Laurel Leader - Call, Public Forum

Public Forum

We Want To Hear From You!

Your opinion is important to us. Please feel free to submit comments about any story appearing in our newspaper or anything happening in our community. We reserve the right to delete any comment from the forum, and will block members from commenting if necessary. No slanderous, libelous or malicious entries will be tolerated.

Visitor Comments

Submit A Comment

Submitted By: Wrong Answer	Submitted: 11/27/2013
Dear Forgot to put their name: Not taking up for our current Prince. But how would you like to work for and answer to the School Board of Jones county. These teacher's and coaches are under contract and cannot be fired without board approval. Who wants to work and try to run a school knowing that every move that needs to be handled quickly has to wait on those to approve. There are kin folks that need to go but are still employed. Northeast has the same problem as South Jones. Both of their Baseball heads need to be run off. In any other school district in our state, they would have been replaced. Don't blame the Indians. Blame the Chiefs.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 11/27/2013
The South Jones Administration did not get rid of the current football coach. The parents and alumni had to put pressure on all central office administration and principal's at South Jones High School to get this done. We are tired of hiring people who are placed at South Jones only to do nothing and wait for retirement. We want local people hired who care about the community, students, and the school. Listen School Board, we are tired of you hiring incompetent people at South Jones. I agree with the statement that the current South Jones School Board member needs to go home and sit in a rocking chair. He has done nothing for our school except create an environment of mediocrity. The "decision maker" at South Jones needs to go! Someone who works at South Jones told me that since the "Head Principal" got beat in the superintendent's election he has "done nothing" at South Jones High School. What an absolute shame! That tells us the type person who is trying to get elected to lead our schools!! And last but not least, it was also told that the two principal's wives who work at the school are now running the school! Stirring every minute!

Submitted By: Moving Foreward	Submitted: 11/21/2013
Thanks South Jones Admin. for doing what needed doing. The football program is better off. Still work to be done. Baseball coaches should be next, but I bet you wait till the season is over. What kids once looked up too next to their family was their coach. Not the case at South Jones. Our school board rep. in our area. Should not be re-elected.

Submitted By: Almost Retired	Submitted: 11/19/2013
Retired: You are correct in your comment about our Jones county schools losing respect. The largest topic of conversation is the coaching staffs at South Jones. Other coaches high school and in the college ranks, don't respect or believe anything that comes out of their mouths. The way they rig and select our all district players is a joke. Sitting college players on the bench to play political players. One college baseball player rode the pine the last 12 games, due to a difference in opinion with a parent.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/18/2013
in very simple terms revolver is saying that some of the central office staff should be locked up for impersonating professional school leaders. when you are not capable of leading a school the supt of ed and all knowing board transfers them to county office with a raise. don't have the guts to say these people are incompetent. then the low paid secretarial staff does the hard work. some of the central office administrators need to retire so other incompetent principals can be transferred. the jones county schools have lost a lot of respect from other schools.

Submitted By: Revolver	Submitted: 11/15/2013
There's word on the street that the legislature will enact a law requiring all Mississippi school administrators be functionally literate. That calls for fluent reading / comprehension skills and the ability to write at the 9th grade level (at a minimum). Well,that there's a problem rat cheer in Jones County if'n they do that. We got two or three fellers that conned they way through college. Now they might get they selfs exposed.You can look for these good ol' boys to be transferred to the central office where they can be protected. That will be VERY expensive for JC taxpayers because the jobs invented for them will cost us about 90-100k each when you include benefits.

Submitted By: Inside Out	Submitted: 11/13/2013
It is a honest fact that there have been no cost of living increases at JCJC in almost a decade (at least for the true workers such as the instructors). When public high schools attract people from a higher education institution that is a red flag. Insurance, social security, taxes, and other deductions have increased. New jobs (not instructor positions) have been created instead of using the money to help the people who actually bring the money in by teaching the students. The national cost of living has increased considerably in the past decade. Why hasn't the pay at JCJC?

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/13/2013
the eville mayor, the jcjc president, the supervisor, and the highway commissioner wanted it. they are professional tax appropriators and tax spenders. to hades with the 50 % of jones county property owners who pay 100% of the taxes. the big manufacturers and companies that are given tax relief also promote the bridges to nowhere. check your tax bill for 2014. 8,000 went for the superintendents raise while his office workers starve.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 11/13/2013
Why did Jones Co build the expensive bypass if the log trucks continue to go through the narrow streets of Ellisville increasing congestion and risks? It would be nice if these speeding hazards would use it!!!

Submitted By: I'm just saying	Submitted: 11/12/2013
The head coach and the booster club prez AT SJ have something on Tommy Parker concerning his nephew who is a coach at NEJ. more jones county politics. What can I do to save my ASS. Sorry kids.

Submitted By: Insider	Submitted: 11/12/2013
FYI - The two wayward coaches at South Jones will be removed from their positions as soon as all parties agree around which schools they will be going to as principals.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/12/2013
you good folk from south jones can forget about tommy parker firing anyone. in his campaign he promised to fire no one. the f b coach has always been a jerk. he needs to go to Afghanistan to show how tough he is. parker is not going to make any changes at east because his son coaches for braddock. get parker in a couple of years at the election.

Submitted By: NEJ Tiger	Submitted: 11/11/2013
It is time to make a change in the football program at NEJ. Have been a fan for years but getting tired of the mediocrity under Braddock's leadership. It is time for a change we are making no progress.

Submitted By: Git er Done	Submitted: 11/9/2013
Football over for South Jones. Git rid of that excuse for a coach. As soon as baseball season is over let those two worthless coaches go too.

Submitted By: ????	Submitted: 11/6/2013
Just a comment on the recent Ceremony at City Hall of Laurel regarding the Veteran Firefighters. Was this intended to recognize all Veteran Firemen or just a select few. A relative of mine has been with the LFD 20 plus years. He and several more Veteran Firemen were not called or notified in anyway about the ceremony and have yet to be recognized for their great service to our city. Was this just meant to be a media frenzy or is it local politics at its best.

Submitted By: Old Brave	Submitted: 11/6/2013
In response to SJforlife: Why want the board and principle fire those two South Jones coaches? I have also heard all about both coaches. Cussing at players on the sidelines in front of women and children. The F-bomb dropped at West Jones baseball game. Both of these head coaches have been suspended for their actions for two weeks. Any other school board in the state would have fired them. What is the hold up? Please tell me the connection with the board and these employees that should be Ex-employees.

Submitted By: Old Brave	Submitted: 11/5/2013
The mess at South Jones makes me sick. The real question is who is to blame for keeping such coaches? Last year the football coach writes a letter to the players and posted it on the locker room door. Calling them profound names putting the blame on them being sorry and the worst team he had ever coached. Then had the gall to sign it with the line "your f----ing head coach" He was called on the carpet about this letter but got to remain on the job. This year he called out a few players during a game and cussed them up and down in front on fans, band members and a few children. Called on carpet and got two weeks of vacation with pay. The baseball coach drops the F bomb at a game at West Jones directed at their fans. Women and children present. Called on the carpet got two weeks paid vacation. He came into our program with the best team ever assembled in my 20 years here and did nothing. Two back to back district championships was great but these boys had Jackson talent. I could go on and on about our problems with the coaching at South Jones. But facts are facts. You are 100% right SJforlife. These coaches have got to go. Regardless of their connections with some of the school board members. Let's start over before all of our gifted players transfer or quit.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/4/2013
my observations go along with the old taxper. just wait and see how much our property taxes increase in January. the board of sups, school board, and sheriff are on the same page. they all want to raise taxes.

Submitted By: Brave	Submitted: 11/4/2013
Agree!!! Both coaches baseball & football got to be fired. Do it Tommy

Submitted By: OLD TAX PAYER	Submitted: 11/2/2013
ALERT Every one There was a LOG TRUCK SPOTTED on the MULTI MILLION DOLLAR 590 BYPASS 11-01-2013 @ 8:17am WILL WONDERS NEVER END.THE TRAFFIC THROUGH TOWN IS SLUGGEST WITH CHIP AND LOG TRUCKS LIMBERING THROUGH TOWN.

Submitted By: SJforlife	Submitted: 10/28/2013
Dear South Jones Alum and backers: Please all lets get on the same page. Our sports programs are going down hill. The school board is full of other school alums and could care less about our sports at SJ. The football and baseball coaches have got to go. The football program has lost about 20+ players since the start of season. Not due to injury, gone due to the Head Ball coach and AD. The baseball team has lost 10 to transfer, to other schools due to that staff. Wake up people!! It is easy to point to our principal but it has to do with the school board. Good ole boys return favors for the other ones by keeping kin folks and friends employed. Our board (SJ) rep is weak. He was elected the president by the others. Not because they respected him. They did it because the President doesn't vote. So he is out with no voice when it comes to voting. I have ask and talked to many about this. Please get a SJ person and let's stand. Clean house with our football and baseball programs.

Submitted By: Parent	Submitted: 10/19/2013
I, along with many other parents, find many faults with the administration of a Jones County High School in the southern part of the county. I have witnessed extreme difference in treatment of students. Boys seemed to be targeted and face punishments for same things that girls do. I have no problems with these boys receiving punishment if something was done against school rules, but the girl should also be punished for same infractions. The school "covers up" things that are done if the person's family has money that they donate to the school, or if the person is a star athlete. The bullying that one particular administrator hands out needs to STOP and needs to stop SOON!!!

Submitted By: Dorothy from the Land of Oz	Submitted: 10/15/2013
Mississippi is so proud of Dr. Chuck Beningo. He was chosen as Mississippi Superintendent of the Year. Highly deserved!!!!! We need more people like Dr. Beningo in our school systems. He is truly a great superintendent. I hope that others learn from his expertise and skills. He cares about his teachers and students in the district. He strives to keep good teachers in his schools. I can't think of a better person in our state to receive this great honor!!!

Submitted By: To Charles	Submitted: 10/4/2013
Regarding MDOT....Blame it on the Republicans, everyone else does.

Submitted By: charles	Submitted: 10/4/2013
why is MDOT building a road on private property on hwy 590 in Covington county??

Submitted By: Concerned parent	Submitted: 10/4/2013
I am a parent and a supporter of the south jones football team and coaches but yesterday the principals allowed a parent who's son decided not to return to have a disagreement out in front of the team while at practice. I thought they were supposed to protect the kids not allow them to witness something unnecessary. Things need to change if you don't like something you should have stood up at the meeting. Leave the team alone and let the ones who want to play and be there play. Also to the parent/teacher who yelled to the team, my son good luck cause they would not have a team next year how would you like that being told to your players ya I don't think so.

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 9/29/2013
To WWII veterans/Honor Flight: Thank you for the kind words about Sean Murphy's story. The spelling in the headline was a play on words with the last name of the veteran, Bob Sault.

Submitted By: WWII veterans/Honor Flight	Submitted: 9/29/2013
Salty sailor, not saulty. Liked the article, my dad was also in the navy in WWII and has been on the Honor Flight in the past. He enjoyed it immensely and I hope this gentleman does too. It's an extremely long and exhausting day for them, but they have a great time and are treated with dignity and the respect they have earned.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/24/2013
now that the new highway by pass is complete jesse is going to borrow money for new buildings. the only catch is the taxpayers will have to re pay the loan with interest. good work jess.

Submitted By: Read all about it!	Submitted: 9/24/2013
I'm sure gonna be at the next Jones ball game for one of those signed copies of Jesse's dissertation for my coffee table! I want to show everyone who comes to my house I have class! I'm also going to buy Jim Walley's companion piece, How To Glad-hand your Way to the Top. An inspiring rags to riches tale of how a poor country boy transformed himself into a millionaire by taking credit for everything everyone else ever did while masquerading as a respectable professor at a small town junior college! Bound to make the New York Times best seller list! Make sure to splurge and get the autographed copies. That should make them worth at least 2 cents more!!! These two piece of literature should create a very enjoyable environment in your home! Thank you, THANK YOU Dr. Smith!!!,

Submitted By: Praises galore!	Submitted: 9/24/2013
The Jones County Junior College soccer teams continued their winning streak Monday and that created a very enjoyable environment. 'It was a wonderful display of excellence'. The bright lights of JCJC blinded me as I drove by. But maybe it was just the beam in my eye. Anyway, the whole community was in fact lit up. The JCJC advocates were even there. THANK YOU !!! Dr. Smith, THANK YOU!!! (Don't accuse me of being negative. Sarcastic yes, but not negative!)

Submitted By: Still laughing!!!	Submitted: 9/23/2013
How funny! Thanks to the 'JCJC advocate' who submitted one of the funniest 'spoofs' to Soundoff I have ever read! You didn't miss a beat. Keep them coming friend!

Submitted By: JCJC Advocate	Submitted: 9/23/2013
I am hearing exciting news from JCJC!!! Jesse Smith (PhD!) will be dressing out for the next Bobcat football game!!!! He's in great shape and has kept those football muscles ready to go when needed. Now is the time, if ever! Some ungrateful wretches who have been fired or disciplined have dared to criticize Smith and his administration--about petty, irrelevant issues like academics and student opportunity, class size and teacher pay, SACS credentialing and educational integrity, fiscal discipline and personal excesses--so this will clearly prove them all wrong. This should also create a very enjoyable environment for JCJC advocates and teachers who do their jobs by not criticizing Jesse Smith (PhD!)!! Old Jess (PhD) was a legendary and colorful second string extra point holder "back in the day" for the Bobcats and will reprise this exceptionally important role in the NEXT Bobcat game--AGAINST arch-rival Co-Lin , AT Bobcat Stadium and ON (the no doubt soon to be renamed) “Jesse Smith (PhD) Field!!!!” Jesse Smith (PhD!!) will also be performing the National Anthem before the game and singing operatic pieces from Pagliacci (Italian for “Clowns”) on the sidelines during the game. (Those golden pipes are as ready as those golden locks and the golden football muscles in his handsome extra point holding finger!!) Between quarters, Jesse (who holds the Phd degree & sings opera AND contemporary gospel!) will be signing copies of his (unfortunately never published) dissertation entitled "School's Money/Taxpayers’ Money/My Money: What's the Diff? Spend it!!! Preferably on Self!!! Vroom, vroom!!" Having this profound work of scholarship--autographed by the handsome President himself while wearing the Bobcat uniform!!--in your home library will inspire you and the kids, honor your family and serve as a conversation starter. Its presence creates an enjoyable environment! Be sure and get one…in return for a small contribution to the “Jesse Smith (Phd) likes nice things--SUVs, Travel, Ono Island and Pretty Clothes--Fund.” Also be sure and get an autograph from Coach Anthony Maddox…He’s besties with NFL star Deion Branch, so keeping him around connects Jesse Smith (PhD , unpublished author and liker of nice things/cool people) connected with that sweet NFL limelight!! Maddox also sort of played in the NFL!!!! Jesse could have, too, but got his mind on dating a cheerleader (anyway, that’s always how he explains his poor grades while a student at JCJC…almost everyone laughs when he says it!) So be sure and be present as a JCJC advocate for this once in a lifetime tour de force in Athleticism, Academics and Musical Prowess. It’s sure to be one for the ages and will create a very enjoyable environment. Thank you, THANK YOU, Dr. Smith!!! (And presidential wingman Jim walleye!)

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/23/2013
Someone wanted to know if Jesse dressed out for the Gulf Coast game. I don't know, he could have. They don't have breathalyzers or drug screening for junior college athletes do they? Of course, since Jones won Walley will say he was out there, that's for certain!!!

Submitted By: Pathetic!	Submitted: 9/22/2013
In response, once again, to I attended JCJC in the 60's, you really do have a reading comprehension problem and an extremely limited mental capacity so let me spell it out for you one more time. I DO support JCJC, I HAVE praised the employees who work hard, and I think the college IS a great institution and an asset to our community. Where have I EVER said differently? I have NOT lambasted the college, what I have done and will continue to do is publicly expose corruption, misconduct, and unethical practices by the President of this college and his hand picked dim wits. I can spell it out for you, I just can't think for you and apparently that is far beyond your ability. I attended JCJC in the 70's, not 60's, go back and read it again. At least that part you should be able to get right.

Submitted By: Old Cooper	Submitted: 9/22/2013
So whether you bother to write in complete sentences or use appropriate grammar when discussing a college does not matter if we "get the point." Astounding!! That captures the Jesse Smith philosophy, team and era perfectly. Academics, education and integrity matter not at all as long as Jesse and cronies can fool weak minded people into believing everything is okay. They can then continue using our school like a personal gravy train. Why don't you all -- and we know perfectly well who wrote this and what your job at JCJC is -- launch a public audit of the JCJC books since jesse and walleye took over? Why don't you release the difference in class sizes between 2003 and now? Where do JCJC class sizes rank compared to the rest of the state? What about teacher pay and retention compared to the rest of the state and JCJC itself ten years ago? Jesse is sacrificing teachers and students-through enormous classes as well as low teacher pay and morale--to pay for his excesses and boneheaded spending orgy. Why don't you all release the numbers for Jesse's monthly car allowance? Does it exceed some employees' monthly check? Of course it does. Why don't you release the details on Jesse's sweetheart deal trip this summer and who paid for it and why??? And since you're at Jones every day, take an English composition class. And bring old C student Dr. smith with you.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/22/2013
I also attended JCJC in the 1960's! My children attended JCJC! All my nieces and nephews attended JCJC! My father is a WWII Veteran! All of my siblings attended JCJC! My parents did not attend JCJC, they were poor and did not have the opportunity to go to JCJC! We could go on and on about our associations with JCJC but that is not the issue here! My point is support JCJC, don't constantly degrade and lambast our college. We should focus on the positive!!!!And by the way, I do not know if the JCJC coaches teach in an actual classroom or not!!

Submitted By: In response to 'Of course coaches teach'	Submitted: 9/22/2013
PLEASE don't resort to quoting scripture to make a point with me. I could throw two dozen at you to 'prove' mine. And don't equate winning a football game with good leadership. History is wrought with examples of people accomplishing good, even great deeds under conditions of poor leadership. What is unknown is how much better it could have been if leadership had been present. You stated you don't work at Jones, and imply that you have no financial stake with the college, (right), then how can you possibly know what Jesse's so called leadership level is? You are obviously not an English teacher, as you stated, but can you at least comprehend written English? I said Jones is great because there are people employed or associated with the college who ARE honest, hardworking, and morally grounded individuals who excel inspite of Smith and a weak Board of Trustees who have failed them and the Institution repeatedly. I retired from Jones, VOLUNTARILY before Smith became president, so I don't have a grudge or other motive to 'get' Jesse. What I do have are ties to that college that far exceed yours. I have my mother's I.D. Card from the 1940's from Jones. I own furniture made by my father from the 1940's in the carpentry class he took after returning from serving 4 years in WWII. I have my diploma from there in the 70's as well as those of all my children who also went to Jones. And I have memories of years of hard, dedicated service to that institution that have earned me the right to question what is occurring on that campus now. NO ONE is more loyal or a bigger 'supporter' of that institution than I am, and because of that I WILL NOT sit by and applaud corruption or despicable conduct. Oh, and by the way, since you are aware that the coaches don't teach actual classes at JCJC you are obviously more closely associated with the college than you would lead us to believe for that is not a common practice on the junior college level. For your information, under previous administrations coaches did teach and we still had exceptional football teams. ( And JCJC did not have the highest tuition in the state and teachers were the highest paid.)

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/22/2013
Of course football coaches teach. They teach everyday!! They may not be in a classroom but they are on the football field teaching their hearts out!! I was speaking about the football game and band performance that happened on Thursday Night in my previous paragraph. However, I can address the maintenance crew-the campus is beautiful, maintenance, thank you! The food on campus the day I ate there was exceptional, food services, thank you! Housekeeping every time I am on campus I am impressed with the cleanliness of the buildings, thank you! I could go on and on about the great people working on campus and making it better and better so to everyone I say thank you! Yes, and "created" in the paragraph should have been creating, so what!!! you got the point! I am not an English teacher just a JCJC supporter!! JCJC is a great educational institution! Let me say that all the positive things that have been mentioned that are so good at Jones, including you all stating how good things are, could not be the way they are without great leadership!!! That is a fact!!I will leave it at this, you all must be the ones who no longer work at Jones because you did not do your job or either you did something that was unacceptable! I am through with this because you people are so negative I will not be a part of it but I will leave you with these quotes to read and study, Matthew 7:3, "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Romans 12:21, "Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."

Submitted By: To 'Gusher', otherwise known as 'advocate' 9-20-13	Submitted: 9/22/2013
Did I miss something? The last I heard the football coaches don't teach and educate anyone at Jones, football and only football is what they are paid for. The band was great, so the band director and the coaches are doing what they are paid to do. Is that suppose to be unusual? Well, maybe at Jones it is! I'm being sarcastic, of course. There are many employees...teachers, staff, housekeepers, grounds crew, and maintenance workers who work extremely hard for their wages in spite of the present administration. This is a credit to them, their upstanding character and has nothing to do with Smith, Walley, or the other two-bit ass kissers who comprise Jesse's fan club. Get real.

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 9/21/2013
There's a term in football for the kind of pro-Jesse Smith screed that appears below: MISDIRECTION. Football is football. It's not academics or anything else that mars the Smith era so shamefully. It's football, and everyone knows that. And that's all it is. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Submitted By: JCJC Advocate	Submitted: 9/21/2013
"JCJC advocates?" How about "supporters." Better word in this context. Much better. "The football team scored 52 points and that created a very enjoyable environment." Wow! Who wrote this, a second grader trying to sound adult? That's a funny line. "The student body was totally involved created an enthusiastic atmosphere." That's not a sentence. I would not make fun, except this was so obviously written by someone on Jesse Smith's staff, from his inner circle, or by ole jess himself. Whoever wrote it suffers so egregiously from poor writing skills that this woeful specimen should bar them--rightfully--from service to any college forever. Such transparent efforts by Smith and staff to stabilize their faltering position would deserve our sympathy, I suppose, had this gang not ruined the school for everyone else in so many ways. This ham-handed effort to belittle critics of Smith as not doing their job stands (and stinks) as a pathetic effort to silence constructive criticism. But of course this sort of defensive posturing and elementary PR characterizes flawed and incompetent regimes all around the world. Pathetic. Finally, a football victory does not replace all the JCJC funds Jesse Smith has squandered and misused, nor bring back the 2000 student higher enrollment that existed before he "took the helm." A football victory does not remunerate JCJC's loyal and hard-working teachers who have not received a raise since Jesse took over years ago. A football victory does not reduce the absurd class sizes that prevail at JCJC now, diminishing students' chances of success. A football victory does not mean Smith gives a rat's left ear about academics. It means JCJC won a football game. You should be ashamed of your laughably inadequate writing skills, your obvious ploys to demean good and caring people, and your nauseating effort to suck up to the boss, ole jess. Unless you wrote this, Jess, in which case it's better than your typical messages.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/21/2013
did jesse dress out. is he eligible to play.

Submitted By: Watching in the wings.	Submitted: 9/21/2013
Congratulations to JCJC's soccer and football teams. You are doing a great job. To the writer who submitted the post on 9/20, we are ALL advocates of the college. We are teachers, staff members, retirees, and alumni who want the best for the junior college. If all of this has been a wake up call to Smith, the Board, and others who felt the college was theirs to pilfer at will with no accountability then at least they know now they are being watched. I understand they have cleaned up their acts and I hope that is the case. They are still responsible for past misdeeds and illegal activities. All of them. Smith callously played with people's lives, causing immeasurable stress and hardship on a lot of good people who were doing their jobs with dedication and honesty. That is reprehensible. I was at the game, I am an advocate of the college, I am NOT and never will be a supporter of this administration. Please don't get the two confused!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/20/2013
Many JCJC advocates were present for a wonderful football game last night at Gulf Coast Community College. GCCC was #1 in the nation before last night. JCJC won the game! It was a wonderful display of excellence that we saw last night. The football team scored 52 points and that created a very enjoyable environment. GCCC scored 42 points. The stands were full of JCJC supporters. Exciting night!!! The student body was totally involved created an enthusiastic atmosphere. I applaud the students, parents, staff, alumni, and others for supporting our Junior College. What a bright light in our community--JCJC!! Thank you coaches, educators and administration for leading our college to excellence! I also checked with some staff members and was informed that "enrollment is up"!!!! The band did an outstanding job and so did the football team. That tells me that the band director and the football coaches have been doing what they are paid to do and that is teach and motivate students. THANK YOU!! Dr. Smith, THANK YOU!!!

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 9/18/2013
I noticed that Jesse Smith claims he saw JCJC's enrollment decline of the last few years coming and wisely planned for it. Yet he tells the faculty they cannot have a raise because no one saw the enrollment decline coming. So which is it, Jesse? One might also ask how "planned for it" means spending gobs of money recklessly while not giving your faculty a raise in a decade. That is unusual planning!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/10/2013
Senior colleges have released enrollment figures for Fall 2013 and it was not good news. I am interested in junior college figures and am wondering why the delay? Every year they were good the numbers were shouted from the rooftops, haven't heard any shouting in a long time.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/10/2013
Am I correct in stating that Jones County Junior College has the highest tuition of any two-year college in the State? That is just basic tuition. Add all the 'incidental' expenses such as lab fees, textbooks, etc. and I bet the real cost of a two year education at JCJC far exceeds those of the other community colleges. I know some people will be quick to point out that it is still a bargain compared to senior colleges but I'm not comparing it to senior colleges. Apples to apples comparison, JCJC's tuition to other MS community colleges is higher. That still can't cover the debt incurred by the Smith administration so now our county taxes are, once again, going up. Those of you who think you don't have a dog in this race, are you still going to think that when you write a check to your tax accessors office?

Submitted By: JCJC Insider	Submitted: 9/7/2013
Whitehead may have hired the former softball coach, but the coach started manufacturing meth and partaking of it during the more, shall we say, freewheeling and party-oriented Jesse Smith era. And here we go again, with more tarnishing of the JCJC image on Smith's watch, by a hand-picked Smith coach. Surely no one with any respect for truth will deny that Jesse's example is one of heavy drinking and hard partying, along with an "anything goes mentality" about student athletes. If this could have been hushed up, Smith would have permitted the coach to remain and the party to continue.

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 9/7/2013
I don't think people are criticizing the young coach so much as they are Jesse Smith's poor decision in hiring him, Jesse's lack of guidance (or more likely downright bad example for the coach) and Smith's hypocrisy in firing the boy. Jesse Smith--as everyone knows--maintains a hard-drinking and party atmosphere around himself and with his high-flying entourage. He lets athletes get away with ANYTHING on campus, and personally loves the casino scene. The poor coach just mistakenly thought old Jesse was leading by example and followed the leader. Some leader....

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/6/2013
Jesse didn't hire the former softball coach. Whitehead did.

Submitted By: Leave the coach alone	Submitted: 9/6/2013
JCJC's coach made a bad choice that I have to concede was pretty stupid. However, losing your job on a first offense stupid seems extreme to me. Maybe the critics out there have never made a stupid decision and maybe they don't need their jobs as bad as I need mine. He's paying a mighty high price. Leave him be.

Submitted By: Stupid, stupid, stupid!	Submitted: 9/5/2013
That JCJC coach was very foolish and deserves to lose his job. Drinking and doing drugs in public. He could have drank at Dr. Smith's house all he wanted AND could have done drugs anywhere on campus and been perfectly safe from law enforcement since Smith protects his athletes!!! Ever wonder why JCJC has a $3,000 drug dog that isn't allowed to search the dorms for drugs? Not only students but some coaches and their families also live in the dorms, folks. Go JCJC!!!

Submitted By: Can't stop laughing!	Submitted: 9/5/2013
I wonder just how it all went down. The girls basketball coach is called into Jesse's office and told he has the option to resign or be fired.. For what? Violation of morality issues? By Jesse? At JCJC? That's about as funny as Walley chewing his subordinates out and telling them they are cheating the college when they take more than a 15 minute break from outside work in 100 degree weather!!! Yep, he's had the nerve to preach morality issues to minimum wage workers on campus after all he has done. Wow, talk about nerve! Sorry, I'm just not proud to be a 'Bobcat' anymore.

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 9/5/2013
So the disastrous and embarrassing situation at JCJC just got worse thanks to a hand-picked Jesse Smith hire and sometimes running buddy. Jesse's spring hire coach for the Lady Bobcats wasted no time getting busted for drunk driving AND marijuana possession. Yet another Jesse Smith decision vindicated and affirmed!!!! Wisdom in a 1000 dollar suit...that's Jesse Smith! Remember his girls softball coach who was busted for manufacturing crystal meth?? The hits just keep on coming from that Party station WJESSE!!! How much lower can our beloved college sink under Jesse Smith and his decisions before the Board stands up and brings in a moral, wise, selfless leader to fix Smiths'. BIG HOT MESS!?!?!?

Submitted By: Arleatha Jones	Submitted: 9/4/2013
I am appalled at the fact of the Laurel Leader referring to Mr. Juan Nelson as a "Dealer". True enough he has a record and has made mistakes in the past. However, at the time of his death he was a working tax payer who by the way was murdered on the streets of Laurel MS. His family is not happy with the label you have attached to an on going tragedy. Once the business of dealing with his tragic death and burial are finished,you can be sure there is unfinished business with you unless there is a retraction of this stereotyping!!!!

Submitted By: Just asking too	Submitted: 9/3/2013
Why doesn't anyone address the problem at JCJC? Nepotism? Possibly? If most of your family is employed there, how can you say anything?

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/3/2013
have you ever heard of free speech, sellers? the reason people are complaining is to get attention to the problems that public officials cause instead of solving them. some people fear retaliation if they report wrongs. this is why the llc has this site. yes we are in a financial mess and that is the reason we want accountability with our taxes.

Submitted By: Insider	Submitted: 9/3/2013
Dear Tracy. Bless your heart!! Anyone even signaling consideration of disagreement with Jesse Smith soon finds they are no longer welcome at JCJC. Critics receive unbearable harassment or simply get fired for whatever excuse Smith and his lackeys create. You cannot "go to the big man in charge at JCJC" with complaints, concerns or criticisms without putting yourself on his enemies list. (And he's actually a rather small man--weak of mind and stunted in character--a small and quite petty little man.) Folks on that enemies list do not retain employment. The Board has been approached numerous times, but proves completely unwilling to do anything. Wow!! Your naivete is as astounding as your spelling. "Fowl" refers to a bird, whereas you mean "foul play," unless you are referencing poultry in some way. And please use plural verbs with plural nouns. "If there ARE such problems...." Wow, you probably would have suggested anyone criticizing Richard Nixon and his "fowl play" should just go and chat with him to straighten everything out.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/3/2013
Test

Submitted By: Tracy Sellers	Submitted: 9/2/2013
OMG, a bunch of grown folks whining and crying over JCJC and Jones County Sheriffs dept. Well instead of whining on here about it why don't you speak up at the meetings. Let your voice be heard and don't hide yourself like a coward. Seriously if you think there is fowl play somewhere then go to the big man in charge at JCJC or to the board of supervisors at Jones County. You all are sounding like a bunch of children. We are in a terrible economy gas prices sky rocketing and now we are looking at another war. Instead of bickering about what is right or wrong do something about it speak up be the voice. Pray for those in the wrong and move on. And shame on laurel leader call for constantly publishing this crap. If there is such problems in Jones County help solve them and not complain about them.

Submitted By: Test	Submitted: 8/29/2013
test....making sure the site works...

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 8/29/2013
Why doesn't the Great State of Mississippi enact a gun law like State of Missouri just did? We have a right to protect our families and our property.Just break into my house or my truck and see what happens.I promise you that I WILL NOT CALL 911.

Submitted By: Carrier	Submitted: 8/29/2013
I read with interest your article on firearms instructor, Cpt. Davidson, and the Enhanced Permit Course he teaches. This course is very informative and is worthy of attendance even if one does not have a carry permit. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has a list of over 200 certified instructors (http://www.dps.state.ms.us/firearms/firearms-permit-unit/enhanced-permit-certified-firearms-instructors/) throughout the state so one should surely find someone near their own neighborhood offering this course. I took my course under Officer Jake Driscoll and found it to be a very enjoyable experience. With all of the events taking place in our society of late that have placed citizens in situations to have to defend themselves from home invasion or violent attacks of some kind, this course has a tremendous value to anyone that may choose to use a firearm in such an encounter.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/27/2013
In today's Laurel Leader Call it states that Football coach, Chet Bergalowski, stated,"It seems like 90% of the time the clock doesn't work. It's embarrassing." Well someone needs to tell Mr. Bergalowski that if he would just go ahead and retire we would be glad for him to go back to Laurel with the rest of his "cronies" and then South Jones would probably win a few games. We need a new athletic leader and a new principal. The ones we have do not care about South Jones. Now let me address why the clock doesn't work-many times when I pass the school at night (midnight) the clock has been left on and is wasting electricity and wearing out the clock. Maybe it would work if someone would take care if it!!! So pat yourself on the back Mr. Bergalowski. We need to do a clean sweep at South Jones and anything is better than what we have. By the way, I care enough to ride by and check on the school at night. Reckon when was the last time Branch or Bergalowski rode by to check on anything!!! Even if it was broken they should have checked on it three weeks ago to see if it worked and should have had the "gumption" to have it fixed. What is wrong with you people!!! I can tell you, "they just don't care"! If I were either the principal or athletic director I would keep my mouth shut when the problem lies at their feet!!! GET IT FIXED!! Don't blame someone else!!!!

Submitted By: Just wondering....	Submitted: 8/25/2013
Kudos to Tim Ishee, Ag. Science instructor at JCJC for his efforts in acquiring a cooperative agreement with MSU that will benefit JCJC students who wish to pursue a four year degree at MS in poultry science. It is so nice to know that male students aren't just being educated to be pulpwood haulers on that end of campus any longer. I am certain this would never have taken place if Walley hadn't had the tag of Dean of Ag. Sciences added to his ever growing list of titles. This way he can take credit for it without having to actually do anything to achieve it, which is what he is so good at anyway. One question though, are we going to have chicken houses on the farm across the road from the President's home to serve as a real life lab? If not, why not? We have cows for a program we don't even have yet and a very expensive tractor that can sometimes be found at Jason Mills farm (Jesse's relative by marriage and an employee of the college.) But back to the issue at hand, the chicken houses. I do see one major obstacle. If they are built how on earth will we ever determine whether the stench is coming from the farm or the main campus? Just asking! Just asking.

Submitted By: Learn from a pro, Jesse!	Submitted: 8/24/2013
As a new year begins at Jones Jr. College I can't help but wonder if the privileged few got their $3,000 Bobcat Bucks cards this year. That's a lot of money to eat at the cafeteria, Wards, and the few other places that take them, even if you are putting guests of the college on your card. But wait, Walley found a way to beat the system. He had the cafeteria order steaks from CORNER MARKET and then he purchased them from the cafeteria using his Bobcat Bucks card! Now, Walley is going to be furious that I spilt the beans. His face is going to turn all red because the last thing he likes is to be exposed for the cheapskate he really is. Bet in public he will keep his cool though and come up with a 'legitimate' reason. He had a plan in mind before he ever had the cafeteria make the order. He will probably say he fed supervisors or better yet school employees lunch or something in appreciation for all they do for the college. Bet his purchase coincides with some major event on campus so it appears to be above-board. Just ask the so-called recipients if they were served good quality steaks, or even steaks in general and I bet they will look at you dumbfounded! And knowing Jim I bet if his 2012 income tax return was checked he even wrote the steaks off as a business expense! The only reason Jesse or Rick would ask is so they could learn how to do it from the pro himself! After all, it's fair game, it's just the taxpayer's money. Bon Appetite!

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 8/23/2013
At JCJC's initial meetings for the year, Jesse Smith tried unsuccessfully to put a good spin on things. He claimed--in a shameless lie-- that colleges all across Mississippi and the nation were suffering the same downturns. Really???? All over America, colleges and universities have declined in enrollment by over a third in seven years?!?!? I think we would have heard such shocking and upsetting news. No, this is a Jesse problem, which he tried to cover with a Jesse lie, which no one believes. The faculty despises the lie and the little liar. Just leave already and let someone fix our school, Jesse. You've done enough FOR yourself and QUITE ENOUGH TO our school.

Submitted By: Epic McPhail	Submitted: 8/23/2013
At JCJC's initial meetings for the year, Jesse Smith tried unsuccessfully to put a good spin on things. He claimed--in a shameless lie-- that colleges all across Mississippi and the nation were suffering the same downturns. Really???? All over America, colleges and universities have declined in enrollment by over a third in seven years?!?!? I think we would have heard such shocking and upsetting news. No, this is a Jesse problem, which he tried to cover with a Jesse lie, which no one believes. The faculty despises the lie and the little liar. Just leave already and let someone fix our school, Jesse. You've done enough FOR yourself and QUITE ENOUGH TO our school.

Submitted By: JCJC Class of 1970.	Submitted: 8/22/2013
I graduated from JCJC in 1970, so I guess you can say I've seen a lot. I raised my kids in Perry County and they too graduated from JCJC. I think the campus looks good, really good. The new construction is nice, nothing shabby about that. On the surface things look pretty good. Just take a little trip down South to Poplarville, MS like I did last week to visit friends and see what real leadership can do. That junior college was just like JCJC a few years ago, under Ted Alexander's presidency. He spent them into the red with very little to show for it. Ran that college like it was his own kingdom, literally, just like Dr. Smith has done. Faculty/staff moral was low, debt high, and a board without the where-with-all to make a change. I don't know what the straw was that broke the camels back, but finally the board pulled together enough votes to terminate his contract and end his reign of terror. It wasn't easy, it took awhile, but it was finally accomplished. A true leader, a man with integrity and a vision that was far from self serving was hired, William Lewis, and look at the results today. Out of the ashes of Alexander's presidency a thriving, financially sound institution of higher learning has risen. New construction on every corner of that campus is underway in order to accommodate a growing student population. No rumors of misconduct or misappropriation of funds, and qualified, ethical employees who do more than play lip-service in their dedication to PRC and not themselves. I have hope for JCJC but the board of trustees is going to have to take a realistic look at what the Presidency of Smith has accomplished. PRC has beautiful grounds too, but they have so much more. JCJC has beautiful grounds and a couple of beautiful new buildings but that just isn't enough to justify the money that has been spent over the last few years. Dr. Smith has had more than enough time to establish himself as a leader and he has failed. It is time to take the college in a new direction. Please, Board members, citizens and alumni, take a really hard and honest look at JCJC, compare it to our nearest competitor and act accordingly.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/20/2013
the sheriff and supervisors and county manager are raising property taxes again. I knew it. social security receivers may get a .01 increase. the county wants to give 5%. we do not live in a democracy. we are a so-called democracy in a republic. looks like Hillary gonna be next president. there is too much in-breeding in politics. we have had too many Clintons,bushes, and now obamas wife may enter politics. forgot about the kennedys. the powers that be decides who runs for president. the little people have no voice. the little people have no say in a local tax increase. do any of you remember last years tax increase for 2013. in ten years no one in jones county will be able to own a nice car or home. it does not pay in our society to work hard, try to get ahead, because our elected officials do not care about the 50% of us paying property taxes. its about time for a revolution in this county,state,and nation. a rebellion is coming. the older people in our county should be ashamed of themselves for the burden that the younger generation must bear. I am a older person. our high sheriff sits on his throne making big bucks with two incomes. his business has taken off since becoming sheriff. one of these days the common folk will get tired of high taxes and no representation by our elected kings. do some simple math and see what your property taxes will be in 10 years. I would like to see our newspapers to list the salaries of all of jcjc's employees and the jones county employees. at one time when a person decided to go into public service it was because of service to others. not now.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/20/2013
How can anyone who has even one tiny bit of integrity choose to side with Jess. Even if you can't believe everything that has been written here, how can you ignore what's verifiable? Anthony Maddox payments and Jennifer's employment are two examples. Does working at the college, padding your retirement, really mean that much to you? Have you really no morals at all? I always worked ethics into my classes, one way or the other. Everyone in administration with the exception of Youngblood was a teacher at one time. It makes me sick to think you were helping to mold future Anerican citizens. Sick.

Submitted By: Pool or no pool, that is the question.	Submitted: 8/19/2013
Guess I'm a little late coming to the party but what's going on at Jones? First they have a pool, then they have half a pool, then they want a whole pool so the President's little girl can have her birthday party there. Seems like a little better communication would save us taxpayers a whole lot of money. Or just have the party somewhere else, oh, they might have to pay for that! Just get it together. I'm tired of paying for other people's goofs. How much is this going to cost us?

Submitted By: Under the Dome	Submitted: 8/19/2013
Now, just why would there be so much commotion regarding JCJC and the powers that be? Speculation is rampant by the public, employees, and of course the administrators. Some of these administrators have said that they are choosing to ignore the postings. People take notice!! So many of you know first-hand that information posted here is not just speculative but has merit. While those who have retired from JCJC have no reason to become involved in this less than attractive soap opera, there are those who are still employed that are fearing they will be asked to leave due to a shortage of students and money. Again, let the point be made, if all other community/junior colleges are doing well with enrollment, why is it that JCJC is singled out to have a reduction in number? Oh, that’s right – Jesse states that it is an economic happening – wow, he must be watching “Under the Dome” – that would create a scenario where whatever he says becomes truth. The tangled web statement made on this forum is correct – a bunch of bobbing heads who are afraid to do anything but plant a fixed smile on their faces and endure this reign of terror in order to keep their families fed and clothed. Jess states that all are professionals? Oh yes, they are certainly that – professionals that are managed by less than upstanding characters out in the shadows of the night.

Submitted By: Oh what tangled webs we weave....	Submitted: 8/18/2013
Another school year, another crock of lies. Keep this picture in mind as you read this, you know the bobble heads, the ones people put on the dashboards of their cars, grinning from ear to ear and their heads bouncing up and down frantically, this is what the audience members looked like at the back-to-school faculty and staff meeting at JCJC. A bunch of bobble heads! Well, not all, but Jesse's gang were easy to spot. I'm just trying to figure out what the lies and half-truths are that he was referring to that were being published in the LLC Soundoff. Is it a lie that Anthony Maddox was paid illegally, no, that one is true if it was for the reason I believe it was for (and no one has come forth with a legitimate reason) Was it a lie that Jesse paid for meals for his daughter's high school soccer team members and their families and coaches with a JCJC credit card to the tune of over $2,000? No, that one's true and he has probably abused that card many times. Was it a lie that people were forced to retire who did not want to? No, YOU have lied about that repeatedly telling folks that just wasn't true but it is true. Is it a lie that you have systematically targeted employees you felt were disloyal to you and made their lives a living hell all because you are one paranoid egotistical tyrant? Nope, that one is true. Is it a lie that you threatened campus police for arresting an athlete and while transporting him to jail they were forced to return him to campus and the security officer involved 'demoted' to grounds crew for defying you? No, that one is true. Is it a lie that you have spent foundation money questionably? No, that one is true. (and probably a lot more than even we are aware of....to date) Is it a lie that you have had your first cousin Reggie perform at the college and paid him over $15,000 total for these performances? No, that one is true. Is there anything that's been written about Jim Walley that isn't true? NO! Just the opposite, there is a lot more to be written about him and how he has abused his positions and bilked the taxpayers over the years. So just what are the lies, Jesse, and who is really telling them? You remind me so much of Bill Clinton, ' I never had sex with that woman.' And all your little groupies smiling up at you and bobbing their heads up and down. Rick, Jim, Lavern, Caroline, Finee (the nanny) now the executive director of marketing. (Guess we've done some good, they call her a different name, not a v.p. like her predecessor, even though I'm sure the pay is the same. We're just suppose to be too dumb to know.) How pathetic. Go ahead, drink the Koolaid groupies. And this is suppose to be an institution of higher learning, ha! This place is as corrupt as the Hattiesburg mayorial election! And I used to have such respect for Jennifer, she's just another Hilary or Anthony Weiner's wife. Standing by her man with a smile on her face so she and the kids can live in the big house. What price fame? How much is enough when he continues to lie without even blinking? This man is capable of lying about anything and everything. I think he has done it so much he doesn't even realize it or recognize it as wrong anymore. No, I wasn't at the faculty meeting Jesse. And before you go off on one of your tangents and accuse some innocent person it was one of your simpletons telling me about it. I just have a picture in my head and I can see the grinning, bobbing heads even now. Now, phase II. Green acres, very green acres, at least for a few! Go get it Oliver and Lisa, Mr. Haney and Eb, Sam Drucker and the crew at Hooterville. It's there for the taking! You've got a live audience for your laugh track, applauding your every folly!

Submitted By: Say it ain't so	Submitted: 8/18/2013
I have just heard that Chief Brown has ordered his Batallian chiefs to move some of the firemen based on the color of their skin. He said he wants more diversity at the stations. Someone needs to file a suit with the Justice Department and put a stop to this obvious violation of the civil rights of these guys. They are under enough stress without having to worry about a loose cannon for a Chief. Say it ain't so Chief

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/12/2013
I have lived in Moselle for most of my life. Until Alex Hodge became sheriff we seldom even saw a sheriff's deputy. Now, we have regular patrols and law enforcement is a welcome presence in our community. I have had a limited contact with these deputies but I can tell you they that the ones I have met are courteous, professional, and appear to be well trained, a far cry from what previously represented law enforcement in Jones County. I don't know Mr. Hodge personally, never met him as far as I know, but I know from friends that personally feel he is an arrogant, egotistical S.O. B. Too bad, I wish he wasn't but as long as that office operates with the degree of professionalism it now has I'll choose to take the bad with the good. From what I understand Mr. Hodge had his nice house BEFORE becoming sheriff, and he had his personal business BEFORE becoming sheriff. He hasn't used his position to make himself wealthy as have so many public officials. I'm not naive, and I don't condone any shenigans in regard to letting public officials or their families get away with anything. But you don't be naive either, this has been a practice long before Mr. Hodge took office and will be long after he leaves. It has always been our responsibility as citizens to be involved in our government but complacency by our citizens has always been a problem. So I defend your right to scream in protest if you feel Mr. Saul received special treatment, go ahead, cause a ruckus, you are right to do so. But don't throw the baby out with the wash water, we are so much better off with law enforcement now in this county than we have ever been. If someone else who can do better runs for office I will remember this incident with Mr. Saul and act accordingly. But I will not vote to re-elect what we previously had in office, we've come way too far on the road to improvement to regress now.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/10/2013
our sheriff walks a crooked line. the supervisor now owes the sheriff. these people are one audience. there is a club that sells booze in hebron. the sheriff allows this. this group is another audience. they owe the sheriff. on sundays he caters to church folk. they owe him. this is another group. he has added and added positions within his department. more votes from this audience. he has his own business. how much business and votes does this bring in. our sheriff changes color with each special interest group. soon he will control the supervisors, the churches, county employees, his business employees, and on and on. these young politicians will cause taxes to increase. some of us knew him in the last election. a few have now changed horses. how much does his prison garden cost. how much does it produce. does anyone benefit from the garden besides feeding inmates. what about the farm supply stores. they are another group. what about his photo ops. he drives from one end of county to another for promoting himself. his roots go deep. gonna be hard unseating him. more vehicles he has more gas he must buy. more lube jobs for the county to pay. my prediction is the aloof voters and his audiences will vote him back in. this way he can reach more audiences. he is one of the best politicians jones county has ever had. he is good at getting reelected. there are qualified people in jones county but he goes out of the county for help. I am a tax payer that has had enough of the elected officials that don't give a dime about the 50% of citizens paying high property taxes. look at jcjc, the jones county schools, and all the tax eating officials like our board of supervisors. they promote themselves and not our county. our county could cut 25% of its budget and still be productive. a tax payer can go into the jones county tax office and they are like a bunch of vultures. they sitting on their fat rear ends and wont even speak. the tax collector needs to teach them some manners. one of these days jones county will be like Detroit. once you create new programs they are here to stay. the jones county schools outsourced its floor cleaning services this summer. now the vendor is beholding to the supt. I guess I am the only jones countian that hates paying high taxes. our insurance rates keep escalating. where is the state insurance comm. our electricity rates keep increasing. where is the public service commission. things are not going to get better. people that work are getting tired of working and paying more taxes. it may pay to quit work.

Submitted By: OLD TAX PAYER	Submitted: 8/8/2013
SURPRISE,SURPRISE,SURPRISE IS THIS ANOTHER CASE OF DOUBLE STANDARD AT OUR JAIL HOUSE CONCERNING SUPR.MR SAUL'S DUI. THE HIGH SHERIFF SAYS IT'S A GLITCH WITH A COMPUTER.IT SEEMS TO HAVE WORKED BEFORE AND AFTER.WILL THE HIGH SHERIFF PUT HIS HAND ON THE BIBLE AND SWEAR THIS IS THE TRUTH!! REMEMBER COME ELECTION TIME,I VOTED FOR HIM THE FIRST TIME BUT NO MORE.

Submitted By: Double standard alive and well	Submitted: 8/6/2013
So called justice is and has been as long as I can remember no justice at all. Those that have money and status or are connected to those that do are let go, taken home, with tickets destroyed if ever written, and charges never brought. On the other hand, if you're young, poor, and have no connections you're arrested, have a record that ruins your life, and charged fines you could never possibly pay. It is corrupt, wrong, and purely shameful. Still, it is that way.

Submitted By: OLD TAX PAYER	Submitted: 8/6/2013
I READ IN THE PAPER WHERE A TOW TRUCK OPERATOR WAS ARRESTED AT A CRASH SITE FOR INTOXICATION BY THE MS.HIWAY PETROL.FROM WHAT I READ HE WAS ONE OF THE LAW INFORCEMENT BROTHERS.BUT WHAT IS SO STRANGE ABOUT THIS IS HE DID NOT HAVE HIS NAME OR PICTURE ON THE JONES CO. JAIL ROOSTER. DO WE HAVE A DOUBLE STAND,ONE FOR AVERAGE PEOPLE AND ONE FOR THE LAW INFORCEMENT COMMUNITY,BY THE WAY HIS NAME WAS MICHEAL TOLBERT(FROM THE PAGES OF THE LEADER CALL)

Submitted By: Rumors galore!	Submitted: 8/3/2013
Rumors are flying as to who is behind the effort to 'discredit' (I say expose) Jesse, Walley, and the Board, and I've heard some wild ones. I may not know who is, but I have a strong opinion on who SHOULD be. Let's start with Tisdale and Whitehead. To put it simply they are both responsible. One of them was smart enough to know exactly what Walley was up to and capable of doing (Tisdale) while the other was scared half to death of him but still had the power to fire him for not doing his job (Whitehead). Instead both of these men chose to terminate others during their presidencies who were far less deserving. Their actions or inactions have a direct impact on what is happening at Jones now. Someone told me that when he went to work at Jones, years before Jesse became president, he was told to watch out for Walley, that he was 'the most dangerous person on that campus'. How right the advice. I told him it appeared to me that Walley 'grooms' people much like we've learned a pedophile grooms his young victims. I've seen him in action, I've experienced it myself. He identifies who might be in a position now or in the future to meet his needs. To that individual he is solicitous (showing care, sincerity, concern, an eagerness to assist...that word paints a perfect picture of him, doesn't it?) A favor here, a little something there and you have been bought and paid for, how sad. You thought you were in control, laughing at him behind his back. But just like a child you don't even realize you have been manipulated into a position where you feel obligated to defend him in order to protect yourself (am I right co-workers, Board members?) You are there, part of the 'inner circle', just to serve his needs. Lucky you. And you better be loyal, you know what the consequences are if you aren't! Jesse is just one in a long line of victims. He won't be the last. I'm not excusing Jesse, don't get me wrong. Even with his limitations even he must now recognize he made wrong choices, acknowlege many of his actions were purely self serving, and regret that even a few were downright illegal. But then again, probably not. Ultimately, it's his name (or Rick's) on the dotted line. Walley has a lifetime of experience in covering his ass, he was this way when he was a student at Jones for heaven's sake, probably even before! Jesse and Rick are amateurs. It will be interesting to see what, if anything comes of all of this. An educated guess is that Jesse and Rick will fall hard while Walley will slither away scot free.

Submitted By: Courageous deeds	Submitted: 8/3/2013
To the three people who had the courage to testify in the Dupree/Ware trial in Hattiesburg, I think you are truly amazing. To the young man who admitted he was in Texas and could not have voted for Dupree, I commend you. To the city employee who testified that she overheard Bolton, the jailer, threatening to retaliate against a prisoner even though she was so fearful of losing her job, I truly admire your courage. To the prisoner who testified he was approached by Bolton, the jailer, and promised shorter jail time if he voted for Dupree all I can say is WOW, you are truly a hero. Not only did these people 'talk the talk', which as we all know talk is cheap, they 'walked the walk' as well to make sure right prevailed. I'm sure none of these people wanted to be in the position they were put in and how easy it would have been for them to keep silent and 'hope' someone else, with less to lose, would step forward. Whatever the outcome, thank God for people with character. For those who possessed information but kept silent out of fear, your silence makes you an accomplice, as guilty as those who committed the illegal activities. You can not possibly have more to lose than these three individuals, remember that when you are making your excuses.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/31/2013
Re: Hattiesburg's Mayoral election. Am I the only one who wonders how/why this ever went to court? I certainly don't have all the facts but based on what has been made public, I can offer a simple solution. 1. Examine every ballot for legality. 2. Throw out EVERY ballot that doesn't qualify. 3. Re-count the ballots (I'll help). 4. Swear in the new Mayor. (Probably Dave Ware) It will save a TON of money and get the lawyers and court out of it. There are serious problems in this country. Is it time for a 'do over', Nationwide?

Submitted By: Mistakes	Submitted: 7/31/2013
Knew I had made the mistakes but had already hit submit, thanks for commenting....now, do you know about any FACTUAL errors?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/30/2013
No one, not "Know one". Comment, not "commit". Geez.

Submitted By: JCJC Insider	Submitted: 7/30/2013
Here is more evidence of how bad things are at JCJC under Jesse Smith: Funds are so short and enrollment so far down and uncertain that the faculty has not even received contracts for fall semester yet. NEVER have contracts gone out anywhere near this late. School starts in two weeks!!! Yet teachers at what used to be the best--and best managed--2 year college in the state don't know if they have jobs. That's how dire the financial situation is, and how low enrollment is at our once thriving college. JCJC this fall will be lucky to have 2/3 the students she had before Smith took over from Whitehead. After peaking above 6600 in the Whitehead era, we are below 4500 under Jesse and falling steadily. That is the loss of 1/3 of the student body!! Can you imagine if State or USM or Ole Miss had lost a third of their students in less than 7 years (the time Jesse Smith has been at the helm)????? Unbelievable!!!! Of course, holding contracts is also a way for Smith to try and intimidate teachers into silence about JCJC's disastrous situation. It's the kind of thing incompetent bullies do instead of behave ethically and honorably.

Submitted By: DRB	Submitted: 7/30/2013
I always check out this board to see what everyone is complaining about these days back in Jones County. Here are my thoughts re: JCJC. First off, I went to JCJC years ago (04-06) and certainly enjoyed my time there. I know that Jesse Smith made some campus improvements (some if you described them as "beautification") that were much needed...like replacing the Humanities building. The old one was very old and had problems with flooding and was, frankly, gross. Although, I'm sure, some projects could be defined as extravagant and wasteful. I can't comment on the business reasoning for them. However, having a clean, nice-looking, and well-functioning campus is key to attracting top students. Nobody wants to learn in a dump. The one thing I will scold most of you on is attacking someone's personal wealth or their personal budgeting. Who cares if he drives $50,000 SUV? These days, if you click all the options, a Ford Fusion will run you 40K. I'm sorry, if you are 50+ years old and you CAN'T afford a 50K car if you want one, then I think you've done something wrong. I'm 27 and can easily afford a 50K car. So what if the former president drove a Crown Victoria? By that logic we should nail him to the cross for not driving a Corolla? But why not an old Pinto, that'll still get you from point A to point B. And who cares if someone has a vacation home? If a person has been successful and they can afford it, then good for them. Do not attack them for it. It's not as if these people (Jesse/Jim) were poor and are suddenly rich through JCJC or have leached off JCJC their entire lives. It's ok to say someone sucks at their job if the record shows they do. But, don't attack them for having a successful life regardless of if they suck at their current role. The president makes $200K a year? Maybe it's because I don't live in Mississippi anymore, but that's not THAT much money. I make half that and all I have is a Bachelors degree. If you want to criticize someone, do it on the merit of their work based upon factual items. However, do not just attack every aspect of a person.

Submitted By: About bizarre allegations	Submitted: 7/28/2013
If you know for a fact that certain allegations are not true, as you stated, please identify what they are. We are all interested in knowing. Know one wants to state something that isn't true. If I have made ANY commit that was in error I want to know about it and I will retract and apologize immediately. I sincerely mean this!

Submitted By: Wondering	Submitted: 7/27/2013
I can't help but notice the paper is not printing the Sound-offs any longer in its print edition. Do the long tentacles of JCJC reach all the way to the LLC? Just curious.

Submitted By: Please don't hurt the cause	Submitted: 7/27/2013
Valid concerns about serious problems at JCJC are being raised by people that know the facts about morale, enrollment, spending priorities, and the institution's financial health. Unfortunately there are others who are ranting, name calling, and throwing out all kinds of bizarre allegations that I know for certain are not true. Please, forum posters, make sure your "facts" are accurate and post them in a civil manner. My grandmother always told me "I can't hear you when you scream". The facts need to be heard. Please stop screaming.

Submitted By: Mac	Submitted: 7/27/2013
Yep, Jesse needs to do that, too. (Sober up!)

Submitted By: House of Cards	Submitted: 7/27/2013
When Jesse took over Jones had 11 million dollars in the bank and no debt. Now Jones is in debt to the tune of 30 million. Jesse/Jim spent the 11 million in the first two years of their reign on beautification and other projects. For 30 years, the President of Jones drove one of the crown vic's that were part of the Jones fleet. That wasn't good enough for Jesse. He HAD to have a $50,000.00 SUV because his ego won't allow him to drive a lowly crown vic. Prior to Jesse's reign, Jones had the highest paid teachers and the lowest tuition in the state. Now Jones has the lowest paid teachers and highest tuition. Jesse/Jim have successfully traded our jobs for pretty buildings and SUV's. The board is as much to blame as Jesse and Jim. Jesse and Jim can't do anything without its approval. The board is a complete joke with the exception of a few. They put lackeys on the board so they won't have any resistance to their agenda. The house of cards is crumbling and I'll be the first to say I told you so when it complete falls down.

Submitted By: Please	Submitted: 7/27/2013
Sober up.

Submitted By: To dpd and other Jesse supporters	Submitted: 7/26/2013
Sorry, didn't mean to hit the button. I also assume you think it inappropriate to expose Jim Walley for the opportunist he is, drawing a salary as a teacher when he in fact did not teach for years. Instead he was amassing a personal fortune by ingratiating himself with administrators and board members by providing some of them with perks such as flights on corporate jets, vacations at his million dollar Ono Island beach house, and European vacations, among others. He built his own kingdom on the backs of decent working individuals who at one time were madder than hell about it but have since been blinded by personal rewards. Remember this is at YOUR and my expense by kissing the asses and exploiting the human weaknesses of people who were in a position to stop him but instead they too chose personal gain. It has been made clear OVER AND OVER AGAIN in this 'blog' why people can not come forward. They have NO protection from this administration. What don't you understand about that? According to one of Jesse's supporters the Board attorney calls it 'gossip' to justify inaction, why don't we call them what they really are....allegations. When people are suspected of crimes or misconduct they are investigated and 'allegedly' presumed innocent until proven guilty. But they ARE investigated none the less. We can't even get an ACKNOWLEGMENT for heaven's sake from the board, much less an investigation! So it only took six minutes to locate sources of help on the Internet. O.k., you found them. Then what did you do other than writing this forum for which you have critized us? Have YOU approached a board member and asked for information? Have YOU contacted any of those other sources you are so quick to point out and asked what they are doing? I bet the answer is no. Why not, YOU don't have anything to lose and everything to gain as a taxpayer and businessman? Why didn't YOU publish your name since you are so quick to point out that we 'hide' under anonymity and thus have no credibility? Obviously since this forum is anonomous we will never know the answer to these questions but I highly suspect you are a Board of Trustee member. Well, all I can say is if you are you have had your chance, I can't speak for others but I will speak for myself. I'm not 'asking' any of you to investigate this administration any more. Take that as you will. You say 'little support' has been provided in this forum for the misuse of funds. That is not our responsibility. We are citizens, not paid auditors, chancery clerks, attorney generals, or other elected officials who do have the responsibility to monitor public officials and/or public institutions.... ONE MORE TIDBIT, A LITTLE MORE FOOD FOR THOUGHT..Have you even asked anyone if $50,000 was spent on 5 cows for a farm we don't even have? Did you know Jesse wants a $2,000,000 show barn to showcase a program we don't even have and don't even need? Have you even asked how much it is going to cost to establish the farm? Has it even crossed your mind what the motive is behind the push for this farm? Have you thought to ask who is going to benefit from it...students? Or a faculty member, administrator, or relative of Jesse's? Have you even wondered if this is the most efficient use of our funds? Tying the college to an endeavor that is going to benefit few, if any JCJC students and require continuous funding disproportionate to any expected benefits for years and years to come? Or do we, as you suggest, go blindly along (but paying through the nose) with this latest scheme because we are just too damned lazy to put forth the mental effort to explore WHY this is needed and too damned lazy to put forth any physical effort to discover WHO will really benefit from this. Are we to be bullied into silence and acquiesence by people like you whose motives, I suspect, or not honorable at all! No, let's shoot the messengers. It's easier, requires the least amount of effort and we personally benefit by silencing those who would expose us. Oh, I bet that works for you if you are a board member or one of Jesse's obedient followers or a beneficary of his projects. IN CLOSING, I don't have the answer to this absolute mess that JCJC has become. I would have asked before that the board terminate Jesse's contract if for no other reason than he has no leadership skills or credibility left. I would have also asked that Walley be terminated immediately if for no other reason than he has defrauded the college and the state of Mississippi long enough. I would have asked that a national search take place and a new president with no previous affiliation to Jones be appointed because every single present administrator is tainted (deserving or not) in some way just by their affiliation with the present administration. I would have suggested that a new president with no afffiliation to the college would be in a position to evaluate each and every one of the current administrators...starting with their expertise and credentials and upon those findings replace those found lacking. I would have suggested that these are administrative decisions to be made by the new president, ones that shouldn't have to be fought out in this forum. But until the Board does this, takes action, this is the only place people have to share their knowledge or express their feelings. PLEASE UNDERSTAND WHAT I AM SAYING, I don't care because it DOES NOT MATTER if it's first or second hand information or even just a gut feeling I want to know what is happening on that campus and I have a right to know. I also don't care BECAUSE IT DOES NOT MATTER what their motives are.....disgruntled employee, forced retiree, or town drunk if they know or even suspect wrong doing by the present administration they have a right to express it and it should be investigated. Don't say that's not feasible, that it's financially too expensive. Is it more expensive than veternarian expenses for cows worth $10,000 each, $15,000 entertainment costs for Jesse's first cousin to perform twice on campus, or for millions spent in the last several years for vice presidents who were never needed before? HOW MUCH CLEARER CAN I SAY IT

Submitted By: To did	Submitted: 7/25/2013
I am the one who is a bit confused. If you have read the 'blogs' as you suggest then you would KNOW that the board has been contacted and that they, on advice of the board attorney have been told not to respond or to take any action. Can I say it any clearer than that?

Submitted By: dpd	Submitted: 7/25/2013
As I read these comments I am a bit confused. I read of wide ranging misuse and waste, but little support. I am not saying its not there just that its possible im not going to take one blog post as gospel. I did read part of the financial disclosures on the website previously listed. some of those numbers will make your jaw drop, With that said read the financials of any large operation and they will make you $250 power bill look like a godsend. I understand people want to protect loved ones, or friends connected. I own a business, Own a home in Jones county and some of the things addressed in this message board give me pause. A lot of the post be positive or negative seem to come from people not willing to step forward and say this happened to me..... Rather second hand at best feelings about what is happening at Jones County. Maybe its that I didn't grow up here, or that I think large groups are by nature wasteful. I guess my post is simple if you think my money and your money are being wasted take the necessary steps. I did a google search and in about 6 minutes of typing found several places for you to voice your concerns. I would start with the people we have elected that serve as a board. After that if you think you need to keep going then those options are out there. If i can find it in six minutes on google I am sure you can. I also wonder why the need for personal attacks, short of Mr. Smith they all seem spiteful and do little to help your cause. As my dad said if you run a crew they are your crew success or failure. I am a fiscal conservative. Ive been up and down and no one has ever bailed me out. So If you have something that we should know please report it, I caution that with it shouldn't be something you heard or someones someone told you. Cold hard facts. None of the personal stuff this blog/ message board/ sometime axe grinding website offers haha. I don't have the legacy of being from Jones County but moved here by choice, because I like this community. I care if my tax dollars are being wasted, I care if my employees and their families get everything they've supported, and I care that this college that has played a role in this community thrives. let the crazy retorts begin haha.

Submitted By: Refugee from tyranny	Submitted: 7/24/2013
One indicator of the health of any organization or school is how fast the workers flee the bad conditions or are told "we can no longer afford you." In the recent past JCJC has encouraged retirement, refused to renew, or lost these employees who sought other jobs: 1. Eddie Pierce, head football coach 2. Sherry Chancellor, library docent 3. Joann Garraway, business teacher 4. Matthew Pickering, band director 5. Marlo Dorsey, VP of Marketing 6. Dr. Joel Loftin, law professor 7. Dr. Shannon Campbell, academic dean 8. Lisa Little, culinary arts teacher 9. Cynthia Bush, math teacher and sports tutor 10. Judy Prine, early childhood education teacher 11. Jim Kelly, history teacher 12. Dr. Sharon Gerald, English teacher 13. Dr. Tammy Townsend, English and creative writing teacher 14. Bridget Maskew, business office 15. Ron Brewer, assistant football coach And there are others. Most of these people have departed JCJC in the past year. Some have gone to area high schools. Some have gone to Hinds. Some have gone to Gulfcoast. Their careers are altered and some families uprooted because of bad management decisions. What a shame. Someone will replace them and teach our children, but is it right?

Submitted By: Jones Insider	Submitted: 7/24/2013
Dear Jesse, Contrary to your narcissistic delusions there is not only ONE person against you. "It" is NOT all about revenge. It IS about your destruction of OUR school. The only people who agree with your idea of leadership are on your payroll; mostly in vice president positions. Many of these VPs only agree with you to your face. Are you so gullible to think that you are still respected as a leader? Do you really think people trust you? How does it feel to know that no one is who they seem. Et tu, Brute? Dear Board of Trustees, What a disappointment. It is obvious by now that Jesse has told you, yet again, what you want to hear. Continue believing that all is great at JCJC. Continue to enjoy your free meals and special perks. Remember this when you are not re-elected for the public office you hold. Know this: The morale and camaraderie is irreparably damaged under Jesse's reign. Can you imagine the toxic work environment that has been culminating over the summer? How effective will the faculty and staff be when school begins with all these allegations, but no denials, admissions or apologies? Dear Bob Sullivan, As an attorney, you must be aware of illegalities. Maybe this is your modicum of defense: say nothing, indirectly intimidate others and hope the smoke clears. What a shame. Dear Peru University "grad", You know and we know why you hold your current position. Just because you purchase an online Master's degree doesn't mean you are actually qualified for the job. Think you can defend the administration? You want credibiliy as a "cabinet" member? Take some real classes. Red, I do believe you're talking out of your ass.

Submitted By: Wrong one sweetheart	Submitted: 7/24/2013
I am not a disgruntled employee, retiree, fired employee, past president, presidential hopeful or drunk. Who I am is a Vietnam veteran who served this country when I was called to do so and am now suffering from a debilitating disease because of it. I have EARNED the right to express my concerns about what is going on in a tax supported public institution. I paid the price and pay it every day sweetheart so don't try to shame me. What have you done for anyone other than yourself for you to sit in judgement of those who are demanding honesty and accountability? You are the one who should be ashamed for blindly defending and following people who have used your gullibility for their benefit. My quality of life is shot to hell and days on this earth short. I have EARNED everything I own by the sweat of my brow, paid my own way, and put in a day's work for a day's wages. I have lived a hard life but it's been one lived with honor and courage to stand up for what I believe. Seems like there are very few of us left.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/24/2013
The Board Attorney is covering his ass, the board's ass, and Jesse's ass. Stop being a complete idiot and grow a brain.

Submitted By: Not slander because it is TRUE!	Submitted: 7/24/2013
It's SLANDER? Are you kidding me?!?! How DUMB are you? I have a pretty good idea who you are by the way you write and the extremely shallow way you think, and how much you are certainly overpaid. Not one word has been said about Walley or Jesse that isn't true and yet you defend them. Where is REASON in all of this? The Board attorney is B.S.ing you and you fall for it hook, line and sinker. It's not gossip, ir's in black and white, printed in the docket, month after month. $5,000 Anthony Maddox. The Board Attorney knows why and knows it was illegal. If he doesn't and that is a big IF, he should be obligated, at the Board's request, to find out the answer. He doesn't want US to know, don't you get it?!?!? You have sold your soul for 30 pieces of silver. You are willing to attack good people in order to protect fools and self-serving individuals because they hired you and they protect your job. Change the administration and your gravy train will be over because you are so pathetically underqualified for any position at an institution for higher learning! Don't you act all moral with me when your actions, protecting the guilty, scream immorality. You need to grow up and IF you have a brain, and that's a big IF, use it!

Submitted By: NEWS ALERT: JCJC RENAMED JCAJC	Submitted: 7/23/2013
For those of you not 'in the loop' with Jones County Junior College, the 'leadership' of Jesse Smith and Jim Walley has taken the college in a whole new direction. While many of the traditional vocational/technical programs have been annihilated by this administration, it seems that Jesse and his elitist hangers on have decided JCJC should compete with MS State University. Yep, we gonna have us a farm boys, Green Acres. Must be a gentlemen's farm because the man hired to run it (a relative of Jesse's by marriage) and Tim Ishee, ag science teacher were given $50,000 for a starter herd. Yes, they traveled around the country, viewing programs and collecting data,... I guess, ...on how best to do this. They came home with 5 cows. Yes, 5. Of course, we don't have the farm yet so we have to lease property from a fellow church member of Jesse's (tip, if you want to work at Jones either marry into the family or move your church membership to First Baptist of Ellisville, you'll be a shoe-in). I call this putting the cow before the farm, (horse before the cart?) analogy. MS State is ranked 6th in the nation in ag. research expenditures. (We are talking millions annually here people.) They have state of the art facilities and a vast network set up throughout the state with extension programs, etc. They have 1800 undergraduates and 900 graduate and professional students annually in their programs. We have 5 cows. 5 very expensive cows. 5 pedigreed cows! And a big new shiny air conditioned tractor. Red, it's a beaut! Only the best! Come on folks. Really? Guess we'll rename ourselves Jones County Agricultural Junior College...MS State or Piney Woods branch?

Submitted By: Redneck Bobcat	Submitted: 7/23/2013
Sounds to this old redneck and JCJC grad like Jesse Smith ain't got a clue on how to run a school, but sure knows how to fill his own plate--and Jim Walleyes--up with the fat of the land. Smith is plainly incompetent and makes near 200 GRAND a year!?!? Are you kidding me? Walleye makes like 150 GRAND but hardly comes to campus. Everybody tells me you can see Jim Walleye at the FloraBama bar in gulf shores most any day of the week. How is somebody Vice President of a SCHOOL in Jones County but stays in gulf shores all the time? How does a school administrator afford a super rich home on a gated private island? If you say his timber company, I ask how does he have time to be number 2 man at Jones? Here's my big question. What does he do for Jesse Smith--not the school, Jesse -- that makes him so dadgum valuable!?!? What are they up to??? And why don't somebody tell 'em both that JCJC is taxpayer owned, not theirs!!! Why are they living like KINGS while OUR school goes to hell in a few short years -- the Smith Walleye years. Broke school that used to be flush. Busted enrollment. Mad as heck students!!! This is WRONG and the Board does NOTHING. Makes a fella wonder about them, too. Well I said my piece.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/23/2013
Now you are slandering other members of the JCJC Staff...how awful! The Board Attorney is right!! You cannot take action because of "gossip" and not proof! The teacher (man) who was fired because of inappropriate behavior with a student, the woman who was released because she was an alcoholic and late to work consistently, the past president who wanted his son to be president, the other applicant who did not get the job of president, and many other disgruntled people who did not get their way and want to lie and cause problems. Hopefully this board will keep focused on JCJC and not listen to these people who only want to cause doubt and be deceitful. Thank you board. Move forward and listen to people who know what is going on and that is not the people on this forum.

Submitted By: Mad Bobcat	Submitted: 7/23/2013
What The JCJC board needs to do is call down to USM and try to get Dr. Shannon Campbell to come back home. She was obviously doing the work of two people since it took two academic deans, Candace Weaver and Mark Taylor, to replace her. Dr. Campbell was a bargain and we did not even realize it. Maybe she could do the jobs of Jim Walley and Caroline Kelly since she has more education than both of them put together.

Submitted By: Betsy Goodface	Submitted: 7/23/2013
As local sheriff's and police try to scare you about CANNABIS (never caused any deaths)...here is some interesting NEW news. A new study suggests that the regular use of medical marijuana may achieve the “complete remission” of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, attempted to determine the effect that regular medical marijuana use had on patients with Crohn’s disease, Medical Daily reports. An examination of 21 subjects revealed that medical marijuana effectively treated symptoms in many patients, while achieving “complete remission” in others. "The marijuana plant Cannabis sativa has been reported to produce beneficial effects for patients with inflammatory bowel diseases, but this has not been investigated in controlled trials," researchers at Meir Medical Center in Israel stated. "We performed a prospective trial to determine whether cannabis can induce remission in patients with Crohn's disease." During the study, 11 subjects were given two “joints” of medical marijuana each day for two months, while the remaining 10 subjects constituted a placebo group. Of the 11 Crohn’s disease patients who used medical marijuana, five experienced total remission of their symptoms, increased appetite, and improved sleep patterns, Medical Daily reports. Furthermore, 10 of the 11 patients experienced some form of “clinical response” to the medical marijuana usage. Ultimately, the study determined that "THC-rich cannabis produced significant clinical, steroid-free benefits to 11 patients with active Crohn's disease, compared with placebo, without side effects,” Medical Daily reports. However, researches noted that "primary end point of the study (induction of remission) was not achieved," despite the five patients who experienced that effect. Crohn’s disease has no cure, but is often treated with dietary changes, corticosteroids, or, in extreme cases, invasive surgery. Although it is often identified as an autoimmune disorder, Crohn’s disease is actually an immune deficiency state arising from various environmental and genetic factors, Medical Daily reports. The chronic inflammatory illness attacks the subject’s gastrointestinal tract, resulting in symptoms of “mild abdominal pain to more severe cases of bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and fevers.” According to Medical Daily, patients with severe instances of Crohn’s disease can defecate as many as 20 times a day. Although the illness affects 400,000 to 600,000 people in North America, many people aren’t diagnosed until years after the disease manifests.

Submitted By: There is none so blind......	Submitted: 7/20/2013
When asked why he doesn't retire Walley will tell you it's because there is so much more he wants to do for (to?) the college. Jesse better watch out, the presidency is the only position left. Walley's gonna keep reassuring, encouraging, and 'pushing' ole Jess forward until he pushes him right out of the Presidency and himself into it! Jesse, take it from someone who has known this guy for years, he NEVER does anything for anyone unless he benefits from it personally....NEVER.

Submitted By: The Boston Teaparty?	Submitted: 7/19/2013
So the Board at JCJC is told by the Board Attorney not to talk to the citizens they supposedly represent or to take any action regarding inappropriate expenditures of tax money paid by these citizens. Didn't this country have a little skirmish over this "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" issue a few years back (1773 to be exact). Maybe I paid a little more attention in history class than my teacher thought! Thank God for men and women whose 'moral compass' wasn't as skewed as our present day leaders (and I say leaders tongue-in-cheek). I say vote'em all out of office. We may not know what we'll be getting, but we sure as heck know what we got!

Submitted By: Ditto	Submitted: 7/19/2013
I concur with the last posting re: Walley/Keeton teaching style. Yes, it is true Walley was out of the classroom much of the time with the knowledge of Whitehead and Dan Jones (who was at that time assistant dean in vo/tech). Walley used the building secretary as well as other teachers to assist him in his accounting, calls, and bids. Now, do I hear that Walley has been 'promoted/expanded' to physical plant director? There are still teachers without contracts and this is the beginning of fall semester. Yet, they are told to wait and see if there are enough students. I suppose Jesse and Walley will give up a portion of their salary to assist these teachers with their monthly expenses if indeed they do not have a contract? What boloney!! Do you not have a conscience, board attorney and members? Yes, we who are posting are not using names based upon what we have seen before in the Tisdale/Whitehead/now Jesse administration--if someone went/goes against 'their' policy -- some way was/is found for them not to be needed (ask those who formed the faculty association about 20-25 years ago.) Has this just started? NO!!!

Submitted By: Another 'verifiable' fact	Submitted: 7/19/2013
You want facts that can be verified at JCJC. I taught at JCJC for a number of years when Jim Walley was a 'forestry teacher'. All students had to take core classes so I had at least one, usually more of Walley's students every semester. How many of you know that while his name was listed on the schedule as being the teacher for classes that he in fact did not teach. Jeff Keeton covered his classes. I couldn't believe this at first, I thought I misunderstood so I made a point of questioning the students about their forestry classes every week. Every week the same thing, just Keeton in the classroom. So I checked the schedule and during my off periods when Walley had classes scheduled I would walked over to their classrooms. Sure enough, Keeton was there, but no Jim Walley, ever. I did this many times for several semesters with the same results. No Walley. Supposedly they were 'team teaching', in reality Keeton did ALL the teaching, all the prep work, everything for the classes while Walley built his personal company using JCJC resources. He operated a full time business out of his school office, I assume using a school secretary, school phone, postage, office supplies and drew a twelve month teaching salary. Now we learn he was so brazen as to open bids in a classroom on campus for his forestry business. He came and went at will. There was no way Whitehead didn't know so who could I report it to? Don't expect Keeton to verify this, Walley is protecting his job plus Jeff's wife was hired by Jesse as a teacher on campus. Once again we have another instance of two people completely dependent on the college for their livelihood. Oh, they'll sing Walley and Smith's praises because to do otherwise would be self-destructive. But if you know any forestry students from the Ronald Whitehead days, ask them. (At least that can't be blamed on you, Jesse). Keep telling everyone who will listen how much Walley has done for the college Jesse. You may believe that, but now everyone knows what the college did for Walley. No wonder Walley didn't want to move to the Administration Building after becoming a V.P. It wouldn't be nearly as 'profitable'. He may have an office downtown, but a leopard doesn't change it's spots and Walley hasn't stopped bilking that college.

Submitted By: Why Not You?	Submitted: 7/18/2013
It doesn't take a genius to understand why those of us who write to LLC Soundoff voicing our concerns about JCJC do so anonymously. We have friends or acquaintances at J.C. They would be persecuted relentlessly just because of this association. This is so obvious why does it have to be spelled out? One day I look forward to taking ownership of anything I have said, I hope it will be sooner rather than later. I do not hate Dr. Smith or anyone at the college and have always been proud of the affiliation I have with that jr.college. What I RESENT is the way honest, dedicated professional and non professional employees have been treated by this administration and how the Board of Trustees has failed to protect them. What I am ANGRY about is that the financial resources have been recklessly squandered and the Board of Trustees has failed to protect the financial stability of that junior college and continue to do so. Now, one last question? Why do YOU, supporters of Dr. Smith, publish anonymously? You have nothing to fear for yourself or your family or friends. What's your motive?

Submitted By: Marcus Z	Submitted: 7/18/2013
This is to the Jones County Sheriff Deputy who somehow claims Cannabis can cause Heart Attacks (we all know people over 60 who smoke...they never have heart attacks) A study released in last month’s issue of the journal Biochemical Pharmacology has found that even minuscule amounts of THC can provide protection from heart attacks, as well as reduce the potential cardiovascular damage associated with suffering one. For the study – which is titled An ultra-low dose of tetrahydrocannabinol provides cardioprotection - researchers administered extremely small amounts of THC; 0.002 mg/kg, which is up to 10,000 times less potent than the average joint. Despite how small the dose was, researchers found it to be effective at protecting against heart attacks when administered 2 to 48 hours before an attack, and found it to help relieve the symptoms when administered afterward. “[THC] is a safe and effective treatment that reduces myocardial ischemic (heart attack) damage”, states the study. It concludes: “[O]ur study provides novel evidence for the beneficial use of extremely low doses of THC, doses that do not elicit any psychoactive side effects, in order to protect the heart from ischemic insults. THC can be used as a pre-conditioning drug in cases in which ischemic insult to the heart is anticipated, such as during cardiac surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention. If post-conditioning with THC will be found effective, it could also be used following myocardial infarction.”

Submitted By: KnowYourFacts	Submitted: 7/17/2013
The Cops can talk all day long about the high levels of THC in weed nowadays (it barely gets anywhere near 25% thc) but guess what...THC is NOT deadly. speaking of Cannabinoids... Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and so has medical marijuana. But the two haven’t been connected until now, thanks to a group of outside-the-box thinkers at a university in China. Their findings, published online by the National Institutes of Health, show how electroacupuncture – an electrified version of traditional acupuncture used to treat pain – works by increasing activity of natural painkillers in the body called cannabinoids. Explaining the thought process behind their study, the authors point to existing knowledge on cannabinoids – a group of molecules found in both cannabis and all vertebrate animals (including humans) – and their ability to fight pain by acting on specific receptors of the body: “Previous studies show that cannabinoid CB1 receptors are related to pain relief.” But the researchers also say they weren’t the first to discover that acupuncture causes an increase in the body’s cannabinoids: “According to the latest reports in the American journal of Nature Neuroscience, acupuncture has been found to cause the human body to release some natural painkillers.” The acupuncture points used in the study correspond with human acupoints. They were, however, the first to explain why. Using rat models of arthritis pain, the researchers found that repeated treatment with electroacupuncture resulted in an increase in cannabinoid receptors in a part of the brain called the striatum. That’s where it gets complicated, because the striatum is also full of dopamine cells. Previous studies show that marijuana can increase dopamine as well and the current study seemed to confirm this. The researchers found that electroacupuncture also led to an increase in dopamine receptors, but whether dopamine played a part in pain relief was not clear. Overall, the rats appeared to be in less pain after receiving acupuncture – a treatment that the authors say is endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for over 40 disorders. And if cannabinoids are the reason why acupuncture works for pain, then perhaps it’s time the WHO endorsed marijuana as well. The study was conducted by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and funded by grants from the National Basic Research Program of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China , Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project, Shanghai Municipal Natural Science Foundation, and Shanghai Famous TCM academic research project.

Submitted By: Laughing	Submitted: 7/17/2013
Everything I listed in the post is a factual, empirically verifiable (although hair- brained) project that Smith has pursued and wasted taxpayers' hard-earned money on. All of them. Most made the newspapers at some point. All are easily verifiable. That IS EVIDENCE, whether you like it or not. I teach at JCJC and would be fired immediately if I put my name on this. Immediately. No one is allowed to question Smith or Walley. Face to face questioning of them? Professional suicide. You are either naive beyond words or one of Smith's lackeys. Your poor sentence structure suggests the latter.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/17/2013
I would gladly print my name for I have not said one thing that is not based on truth. One day I hope I have the opportunity to. There is only one reason I can't - and I mean can't and not don't- is because I have friends and acquaintances who still work at Jones. From past experience it is evident to anyone who is unbiased that these peoples lives would be made impossible by administration for their association with me. Whether I am obtaining information from them or from totally separate sources wouldn't matter. They would be 'guilty by association'. I can't do this to them. What I have to wonder is why you are so quick to criticize those of us who are demanding accountability from an obviously out of control administration? Why are you so blindly defending this man when the 'proof is in the pudding'. Was Anthony Maddox paid a salary from an account that was not designated for salaries? Yes. Were state retirement contributions withheld from his 'paycheck' and matching contributions paid into the state retirement plan by JCJC as required by state law? No. In and of itself this is an act which should remove at the least Dr. Smith and Rick Youngblood from their positions. Did this practice place the junior college in a position of violating NJCAA regulations and jeopardize scholarships for deserving athletes. Yes, no doubt. What more do you NEED? Look at the docket, it's in black and white. If there was a legitimate explanation for it don't you think the administration would have come forward? You ask why 'we' don't come forward, let me ask you a question....why doesn't the Board, the Board Attorney or Dr. Smith come forward to address these issues. I'll tell you why, They CAN'T. PEOPLE, what we have been saying is true. We are trying to gather as much hard evidence as we can. Do you know how difficult this is when you don't have access to paperwork/ records, and people have been intimidated into silence? Why do you assume it's hate? What has been going on in that administration is wrong, a quest for personal power and wealth and you sit there like a sheep waiting to be shorn. Why aren't YOU outraged if even 1/10th of what has been printed is true? One more question, instead of asking why I don't publish my name, WHY DIDN'T YOU PUBLISH YOURS?

