton city officials will approve the rezoning anyway. A legal appeal to the decision is expected. The application for rezoning can be viewed HERE.
The call is to move ahead quickly with gathering of signatures on petitions.
"If they get this zoning it will affect all we have been doing, property values, schools, transportation , public safety, everything," Weisengerger stated in the email. "They can then show a change in the character of the surrounding area and it will help them in their future annexation plans. We must stop it now."
Anyone who wants to volunteer to work neighborhoods to get the needed signatures for the incorporation petitions is encouraged to contact Bill Weisenberger at bweis1@bellsouth.net .
Related Posts: Some Gluckstadt residents hope community will become Madison County municipality
Mike Kent wants your help.
MCJ: Canton Zoning Board meeting canceled due to 'legal issues'
Apartment plan draws citizens' ire
Gluckstadt Incorporation
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
In an email shared with the Flora Harvester, Gluckstadt incorporation proponent Bill Weisenberger states he expects an objection to be filed with the court over Canton's plan to annex an area that extends south on Old Canton Road's west side almost to Harvey Crossing Subdivision, and then west to a line on north side of Church Road. That area overlaps part of the proposed incorporated area of Gluckstadt.
The message to supporters is to begin pushing hard towards incorporation in order to fend off moves by the City of Canton, including a controversial rezoning on Sowell Road to allow apartments. That move has been opposed by many area residents and Madison County School officials. The Canton Board of Aldermen is scheduled to meet on August 17th , 6pm at City Hall to vote on the rezoning issue. Opponents hope to pack the meeting, but expect Canton city officials will approve the rezoning anyway. A legal appeal to the decision is expected. The application for rezoning can be viewed HERE.
The call is to move ahead quickly with gathering of signatures on petitions.
"If they get this zoning it will affect all we have been doing, property values, schools, transportation , public safety, everything," Weisengerger stated in the email. "They can then show a change in the character of the surrounding area and it will help them in their future annexation plans. We must stop it now."
Anyone who wants to volunteer to work neighborhoods to get the needed signatures for the incorporation petitions is encouraged to contact Bill Weisenberger at bweis1@bellsouth.net .
Related Posts: Some Gluckstadt residents hope community will become Madison County municipality
Mike Kent wants your help.
MCJ: Canton Zoning Board meeting canceled due to 'legal issues'
Apartment plan draws citizens' ire
Gluckstadt Incorporation
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Canton nurse practitioner’s clinic hearing postponed until August 16
CANTON — A public hearing on a nurse practitioner’s request to operate a medical clinic out of a historic home in Canton has been postponed until mid-August.
Donald Lawrence, city zoning administrator, says the Canton Zoning Commission was scheduled to hear Mary Allen’s special exception and dimensional variance request Monday night, but there was a problem with the advertisement of the hearing.
Lawrence tells The Clarion-Ledger that the hearing instead will be held Aug. 16 in Canton City Hall.
Allen’s proposed medical clinic has drawn criticism from some Canton homeowners who say the home located in a historical residential district is more than 100 years old and should not be converted into a business.
Allen has said she would not alter the structure as to compromise the historic character of the home.
MBJ
Donald Lawrence, city zoning administrator, says the Canton Zoning Commission was scheduled to hear Mary Allen’s special exception and dimensional variance request Monday night, but there was a problem with the advertisement of the hearing.
Lawrence tells The Clarion-Ledger that the hearing instead will be held Aug. 16 in Canton City Hall.
Allen’s proposed medical clinic has drawn criticism from some Canton homeowners who say the home located in a historical residential district is more than 100 years old and should not be converted into a business.
Allen has said she would not alter the structure as to compromise the historic character of the home.
MBJ
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
3 face charges in voter fraud case in Canton
Three people are facing felony voter fraud charges in Madison County in connection with Canton's disputed municipal elections last year.
The individuals, whose names have not been released, were indicted by a grand jury, and more indictments are likely on the way in coming months.
"We expect more individuals to be presented to the next several grand juries," District Attorney Michael Guest said.