Submitted By: To all you making excuses!!!	Submitted: 7/17/2013
To those of you saying that there's no proof that anythings going on at Jcjc, Prove it!!!! Have you ever thought that people may not put their name for the fear of losing their job!?!? If everything is so perfect at Jcjc why don't they prove it!!! Quit defending with excuses and try to show some facts! Big talkers!!! I tell you one thing, he may get away with it now but one day everyone will see what a snake he really is! Hopefully it won't be to late!! We will see wont we!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/17/2013
Laughing....You are laughing because you do not identify yourself and you want to hurt JCJC. Yes, efficient and effective is what we strive for each day. People like you just want to hurt our college and make accusations with no proof or evidence. I am sorry to acknowledge that we have evil people who if they really wanted to help the college they would quit ranting and raving on this forum and go to these leaders at the college and find out the truth face to face and if there were a problem - identify it and make changes. What you are doing is WRONG. I have decided these people have selfish motives, such as revenge, and will not stop... they will make it up as they go and not deal with facts. If there were actually a problem it would have been identified and made public. Shame on YOU!!!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/17/2013
these old school administrators such as dr j b young were hard working, thinkers, doers, scholars, and men of integrity. these young administrators, college and ele/sec, this day and time want it now while they can get it. they don't have any vision whatsoever. they are backstabbing and greedy. smith thinks if his folks wear 500 dollar suits with a Hollywood smile with beautiful women on staff they can be effective. phoney and veneer covered are their traits. who makes policy and approves payments at jcjc, the board or attorney.

Submitted By: JCJC Comments	Submitted: 7/17/2013
I couldn't help but notice all of the opinions that are being thrown out against the JCJC administration. After reading through several of the entries a a few things stuck out in my mind as odd. First thing that I found odd was that so many people seem so passionate about this issue, yet no one places their name on the post that they submitted. It would seem that they would attach a name to such strong beliefs. Secondly, I see all of this criticism of the inner working of the JCJC Administration and yet no one seems to be offer any suggestions on fixing the problem other than forming a lynch mob. And finally it seems odd to me that these people who seem to have so much hatred for Dr. Smith seem to rely mostly on hearsay and information passed from one gossiper to another. Now granted some seem to have used the information on financials that is available for all to see, to reach some opinions on the financial situation of the school. I would caution anyone to not just use numbers listed as entries in a report as a basis for an argument, without truly looking into how those funds were actually used. Lastly I as I read the comment section here I couldn't help be reminded of the Salem Witch Trials. There are lessons in history that we should all think back to from time to time.

Submitted By: Efficiency vs effectiveness	Submitted: 7/16/2013
I must respond to the "efficiency" statement made by a contributor. When teaching the concepts of effectiveness and efficiency this is one example I gave my students. I'm throwing a party, my GOAL is that the attendees have fun. Or, in other words, an evening of relaxing, laughing, enjoying each other's company, etc. My resources are unlimited. I have lobsters flown in from Maine, steaks from Argentina, wine from France, the best band in the country to play. People come, they unwind, laugh, eat, and make memories that will last a lifetime. The party was a success, I achieved my goal, it was in fact, effective. It cost a fortune. Now keeping exactly the same GOAL in mind I throw another party. I pick up some good steaks, bake potatoes in the oven, and pick up a few sides from a good local restaurant and wine from the package store. Everyone comes, we grill the steaks, we throw on some good music and everyone unwinds, laugh, eat and make memories that will last a lifetime. The party was a success, I achieved my goal, it was in fact, effective. The cost was minimal. Both of these parties were EFFECTIVE but only one was EFFICIENT. The first party squandered resources on expenses that were not necessary to achieve my goal. The second party WAS efficient. I accomplished my goal using minimal resources. Taxpayers pockets are not bottomless and $13,000,000 is not an infinite amount. All paid positions come with responsibility, accountability and an obligation to use self constraint. I don't know everything that is happening at Jones, but I do know this is a public institution, not a private sector corporation. Constant conflict is not good for any organization, true, but when you surround yourself with only 'yes or self serving ' people, you are surrounding yourself with the type of people who helped you get to the exact place you are now Dr. Smith. No one to tell you to slow down, weigh your options, consider the consequences, make effective AND efficient use of your resources. It appears to me Dr. Smith had good intentions when he became president, but we all know what the road to hell is paved with....and we all know who helped him pave it. Once again public and private sector organizations play on different fields, are subject to different degrees of scrutiny. They don't teach this in forestry Dr. Smith.

Submitted By: Dr. Efficiency Smith, PhD	Submitted: 7/16/2013
I guess efficiency is what you call starting a demolition on the campus pool and coming right behind yourself to start a rebuild because you never bother to consider the consequences of a decision before you act on it. Is that cement pond half full or half empty, boys? Is it half rebuilt or half torn down?

Submitted By: Laughing	Submitted: 7/16/2013
The person saying Jesse Smith is making JCJC more efficient has given me and anyone else who knows an enormous belly laugh!!! Jesse goes in for every hair-brained scheme that crosses his mind or is pitched to him. Most of these never come to fruition but cost gobs of money to realize their utter stupidity and complete impracticality. Equestrian program...why not, said Jesse. Flight program...sounds cool, says Jesse. Make JCJC a four year college through some bizarre scheme with an online college in Ohio? Um, yeah, that too. Bell tower, you bet! Former NFL coaches and players on staff? Naturally...never mind the cost! Umpteen pointless VPs, administrators, pretty "recruiters" and tons of other highly paid people who don't do what the college is supposed to do (that's teach, remember)...ABSOLUTELY!!!! Oh yeah, jesse smith is all about efficiency. Like Paula Deen is about political correctness and diet food.

Submitted By: JCJC still a bargain	Submitted: 7/16/2013
Is JCJC perfect? No. Has Dr. Smith been extravagant with tax payers money and exhibited poor judgement with spending priorities? Yes. Should tax payers demand accountability? No doubt. Are classes larger than they should be at a two year college? Yes. All if that said, potential students need to know that JCJC still has outstanding, well qualified faculty that care deeply about their students and you can get 3 semesters of college at JC for the cost of one semester at a University. JCJC is still a great school and a real bargain in spite of Dr. Smith and all of his VPs.

Submitted By: Outraged!	Submitted: 7/15/2013
After reading ALL of the previous letters written concerning JCJC I agreed action needed to be taken. So I talked to a few board members. The only response I got was that the board attorney, Robert Sullivan, told them they were to say nothing AND to take NO ACTION. WOW! So let me sort this out. The Board of Trustees of JCJC are persons who hold that position because they were elected to an office that holds a seat on the board or because they were appointed by elected officials. Either way these people hold their public service position to represent me and every citizen in the county. They are elected as representatives of the people they serve. They or the people who appoint them are paid with tax dollars but they are advised to remain indifferent to our inquiries. They are advised not to investigate illegal activities. And the person advising them to turn a blind eye is also being paid with tax dollars, mine and yours!!! Look, I understand it would be chaos if every board member spoke whatever was in their head. But in this very forum a plea for at least an acknowledgement that these concerns have been heard has been asked and repeatedly ignored! Now we know why. They have no intention of doing so. I am tempted not to pay another dollar in county taxes. Why should I pay any of these people? They have violated every trust placed in them. I have no status, I follow the law so I will pay my taxes. But with my duty to pay taxes comes my right to free speech and I intend to keep screaming until people with authority and the right investigative tools take action. Sooner or later everyone in office has to run again.

Submitted By: Lmml	Submitted: 7/15/2013
Never give up!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/15/2013
Well the saga continues!!! I was told that one of the employees that was laid off because of budget cuts was a wealthy road construction owners daughter in law!!! It was told that this wealthy man made the statement that he would personally pay a million dollars to get the president of JCJC fired. The daughter in law had a job where she did nothing. Well done to get rid of her. Why do these people think they should keep a job where they do nothing. I am all for getting rid of the people who do nothing and paying the people who actually work more!!! I think these people who are trying to discredit Dr. Smith are just trying to get back at him for the decisions he is making to make the college more efficient. I wonder how long these people can keep up the lies!! Some people will say and do anything to get their way. With all that has been said on this forum I am sure if there was anything relevant these newspapers would have unearthed it by now. Like someone said, "anyone can say anything" but that doesn't make it true. I feel sorry for these people writing all these untruths. They will have to answer for the lies!!

Submitted By: Debby W	Submitted: 7/14/2013
Sometimes change is good. The only way that the Jones County School District will improve is by appointing the superintendent. It will always be a political ring as long as it stays the same. It always has been. A change will also keep the better teachers in the district. In Jones County , it is not what you know, it is who you know. Don't waste your time trying to get a teaching job unless you know someone. I have lived here 50 years. I have a sister that is a teacher. She made all As and cannot get a job because she can't compete with the ones that get the job due to knowing someone. What a shame.

Submitted By: To "Hold On Now"	Submitted: 7/14/2013
Your remarks are so devoid of any comprehension whatsoever of how lecture-hall classes work at universities and the differences between the types of classes that might be held in lecture halls and the types of skill-based classes that are held to strict small-size standards that I have to wonder if perhaps you are an administrator over academics at JCJC. Maybe someone at the Laurel Leader Call would enjoy asking our state universities what they have to say about your implication that classes like English Composition and Speech and Biology Labs and College Algebra are taught on their campuses in large lecture halls with only one poor lone grad student who doesn’t speak English in charge? I too took several “big auditorium” classes at a state university in Mississippi. In each case, the class was a lecture based class (not a skill based class—ask one of your overworked teachers about the difference since you don’t seem to know), the lecturer was a seasoned professor, and the one large section that met for lectures was divided into smaller sections with each small section assigned to a grad student for oversight of projects and writing assignments. The grad students, of course, were not working on their own but were reporting to the professor. Your claim that this practice at universities somehow justifies overfilled classes at JCJC is a non sequitur. As for your threat that JCJC might not accept transfer credits from universities? I’m sure they are quaking at this. How mature and hard-hitting of you.

Submitted By: Wondering	Submitted: 7/13/2013
I'd just like to know how much 'we, Beat 4 Jones County taxpayers' paid to rescue Jim Walley from another poor business decision. I am referring to the purchase of Walley's metal building on Hwy 29, Ellisville. How many 'industry contacts' on JCJC's time did it take to convince Andy Dial to save his ass. How fitting the taxpayers once again foot the bill for Walley. I hope he doesn't have to sell his office downtown, then he would have to go back to his old method of using a classroom down from his office to open bids for his personal business. Don't you remember those days, fellows, I sure do. We'd stand around and the 'winner' and Walley would head off to the lawyer's office. All on school time, I always thought I'd like to 'teach forestry' at Jones.

Submitted By: Dee	Submitted: 7/13/2013
I saw Jessie at the Beau Rivage Board of Trustee conference this week and asked him "how are things at JC". His response was "things couldn't be better"!

Submitted By: Dear Put Up Time	Submitted: 7/12/2013
Dear Put Up Time, How do you know people haven't gone to those agencies? I have personally written to WDAM and WHLT and they have done nothing thus far. And not for lack of evidence. Good old boys and powerful people stick together. Do you watch Local News, or read it? It mostly offers riveting exposes on the wrongs done by poor and powerless people...not wealthy, connected and powerful people like Jesse R. Smith and Jim Walley. What country and state are you living in?!?! We are doing all we can in that vein, if local journalism will only grow a set and HELP!!!! My friends are working with Hattiesburg American. Several insiders are in contact with two political investigations. Are you so naive you think investigations--whether journalistic or political--happen easily in Mississippi, where everyone is related, economically connected, friends, or all of the above?? Where have you been living, California? Do you think they precede a public hue and cry always? Or follow?! This is yet another avenue to get the word out--and it isn't easy--the word that things are ROTTEN, BROKEN and WRONG at Jones and under the SMITH/WALLEY Administration. We fervently hope the Print and Television Media WILL have the courage to investigate and speak out. And, by the way, there are FAR MORE damning allegations that we cannot post here because we do not want informants losing their jobs. Wake up, oh queen of the naive!!

Submitted By: Catch-22	Submitted: 7/12/2013
JCJC is trapped in a financial Catch-22. There’s so much debt and so many outstanding commitments that they can’t afford to pay employees, yet the more they cut employees, the more they will lose students, and the smaller the budget will grow. There isn’t a fix to this that Jesse Smith is willing to face. If he has to cut people to pay the bills, he’s going to cut faculty and staff, which will have a direct impact on student retention. He should be cutting administrators. He has so many deans now that they don’t fit in the deans’ office. They’ve had to kick student services into the smaller office to make way for all of the deans. We have our priorities, don’t we, JRS? Apparently it takes five people these days to do the job of one Randolph Strickland.

Submitted By: Put up Time	Submitted: 7/12/2013
Okay JCJC forum posters....you tell us Rome is burning and you emplor others to call the authorities. Why don't YOU call?? One previous poster gave all of the local phone numbers you could want. I urge you to call the State Police, MBI, State Auditor's Office, the AG's office or the Governor's Office. Let me guess....they are all in on it too. This makes Smith the most powerful man in Mississippi....perhaps in the history of Mississippi. Why havent I seen any of this in print media or on TV? Give us somethig real...not furniture. Every college buys furniture and $50,000 is nothing compared to the what they put in the athletic stadium boxes at USM or what was put into the USM president's house. If you know of my tax dollars being wated and YOU don't call then you are just as guilty. If you don't call then you a bunch of unhappy kids crying wolf. Time to put up or shut up.

Submitted By: Seek the truth!	Submitted: 7/11/2013
I've heard all my life about the FREE STATE OF JONES. It meant at one time the citizens of that county determined they would not be made to go against their beliefs and upbringing. Where is this influence now? Where is a leader among you whether elected official and/or a concerned taxpayer that will stand up and demand to be heard. Have you considered requesting WDAM to investigate? An end to this is available. Call an independent investigation to stop the madness!!! There is FIRE within this smoke. Who is being hurt in all this, Jesse or Walley? I think not!! Take action -- INVESTIGATE!!!

Submitted By: Hold on Now	Submitted: 7/11/2013
While I don't know about the account balance I can assure you there has been no change in how JCJC credits transfer to the four-year schools. I attended a university in Mississippi and I had multiple classes in auditoriums with over 200 students. Many of them taught by graduate students who did not have great command of the English language. NONE of this is happening at Jones. Should Jones no longer accept classes taught in auditoriums by universities? Certainly not. Don't let your issues with Jesse Smith allow you to cast a cloud over the great teaching that takes place on our campus.

Submitted By: Dude Really	Submitted: 7/11/2013
Justin Tyme - I remember seeing recent reports about the increase stregnth of THC but I believe that information came from scientists, not cops. Now as for Cannibis curing cancer I would think that a scientist at Harvard, Duke or Stanford would run with that information straight to a Nobel Prize. I would think that big Pharmacy would put a patent on it and charge huge dollars. And before you spout some conspiracy theory about how the government is not allowing this to happen I doubt they could stop other countries from eveloping this cure -all.

Submitted By: Open eyes...	Submitted: 7/11/2013
There has not been just 'one person' to loose a job and become sour over this. There are to many people to even count, that have been let go or forced into early retirement. People who continue to work there are expressing their disappointment of the downward direction this administration has lead Jones into. Unless your working there and know the ins & outs of what's going on, then you really don't know what your talking about. The school is out of money, owes way to much money in loans, it can hardly pay the employees that are working there, so they just keep letting people go, all the while the administration sits on their large salaries. How can Jones run without the faculty and staff there, without faculty who will teach the students. Jones is on a 'hiring freeze' yet so many have been let go--- increasing the size of students per class room, means that in some cases those credits wont transfer to a university and the student will have to retake the class. Lets think about who is really getting hurt here, the students. As for as the 'good ole boys' that to me says a lot, but not in a positive way. So, if they don't go to a independent source to have the books looked at, wouldn't that say that they are In fact in the wrong and have a lot to hide? Yes, logically it would. Hate for your heart to be broken, but there is a lot of wrong things happening at jcjc. A honest man would want to set things right, a dishonest person would just ignore and not come forward--it's clear by the actions of those in power they have many things to hide.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/10/2013
walley definitely conflict of interest employee. how much company business does he conduct on jcjc taxpayer time clock. what about long distance phone calls that may be charged to jcjc by employees that are not school business. about like our sheriff who has full time business. this is greed. smith can't say anything or do anything about walley because finger pointing back at smith. hell of a mess. dr. smith is peeing on our leg and telling us its raining. I blame the brassless board and boards of supervisors. nothing gonna happen because jcjc system is corrupt. stacy pickering not gonna do anything because he is related to a well known political figure with jcjc ties. stacy is a good man but this is too political for him. he has higher ambitions. the only way this mess will in is if good men and women get involved. maybe inner selves will feel guilty. and again every thing may be above the table at jcjc. what do you think? who gains by not having a thorough come to Jesus meeting. in my opinion a removal or resignation of several leeches should take place asap.

Submitted By: T.C.B. Smith	Submitted: 7/10/2013
Now I don't have a dog in the Jones County Junior College Bobcats fight--and it's a doozie from the look of things--but I do want to see the college do real well and prosper for our young folks and citizens. So I have a simple proposal. If Smith and Walley are clean--and I'm sure those good boys are (Smith sings contemporary gospel and Walley's so smart he runs a BIG timber and real estate business and still has time to be Vice-President of JCJC!!!)--then come on out swinging and come clean publicly in a big way. Then folks won't wonder and all. And the critics will hush up. (I will admitt it worries taxpayers to hear SO MUCH old allegations and sech, so they need some reassurance). Hold a spring cleaning press conference to beat the band (Smith could sing some contemporary gospel, too) and face down ever last allegation head on. Look ‘em in the eye and explaining it all. Have the Board President speak, too. I hear he knows Smith from way back, so he knows the STRAIGHT of it!! Let the press and public ask any questions they want. Give straight answers and stay away from the double talk. Boys this smart (Smith is a PhD and a Dr. And Walley runs a company that must have 900 loose ends up and down the state, but he still comes over and saddles up as VP of Jones! These boys are SMART and can handle it!! Plus, old football players like Smith don’t run at trouble. No sir!!) Then, hire an independent investigation team to comb the books...I mean good!! Scour all the purchases, expenditures, funds, administration perks (if they have any), bidding practices, JCJC Foundation and hiring practices. They can look at money relations between the Foundation and College (and they’re probably as neat and clean as fine china!!), as well as business ties between the Board and the College (there probably aren’t any to matter!). Lay all these many allegations to rest about personal gain, improper expenses, wasteful behavior, self-serving practices and “rich and famous type” lifestyles. Why, I bet these boys will get a raise and a medal when we see the truth of it!! And if Jesse Smith and Jim Walley are clean, honest, competent and trustworthy with our money, everything can be reported public and come out fine for those good boys. Open every file and closet, air out the place, and tell it all!! If you boys are all right, then that will be, too. I have complete confidence in how it would turn out, complete confidence.

Submitted By: OLD TAX PAYER	Submitted: 7/9/2013
I been made aware of a jcjc instructor that taught forestery at jcjc and would he his students to cruise timberland and charge for this and pocket the money. I asked a board member about this and he said it was true,the board had talked about it but had done nothing due to this being a gray area in policy.Do they have a finger in the eye of the state auditer!!!!

Submitted By: Irvin Williams	Submitted: 7/9/2013
Reading all of the negative comments about Jones County Junior College remines me of the story about sour grapes. Some one lost their job at Jones County Junior College and is trying to get revenge by trying to make the leaders at Jones County College look bad.

Submitted By: Justin Tyme	Submitted: 7/9/2013
I am honestly sick and tired of local police officials who still try to install fear and lies about Cannabis. It is absolutely ridiculous the lies I hear from them. Cannabis is the SAFEST most therapeutic substance known to man. It has NEVER killed one human being. You can go on tv and say all you want about the levels of THC in weed now, only thing is THC is not harmful, at all. Matter of fact it kills certain cancers ( I know this because I have had relatives use it and it worked)..It also does NOT cause heart attacks. there is NO toxic level for cannabis. Cannabis DOES NOT cause mental problems etc. Cannabis can improve cognitive functions...all this is PROVEN MEDICAL facts ANYONE w a computer and Google can found out for themselves. Cannabis was made illegal because of RACISM. It was not because it was "bad" or "unsafe". The good ol boy mentality is slowly fading away. Cannabis/Hemp is one of the safest most useful plants in the world, yet we still have uneducated people who would rather throw out lies and deceit some people. It blows my mind, the people who "fight" Cannabis are the same people who have not one clue about a true actual fact. Besides, Mississippi was one of the FIRST states, actually the seventh state, to decrim pot in the early 1970's

Submitted By: Give it up	Submitted: 7/8/2013
We have 3 levels of denial going on with the powers that could step up and save JCJC from further decline and continued embarrassment. simple denial: deny the reality of the unpleasant fact altogether minimisation: admit the fact but deny its seriousness (a combination of denial and rationalization) projection: admit both the fact and seriousness but deny responsibility by blaming somebody or something else. There is a belief by those in denial that there are only 1 or 2 people fueling this and that the majority of the community love and appreciate Dr. Smith and all he has done for the college. It seems also to be the consensus that if they keep their head buried in the sand long enough that the storm will pass, the sun will come out, and all will be well again at the beloved JCJC. Give it up boys and girls. Dr. Smith, his cabinet, and the board are in denial. The board is the only entity that can send Dr. Smith on his merry way and it should be clear by now, they aren't going to do it.

Submitted By: the worst is yet to come	Submitted: 7/8/2013
The truth is in the fall enrollment numbers. You board members need to find out what the numbers are—the real numbers, not Jesse’s magic math. How many people are enrolled right now for fall? How does this compare to this time last year? How many people on average have been enrolling for fall per week throughout the summer? If the summer enrollment trend continues, and the students show up for late enrollment in August in typical numbers, where does this put fall enrollment? If it is down as much as we are hearing, that spells catastrophe, and it underscores the veracity of claims that the administration has created an unsustainable dungheap of a situation. Just in case, like Jesse, you slept through Dr. Whitehead’s mathematical explanations of the health of the school back in the day, remember that state funding for the coming year is based on the enrollment audit for the previous year. This means the real impact of what you are doing right now is always a year or two away. What we’ve seen so far in cuts are just the first outer bands crashing in as warning messages. The hurricane is still on its way. In my opinion, Jesse should be fired for cause now, not at the end of his contract period, in order to prevent him from adding even more pressure to the strength of the storm. Don’t listen to me, though. Listen to what the students are telling you. What are the enrollment numbers? What truth do they have to tell?

Submitted By: The Curious Case of Anthony Maddox	Submitted: 7/8/2013
I’m not raising questions here about whether Anthony Maddox should have been hired. I’m sure his inclusion in ESPN’s 2004 NFL All Weed Team gave everyone pause before bringing him on. What I find curious is how he is paid. The curious case of Anthony Maddox, vendor and football coach, raises many questions. Let’s begin with his side of the arrangement. Why would he agree to this? He forgoes health benefits and potentially retirement benefits all for what? He has to pay the self-employment half of FICA, etc. Why would he ever agree to this? There must be some motive on his part. From the JCJC side, why would they ever do this? This is at best temporary. The Federal Labor Department would eventually look at this and, to use the duck analogy (if it looks like a duck…), state that he is an employee and hit JCJC with back taxes due. Once that happened who knows how the state would react with respect to retirement, etc. Why would JCJC ever do this? Was he unemployable otherwise? Were there things in his background we don’t know about making him unemployable by the state? Were several legally necessary steps in an acquisition of this size skipped? Was the position properly competed with multiple bids solicited? This is the Curious Case of Anthony Maddox, and like much that seems to be going on at JCJC, it looks like things were done because Jesse wanted them done, and the law, and budget, and what was actually best for JCJC be damned.

Submitted By: Seek and he shall find	Submitted: 7/8/2013
Guess we shouldn't expect a grand jury investigation in Jones County. Be careful who you talk to, seems our elected county officials are 'friends' with some of those who need investigating. Just check Facebook.

Submitted By: More Knowledge	Submitted: 7/6/2013
We've heard the problems and it is time to do something. We all have the power to make phone calls. Some of the following are JCJC board members, and some are elected officials from the community. Make some calls. Send some emails: Stacey Pickering, State Auditor - 1-800-321-1275 or auditor@osa.ms.gov; Chris McDaniel, State Senate - 601-477-2291 or cmcdaniel@senate.ms.gov; Supervisors Johnny Burnett- 601-425-5370; Andy Dial- 601-477-8533; Barry Saul- 601-428-4929; Jerome Wyatt - 601-649-5275; Danny Spradley- 601-729-8680; Wayne Thompson- 601-426-0056; Terry Butler- 601-782-4000; Jerry Hutto- 601-735-2904; Guy Easterling- 601-353-2741; Sandy Stephens- 601-764-3469. Superintendents of Education (and also JCJC Board Members): (Jones)Tommy Parker-601-649-5201 or tdparker@jones.k12.ms.us, (Greene) Richard Fleming- 601-394-2364, (Perry) Scott Dearman 601-964-8204 or sdearman@perry.k12.ms.us.

Submitted By: SOS	Submitted: 7/6/2013
Jesse Smith keeps spouting off a bunch of nonsense about needing to get everybody on the bus except the people who won’t get on board with his ideas, and those people he needs to toss out on the side of the road. The problem is he refuses to see that only his gang of hand-picked peter-principled administrators think he’s doing a good job of weaving that bus around on the cliff side road. Everybody else wants a new driver. Some are being vocal about that, and as a result are being targeted for threats, harassment, and retaliation. Some are merely suspected of wanting a new driver and are being treated to the same types of threats. Others are too scared to say anything and are doing everything they can to appear to be on board. Those of you who are sitting quietly in your seats minding your own business need to realize that nothing you do to protect yourself makes you safe when the bus is out of control. If you know that what’s happening around you is wrong, the time to speak up is now. The only direction this bus has to travel for a good long while is down. We have to keep going down a ways before we can find a new path back up. That will be true no matter who is driving, but right now we have a driver who is drunk on his own power and has already been pulled over for it at least once. He hasn’t learned his lesson. He is still drunk on himself. If we leave him where he is he is going to drive that bus right off a cliff. A new driver might not have the ability to start climbing back up immediately, but a new driver would at least be more likely to stay on the road. The time is now. Put your SOS calls in to board members and county supervisors. Let your shouts of danger ahead be heard.

Submitted By: No one said it"s easy	Submitted: 7/5/2013
Many years ago, as a single woman with a car note, insurance bills and all other expenses a single household person has, I encountered a situation very similar to the ones of some Jones employees. I was an administrative assistant, responsible for processing purchase requisitions submitted by school personnel. The party making the request, my administrator, and myself were required to sign the requisition before submitting it to the purchasing agent for the district so that a purchase order could be cut. One day I was 'asked' to sign a requisition my administrator had completed purchasing some very needed, reasonably priced items for our school. The only problem was there wasn't enough money in the budget category this purchase should fall into, but more than enough money in another category. To make a long story straight, this administrator and the salesman for the vendor had worked out a deal so that the the price per item would be increased to make it an allowable expense in the category where there were funds. In return, double the amount of items reflected on the P.O. would actually be delivered. There was no 'kickback' involved, the school district would in fact receive value for every dime spent, and we really did need these items immediately (no time for a budget revision). No one was bing cheated, the money was there. I REFUSED. . I refused for one reason and one reason only. It was illegal. The pressure that was put on me was relentless. I was cajoled, threatened, made to feel guilty, etc. Every tactic you can imagine was employed in an attempt to 'persuade' me. I could have been fired, at will, by the administrator since this happened at a school district in Mississippi and I was well aware how vulnerable I was. Yet still I refused. I was 24 years old. Don't tell me people don't have choices. We all do.

Submitted By: Knowledge	Submitted: 7/5/2013
Readers, there are those among you who could assist in bringing an end to the allegations and speculations that are flowing so freely on this forum regarding unfair and unethical actions of those in power positions at JCJC. Instead of waiting for the next submission and quietly reading it, please step forward. Find someone who will investigate. Each day of delay results in more people losing their jobs at JCJC, loss of revenue for the city of Ellisville and the county of Jones, not to mention the death of an institution by individuals who either do not have the power, influence, or association with the right people to validate the words from this forum. Words are empty unless some type of action is taken. So, if you are that person who can make a call for action, please do so.

Submitted By: Roughneck	Submitted: 7/5/2013
I don't work at Jones. I work offshore 14 on and 14 off, then help at my brother's machine shop while home so my three kids can go to college in a few years. It makes me furious to hear - and I have heard from plenty folks more than this soundoff - that Jesse Smith is living like a little king and blowing money while Jones goes down hill fast. I pay taxes so that school will be there and strong for my children. It ain't Smith's goldmine or inheritance. I demand the board or supervisors investigate and straighten this mess out. That school shouldn't be in debt. And its education shouldn't be falling off. Somebody on the board has to show some guts.

Submitted By: Economic Teacher	Submitted: 7/5/2013
I hear that Dr. Smith taught economics during his brief time teaching at JC. If that's right, he should know the pitfalls of debt and no savings. The problem with debt is that ANYTIME you borrow money, you’re stealing it from your future self. We get to the future and there’s no money to use because it’s already been spent. Money to pay for what is needed now has to be used to pay the creditor for what we bought that we could not afford. Basic path to economic security is really pretty simple. Know the basic definitions for needs, wants, and extravagance. Live within your means and never be extravagant with "other people's money"

Submitted By: Loyal Bobcat	Submitted: 7/4/2013
To criticize Katie Herrington shows that somebody thinks that department heads have any power at Jones which is wrong. Department heads do not even participate in interviewing applicants who will work in their departments. Sometimes they learn that they have new faculty added to their departments by reading it in the paper. Department heads are expected to pass along mandates of the administration to faculty without question or sugggestion. Department heads like Katie are guilty of very little except for working hard and doing more busy work each year and being ready to attend another meeting. Someone at Jones may need to be investigated but it is not Katie Herrington.

Submitted By: to 'enough'	Submitted: 7/4/2013
Everyone has a right to express their beliefs, including you, in this forum. But I think you made the previous writer's point for them, if the most moral, ethical person/people you know could be influenced to make unethical choices, what chance do weaker people have to stand up to tyranny?

Submitted By: To 'Enough'	Submitted: 7/3/2013
I am the writer who wrote the comments about Katie. I agree with you that Katie is a fine individual, I couldn't like anyone, anywhere, anymore than I do her. The point I was making regarding Katie and Rick, if you will go back and carefully read what I said, is that GOOD people can make poor choices when they are placed in very difficult situations. The Board should NEVER have approved the hiring of their spouses on that campus, NEVER! This puts them both in an extremely vulnerable position. I think Katie tries to make ethical choices, but if she was aware, at all, of Dr. Smith's interference with law enforcement issues regarding athletes or illegal payments to any coach or assistant coach or any employee under her supervision on that campus, and did nothing, then she IS as guilty of misconduct (unethical behavior) as Dr. Smith. And the same thing goes for Rick. IF he allowed money to be spent for trips, meals, or compensation that should not have been, then he too is guilty, period. The Board knew early on that there were problems with Dr. Smith yet they failed to act. They he-hawed around, allowing themselves to be bulldozed into acquiescence by a few cronies of Dr. Smith's on that board. People have asked the question, why do you whine and not do anything about it? I can answer that. When some board members were approached and told about a situation on campus, they would listen sympathetically, then go straight to Dr. Smith and 'ask' him if it was true. He would lean forward, listen solemnly, rest his hand on their shoulder and reassure them that there was a misunderstanding on the complainants part, or simply that it wasn't true. The board member, feeling 'good' about themselves having 'investigated' the situation would volunteer the person's name so Dr. Smith could make certain everyone was happy. Right. What really happens is the next day or two, the person would get a call or a visit from one of Dr. Smith's lackeys, telling them they needed to watch what they thought and who they said it to. So much for a 'governing board' or better yet, a Board of TRUSTEE member. Get the rotten apple out of the barrel before more inherently good and moral people are tainted by this administration!!!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/3/2013
a wise board and administrator would been more frugal earlier. smith has spent jcjc into the red. no, I don't work at jcjc and never have. smith is not a king and should quit living as one. I am an over taxed citizen of jones county. I have a right to bitch. let smith defend himself.

Submitted By: Enough? Not even CLOSE.	Submitted: 7/3/2013
You're kidding, right? People ARE leaving to go to high school.... Of their own accord! And they are happy to do it! Of course no one is going to be threatened PUBLICLY... All that happens behind closed doors. Why don't you ask yourself one simple question. Can this many disgruntled, fed up, and disgusted people- current or former faculty and staff of JCJC, tax paying citizens, innocent bystanders, and everyone in between- be that far off base? You say he has made the college a better environment in which to work... But has he really? A huge new building, coffee shop, dorm, and some flower beds make a school better? When the inside of your school is in shambles, I think not. Isn't it funny that the few people defending the Smith regime in this forum have ZERO facts and a lot of threats? "Go teach in high school" or "leave if you don't like it." Well, no one would be left to work at the school. So SHAME ON YOU. Enough? I don't think so. It's just beginning.

Submitted By: Please be more specific	Submitted: 7/3/2013
Instead of attacking the messengers, would the defenders of the current JCJC administration be more specific in their support? Perhaps their supporters can explain how excellent leadership and well thought out policy changes and appropriate spending priorities have been good for the college. You know what I mean, point out how students have benefited, how faculty and staff have benefited, how the community has benefited, how the reputation of the college with the universities has been enhanced. I would suggest leaving out , however, how pretty everything is. All that glitters isn't gold.

Submitted By: Bob	Submitted: 7/3/2013
To the casual observer it would appear that the health of a college is generally tied to how much it can cash in on government money.....When Pell Grants were as easy to get as the common cold, JCJC was booming...Colleges seem to live or die off Pell Grants and student loans, and the key to maintaining these little kingdoms was to keep raising cost and tuition, because the government simply gives or loans whatever the student needs. Heavy on cash and the seeming appearance of a never ending cash flow, colleges got bigger, built fancier buildings, and assorted perks, like big stadiums and sports facilities. Ah the good life for all those employed in education land...........Then oh,oh........The government wises up on the easy availability and abuse of Pell Grants and cuts way back on getting this former easy money.....Perhaps there also aren’t as many students willing to be head over heels in student loan debt for a college degree when jobs are scarce, and the ones available not worthy of all that debt.....Either way it appears that reality has hit JCJC, and I suspect many colleges all over the country. But as in all crisis, there must be someone to blame....But when the blame game is over and perhaps even a new President in place, the current situation remains. We live in a country where everyone seems to think that everything in life ought to be a right, and provided by the government.....Well, as long as other people’s money can pay for it, we all glory in our excesses...But now all that easy money may not be so easy, or deemed so necessary in a broken economy.....What we’re looking at may simply be the future and what JCJC and many other institutions may be facing is less of everything. Students and money......

Submitted By: El Cid	Submitted: 7/3/2013
To the person criticizing El Cid...The new leaders at JCJC--especially the president--are NOT doing their jobs. That is precisely the point. The fact someone HOLDS a job does not necessarily mean they are DOING their job. When that occurs, and it involves the waste and quite probable misuse of public, taxpayer-derived funds--in the millions of dollars--only a fool lacking any civic responsibility whatsoever would remain silent as you recommend. As the wise Edmund Burke wrote, "There is, however, a limit at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue." (Cf. American Revolution and Protestant Reformation.) Democracy, public ethics and freedom depend upon ordinary people speaking up, as do colleges. Your prescription would make a good Iranian, a perfect denizen of Stalinist Russia, or a fine citizen under tyranny. An American? Not so much. My point about the work our jobs entail was not complaint—I LOVE every minute of preparing, teaching, grading and above all assisting our wonderful, promising students--but correction of the unfair and untrue picture painted by "Enough." Do you also think people do not have the right to defend themselves? We LOVE our jobs AND Jones Jr. College!! However, Jesse Smith's horrific mismanagement, squandering of millions of dollars, as well as woeful apathy concerning education and the welfare of precious students threaten the school we love. His disastrous administration (look at school finances, enrollment, reputation, morale and tuition!!) endangers the local economy! And Smith's "leadership" violates the RIGHTS of our students and the taxpayers of our area. We would be wrong and irresponsible indeed to follow your advice of silent assent to incompetent leadership (“incompetent” at the least and in the most innocent possible scenario!!). Plato said "The penalty good men pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." Quite right. (Interestingly, Plato never taught K-12), while your rant about K-12 draws the arrow indicating jealousy to yourself. I'm sorry you feel that way, and appreciate what K-12 and ALL teachers do so very much. We only ask the same, and that our (and by "our" I mean everyone in this area!) beloved school not be destroyed by this reckless, egomaniacal and thoroughly incompetent "leader"--Jesse Smith--with whom this fine college has been unfortunately cursed. And by the way, I taught at a rural high school for a number of years. And loved doing that, too.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/2/2013
El Cid, whoever that is, if you do not like your job do like someone else said, "move on"! A lot of us are educators and we have worked equally hard or harder....why don't you try the public K-12 schools. You would be begging to get back to JCJC. Some of us did not have the opportunity to work at Jones. What a wonderful opportunity you teachers have had!!!! I would be thankful and support the college and my superiors. Some of you are just jealous....get over it and move on!!! We are so blessed to have JCJC in our county and what a great "PLUS" for us....we need to be glad and support our college. I love Jones County and only want the best for all concerned. We need the past presidents of JCJC to quit stirring this situation and stay in retirement and let the new administration do their jobs. The past administration does not want some of the people who know what went on in the old days to get started so they need to stay out of this and quit stirring. Let our new leaders do their jobs!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Just Asking...	Submitted: 7/2/2013
No attacks here. No accusations. Just asking. Was there really 13 million dollars in the bank at the start of this new administration ? Has it been spent? Was JC historically debt free? Is it still debt free? How many years did JC experience a growth in enrollment? Is enrollment on the decline? How many years has it been since JC had enrollment at its current level? Are classes larger than is typical and appropriate for the mission of a two year college? We're students automatically charged for e books even if they did not prefer them or own the proper technology to utilize them? Is it true that JC used to have the lowest tuition of the states two year colleges while having the highest paid faculty? Is that the case now? Have long time faithful and loyal employees been tol it was time for them to retire whether they were personally, financially, or professionally ready to do so? Is the administration significantly larger than it was over the past 30 years? Are administrative salaries proportionally higher than they were in the past? Has the faculty and staff had even a cost of living pay increase in the past seven years? Does the college really give the President a car allowances above his salary? I don't know. Just asking.

Submitted By: El Cid	Submitted: 7/2/2013
I wonder if "Enough" below has any idea how long it takes to prepare a college lecture, set up a college science lab, or grade 250 essays or research papers? I wonder if this person--who sounds like one of Jesse's reputation-burnishing underlings, perhaps--has any idea of the hard work that goes into acquiring a graduate degree? A real one? In Biology, or English, or History, or Chemistry? I also would point out that most time during office hours is spent tutoring or advising or helping students in some way. Grading usually goes home with you, because you cannot get it done at work. As to "teach their three classes"--as if that is nothing--have you ever spent three or four hours a day, day after day, doing public speaking to large groups heavily comprised of 18 to 20 year olds? Obviously you have not. Try these things and get back to us, oh wise one.

Submitted By: Where there is smoke...	Submitted: 7/2/2013
Where do you start with a situation that is out of control? Jones Junior College WAS a community of people who loved to teach and were thankful for the opportunity to work at JCJC. Now the community is shattered and torn. This is not about the teachers, but about those around Smith. One VP, who is no longer employed at JCJC, would regularly bring in instructors who had flawless careers and accuse them of not supporting the college. He would childishly say that someone told him about the instructor. Several of those instructors have now retired or moved onto another institution. Those instructors that are left fear a call from Dr. Smith requiring them to “visit” his office. This usually means their job has been terminated. He does at times send out his VPs to tell someone they do not have a job. In the past and even perhaps now, instructors teaching summer school had their pay pro-rated. If the number of students in any summer class was beneath anywhere from 10 to 15 students (depending on the mood of the VP of Instruction and Smith), pay would be pro-rated. This instructor could have as many as 40-60 students in the other class. For example: an instructor with a class of only 9 students would receive 9/12’s of their regular summer pay. No compensation or consideration for the larger class. At present, instructors have been told their pay will be prorated if classes do not have 15 or more students; but instructors who have upwards from 40 in their classes will not be paid extra. “The fall contracts will be sent out the middle of July. We wait until this time so that we can see if classes make and the enrollment in the classes. “This sentence is a direct quote from an email recently sent to teachers whose lives are hanging in limbo. Educational institutions have hired for the 2013-2014 year, making it near to impossible for someone who does not get a contract to be hired. These people have families and obligations. How many will suffer from heart attacks, stress related illnesses, much less low self-esteem and a feeling of hopelessness and foreseeable loss. It has been customary for “letters of intent” to be mailed to the instructors in March of each year. This assured the instructor that they did indeed have another year to work. Contracts were always signed by the end of spring semester. Where is the board in all of this? Did they make Dr. Smith wait for his contract to see if enrollment is up? Another post mentioned Hitler. In this environment, I would consider JCJC to be the death camp of junior/community colleges. Life has been quashed; fear abounds; morale is non-existent. “Inspiring Greatness” – REALLY?

Submitted By: You and me and the devil makes three	Submitted: 7/1/2013
You might be square with the Lord, “stuff,” but the state of Mississippi is a little more hard nosed.

Submitted By: Enough	Submitted: 7/1/2013
Katie Herrington is probably the most morally ethical person on the campus at Jones. Ask anyone on this campus and they will tell you she goes beyond her means as an Athletic Director to not only support the sports she governs over but also other activities on campus. She is loved by so many people on this campus. So please unless you know something specific please dont bring her name up on this forum again. In fact you people that work at Jones and have come on here and blasted a guy that has really tried to make this school a better environment along with better technology need to do exactly what a previous poster said. Move on. You sit in your office at Jones Hall and teach your 3 classes a day take your lunch break as long as you want and then leave at 2:30 everyday. You all were raving about Jesse when he put you in Jones Hall and removed you from that awful humanities building that you were in. Remember when it use to flood? Don't see that in Jones Hall for sure. Go teach at a high school if you think it's that bad here. Clock in at 7:15 every morning (I've seen several of you walking into your offices 15 minutes before your class starts) and teach 6-7 classes a day, have cafeteria, hall and bus duty and leave at 3:30 and teach more days out of the year! I bet there are more teachers than not that will trade places with you in an instant. You say you are threatened if you say something? I have been in most every faculty meeting and not once have I heard the man threaten anyone. Be part of the solution instead of coming on here and trying to stir up more problems. I have full confidence in Dr. Smith, Rick Youngblood, David Garner and the rest of JCJC. Give Dr. Smith my president, your president a chance to make Jones what you all want it to be.

Submitted By: Why hasn't the grand jury been called to investigate JCJC?	Submitted: 7/1/2013
The only way the situation at JCJC is going to be sorted through is if a grand jury investigates. Utilizing this investigative tool can provide all parties called to testify some degree of protection. Facts and innuendos can be sorted through and either verified or discarded. This needs to be done NOW. I am in agreement with the previous writer that the NJCAA should be notified of possible misconduct by school officials and they also need to conduct an independent investigation. This forum 'LLC sound off'' is the only avenue a lot of citizens have to share their concerns and information. This is NOT about hate, it is about corruption and how one man, heavily influenced and guided by the one 'vice president' he has proclaimed to dozens of people as being the 'backbone of the college', has managed to bring a once great institution to the breaking point. Eight counties support this college, but the questionable acts have occurred, for the most part, in Jones County, so Jones County officials I implore you, step forward and do your civic duty.

Submitted By: In response	Submitted: 7/1/2013
It's only classified as slander, libel and malicious if it's not true. But it is! How ignorant to think disclosing illegal and unethical practices is somehow a sin.

Submitted By: doug magee	Submitted: 7/1/2013
David Garner, You are an honorable man, of a good family, with good genes, to Do Right....Listen to the voices of the Staff and Faculty...Do Right by them...even if it requires taking away the windfall pay to Jessee...who takes credit for the product of the hard work and sacrafice of the Teachers and Staff.....

Submitted By: Sin...	Submitted: 7/1/2013
Sin you say? Lying is a sin, stealing is a sin. Misuse of funds, is like stealing, especially when the money is used to better ones self. Not being honest, is lying, when one is not being truthful---that is a lie. Talk to Smith about his sins, instead of talking to a group of people who are asking questions. Apparently you, as well as Smith, have a lot to hide. We have the freedom to ask questions, it is a public forum, there is no sin in that! When one avoids answering questions, then they have something to hide or what is being said is indeed true.

Submitted By: Not Afraid	Submitted: 7/1/2013
I would remind the person below that slander and libel must involve the utterance or publication of falsehoods. Telling the truth--however unpleasant--is neither libel nor slander. Further, telling the truth about a situation wherein taxpayer money is being squandered for personal gain or self-aggrandizement strikes many good people as a civic duty, and perhaps one driven by their religious ethics as well. So too does telling the perhaps unpleasant truth about someone sacrificing the educational opportunity of tuition-paying students! I suppose you think Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry and Samuel Adams also fall into the category of hate-filled, Satan-induced sinners because they criticized George III? It looks to me like concerned folks--including at least one teacher from Jones--are standing up for justice, ethics, taxpayers' rights, institutional transparency and, most importantly, the welfare of JCJC students and their families. Strikes me as pretty civic-minded and religiously virtuous.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/1/2013
This "stuff" would certainly be considered slanderous, libelous and malicious that these evil people are putting on this forum. Making all these accusiations would certainly make readers think about and wonder why someone would have so much hate in their hearts for anything or anyone. All I can say is we need to pray for these people and hope that they will release their hate and seek God's guidance in their lives and not this satan enduced rant they are spreading on this forum. This person (or persons) needs help!!! Hate is a sin!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/1/2013
This "stuff" would certainly be considered slanderous, libelous and malicious that these evil people are putting on this forum. Making all these accusiations would certainly make readers think about and wonder why someone would have so much hate in their hearts for anything or anyone. All I can say is we need to pray for these people and hope that they will release their hate and seek God's guidance in their lives and not this satan enduced rant they are spreading on this forum. This person (or persons) needs help!!! Hate is a sin!!!

Submitted By: Time for a real audit	Submitted: 7/1/2013
Where are you, Stacy Pickering? Why aren’t you investigating the financial management of state funds at JCJC? Jesse Smith might think he doesn’t have to answer to the taxpayers, but you do. If I were you, I’d start by investigating the bidding process…maybe even on contracts that went to companies associated with board members or their family members. From there, take a very fine tooth comb through the books.

Submitted By: Daily Dictionary	Submitted: 6/30/2013
Narcissistic Personality Disorder – Jesse will never accept responsibility for the situation at JCJC, and therefore he can’t even begin to change it. For someone this narcissistic, it will always be the economy, the faculty, the students, the board, the booze, the board, or something else that is at fault. Nepotism – one might be tempted to put cronyism here, but we feel, for our own reasons, that nepotism is more appropriate. David Garner’s push to hire Jesse was pure nepotism, his advocacy for Jesse, even when it has become so clear that Jesse has been a disaster for JCJC leads one to ask, what secrets hide in David’s closet. What does Jesse know from their days as roommates? Sycophant – the one thing Jesse has done right at JCJC is to make sure he hired people as vice presidents who were even less competent than himself. We don’t really have to worry about this group of overpaid sycophants. Yes, they will do more damage to the finances, academics, and moral at JCJC while they remain, but their tenure will be only slightly longer than Jesse’s. Personal Liability – once an audit has made it clear that the Board received improper benefits, meals that exceeded the allowable expense, trips with no demonstrable business purpose; they will find themselves personally liable for those costs. What remains to be seen is whether their oversight at JCJC represents negligence or complicity in the financial misadventures there. How deep into their own pockets will they have to reach? Redemption – while it might feel good to imagine David and Jesse once again sharing a small room together at a state funded institution, that outcome is both unnecessary and unlikely on the road to redemption. Redemption begins with the Board dismissing first David and then Jesse. Redemption is achieved when students once again look forward to being in class at JCJC, when USM and State and Ole Miss look forward to JCJC grads arriving on campus, when academic standards have been returned to national standards, class sizes reduced to where they should be, and teachers happy to show up at work each day. Redemption is returning JCJC to where it should be, and what happens to David and his friend Jesse matters almost not at all.

Submitted By: Is the Board LISTENING? JCJC one hot mess!	Submitted: 6/30/2013
Have I missed something? Every day I look to see if there is any acknowledgement, perhaps through the Board attorney or even the Board president that concerns by the public have been noted and are being investigated. Nothing elaborate, no admissions or denials necessary, just an acknowledgment that this won't be swept under the rug as always in the past. Of course, they have apparently hunkered down and are trying to wait out the storm with their tails between their legs which by now you have to admit they are good at. What an insult to every taxpayer in the eight counties that support JCJC! The board hides behind the excuse that these are personnel matters and thus closed to the public. Oh really? Let's see about that. There are four parties on that campus that know or should know why Coach Maddox received $5,000 a month compensation from a fund other than personnel salaries. A method of payment not one single other coach in the history of the college has received. The four parties are Coach Maddox, the recipient, Dr. Smith, the President and only person who could authorize this payment practice, Rick Youngblood as Business manager, and Katie Herrington as athletic director (if she didn't know she should have). The first two aren't talking for obvious reasons. As far as the other two are concerned lets think this through. Rick works for the college and Rick's wife works for the foundation. They live in campus housing free of charge, they eat on campus free of charge, etc. So basically, they pocket most of their combined paychecks every month except for clothing and miscellaneous. We also know that Katie's husband Bob has been re-employed by the college as a coach, after being fired by the previous administration. Thus, the Herringtons are completely at the mercy of Dr. Smith. Or, in other words, their entire livelihood is dependent on keeping this egotistical fool happy. (Board are you CRAZY for approving these hires?) So if they aren't talking, and the board isn't responding, maybe the NJCAA needs to be contacted to see if anything is going on here. THEY have no qualms about publishing information about wrong doings on college campuses. They publish names, dates and details about infractions regardng student athletes, coaching staff, or college administrators. They ask the right questions and better be told honest answers because they have enforcement powers and will use them. I KNOW they would not be happy about the President of the college curtailing campus securities' efforts to arrest athletes involved in illegal activities. Where is Katie Herrington in all this? Are you telling me she or the coaching staff didn't KNOW? Aren't you required to 'self-report' to the NJCAA when something like this occurs to hopefully lessen the penalties? Is Katie truly unaware about Coach Maddox's monthly $5000 payments and the reason behind them? Ignorance is no defense Katie. You know, it's a shame when really good people get contaminated from the 'rotten apple' that wasn't removed from the barrel. Talk about the ripple effect! Now, a message to the Board, this is NOT going away. We, the people of the eight counties that work hard to support this junior college deserve respect. Acknowledge you have heard us, you owe us that at the least. Every day of your silence is like spitting in our faces.

Submitted By: Maroon Typhoon Tuba	Submitted: 6/30/2013
As a JCJC graduate (Class of '78, Maroon Typhoon forever!) I have read this all with interest and an effort to be fair-minded, but the "Cat Fight" post below is laugh out loud naive and simple-minded. "Move on if you are not happy." Really? So no one anywhere at any job or college or company should ever point out ethical misdeeds, structural problems, operational flaws, bad judgment or poor management? That'll turn out great. A nation of obedient robots! Just move on if you see something you don't like? If that idea had been pursued, we wouldn't have gained the right for women to vote, or whistle blowing in corporate America, or an end to slavery, or this brave country itself!! AMAZING naivete! I guess folks in 30s Germany should just have moved to France!? Also, there are distinct limits on how free our country is. Like working in an atmosphere where any criticism means loss of one's job. I've been there, without anther job available at the time. People have kids to feed. It sounds like that's the situation at Jones. "You and only you are responsible for your situation." Really?! If that is so, then why is Jesse Smith blaming everything on the economy? Why are we all suffering in one way or another from the economy and Wall Street misbehavior? We are all affected by corporations, organizations, institutions, situations and leaders around us. (I can't believe I am needing to explain this to someone!) I also don't see anything but love for JCJC in the comments below...criticizing Smith is NOT the same thing as hating on Jones. Was criticizing Nixon or Hitler NOT patriotic? And how are you so sure the Board is watching Jesse carefully? If a quarter of the things we are hearing about the goings on down there are true, they clearly are not. Mississippi College had a board when their president Lewis Nobles presided over rampant corruption. Do you think Penn State does not have a Board that presided over YEARS of the scandal they are recovering from? The President of the Board is Jesse Smith's best friend and college roommate. Many on the Board have relatives with economic connections to Jones, like contracts controlled by the president. Wake up!! They all go down there and eat a HUGE fancy meal every month, too. Grow up!!!!

Submitted By: Cat Fight	Submitted: 6/30/2013
I can't believe the bitterness that continues to be spewed on this forum against JCJC, Dr. Smith and his administration. Dr. Smith is not a King nor is he an emperor, he reports to a Board. He is doing his job and I am sure the Board is fully aware of what is going on. I have left several jobs because of pay and working conditions only to find better jobs. I now work at a place that pays me well and treats me well. Move on if you are not happy. We do live in a free country. You and only you are responsible for your situation. A simple vote of confidence at the next Board meeting should let everyone know that it is not Dr. Smith who is making you upset, rather it is the Board and that they are fully aware of the expenditures that Dr. Smith incurs and the challenges that face JCJC.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 6/30/2013
since the jones county board of supervisors, the other junior college supervisors, and the jcjc board are neglecting their duties it is time for the state jr/community college executive director, the laurel leader call, the chronicle,hattiesburg American and wdam to do some investigative reporting on the overall condition of jcjc. anyone with any ethics can easily read into what is taking place at jcjc. the administration is ruining what smith inherited. the news media readily reports on criminal behavior and behavior of the down and out but fail to report on activities at which was once an outstanding institution. I attended jcjc during dr youngs administration. at this time jcjc did not have all the fancy buildings and grounds but students were educated. we are talking about millions of dollars and thousands of lives. the media should publicize expenditures of jcjc. the jcjc board shoud be replaced. they are good old boys that have failed to carry out their duties. smith is promoting himself. he speaks as if he has carefully scripted every word. in my opinion he is presenting a phony image of himself. the so called peter principle is taking place. smith has obtained a position that many feel is beyond his capabilities.

Submitted By: It's your priorities, Jesse	Submitted: 6/30/2013
Jesse Smith’s administration is blaming the economy for the problems at the college, but it isn’t the economy. If the economy were to blame, all of the community colleges in the state would be facing the same level of financial distress. The CCs are all funded exactly the same way. They are all experiencing exactly the same economy, yet other schools are thriving while JCJC is careening out of control. The Smith team is also blaming lower enrollment, but the lower enrollment is the result of their actions, not the cause of their problems. The problems were there first. The students CHOSE to go to other schools because of the problems with the way the school was being run. One quick example: Several years back, Jesse Smith closed the grill (a vital part of campus life for the students) in order to spend a whole heaping pile of money remodeling the space into a banquet hall that is rarely ever used at all and is of no interest whatsoever to the students. This is just one of many examples of his me-first/students-last approach to gobbling up state funds and tuition revenues. The students have never had a good place to go to hang out between classes since the closing of the grill. But there are coffee shops in the library and in Jones Hall, you say? Yes, there are, and how do you think students going to class and going to study in the library feel about other students “hanging out” in the lobbies? The lack of a proper place for students to just go hang out while they are on campus is a source of constant frustration and conflict. Besides which, how many students at Jones consider the ability to purchase a $4 latte more important than the ability to purchase a $4 hamburger and coke? None of these very expensive remodels were done because they mattered to students. They were, in fact, the opposite of what the students wanted or cared about or needed. They were all done for no better reason than to make Jesse Smith feel more impressed with himself. Students care about having a wifi system that actually works when they need to download their books for class (something Jesse ran out of money before he could fund), and they care about having teachers who are happy with their jobs and have time to pay some individual attention to their students. Who really believes this is happening when the class sizes have grown so large? I’ve sent all of my kids (and nieces and nephews and cousins and neighbors and church kids) to Jones in the past, but I won’t let them go to school there now, and this all boils down to class size. The instructors are still the same people I entrusted with my kids’ education in the past, but these good people are being asked to do the impossible, and I won’t have my child’s future suffer because of it. Everyone in the world knows (except apparently Jesse Smith and his VP for Instruction) you can’t offer quality education when you have two classes worth of students in every room. The powers that be must be held accountable for this.

Submitted By: JCJC Insider	Submitted: 6/30/2013
The previous post submitted by "Teacher" is sadly the truth. I also am a longtime employee of the college and have never seen such demoralized faculty members during my tenure at JCJC. The majority of the faculty are at JCJC because of their love of teaching. Unfortunately, it is becoming more difficult due to the poor leadership of our president. The financial situation is a major problem, despite what the "official" press release sent out by Jesse's marketing department reveal. JCJC's enrollment decline has been ongoing for several semesters. While other community colleges have shown increases we are steadily losing students. Dr. Smith has constantly blamed the faculty for this trend, but not his group of highly paid, nonteaching administrative cronies. He complains that faculty do a poor job of advising students, failing to show care and concern for our students, and our inability to "engage" student in the classroom discourse. Where is the data to support these charges? What does he think occurs in the classroom on a daily basis? What he will NOT share with the public are some of his ridiculous and expensive ideas the school has pursued and in many cases failed to implement or follow through to completion. LLC needs to ask about Jesse's plan to beat Atlanta Technical College as the number one two year school in the nation or the equestrian program or the cattle farm or the college readiness program or the bell tower. There is no telling how much money was spent to begin the College Readiness Program then it quietly has faded away. The amount of administrative positions have skyrocketed under his administration. No one really knows how much is spent because there is no budget to examine. By law, the school's budget should be available for review and should detail the salaries of all faculty and administrative personnel. WHERE IS THE PUBLISHED BUDGET? During the latest round of layoffs it seems that certain faculty members were let go but no administrator lost his or her position. There is absolutely no need for a school the size of Jones to have the number of vice-presidents, deans, and directors who do not contribute to the education of students but are paid the big bucks! Many are simply clones of Jesse Smith: smartly dressed but with no brains or substance. JCJC used to brag that we provided the highest quality instruction for the lowest tuition costs of any two year school. We now charge the most of any two year school in Mississippi! My guess is that eBooks have contributed to this increase as well as declining enrollment. I will admit that the campus has undergone some major improvements since Jesse assumed the presidency, but at what cost? It is also true that there have been no raises or step increases since Jesse has been president, but my motivation for writing this post is more than money. The fear is that the quality of instruction will begin to suffer because of it. Jesse's reaction to being told no is to scream at the individual who dares to cross him and then refuse to invite him or her to the next meeting. Sound like a spoiled child who lets you play with his toys but will take them home if you don't let him win. Perhaps it time for someone to properly discipline Dr. Smith before it is too late.

Submitted By: Teacher	Submitted: 6/29/2013
I AM a teacher at Jones Junior College and have been for some time, going back into the Ronald Whitehead era at least. I love Jones Junior College above all institutions and entities other than my family, my church and my country. This college, its students and its role in our community mean far too much to allow its presently rapid decline. I have not been fired, or “put on an improvement plan,” or (as someone below insultingly states) “made to work.” I DO work, and I work VERY hard for these students, early and late, far beyond the official hours, preparing and grading and helping and listening and guiding. Now let me speak about what is happening at our beloved college and TO the all-important students and the faculty: Jesse Smith is not one of us—a teacher, educator or scholar—and he never was. We all know he did not like teaching, was not very good at it, and did not do it for very long. He was eager for power. He got it and has made an enormous mess. Smith has hurt students and this college perhaps irreparably only to satisfy his insatiable ego while providing lavishly for himself and his large company of non-teaching cronies and (what-on-earth-do-they-do?!) administrative, PR and “recruitment” (where Jones is failing the worst!!) personnel. Moreover, he cannot even send out an e-mail or write a brief statement without errors, which is profoundly embarrassing! He was a “business type” coming in, but again, that is an area where the college is failing miserably. Ronald Whitehead was an excellent algebra teacher AND great, wise financial manager. Dean Randolph Strickland was a fantastic and devoted teacher who cared more about student education and achievement than ANYTHING!! He also would not spend a dime if it was not going to help a student in some way. Jesse Smith has forced teachers to try and instruct ever-larger classes, making it harder and harder for us to give students the individual attention—in writing, in labs, in private tutoring of math or social science or whatever—that they deserve, need and that their parents’ taxes and tuition have purchased. Try as we do to the point of exhaustion, the number of students we are each saddled with (fifty in English Composition classes and in Science labs, for example), the number of classes we are forced to teach, and the limited number of hours in a day and weeks in a semester mean we physically CANNOT provide these dear students with what they deserve. That breaks our hearts while Smith could obviously care less. His image and high-flying lifestyle are all that seem to matter. And he has created an atmosphere of fear and paranoia wherein ANY COMPLAINT can mean your job. That has been made clear. We are risking our accreditation—our license to operate and offer classes that transfer to other colleges—with this situation, yet Smith continues to cut teachers, increase tuition AND pile more on the remaining teachers—threatening us menacingly about criticism all the while. Does he cut the flock of pretty, young, female “recruiters” who preside over declining enrollment? NO! Does he cut non-teaching yet highly paid (and often unqualified but chosen for their loyalty to Jesse) administrative personnel? Absolutely NOT!!! Smith does NOT reduce his own spending—look at his salary of 194 thousand dollars a year!!!—plus his free mansion, plus his taxpayer-provided Suburban (previous administrators were happy to drive school cars with the JCJC logo, but not Jesse!), plus all his free food, other funds, perks and travel, etc. We teachers have meanwhile not had a raise since he arrived in office, but work more than ever. If Jesse—who does not teach—attends a conference, it is paid for. If teachers go to a conference to improve our teaching, we pay everything. Smith also—despite being less educated than most of the faculty—treats us with condescension, issues constant threats and acts like he and his team are royalty. We are sick of this thoroughly naked emperor, his wasteful spending and personal excess, his inattention to education and students and their tax-paying families, his insatiable ego and his disastrous mismanagement. Morale is indeed awful. Teachers are leaving voluntarily to teach high school, which NEVER happened in the past. Please help us remedy this disaster!!!! We only want to be able to teach well, prepare students properly and be paid fairly as in the past. THANK YOU!!!!!

Submitted By: JCJC alum	Submitted: 6/29/2013
Why isnt anyone looking into these charges? Times are hard. Why tolerate the misuse of funds?

Submitted By: Bring Back the Glory Days!	Submitted: 6/28/2013
As a graduate of JCJC, it breaks my heart to hear all of these bad reports. I wish the Board would contact Dr. Tisdale and seek his guidance and leadership during this time. Under Dr. Tisdale, the campus was renovated, faculty salaries were competitive, and the morale of the employees was great. Everyone loved working at JCJC, and the students were proud of their school. Dr. Tisdale is also well-respected in the community, and I believe JCJC needs that type of image during this time. Dr. Tisdale is still preparing and mentoring future college leaders, and I know he could help guide JCJC and provide important insight during this time.

Submitted By: Becky L	Submitted: 6/28/2013
I want to ask a very simple question of the person claiming the present "leadership" at JCJC is so wonderful. It's a question for Dr. Smith, too. How come Pearl River CC got picked as one of the best 2 year colleges in the country while Jones struggles as well as loses enrollment and prestige like Paula Deen losing endorsement contracts?! Isn't PRCC in the same tough times????

Submitted By: Dr. Smith and his cronies first, Foundation second?	Submitted: 6/27/2013
First things first, Dr. Smith and most of his vice presidents must go, all handpicked for their unwavering loyalty to him, NOT JCJC. Then, open the Foundation books. Every paid employee in the Foundation's office were also handpicked by Jesse. I don't believe anyone would intentionally make misappropriations with this money, but when 'pleasing the boss and keeping your very well paid job for which you are sadly under qualified for' are hand in hand, blurry lines just may occur. With money so tight, does anyone believe he hasn't tapped into that source as well? I personally would like to know the percentage of funds that are raised by the Foundation that actually go toward scholarships and facutly recognitions, and how much is spent on extravagant entertaining and landscaping. Read the Foundation's mission statement, doesn't say anything about those two areas of the college being supplemented by contributions to the Foundation now does it?

Submitted By: Bring Whitehead Back!	Submitted: 6/26/2013
I'm interested in the claim that the 50k in "fine furnishings" went to Jones Hall. IF the person who posted this is in the know and IF this is true, it raises an entirely new set of questions. The most likely place "fine furnishings" might have gone in Jones Hall is in the Foundation offices. If that's where they went, why did the money come out of the College budget and not the Foundation budget? The Foundation is a separate financial entity. Why didn't they pay for their own furniture? For that matter, why do Jesse Smith and Rick Youngblood both sit on the Foundation board? Is this not considered a conflict of interest? Of course, you would also think having Youngblood's wife do the books for the Foundation would be considered a conflict of interest. But if Jesse Smith cared about avoiding these types of questionable situations, he probably wouldn't be serving on the board of the for-profit Columbia Southern. Did no one bother to tell him that associations with for-profits look shady if you are running a public institution? Perhaps the people who should have warned him against this might have also dropped the bug in his ear that the State Supreme Court ruled years ago that college presidents aren't allowed to hire their own wives. Then again, maybe he's been told all of this and more and just doesn't care.

Submitted By: Not Afraid	Submitted: 6/26/2013
The ad hominem attacks by the Jesse Smith supporters herein offer a powerful indication of Smith's pathetic and culpable position. In other words, rather than defusing criticisms with facts and explanations, they attack the messengers. That is a weak and telling defense that typically constitutes a red flag of guilt. Innocent people explain away charges with facts and insight. Guilty parties attack their critics personally, as below. Further, the only substantive argument offered by Smith's people provides an absurd view: "We are in hard times, wherein teachers must be cut to the bone, educational opportunity must be sacrificed to rein in expenses, students must get less while paying more, etc., BUT FIFTY THOUSAND DOLLARS in FINE FURNISHINGS are just fine because we don't want Dirt Cheap furniture in Jones Hall. HUH?!?! What?! Ummm, who on earth suggested Dirt Cheap? How about making the easy decision (Dr. Smith) of keeping the furniture--no doubt fine itself--you and your "presidential cabinet" have used for the past few years, until times improve? That could have been your easiest and smartest decision ever. I am appalled that the Jesse Smith defenders juxtaposed these two arguments. WOW!!! And please explain the plummeting enrollment in terms of something other than disgruntled employees...Please stop insulting our intelligence!!!!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 6/26/2013
jesse was too young and inexperienced for the presidents job. spending publics money as he so desires. no accountability. I am not a disgruntled employ but a concerned over burdened tax payer. the clueless board is gutless just like the jones county board of supervisors. this stinks and we have not heard the last of it.

Submitted By: JCJC mess/Transparency issues	Submitted: 6/26/2013
UMB listed as vendor on the docket are charges made to the credit cards used to make purchases by employees who request the usage of a credit card to make purchases from vendors who do not accept purchase orders, or in most instances, to expedite the purchasing process. These purchases are subject to the same scrutiny as written or electronically submitted purchase requisitions and should, technically, be legal and responsible purchases made with tax payer money. The problem is, are they? If the business office approves these purchases and questions have arisen regarding questionable payments approved through the business office, credibility is at issue. Taxpayers, who are stretched to the breaking point, have a right to know that their money is being spent not only legally, but responsibly. The present administration has demonstrated a pointed disregard for protocols that had made the institution strong in the past. Whether or not specific laws have been broken by inappropriate expenditures aside, the lack of confidence in this administration must finally by addressed by the Board of Trustees.

Submitted By: JCJC mess/Transparency issues	Submitted: 6/26/2013
UMB listed as vendor on the docket are charges made to the credit cards used to make purchases by employees who request the usage of a credit card to make purchases from vendors who do not accept purchase orders, or in most instances, to expedite the purchasing process. These purchases are subject to the same scrutiny as written or electronically submitted purchase requisitions and should, technically,be legal and responsible purchases made with tax payer money. The problem is, are they? If the business office approves these purchases and questions have arisen regarding questionable payments approved through the business office, credibi

Submitted By: Heart sick	Submitted: 6/26/2013
I love JCJC. I don't work there and am not a disgruntled employee. I don't like personal attacks against Dr. Smith. I am heart sick however over the fact and sadly it is a fact that JC is broke, tuition is up, enrollment is down, Pearl River is ranked in the top 2 year colleges in the nation while JC is not, and what has been a shining star is plummeting like a comet burning up on its decent. I must have confidence that the board will commit to sorting through the nit pick, look at the totality of what has happened to create this firestorm and then do whatever is necessary to get it back on track. If the leadership is the root of the problem then they must be held accountable.

Submitted By: Know more than you think!	Submitted: 6/26/2013
I have written before and not seen my comments printed so I am writing again. I personally believe Dr. Smith has misappropriated tens of thousands of taxpayers dollars. Specifically I believe he spent more than two thousand dollars paying for meals for his daughter's High School soccer team and charged them to the college. Don't believe me? Ask the parents of the South Jones girls soccer team if Dr. Smith picked up the tab. Check the game dates and then the docket, bet you will find it charged to 'student services'. Looks like 'he?' paid for the hotel rooms as well, but I'm not as sure about that yet. I DO intend to find out, however. Also from what I understand it is against state law to do business with family, then how come Dr. Smith invites his cousin Reggi and his wife Lady Love Smith to give a concert at the college for which they were paid several thousand dollars. When I first heard they were coming, I assumed a 'love offering' would be taken at the door.Wrong! Guess Dr. Smith was trying to impress his successful cousin with HIS deep pockets! For those of you blindly defending Dr. Smith, this is again a fact. It is a fact that Charlotte Whitehead left her employment with the college when Dr. Whitehead became President because it was considered a conflict of interest since the President's office makes request for salary increases for the faculty. Apparently this was not an ethical issue for Dr. Smith since he hired his wife Jennifer to teach there this past year. Now I have a question for the Board of Trustees. Is it wise for the Business manager, who approves/verifies expenditures by the president to not only live in campus housing 'free of charge', with meals, insurance, utilities etc. provided but also to have his wife work on campus as well. Is this a sound business practice? Ultimately don't you, the Board, have the final approval on employment? I'm not saying it's illegal, but is it WISE? (Please, don't offend our sensibilities with its part of his compensation package.) Every one who is employed at the college should be questioned about what they personally know and if they answer truthfully, be given immunity from prosecution. Not what they have heard, not what they think, but what they KNOW and that alone should cause a shockwave even the Board of Trustees can't ignore. People, those of you who don't know would be Appalled and ashamed at how rampant the misconduct has become. And not just financial. I have heard that athletes have been arrested by campus police on drug charges and in route to the sheriff's office been instructed by Dr. Smith himself to return them to campus. (Kids talk/boast? Dr. Smith ) Those of you who are defending him , do you think that's moral? Back to financials, maybe the State auditor's office needs to check into the cash payments of $5,000 a month to Anthony Maddox, that alone could possibly have legal repercussions not only to Dr. Smith and whoever else approved these payments but to the institution as well! Why were these payments made in this particular manner? I would like to be paid $1600 a month to provide my own transportation suitable to my 'status', rather than drive a vehicle provided by the college as all previous presidents have done Dr.Smith. Are there any other payments, in addition to your salary, that you receive Dr. Smith for 'services' you CLAIM you provide to the college? The Board members know exactly what I am referring too, don't you? If you don't, you better start asking some serious questions and I would start with Mr. Youngblood. I do not work for the college, nor have I ever been fired from there, or have any reason to have a personal vendetta against Dr. Smith. I have never worked for him and in fact scarcely know him. I am related in one way or another to a good many Jones countians and am friends with a lot of others, including relatives of Dr. Smith. People in the community talk and intentionally or unintentionally information is transmitted and eventually someone puts two and two together. People do KNOW what is going on there, unfortunately not everyone has known enough until now. Honest questions have been raised and honest answers need to be forthcoming. We ALL should want to know the truth and if misappropriations have been made, then restitution should be made. If criminal activities have taken place, punishment imposed. Until a complete investigation by impartial persons is conducted, and until honest citizens can come forward without fear of reprisal, then the people who support this institution with their tax dollars, their tuition, or with charitable donations to the foundation are being cheated. Instead of name calling, every one of us should want the same thing......the truth.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 6/25/2013
You are the one whining. You have whined for weeks on this forum. We are tired of hearing you ignorance. You evidently are one of the disgruntled staff members. Jones county taxpayers are smarter than to believe your fiction!

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 6/25/2013
I find it interesting that "Tired of the Slander"--regarding the mess at JCJC--offers the FEWEST facts or figures, the MOST superficial case and LEAST supportable claims in this entire thread (...regarding who wrote the critiques; how would they know?). The complaints regarding Jesse Smith are clearly NOT slanderous since they are supported by the open--by law now, thank God--financial reporting of the institution. Jesse Smith's "wise leadership" expenditure of 50 grand on FINE FURNISHINGS is there in black and white in the state transparency report, as are the other details about Beau Rivage, Anthony Maddox, construction built on INSTRUCTION money, etc. All you have to do is look through the school's own reporting. The comments are therefore not slanderous at all. Also factual and therefore hardly slanderous stands the FACT that JCJC enrollment is down by about a third from its height under the very wise Ronald Whitehead. Factual numbers are not slander. And historically speaking, enrollment should be up if the economy is down. Jobs are harder to find, so people go to school instead for retraining. Teachers ARE being laid off and fired by Smith NOW, because the school is broke--not because of his wise decisions but because of the spending spree everyone knows he has been on. Jesse Smith's purposeless trips to Sweden and China and New York and the $9000 vacation he took last summer (check the Financial Report!) are not wise and frugal leadership, but they have lost JCJC some fine teachers and weakened resources. The E-Book fiasco (for students and their parents) is a fact, too, supportable by any student there! And what on earth is this UMB business on the Transparency Report. UMB is a bank in Kansas City, but Smith & Co. are listing it as a "vendor" for everything you can imagine a school purchasing, from books and movies to instruction and janitorial supplies!!! Banks don't generally sell movies OR janitorial supplies. And they don't teach. Importantly, a public institution cannot list a means of payment as a vendor. That's VERY tricky reporting. If my spouse asks where I spent 1000 dollars, I cannot say "My debit card from the bank!!" From what I see below--and have a look for yourself--the critiques appear factual, justified and from truly concerned folks with taxpayer interests in mind. "Tired of slander" sounds like one of Smith's corps of underlings submitting a poorly argued and insubstantial piece of defense. People deserve the facts about this TAXPAYER=supported institution!!!!

Submitted By: Just Vote Him Out!	Submitted: 6/25/2013
It is time for the citizens of Jones County to stop whining! Whining! Yes, Jesse Smith has is clearly guilty of gross mismanagement at JCJC, but stop whining about him! Take control of what you control. Set out today to make sure that not a single member of the Board of Supervisors gets re-elected. Every person running for Supervisor needs to have a very simple platform: (1) Dismiss every member of the current School Board, (2) Dismiss Jesse Smith for cause, (3) Appoint Dr. Whitehead as the new Chair of the Board, (4) Reduce administrative staffing to Pre-Jesse levels and cost, (5) Hire an outside accounting firm to audit all financial transactions that occurring during Jesse's term. STOP WHINING AND DO SOMETHING!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 6/25/2013
These people who are attacking the President of JCJC should be ashamed. Do you people not know that educational conferences and any other type conference you could name are conducted at the Beau Rivage and all the other casinos on the Coast, or Vicksburg, or Natchez, or Tunica. The people holding these conferences get discount rates in order to book the conference. Every educational, government, or private entity in the state or out of state takes advantage of having conferences at a nice facility and people attend and enjoy the comfort of the facility. Ignorance is not an excuse for posting stupidity. Ask your supervisor where he/she goes to the supervisors' conference each summer. I do know that a couple of years ago it was at the Beau Rivage. I would assume that the college has paid a bill there and many other places....what else is new. Teachers, administrators, and others at the college probably have attended. I would certainly hope that JCJC was not the college that did not attend. The other issue that needs to be addressed is that of the "fine furnishings". If I were guessing, I would have to suspect those furnishings were for the new Jones Hall building that is certainly a nice addition to the campus. I do not think it would be good to go to "Dirt Cheap" to buy furniture for that new facility. I am just thankful that we have people who are able to go buy appropriate furniture for such a nice facility. I will say this, I have spoken to no one about the furniture or the Beau Rivage expenses.....but I do have a brain and can figure it out. These people writing these statements are using these things as a cover for whatever they are unhappy about. If we new the real truth we would all probably make a personal visit to the college and personally thank Dr. Smith for all he has done. Because of confidentiality issues, it is not appropriate for any administrator to talk about personnel problems but if the truth were known this forum is being used to voice issues not related to the real problem.

Submitted By: Tired of the slander!	Submitted: 6/25/2013
I am discouraged about the recent comments that have been posted on this forum. I learned the hard way that anybody can say anything, whether it is true or not true. JCJC is a wonderful educational institution and has a truly fine staff and leader. However, the fact is that "great leaders" do not always make decisions that make everyone happy. Great leaders make decisions based on what is right for the business or institution they lead. Dr. Jesse Smith is a great leader, and evidently, he has had to make some decisions that did not make some of his staff happy. Leaders have to deal with incompetence, laziness, moral issues, and much more that cause people to be upset with the leadership. These people are disgruntled and will say anything to try to discredit the college and the leadership. Wake up.....these are the people who are putting this "stuff" on this forum. They have either been fired, put on an improvement plan, or made to do their job and now they only want to cause problems for the leadership. Surely the School Board can see through this and will be strong enough to put their emphasis on making the college better by considering the source and moving on to making JCJC the best ever. Economically our entire country is hurt and certainly our college is having to cut back. The people who are making this a financial problem must have not read the newspapers or watched the news. Dr. Smith will handle this the way a leader does and make cuts where he must. Thank you Dr. Smith and all I can say is "this too shall pass" and we will move on to "better"!

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 6/22/2013
Well, I hope to goodness every interstate in LAUREL isn't getting reconfigured because people CANT DRIVE HERE. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY!

Submitted By: Frank Lee Fedup	Submitted: 6/21/2013
As long as people are asking questions about the finances at JCJC, why doesn't someone ask why Anthony Maddox received repeated payments of $5000 each? Maddox is a football coach. Since no one else's salary shows up in that "spending by vendor" site, it looks like those payments of $5000 (monthly) were coming out of an account that isn't normally used to pay employees. Was this 5k on top of a normal salary or instead of a normal salary? Maybe this is legit and maybe it isn't, but there's a reason the state makes the schools publish these vendor reports. You can't just play switcharoo games with taxpayer money and not have to account for what you are doing. Let's hear some answers, House Smith.

Submitted By: Frank Lee Fedup	Submitted: 6/21/2013
As long as people are asking questions about the finances at JCJC, why doesn't someone ask why Anthony Maddox received repeated payments of $5000 each? Maddox is a football coach. Since no one else's salary shows up in that "spending by vendor" site, it looks like those payments of $5000 (monthly) were coming out of an account that isn't normally used to pay employees. Was this 5k on top of a normal salary or instead of a normal salary? Maybe this is legit and maybe it isn't, but there's a reason the state makes the schools publish these vendor reports. You can't just play switcharoo games with taxpayer money and not have to account for what you are doing. Let's hear some answers, House Smith.

Submitted By: Connie Hoover	Submitted: 6/19/2013
Sorry, I see typos. I do know how to spell advice and pled. smiles.

Submitted By: Connie Hoover	Submitted: 6/19/2013
My elderly mother has been dealing with a water leakage adjustment since January of this year. We (with my help) have completed each task the Laurel Water Dept. requested. Today there were more issues and we found ourselves at a stalemate. When I was at my wits end, I went to Mayor Mack and to Mr. Kevin for advise and plead "our" case. Thank you Mayor Mack and Mr. Kevin. I have never had a warmer reception and the concern you showed was heart warming. Everyone should take lessons from you and your secretaries in how to treat the public. I can not express my gratitude. Many Thanks, Connie Hoover and Netta Hoover.

Submitted By: Frances R. Smith	Submitted: 6/18/2013
I had a look at that website, too, and see where Jones Jr. College spent over 13 thousand dollars at Beau Rivage Casino this year alone. WHAT!?!? See for yourself: https://sbcjcweb.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/mccbtrans/spending/byVendor.aspx Four of the payments to the Beau Rivage Casino are listed as "instructional" in nature, while two charges fall under "student services." I'm wondering what kind of instruction takes place at a casino? And how students are serviced by Jesse Smith (or whoever is enjoying the Beau Rivage trips) is servicing students? Really curious to hear this. I also want to second the questions about SD Bateman Fine Furnishings (NICE stuff...Where did this go? The President's Mansion? His office? I doubt it was a classroom) and the Jones Jr. College DOG that gets fed off our tax money! I thought Jones was the BOBCATS!! It's getting time for some answers around here!!

Submitted By: Taking Care of Business	Submitted: 6/17/2013
I've been browsing through the state accountability website provided in a previous post, and I've noticed a few expenses in the JCJC budget that I'm just plain curious about. There was a payment of nearly 50k to SD Bateman Fine Furnishings in September 2011. Now I don't know much, but "Fine Furnishings" don't really sound like school desks to me. If you don't have the money to pay your teachers (or heck, your janitors either), how great could your need for "Fine Furnishings" possibly be? In 2012 and 2013, there have been a number of payments made to PetSense in Laurel. PetSense? They sell dog food. JCJC doesn't own a dog. I realize the amount of money spent there is minute compared to the other things going on around that school, but what's up? Why is anyone spending any amount of money at PetSense? In January 2012, more than 50k was paid to Tanner Construction from a budget labeled "Instruction." Again, I don't know a whole lot, but it looks to me like enough money to pay a teacher's salary for a year was paid out of a pot earmarked for instructional purposes to a road construction company. Like I said, I'm just plain curious.

Submitted By: Insider	Submitted: 6/17/2013
SO WHY is NOTHING being done about the catastrophe taking place before our eyes at JCJC? With our once proud and envied Jones Junior College imploding under Jesse Smith's "leadership," with enrollment 75% or less of where it stood when pretty boy democrat Jesse took over and started spending on anything that crossed his mind, with great teachers leaving Jones in droves, WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE?! Where are the Boards of Supervisors from the associated counties? Everyone knows the JCJC Board is a fixed deal, a rigged body, but folks have oversight of even that do nothing (apparently) crowd. Call your supervisor and ask them to investigate and ACT before more of our hard-earned tax money goes down the Jesse Smith toilet, and before a once great college is ruined beyond repair for years!!! I do not know the actual financial losses, but have heard that Smith inherited a 13 million dollar surplus (created by Pine Belt TAXPAYERS!!!) that is now gone, and has built a mountain of debt. HOW MUCH DEBT? Why do we--the taxpayers and parents of children who could attend the school BECAUSE of our tax investment!--Not Know the Amount!? And we need the newspapers on our side to help clean up the mess. Questions need to be asked!!!!

Submitted By: BC Jones	Submitted: 6/15/2013
The JCJC board might very well be nothing more than rubber stamps for Jesse Smith, but they are still responsible for the financial disaster he's gotten them into. Maybe they would do a better job of overseeing the college leadership if they had someone as chairman other than Jesse Smith's college roommate and close friend since childhood.

Submitted By: Grandpa	Submitted: 6/15/2013
(Continued. I pulled the trigger too soon.) I help my daughter out some with expenses. Now, I ain't a lawyer but that sounds like a big old lawsuit if a bunch of students fail cause they couldn't get the book they paid for. My boys say the teachers said it was all Jesse Smith's idea and many teachers don;t like it either. Here's the worst part. I remember when JCJC students all said they wished they could get their four year degrees at Jones and stay there. My children and grandchildren felt that way for sure. Now they don;t. My boys can't wait to get up to State and they say most students don't like Jones and want out for elsewhere now. What's changed? You tell me. I DO KNOW where the buck stops and it is at Smiths door. Maybe Whitehead needs to come back and run it for a while and get things straightened out. When I see Smith on TV, I think is this a school man or someone who thinks he's a TV star. No offense, but I got eyes.

Submitted By: Grandpa	Submitted: 6/15/2013
All my children and grandchildren attended JCJC when Tisdale & Whitehead ran things and it was run WELL, buddy! Two of my granddaughters sang in Milfred Valentines choir and I had a grandson who played bb for Bobby Glaze. Those were good days. Lona Kay Bassett was about a saint, too. I am sad to see the direction things are headed at Jones now. My great grandsons who are there now said the mandatory eBook's policy (I'm honestly not even sure what that is, except more money on students) don't work right cause the students can't get the books they pay for. Some of these are very expensive books (I help my granddaughter out wi

Submitted By: Taxpayer	Submitted: 6/13/2013
Smith -- Jesse Smith -- has made a hot mess of that place by abandoning good fiscal discipline. That old fashioned approach made the "University of Jones County" a bargain and something to be proud of under the Old Guard like Ronald Whitehead. Smith is a liberal spendthrift and acts like he's looking in a mirror ever time I see him.

Submitted By: Benji Alstrohm	Submitted: 6/13/2013
I know some veteran JCJC teachers very well, and they say the faculty has ZERO confidence in Jesse Smith. He has made a number of disastrous decisions for students: bigger classes, over-worked teachers AND the e-book FIASCO which forces students to buy e-books that many cannot download. {This prevents students from saving money by purchasing used books.} I hear he treats the faculty like chicken plant employees and is known to have been a weak teacher himself who yearned to play CEO or little emperor. Well, he got the power and has spent a once great institution--see the successes under Drs. Whitehead and Tisdale and Young--into the dirt. Jesse Smith needs to come clean--and so does the JCJC Board--on how much debt there REALLY is. And what the Hancock Loan was for. And why the school needs an endless number of six figure VPs, administrators, PR personnel and highly paid folks who don't teach. I don't mind my taxes being spent on good teaching and for the students' educations one bit. I do mind someone making a public institution their own little kingdom and a place to pretend they are a corporate CEO. OPEN THE BOOKS!!!!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 6/8/2013
the jcjc board is a rubber stamp for smith. there is a 2 or 3 member group within the board that makes all decisions. jesse is one of those young folk that was given a debt free college and has run it into the ground. young,tisdale, and the other president operated on pay as you do business. jesse is just like the sheriff and supt of ed in jones county. wanting more and more not living within means sort of similar to Obama. he is a democrat through and through. this young generation getting taxpayers overburdened. these individuals need to be taken behind the woodshed for some discipline. jesse been around his Harvard educated buddy that gave commencement several years ago. smith woos the board members at meetings with extravagant meals paid for by the tax payers. a junior college education is as sound as a university and maybe better. but jesse is a good bull shooter like Clinton and Obama. jcjc in red but not broke. who does he think he is fooling? he thinks that Hollywood smile and educated red neck speech is going to win an Oscar.