Ray Rosamond, an ex-alderman who lost the Democratic Ward 1 runoff election to Rodriquez Brown, has said the municipal elections - especially his race - were rife with fraud. He sees the indictments as a step toward long-awaited justice.
"I feel like they (district attorney's office) have got a good case," Rosamond said. "I think it's just the beginning."
State Rep. Ed Blackmon, the attorney for Brown against Rosamond's failed election challenges in Madison County court, said Rosamond's assessment of the indictments is premature.
"There've been no convictions yet," Blackmon said, adding that it has not been made public whether any of the indicted individuals voted in the Rosamond-Brown race.
Guest said all three indicted last week are convicted felons who either registered or voted after being convicted of a disenfranchising crime.
Together, they're facing multiple counts of false registration, voting by an unqualified person and voter fraud. The penalty is a maximum five-year prison sentence and up to $5,000 in fines.
The controversy surrounding Canton's elections began in May when Rosamond alleged people outside of Ward 1 and Canton voted in the race and that some voters were provided illegal assistance by poll workers, which he said aided Brown to victory.
Rosamond also charged that Ike Brown, Rodriquez Brown's uncle, interfered with the election.
Last year, during the court fight, Rosamond's attorney, Andy Taggart, said his client had a strong case that the "runoff primary results ought to be thrown out and that a special election ought to be called."
Taggart on Monday said he did not yet know the details of the indictments and could not comment.
Read the rest of the article at The Clarion Ledger
The individuals, whose names have not been released, were indicted by a grand jury, and more indictments are likely on the way in coming months.
"We expect more individuals to be presented to the next several grand juries," District Attorney Michael Guest said.
Ray Rosamond, an ex-alderman who lost the Democratic Ward 1 runoff election to Rodriquez Brown, has said the municipal elections - especially his race - were rife with fraud. He sees the indictments as a step toward long-awaited justice.
"I feel like they (district attorney's office) have got a good case," Rosamond said. "I think it's just the beginning."
State Rep. Ed Blackmon, the attorney for Brown against Rosamond's failed election challenges in Madison County court, said Rosamond's assessment of the indictments is premature.
"There've been no convictions yet," Blackmon said, adding that it has not been made public whether any of the indicted individuals voted in the Rosamond-Brown race.
Guest said all three indicted last week are convicted felons who either registered or voted after being convicted of a disenfranchising crime.
Together, they're facing multiple counts of false registration, voting by an unqualified person and voter fraud. The penalty is a maximum five-year prison sentence and up to $5,000 in fines.
The controversy surrounding Canton's elections began in May when Rosamond alleged people outside of Ward 1 and Canton voted in the race and that some voters were provided illegal assistance by poll workers, which he said aided Brown to victory.
Rosamond also charged that Ike Brown, Rodriquez Brown's uncle, interfered with the election.
Last year, during the court fight, Rosamond's attorney, Andy Taggart, said his client had a strong case that the "runoff primary results ought to be thrown out and that a special election ought to be called."
Taggart on Monday said he did not yet know the details of the indictments and could not comment.
Read the rest of the article at The Clarion Ledger
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Canton zoning denies apartments 4-0
Appeal can still be made to aldermen
The Canton Zoning Commission on Monday night in 4-0 vote denied a request for a rezoning that would have allowed a controversial apartment complex near Gluckstadt.
Developers have the right to appeal the decision directly to the Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Two members of the Zoning Commission abstained.
More than 100 people, most from the Gluckstadt area, packed Canton City Hall for a 1.5-hour meeting.
Madison County Journal
The Canton Zoning Commission on Monday night in 4-0 vote denied a request for a rezoning that would have allowed a controversial apartment complex near Gluckstadt.
Developers have the right to appeal the decision directly to the Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen.
Two members of the Zoning Commission abstained.
More than 100 people, most from the Gluckstadt area, packed Canton City Hall for a 1.5-hour meeting.
Madison County Journal
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Madison County tax rolls swell
Property value tops $1B for 7th straight year
Madison County's growth spurt continues as the tax rolls keep getting fatter.
For the seventh year in a row, the assessed value of real and personal property topped the billion-dollar mark. The total worth of the county hit $1.36 billion in assessed value in 2010, showing a 4 percent increase over last year, Tax Assessor Gerald Barber told the Board of Supervisors.