Submitted By: BC Jones	Submitted: 6/8/2013
JCJC is making huge budget cuts this year because, in the words of Jesse Smith, "We're not broke. We're just operating in the red." A simple review of some of the spending that has taken place at the college over the past couple of years is enough to show why the school is operating at a deficit. To see what's been flowing out of the college operating budget, go to this link. https://sbcjcweb.sbcjc.cc.ms.us/mccbtrans/spending/byVendor.aspx Choose Jones County Junior College and browse through by vendor. Pay special attention to Hancock Bank, where the college is paying an enormous amount of interest on debt. What is this debt for? How much debt is there? Is the principle being paid from another budget? These are just a few of the questions that need answers. JCJC is not a private company, and it is not its own little kingdom. Jesse smith is neither or corporate CEO, nor a king. This is a public institution, paid for by your tax money. You deserve to know where the money is going. It's time to start demanding answers.

Submitted By: just my opinion	Submitted: 6/8/2013
To I'm Just saying ..... I agree there is a lot of shady stuff that went on in Jones County too. But when the white people do speak up the black people want to pull the race card. Well I hate to tell the black people not all white people are racist and we white people don't owe you nothing there were white slaves there were slaves of every race not just black. I feel there was some dirty politics in Hattiesburg and Laurel and all ballots should be recounted by the churches... Just like the Obama race it was foul and everyone knows it is foul ....Everyone wanted a CHANGE well the change has militery losing their free meals, elderly losing their medicare that they worked all their lives for. People who actually need government assistance don't stand a chance to the people who refuse to work due to laziness.. How do y'all like that change now. Are y'all ready for the mandatory rfid chip that Obama slid into OBAMA care.. What about all the children suffering cause of people wanting a change so bad they were to blind to read the true facts. Our troops were suppose to all have been home December 2012 that has yet to have happened..... But what can we do about it ...... Now look at Laurel Ken Keys would have cleaned Laurel up and made it a much better place to live but thank God I moved out of Laurel before the crap really hits the fans and to the Hattiesburg residence thanks the folks who wanted the CHANGE

Submitted By: I'm just sayin	Submitted: 6/7/2013
If the vote in Hattiesburg had went in favor of Dave Ware with the door to city hall and the door to the vault left unlocked the Blacks would by rioting in the streets. It's time for the white people wake up. A crime has taken place at city hall. Why is Dupree in New York on election day. All very shady. I'm just sayin

Submitted By: Shame on you, Harvey	Submitted: 6/3/2013
On June 4, 2013, the fine citizens of the “City Beautiful” (that is Laurel in case you can’t tell anymore) will find themselves at the crossroad. The choice is, 1) am I happy with what and where we are in Laurel or 2) am I ready to roll my sleeves up and start cleaning this place up, repairing a deplorable infrastructure, and start inviting development that will strengthen the tax base, provide good jobs for the residents, and bring civic pride back to, that’s right, “The City Beautiful.” As I read thru the June 1, 2013, edition of this newspaper my attention was caught by the Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down section. The Thumbs Down part was shaming those that would use this media to slam or discredit any candidates that are seeking one of the available offices being voted on. Well, I agree. Shame on you. Then I came upon two articles that were attempting to promote particular candidates pursuing the office of mayor. One of the writers promoted his choice of candidates by highlighting the positive qualities of his choice. He pointed out the man’s experience within city employment and then mentioned the man’s successes as a prosperous businessman. His best point to me was about the candidates love for the City of Laurel and how this candidate wants to bring Laurel up to its potential as a beautiful, safe, growing, thriving city that it once was before falling into disrepair and civic failure. This column appealed to me because the column I read before this one was what I assumed the thumbs down was all about. That writer wrote about his candidate in the best light that he could. That candidate’s involvement in city government has resulted in what we see today. Dilapidated buildings all over town, failing water and sewer systems, streets that will soon require a mountain goat to negotiate and more company vehicles than most major service companies located in town. The writer of that column failed to mention how Ellisville and Hattiesburg are kicking the City of Laurel’s behind in attracting new business that are the lifeblood of any viable community. Instead, all that writer was able to do was to mount a feeble attempt at a character assassination aimed at the opposing candidate. Again, SHAME ON YOU. I have read many other articles contributed by that writer and sometimes I wonder if he is writing to show people that he owns a dictionary and that he is able to read it or does he really have a message to deliver. It seems to me that in the majority of his writings he is berating or browbeating something or someone. His feeble attempt at character assassination of a very good, positive contributing citizen of the fine City of Laurel makes a comparison to a time gone by that would be best forgotten but, as most of that writers works have shown, he is unable to look forward. He cannot get out of the past. In my opinion, that writer is one that would brag on the capabilities of the pony express while a 747 jumbo jet flies right over his head. That writer uses the phrase wheeler-dealer and in his mind that is all he is capable of seeing. I hope the voters of the City Beautiful have the good sense to see through someone so narrow minded and recognize when a private agenda is driving his bus. I would not call Mr. Ken Keyes a wheeler-dealer but a lifelong resident of a wonderful little city that wants to make life better for all the citizens living there. Ken Keyes is better described as someone who cares. A man with a vision and a man driven to do good things for the betterment of his community. A wheeler-dealer or a progressive, get off your tail and do something person? I know the difference and I hope and pray that the good citizens of Laurel possess the intellect to tell the difference too. Go Vote!

Submitted By: Just Checking	Submitted: 5/21/2013
What has happened to all of the construction that was supposed to be happening at the Magnolia Road intersection on Hwy. 84 East? There has been no construction activity in over two months and now all of the equipment has been taken away except one piece. Can anyone provide any updates on what's going on?

Submitted By: Know how to spell....	Submitted: 5/15/2013
The eastern diamondback....someone forgot the "d" on the FRONT PAGE of all places!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 5/8/2013
these so called drug busts are a farce. the sheriff's department tries to get a lot of publicity out of the petty drug offenses. why aint they busting somebody in the affluent areas of the county. law enforcement is either leaving these people alone or think we all are stupid. when have you seen well known and so called important people on the jail roster. people are on the take for whatever. I am not poor maybe upper middle class financially. it bothers me that only the down and out are arrested. I don't see how some powerful law enforcement people can sleep.

Submitted By: Justin Tyme	Submitted: 5/5/2013
I am not sure if the local police/sheriff thinks we are all stupid but when you sensationalize these small bust especially Cannabis and try to make it sound way worse than it is and giving FALSE facts it makes me shake my head. First of all it's 2013. We all aren't so naive. And if you are bust people at least know and have some knowledge of what you bust. the 25% thc thing to try to scare people does not work. Medical grows in Israel (where they have been doing this for well over 10 yrs treating senior citizens with a NON LETHAL substance) are barely producing plants that are 25% THC...and when you bust a grow op w 4 containers in a 4 foot space, they ARE NOT making 250,000.00 a year growing. This is reason number 456 why The Drug War is a a load of manure

Submitted By: No Hope for addicts	Submitted: 5/1/2013
It is so sad to see what has happened to the Reality House Treatment Center after 39 years of service to our community. A new facility came in and before you could blink the halfway house was closed. After 5 months they re-open the halfway house with Outpatient clients and close the inpatient. The days of having a halfway house in our community is gone. We will now see clients go in and out in approximately 2 weeks with little more than clean time. It has been said that the new company want or need the community of Laurel's support or service, I guess that became clean when after all these years they changed the name.RIP Reality, your years of excellent service with a staff that truly cared about their clients will never be forgotten.

Submitted By: cry me a river	Submitted: 4/17/2013
I see so many complaining and whining cause of Jones County and what goes on with the sheriffs office or the schools. Well every month there is PTO and the county board of supervisors holds a meeting every month as well. Tell them what you keep telling us. Without a voice nothing gets heard. I have my issues with Jones County Schools as well too such as where is all the teachers when the kids are behind school having unprotected sex or kissing and spreading mono through the halls of SJHS, Why are things such as candles in glass globes in our jails but they can't have shoelaces? Or why is public roads that are traveled everyday not being kept up and roads with two houses on it gets fixed every week. If Alex Hodge would stop the spending on stuff not needed and hire employees who doesn't cheat on their spouses with the other jailers and deputies that actually knows our roads and not have to ride around a hour before they finally find what they are needed for. Or better yet hire people in our county cause we need jobs to

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 4/13/2013
in today's leader call the owner/publisher writes about all welfare receipients being put in the army. this is a slap in the face to the military which now is a professional army. I was in the military when there was a draft and some of the draftees caused a collapse of an effective and well-disciplined force. I suggest the welfare takers be enrolled in journalism at ole miss. also in todays paper a journalism student writes about ole miss traditions that should be cast aside. what per centage of her graduating high school class was white. all these holier than thou journalists insist on writing from one view and living another life. its similar to al gore's fight for the environment yet he flies all over the world wasting fuel and polluting the air.

Submitted By: What's your point?	Submitted: 4/12/2013
Because it is too hard to live outside of Jones County in the SAME county.

Submitted By: John Rollings	Submitted: 4/10/2013
Why does some JONES CO sheriff deputies live outside of Jones Co in OTHER counties??

Submitted By: Top Heavy	Submitted: 4/9/2013
I was just wondering why the Jones county Sheriff's Dept. is so top Heavy. Seems like some of those administrative positions could be cut out and that money be applied to more patrol deputies. Not complaining but when your on a budget it seems the money could be better placed for more people.

Submitted By: Homework - Propellers 101	Submitted: 4/7/2013
Actually, propeller aircrafts are "propelled" BY the planes engines, through the air, the propellers don't propel the engine. Perhaps you're thinking of wind turbines or those plastic wind joys that kids blow.

Submitted By: Do Your Homework	Submitted: 4/7/2013
This is for Cassidi Bush. I let this go a couple of weeks ago when you wrote your first front-page story about the WWII fighter planes, thinking surely you had received phone calls and emails regarding your statement about the WWII fighter "jets." I was apparently wrong since you said it again in your story published in yesterday's edition. If you will look at the picture of the plane, you will see something that looks like ceiling fan blades on the front. These are called propellers and they were used to "propel" the planes' engines, not jet engines. In fact, there were no fighter jets used by the United States during WWII. Next time check your facts more closely.

Submitted By: SINGLE PARENTS VS THE GOVERNMENT	Submitted: 4/7/2013
I HAVE BATTLED THE DHS FOR 21 YEARS TRYING TO OBTAIN CHILD SUPPORT. I OBTAINED ASSISTANCE FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE (DUE TO NOT HAVING THE MONEY TO PAY ATTORNEY'S FEES ANYMORE) AROUND 2008. SO FAR I HAVE COLLECTED $3000.00 IN BACK CHILD SUPPORT. BUT I HAVE LEARNED DURING THIS ADVENTURE THAT THE GOVERNOR CONTROLS THE DHS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE CANNOT REQUEST THE DHS OFFICE DO ANYTHING. SO THE WAY I SEE IT IS SINCE I AM A TAX PAYER OF THE GREAT STATE OF MS AND A REGISTERED VOTER THEN THE GOV. AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WORK FOR ME. SO I THINK I SHOULD HAVER THE RIGHT TO FIRE THE TWO OF THEM. ISN'T THAT HOW IT WORKS IN THE REAL WORLD? ALSO, I WILL BE SEEKING AN ATTORNEY WITH BALLS ENOUGH TO TAKE ON THE TWO OFFICES FOR MISHANDLING MY ACCOUNT AND I AM SURE THERE ARE MANY OTHERS OUT THERE THAT NEED THE SAME HELP. OH AND IT COST ME $16.00 TO GET MY $3000.00 BECAUSE OF THEIR MISTAKES. INSTEAD OF OBAMA TAKING FROM MY SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE HE SHOULD DO AWAY WITH DHS. IT IS OF NO VALUE TO THE CITIZENS WHO NEED IT.

Submitted By: RETIRED NAVY	Submitted: 3/25/2013
I am always amazed at how some things work in Laurel. Why on earth someone would put a STOP sign on a HILL,where its likely to cause MORE WRECKS than solve any problem. MORE PEOPLE WILL PROBABLY BE REAR-ENDED THERE! Again-low traffic going East and West, with much more traffic going North and South to SUDDENLY come to a STOP SIGN ON A HILL!!! UNREAL!!!

Submitted By: RETIRED NAVY	Submitted: 3/25/2013
@ M.L Whimms==YOU ARE SO CORRECT!! ALTHOUGH THERE ARE MANY, MANY MORE, UNIVERSITY IS AWFUL! AND ''WHY'' AIRPORT DR. WAS PAVED IS BEYOND ME!! NO TRAFFIC AND DIDNT NEED IT--hhmmmmmm, who lives on it? ha!-SOOOO MANY THAT WILL RUIN YOUR FRONT-END!!this city has nobody with common sense!! Most traveled-16th Ave.-then people get on -15th Ave.-WHICH IS AWFUL!! ENOUGH SAID, DOES NO GOOD ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: what is wrong with these people	Submitted: 3/21/2013
wow we have teachers going to jail for dui, now a bus driver not doing her job of doing a good walk through on her bus and a child gets left behind. Ugh Jones county needs to pull their faces out the computer screen and keep the teachers off facebook during class time. There is kids at South Jones high school sneaking to areas to make out and have sex but when brought to the attention of the school no one does anything. And you wonder why there is a high rise in teenage pregnancy and we the tax payers have to take of this baby. Enough is is enough.Get people in there that actually care about the kids and not just a paycheck. and @ parent I agree and I do know that teachers at South Jones are gives the kids their assignments and leave them to do it and facebooks the whole time. Is this what we pay these people for to half teach our kids while they do whatever they want.

Submitted By: Parent	Submitted: 3/20/2013
As a parent that had children in elementary school and later in junior high and high school, I just wanted to express my gratitude to the elementary teachers! Although my children did well in high school, it was not because of the lazy teachers I witnessed on a regular basis. Elementary teachers rarely even sit down, and SOME ( NOT ALL, I do realize there are a few high school teachers that try) high school teachers never get up from their computer. They play their music or watch movies while they assign busy work for the students. And a principal at a local school that was recently "punched" isn't much better himself. He is nothing buta bully of a man in my book!!!

Submitted By: TO "what the"	Submitted: 3/18/2013
YOU WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.

Submitted By: to "what the"	Submitted: 3/18/2013
Hey, know it all. what about the adultry going on in the schools.is this to be tolerated??? right to the hightest level. why does someone stand up in the church and going with married men? DUI is pills also. YOU without sin cast the first stone

Submitted By: what the?	Submitted: 3/18/2013
Does the Jones County Schools give contracts to people charged with a DUI? How long does it take a trial to be held? What if there are two charges, with one being in a coastal county? How does a person get to delay justice? Do blondes have more fun?

Submitted By: praying for you all	Submitted: 3/18/2013
I would like to say thanks to Jones County Volunteer firefighters for the jobs they do. Also would like to thank Jones County Sheriffs Dept and Laurel PD for keeping our streets safe. And for those who are s quick to judge and throw scriptures out there you forgot one. He who is without sin cast thy first stone. Sure there is lots of sinners in this world but its not my place to judge that's Gods place and he seems to have that under control. This world has a lot more to worry about than who is gay and who is not and who is doing their job right and who isn't. Gas prices are rising the cost of food is rising. Jobs are being cut do to budget cuts. We as Americans should be sticking together and helping each other. It don't matter if our neighbors are yellow black or white. Help those in need and stick together. god loves us all regardless of the decisions we make. People times are hard and days are not numbered. Be a friend be a neighbor but don't be a enemy. Chief Tyrone thank you for the job that you do and I pray that you return home to your family every night at the end of the day. Keep making our streets safe for our children. And God Bless to all of you may God warm your hearts with love and kindness.

Submitted By: Bobby Jean Silver	Submitted: 3/16/2013
Pot Garden? For how WDAM and good ol Tyrone have explained they made this HUGE bust. Odd, they never SHOWED us what was taken. Anytime they go bust a small time crack dealer for 3 little rocks they make sure that is shown. WOuldn't you think if this was such a HUGE operation (which clearly it was not. 4 containers in a three foot space is not ELABORATE nor is it a big operation. It certainly is NOT gonna bring in "couple hundred thousand dollars" as Tyrone so plainly put it. I would expect a police CHIEF to know more about what is going on. It's obvious he doesn't. Or maybe they were just trying to sensationalize this tiny grow operation? It seems that way. Good try WDAM and Tyrone. We aren't as dumb as we all used to be.

Submitted By: Ross	Submitted: 3/14/2013
Ok, I'll leave one more comment. Do not quote Leviticus as a statement to condemn homosexuals to hell. In other verses in Leviticus it prohibits planting different kinds of crops in the same field, prohibits wearing clothing made of multiple kinds of fabric, prohibits shaving or cutting your hair, says if a priests daughter considered to be a whore she is to be burned at the stake, prohibits those who are blind or lame are forbid from going to the alter of God, it says it's ok to own slaves if they are from another nation, it says you are to be put to death if you work on a Sunday, eating shellfish (shrimp) is prohibited, and you aren't supposed to handle the skin of a pig i.e., don't touch a football. So, don't pick out one verse out of many to condemn someone or a group of people and ignore the verses around it that you are breaking or have broken.

Submitted By: just sayin	Submitted: 3/14/2013
I attended the funeral of CRYSTAL CRAVEN(HISTORIC WEDDING)yesterday. I was truly bothered by some of the family's refusal for CRYSTAL'S wife to attend the services.Told her if she showed up,the law would be called.I can't even begin to imagine the pain they are ALL going thru. Whether you are for or against gay marriage shouldn't matter.This is your child and someone who loves your child completely..why can't they grieve and mourn the same way the rest of do?? Just saying

Submitted By: Proud Christian	Submitted: 3/14/2013
I am a Christian and proud to confess that I believe in every word the bible says. The man made laws can do or say whatever it will but the bible has never changed and God has not changed his words. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs but truth of it is God says in Leviticus 18:22 Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable it also says in Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They both must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads. This is not man made laws this is the laws of God. So folks can say whatever but God does not approve of such behavior it says it there in black and white. It is your souls destined for hell not those who are believers. I am not saying I dont socialize with gays or homosexuals they are their own people but dont try to push your beliefs on the Christians that believe in Gods words and the scriptures. God Bless and Read your bibles more often the answers are always there in black and white

Submitted By: Ross Bynum	Submitted: 3/13/2013
This will be my only other comment. First off, yes I can't have children with my partner, but we can adopt or have a surrogate if we chose to do so. Gays and lesbians can still procreate, we just don't have to have sex with the opposite sex to do it. Lots of straight couples choose not to have children or can't have children. Not having children doesn't make a marriage invalid. With hundreds of thousands of orphans, an Earth strained of resources, and population exploding around the world, I don't think we need more people on the planet anyway. There's no replenishing needed. I like to think God is a sensible being. I'm pretty sure he'd agree that at some point there'd be no more people needed and procreating blindly is foolish, reckless, and will destroy the Earth. It's true, some ignorant married couples may not want their kids around homosexuals. However, speaking as a gay man, I was never around a homosexual growing up. I had never knowingly met one as a kid and even a teen. I had no external source influencing me to be gay...ever. Thinking homosexuality is something that rubs off or influences kids or teens is ignorant. It's like saying hanging around someone with green eyes will turn your eyes green. People act as though gay and lesbian couples are forcing something on other people, but there's nothing forced on anyone. For example, you may drive a Toyota and I may hate Toyotas. Just because I see you driving a Toyota doesn't mean you are forcing Toyotas on me. You stick it in your garage, so you better be happy with it, not me. I'm not angry at all. I'm happy as can be. What is frustrating is ignorance, and that's what it is. Ignorance. But, you can't combat that and factually explain something to someone whose mind is closed to any and all other opinions. Your military comment is also completely off base. Truth is, there has always been gays in the military. They just had to hide it to keep from being dismissed from serving their country. So, there's always been a homo in the shower. Furthermore, if people knowing someone is gay is keeping them from enlisting in the military that person is too ignorant and doesn't deserve to serve my interests as a soldier. And your right...the ritual of traditional Christian marriage is sacred to Christians. However, that has nothing to do with how the government recognizes the union of 2 people It is 2 separate things.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 3/12/2013
this post is in response to r. b. you and your partner will never have children. no way two of same sex can breed naturally. God wants us to replenish the earth. you can't unless you go straight. male and female married couples dont want there children exposed to homosexuals. this is their right as a parent. you live the way you want to but do not impose your unnatural tendencies to others. you need to calm down and cool off. you are very angry it seems. i know you and you are a good person but misguided. you have been brainwashed by liberal society which has ruined the united states. these liberal politicians are telling gay jokes behind your back and then asking you to vote for them. in the military a straight male doesnt want to shower with a gay male. this is hurting enlistments in the military. live like you want to but leave the sacred right of marriage between a man and woman. by the way the Church as you said isnt your church but God's house of worship. i wish you the best of everything and no i dont hate you.

Submitted By: Ross Bynum	Submitted: 3/11/2013
I'd like to respond to "Can't figure it out". Homosexual couples are denied rights all of the time "under the law". In many states (Mississippi included) sexual orientation is not a protected class. That is because under current federal law it is not a protected class. If I worked in Mississippi and worked for an employer that did not state in their HR guidelines that "sexual orientation" was protected, I could be fired at any time because of my sexuality and could do nothing about it. And yes, while we do enjoy the rights and protections of the Bill of Rights like all other Americans, it's those like you that would like silence to silence us like has been done in the past. Not much different from how many people wanted to silence this paper for running the story about the lesbian couple. Homosexual couples may name partners their beneficiaries in their wills, but in many cases this can be undone by family and has been done in the past. However, there are many tax breaks that homosexual couples do not get. For example, in the case that will be heard this year by the Supreme Court, Windsor vs. US, a lesbian couple was together 40 years. When one partner died, the surviving spouse was required to pay over $363,000 in federal estate taxes on her inheritance because their marriage wasn't recognized as legal. I don't know about you, but that's certainly not fair. And, that's just one example of the discrimination. Because gay marriage is not legal, the family can assume control medically, sometimes even bypassing an established will or legal document. There are many, many cases where the family can have the documents overturned in various ways. It happens every day. Homosexual couples do not wish to "destroy" the "Christian" concept of marriage. We only want the same, equal rights as everyone else that are afforded under the government recognition of marriage. But, you must realize, there is a distinct difference in government recognized marriage and the religious ceremony you associate with marriage. They are 2 separate things. And, marriage isn't only a Christian thing. Are you stating that Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, Hindu, etc. marriages are invalid and unacceptable because they aren't Christian? We don't wish to barge into your church and demand marriage. We don't want to force anything on anyone. If you met me on the street you'd never know if I were going to home my husband or my wife. And, no matter if it were a woman or a man, it wouldn't effect you at all. And, your last sentence is the most ridiculous thing I've ever read...saying that homosexuals need to show you respect and tolerance. Obviously, you have no idea what those words mean. You essentially wrote a paragraph that said, "Stop complaining. From my view things look fine, so hush." And then you say to show respect and tolerance? Ridiculous. I'm a college educated, hard-working, tax-paying American citizen. I deserve to have all the rights afforded to me despite the fact I am gay. And the whole "destroying the family" nonsense has to stop. The last time I checked, a family doesn't have a specific "look". Sometimes families are a mom and dad, some are grandparents looking after grandchildren, sometimes it's a single mother. Family is even those closest to you, though not blood related, you surround yourself with. Family is what you make it, and having a loving, caring, stable environment is more important than anything. If anything, gay and lesbian couples are enriching and making the concept of family stronger. At a time when over half of marriages end in divorce, isn't it amazing to see there are loving, committed couples wanting to establish themselves as married? If family is a concern to you, then you should a champion for gay marriage.

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 3/7/2013
I felt I should respond to the comments my coments received. I am not a homophobe. I am not scared of homosexuality I disagree with it. That is my opinion which I and every American is entitled to. (At least now) Anytime someone states something that liberals do not agree with, we are labeled haters. That is not true. I stated I thought it was sad those teens felt they should join a gang. I know all about the KKK which I had absolutely nothing to do with. I know blacks were persecuted, beaten, killed, etc. But if those horrific acts are continuously used against all white people the results are nothing but hate. I know that predjudice still exists (within all races) but you can not change a persons heart. And being bullied and told you are responsible for what you are not does not do anything but cause more anger. I am responsible for my own actions. I know that there are gangs within the white, hispanic and other races and it is sad on all aspects. I wish there was a way for everyone to love each other. But I do know that you can not hold people responsible for things they had nothing to do with. Blacks sold family members for slaves. Do we blame all blacks? I also love animals very very much but I don't understand how people can take such a strong stance with PETA but not care how many babies are aborted or delivered to be set to the side and die? Also, mam this is a public forum. If it upsets you for non-liberals to give an opinion stay off the on-line edition.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 3/5/2013
in response to just my thoughts. in jones county all agendas are pre determined or cut and dry. the reason some folk use this forum is fear of retaliation. the only time public officials listen is election time or the courts get after them.

Submitted By: just my thoughts	Submitted: 3/4/2013
Dear Complainers, I see so much hostility in the words chosen. You all have mouths use them.If something with the schools or the county and the city bothers you. They hold meetings every month for people to voice their opinions. If you don't speak up then you voice is not heard. My child attends Jones County Schools and trust me if I have a issue my voice will be heard. Stop whining to people who have no control over the issues. Attend a meeting and voice your opinion. We are the people we are the voices.

Submitted By: M.L Whimms	Submitted: 3/3/2013
The roads in Laurel are an embarrassment!!! Anyone living in Laurel should feel the same way. When will these ISSUES be addressed? University Ave is awful.

Submitted By: Rick O'Shea	Submitted: 3/2/2013
This goes out to the Marcellino pastor guy, and anyone else who takes CERTAIN bible versus to use as an example of their personal beliefs. If you can take ONE or TWO versus out lets take others out and see how you feel about it. By the way, maybe it's you pastor that needs a lil pity and not those two women who obviously love each other. So heres a few versus from the bible. Leviticus 20:9 If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. Leviticus 20:9 (I am guessing he doesn't believe in this) For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day shall be your holy day, a Sabbath of rest to the LORD. Whoever does any work on it must be put to death. Exodus 35:2 Now since this pastor believes those other versus I am willing to bet he must believe these too right??

Submitted By: A. V. McElroy	Submitted: 2/28/2013
In your article about the two lesbians' wedding, you improperly used the word cannot. You made it two words instead of one. As writers, you should know this. Basic grmmar.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 2/27/2013
i am writing this in response to michele. cry me a big handful. keep blaming whitey. your definition must have come from one of those college educated fools from up north. jessie jackson and al sharpton are the cream of the crop for you folks. blacks and whites are two different cultures. this really clashed during school integration. most of the older and wiser blacks wish schools were not integrated. your black ancestorial kings in africa sold africans to trading companies. they sold their own race out like your leaders are doing today. most blacks and some whites are now addicted to public assistance. you need to listen to rev. james manning of harlem. he tells it like it is. you keep your prejudiced butt in whatever state you are in. long live the south. your president obama was elected because liberal whites put him in office. how many blacks are in his administration. he is smart enough to know who is keeping him in place. us white people love our race just as you love your race. there is nothing wrong with this. get a grip and get the hate out of your heart before it drives you cracy. by the way there have been a hell of a lot more white slaves than dark slaves. also, abraham lincoln loved the song dixie. he ordered dixie to be played to a group of brave men while they were experiencing the agony of defeat. have a blessed day.

Submitted By: Michele Buchanan	Submitted: 2/27/2013
Oh, and Becky? Racism is the idea that the 'race' in power forces its worldview on people not of their race to control them. You know, like never showing black people playing intelligent leads on TV. Or being astounded that a black man could actually get into a top grad school and insisting on seeing his school grades... but not asking to see proof that a white guy went to school. Or having a TV show that claims to show news, but has a chief commentator who seems astonished that black people act like civilized humans in a restaurant. Or getting upset because a Latina judge mentions that people have looked down on her. Or being obsessed with one's glorious Southern Heritage vis-a-vis the Civil War, but telling black people that slavery happened 'a long time ago' - i.e., at the time of the Civil War. Or wondering why a Confederate battle flag (in other words, a flag used by a group of traitors to the US) upsets black people when that flag was used by people who explicitly fought to preserve slavery (Jefferson Davis stated that, not me). When black and brown people actually run the US (and by 'run it', I mean have most of the media jobs, , have all the leads in the most prestigious TV shows and movies, make up 98% of Congress, and are CEOs of approximately 95% of all US corporations - you know, like white people do now), then you can tell me all about 'reverse racism'. One black person giving you a hard look isn't going to keep you from getting housing, a job, or decent schooling. Black and brown people aren't going to get drunk and burn a cross on your lawn, or talk about the 'good ol' days' when people like you stayed in their place. They aren't going to freak out if you want to marry a black guy, and threaten to burn down your house. They aren't going to firebomb your church, or refuse to teach your history as part of American history, or deny you the right to read legal documents in your native language, or even refuse to serve you food in some low-grade restaurant. So I wouldn't worry about reverse racism that much if I were you, because the way the worlds is going and the way white people are so obsessed with holding on to their power, reverse racism won't even exist in your lifetime. Whereas my 77 year old mother remembers not being allowed to ride at the front of buses in her 20, and I remember being called a n*gger as a child, and having nightmares that the Klan would get me.

Submitted By: Michele Buchanan	Submitted: 2/27/2013
Dear Becky: most gangs in the US are made up by white people. The Hell's Angels is a gang. White gangs are found in prison all the time. Most black people have never, and will never be in a gang. For all intents and purposes, groups like the KKK and other white hate groups are gangs, too. Some of us even think the upper echelon of the GOP is nothing more than a gang. As for homosexuality, I, too, do not like many things. For instance, I have an especial dislike of Jehovah's Witnesses knocking on my door, people who think Halloween is Satanic, and bigoted homophobes. But unfortunately, like you, the world isn't run on my dislikes. I can't get Jehovah's witnesses to disappear just because I don't like their door-knocking. I can't stop my cousin being afraid of witchcraft, even though supposedly his Christian beliefs should help protect him from sorcery, and even though Halloween is a Christian holiday. And, saddest of all, I can't stop bigoted homophobes from thinking the way they do and writing newspapers. However, there is one thing I can do. I can take $20 and buy a 6-month subscription to the Leader-Call, even though I live in New Jersey and have never been to Mississippi. I'm doing it because your words remind me of the words that came from the mouths of the white people who made my dad's childhood in South Carolina so miserable that it made him into a hateful human being. I'm doing it because one of my dearest friends was a journalism professor in Mississippi, and he is one of the smartest people I know, and because one of my graduate advisors in Cultural anthropology was from Mississippi, too, and he changed my life. Both of them left the state because it was filled with small-minded people. I'm also doing it because it's obvious that both the Editor and owner of your hometown newspaper are national treasures, and I wish my hometown newspaper, the Star-Ledger was as brave and thoughtful as they are. Heck, these guys should be running the NY Times, which is nowhere near as objective as it used to be. So, while neither of us will get their personal wishes fulfilled today, there is one difference between us. My donation put me not only on the right side of history and a little closer to the actual teachings of Jesus (who, by the way, did not conform to your views of the world), whereas your small-minded ramblings that are based only on the dustmice that roll around in want you deem to call your brain did nothing but make a woman from New Jersey subscribe to a newspaper in Mississippi from a town she will probably never visit. Keep up the good work, Becky.

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 2/27/2013
I do not believe in homosexuality or gay marriage and that is my right! It is totally unnatural and wrong just like all the other perversions that exist and are praised now. I would never mistreat a person that practices homosexuality. The government can pass all the laws they want but it will not change my mind. What is so wrong with being heterosexual? Am I missing something? As a heterosexual female, I choose to be that way. Just because you are not gay and did not vote for Obama does not mean you are a racist and believe in hate crimes! Anybody ever heard of morals?!!

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 2/27/2013
Reading today's headline it really saddened me. I don't understand how anyone can think so low of themselves and others to join a gang. Young black men have so much opportunity and potential to better themselves. Especially now. I know that blacks are not the only race involved in gang activity; but they make up the major percentage. Why do they have so much hate and disregard for human life? I feel a lot of the reasons are due to homelife and lack of parenting. As with all youth. Whether it is admitted or not there is reverse racism and a double-standard now. Not all black people are bad; just like white people. Stop teaching hate! Encourage these black young men to occupy their mind with learning to work and not the past! And to all the parents of the white children; open your eyes!!!

Submitted By: Justin Case	Submitted: 2/26/2013
Odd how J Ronald Parrish has no problem with two women getting married but he somehow can get away with saying our President believes in sodomy...I smell a rat here people. By the way, GREAT job LLC on having a same sex marriage on the front page. it's 2013 people!!!!

Submitted By: Janice	Submitted: 2/26/2013
Mr. Cegielski and staff, I am so impressed with your commitment to fairness. The Beltway press could take lessons from you! Your editorial was both moving in its dedication to journalism and an impressive show of backbone. I live nearly a thousand miles away, but I have taken out a 1-yr. online subscription to help make up for those who canceled and to show my support in more than words. Bravo, all of you!

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 2/24/2013
Are you interested in what is happening with our health care system? Read the article by Steve Brill in the March 4,2013 issue of TIME magazine. I'm no longer a fan of TIME but .... "for the first time in our history, we are devoting the entire feature section to a single story by one writer: a powerful examination of America's health care costs" on page 3 caught my eye. Be prepared for a shock!

Submitted By: Debi	Submitted: 2/23/2013
To Mr. Cegielski and staff: It's unfortunate that you have to explain the fundamentals of journalism to your readers, but I thank you for doing so with style. In support of my gay friends and family,I look forward to the day when the marriage of two women will be anything but front page news.

Submitted By: LL-C Fan	Submitted: 2/23/2013
@ Wondering: Before you leave another snarky, intolerant message maybe you should know what your talking about. If I'm not mistaken the LL-C just recently ran a beautiful story called "Puppy Love" on a heterosexual, Christian values couple that work at a Vets office. And guess what it was on their FRONT PAGE. Quit being a hater and ask yourself, just how did a story about a gay couple really effect your life. Guess what..it didn't.

Submitted By: Can't figure it out?	Submitted: 2/23/2013
I can't figure out where gay people are being denied their rights under the law. They have the right to hold any position they want...they can't be discriminated against in the workplace. They may live wherever they choose...they are protected from housing discrimination. No one can tell them what they may or may not say...they enjoy the rights and protection of the Bill of Rights and all other rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution. They may name their partners as their beneficieries in their wills and on their life insurance policies so they are protected financially. They can establish rights so far as end of life decisions are made so that their partners may be part of the medical process if they so choose. They enjoy all the rights of any American citizen...it seems the only thing lacking is "permission" for them to destroy the concept of marriage and family as defined by Christian principles. It seems to me that the only thing they really seek is to FORCE everyone to see things from their prospective and accept their choices no matter what anyone else believes. If they want others to respect them, then maybe they need to show some respect and tolerance toward others...just a thought!

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 2/23/2013
Regarding your story "Historic Wedding"...will we be seeing heterosexual weddings featured on the front page soon? Will we see articles featuring traditional families and Christian family values featured on the the front page soon? How about some "human interest" stories that focus on traditional family values reflecting the standards in which most of our community believes. If there is no "social agenda" or "jounalistic senstionalism" involved in your reporting...if you truly want to be "fair" and "unbiased" in your reporting, then we can expect to see some of the stories I mentioned on the front page in the near future, right??? Well, I won't hold my breath!

Submitted By: Karen Miller	Submitted: 2/23/2013
Shame on the citizens of Laurel, Mississippi. I realize Mississippi ranks at the bottom when it comes to education so I'm assuming this explains their ignorance regarding the ethics of journalism. The Society of Professional Journalists has a Code of Ethics. Here is what they say, "Tell the story of the diversity and magnitude of the human experience boldly, even when it is unpopular to do so." Thank you Mr. Cegielski, for holding your newspaper up to the highest standards of journalism. Your article regarding the "Historic Wedding" put you in the crosshairs of many of your readers. Rather than play it safe and only print articles free of controversy, you rose to the occasion and fulfilled your journalistic responsibilities. The citizens of Laurel should be proud to have a newspaper of such integrity. They don't have to agree with or even like what you print. However they do need to respect the 1st amendment. The amendment that gives them the freedom of speech and the freedom of religion is also the one that gives us the freedom of the press. God Bless you and your employees. If anyone is interested in reading more about the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics you can read their Code here. http://www.spj.org/ethicscode.asp

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 2/22/2013
i agree with free state of jones. south central needs privatizing like other county hospitals are doing. this frees the board of supervisors and tax payers. also the county taxes are too high. the school district didnt deserve more taxes. they advertised their accreditation rating for weeks wasting more tax payer money. the jscd is an average school district. they are far from superior. there is a bunch of unqualified and incompetent personnel in central office. on to the sheriff. he owns a business and is paid fulltime as sheriff. how much personal business does he do on the taxpayers clock. the people at the tax office are a bunch of unfriendly folks who eat right in front of taxpayers paying high taxes. the bible tells us that people do what is right in their own eyes and justifying all behavior. male and female are opposites. can male and male or female and female partners have natural offspring. these unnatural beings may praise the leader call but truth is many times in the minority. comparing the civil rights struggle in the 1960,s to homosexual rights is a spit in black peoples faces. the new leader call (the

Submitted By: Janet	Submitted: 2/22/2013
RE: "Historic Wedding" and your response. Just wanted to say good for you and your paper, for standing up for your employees and just reporting what was happening in an unbiased way! It's too bad more media can't be that way, and shame on the people who try to place their beliefs and wishes on anyone else! Like you said you were just doing your job, not condoning or condeming! Keep up the good work, I'd be proud to have you in my community!

Submitted By: John Desselle	Submitted: 2/22/2013
RE:"Historic Wedding" BRAVO!! Really nice story. Your response to all the negativity around the story was stellar. Just to let you know, how you and your staff felt by being knocked down because you were just doing your job, well that is how we in the LGBT community feel just about every day. Thank you for shining a light on how insensitive people can be.

Submitted By: Duane	Submitted: 2/22/2013
Mr. Cegielski and Staff; Bravo! Objective journalism and back-bone! I applaud your running the story of same sex wedding AND your standing up to the hate and criticism directed toward your publication. I grew up years ago as a gay child in rural Mississippi and know the depth of suffering and fear of those faced with that circumstance face. Thank you. You and your staff are a credit to your profession. Now when do you suppose Mississippi and other states in this country will catch up? No time soon I'm sure. I live in Atlanta- If I lived anywhere near Laurel, I would subscribe to your paper.

Submitted By: Traci	Submitted: 2/22/2013
RE: "Historic Wedding" and your response. God Bless you and your staff for your bravery and integrity. Thank you so much for your editorial. I'm touched not just by your words, but by your action. I'm told often "love the sinner, hate the sin", which is a fallacy, because love and hate cannot co-exist. If people claim to love us, but "hate our sin" (?!)... I would ask them to stand with us, suffer with us. Like Christ did, and would. You've done exactly that. Thank you for being bold, and for celebrating the wedding of two of my sisters, and for defending us.

Submitted By: Lainie H	Submitted: 2/22/2013
As a lesbian who grew up in Oklahoma and escaped as soon as I could, I'd like to say thank you very much for your response.

Submitted By: Jason	Submitted: 2/22/2013
Mr. Cegielski, your community paper seems to have the type of journalistic responsibility that is missing from most media outlets in this world. I just read an article on yahoo.com about your paper, and then I read your editorial. Your response and reasons to the "outcries" represent excellence in reporting, and I must commend you for doing your job, without prejudice. You sir run an actual Newspaper!

Submitted By: Michael Muckian	Submitted: 2/22/2013
Bravo for Mr. Cegielski! You, sir, are a true professional journalist. In a world filled with celebrity talking heads your no-nonsense "we print what is news" approach is refreshing. I also admire your loyalty to your staff. I hope your readership appreciates what they have! Thank you for what you do.

Submitted By: Christopher S	Submitted: 2/22/2013
Mr. Cegielski - stay strong and thank you for standing up for your employees. It is good to know that there is an employer out there that will stand up for their employees. Also, thank you for reporting ALL stories, just not those you think people want to hear.

Submitted By: Kathy J	Submitted: 2/21/2013
Dear Mr. Cegielski & staff of the Laurel Leader-Call. I admire your ability to stay focused & professional in light of the recent backlash. Your editorial reminds me the Chicago Sun Times and a little girl named Virginia. It is my hope that your community sees the value in your work & the gentle education in your editorial. We have required much of our media, changes in technology have made huge impacts yet newspapers (IMHO) are so vital. Thank you for providing a forum for free speech & diversity (in reporting), your patience & your willingness to continue to educate.

Submitted By: Peter	Submitted: 2/21/2013
I thought there was no hope for the media in this country but you have just shown what journalistic integrity is all about. The major papers and news channels should take their lessons from you.

Submitted By: Joe	Submitted: 2/21/2013
You are true journalists.

Submitted By: Andrea	Submitted: 2/21/2013
To the editor and staff of the Laurel Leader-Call: You are loved. That is all.

Submitted By: Slick Willie	Submitted: 2/20/2013
To Free State. It sounds like you have a problem with the way the whole county is operated. If you are fuming with the School System have you went to the county office or the school and and voiced your complaint? If so who did you talk with? Instead of blaming all of the unappropriate conduct at the schools on the teachers and admistration try blaming it on the parents like You and Myself. On the part of complaining about the kids having to go to school when the roads are worse, If I was in your shoes and had a unsafe feeling about my kids traveling to school on unsafe roads I would have kept them at home another day. To the debt part. Tell me how many companies are not in debt and not making a profit? By the way what did the Sheriff spend money on that was a bunch of crap?? I feel like the JCSO is doing the best that it can do with the funds they are allowed. Would you risk your life for $35,000.00 a year? Now to the hospital. If they shut the hospital down do you realize how many people would be without a job? Why would you take a child to the ER in the first place with all of the clinics we have in Jones county. I do not wait until the last minute before I take my child to the Doctor unless it is a emergency. By the way they are two other hospitals within 45 mins of Jones County if your not happy with SCRMC. Do not blame the Sheriff, Teachers, School Administration, Hospital or Hospital Staff for the conduct of physco people. Blame it on parenting and morals of how we raise our children. The laws have nothing to do of how I raise my two children.

Submitted By: The Free State Of Jones	Submitted: 2/20/2013
Dear Jones County, Just wondering where you find the teachers at Jones County schools that teach our children and what they are doing when teenage boys are slapping the girls on the rear end. Or the kids that are having sex on school campus. I am fuming with the school system enough is enough. Yet you get mad cause we don't want to send our kids to these schools. I love my children and want the best for them but looks like the teachers see it differently. SECOND...... school was out for two days for bad weather that I can understand but when the roads are worse they want the kids to go to school anyways what the heck is that all about. I am seeing Jones County Sheriffs dept is in debt cause our wonderful Sheriff spent money on crap we didn't need. So now the funds are shut off. Real bright Sheriff Hodge. I am seeing lots of talk about the hospital in Laurel well it wouldn't hurt my feelings if they shut the whole place down why cause I hate sitting in the er with a sick baby for 5 hours waiting to be called back to see a DR enough is enough and Jones County needs to focus on important things like protecting our children from sycho people who like to harm kids and from the crooked laws.

Submitted By: Nana	Submitted: 1/31/2013
I read a letter to the editor in Saturday's edition. I was from someone who was leaving the area. I have lived in this area for almost my entire life and that person expressed the fillings I've had for a long time. My parents bought their first and only home when I was in high school, so they rented the remainder of the time. I can honestly say even though they were't fancy they were clean and the lawns were well kept because my parents had something that is for the most part missing this day and time. PRIDE!!! When I drive through the area I grew up in I could just cry,and for the most part it's like that all over the city. Houses and yards are in need of TLC. For a long time we have been know as the CITY BEAUTIFUL but really not so much anymore

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 1/30/2013
Hey Wake Up Jones County. Just keep ignoring that hospital and our taxes will continue to go up. My taxes on a 1100 sq ft home on 1 acre was 79.00 17 years ago . It is now almost 1000.00. All of us are having a hell of a time making ends meet. Wake up and talk to you supervisor about selling the hospital. AAA has already got their hands on part of it. And it was all done under the table. Just Wondering

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 1/29/2013
TO:-EVERYONE! dont have an animal if you are NOT GOING TO TAKE CARE OF IT! YES! THESE PEOPLE SHOULD BE LOCKED UP!! ANIMALS ARE LIVING ,BREATHING CREATURES THAT GOD PUT HERE! GOD help the 'low-lives' that do such things!!!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 1/22/2013
Say it ain;t so. I just heard that SCRMC has bought Laurel Bone and Joint. If so thats another piece of property that has come off the tax rolls. Our supervisors should be hung up by their thumbs over a ragging pit of fire. And the tax payers of Jones county should be mad as hell that we have let them allow the hospital to do as they wish. My wife and I will pay over $6000.00 in taxes this year. If the residents of Jones county own the hospital why do we not see a profit from it. What do they do with the money it makes. Why does it not go into the county general fund. Our taxes should not be as high as they are. We live in 1 of the largest most populated counties in the state and our taxes are through the roof. I talked to Andy Dial a week or 2 ago about selling the hospital his response was what if a corporation bought it they would bring their own people in to run it. Most of the people in charge have not lived here all their lives. I ask him to put it up for a vote on the next election. We as tax payers should petition the supervisors to do just that. Im sick of the high taxes we pay in a county that seems to be headed for a change from Jones County to SCRMC County. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 1/20/2013
To: Animal Neglect Since you have seen them and know where they are located, is there a reason why you have not reported them to the local SHERIFF ????

Submitted By: Animal Neglect	Submitted: 1/17/2013
Has anyone noticed the neglected horses on North Eastabuchie Road,Quick Drive, and Ben Thompson Road? These poor animals look starved, abused, and neglected. Please comment as to who should be contacted about this situation.

Submitted By: Just Me	Submitted: 1/15/2013
I am really unhappy with Jones County. There is so many empty buildings not in use. But you are constantly building and making more buisneses that is costing tax payers more money. Why not repair the buildings already there instead of building more buildings. You are hiring very poor employees at the schools and the garbage company. One person who is employed with enviro for the county who is a known thief and uses drugs on the job. Thought Jones County did back ground checks. Jones County needs to get their act together and quick cause we are looking like has beens

Submitted By: Prayfully Concerned	Submitted: 1/11/2013
As I sit and read many of the comments that are made about various public officials, educators, students, community forums etc... I often wonder if the people who are making these statements have the facts about such matters being discussed. Often such comments or opinions are based on one piece of information to the puzzle that holds many other pieces that actually can contain the answers that will justify why many decisions are made and on which basis these decisions were made. Our forefathers created the constitution so that you may not only have Freedom of Speech, But those whom you so BOLDLY Condemn have rights to be innocent until proven guilty. There are many circumstances that surround situations and events that occur whether it be with public officials, City Board members, School Board members, Educators, Pastors, Fireman and the many other servants of our community.. Do you think about the Family members of these people that you so blatantly condemn and criticize. Do you realize that it hurts them. One mother had to be admitted to the hospital with serious health issues when she read something about her son that was so damaging to his career and yet not even true. No proof..Just mere accusations and speculations. The teacher with the DUI... was actually (Other) not Drinking... this person was under a Drs. Care and had a medical reaction to medication. But facts are never printed. Do you consider how these statements, without all of the facts presented can be slanderous not only to those being spoken about but to entire families related to these Superintendents, Preachers, Educators, Fireman, Sheriffs Dept, Mayor, School Board Members... and We could go on and on and on... Bad things happen to Good People. This doesnt make them bad people. God forgives and so should man. Please pray before you submit negative and derogatory comments that can be damaging to your fellow mankind and communities.

Submitted By: Tara Lewis	Submitted: 1/10/2013
Thumbs Down: Charlie's Catfish for refusing to allow my 6 year old son to eat his Happy Meal! Why don't they allow children to bring in outside food?!?

Submitted By: To : Pamella	Submitted: 1/8/2013
Pamella, you are l00 percent correct. I do know that at one time it was an honor to have a child or teach in the JS schools. Now, it is a sad shame what is happening in the district. Children are allowed to be bullied and teachers as well. Teachers are not respected, and students are out of hand. No dicipline. I have a sister that teaches in the district, and I am amazed what she comes home and shares with the family. It is unblieveable. I have also been told that at one of the high schools, students were touching each other where it is not appropriate. Nothing was really done about the matter. My questions is, where was the teacher? The prinicpal? Amazed!!!!!! She is thinking about moving to Hattiesburg or try to get into a public school. Now, they are allowing teachers that are not positive role models into the classrooms. I agree they have good teachers in the county. If they continue to keep up a bad reputation, these teachers will leave!!!!! My sister is amazed about what she sees . It is ashame. There could be a lot of changes, but I don't believe anyone has the balls to make these changes. Bless our teachers and students. They are the ones that suffer due to the ignorant decisions that are made. They blame the school board, but it is much more than that. If a teacher wants an easy job, they just help the superintendent during election time, and there you have it!!! A mess. Pamella, you said a mouth full. Amen!!!

Submitted By: Pamella	Submitted: 1/7/2013
People, give it up to see a postive change in Jones County Schools. It will never change. The school system has always been the same. They only care about test scores and themselves. They enjoy letting their buddies teach and run the show. Letting teachers stay in the classrooms after getting drunk and getting DUIs speaks for itself. What a shame!!!! If you get out and look, no other school system is like the JCS. It has become known everywhere in the state. Bless our kids. Good teachers are leaving and finding better opportunities, and students are enrolling in private schools. This is the result. Nothing will change. If they appointed a superintendent, it would still be a buddy boy and not the most qualified person to serve the position. They need to clean house!!!!!!!!! What they have in there now, is not one bit better than what they have had in the past. Sorry and disrespectful.

Submitted By: ole crazy c	Submitted: 1/5/2013
I am going to rant on my soap box just a little. What in the world was Jones County Sheriffs Dept thinking creating a page called "Lockup Jones County". The people who comment are rude and some of them have anger issues. Not only that but these people who are in jail have family members even children on facebook. Does Jones County really need that much attention. Its bad enough we got schools hiring drunks and allowing bullies to take over but to cause public humility to a person and his family is enough. Jones County has got the worst Justice system and they give FREESTATE of Jones a bad name and out look. We have so much history but so much stupidity. So I think they should consider the families and their lives before exploiting them in such manor. Shame on you ALex Hodge a Godly man for allowing this nonesense.

Submitted By: Pardon me	Submitted: 12/21/2012
“The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” Sorry but the thing that stop the guy from being the bad guy with the gun.....is the gun.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 12/21/2012
I am really concerned about our children in JOnes County Schools it is bad enough we have to worry about guns being brought into the schools ... Now teachers cussing our kids and getting DUIS yes it was on her own time but what if her own time resulted in a accident injuring one of her own students... Jones county needs to stop with these half doing the job and do it right do a full back ground check.......

Submitted By: Mommy	Submitted: 12/20/2012
I do think in fact that the teacher fired for cursing and the teacher arrested for DUI have something in common. If she was arrested for DUI that means she was DRUNK while driving and I saw her lovely mugshot on the JCSD website that the newspaper so conveniently left out and she looked drunk. One wrong doesn't out weigh another. But it doesn't matter how much griping all us common folk do, our wallets are not big enough to help the school board nor or our noses brown enough. Jones County School System is a joke, its not about the kids at all. Its who you know and what you can do for them.

Submitted By: Knee Mail	Submitted: 12/19/2012
So many people are worried about "DOOMSDAY"... The bible says not Jesus nor the angels in heaven know when the hour of Christ will return..... Instead of worrying about the end of days worry about if your heart is in the right place and if you are headed to heaven or hell.... So many people are lost in this world and the so called Christians are to afraid to speak out without the fear of being suid by the athiest.... Well I am here to tell you when you deny Christ here on Earth he denies you in heaven... So the question is are you going to heaven or hell... the choice is yours to make and your alone...

Submitted By: bathrooms closed?	Submitted: 12/14/2012
South Jones High School has locked most of the bathrooms on campus. My kid has to walk a half mile to use the bathroom.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 12/13/2012
Tornadoes spotted in Jones County last Sunday and not a single tornado warning siren sounded anywhere in Jones County??? Really??? What were the people at the Jones County EMA who are responsible for sounding the sirens doing? And then the 911 system didn't work and we get some lame excuse that it rained and messed up a system that cost hundreds of thousands if not over a million dollars? Come on folks! Get your act together at the Jones County EMA and figure out what you are doing. Public safety was on the line and you failed - miserably! Just Wondering

Submitted By: a concerned citizen	Submitted: 12/11/2012
Jones County has really disappointed me lately. The Sheriffs dept has all this new equipment supposedly purchased from dope money and busts but why is the Sheriffs Dept just about broke from spending. Why not use that money for things such as apparatus and equipment to make sure our volunteer fire fighters are safe and have the up to date equipment that they need. or all these new buildings going up why not remodel some of the buildings already there and still standing... Tax payers are paying for Jones Countys screw ups when it can all be done different and right. Our schools have disrespectful people on pay roll but if you have a fat wallet you get things accomplished...... Jones County I am very ashamed of you

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 12/10/2012
SO TIRED OF GOVERMENT MESSING WITH SOCIAL SERCURITY AND MEDICARE!!! They have NOTHING to do with the debt of this country! They ARE NOT AN ENTITLEMENT! SOCIAL SECURITY IS AN EARNED BENEFIT!! IF YOU WORK, IT IS DRAWN OUT OF YOUR PAYCHECK!! They need to TRY AND SOLVE THE PROBLEM ELSEWHERE! HEY, how about CUTTING your paychecks!!!! AND BENEFITS!!! BOOHOO--THAT WONT HAPPEN, HUH??!!

Submitted By: Phil Yeates	Submitted: 12/10/2012
Good to have Mark back. Been missing your stories. But It's a heck of a way to get a few days off

Submitted By: Concerned.	Submitted: 12/9/2012
The teacher mentioned below that got a DUI, was her picture in the paper where everyone could see it? Just wondering. I would also like to know the school where this person is. Thanks.

Submitted By: Tandra	Submitted: 12/9/2012
For those teachers that teach in Jones County, you better stay there. Teachers that get DUI's would not stay teachers in other districts such as Oak Grove, etc. Teachers are suppose to be role-models. Yes, what they do at home and other places is their business, but when it comes to something like DUIs , there is a problem. Students read about it in the paper. It makes them lose respect for their teachers as well. Good school districts DO NOT PUT up with nonsense like this!!!! Also, we teach students about consistence. How do we do that we we are not consistent about adults breaking rules. Example: There was a good teacher fired cursing a student. I agree that is wrong, but turn around and don't do one thing to a teacher that gets drunk and gets a DUI. From what I have heard, she has done this type of crap before. All of the students know it. It has brought a lot of concern to Jones County parents and the community. We are really in need for some postive leadership and control. It ain't happening , people.

Submitted By: Pam	Submitted: 12/9/2012
What does USM and the Jones County School District have in common? Well,they hire buddy boys to do their jobs. USM did have sense enough to fire the idots and hopefull hire people with sense. USM hired buddies for coaches , but it back fired on them. JCSD hires buddies, but continue to let the idiots work in the district!!!! I have read the opinions below about the teacher that got a DUI. From my understanding that teacher had another job at one of the local universites and they got rid of her ___. That is what needed to have been done. She will continue to work in the district, drink, and be with our children everyday. She is buddies with the upper King as they call him. I have seen all of this before. One big mess. She might have made a mistake, but that mistake puts a negative focus on Jones County. Parker and the board should be ashamed of theirselves. Maybe she needs to go play cards for awhile at the Alternative School.

Submitted By: VFF	Submitted: 12/5/2012
ok for those who thinks the teacher should not be punished for DUI have you ever seen a child or adult being extricated from a automobile that had been damaged by someone who was under the influence of alcohol. Have you ever had to be the one to call a loved one to tell them to come identify the body of a person who was just extricated from and automibile that a drunk driver had taken out cause he or she was under the influence. She/he may be a good person but wrong is wrong and when you drive under the influence putting innocent people at risk then take what punishment is given. To disrespect and officer that was just doing his job by cussing him.. Is uncalled for.... To those who thinks it is ok walk in a firefighter/EMT/law enforcement officer?first responders boots and get front row viewing of a deceased body being covered up and being taken to the county morgue.....

Submitted By: becky earnhart	Submitted: 12/4/2012
I am so tired of black people saying they are treated unfairly! I have not raised my children to be racist. Once they get in the workforce and even before they are shown that most companies and schools hardly reprimand blacks!! That is such crap!! The hatred that blacks have for the white race is no different than how they were treated in civil war times! The young generation has no idea how things were back then. Why are they allowed to continually play the race ca

Submitted By: yep	Submitted: 12/3/2012
If the administrator is found guilty she should not stay on in her job. I have no faith in the higher ups in the Jones Co. Schools though.How can a person be an example if he or she is driving impaired? People think. We have to have some standards.Our kids need examples. I have seen that people make mistakes. As one person said, one persons decision to drive impaired could result in YOUR loved one dying. Is that ok?

Submitted By: people are strange	Submitted: 12/3/2012
The teacher fired for cursing and the arrest have nothing to do with each other. The teacher fired for cursing was cursing at/to students. Based on your belief that if a person is arrested,they should be fired..you are saying the arrested person is in fact guilty. People have been arrested numerous times and then found to be innocent.

Submitted By: Lance Chancellor	Submitted: 12/2/2012
Special thanks to all of the emergency responders who were on the scene of the accident yesterday at Hwy. 84 East and Magnolia Road. Total of seven transported to hospitals including a ten year old girl flown to Forrest General Hospital by Baptist LifeFlight. Powers, Glade, M&M, Sandersville & Rustin VFD firefighters and medical first responders, Jones County Sheriff's Department, EMServ Ambulance Service, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Baptist LifeFlight and a lot of good Samaritans all were involved in the response to the accident and rescue of the victims. Also, Jones County 911 dispatchers were innundated with 911 calls and emergency services radio traffic and did a fantastic job. Great job and thanks for what you do to help others in times of tragedy!

Submitted By: Mommy	Submitted: 12/2/2012
Don't Judge 1) Yes I agree, people do make mistakes but usually you have to pay for your mistakes. What ticks me off is that another GOOD person got fired from the "good ole" Jones County School District for cursing but yet she was allowed to keep her job after being arrested ? The JCSD has way too many double standards and too many "politics". Its definetly NOT about the kids of Jones County.

Submitted By: grandma	Submitted: 11/27/2012
A mistake is falling off your porch. Look up the definition. What is everyone that had a problem got the keys and went for a ride in that condition.? If your kid got killed in an accident would you judge? you bet The judge will judge. You are correct.

Submitted By: Don't Judge	Submitted: 11/27/2012
Dear Grandma, have you ever heard of a mistake? The Jones County School Personnel that got a DUI is a good person. You do not know what she or her family have been going through. Did she screw up- yes, should she have driven- NO. Let me assure you that your grand-children have a lot more to worry about in this world than her. Get over it and learn to forgive and not judge.

Submitted By: Don't Judge	Submitted: 11/27/2012
Dear Grandma, have you ever heard of a mistake? The Jones County School Personnel that got a DUI is a good person. You do not know what she or her family have been going through. Did she screw up- yes, should she have driven- NO. Let me assure you that your grandchildren have a lot more to worry about in this world than her. Get over it and learn to forgive and not judge.

Submitted By: grandma	Submitted: 11/25/2012
OK. My grandson and grandgirl go to Moselle School. My daughter went there many moons ago. I want to know how can this person that got arrested can tell kids what to do? How can she be an example. Kids these days already have a world filled with bad examples. Having one at school? No. I know this admin hasnt gone to trial yet but I hope the people of Moselle stand up this time. I will never let my grands be disciplined by that person again.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/23/2012
j ronald is a good man and great american. dont trash him. delouis you are an embarassment.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/23/2012
TO:Delouis Price,The last time that I checked free speech was still a freedom in the USA.I do not like Obama,and it is not because of the color of his skin.It is because he is not qualified to be president of these United States of America.He does not know the difference between sheep dip and shoe polish.He only got elected because he wanted CHANGED and a lot of dumb,stupid people put him in office the 1st and 2nd time.Ignorance is bliss and very plentiful in the USA.May God help us.He is the only one that can.

Submitted By: Delouis Price	Submitted: 11/23/2012
Once again J Ronald Parrish opens his mouth and yet embarrasses me again. We get it J Ronald, you Do not like Pres Obama. Whooooptie Dooh. Get over it. LLC merely asked you what you were thankful for but you just had to get political and include Pres Obama in your little rnt. We already know how you feel about gay men (obviously gay women are ok with you). I am all for freedom of speech but, YOU, J Ronald Parrish are an embarrassment

Submitted By: Happy the Dems won	Submitted: 11/19/2012
Welcome to the Tea-light Zone, Michael, where you are considered elite if you read an out-of-state newspaper, a pinhead if you use facts, and unpatriotic if you speak English correctly. Science is the work of the devil, voodoo superstition is preferable to economic theory, and the hard working poor who have to resort to food stamps are inferior to angry old white men who drain our national wealth with their Medicare and Social Security handouts. I've learned it best not to engage these people in arguments. They don't have the capacity to learn, change or evolve. It's just best to wait until they die out like the dinosaur.

Submitted By: UH OH	Submitted: 11/18/2012
the admistrator wasasfar south as you can go.. Pic was pn sheriffs website.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 11/18/2012
Im with you "retired" I think Jr. is a want to be college educated, Murphy Brown watching couch potato. He must not have a full time job because he has to much time to get all his FACTS. Just Wondering

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/18/2012
a coach was fired at northeast for tobacco violation. what part of the district is the school

Submitted By: tax payer in Moselle	Submitted: 11/17/2012
No one ever answered. Does an administrator lose their job if they are arrested for DUI? What a great example that is setting. How can a person teach children to obey rules if they dont?

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/15/2012
junior please speak english. this is the usa. the only spanish i know are the first four numbers in wooly bully. have a good day and god bless you fully. i will no longer communicate with a college educated intellectual like you.

Submitted By: Michael Casey, Jr	Submitted: 11/15/2012
I thank you for your service, sir. Our veterans, especially those that have seen combat, should be taken care of for life and not have to worry about the next pay check, retirement, or health care. That is a failure of all sides of government. Yes, you have earned the right to many things. However, it is the first amendment that gives us the right to say whatever we want, not being a soldier. If that were the case, this would not be a democracy. That is a fact. Not sure what you’re trying to say about “illegals” but here’s another fact for you, during Obama’s first term there were more deportations of illegal immigrants than under Bush. Another fact, our taxes have not gone up under Obama, he has continued the Bush tax cuts and all signs suggest that will continue unless you’re a millionaire, or course conjecture of the future is not a fact, so touché. A couple other facts, I never used the words simple minded (and no, weak minded is not the same thing) or called anyone a racist. Facts. A small word so misunderstood (or disregarded) by so many. En fin, debemos de escuchar los puntos de vistas de ambos lados, pero al fin y al cabo, los hechos son los hechos. Sorry, must have picked that up standing in line with all those illegals waiting to vote.

Submitted By: Hopeful for the U.S.	Submitted: 11/15/2012
Yes the election is over and no I didn't vote for Obama. It had nothing to do with his race, it has to do with his policies and beliefs. He has tried and succeeded to racially divide the country. I would have voted for Herman Cain had he gotten the GOP nomination. I try to each my kids everyone is the same and God loves everyone the same, however when they go to school and are treated differently than blacks and go to Wal-Mart and the blacks walk down the middle of the lan and WON"T move it's hard for them to understand it's not about color. I would personally reprimand my child for that. I think the statements the Black Pastors made pretty much sum up the black thoughts and beliefs. I was so dissapointed in them - I personally know Reverend Bass and was shocked to read his statement. If this is being preached from the pulpit this country will never completely heal. And last time I checked the Constitution mentioned GOD. I got upset at first when I read the article but then I realized it's not me they have to justify their beliefs to, it's God and they will be held accountable for their actions. And I do hope this country does not collapse under this presidency this term but I feel it might. I wish I could write a letter to the editor but because of my job I can't. God help us all (we all need it)

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/15/2012
junior i dont care what the koch brothers or romney does with their millions. i care what obama does with my thousands. i am a veteran which you are probably not so i have earned the right to say what the heck i want to. obama did not get elected by a bi-partisan group of the across the board americans. the more illegals the more democratic votes. you talk about legal your president will not enforce the u s laws. i didnt mean to imply all liberals send their kids to private schools just washington d c liberals who dont live within ten miles of the working class. i worked a long time with a cross section of this country and i am no better than the next fellow but i have seen and felt reverse discrimination all my life. i am being reverse discriminated against because i pay more taxes to support able bodied men and women including white,black, red, yellow, and in between. if simple minded offends you then i resent you referring to some people on this post as racist. you libs hate the truth just like a sinner hates the preacher preaching against sin.

Submitted By: Benjamin Casey	Submitted: 11/15/2012
To Michael Casey Jr: I don't understand anything you just wrote. Are you trying to say that being racist and ignorant is not a good thing? How do you figure that? Something tells me that you are some college-educated, job-having elitist that thinks that just because you can read you are better than the rest of us. And why do you rely so much on facts? To rely on facts in forming an opinion is to be un-American. Everybody knows that facts are simply distractions. If we all took the time to listen to facts, then we would not have the time to exercise of God-given right of free speech to say whatever someone else tells us is the truth regardless of how little foundation there is. I grew up a few feet down the hall from you and I am shocked and appalled that you have turned out to be this logic-using taxpayer. Also, we don't have wings on the right or the left. Maybe your education did not teach you this, but people can't fly. Now who is educated? Maybe that fancy college also didn't teach you that mind that are made up are not weak, especially when those minds have the courage to be unwavering no matter how much evidence there is to contradict the basis of that mind being made up. If you don't like it then you just git out.

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 11/15/2012
Today I came across several roads being paved. Some , only HEAVEN KNOWS WHY they are getting paved!!! WHY 13TH AVE. AND 15TH AVE. ARENT BEING PAVED, only HEAVEN KNOWS!! If I were to buy a new car, I woujld be sure to travel on both of those avenues!! Travel them every week and they will shake your vehicle to death and RUIN YOUR FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND SHOCKS!!! Some of the roads getting paved DO NOT NEED IT!!They dont even have much traffic...THOSE THAT DO--ARENT GETTING PAVED!!

Submitted By: Michael Casey, Jr	Submitted: 11/14/2012
“Disappointed in America” and “retired”, are you guys for real? I’m a “liberal” (at least compared to you) white American from Mississippi. Raised and educated in public, Mississippi schools. I don’t send my kids to private schools nor am I weak minded. Weak minded people are those who vote against their own self-interest and spout off disingenuous rhetoric spewed from the ultra right wing or, for that matter, left wing talk show hosts. Do you really think the very wealthy Koch brothers or Sheldon Adelson who spent millions of dollars trying to buy this election care about you? Do you think deregulation of Wall Street and the banking industry helps you in any way? Unless, of course, you are indeed one of the rich, holier than thou one percent you seem to despise. Are you for going to war at the drop of a hat on a credit card? These are the reasons (looking at you Becky) the deficit increased. However, maybe that’s not your issue at all. Maybe you are a little nervous or even downright scared that the face of America no longer looks like yours. I wonder if 'Disappointed in America' knows the definition of socialism. I wonder if he actually knows the details of the constitution and which specific parts are being 'trampled' on. Also, who exactly is going to physically trample on us, and will they be wearing boots? Over the past four years no one has taken my money and redistributed it, sharia law has not been imposed in any section of this country, the terrorists have been diminished, military spending has continued to rise and yet you continue to ignore facts while the people you support almost wish for our country’s downfall just to be able to point the finger at the president or at us “rich, liberal, elite” so they can say “See, I told you so.” Not to ramble, but there’s so much gold here. “Just wondering” you really think you can compare the KKK to the Blank Panthers? A confederate statue that reminds descendants of the nearly genocidal treatment of their ancestors has no more offensive value than a “fat black women dressed in African clothing”? Really? Mississippi tries desperately to take a step forward, but is ultimately pulled back again by this manner of thinking. We don’t have to agree on everything but open your eyes and don’t be weak minded.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/13/2012
just wondering we got double standards in this country and the liberal whites falling for it because they are weak minded. just like the little incident at ole ms. whites having a little demonstration and libs call it a riot. l a california has riots. they can burn bush in efigy but not obama. most of the libs send their kids to private schools then act holier than thou when a protest happens. these folks saying it was a riot are sheltered folks. one day the blacks, libs, and hispanics will split. where will they go. to the repubs.

Submitted By: Happy the dems won	Submitted: 11/12/2012
"Just wondering" of course most blacks in the South have to walk past a confederate monument to vote, but even though that's glorifying slavery, you don't mention that. But you gave a great example of why the extremist right media driven wing of the GOP lost the election. Fox had one clip of one elderly Black Panther member (who by the way was opening the door for a white woman) and they played it repeatedly, scaring their audience, mostly older white uneducated and Southern voter. Who by the way are the ones who take more government assistance that any other group. But thats ok. For the fist time since Reagan, a majority of the voters chose a President. The angry old white guys have got the message. Love it or get left behind. I'm a proud white Mississippian and prouder still that I now have a President who represents the bright future of the greatest country on earth.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 11/12/2012
I saw on election day that the Black Panther Party had thugs at some of the voting places. And the white people are to think nothing of it. I wonder what would have been said if the KKK had placed people at the voting places in white sheets and pointed hats waving the Stars and Bars. They want to remove Colonel Reb from the Ole Miss ballgames because black people think it is offensive. I think a fat black women dressed in african clothing is offensive. So what is the diffrence. We are all offended by something it just seems like some get it both ways. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 11/12/2012
"Once upon a time" local papers let us know when there would be no banks open --- no mail delivery --- no garbage pick-up --- because of "holiday closures". We are in need of more competent reporters! Solution: discontinue subscriptions -- just stick with your computers!!

Submitted By: What?	Submitted: 11/12/2012
What school did the arrested JC administrator work at?

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 11/12/2012
I really hope in my heart that the people that voted for Obama made the right choice. I did not vote for Obama. It had nothing to do with race. You should not vote for someone just because of their race. That in itself is racism. I guess his supporters (the ones that work} don't mind supporting those who don't and won't work. It is amazing that our deficit has trippled since Bush left. I wonder how that happened? Oh by the way, since Obama is so great maybe he can help the people that have been stealing from my yard. Stealing is a sin and a crime!!

Submitted By: Disappointed in America	Submitted: 11/12/2012
To "happy the dems won"...maybe you SHOULD be more interested in the news and what is REALLY going on instead in living in your so called "real" world and come on over to what IS REAL! Whatever you believe doesn't matter, what happens to this nation DOES!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/11/2012
a word to happy the dems won. you are 100% correct the dems won and the united states of america lost. so kiss my southern grits.

Submitted By: To: KLS/	Submitted: 11/11/2012
To Felicia: I can tell you what will happen to the administration that was picked up for a DUI. Nothing!!! Remember, we are referring to Jones County Schools. LOL- Fairness doesn't exist. If you have lived in Jones County long, you would know that.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/10/2012
Let's all PRAY that President Obama will come to know about Jesus and the Amazing Grace that is offered free of charge.There is nothing like eternal life.

Submitted By: Happy the dems won	Submitted: 11/10/2012
and here are some things the rest of the world knows that you won't learn on Fox or Hate Radio: Ohio really did go to President Obama last night. And he really did win. And he really was born in Hawaii. And he really is legitimately President of the United States. Again. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not make up a fake unemployment rate last month. And the Congressional Research Service really can find no evidence that cutting taxes on rich people grows the economy. And the polls were not skewed to oversample Democrats. And Nate Silver was not making up fake projections about the election to make conservatives feel bad. Nate Silver was doing math. And climate change is real. And rape really does cause pregnancy sometimes. And evolution is a thing! And Benghazi was an attack ON us, it was not a scandal BY us. And nobody is taking away anyone's guns. And taxes have not gone up. And the deficit is dropping, actually. And Saddam Hussein did not have weapons of mass destruction. And the moon landing was real. And FEMA is not building concentration camps. And UN election observers are not taking over Texas. And moderate reforms of the regulations on the insurance industry and the financial services industry in this country are not the same thing as Communism.

Submitted By: happy the dems won	Submitted: 11/10/2012
I hope "disappointed" and "retired" don't do anything drastic, like go to socialist canada or head off to the wilderness and become survivalists. I promise you, if you lay off Fox and hate radio for one month, and instead listen to network news, CNN, or nothing at all, you will feel much better. You are depressed over lies and half-truths that have been repeated over and over by a small component of the media whose existence depends upon making you distrust government in general and Obama specifically. Studies have shown that those who watch NO news are better informed than those who watch Fox. Other countries don't even allow Fox to broadcast over their borders because they are deemed propaganda. PLEASE, get out of your echo chamber and join the civilized world. It's not that bad out here in reality land.

Submitted By: Felicia	Submitted: 11/9/2012
What happens in Jones County Schools when someone in administration is arrested? A teacher was fired for cursing supposedly a couple of years back.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 11/8/2012
agree with disappointed. the u s will never recover. the democrats are in power by buying votes. the demos support illegals,welfare,alternative life styles[cant use correct word] dead voters, ineligible voters, men haters, white haters, america haters, and racist blacks. the only thing we can do is pray. these people are now the majority. a conservative may never be elected again.

Submitted By: Disappointed in the pastors	Submitted: 11/8/2012
I was disappointed and felt sadness after reading the local black pastors' comments concerning why they were voting for President Obama. It spoke volumes about race relations.

Submitted By: Why are you bothered	Submitted: 11/8/2012
To just wondering, I don't understand why it is a problem for you that the Mustangs played at home last week. Did you check to see if it was Wingfield's choice to play here? From what I understand, they don't have a good crowd that goes there even from the home team. They made a lot more money having it played at West. The gate money went to Wingfield. If you have a problem with that, get over it.

Submitted By: Disappointed in America	Submitted: 11/7/2012
I woke up this morning to a brand new day in hopes that the United States of America had finally come to their senses about the election and electing the correct president for this great nation. Well, I was really disappointed in the rationality of this great nations decision. 4 more years? Really? Can we really handle 4 more years? I think not. We all might as well lay down and give up all hope now. The small businesses are going to go to crap because of the taxes that they are going to be forced to pay. The middle class folks are going to lose everything that they have "worked" for. That's the key word here......WORK! As long as it's a give-a-way from the Government, it's all good. Don't you guys see what's going on here? Can you say Socialism? The United States Constitution that our forefathers signed has already been trampled on and who's to say that the rest of us won't be? The people of this nation has become LAZY! You can ask someone what Obama has done for them and all they have to say is that they have a phone and housing......Dear Lord! Obama isn't paying for that! We are......the ones that WORK for a living! I understand the government being there for the ones that really NEED to be helped, but come on....you can be behind someone in a grocery store that has younguns hanging all over them (6 or 7) and then pay with a EBT card and then smile at you with Gold in their mouth and walk out to a fine ride to their FREE housing. Those are the folks that voted for Obama. Those are the ones that are standing in line waiting for the handouts that Obama is giving out and those are the same ones that had a problem with the Voter I.D. Jez! It looks like there needs to be some hystorectomy's and some vysectomy's given away instead of food stamps and Free housing! We all need to come together as a nation and get the free riders off of our backs. Somehow we need to pull together to come up with some kind of plan to show the Government that these people really DON'T deserve the free stuff that they are getting. They can get out into the real world just like you and me and deal with the day in day out stupid crap! Then we would see how well they would like Obama! But hell, as my moma always said, if the milk is free, why buy the cow? It's time to take the Cow's back and start charging something for the Milk! Reality Check!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 11/2/2012
Well, I wonder what it cost the West Jones Booster Club to get Wingfield to come to Soso and play the Mustangs. Why would they not go to Jackson and play. Could it be they were afraid. And if so of what. Wingfield has not won a ballgame all year. Personaly I think they should have been made to go to Jackson. And if they did'nt want to go they should have forfeited the game. Heck, this may have been the only trip to Jackson they make this year.

Submitted By: me, myself and I	Submitted: 10/31/2012
I see so much bitterness on here. If there is a problem with a employee of Jones County they have meetings every month along with city employees. If you dont voice your thoughts and opinions to them then no one knows the issues. I also have a child at South Jones and I do voice my opinions loud and clear. Instead of complaining about it get up and do something about it. If you keep quiet then how does that resolve the issues. And racism is so over rated. We all bleed red and we all breath the same air.

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 10/26/2012
I keep getting calls from 800-000-0000. I don't answer calls if I don't recognize the number with no name given on my caller ID. Could that be Kenya calling?

Submitted By: Gaylea	Submitted: 10/26/2012
I am an educator in one of the JSCD elementary schools. I can tell you why they are having oral sex at the JC Alternative School. When teachers sit behind their desk counting coupons, playing on the internet, talking on the phone, and standing in the hall gossping about other teachers, the students are doing what they want to do. I know this for a FACT!!! One of my friend's daughters was sent to the Alternative School for having a cell phone in class. When she got there, she was allowed to have a phone, just not in the classroom. ??????? Answer that one,huh. That is a terrible environment. The students are not learning one thing. It also conflicts with high school students' credits. Someone needs to initiate the problems and do something. It has come to my attention that it has been told, but nothing is done. The State Dept. of Education needs to know what is going on. Having oral sex in a classroom is not ALLOWED !!!!!!! I imagine the state will be told about this matter!!!!!!!! Don't fuss about Parker, people. You put him in his position. Now, we all have to just deal with it! No leadership. That is the whole problem. I would leave, but this is my last year, thank goodness. I will be glad to retire and not a part of this school district. I moved from a different state, and I know what it is like to work in a good , fair district. This is not one.

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 10/25/2012
@Just Wondering== Same reason a motorcycle cop went between two lanes and got in front--got in the 'straight-lane' but turned left in front of cars when light chged! THEY think they are ''ABOVE THE LAW''===NOT!!SHOULD BE HELD ACCTOUNTABLE!!===AND YES, this thing with the water dept.workers==HA, IS JOKE! JUST SOMETHING FOR THEM TO CRY==RACIST==!! City Council is joke anyway!!!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 10/25/2012
Let me get this straight. E. Jones called the termination of the water dept.workers "racist". Do we not have a BLACK President and don"t we have a BLACK Mayor in Laurel. And is the council not mostly BLACK. The U.S. is about 12% BLACK. Give me a break this comment is coming from 1 of the biggest RACIST in Laurel. And I don"t know what Chinn is. I think the workers where dismissed for the money being missing. Just another cover-up by Dennis "The Snake". Just Wondering

Submitted By: sherry kostka	Submitted: 10/24/2012
A BIG THANK YOU TO A JONES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY! On Oct. 9th I was in Laurel for my brothers funeral, R.L. Caves. The funeral was at Memory Chapel and he was buried at the Mill Creek Cemetery. We were escorted out Highway 84 by a Sheriff's Deputy. On the way a few disrespectful and impatient vehicles decided that they did not want to respect the funeral possession. They were headed east along with us. They passed the cars in the procession and when they got to the front of the line, the deputy politely pulled over into the middle of the two lanes so they COULD NOT PASS! Thank you for calling their attention to their disrespect.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 10/24/2012
To the Laurel cop ,car #74, who made a u-turn in front of two cars on 16th ave. You could at least turn your lights on and act like you where going some where in a hurry besides Shipley's. Just Wondering

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 10/23/2012
WHAT can you do , but hang your head- longest war in U.S.A. history--money being WASTED!!! 25 MILLION -yep! ON FIREWOOD FOR AFGHANISTAN-and they are loaded with forests!!! Overloaded with 'ILLEGALS'... WILL 'WE' GET A PRESIDENT WITH SOME BACKBONE!!???one day............

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 10/23/2012
Had my laugh for the day! Haha, newspapers headlines--town is drug-free! Ha, what hole is their head in....

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/23/2012
Why are students at the JCSD Alternative School having sex in class?

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/22/2012
ATTENTION: The Democratic party has the PERFECT party mascot,the JACKASS.That is what most democrat's act like.And then in Arkansas buy VOTE'S with booze and money.Maybe one day this country will turn back to God.

Submitted By: Warren Harding	Submitted: 10/20/2012
I like Romney. More interested in his policies than religion not measuring up to people I wouldn't trust with running a one car funeral. Had a lot of "good" Christians that were terrible Presidents.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/17/2012
It is a shame and a disgrace that we do not have a good choice for President. One man say,s that he believe's in God,but his "religion" teaches that Jesus and the devil were brother's. The other one would not know God if he got slapped up side the head by him. May God help us.He is the only one who can..

Submitted By: B. Smith	Submitted: 10/12/2012
You theives and crooks who are larking around Jones County, taking items from innocent people's homes and properties should be down-right ASHAMED of yourselves...On Thursday, while my husband & I were at work, someone pulled up to my carport and stole my 10 year old's dirt bike, his pride and joy. I hope you realize it took him 3 years to get Santa to bring it, and rode that dirt bike everyday after school. As my 10 year said, "God will take care of them."

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 10/10/2012
I would like to know if the leader calls silly-ass sports reporter knows that there are 2 more schools in jones county besides Laurel and West. They took up the whole 1st page with Laurel and West. All of the photos where of Laurel and West. East and South Jones had to share a space mayby 3in x 6in. Its ok to be 1-sided but don't let it be so obvious. Two weeks ago they did'nt even put anything about SJ game in the paper. The kids at all the schools look forword the seeing photos and reading the stories about the game on friday nite. Just be fair to all the players in the county. Just Wondering

Submitted By: DeLois Price	Submitted: 10/9/2012
WOW, J Ronald Parrish really compared a GAY man to a pedophile? This guy is a DA and he says this kinda stuff?? That our president thinks its ok to sodomize?? Funny how J Ronald knows what gay men do with their penis. Funny how he does not mention GAY WOMEN. How odd. It's rather sad and pathetic this man even holds this kind of position. What's worse is how not many people were offended by his statements. He sounded like some backwoods trash who hasn't seen the public in twenty years. He may need to keep his mouth shut from now on

Submitted By: Hmmm	Submitted: 10/8/2012
I find it funny how much hate in southern papers. Blacks as you say would just like an even playing field, Something our parents, grandparents etc. didn't get. Lets open our hearts and just learn to be fair! Not to much to ask, hmmm.

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 10/7/2012
David: "To each his own" but I must tell you J. Ronald Parish is one of my favorite reporters. He's knowledgable and "tells it like it is" instead of telling you "what he thinks you want to hear".

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 10/7/2012
@ I.D.-@ Just Wondering-@ retired=== AMEN!! TRUE , TRUE, TRUE! THERE IS SUCH A ''FUSS'' BECAUSE THERE IS ''FRAUD''!!!! WAKE UP AMERICA!! ''THEY'' PROTEST TOOOOOOO MUCH!! DUH!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 10/7/2012
blacks need to wise up. the democratic party has brought your culture down. sharpton,jackson,reid, are vultures eating your guts. wise up and think for yourself. i dont say this with hate.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 10/6/2012
Most of the black population don't want voter ID because they need as many black votes as possible to get that muslin trash back in for 4 more years. We dont purg the voter rolls like we should so they cast votes for people who have been dead a couple of years and nobody is the wiser. They have done it for years. Voter ID is a good thing for honest people. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Just My Thoughts	Submitted: 10/6/2012
Get a job! Don't expect handouts for everything. It seems like that is what our great nation is coming to now. "what can I get for free without having to WORK for it?" Come on LAZY people! The nation needs your help now, not the hand outs that it keeps giving you! If you are able to work, then get out there and get your lazy self out of bed and join the work force. Don't sit there and wait for a hand out! We are in so much debt, our grand-children's grand-children won't be able to pay their way out. I have seen so many people that are just as able to work as I am that has the Food Stamp Credit Card and pays for groceries with 6 children hanging all over them. Ever heard of birth control? Or simply keeping your legs closed?? Good God! Then they have the audacity to go out and get in a fine automobile and drive away to their "free" housing. Come on folks! Get a life! Get a job! Stop reproducing if you can't afford it, God knows we can't afford to keep on footing the bill.

Submitted By: David	Submitted: 10/5/2012
Dear Mr. J Ronald Parish, after reading yesterdays Laurel Leader Call I have came to the conclusion that you are an absolute IDIOT! Comparing pediphiles and homosexuals was completely out of line. I cannot believe you have the position you have. Why would anyone allow you to say the dumb shit you said and let you keep your position?? DO NOT BLAME ME OR OUR PRESIDENT FOR THE MASS ARREST OF PEDIPHILES AND SEX OFFENDERS! HOMOSEXUALS AND PEDIPHILES ARE TWO VERY DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PEOPLE. Unlike the pediphiles and sex offenders, there is NOTHING wrong with me! You have no idea what LOVE is. I think your love of ALCOHOL is starting to catch up with you.

Submitted By: I.D.	Submitted: 10/5/2012
I had to show my I.D. yesterday to get a flu shot. And folks are fussing about showing an I.D. to vote? What's the big deal here? If we think about it....how many times do we have to show our I.D.? Almost always! The Bank, The Post Office, The Grocery Store, The Convenience Stores, almost everywhere we go....so why is there a big deal about having to have a photo I.D. in order to vote? People don't have a problem producing it in order to buy alcohol, cigarettes, cash a check, etc....so WHY WHY WHY would you have a problem producing it when it comes to something as important as an election to better our community or country? Don't you WANT to be counted?

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/4/2012
ATTENTION: The Barack Hussien "Ali" Obama family tree has been professionally analyzed by some college professors and this is what was found.Obama is only 1/8 african american and the rest is all of mid-eastern descent. How about that!

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 10/3/2012
WHATS THE BIG DEAL?? WHY CANT WE HAVE VOTER I.D.!!?? HHMMMMMM, MAYBE FRAUD!!!! I THINK THEE 'PROTEST' TOO MUCH!!!

Submitted By: Just an Opinion	Submitted: 10/3/2012
No one ever likes to lose! It is important to restate that if both teams had stayed on the field, there could have been trouble. The other thing is to always remember, "What goes around comes around!" For many years South Jones had the best team....then East Jones had the best team....and now West Jones has the best team!!! AND this too shall pass.

Submitted By: For your Information	Submitted: 10/1/2012
Just so you know that as a parent at South Jones and a graduate of South Jones, West has always thought they were just alittle bit better. That is why beating their butts twice in one year was just the greatest. However, it is our coaching staff that does not allow our players to stay on the field. Win or Lose they leave the field as soon as hand shakes are done. This is done because only bad things can happen when the kids stay on the field. Take for example the kids that ran across the field and took the signs down. If our boys had been on the field, after losing to the cross county rival, and this happened what do you believe some of the actions of the boys may have been. It has happened many times before and can happen again. I commend the South Jones coaching staff for not allowing the boys to hang around like that. It can lead to bad things and it shows class. Good Job guys. Maybe this practice should be practiced by others as well.

Submitted By: Tell You Why	Submitted: 9/28/2012
Back to just wondering. You might have played in the 70's, but that doesn't give you the right to tell us we shouldn't support our guys. I went on the field along with many supporters back in the 70's. You just didn't see us because you were already gone. I still don't think it's a bad idea to go on the field after a game. Not anyone on that field hurt a thing. West has done it many years and this is the first time anyone has complained. Why is it a bad idea to support your team? No we don't think we are high and mighty. We just support our team, and do it with dignity, instead of walking off and not saying a word to the boys after a hard played ballgame. That's what the South fans do.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 9/28/2012
Back to Tell you why I played back in the 70s. We wipped West tail every year and I never remember the players or the fans coming onto the field after a game. You people think yall are so hi and mighty that you can do whatever you want to. Well you can't. I try to support all county teams if they are in playoffs or going to play for the championship. Actions like those shown after the game, bad idea.

Submitted By: Tell you why	Submitted: 9/27/2012
To Just Wondering I don't know why everyone from South Jones is so mad about the West fans going on the field to congratulate their boys after the game. West fans have always done that after a game. We go to the field, gather around the boys, have prayer and a pep talk. Then we visit with the boys a little while. Win or Lose. We have done this on the SJ field for the last 40 years, every other year. Why is it now not ok now? If you would do the same, your team might feel a little more like they have some support. Was it that Branch needed to get home early? He's the principal and he needs to stay without fussing about it. I know he had to stay until everyone left, but I was one of the last to leave from West and there were still some SJ people there. Didn't know we had a time limit. You mentioned that maybe we should do it on our own field. South doesn't do it and it was their own field. Did we hurt the field? I do agree the kids didn't need to get the signs. Why didn't your cheerleaders take them down when the game was over? Oh, I guess they didn't need the one that said, Pony Rides $1.00. You can't use it with another team. If you are offended by West fans going on the field after a game, try it sometimes, it is a supportive thing to do with the team. I think you call this class, maybe you should try it.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 9/27/2012
I am a Viet Nam veteran.I can not and do not understand any veteran who would support Barack Hussien "Ali" Obama. May God help us.He is the only one that can.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 9/25/2012
Coach Pearson and his staff have a good football team. Lots of excitement and hard hitting players. They run thier play flawlessly. They have good QBs and backs. Their defence is tough to the bone."But" what they don"t have and never have had is Class. After the South West game was over on friday nite. 3 of west jones students ran onto the field and started ripping down the signs on the Braves side of the field. Souths principles and some of wests coachs stopped them and had them return the signs. If that was not enough the west jones coachs,players and fans poured onto Braves field and began celebrating as though they had won the district championship. They were on the field about 35 min. Our boys had finished dressing and were going home while all this was going on. I dont want to leave our principles out of this either. Branch,Marshal and King were all on the field during this. Celebrating is needed after a win but when you are the visiting team just because you win does not mean that you own the field. Our principles should have been man enough and representatives of South Jones Braves Football and ask them after 5 or 15 min. to leave the field. We are not sore loosers. Our coaches teach our boys not only the game of football but also the game of life. One of the best plays in Souths playbook is simply called "Class". Again I want to congratulate the Mustangs on a big win. See you soon. # 64 Brave of 1978

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/23/2012
educated do you know that parker getting a raise out of tax increase. he now makes 10,000.00 green ones a month. cafeteria workers,custodians,secretarial staff how do you feel about this high priced bureacrat.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 9/21/2012
To Educated. All you say is very true. But the bottom line is I have to cut my expence somehow and cutting my house note is the only way I can do it. As far as the Supervisors, I know they are all crooks. I have seen them use county Volunteer Fire trucks to work on roads many times. I sent the County Attorney an e mail and he also did nothing about that. I questioned a firefighter and he said the county claims to own all the volunteer fire dept trucks and equipment and they use it like they want to. Free State of Jones again

Submitted By: Educated	Submitted: 9/21/2012
To Concerned Citizen, Why thank Mr. Parker for the tax increase? It is not his fault the state of MS underfunds education. As for the Jones County Board of Supervisors, ask them why they have 41 million dollars set aside with a portion that is not dedicated to any particular fund.They could have and should have paid the bond issue with surplus monies with no problem. They just want to pass the tax increase onto the people of Jones County to make the school district look like "the bad guys" once again. The are all looking out for themselves and re-election with the exception of Mr. Jerome Wyatt. Now they have decided to not pay for bus turnarounds, what a joke. Many times they will request a bus turnaround be done for a certain address which turns out to someone they know.Talk about the "good ole boy system", its still alive alright just with supervisors. It just amazes me that these five people have so much control and power and the people of Jones County are left in the dark so to speak.Maybe its time they answered some questions about money!!!

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 9/21/2012
@ Proud_Marine-9/18/12= love it!!and so true.="Before you continue supporting Obama I would highly suggest doing some background on him.Oh wait,you can't,he's sealed all of his records."= AND people are fussing about Romney and his TAXES!! Obama SEALED MORE THAN JUST 'TAXES'!BESIDES--I DONT CARE WHAT ROMNEY DOES WITH ''HIS'' MONEY, I CARE ABOUT WHAT HE WILL DO WITH ''MY'' MONEY! And Obama now has around $88 million to spend before elections--RIGHT!? KNOWING THAT WILL HAPPEN!!ON CAMPAIGNS......

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 9/21/2012
Thanks Mr Parker and the JCSD. I am going to have to change my insurance deductible to a higher rate so I can continue to pay my note on my home so I can help you pay off your debts. Wish we could raise taxes to pay my bills so I did not have to. And the thing is I do not even have a child in the schools. Free State of Jones at work again!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/20/2012
Under no circumstances should you print the comment from "That" Teacher that was submitted 9/20/12! Please delete the comment from your public forum

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/19/2012
i agree with marine about south jones testing score. same thing at west jones. a 'c' will not get you in the beta club, honor society or some collegs. parker doesn't need to crow like a rooster about the test results. if we give him 70 million dollars more we would probably get a 'c-'

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 9/18/2012
Well, I hear that ARL is full, cant take anymore animals! NO SURPRISE HERE! I can think of 4 names quickly that could BUILD A NEW ARL to the size it needs to be for all these LOCAL animals. GODS CREATURES. You can tell the heart of a man the way he treats animals! THIS CITY ISNT DOING SO WELL!!!

Submitted By: retired navy	Submitted: 9/18/2012
@ Proud Marine- I TOTALLY AGREE!! DONT GO NEAR IT! AND NEVER WILL!!

Submitted By: I Agree	Submitted: 9/18/2012
I agree we need to sell that septic tank they call a hospital. Iknow of at least 2 people who were treated and released with spinal fractures. When the radiologist got to read the xrays they sent the ambulances out to the patients home. They were brought back to the "septic tank" and re-examined. Proud Marine is right sell it before we loose it to a lawsuit. Also dont forget about the baby they sent home, who later passed away in Jackson.

Submitted By: upsettoo	Submitted: 9/18/2012
I have been in Ellisville my entire life. I cannot remember South Jones ever having such a low score on state scoring. It really is an embarassment to the community. They always have some excuse or twist as a response. Bottom line is the students are not getting the education they were years ago. We demand better and expect things to get better. We will not allow South Jones to go down the tubes. Get up and work South Jones!

Submitted By: Proud_Marine	Submitted: 9/18/2012
As far as I'm concerned they can sell South Central.I went there one night after having gotten an infection from a welding burn at work.My hand was twice it's normal size.After waiting an unusual amount of time,the ER was empty,I finally got to see a 'doctor'.He gave my hand a cursory glance,said it was "irritated" and prescribed 1 shot and a pill.Like an idiot I accepted that.3 days later my hand hurt worse.I went to MEA.The doctor there told me I had a serious infection and it needed to be dealt with ASAP.I was given antibiotics for a month.I had to go back 4 days in a row for a shot each morning.On the 5th day he opened up the infection and cleaned it out.That's a doctor.For those of you wondering,yes I have medical insurance.I'm not the only person with a story like that.If you want to keep South Central I would suggest hiring some experienced medical staff.If you don't you'll lose it anyway,to a law suit by someone else who was mistreated there.Personally I won't go anywhere near the place.

Submitted By: Proud_Marine	Submitted: 9/18/2012
For Harvey Warren."You didn't build that" was not "taken out of context" and you know it.You sit there with your dictionary trying to impress the people reading this paper,while forgetting that most of those reading said paper went to Jones County schools.Enough said on that subject.Back to your bloviating.Beside retching up the same old tired liberal,"If you don't like Obama your prejudice" line,which you do infer in your resent rantings,why not try the truth for a change?Exactly what has he done for this country?He shoved ObamaCare down the throats of people that don't want it,except for those who wont get a job.He has given amnesty to millions of illegals,which he said he wouldn't do.He has made abortion a gov't sanctioned free kill zone.Now they say aborting a baby at any age should be just fine.He claims to be creating jobs while killing coal mines and coal fired power plants,which is taking jobs.He spent over $500million of taxpayers dollars on a campaign contributors solar panel business,which failed.Do the taxpayers get that money back? NO.Most recently he and Hillary are responsible for the death of a U.S.Ambassador and 3 other U.S.citizens.Before you continue supporting Obama I would highly suggest doing some background on him.Oh wait,you can't,he's sealed all of his records.That doesn't make a reporter wonder?

Submitted By: navy retired	Submitted: 9/17/2012
I would like to know how a city this size with all of the ''millionaries'' and RICH people it can have such a SMALL animal rescue facility! WITHOUT FUNDS AND FENCING IT NEEDS, ETC! If THOSE people would just give $100.00 a month, what a difference it would make! I plan to after seeing it and SHAME SHAME ON THE PEOPLE OF THIS CITY/COUNTY!! HA, if just the DOCTERS of any kind did this, wow!!! Makes me sick Laurel's ''SOCIETY CLUB'' cant HELP!!!!!

Submitted By: an opinion	Submitted: 9/17/2012
I have read on this forum that some people believe we need to sell South Central Regional Hospital to pay for our debt on the schools. Let me tell you what would happen to that hospital if the people of Jones County sold the hospital. It would no longer be in the hands of the people who care about Jones County and the people who need medical care in Jones County. It is unbelievable to think someone would want to sell it for money.....some things are more important than money. Once we ever sell what we own....we will NEVER get it back. We have almost lost our country....selling it to China, Japan and other places. Let us keep what we own and pay for our schools. I cannot believe the people who are upset about paying for our schools....our most precious asset is our children. Now I do know there is some waste sometimes, however, Mr. Parker has eliminated several high paying positions in the county office and he is trying to utilize our money better than the last superintendent. It would be ignorant to sell the hospital and other assets to pay for our schools. A few years ago I was in the state of Kentucky and heard some residents talk about having sold their water system and electricty system to Germany.....they have poor utility systems now because Germany does not care about the people .....all they care about is the profit....let us not fall into that situation. I will gladly pay the taxes I need to pay in order for our children to have a great environment where they can learn. We need to keep our hospital and our schools. Let us all endeaver to do what is right and help make our county great....not gripe constantly without thinking about the end result...which would be poor care for the sick and elderly.

Submitted By: Answer for Very Upset	Submitted: 9/17/2012
I understand why you feel the way you do, Very Upset, but if you had read the Leader-Call article and editorial, you would see that the grade has more to do with the state’s string scoring system than a bad performance at SJHS. Schools that are already high-performing have to show a certain amount of growth every year, even though that doesn't make much sense when a school is already doing well. Don’t worry, SJ is still a great school!

Submitted By: veryupset	Submitted: 9/17/2012
Why are the test scores at South Jones so low. This is an embarassment. Does anybody at that school care about academics or just football? Academics have fallen off a cliff and everyone is talking about how well Jones County has performed. A "C" at South Jones is UNACCEPTABLE! You teachers and administrators and counselors need to get to work and do something and get our students of Ellisville educated! All they do is make excuses like "it was only fractions of a percent". Citizens of Ellisville do not want excuses we want results. Get to work! NO MORE EXCUSES!The school board needs to look into this problem. Embarassed...embarassed. embarassed....with scores so low surely next year they can show improvement....

Submitted By: WANT TO BE RETIRED	Submitted: 9/16/2012
Mr. Retired, you need to put the Supervisors out of office also. Who can afford all the tax increases that are comming from the county and city? The supervisors had a plan to raise taxes, but did not want it to get out befor the election. Jones county is one of the highest taxed in the state of Ms. The supervisors made it look like the Judge was the bad guy. The middle class people can not afford any more taxes, so vote all of them out of office.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/14/2012
tommy parker won his tax increase. 49% of jones county that payers taxes lost. he remarked now we can get back to educating children. did he quit while this tax raise was in limbo. i hope he runs for reelection in three years.

Submitted By: Moe Howard	Submitted: 9/13/2012
I saw Santa Claus eating the other day at Mi Casita, he got a call on his radio about his toy shop being shut down, and he just kept eating. Isn't he required to go to his shop and fix his toys??

Submitted By: Whats going on	Submitted: 9/12/2012
Was eating lunch last week at a great mexican resturant. Laurels training officer was also there. We heard his radio and discovered there was a fire on 7th street. A few minutes later they called for another truck. During all this he never stopped eating. He finished his meal and left. Is he not required to go to all fires if he is on duty. You would think he would want to be there to see if there are any areas that may need some additional training in.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/4/2012
looks like the nasty love bugs may be coming back. just as the democratic convention convenes. the demos getting all those illegals signed up to vote, don,t want the dead taken off the poll books, want a zero birth rate by killing babies, making it difficult for military to vote, supporting same sex marriages, promoting welfare, and being easy on criminals, plus they automatically got the black vote. looks to me like the hard working conservatives need to rebel against the federal government.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/4/2012
looks like the nasty love bugs may be coming back. just as the democratic convention convenes. the demos getting all those illegals signed up to vote, don,t want the dead taken off the poll books, want a zero birth rate by killing babies, making it difficult for military to vote, supporting same sex marriages, promoting welfare, and being easy on criminals, plus they automatically got the black vote. looks to me like the hard working conservatives need to rebel against the federal government.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 9/4/2012
Your sports reporter must have left his camera in the car at the South vs East game. Only 1 photo of the Mud Bowl. West vs Laurel had a whole page. Fair coverage of county teams, I think not. Just Wondering

Submitted By: a victim	Submitted: 9/1/2012
Besides gasoline charges, price gouging also involves vehicle repairs - especially for elderly white females. Just look at my bill and you'll see for yourself!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 8/29/2012
I told you people earlier that we could sell the hospital and pay off the school bond. Just found out that the supervisors have gotten several offers from companies wanting to buy the hospital. Why have they not put it up for a county wide vote. We the tax payers of Jones county own all the hospital property. It should be left up to us to decide what to do with it. Not just the supervisors. If we sold the property and all that comes with the hospital all our property taxes could come down. Instead they want to raise our property taxes. We the people of Jones county should be voting on this. Just Wondering

Submitted By: More of the same	Submitted: 8/29/2012
Well its happened again. Laurel city offices and workers are all off with pay during the storm. The policemen and firemen are all working during the storm. We are suppose to be getting payed 8 hours extra every time city hall is closed during the week. But this time we are told " You will not be getting any extra ". City goverment at its finest.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 8/27/2012
Well I see we have a new Director at the EOC. Question, how can Billy Chandler be on the selection board for the position and then hire himself for the job? Only in the Free State of Jones. Good ole buddy system is alive and well in the Free State. And all you VFD's better watch out he is already on record against you needing radios. Just go ahead and volunteer to walk into a burning house and not be able to call for help when you are being burned to death. Glad I don't have to do it! I think our volunteers are great but no way would I put my life in danger because someone does not want me to have equipment I need. Good luck guys

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/26/2012
concerned has a special interest. her salary is tax money. parker gives himself raise and then wants to raise our taxes to pay for it. the county office is like the mafia.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. It came from an inside source . I was not surprised one bit!!! Come on , Jones County, wake up. They buddy boy system is still existing.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. It came from an inside source . I was not surprised one bit!!! Come on , Jones County, wake up. They buddy boy system is still existing.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people. People that voted for him try to cover up his stupidity and unqualified decisions.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people. People that voted for him try to cover up his stupidity and unqualified decisions.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people. People that voted for him try to cover up his stupidity and unqualified decisions.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people. People that voted for him try to cover up his stupidity.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people. People that voted for him try to cover up his stupidity.

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Yes, I heard the JC Office described as a mafia the other day. That sums it up. Tommy D don't know what to do anymore than the rest of them did people.

Submitted By: Educator	Submitted: 8/26/2012
Some of the postitions at the County Office were made due to political favors. Get a grip... There is someone that is over Special Education that is not qualified nor has had any experience in the field. It is a buddy boy deal. People are trying to cover up the truth . That is all this boils down to. I retired several years ago. It has always been a mess. People are starting to wake up and see the truth. I was at a ballgame Friday night and over heard some people talking. They said they were for education , but they were not for taxing the people to death due to igorant political decisions. There needs to be a cleaning-house day for the CO. Everyone around them said "amen." Go Mustang people! People are just playing both sides of the fence to keep their jobs. Unqualified people is not necessary. We have people that need jobs that are qualified, but they aren't in the scoop, ring, buddy boy system.

Submitted By: concerned teacher	Submitted: 8/25/2012
I wish that someone from the JCSD county office would stand up to some of these comments on here. First of all, everyone keeps saying that we need to get rid of some of the people at county office. Well guess what, folks? Several of those salaries down there are paid by federal money; this federal money is not money that can be allowed to pay for a bond. These positions are required by the federal government, and the federal government funds these positions! When that is taken into consideration, although we have the 9th largest district in the state, we spend less in our administrative offices than the others that are at the same size. If people are going to continue to make stupid comments like getting rid of folks at county office, then they need to get their facts straight. Also, when we voted for this bond issue 5 years ago, it was stated on the ballot that if MAEP was not funded, then there would have to be a millage increase. The 92% (or however many it was) agreed to this when they voted in favor of the bond. Now, everyone wants to object to that? I don't see how that can even be an option.... I have also been informed that our supervisors have the $ in their account to write a check and pay this payment, rather than raising anyone's taxes. Why doesn't someone question that?? Have y'all not figured out that they are only playing us??? They want this case to go to court so the judge will make the ruling to increase taxes, thereby increasing their chances of re-election because they would no longer be the bad guys that raise our taxes. Has anyone questioned how much the supervisors make per year, since it is public information what our school staff make? How much dead-weight is in their offices?? Come on people, wake up! Oh, and by the way, I OWN property and will have to pay the tax increase as well!

Submitted By: knowsitall	Submitted: 8/24/2012
HECK,,AND I THOUGHT EVERYONE 'LOVED' SHERIFF-REVERAND-BUSINESS MAN-FIB TELLER-'HODGE', GUESS THERE I S AT LEAST TWO WHO DON;T

Submitted By: Gator Man	Submitted: 8/23/2012
I am a very curious & concern citizen & taxpayer of Jones County. I know two certain individuals who has been given way too much authority. Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna & Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge should not be allowed to make alot of certain decisions that they both have made. We do not need any type of law officers that has any mental problems whatsoever wearing a badge & toting a weapon. I also think that all law enforcement officers & volenteer fire fighters should have to take random drug tests. Wake up Jones County lets do something about this before it is too late!!

Submitted By: knowforsure	Submitted: 8/23/2012
I SAID FROM THE START THAT MR LANCE WOULD NOT LAST A YEAR, HE HAS A TRACK RECORD OF JOB CHANGE. AND HE'S NOT MR CLEAN, ONLY TO HIMSELF. BE PREPAIRED RICHARD, HE WON'T BE THERE LONG EITHER.

Submitted By: Scott Culpepper	Submitted: 8/23/2012
Well Granny it's simple. The blacks and liberals have taken over. Thats why you have to stare at saggy pants.

Submitted By: Enough is Enough	Submitted: 8/21/2012
My wife is a teacher and has 23 students in her classroom. According to the budget, over $5000 is spent each year per student on instructional costs. That is over $115,000 for instruction of her 23 students. Take out her salary and benefits and that leaves around $75,000. The desks and books have been bought in previous years. Why does she still buy rewards, incentives and supplies out of her pocket? Can the accounting be done for each classroom in the county? Administrative and operational costs are above this amount, so there has to be room to cut something somewhere. I know there isn't that much being spent in her classroom.

Submitted By: Granny	Submitted: 8/21/2012
I'm sick of articles relative to "saggy pants" being called "racial profiling". Nothing is said about "no manners - no morals". This country used to be called "the great U.S.A." -- you figure out what happened!

Submitted By: Julie	Submitted: 8/20/2012
Dear retired, the people that make 25,000 or under a year their taxes will NOT be affected much and most of them rent. I am NOT upper class, in fact my husband and I both are teachers. Not so rich, however I am willing to make a better future for my children. If it means my taxes go up, so be it. My kids are worth it. To the navy retired ,sorry about writing lives instead of live, was in a hurry. Also,if you ask people what drew them to Jones County-most will tell you the schools. Sorry if you had a bad experience.

Submitted By: navy retired	Submitted: 8/20/2012
@ retired---you are right!! @ Julie---LIVE IN JONES COUNTY??---ha, would've left years ago ....too long to explain WHY I did stay!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 8/19/2012
Hey I can tell the supervisors how to get the money to pay the school bond. Sell that white elephant they call a hospital to a medical corporation. They have now opened a clinic in Wayne farms. Thats good for the workers there. But to the taxpayers of jones county we are not getting anything out of the hospital. They run county tags and pay no property tax. The hospital has property all over Jones Co. They also own property in Jasper Co. I wonder if they pay property tax in Jasper Co. Its not fair to the people of Jones Co.to have our taxes go up and there be a way out. How can the hospital be owned by the county but not recieve any money from it. Im all for a good education even if it means paying a little more in taxes. Help us tax payers out a little bit. Just Wondering

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/17/2012
money doesnt always mean the best. look at california. has money got them the best. there is too much waste in jones county. julie, you must be upper middle class. what about those hard working people in jones county that makes about 25000 annually and dont qualify for assistance but everything keeps going up in cost.

Submitted By: julie	Submitted: 8/17/2012
Ok people, first of all let's ask ourselves why do people want to lives in Jones County? 1. The great school district, great teachers, nice facilities. 2. Crime is lower than in city. 3. JCJC keeps businesses wanting to come to Jones County. This is so funny to me how people want the BEST but do not want to pay extra for the BEST. Get off of it. If JCSD does not get help, it will suffer and your children will too.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/17/2012
retired navy. appreciate your service. you hit the nail on the head about taking care and maintaining facilities. brick and mortar is not the answer. look at the water problems at west ele. if the architect and contractor held accountable this problem would not be happening. weak leadership. look how much the business office staff has grown at the jcsd central office in the past few months.

Submitted By: navy retired	Submitted: 8/16/2012
@Educated- sorry for the error in spelling. Typed in a hurry , ooops, didnt proofread. Same problems, same stories as years ago. @Retired- you are so right! Consolidation started the problem! If ALL the schools around here WERE taken care of--NEW schools wouldnt have to be built!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/16/2012
take a trip down memory lane. in 1965 the jcsd high schools were consolidated into 3 high schools. the tax payers were going to save on administrative costs and etc. look how many more coaches are employed. the jcsd high schools could get by with a principal and an assistant at each school. the supervisors need to stay on top of the schools budget issues because the school board will not. consolidation was a major mistake. it ruined communities and now the schools are out of control.

Submitted By: Tired of the lies	Submitted: 8/16/2012
Have any of you ever went inside of the schools and observed how the children act? Each teacher needs a body guard because of alot of these kids. alot of parents could care less how their own kids act and all they use school for is a daycare while they sit at home all day drinking beer and smoking dope. We have alot of kids in todays society that is headed to prison all because of their uncaring and worthless parents. And for the Sheriff Department, do not fire road deputies get rid of the over staffed office workers you have. There is no sense in having so many people occupy office space when others can handle the job. Yes you get plenty of money and everything you say in the paper can not be believed and will not be!!! I think you should be able to work with that budjet and be able to provide good services to everyone. You just want more and more so you can say I done that...

Submitted By: Educated	Submitted: 8/15/2012
Dear Navy Retired, First let me address your comment concerning "so many principals" at each school. The JCSD is home to a very large number of students, check the enrollment of each school. It takes the entire faculty and staff working together to be a successful school just as it takes more than one boss in a business if that said business had 1000 employees. This is not the era of "R.H. Watkins" back in the day when every child came from a nice family with two parents and extended family members who made sure their child received the best education possible, no matter the cost! Today's students can be well cared for or they can be hungry and homeless. As an educator, I have seen living conditions of students that would make a grown, hard-nosed retired navy veteran cry! Shame on you and let's hope you never need to call for law enforcement. And just for the record, it's PRINCIPAL, not principle.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/14/2012
mr parker needs to find out if one of his central office administrators goes home for lunch from 11 to 2 daily. central office staff seen in laurel/ellisville shopping during work hours. this is bad pr for parker if true.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/14/2012
mr parker needs to find out if one of his central office administrators goes home for lunch from 11 to 2 daily. central office staff seen in laurel/ellisville shopping during work hours. this is bad pr for parker if true.

Submitted By: navy retired	Submitted: 8/14/2012
TO EVERYONE: I would much rather have law enforcement to come to the county when NEEDED, than ALL OF THE PRINCIPLES THE SCHOOLS HAVE!!! WHATS WITH SOOOOOOOO MANY ASST. PRINCIPLES??!!?? I went to R.H.WATKINS with ONE PRINCIPLE AND IT WAS JUST FINE!!! ==SAVE MONEY??!!-HAHA- U COULD IF ''EACH'' SCHOOL DID NOT HAVE SOOOOOO MANY PRINCIPLES!!! Can ONE principle NOT control the students nowadays?? M M MMMMMMM....?

Submitted By: Bigdawg	Submitted: 8/14/2012
It is about time that the Jones County Supervisors finally stood up to King Alex Hodge and said enough is enough. THANK YOU.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/14/2012
Don't lay the mess at Mr. Parker's door...he inherited this mess! Look to your state legislators and Haley Barbour who for many years did not fully fund MAEP! WE are paying for their lack of support for the education of Mississippi's children!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/13/2012
parker, the school board, and sheriff hodge may be appointed by obama to work on his budget.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/13/2012
the jones county sheriff, superintendent of ed, and school board are suffering from delusions of grandeur. they think they are great and untouchable. your taxes going up 200 to 300 dollars this year and the next. the sheriff goes over his budget every year and school board/supt think they can ask what they want and get it. this mess has got to stop now or jones county will be bankrupt like california. i thought parker was a republican.

Submitted By: JMHO	Submitted: 8/13/2012
In regards to an article in last week's Leader Call about a local boy who got arrested recently: This article was written in very poor taste. The fact that your editor considered this newsworthy is disturbing to me. Do you background check every person who gets arrested in Jones County and write an article about their family members... No. Families suffer enough when a family member makes choices like this. Why rub salt in the wound by writing an article about it for everyone in the Jones County area to read about? This action was malicious and vindictive; it certainly does not help your paper appear to be professional. You should print an apology.

Submitted By: Insider	Submitted: 8/13/2012
Please allow me to address a sensitive topic. There is concern among many that we have people serving as leaders in the JCSD that have not exactly set the best example as family men (remember, we work with children). We have folks that have walked out on their wives and children and/or completely botched their responsibilities in raising children. It is perfectly legitimate to ask if these folks should be LEADING other peoples children. I'd be interested in hearing what you have to say.

Submitted By: Insider	Submitted: 8/13/2012
The school district messed up and now wants to pass the mistake on to the taxpayers. I work for the district. Cuts will be hard to deal with but we need to learn a lesson. You can't assume we'll always have good economic times - a classic government mistake. Maybe next time our leaders will realistically consider all possibilities when recommending large expenditures to the public. They really should be EXTRA careful since only about half of the voting public pays 90% of all property taxes in Jones county. The freeloaders will always vote for more stuff including school buildings, etc.

Submitted By: jus sayin	Submitted: 8/12/2012
It is not that citizens do not want what is best for the children, its that taxpayers hear about and see the waste in the jcsd. yay to the supervisors for forcing hands, but the cuts will be made from the bottom. Waste is seen at the county office and in administration. Why, you ask do they keep hiring more principals. When a coach or teacher gets their adm degree(fast) then they are on a time limit to use it or lose it. Retirement is based on your highest paid years and "tick tock"...use your own sense. Principals are needed, but not so many. Teachers/assists needed MORE. I for one would be mortified to know that good, hard working people on the low end of the pay scale will lose their jobs so i could up my retirement (many have enough years to retire but won't go home).Go home and if you are bored, volunteer at the school, tutor for free, read a book to a class. Everyone is watching out for their own and not the kids, if they really cared about the kids, taxpayers would not be paying for the bigger salaries and we would really know how much is owed on the bill.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/12/2012
@MEDIA

Submitted By: MEDIA?	Submitted: 8/11/2012
It just amazes me how people like to hurt people. I read about a guy that got arrested in Laurel. His dad is a well-known person in Jones County. He is also a good person. I know he is because I have known him a very long time. A person can't help what their child does. Children make mistakes just like adults do. We learn from our mistakes. That is life. Don't judge people by an incident that happens in their family. Pray for people and try to encourage them. Don't hurt them . The Devil tries to do that. It breaks my heart to read trash like what the media spills out there . The parents and siblings should not even be brought up to the media. Get a life people. Please remember that the family sufferes when their child makes mistakes.

Submitted By: Non Kool-Aid Drinker	Submitted: 8/11/2012
The fire at JCJC give Jesse Smith another excuse to build a new building for his kingdom. Students and faculty will pay the price in higher tuition and low morale. Where is the accountability from the Board members?

Submitted By: Concern Citizen of Jones County	Submitted: 8/10/2012
I am very concerned with Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna how he can run to scenes & ride the roads & we the tax payers are paying dearly for him to run all over the place. He has cost Jones County alot of money. I seen where someone was talking about Lance being up at Shady Grove on the standoff situation. What was Dan doing up there putting more people's lives in jeopardy? Wake up Jones County!!

Submitted By: HardWorkingTaxPayer	Submitted: 8/9/2012
I'm glad the supervisors saw the writing on the wall and am proud people stood up for themselves and said no mre taxes. 46% of the people in Jones county pay 100% of the taxes and everyone else benefits from it. I've worked hard all my life to get what I have and from the Federal Govt. on down their easy way out is to tax all of us who work hard. If this 10 mil tax is passed you will never get it back and some thought needs to go into this not some knee jerk decision. I see people on food stamps driving newer and more expensive automobiles than I do talking on new Iphones so why not put taxes on luxury items then it would be spread more across the whole community. I'm not saying this is the only way to do it but listen to people and come up with a better answer to the solution. My home and property value have decreased with this economy but Jones county increases the value every year so they can suck more taxes out of me. Voting for this would be the same as voting for Obama again and bring us closer to a socialist form of Govt.

Submitted By: Earl Pitts	Submitted: 8/9/2012
Everyone wants their children's education to be the best in the world, as long as it doesnt cost them a few extra hundred dollars a year in taxes. Typical American thought these days, give us stuff but dont charge us for it. Lets fire teachers to make up for it...brilliant plan. Cant wait to read the complaints about this being Tommy Parker's fault even though the bond issue was 5 years ago. The ignorance that pours out on this forum is amazing, but keep it up cuz I enjoy reading it and feeling better about myself.

Submitted By: Alternative Education Program	Submitted: 8/7/2012
I can understand the county trying to save money, but don't get rid of our teachers. A few years ago we moved the gifted program to the home schools so the kids did not have to get tranported to another location. I think that should be done to the Alternative School as well. I have seen the classes there. You don't need to ship a few students to a school across the county. The alternative teachers could be send to the schools and they could have the alternative school at each school. Some of those teachers don't have but 5 in a class. That is a waste of gas money right there. If a student at West Jones has to go to the Alternative School, then have a classroom just for the alternative school there. Each school could have classrooms or trailors set aside for these children. Also, the students should not stay in alternative education for a long amount of time. It messes up their credits. It is something to think about. It worked with the gifted program and saved money. Also, get rid of some of the people that work at the County Office. Too many chiefs! I have heard the building at the Alternative School needs to shut down anyway. It is nasty and not feasible for the students.

Submitted By: Alternative Education Program	Submitted: 8/7/2012
I can understand the county trying to save money, but don't get rid of our teachers. A few years ago we moved the gifted program to the home schools so the kids did not have to get tranported to another location. I think that should be done to the Alternative School as well. I have seen the classes there. You don't need to ship a few students to a school across the county. The alternative teachers could be send to the schools and they could have the alternative school at each school. Some of those teachers don't have but 5 in a class. That is a waste of gas money right there. If a student at West Jones has to go to the Alternative School, then have a classroom just for the alternative school there. Each school could have classrooms or trailors set aside for these children. Also, the students should not stay in alternative education for a long amount of time. It messes up their credits. It is something to think about. It worked with the gifted program and saved money. Also, get rid of some of the people that work at the County Office. Too many chiefs! I have heard the building at the Alternative School needs to shut down anyway. It is nasty and not feasible for the students.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 8/6/2012
Hey Lance,ever had a .45 cal.handgun stuck in your face by an abused and irrate wife? As a former police officer,I can assure you that it is not a good feeling.It happened to me and it does not have anything to do with the color YELLOW.So put up or shut up.

Submitted By: Toe toucher	Submitted: 8/6/2012
The district has hit a new low. There is a principal at Moselle that does toe touches in staff meetings. Please dont say that is normal.Chuck Benigno has it going now. He has his teachers motivated. Parkers admins are doing toe touches.Someone take charge. There are so many do nothings at the county office that they dont have room at the donuts in the breakroom.

Submitted By: just sayn	Submitted: 8/5/2012
Hey Lance, Take a couple of english classes.

Submitted By: lance	Submitted: 8/4/2012
I THINK PEOPLE SHOULD KEEP THERE YELLOW FACE COMMENTS TO THERE SELF. THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE ALONG WITH ALL OFFICERS THAT CAME AND HELP OUT. I CANT BELIVE THAT PEOPLE WOULD GO AS LOW AS TO MAKE COMMENTS ON HOW THEY WOULD HAD DID THIS OR DID THAT.BUT THE ONES THAT MAKE COMMENTS LIKE THIS ARE THE ONES THAT RUN AWAY, OR CALL FOR HELP WHEN THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF THEMSELF.

Submitted By: Hey AG	Submitted: 8/3/2012
I think the AG needs to get down here and find out how the training officer can work both jobs at the same time. The community sevices building closes at 5. And the day shift at the FD closes at 5. I hope when they check into it that people ain't doing things they should'nt. If they have a way of working both jobs, 11 miles apart, at the same time that would be great. But I don't think so. Beeeee Careful

Submitted By: Whats up with that	Submitted: 8/3/2012
Well just found out that Laurel is going to cost the tax payers another chunck of change again. The FD promotion lists are to expire on the 4th. The Chief has the ability to extend it for another year. They have promoted 2 from one list and 1 from another. Why would you not extend the list and get all you can from the money that has already been spent. Could it be that the one you want promoted next is not on the list.

Submitted By: Wanting what is best for students	Submitted: 8/2/2012
I have heard both sides of the possible tax increase for the county to help pay for the debt for the schools. I feel that if you want your child/children to attend a high performance school, then you need to help in any way you can. I do not think a few hundred dollars a year to better my child, is a gamble. I am glad to say that my child attends a county school. Also, people need to volunteer and see what good things go on in these schools instead of being so negative. Teachers spend a lot of their own money buying supplies and giving lunch money to children that do not have it. How about buying a gift card from Walmart or Dollar General to help with these things instead of buying cigarettes or something you do not have to have. I can assure you the teacher would appreciate it. If we want to go back to poor and non-performing schools, then do nothing and don't call your supervisors.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 8/1/2012
I agree with Citizen why can't Lance let the trained agencies do their jobs. I told yall in another posting that Lance thinks he is the only person in Jones county that can do anything. I didnt see a phone booth on Lower Hamilton rd, so he can't be Superman. So which Avenger is he. Maybe The Fly he always shows up out of no-where. Also how many times did the S.O. go out to Lower Hamilton rd on that Sunday. I heard they went out there around noon. Remember the Dr Meadows shooting. Too many HotDogs on the S.O force. We need good men in law inforcement and I think we have some. We just need some leadership. I also want to wish Deputy Stiles a quick and full recovery. You and your family are in my prayers. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Citizen	Submitted: 7/31/2012
Just saw a video of Sunday nights hostage standoff. There is Lance again only this time he is in cammo clothing and wearing a vest. Has he taken over the Sheriff dept now to? I would like to see his job description.

Submitted By: concerned parent	Submitted: 7/30/2012
I can't believe that a suggestion is being made to let go of four teachers at each school to save on taxes. How would you feel if your 4th, 5th, or 6th graders was in a class with 28-30 other kids? Do you think that is an optimal learning environment? How can you work with kids who individually need help if you are trying to teach that many kids at a time? If they want to re-allocate (not get rid of) teachers, they need to do away with some at the high school levels. There are a lot of teachers there that teach the same subjects with classes of 12-15 studetns. That is absurd. Combine those classes and do away with some of those teachers. It is much more important to have smaller classes at younger ages where the kids are getting the fundamentals and the basics that they need to build upon. I wish people had a clue what they were talking about before making stupid comments like that...

Submitted By: concerned taxpayer	Submitted: 7/28/2012
It was mentioned in the meeting concerning the raising of our taxes to pay for the inability of our school board and superintendent of education, that taxes wouldn't have to be raised if the county office was allowed to let go of four teachers at each school. If this is the case, then why is another prinicial being assigned to each of the elementary schools? Why do we need 3 principals at each elementary school? Talk abut waste, fraud and abuse. Maybe we need to have a recall on the superintendent, the school board and our worthless supervisors.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/27/2012
In light of recent events in CO, I felt your frontpage photo of an individual pointing a gun was inappropriate. There is a difference between being informative and insensitive and inflammatory. Running the photograph may not have been necessarily wrong, but it was very inappropriate at this time.

Submitted By: Is This Legal	Submitted: 7/26/2012
The 911 Commission just approved spending over 9 million dollars to join the State of Mississippi radio system when they also had a quote to replace and still own and control their radio system for just over 6 million dollars. Is this legal? Who knows as they called the special meeting when they knew the County Attorney was out of town and unable to attend. Does this comply with the State purchasing laws? Where is this 9 million going to come from? If this happens the taxpayers just got rolled under the bus AGAIN. How about a little investigative reporting.

Submitted By: Had Enough	Submitted: 7/26/2012
How can the Training Officer for the City of Laurel Fire Dept work full time for the city and full time for Ellisville State School as the Fire Safety Coordinator? I'll tell you why....he is never at ESS and he is drawing a big ole check and padding his retirement. Tax dollars hard at work....

Submitted By: The Gospel Truth	Submitted: 7/26/2012
Guns do not kill people. Planned Parenthood kills people.

Submitted By: Suthern Comfort	Submitted: 7/24/2012
I really am very sorry for what happened in Colorado.Please REMEMBER that People kill People! Guns do not.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/22/2012
parker isnt going to fire any incompetents. he said so during his political campaign. his wife and boy is on the county payyoll. parker is retiring at the end of his term.

Submitted By: Bunny Slippers	Submitted: 7/21/2012
I think if more parents would volunteer at their kids' schools (and really got a good look at what goes on) they'd be horrified. Some teachers are good. Some are bad. I think parents have a right to know what kind of teacher their kids have. Unfortunately, many parents aren't able to volunteer; worse, others are able but just lazy. Teachers are not babysitters. Some parents have forgotten that; some teachers have too. Tenure is a safety-net that the poor people of Jones County can't afford. Who cares how long a teacher has been there? If they are a bad teacher GET RID OF THEM.

Submitted By: flip flop	Submitted: 7/20/2012
Wondering who will pay for new signs at Moselle school. Last year we had fundraiser after fundraiser. I hope the principal want use this money to buy more signs for his favorite staff members. All of this talk about my taxes being raised makes me think of this mess again. Changes need to happen. From what I hear the new vice principal wasnt wanted at Glade. Are we less important out south? She talked down to my sister in law and wasnt good with the kids at all.Another politics payback.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2012
I agree with disgrunted taxpayer, that we need less administrative costs in some of our schools. It is well known that we need good administrators in order to have good schools. However, at South Jones High School we have some of the administrators who really work hard and some that gossip and cause conflict all the time. All over this district, the principal's who actually want to work - need to be kept and the others need to be released to hunt another profession where they cannot cause conflict in the school. Taxpayers do not need to pay for people like CK to continue to be disfunctional and cause disfunction.

Submitted By: disgruntled taxpayer	Submitted: 7/19/2012
I can help the district cut cost...according to last year's salaries: Glade has an average of 450 students with 125,000.00 in principals. WJE has about 1,100 students with 140,000.00 in principal salary. WJHS has about 1300 students with 305,000.00 in principals.SJHS 1200 students/310,000 in principals. Does this make sense? This is just a few of the schools...there are more principals than necessary!

Submitted By: Dipidy Do	Submitted: 7/17/2012
Why should we pay more taxes in Jones County? They are people in the County Office that could take a cut in pay. They are wayyyyy over paid. Simple solution. I support the public education , but I do not think we need several principals at one school. It is a waste of money. Someone needs to take charge. Someone that is qualified. Dr. Matthews and several other board members are intelligent. I think the problem is above them,

Submitted By: Dipidy Do	Submitted: 7/17/2012
Why should we pay more taxes in Jones County? They are people in the County Office that could take a cut in pay. They are wayyyyy over paid. Simple solution. I support the public education , but I do not think we need several principals at one school. It is a waste of money. Someone needs to take charge. Someone that is qualified. Dr. Matthews and several other board members are intelligent. I think the problem is above them, the big man, huh, or he calls himself , the King of education.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/15/2012
theses local centers are political paybacks to the local supervisors and big shots who are going to gain financial rewards.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/15/2012
the county supt office is a bureaucracy. one male administrator claims he has nothing to do and is bored. they fire principals and move them to the central office. they work about 10 months out of 12 months and are paid too much. now the supt and board raising taxes in order to give incompetents a salary increase. shame on you boyles,matthews, and jefcoats because you know better. the other two doing what tommy says to do.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/15/2012
the board members at jcjc are figureheads. once a month they are fed like the obamas then they sleep during board meetings and approve anything jesse wants. they dont have any guts.

Submitted By: Bewildered	Submitted: 7/14/2012
How is it that JCJC and Dr. Jesse Smith can find money to pay a football coach $100,000; build new buildings, dorms and sports facilities for a declining enrollment; and hire plenty of administrators and non-teaching staff BUT faculty and students have to bear the cost of these decisions. How many students are actually taking classes at all these county centers being constructed? Tuition has gone up yet again and faculty have yet to receive any type of pay raise or step increase during this administration. In fact, not too long ago faculty had to take a midyear pay cut! Why is there no leadership coming from the board as to the academic mission of the college? Sports certainly has a place, but at what costs? LLC needs to investigate how and where taxpayers money is being spent and not listen to the foolish press releases generated by the JCJ Marketing Department. The heart and soul of a once great institution of learning is slowly dying to be replaced by the shallow University of Ellisville which looks wonderful but lacks substance.

Submitted By: wake up	Submitted: 7/13/2012
People wake up! While taxpayers are taking the tax pill the central office is FULL of do nothings that are pulling big salaries and doing nada.There is no excuse for the money they are getting. Now that more bux are needed they are of course putting the problems on the back of the people in the classroom. Heaven forbid they should take a salary cut. Also, did anyone know that a tutor was being paid a principals salary? That problem is over now since this person has been moved to assistant principal. Waste of money. Why do some of these schools need assistant principals? This is a problem all over the district.IM glad my kids graduated.

Submitted By: "y'all"	Submitted: 7/13/2012
This subject is very light compared to some of the reading on here.. So to give Y'ALL a break: If you are going to write the word "y'all", please spell it correctly. It is a contraction for you all. The o and u are left out, therefore that is where the appostrophe goes. STOP WRITING YA'LL.... LOL

Submitted By: Berl	Submitted: 7/13/2012
@ Wow, Really? I totally agree with you. It sounds like "Just Wondering" has a seriously big briar up his butt!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 7/12/2012
Wrong again Wow Im not bashing Lance for being a great asset the our county. But beings you think I am lets look at the money he got from this county when he had his bussiness. He then milked the county more at the sherrifs dept. Yes he got grants for the county. Now he is the EOC director. He will do a great job at it. But he needs to let the VFD do there jobs without having him look over our shoulders. Lance is a great person for the job. But he aint no Saint. He and his family are living very well thanks to county funds. Just Wondering

Submitted By: KS	Submitted: 7/12/2012
In regards to the Sheriff's Dept shooting the mother Lab -- I find it very hard to believe that this dog was about to viciously attack this deputy. I feel really bad for the family of this pet and wish her puppies good health in the absence of their mother.

Submitted By: Wow, Really?	Submitted: 7/12/2012
Wow, did someone really just call out Lance for doing more than his job requires? If only every government official had his dedication and sense of duty and responsibility … By the way, he had all of those characteristics when he was serving as an unpaid volunteer, too. But regardless, to criticize him for that is unbelievable. The fuel cost is a small price to pay in exchange for the expertise and professionalism he brings to any emergency situation. The critic makes it sound as if he’s a volunteer firefighter … That’s highly unlikely. All the volunteers respect Lance because they see his dedication first hand. My guess is that the critic is another one of those “experts” who’s sitting on the couch eating Cheetos and sipping Pabst.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 7/12/2012
Also I hope the EOC has a large buget for fuel. The new director goes all over the county on fires and other calls. Why do we have all the other VFD. Its like he thinks we cant function unless we see his smiling face. The news media will still go on with out you in every issue. Find some paperwork to do and stop waisting fuel and wearing out vehicles. We can handle the job. All of them. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Me	Submitted: 7/11/2012
The money is in the same place the whiskey money is. Same story used for both and our educational systems,teachers and kids suffer while the the state uses the funds for pet projects.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 7/10/2012
Hey useyourbrain wher is all the money from the casinos that was to help with the schools. Just Wondering

Submitted By: useyourbrain	Submitted: 7/8/2012
super d you must not be able to read because if you could you would know the MAEP funds promised by elected officials in jackson were not funded and the bond issue we passed several years ago stipulated we would have to raise millage to pay if jackson did not and they did not; they did cut some strings as the budget got tight and this was a risk we took...now we could be like other local school districts like Covington County Schools that never take advantage of money offered by the government or pass bond issues...we would have the same outdated facilities they now use....they clearly do not know what or when to do, they cannot work together...we took the risk and they paid several years...thank goodness we did... if we had to build what was built a few years ago at todays cost it would be out of reach... we are lucky to have the outstanding people we have who are capable of making great decisions for our schools..our people clearly understand about depreciation, risk, cost, planning,and much more...just look around I do not mind my taxes going up to help build the schools in Jones County....people who disagree and do not want to be part of our schools I invite you to leave our district I promise you someone will be glad to swap for our schools. I love JCS...keep building great schools raise the taxes some and move forward and take advantage of government money when available (there will always be strings attached to their money but it really helped us) because they did contribute several years and I do not mind picking up right here at the end. This is how things are done and will continue to be done. don't even try to blame the superintendent...this was passed several years ago maybe even 2 superintendents ago and we all know he was one of the best superintendents ever

Submitted By: super d	Submitted: 7/7/2012
How does the Jones County School District go from 2.2 million over budget to 3.8 million over budget in 3 weeks? Who got a raise at the central office? I am sure that no extra teaching positions were filled or made!

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 7/7/2012
Really? thumbs up for JCSO on throwing drug 'users' in Jail?? yes, lets take one step back. why not rapists? murderers??burglars? yes cause throwing some drug user in jail is so beneficial. get real. laughable at best. Maybe lets throw someone in JAIL for murder. seeing how in MS you can kill someone and spend less time in jail than some drug offenses. good work ya'll!!

Submitted By: quitcrying	Submitted: 7/1/2012
it is just that loser pack of floppers still crying

Submitted By: justsayin	Submitted: 6/30/2012
I've lived in Jones County all my life, once again it looks like we have a Superintendant and Board that are trying to do right by all sides of the county. Haters are going to hate! So far all we've seen is Mr. Parker & his staff trying to do the right thing for the children (black & White) in this county. I believe he and his staff make considerably less, according to our beloved Review, than the good folks in laurel. We had an election and he won; now wouldnt it be great if we could leave him alone in peace to do his job and as a community could come together and help strengthen our schools instead of trying to tear everybody down and in turn, our schools down in the process. Never really cared much for folks who wanted to point out the problems but were not willing to be part of the solution.

Submitted By: one who knows	Submitted: 6/29/2012
@ As Usual...appointing a school superintendent instead of electing one has its problems as well. Don't forget, Laurel had an appointed superintendent that almost ruined the district and the voters had no power to do anything about the situation. Whenever power is taken away from voters there is a loss of accountability. If a district appoints the superintendent, then the board should be elected and, if the superintendent is elected then the board members could be appointed. When the taxpaying, voting citizens who support and utilize the district are blocked from the process, accountability suffers.

Submitted By: Educator/ Concerned	Submitted: 6/28/2012
I have recently heard that a principal we use to have at WJ wants to come back . He left our school to get an easier job. We were glad he left. I don't think a principal should be allowed back to a school that left for this reason. He begged and begged to go to this other school where he could sit behind his desk all day. Well, he got that job and now wants to come back where he came from. We don't want him back. We finally got a principal that has discipline and treats the teachers fairly with respect. Stop this, Parker!

Submitted By: As usual	Submitted: 6/28/2012
People are tired of hearing complaints about the Jones County School District because everyone knows it will never change. It has always been exactly like it is today. Until they appoint a Superintendent, thing will continue to be political and buddy boy. The people they put in office are just not qualified. They should hold a higher degree than a Masters Degree. They put people in office they cannot make professional decisions. It isn't all about hiring good qualified teachers to teach our children. It is all about taking care of friends even though they aren't the best educators. The county has had some excellent teachers , administrator, etc. leave the county due to ignorance. Again, it will never change. It is sad to know that we have a good district that could even be better if qualified people were in control. Again, it will never change, so get over it. Pray for our children and teachers. They are the ones that suffer. Not the people riding around visiting the schools with smiles on their faces with office jobs. Huh, a joke. We all know it too. Shame on you JCSD> Shame on you!

Submitted By: Showmethemoney	Submitted: 6/24/2012
Mississippi has state taxes, high car tag prices and now all the casino tax money along with the tobacco settlement money. In other states that do NOT have states taxes and $40 car tags, no casino taxes or tobacco money. The states that do not have these taxes coming in have better roads, higher paying jobs, the economy is better...My question is where is all this money going in Mississippi? MS was not getting all this money in 1989. The casino's,I am told, pay hundreds of thousands in taxes. Where is it being used? Who is getting it?

Submitted By: jones county	Submitted: 6/23/2012
A principal is allowed to teach again.

Submitted By: omar gosh	Submitted: 6/23/2012
The salaries can't be questioned. We all know what the salaries are because they publish them in the newspaper. Nothing can be done about them anyway. Once they get to the county office, they can't go back to being a principal and once a principal, they can't go back to being a teacher...they couldn't teach anyway (that is why they are a principal). Ask the county office about complaints against principals...now that would be some good info. They intimidate,belittle,and threaten teacher jobs for their own agenda. How many of you have a job where there is not any accountability on your supervisor? Teachers are the only one accountable...the central office, principals, students, parents, politicians, school board...are not accountable. The only ones forced out of jobs are teachers either by making it so hard on them they leave or retire early. Teachers give up more years due to being forced out and no one is ever forced out of the central office or administration. Teachers can complain, their spouses can complain...nothing is ever done. The school board members do not even know how principals treat the teachers (they have probably never asked to see records...if the central office keeps the complaints).

Submitted By: Smarter thanYOUthink	Submitted: 6/22/2012
Why dont the people of Jones County question the salaries at the schools Central Office. Visit sometime. The only people working are the lady secretaries. The good ole boy club is hanging out talking and reading the newspspaper. There is no leadership in some areas. The central office is where former coaches go to up their salaries until retirement. Look around. One new assistant principal was pushed out of one school because she was so disliked. What do they do? Give her a cushy job for a few years then slide her into administration again.Didnt they figure out she cant lead people last time? I agree about the principals. Im sure not one could do the job they expect the teachers to do. I feel sorry for the teachers. I wouldnt do what they do.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 6/22/2012
Jones County Schools will remain top heavy. Approximately 25 principals for 12 schools...wow! Can you imagine how many teachers could be hired if that number were cut in half. Instead, one school put in a request for another principal. We asked for it....we got it....but someone is setting the stage for the next election. One reason we have soooo much at the top: No principal could EVER handle being in the classroom, so we can't put them back! We just have to wait for them to retire or go to the county office (same thing...really).

Submitted By: Get out of Jail Free Card	Submitted: 6/21/2012
I have noticed this man in the jail docket almost every other week. He is always arrested for DUI. Twice I have seen him on the JCSO website for DUI (3) felony. His name was listed in the review in an article and it said he had to serve one year. He got more time but it was suspended. Then I look back at the JCSO website and he has been released after one month in jail. I asked the sheriff and he said it was a question for the DA's office or the MS Dept of Corrections. I guess this guy will have to kill someone before something is done to him. I know space in the jail is limited but he at least needs house arrest!

Submitted By: Just Saying	Submitted: 6/20/2012
Well, Well, Well,I understand that the JCS is welcoming a new employee back to the district. Another Mr. Robinson.....well I really hope that you know what you are getting....And my goodness the price that the JCS is going to pay for used goods is beyond the tax payers in Jones County,,,,ask me how I know what his salary is going to be??? Well you really don't have to because he's telling the whole world about the wonderful salary that Tommy P. has offered him....... Well at least those that will listen to him....Pat can you just hush for a moment...Everytime someone tells me about the new position the fish gets bigger and bigger.....Just hush, please and go on down to the Central Office and join the others......

Submitted By: Thanks Jim W.	Submitted: 6/19/2012
Thank you Jim for appropriately voicing what so-o many of us think!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 6/14/2012
Now Keveryn knows how the Fire Department feels. He has never given them the respect they deserve. He has always treated that department like a second rate step-son. Good Riddance.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 6/9/2012
Just Wondering are they any white children that live in Laurel anymore. I saw in a paper the other day that Laurel had opened both city pools. Amazingly both pools are in the Black areas of town. Do we plan on building a pool in north Laurel anytime soon. The White kids get just as hot as the Black kids do. And they deserve a pool to swim in to. And it does not need to be covered. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Proud Marine	Submitted: 6/8/2012
I understand Bernice Rogers'concerns.Go down 13th Ave.or Ellisville Blvd.You'll see young men,for want of a better description,walking pitbulls on heavy chains.Quite a few times I've seen pitbulls running around dragging a chain because the owner,either didn't care to make sure the dog was secure,or just didn't care.Like a friend of mine says,"Something will have to happen to the "right" person before something is done.All I can hope is it's not a child.

Submitted By: "Have a Nice Day"	Submitted: 6/7/2012
wysiwyg: "sort it out"? I had already been chewed out because I was in the lane by the window and I was trying to get out of the way. Besides, my request for hundreds was on a piece of paper clipped to my check.

Submitted By: wysiwyg	Submitted: 6/5/2012
To: Have a nice day Why didn't you sort it out before you left the bank?

Submitted By: "Have a Nice Day"	Submitted: 6/4/2012
Want to be treated like "crap"? If so, go to BancorpSouth on 16th Ave. I wrote a check and asked for hundred dollar bills. Got all ten dollar bills with no explanation: just "Have a Nice Day" after you had already been chewed out because of what line you chose to park in. So have a nice day.

Submitted By: Navy Vet	Submitted: 5/26/2012
Yet they all are common driving characteristics experts like Calkins see-- and the last – constantly hitting potholes, curbs and other objects – can wipe out a suspension long before its normal life expectancy,” said Calkins. LOL-DONT LIVE IN JONES CO. YOU'LL HIT A POTHOLE ON EVERY ROAD PRACTICALLY!!! ESPECIALLY THE 'MOST-TRAVELED'!!

Submitted By: navy vet	Submitted: 5/26/2012
LOL!! I dont care if it is 2030!! THIS IS ''NOT'' PROGRESS!What this country stood for is no longer a reality. ''WE'' are going downhill and FAST!!

Submitted By: Proud Marine	Submitted: 5/24/2012
There in lays the problem.One parent seems to think her child was "bullied" because her child was not allowed to graduate.Never mind the fact that the child FAILED to pass a portion of the Subject Area Tests.She states it was a "minor thing".Really?Failing a test is minor?She also says,"School officials need to be helping with their educations".And exactly where was she when her child was failing?Did she not look at her child's report cards or see that the child was doing the work assigned?Should the state of MS.follow in the steps of FL.and lower the grades needed for a child to pass?While I can understand the concerns of some of these parents,especially those of Tasha Davis,parents need to take a larger portion of the responsibility when their child fails than they want to impart on teachers.Teachers are not babysitters.When I brought home a bad grade I paid the price.No it was not physical.I was grounded,assigned extra chores,and TV was out of the question.Although I was still allowed to be my fathers remote.Those of you that remember TV's with dials know what I'm talking about.C'mon parents.Get involved with your children before it's to late.

Submitted By: Proud Marine	Submitted: 5/24/2012
For Mr.Harvey Warren. So by the logic in your column the student deliberately wore that t-shirt to induce a negative response from his teacher?Or are you implying that his mother told him to do so? It couldn't be something as simple as him being proud that his brother is a United States Marine? Our children are no longer allowed to pray in school,but it's perfectly fine for them to be subjected to teachers that attempt to embed their political beliefs on them. Do a little investigating Mr.Warren.There are numerous accounts of that. The teacher in WS.that took 4th graders to a demonstration so they could sing along with the "Solidarity Singers",and most recently,the teacher in NC.that told a student he could be arrested for saying something bad about Obama. There are indeed ulterior political motives at play here. And they are on the teachers part.

Submitted By: A Neighbor	Submitted: 5/24/2012
I wish I had a neighbor who would be "man enough" to do something about the jack russell dogs who bother all of us daily since we don't have an elected official to do what he is paid to do after our complaints.

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 5/23/2012
Amused, no one at the newspaper was whining. We're used to criticism and accept it. By the way, it's you're, not your

Submitted By: TIRED	Submitted: 5/23/2012
I am so tired of all of the negative things being put out in the press about Jones County School District. We have a great school district. Some of these parents are upset because the schools actually follow the rules. Wow, what a concept? I am so proud that my child attends a school where the rules are enforced to everyone. I am also tired of parents claiming everything is a racial issue, everything is not. If you as a parent are unhappy, take your child to another local school district and see how things are. I am sure you will then be thankful for the JCSD.

Submitted By: Just Knowing	Submitted: 5/22/2012
@Just Wondering, actually same-sex marriage should be a civil right. Oh, and just because they are the NAACP and say they are going with Romney does not mean that they have to agree with everything Romney agrees with. Your comment is completely out of line and borderline predjudice. Puh-lease, this is 2012, get over it.

Submitted By: Retired Vet	Submitted: 5/22/2012
@ Just Wondering== AMEN! LOVE IT!!!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 5/20/2012
Just found out that the NAACP have passed a ruling stating that same-sex marriage is a civil right. I thought they were going to back Romney. Oh how silly of me . Romney is white. Its funny how they passed this 2 weeks after Barack Hussein Obama made his speach . Dr King is rolling in his grave. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Kris	Submitted: 5/19/2012
I would like to reply to the recent comment about the Laurel Library. On that particular Friday the Laurel Library was holding a Family Fun Friday which is a free event for children and their parents. Normally children are not allowed free reign of the library, and if they are too loud and unruly, the library staff asks the parents to please control their children. The staff tries their best to make the library a place that "everyone" can use and enjoy. The library closings have already been addressed several times before. Both libraries are closed one day a week due to budget cuts. This has been the case for at least two years and signs are posted at both libraries listing hours of operation. Finally, yes, the people who use the library are tax payers, but the people who work there are tax payers as well, they barely make above minimum wage and are severly understaffed, so how about giving them a break instead of constantly finding fault. They are doing the best they can in an increasingly bad situation.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 5/19/2012
Funeral homes let you prepay for your burial. every thing from the casket,vault,service, and other things. My mother was one of these people.She died several years ago and my sister and I went to finalize the arrangments. When they got through pounding on their calculator we still had to pay more money. They had sold my mother a life insurance policy and we had to sign it over to them. I"m not fussing over having to pay more for my mothers burial Lord knows she deserved it. I think funeral homes and monument co. take advantage of people who are in no position to be making financial decisions. My mother had also paid for her headstone with all the ingraving on it. After the funeral we go to tell them about her death and give them the correct date. They inform us that we have to pay extra for the death date to be put on the stone. What did they think that she would never die or that she wouldnt want the date of her death put on the stone. Its all a money making thing and greaving people are being taken advantage of . Just Wondering

Submitted By: xxx	Submitted: 5/16/2012
I am glad that WJMS is proud of their principal. The former principal has gone to another school and doing the same thing, NOTHING!!! They know how the people at WJMS felt. Maybe they will transfer him again. He still has no discipline, teacher favorites, let the kids bring cell phones to school. Same ole habits. Not professional at all!!!

Submitted By: LaDonna	Submitted: 5/16/2012
Can someone please tell me when the Laurel Library was allowed to become a playground for loud, obnoxious and rude children? I went in Friday afternoon and it there was so freakin much noise from the upstairs coming through I thought the ceiling was falling in. The library boss should do something about this. The library shouldn't cater to only a certain few people. My taxes pay their salary too. Tried to go back on Wednesday to finish my application on the computer, but the library was all closed up.

Submitted By: Lindia	Submitted: 5/15/2012
I am so thankful Laurel has options for children to get good educations. My daughter attended a private school in Laurel and graduated in a great environment. You only hear such good things about the school. They don't have to defend themselves on the forum. Everyone has their own belief about how they want their child educated. I'm just glad and blessed we had an option. An option that made such a positive difference in the life of my child. A good Christian environment.

Submitted By: Prinicpal	Submitted: 5/15/2012
I just want to personally thank the former superintendent for giving us such a great principal at West Jones Middle School. He has made such a difference in our school. He treats the teachers with respect and has GOOD morals and values. He also has effective discipline. We aren't use to all of these positive inputs in our school. Our last principal was not anything like this. We are glad he moved on to another school. Again , thanks again. Our school is so much better . The last principal only cared about himself. What a relief.

Submitted By: Concerned Mom	Submitted: 5/15/2012
As a parent I consider the JCSD one of the best districts in MS. The district is the 8th largest in the state and continues to do well each year based on student performance. Students continually achieve in academics, sports, and the performing arts. We should be proud of our students and our schools. We are fortunate to have great facilities as well as sporting arenas and state of the art performance centers. If you want to complain, ask parents and teachers in other disticts how the facilities compare! As for employees, there will always be a few people who are not 100 percent dedicated to our students and their job. The teachers and administrators I know personally work very, very hard to ensure that all students receive the best education possible. It takes all of the community to make sure our children achieve success. This includes parents, teachers, administrators, central office personnel, and the superintendent to truly make a difference! If you want to make a difference, go to your school and volunteer to help a child!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/14/2012
I only visit the Soundoffs a few times every month or so and each time the topic is the JCSD. Why? Isn't there anything else to discuss?

Submitted By: wysiwyg	Submitted: 5/14/2012
The poll on Sexting has been up for a while. Time for a change? I suggest you ask if the name of the public forum should be changed to "Bitch About Jones County School Forum."

Submitted By: Ronald Styner	Submitted: 5/13/2012
No one on the forum said they didn't have problems. You need to read the information before you type. It was stated that they had problems, but the problems were handled, just not in an argument way. Conflicts can be handled in a professional way. The person below said they did have problems. I know that it is a constant problem in JC. Every time I read the forum people are not satisfied in JC. I think that is why so many private schools are starting to fill up the classrooms. I don't blame them. If my daughter was still in school, I would look at the different options available. Education is just not what it use to be.

Submitted By: Yep, problems constantly	Submitted: 5/13/2012
I think the person from Laurel School District was making a point that they don't stay in the drama news like Jones County School District does. Yes, Laurel does have problems. Jones County just seems to get the most attention with problems. Every time you turn around the JC district is having a problem. It seems like it is just full of drama. That is what the person was referring too. Yes,all schools have problems, it just isn't constantly. People need to read. No one said they didn't have problems.

Submitted By: Omar Gosh	Submitted: 5/13/2012
Is anyone happy at the county schools? Abuse of teachers in the north, south has a headline per week...come on east and west where are ya'll at?

Submitted By: No way	Submitted: 5/13/2012
I cant believe that someone typed into this forum that the city schools has no problems that they cant handle. Didnt a girl get sliced like poultry in the school cafeteria a few weeks back? Compare that to a problem with a tshirt and see how that weighs out. STILL laughing over that comment.

Submitted By: Lindi	Submitted: 5/12/2012
I do agree with a child comes to school dressed inappropriately then something should be said. I also agree if a staff or faculty employee coming to school with earrings in their nose or tongue or tatoos, something should be done. That is not professional. There should be a rule inforced in these measures as well.

Submitted By: Thank You	Submitted: 5/12/2012
Thank you , Lord. I'm glad I am an educator in the city school district. We might have problems, but they are not bigger than we can handle. Go Tornadoes. I am proud to be one!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/11/2012
"Responsible" parents who don't care if their children are told not to come to school before the term has ended....hmmmm, what's wrong with this picture?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/11/2012
There are no simple solutions to any of these questions. But let me ask you a few?? Are schools responsible for students when they are not at school? NO!!!!! Parents have to take some responsibility. My children are MY responsibility. That is what is wrong with society today....parents want someone else to be accountable for their children. I always believed I was responsible for my children. If the school told my high school child he/she did not have to come to school I would be sure my child did something such as mow yards, clean the vehicles, clean the home, help a neighbor, pick up trash on the roads.....there is much to do in life. They would not have time to be a discipline problem. "An idle mind and body is the devil's workship"!Why not have parents take responsibility for their children????? What are they going to do with them this summer, on week-ends, etc. All you people just want an excuse to blame someone else for everything....we are losing our very "way of life" because of this irresponsible attitude. Schools can do just so much to make children and society better. Schools have them about 7 hours a day...parents have them the rest of the time. It seems people need to be required to take a test to see if they have a brain before they have children. Good parenting makes good children and good adults!!!! Don't blame the schools....blame the problem...parenting!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/11/2012
If the students at the Alternative School are discipline problems and need supervision, then why are they being excused from attending school when it is still in session? Seems to me that they don't need to be turned loose during the day when they can cause havoc in the community. What about the kids who are court ordered not to miss a day of school? Are their absences reported? What about the younger students whose parents work? Do they have childcare arranged before school is officially out? Who is "supervising" these kids? I know I really don't want them running around my neighborhood during the day when I am not home.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/10/2012
to-Just Wondering-----I TOTALLY AGREE! Andy Dial stated that money was received after 'Katrina' came thru.....WELL, WHERE DID IT GO?????Even if it was 7 yr ago, -just wondering-myself!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/10/2012
To the person who wrote the diatribe on testing, if you want to make fun of other's spelling and belittle them, then perhaps you should learn that alternative is not spelled alernative and assure is not spelled assusre...don't criticize others for what you are guilty of..and, by the way, don't end sentences with prepositions.

Submitted By: FYI	Submitted: 5/10/2012
As a retired educator who worked at the Alternative School at one time, I can assure you that previous administrators did not dismiss the student body just because they had taken the state mandated tests. To the individual who stated he or she did not work at the school, but seemed to know a great deal about the testing, let me set you straight. I have worked in that building and, unless offices have been relocated, there are several programs housed at that facility. There are more that 13 certfied personnel that can assist with testing. If the principal doesn't have enough people to give and proctor the tests, it is because he chooses not to utilize the recources at his disposal.

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 5/10/2012
Have they just started testing and the Alternative School, or have they always administered the state tests? Have previous principal dismissed school during the week of testing, or is this a fairly new practice...might be worth checking out! Just wondering...

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/10/2012
Let me begin by stating that I do not work at the Alternative School. However, I do know about the general functioning of the schools in Jones County. Some of you have no idea about why things happen the way they do and just in general what it takes to "run a school" and make it through each day with all the responsibility that is on the shoulders of these educators. You keep complaining about the high school students, grades 9-12, not attending school at the Alternative School this week. Only students in grades 4-8 who attend the Alternative School have to take the MCT Test. Well let me enlighten you.....they are giving the MCT State Test required by the State of Mississippi. At the Alternative School they have only about 13 teachers. When administering these tests they have to have a teacher giving the test and then in the same classroom they are REQUIRED to have a proctor. A proctor is someone who helps the teacher with monitoring the testing. They are also required to have hall monitors. If they have 6 teachers giving the test and 6 proctors and 1 hall monitor.....if you can add... that totals 13. Where will they get the personnel to administer the tests, required by the state, if they do not have the students in grades 9-12 stay home?? Many times the State Department will come and check to see if the rules and guidelines are being followed...if they find that the school is not following guidelines....someone can be fired!!The only other alternative to utilizing the teachers to test and proctor is to hire more personnel to administer and proctor the test...where will the money come from? You guessed it...there is no extra taxpayer money for this. (Of course you could donate money for this.) With the budgets of the school systems being cut every year they have to do what they have to do to follow these mandates. I am sorry that educators are being criticized for making decisions that have to be made and constantly being harrassed by people who have an "agenda". The principal is doing what he has to do...so get over it. The person or persons writing this on this forum is either stupid and has not bothered to find out why this is happening or they just don't like the principal. Whatever the reason "SHAME ON YOU"!!!! You do not have the facts or either you are just hunting something to complain about. If the high school students come to school, they are not tested on the MCT, what will the school do with them. Evidently they are discipline problems or they would not be at the Alernative School.... I can assusre you that they need supervision. My suggestion to you is that you need to volunteer to go up there and help during testing and then you can help supervise some of these students. MCT Testing is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. On Friday they have to give make-up tests for the students who missed a day or more than one day on the test. I also believe they do GED Tesing on Friday. This is all REQUIRED. What is wrong with you?? The Alternative School does not have the number of faculty members that the high schools have and they also do not have a gym or a library to keep all the high school students that are not being tested. They would need a larger room to keep all these students in so they could monitor them while the classrooms are being utilized for testing. Many factors have to be considered is this situation that most people do not understand or care to understand. All some want to do is complain. I would be afraid to spread gossip such as this...remember "what goes around, comes around". Your day is coming!!!!! Also, whoever wrote the last message should know if the students write like this person writes, that student should not receive a diploma...wat, dat, alrdy, hve,n,....hard to believe!!!

Submitted By: Cowboy	Submitted: 5/10/2012
Sounds like the state test has exposed a school that gives undeserved A's

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/10/2012
No child left behind ... Yeah right !!!!! Parents it's time to wake up n become active in all aspects of our children's life... Why is it dat a senior can Hve all A's n Hve meet all their academic requirements but fail a state test by a few points n we don't allow them to Graduate ....Hve they not alrdy proven themselves by passing the classes ... Wat is d purpose of these STATE TESTS ????????,

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/10/2012
No child left behind ... Yeah right !!!!! Parents it's time to wake up n become active in all aspects of our children's life... Why is it dat a senior can Hve all A's n Hve meet all their academic requirements but fail a state test by a few points n we don't allow them to Graduate ....Hve they not alrdy proven themselves by passing the classes ... Wat is d purpose of these STATE TESTS ????????,

Submitted By: Puzzled	Submitted: 5/10/2012
Call me old fashion, but if I wanted to know if school was closed on Friday, I would call the school.

Submitted By: ?????????????????	Submitted: 5/10/2012
Do the Jones County Schools meet on Friday? Just checking. Several children in the neighborhood told their parents school was out tomorrow. ?

Submitted By: Not on Calendar	Submitted: 5/9/2012
Friday is a school day. It is on the calendar that all students go to school on that day. Why would they be told not to go? Has the calendar been changed? Please let us know from the County Office in Jones County . Thanks, Sarah Lynn Spills . Who is the principal at the Alternative School anyway? Is that classified as a JC school?

Submitted By: Not on Calendar	Submitted: 5/9/2012
Friday is a school day. It is on the calendar that all students go to school on that day. Why would they be told not to go? Has the calendar been changed? Please let us know from the County Office in Jones County . Thanks, Sarah Lynn Spills . Who is the principal at the Alternative School anyway?

Submitted By: School out?	Submitted: 5/9/2012
I haven't heard that school was out. This must be something that they are doing just for that school. I have never heard of that.

Submitted By: Concerned Mother	Submitted: 5/9/2012
A few years ago , a teacher lost their job due to cursing a student in the classroom. Does this apply to all schools? If so, my son came home from a Jones County school the other day and told me a student in his classroom was cursed by a teacher . I was amazed!!! I did not think this behavior was allowed in the schools. My child got sent to the Alternative School due to having a cell phone at school. I am so glad he will be out of there this month and allowed to go back to his home school. Someone needs to report this behavior. I am in the process of letting the parent of the cursed child know about this. Please help us weed out these teachers. Our teachers should not be allowed to cuss the students in the hall or anywhere else on campus. I have been told this teacher is known for her rudeness. Please support the students as well in the school district. Are these Christian educators as they claim they are? I don't think so.

Submitted By: School Out Friday Superintendent?	Submitted: 5/9/2012
My child's best friend goes to the Jones County Alternative School. She said their principal told them they did not have school on Friday due to testing. Is this true? My child goes to West Jones and no one told her that. I was just wondering does the Jones County Schools meet school on Friday. The principal at the Alternative School told them they were out due to the MCT testing this week. Is it on the calendar? I can't find out. Please respond and let me know. Thanks.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 5/9/2012
If Andy Dial and the other Supervisors are wondering where to get the money to fix the Ellisville Court House, I can tell them. Sell SCRMC to a company that knows how to run a hospital. The county can then collect taxes on all the property that SCRMC now ownes. The Ellisville Court House brings in more money to the county than SCRMC ever has. And frankly Im tired of paying high taxes and furnishing a bunch of "FAT CATS" with a job. Wake up Andy and look at the big picture. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 5/8/2012
To Disappointed Reader … With all due respect, if you are a rescuer on the scene of an emergency and you notice a photographer who is at least 25 feet away, you need to reevaluate your priorities. What a few folks with badges seem to forget is that anybody, not just the media, can film anything they want that's viewable from a public place. Why is that so hard to comprehend? Stop trying to control things. It's not your place. We have a duty to do, too, and it's helped a lot of people in a lot of ways over the years - from getting MDOT action on trouble spots, to helping victims get their insurance settlements to helping victims' families reach thousands of readers who donate money to them to help them through their time of need. And we do all of that without getting in the way. We also do it without publishing anything that's distasteful. All we do is show the readers what they would have seen had they been there. That's our duty - to be the public's eyes. If we were to do something unethical, it would reflect poorly on us, not any department or rescuer. We fully accept that responsibility. If anyone from my staff ever interferes in any way on an emergency scene, you call me (601.649.9388) and I'll deal with it. That's my job.

Submitted By: Disappointed Reader	Submitted: 5/8/2012
In response to the thumbs down for the rescue crew. They were trying to do their job but the media keeps getting in the way. How would you feel if that was you or your loved ones involved in an accident/crime scene and someone was trying to get a news story. The rescue workers know and do their jobs very well. I think you need to look at your job description and see if you can find your morals while you are at it. I say thumbs down to the "Laurel Leader Call" staff.

Submitted By: wysiwyg	Submitted: 5/8/2012
To "can you really go "home"" Come home. Buy my house, so I can leave this dump.

Submitted By: Some things never change	Submitted: 5/7/2012
I see by the listing of the delegates for the Republican state convention and our local Executive Committee that the same old people who want nothing to change and keep the status quo are still there. Until these people wake up and stop rigging the elections to get "their" people in there, nothing will ever change in our party and we will continue to keep the same power brokers forever. Wake up people, the true conservative Republican party is going to die without some change. I know firsthand how this local party will only support a candidate if it is "their" person that "they" handpick. If it isn't, they will back the Democrat secretly with their donations and do all they can to block the ones they are supposed to help get elected. Typical Jones county politics at its' finest.

Submitted By: welcome home	Submitted: 4/27/2012
If you really love Laurel, you should come home, but don't expect it to be just like you left it. This is a great time to come back and the great things such as spectacular architecture and beautiful parks have not changed. People who are cynical are never going to be satisfied anywhere. Laurel is not perfect, but has a lot of good around. Plan to be a part of the positive things that are taking place here such as the revival of downtown businesses, various festivals, Laurel Little Theatre, Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, as well as numerous churches with their activities. I personally have never left the area because I feel you should bloom where you are planted. Every area has its own set of quirks so just plan to make the best of it. There are a lot more positives than negatives here. Oh, and plan to support the local businesses, that's the only way we can move in the positive direction we need to be going.

Submitted By: Can you really go "home"?	Submitted: 4/27/2012
Hello All, I'm thinking about moving back to Laurel, my hometown, after having been away for more than 30 plus years. Just curious to hear the comments from current Laurel residents as to their thoughts on Laurel, then and now, and whether they would encourage a friend/family member to return to Laurel.

Submitted By: OLESGT	Submitted: 4/27/2012
Well, my comments about money ball in JCS must have hurt someone's feelings. I see it was removed from vistor comments. What a shame. Sometimes the truth hurts.

Submitted By: Where is our Decency?	Submitted: 4/26/2012
My little nephew came in from WJ Elementary today proud as he could be with his new yearbook. I was shocked by the giant photo on the cover of a great big high top tennis shoe stepping on a piece of chewed gum and then stringing it underneath! What does this photo have to do with the school year? Is this some kind of joke? Where did this photo come from? Who approved it? Where is your decency? Are we teaching our children to throw chewed gum on the ground for someone to come along and step on? This is a disgrace! It is showing disrespect for others and glorifying littering. I thought this elementary school had more pride than this! Can the school get its money back on these books? Students at least should be given an apology for this slap in the face!

Submitted By: Disgruntled	Submitted: 4/25/2012
Only problem I have is that the superintendent for JCSD needs to get rid of some of their principles... The FEMALE in the Northern portion of the county is a tyrant and needs to go elsewhere. There are discipline problems under her watch, problems with employees that she treats like crap and belittles, and kids are getting away with some serious bullying all because some administrators are afraid of a law suit! Get over it and do your job! How would they react if it were there child getting bullied??? Looks like somebody needs to grow a set and take care of some business!!

Submitted By: roxanne h	Submitted: 4/25/2012
Can anyone find out why the small planes put X's in the sky in north laurel all the time? and why?

Submitted By: Jerry Sandusky	Submitted: 4/25/2012
WDAM has gotten this incident at laurel high school completely wrong. It's not a bullying issue, it's a gang issue. The girl who did the attacking said she was bullied at the police station, but it was proven to be a lie, as she had been threatening the girl on facebook for days,even tweeting a picture of the blade that she was going to cut the girl with. It all boils down to the gang issue in the city, this was a case of gang vs gang violence in which one gang was trying to get revenge on another one and two girls fighting and one got cut up horribly. Get your facts right kids! And remember Uncle Jerry loves you!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/23/2012
Debra D., What are you talking about? The only complaint I read in your article was that there is no discipline in the JCSD. Where did you get that? Do you listen to the news? Recently there was a problem in one of the schools and the superintendent did what a good superintendent would do; he stated that students who were misbehaving and causing problems would be punished and poor behavior would not be tolerated, he emphasized the importance of having a safe and orderly environment, and completely supported taking measures to support discipline in the schools. He did not even stutter when he said it on a television news report. Wake up Debra D., that is what superintendent's and school boards do. They don't go into the schools and actually do the disciplining. Principal's are supposed to be doing that. If there is poor discipline in a school, YOU need to be looking at the principal. Principal's need to be involved in the classrooms,supporting teachers and monitoring what is going on in the classrooms and school. If discipline is a problem, the principal needs to be involved...then when action is taken by the principal, the superintendent and the board support the principal when action is taken to correctly stop the problems. That is how it works, if you do not know, and evidently you DO NOT know...seems like all you want to do is criticize the superintendent. If you are going to get on this forum and speak out...know the facts and be fair to all concerned. Constantly criticizing the superintendent unfairly is not acceptable to him or the Jones County School District.

Submitted By: Debra D.	Submitted: 4/21/2012
The only problem with voting the stupid people out of office, is that the stupid people are still putting them in there. They think there is going to be a change when someone has worked at the JCSD County office, but the change just isn't there. Appointing a superintendent is the only way the people will ever see a change in their schools. The buddy boy system lives and will continue to live. That's it. Stop complaining. You put who you wanted and deal with it another 4 years or shut up! People all of the county are hearing what is going on in the schools. No discipline. As usual.

Submitted By: Navy Vet!	Submitted: 4/21/2012
Everyone wants to state an opinion and complain. HOW ABOUT ''DOING'' SOMETHING AND GET THE ''ONES'' THAT ARE IN OFFICE---OUT OF OFFICE!

Submitted By: Navy Vet.!	Submitted: 4/21/2012
I would like to know WHEN OR IF the news media,papers,etc. will report that ''THEY'' are planning to not have the separate armed forces. NO ARMY, NAVY, AIR FORCE, MARINES! ONE with ONE UNIFORM!! WAKE UP AMERICA!! It seems to be happening WITHOUT THE MEDIA!!!!! SOOOOO SAD!!

Submitted By: John D.	Submitted: 4/20/2012
Erica...I agree that the Review was a great paper but I just read the first of the new Leader-Call editions and thought it was also great. What's the difference what name they use? I'm just glad they are coming out with 3 editions a week instead of one. If you really like the paper than stop whining about it. If you don't like the paper than don't buy it. Seems pretty simple to me.

Submitted By: Freedom Fighter	Submitted: 4/19/2012
@Tony....FYI "Freedom Of Speech" doesn't guarantee that you can go on someone else's website and say whatever you want or have whatever you want printed in their newspaper. "Freedom of Speech" means that you can start your own website or newspaper and say whatever you want. Let us know when you get either one of those up and running.

Submitted By: Erica S.	Submitted: 4/19/2012
It's interesting to read your response to those who don't agree with you purchasing the Leader Call name, especially with the real estate analogy. Your analogy, however, is flawed. What's happened here is a real estate developer (The ReView), not the community, has criticized a property (The Leader Call) for years, letting everyone in the community know what a terrible eye sore it is. Meanwhile this incredible developer has risen above and created an extraordinary growing piece of property from the ground up. Now that the “eye sore” has met its demise, the developer decides to completely abandon the wonderful establishment it had and decide to move to the new property. What you don’t seem to understand is you had already created a paper that was “locally owned and a source of pride for the community.” It feels as if you completely betrayed and abandoned your origins. However, it is your name and your choice to change it. I must say your response to the “small but vocal backlash” in your “Thumbs Down” section was completely immature and unprofessional. Once again, I was expecting more from you than that.

Submitted By: Old & Retired	Submitted: 4/17/2012
Thank you WDAM for the improvements to your closed-captioning. Your elders appreciate it!

Submitted By: Tony	Submitted: 4/16/2012
so OK y'all printed my comments or made it available online or at least one anyway but still one's missing so I called y'all and was transferred to Mark and after talking with him He assured me that he was talking with his web people some comments were not getting posted so here's part of my sound off "I find it ironically funny that the review acquired LeadercaLL name especially after years of ridiculing LeadercaLL constantly but after talking with mark and doing some thinking was it jealously or was it something else and DUE TO LEGAL REASONS. ACCORDING TO MARK WE WILL NEVER KNOW LOL! !!!!!!