"There are 81 other tax assessors who would love to have these numbers," Barber said.
In today's slumping national economy, the county's growth is more than the tax assessor expected. He said he was hoping to beat 2 percent growth.
Supervisors will take the property values, which represent a percentage of true value, to prepare a budget for spending in the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
"Going into the budget working with these numbers and the positive news that Gerald gave us means we can balance our books without a tax increase," said Tim Johnson, president of the Board of Supervisors. "Looking at 4 percent growth in this economy, Madison County is very blessed."
In addition to the county's growth, Barber also presented assessed values for the four municipalities and two school districts, and all but one showed an increase. The city of Canton's 2010 tax assessment showed a 2 percent drop from 2009, from $71.7 million to $70.4 million.
Madison and Ridgeland both experienced a 5 percent growth in value, while Flora reflected a 3 percent growth in assessed value. The Madison County school district showed a 4 percent increase over last year, while the Canton school district showed a 3 percent rise.
"In this economy, that's really, really fantastic," said David Overby, Ridgeland director of finance.
The city of Madison was the only one to show an increase in the assessed value of autos among the county's taxing districts. The value of vehicles in the city, reflected by taxes paid in car tags, rose 6 percent, compared with a 4 percent drop in the county and in the county school district, a 5 percent drop in Ridgeland and in Flora, a 7 percent drop in the Canton school district and a 10 percent decrease in Canton.
"It appears the city of Madison is still buying cars," Barber said.
The lower values in the automobile class shows that people are holding onto their existing vehicles and paying less in taxes on tags each year or they are buying less expensive cars than in the past and paying less for tags, he said.
Barber, who spoke to supervisors on Tuesday, also said the tax rolls show a decrease in new construction throughout the county, except in Ridgeland.
Madison County overall showed a drop in construction of $7.8 million, down to $35.5 million, while Ridgeland showed an increase of about $841,000 in assessed value, up to $11.7 million.
Clarion Ledger
Madison County's growth spurt continues as the tax rolls keep getting fatter.
For the seventh year in a row, the assessed value of real and personal property topped the billion-dollar mark. The total worth of the county hit $1.36 billion in assessed value in 2010, showing a 4 percent increase over last year, Tax Assessor Gerald Barber told the Board of Supervisors.
"There are 81 other tax assessors who would love to have these numbers," Barber said.
In today's slumping national economy, the county's growth is more than the tax assessor expected. He said he was hoping to beat 2 percent growth.
Supervisors will take the property values, which represent a percentage of true value, to prepare a budget for spending in the fiscal year starting Oct. 1.
"Going into the budget working with these numbers and the positive news that Gerald gave us means we can balance our books without a tax increase," said Tim Johnson, president of the Board of Supervisors. "Looking at 4 percent growth in this economy, Madison County is very blessed."
In addition to the county's growth, Barber also presented assessed values for the four municipalities and two school districts, and all but one showed an increase. The city of Canton's 2010 tax assessment showed a 2 percent drop from 2009, from $71.7 million to $70.4 million.
Madison and Ridgeland both experienced a 5 percent growth in value, while Flora reflected a 3 percent growth in assessed value. The Madison County school district showed a 4 percent increase over last year, while the Canton school district showed a 3 percent rise.
"In this economy, that's really, really fantastic," said David Overby, Ridgeland director of finance.
The city of Madison was the only one to show an increase in the assessed value of autos among the county's taxing districts. The value of vehicles in the city, reflected by taxes paid in car tags, rose 6 percent, compared with a 4 percent drop in the county and in the county school district, a 5 percent drop in Ridgeland and in Flora, a 7 percent drop in the Canton school district and a 10 percent decrease in Canton.
"It appears the city of Madison is still buying cars," Barber said.
The lower values in the automobile class shows that people are holding onto their existing vehicles and paying less in taxes on tags each year or they are buying less expensive cars than in the past and paying less for tags, he said.
Barber, who spoke to supervisors on Tuesday, also said the tax rolls show a decrease in new construction throughout the county, except in Ridgeland.