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 4/16/2012
Well, we are down to the lesser of two evils in the race for president. One is a member of a RELIGIOUS Cult and the other one thinks that we as voter's do not know what he is.We have seen in the last four year's and that is nothing.Someone the other day asked who GOD would vote for.Neither ONE of them.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 4/15/2012
To Chase Kersh: I am going to assume that all the spelling errors in your post were a joke. Am I correct?

Submitted By: Will we ever know?	Submitted: 4/14/2012
Will the New Laurel Leader Call, or the Chronicle for that matter, explain to the general public how the Review ended up with the Laurel Leader Call in name only, while all the employees of the former Laurel Leader Call were hired by Emmerich Newpapapers?? Emmerich is quoted as saying his company wanted to buy Leader-Call, but legal reasons prevented that from happening so the company (Emmerich) deceided to start a new paper. I think all this is very interesting and news worthy to the general public but it seems no one wishes to talk about what was going on behind the scenes. Will we ever know?

Submitted By: tony	Submitted: 4/13/2012
do we not have freedom of speech I submitted a soundoff yesterday unless you're going to shock the world and print it in your weekly edition. I'd like to know why mine isn't showing up I thought y'all fair and balanced someone please let me know bout my soundoff article thank you I've only submitted two so it shouldn't be hard to find since I did use my name and email because I'm not trying to hide the truth are y'all?

Submitted By: gotcha	Submitted: 4/13/2012
I SEE THAT THE REVIEW SOUNDOFF PAGE REALLY HAS A 'small' FOLLOWING. WHAT'S THE TOTAL FOR THE PAST YEAR,35? anyway it's very clear that you only print what's in your interest and not that of your few readers.

Submitted By: K9H8R	Submitted: 4/13/2012
To: A Retiree I hear you. I finally went vigilante on trespassing dogs. Nuff said.

Submitted By: chase kersh	Submitted: 4/13/2012
i am happy to see the laurel leder call is going to have corret gramer in it i am so happy for the review is moving up and mr jim is awesome;]

Submitted By: A Retiree	Submitted: 4/10/2012
Well the "Jack Daniels" have killed another cat -- mine! Yes I know they are Jack Russells but I am so fed up with their roaming, and get so mad at them that I call them "Jack Daniels" -- and by the way, they killed a baby fox recently too. There's a male and a female and I think the male is the guilty one.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/9/2012
"Good Grief" the problem is that those principal's who "stand around and do nothing" only want the position but not the job. I agree, if that is all they are going to do, we need to put more teachers in the classrooms with that money. However, we need principal's to be actively involved in the learning process and not just gossiping and standing around doing nothing. At South we are in trouble. All they want to do is be the boss and do nothing. During the election they were "politicing" on the job and now they are trying to decide what to do now because they do not know what to do. Thankfully he did not get elected but we need him and his "shadow" gone, gone, gone!!! The students are being "left behind"!

Submitted By: Good Grief	Submitted: 4/7/2012
Why in the world do we need four principals at each Jones County high school.... Seems to me it would be more benificial to hire a few more teachers and get rid of a couple of those principals... Smaller class sizes would benefit these students better than the "stand around and do nothing" administrators.

Submitted By: Stupid Politicians	Submitted: 4/4/2012
We're sorry for the bad URL below. The correct address is http://stupidpoliticians.com/ Thanks for visiting the site!!!

Submitted By: Stupid Politicians	Submitted: 4/1/2012
Did you guys know this web site is maintained right here in Jones County? Help this site get off to a great start by visiting www.stupidpoliticans.com If you are conservative in Christian and political beliefs, this site is for you. If you are a liberal, you won't care for it. It contains current news stories, videos, humor and some serious stuff, as well as a store where you can buy bumper stickers and T shirts.

Submitted By: Fact	Submitted: 3/30/2012
From what I've heard at least 11 teachers have requested to leave the north end of the district... Sounds to me like the teachers aren't happy... And let me assure you that it isn't the students they are unhappy with!

Submitted By: Fact	Submitted: 3/30/2012
From what I've heard at least 11 teachers have requested to leave the north end of the district... Sounds to me like the teachers aren't happy... And let me assure you that it isn't the students they are unhappy with!

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 3/30/2012
How can the owner of a privately owned business taking a 2-hour lunch affect the taxpayers of Jones County? The only ones it affected were the owners of the restaurant who could have turned those tables over 2 or 3 times while you and your friends and the business owner sat there for 2+ hours.

Submitted By: Daisy Newell	Submitted: 3/29/2012
Abuse is not only in the school's in Jones County. The other day, three of my friends and I went for a long lunch in downtown Laurel (I do not work anymore, I retired 2 years ago). There was a boss of one of Jones County's businesses there with her three cronies. My party and I were there for almost 2 hours. Funny thing is, the boss and group were there when we got there and still there when we left...Maybe some supervisors need to do some checking up on the bosses of some of the businesses in their district. Talk about abuse, you know they are salaried people, they get paid to work or not, in this case it seemed to be more not than work. That's our tax dollars at work people.

Submitted By: Just Wonderin'	Submitted: 3/28/2012
Truth, I can assure you that the abuse is happening in the North end of the district as well. It's a shame when teachers are degraded in their own classrooms in front of their students and other teachers... I laugh at someone's comments earlier about how a principal came back to their school telling them that no one should have cell phones even on campus. Hard to keep up rules like that when the bosses are walking around the school on their cell phones ALL THE TIME; in the hallways, in classrooms, in the office (while in parent conferences)... It's a shame. Double standards galore. Oh and the downtrodden thing? Wonder how many teachers have requested to move???

Submitted By: truth	Submitted: 3/28/2012
If you want to see abuse go to the school that is in SOUTH Jones County. He makes threats all of the time. Sad thing is the staff laughs at him behind his back. He has ruined a good school since he arrived. You should see how downtrodden the staff looks. You cant lead if you dont have the respect of your staff. One staff member likes him but she is his wife.

Submitted By: Just Wonderin'	Submitted: 3/27/2012
I'm just wondering what would happen in Jones County if teachers started treating students the way that their administrators treat them? If teachers were cruel and demeaning and hateful to students and made them feel like fools in front of other kids, parents would be at central office causing a ruckus. So, why is it that a principal can treat their teachers like crap and nothing is done? Just wonderin'.....

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 3/27/2012
Have you heard about the shooting in Florida. The media and the NAACP have taged this man as a racist. And our Govt has said it was a Hate Crime. They also said the victims civil rights were violated. The whole thing is tragic. I feel for the victims family. I have not heard what the boy was doing in a gated community. Did he live there or what. This past weekend a student at MSU was shot and killed by 3 black boys. do you thinkthey may have violated his civil rights when they killed him. I have not heard our Govt. say 1 word about this shooting. Why does it always have to be a white shooting a black for it to be a Hate Crime. I dont think those 3 saggy pants wearing thugs loved the boy when they killed him. Just Wondering

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/26/2012
I totally agree that teachers do not need to be on the phone during class time. Teachers need to be teaching. "WOW" You must not know that teachers are supposed to teach....not talk on the phone or text. The principal you are talking about needs to go....he has been moved around so much that he cannot stay in one place because he is so incompetent. He needs to leave South Jones and never come back....all he does is gossip, gossip, gossip. He has the intergrity of a flea!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Captain Spaulding	Submitted: 3/26/2012
Better make sure those teachers in JC stop flushing those brown paper towels down the toilet. They cause the toilets to get backed up and you have to plunge them out of there.

Submitted By: Don't need	Submitted: 3/24/2012
Honestly, why do we need an Alternative School in Jones County. If there was discipline, you wouldn't have all that crap. The Alternative School is just where teachers are babysitting. They pass the students and send them to home-schools with all a's and b's. That is what the principal tells the teachers to do. When we get them back to the homeschools, they can't even write sentences. Shame on you principal.

Submitted By: Carrie	Submitted: 3/24/2012
Thanks. I figured that was the school. From what I hear, the administration there isn't worth a penny. Well, sounds about right! Thanks for responding back. For some reason, I'm not surprised. What is this world coming to? A secretary with a stud in her nose.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/24/2012
@Carrie...to answer your question...Alternative School.

Submitted By: Wow!!!	Submitted: 3/23/2012
Well, well, well, congratulations to the Jones County School District. The great change is already showing it's colors. It has been told that a principal at one of the JC schools had a meeting with his teachers. He told them that orders had come from the new "king" at the County Office. Teachers are to leave cell phones in the car. Do not take them into the classrooms, whew!!! Also, teachers are not allowed to shop or go online to check the weather in the classrooms on their computers. Stop checking the weather, teachers, whew!!! Also, the only people that ever really shopped were the people at the co . They have been seen numerous times shopping on the computer when people are waiting outside to see them about questions they may have. What a great change. Also, word is out that the KING of education is going to get rid of a great principal in the district. Well, the change is taking place, people of Jones County. The people that put all that junk about a great change in education, well they were right. Sounds great , don't it. HAAAAAAAA . OHHHH, by the way, the principal he is getting rid of supported Branch in the election. Get over it DUDE.

Submitted By: Old & Retired	Submitted: 3/15/2012
Does it bother anyone else that WDAM 7 does such a poor and sloppy job with close-captioning?

Submitted By: Carrie	Submitted: 3/11/2012
Why in the world would a secretary go to work with a stud in her nose? Could someone please share with me which school this is? That is not at all acceptable.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 3/11/2012
I don't know who Suthern English is targeting with his admonishment, but if it this forum's limited readership, he is wasting his time. Obama has absolutely no chance of carrying Mississippi. No chance of even coming close. No chance. A better cause to focus on is choosing a Republican opponent who can defeat Obama on a national level. Personally, I don't think Romney is that guy. Accusing us of not caring is certainly not motivating, but it is arrogant.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 3/10/2012
Does anyone really care about what is happening in these United States of America today? I really do not think that you do.Do you realize that this election coming up in November is probably one of the most important elections that will ever be held in the U.S! I really do not think that You care.Do you know or even think that another Four years of the present administration in Washington, that we just might end up being a 3rd or even a 4th world country.or do YOU even care! I do not think that YOU care at all.God is in control of everything,be it good or bad.Yes He does give us a brain to think with,but we are not thinking at all.We all have become an complacent society.We are in our comfort zone and do not want to be bothered by anything or any one.Our freedom's and our liberties are being taken from us,and guess what YOU do not care.Well if you do not care,please think about your precious grandchildren,and what they are going to have to endure in their future.I still do not think You care.GOD Does.

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 3/9/2012
I would like to respond to the gentlemans comment regarding GED classes. There are a lot of different reasons why people take their GED instead of getting a high school diploma. The GED test is not breeze! You have to know something to pass! I commend people for thinking enough of themselves to obtain their GED. Public education is not what it used to be. If you are a bully type kid or you are in the "A" group school is great. Also if you are just a normal kid and you need to see the counselor; save yourself a trip! What a joke!!!

Submitted By: Janet	Submitted: 3/9/2012
I know the school you are talking abt in Jones county. That secretary has had that nose stud for a while. It is not new.

Submitted By: Debra	Submitted: 3/8/2012
Congratulations!! Jones County Schools have made the news again. Why is it we never hear of children getting in fights in the other schools? HUM, makes you wonder don't it!!!

Submitted By: Jessica	Submitted: 3/8/2012
I was so surprised and disappointed when I went to a Jones County School a while back . I went to pick up my child. When I entered the office, a Principal's secretary was sitting behind the desk with a stud in her nose!!!! Yes, a stud in her nose. Well, the students can't wear studs or rings in their nose, so why should a staff member be able to do this. How unprofessional!!!! Also, for the Principal to allow this behavior is beyond acceptance. He must be pretty darn stupid. This particular school is for children that has gotten in trouble and been sent there. My child was sent there to catch up on skills , so he could go back to his home school. I have never in my life seen anything like that. People, what is going on? Why is this being allowed. We need role-models in our schools, not hippies working as secretaries. I can honestly say, "I have seen it all." Parker, do you job and do something about this. Are you there?

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 3/7/2012
Just a suggestion. Since the LLC has apparently dropped Robert St. John's column, I'm sure for monetary reasons, why doesn't The Review pick it up? I as well as many people I know really enjoy reading it every week.

Submitted By: To: Mark Thornton	Submitted: 3/6/2012
Life is short. Take your little girl to Disneyworld already!

Submitted By: Pastor Brandiilyne	Submitted: 3/4/2012
I have a shout out for EJE Student Counsel, they sold paper hearts and raised $600.00 for Dying to Live Ministries' Z.A.C Project. Mrs. Denisea Morengo presented us with this donation Friday March 2nd (Zac's birthday) and I just wanted to share this with you guys! THANK YOU to everyone who supports this ministry! and a BIG THANK YOU to the students of East Jones Elementary for investing in the lives of these women! You are helping to save lives literally and I pray God blesses you a hundredfold!!!

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 3/3/2012
I agree with the article that Mark wrote. We can not keep supporting people who refuse to work. It is not just black people. I know white people who want to live off the government, I don't think people want to accept the fact that the government (Obama) wants to run the US in the ground. We are a Cristian Nation. It is not black or white. It is standing up for what is right. I don't care if ; if you are wrong you are wrong. It is not cool to be a bum! Has no one a sense of pride anymore?! Black people need to stop blaming all the white race for everything! Stop igniting hate and realize we are all equal and you can not force a persons heart to change! No one is owed a living. The Lord gave us everything we need but we have to work to receive it. Why should someone who does not work get thousands of dollars back from the IRS and my kids who work all year be lucky if they get 200.00 back? That is messed up! I pray for this country! Everyone has the opportunity for education but there are those who just want to sign up for classes and then quit to get the money back! That is so pathetic!

Submitted By: Fed Up	Submitted: 3/2/2012
I just read the article by Mark Thornton and want to say AMEN!!! I have no problem helping the down and out but it has gotten ridiculous. Both my husband and I work full time - we get no handout from the government. If we would both quit our jobs and sit around all day doing nothing we would probably be alot better off. We could get food stamps, Medicaid, Welfare (or as it's called - disability) WIC and then top it all off with a free cell phone to talk on all day to my friends who won't work either. When we go to the grocery store we watch our money carefully, then get behind someone in line with a cartfull of steaks, cokes, candy and chips being paid for with MY MONEY!!! I don't understand this governement at all. Why does Obama keep talking about making the world fair? What is fair about this????? I can understand why people who are on welfare are for him but what in the world are the working people thinking? They say 97% of the blacks will vote for him - why would any working person re-elect him (black or white)? He is taking everyone's hard earned money and handing it generously to the non-working. Kudos to Mark Thornton for having the guts to say what we are all thinking!!!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 3/1/2012
I just got through watching 30 for30 on ESPN. It was a story on Marcus Dupree. Ken Fairly is a crook and a sorry excuse for a human being. He took advantage of Marcus and stole from him. I think Fairly is a preacher now. Trying to talk his way out of HELL.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 2/28/2012
I do not understand where all of the Patriots are and where are all of the people that used to stand up for this country.This man that is in the white house is fully intent on destroying the economy of these United States and he is doing a pretty good job of it so far.We have a do nothing Congress that is scared to do anything,except argue between themselves.They all need to be replaced. If we do not stand up for our country,we will end up falling for most anything.Folks,please Stand Up for America.God gave us that right when He died on the cross.If it were not for God and our Veteran's,we would be nothing.God Bless America.

Submitted By: Not surprised	Submitted: 2/27/2012
That is how everything around here is. That keep some things a secret. It is all about who you are. I heard about another incident at South Jones between a teacher and a student. I bet you didn't hear about that either!!! It's who you are around here. You got a lot of money or know the right people, you have it made JC!! People think if you are a doctor, you can do whatever you want even if it hurts other people.

Submitted By: Truth	Submitted: 2/27/2012
If you find it necessary to get behind a computer screen and judge people on things you have heard rather than the actual truth, bless your heart. I just hope that if you are ever in the same situation that the public would be more understanding to you.

Submitted By: Kay	Submitted: 2/27/2012
Am I the only one that found it a bit odd that the Sherriff never commented on the incident involving Dr. Meadows? This was a pretty big deal for Jones County (especially since an officer was involved in actually shooting the Dr). For some reason I feel like there is more to that story that we will NEVER know about.

Submitted By: Agree with Texting	Submitted: 2/26/2012
Whoever you are Texting, I agree l00 percent. My daughter, Sam, was in an accident a few years ago. She was hurt even paralyzed. We did not sue or blame anyone else. She was texting and it was her fault. Several told us the vehicle she was in had defects. I think most of them do. God has provided us with everything we need. We are blessed. She wasn't a big cheerleader, or even popular in school, but she is everything to us. She has done well for herself, finished college and now is an account in Jackson. God blessed our daughter. We didn't have to blame others or get money for justice. That would not have made her walk again!

Submitted By: Texting	Submitted: 2/26/2012
If you have an accident texting on your cell phone. God bless you. Don't turn around and blame something else on your accident just to receive money. I don't think that is God's plan. Just learn a lesson , and don't text while driving. Hopefully a law will prevent people from doing this in the future. No one is to blame but you and everyone knows this.

Submitted By: Done of anyone's business	Submitted: 2/25/2012
I don't feel like a person should sign their name if they don't want to. That is strictly their business for privacy. No one said Dr. Meadows was not nice or a good doctor. He is both. I just believe he has some issues that he need to get straightened out. I have known the family for years. They are super people. I just think fair is fair. If you commit a crime, then you have consequences. We should not try to cover up the truth. The law does what they have to do, protect the citizens! I do feel for his family , that is his first wife and children. They have to deal with the gossip and embarrassement. I think several people knew that there were problems with him. Well, bless him and his family. Hopefully, he has learned a lesson. I'm sure he will never practice again. Such a shame for such a good physical. We have to try and make good choices in life, not throw it all away. I'm sure he is ashamed of what he has done. Harley motorcycles don't have anything to do with it. That doesn't have anything to do with what he did. I feel for his first wife and children. They are great people.

Submitted By: Ray Welch	Submitted: 2/25/2012
You know it's funny how people want to say something about Dr Meadows,but don't have the GUTS to sign there name.WATCH OUT sorry we all don't live in your make belive world, in the real world bad things happen to good people.Most of the time when people say things on the condition of anonymity,they are full of crap and just want to start crap.Yes he has alot of guns and blackpowder guns so what,why is it that our sheriff's office did not find these bomb making suppy's when they searched the house,but a concered citizen did,what was he doing there? Now that this has happened, it's survivalist movement this and that,in the end what happened and why will come out,and if he is DISTURED WATCH OUT says he will get help he needs,but what he needs now is for his REAL FRIENDS NOT TO TURN THIER BACKS ON HIM,HE WOULD NOT DO THAT TO YOU,i am not saying he is perfect no one is.I went and seen him about a month ago at his office,my wife was with me,we talked about alot of things,he has a Harley Davidson and i told him i was going to buy another one , he said when i did we would get together and ride some.GOSH WONDER IF HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HELLS ANGELS AND TRYING TO GET ME TO JOIN.I hope this rumor does not get started being i am speaking on the condition of ANONYMITY.

Submitted By: Watch out!	Submitted: 2/23/2012
I have known Dr. Meadows a long time too. I agree he has always been a good man and physician. He was not even married to his nice wife anymore. You can't just point guns at law officers and not expect something to happen. He would have killed everyone in sight. Justice should be done in this matter. Kindness is not an issue. The guns are not the issue either. His behavior is the issue. I don't know why his picture hasn't been on the inmate roster. Everyone else that has been involved in a crime is on there. He is no different. The facts are in black and white. You can't behave like an idiot no matter what your profession is. These actions are committed by people that evidently are disturbed. They should be locked up! He must have had a side people did not know. It is a sad situation.

Submitted By: Ingram	Submitted: 2/23/2012
The headlines on todays paper are outrageous. This has caused me to be disappointed in your paper. The media is trying Dr. Meadows without all the facts. I have known him for years and used him as my family doctor. Everyone who knows him knows he collects guns etc. The media is making ths much worse than it should be. Yes, he has been under a lot of stress recently, but until you walk in his shoes don't judge him.

Submitted By: Worried	Submitted: 2/22/2012
I just read Chelle's statement about the Laurel Jones County Library. She is so right. I too used to work in a public library and know the ins and outs of library staff life. If you have complaints about your library being closed on Wednesdays, not enough genealogy hours and not knowing who the director is, then by all means, go to your Jones County Board of Supervisors and the Laurel City Council and tell them. Call the director on the phone and set up a meeting to get to know the staff. That can be done. As for the City Council (what a joke) if they would stop spending all their money on a sports field and use the funds to support the library instead of close it out of the budget, your library would be an even greater place to visit. I for one am glad I get to visit my library as often as I can. I admit I don't visit the genealogy department as much as I used too. It has gotten way to noisy when the children are running and screaming. Maybe that will change soon. There is after all, a large children's area downstairs that could be used for this. Please contact your supervisors or council member and urge them to support the library. Without your support, the library truly will suffer.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 2/20/2012
Now a lot of people are on the case of a man running for president who said something about the present president"s faith.I do not think that he has any faith at all,unless it is in himself.Anyone who believes in abortion cannot be a christian.A christian knows that God allowed the present president to be elected for a reason.I personally believe that God wanted to show us tha He is still in control of the good and the bad.The present president has no regard for the constitution or anything in it.God may be ready to toss the U.S.out of the equation. The man in the white house now has no regard for Israel,God will not stand for that.As a country, we do not fear God any more and I believe that is going to be our down fall.

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 2/19/2012
To the people who had bad experiences at Conestoga, you should have spoken your mind. Hair in food is totally unacceptable. They are supposed to wear hairnets, or at least that used to be the rule. As for their allowing certain influential people to make reservations and not others, don't just take it. Take a stand and refuse to move from the table. If you sit back and do nothing, the owners/managers might not even know a customer has a problem with it. Also, if a server picks up your salad or anything else that you haven't finished, just speak up and have them put it back on the table. Don't be intimidated - you're the customer who is keeping them in business, not vice versa.

Submitted By: Chelle	Submitted: 2/15/2012
I have noticed several negative comments about the Laurel-Jones County Library lately. I want to take a moment to show a different opinion of the library. A lot of the negative comments about the library have concerned the library’s hours. Stop for a minute and consider this: the library receives its funding from our local and state government. According to several articles written by library administrators and staff members, the library’s budget has taken several serious cuts in the past few years. So, instead of complaining to the library staff and getting mad at them, why not go to the source: your city council and the county supervisors. Write letters, call, talk to them and show them how vital the library is to our community. As far as the library staff is concerned, they are all very helpful and courteous whenever I visit the library. They may be friendlier some days than others, but guess what? They are human just like the rest of us and are entitled to bad days too. Here’s something else you may not know. Everyone employed in that library makes less than their counterparts in other counties and states, and yet the customer service they give is better than most. So, instead of constantly criticizing them, take a moment to thank them for what they do. Contrary to popular belief, people who work in libraries don’t just sit around and read books all day. No, there is so much more that goes on behind those desks that the public never sees. I worked at the library for a couple of years, so I know all of this is true. I encourage everyone to not necessarily listen to the negative comments that have been made and instead visit the library and see for yourself what’s really going on. I have many wonderful memories of visiting the library as a child and hope that children in the future will have the opportunity to visit the library. It is up to all of us as citizens of Laurel, Ellisville, and Jones County to support our libraries. I encourage you to contact your elected officials. It only takes a few minutes of your time, but the effect of your actions will last a lifetime.

Submitted By: Jayna	Submitted: 2/15/2012
This is really ironic about the Conestoga Steak house. I have kept my mouth shut, but I should have said something the day it happened. As you know, they are open for lunch now. My friend and I went for lunch several weeks ago. I order hamburger steak and a salad. While eating my salad , I found 2 frizzy black hairs in it. It got sick. I didn't say anything due to embarrassment. I moved it to the side of the table where you could see the hairs. They brought my hamburger steak out, but I was not able to eat it. I told my friend, Karen, that I would not be back there. We couldn't believe it. We never said anything, but after reading the comment made earlier, I see where they are coming from. That is awful. I know the waiter saw the hairs in the salad. She knew they weren't ours because neither one of us had dark hair. I will support Jones County too , or go somewhere that is clean. Thanks for your comment. People need to know and be aware of these things.

Submitted By: Conestoga	Submitted: 2/14/2012
My family and I have gone to Conestoga Steak House in Hattisburg for years. After a disappointed Valentine's Day dinner , I will never go back there again. The front part of the restaurant was full, so we had to sit at a table in the bar area. When we sit down at the table, we were told the table was reserved. They don't take reservations. After we went to the other table, they told us it was reserved to someone with a lot of money and they had to reserve it. HUH!!! Once we got our salad, I wasn't finished with mine, and the waiter, guy, came up[ behind me and took my salad and my husband's without even asking if we were finished. I had moved my bowl to the side to eat it with my dinner. What a mess!!!! Everyone was given a rose, but my husband had to ask for me one. I could have cared less about receiving a rose, but it was the principle of the matter. If they are going to reserve tables, I feel like they should be fair and do it for other people. Not just for people with money or who they are. This really bothered me. The so called famous rich people that the table was reserved for must not have been that rich, others didn't bow down to them when they came in. What a shame. I will support Jones County from now on, or choose a restaurant in Hattisburg that treats the people with respect. Not to mention that my steak was bloody to add to everything else. So disappointed.

Submitted By: Parker	Submitted: 2/14/2012
Why would Parker fire anyone in the JCSD Supt. office? These are his cronies. They are the one's he has been working with for years. Parker is not new blood he has been there under prine and Thrash so why do you think anything will change. Change will only come when somebody totally new comes into the office and not just a transplant. Hopefully in 4 years maybe someone who is not a buddy will run and win and then real change can take place. Parker owes too many favors to make any changes or do any good.

Submitted By: Yes!	Submitted: 2/13/2012
I agree with Retired. Same ole crap in JCSD. Only a different face, and it isn't much improvement than the last one. You have to agree with that one.

Submitted By: also reitred	Submitted: 2/13/2012
I do not align my tires anymore, is waste of money in jones county!! The roads are terrible. Why some are paved and others with HIGH TRAFFIC are not is beyond me!! I have seen some that are residential areas that are newly paved!! WHY CANT THE HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS GET PAVED?? OOOOHH, I guess it is WHO you know and WHO you are in this town! so this is really just ''blah, blah blah''.....!!

Submitted By: also retired	Submitted: 2/13/2012
I also agree with ''Suthern English''about the ''things'' we seem to stand up for!! THIS country was founded by CHRISTIAN PEOPLE. Most of them are ''rolling'' in their graves I'M SURE!!

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 2/12/2012
Parker is locked in for 4 years. he will play buddies with the board and retire at the end of this term. he will not do anything except try to keep the wagon in the road. he will make excuses about how poor the district is and that he doesn't have the resources or talented students. this was his attitude at n.e.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 2/12/2012
There are 2 jack daniel dogs in my neighborhood that are nuisance. I've seen them with 8 dead cats. I've reported them to Tony Wheat. SOMEBODY needs to do something. They roam within a half mile of their home. Shall I take care of them myself?

Submitted By: To: Special Education Teacher	Submitted: 2/10/2012
I am happy your posted this information on this site. Not all sped teachers are like you. Maybe they learned something from what you do. I know one that has two or three all day and never tries to help the students. Hopefully, Mr. Parker will get these teachers out of the classrooms. Although I have heard this specific one supported him, so who knows. There are children that are special ed sitting up in rooms at this school and need additional help. The teachers need help too. She don't do a thing, but walk around the hall with a folder in her hand like she is busy. It is a crying shame. I see it everyday. It isn't fair to the students , and it surely isn't fair to the regular education teacher that has these students in their rooms. All of the teachers at this school feels the same way. They have stated this several times. They just don't want to speak up. They are afraid it will hurt her feelings. Well, she isn't afraid to hurt the regular teachers feelings. She is making them do her job. What a crying shame JCSD. This has gone on wayyyyy to long. I observe this everyday.

Submitted By: Special EducationTeacher	Submitted: 2/10/2012
I am an inclusion teacher. I have 12 special education students. I work with 4 teachers. I work very hard every day. If you see me working with 2 or 3 students, you can bet it is not easy. Usually I have at least 2 students with severe ADHD, autism, or some other impairment. This is not a cake walk. It is quite a challenge to enter another teacher's classroom, and know what to do to help without offending the teacher. For the most part, they don't want me in there. I try my best to be supportive and helpful. I am not responsible for 25 students all day like a regular ed. teacher. However, I am responsible for some very special and often needy children. Many of these children are neglected at home, and require a lot of attention. They are often in appropriately dressed, hungry, smelly, and filthy. My heart goes out to the reg. ed. teacher. I know first hand the struggles they face. I was a reg. ed. teacher myself for many years. I became a special education teacher, not to be lazy, but because I truly love children, especially the ones who tend to fall through the cracks. I have many responsibilites including mountains of paperwork and multiple parent meetings per year. I'm not sure which school has the slacker sped teachers. I am positive it is not where I am. All of our teachers work extremely hard. This career is my passion. I love these children. I agonize over their situations, and pray for them constantly. I do everything I can every day to lift them up. I am disheartened to read the public perception of what I do. I challenge you to try it for a day. Sped teachers have very little control over the nature of our job. We have been told by the state to do inclusion. We belive it needs to be re-vamped. We would love to have our students with us all day, but we are not allowed.

Submitted By: Debra	Submitted: 2/10/2012
In regards to the comment by Waste Mo Money about GED students I would like to say that he doesn't know what he is talking about! Having worked in the GED program at a community college for over 10 years I know personally that GED students have many reasons for not getting a high school diploma. The students in my classes ranged in age from 15 - 75 and most of them came into the progam with the desire to better themselves. Some had to quit school to go to work before they finished high school; some had valid medical reasons for not finishing school; some moved often during their scool years which affected them adversly and some had problems with high school requirements or instructors that caused them to quit. Their reasons for getting a GED varied but included wanting to get a job or a better job, starting college, going into the military and for some of the older ones just to say "I did it!. For those whose paths led to a job or a better job (either immediately after getting their GED or after finishing college or when going into the military) they repaid the cost of their "free classes" many times over. For the older ones they were either paying taxes by working an taking classes or they paid taxes before retirement. So you see, even though the classes are free to begin with, most of these students have paid or will pay back any money spent on getting their GED many times over during their lifetime. It is a win win situation! As for the GED instructors and their assistants they are some of the lowest paid individuals in the educational system. They do what they do because of their love for the GED students and their desire to help them succeed in meeting their goals; they certainly don't do it for the money!

Submitted By: concerned	Submitted: 2/10/2012
The new superintendent has been in office 1 month. It takes time to correct problems that the last administration created. This is a magnificient problem that took years to create and will take years to solve. People need to be patient and I feel we will she improvement over the next 2 years. Two positions have already been vacated and no one has been replaced. However, it is not fair to the new superintendent to have to keep all these "last superintendents" picks in the central office....he needs to be able to hire people who will be loyal ...Mr. Parker needs people he can trust to be working with him. Some of these people who work at the central office supported and voted for the other candidate and it is wrong for Mr. Parker to have to try to do his job and all the other jobs at the central office. Like you stated, some of them only want to gossip and go from school to school causing problems. Get rid of them, hire great people and we will see good change in the Jones County Schools.

Submitted By: Shelley Green	Submitted: 2/9/2012
Talk about wasting money.... Look at the people that work at the JCSD Administrative offices. They have people down there that are not even qualified to work in positions. These people are making more than the teachers and principals. They don't have a clue about what is going on and they are still allowed to work down there. Huh, things never change. There is one individual that rides around from school to school gossiping with the principals. This was a buddy boy decision that is still being allowed. That is wasting money!!!!

Submitted By: Waste mo money	Submitted: 2/9/2012
On my way to WORK I see signs that say free GED classes.We spend millions sending students to school every year.The cost of these signs probably cost more than this program is worth. If students dont get it the first time they wont get it the second time. But i hear it want cost the tax payers any money because aliens will come down from space and pay for it all.And i heard Spiderman has all ready sent a check for 50.000 dollars

Submitted By:	Submitted: 2/9/2012
On my way to work I see signs that say free GED classes.How much does that cost?If students didnt get it right the first time they will probably not get it the second time.If i die and go down under i wonder if i can take a GED class

Submitted By: STUCK in my head--	Submitted: 2/7/2012
I love the Review! They have the best headlines EVER, they are captivating & motivating--They capture your attention and motivate you to purchase a paper! This week they are not only captivating and motivating but AGGRAVATING--Because EVERY TIME I see it that song...you know the one...gets STUCK in my head!!! Oh please someone sing the Oscar Meyer song...wait thats probably a bad idea too!!!

Submitted By: Hates Pot Holes	Submitted: 2/6/2012
This goes to our MAYOR and other CITY officials. Why don't you guys get off your butts and fix our roads, take some damn pride in how our city looks. North laurel is awful, especially UNIVERSITY AVE. I guess it is ok for our MAYOR to drive around around in his big ol gas guzzling SUV and feel no concern for how our roads look?? Maybe, just maybe, we should start sending bills to the CITY OF LAUREL when our cars/tires are damaged because of their lack of concern?

Submitted By: Impressed	Submitted: 2/4/2012
@ The Review. Great paper this week. It's always good but it seems to be getting even better. Thanks for addressing the upcoming Sex Ed. issue in our schools. It's going to be a battle but I think it's clear that our schools need to be teaching kids about all forms of birth control, not just abstinence!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 2/4/2012
Ive just heard that the Laurel Fire Dept has people operating those fire trucks who have not had any driver training. They also have a rescue truck and most of the time the person on it has no MEDICAL training. What will happen when someone really needs help. Wake-up Chief Just Wondering

Submitted By: agree with tbowfan	Submitted: 2/2/2012
tbowfan--EXACTLY!!!!

Submitted By: This little Light of mine	Submitted: 2/2/2012
Mr. Southurn (sp) English, I always stand for God, and I vote! I trust what God's Word says..In Rom 13:1 it says that no one is placed in governing authorities EXCEPT by GOD!! and 1 Tim 2:1-4 tells me to pray for those in authority...so I vote and I accept who God chooses to place in office and I pray for them. If We as Christians would humble ourselves turn from our wicked ways and PRAY THEN our land would be healed (2 Chron 7:14) If we would just PRAY for our leaders and stop complaining about who's in office THEN our land would be healed...If we would JUST TRUST GOD--He really is in control ya know :)....and I am a Tebow fan

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 2/2/2012
The joke of the day: Donald Trump endorses Mitt Rommney.Two peas in the same pod.

Submitted By: tbowfan	Submitted: 2/2/2012
'Scuse me, Mr David Sheppard, author of A Call To Holiness, but don't you also work on Sunday. Do you chastise your organist or choir director for working on Sunday? What about those evil firemen, nurses, police officers who work on Sunday?

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 2/1/2012
Where are the Patriot's of this country? I see people standing up for Tim Tebow,gay right's and people standing up for school system's and knocking down school system's,talking both good and bad about the teacher's and the people in charge.How about let's all stand up for God and our country.This presidential race is some what pitiful. None of the men that are running can beat the present man in office.He is too well dug in and has all kind's of money to spend.The man that is running from Michigan is power and money hungry,just like the one that is presently in office.The other man running from Georgia has a lot of baggage,but who doesn't!Our baggage was forgiven at the CROSS.I seriously doubt that anyone in this country knows what the word PAST means.It means gone by;ended.This was done at the cross at Calvary when Jesus said "it is finished" Folk's it is over with.Jesus say's"I come quickly".Do you believe him? Are you going to be Right or are you going to be Left? Let's all stand up for God,Pray,Pray,and Pray without ceasing.Prayer does work.Our country is at a great pivoting point along with the rest of the world.Remember that God will allow the person that He want's to be placed in the Oval Office.We need to get out and vote and praise God in the process. Remember that God is in charge of the Good and Bad.

Submitted By: YES!!!	Submitted: 1/31/2012
Thank you,This little Light of mine...They crucified the Lord and He was perfect. What will they do with the "Tim Tebow's" of the world. I think he is a great role model for our youth and we should not allow people to "bash" him....we should be brave enought to speak out...so thanks again. I had hoped his team would win the Super Bowl...but there is hope for next year...we have something to look forward to.

Submitted By: This little Light of mine	Submitted: 1/30/2012
I just read the Tim Tebow bashing ad (on the left of website) "A call to holiness" by David Sheppard Jr. I must say there's really nothing holy about bashing a brother in Christ. He said "Why would God honor a man who makes his living surrounded by alcohol crazed people and half dressed women"...well sir I have an answer for you! The Light is called to the darkness! If we (Christians) only hung out with upstanding Christians the Light wouldn't be needed! God calls us to alcohol crazed people, & half dressed women--remember Jesus went into the tombs with the demoniac--not into the city with the "regular people" Tim Tebow is shining a Light for God on a National platform and he's catching enough criticism from the DARK world, he should be getting prayers and support from us! If all Christian would take their Light into the dark places we would CHANGE the entire world...must I remind you of the song we all learned in kindergarten? "This little Light of mine...I'm gonna let it shine" The Light cannot shine in BRIGHT places...it needs darkness in order to become effective! Oh and just a reminder, in case you want to get technical (religious) about it...Sunday is the first day of the week--and most Christians (including myself) go to Church on that day.

Submitted By: To: Elementary Teacher	Submitted: 1/28/2012
Elementary teacher, I do agree somewhat about teachers that should get off their butts and help other teachers. I honestly believe your inclusion teachers are doing there jobs where there is qualified administration. The problem is that these unqualified principals don't have enough sense to know what the teachers are suppose to be doing to begin with. That is the problem. Your successful schools , I believe, are the ones where your inclusion teachers do what they are suppose to do. If you want an opinion, I would notify the State Department of Education and go over their heads on this matter. I don't know which elementary school you are referring to, but I do have an idea. I do not want to reveal the name on the forum. I think the new superintendent may not be aware of this problem. I would also consult him and invite him to your school on a surprise visit. I don't think he is afraid to move him out or just get rid of him/her. I think he is going to help the district with such trash like this. Hopefully, I have helped you. I am a retired administrator , and that is exactly how I would handle it. Leadership first, and if that don't work , seek high officials. Good luck. Teachers should be praised and given all the help need to help students achieve their goals. These teachers that don't want to help and look for excuses need to find other occupations.

Submitted By: Elementary teacher concerned	Submitted: 1/28/2012
Wow. People actually tell people they are going to hell now on the forum! I have a question to the new superintendent in the JCSD. How can a teacher sit in a classroom all day long, have one student, and get paid a full salary ? Just wondering? Other teachers have 150 students to teach all day long , and there sits a teacher with no more than one or two for the most students and gets paid the same salary. They is absurd. This has been going on for years now. The administration is aware of this. People just seems to blow it off. I have worked at this elementary school for 8 years now , and I am shocked . The teacher claims she does inclusion, but she stays out in the hall gossiping or on the computer in the classroom. Teachers need your help , teachers!!!! Get off your ass and do something. You too superintendent.

Submitted By: Tammy Ingram	Submitted: 1/28/2012
Mrs. Smithson, I really hope you have wonderful luck in educating your daughter. There are always other options out there. The best and most important thing is educating ourselves and our children about life and self. The most important thing to remember is that we are all different and come from so many different backgrounds. Children must be taught to respect everyone and learn a deeper love of self and decision making. Whether they are taken out of public school or whatever the case may be, if you follow those principles then your child usually will find their way and be successful in life. Again, only my opinon. Good luck and God bless..

Submitted By: American	Submitted: 1/28/2012
There is an old saying that states, "All that is necessary for evil to flourish, is for good men to do nothing." Much has been written about problems within our schools, community, state and nation. I pray that we never loose the initiative or feedom to speak out against injustice. When those around us are mistreated, whether they are neighbors, co workers, friends, or family members, it is our responsibility as Americans to defend these individuals. And no, as has been recommended on this site, we do not need to simply "go somewhere else" or get another "freakin job" (there's an intelligent suggestion) We, as responsible citizens in our society, must speak out. Thanks everyone for exercising your right to free speech!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Tammy Ingram	Submitted: 1/27/2012
I appreciate your concern for me but you need not be worried. Maybe I was unclear of what I meant when I said that Christianity was the biggest cult. In my own personal opinion it has turned into something manmade and cult like that I feel as though God never intended. Everyone does have their own beliefs and I do respect that fact. Many people I know come from all sorts of backgrounds. My own personal belief is that of the local churches are more cult like than what was originally intended. I am not a Jesus hater of basher but that is just my opinion. You cannot possibly say anything more to my than I have never heard. I am, after all an open minded liberal democrat in south Mississippi. It is ok because I respect the fact everyone has their own belief system. I just feel like it is unfair to judge the president or candidates based on who feels if they are christians or not. To me that is insane. Thank you..

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/27/2012
How could anyone agree with Tammy. When she wakes in Hell she will regret saying Christianity is a cult. The school topic is a minor issue compared to where we will spend eternity. John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life". Tammy, you need help that this forum can not give you...find a church!!!

Submitted By: Karey Smithson	Submitted: 1/27/2012
I agree with Tammy. I don't like a lot about the JCSD, but I just took my daughter out. There are other options. I do hope we get to another subject soon.

Submitted By: Tammy Ingram	Submitted: 1/27/2012
I hope that people will not listen to religious craziness about politics. Christianity is one of the biggest religous cults that there are. Shame on you for judging anyone on being a christian, jew or anything else that they may be. Get some facts and stop sounding so ignorant. I do hope the topic of the schools systems changes. There are good and bad people everywhere. I personally do not agree with many things in the JCSD but for that reason I took my child out of it. Very simple.

Submitted By: judy tisdale	Submitted: 1/26/2012
I take issue with Laurel's police chief statement, crime is down, my storage shed was burglarized, items taken from yard, etc., neighbors homes broken into in broad daylight, by the way these homeowners would never leave their doors unlocked, do you think we are stupid? sounds, as if he is giving excuses for all these rash of burglaries. I don't feel safe in this town!!!

Submitted By: Wondering about road repair	Submitted: 1/26/2012
I am curious? Can the city of Laurel not spare one single penny from the Sports Plex fund to fix the streets of Laurel? I drive these roads to and from work everyday and let me tell you what, they are horrid. I am going to send my next bill for front end alignment and new tires to the city and continue to do so until they get off the Sports Plex and put some money where it is badly needed - ROAD REPAIR AND MAINTANENCE! ! !

Submitted By: rude	Submitted: 1/25/2012
It's amazing how rude people can be. When it backfires on them, and the truth hurts, they can't handle the heat. Think about that one. Now some of them know how it feels to be mistreated and verbally abused. I agree. I think now they see how it feels.

Submitted By: Please	Submitted: 1/25/2012
I respectfully ask that the editor discontinue the remarks about the Alt. School. I think its obvious that this is falling into the area of personal attacks and not constructive criticism. The remarks about diets, etc, are obviously mean-spirited and really have no place on this forum.

Submitted By: Agree with you.	Submitted: 1/23/2012
I think you win for the best person telling the truth on this forum. Go Obesity!! You are so right.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 1/23/2012
People,People,People and more People.Let's get off of the JCS system.We have the most important election in Nov.2012 that will decide the future of this country.If the present man in office get's re-elected you will not have to worry about a alternative school or any other school for that matter. We will have a Federal school system and Islamic studies will be taught in our schools.You will not have any say so in the matter.WAKE UP AMERICA. I fear for my grandchildren who are in the Jones County System.Only God above can help us.

Submitted By: Obesity	Submitted: 1/23/2012
Please let me know what diet they are on so I will be sure not to use it. OMG! I was over there several months back for personal reasons and those teachers aren't on diets. That's a FAT lie.

Submitted By: Agree with I Agree	Submitted: 1/23/2012
Too much negative!!!! Everybody has their own opinions. I'm sure there are good people that have left positions in jobs because they wanted to do something else. Don't down a principal just because people leave to move on to other jobs or better places. It takes a lot to fire people, especially educators. I have known principals that don't like certain teachers, but he couldn't just get rid of them unless they did something wrong that were grounds for firing. Sometimes people just don't get along with other people. We need to focus on positive matters not negative ones.

Submitted By: I agree!!!	Submitted: 1/23/2012
I totally agree with Kandi...lets talk about something else GEEZ!!! The Review has had some pretty awesome articles lately and we get stuck on the bad!! Typical I guess, overlook the GOOD and glorify the mess...guess thats why we live in such a drama filled world-just sayin'

Submitted By: Kandi	Submitted: 1/23/2012
What is SMASH that they are selling? Also, let's find a better topic to discuss on the forum. I'm tired of hearing about the Alternative School. I hope my child never gets sent there anyway. I do not ever plan on teaching there unless I get kicked out of the position I have now as an educator. I do know when kids come back to their schools, we don't hand feed them and give them grades. They don't get to put puzzles together and play. They work!

Submitted By: tanya	Submitted: 1/23/2012
If being lazy and gripping causes people to loose their jobs, the Alternative School would have closed centuries ago and so would several other schools. You have to have ground for firing someone. I don't think the principal at the Alternative School fired anyone. People have left there for years because they wanted to just like any other job or place.

Submitted By: ingorance	Submitted: 1/23/2012
There are some good teachers that retire because they want to. They don't have to get fired you idiot. This is what is wrong with the world today. It is full of idiots that are ignorant and don't have a clue about education. Please get off the forum. You make JC look bad. I retired 5 years ago from a school in the county. I wasn't lazy!!

Submitted By: Tonya	Submitted: 1/23/2012
There is no leadership. What the hell are you talking about? If there was leadership, you wouldn't hear everybody in the county talking about what the school is like. So, shut up.

Submitted By: Not a Clue	Submitted: 1/23/2012
No, you are wrong. He didn't get rid of anyone. People leave on their own content. They want teachers that are fat, lazy, play on the computer, talk on the phone, and tell everyone they are on diets. That is what the Alternative School wants in a teacher! Enough said. The truth hurts. Go over there and you will see for yourself.

Submitted By: Marty The Martian	Submitted: 1/23/2012
I hear they are selling ICE and SMACK out of the Alt School in Jones county. Discuss...

Submitted By: tired of hearing the junk	Submitted: 1/23/2012
Give it a break. Tired of hearing the same old stuff about the Alternative School. The principal just got rid of people who were too lazy to teach children. Other districts now have to deal with them. The ones that retired should have retired years ago for the good they did for students. Some of you people do not have a clue.....that is what is wrong in our country...sympathy seekers who put forth no effort to make a school better. Our students are important and do not need lazy, griping, incompetent people supposedly trying to teach our children. If they had spent their efforts helping children instead of griping about the leadership they would still have a job.

Submitted By: @None of Your Business	Submitted: 1/23/2012
The teachers who have left the Alternative School would still be teaching in the JCSD if conditions at the school had been different. They have moved on to other positions, but not because they wanted to leave the district, but because they felt they had no other choice. Some were "forced" into retirement before they were really ready because they knew the situation at the school would have only gotten worse for them, and the others moved on to other teaching positions. Their pleas for help with overcrowding and other issues fell on deaf ears! Just ask any of them; they will tell you what happened!

Submitted By: None of Your Business	Submitted: 1/22/2012
The principal at the Alternative School loves the kids and does his best to make the school a learning environment. Again, I have known him for years. He was a nice person in school, and he is a nice and giving person now. You need to be professional and stop gloating!!!! Too many people think they are perfect. If you can't say something positive, then don't say anything at all. I think that it good advice. Yes, I know people have left the school, but most of them left to seek better opportunities or move to different districts. Also, I don't believe he is picking on one or two people at the school. Just do what you are suppose to. Shut up!

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 1/22/2012
I will not call any names in this statement,but I for one am concerned about one individual who is running for president. He is a member of a RELIGIOUS CULT.He is also a MONEY MAN.He has made millions off of companies that have failed.Thousands of people have lost their jobs.I personally believe that he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.Is he what we really need in the white house? May God in Heaven help us all. He is the only One that can.

Submitted By: Been There Know For a Fact	Submitted: 1/22/2012
I have been involved with the Alt. School for many years and have gone through several principals there. Mike Moore is no Lewis Goins nor will he ever be. Patting students on the back and rewarding them for bad discipline is doind students an injustice. Giving grades and letting them sleep is an injustice. He has been there two years and has not proved himself. It is true, several people from West Jones have expressed how glad they were to see him go. He gave grades there also. The new Super knows all this. Lets wait and see what he does with his budy. Those posting positive comments on here are his croonies and know the truth. I also heard this week that maint. has been over at the Alt school working. the post abt mold, dirty bathrooms, and leaking ceilings are all true. He also made the statement to his employees in a fact. meeting that if anyone asked abt the building we were to say nothing was wrong with it.

Submitted By: None of Your Business	Submitted: 1/22/2012
I have known the principal at the Alternative School for a very long time. He is a nice, and good person. I have also had the opportunity to work with him in the past. He was always understanding, and put the kids first!!! There may be several issues that need addressed at the Alternative School, but tell me one school that does not need improvement, you can't. People need to focus on the positive and not the negative. Give him a chance. We all have to learn how to handle different environments. Overall, he is a great principal , and I know for a fact the years I have know him, he is a nice person too.

Submitted By: Visitor	Submitted: 1/20/2012
I have sent a posts on the forum ,and I was only a visitor at the Alternative School in JC. I think several people in the district has complained. I was at a soccer game when I heard several negative comments made about certain problems there. If people are looking for people to accuse, you better start searching the whole district.

Submitted By: karen	Submitted: 1/20/2012
That sums it up. We praise those that are worthless. There are several posts on here that has come from the same people from the Alternative School. They are trying to build up someone that lets them get away with doing nothing, but get paid for it. That is unbelievable. People know the truth so, so be it. It won't last forever. The truth always comes out at the end. Just sit back and watch. It won't belong. He will hang himself. Who knows he may try to win a higher position other than mayor. Imagine that. The vote outcome will show the proof if it ever comes to that. People that have it made and don't have to do anything are going to gloat.

Submitted By: Confused	Submitted: 1/19/2012
There are so many negative things being said about the JCSD. I have one question? If it is so bad then why do we rank so highly in the State. The last time I checked, which was at the end of the last school year, Laurel High and East were the two in trouble and one of them is no even in the JCSD. They must be doing something right.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 1/19/2012
I know up front that I will catch a lot of flack from what I am about to say.Remwmber I am talking about a RELIGION and not CHRISTIANITY.We have a man running for president of the United States who is a member of a RELIGIOUS cult.I am talking about Mormonisn.Mormonisn promotes consistent hatred of Jesus Christ and Christianity.Mormonism denies the diety of Jesus and eternal salvatin by grace exclusively through faith in the finished work on Jesus did on the cross and resurrection. We do not need another man in the President's office who is not a CHRISTIAN. Please do not be RELIGIOUS,be a CHRISTIAN.

Submitted By: All County Football	Submitted: 1/19/2012
Just a question? I was looking at the All County Football Team in today's issue. I was just wondering how a QB who only has 16 tackles on defense is selected as an All County LB on defense. I think Seth McDonald of WJ is a great kid but you are doing him a disservice to place him on the defensive side with so mediocre stats. Maybe some other areas should have been created on offense to get him on that side if he was going to be selected.

Submitted By: Just Me	Submitted: 1/19/2012
First of all it is not the principal's job to fix the roof. He reports it and then it is in the hands of maintenance and central office to repair it. Mike Moore is the perfect guy to have at the AE school. He is tough enough to make these students walk the line and compassionate enough to care for them at the same time. It takes a special person to be in this position and he does a great job.

Submitted By: Linda	Submitted: 1/18/2012
"Let no one come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness. You can gain more friends by being yourself than you can by putting up a front...by building people up rather than tearing them down and by taking a few minutes each day to do something kind for someone, whether it be a friend or complete stranger. What a difference one person can make." I read this on someone's facebook status. This so applies to this forum and to our everyday lives. If we would remember that God wants us to show love and kindness to others. So I challenge every one that has posted on here and those that has come here to read the post to think about what you say or do before you do it. It could make all the difference in someone's life. Of course, there are some people that no matter how hard you try you never see any change, but just keep trying, GOD DOES!! God gives us the opportunity to ask for forgiveness for our sins. He knows that we are not perfect and never will be but He loves us anyway. He is always there with His arms wide open waiting for us to accept Him. So let's give encouragement to those we work with and people that we come in contact with during the day. Show love and kindness to others the way God does to you.

Submitted By: Interested	Submitted: 1/17/2012
It has been interesting to read the comments about the JCSD Alternative School...I have seen posts by students, former students, parents, people seeking employment with the district, but nothing by a "disgruntled employee." I don't believe all the negative posts are comng from one individual. However, it does seem that one employee is being blamed...maybe there is some truth to the accusation that some employees are being targeted. I'm not there, so I don't know for sure, but holding one person responsible for every negative post seems like targeting to me! How do you know anyone is unhappy or disgruntled? Have you personally spoken with that employee, or are you operating off of gossip from the principal?

Submitted By: Interested	Submitted: 1/17/2012
It has been interesting to read the comments about the JCSD Alternative School...I have seen posts by students, former students, parents, people seeking employment with the district, but nothing by a "disgruntled employee." I don't believe all the negative posts are comng from one individual. However, it does seem that one employee is being blamed...maybe there is some truth to the accusation that some employees are being targeted. I'm not there, so I don't know for sure, but holding one person responsible for every negative post seems like targeting to me! How do you know anyone is unhappy or disgruntled? Have you personally spoken with that employee, or are you operating off of gossip from the principal?

Submitted By: Interested	Submitted: 1/17/2012
It has been interesting to read the comments about the JCSD Alternative School...I have seen posts by students, former students, parents, people seeking employment with the district, but nothing by a "disgruntled employee." I don't believe all the negative posts are comng from one individual. However, it does seem that one employee is being blamed...maybe there is some truth to the accusation that some employees are being targeted. I'm not there, so I don't know for sure, but holding one person responsible for every negative post seems like targeting to me! How do you know anyone is unhappy or disgruntled? Have you personally spoken with that employee, or are you operating off of gossip from the principal?

Submitted By: Proud Mustang	Submitted: 1/17/2012
As a former educator under Mike Moore, I can tell you that he was and is a great administrator! He is supportive of his staff (the ones that do their jobs) and cares about each and every student he comes into contact with. He shows no favoritism, not even to his own children. West Jones didn't "get rid" of him. He chose to move on to another school where he felt that he could continue to make a difference in the lives of students. People who complain about the school should remember that those students are placed there for a reason-- because they were either in trouble at their home school or were behind and trying to catch up. I commend him for trying to give these students a fresh start. I would also like to say that there are plenty of us teachers in the JCSD that work VERY hard and devote much of our time to educating the children in this district. Instead of complaining, why not ask what you can do to help? If we had more parental and community support, many of these "issues" you are bringing up would not be issues.

Submitted By: Vistor A	Submitted: 1/17/2012
I would also like to say that I am at the JCSD Alternative School, and disagree with this disgruntled employee about these issues. We have the best boss/leader any employee could ask for. We have great teachers who care about the students. There are many positive things happening here, like prayer for the students twice a week. Maybe we need to pray for this disgruntled employee to find happiness, joy, and peace!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/17/2012
YEA!!! I agree totally with "Sick of negative comments about JCSD" Thank you for speaking up. I feel the principal is trying to help these students who have had so many negative things going on in their lives....everyone needs a second chance. The person who stated that the principal made the statement that "he did not want to move and the school was in good condition" is stupid ...because what principal is going to talk negatively about HIS school. Of course if he had his rathers he would rather have a new school but he has a positive attitude about what he can't change.....he is not responsible for being in an old school. A school is not about a new school or an old school...what makes a great school is the people within the school. Mr. Moore should be proud to have a teacher who works there tell "it like it is". The disgruntled employee that keeps griping needs to change schools either "on your own or the School Board needs to move you somewhere where you can do nothing and grip about someone else"!! A griping teacher who can find nothing good to say about where he/she works is a disgrace to the Jones County Schools.

Submitted By: Sick of negative comments about JCSD	Submitted: 1/17/2012
I would like to say that first of all, I am in the Alternative School Building and all of these negative comments are without merit. Yes the building does have some problems, however it is not nasty. There are some wonderful teachers here and the teachers that are complaining about the principal are probably the ones that need to get off their butt and put that energy into teaching. As far as Mr. Moore goes, he is extremely positive with the students. He believes everyone deserves a second chance and he treats every one of these students alike. People just seem to like to complain, if you are so disgusted, then get another freakin job.

Submitted By: Prinicipal	Submitted: 1/16/2012
I do think it is the principal's responsibility to try and support the need for hazardous ceiling to be replaced. I have heard that the principal of the Alternative School does not want a better for his teachers and students. He made a comment a while back to some educators at another school that he did not want to move and he thought the school was in good condition. It seems like he has a lot of people fooled. Maybe he won't fool this new superintendent like he did the last one. Maybe this one has a little more sense. We will just have to wait and see. I have heard when it rains at the Alternative School, teachers' rooms get flooded and it ruins a lot of the materials in the classroom. The principal needs to work hard on trying to improve these hazardous situations. He is just thinking about himself like he did when he was at West Jones!! Thank God they moved him.

Submitted By: coondog	Submitted: 1/16/2012
As I drive around the county , im blown away at how many people throw their trash out on county roads. God has given us a beautiful place to live but some just do not care. All of the gas stations have garbage cans and surly you have one at your house. The sheriff dept. work crew picks up over 600 bags a week . That is a number that is embarasing. Thanks Sheriff Hodge for trying , but its gonna take the entire county to help out . I love to hunt as well and there are proper places to dump deer off instead of 3ft. from blacktop roads. Come on people this is our county , lets do our part on at least trying to keep it clean .

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/16/2012
For the people concerned about the roof at the Alternative School, I agree that the maintenance supervisor needs to get busy. This is a maintenance problem. I am sure the Jones County taxpayers can pass another bond issue and raise property taxes to build a new Alternative School. Roof leaks are a maintenance problem not a principal problem. I also agree with "Suthern English" that our country is in trouble. We need to focus our efforts on seeing that new leaders are elected in the upcoming election. We have just elected some new leaders and we need to elect all new leaders going to Washington.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 1/16/2012
I commend each and everyone of you for the concern about our Jones County Schools.That is all well and good.We all need to be concerned about which way our country is headed.Right now it is headed in the WRONG direction.We have an election coming up and it is probably the most important election that will ever be held in our lifetime.Think about your children and your grandchildren and what they will be facing if Obama is elected again.They may well be in a Federal school system and parent's and grandparent's will not have any sat whatsoever. The kid's will go where they are told . There will not be any PTO or PTA,school board are any kind of sport's activities.People wake up and see what is happening to our country.I fear for my grandchildren and what they are going to have to face in the near future.

Submitted By: Ashley	Submitted: 1/16/2012
I have a daughter that attended one of the schools that is mention here on the forum. She took her cell phone to school and was punished. I do not have a problem with the punishment. Her father and I were amazed when we heard she was allowed to have her cell phone at this school she was sent to . Ha, she was sent their due to having the phone and was allowed to have it at this particular school. What is the deal? Since then, we have heard that students are allowed to wear just about any clothing that is not acceptable and the children are told not to wear it back. Is this true? They continue to wear clothes that are not suppose to be worn. It has also come to my attention that students are given grades that they have not made. I was able to observe my grades on the new grading system and found that they were changed numerous times. Something is wrong with this picture. Students are also allowed to stay in the classes that are extremely disruptive. I know when my daughter was there, she said there was student in her class that could not stay in the desk. He was loud and ran around the cafeteria. Why is this allowed?

Submitted By: Visitor	Submitted: 1/16/2012
If that teacher has said anything negative about the principal, it is due to his abuse toward him or her. As far as the building being clean, I have to go to that building at times due to my job. It doesn't take much to repair a ceiling. The ceiling is dangerous to the students and teachers there. That is silly saying that it is an old building. Old buildings can be repaired too. Ha, people will say anything to support ignorance. I don't think the building is filthy, but I do believe there are some safety issues that need to be addressed. Bathrooms could be cleaned up, the floors need to be replaced, and the ceilings are hazardous. We have to face the truth even though we like the administration. We have to look beyond that . Teachers should be praised when they do a good job, not discouraged. I can reassure you that there are several teachers at the school that is being talked about disagree with giving l00s to students on an exam if they do not make the grade. Come on people!!!!

Submitted By: Assistant	Submitted: 1/16/2012
While at a soccer practice several weeks ago, I overheard someone say that at a particular school in Jones County, a teacher was kissed on the cheek when she returned back to work after been out for a few days ( by a principal). Now, who would be that unprofessional? Does anyone know which school this took place ? Please do not reveal the teacher's name, that is not necessary. I would just like to know which school would allow this and why. They said the teacher was surprised , but did not open her mouth just laughed about it. I don't think a principal should kiss a teacher on the cheek or anywhere else in front of other students. We were all amazed when this was shared. What is this world coming to? I know that would never be allowed where I am a teacher's assistant. They would fire the principal for this behavior.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/15/2012
I was in the Alternative School last year and I found the school to be clean. I did not go in any of the restrooms so I cannot address that issue. This is an old facility so you need to understand that it cannot be compared to the new facilities in the district. Magic wands do not work and make old into new. I found the facility to be well kept considering the age of the building. Some people want to just complain about everything. The other issue about the disgruntled teacher....do you think this teacher ever says anything nice about the principal. That works 2 ways....you cannot expect the principal to support a teacher who is bad mouthing him/her all the time.

Submitted By: disagree	Submitted: 1/15/2012
I totally disagree with a comment made earlier. Yes, it is one teacher that the Alternative School is after. She has always been a target there . She is a good teacher and the kids love her. The principal does not like her because she is loved by many students. He has been known to make negative comments about this teacher to people outside of the school. He is walking on dangerous grounds. You can't judge a teacher just because of what you hear from other negative people. She just don't kiss his ass from what I've been told.

Submitted By: To: By the Way	Submitted: 1/15/2012
OMG!!! Yes, I have been in that nasty building. I can't reveal on the forum , but I have been in there several times with events. It is the dirtiest place I have ever seen. The teacher's lounge is filthy too. I would never allow my child to go to that school. The ceiling look awful where water has dripped during bad weather. It also had an odor. Have you ever seen the restrooms? OMB, filthy. I went to them once and that was it!!!!!! Toilet paper was all over the floor in the teacher's bathroom so I had to use the students' restroom. I have never in my life seen such a disaster. Words can not express how nasty it was. Why don't the Health Department inspect that place? Well, I agree with you l00 percent. If people are satisfied with those conditions , something is wrong. Does the principal try to solve this problem? Does anyone know??????

Submitted By: Sandy Gilbreath	Submitted: 1/15/2012
I agree that the Alternative School needs cleaned up. I have been there to get finger-printed and it was in bad condition. I did see several students out of control at times while I was there. I also saw children with their heads down sleeping in class. I do have a friend that worked there in the past and really liked it. She is not there anymore due to teaching in a another district. I never heard her down the school, only praise it. My only concern as a parent would be the sleeping I observed in the classroom. I walked by the same room while leaving the building and the same students were still asleep. The teacher was sitting behind her desk looking at baby pictures on a computer. That would be my only concern. I know my friend loved teaching there and has always praised the school. Just beware if you are a parent and stay on top of things. Visit the school often and observe for yourself before making a decision about sending your child there if they have to get sent there. There are other options such as homeschooling

Submitted By: K9 h8r	Submitted: 1/15/2012
If you live in North Laurel and you let your dog run free and he comes in my yard, I will relocate him to the middle of the Desoto Forest.

Submitted By: By the way	Submitted: 1/15/2012
While folks are on the subject of the JCSD Alternative School, has the public noticed the condition of the building...someone needs to contact the Grand Jury and have them make a surprise inspection (after a downpour)

Submitted By: @Slim Goode	Submitted: 1/15/2012
Several teachers at the JCSD Alt. School have been targeted...some have left, but there are some the principal is still trying to run off! No, it is/was not just one teacher.

Submitted By: Mustang	Submitted: 1/14/2012
Great leader, OMG!!!!!!! What a joke. I cannot believe someone actually put that on the forum. That so called principal has no values or morals. Leader? Don't think so. That is a disgrace to the JCSD. Just ask people that use to work under him at WJ.

Submitted By: The Facts, Huh	Submitted: 1/14/2012
I hate to bust your bubble, but if you have heard that about the Alternative School you have heard LIES. They might be learning how to play OLE MAID, but they aren't learning any subjects. If you call screaming and hollering down the halls and fighting being good behavior, you need to go check it out. As far as a learning environment and classroom discipline, it is AWFUL!!!!!!! Someone has you fooled.

Submitted By: Just Saying	Submitted: 1/14/2012
Isn't amazing how they want to get rid of an educator that does a terrific job, loves the students, and highly qualified. Seems to me like all they want in the school system is fat lazy gossipers that sit behind their desks and text on the phone. Truth hurts. Oh, and lets the kids play cards and games. That's why these kids struggle when they leave the Alternative School and go back to their home schools.

Submitted By: Run off	Submitted: 1/14/2012
I think there are teachers getting abused in several of the schools. I haven't heard about any at the Alternative School. The only thing I have heard about that place is that they have a sorry principal. They were proud to see him leave West Jones. Several of the schools need to be looked into. They hire these principals because they are buddies with the school board members and superintendent. There are several qualified people that have tried to get a leadership position in the schools and would do a great job, but they will never have a chance. They aren't part of the buddy boy system.

Submitted By: The Facts	Submitted: 1/14/2012
This topic about leadership keeps coming up on this forum. Some people like leaders who have no expection and let anything go. Some people like leaders who run a "tight ship" keeping employees working and students behaving. It is all in the "eye of the beholder". We need leaders who keep schools safe and from what I have heard about the Alternative School that is exactly what is happening...teachers teaching and students behaving. Give it a break and find out who the disgruntled person is and you will problably find that it is someone who does not want to follow directions from a great leader. I personally have heard nothing but good things about the Alternative School and the leadership provided at that school.

Submitted By: TW	Submitted: 1/14/2012
What's all this buzz about the JCSD, the new Sup. has just taken over, give the man a chance and if he fails to do the job that you elected him to do, then throw him out. Before us at the present is of much greater importance that not only effects every American now and even more so in the future unless we get serious about the problems that the present administration in washington is doing to our America. We're being governed by "execuative order" and the Senate and the Congress are doing nothing to stop it. The regulations being made by a select few in washington are now and will in the near future put the economy of the United States in a state of collapse, just like it was in the middle to late 30's in Germany, the breeding ground if none other than Adolf Hitler. He was their "Savior" at that time, the rest is history. CAN'T happen here? well the storm clouds are gathering ever so slowly, just like they they have planned it, and it's working. Better wake up America or one day you may be given a fish instead of a fishhook. God bless America.

Submitted By: TW	Submitted: 1/14/2012
What's all this buzz about the JCSD, the new Sup. has just taken over, give the man a chance and if he fails to do the job that you elected him to do, then throw him out. Before us at the present is of much greater importance that not only effects every American now and even more so in the future unless we get serious about the problems that the present administration in washington is doing to our America. We're being governed by "execuative order" and the Senate and the Congress are doing nothing to stop it. The regulations being made by a select few in washington are now and will in the near future put the economy of the United States in a state of collapse, just like it was in the middle to late 30's in Germany, the breeding ground if none other than Adolf Hitler. He was their "Savior" at that time, the rest is history. CAN'T happen here? well the storm clouds are gathering ever so slowly, just like they they have planned it, and it's working. Better wake up America or one day you may be given a fish instead of a fishhook. God bless America.

Submitted By: Slim Goode	Submitted: 1/14/2012
Is it all teachers or one teacher?

Submitted By: Still wondering	Submitted: 1/14/2012
Can anyone tell me why teachers at the JCSD alternative school are still being abused by administration? How many teachers will be run off before something is finally done? Just asking...

Submitted By: Jim Farmer	Submitted: 1/13/2012
I am in no way someone who thinks everyone in the JCSD is crooked. I think it's a great district, it's just the afformentioned board member has been causing trouble and manipulating other board members for over 3 years. That's my only complaint about the JCSD.

Submitted By: Mary Anne	Submitted: 1/12/2012
I think everyone want to be positive about the JCSD. Yes, there are good people that work in the district. People also need to banned together to help improve the district. If that means getting sorry principals out and put qualified people in the position , then so be it. Nothing is being done about it. People don't want to face the truth about some of the things that are going on. Well, in time it will come to an end. The behavior by some of these leaders will come to a head. They can't keep treating educators like dirt and performing illegal tasks. They will eventually get caught. I agree. Let's think positive and pray something is done to keep good educators in the district and put the students first. That is not what is taking place in the district now, I can promise you that.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/12/2012
Mr. Williams.....Amen, Amen, Amen

Submitted By: Thomas Williams	Submitted: 1/12/2012
I am a Korean War Veteran, 1952, and spent a year there most of the time on the front line in weather conditions fron 30-40 below zero to monsoon rains, summer heat and living like a mole in bunkers and trenches. Since that time I have been interested in the political conditions of both south and north Korea. That's why I am really concerned over North Korea's appointment of the "dear leader" Kim Jung-Un, the son of the former tyrant Kim Jung Il, as the new leader of North Korea. After all, Kim Jung Un had no military experience whatsoever before daddy made him a four star general in the Korean military. This is a snot-nose twerp who has never accomplished anything in his life that would even come close to military leadership. He hasn't even so much as led a cub scout troop, coached a sports team or commanded a military platoon. SO, setting that aside, next they make him the "beloved leader" of the country, TERIFFIC!!!!!! BUT WAIT--I'M SO SORRY, I just remembered that WE did the same thing here. We took a community organizer who had never worn a uniform and made him "Commander-in- Chief" a guy who had never led anything more than an ACORN demostration, and made him the leader of this country,Just PRAY that we have learned our lesson before we become another north Korea. Thomas Williams

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/12/2012
I am the person writing about being positive. Mr. Jim Farmer I am certainly opposed to unqualified, immoral, indecent, and dishonest people a part of our school system. If you know for sure something is correct it needs to be publicized and the voters of Jones County need to know about it and the next election we need to vote them out of office. I agree with that, however, I am opposed to people lying on innocent people and making up "stuff" just to get at people. If someone is a "bookie" we need to know it and do something about it (trust me I will help you vote him out)....let me know what a bookie is and where he is a bookie. We need more information. One of you, Kelly, stated all the Jones County Schools had was "affairs, crooked, cheating". I do not agree with blanket statements such as these because some of the best people I know work for the Jones County Schools. With the number of employees working in the school system you will find a few immoral, dishonest, etc. people but we do not need to say they are all like that .....maybe a few. However, what profession does not have a few. I am for supporting the good people and getting rid of the bad...if I know for sure who is bad and what they did...not just gossip. I support our children!!!!

Submitted By: Jim Farmer	Submitted: 1/12/2012
Your right let's focus on the positive. Why waste time focusing on the fact that a bookie with no college education is having a gigantic influence in who gets hired fired from High Schools around the area. Just as long as he gets you your blue/green/red sheet who cares right?? Till your the one getting screwed by the chicken farmer.

Submitted By: Justin Kase	Submitted: 1/12/2012
Anyone else notice how bad it is to drive on University Ave in North Laurel? By that I mean how terrible the road is with all the potholes along with the awful patching job. Does our city care anymore?? why not just PAVE the damn road and quit patching it. I had some family in from out of town and it was very embarrassing to hear them complain about it much less one sunken hole causing a screw/nut to fall out of my vehicle...So to the City of Laurel I say get off your lazy butts and fix our damn roads!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/11/2012
Tin Mann, Kelly, Stepanie, Etc. Remember...."You that are without sin, cast the first stone." Give it a break. A lot of great people work with the Jones County School District. These educators, secretaries, lunchroom workers, bus drivers, teachers, administrators, assistants, etc., all have very hard and stressful jobs. No one is perfect....so quit speaking out about the negatives and let us focus on the positives. We have many students who deserve better than what is being said on this forum. Many employees are great and do not deserve to be lumped into a catagory they do not deserve. I personally care about this school district and want only the best for all people.

Submitted By: Tin Mann	Submitted: 1/10/2012
Just a reminder. They have a "king" superintendent in office now in JCSD. all problems will be solved . He will get his people in office, make miracles in the leadership department, and make all special ed teachers do their jobs. Are we all thankful for this great change. LOLOLOLOLO. I have already heard about some of his great expectations.

Submitted By: Kelly	Submitted: 1/10/2012
That is all JCSD is about. Affairs, crooked, cheating.........

Submitted By: Stepanie	Submitted: 1/10/2012
Who's the bookie?

Submitted By: Same o Same o	Submitted: 1/10/2012
People, face it. When you say JCSD, you say bird guts. Not surprised by more crap. That's all you hear. Huh, the devil may treat, spit, and degrade people, but in the end, Jesus Christ always wins!! Enough said.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/10/2012
I think many of the posters here who claim to be good Christians need to remember this verse: "Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you." http://bible.us/Luke6.37.ESV

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/10/2012
@Heard That....If someone posted on here that they heard that you are a child molester, would that bear checking out? No it wouldn't. Small minds in a small town

Submitted By: Heard That	Submitted: 1/9/2012
I heard that that father of a certain JCSD board member was a serious bookie...hadn't heard that the son was involved. It bears checking out. Of course, several years ago a board member was arrested at a illegal gambling operation here in Jones County. He stayed on the board...no problem.

Submitted By: Jim Farmer	Submitted: 1/9/2012
Can anyone justify to me how the JCSD has a known bookie on it's school board? The people of Jones County need to get with it. This bookie is now controlling who gets hired and fired from our school district. It blows my mind.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 1/9/2012
VOTER'S we already have a man in the White House that is part of a PHONY RELIGION,we do not need another one.Mitt Rommney is a member of a PHONY RELIGION.John Huntsman is also a member of a PHONY RELIGION.He also believes in CIVIL UNIONS.Gay marriage in other words.WAKE UP AMERICA,before there is no AMERICA to WAKE UP to.

Submitted By: LMFAO	Submitted: 1/7/2012
I've been a big fan of your newspaper since you opened. And my favorite part is that y'all have a sense of humor and don't take yourselves so seriously but I think you've outdone your self with the new signs that you have on your newspaper racks. They are so funny I've taken to driving around just to make sure I haven't missed any. I love the one with the possum and the old lady but my favorite is the one you have at Kroger. I almost fell over laughing when I saw it. Thanks for continuing to brighten my days.

Submitted By: Blind spot?	Submitted: 12/29/2011
Ok, so I'm reading the ads, which I never do, but today as I was reading along in the Mississippi Certified Advertising Network I came across an ad worthy of the Jay Leno Show DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, OR BOAT TO THE HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND-Free 3 day vacation, Tax deductible, Free towing, all paperwork taken care of 866-xxxx

Submitted By: Celebrate Good Times!	Submitted: 12/29/2011
HAPPY 43rd BIRTHDAY MARK!!!!! You should be receiving your gift in the mail any day now--I ordered a super charged nose hair trimmer from one of those info-mercials Hope you enjoy and again Happy Last Birthday :)

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 12/26/2011
Hey Did the two firemen that saved the little girls life get a award or anything. I saw where several cops got awards for solving a burglary, a robbery, and saving a mans life. I dont think I saw the firemen get anything. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 12/26/2011
Why are we up in arms about the DOG KILLER. We pay to watch a dog killer on tv. He is making millions on our dumb asses. Everyone says M. Vicks sorry ass has paid his dues. This lady has a mental problem. Let her do comunity service in some of the shelters that need help. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Firecracker	Submitted: 12/23/2011
the dog killer looks like a complete psycho. Nobody in their right minds would have let her had bail. I saw her picture on the inmate roster. Sick, sick , sick. Thanks Laurel for nothing!!!!!! What she did is unreal.

Submitted By: Amazed	Submitted: 12/23/2011
Are you surprised about the dog killer getting out on bail? Don't be. You are in Laurel MS. That is nuts. That lady should not have bail at all. She should have to stay in jail and starve!!!!!! What she did to dogs she would do to young children. She is an idiot.

Submitted By: seriously...	Submitted: 12/23/2011
So the psychotic dog killer has been released on a $1500 bond--this lady is obviously twisted and our next serial killer!! I wonder where she keeps the bodies of the humans that she's tormented!! Yes I'm sure that Laurel MS will be on the next episode of Forensic Files! Thanks for allowing this lady walk the streets--I appreciate it!

Submitted By: Toby King	Submitted: 12/19/2011
I do admit that Thrash did a poor job as the leader of JCSD, but I bet he is glad to get the hell out of dodge. Let some other idiot have it!

Submitted By: Disgusted	Submitted: 12/19/2011
I'll admit I used to get mad when The Review picked on the Leader Call but after this week's "Thash Says Goodbye" headline and then they have the audacity to run the same exact story on their front page the next day, I've had it. Who did they think was going to buy their paper with the same exact story on the front? I'm glad I wasn't advertising in it cause they got ripped off. Thank God for The Review.

Submitted By: Elvis	Submitted: 12/18/2011
What are you folks talking about?

Submitted By: Curious	Submitted: 12/17/2011
It is so funny how people try to cover up the truth. King does not refer to superintendent ,but Jesus Christ. Read people. I don't think the same people are writing on the forum. If you read closely the wording is totally different. People are truly ignorant.

Submitted By: Observer	Submitted: 12/17/2011
It's interesting to note that Sick, Rebecca, PRAY, Queen? Scary Thought, Kidding, King, AMG and Hypocrite were all responding to replies BEFORE the editor had posted them ... berry, berry interesting. Maybe he/sho should just go by one name — Sybil.

Submitted By: Sick	Submitted: 12/16/2011
King? This makes me sick on my stomach!

Submitted By: Rebecca	Submitted: 12/16/2011
Thank my king, Jesus Christ, for better opportunities. Amen.

Submitted By: PRAY	Submitted: 12/16/2011
King? Pray. Amazed? Not from JCSD Gone to bed on this one. Glad to be part of another district!!! They can all that the king, but people know different. Kings don't do what that man has done in the past.

Submitted By: Walmart	Submitted: 12/16/2011
It is terrible at Walmart!!!Everytime I go there they have to have a price check on one of the items I am buying. Very unorganized. I agree with McNeer. It is a shame. People just don't care!

Submitted By: Queen? Scary Thought	Submitted: 12/16/2011
OOOOOOps. What is even worse, is to think that his wife would have to play the role as the queen, LOL. They don't make queens like that from what I've seen. I can't believe all of this nonsense. God is the king of all kings. Shame on you referring the sup. of ed. as a king. hypo!!!

Submitted By: Kidding?	Submitted: 12/16/2011
I agree with can't believe what you just read. Can you believe that?????? That tells you that the diciples are his followers!!! I agree enough said reader. I have heard it all now. From what I have heard about Parker from people in the district, he sure isn't a King !!!

Submitted By: King, AMG	Submitted: 12/16/2011
King? OMG!!! I can't believe what I have just read on this forum. Enough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Hypocrite	Submitted: 12/16/2011
Glad to hear you are proud of the new superintendent. The only king we have is Jesus Christ. Parker is not a king. He is only a superintendent. He should not be referred to as a king by no means!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Majority	Submitted: 12/16/2011
We are proud of our newly elected superintendent. He does an outstanding job and will be an outstanding leader. We also thank our school board for its efforts in keeping our school system great. It will be good to have a new King.

Submitted By: Kevin McNeer	Submitted: 12/16/2011
Yesterday I had the worst time @ our local Laurel Walmart. Customer service is terrible. I feel sorry for the employees because of the Manager they have to work under. I have been waiting on another manager to call me --- hasn't called me yet. It now has been 24hrs. My family will never step foot in this store again. Still VERY UPSET

Submitted By: Majority	Submitted: 12/16/2011
We are proud of our newly elected superintendent. He does an outstanding job and will be an outstanding leader. We also thank our school board for its efforts in keeping our school system great. It will be good to have a new King.

Submitted By: Hugh Johnson	Submitted: 12/16/2011
Yawn

Submitted By: Smarty Pants	Submitted: 12/15/2011
Some people are so smart they are stupid. People don't care about your editing on this forum. They just want to get their points over. If you want to edit, get yourself a job at USM and work in the English department. Don't throw around your ignorance on the forum. People are free writing about events and could care less about you editing there stuff. Get a life and an English teaching job!!!!

Submitted By: Scrooge	Submitted: 12/15/2011
2012 is bring in a new Superintendent for the JCSD. If is so damn good, then why did he get his butt beat last time? He could have been beat again if someone worth something would have ran against him. Here we go again. Another 4 years of NOTHING!!!!!!! Think what you want to people. I have worked for this man before at NEJ. He cannot make decisions. He might have the experience, but not a clue about how to run a district. It will be the same ole crap.

Submitted By: LOL	Submitted: 12/15/2011
Well, well, well. People of JCSD , it seems as though a big change is going to take place in the district in 2012. Well, gear up. I do agree that the past 4 years has been full of promises and lies. The next 4 will not be a bit better. The new leader has always been a follower and an individual that CANNOT make decisions. He has fooled people just like the last leader. He has had several opportunities where he could have made decisions in his field of work at he County Office, and he did not show any responses or determination. Time will tell. You will see his true colors. Yes, there will be a change. He will only put his buddies in the County Office. That is the only change you will see. The people of JCSD will also be proud when the next 4 years are complete and his ass is retiring.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 12/15/2011
Hugh Johnson: Did not mean to send the last one yet. That is a device used to express emotion or to make a point. Authors use it very regularly, and it is used in everyday language for the same thing. Blogs and forums are the same as people talking. Grammatical errors and other common errors are not viewed the same as they are in some type of formal communication. So using that type of device is very acceptable to those of us that are truly educated and understand how people express themselves. By your comments, you are insecure about your intelligence, so you throw out words hoping to impress everyone, or you are truly ignorant about such things and just recently saw that word and decided to use it.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 12/15/2011
Hugh Johnson: Do you have anything of substance to say, or do you only edit responses on here?

Submitted By: Hugh Johnson	Submitted: 12/15/2011
To Where's the positive Starting a rebuttal with hyperbole diminishes its credibility.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 12/15/2011
To REDD: That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard of. I was at the game. I have ties to both teams that played, so I don't have an agenda. From that point of view, your statements are crazy. A committee selects "all star" players and the quarterback played a fantastic game and moved the ball around as best as he could against the top defense in the state. Laurel played a good game against one of the best teams this state has had. Congratulations to all the players and all the coaches for a great year!!!

Submitted By: Rip Van Winkle the 2nd	Submitted: 12/14/2011
Wake up Steve it is time to go!

Submitted By: Derrick	Submitted: 12/14/2011
Well, Well, Well, it looks like Thrash is finally out of the door and out of the way...The best thing that could have ever happed to JCS is the "Retirement" reception for Thrash..JCS has finally got a man in office with a vocabulary that consist of more than two syllables....Congratulations Mr. Parker,,,,we will support you and the teachers and children of Jones County. I know for a fact that the District needs to heal from the damage that it has incurred over the last 4 years....Mr. Parker,Please,please be a man of your word and "Let's Do It For The Children" because they deserve it.

Submitted By: REDD	Submitted: 12/14/2011
To the LHS football team. I would like to send out congrats to you all. But I feel like you would have won the State if your coaches had coached the game rather than trying to make one or two player look good. If this buddy buddy thing was not in play. I have never in my career seen coaching like this. Is there a payoff in here somewhere? Bester, Clark, Heidelberg and Horne, do not feel bad because you did not get picked for the allstars because they did not pick the best, they picked the buddies.I did not realize that two of the coaches did not like the parents of one of the players because Barlow was called out by one of the mothers and he threatened her and Smith went along with it. Is this the reason one of the players is being treated so bad. This is a bad display for coaches. In college there is no buddies to the coaches. And i am relly disappointed in Smith.There were players on the fields in Jackson that were wide open but Your fabulous Quarterback was always looking his friend rather than the man open.This kind of behavior will never happen in college ball.Bester, Clark, Heidelberg and Horne hold your heads HIGH because you are the BEST, you just happen not to be one of the BUDDIES

Submitted By: Lea Hutto	Submitted: 12/12/2011
Security and Red Bull. I don't know if you have noticed, but lately you can't go into a certain store in Laurel with out being stalked by security. I know it's the holiday season and a little extra security is called for, but this year it is down right stalking. I do believe one of the qualifications for a job in security is that you be loaded on Red bull energy drink and have your eyelids super glued open.These people are suppose to be in cognito but it is so obvious who they are.If a woman is in the feminine department and a man follows you and starts comparing prices on panty liners, it is probably security. And heaven forbid if you just got off work and are still in your work clothes. That is like blood in water to sharks.They will start circling.Shopping is a chore any way this time of year, and these people are making it down right miserable for honest people who want to shop in peace. They will make you feel like you are a nasty cockroach and they are the exterminator. Stores complain about shoplifters and I have a solutions. Leave the honest people alone and focus on the real crooks. And lay off the Red Bull.

Submitted By: Burn Survivor Mom	Submitted: 12/12/2011
At this time of bonfires and fireworks, PLEASE remember to NEVER, EVER throw gas or other accellerants onto a fire. Just this weekend two more young people were permanently disfigured and possibly disabled by one of them throwing onto a bonfire a can of what he thought was diesel when it actually contained gas. Burned tissue doesn't grow back! One second of a stupid decision leads to a lifetime of regret. You cannot imagine the amount of pain and horror that a burn survivor and their family goes through.

Submitted By: You Tell Me	Submitted: 12/12/2011
Do you actually think that someone has been "removed" at the Jones County district office. No, it doesn't work that way. Someone may have retired but it's IMPOSSIBLE to get fired once you've locked in at Buddy Boy Central. Hey, I wish folks could get fired! I can think of 5 or 6 more that need that treatment. By the way, I work for the district and have no idea who you're talking about. How about sharing that info. They don't tell us anything. Again, I believe that the person in question went out on his/her own accord. I just can't imagine it happening any other way. By the way, have you seen the application that principal candidates fill out in the JCSD. It has one, two-part question..."Was you a feetball coach or a baksitball coach?"...LOL!

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 12/12/2011
The JCSD is nly going to do as good as the leadership is.Yes,there is a buddy system as there is in everything.Both of my son's were educated in the JCSD except for a shory time in the LSS (nightmare).They graduated and are now in society performing very well.One lives in Texas and the other in MS. Now I have grandchildren in the JCSD and they are both honor roll students,so there must be some good leadership and teacher's somewhere in the JCSD.I think that the schools in MS should be fully funded by the state,well that is not happening.I do agree that maybe we do have too many chief's and not enough indian's. Maybe the indian's should burn a few tee pee's down and see what happen's.

Submitted By: Daffy	Submitted: 12/11/2011
Yes, I agree with Sorrow, but let's pray that things get better. Good people have left the district due to the ignorance and unqualified leaders. Maybe the the Superintendent will get these unqualified leaders/principals out of the district. If he doesn't remove them, I'm afraid the direction of our school district is in jeopardy. I am retired and taught 35 years. It really surprises me to see what is allowed . When other leaders were in office, people were treated with respect. I have heard so much negative feedback since I have retired. I am so thankful I have been out of education for a few years now. I never thought I would see it in this condition. Pray for our teachers, students ,and leaders. If something is not done with these unqualified principals, I'm afraid good teachers will seek better opportunities. Daffy McDonald (Go Tigers)

Submitted By: Vision of Sorrow	Submitted: 12/11/2011
How sad that people try to make something so unprofessional try to look positive. Yes, there has been an incident where someone was let go in their job, but it was only to get prepared to put a "buddy" in that position. The gloating is such a sin. People of Jones County, do not be fooled by the accusations at lies. It is going to still be a buddy boy system. As far as letting people go, good people have left without being let go due to the ignorance in the county. Face it. They are only getting rid of people to put their people in. There will be no change in JCSD. If anything, it will get worse if that is possible. It has been terrible, and will only stay that way. The new leader never could make a decision and will never make one. That has been proven in the past. For those of you that are Parker supporters, maybe he will give you a better job or opportunity. There was a good person that lost their job in the CO and they made it look like they left on their will, it was all a set up. People were talking about it before it ever happened. JCSD is full of gossip and ignorance!!!!!

Submitted By: Vision of Greatness	Submitted: 12/11/2011
Wanting the new year to start off right, we need to comment on some things so that Jones County can be great. All elected officials should be able to surround themselves with loyal people who can help make our communities, schools, and county better. With disgruntled employees, it will be virtually impossible to move forward. Our elected officials have difficult jobs and in order for them to be successful they need supportive and helpful advocates. We do not need to "feel sorry" for people who are removed from positions they have held if these employees cannot be loyal to the newcoming elected official. Some people do not know loyality....they can only be loyal to themselves and their own quest for power. Hatred, envy, jealously, greed, and lack of character and integrity often cause turmoil and confusion during times of change. Let us support our elected officials as they prepare to lead our county to greater "heights". I also encourage people who remain who want to cause these new officals problems to remove yourselves from the working environment so that the newly elected officials will not have to remove you!!! We have witnessed that recently in the Jones County Schools. Many people will do their job just because it is the right thing to do and those people should be left alone. No matter who a person voted for....that person can develop a loyality if he or she wants to do so. However, loyality is a must and we need to support those who are loyal and we need to support removing those who do not have the character and integrity to be loyal!!!! We have already witnessed one incident where an elected official had the courage to take action and get rid of some and hire some new workers to ensure success in his working environment. YEA!!! Good for him...sometimes we must do what we must do. Success depends on all people working together for the good of our communities. Elected officials should not have to use their energy enfighting with these people; elected officials need to focus their energy on excellence. School board you will be the next group that will be tested to see if you have the courage to do what is right and relieve the new superintendent of people who are going to undermine his leadership. Let us rise to a new level of greatness with a unified endeavor!! Merry Christmas and God Bless America, Jones County, and The Review!!

Submitted By: Southern Belle	Submitted: 12/10/2011
There's 14 shopping days left, people. Here's hoping you all have a wonderful day. It is beautiful out there. And here's hoping the coming year will give us all the chance to sweep around our own back doors and let everyone else sweep around theirs. Some of these posters are so busy criticizing and name calling and pointing fingers, they tend to forget that we all have a past. We have all done things we are not proud of. But, at the same time, we all have the opportunity to make a better life for ourselves. I know this will not register with a lot of people, but maybe, just maybe a few will understand what I'm trying to pass on and will attempt to better themselves in the coming year. There is hope for all of us. Merry Christmas and God Bless America, Jones County, and The Review.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 12/9/2011
Just saw where SCRMC just opened another bussiness. Its called "Progressions" and its a behavioral treatment center. I think the people of Jones county need to make an apointment. We are allowing SCRMC to make all the money on sevices and not pay 1 dime in taxes. I dont about the rest of you but I pay over $2000.00 every year on taxes. Maybe its me that needs to make the appointment. Just Wondering

Submitted By: ThankYou	Submitted: 12/8/2011
I just want to say that these articles about the addicts who have gotten their lives together are awesome and inspiring! Thank you so much for not being afraid to glorify God and what He is doing in the lives of people. It's refreshing and I really appreciate their honesty in telling their stories, and what amazing stories they are! God bless you all

Submitted By: Rocketman	Submitted: 12/7/2011
Everything must be alright, no one is submiting anything to the review. It has been a few days and no one has said anything.

Submitted By: Buzzard and Proud of it	Submitted: 11/29/2011
You dang right as you would say Martian. I like being a buzzard. I can't think of another thang, as you would say , that I would rather be. Of course, I could choose to be an idiot from another planet, but I think we have enough of those in Jones County.

Submitted By: Marty the Martian	Submitted: 11/29/2011
You hicks, rednecks, crackers, hillbillies, bumpkins, yokels, and geezers are quite interesting. However, we were hoping to find intelligent life here, so failing to do so, it's time to move on.

Submitted By: To: Karen	Submitted: 11/29/2011
Karen you make a good buzzard. You are surely a proud, proud buzzard on a branch. Take another bite Karen buzzard.

Submitted By: Agree	Submitted: 11/28/2011
Bottom line: What makes you think that if a person can't do a job as an assistant Supt. How in the world can they do a job as Supt. serving the district as a leader. People, there will be no changes except the buddy boys will be sent down to the CO making 90 thousand dollars or more a year doing nothing!!! Oh yea, riding around visiting schools. I think anybody without a degree can do that. By the way, once a person gets a taste of something good, they want more. You know what I'm referring to. Haaaaa. As someone else said, what a shame.

Submitted By: The Last Confederate	Submitted: 11/28/2011
Sound Off! Over a year ago, I met with a few of my friends to discuss the situation of the desolution of "COL. REB" by the administration at Ole Miss. We also talked about the lack of support of the administration for the song "Dixie" and the Confederate Flag. We also discussed the liberal situation that the administration is pushing. We therefore decided to put a curse on the Ole Miss Rebels. We call the Curse of "COL. REB". We also decided to support the Mississippi State Bulldogs until the administration of Ole Miss is changed or "Col Reb" is brought back. Now, if you do not believe that a curse exists on the Ole Miss Rebels, then I don't suppose you believe that a Bulldog took a big bite off a Black Bear's tail this week. Thanks, "The Last Confederate"

Submitted By: Go back	Submitted: 11/28/2011
What you waiting on. Go on back to your planet where the rest of the idiots belong. Has it been a decade, huh, could have fooled me. Patty

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 11/28/2011
Congratulations to Laurel High for their victory on Friday night! They have a lot of great kids on that team. I hope they enjoy their trip to Jackson.

Submitted By: Marty The Martian	Submitted: 11/28/2011
I find it hilarious that you think a man's personal business over a decade ago would cause him to not be able to do his job as superintendent. Probably 50% of the parents are not positive role models for their kids in your district. Most of yall are too busy coplaining about stupid stuff to raise your kids. The other half of you are playing with your coots and cables. You petty pathetic people make me wanna go back to my home planet.

Submitted By: Agree with Karen	Submitted: 11/27/2011
You said it all!!!! Not all principals in the county are poor, but they sure do have their share. I know some of them that treat teachers like trash!!!! They are not professional in the least bit. Outside of their jobs, they are suppose to be professional and positive role-models, but I know for a fact that is not the case!!! These principals should be kicked out of the system. But as she called it buddy boy, that is the catch. They are all buddies with the people at the CO and that gives them the opportunity to treat the teachers and students the way they want to . Right or wrong it doesn't matter. Parents need to speak up and go over their heads. Something needs to be done about these issues. You have spoke the truth. My name is Maggie, and I have a child in the district. I don't mind putting my name on the forum!

Submitted By: From Karen	Submitted: 11/27/2011
We don't have to worry about Branch's past. At least while he has been married, people haven't talked about him fooling around with other women in JC. Also, he isn't going to be our leader in January, Parker is. It is embarrassing to have a leader that is not a positive role-model to the children. Also, the same crap is going to take place in the schools. No leadership!!! No discipline, and NO teacher support. Teachers can be abused and treated like dirt, and people at the County Office just brush it off their shoulders. Well, a good thing don't last forever. I hope their buddy boy system is torn down.

Submitted By: To: Karen	Submitted: 11/27/2011
Karen, about your comment on Parker being a lover boy, you must not know Branch very well. From what I've heard from many people, his past as a lover boy isn't something to brag about. Let's hope that is over for the sake of many.

Submitted By: Hugh Johnson	Submitted: 11/25/2011
Can't believe you fell for this one...didn't ever see "Porky's?" Submitted By: Marty the Martian Submitted: 11/11/2011 I plan to vote for Mike Hunt for constable in the district 23 race next november.

Submitted By: Karen	Submitted: 11/24/2011
I'm proud to be one of those buzzards on a branch. I would much rather be a buzzard than a lover boy Parker. That answers that!!!! Although , I do believe those days would have to be over at his age. We will have to see.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/23/2011
TO: Agree with Majority. Please REMEMBER that the MAJORITY is not always right. If you would get your head out of your shorts (or where ever you keep it) you might see the Light.I do not believe that you would know the truth,even if it bit you right in the rear end and left bite marks.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 11/23/2011
I challenged Mark to find out somethings that are going on at SCRMC. He must be afraid like most of the people of the county are. I think the county would be better off to sell the hospital and all the property that goes with it to a larger medical company. That place has always been a "Payton Place" as long as I can remember. It needs a good enema.

Submitted By: Confused	Submitted: 11/23/2011
I was wondering if someone can explain this to me. How is it that gas in Laurel is 2.96( as of today ) and gas in Ellisville was 3.29. What is the deal. Does Ellisville put something special in there gas to make it better. Anyway, I can assure you that a .33 per gal savings is well worth the trip to Laurel.

Submitted By: agree with majority	Submitted: 11/23/2011
Majority you are right. Rumors, HUH, Hypocrites, and Suthern English are part of that loser pack of floppers. The voters have spoken. There are still a few buzzards on the branch.

Submitted By: Rumors?	Submitted: 11/22/2011
Rumors about JCSD? I don't think so. Everything that has been published on here so far is the truth. You need to ask people that are actually involved in the district. Your husband must be the leader of the district, haaa.

Submitted By: HUH	Submitted: 11/22/2011
Well, I'm glad you think the majority is happy. From the sounds on the forum, people are fed up. People are moving their kids to better places. Huh. Maybe you are happy, but others aren't ignoring the facts!

Submitted By: Majority	Submitted: 11/22/2011
We love Jones County Schools. Keep up the good work. Don't pay attention to the rumor mill on this site. We are proud of our elected officials and school board.

Submitted By: Hypocrites	Submitted: 11/21/2011
Yes, read your Bible. Watch out for the hypocrites. They want you to think they are Christians, but they are dangerous!!!!! You know the Christians by the way they treat others.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/21/2011
If you think that it is going to get better,whether it be in our city and or our county school systems and even in our county law-enforcement,you need to READ your BIBLE if you have one. For any of you that knows anything about God's precious word,it say's that perlious times are coming.They are ALREADY HERE.The Devil himself talked one-third of the angels to leave Heaven and go with him,because he thought that he was just as good as God or better.He was WRONG.We talk about these so-called people that are elected to county offices,once they are in office, they get POWER HUNGRY. Please READ your bible and you will get the TRUE end and the Rest of the Story.REMEMBER! God is good all of the time.Turn to Jesus,He is our one and only choice. You can also choose the devil as many of you already have, but you already know where you are going,don't you!

Submitted By: To: Jones County Supporter	Submitted: 11/21/2011
Well, JCS, you better be choosy about where you send your child, or whoever to get the GED. Politics has played a role in that also. That ran off the best GED teacher in Jones County because she would not lie on paperwork for the principal. That is what I heard. I love out in the Northeast community, and everyone was amazed. Jones Junior College offers a very good program there. You have great teachers that are qualified and know what they are doing. Some of the principals that are unqualified wants teachers to lie and wiggle there way into unfair situations.

Submitted By: To: Jones County Supporter	Submitted: 11/21/2011
When did this take place? That is terrible. I bet they are still teaching the children too. What a big disgrace. I knew it had gotten bad in the county, but I never dreamed it would go that far. Why do they let these teachers continue to teach at the schools. Instead, the good teachers leave and go to a better place, and the idiots are allowed to stay and do this filth and teach our kids. Glad you shared. It helped my husband and me make a decision about where to send our son next year, private school.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 11/21/2011
To Daily Observer: What possible difference does it make who won the The ReView poll? Alex Hodge won the election thus the case is closed for the next four years.

Submitted By: Daily Observer	Submitted: 11/21/2011
To the Review Editors: In Thursday's edition, the publisher stated that with 233 votes in the online poll for the "Cage Match" - Alex Hodge was the clear favorite to win the match. I'm afraid you have counted your chickens before they have hatched. This morning, there is only one vote difference. Or are you going to cut it off showing Hodge the winner? Would not surprise me one bit.

Submitted By: Jones County Supporter	Submitted: 11/18/2011
I heard they caught a couple of the teachers cracking in the breakroom at West and South. Worse than that I heard it was two dudes at West. I don't want my kids around some sex crazed rope suckers. I am thinking of getting my kids a GED so that they don't have to put up with all these politics.

Submitted By: LSD	Submitted: 11/17/2011
Well, you better stay in LSD. We took our child to West Jones the day of the tornado , and there was no power. Certain children were told they could go home. Other children stayed there with about 3 children in a class. Even the teachers were aggravated according to my child. Well, it isn't going to get better in January. They can preach that crap all they want to. We are considering private school after Christmas. It is one big mess. From what I hear good teachers are leaving to seek better districts. One teacher went to Oak Grove that use to teach in Jones County and she loves Oak Grove. She said it was organized and the teachers were treated with respect . Idiots run JCSD.

Submitted By: looking forward	Submitted: 11/17/2011
The majority of people in Jones County are looking forward to Mr. Parker taking over as superintendent. He is an outstanding leader and has done an outstanding job.

Submitted By: looking forward	Submitted: 11/17/2011
The majority of people in Jones County are looking forward to Mr. Parker taking over as superintendent. He is an outstanding leader and has done an outstanding job.

Submitted By: Agree No Change	Submitted: 11/17/2011
Thank God I work in the LSD. I have never heard and seen such crooked choices in education in my life!! We may have issues, but we do have professional educators that treat people with respect, and make common sense decisions. All you hear about JCSD is negative comments made from teachers and parents. We may have a lot more African American students in our districts, but we don't have a bunch of idiots making children go to school with no power!

Submitted By: No change	Submitted: 11/17/2011
Sorry to tell you. The new Superintendent will not be a bit different . There has been numerous occasions where it was his responsibility to work with Steve Thrash in decision making, and he did not!!!!! So JCSD, gear up!!He ain't gona be a bit different. The only change is that he is going to put his buddies in the CO with him. I know this for a fact. He straddles both side of the fence. He will tell you he will support you, and it is all a lie.

Submitted By: The Gospel Truth	Submitted: 11/16/2011
Homes were destroyed. People were injured, including students. Roads were closed. Power was out. Yet, inspite of all the despair, the Supt. of Education refused to close schools. Absolutely Insane!!! I'm sure when a little snow gets on the roads every school will shut down. Yet, when lives are truly in danger, they keep the buses rolling.

Submitted By: Sandy	Submitted: 11/16/2011
People of Jones County, please pray for the educators in the JCSD. There are several educators that are still being abused and mistreated due to unprofessional, unqualified leadership. The students suffer when their teachers are embarrassed and neglected. This should be stopped, but it will not stop. No one has the leadership skills to deal with professional situations. Hopefully in time these hateful people will be removed from their jobs! God will intervene.

Submitted By: Totally Amazed	Submitted: 11/16/2011
The incompetance of Steve Thrash defies any and all human logic and common sense. Sending children and teachers to school in the aftermath of a tornado put their well-being in jepardy. The news advised people not to travel in that area but Thrash sent buses to pick up kids and send them to schools with no power. Why not close the schools affected by the storm? But wait that makes too much sense and he (Thrash) has none. Thank God he will be out of the superintendent's office soon.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 11/16/2011
Talk about childish and immature!!!

Submitted By: dodat	Submitted: 11/16/2011
Weiner head. It was a joke. I still think some of the posts were childish and immature, but everyone knows that politically, Louisiana has a reputation for being one of most corrupt states in the United States. Apparently I get under your skin so I think I will continue to comment whenever I feel likt it.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 11/16/2011
To: "dodat" You moved from the Jones County area 40 years ago. Well I do know that Lousiana has the same problems that everywhere else has, or maybe more. Don't get on this forum and lead us to believe that where you live has no political problems-Hurricane Katrina is a good example of what the politicians in Mississippi did and what they did in Louisiana. All Louisiana did was scream for the federal government to come to their rescue and the Mississippi people did like the old saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going" and that is what we did. Give me a break and read the forums where you live and stay out of ours-you know nothing!!! To Jones County citizens.....the election is over.. move on!!!!!

Submitted By: dodat	Submitted: 11/15/2011
The childish and immature political posts that I've seen here recently are just one of the many reasons I moved from Laurel 40 years ago. When I am in a weak moment and think maybe I will move back, I just check out this forum and I come back to reality. I moved to Louisiana where the politics are clean and the politicians are honest.

Submitted By: another concerned parent	Submitted: 11/15/2011
I HAVE YET TO HEAR ANY COMMENT FROM HA ADMINISTRATION, ATHLETIC DEPT, ETC CONCERNING THE EXPELLED WEST JONES STUDENT. I THINK ITS HIGH TIME SOME OF THEM STOOD UP AND TOOK RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT HAPPEND. THIS EXPELLED KID DID NOT FORCE HA OR THE FOOTBALL TEAM TO ACCEPT HIM. I AM A PARENT OF A CHILD WHO WAS ALSO EXPELLED FROM WEST JONES AND WAS ACCEPTED AT HA AS A STUDENT AND FOOTBALL PLAYER SO THIS IS NOT THE 1ST TIME HA HAS TAKEN AN EXPELLED STUDENT. EITHER THE PEOPLE IN "CHARGE" AT HA DONT KNOW THE RULES OR DIDNT CARE, EITHER WAY IT IS NOT THIS EXPELLED STUDENTS FAULT HA WAS PUT OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS. AS FOR HIS PARENTS MAKING HIM TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS ACTIONS IT MY UNDERSTANDING HE IS DOING SO THROUGH THE JONES COUNTY JUVENILE SYSTEM. I CANT BLAME THIS PARENT FOR NOT WANTING HER CHILD TO SPEND HIS ENTIRE SR YEAR AT THE ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL. HIS PARENTS MADE A DECISION TO SEND HIM TO HA INSTEAD IT WAS HEIDELBERG ACA RESPONSIBILITY TO SO "NO". WHAT ABOUT THE 8 KIDS KICKED OFF THE HA TEAM FOR FAILING DRUG TEST???? NO HOOPLA ABOUT THAT BUT THIS POOR KIDS BEEN PUT THROUGH HELL FOR SOMETHING HE HAD NO CONTROL OVER.

Submitted By: Daily Observer	Submitted: 11/15/2011
Now that the election is over, I thought the mud slinging was over. But from the comments below, I don't guess that is the case. The last time I looked, this was America. That would be the country where you can vote for anyone you choose without fear of reprisal or without being called an idiot or loser, How childish! I would also like to say you do not have to use filthy language to get your point across! And this coming from a so called teacher?? Do you not realize that parents, grandparents, our children and your sheriff read this open forum? Do you not care? Why are you so angry and hostile? You should be happy, you think you have won and you have, but there is a price we will all have to pay for that win. One last thought to "Hodge Supporter" (and the S in Supporter is capitalized because that is the Submitted By: name) did you not know that the sheriff is not the sheriff of the city of Laurel? They have their own police department. He is the sheriff of the county of Jones, thats all, not both although he wishes he was. Perhaps you should not worry so much about the sheriff's election, especially since its over, and concentrate more on not being ugly and being a better teacher, after all, you taught Alex Hodges son at South Jones and you looked into his heart and you know for a FACT that he is a christian!! Gosh, you are soooooo smart, must be all that education that slipped through your fingers. Hey, wanted to ask. Did you see the picture of your sheriff and another man on the front page of the Review? Was he really crying or what? Man, that is a strange picture !!!

Submitted By: Rachel	Submitted: 11/15/2011
Just out of curiosity, what exactly do you want from your local library? Are access to thousands of books, children's programs several days a week, a generous selection of newspapers and magazines, several sitting areas in which to read in peace, and a dozen or more computers with free Internet access not enough? Please, please tell me what else you need?

Submitted By: Library Issues	Submitted: 11/15/2011
Ok, I will admit I may have jumped the gun on a few things. However, most of these statements came from people involved with the library, so apparently there is an issue somewhere. I do think there are some things that need to be looked into into at the library. However, I will admit that I should have made sure all of these statements were true before I said anything. I do apologize for that. I am not trying to start a war, I just think I, as well as a lot of other citizens have some valid concerns.

Submitted By: library supporter	Submitted: 11/15/2011
The library has such a high turnover rate because pay starts at minimum wage but the job is demanding. According to what I hear the library continues to have budget cuts therefore does not have the money to pay these employees anymore. You have to pass a series of tests to even get to an interview and those that usually pass have degrees and/or high levels of education. Those hired move on to better paying jobs when the opputunity arises. Funny that you mention the thing about 90% of the time a manager not being there because I see them there all the time. As for the credit card, the library is submitted to an audit every year. It is required to have paperwork and receipts for all purchases so i wouldn't worry about mispending. The people who have credit cards use them for purchasing books, materials, decorations and food for events, paying bills and ordering other equipment or whatever the library needs. So i dont really see what the problem is.

Submitted By: Library Issues	Submitted: 11/15/2011
I think it's about time someone stepped in and did something about the Laurel Library and its so called "management". There have been several comments made over the past few months about the director and children's librarian at the library. 90% of the time, you cannot find a manager at the library, you have better luck if you try some of the downtown restaurants or Wal-Mart. By the way, is it legal for the managers to have a credit card for personal use through the library? Who is actually paying for these purchases? I also find it interesting that everytime you go to the library the staff has changed. Just when you get to know a worker, they are suddenly gone. A high number of employees have left the library over the last few years and yet no one has questioned why? It is time that we started asking some questions and getting some answers. I for one would like to know why some of this stuff is allowed to go on and why the library director is still there when there is such a large turnover rate. Obviously there is a problem somehere.

Submitted By: She wants her what kissed	Submitted: 11/13/2011
the ex west jones player aka heidelberg academy mom needing her ass kissed should stop and think it seems someone has already kissed her ass enough, why would a school take a boy that had been expelled and break all the rules for him , whats the rest of the story

Submitted By: Marty the Martian	Submitted: 11/11/2011
I plan to vote for Mike Hunt for constable in the district 23 race next november.

Submitted By: ME TOO	Submitted: 11/10/2011
Congratulations to Alex Hodge!!! I never thought anyone else would be him. He is the best sheriff we have ever had. I am an educator too. I'm sure I have made some writing errors, but I didn't realize people were getting graded on the forum. HAAAAAAA. I wish him the best of luck. We all have to realize that there are a few idiots that voted for the other side. Well, they are now known as LOOOOOOSERSSSSSSS.

Submitted By: Donkey Kong	Submitted: 11/10/2011
Amen!!! You are just pissed because your man didn't get sheriff. well, you might as well go light up another cigarette and watch the sports channel because he ain't gona ever get it again. People in Laurel have more mind than that!! You also need to quit worrying about people's writing and errors. Your error was you just voted for the wrong dude!! Well, ________ happens. Maybe you need to purchase that car tag. I think you know what that means. LOLOLOLOLOL

Submitted By: Supporter	Submitted: 11/10/2011
The person that made the comment about the teacher teaching English, please do not capitalize supporter. It is suppose to be lower case. You need to work on your own writing skills, and not worry the hell about somebody else. That is a fine example of a dumb_____. By the way, she is right, it is none of your business what she teaches, when she teaches, etc.

Submitted By: English Teacher?	Submitted: 11/10/2011
So what smart ass if I was an English teacher. You can't find any mistakes! You aren't educated enough to edit. By the way, you probably don't know what the word "edit" means. Look it up if you know how to use a dictionary. By the way, this isn't about my education, it is about sheriff. You are just mad your man didn't win. Oh well, that's life! Get over it. By the way, don't worry about what kind of teacher I am. It really isn't your ____ business!!!!

Submitted By: Suthern English.	Submitted: 11/10/2011
Well the people of Jones county have spoken again.14,000 + voted for 4 more years of lies,deception and whatever else that might come up.Yhose folks do not give a crap about Jones county.Same old 5 supervisors back in office again.Bets are now being placed that in less than 4 years this county will be BUSTED. I am just so glad that God is in charge of both the Good and BAD.

Submitted By: Marty The Martian	Submitted: 11/10/2011
I am an Astronaut. I look at stars. I travel through space to find different planets. I landed here on Earth in Laurel Mississippi the other day. I got to say I love your town! I have already visited many of your historical landmarks. Now I plan to continue my mission and meet your finest ladies in town. I need to take them with me on my spaceship for experiments. Thank You!

Submitted By: joepa	Submitted: 11/10/2011
Been a while since I posted. Been kind of busy. But now that I've been fired, I should have a bit more time to comment on things. BTW, I have a lot of PSU shower curtains I need to sell, since I don't have a job anymore. Hit me up. (Not you, Sandusky.)

Submitted By: Sparky Griswald	Submitted: 11/10/2011
Well Hodge Supporter, I sincerely hope you were not an English teacher.

Submitted By: Hodge Supporter	Submitted: 11/9/2011
Congratulations to Alex Hodge again!!! The people has proven that he has done an excellent job and will continue this job for our city. I taught Mr. Hodge's son at South Jones, and I know for a fact he is a Christian and family man . You can sit down and shut up now that the election is over. People are tired of your stupid remarks. I'm proud we have a sheriff that will get the drug dealers off the streets and rapists. You should feel the same way!!!!!

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/8/2011
As of 12:00 noon, a record tuned out has already happened.

Submitted By: Jerry Sandusky	Submitted: 11/8/2011
What are you guys going to find to complaina bout after the elections? I am gonna go jump in the shower, talk to you later.

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 11/8/2011
Hey "Look Around", don't want to give an answer to "Disgusted" regarding their comments, do you? How many more of these incidents have occured that we don't know about in the county? Oh but Sheriff Hodge is an "excellent sheriff" right? WRONG........... Here is some of your PROOF you have been asking for!!!!!!!! Alex Hodge is an arrogant, lying hypercrite......and when he loses, it may not be today, but he will one day, he will have to answer to these lies. As far as you "Look Around", you're nothing but a "smart a**, a Hodge lakey. What does he do every morning, rub the top of your head? LOL I can't wait to see the results of the race either. You must be pretty worried for all the mud you have slung around.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 11/8/2011
I was getting sick and tired of all the mudslinging that has gone on about Alex Hodge but like Suthern English said, where there is smoke, there is fire. Based on what I have seen on this forum and my own observations of Alex Hodge, I have changed my mind and am going to vote for Larry Dykes.

Submitted By: Look Around	Submitted: 11/8/2011
Here's a prediction for ya'...Hodge 64% / Dykes 36%...politically speaking, that's a "shut up" and move on number. Others are calling it 75/25...can't wait to see.

Submitted By: Disgusted	Submitted: 11/8/2011
I’ve always been taught to protect those people who could not protect themselves, especially the elderly and children. As I recall, that is also stated in the Bible. Unfortunately, Sheriff Alex Hodge apparently has a different view, even though he claims to be the perfect Christian. An elderly gentleman’s house in our community was broken into not once but three times within four months. The first time it was obvious considering a door was severely damaged. The second time it was believed the person(s) entered the home while he was napping. The third time the lock was torn out of the door. There was money, medicine, and guns stolen. His guard dog was even shot and killed. Each time the Sheriff’s was notified. The gentleman was told repeatedly that an investigator/officer would be out to speak with him. No one ever showed up or called. The gentleman was given a phone number to contact Alex Hodge, personally. Sheriff Hodge answered the call, apologized and assured him that he would have an officer to property before lunch. Well, you guessed it; he’s still waiting for an officer nearly a year later. If you aren’t willing to protect the elderly, can we trust you to protect our children or anyone else?

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/7/2011
This is in reference to Look Around and his stupid statement earlier in the day about the win that is not going to happen. You must have your blinder's on or your head some where else to make a stupid statement like that.Your sheriff, not mine is a two-face,lying,back-stabbing sucker. He did his very best to try and turn a young man against his own father with his bald-faced lies. I know of this personally, because the young man was my son.Alex Hodge reminds me of Antiochus Epiphanes in Daniel chapter 11. He was a a contemptible person. This king is also known as the "little horn" mentioned in Revelation.Daniel chapter 11 vs.36 say's And the king shall do accordingly to his will: and magnify himself above every god,and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till indignation be accomplished:for that that is determined shall be done. When men choose their own rulers and leaders, what kind of man do they choose? We have chosen leaders over our county,state,and nation that are such sorry leaders in the world today.When you vote tomorrow,vote for the best man or woman for the job.Please let the Lord lead you in your choice.And vote your heart,not your head. Remember, where there is smoke,there has got to be a little fire.

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 11/7/2011
I have a question for Steve, Bubba, Alex, whatever you are today. This is actually for everyone out there. Do you'll know what a narcissist is? According to Websters Dictionary the definition is: "Excessive self-admiration or self-love". Alex Hodge is a classic example of a narcissist! I have never seen anyone that loves himself as much as he does. He loves the power he has as sheriff, not to serve Jones County citizens,not to help Jones County, but to use his authority to do as he pleases. You keep asking for PROOF of some of the accusations against you.People are intimidated to come forward and use their names because they know you will do everything you can as Sheriff to intimidate and/or cause problems for them or their family. Also, I commend Mr.Dykes on not stooping to your level to sling mud everywhere. There is plenty of mud to sling on you Sir, but again, people are afaid you will retaliate as you have done to others that went against you. That little "threat" about the black helicopter and federal agents coming for the Williams and "Just a Few Facts", was really pretty scary to think you would stoop that low. That would not make you "an excellent sheriff" as your paid friend stated, just like you are a part time christian, using it whenever you can hide behind it. And you may win the election tomorrow, I hope not, I pray not, like Mr. Williams stated "you deserted the voters that put you in office four years ago by switching to the Republican party to get their money for your campaign, good people you need to show your appreciation by voting him out of office"! He will have to become accountable one day, to the citizens of Jones County and himself, LOL, I will be waiting for that day! PLEASE GO VOTE FOR LARRY DYKES!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Look Around	Submitted: 11/7/2011
Let me explain to all interested why Alex Hodge is going to win BIG tomorrow. It has to do with that pesky crime thing. The management of criminal activity under the Hodge administration has been excellent. Communities such as the greater Ovett area have been changed fundamentally. Many others areas have also. Thugs are actually moving AWAY from Jones County because the conditions aren't good for "business". Mr. Dykes was a good sheriff. Mr. Hodge has been an excellent sheriff. You will find that electorate is well satisfied and will give Sheriff Hodge another term with a resounding vote in his favor.

Submitted By: Just A Few Facts	Submitted: 11/7/2011
First off Mr White, Mr Davis or Mr Hodge since you seem to refer to yourself in first person, let me clarify one thing. I DID not have a holier than thou attitude. I simply stated a fact that Sheriff Hodge stated in the paper that he only hired Godly people to work for him. And I said I would not waste anyone's time debating that fact. And again I will not. Another thing, all that I stated can be easily proven if you would pick up the phone and ask Sheriff Hodge himself if he did put a woman that had worked 20 + years at the Sheriff's Office in a closet and told her that was her office. Ask him if he refused to escort the funeral of the former Captain of the Jones County Jail. Ask him if he refused to assist the Officer out in the County to solve one of his cases that he didn't have time to work on. Ask him if he stepped foot in the Sheriff's Office after his election and met with any of the employees there at the office. I assure you that all of these are facts. Plus there are a whole lot more that can be verified as well if you can get him to return your call. First off if you go to see him you have to go through a locked door and two secretaries before you can ever get to him and that is if they actually let you through. Ok...call him. Well there again, you have to go through somebody answering the phone and transferring you umpteen times and again going through two secretaries before you can get to him, unless you get the infamous voice mail first. Finally, how dare you attack Mr and Mrs Williams on their spirituality. Only God knows that and I can assure you the Williams and God have a great relationship. Remember Judge Not Lest You Be Judged!!! Mr Davis, Mr White or Sheriff Hodge remember to have a nice day!! God Bless!!

Submitted By: Internegator	Submitted: 11/6/2011
If Hodge only hires godly people, he is in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/5/2011
To Bubba or Alex,whichever you claim to be.(Personally I think that you are Alex Hodge.)I underatand that Dumb and Dummer has joined your fine team. You are so stupid that you think that Suthern English is Johnny Poole. I have great news for you,HE IS NOT.I have sat right across from you in your office and heard you LIE thru your teeth.And Bubba or Alex, you do not have a clue who I am,but I know who you are.You tried to screw over the National Guard Armory when your company Be Clean was hired to pump out a system for them.You thought that you could charge them an outrageous price and they would pay it.But you have lost a lot of business over that..One day I will stand toe to toe and nose to nose with you and you will not like what happens. I do pray for you Alex and or Bubba because you need it as we all do.You think that you are fooling God,but He knows you from the inside out and the outside in,so do not try and fool Him.Besides you are doing a LOUSY job of it already.Remember God knew you before you were ever in your mother's womb.You can't run or hide from Him.And one more thing,you cannot be a deacon and preacher at the same time.So what are you? God already knows.DO YOU?

Submitted By: Erma D. Williams	Submitted: 11/5/2011
The word you heard on "Erma" was a lie. The Ex-Chief Deputy told me and the other "older" lady that our jobs were being phased out. Not that I have to verify this, but Alex Hodge and his Ex-Chief Deputy, and I don't know how many others, are and were aware of this. So believe what you choose. I have the proof - you have nothing but a lie. Sorry---

Submitted By: comment on Erma Williams	Submitted: 11/5/2011
The word I heard on Erma was she was released because technology caught up with her. She was responsible for entering cases into the computer. Word is when the stack got to high for her to keep up she would throw some away so information never got entered and was lost. That is why she was released.

Submitted By: Thomas Williams	Submitted: 11/5/2011
To "Bubba Davis"? My word is my PROOF. Tyrone Stewart is appointed by the Mayor, Federal Officers are paid employees of the Federal Government. State police officers, 'Highway Patrol" and others are employees of the State and work at the pleasure of the Commissioner of the Highway Patrol who is "appointed" by the Governor, just as all of the employees of the local Sheriff Departments. Sheriff Hodge was elected by the "PEOPLE" of Jones County and there should be "NO" barrier seperating the two of them, especially with as many guns, bullet proof vest, tazers, and other hardware as well as Officers sitting on their rear ends that's always there. If an officer is "scared" that they may get hurt then they're in the wrong profession.And one final point Sheriff, oops, "Bubba" The Sheriff's office is not a business. It's a service to the people of Jones County and they deserve a "FULL TIME" 24 an hour 7 day a week Sheriff of which they don't have now. Be a man and "PROVE" who you really are. Have a good day. Thomas Williams

Submitted By: Bubba Davis	Submitted: 11/5/2011
First lets start off with Suthern English: 1. Please provide proof of your allegations. Never any PROOF from you and your fellow critics. You rant and rave and never provide any PROOF of anything that you say. 2, Since you are a convicted felon having gotten caught growing marijuana and stealing timber from 16th section school land thereby depriving our children of an adequate education, you are in no position to be critical of anyone in law enforcement. 3. I promise you I'm real, and published my name unlike your "Suthern English"....at least you come make up something more entertaining than that. Secondly, to the Williams duo: 1) Please provide PROOF of your allegations. You rattle on like a broken record and just like your buddy Suthern English never provide any PROOF of anything. 2. As to my standing with God, I'm a Christian and as such don't have any need to explain my salvation status to either of you. I did do some research on you however and understand that you don't attend church very often to fellowship with the saints. Perhaps you should not miss any more sermons. 3. To "Just a Few Facts" - now that's a hilarious name considering your holier than thou attitude "I won't even waste my time or your time explaining how I am definitely more Godly than he will ever be". Wow, what a statement to start your argument with. You should definitely spend more time in a bible teaching and preaching church with that attitude. What gives you the right and any foresight to question the heart of anyone? 2. Okay, you spout on about all these allegations just like the Williams duo. How about naming names and providing PROOF of your allegations. Again, you and your lackies never provide any PROOF of anything to back up your claims. It's getting so tiring having to read all of your rambling posts when you can't even make a good argument backed up by PROOF. 3. The Infamous Door at the Sheriff's Department. Have you ever been to the Laurel Police Department? Guess what they have just inside the lobby where you enter? Wow, you guessed it. A locked door with electronic access controlled by a receptionist behind bulletproof glass. So the Sheriff puts up a door just inside the lobby at the Sheriff's Department to provide for the safety of employees and security of the building and you go ballistic? Do you just want people wandering around the Sheriff's Department when critical investigations are going on and evidence is being analyzed to solve a crime? You ever been to the courthouse? Notice the metal detectors? Been to any federal law enforcement or state law enforcement facilities? They have doors to prevent anyone from just walking in off the street and becoming a security problem. Your argument on "the door" is moronic at best. 4. If you want to walk in and sit down and drink coffee with the Sheriff and expect him to be waiting on you 24 hours a day in his office, then you are likely to be disappointed. Do you really want a Sheriff that sits in his office waiting for people to stop by and drink coffee? NO!!! That's what happened in the past and why we didn't have adequate law enforcement under Sheriff T. Larry Dykes. Too much time spent in the office and not enought time spent out in the county preventing and solving crimes. As for the supposed "lack of coooperation" among law enforcement agencies, why don't you check with local, state and federal agencies (besides Laurel PD where Chief Tyrone Stewart is working in concert with T. Larry Dykes to become the next Sheriff after the upcoming term) and you will find that the working relationship is excellent and better than at any time in the history of the Sheriff's Department. "Just a Few Facts" should change his/her "name" to "Just a Few Delusions Among Friends". Don't worry, the black helicopters and black suited federal agents that you and the Williams imagine are not coming for you anytime.....soon that is. LOL have fun and everyone be sure to go vote for ALEX HODGE for Sheriff on Tuesday, November 8th. Keep Jones County moving forward, let's don't go in reverse!

Submitted By: Just a Few Facts	Submitted: 11/4/2011
First of all I want to address Sheriff Hodge's holier than thou comment about how he only employed people that were Godly at HIS office, implying that the 30 or so people that he let go when he took over office were less than Godly. I beg to differ. I won't even waste my time or your time explaining how I am definitely more Godly than he ever will be. And also remember, we are not to judge according to God. He needs to remember that. With that being said, let me get to some facts. The Review did print the article where Sheriff Hodge has refused to cooperate with any of the surrounding jurisdictions in Jones County. The result has had a devestating effect on all of us as taxpayers. Example, a local law enforcement agency was approached by a victim and asked to help with their case as they were told that the Sheriff's Office did not have time to work on their case. This law enforcement agency agreed since it did involve a crime that had occurred in their jurisdiciton. The case was solved and an arrest was made in less than a day. However, when this agency asked for the assistance of the Sheriff's Office, they were denied by the Sheriff himself. Remember that this was a County case, so not only did they not have the time to work on the case, they did not want to take the time to help solve the case. Another fact, the Sheriff moved an Employee that had worked at the Office for many years into a closet for an office. And I mean an actual equipment storage closet. No ventilation. No nothing. All in an effort to get her to quit. All to no avail. He let her go along with another employee that had worked there for several years. Also, this closed door policy is ridiculous. Past administrations you could walk into the Sheriff's Office and sit down and drink a cup of coffee or even eat lunch with the Sheriff. Doesn't happen now. Why would I need to make an appointment to see the man that is supposed to be representing Jones County? I am a taxpayer. Am I not good enough to sit down and talk to the Sheriff? Another fact, as much anomosity as there was between Sheriff Hooks and Sheriff Dykes, when Sheriff Hooks unfortunately passed away,Sheriff Dykes asked several of his Deputies to go be with Mrs Hooks and offer any and all assistance from him and the Department. However, when a previous Captain of the Jones County Jail recently passed away, Sheriff Hodge refused to allow the Sheriff's Office to escort her funeral. The Laurel Police Department stepped up to do the job. Well done. Another fact, when Larry Dykes took over as Sheriff he came up to the Sheriff's Office and met with every employee personally. Met with them and asked about their job and sat down and really talked to them. When Sheriff Hodge took over, he refused to come to the Office. He never stepped foot into the office until January 7th. He never met with any of the employees. He had this Panel of people to meet with them. And then sent a LETTER notifying the employee if they did not have a job. Again, hear what I am saying. He NEVER met with the employees in person. Not even with them upon notification that they were no longer employed. Fact, the previous Sheriffs of Jones County repeatedly asked the Board of Supervisors for extra money in the budget to hire extra deputies. Repeatedly they were denied. Not the Sheriffs faults that the Board would not approve a budget increase. Another fact, Sheriff Hodge seems to want to take all of the credit for the capture of the serial rapist. I beg to differ again. For those of you who don't know, the investigation was initiated under the past administration with all of the clues collected and submitted prior to Sheriff Hodge taking over. All leg work was done by other agencies...LPD, MHP and the Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Hodge just had the privilege to be in office when the capture took place. So he should have given credit where credit is due. Also, let me address these facebook accounts. First of all Jackie Lamar John, whoever he may be, has asked some very interesting questions that I feel need to be answered. If it offended anybody, all I can say is guilty conscious. But I can say on his site, I do not see anywhere where he has threatened anybody. On the other hand, there seems to be several incidences where Hodge supported are actively threatening people. I must say that it speaks volumes of what kind of people they are and if Sheriff Hodge is such a Christian, I would feel that we would tell these people to cease. However, that hasn't seemed to happen. It still continues. I am not saying that Larry Dykes is perfect, however, there is some kind of concensus that Sheriff Hodge is just that. I hope that some of these facts that I have presented today make some people question because we are the taxpayers of Jones County. This is not HIS county. This is OUR county. Also, I know that he is saying that he has so many more deputies than previous administrations, however, he does not say how many sworn officers that he has staying in the office and not patrolling. These officers pull full deputy pay however they are all assigned desk jobs. Not patrol jobs. Also, I know that many of these facts that I have presented do not pertain to the business side of the Sheriff's Office, but they sure do speak volumes about the character. Finally, I do have to say this. I have a five year old who does not have any idea about politics or elections. However, he asked me a very interesting question going down the road the other day. He asked me who the man was on that billboard. I told him Alex Hodge. Out of the mouth of babes, he told me that Alex Hodge must sure like himself a lot because he wants his picture all over the place. I think that speaks volumes.

Submitted By: Erma Williams	Submitted: 11/4/2011
Well, hello there "Bubba Davis". Thank you for responding to my comments. This definitely sounds like a fictious name that you've used. I used my real name because I'm proud of it and don't have to hide who I am. You're entitled to support Alex Hodge if you want to - I'm supporting Larry Dykes. I am a Christian! Are you? You don't sound like it. I'm not going to waste anymore of my time answering someone who gave a madeup name. So live with yourself and "try to be proud". I'm sure there are a lot of people feeding you "junk". I don't have to defend myself. So have a nice day if you can!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 11/4/2011
Hey Mark Thornton We need to know why SCRMC is paying AAA to bill out and dispatch our ambulances. Its hard to believe that Jones County has to pay someone else to do work that people of this county can do. Jones County ownes SCRMC and we are paying other people in another county to do a job our people can do. Now AAA"s office has burned and now Jones County has been ask to dispatch EMSERV. We need to know what SCRMC is trying to hide by having all this work done in another county. And also if SCRMC is paying AAA to dispatch are they going to pay Jones County the same. Do some investigating on this. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Thomas Williams	Submitted: 11/4/2011
Unlike Bubba Davis, I am Man enough to put my name behind what I have to say and I don't have to hide in the dark like some kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Man up or just shut up. Thomas Williams

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/4/2011
Bubba Davis, that name sounds about as phony as a three dollar bill. Probably as phony as you are. You think that you know the present sheriff, you don't know nothing.Unless you have had a personal dealings with him, you need to shut your mouth. I have had several personal dealings with him. He is has phony as you are.He almost turned a very dear friend against me with all of his lies. He is a lying,back-stabbing two-faced sucker.So if you have never had any person dealings with him,SHUT UP.

Submitted By: Bubba Davis	Submitted: 11/3/2011
Mrs. Williams - Aren't you the same Erma Williams that was so relieved and told all of your fellow employees that you were glad Sheriff Alex Hodge was elected and that now there was a Godly man in office unlike T. Larry Dykes who you worked under for eight years? Sounds like you are just a disgruntled former employee with an axe to grind. As for all of you and your husband's accusations, please provide PROOF. You, Jackie Lamar John, Johnny Pool, T. Larry Dykes and all of his lackies have a sickening tendancy to make wild accusations on the Internet yet NEVER provide any proof. Plus, even more sickening is the fact that you profess to be Christians yet slander another fellow Christian in public Internet forums. What a sad witness that is for the Kingdom of God. You just said below "We need to be careful how we talk about someone's character". Then sister you need to practice what you preach!!!! I also judge people by their fruits and Sheriff Alex Hodge is the best Sheriff we've ever had!!! Too bad your vision is so clouded with the desire to tear a good man down that you can't see the huge accomplishments made under Alex Hodge's leadership. Go vote for whomever you please dear lady, but as for me I'M VOTING FOR ALEX HODGE FOR SHERIFF!!!

Submitted By: concerned parent	Submitted: 11/3/2011
The student at West Jones that was sent to the alternative school did NOT pay for his actions as his mom stated. They did not make him suffer the consequences for his actions and until they do he will not learn to follow the rules. He is probably a good kid but they have to learn there are consequences for their actions. Sometimes it is the hardest thing to do and you hurt more than they do but that is part of life. I just hate it for the other kids at HA

Submitted By: Erma D. Williams	Submitted: 11/3/2011
Who said anything about voting for Obama for President? This is a local Sheriff's race and has nothing to do with Obama. You must be desperate for something to say in regard to the SUBJECT. In answer to the comments about Dykes' lifestyle - girlfriend, etc. well where have you been? Since Alex has been in office, I have heard all kinds of things said about him including girlfriend(s. We all need to be careful how we talk about someone's character. Personally, I have no confidence in Alex Hodge, ordained minister or otherwise. I judge a person by their fruits.

Submitted By: Thomas Williams	Submitted: 11/3/2011
Switch parties must have a problem understanding. I never said that I am a democrat or republican. In fact I never mentioned Obama or Obamacare, Just the facts about the local Sheriff election in Jones County. It's a fact that the Democrat Voters put Alex Hodge in office, and if they are happy with his party switching, then they can put him back in for another term. PS, we're not voting for Obama, that's next year. Thomas Williams

Submitted By: switch of parties	Submitted: 11/3/2011
I think for the most part Thomas Williams that candidates are switching from democratic to republican because they do not want to line up with the policies of Obama. You must be happy with Obama if you are staying democrat. So go ahead and support your socialist president if you choose but most will not support Obamacare and the socialist agenda Obama has brought to the democratic party.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 11/3/2011
You all really surprise me, that you would have a over the hill,don't know what year it is racist person like Harvey Warren writing a column for your paper.The black americans have come a long way since the 60's and 70's and 80's.Harvey Warren still lives in the past and he is trying to keep those black american's in the past with him.Shame, Shame, and SHAME.

Submitted By: Response to Thomas Williams	Submitted: 11/3/2011
Since you kindly pointed out some character issues of Alex hodge let's look at a few character flaws of Larry Dykes. 1) Drunk and abused wife on numerous occasions where deputies had to come to his house to settle and later cover up. Just ask some of the truthful deputies he had at the time and they will tell you. 2) Had a girlfriend of whom he was having an affair while sheriff working at the jail. 3) Was known to have more than one girlfriend while married while he was sheriff. 4) Wrecked county vehicles that were related to drinking. So be very careful when you talk about character Mr. Williams. Larry Dykes has never had any of that. The column in the paper today by Mr. Warren tells you exactly how Larry Dykes operates.

Submitted By: The True Dykes	Submitted: 11/3/2011
If you want to know about character don't forget to read Harvey Warren's column today where it concerns Dykes. Dykes has never been a man of his word at any time. He is a drunk, wifebeating, liar. I commend Mr. Warren's column. Be careful of what Dykes says he is two faced and a backstabber.

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 11/3/2011
I completely agree with all you had to say 100%!! If only more people would (could with out fear of retaliation) step up and tell the truth as to Alex Hodge's character, maybe he could not get back into office again to put us even more in debt. But you know what Alex? What goes around comes around. If I were you, I would be scared to death to stand behind a pulpit!!!

Submitted By: Thomas Williams	Submitted: 11/3/2011
After reading the latest addition of the Review on Thursday I feel it’s time to get the true facts out concerning the November 8 Sheriff ‘s election. I realize that during a campaign for any office by any individual many campaign promises are made as to what that individual will do for the people if elected. We also know that most of those promises are soon forgotten if the individual happens to get elected. Having kept a close watch on the present Sheriff’s race in print as well as what I have been told, what has been on Facebook and twitter, I feel it’s time before the election to get some REAL truth and not just hearsay out so that the voters can make up their own mind as to which Candidate will be the best choice. What you read here is what the present Sheriff personally told me in my own home just about this time before the last election four years ago. Sheriff Alex Hodge promised that if elected Sheriff ALL of his employees would be of the highest PERSONAL and PROFESSIONAL CHARACTER. That promise went out the door soon after he took office since one person on his staff was on his fifth marriage and several other officers have been divorced and re-married or had live in’s more than once. That was a promise broken. Sheriff Hodge also promised me that he would remove himself from the operations of his personal business, “BE_CLEAN”, We all know that promise was broken since up until a couple of months ago Hodge was on TV advertising for BE CLEAN and it was pointed out in Last week’s Review that he also worked on the coast with his company in the BG oil cleanup. That promise was not kept as well. Sheriff Hodge also promised that his door would always be open to all and that he would be available at all times. That promise was not kept and you know it’s so if you have tried to contact him personally or have been to the Sheriff’s office and seen the new door that’s blocking his office from the public. That promise has not been kept as well. Sheriff Hodge also promised that his office would be would be cost efficient for the people of Jones County. Well we the taxpayers furnished a Deputy and his salary, a Jones County Sheriffs pickup truck, the fuel, upkeep on the truck for the Deputy to drop off and pick up his grandchild at LCS five days a week for the last few years, who paid for it? “YOU DID” Efficient? I don’t think so. My wife worked at the Jones County Sheriff’s Office for twenty six years along with another lady with almost as long. They both worked for Maurice Hooks, Larry Dykes, as well as for Sheriff Alex Hodge. Neither of these ladies ever had a negative mark against them for all of these years and they both loved their jobs serving the people of Jones County and surrounding agencies. But about two years ago Sheriff Alex Hodge decided that their jobs would be phased out and their services were no longer needed. These ladies were the two oldest employees in the department and all of that was a sleazy way of saying, “you’re too old to work here anymore.” That’s the CHRISTIAN way of running a public office? I don’t think so. I’m not in a position to question Alex Hodge’s spiritual standing with God, that’s between the two of them, but I do know that a piece of paper doesn’t make a preacher or a Christian. And I do know that the Bible says that you will know them by their fruit, not by their works. It’s my belief that for one to be a full time public servant of the people one must be willing to wear only ONE HAT with ONE responsibility, and that being to the people that elected them to the office. Sheriff Hodge says that he stands on his record. Well his record has been to spend, spend and spend. He has sunk the taxpayers of Jones County into debt for years to come and still brags about the amount of GRANTS that they get. Well folks who do yoy think is paying for all of those grants, WE ARE. And finally, Sheriff Hodge believes his faith fuels most of his criticism, that the world is always looking for a professed Christian to fall, that he is doing the job the way God wants him to and hiring people he’s led his way to create, a staff of HIGH-CALIBER, GODLY people. If the people mentioned above are his description of HIGH CALIBER then he’s your man. One final note - Sheriff Alex Hodge deserted the voters that put him in office four years ago and switched to the Republicans this year. You need to show your appreciation by voting him out this year.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 11/2/2011
To: At ???????? What are you talking about? The last time I looked Louisiana State University and Bama Who??? was between the great state of Mississippi and Honey, you can't get any further South than that!! Bless your heart! Anyway, LSU is going to kick them north of the Mason Dixie Line!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: At ????????	Submitted: 11/2/2011
YOU MUST NOT BE FROM THE SOUTHERN STATES!!!!!!

Submitted By: Tiger Mania	Submitted: 11/2/2011
Forget all the complaining for one day and just know LSU gonna roll over that tide Saturday....GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!! Bama who??

Submitted By: ?????	Submitted: 11/2/2011
Who is Tyrone Stewart??

Submitted By: To Samuel	Submitted: 11/1/2011
Samuel , I do agree with you. Those people that talk the talk but don't walk the walk are people everyone is aware of. These kind of people are everywhere. Those people that are intelligent and don't get praised are the ones that makes a difference in people's lives. I have seen these type of people too. Just pray for them and you will see the people whom are truly respected.

Submitted By: Samuel	Submitted: 11/1/2011
Isn't it amazing how good people are the ones that never get the respect for jobs well done. The ones that get respect are the hypocrites that talk to talk but don't walk the walk. One thing I have noticed is that if the ones that are not respected get into an environment with qualified, professional people , they are respected. That tells me that the people that are dumped on are the ones God takes care of and they end up on top. Think about it.

Submitted By: Local Man	Submitted: 11/1/2011
The four council people want to keep the Family First grant within the City's control so that cronies of theirs can keep jobs that pay far more than these people are worth. Also, they want to replace the person administering the grant with on of their friends. This job pays over 50,000. They have no problem exposing the city to liabilties that otherwise would not be incurred by having people in six other counties on a routine basis. Doesn't matter that the city receives a small percentage of the actual services but shoulders all the responsibilty.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 11/1/2011
I don"t know why the hospital can"t be on the county insurance. It would be better on the county to SELL that white elephant and start collecting taxes on it. All it does is provide Steve E. a way back and forth to Soso twiced a day.

Submitted By: Like to Know	Submitted: 11/1/2011
Does anyone know what is going on with the four super counci people who are attempting to override the veto of the mayor on the Happy Marriage grant that the mayor chose not to pursue again? It seems that four council members want to keep this going no matter what the consequences. Would really like to know the details. Could someone ask?

Submitted By: Hello Laurel	Submitted: 11/1/2011
I would love to know if the City Really is going to build a $300,000 concession stand at the sportsplex and saddle the taxpayers with this tremendous tax burden when the DON"T have the money to purchase a new FIRETRUCK mandated by the State Rating Bureau ??? I heard they did not get the grant they were counting on ! Only 19 months till a new administration takes control at City Hall YEA!!!!!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 10/30/2011
If the county ownes SCRMC why are the employees not allowed to participate in PERS and the insurance program like other county employees. The hospital pays no taxes and ownes property all over Jones and county. Just Wondering

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 10/28/2011
Thanks for the kind words, Suthern English. I can assure you that we would never try to sabotage anyone's ad - those are our customers! You should know that our clients proofread, approve and sign off on all ads that appear in our paper.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/28/2011
I do realize that it was in a political ad for Larry Dykes.But it was printed wrong. I may be wrong,but I think that it was done on purpose to make Mr.Dykes look bad.I do like the Review News and buy it every week. It is 1000% better than thr Laurel Daily Liar.

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 10/27/2011
Thank you for pointing that out, Suthern English ... Just to clarify, that information was not reported by us, it was in an advertisement.

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/27/2011
The Jones County So does not have 221 employees. It does have 91 and 9 of them live outside the county. Please get it right Review.

Submitted By: Dykes	Submitted: 10/27/2011
What a laugh this campaign ad is today Dykes put out. Since you are throwing smuck Dykes put some about yourself. What about the calls your own deputies had to respond to when you were drunk and hitting your wife and covered up? How about those wrecks you had Dykes? Like you say their are others about you that could be said too but you get the idea. Be careful what you say about others when all you need to do is look in the mirror. That is the reason you got beat. I guess you hope everybody has forgot your wreckless ways.

Submitted By: To Concerned	Submitted: 10/27/2011
Well, first of all it depends on what type of job it is. for example: If it was working for the JCSD, yes, you would lose your job. There has been several incidents where the leader of JC schools new that illegal actions were taken place, and all he did is told people that the problem would be taken care of and it never was. The bad guy always comes out on top. If it is another situation, you might could go to the head people and confide in them. Most jobs are reasonable and professional and take care of problems in a professional way. Hope I helped you. Again, if it is dealing with JCSD and most of the forum complains about, you don't have a dead man's chance . Sorry.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 10/27/2011
Need some advice. What would you do if you knew your boss (and her cronies) were doing something wrong in the workplace. How could you get something done about it without losing your job?

Submitted By: Sherry	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Friends of JCSD, I think if we all just sit back and watch, we will see the big change coming for our district in January. Everyone praises how positive it will be and there will be no buddy boy system. Well, don't get too excited. People are already leaving the CO that they want to get rid of and I hear there are several other good people that will lose their jobs. I think people are tired of being told to participate in illegal assignments ! They will fall on their face. Just give it time. You can't run a district and let principals assign illegal assignments to educators and eventually not get caught!! There dirty work will come to an end. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!!!!!!

Submitted By: Boiled nuts	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Yeah, and while you eat the boiled peanuts , you better have a stiff drank. It is going to be a long 4 more years JCSD!!!!

Submitted By: Goodest?	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Goodest? Huh , that is a new word on me!!!! Well, if he is such a saint, well, I will say no more. Enough said!! Right people?

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 10/26/2011
To Curious: Now WHO do you think Steve White is? You can tell just from the way he talks. Don't know about Jackie Lamar John, but I sure do like the way he thinks when it comes to Alex Hodge!!

Submitted By: change	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Will their be any changes in the Jones County Schools since Parker has been elected? If my memory is right he was there under Thomas Prine and Thrash. So it seems to me if he has been there so long it will be just alot of the same old policies. Guess time will tell.

Submitted By: Get Real	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Let me drop a dose of reality on you (as I confirm what others on this site have already noted). The only changes that will happen at the Jones County District office will occur with voluntary retirements - if we have any. We have a elected as superintendent the ultimate insider, the "goodest" of the good ol' boys, a high-priest of staus quo. NOBODY at the county office is worried. It's all good. Somebody pass the boiled peanuts!

Submitted By: Curious	Submitted: 10/26/2011
Does anyone know the real identities of Jackie Lamar John and Steve White? One has an anti-Alex Hodge site and the other has a pro-Alex Hodge site. Both facebook sites are pretty vicious. Looks to me like Steve White may be a real person but it is pretty clear that Jackie Lamar John is fake.

Submitted By: Not the Same	Submitted: 10/26/2011
They are not from the same post because I posted one also. Everything about this person is very true. Also, several of these people that put posts on the Review must have taken English at the Alternative School.

Submitted By: County Taxpayer	Submitted: 10/26/2011
These were not all made by the same person because I made one myself. The dots were part of the post omitted because a reference was made to the minor son. An observation I made a couple of weeks ago - He went to the sidelines of the game in the second half and guess what happened after that?

Submitted By: concerned taxpayer	Submitted: 10/26/2011
These are not all from the same poster. I know because I posted one of them. Part of the post was deleted because a reference was made to his minor son and that is where some of the dots are. He did go onto the sidelines during a game a couple of weeks ago and guess what happened after that. I'll let you figure that out.

Submitted By: Grammar	Submitted: 10/26/2011
I don't think the people are worried as much about their grammar as they are just getting their points over. No, several people know about this person. You must be in his unprofessional ring !

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/26/2011
It seems to me that all of the comments about the administrator in the JCSD are coming from the same person. Take a look at the grammatical structure and the punctuation. The use of "....." and "!!!!" in several of the comments makes me believe that they are written by the same person. These are not correct uses of punctuation, but are used improperly several time. So, it appears that one person has a beef with a school administrator and is trying to make it look like several people feel the same way. I don't know if the comments are valid or not, it is just obvious to me that they are all from the same person.

Submitted By: Kiss up	Submitted: 10/25/2011
He don't have to kiss up. I saw them a while back at a school together ( new supt. and him). They were laughing and all buddy buddy. He will stay right where he is in the JCSD. He will ride around the county, grinning, and giving the good ole boy talk like the rest of them. I really don't know what they have him doing. If discipline is his job, that is a big laugh. He don't have a clue about that. I heard at one time he was involved with Special Education. That is a bigger laugh.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 10/25/2011
I'm glad to hear that they are going to post the height requirements where they will be easily seen but that still doesn't address the writers who reported seeing Mexican children under 3 feet tall being allowed to ride while at the same time forbidding others. In addition, I think the height requirement should have been posted in the newspapers. Can you imagine getting to the fair with a toddler and having to turn around and leave? I wouldn't want to be that parent.

Submitted By: Waste of money	Submitted: 10/25/2011
Mark h. Is the ex principal that everyone is talking about. It seems to me that since he tried so hard to get the principal at south elected that the new guy would realize that mark h. Is a two faced traitor and replace him! He is probably kissing up to the new guy though and Parker does not realize what he is doing behind his back!

Submitted By: SPORTS COMPLEX	Submitted: 10/25/2011
I just refuse to beleive what has just been confirmed to me !!! The BROKE City of Laurel under the direction of the City Instagator have plans to spend $300 thousand on A CONCESSION STAND at (you guessed it) the Sports Plex!!!!! WHEN is ENOUGH, ENOUGH ??This is why you are seeng the LLC write stories about the Tourism Tax and how much the facility brings in. I am SICK of this mess .We CANNOT fully staff the POLICE DEPARTMENT or several other Departments ,CANNOT purchase FIRE TRUCKS that are mandated to keep our insurance rates from increasing but we can dang sure play ball !! Something is WRONG with this folks!!! This takes customers out of our restaurants that PAY tax on the goods sold!!! We need to replace every single one of the council members that vote yes on this deal !!! SOMEBODY needs to WAKE UP in LAUREL !!!! WE CANNOT AFFORD ANYMORE RECREATION we are PLAYED OUT !!!

Submitted By: MG	Submitted: 10/25/2011
Laurel Fair Ride Height Requirements. According to Wade Shows & the owner of Wade Shows the minimum height to ride any rides is 36 inches even with an adult, even babies. I was told, by Wade Shows management @ the fair, this was due to safety regulations and that it is posted at the ride ticket booths inside the fair. The requirements are posted at the ticket booths, but they are in print smaller than the ticket/wristband prices are. The public was not given this info before hand or at the entrance to the fair so they could make an informed decision as to attend the fair or not since their child may not be able to ride any of the rides. Many families that I have talked to at the fair said they were having the same problem and if they had know about the ride height requirements they would not have even attended the fair. My friends and families that I have told this to also said they would not attend since their children will not be able to ride any of the Kiddie rides. According to the South MS Fair Commission, as of 10-24-2011 the ride height requirements have been posted at the fair admission booths. I agree with Wade Shows wanting to provide a safe ride experience, but they should have provided the ride height requirements before the fair opened and at the entrances to the fair. This way people could make an informed decision about spending their money to attend the fair and not have to be told by the ride attendant that their child can not ride after they spent their money on admission and tickets/wristbands.

Submitted By: Russell George	Submitted: 10/24/2011
This man also got in a fist fight with a referee at a west jones football game when he was principal . Now he is over discipline for jones county school district. How ironic is that? He is the one who needs the disciplinary action!!!! He has far more enemies then friends.

Submitted By: To Listening	Submitted: 10/24/2011
To respond to Listening: I hate to inform you, but it might take 4 years or longer to fix the mess from the current leader of JC, but the new leader is right along with the Buddy Boy system. In a matter of fact, he helped create a lot of the mess!! Just remember he said he couldn't make decisions. He's not going to do anything different except get different people, his buddies where he wants them to be!!!!!

Submitted By: Buddie System	Submitted: 10/24/2011
I know that this guy is buddies with the new superintendent also. That is what has been told due to someone that works there. He was talking out of both sides of his mouth. Top this one: There is also a principal in JCSD that during the end of the day takes out an ice chest and fills it with his favorite beverages!! I don't think his favorite beverage is Coke either..... The school is located in town , so it is very easy for him to get his fix!!!! This is also during work hours. What's next?

Submitted By: listening	Submitted: 10/24/2011
The person you all are speaking about is the same person who stayed at South Jones before the election with the supervising principal and another principal spending hours each day talking about the election. (Making political deals on school time!) Ask teachers at SJ ...they know!!! He wanted the principal at SJ to get elected so he stayed down there evidently every minute he wasn't at WJ. We all know why he was moved to the central office.....a pay off from the previous election. We need educators busy taking care of the education of our students. If they work and do their jobs we need to keep them and have that happen, if not, they need to be replaced with caring, working, qualified people. Administrators who stand around talking...buddy talk all day...need to be replaced...and we have plenty of that around. Let me be clear that not all administrators do that......but they make other administrators look bad. In every profession there are people who are unethical, immoral, unprofessional, and have no work ethic....we need to keep the good ones and let the others go!! Let's see what the new superintendent does..... give him the chance to do better and not prejudge him. The sad thing is that it will take 4 years, or longer, to undo the mess the current superintendent has made.

Submitted By: Juanita White	Submitted: 10/24/2011
Waste of taxpayer money is correct ...

Submitted By: Agree with Waste to Taxpayer	Submitted: 10/24/2011
I hate to tell you Buddy, but nothing is going to be done about that!!! That was a buddy deal. That person was hired on a political ring. He is buds with new one that is going in office as well. I read the same thing and I know the individual. All he does is visits the schools and gossips with the other bud principals. I can tell you one thing for sure. You won't find this kind of unprofessional leadership in anywhere but Jones County. He has one of those butt sitting jobs. What is so bad about it, the person that hired him did it for one of his buddies. There you go: Buddy Boy System. It ain't gona change.

Submitted By: Answer to Question	Submitted: 10/23/2011
I am a retired principal. Do not give a student an exam grade that they did not make. You can lose your license. Give the student what he or she made and document your decision. A principal can get in trouble for advising his staff to do this. It is also very unfair to the children! This should also be brought to the attention of the superintendent of your school district.

Submitted By: Waste of taxpayer money	Submitted: 10/23/2011
There is a school official that used to be the principal at west jones high and According to the newspaper a couple of months ago , he is getting paid over 90,000 a year. I have heard multiple people talking about this guy and how all he does is hang out at west all day harassing the football coaches ... If this is true then something needs to be done because that is a waste of taxpayer money!!!!

Submitted By: Shelly	Submitted: 10/23/2011
I know that it is clearly posted on every ride at the fair the height for the rides, but why dosen't everyone have to go by this? I witnessed a Mexican child that was definitely not tall enough on a ride and mine could not ride. I think instead of raiding Howard Industries, the US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement needs to raid the South MS Fair. Every ride was being worked by Mexicans that let their people ride but not others. I promise you that most of those workers are not legal. I know that it is Wade shows who hired them. They need to be checked also. It would be of the best interest of the people of Jones County if another company were to bring a fair in here. You can ride with a parent at the Jackson fair and should be able to do so here. The fair commission should check into getting that group to come in here. You wouldn't have so many ticked off people about this situation. If you are going to have a fair, be fair and have rides that small children can ride. They can't even ride with a parent. This is about the most immoral thing I have ever heard of. Small children don't need to go to the fair and beg to ride and be told no because they are not tall enough or not the right ethnic race. A parent should be able to ride with them. This used to be the way it was. Jackson's fair will get my money next year unless there are some changes.

Submitted By: Disappointed	Submitted: 10/23/2011
I would like to say that I was very disappointed while attending the South Mississippi Fair in Laurel. I've always attended this fair and always had a good time. It seems that all kids under the height of 36 inches cannot ride any rides. There were parents that had one that could ride and another that couldn't because one child was an inch too short. They could not even ride with a parent. If you noticed, all rides, and I mean all were being worked by Mexicans. Mexican children were able to ride, and I mean ones that were not that tall. Let's get real here. Now, they have taken over the fair. I believe next year, my money will go to the Jackson fair, where all children can ride. If you cannot let them ride the rides there, get some they can ride. They are excited about going and can't ride whenever they get there. This is wrong. I have never known a time whenever a child could not ride the merry-go-round with a parent holding them on the horse. The only one I saw on there under the specified height was a MEXICAN baby. I will not spend my time or money there again, if this does not change.

Submitted By: come try it	Submitted: 10/22/2011
This is in response to all the negative talk about the JCSD bus drivers, first off NO ONE is perfect yes we make mistakes but we are not all speeding and we are not all wreck less driving! THESE SOUND OFFS MAKE IT SOUND LIKE ALL 150 DRIVERS ARE SPEEDING. When a bus passes your house it may SOUND like it is going faster than it really is. For the record, we are the SAFEST school district in the state when it comes to transportation. All people do is downgrade bus drivers never not one time has anyone called to say we want to commend you for your hard work and dedication. I want to welcome each of you to go to the Hattiesburg DMV and get your CDL class B with P and S endorsments and come apply for a driving position. I heard they are always looking for drivers.

Submitted By: to Question	Submitted: 10/22/2011
To Question : Don't give a student a grade if they did not make it. What kind of idiot would ask a teacher to do that? Never mind . That was a stupid question.

Submitted By: Football Fan	Submitted: 10/22/2011
I appreciate the efforts of all LHS football players and coaches and commend them on agreat season so far. But in response to the post by Disappointed in LHS coaches I must say you dhould have attended ALL the games this season before making your judgement call against the coaches concerning #11. Football IS a team sport and maybe it;s not ALL ABOUT #11 and he and HIS fans may seem to believe. He is a talented player with faults (many missed catches) as all athletes. He is given playing time equal to other players and must learn to share in this exceptional season that LHS is experiencing. I personally know many of the LHS coaching staff and can say that they have much love and concern for each and every one of their players. As far as #11 wanting to attend another school for "athletic glory" then I suggest his parents move out of the LHS district and give him other opportunities if that is what they feel will get him into a coolege of his choice. Or maybe he could just rely on great grades to get him a scholarship. I do bet that if LHS goes all the way then he will want to share in the glory of it all! Just remember...TEAM, NOT I, I, I!!! Good luck Tornadoes in all that you do!

Submitted By: Question	Submitted: 10/22/2011
If a principal tells his teachers to give students a l00 on a final exam even though they did not make a l00, what should the teachers do?

Submitted By: Keeping it real	Submitted: 10/21/2011
No matter who wrote the comment about being disappointed about some of the coaches decision @ LHS, there is an element of truth in their statement. Until recently, only a select, "chosen" football players have been helped as far as scholarship opportunites. As a citizen, I would love to see more players getting scholarships for their talents. There have been very few football scholarships given over the past years that I know of. I feel that if you are not in the circle, then you are left out. I'm no coach, but have seen this too many times. Our young men & women deserve any opportunity to be successful in life on every level; even those who are not among the "chosen few". There should not be favorites in athletics. For some children, this maybe their only opportunity to attend college. Don't take away that opportunity. It takes a whole team to win, not one or two players. So why should only one or two players be the only ones to have great stats? This city loves each and every player who helps to give the win each & every Friday. Every player should get the same privileges and chances to go to college. No matter the child, parent or financial status.

Submitted By: Get Real Dykes	Submitted: 10/21/2011
The records will never show it but yes his deputies had to go to his residence on numerous occasions while he was sheriff. Numerous domestic situations in which he was involved were made to look like they never happened. While you are at it list some of the things Dykes actually did while he was sheriff. He himself has been asked this question over and over by people and he has no response because he did nothing. His only response to people is kiss my ass. Lot of class there Dykes. Dykes has no plan of action. Hodge may not be the best to you but he is head and heels more organized than Dykes ever thought of being.

Submitted By: Anti Hodge	Submitted: 10/21/2011
Let me explain something to you Get Real Dykes. You must be stupid cause the law never got called to Dykes house when he was Sheriff. Dykes was a Sheriff unlike the one yall have now. While I am on the subject why has he never made any other arrest than meth arrest. Do they not know any other drug? The dope dealers are running things in Hoy and the Sheriff's Office will not clean it up. Maybe the dope dealers there are giving the Sheriff a grant too. I call them and tell them but no one ever does anything about it. Sometimes I wonder how it feels to be the most dis-liked politician in history. We need to elect a Sheriff that is for the people and not for his self. Oh and by they way I think they have a billboard open on 16th Ave so Hodge can put another picture up of his self. I just have one more question. If you not wasting our money why do you have two or three county vehicles hid in your garage? I thought you could only drive one vehicle at a time. Guess someone like you needs one for everyday of the week. Remember to vote yall and vote Hodge out. Wonder how many Hodge people gonna respond to this?

Submitted By: Get Real Dykes	Submitted: 10/20/2011
When is Dykes gonna wake up and realize he did absolutely nothing when he was sheriff but sit on his fat butt and all his deputies did nothing but hang around the office. Why don't Dykes come out and tell about those calls made to his residence all those times while he was sheriff and covered up? Come on Dykes man up and tell some truth about yourself.

Submitted By: Josey	Submitted: 10/19/2011
I think the facts have been said and proven, people just don't want to face the facts. Just like the Jones County Supt. race, nothing is going to change in education. It has been the same in the county since Prine left. People just don't want to face the facts. They are blind-sided. What a pile of crap. Our children have to suffer. I agree with the post that was on the forum ealier, go somewhere else to send your children. Thank the Lord we have a few private schools to choose from. That is my plan for my son in the next few years. Sometimes you pay for what you get! There are also a few choices in Hattisburg.

Submitted By: Come on, folks!	Submitted: 10/19/2011
In order to be persuasive, one should back up his/her assertions with FACT!!! Instead of posting opinions and expecting the general public to just agree with you, why not use this public forum as an opportunity to post verfiable FACTS about the candidates you support OR oppose?

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 10/19/2011
You have got to be out of your ever loving mind!!!!!! Of course, he sees that you are paid well, right? If you think having immates working on the roads and in the garden make a good sheriff, well you don't even know what a sheriff does!!!!! And if you think he is by far the best sheriff this county has ever seen, than you did not know any past sheriffs!!!!!! They make him look like a boy scout!!!!! Folks have you'll noticed whenever there is a nagative remark made about Hodge in the Review, immediately there is a response to the contrary. They all must sit around all day checking the comments and responding. People, please do not vote for this man!!!!! If you know him, you know what he is, if you don't know him, talk with someone that does. Find out what kind of person he is. Don't listen to him rate himself right up there with God. If you only knew how he has treated people that was in his way on getting what he wanted! And you people that vote not for the man but for the party, please reconsider. Just because he flipped to the Republican party does not make him a good Republican or a good anything for that matter. He only did it to get votes which is what he did the last election. DO NOT VOTE FOR ALEX HODGE ON NOVEMBER 8TH !!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/18/2011
I have lived in Jones County my entire life! I know both men running for the office of Sheriff in Jones County. I believe that Alex Hodge is the best choice! Folks, I don't care what you say that man has done more in this county in the last four years than ANYONE ever has! Immates working on the roads, in the garden and thoughout the county. Mr. Hodge is by far the best Sheriff this county has ever seen and he will get my vote on Nov. 8!

Submitted By: KOMA	Submitted: 10/18/2011
FYI Ever Wonder About The Color Of County Road Signs? Blue & White- Private Drive. Green & White County Owned. So if you let County Equipment on your property or Your neighbors, Not only is this against State Law,It allows Kleptocracy Board to steal your land. Then it becomes Public Land. If this makes you wonder about your drive go to Court House ask to see the county road register.I say flush them all ,Board And Anyone They Have employed. Lets Spred the Wealth. They Have there Retirment already. KOMA

Submitted By: GM	Submitted: 10/18/2011
Not a Hodge Fan......ditto! I couldn't agree more!!!

Submitted By: Suthern English	Submitted: 10/17/2011
To the REGISTERED voters of Jones Co.Ms Do you realize that the present sheriff is a Wolf in Sheep,s clothing? He tries to hide behind God in what he say's and does. God knew him before he was in his mother's womb.Do you wear your blinder's all of the time? Or do you just not give a CRAP about Jones County. I have lived here most of my life and I do CARE.

Submitted By: ILUVIT	Submitted: 10/15/2011
@Idiot: Ditto

Submitted By: FootballFan	Submitted: 10/14/2011
Yea right, a college coach get's on the Review Forum. lol

Submitted By: Johnny Appleseed	Submitted: 10/14/2011
Best said yet!!! Slap!!!!!!! slap!!!!!!!!!!!! and Slap again. I think that is the best statement on the Review Forum!!!!! The word is: SLAP those principals that have no discipline and treat their teachers like crap! Slap those in the county office that sit on their BIG butts and do nothing!!! Slap the whole bunch!!!!!!

Submitted By: Debbie	Submitted: 10/14/2011
Well, JCSD will never be what it use to be. Face it!!! There are many other districts to choose from ,go for it!!! They may have their problems, but you will never have the buddy boy environment like you do here in JC. It is part of the profession here. That is a shame, but it is so true. If you talk to people in other schools such as Oak Grove, Petal, etc, they are amazed how JCSD operates. If I were you, I would drive a little farther to work in a better environment. I know all of this is true because my sister teachers at Petal Elementary , and she is amazed on what goes on in the school system here. That is why good teachers and administrators leave and seed for better opportunities .

Submitted By: NO	Submitted: 10/14/2011
The answer to the question that Elementary Educator ask: NO, these principals are moved from one school to the other for some reason or other. You can bet they are not all good reasons. I know of one principal that has been known for flirting with young girls and was sent to another school. I have heard he is doing the same thing at that school. I guess they are giving him ample opportunities to enjoy his habit. This is a shame!!!!!!! There are teachers that are trying to get leaderships jobs in the district and are just slapped on the hand. I sure would like to slap some of them at that CO. Slap some sense in their head.

Submitted By: Elementary Educator	Submitted: 10/14/2011
I have to agree with the comment made earlier about positions in the JCSD. I am an elementary teacher at one of the schools in Jones County. I have been here for 8 years now. I can't tell you who is responsible for what, or who to contact at the CO if I need to speak to them in a certain department. It is a good district, but I do agree we need a lot of professional leadership to be successful. Many of the teachers are aggravated and tired of people not being organized. I think many of us are tired of how the politics plays such an important role . We need to do what is best for our children. It seems like it is all about certain people and their authority/ positions. I know that there has been incidents where teachers are given paperwork to complete, and the other party never picks up the paperwork. It stays on the teacher's desk. Everyone has a responsibility. Someone needs to be responsible for making sure people are doing their jobs! I think this should be the principal, but is that happening?

Submitted By: Disappointed in LHS coaches	Submitted: 10/14/2011
I would like to comment #11 of the Laurel High School football team for his dedication to the School and his coaches, despite the way he is being treated. I am a football coach myself and i was asked to come observe him play. Let me remind you that i had not heard of you from any of the coaches at the school, only the Quarter back and a couple of the other running backs. I have attended 3 games and i have observed that after he gets a touch down, he does not get the ball again. Is it because the coaches know his ability or is it that they are only promoting their picks,the ones that they a trying to get scholarships for.I would like to commend his parents for trying to get him away from that school because they new he was not going to be treated fairly because from what i understand, the head coach does not like this kid and he doesn't even try to keep it a secret. If you were not going to use the kid and his talent, why not let him go where his talent would have been appreciated. #11 your coaches do not have to promote you, your talent speaks for itself. But you can believe this,there are no favorites in college football.

Submitted By: LOL	Submitted: 10/13/2011
Yeah, they have so many people with big names they have hired at the JCSD, that even the educators don't know what they are responsible for. You ask who is over Special Educational Services, and they tell you someone that hasn't even taught Sped or know a thing about it. Same thing for Curriculum Coordinator, and on and on and on. They have just made people jobs and pay them big money. I guess you call it big money to be in education , ha. They could get rid of half of them and spend the money on the teachers and resources needed in the district. Not a bit of knowledge. Makes you wonder don't it?

Submitted By: Watch Out Really	Submitted: 10/13/2011
Watch out Really! Jones County School District is crazy enough they would meet with the board and make a stupid decision like making parents take their kids to school. That is about the only thing they can make decisions about in the district. They sure can't make professional decisions. It has even been said on the forum that "I can't make decisions." Boy are we in trouble the next few years.

Submitted By: Really???	Submitted: 10/13/2011
I agree with the person who left the comment (10/5/2011) about bus drivers being irresponsible and a danger to kids!!! In fact, I have an idea.... let's get them fired so you all can take your own kids to school and pick them up. I'm sure you wouldn't have to sit in line any more than an hour or so... but the solution to that would be to get up the same time bus drivers do, ummmm around 5:00am and you're sure to be near the front of the line. The afternoons would be a little tricky, since those of you that actually have a job might still be at work at 2:45 when school lets out, but just leave work. Your boss would understand, I'm sure. If you don't work, just DVR Judge Judy and get to the school by 2:00 - and again, you should be near the front of the line. You might be on to something here…… Hurry everyone, call now!

Submitted By: Grams	Submitted: 10/13/2011
If you two Hodge fans do not know what Dykes was talking about when he made the statement that you quoted, then you're idiots just like him. It will be a fact that whoever takes over after Hodge leaves (and he will leave one day) it will take a longgggggggggggg time to straighten out the mess that he will leave it in and put back honesty, pride, respect and real living breathing human beings at the Jones County Sheriffs Department.And I really don't care if you two agree or disagree with me because people that know Hodge know him for what he is. It is the people that don't know him but will vote for him simply for flip flopping from being a Democrat to a Republican. Like he did when he first ran for Sheriff, flip flopping from a Republican to a Democrat just to get votes. But hey, it worked, he's that kinda fella, what ever works, huh. I will have more good thoughts on this matter later. I'm so glad the Review printed this article. Go Guys!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/13/2011
@Hodge fan....ditto! I couldn't agree more!

Submitted By: Hodge fan	Submitted: 10/13/2011
I'm not sure what Larry Dykes was complaining about in his statement..."What took me eight years to build up, (Hodge) took down in less that 6 months." I personally think it's commendable that it only took 6 months for him to straighten out the mess you built.

Submitted By: Cannot	Submitted: 10/8/2011
You are exactly right. I was only trying to help. Congratulations you spelled it correctly this time.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/8/2011
bye bye snake

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/8/2011
CAN and CANNOT are two different words. I CAN use it any way I like. And guess what you CANNOT do anything about it.

Submitted By: Cannot	Submitted: 10/8/2011
By the way Gwen, cannot is one word.

Submitted By: kalley	Submitted: 10/8/2011
It is amazing how people think we are going to have a change in 2012. These same people have worked in the JCSD and yet to make a change. They say they could not make decisions, but under the leadership program that supervised, they never made a change. In a matter of fact, they did nothing!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/8/2011
Can not wait till 1/1/2012 we will have a school superintendent that will do his job and stand up for what is right......Tommy will do a GREAT job.....If you are doing what is right you don't have to worry.......But if your not that is another STORY......

Submitted By: Were you There?	Submitted: 10/7/2011
Please do not accuse people for putting information on the Review Forum if you are not one hundred percent sure they put it on there. That is very unprofessional and spreading negative gossip about people. Maybe you need to look over your own shoulder. It may be one of your best working buddies. Accusing people for false accusations can get you in trouble with your big mouth!!!!!

Submitted By: Change? HUH	Submitted: 10/7/2011
To the person that wrote about the bus driver : Good luck reporting something to Jones County School District and actually getting something done. I wish you the best of luck. It ain't gona happen. They will just listen to your complaint and do nothing about it. That is how it works. It will never change. And to the person that is using profanity on the forum, you are the idiot. No one wants to read filthy language!

Submitted By: Where's the positive	Submitted: 10/7/2011
To: captainlefty So to take your response to it's logical conclusion, you will only complain, but offer no solutions. You don't like to be around black people or think they should even be allowed to register to vote. I recognize your freedom to hold and speak your racist beliefs, and don't respond by saying they are not racist. If it is your faith, I hope God puts you in the white's only section of heaven one day. Of course Christ was Jewish while on earth, so he would not be welcome in your area either. Good luck with life, I will pray for you and anyone else that holds your beliefs.

Submitted By: letter	Submitted: 10/7/2011
good riddance!