Madison County overall showed a drop in construction of $7.8 million, down to $35.5 million, while Ridgeland showed an increase of about $841,000 in assessed value, up to $11.7 million.
Clarion Ledger
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Some Gluckstadt residents hope community will become Madison County municipality
Canton Mayor has no objection, Madison Mayor withholds judgement pending more information
Read more at The Clarion Ledger
Gluckstadt Incorporation
Group pushes hopes for city
The future of the proposed city of Gluckstadt rests on 10 sets of petitions circulating in the Madison County community.
"We're going to put a push on this summer to get the signatures we need," said Bill Weisenberger, listed as the proposed mayor of Gluckstadt for incorporation purposes if a successful petition drive can get the cause to Madison County Chancery Court.
Two-thirds of the qualified electors living in the proposed city have to sign the petition asking for incorporation.
That number is "simply a moving target. The pool of qualified electors changes every day" as people move in and out of the community, said Jerry Mills, the attorney for city-status supporters. "You've really got to prove a super majority of voters - on the day of filing - want this incorporation."
Weisenberger said no target date has been set for getting the required number of signatures, but "we'd like to get them as soon as possible."
The committee overseeing the incorporation effort plans come-and-go meetings in the coming weeks for residents to sign the petitions and find out more.
Read more at The Clarion Ledger
Gluckstadt Incorporation
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Apartment plan draws citizens' ire
South Madison County residents are expressing outrage over a proposed apartment complex at Gluckstadt that could put as many a 500 new students in an already strapped district that has struggled for decades to keep up with growth.
Superintendent of Education Michael D. Kent said the district is not equipped to handle such a sudden influx of new students and issued a strongly-worded letter of opposition last week.
"This just blows us out of the water," Kent said, noting their district is already facing major budget cuts. "A high-density complex like this could overcrowd Germantown (Middle School) and (Madison) Crossing (Elementary) and Gluckstadt High School overnight and destroy all this planning we've done."
The proposed development includes 250 to 300 apartment units on a 26-acre tract of land directly across Interstate 55 from Germantown Middle School near the Nissan assembly plant.
The city of Canton on Tuesday announced a rezoning hearing had been canceled due to "legal issues," but officials said they expect to reschedule the hearing in about a month.
In a letter to the Canton Zoning Board, Nelwyn Madison, president of Ingleside Homeowners' Association and board member of the Madison Organization of Neighborhood Associations, said the apartment project is nothing more than a "bait and switch" involving developers.
"I am sick of developers begging for TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money and once awarded, come back and wanting to change the rules. I cannot believe the city of Canton would even consider this."
The area was approved for $1 million in Tax Increment Financing in January 2005 and language limited the accepted uses and prohibits apartments, according to District 3 Madison County Supervisor D.I. Smith.
Read more at the Madison County Journal
Related Posts: Canton Zoning Board meeting canceled due to 'legal issues'
Mike Kent wants your help
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
Superintendent of Education Michael D. Kent said the district is not equipped to handle such a sudden influx of new students and issued a strongly-worded letter of opposition last week.
"This just blows us out of the water," Kent said, noting their district is already facing major budget cuts. "A high-density complex like this could overcrowd Germantown (Middle School) and (Madison) Crossing (Elementary) and Gluckstadt High School overnight and destroy all this planning we've done."
The proposed development includes 250 to 300 apartment units on a 26-acre tract of land directly across Interstate 55 from Germantown Middle School near the Nissan assembly plant.
The city of Canton on Tuesday announced a rezoning hearing had been canceled due to "legal issues," but officials said they expect to reschedule the hearing in about a month.
In a letter to the Canton Zoning Board, Nelwyn Madison, president of Ingleside Homeowners' Association and board member of the Madison Organization of Neighborhood Associations, said the apartment project is nothing more than a "bait and switch" involving developers.
"I am sick of developers begging for TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money and once awarded, come back and wanting to change the rules. I cannot believe the city of Canton would even consider this."
The area was approved for $1 million in Tax Increment Financing in January 2005 and language limited the accepted uses and prohibits apartments, according to District 3 Madison County Supervisor D.I. Smith.