Submitted By: Idiot	Submitted: 10/6/2011
I love reading the idiotic posts on here daily. I especially love the people who can't put together a single sentence,downing educators. Educators who work 10+hours a day for garbage wages to educate your kids. I enjoy the people downing the police officers, even though they bust their butt to protect you and your kids daily. Then there are the parents who think their kids should start in every sport even though their child isn't very talented, but hey your right, your child starts in summer league, so why shouldnt he start in high school sports as well? You want to get mad at coaches for not playing your kids, hell get mad at yourselves, your the one that gave the kid genes with no talent. You guys complain about everything from politics to driving and you all come off the same way. As a freaking joke. If you put half the effort into your life as you do bashing everything you can see, maybe you wouldn't be so freaking miserable. May God have mercy on your souls, you poor pitiful bastards.

Submitted By: VOTER N GLAD	Submitted: 10/5/2011
VOTER REGISTRATION HAS BEEN HELD AT THE SCHOOLS APARTMENT COMPLEXES STORES BALLGAMES CHURCHES AND EVERYWHERE ELSE EVERY ONE GATHER. THEY INCLUDES PEOPLE OF ALL RACES AND NATIONALITIES. INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING START A VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN OF YOUR OWN. I AM PROUD OF THE DELTAS. KEEP PRESSING FORWARD FOR THERE IS MUCH WORK TO DO.

Submitted By: crazy drivers	Submitted: 10/5/2011
PEOPLE IN LAUREL CANNOT DRIVE SINCE THEY PUT ARROWS ON 16TH AND 15 N ALTHOUGH THE ARROWS SAY YOU CAN TURN OR GO STRAIGHT IT DOES NOT MEAN THE TURN LANE THAT INDICATES A WAY TO TURN YOU CAN KEEP STRAIGHT THEN YOU BLOW AT ANOTHER CAR DRIVING CORRECTLY. PLEASE REFER TO YOUR DRIVERS MANUAL TO SEE WHAT ARROWS MEAN (MS WHITE VAN TRAVELING 84WEST AT 4:15P.M. WED. YOU BETTER BE GLAD YOU DID NOT HIT ME

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 10/5/2011
To: Where's the positive I don't care to get involved with voter registration. My personal solution, which I believe to be more practical, is to move to a place where the demographics are more in line with my point of view.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/5/2011
To the NEJ bus driver that pulled onto 84E at Walters Const. Monday morning, did you not see all the traffic going east and west bound when you blocked one whole west bound lane with half of your bus? You had no where to go because of the east bound traffic. What if someone on the west bound side had hit your bus or hit someone else try to keep from hitting your bus full of children? You were irresponsible and you are a danger to these kids. If one of my children had been on that bus, well, you can guess what would have happened. I see other posts in the Sound Off about bus drivers speeding (which I witness all the time). I've never called about this, but from now on, I will be reporting reckless bus drivers. Hopefully, more people in Jones County will do the same. Maybe then, there will be some changes.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 10/5/2011
Response to captainlefty If you are so concerned, why not contact the circuit clerk's office and organize it yourself at West Jones. If not, shut up and quit complaining. Voter registration happens at high schools across the state in the spring and/or fall. This is not uncommon. Do these students not deserve the chance to register b/c they are black? I would hate to look at people and life the way you do.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 10/4/2011
http://leadercall.com/local/x673422500/Students-get-assistance-in-voter-registration LLC..please call it like it is...this is purely black voter registration. This is a black sorority registering voters at a black high school in hopes of bolstering Johnny Dupree's chances of winning the governorship. I would be shocked if these same folks went to West Jones and did a school-wide voter registration drive...although, someone needs to.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/3/2011
In answer to "lost a customer" if you are looking for Mike Blakeney, I have been told that he is now at Bob Palmer Chancellor Motor Group. Hope this helps you.

Submitted By: Tired of It All	Submitted: 10/3/2011
To Proud to be LPD...I commend you for bringing all of these fine actions to the attention of the people that so want to criticize. I can proudly say that we are part of the Laurel Police Department family!!

Submitted By: Lost a customer	Submitted: 10/3/2011
I paid a visit to a car dealership in Laurel on Hwy 15 N. I won't say the name, but I wanted to buy a new Nissan (does that tell you where I went?) I have never been treated so rudely in all my life. First off, not the first sales person came to the lot to wait on me. NO ONE!! I called to make sure they were open and finally someone came to wait on me. I asked for my former salesman, Mike, but was told he was no longer there. The salesman that was waiting on me could not stay off his cell phone, either texting or answering phone calls, so I just told him, thank you but no thank you. I will look some where else. I will never, ever darken the door of that dealership again.

Submitted By: Upset	Submitted: 10/3/2011
I recently came to the Laurel Jones County Library to visit the genealogy department. I was shocked that it was not open. I have heard so many good things about this department that I made a special two hour trip to visit there and find information on my family. Can anyone tell me why this department is not open during the normal library hours? I just don't understand. I tried to call the head of the library but she was not in either. Thank you.

Submitted By: Same Crap	Submitted: 10/2/2011
Still hearing the good ole boy crap in JCSD. Shipping good people out to put buddies in. Wonder what we will all here next. Just wait until January gets here.

Submitted By: Proud to be LPD	Submitted: 9/30/2011
Normally, I don’t read The Review, or The Leader Call or watch the nightly news. Why? Because normally I already know what is going to be on or in it to begin with. That’s the disadvantage of working in law enforcement, that, and dealing with the constant scrutiny of a public that can’t truly appreciate what you do for them because they couldn’t even imagine doing the same. However, a friend of mine called me up recently and asked me if I had been to the Public Forum page on The Review’s website, when I told them that I hadn’t, they hinted that I might want to pay it a visit and see what was being said about the Laurel Police Department on it, so I dropped by and had a look at the posts. At first I was amused at all the gossip that was going back and forth among the posts, and an image of a group of little old ladies sitting around their bridge table and talking about the latest scandal filled my head. The more I read, however, the more I realized how very ignorant some individuals were. Ignorant in that they had only bits and pieces of actual occurrences that have been spread thin as butter and embellished like a prom queens dress to the point that there was only a shadow of truth in them. It seems the posts on this forum only want to hint at who and what the circumstances were in the stories and scenarios they pass along, thus placing a cloud of doubt over the entire department and making every individual who works there seem like they have a hand in some sort of dirty dealing. Since facts seem to elude many of the posts on this forum, let me lay some out that can be verified. There are 59 sworn officers on the payroll of the Laurel Police Department, this includes administration, investigators, training officers, narcotic officers and patrol officers. There is also support personnel, including 5 records clerks, 4 front office clerks, 3 booking officers, 2 janitors, 1 domestic advocate, 1 accountant, and 3 secretaries. Also in the mix is the city judge and 5 court clerks along with 3 officers who work as court bailiffs. If my calculations are correct that adds up to 87 individuals who come and go on any given day through the Laurel Police Department, yet these posts continually point out the same four or five individuals who allow their PERSONAL life to flow over into their professional life and make us all look like nothing more than a gang of power hungry nymphomaniacs who spends their 12 hour shifts studying for Home Wrecking 101. But yet, people still hunger for the juicy gossip, they can’t control themselves, they have to talk, they have to spread the word, they have to KNOW everything that is going on, otherwise their world might stop turning and life as we know it may cease to exists. You want to talk about the Laurel Police Department? Okay, let’s talk about it. Let’s start at the top. Let’s talk about how not so long ago, while on his way home, Chief Tyrone Stewart witnessed two young ladies get struck by a vehicle which left the scene, and despite the fact that he was off duty and despite the fact that he could have instructed a patrolman to give chase to the fleeing vehicle, he himself pursued and apprehended the suspect. But you don’t want to talk about the chief, right? Okay, let’s move down the line then, let’s talk about Lt. Kevin Jackson, fondly known as “Action Jackson” by some long term residents of this fine city, and his work as the juvenile investigator. Let’s talk about the hours he spends after the clock has stopped, looking for YOUR children, removing YOUR daughters from the home of an adult male who has intentions less than honorable, talking to YOUR sons who are on a fast track to drug abuse and violence. Let’s talk about those acts. Let’s talk about Sgt. Jim Thornhill who has “adopted” a needy family, and helped to provide groceries for them during hard economic times. Let’s talk about Lt. Robert Morris, Lt. Jerome Jackson, Lt. Mark Evans, Sgt. Joe Berlin and Sgt. Rob Norman, who despite the fact that their job description is to delegate authority they still go into this city every day working side by side with their officers. They make traffic stops, they work accidents, they take complaints from citizens, they arrest shoplifters. And they do it all without complaining that they are performing duties that are less then them. But, hey, they’re commanding officers, and so praise is expected for them right? So lets continue on, let’s talk about the patrolmen, let’s talk about Officer Bobby Moree and Officer Kenny Rogers, the motorcycle officers, who patrol the streets of this city, the school and church zones, enforcing traffic regulations to keep your family and your children safe. Let’s talk about the rain and shine, the heat and cold that they endure to enforce those regulations. But that’s just traffic, right? Then let’s talk about Officer Doug Dickerson, Officer Jake Driskell, Officer Josh Welch and Officer Adam Cochran who, among others, have worked as DUI officers, who have not only made DUI arrests, but WON the cases in court because of their dedication to seeing that their cases were air tight and their methods were meticulous. Of course I’m only talking about the patrolmen, but lets not leave out the patrolwomen. Let’s not forget Sgt. Shannon Caraway, who is over the DARE unit, but still makes time to host Night Out Against Crime and several other community functions that provides awareness and school supplies for the children that attend school in the city of Laurel. Let’s talk about Officer Darlene Norris, who noticed the woman that had been sitting outside the police department for a while, who had no where to go, and made arrangements for her to stay in a shelter. Let’s talk about Officer Priscilla Sims, who fluency in the Spanish language has helped bridge the ever extending gap we have with our Hispanic community. Let’s talk about these officers. Now you may be wondering why you haven’t heard about these acts, and so I will tell you. You don’t hear about these acts because they are all in a days work. These are the things that are done everyday to make sure you are safe, so that you can lay your head down at night and not wonder if in the morning you will be a victim. These are the things we do, not because we expect someone to pat us on the back and say, “Good job,” every time they are done, but because they define who we are and what it means to be an officer. You want to talk about the Laurel Police Department, fine, talk. But remember, all of us, in fact the majority of us, do not fit into the mold that a few have cast.

Submitted By: Tired of It All	Submitted: 9/28/2011
To all responding to the Laurel Police Department, first of all it happens in all departments. If some people would get off of their lazy bums and act instead of sitting back doing nothing and criticizing the world would be a better place. Let me see YOU get out there and work for less than $30,000 a year and deal with what they have to. Would you get shot at for that amount? NO!!!! But these guys do that every single day to protect those sitting back and criticizing them!! How dare you? What gives you the right? And then to complain when they do something that does deserve some recognition? Let's see what happens when your stuff gets stolen, or your home is broken into, or your family victimized. Who are you going to call then? The same ones that you are criticizing now? And the sad thing about it is that they will show up, they will listen to you complain and they will try their best to help you. As far as to what happens inside of a department, you can point that finger to any establishment anywhere in the United States. It happens in every line of employment. The only difference is that these employees have the unfortunate circumstance of people thinking that they have the right to meddle into their lives. Are they all perfect? No. But I ask are you perfect? No. Do they make mistakes? Yes, but so do you. Are you going to be there to take a bullet for one of them when they need you? No, but I assure you that one of them will be there to take one for YOU. How wrong is that?

Submitted By: Train Wreck	Submitted: 9/28/2011
I just wanna say that I used to work for LPD. They have officers there that work just as hard as little Tyrone. But they actually go home after their shift because they wanna be with their children. The kids come first not the job!!! Thats why they have shifts so that others can continue the work. But they have alot that work just as hard and don't get anything for their work. And the reason I left is not cause Tyrone kissed enough butts to get what he wanted the reason I left is simple. I left because they are speaking the truth. You have sergeants sleeping with other officers wives and nothing gets done about it. A person of authority doing something like that?? They get them pregnant, knowing the marriage is not gonna last because of the drinking. And for you all good, you lie because there is no one there that could have retired four years ago. City Officials if you wanna clean up start with that department and get good repectable officers in there that our children can look up too!!!! Then maybe you will have officers proud to say they work for the city of Laurel...

Submitted By: TELL IT ALL	Submitted: 9/28/2011
For your information Mr Train Wreck and those Wondering about the Laurel Police Department let me take this time to enlighten all of you on a few things. First of all I worked with the LPD and you can't imagine the amount of politics within the department.It has ALWAYS been there and ALWAYS will be. The Stewart brothers do get a lot of publicity but you need to take into consideration the following: If YOU would get off your jealous behind and make things happen as these two do, we would be reading about YOU!!! The Stewart Brothers are not the only ones receiving recognition as you are apparently NOT reading the REVIEW! Big Chief is very good about giving recognition where it is due! If you want to discuss who's seeing who at the LPD you would have to look beyond the boundries of the police department to get ALL the players! The boundries INCLUDE CITY HALL as ther are some employed there that are included in affairs at the LPD. I have pictures, dates and times and IF needed I CAN PRODUCE !!! Also Please keep in mind this all didn't just start when Tyronne became the chief and will not stop when he has retired!! My advice to you is do your job ,make friends and influence people,EVERYBODY don't need a ticket, keep your nose clean and if you are seeing someones wife or husband that works for the LPD or the City of Laurel, QUIT, and things MIGHT get better!I can't stress how important it is that you have your correct address on file in case you may need to send you some pictures cause we would not want them to go to the WRONG address !!!

Submitted By: love...	Submitted: 9/27/2011
I love the ReView and SOUNDOFF...people tell it like it is....

Submitted By: wondering about lpd	Submitted: 9/27/2011
it is true!the lpd has gone crazy!police going with others wives! fighting, and lying on each other! how can one brother work under another and then you keep praising him. there are more people makimg arrest than one person.the chief better watch out the little stewart may end up being chief. that's the same backstabbing the chief did to get where he is.

Submitted By: BIGTIME	Submitted: 9/27/2011
TRAIN WRECK HAS IT EVER OCCURED TO YOU THAT THE REASON THAT "LITTLE TYRONE" GET AWARDED BECAUSE HE IS OUT BEATING THE BUSHES DOING HIS JOB AND DESERVES WHAT HE RECIEVES.

Submitted By: ALL GOOD	Submitted: 9/27/2011
I COULD HAVE RETIRED 4 YEARS AGO BUT WHEN I HEARD CHIEF STEWART WAS TAKING OVER I DECIDED TO STAY BECAUSE STEWART HAS BEEN A PROVEN LEADER NOT APPOINTED BUT PROVEN, AND AS FAR AS HIS BROTHER DETECTIVE STEWART, HIS WORKS SPEAKS FOR ITSELF END OF STORY IM OUT.

Submitted By: IN THE KNOW	Submitted: 9/27/2011
To Train Wreck, why would they go crazy now. Chief Stewart has been over them for at least 10 or more years. BTW, Tyrone always recognize other officers for their work. Why don't you call Chief Stewart and inform him about the Sgt. ATTEMPTING to pull an patrol officer through a window. I know that is not the case. Stewart don't put up with that BS!!!!!

Submitted By: Train Wreck	Submitted: 9/27/2011
I have a friend that works for Laurel Police that tells me them officers there have gone crazy with the new chief in charge. They say things are getting worse and worse. To start off with the Chief's brother little Tyrone gets all kinds of awards and now they have gone into full out battle. It was told to me that a Sergeant attempted to pull a patrolman through a patrol car window and then just the other day a sergeant and lieutenant went to blows inside the police department. Is that how this new chief operates a department? Sounds to me someone needs to get control of that Police department before it turns into a circus. But it may already have. But ofcourse look at what the city has become. Maybe someone will see the light and change the structure of that department before it just gets completly out of control!!!!

Submitted By: Stressed	Submitted: 9/26/2011
Why is gas 30-35 cents higher a gallon in Ellisville and Laurel than it is in Hattiesburg? I bought gas for 2.99 9/10 a gallon in H'burg and it is 3.29 and above in Jones county.

Submitted By: paula	Submitted: 9/23/2011
Wow! As I am reading the soundoffs I am thinking that this must be a bunch of kids sounding off. From the principals to the teachers, to the sheriffs race to everyjob you can think of, people have lost respect and dignity! When it comes to your job, then just do it to the best of your ability!! That is what you are getting paid for. If you have a beef with someone... GO TO THAT PERSON. Don't go around sounding off and getting everyone stirred up. You might be surprised at what you can settle among yourselves. Don't we tell our kids to do that. If you got a beef with me, suppose someone said I said something about you, please come to me. I will be honest and will tell you the truth. You may not like it , but it will be the truth. People, our country, our states, and even our communities are being devided. Please lets reunite and do the work we are suppose to do! God will take care of the rest!! Just smile and be gratefull we still have freedom!!!

Submitted By: cheerleader, ha	Submitted: 9/20/2011
Who would have ever dreamed that we now have a cheerleader on the Review Forum . Well, I hate to bust your bubble cheerleader, but another loser will go right in the County Office. I hear it is in the making as of January. The person you mentioned as a loser is not a loser. They happen to be a good person and has done a good job. Maybe you just can't face the truth. You need to put your pom poms down and get a life. No one wants to read your chants on the forum Go Go Go Home , What You Say is WRONG WRONG WRONG, HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa

Submitted By: dillardscript	Submitted: 9/20/2011
Dillardsnake.....loser....letterletterlettergo....teachr....loser

Submitted By: bahahaha	Submitted: 9/19/2011
one of the branch quotes "Everything happens for a reason!" what a loser, pathetic... I quess he was right about something.

Submitted By: Sorry , but agree	Submitted: 9/19/2011
I'm sorry to agree , but I am an educator and I know the school where the principal walks around on the cell phone. Every time I go to this particular Jones County school, I see the principal walking around talking on his cell phone, classrooms with students playing cards, teachers standing in the hall gossiping , and I am just amazed. I wonder why the superintendent has not done anything about this. Maybe the new superintendent will visit the schools more often and recognize the behavior. It is the only school where I don't see students actually being taught.

Submitted By: SKM	Submitted: 9/19/2011
There are principals out there that treat teachers like dirt, I'm not referring to South Jones at all!!!! There is a school in JC where the principal walks around on the cell phone most of the day, has no discipline, flirts with students, and I could go on all day long. The CO has been notified about this behavior in the past and has done nothing at all about it. Students are even aware of this. Their time is coming too. It makes you wonder what our students are seeing from these negative role models everyday.

Submitted By: change is a coming	Submitted: 9/18/2011
This is not the first person that has been run off for bogus accusations by the admin. They are trying to double down cause they don't have many chips left. Don't worry, "their" time is coming. I hope they've got those resumes updated. I think they have bit off a little more than they can chew this time...

Submitted By: support	Submitted: 9/18/2011
It just amazes me that an educator can't support their principal. If you can't support your principal the person you work for, then you need to find another job. That is unbelievable. From what I have heard throughout the county, that teacher needed to be excused from his position anyway. Several parents have made comments that he had made unprofessional comments in the classroom to begin with. Wow. What about that? Stop blaming the principal. Any principal with any education would have given him walking papers. I'm an educator myself, and wouldn't have put up with it as long as the principal did.

Submitted By: huh	Submitted: 9/18/2011
Looks like Branch still has a good paying job. Seems to be that the teacher got scorched out to a lower profile job. LOL

Submitted By: disagree	Submitted: 9/18/2011
Don't just focus on Branch. Every principal has the right to enter a teacher's classroom. Every teacher can also transfer to another school if they aren't happy. If you don't do your job, you are excused. Face it. Some people just look for an easy excuse . Face it. Those that are kicked out of one position to go to another usually don't last in that position either. I just feel sorry for the students. They have to have leftovers that really don't need to be there to begin with. Hopefully, Parker will fizz those losers out!!

Submitted By: ha	Submitted: 9/18/2011
branch supporters keep flopping...branch was scorched out .....loser

Submitted By: Amazed at Amazed	Submitted: 9/18/2011
Yes, a principal should be able to enter the room of a teacher if they have a legitimate reason, but not to harras the teacher about who he is going to vote for. Seems to me that the principal is the one that needs to move on. Before this is over, he may wish he had stayed out of that room.

Submitted By: Agree with Amazing	Submitted: 9/17/2011
I agree with Amazing. It is crazy for a teacher to be let go from one school and then have an opportunity to go to another school. What a trip!!!!! Well, once singled out as a failure, they will always be seen as a failure. If you don't want your principal coming to your room , then find another job. That is part of teaching. If you don't like what they have to say, find another job. Like the ole saying goes; if you can't handle the heat in the kitchen get out. In this case, that were scorched out!!!!!!!! That person needs to do something else other than teach. Poor students . They will have to go through the verbal abuse and watch out principal. Your time is coming!!!!!

Submitted By: Get a Grip	Submitted: 9/17/2011
Get a grip!!!South Jones is still a great school. Just check out their academic success. There will always be people that are jealous. That is such a shame. South Jones has great teachers and administrators that care about the students. They also work well to help their school stay at the top, and it is that. Ignorance will not be tolerated at any school in Jones County. Look back and read the past about ignorance. It was kicked out!!! Just as it should have been. You have to be professional. If a teacher is not professional and uses inappropriate language, then they should be given papers. If you disagree, then get an education.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 9/17/2011
I agree with "don't go there". It is sad that someone has to search for something to find negative about Laurel Schools. The comment about the buses shows that the first statement was not truly praise, it was just a set up to complain. Sad that someone cannot just celebrate the children of Laurel or the hardworking people there.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/17/2011
I would like to reply to the article that AMAZING put in the review. The principal had NO right entering the teacher's room, more than once, pressuring him to "Come on over to our side" which meant vote for Branch. He was pressured over and over to do this. I thought we had the right to vote for who we wanted to. The teacher did NOT holler at the principal, but was accused of doing so. This is not the first employee to get walking papers for being ACCUSED of hollering at another employee. Witnesses didn't mean a thing in that case. In fact, they were never contacted and whenever the witness approached the principal to give her side of the story, Branch threw his hands up in the air and said he wasn't listening to it. Yes, the students talk about these things. They repeat what they are told happened. Don't think for a minute that they are being told what Branch wants them to repeat. He has a way of getting the students on his side. Sad that things have to be that way at SJ. This used to be a great school with principals that cared about the students more than themselves.

Submitted By: Don't Go There	Submitted: 9/16/2011
Oh please!! Don't go there. The Jones county buses pass my house with wings on their wheels. They fly!!!!! Don't focus on one district for that junk. It is not just outside my house I see it, but all over Jones County . It is pitiful. It is also very dangerous. They will run over you if they get half a chance. Sit down and shut up. People just look for something to start trouble. Sit your jealous but down and find a good book to read.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 9/16/2011
Kudos to the Benigno administration for the academic achievement. Maybe if they can get the schoolbus drivers to slow down and get off the cell phones, all the kids will make it to graduation. See it every day on 7th Ave, Old Bay, and all over N. Laurel. Have even seen school buses speeding through school zones.

Submitted By: Teachers	Submitted: 9/15/2011
Yes they do have great administrators as well as teachers too. It take a combination of all to be a successful district. It does start at the top so that things are done orderly.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 9/15/2011
Leadership is vital to the success of a school and a district. Dr. Benigno has given the school level administrators the support needed to do their job well. Laurel has a great group of talented administrators.

Submitted By: Yes	Submitted: 9/15/2011
I agree also about the Laurel School District improvement. I also think an appointed leader instead of a voted in leader makes a difference.There is not such a political factor put on the school system. I also believe having a doctrine makes a difference. It is not such a fight for authority. The high authority is already appointed. That means that qualified , professional leadership is provided as well. A leader with high qualifications knows more about knowledgeable decisions to make. I am proud of you Laurel. I hope to see Laurel come back like it use to be. Many students that went to Laurel have become great professionals.

Submitted By: Correct	Submitted: 9/15/2011
Thanks to Dr. Beningo for trying so hard to help the students of Laurel be successful. He has done a great job. I think being highly qualified as he is makes a tremendous difference in decision making for the Laurel School District. He has brought in great ideas and knows positive ways to implement these ideas into the system.

Submitted By: Go Laurel	Submitted: 9/15/2011
I am proud to be a Laurel educator. You really never hear anything negative about our district. After reading so many comments about certain districts , I feel blessed to be a Tornado. We have worked hard and all school districts have their problems. I will have to say on behalf of Laurel School District, we work together and our main focus is on our students. Great job students and thanks to all of the teachers for working as a team. It makes teaching a great experience and makes our district stand out in a positive manner compared to other district comments made on this forum. Go Laurel!!!! Beningo, it looks like you made a great choice when you decided to be a Tornado!

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 9/14/2011
Congrats to the Laurel School District on the test scores!! I know that it took a lot of hard work by the students, teachers, and administrators. I wish all of you the best and hope you see more success in the future.

Submitted By: Amazing	Submitted: 9/14/2011
Isn't it amazing that a teacher can scream at a principal, argue with students, and get an easy job at a school where he/she has very few students . It is almost like that teacher is getting praised for bad behavior. I wonder why we are concerned about education in JCSD? This really paints a positive picture for students. Don't be fooled, the students know what is going on. They are the ones talking about it.

Submitted By: Tired	Submitted: 9/12/2011
I am just tired off the negative talk concerning only Hodge. So lets see. Has Hodge done everything perfect, Surely not. Has he made mistakes, of course he has. Do they have a perfect record, no one will. However, no Deputy has been arrested and sent to prison during his watch. I believe the past Sheriff had 4 go. Three in the Drug Task Force mess and one for stealing money from the hispanics. The bible tells me to remove the log from my eye before I try to remove the splinter from someone elses. Maybe our Politicians and there friends should remember this. I know this will not be well received and will most likely have some negative comments but I hope we can put all that behind us and make a good sound decision based upon the man and not rumors.

Submitted By: Hijacked	Submitted: 9/10/2011
George and Train Wreck, I wonder did you heard the one about the Lady that lived across the road from the Hodge. I heard he went to her and told her she needed to take down her Dykes sign and she said no. She told him she could vote for who she wanted, but the next day the lady that owned the property she had her trailer on told her she had one week to move her trailer. What happened to your right to vote for who you want. This sounds like the MHP officer and his neighbors sign.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/10/2011
ronnie d. is very similar to marcus d. in that he was hyped up, given the run of the school,handled with kid gloves. the school overlooked discipline problems alledgeably, and the school messed up getting him eligible. from all indications, he may have been a success. some people will do anything to win.

Submitted By: Love	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@K FED Good job K Fed Good Job!No need for me to state the obvious.I apologize for allowing myself to get caught up in a childlike back and forth with you.As your opinions are as valuable to you as mine are to me.No snob here,i lived in Brown circle and leontyne for many years.

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@love. yeah, sorry I never studied Ebonics in school. "snarky" is a word...a "snark" is a character in a Lewis Carroll novel.

Submitted By: Love	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@K Fed.Snark:one who makes snide and sarcastic remarks.C,mon you're all over this blog with profanity and insults and don't have sense enough to google.Love ya.

Submitted By: Love	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@The Writer.While i agree that anyone showing their underwear needs to pull up his pants,i do not however agree that all are "degenerates"it just so happens unfortunately to be a style of some of todays youth.But i believe if many of them knew the origins of That style they would probably discontinue this practice.The"Fag Sag"originated in PRISON as a way to distinguish a man from one whose manhood had been compromised.I believe Mr Warren a little history lesson in your column would do more to enlighten these individuals than berating them with insults.LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER!

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@Love...what's a snark? Is it the only thing that you could come up with that rhymed with "Park". Sad attempt really. But, I don't think there is anything wrong with people who live in trailer parks, or the projects like Brown Circle....sounds to me like you're a snob.

Submitted By: Love	Submitted: 9/10/2011
@ K FED I guess since you can't understand why it would be offensive to be called something that you are not,howz about your we assume you to be "the snark from the trailer park".

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/9/2011
I'm frighteningly chilly dude! What I think we have is the same person posting under different names who can't seem to answer two very simple questions. What is offensive about "A project from The Projects" and Why the mom should pull the kid off the football team? That is all that I asked and have yet to see even an attempt at an explanation. The Editor posted that Mareo's family is happy with the story...so what makes you think you know better than the kids family?

Submitted By: Med-co	Submitted: 9/9/2011
@ k-Fed Looks like someone has hit a nerve with ole k-fed...wow,,,,old trashy talkin little boy,,,needs to have his mouth washed out with bleach...sounds like he's looking for a round-up at the old o.k. corral,,,,listen little boy...no one is bitching,,,we are just a few concerned parent in the county who thinks the topic was a bit unfair to this child...,,,,,go get your balls out of your girlfriends's purse and cool off,,,don't you get a little twisted when people call us the "Hick from the Sticks" Chill dude

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/9/2011
Just wondering, why are all you people bitching about the Review doing it anonymously? Just went to their facebook page and no-one there has bitched about this story. Are you too embarrassed to let people know who you are because your arguments are plain stupid.

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 9/9/2011
Folks, we're not sure what's offensive about the Mareo Dixon story. Project is a common term in sports, referring to someone who has raw, God-given tools or abilities that have yet to be refined. It's not derogatory. Besides, you shouldn’t get so fixated on the headline. You know, there are words down below it ... they’re called “the story,” and it includes many flattering things about his character, personality and potential. By the way, Mareo's family tells us they're happy with the story, so there's no need to be offended on their behalf.

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/9/2011
Y'all can keep saying "a project from the Projects" is distasteful all you want. but why is is distasteful? If Brown Circle isn't the projects then what is? Also, no-one has explained why the article would make the mom want to take the kid off the football team...if you are going to make idiotic comments as least explain them. As for the article itself, I thought Mareo came across as a very nice kid who is motivated to do better for him and his family. The Review doesn't owe him or his family an apology at all. They did a fine job writing an interesting story on an incredibly gifted young man. The rest of you can keep crying about it.

Submitted By: twanda	Submitted: 9/9/2011
The "Project from the projects" title on this article is distasteful and disgraceful. This is a wonderful young man who has charmed everyone who has contact with him and has more character than anyone who would label others by their address rather than their merit. If you checked his address you would also know he doesn't live in the projects. A good person is a good person no matter where they live. You have degraded him and his family and you should apologize.

Submitted By: Standing Up for Children	Submitted: 9/9/2011
Mareo Dixon is one of the nicest human beings that you will ever meet. He takes the time to speak to every teacher that he had when visiting Oak Park Elementary. We are very proud of our gentle giant. Please know that your comments have made him and those of us that support him more determined to make sure that Mareo succeeds. Shame on you for calling him a "project from the projects". FYI his physical address is not in the projects. Please don't lift children to throw them off a cliff or tear them down. Your paper owes Mareo an apology.

Submitted By: john	Submitted: 9/9/2011
@k Fed... Sometimes it's just not good business sense to say or publish what "you want",,,papers may be boring,,,but you try reading your bible instead of get-off on cute one-liners ,,,but I still say that it is dis-tastejul...as for "idiot" you can take that idiot remark and add 15 cent and you may be able to buy yourself a coke and a smile....we are keeping it real on this end,,partner...keeping it real is all I know....

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/9/2011
@ WOW I like the fact that the Review has "the balls" to publish what they want. It is both refreshing and interesting. Just look what putting out a boring paper has gotten the LL-C. I don't understand your problem with "A project from the Projects". The kids is a football project at the moment and he lives in the Projects....so what's the problem? And you sound like an idiot when you say, "I wouldn't blame mom if she elected to take him off the team".....Again, why would she do that...cause she doesn't want him to become a millionaire and escape the projects? Wow...get a grasp on reality.

Submitted By: Train Wreck	Submitted: 9/9/2011
I wanted to respond to the Hodge sign under a cross. I have to agree with you specially when you know the type of person he is. Talking about signs I really think he needs a few more signs on 16th Ave. I wonder how many times he rides by there and looks at them? Can't wait until the election is over and then hopefully they will be down and someone can actually use them to advertise something important. I wanna know if someone can answer a question? Is there any truth to the rumor going around that he is using B Clean trucks to get water from county hydrants to fill the lake behind his house? Just a question I was wondering about.

Submitted By: WOW	Submitted: 9/9/2011
All right I'm just Saying,,,,what exactly are you saying...This is not a child that's in trouble or causes problems in the neighborhood or at school...Don't put this child in the same category with Ronnie Ducksworth...get to know this child before you throw stones at his character....And again I say the heading is very dis-tasteful,,,but I guess it sales papers,,,,,,

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/8/2011
If the project from the project can"t read nor write keep him in school. Remember Ronnie Ducksworth. It will be someone elses fault if he fails or gets in trouble with the law. "Im just sayn"

Submitted By: WOW	Submitted: 9/8/2011
I can't believe that "The Review" has the balls to put such an awful topic as "A project from the Projects...especially when it comes to describing this young man on LHS's football team....of all the nerves...this topic is not cute or funny,,,,your contents in this article may be o.k. but the topic(heading) stinks...it is very dis-tasteful...I really don't see any humor behind this...I wouldn't blame mom if she elected to take him off of the team...shame on you for publishing this...

Submitted By: Editor	Submitted: 9/8/2011
Yes, “Walter,” that’s what the hand-wringers said when Sports Illustrated put Lebron James on the cover as a prep player ... as you can see, that stopped his career dead in its tracks. By the way, we appreciate you reading the World News of Jones County.

Submitted By: Walter Mitty	Submitted: 9/8/2011
Very Irresponsible article in the paper this week about the 16 year old football player at Laurel High School. It's unfair of the paper to print that about the kid, who now has impossible expectation to live up to. 1% of football players go pro. But I would expect nothing less from the newspaper that is quickly becoming the Weekly World News of Jones County

Submitted By: just wondering?	Submitted: 9/7/2011
@ Lookin-in.....you say you've been to a lot of places. that might have been you i saw over in Houston at BG. had to be you

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 9/6/2011
When driving on the interstate today just north of the old s curve I noticed a political sign of Alex Hodge attached to a cross. It is elevated high so it can be easily seen. I can not believe the gall of someone placing their political sign on a Christian symbol.

Submitted By: assistant	Submitted: 9/6/2011
Then do your job.

Submitted By: Special Education Teacher	Submitted: 9/6/2011
Dear Amen, Perhaps some grammar and spelling lessons would be in order before you submit more comments to The Review. As a special education teacher, I find those lessons important in writing. By the way, inclusion was imposed upon us by NCLB.

Submitted By: Poppy	Submitted: 9/5/2011
Yea, and CO is full of ignorance.

Submitted By: Nope	Submitted: 9/5/2011
The difference might be a subtraction, but the addition equals ignorance. But as long as ignorance fits in , and it does, so be it.

Submitted By: update	Submitted: 9/5/2011
Someone was smarter. By the way, making a difference is subtraction...

Submitted By: nope	Submitted: 9/5/2011
I don't think anyone was smarter than anyone else. I think what it boils down to is you have people that are good positive role models and get some attention and others can't stand that. Maybe you can learn from these people instead of getting jealous. Smile sometimes that can make a difference. Praise people instead of bring people down, and live what you speak. Smarter than has nothing to do with it .

Submitted By: LOVE	Submitted: 9/5/2011
Thanks to the review for giving locals a chance to openly discuss whats on our minds.God is GOD and Jesus is Jesus.Walk in the ways of Jesus but submit to the will of God.

Submitted By: LOVE	Submitted: 9/5/2011
"Love Ye One Another".Let those words resonate through your mind.Can you truly understand what that would mean for this world?Crime:greatly diminished.Poverty:basically washed away.Adulterous activity with anothers spouse:most would turn and walk away.FEMA is nearly out of money to help those displaced and downtrodden persons,victims of natures fight against our hate and disdain for one another.FEMA should be the backup plan to pure compassion for the HUMAN race.Think about this for just a little while,slow down,enjoy the sunrise,and realize God expects better of us.

Submitted By: mad at world	Submitted: 9/5/2011
sounds like "jealous" and "agree with agree" and "agree with love" are mad at the world. Sounds like someone was smarter than them. Get counseling. Will be money WELL spent. And by the way...water lines break and no one has a magic wand to fix the problem. I am sure everyone is doing everything possible to get water to Moselle Elementary as fast as possible. Crybaby parents. If you have such a problem with no water then keep your babies home and tend to them yourself! Sounds like we have a river of water from all the crying. Pipe it in Moselle. Problem solved.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 9/4/2011
This is to "what a shame." I agree that it is terrible that Moselle Elementary does not have water. Instead of you complaining on here, why don't you call Mr. Steve Thrash, the Superintendent and tell him to do something about it.

Submitted By: Jealous	Submitted: 9/4/2011
Back to you Agree with Agree. I think people treat people hateful because they are jealous. That sums it up. They are jealous, so they try to hurt you.

Submitted By: Agree with Agree	Submitted: 9/4/2011
I have sure worked with that kine too. They act like they are all up in the church every Wednesday and Sunday, but at work they act like idiots. They spend most of their time out to hurt other people. They know just how to get what they want and put on a front to get it. Yea, I know several of them. You can always tell Christians by the way they show love for others. Just remember that. WWJD? He wouldn't stand around talking about people and being hateful to others . I can tell you that much. He is a loving God.

Submitted By: Agree with Love	Submitted: 9/4/2011
I very seldom read the Review Form, but as I was on my computer, I decided to read. Love, you are so right. I worked in an environment where there were people that said they were Christians. They were more like hypocrites. They made fun of their peers, acted very rude, but talked about teaching Sunday School and going to church. What a disgrace. They constantly made fun of a peer that was really a nice , lovely person. That person became very resentful due to how they were being treated. It just amazes me how these people can play such a devil game. What goes around comes around. I believe that. I just pray for these kind of people. They act like they are all up into helping others, when they are just stabbing people in the back. Pray for these people. I know for a fact that is what they need!

Submitted By: LOVE	Submitted: 9/3/2011
WWJD.I hear it all the time but i see no action.With 100's of churches in laurel chock full of so called christians, rarely do you see anyone in the street showing love like Jesus did for OUR FATHER.Our World is slowly dying from a lack of LOVE and true believers in the word of our heavenly father must understand "LOVE YE ONE ANOTHER".WE can read that book from cover to cover but until we get it.The kingdom of GOD will elude us.

Submitted By: k Fed	Submitted: 9/3/2011
I guess the Leader Call is also giving up on Jasper, Smith and Wayne County...I'm pretty sure any subscribers they have outside of Jones are going to be really happy to get a three day old Leader Call in their mailbox. LL-C..just turn out your lights for good...the party is over.

Submitted By: The Distant Journey	Submitted: 9/3/2011
Now those ones were written by "Lookin-in".

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 9/2/2011
Submitted By: Just Wondering Submitted: 9/1/2011 A challenge to "lookin in". The next time you hear of a house fire why dont you bring your "HAPPY ASS" over and help us out. We will gladly let you go into a 600 degree room and see if you have what it takes. PROBABLY NOT!!! Just Wondering, if I am the Lookin-in you are challenging, I accept. My caretaker says 600 degrees is nothing to what my "HAPPY 79 YEAR OLD ASS" is going to experience in the afterlife.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 9/2/2011
I've been a lot of places in my life and have seen a lot of things. Hell, I have been to three county fairs and a goat roping. But this is the first time I've lived in a city with a four (4) day a week newspaper publication. Three days delivered by USPS and the Sunday edition by carrier. I suppose the subscription price will be reduced by 3/7th. Since I pay three months in advance, for a seven day a week newspaper.

Submitted By: councilman	Submitted: 9/2/2011
A few weeks ago we were debating who to award the bid for the city's legal notices to; The LLC or the Review. One councilman made a big issue about the fact that the Review was not a daily paper and the LLC was and he made a motion to have the bid awarded to the LLC for that reason, even though the Review was the lowest bidder. This motion was seconded and failed. The bid was awarded to the Review. On Friday as I was reading the LLC the "daily" paper announced that it would begin to only publish four days a week. Now Jones County does not have a daily. Go figure.

Submitted By: Support	Submitted: 9/2/2011
I agree with support the library workers. I too do not care for the managers, but the library staff who is out there on the front line day in and day out deserve all the praise they can get. Let's not forget that without the workers who process the books, man the genealogy department and borrow books for us, we wouldn't have a FREE public library. Thank you ladies. Oh and don't most people realize, if you read your papers, the city of Laurel has drastically cut the funding to the library. They can afford to fund flower planting of the ugliest flowers of any city I know, send workers on trips and have more city vehicles than they know what to do with, but they can't fully fund the library. Something's wrong with this situation.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 9/2/2011
Is someone trying to steal my screen name

Submitted By: A Shame	Submitted: 9/1/2011
That is a crying shame about the school not having water . That is just like Jones County School District. Well, they will make those children go to school if tornado warnings are out. I am not surprised. Some things never change. Parents, I would not allow my child to go to school under those circumstances. Somebody needs to take charge. They have enough people working at that CO to fill an arena. What is the problem? Oh, that right, we can't make decisions. Huh.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 9/1/2011
A challenge to "lookin in". The next time you hear of a house fire why dont you bring your "HAPPY ASS" over and help us out. We will gladly let you go into a 600 degree room and see if you have what it takes. PROBABLY NOT!!!

Submitted By: Support the Library Workers	Submitted: 9/1/2011
I've noticed several negative comments about the Laurel Library in this forum, so I thought I'd try to give a little well-deserved praise to a few people. While I do not care for most of the managers, I would like to commend the ladies who work at the front desk. These ladies, as well as the other library workers, have to deal with a lot of things they shouldn't have to deal with. I think this is a crying shame. When you visit the library, give these ladies a little positive encouragement. It will definitely brighten their day!

Submitted By: Support the Library Workers	Submitted: 9/1/2011
I've noticed several negative comments about the Laurel Library in this forum, so I thought I'd try to give a little well-deserved praise to a few people. While I do not care for most of the managers, I would like to commend the ladies who work at the front desk. These ladies, as well as the other library workers, have to deal with a lot of things they shouldn't have to deal with. I think this is a crying shame. When you visit the library, give these ladies a little positive encouragement. It will definitely brighten their day!

Submitted By: Moselle Concerned Parent	Submitted: 9/1/2011
Moselle Elementary HAS NO WATER and has had no water since Wednesday morning. As of this morning the students are having to use port-a-pottys, and they have no drinking water. They should have not been made to go to school today. Who knows when the water will be turned back on.

Submitted By: lookin in	Submitted: 9/1/2011
I have to maybe agree with you that Dykes may have an agenda. But I gotta agree with Goerge too that Jones County has been told alot of lies by Hodge. I personally know some of the men and women that work for him and I know the lies he tells them. Hodge appears to be good on the outside but inside its not good. If its not a lie then he has alot of officers working for him that lies. Answer me this. There was a time Hodge was on the front page of the Leader Call busting meth labs but there was no arrest for any other type of dope. Does he nor his narcotics officer know any other type of dope. They are selling crack and marijuana left and right in Hoy and there have been no arrest for that. Are they scared to go in there? Are do they not wanna mess with black people like they do with funerals. They will escort white funerals but not black ones? Sounds fishy to me. Be equal and treat people equal. I am not for either candidate for Sheriff but the one running against this current one looks better of the two evils too me. So see both have their downfalls and problems. And for the fireman that posted if your chief cared about you maybe you would get something. But does he have a brother that works with him. Looks like he would get every award that comes up. Looks to me like Stewart Jr does all the work and there is no one else there capable of doing anything. Maybe one day there will be awards given out at the Police Department and Stewart Jr will not be in the picture. But then again maybe he is the saviour of the city. Maybe the Chief will give the fire department new lazy boys for their awards.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 9/1/2011
So the city of Laurel is giving out raises to the employees (most of who are already overpaid). Since they found so much money, why don't the give some to the library? More citizens of Laurel would benefit from it. Have you been to the library lately to use a computer? They always full. I think I will go ask the mayor (Mr. Kervin) if I can use his computer one day just to see what he say.

Submitted By: Clubber	Submitted: 8/31/2011
In the Aug. 31 edition of the LLC, it says six people were arrested in conjunction with a murder in Smith County. Then you look at the sports section and they have six people picking football games this week. It's tough to tell the difference between the six arrested for murder and the six picking the football games. I think the folks charged with murder look a lot better than the six picking the games. My God. What a gruesome lineup.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/31/2011
"George" get a life. Everyone knows that Dykes didn't do a good job while he was in office. Alex Hodge has cleaned up a lot of crap in Jones County. When Dykes was sheriff, there was NO honesty and integrity, so you can't put back what was never there to begin with. Dykes puts on a facade with the public; he has his own hidden agenda. He is making promises he cannot keep....Alex Hodge is the man to keep in the Jones County Sheriff's department, NOT Dykes!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 8/31/2011
Just saw the WDAM news. Laurel PD gave awards to the Chiefs brother for catching the bank robber. If I read the paper right the man turned himself in and said " Im the man you are looking for". Two others were also given awards for thier services . Just Wondering are there any awards for the F.D.. Those guys put their lives on the line at every house fire or any hazard that they happen to be called to. Give some credit to those guys , they are a great asset to our city.

Submitted By: George	Submitted: 8/31/2011
Un-Elect Alex Hodge for Sheriff of Jones County. Its time we put HONESTY and Integrity back in office!!!!!! The Sheriff's Office has not saved hundreds and thousands of dollars on trash pick up on side of the roads. For years the Sheriff's Office had clean up and road crews and if they didn't no one was paid to do it. That issue is just a lie. So our tax dollars have not been saved by picking up trash!!! If anything, we have lost tax dollars because vehicles have been purchased to transport all these inmates around. We need HONESTY back in office!!!!

Submitted By: CARE	Submitted: 8/30/2011
It is not shutting down. Read the paper and get a life. It is a good shelter and they are trying to help the animals for a good cause. Just shut up.

Submitted By: Aim Higher	Submitted: 8/30/2011
Hearing that the Animal rescue League is going to have to shut down all the time is getting old! Like there even needs to be a "press conference" for such a thing. It isn't like they are a lot of help with the animal population anyway. You can't ever get them to take anything because the pick and choose. Let the little club shut down. Have the ones that do support them even been out there? It's awful and the woman who runs it is part of the problem. Geesh!

Submitted By: Agree with Malcolm	Submitted: 8/29/2011
Yes,both men a good qualified leaders. Branch has done a great job at South Jones. People that don't think so are just stupid. Mr. Parker has also done a good job at the CO. I wish him the best since our district needs a lot of improvement. Those teachers that don't want teach, get out. Some of them are there to give others their jobs. Our students need help by all the teachers, not just regular ed teachers. I know because I am an elementary teacher myself. Good luck Mr. Parker. You can help make our teachers and district a success!

Submitted By: Malcolm	Submitted: 8/29/2011
You know as I read the post about the Superintendent of Education race I am reminded at just how stupid people can be. I really hate to say that but some people have no idea what they are talking about. I knew Thrash was going to do just what he did which is nothing. He was a 4 year man for retirement. So I voted for the other guy because I believed he had the best chance at making our schools better. This time I voted for Branch because I have seen the vast improvements at South Jones and believed that he could carry that throughout the County. I only hope now is that Mr. Parker is not another 4 year man as I fear. However, I am willing to give him a chance and support his efforts without being negative. So Good Luck Mr. Parker and I hope you can get this mess cleaned up. Mr. Branch, good luck back at South and I hope you keep up the good work. I really believe that our Country would be in a much better state if we voted for things based upon Qualifications, Past Record, and The Man. Not party or revenge during our Nov 2 election because we do have alot riding in those elections.

Submitted By: Do the Math	Submitted: 8/28/2011
All I have to say is that whenever you do one person wrong, there goes a vote. Whenever you do another person wrong, there goes another vote, and on and on. Whenever these people have family members and friends that don't like what you do, then the votes add up. Think about the people you did WRONG in the last couple of years, and do the math. There goes the difference in the votes. You should have thought about this before you hurt so many people. Sorry, Branch, but your loss is YOUR fault.

Submitted By: AMEN	Submitted: 8/27/2011
Amen on some teachers doing all the work. I am an elementary teachers and I exactly what you are talking about and the school. These elementary children that are in special needs classes are thrown in classes with 20 or more children and the regular ed teacher is expected to preform miracles. I'm sorry but it isn't going to happen. No child left behind is leaving our regular ed kids and sped kids behind. It takes both to work together and I don't see this happening at my school. I do all the work while sped complain they have too much paper work. We all have paperwork. This is a serious problem that needs to be looked into. If I had a child with special needs, I would want him/her to get the help that is needed .I do agree.

Submitted By: Why?	Submitted: 8/27/2011
I am a Parker supporter and always have been. I do hope Mr. Parker looks into the problems of JCSD. For one thing, why is it you have teachers in the schools that work all day long with a class full of children, then you have teachers, such as special ed that are off half the day walking the halls, visiting friends, and not working with sped children that needs help. It has been told that these teachers are suppose to be doing inclusion, but the regular teachers never see them. Come on Mr. Parker, wake up. These teachers should have children they are working with also. The picture is not clear. This is an issue that has also been mentioned at the CO and nothing has been done. What it boils down to is some teachers work all day while others do nothing. This is sad for the children in need. I am aware that this does not happen at all the schools, but it is happening in JC and it should be stopped!

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 8/27/2011
Why is everyone continuing to beat a dead horse? Tommy Parker won, Tommy Branch lost. It no longer matters what you think. Whatever you have to say won't matter until four years have elapsed and someone else runs.

Submitted By: k fed	Submitted: 8/26/2011
@ J. Smet...actually you miss the point. If it doesn't matter where a candidate advertises than why advertise at all. And by the way, if you are boycotting the Review as you stated earlier why are you using their website to post? Hang on to your 75 cents and go post on the Leader Call public forum...oh that's right..they shut their site down when too many people made fun of them.

Submitted By: Agree with Tired of the Negative	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Amen. You are exactly right. Parker's bunch is still gossiping and fussing. Christians do not act like that. AMEN AMEN AMEN. Test scores speak for themselves. South Jones is the best school in the district. Sit back Northeast and West Jones. Get over it. They have great administrators and teachers. You can't change that in the leadership at South. Parker bunch be happy . You won the election. Now, leave Mr. Branch and this supports alone.

Submitted By: Tired of the Negative	Submitted: 8/26/2011
I am so sick of all the NEGATIVE!!! Give it a rest!! You “Parker” supporters do nothing but run down the other candidates and now that Parker has won, you are still running down the other candidates. Parker’s “people group” does nothing but sit around and gossip about people and then proclaim to be Christians. I hate to inform you but the Lord knows your heart!! Your heart has to align with your mouth and it is not! Unless you know something to be a fact, don’t go smearing someone’s name. All I’ve read is that Branch is doing the mudslinging. Well if he’s doing the mudslinging why are all the posts bashing him? It takes a small individual to be that malicious! Why not stop the negative and try to bring about unity in the school district. With all the negative talk all that’s being done is stirring up more animosity. They say that a leader’s supporters are the reflection of the leader, so this “bad mouthing” is what we have to look forward to for the next four years? Oh and by the way…. B.H. (EDITOR DELETED NAME), everyone knows it’s you posting a lot of this garbage so you might as well be a man and own up to it next time you post! As far as the “South Laurel Academy”, South Jones tests scores speak for themselves. The school is made up of excellent administrators, teachers, and students. If you were “brave” enough, all you would have to do is ask ANY administrator, teacher, student, or parent! They are proud of their school and their students! Parker…to you I say, you know who’s writing these posts, because everyone else does. So if you’re the great leader that you say you are….SHUT THEM UP for the sake of our school district!

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 8/26/2011
In the late 70s South Jones had 3 backs that were unstopable. All 3 went on to play college ball and get at degree. And if im correct 1 went on to play for the LA Rams. All I heard in the paper was that the teachers and administrators failed Ronnie. A child has to have guidance at home first and also he has to want to do good in school. If your paper is going to have a "Best Local Player in History" make it a worthy choice. What happened to Ronnie was not the schools fault. It was Ronnie and his families fault.We need to stop trying to blame everyone else and take responsibility for our on mistakes. Do me a favor and research South Jones Football 1975-1978. Those 3 combine for "the best in history". They also had good linemen to , I was there.

Submitted By: Knows the Deal	Submitted: 8/26/2011
I sincerely wish the best for incoming Superintendent Parker and the JCSD. I'm working hard to be positive and optimistic but there are several things that concern me about our schools. At the top of that list is local school leadership. We are top-heavy with good ol' boy coach turned pricipal types. Typically, these folks have non-academic backgrounds. The irony is, we're in the ACADEMIC business! What's worse is the fact that most have NO particular interest in academics. In the meantime, outstanding teachers are passed over for principal jobs in favor of these coach types. There are prospective principals with outstanding military backgrounds and/or significant private sector experience, STRONG academic instructional experience, etc. yet are not in the mix because they're not in buddy-buddy coaching fraternity. Mr. Parker, with all due respect, comes from that background as do many top hands at the county office. Will he (Mr. Parker) be able to see past that? I don't know. I just don't know.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Same circus, different clowns.

Submitted By: George	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Lets Un-Elect Alex Hodge for Sheriff of Jones County. Its time we have another Sheriff. If you don't like te other one running then write a name in that you want even though it don't count. Atleast he will know he is not wantd. And by the way, I appreciate the deputies being in the school zones but they sure are not monitoring the traffic. Every single deputy i see is on his computer. Don't even try to tell me they are doing reports because pictures I have seen on their computers don't have nothing to do with a report unless they use a connect the dot system. So please lets vote for someone else!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Peter North	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Lets face it about the election. If Tommy Branch had won, Michael Howard would have been running the Jones County School District, just like he is running South Jones School District right now. Plus he had already named Dwayne Strickland as his # 2. And he almost still won! And I'm sure Tommy Parker's motives for running are that he wants 4 years of higher salary for his retirement. Either way, your better off with Tommy Parker. Heck your better off with anyone besides Thrash, who let the chicken farmer Randy Norwood dictate how things will run in the school district. It's all a joke, way too political and the people who work in the district know that. Could be worse though,

Submitted By: Rude!!!!	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Rude. Using people's names to prove a point is ridiculous. SHE as you have referred to is really a smart and kind person. She is only to do what she is told. If she does not have that job in the next 4 years, then someone else will real replace her. I'm sure that will be another SHE. Stop your rude remarks bringing other people in your nasty political gossip. I have already heard that a SHE is working her way right into the CO. Give it time and leave the other SHE alone. Her job is none of your business!!

Submitted By: ok	Submitted: 8/26/2011
We will just have to see. Action speaks louder than words. I hope you are right. JC is in a mess. Even the educators agree. There are other schools that need improved such as the Alternative School. People complain of the filthy conditions. There is also a lot of complaints in the leadership department there as well. Maybe Parker can do something to clear that up as well. I know that it was mentioned in an earlier comment that we need leaders that are professional and good role models for our students.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Well said!!(Branch supports step and watch through the window)

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/26/2011
Well said!!

Submitted By: J. Smet	Submitted: 8/26/2011
I think you miss the point, it does not matter what paper you put your ad in, it depends on how many people vote as to who wins an election. Why would I be mad at the Leader Call? Did they determined who would win an election? If you want respect for your paper as my mother would say if you can not say something nice do not say anything. You should not put anyone down. I will pray for you.

Submitted By: Branch supports step and watch through the window	Submitted: 8/25/2011
I understand that it is difficult to see your canidate lose but the people have spoken and thank God we have Tommy Parker for the next four years. In reading the previous entries, I understand you want change in the CO. What you don't understand is that Parker never had a say so in how anything was executed. Remember, he worked for Steve Thrash. The last four years was the Steve Thrash show and basically a disaster because he had absolutely NO idea what he was doing in the back office. It is sad but the Board didn't even trust in him or his decisions. Parker's hands were tied because he was working under Thrash and had to do what he was told to do whether he liked it or not. Now, HE can take the wheel and steer this district back on course. Those that voted for him knows and believes in proven leadership abilities. He whipped Northeast Jones back into shape academically but especially financially after the former principal left it in a mess. He is up for the job. That is one thing Branch wouldn't be able to do. He only knows how to add poundage to the weight bench (sorry). Branch is wasteful with money. For example, just look at what he did with the the campus immediately after becoming supervising principal. He pulled up all of the foliage that past senior classes had planted, all of the flower beds, and the shrubs around the front of the building that made the front entrance attractive to visitors then had it blacktopped. That doesn't seem like alot but when you things like this numerous times, it builds up. To me that is a waste of money. That money could have been used for some type of educational incentive or resource. Yes, I believe he will make changes at the CO. A job or two that Thrash created needs to be desolved. The SHE everyone is talking about is Susie Dillard and in my opinion, she needs to go back to the classroom. She is not an administrator. To me, if she classroom skills are as bad as her administration skills, SHE need to go home. SHE thinks she is so much better or above everyone else that someone needs to bust her bubble and bring her back down to earth. She was the one writing all of Thrash's speeches and probably still is for that matter. There are one or two more down there that need to be placed back in the classroom to be brought back down to reality. I believe Parker is just the man to do just that. Branch would most likely get rid of most down there and hire someone he knows from Laurel. The reason I say that is because that is the pattern he has followed at South Jones. That is why the citizens and students in Ellisville already refer to South Jones High School as South Laurel Academy. Give Parker an opportunity to prove his leadership before you start saying he is a part of the good ole boy team because the good ole boy days are about to be over. You are going to have a Superintendent of Education that knows education; studies and understands the changes in the laws and procedures of education; and will put the best interest of the students first and foremost in the decisions that he has to make for the district. He didn't run for this office for the POWER TRIP, he ran for this office to help improve the education of the students of Jones County to ensure that they become productive, successful adults.

Submitted By: K Fed	Submitted: 8/25/2011
Lighten up J. Smet. I think the Review was just pointing out that the candidates that only advertised in the Leader Liar didn't fare too well. Why so upset about this....unless you are one of those candidates and even then, you should be mad at the Leader Liar not the Review.

Submitted By: J. Smet	Submitted: 8/25/2011
In reading the Review today I was very disappointed that you made it sound like if you are a candidate that if you put an ad in your paper that you will win the election. I will not buy another Re-View. Please be respectful. Thank-You.

Submitted By: Editor

Submitted: 8/25/2011

(Editor's note: This is our editorial from the Aug. 11 edition, for which Dr. Chuck Benigno sent a very nice thank you note. We will have more on the improvements when the QDI scores are released by the Department of Education.)

Laurel test scores make huge leap

As predicted this time last year, the Laurel School District’s test scores showed vast improvements under the leadership of first-year Superintendent Dr. Chuck Benigno. But even those of us who had great expectations couldn’t have predicted just how much improvement there would be. Laurel students showed improvement in 11 of 15 tested areas, with a 22 percent increase in the number of students scoring “advanced” or “proficient” and, even more significant, a 39 percent decrease in the number of students scoring “minimal” — the lowest score given. The district should show a QDI score improvement of 20 points or more when those overall performance “grades” are released by the Department of Education. Just a reminder, Laurel High School’s QDI score last year was the third-worst in the state. Worse than all but one of the Delta schools. Worse than all of the Jackson Public Schools. Worse than all of the “po-dunk” schools in the poorest hamlets of every corner of the state and most of the points in between. This year, the school and district’s improvements will likely be among the most significant in the state. Now, as Benigno is quick to point out, there’s still a lot of room for improvement, but “this performance is a significant step in the right direction.” Seeing their hard work pay off as it has will likely light a fire under the teachers and the students. They will want to show how much better they can do to prove a doubting public wrong. Benigno and his principals’ challenge their students to compete academically, in just the same way they would in athletics. His philosophy is simple, but effective, if everyone buys into it: “We want to surround our kids with so much love, resources and positive people that they can’t help but reach their potential. Couple this with the expectation of greatness and we have a chance to do something very special.” As we said last year, Benigno’s toughest job is going to be selling the public on the viability of the city schools and convincing parents who demand educational excellence to send their children there. Just like the district’s testing improvements, this was a step in the right direction. (More details on city and county test scores coming soon.)

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/25/2011
In response to "Where's the positive," I totally agree with you about people and media quick to put down the Laurel Schools. Teachers and administrators are and have worked hard to get scores up, and they have. It may be a small number, however, it is going to take a while to undo what Dr. Magee did while superintendent. Dr. B is doing a great job as the superintendent. The bottom line is the "success of the students." These negative comments toward Laurel Schools are ignorant, hateful people that do not have a life. Keep doing what your doing and stay positive. In response to "yes, change," I totally and completely agree with you as to who is running the CO right now; you can bet Mr. Parker does NOT need anyone telling what to do and when to do it. He has the qualifications, credentials, and intelligence to speak for himself. All these people still harping on the election because Branch lost, GET A REAL LIFE and give it a rest. More than likely, half of the people on here talking negatively about Parker did not even vote. It's over; how about supporting the students, district, and Mr. Parker.

Submitted By: where's the positive	Submitted: 8/25/2011
Where is the positive information about Laurel Schools? This paper is quick to print the negative. I might have missed it, but I have not seen much about the increase in test scores at Laurel. I imagine this paper will put a negative spin, by putting it out there that the scores are lower than Jones Co. schools. Give the students, teachers, and administrators credit for this improvement. They, especially the students, deserve this praise. Try raising up the students of Laurel, instead of putting them down.

Submitted By: chance	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Well, I think we need to give Parker a chance. I think he will do a good job for the school system. I think Mr. Thrash had a tough four years dealing with several issues. I was a Parker supporter this time and feel that I made the right choice. Let's pray for Parker, not down him. He is a good man and so is his family

Submitted By: nol	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Buddy system is the entire Jones County office. They have buddies in there that are not qualified. They have a principal in the CO that just rides around and acts important. What a joke. Everyone knows it too. He visits the schools like he has some big degree. That place needs to be cleaned up. Too many people that are not qualified. Buddy system is not referring to Branch, it is referring to the county office and people that are hired.

Submitted By: SHE	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Didn't know about a SHE. Just know that none of them in the CO have worked together even Parker. There are people sitting in the CO that should be back in the classroom. Well, I hope Parker changes that mess. We will just wait and see. I hope these Parker supporters are right. He has a big job ahead of him. Time will tell. Nope it hasn't been Thrash alone that made this big of a mess.

Submitted By: Yes, Change	Submitted: 8/24/2011
To Gear Up Jones Co and Change, I would like to say to you that if you had voted for Tommy Parker four years ago, you wouldn't need a change. Everyone knows that Steve Thrash dosen't run his office, and we all know who does. Don't think Parker will let HER run his. The same ole crap belongs to Thrash not Parker. Quit blaming him. As far as buddy principals, and buddy system, that has Branch written all over it. One reason we are losing teachers is that Branch fires them or makes them so miserable that they leave. He dosen't have parent and teacher support because they don't like him. It's his way or no way. Thrash lets him by with this. This needs to be changed. What Parker needs is ALL NEW board members to help him do a great job. Let's support him and get our Jones County Schools back. By the way, where was Branch last night? The courtroom was full of Parker supporters. As soon as he was declared winner, he walked in and made a speech thanking his supporters. He said he would have thanked everyone, "Win or Lose." Branch should have been there to congratulate him on the spot. If the results had been turned around, Parker would have congratulated Branch immediately. It seems that Branch got left out whenever personality was handed out in this good ole world.

Submitted By: Yes, change	Submitted: 8/24/2011
To change, I would like to say that if you had voted for Tommy Parker four years ago, you wouldn't need a change. To Gear Up Jones Co, you are talking about buddy principals, and buddy system, that has Branch written all over it. SJ is eat up with it. One of the main reasons we've lost good teachers, is that Branch gets rid of them. He either fires them or makes it so hard they can't stay. Steve Thrash seems to have a good hand at doing this too. As far as change, we got one. Same ole stuff, you say. That one belongs to Steve Thrash, not Tommy Parker. He lets someone else run his office, and everyone knows who SHE is, don't think Parker will let her do this. Parker is going to need NEW school board members to work with him. By the way, where was Branch last night? The courtroom was full of Parker supporters. As soon as he was declared the winner, he came in and made a speech. He said he would have thanked his supporters, "Win or lose." Branch should have been there to congratulate him. If the shoe had of been on the other foot, Parker would have been there to congratulat him. Seems that Branch isn't the person some people want him to be. I think he got left out whenever personality was given out in this good ole world.

Submitted By: change?	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Well, we got a change when we got Obama didn't we. We getting a change now in Jones County. Same ole junk.

Submitted By: GEAR UP JONES CO	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Gear up Wade and Branch supports. We are in for another four years of the following: no teacher support, no parent support, good ole boy gossip, buddy system, and all the crap we have had for the past 4 years. The district will continue to lose good teachers. Buddy principals will run the show. Well, hopefully he won't run again and someone young with professional ideas will go in next time. Just pray.

Submitted By: what a joke!!	Submitted: 8/24/2011
In a previous comment it was said that the principals telling teachers to give grades needs investigated. Well, I hate to bust your bubble, but it has been told over and over that this has happened at one of the schools and NOBODY did a thing about it. It has also been told of teacher abuse and NOBODY did a thing about that. So that is your answer. It is a mess and will continue to be a mess. No one can make decisions on what to do. Isn't that right? Can't make decisions? Come on people in the CO , you know better than that. They have known about all of this and they have done nothing.

Submitted By: Agree with Relax	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Exactly. They are still bad mouthing. How stupid. They got what they want and still want attention. Leave it alone!!! People are tired of it. Mr. Branch is a great principal , his school speaks for itself. Don't worry about your big mouth teacher that got fired. He has got a position at another school now running his mouth. Sit down, shut up, enjoy, and leave everybody out of your gossip.

Submitted By: Relax	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Parker supports, relax. Stop bad mouthing. It is over. Jones County did not want a change and that is over and done. You will have 4 more Thrash years, sit back and enjoy. Stop the negative crap on Branch. The comment about giving grades did not come from him. It came from another school in the district and people know who it is. If a principal tells a teacher to give a grade it puts them in a bad situation. You must not know about education. It is over, so shut your mouth and enjoy the next 4 years.

Submitted By: fed up	Submitted: 8/24/2011
Justice at last. The right man has been elected superintendent of education. We are living in a time that wrong wins often. We have 2 principals at South Jones High School that are unethical, lack integrity and character, and in general not role models or examples that our students should be around each day and teachers should not have to deal with. This last few months their motto, "Win at any cost"! I am embarrassed to know that we have fallen to such a low level that someone thinks he can be superintendent of education and lie and make promises that are not in the best interest of students, and actually win. The election was close but I can say in this instance "right did prevail"! I read the previous article and am appalled that a principal would ever change a grade....that is completely the role of the teacher to give grades not a principal...if that happened he should be fired immediately. He is undermining the integrity of the teacher and the teachers' rold in the educational process. We need an investigation, this checked out, and if it is true we need something done. I do know that Branch is all about sports, however, the role of the principal is not to cover up drinking and unethical things when wrong occurs at a school. Where have we evolved!!!!! People wake up...true character is shown when people do what is right all the time. We need to clean house of these people who are only in education to promote themselves...South Jones High School has the potential of excellence but will never reach that potential with the administration that is currently in place!!

Submitted By: The RIGHT MAN for the JOB as SUPERINTENDENT OF ED in the JCSC	Submitted: 8/24/2011
IT is finely over for Mr. Parker and his clean race for Superintendent of Education of the JCSD. I really can't say that for Tommy Branch. Branch, may directly didn't have HIS hand in all of the negative dirt slinging, but you can believe he knew each and every person that was putting something out there that specifically directed it at Parker's character. That is just the way Branch works; he doesn't get his hands dirty so that the mud doesn't come back on him. As for Branches's supporters ($$$$), the Stricklands' and Thomas Prine finally dropped the ball so to speak. I know there were others but those were some that were really pushing him hard. There's no way he could afford all he did with what money he makes. He might have some land around Eddins Lake by now too! Go figure. He wasn't the best man for the job as his radio ads he ran stated because he could NOT have known what all was going on in the school because he spent most of his time in the weight room and that hasn't just started. The weight room visits began the minute he arrived at South. His campaign platform began as "Fairness before Friendship". I don't know where he came up with that one because he has always been one that favored football athletes especially. One commit I read earlier, it stated that principals changed grades. Well, Branch is not different. He just worked with his football boys and maybe baseball some. He did have them tested when they didn't score high enough on an important classroom test. So they could play ball. What about the other students that didn't do so hot on those test. FAIR IS FAIR. It is also well known that he changed almost an entire classroom's grades because he had a sub in there and could have replaced the teacher but he stated that it will all would be taken care of. Well, he did take care of it. He changed grades without the teacher's knowledge. Now what is right about that. There was one student that he premoted to the next grade when the student failed two required classes; he sent that student to the next grade (FAIRNESS BEFORE FRIENDSHIP, HUH) without consulting the teachers. What's so fair about that!!! YOU tell me. One student came to school under the influence of alcohol. After the teacher figured out the problem and call Branch to escort the student from the room, Branch called and allowed the student to go home with his father. This student was a star football player. All the students knew he had been drinking because the student told them he had. If it had been "the Johnny go lately" or "trouble maker", that student would have been suspended awaiting expulsion. Branch didn't see it that way because we had to have the star quarterback on the field on Friday night. Branch talks a good game but doesn't deliver. He just gave a teacher his walking papers because the teacher was talking to a friend at the last primary at the courthouse. One of Branch's buddies overheard the conversation and fired Mr. Harrison on bogus charges last week. Parker didn't sling dirt, people that knew Branch and the way he works did. There are so many other incidents that teachers, staff, and students alike could tell you about Branch, but I just hit some of the HIGHLIGHTS. LIKE I SAID, THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB WAS ELECTED!!!!!!!!!!!! IF YOU ARE NOT PRO BRANCH, you are history. Let's not forget that South Jones High School is no longer. IT IS SOUTH LAURL ACADEMY! All he was after was the title behind his name. The POWER. He has the "little man syndrome" and he has to find his power everyway he can. If you really listen to teachers at that school, you would know that Branch as a senior high principal never took care of disciple which was also a problem from one of the other school districts.

Submitted By: just wondering	Submitted: 8/21/2011
@"just the truth"- who is WE and what are you talking about? who wants to share their coaches?

Submitted By: Just the truth	Submitted: 8/21/2011
Did we find out about all the new coaches on Friday night? Maybe we are learning something - 48-7!!!!!!! What else needs to be said. We'll share them with some of you if you want them.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 8/21/2011
For those of you who are voting on Tuesday, listen up! Luckett is a man you can vote for if you are voting Democratic party for Governor, also Mr. Dupree is running for governor, if you know anything at all about Hattiesburg where he is Mayor, you know he job is difficult because their crime rate is OFF THE CHARTS! Is that the kind of person we want Running Mississippi, someone who is slack on CRIME, be careful, just because someone is mayor of a big city in Mississippi does NOT mean they can make a good Governor, and besides they say Phil Bryant is confident he is going to be the next Governor, he has experience working for Governor Barbour, he and Barbour made sure that the State Workers did not get a pay raise since 2006 and their medical deductible went from $500.00 to $1000.00, I guess you could say, Haley Barbour, Phil Bryant, and Mrs. Fitch wanted to make real sure that noboby working for the State actually uses their health benefits, ( Mrs. Fitch was on the Personnel Board) that is why I included her, she was bound to know about the State raises and health benefits because she would also be a recipient. The kind of money she was making she could stilll afford to eat, and go to the doctor, anyway! Mississippi, its time to vote for people who are able to get the job done right the first time, Mr. Dupree cannot run Hattiesburg, so with that, don’t give him MISSISSIPPI Thanks

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 8/20/2011
This happens at every school! No...It's not right, but it happens. If some of you are so concerned about it, go set up a conference with the administrator instead of bad mouthing them on this site. There will never be another Kathy Harrison in SJ district but Steve Musgrove and Loria Newsome do a wonderful job at the elementary! Go volunteer at the school and you will see what their days consist of. As for SJHS, I am so proud of you for working with the resources that you are allowed to have.

Submitted By: Agree JOE	Submitted: 8/18/2011
Amen JOE!!!! Enough said.

Submitted By: joe	Submitted: 8/18/2011
It's like this. JCSD is a good district overall. Our schools begin with positive, successful principals. We need to make sure we are putting qualified, professional principals in our schools to help our students and teachers. From what I hear, this is one of the changes that needs to take place. Some of our schools are getting principals that gossip with teachers about other teachers, flirt with young students, and just act unprofessional. I have even heard that there is a principal that advises teachers to pass students when the students do not have passing grades. What does this tell us about our system. I have a child that is in one of the high schools, and he told me he has heard of it happening several times. The teachers are not to blame for this problem! Whom ever is elected as our leader in JC., please make a note of this. I have heard it has been brought to attention , but nothing has been done about this matter. Wake up people. What is this saying about us?

Submitted By: lys	Submitted: 8/18/2011
Well, I'm sorry to say , but if you look at the academic achievements , South is the best in the district. And as far as kids going to school in JC that don't live in the district, it is happening at everyone of the schools. I have a connection that is aware of this . Yes, they try to keep tabs on this situation, but it is overlooked. Kids are giving addresses such as family members and it is happening everyday. ALLL JC schools are doing this. Quit being a smarty, People know this. You are just looking for trouble during the election year.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/17/2011
well, ah, let me see. when peoples all of a sudden move to a new school and make first team in sports and don't live here but have a rent house here that they don't even stay in- ca ca! doesn't sound like they MOVED anywhere for the superior EDUCATION! where are the rocket scientists around here? Welcome to South Laurel.

Submitted By: okay	Submitted: 8/17/2011
Well, on behalf of the alternative school. It has not always been like it is now. It use to be a great school that worked with children that got in trouble. It has only gone down the last two years. Hopefully with new leadership it will improve. I have known several people that had their children sent there and they know that the school has changed the last few years.

Submitted By: Minny	Submitted: 8/17/2011
Well, from all of the previous comments on this forum it is obvious that the people of the JCSD wants a change. The only way that is going to happen is if you go next Tuesday and vote . As we can see now, nothing has changed the last few years. We know who we need to vote for to promote a change. Now, go vote. Let's pray the change will be voted for. If not, as someone wrote earlier we are still going to be in the good ole boy , who you know, smiling and no action situation. We have a choice . Go vote people!!!!!!

Submitted By: Minny	Submitted: 8/17/2011
Well, from all of the previous comments on this forum it is obvious that the people of the JCSD wants a change. The only way that is going to happen is if you go next Tuesday and vote . As we can see now, nothing has changed the last few years. We know who we need to vote for to promote a change. Now, go vote. Let's pray the change will be voted for. If not, as someone wrote earlier we are still going to be in the good ole boy , who you know, smiling and no action situation. We have a choice . Go vote people!!!!!!

Submitted By: Breaking News!!	Submitted: 8/17/2011
I have heard that in Jones County we now have West Jones Alternative State School and South Park. Now the West Jones part may be true, but I don't think the South Park is correct. Who ever came up with that is a ding bat!!

Submitted By: Educator	Submitted: 8/17/2011
Yes, South Jones is a great school. I know the teachers there go beyond and above what they are asked to do. They are always positive and work cooperatively together. I know of several students that have moved to the South Jones area to go to school there. This says a lot for the best school in the district.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/17/2011
To "Teacher," I am very glad that your child is getting a wonderful education at South Jones Elementary; however, All students in the JCS district are recieving a wonderful education. I think you are missing the point on proofs of residencies. Check out the post on August 15. Teachers may check, but "principals" are responsible for following up on those students they know are NOT in the district. The responsibility of checking proofs of residence starts at the schools. If a principal knows that a student is attending school there and does not live in that particular district, the principal needs to bring it to the attention of the CO; this is part of the principal's job within his school. I was under the impression that a student could not attend a school and play ball there while he lived in another district- all kinds of MS high school athletic regulations would be broken. and that if reported it could cause forfeiture of wins and result in probation. Surely a high school principal in Ellisville would NOT cover for a family crossing lines like that and openly warn the parent when he was coming by to check for activity at the house he helped them locate for rental. If I were a parent at such a school and had a child who could be playing ball, I would be wagging my tongue like some parents apparently are. I would be interested in any insight.

Submitted By: Thankful for Teachers	Submitted: 8/17/2011
I have a child at South Jones Elementary. I am very proud of the education that she gets there. Yes...There are students that may be disruptive. However, what school doesn't have them?! Teachers have to check the proofs of residency carefully to make sure every student is enrolled in the correct district. My child loves to go to school and shares everything she learned that day with us at night. She is already using unraavel strategy by Larry Bell to read/study at home. Thank you teachers! Also, a big thank you to coaches in our education system. I know you put in many hours that we don't even know about. You spend more time with our future than most parents do.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 8/17/2011
To TrueGrit: I would like to correct you on one thing you said - that the people from the city do not pay taxes in your district. I beg your pardon, but city residents (property owners, that is) are required to pay BOTH city and county taxes and, believe me, it is darn expensive.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/15/2011
This is in response to "Nope, Disagree." The responsibility of checking proofs of residence starts at the schools. If a principal knows that a student is attending school there and does not live in that particular district, the principal needs to bring it to the attention of the CO; this is part of the principal's job within his school. I was under the impression that a student could not attend a school and play ball there while he lived in another district- all kinds of MS high school athletic regulations would be broken. and that if reported it could cause forfeiture of wins and result in probation. Surely a high school principal in Ellisville would NOT cover for a family crossing lines like that and openly warn the parent when he was coming by to check for activity at the house he helped them locate for rental. If I were a parent at such a school and had a child who could be playing ball, I would be wagging my tongue like some parents apparently are. I would be interested in any insight.

Submitted By: frowny face :(	Submitted: 8/15/2011
A lot of children have issues today. Many come from poverty, abuse, and split families. Then there are the bipolar, add, adhd, odd, and just the B.A.D.! Parents quit spanking and add, adhd, odd (obstinence defiance disorder) rose. Certainly, some are chemical imbalances in the brain...but alot of children are on meds that have never been and never will be disciplined. Parents have become enablers for the new Casey Anthony generation. Parenets enable and make excuses for their kids and then the kids have or will get away with murder. Yes...there are line hoppers from all places. Laurel is just one of many. Schools allow affidavits to be signed and hopefully there will be a greater punishment for those who are willing to go before a court of law and say someone is living with them when they are not living with them. In the principals defense, home visits are made frequently to see if a family lives where they claim and have documents showing so. One or two principals cannot visit over 1,000 homes by the first few weeks of school. I am certain that disruptions take place daily and that children who are sent to school to learn are sadly put on the back burner in order to allow teachers time to deal with the disruptive, medical diagnosed child or children (however many may be in the class). Someone just needs to stop complaining and find out what can be done! I can only hope that whoever is elected has the spine to do so.

Submitted By: Face It!!	Submitted: 8/15/2011
Face it!! principals do it. You get good teachers especially history or science and if they can't coach, principals don't want them. This is not in every case, but most of the time. All they are worried about is having a good coach. What is so bad about all of it is that these are testing areas and sometimes the most qualified person deserves the job not a coach. I'm not saying that coaches are not good teachers, but the best qualified person should have the job. This is going on in all schools. Stop blaming South Jones for this . In a matter of fact, SJ is known as the best school in the district. There are students leaving other JC schools to go there. That should say something for South Jones.

Submitted By: kaf	Submitted: 8/15/2011
I agree that sometimes these children that do not live in JC are in the school for several nine weeks before anyone realizes they are not suppose to be there. HUH. I would like to also say that maybe teachers are hired from another district due to qualifications. Laurel School District has good and bad teachers just like JCSD. If there is not someone in the JC district qualified for a job opening, then a principal does not have any other choice but to get someone out of district. Think about it. As far as having slow kids, we have smart and slow learning children at all schools. There are people qualified to work with all of these students.

Submitted By: nope disagree	Submitted: 8/15/2011
These children should have an address when they come to the district. Someone is responsible for checking these addresses. Who is that person. Principals know about this also. Not all students in JCSD are brilliant either. Let's look at the whole picture here. These kids are let into the district without having the proper information so it is overlooked. This goes on in all the schools. It starts at the County Office. With all the staff they have hired, someone should be responsible for checking on this information. Who is it? I know this happens in one of the schools because I teacher there!!!!! Don't go blaming Mr. Branch for this. It is the CO.

Submitted By: disgusted	Submitted: 8/15/2011
Well, check it out...it is being enhanced by the SJ High School supervising principal. He is encouraging this so he can get the "best" ballplayers. Even helping them move into the district by helping them find houses to live in so they can play ball so we can win. We the parents like to win but we do not want unethical things like this to happen so we can win. When the principal is doing stuff like this how do you expect him to be superintendent of education. Total lack of integtrity, character, ethics, etc. When ballplayers are let in to play ball....then we get the rest of them let in because they cannot show partiality. What is wrong with this picture? Don't take my word for it, check it out. This candidate will not be happy until SJ has all Laurel students along with all the employees he has hired from there.

Submitted By: Ovett poll Kat	Submitted: 8/14/2011
Yep. Those slow youngons get put in classes with children that try to learn and can't learn because of all the disruptions. That's a poll kat shame. I wouldn't want my youngon in a class like that. Somebody needs to do their own jobs. This line jumping must stop in JC. Put these youngons where they are suppose to be .

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 8/14/2011
I'll tell all of y'all this...if our school board doesn't get this "line-jumping" problem under control, we can all kiss the JCSD goodbye. We've got TROUBLED kids pouring in from Laurel and other districts like rain falling. Parents are falsifying documents, lying, whatever it takes to get them in JCSD with the kids still living in Laurel, etc. South Jones Elementary now has so many kids from Oak Park it is being refered to by some as "South Park". The parents aren't paying taxes in our district but we are sending low-performing kids to disrupt our classes...ain't that special?

Submitted By: sab	Submitted: 8/14/2011
Best of luck to both candidates. Just remember, if things are the best, in 4 years things can change. Look what a mess JCSD has been in the past 4 years.I am not an educator, but I know from what I have read, heard, and seen from many educators, that JC needs to have good leadership to support their teachers.

Submitted By: Name?	Submitted: 8/14/2011
Well, it looks like we have had several new teachers that need jobs, and they don't get a chance in the JCSD. Too many promises. I do believe Mr. Branch will help the teachers that are looking for jobs in the county. And as far as positive comments, yours are extremely negative trying to get everyone to vote for your buddy. It is like this: We want a change, we want leadership, we want good morals and values, we also want you to learn to not be ashamed about putting a name in the name section of the forum. I think your friends at your school, huh, would be ashamed of you. Somebody needs to spank your britches like your buddy had written in the forum earlier. Everybody knows who you are and what your point is. Quit wasting your time. People will vote on the candidate they have know will make a difference.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/14/2011
Concerned retiree, don't write on this forum that you are undecided about who you are voting. That is bull. After reading your comments I know who you are voting for and everyone else does. Give us a break, next time you comment write about something that is worthy of reading. AGREE we are somewhere!!! How could you say we are nowhere, we have excellent schools and an excellent school system. Both of your comments are negative and we need positive, positive, positive!!! You Branch supporters are desperate and will say anything at this point to get a vote. What a shame!!! Shame on you!!!

Submitted By: jobhunter	Submitted: 8/14/2011
Jones countians hunting jobs in this county are nowhere with Branch. He will make this trend countywide as superintendent.

Submitted By: Agree	Submitted: 8/14/2011
I do agree JCSD has good board members, many which are highly educated, but we need a knowledgeable superintendent to work with them. We need to clean house!!! Go Mr. Branch. If he don't go in, we are back where we started in JC, nowhere.

Submitted By: concerned retiree	Submitted: 8/14/2011
How much experience does it take to be superintendent? I read that the Laurel Schools are doing better with Dr. Beningo. He doesn't have a 32 years experience. He looks much younger to me. Did it take any of us 32 years to learn how to do our jobs? Well, goodness no. When the 32 yr experience candidate was a principal, we didn't have all these tests that the students are taking now. And if I remember correctly, his school was always last on the tests they did have. Look how the district budget has skyrocketed over the last few years. That can't continue. My family hasn't made a final decision. When we do, it won't be on experience and mudslinging.

Submitted By: disagree	Submitted: 8/14/2011
The last few comments are unbelievable. I do not know any instances of superintendents or assistant superintendents not working with the school board but I believe this could occur if they had to stop board members from making bonehead decisions. Superintendens have experience in the schools usually from being principals and teachers that gives them insight that board members lack. I believe if there is a case where there was a little rift with board members it was to stop the bonehead decision. I know what I have written is hard for OK, MUSTANG TEACHER, and ANSWER to understand. I worry about Branch not being able to stop a possible out of control school board with his small amount of experience. (I do not believe our school board is out of control - clarification - but it could get that way with Branch - unenforcable policies, etc.) VOTE PARKER PLEASE. I believe our school board does an outstanding job. Phrases used by OK, MUSTANG TEACHER, and ANSWER, like "needs to work well with the school board" and "can't make a decision" and "what is his job" are ridiculous. "Can't make a decision" really means he is stopping the bonehead decision, "what is his job means" he is the bonehead stopper, and "needs to work well with the school board" is exactly what they do except when their experience tells them not to. Comments made by OK, MUSTANG TEACHER, and ANSWER really claw the bottom out. VOTE PARKER PLEASE!

Submitted By: let your vote be your voice	Submitted: 8/14/2011
This forum should not be a place for public attacks on candidates. Anyone with questions or concerns should contact those running for office and ask them personally. If time is an issue or you just do not want to call Mr. Parker, I'll list a few of the areas he has supervised (or served in) while working in JCSD: Elementary and high school teacher, coach, and administrator; director of curriculum; director of testing; textbooks; school law; OCR review; deputy and assistant superintendent. There are more. My next suggestion: Personal attacks on the candidates is SURELY not something encouraged by either person running for Superintendent. Please stop the attacks and let your vote be your voice on August 23. Thank you and God Bless.