Read more at the Madison County Journal
Related Posts: Canton Zoning Board meeting canceled due to 'legal issues'
Mike Kent wants your help
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
MCJ: Canton Zoning Board meeting canceled due to 'legal issues'
Apartment complex hearing canceled due to 'legal issues'
A public hearing on a proposed apartment complex was canceled due to what Canton officials called "legal issues," but is expected to be rescheduled in about a month.
Several dozen citizens showed up for the City of Canton Zoning Board meeting which was scheduled to hear a rezoning request on the development Tuesday afternoon.
City officials wouldn't elaborate on what issues spurred the cancelation, but they did say they will restart the rezoning process which includes public notification at the site and in the newspaper. It normally takes up to a month to complete the process.
Read more at The Madison County Journal
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
A public hearing on a proposed apartment complex was canceled due to what Canton officials called "legal issues," but is expected to be rescheduled in about a month.
Several dozen citizens showed up for the City of Canton Zoning Board meeting which was scheduled to hear a rezoning request on the development Tuesday afternoon.
City officials wouldn't elaborate on what issues spurred the cancelation, but they did say they will restart the rezoning process which includes public notification at the site and in the newspaper. It normally takes up to a month to complete the process.
Read more at The Madison County Journal
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
Friday, May 28, 2010
Mike Kent wants your help.
An open letter from Madison County Superintendent of Edcuation Mike Kent:
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
I am sure that most of you are aware that the City of Canton Zoning Board is scheduled to hear a request from local developers on TUESDAY, JUNE 1 at 3:00 p.m. to rezone approximately 26 acres at the intersection of Old Jackson and Sowell Roads to allow for construction of 300 apartment units.
Although this area has been annexed into the city limits of Canton, there is case law from the Mississippi Supreme Court that distinguishes between city limit boundaries and school district boundaries. If apartments are built on this site, the Madison County School District will have the responsibility of educating children who reside there.
In recent years, all of the District’s planning, demographic studies, bond issues, etc. have been based upon numbers consistent with zoning regulations in Madison County which currently favor single family residences. With that as a rationale, the Madison County School District opposes the construction of apartment complexes and any other high density residential complexes.
We have attempted to gain permission to speak at the meeting on Tuesday, but have been told that the deadline to be placed on the agenda has passed and that we will not be allowed to address the zoning board about our concerns. This makes it all the more imperative that we have as many citizens as possible attend the meeting to show the board that we oppose this zoning request.
We will keep you updated on any new developments in this matter; but I strongly encourage you to plan to attend the zoning meeting on Tuesday, June 1 at 3:00 p.m. at the Canton City Hall.
Thanks for all you do to support our schools!
Mike
School Board Opposes Canton Apartments
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cities considering 'host' penalties
What the Legislature couldn't do, Madison and Canton might do.
A "social host" bill that would punish parents for allowing teenagers to drink at parties in their homes died on the legislative calendar this year, but the Canton and Madison police chiefs say they would propose similar ordinances in their cities.
"I can't wait to get back and start drafting one," Canton Chief Vickie McNeill said at a community town hall meeting Monday in Madison that dealt with the issue of underage drinking. "Parents are a big part of the problem."
Community support proved to be the impetus in most other states for passage of social hosting laws, said Caroline Newkirk, a prevention specialist with Mississippians Advocating Against Underage Drinking. "Nine out of 10 times, it started at the community level and trickled up (to state legislatures), not down," she said.
Madison County Herald
A "social host" bill that would punish parents for allowing teenagers to drink at parties in their homes died on the legislative calendar this year, but the Canton and Madison police chiefs say they would propose similar ordinances in their cities.
"I can't wait to get back and start drafting one," Canton Chief Vickie McNeill said at a community town hall meeting Monday in Madison that dealt with the issue of underage drinking. "Parents are a big part of the problem."
Community support proved to be the impetus in most other states for passage of social hosting laws, said Caroline Newkirk, a prevention specialist with Mississippians Advocating Against Underage Drinking. "Nine out of 10 times, it started at the community level and trickled up (to state legislatures), not down," she said.
Madison County Herald
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