Submitted By: Ok	Submitted: 8/13/2011
People of JC needs a leader for the school district that will make good decisions and work well with the school board. We need new young ideas. I agree that experience is important , but it is only when the person is knowledgeable and can work with others to improve the district. People, when you go vote, please keep these ideas in mind. Sometimes the younger candidate is more productive than the older one that has shown to do nothing. We need to focus on the needs of our children, teachers, and parents. Not a focus on politics and buddy systems.

Submitted By: Mustang Teacher	Submitted: 8/13/2011
Every job requires teamwork. They are suppose to work together to make decisions in the County Office. I would like to know what task Mr. Parker is responsible for . We don't need people that can't work with others in decision making. That is the problem Jones County has now. Please explain.

Submitted By: Answer?	Submitted: 8/13/2011
I would like to know since Tommy Parker can't make any decisions, what exactly is his job at the County Office. Any job requires decision making skills. I am a teacher and I would like to know that answer. Thank you.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/13/2011
Kudos to "Observer." I totally agree with everything you have said.

Submitted By: Observer	Submitted: 8/13/2011
To whoever Fed Up is, I don't think that Tommy Parker has anything to do with what you call mudslinging. And I don't call it that. Everything said that disqualifies Branch is true. Parker has been in the county office for several years, but is not the superintendent now, therefore, he can't make the decisions. Mr. Parker is not a bad person and is not slinging mud. The people saying these things that you do not like against Tommy Branch would say them no matter who he is running against because they are true. If your family wants to vote for him, go ahead. That's your priority. My question is who is going to put a weightlifting room at the county office if Branch wins? That's where he has spent most of his time while at SJ and Laurel.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/13/2011
To Fed Up: If you are so sick of mudslinging, why does almost your entire post sling mud at Mr. Parker?

Submitted By: Fed Up	Submitted: 8/13/2011
Enough is enough! I am so sick of all the mudslinging from the Parker camp! Tommy Branch is a good man with children in the county schools. He has a serious interest in seeing the system improve. Right now, he is at school every day doing his job, while his opponent is riding around the county campaigning under the guise of "county business." Mr. Parker's supporters keep saying he is the only "qualified" candidate--why is that? Because he has been in the office for eight years? Hello? They doesn't mean qualified. It shows only a lack of leadership ability. Eight years of the same old stuff is enough! Our children and our teachers deserve better. Promises made to administrators for support do little to effect what goes on in the classrooms every day. If we want to see an honest to goodness change, if we are truly tired of politics as usual, then we must vote for someone who will lead without the influence of those who are already entrenched. I am both a teacher and a parent. I implore everyone to PLEASE PRAY about your choice, and GO VOTE for the future of education in Jones County. My family is voting for Tommy Branch!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/13/2011
While out running my errands this morning and visiting with friends, I ran into several people that asked me if I had heard that Mr. Parker, if elected, was going to make Steve Thrash, present superintendent, his assistant. I do NOT know where this information came from, but this is ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE. In fact, I straight out asked Mr. Parker, and he said Mr. Steve Thrash is retiring. I think, again, this is rumors being started by the opposition. Get your facts straight before you start telling people lies. In fact, you better ask the other candidate about ALL the promises he is making if he is elected. I don't really have anything against him other than the fact that he is too young and inexperienced to run a school district. If you have a question, why don't you pick up the phone or facebook Mr. Parker, and he can clear up any rumors circulating.

Submitted By: admirer of retired	Submitted: 8/12/2011
retired.....your response was the best.....you have a way with words that is unmatched on this site....very witty----vote Parker...the other one is a good man but is a little young and inexperienced and needs to work on his communication skills - not hiring people in the district shows his inexperience...he will be a good candidate in 4 or 8 years...a little green--vote Parker now!

Submitted By: dummy- NAME SECTION	Submitted: 8/12/2011
People are on here blaming people for making errors when they are making them themselves. What in the world? I guess they think they are perfect. Don't think so. They need to proofread. Maybe they know what that means. Put your name in the name section dumb head. Smarty Britches could be an option. It's called be creative.

Submitted By: Katty	Submitted: 8/12/2011
People, get a life. Let these fools go vote for who they want to vote for. This is getting so old. This forum has got Parker supporter's underwear stuck in their crack. Let them rest.

Submitted By: Fool	Submitted: 8/12/2011
Who ever responded back to Mustang must not know how to complete the name section on the forum. There is a place where you submit a name. They must be drankin too!! Well, it is Friday night so they started early. They need to take a class on writing also. They had errors!!! They also could take a class on completing information. I guess that class is following directions. That is also an ignorant error. Name, email ,and comments. Got that !!!! Not too hard to follow. They are just trying to get off the subject . Bottom line? Vote Branch. Go back and read your comment. Correct your errors. Follow directions. I'm sure you can come up with a creative name. Not while your drankin.

Submitted By: Bob	Submitted: 8/12/2011
Exactly. It got your attention. Aw it was just an error

Submitted By: Done	Submitted: 8/12/2011
The whole point was to get your attention. You got it. They surely meant to put Parker. It had to had been an error. He is the only unfair candidate.

Submitted By: Done	Submitted: 8/12/2011
The whole point was to get your attention. You got it. They surely meant to put Parker. It had to had been an error.

Submitted By: Mustang	Submitted: 8/12/2011
First of all, you must be the one drinking too many beers. You can't even follow instructions. You didn't even submit a name on the forum. Are you not creative enough to come up with one? Also, you have errors in your writing as well. Let's not ignore what the point is by trying to find errors. Vote Branch!!! Enough said. Now, you go sit down and take a course on how to complete information . It is really simple. Just follow directions.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/12/2011
Mustang, I am sorry to inform you but after reading your comments I am wondering whether or not your have had too much to drink. If you agree with concerned you would be supporting the opposite candidate than the one you were supporting in the comments you made. You also need to proofread your sentences. I know a lot of teachers in Mustang country and most of them are very smart and would be embarrassed with this writing. It makes no sense and it had many errors. We expect much better out of our students and a mustang.

Submitted By: Mustang	Submitted: 8/12/2011
I sure agree with Concerned. Tommy Parker in the past has not helped or supported the teachers of Jones County. I have taught in the district for 30 years now. I know if an incident where a teacher was abused by a principal and he was buddies with the principal and the great veteran teacher got no support. That is what we are going to be dealing with if the is our leader, or tries to be our leader. Don't believe all the mess about experience. Branch as experience too. He can bring new ideas and positive ideas into the district.

Submitted By: Bookworm	Submitted: 8/11/2011
What happened to the Jones County inmate roster? I thought it was suppose to be back up where it could be viewed? Answer?

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 8/11/2011
I think some people don't know the meaning of good and honest. I know for a fact that Tommy Branch is not any of the above. Can't say he isn't a christian, don't know that one, only God can answer that, but for the others, he's not. Someone very close to me was one of his victims at SJ. This person was treated very unfair by him, and never stood a chance. He dosen't care who he hurts and to what extent. He dosen't listen to facts, just one side of things. It seems that there are two sides to everything and if he were the person he should be, he would listen to all people involved. On more than one occasion, this was not the case, he listened to the first person that ran up and started something. Others had to suffer. Is this what we want to run our school system? If you know what is good for our schools, it is surely not a vote for Branch to lead our school district. Some people may think these are false accusations, but you just haven't been one of his victims yet. Put him in office, and I assure you that you will be. He's good at throwing his hands up and saying he isn't going to listen to you. Not a good choice at all.

Submitted By: Captain Right Wing	Submitted: 8/11/2011
Can somebody tell me What is going on with the Training Officer in the Laurel Fire Department . I reckon the reason there are little or no training reecords is because no training is taking place !!! City Hall really needs to look at this problem after all WHY are we paying over $40,000.00 per year for what he is NOT DOING? I bet we won't get an answer to this either !!! Wake up CITIZENS !!!

Submitted By: Tax Payer	Submitted: 8/11/2011
I am SO SICK of Dennis Kevryn preaching for us to shop in Laurel because we NEED to keep our tax dollars here. Well then Mr.practice what you preach WHY did you hire a company out of HATTIESBURG to do maintenance work on the city buildings???I'm talking about the company YOU hired to go around to the city buildings to change the A/C filters,besides NOT NEEDING to spend this money why can't the Maintenance department of the city that we already pay do this Job????????? Your days are numbered at city hall !!!

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 8/11/2011
Prine was a good man but several of his principal appointments were disasters. He sent three over to Ellisville/SJ elementary in his last couple of years that almost wrecked the school before they flamed out. He was bad about hiring coach/driver's ed types that had no particular interest in academics...just good ol' boys. I'm praying the new guy looks a little deeper into the character/qualifications of folks before putting them in charge of a school.

Submitted By: Batman	Submitted: 8/10/2011
Face it people of JC. We will never have another Thomas Prine in the school system. It just ain't gona happen. So, I don't think you are going to see a change anyway the next 4 years. He was the best.

Submitted By: bottom line	Submitted: 8/10/2011
The bottom line is: I agree with laugh. Action speaks louder than words.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/10/2011
To "Laugh," clearly, you do NOT know what you are talking about. Mr. Parker has several duties, and all you have to do is ask him. You also stated that you suppose that all he does is ride around and smile, well, look at the principal on the south side of the county. Talk about making big bucks....did you read the paper on how much he makes....and also, yes, he is making promises he can't keep. In fact, I know of someone he called just yesterday asking if he/she had found a job yet, knowing it was too late to offer a job, if there ever was one to offer. His only reason for calling was to make sure he could have that possible one vote. Give me a break....there is only one "qualified" candidate in every aspect of education, and it is NOT the south side principal......

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/10/2011
dear facts again. I just took my old folks medicine and feel much better. I will try to communicate as simple as possible to you. You don't know the difference between pooh pooh and shinola. Enough said.

Submitted By: Secret Mustang	Submitted: 8/10/2011
Amen laugh. I do agree. Did you know there are others that ride around JC and smile, grin, and acts like they know everything about education. They make big bucks , of course to be in education. These are people that are really not qualified. What in the world? Again, it is all about who you know and favors. Just remember when you vote in a few weeks. There are candidates that have been in the county office for years and they will have favorites. They say they won't make promises. Well, I know for a fact they are already telling people they will help them get jobs. Laugh you are exactly right.

Submitted By: Facts Again	Submitted: 8/10/2011
Dear Retired and concerned. Go take your old folks meds, the post quoted, the years from 1970-2007. LHS had more dollars awarded to students for college than all the other schools combined. It's a fact. Go look it up at the local newspaper. WE are not talking about the school at large when we state facts about the ACT. It said plain print the top 25 students in each school. Look it up it's facts. The top twenty five at LHS beat the top 25 at the other schools by 5 pionts. Yes, this is history. The Laurel school is in deep trouble now. And you are right, most all decent students are moving or have moved to the county schools. Which I can't blame them. But in the post about history in Laurel is just that. Just 5 years ago LHS had over 1 million dollars in scholarships. The county had a little over 350,00 combined. LHS put more students in 4 year colleges than the county the last 35 years. I know what I am talking about.

Submitted By: laugh!!	Submitted: 8/10/2011
Well, they say vote Parker for a change. Huh, he has been in there and has done nothing. They say he can't make decisions. Huh, then what is he suppose to do? Oh yea, that's it, ride around the district and smile. OKKKKK

Submitted By: concerned	Submitted: 8/10/2011
Retired you are exactly right. Duh!!! Why are teachers and administrators from Laurel trying to get to the Jones County Schools? They know the Jones County School District is better. The person who wrote the article about ACT Scores in Laurel needs facts...check what percentage of students in Laurel take the ACT test compared to the number of students in Jones County. Of course Laurel would do better when only the very brightest take the test. Get ALL students to take the test and it would be like their state test scores ... on the bottom. It is disgusting to constantly see facts slanted and the exact reasons not stated. Be careful what kind of change you want. You wanted change 4 years ago and see what you got. I do not think the people saying this have a clue...we need strong Leadership and with Mr. Parker we will have that.

Submitted By: Bull	Submitted: 8/10/2011
I would like to say something to all the voters who voted the same supervisors back in or will have to run it off. First you need to vote them out, because your taxes are going up in 2012. I understand it was voted on by them before the election to raise taxes. Some supervisors had road crews bush hog down their oppoments signs. If you don't want to pay higher taxes then you need to vote for the other guy.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 8/9/2011
I want to respond to the writer about the facts about the schools and praising LHS over the jcsd. you are full of kfc and watermelon. why in the world has there been a mass exodus from the city? Why are the two private schools in laurel excelling and growing. Please don't put such hogwash on this site. LHS is a poor school district and the Jones County Schools are average or above.

Submitted By: Superman!	Submitted: 8/9/2011
the bottom line is: Go vote!!!!!!!!! JCSD is looking to move forward and change. I think we have good board members, but we need a good superintendent to work with them. Don't be afraid to go out on a limb, vote BRANCH!!!! He is what JCSD needs to make our district the best!!! Go Branch.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/9/2011
It seems to me that Branch family members and supporters are continuing to post "negative" remarks on here about another candidate. Clearly, it was his supporters and family members that started the mess about Wade before the primary. Just STOP the mudslinging and go vote on August 23 for whom you believe to be the most "qualified." The choice is obvious, and it is surely NOT who is mentioned on the last several commentaries. Watch where you are slinging that mud because eventually it will end up right back in your eye.

Submitted By: popeye	Submitted: 8/9/2011
I agree with Olive Oil. Jones County has good teachers. I do believe a change is needed though. We have been in the same ole buddy boy system too long. Things need to improve so that our students can have the best education possible. We need to do everything we can to keep good teachers in our schools so they don't leave going else where. Let's vote for change to make JCSD the best!!

Submitted By: Olive Oil	Submitted: 8/9/2011
I am a teacher in Jones County Schools, and it is very upsetting to hear people "down" our school district. Sure, there may be problems, but ALL schools have problems(and if someone says they don't, they are saying untruths because life is not perfect)! In regards to the new hires at SJ, I know the baseball coach, and he is a very upstanding Christian guy that works hard and really cares for the kids. I believe people should not make a judgement on hearsay. I can understand being disappointed when a good candidate is not hired, but there is no excuse for downing someone on hearsay! This also can be said about the superindendent race. I have heard some negative gossip on Branch that is NOT true. Running a school or classroom is not an easy task. Mistakes will be made because people are human; however, overall Jones County Schools and teachers are some of the best in the state.

Submitted By: Betty Boop	Submitted: 8/9/2011
I would like to thank the Review for the public forum. I have 3 small children and one started to kindergarten this year. I was hesitate about which school to enroll her in. I know that I made the right choice, private school. I work hard to make sure my children have the best education. After reading this forum and talking to many educators, I know without a doubt I made the right decision. I know not everyone can afford private education, so JCSD needs to get a change and do something to improvement. I live in the JCSD area, and plan to vote for a change! Please remember our children come first when you vote.. Tommy Branch is that change. A wonderful fair, honest, and Christian individual.

Submitted By: AGREE	Submitted: 8/9/2011
I do agree. Laurel High School has shown improvement. You never hear all the political mess in Laurel either. It is all about trying to help the students in Laurel! That is how it should be. Let's learn what is right. Their superintendent is also appointed, not buddy buddy. That might say a lot also.

Submitted By: Facts about our schools	Submitted: 8/9/2011
Let's look at facts: Laurel School District from 1970-2007 every one of those years, students got more academic scholarships, (Dollars) athlectic scholarships, 4 year college and Ivy league enrollment. Than all the county schools combined. If you took the Honor students (top 25) in every school and compared their ACT scores to Laurel. LHS would outscorce the county by average of 5 pts. These are correct stats, the Laurel Leader Call newspaper every year. Prints which school got how much money in scholarships. Now you wonder why maybe most of the hires of teachers come from Laurel. Facts, Facts, Facts,. This is not true about Laurel High school grads now. You can post all these facts about higher education, but LHS ruled the roost the last 40+ years.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/9/2011
This is to "pleaze and WOW"! Pleaze when people do not like something they say they want change. Remember we have a new president because people wanted change, be sure you know what kind of change you want. What we actually need is a thing called LEADERSHIP that we have not seen in four years. WOW at SJ we have at least four new coaches and a new principal and none of those positions were filled by any of the outstanding young men and women who already work in the Jones County Schools. ALL came from either Laurel, Wayne County, or Petal. Local taxpayer money being removed from our local economy to other areas when we have great young people applying for these jobs. We had an absolutely outstanding young baseball coach who wanted to come back home ... was not hired ... a devastating blow to SJ. Hiring their buddies with no concern about the students!! That is THE shame.

Submitted By: WOW	Submitted: 8/8/2011
My friend, several other schools are also hiring teachers from the Laurel School District. It is not just about South Jones. It is all about who you know in the JCSD. You have to be a buddy to get your foot in the door. It isn't about how good of a teacher you are. What a shame.

Submitted By: pleaze	Submitted: 8/8/2011
Bottom Line: If you like Thrash and the way he has run the jCSD, than vote for Parker. If you think a change is needed, vote Branch. Why are the people in the EJE community getting letters about the school. UH sounds like improvement to me.

Submitted By: concerned	Submitted: 8/8/2011
It is with much hesitation that I respond to this forum about what has gone on at South Jones High School. I am concerned that the leadership at South Jones High has hired only people out of our school district to come in and take over the school. In fact, so many have been hired from Laurel over the last two years many in the community feel South Jones is now South Laurel. It is the feeling that if Branch is elected superintendent of education West Jones will be done as South Jones has been done and will become known as West Laurel. Beware of Branch. He will not put West Jones people in jobs at West Jones. Simply the truth. He only hires "his people whether more qualified or not".

Submitted By: Is this ture?	Submitted: 8/8/2011
Just heard, that our World Series 16 year old team made it to the finals. The football coach of two of the players would not allow them to play as it was a conflict with football practice. Get real coach!! A chance of a lifetime to play in a series final and you cannot change a football practice time. These kids had already been at football practice for 3 days and would drive 3 hrs and play at night. Old school is fine but this is just not right. When you lose 6-8 football games this year I hope they run your behind off. One day of practice? Come on coach.

Submitted By: educator- I know because I am there.	Submitted: 8/8/2011
Several factors are very important when trying to understand what makes a great school in order to ensure student success. Many times, parents want to blame teachers, teachers want to blame parents, principals want to blame all the above. The answer is that it takes everyone to make an excellent learning environment for students. Parents must take responsibility and be involved in the education of his/her child by seeing that the child has what he/she needs, have the child do homework, support the child and know what is going on in the classroom and outside the classroom. Just be an advocate for your child - simply be involved! Teachers must TEACH from 8:00 a.m. until 2:45 p.m., must treat students with respect and care about every child enough to individualize and stay in touch with parents. Principals must be brave enough to be a leader. The principal must support the teacher, the parent, and the child. Above all else the principal and superintendent must make ALL decisions based on what is best for the child. Money must be spent based on what is going to impact the learning environment. It is very simple...parent, teacher, principal, superintendent and child) must do his/her part in the educational plan and EVERYONE must take and accept responsibility for their part in this plan. If one part of this plan is weak, the child will suffer. I say that to say this, it is sooooooo important for us to vote August 23, 2011, for the most qualified leader to lead our schools. Experience is very important, please forget the "good ole boy politics" and that is "you do for me and I will do for you". We need a leader who is concerned about educating our children in a safe and orderly environment. A leader who is not making promises in order to be elected. We must work to ensure that we elect experience, integrity, fairness, character, work ethic, and honesty. "Great teachers make great classrooms, great principals make great schools' and great superintendents make great school districts" Leadership at every level is ALL IMPORTANT!! I read recently a campaign slogan that read "Unafraid to lead"!! Let us elect someone who is unafraid to lead in Jones County and if that happens the problems in Jones County will be fixed not only in the superintendents race but all the races. The only problem is that he/she must have the leadership skills and experience....then be unafraid to implement those skills to ensure success! We all know who has the experience and leadership!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/8/2011
No school in Jones County is on School Improvement and that's a fact. Three schools are High Performing and all others are Successful. Citizens with questions about their school should probably contact the school principal for accurate information.

Submitted By: News to me	Submitted: 8/7/2011
I wasn't aware that a Jones County School was on School Improvement. Wow! I thought only Laurel School District was having to deal with that. Of course, Laurel is showing improvement!! What is the deal here. HMMMMMM

Submitted By: just wondering	Submitted: 8/7/2011
I was just wondering why all of the West Jones teachers are leaving and going to the Alternative School. I have a child that attends West and she has lost a few teachers to go over there. That just seems odd to me.

Submitted By: LOVE IT!!!	Submitted: 8/7/2011
Corn Bread Eating Fool, I think you have had the best email yet. AMENNNNNNNN. The teachers always get the blame. Who ever you are, you are the best!!!! Tell it like it is.

Submitted By: Corn Bread Eatin Fool	Submitted: 8/7/2011
I ain't never in my life. Have you idiots considered the problem at EJE may not be the teachers, but the students? Teachers can only teach so much. I mean could it possibly that one night many moons ago some dragnasty woman and dragnasty dad got together and said hey lets make whoopie. Take in mind, these are probably drug heads, who have never been married, and they probably do a fine snorting of crack for breakfast. Am I in the neighborhood? The kids live in a soft generation. Its quite pathetic at the many of deaths happening around football simply because kids don't get outside because dragnasty parents try to baby them to much. Wake up you dragnasty and idiot parents, maybe its you who the problem is, and not the teachers. Here's an idea why don't you go to college, and get a education degree. Then come back and try to teach these dragnasty kids made from dragnasty parents!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/6/2011
To Voter Get It Right. I apologize for my mistake regarding your friend's statement. I, along with most in my community, had just received our "EJE school improvement" letters for the second year in a row, and I guess I was just upset. We know that our children can reach the same level and more as the students in the other schools in our district. Whatever is wrong at EJE must be fixed. Only the students are suffering. Please, everyone vote. It is very important.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/6/2011
I agree with "Voter---Get It Right." It is clear that past submissions on this forum was not by the Wade campaign. All the remarks clearly were from Branch supporters stirring up the pot to make it look like it was them. You evidently do not know how to read or understand the context of what was said about have a "highly successful" NEJ Elementary Open House. If you are going to post something, get it right; otherwise keep your mouth shut!!

Submitted By: voter, get it right!	Submitted: 8/6/2011
Dear "voter", SHAME ON YOU! Taking the words of another person OUT OF CONTEXT and trying to use them for your own agenda and political gain.... Your parent or guardian ought to SPANK YOU silly and send you to your room! The person from fb you SUPPOSEDLY "quoted" as saying "her school was highly successful" is MY friend. It is NOT NICE to misquote others. Please allow me to COPY AND PASTE her post: among other things, she said- "visited with my students and parents at a HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL EJE Open House." I realize some people have trouble with comprehension, so let me attempt to help you understand. What her statement indicated was that she had visited with students and parents at an open house that was highly successful. Oh my, all I did was rearrange the words. How hard could it be to understand what she was saying? Hmmmmm. Apparently YOU are trying to start some messy junk. Get a grip! PLEASE try to find it in your heart to allow the JCSD teachers to love what they do and be excited about welcoming parents and students to a successful open house.

Submitted By: JP	Submitted: 8/5/2011
I think the LPD night out was a good thing...but I was at the park the next morning and it was trashed beyond belief and smelled like a latrine. A city crew had to clean up behind them. It is a shame not to teach our kids to leave things better than they found it!

Submitted By: PLEASE VOTE!!!!	Submitted: 8/5/2011
Voters for Jerel Wade, please go vote for Branch. Many have expressed they want a change. These votes are needed or we are going to be in the same mess we are in now

Submitted By: voter	Submitted: 8/5/2011
I saw on Facebook that one of Mr. Parker's said her school was "highly successful." I called a friend who works there. There is no such thing as highly successful. Well, I guess it is OK to continue to make up things that you wish for. Let's just stick to the facts, ladies.

Submitted By: Brave Man	Submitted: 8/5/2011
Dear Friend, Looks like you have been called out. I am myself a south jones man. And i wanted cooley for the coach. He is not the coach and i am still a south jones man. Can't wait till spring to see what all the talk is about south being loaded with players. Hate gossip but money was looked for to add to the pot for cooley.

Submitted By: Brooks	Submitted: 8/5/2011
I got a call this morning about these post on the South Jones baseball coaching debate. Why can't supporters of this program let sleeping dogs lie. The search for a coach came down to two men. Both would be fine coaches, both are fine men. Only one can lead a very talented group of young men. The choice was made, right or wrong. But for the record, I was one of the booster's that got a call about writing a check to the diamond club. This check was to go to a fund ($10,000) for extra money for the hiring of one of these two men. I know which one and so do you. That coach could have been well worth the extra $10,000, only time will tell. But, I prefer to give funds to improve our complex,and buy equipment. Slander you say? Post your name if you got facts.

Submitted By: private sector	Submitted: 8/5/2011
@da suz, I work in the private sector and I did not get a pay raise or COL increase during those years either. if you don't like what you get paid by tax-payers and the benefits that come with it, just quit your tax-payer funded job and go to work for a private company. I'm sure there is some unemployed person out there that would gladly take your job without. complaint.

Submitted By: FRIEND	Submitted: 8/4/2011
In referece to the baseball coach's job at South Jones, it seems that Branch is giving out some false information. It is true that Cooley was not head coach whenever Sumrall won the state championships, but the head coach didn't do it by himself. I think that being a member of that coaching staff would be an asset to any team. It seems that Branch is telling that the offer was $10,000 short. If the boosters were called for more money, then list the names. Some boosters were asked about it and don't seem to remember getting the call. This is SLANDER. It makes you wonder if Branch knows the meaning of slander. I think he does. The fact is that he is hiring everyone from Laurel. The school is now known as South Laurel, it is no longer South Jones.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 8/4/2011
Have you been to the Jones County Library lately? Let me tell you, I went last week for the 1st time in several months & was amazed at what I saw. I got to hear Victoria Bynum speak about her new book and visit the genealogy area.I was VERY impressed, only thing is, the genealogy area is only open about 15 hours a week! I mean really...I ventured downstairs to check out some books & was treated so sweetly. The clerk, who is new, was so very sweet. Her accent was so nice I had to ask where she was from, Florida it turns out. I just would like to say "JOB WELL DONE LIBRARIANS", but please Ms. Director, open the genealogy department for longer, more convenient hours. Thank you.

Submitted By: Here's the Deal	Submitted: 8/4/2011
The inmate roster should be back on the site in a few days according to the S.O.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 8/4/2011
Seriously...we're suppose to believe that a deputy was fired because he was a friend of someone that votes a certain way? Not only would such a move by the the Sheriff (or his represenative) be illegal, it would be WAY stupid. His deputys do not check their constitutional rights at the door when they come to work each day. There is no way this is the reason the man was terminated. He either resigned on his own or the Sheriff had good cause to terminate.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 8/4/2011
To the business of Jones County. There will be a meeting on August 8th at the Glade Elementary School at 6:00 p.m. to address the School District's budget for next year. Everyone needs to attend. They are asking for an increase in your taxes however they do not support the local businesses. They buy everything from outsiders, they do not go with the lower price. They go with the one supporting their golf habits. They also have a business manager that is for himself. He also wrote a program for the board minutes this year and was paid for it. That is embezzlementm, double dipping and many other law breaking terms. So the way I see it is you can all stay home and gripe or you can go and open your mouth raise the question. If you stay home then don't bitch. Jim you have a big mouth so let's see what you have to say. After all they do not have your paper in the schools even though you have offered.

Submitted By: phil	Submitted: 8/4/2011
I just wanted to make one comment in refernce to a Deputy that was fired this past week. Deputy Chandler was a very proffessional officer of the law. He never got in trouble and he always treated people very good. I really enjoyed working with him and feel it is ashame the way the Jones County Sheriff's Office treated him. What is ashame is that he had to be fired by someone who was not the Sheriff. Maybe one day we will have a boss there that doesn't threaten employees in the way we vote or which friends we choose. Good luck to you Chnadler you will be missed!!!!!

Submitted By: Whats the deal	Submitted: 8/3/2011
what happened to the inmate roster on the sherrif's website

Submitted By: Close Source	Submitted: 8/3/2011
South Jones hiring of a baseball coach should have nothing to do with where they come from. Cooley has not won any state championships, coach Knight has. Fact 1, Cooley did ask for $10,000 more than the salary could pay. Calls were made to elite boosters to come up with the money, they declined. Second call went out, that Cooley would take $7000. Still no takers from boosters. Hire was done next day. Cooley would be new coach if the booster club had money. All I can say if your mad, write a check. Support your school. Don't bring elections of the county school job, bring you to a boil over a coaching hire. Teacher!!!!

Submitted By: Facts Right	Submitted: 8/3/2011
Mr/Ms Teacher, Gets your facts straight. The beloved Steve Cooley wanted the Diamond club, to give him an additional 10,000 dollars. You want to write that check? Big Mouth. I doubt it.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 8/1/2011
First of all I know Phil Bryant is getting really excited about being the next Governor, however, for those of you who are not aware of what somebody did to the STATE EMPLOYEES of Mississippi, I think Haley Barbour and his sidekick Phil Bryant OK’d the decision to NOT GIVE THE STATE EMPLOYEES a cost-of-living PAY RAISE all the way back to 2006, how is that for TWO GREAT GUYS who love their MISSISSIPPI and to top it off the employees have to pay $1000.00 out of their own pockets first for healthcare and pharmacy drugs BEFORE their benefits start to work, it use to be $500.00, that was at the same time of the 2006 no more cost of living raises. Think about it, do you want a governor who is that way or do you want someone who treats state employees with real respect, you decide, and Governor Haley Barbour is about to write a book about Katrina, I will not be buying it cause I think after someone treats employees like that does not deserve to sell a book of any kind! People get real rich, real fast, selling books! Also remember Lynn Fitch is running for State Treasurer, OK but she was appointed as executive director of the State Personnel Board in 2009 WHICH MEANS, she knew about the State’s cost of living NO RAISE decision since 2006 and what did SHE DO to help? She said in the Clarion-Ledger dated July 29, Friday, “I know how to manage a state agency, BUT, she does not know how to get the cost-of-living raises and a health care package BACK TO the state employees since 2006, THAT GOVERNOR HALEY BARBOUR TOOK away from all state employees and Lt. Governor Phil Bryant agreed to the same. Watch who you vote for OK, by the way JOHNNY BURNETT is running for Supervisor Beat 1, please re-elect him, he is a christian man and I LOVE HIM like a cousin. Thanks for your time, and my info about the state came from one who gets a pay-check from the state and has for around 19 years. By the way, we all need to remember that everytime we are passed up for a COST of living (not to be confused with MERIT) raise, it will show up LOUD and CLEAR on our final social security checks at age 62, 65, 70, or whenever we decide to start drawing it. I am not not going to vote tomorrow but I am not voting for people who hurt others in their pay-checks. GOD BLESS AMERICA

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 7/31/2011
I would like to know why a teacher at the Laurel Education Center (formerly the Alternative School), is being allowed to teach after hitting 2 students with her fist a couple of years ago? Maybe Dr. Beningo isn't aware of this, but should be. This was covered up by Dr. Maggie Griffith and Principal David Lewis. This teacher was his Lewis' "favorite" and all employees were aware of this. A teacher's statement of the events that she saw was totally ignored. Dr. Griffith and Lewis are buds, which finalized the coverup. Lewis has been promoted to principal and demoted 1/2 a dozen times throughout his tenure. He is a terrible and worthless administrator. This teacher should not be working with students at all. Wake up Beningo!! Check on your teachers and the worthless jobs that some of your principals are doing. Lewis' favorite pleasures are eating, playing games on his computer in his office, and yelling at custodians. Just saying...

Submitted By: Brian	Submitted: 7/30/2011
Please go vote tueday Aug.2nd.We have men and women over sea fighting for our freedom and that freedom includes the freedom to VOTE for you want to lead us.God keep our soldiers safe!!!

Submitted By: Steve in Ellisville	Submitted: 7/28/2011
Just a short word for the LT. Gov. race. The choice is obvious, Billy Hewes is the man who will represent Ms. with the greatest amount of class and dignity. Tate Reeves has gone off the deep end with mailers that are not honest while Billy Hewes has continued laying down his vision for Mississippi. Next Tues. the choice is simple, vote Billy Hewes the man we can trust to take care of the state's business.

Submitted By: JANE	Submitted: 7/25/2011
PLEASE, PLEASE,PLEASE, PEOPLE OF JONES COUNTY, JUST SHUT-UP AND "VOTE", I'VE READ ENOUGH OF THE JUNK....LET'S VOTE AND PRAY THAT PEOPLE WILL JUST DO THEIR JOBS,,,,,

Submitted By: Visitor/ Educator	Submitted: 7/25/2011
I do agree that sidewalks and the school grounds should be neat and clean. A good school environment is important to students as well as parents and visitors on campus. For example, I visited the Jones County Alternative School. I was surprised students were actually sent there. It was so nasty. The carpet and the bathrooms were filthy. As I walked down the hall to the cafeteria, the teachers did not even speak or acknowledge my presence. That says a lot for the schools. Cleanliness should be important. Professionalism should be important too. Anyone can speak and smile!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/25/2011
I totally agree with teacher concerning Mr. Branch. It seems that Mr. Branch is full of himself! According to what he said at the political forum on July 12, all Branch wants to be is the "LEADER." He also claimed that policies were NOT being followed at the county office. However, when asked by a reporter to elaborate on which policies were not being followed, Branch could not answer. Do you really want someone like him running our school district?

Submitted By: teacher too	Submitted: 7/25/2011
Well, if you are a teacher and send comments to the Review, Please learn how to spell. Wow!!! What will we see next. UPCOMING EVENTS.

Submitted By: Teacher	Submitted: 7/24/2011
I would like to make a comment about Tommy Branch. I saw where he spoke at a meeting the other night. He said he would never use money to build sidewalks, or any other things that would not benefit the students. What about a couple of weeks after he was named supervising principal at South Jones HS? He spent lots of money digging up trees, and shrubs that were on the campus. The SJ that was carved from shrubs outside the gym is gone. He did away with landscaping that was left by clubs, and other students. This dosen't get done free and it did not benefit the students. It cost money and many people did not like it. He also redid the office with expensive tile and other things the other schools did not have at the time. Another thing he has done was hire a baseball coach with two years experience from Laurel, instead of giving that job to Steve Cooley who graduated from SJ, playing all sports there. He has been an assisstant coach at Sumrall for several years. I think that team has been number one in the state for six years now. It seems if you are from Laurel, go to South and get a job, you can get one ahead of anyone more qualified, or more deserving. I'm sure the guy from Laurel will do a great job, using Cooley's plan that was given during a four hour interview. Branch and the whold school board are not the people to be in office for the best benefit for our children.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/24/2011
While Wade's words sound sincere, it seems that he is afraid the truth about his career will come out. I hope he is sincere because I still feel his supporters have started and continue to sling half truths and rumors about the other candidates. I agree with him saying let your vote be your voice. Enough is enough.

Submitted By: Jerel Wade	Submitted: 7/23/2011
I have been both encouraged and discouraged by remarks made on this message board during this campaign. Let me be clear, I neither endorse nor encourage these negative statements made about any candidate, especially my two opponents. I know them both well and have nothing but respect for their willingness to endure the hardships of campaigning for this office. Each of the three of us has family that will work in the school district for the eventual winner. These remarks put an undue burden on them. It is unfair to each of them to have a cloud of uncertainty in their minds as they enter the upcoming school year. To those who are making slanderous comments on my behalf, PLEASE STOP! These comments do far more harm to my campaign than good. In fact, if anyone supports me, do your talking at the ballot box and not on this forum. I am sure that the one or two rogue posters will feel I am making a disingenuous comment. You are entitled to your opinion, as wrong as it may be. I cannot keep you from continuing to spread hate-filled messages about me or an opponent. But, please have the common decency to meet me face to face so that you can at least know whom you are slandering. To Mr. Parker and Mr. Branch, as well as your family and supporters, my sincerest apologies for any sorrow or stress this may have caused. I will apologize to you in person upon our next meeting; but, in the mean time, please know that I have not personally sought to use this forum to gain a malicious advantage. I believe you know me well enough to know that to be the truth. I have enjoyed this journey until this point. However, I will continue to work hard to get a positive message about the future of this school district out to the people of Jones County. I trust my opponents will do the same. To my supporters, thank you for your continued support. But, please, continue to make this about the issues in the schools and not a personal vendetta against another candidate.

Submitted By: Disgusted with this forum	Submitted: 7/23/2011
To voter: You are an evil,despicable liar. If you continue to spread this crap, then the real reason why Jerel Wade left in 2005 will definitely be posted. I don't think you want that. So just stick to the issues. To the Review: I am appauled at the slanderous, malicious garbage you allow to be posted on this board.

Submitted By: Very sad	Submitted: 7/23/2011
It is very apparent that Jerel Wade has used this forum to run his campaign for sainthood, I mean, Superintendent of Education. But now that some not so flattering facts have come out about him, he has started spreading malicious lies about the other 2 candidates. SHAME ON YOU, JEREL WADE! This is what you call Integrity? How sad this has become.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/23/2011
In response to "voter," as far as I am concerned the other two candidates started this mud slinging contest. Evidently, this is the only way they feel they can get a few votes. As for the person "Voter" who brought out accusations against the candidates, I wish I was as perfect as you were and Wade. Remember, people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones......think about it. The bottom line in this campaign is it is about the children. Sounds like Wade has family members logging in and posting ugly remarks about people. At least Parker has the "integrity" to NOT say anything negative about the other two candidates. The other two candidates are letting other people talk for them. Guess they do not have a voice of their own.

Submitted By: voter	Submitted: 7/23/2011
In response to the comments about Mr. Wade's temper, I don't think any on the canidates are without faults. It is up to the voter to determine who will be the best man for the job. Do you want Branch, who seems to be pushed by some influential people in the county to do what they want done. Or, Parker, who can not stay committed to something as sacred as marriage. How could we expect him to keep the district headed in the right direction with the school board members funding his campain? Or, Wade, who seems to get upset when things he is passionate about are not handled correctly? Is that the only bad thing you can find on Wade?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/23/2011
In reading the Decision 2011 in the Laurel Leader Call today about the 3 candidates running for superintendent of education, I just want to know why it is important for the people of Jones County to know why Wade finds it important to let people know that he lives on land that was his great-grandfather's. It has nothing to do with running a school district. Also, if he was doing such a great job at running his business, The Tutoring Club, why then did he return to the classroom? He has said before that he wanted to help students get help that were not getting it in our public school district, so why return to the classroom. First you have faith in our qualified teachers in our district and then you don't? Make up your mind Wade. As for Branch, you better check out what he is saying concerning about being an athletic director at his former schools.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/22/2011
I agree about Mr. Wade having a temper. Voters beware about who you are backing and voting for. Also, those supporters of Branch, beware also. He has a "hidden" agenda. He will NOT be running the office of superintendent; he will simply be a puppet of those at the CO who he has made promises of those in return for a vote. You better wake up Jones County. We are talking about the success of our children. There is only one choice for superintendent, and it is NOT the two mentioned above.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/21/2011
If you think Mr. Wade has no temper, check around the year 2005 and see if anybody remembers what happened.

Submitted By: retired	Submitted: 7/21/2011
Jerel Wade's mother had nothing to do with his promotion to a principal at WJHS. He does not throw temper tantrums. I'm not involved in this race but I must set the record straight. As a matter of fact I sought out Mr. Wade because he is a teacher's teacher and he isn't a yes man.I recommended him to Mr. Thomas Prine. He was properly endorsed. Mr Wade is very passionate about his work,life,family, and church. I admire him for starting his own business which is in the education field. All three men meet the state's requirements. Quit lying and trashing all three candidates. Go vote.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/21/2011
I agree with Get the Facts Straight. Mr. Wade is quick to put down the JC even though he has made his living by teaching for the district. There is talk about JC hiring people from out of district. Has anyone asked Mr. Wade about the fact that his wife as well as his sister-in-law were hired out of district. The public facade he is putting on is far from who he really is. Also, a comment was made by another that Wade left his position of principal in order to help additonal students that were not being helped within the school district. Right....give me a break. We all know how much tutors cost per hour. There are very good qualified teachers and special education teachers that take care of any students that have or are falling behind or need extra help. Wake up Jones County....like the submission on all of this information...Get the facts straight!!!

Submitted By: An observer	Submitted: 7/21/2011
To "setting things straight": Whether someone comes from out of district is not confidential. They are public employees not CIA agents. And as far as the AD situation, you just made assumptions. You are doing just what you accused the other posters of doing, "making assumptions about something you don't know." You also stated that Wade was the only candidate running a successful business. Thats because the other 2 candidates are STILL in the public school system. They haven't quit like Jerel Wade has. In your post, you have defamed Steve Thrash, Tommy Parker, Randy Norwood, and Terry Caves (the board lawyer). If this is the kind of integrity that Jerel Wade has, I don't want any of it.

Submitted By: Get the Facts Straight	Submitted: 7/21/2011
It seems that everyone is mislead regarding Mr. Wade's entry and exit from Jones County Schools. Mr. Wade is proud to report the details of the "Good Ole Boy" system that exists in Jones County. Have any of you heard about his part in this system? Mr. Wade was placed in the position of principal at West Jones because his mother was Mr. Prine's secretary. Needless to say, I am sure that you did not hear that he was not certified to hold the position. At the time of his promotion, he wasn't a certified administrator. As for his leaving the county, his irrate behavior and temper tantrums fueled by a demotion, led him to agree to resign if his wife would be hired to teach. Check the records. Did this happen or not?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2011
The definition of HANDLE: to manage, deal with, or be responsible for. Handel is a name.

Submitted By: parent	Submitted: 7/20/2011
I have seen it stated several times that Jerel Wade left his position as principal with the Jones County School District because he couldn't handel the stress. Do you know how stressful it is to leave a steady income for you family and put up your own money to open a business? That is exactly what Jerel Wade did. He didn't leave the school district because he couldn't handel the stress. If anything, he went into a more stressful environment. He did this in the best interest of the children of Jones and surrounding counties who needed additional help that was not being provided by the school district. He saw that there was a problem and wanted to do what he could to help the kids. He had, and still has, the kids best interest at heart. Isn't that what a Superintindent should be concerned about...the kids?

Submitted By: parent	Submitted: 7/20/2011
I have seen it stated several times that Jerel Wade left his position as principal with the Jones County School District because he couldn't handel the stress. Do you know how stressful it is to leave a steady income for you family and put up your own money to open a business? That is exactly what Jerel Wade did. He didn't leave the school district because he couldn't handel the stress. If anything, he went into a more stressful environment. He did this in the best interest of the children of Jones and surrounding counties who needed additional help that was not being provided by the school district. He saw that there was a problem and wanted to do what he could to help the kids. He had, and still has, the kids best interest at heart. Isn't that what a Superintindent should be concerned about...the kids?

Submitted By: Setting things straight	Submitted: 7/20/2011
I don't think Jerel Wade will qualify for sainthood anymore than the other qualified canidates. However, I do know him to be a man of integrity. Integrity has been questioned on at least one of the other canidates. As far as a family member from out of district being hired, I'm not sure, but I know he didn't hire them! And furthermore, "Concerned educator and voter", how do you know this? Either you are employed at the school they will be working at or possibly in the position of hiring, or you are from the Parker camp. He is the only canidate who has access to personnel matters within the district. If he is using his position to spread "confidential" information to the public, then we definitely do not need him in the position of Superintendent. Want to know why Mr. Wade left the district, call him and talk to him! Don't make assumptions about something you don't know. He has put information on Facebook and he is available to talk with anyone. Unlike the other two canidates, he is running a successful business and keeps regular business hours. Call him at the Tutoring Club in Laurel and he will be glad to talk to you. As far as the school board making decisions... they can't do that. The way I understand it is that role of a school board member is to agree or disagree with decisions made by the superintendent. They can not recommend people for jobs, they can not recomment salaries, they can not even go to school and get involved with issues. Yet, the current administration has allowed that to happen. Wanna know why the ADs are all being paid $70,000+ a year? Because Mr. Norwood suggested they be paid that and Mr. Thrash sat down and let him. This is illegal! But the school board lawyer let it happen. Guess who Norwood is supporting for Superintendent -- Parker. Do we want someone who will continue to be a lap dog for the school board, or someone who will stand up to the school board and make them do what they are suppose to do? Jerel Wade has no higher up at the County office supporting him, therefore he has no promises to fill or hands to hold.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2011
As far as Branch is concerned, he has a hidden agenda (supporters of him in an administrative position will be running the school district not him). He has done nothing but make promises that he cannot keep. He is making these promises in order to gain votes. At the political forum last week, he kept repeating Leadership, Leadership, Leadership....and making sure district and school policies are followed; yet, he could not even answer the reporter's question when asked what policies are not being followed. Oh my, guess, his supporters forgot to prep him on how to answer that.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2011
As far as Branch is concerned, he has a hidden agenda (supporters of him in an administrative position will be running the school district not him). He has done nothing but make promises that he cannot keep. He is making these promises in order to gain votes. At the political forum last week, he kept repeating Leadership, Leadership, Leadership....and making sure district and school policies are followed; yet, he could not even answer the reporter's question when asked what policies are not being followed. Oh my, guess, his supporters forgot to prep him on how to answer that.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2011
As far as Branch is concerned, he has a hidden agenda (supporters of him in an administrative position will be running the school district not him). He has done nothing but make promises that he cannot keep. He is making these promises in order to gain votes. At the political forum last week, he kept repeating Leadership, Leadership, Leadership....and making sure district and school policies are followed; yet, he could not even answer the reporter's question when asked what policies are not being followed. Oh my, guess, his supporters forgot to prep him on how to answer that.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/20/2011
I totally agree with concerned educator and voter. Everything commented on is the truth. This is NOT a popularity contest. From what I have read, it sounds like Jerel Wade needs to be put up for sainthood. I was told that he left the JC school district twice. When he was principal, he left because he could not take the stress; if you can't take the stress of running a school....well, do you think running an entire school district is not stressful?

Submitted By: no go	Submitted: 7/20/2011
Concerning the Laurel Motel and Convention Center: this place was shut down and condemned but money to the right officials got it back open.

Submitted By: concerned educator and voter	Submitted: 7/20/2011
@concerned educator: Your comment- "They are giving jobs to people out of our district, the same ole buddy boy mess!!!!" Then you say support Mr. Wade. My understanding is that Mr. Wade has a relative from 'out of district' who was hired in Jones County for the coming school year. Recommendation does not add up! @frustrated parent: you are so right. Lay it all at the feet of the school board. There is your final decision on all things. @wiser with age: your remark "Mr Branch says we need leadership and enforcement of policies!" Then according to the LLC he declined to comment on which policies needed enforcing. Hello! There's something wrong with that! to others: as you criticize the "last four years going downhill" and saying we need "leadership," etc- remember the biggest supporters for the current administration of which you are so critical were members of the SJ high school administrative staff. enough said. This is not a popularity contest. Study the qualifications of the men and prayerfully consider who would best take care of the students of Jones County.

Submitted By: HMMMMMM	Submitted: 7/19/2011
Well, that sums it up. The others sit on their butts and the School Board makes all of the decisions. Well, it seems to me that someone needs to know what their job is. That's why we don't need sitters in the CO. We need leaders.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/19/2011
I totally disagree with the JC teacher about Mr. Branch being a leader and making tough deciions. Tough decisions my retired behind. Also, comments about Mr. Parker being Dep. Supt. and not making changes. He cannot do that. Those decisions come from the School Board. Wake Up Jones County....do you really want someone running our school district that does NOT know what he is doing like the other too candidates. I have spoken to teachers that worked with Branch and believe me, they said the only tough decisions he had to make were how many mirrors should I have in my room to look at myself and what do I want to wear today to make me look buff.

Submitted By: Laurel use to be my home	Submitted: 7/19/2011
I attended the reunion on Sat. night at the Laurel Hotel and Convention Center. What a joke! Something must be done to clean up this place. There was actually a roach on a pizza in the room, the pool was green, a drug sale tooke place in front of everyone! I'm so embarrassed to know this is the only place a reunion can take place! Our City fathers should do something!

Submitted By: Laurel is My Home	Submitted: 7/19/2011
Over the weekend, my wife and I attended an event at The Laurel Inn and Conference Center. I have never been so embarassed to the many guests from out of town. The conditions are deplorable, unsanitary,and literally disgusting. The city must condemn this place until it is cleaned up. I know the frogs in the swimming pool will be sad but something must be done.

Submitted By: concerned educator	Submitted: 7/18/2011
It is crazy how teachers in the district can't get jobs. There are teachers that are just getting out of college with new ideas and they can't even have a fair opportunity to get a job. Something is wrong!!!! New teachers bring new ideas to the classroom. The offer new teaching methods that would benefit our children. What a shame!! They are giving jobs to people out of our district , the same ole buddy boy mess!!!! Don't depend on anyone in the CO to give you a job. It is a waste of time. Let's put someone in office that cares about our children and schools. Not someone that comes to the schools and walks around to see their buddies. This just don't work!!!! Let's vote Jerel Wade!!!! He will make a difference.

Submitted By: Frustrated parent	Submitted: 7/18/2011
I don't think it will matter who we vote for Supt of Education until we clean house on the board. I hope they do better with selling insurance, treating animals, and everything else that they get paid to do. Because they sure don't know what they are doing with our schools. They are the reason most of the crap that goes on gets pushed under the rug. Unless it benefits them or a friend. I say we clean house from start to finish. Replace them all.

Submitted By: JC teacher	Submitted: 7/17/2011
He has had an opportunity while in CO to make positive decisions and has proven that he cannot do that. Let's not elect a supt. that is part of the CO. We will still be in the mess we are in now. Remember, the mess beat him, so he can be beat.

Submitted By: DISAGREE	Submitted: 7/17/2011
The CO works or suppose to work as a team. Yes, he is a good ole boy in the CO. It is a known fact that he has had opportunities to make positive decisions and did not!

Submitted By: DISAGREE	Submitted: 7/17/2011
The CO works or suppose to work as a team. Yes, he is a good ole boy in the CO. It is a known fact that he has had opportunities to make positive decisions and did not!

Submitted By: Wiser with age!	Submitted: 7/17/2011
I have read most of the reader comments and find two different categories. One is politics as usual supporting a particular candidate and the other is sincere concern for our children's education. Every one wants change but we tend to be caught in a system that will not change by chosing amont three candidates for Supt. of education. We must make changes that in the system itself. Change must start with the school board policies and enforcement. Mr Branch says we need leadership and enforcement of policies! But his record at S. Jones would make a good "bad example" of both leadership and policy enforcement! A good leader does not cover up affairs between teachers. Leadership must be by example! How does one tell our teachers and administrators that you are not elegible for career advancement within the system. We are hiring a new principal from outside the county that is not qualified but has political influence from Petal. Sorry Mr Branch, as a leader, you are going in the wrong direction! Others would exclude Mr Parker because his is now the deputy Supt. Everyone knows the Dep-supt is powerless and silenced in board meetings. Parker knows how the system works and what needs fixing. If we had elected Parker four years ago we would not have the mess we have today. How blind are the voters and parents? We are fighting a "good ole boy" click that has planned the future for our children for years to come! I applaud anyone that would flght this click! Unfortunately, their goal is to move up the ladder and retire at Supt pay by waiting their turn through the system. There is little or no regard for the education of our children! Tommy Parker IS NOT part if this click! We must break the hold of the click or we will have Thrash,followed by Branch, Strickland, Strickland for the next 12 years and will continue in the wrong direction. Note to Review: Please do not release my name or email. Thx

Submitted By: PARENT	Submitted: 7/16/2011
I have not a thing from any candidate !!! I live behind Shady Grove School, and not the first candidate for Supt. has been by my house. All I have seen are signs. I know that I will not vote for the one that is already in the CO due to what I have heard in the community and from educators. I have heard good comments about the other two. It seems to me like someone needs to be working if they want to win!!

Submitted By: Agree	Submitted: 7/16/2011
I agree with JC Teacher. Nothing has been done the last few years. There is a candidate that has been RIGHT THERE in board meetings and has not done one thing to help resolve problems in the district. They just sit back and played buddy boy. Still doing it as well.

Submitted By: JC teacher	Submitted: 7/15/2011
I have patiently listened to the three candidates who are seeking the superintendent position of the Jones County Schools. All three men have experience. All three men have the education required. And, all three men have a vested interest in the future of the school district. Our family has taken this decision very seriously. After careful, prayerful consideration, my family and I will be supporting Tommy Branch. Mr. Branch has the knowledge, the enthusiasm, and the leadership skills to correct the problems our district is currently facing. ALso, even though I do not teach at his school, I have many friends who do. THey all agree that Mr. Branch is a leader, a natural leader, a leader who is not afraid to step forward and make the tough decisions. Things have gone terribly wrong in a short four years. Many have written about the lack of leadership currently at the superintendent's office. Even one of the candidates comments on the lack of leadership, even though he has the second highest position in the district. Why hasn't he led all of these years? Why has he watched the whole system flounder? Hasn't he been at EVERY board meeting over the last four years? What has accomplished during the last four years? The decison who to cast a vote for in the superintendent's race is a very serious one. I urge every citizen to study each candidate's qualifications and future plans for this important job and make an informed decision.

Submitted By: American Going Broke	Submitted: 7/15/2011
The government apparently failed their governement and economics classes so they need to turn to the people that put them in office. They have made the voters look like complete idiots! We the people should be allowed to vote on the debt and how we would like to see it fixed. The government needs to supply the people who pay income tax (since that is were the money is coming from) with a list of the debts and the organizations that are being funded for whatever reason and let us decide what gets paid. WE ARE THE ONES TO BAIL THEM OUT SO LET US DECIDE WHO WE ARE GOING TO BAIL OUT. RIGHT MR. MCDANIEL? Were are the politicians when you realy need them? I further think they should only have a sales tax of 10% on everthing and that way everyone is paying taxes not just the old and middle class people. We are paying 50% of our income to taxes. What's up with that?

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 7/13/2011
To the review, what is it gonna take to get a chrisitan president in our white house, someone who cares enough about the seniors to make certain that they get their social security checks on time, every time and not threaten with some funky credit card, good grief, and you all know how we have been trusting our legislators to keep us safe and debt free and less taxation, not anymore, it seems to be everyman for himself. You also remember that with the new Free healthcare for everyone, we all have to pay for that out of our checks as a withholding THREE years before we can use it, THREE long years, doesn’t that sound great? American, all US Citizens remember all other countries have a far lett quality of life for their people because they simply do not care, however, George Washington, John Adams and a few other of our founding fathers did CARE, deeply, If you ever want to think of that, no matter what TAX they put on you next, remember those founding fathers and thank GOD we had that for a while, WE sure don’t have it now or will ever have it again, it is called Greed and Power, I stay with Jesus, remember how he paid Caesar, with a coin in a fishes mouth that was drawn out of the sea. That is how he thought about taxes, Go to the polls and vote for whoever you want to a know, we are the last country on earth that can still do that, God Bless all Citizens of the US and the rest of you can go back to your own land, NOW

Submitted By: Teacher	Submitted: 7/13/2011
As a teacher for 24 years, we do need a change!!!! Teachers are leaving the district left and right, good teachers. People are being hired in the CO that are not qualified. Principals are hired from different districts to guide our students and teachers when we have people here that can do great jobs!! Something is wrong with this picture. We need a leader that will work together with our principals and teachers. A leader that resolve problems in our schools to keep teachers from leaving!! I haven't decided between Branch and Wade. I think both of these individuals would do a great job. I will vote for a change. The people that are in the CO now will not make these changes. Let's pray for a change. I know as a teacher we need one.

Submitted By: Parent and Teacher	Submitted: 7/13/2011
Just as on the national political scene, we can watch and see who needs to go in office by watching who the liberals fear most! The hangers-on do not want to lose their power, and therefore they attack the candidate they most fear. At last night's meet and great, my mind was made up when I saw Lester Boyles and Randy Norwood, JC school board members, cheer loudly for Parker!! We need Leadership with STRENGTH and INTEGRITY!! We need someone our children and our teachers can count on to make the right decision--something thats been lacking for years in our district!! I am a parent with three children in JC schools as well as a teacher in the district and I am voting for TOMMY BRANCH!

Submitted By: too funny!	Submitted: 7/12/2011
What a joke!!!!! The only candidate that has good morals and values is Jerel Wade. People think the others will do anything different than what is in there is completely wrong. The others are not what JC needs. We need a good Christian with good values that will get rid of that mess that is in the CO. It has been a long time since JCSD has had a leader. We now have the opportunity to go and vote for a DIFFERENCE IN JONES COUNTY!! I think people will be surprised. You go for it J. Wade.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 7/12/2011
Wake up. No one runs for office to serve anything other than their self interest and power always corrupts to some degree.

Submitted By: WOW	Submitted: 7/11/2011
Bottom line: When a principal tells his teachers to give students grades that do not exist, something is terribly wrong. Wake up leaders of JCSD. YOU ARE AWARE OF THIS!!!!! Teachers, do not be fooled !! These principals are taken out of other schools for a reason.

Submitted By: same o same o	Submitted: 7/11/2011
People, face it. If Jerel Wade is not our leader in JCSD , we back to the same o same good ole buddy system. From what I've heard and read about JCSD, we need a change!!! Let's give our JC people and opportunity to work in our own school district. We are getting people from other districts to be principals , teachers, etc. I'm sure we have some great people in JC that would like to serve as principal and they just keep getting the same o same o words, "I'll think about it." Well, people of JC, when you have to think about a leader for our district, THINK JEREL WADE!!!! We need a change to make things right in our district. Let's get qualified principals that will keep our good teachers. Let's get a leader that can make decisions that is best for our schools and teachers!!

Submitted By: Corn Bread Eatin' Fool	Submitted: 7/9/2011
Wow..This is simply amazing. They take up Larry Dykes supporters signs and other officials, and now they are trying the scare tactic of getting people's name from a media website...Now if you ask me...That's pathetic....Shows me who to vote for.

Submitted By: Just So YOU Know	Submitted: 7/9/2011
Just So You Know, since you know so much about the law, then you know that defamation of character is very difficult to prove. And you must know that public officials are fair game when it comes to the public opinion. And you have to know that media outlets will fight all the way to the Supreme Court to protect their sources/users — and almost always win — so most attorneys/prosecutors won't even take such a case. But thank you for the info.

Submitted By: Just So You Know	Submitted: 7/9/2011
You can be sued for what you post on this public forum. You can be held liable for defamatory things you say on the Internet. If you post negative things about someone on this forum that you cannot prove, you can be sued for defamation of character. Also, let's get this straight, you are not anonymous. Web sites track IP addresses and will give up IP addresses to law enforcement and to subpoenas issued in civil cases. Your internet service provider will provide account details of IP addresses under the same circumstances. SO WHAT YOU SAY ON THIS FORUM CAN EASILY BE TRACKED TO YOU.

Submitted By: barry	Submitted: 7/7/2011
Its time for a Sheriff and not a politician!!!! Vote T Larry Dykes Sheriff of Jones County again

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 7/6/2011
Well, I've about made up my mind. Mr. Wade represents the only possibility of change. No doubt, Parker and Branch have richly benefitted from the JCSD croney system. Why would they rock the boat? Let's get behind Mr. Wade!

Submitted By: Jones County rez	Submitted: 7/6/2011
If you want more of the same, vote for Parker or Branch. If you want someone new with new ideas, vote Wade. Its that simple.Mr Parker is so entrenched in the good ole boy system, that he will never be able to escape it, nor does he want to. There are assistant superintendants in the central office that cant even tell you what their job description is. Fooling around and wasting time is a full-time job it seems. People-THINK- if we dont like things they way they are-CLEAN HOUSE. You wont see any change with Parker. His buddies are the ones killing time and eating do-nuts. Do you think he will let them go? Some are drawing HUGE checks with well over thirty yrs experience. Do you want change or more of the same ole thing? Teacher morale is LOW. Vote for WADE!!!!!

Submitted By: Say what?	Submitted: 7/6/2011
Tommy Branch at South Jones has hired a new 7-8 principal. He was a teacher in Petal (no admin experience though local candidates are routinely rejected for that reason). The new guy has stated that he will NOT be moving into our school district. Say what? Do we have such a dearth of talent in Jones County that we are forced to hire folks from the outside? Folks that apparently aren't that excited about being here! I think Mr. Branch has some 'splaining to do!!

Submitted By: sub	Submitted: 7/5/2011
I agree. I think Mr. Wade is the man. He is a good man. I have substituted before and found that he is supportive and truthful. He will put in principals that will do their jobs and support the teachers, good teachers. I wasn't sure who to vote for , but I am tired of the buddy buddy people. He is the only candidate that will do what we need for JCSD. Lets vote for a change in Jones County!! We deserve that.

Submitted By: Ready for a change	Submitted: 7/5/2011
To: just my opinion. I agree with you 100%. Jerel Wade is a genuine person in all that he attempts to do. You will never find him just trying to please everyone. He will do a good job, no matter if it is in the classroom, principal's office, or as a local businessman. He has the future of our children in mind. He is a Christian and stands firm on his beliefs. I was told by a local voter that if Jerel Wade doesn't spend money like the other candidates, he will not win. Let this be an example of how he would run the County School System. Mr. Wade is running his campaign on a smaller budget and doing a GREAT job of it. Why squander money if you don't have to? To: Is it True? You may not know much about Jerel Wade. I feel like the 3 candidates should have a DEBATE. Let's hear what each has to say. Let's hear their ideas for our schools and children. We can ask the questions we want answered. I know Jerel Wade is willing to debate. Is anyone else willing to actually let us know what you believe? Give the voters the chance to hear from you.. To: TrueGrit Jones County, in all aspects, has been known for years to have this Buddy System. It needs to stop! Our schools are way behind and we want a change. I pray with you that we will get the changes we need. If Jerel Wade is elected as Superintendent, we will get that change. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 7/5/2011
Please allow me to make this observation. If the newly elected superintendent does not come in office and completely turn things inside-out, he deserves our contempt. It is well established that we have SEVERAL $80-90k employees hiding in the county office that absolutely do not deserve or need to be there. Also, a few incompetent principals are allowed to misuse employees and generally run sloppy schools. We have accumulated these losers over the years as a result of the overly-political, buddy-buddy philosophy that has prevailed in the JCSD over the past 25 years (or longer). The people of Jones County deserve some accountability from it's school leader! My great fear is that we'll see no significant changes after the election. I pray that is not the case.

Submitted By: just my opinion	Submitted: 7/4/2011
I am a person that doesn't usually discuss politics but I am going to say one thing. My daughter was one of the students at West Jones that Jerel Wade stepped in a taught this year and she isn't one that likes school too much. She makes wonderful grades but like most teenagers school is not the place she would like to be. But when he took over in her class she would come home everyday and tell me something new that she had learned or something new about him. She said the first day he was there they were to answer questions about themselves and she said I like that mama because that meant he cared enough to get to know us and not just to be our teacher. I will vote for him because he has been a teacher and a principal and knows exactly what is lacking in the school system. And that he CARES about the students.

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 7/3/2011
I agree with "student Barbie"...we should try to keep qualified, innovative teachers in all our classrooms. The teacher she described is no longer with the JCSD because she was abused by her administrator. Even though those at the central office were aware of the abuse, it was allowed to continue. As soon as another opportunity was given to this teacher, she accepted. The teacher in question would have stayed with the district longer had she not been mistreated. We lost a valuable asset, but our loss is now someone else's gain!

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 7/3/2011
I agree with "student Barbie"...we should try to keep qualified, innovative teachers in all our classrooms. The teacher she described is no longer with the JCSD because she was abused by her administrator. Even though those at the central office were aware of the abuse, it was allowed to continue. As soon as another opportunity was given to this teacher, she accepted. The teacher in question would have stayed with the district longer had she not been mistreated. We lost a valuable asset, but our loss is now someone else's gain!

Submitted By: concerned sj parent	Submitted: 7/1/2011
We are all so focused on the 3 men running for election until we have forgotten to ask the question: If Branch is elected to run JCSD, then who will run SJ? I am concerned with the men who are in line to fill that position. Talk about the buddy system!

Submitted By: student Barbie	Submitted: 6/30/2011
I think JCSD needs to work hard to keep good, qualified teachers that want to help students be successful. I am from Northeast and spent a short time at the Alternative School to help my grades. My favorite teacher taught me sooo much . The subject I was in was boring, but she went the extra mile to make learning fun for me. She also made me feel special and not just a student that was a lot of trouble. We don't have many teachers like this in the county. Let's vote for a supt. that will get the best educators out there . If we starting loosing good teachers, students seem to drop out and are less motivated to learn. Hats off to my teacher. I ended up scoring a perfect score on a history subject area test!!!!! Let's keep these types of teachers to make Jones County a success. Thanks teacher!!!!

Submitted By: Wade Supporter	Submitted: 6/30/2011
I feel that I must correct some of the misinformation that has previously been stated about Jerel Wade. He was a principal for 4 - 5 yrs as a 9th/10th grade and 11th/12th grade principal. He did come back into the classroom this year, but only after he was sought out. He was asked if he would be interested in filling in for a teacher who walked out after one week. Then, at the end of the 1st semester, he was sought out once again to fill in for a coach at WJ who was allowed to resign after sleeping with a student. He was sought out because he is GOOD. He can teach the subject, handle the students, and be a positive role model that these kids need. Don't believe me, ask the kids who he taught. He was not run off from his teaching position because of lack of credentials. He was actually given a spot at the elementary school. This is customary for new teachers to be moved to where a spot may be needed. It happenes all the time. He choose to resign because his intent is to win this race and work for ALL students. Also, he did not leave the principal position because he couldn't handle it. He saw that there needed to be more done for the kids. In his position as a principal, his hands were tied. He could only do what the higher ups said he could. He got tired of punishing all day instead of being able to help solve the problem. He opened up the Tutoring Club and has helped numerous students from surrounding counties. There have even been children of teachers and principals within the JCSD to come for extra help that they were not getting at their respective school. Ask around and see how many students took his ACT course and brought their scores up tremendously. Through the Tutoring Club, he is able to make the difference with the kids that he wasn't able to as a principal. Now, he sees that being Superintendent is the ULTIMATE way to help kids. He did not decide to run because of a failing business, it is flurishing so well he opened a center in Hattiesburg. His child will begin Kindergarten this coming school year. He wants to give him the kind of education he deserves. I heard him say that if he losses this election, the winner will have to put up with him for 13 yrs. He is invested in the JCSD for the long term. For those wanting to know his agenda and ideas, look him up on facebook. He probably won't have commercials or radio advertisements, because he is funding this campain himself. He doesn't have a Howard, Herrington, or any other rich community member giving him money in return for a favor down the road. He is out and about and meeting the public. Give him a call, he will be glad to talk to you.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 6/30/2011
Hey, Review...don't like the oldest to newest format!

Submitted By: me	Submitted: 6/30/2011
hey guys something has happened to the public forum .it is reading from oldest to the newest????

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 6/30/2011
Responding to "To All Voter"; Based on what you're saying, we're in a pickle. You eliminate Branch and Wade as viable candidates then tells us that Parker "will not do anything about the overload of administrators...", etc., etc. I hope the fellows will put more info out over the next few days to clear some of these things up. We need some media advertisement that will answer these concerns.

Submitted By: captain rumor	Submitted: 6/30/2011
OH NO I know I didn't just see the BATTALION CHIEF of The Laurel Fire Department in the JONES COUNTY JAIL ??? I bet they will promote him to Chief now.

Submitted By: To All Voters	Submitted: 6/30/2011
First off - if you vote for Tommy Branch you are voting Steve Thrash back into office. So if you do not want the Steve Thrash office to remain then you will need to not cast your vote for Tommy Branch. Because the same people that backed Steve are backing Tommy Branch (Strickland's, Prine, etc). Second Jerald Wade was a teacher for a couple of years in the middle school then became principal for a year thought public education was a joke left his job and opened up a toturing business. He returned without proper credentials and taught without them until it catching up with him during the year and now he is running for superintendent. If he couldn't handle being a principal he DAMN sure can't handle being a Superintendent. Third Tommy Parker has experience in all areas. Now granted he will not do anything about the overload of administrators and some assitance in the superintenden'ts office or the double dipping in pay (you know the one that coaches golf and does the purchasing or the one that has multiple years and can't find his way out of a wet paper sack and the ones that there are several of in the schools as well as 2 in the superintendent's office (MISIS)). But his has the experience so vote.

Submitted By: Concerned Parent	Submitted: 6/30/2011
After reading many opinions and views concerning the political campaign for Superintendent of Jones County Schools I feel the need to express my opinion. I am disgusted by the way grown educated men and women act in our school district! It is pathetic to think these child molesters, liars, and cheaters are spending so much valuable time with our children. We expect our youth to do the right thing when they continously see their elders, who they are supposed to respect, make horrible decisions. These certain educators are giving our "GOOD TEACHERS" a bad reputation. After working in many Jones County schools for the past few years I can tell you that all the lying, backstabbing, and fussing is affecting our education system. As a young, educated, mother I think it's time for a change. WAKE UP JONES COUNTY VOTERS!!! We need a strong male figure that will try to correct all the wrong that is taking place in our schools. I am encouraging everyone to vote for anyone that is not affilated with Steve Thrash's administration. There are two well educated and experienced men that are capable to perform the job, JEREL WADE or TOMMY BRANCH!

Submitted By: leola johnson	Submitted: 6/30/2011
It's great that people can voice their opinion on a forum such as this; however, if you are going to make a statement, make sure you get your facts straight when it comes to accusing people of hiring, re-hiring, making promises,half-truths, etc. Tommy Parker is one of the most dedicated and caring people I know when it comes to the JCS. Some say that that he hasn't been in the classroom in years; well the other two candidates haven't been in the classroom long enough nor in an administrative capacity very long. I would rather have someone who has the "wisdom and decision making skills" and "experience" to lead the school district forward and do what is best for the students. We surely do NOT want someone who is "green" behind the ears and has NO clue as to how to run a school district and has to depend on the advice of others at the county office to make a decision. Wake up Jones County. TOMMY PARKER IS THE LOGICAL AND ONLY CHOICE AS SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION!

Submitted By: Knows The Truth	Submitted: 6/28/2011
I know for a fact that SHE the softball coach from West Jones has done very inappropriate things with YOUNG students.. Mine was one of them at 15 last year..... I do not believe that when a teacher is ask to leave quietly they should be allowed to come back into the school system.. Everyone knows of her behavior and is appalled.. She could and should have been charged but to the child that it happens with suffers along with the teacher and that's not fair to the child to be treated different by GROWN-UPS because of the actions of a teacher.. She has been in photos at parties where under-age children were there and drinking. Is that anyway for a teacher to conduct themselves??? Think about our kids and what is right.... Not just the poor teacher that had to leave her job due to her conduct.. Ask the supervising principle at WEST JONES he knows all that has happened and all that she has done.. What good did that do??

Submitted By: Wise Voter	Submitted: 6/28/2011
People, EXPERIENCE is truly what matters in education! That's why our district is in the shape it is now b/c the current superintendent didn't have experience at ALL levels and a COMPLETE understanding of the curriculum, testing, special education, school board laws and regulations, teacher certification guidelines and requirements, MS School Laws and the MS Dept of Education guidelines. ONLY ONE candidate has all of this and that's TOMMY PARKER!! IF the people vote any other way, they will regret it. Experience and knowledge is the KEY to a successful school district. Look at the successful school districts in the state >>> EXPERIENCE = SUCCESS and GROWTH!!! NOT "Good Ole' Boy" Politics! Also, Tommy Parker doesn't have ANYTHING to do with what happens in school board meetings because the CURRENT superintendent rarely allowed him in the meetings! You can check the school board minutes, MOST of the school board business is in CLOSED executive session and NO ONE is allowed in there except the school board members, the superintendent and the school board attorney! THAT IS FACT! BE SMART JONES COUNTY! EXPERIENCE IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS!!!

Submitted By: captain rumor	Submitted: 6/28/2011
Well it's official.The Battalion Chief has FAILED the REQUIRED certification he has to have in order to retain his position in the LAUREL FIRE DEPARTMENT as TRAINING OFFICER !!! This certification is not only required by the City but is MANDATED by THE MISSISSIPPI RATING BUREAU REMEMBER these are the guys that can raise your insurance rates.ITwill be THE FIRE ACADEMIES FAULT or some other mickey mouse excuse just watch what I tell you !CITY HALL ,DENNIS KEVRYN,MELVIN MACK and the list goes on of who WILL NOT DO ANYTHING about this !!! Now we wonder what is wrong with PEYTON PLACE AKA LAUREL MS !!!!!

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 6/27/2011
This isn't about the superintendent's race but just thought I'd remind The ReView to remove the Laurel MS Forums from the site since, thanks to the almighty DJ from Scotland, it no longer exists.

Submitted By: Wanting a change	Submitted: 6/27/2011
I completely agree with "Amazing". We need a 'good Christian supt. with morals and values." That person is Jerel Wade. He is a dedicated Christian man with the utmost values and morals. That is evident by not a negative word being said about him on here. Because rest assured that if there was anything, it would be brought out in this gossip column. He is the only canidate that has recent experience in the classroom. He has worked in the Elem and High School settings this last year. From what I hear, the Elementary wants him back because he is an excellent teacher. He is not one to worry about hurting anyones feelings, and does not have favors out there waiting to be returned. The other canidates obviously have some influentional people with money backing them, or they would not be able to afford billboards on 16th Ave, not on an administrator salary. Ask around and you will see that Wade is the man we need for the job. "Is it true?" asked if Wade was the one to offer the change needed. The answer is yes! He is the only one who is not from the currently sinking ship.

Submitted By: amazing	Submitted: 6/26/2011
It is amazing about teachers having relationships with students. It is even more amazing that they can keep a teaching position in the school district. The people that are letting these teachers hold positions are WOW not professionals. I think that is what we are seeing in JCSD. We need to pray and work hard to make a BIG difference in the education of JCSD. Some of the top people think this behavior is okay. They must have done it themselves or else----A big change is to vote for a new person. Someone that is not buddy buddy with everybody . We need a good Christian supt. with morals and values. Someone that will encourage our best teachers to stay in the JCSD. Stop the foolishness in our schools and make all teachers accountable for what they are suppose to do. There are teachers that can teach the children such as the regular ed teachers . Special ed teachers need to jump in a do their part. Every school complains that the regular teachers do everything!!!!!! Where are the chiefs? I hear on cell phones.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 6/23/2011
Replying to "The Truth": You are correct in noting that the school board ultimately hires and fires. So what do we need from our high-level administrators? We need people that will stand up to the board and/or the superintendent when poor decisions or uninformed decisions are made. I know for a fact that our current superintendent appointed (with board approval)an incompetent "long time friend" to lead one of our elementary schools. The superintendent announced his intentions during a staff meeting. NOT ONE PERSON sitting at the table questioned the wisdom of his choice even though eyes were rolling like rocks in a creek. All involved were simply in the "go along - get along" mode. The individual was rubber stamped by the board and the die was cast. Somehow, the school survived (the principal no longer works in Jones County) but it was a nightmare for all involved. Our next superintendent needs to foster an environment that invites grown-up discussions around policy/personnel matters. By the same token, those holding high-level positions need to be prepared to step in and step up when necessary.

Submitted By: The Truth	Submitted: 6/23/2011
It would be nice if the "people" who make comments really knew what they were talking about. It is usually people who have nothing at all to do with the JCSD or the people involved in these so called "scandals" who have such ignorant comments!! I work in the JCSD and have for 13 years! Tommy Parker was my principal and I also attend his church. The softball coach that has been mentioned was never accused of inappropriate conduct with students!! This is absurd!! If any teacher is every proven to have had inappropriate relationships with students, they would never be allowed to teach ANYWHERE!!! HELLO!!! She resigned because of people like the ones who comment and know nothing about the situation. And by the way, she has not even signed a contract. She is qualified for the position, but has not been voted on yet. Tommy Parker has nothing to do with voting on teachers or coaches, that would be your school board members. They make those decisions, but you probably don't even know that. If you're going to comment, at least be knowledgable about the subject. It's sad that this is all you have to do. So, this is the truth...BELIEVE ME, I know!! The WJ softball coach did resign, but left on very good terms and is being recommended for a job in JCSD. It's a little much to call someone a "sexual predetor" when you can't even attach your name to the comment. Get a life!!!!

Submitted By: Is it true?	Submitted: 6/23/2011
If what "someone who really knows" is true, and Parker is making the decisions/ suggestions to the board, then I guess he is reponsible with the newest use of district funds. Appearantly the Athletic Directors at each of the three high schools got a HUGE raise. Around $70k!!! This is more that the principals at the elementary school make. And didn't someone else say that Parker's nephew is a coach? Is he the AD? I have heard some elementary principals express frustration because they are not able to get additional teachers when their classrooms are holding 25+ students. Usually the excuse is budget. Well, I guess the budget is better this year! But wait, were there additional teachers hired? Not sure, but I think they could take some from the high schools and move down. A lot of those teachers only have 10 - 15 students in a class. Is it better to start all our students out with a good foundation, or make sure they have a good sports program for the handful of students who get to play? It is time to make a change for the JCSD. Parker has proved that he is out to make his friends and church members happy. Branch is buddy buddy with a few of the people down at the central office and is being pushed heavily by former Superintendent Thomas Prine. What about Wade? Don't know much about him. Will he offer the change that is needed?

Submitted By: captanlefty	Submitted: 6/22/2011
If you're thinking about giving Raisin Cain a try, you'll find better fried chicken at just about any gas station in Jones County. Very disappointing.

Submitted By: FINALLY	Submitted: 6/20/2011
I am so proud to announce that the Laurel Fire Department and the City administration has FINALLY forced one of it's employees to go to the State Fire Academy to TRY and get the Certification he's REQUIRED to have in order to keep his position!! Trust me IF the State of Mississippi Rating Bureau(the ones that can cause your insurance rates to sky rocket)had not forced the Cities hand ,this person would have just slipped right on thru like he ALWAYS has!!You would never ever see a white person be able to stay in a position without the certification as long as this black man has.Just goes to show you how things work in the city. My question is what will happen to him IF he fails the school? Oh I forgot again we are in Laurel !!! Good Luck Mr. Training Officer

Submitted By: Amazed	Submitted: 6/20/2011
I'm so glad to read that someone else had the same feelings that I did to "Someone who really knows". I am amazed at how much information and time this person has spent studying Parker, softball coach, etc. Maybe this someone is closely affiliated with the Branch campaign??? Maybe this someone has something to gain by slamming Parker??? Maybe this someone works in the school district and is wanting Branch to win the election so he can continue to create a whirlwhind of gossip for others. I for one will be so glad when this election comes and goes! People are just down right rude and hurtful; especially during election time. I wonder if it's this nasty in other schoool districts?

Submitted By: Also a Jones County voter	Submitted: 6/19/2011
I am sure Mr. Thrash was surprised to learn from "Someone who really knows" that he is no longer functioning as the JCSD Superintendent! And, as has been previously noted, one individual, Tommy Parker in this instance, cannot personally hire for the district. Principals and directors of departments may make recommendations, but all personnel are voted on by the school board and contracts are signed by the superintendent. The assitant superintendents cannot issue contracts. The Bible has much to say about judging others...it seems to me that some folks are spending too much time monitoring the actions and conversations of others at church when they should be there to worship. My daddy always said, "Paying too much attention to what others are doing indicates you aren't taking care of your own business well."

Submitted By: LaurelResident	Submitted: 6/19/2011
It's a pretty straight forward solution. If you live in the city, go to city schools. If you want to move, move out of the city and go to another school. Do it legally and there's nothing the coach or supt can do about it.

Submitted By: Someone who really knows	Submitted: 6/19/2011
"The coach resigned, but apparently, she knew exactly who to talk to in order to get her contract." The previous quote is absolutly true. Parker and the softball coach go to church together and they've been seen talking many times after services. Someone needs to ask Mr. Parker why he would re-hire someone who can't keep their hands off of students. Also Randy Norwood goes to this same church so I'm sure she had him on her side as well. It's amazing these sleezy deals are made at church. What a shame.

Submitted By: Someone who really knows	Submitted: 6/19/2011
Tommy Parker did help get the softball coach re-hired. And yes she partied with students and had and is still having a relationship with a student. How do I know Parker helped get her hired because HE TOLD ME HIMSELF! He had a lame excuss as to why he had her re-hired. Remember Thrash is done so Parker is making a lot of the decisions. In the JCSD it's ok to mess around with students but for goodness sake don't say ass or hell that will get you fired.

Submitted By: In the know	Submitted: 6/19/2011
Dear Laurel resident, I don't have a situation with my kids, they are grown and gone. What I do have is a feel for what is right. These kids will follow the rules and relocate in another district. Just like Dr. Mcgee with his leadership all the whites bailed out. Not because of the white/black ratio but because of the way he chose to run things. Now with very, very few whites left. LSD is running the few blacks out that make a difference. Education is 1st which Laurel is last, sports bring us together as one. LSD head coach and AD thinks that since he won a state title, he is something. He is not and watch our sports program go to !!!!. Since my last post I caught wind of 4 more blacks leaving LSD due to our current AD. WATCH AND SEE IS ALL I SAY,,,,,

Submitted By: NO SHOW	Submitted: 6/18/2011
Melvin MACK is SO DISGUSTING ,I went to Peggy Owens Mansfields retirement party today and found that Melvin, the First black mayor of laurel was supposed to be ON THE PROGRAM to honor her. He not only didn't show up but didn't have the gumption to let anyone know he wasn't going to!! Yet we wonder why we can't get ahead in Laurel. I am appalled at him and the ENTIRE ADMINISTRATIION It's time to CLEAN HOUSE !!!!WAKE UP LAUREL!!!!

Submitted By: LaurelResident	Submitted: 6/18/2011
To in the know, I'd like to know more information about your situation. If the Supt. is not signing a release, you must live in the city? I for one applaud the supt for drawing a line in the sand and saying "no more". Far to long, people have been tranferring all around Jones County illegaly. If your child is going to play college ball, he'll play no matter where he goes to school. Let's teach our kids to do the right thing and follow the rules that are set.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 6/18/2011
I was wondering,did Mack ever get his girls the big raise he was after. Its probably a dun-deal but we will never know. Its a shame Mack is going to let the CFO ruin was was a hisorical carear.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 6/18/2011
Can someone please tell me what is going on at the Laurel Library? I have been reading these forum's & it seems there is a problem there. Isn't the library run by a library board? Do they ever check on the library? All the articles I have read lately seem to cover the children's area. Excuse me, but the library is for more than just children. I am of the understanding that the library is for everyone and it should be promoted as such. Maybe that is why no one visits there anymore. They think everything has been taken out. The library does have a great collection of books, (I know because I check out 10 every 2 weeks), a top-of-the-line genealogy department and public computers. Why isn't all that discussed too?

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 6/17/2011
Last time I checked, Mr. Parker was not the head of a dictatorship! He doesn't single handedly run the entire district...When "Strongly Agree with Jones County Voter" makes outrageous claims, he/she should have the evidence to back up those claims. The assistant superintendents do not personally hire staff. Individual principals hire their staff and make recommendations to the school board that they be confirmed. If the school board says no, then the individual cannot be renewed/hired. Also, I don't think Mr. Parker's nephew was handpicked by him to coach at the state level. Again, those decisions are not in the hands of one individual. As for the teacher at SJ who was moved to another school, that is not the first time something like that has happened in Jones County. Laying that decision at Mr. Parker's feet is, again, wrong. The principals of both schools involved and the school board share the responsibility for the action taken. I personally know Mr. Parker to be a fair administrator and very knowledgeable in his field. The very state affiliations that were cited as being a disadvantage I feel will help our district in the long run (no pun intended) You are correct in one assessment, the JCSD does need a change from nepotism and political favoritism-look at what we've had for the past four years! Mr. Parker has always been committed to doing what is best for students and their families!

Submitted By: strongly disagree with jones county voter	Submitted: 6/17/2011
First of all, Parker does not have the to power to fire nor rehire any person that would fall under the current superintendent's job description along with the approval from the school board. If the west jones coach in question gets her job back it would be because the current superintendent and school board members allow it to happen, NOT PARKER. Sencond of all, his nephew does not have a principals license and has no desire to be one. It should be a well known fact that as head coach, Parker has taken his team to the playoffs 2 years in a row something that has not been done in the past and led the team to the best record in school history. The only people that have a problem with coach parker are the minute little beings that live in their own little worlds where they think they know anything about baseball. Coach Parker has worked extremely hard to get where he is, just like his uncle. The incident with the south jones coach was all under the supervision of mr parker's opponent. HE (not parker) recommended that both teachers be allowed their jobs back even after the scandal was brought to the attention of the public. Tommy Parker does not have to bash his opponents and their FAMILIES!! He has the experience and dedication to making sure jones county school district remains an outstanding place for students, teachers and parents.

Submitted By: Strongly Agree with Jones County Voter	Submitted: 6/16/2011
Not only was Parker responsible for retaining the WJ teacher who had an improper relationship with a student, he also made sure the SJ teacher who had an affair with a coach get to keep a job--moving her to another school. The coach resigned, but apparently, she knew exactly who to talk to in order to get her contract. There is no end to the nepotism and political favoritism in Parker's camp. It's no secret that NEJ parents want a new baseball coach to replace Parker's nephew, but they have been told to just wait till after August--when his uncle can put him in a principal's position. Despite being a poor coach, he coached a state team--probably because his uncle is also on the board of the MHSAA. And now he wants to "top off" his career with Superintendant? NO WAY!!! We have to demand decision making without favors--decisions based solely on what is BEST for our students!

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 6/14/2011
Yes, the Alternative school used to be a place where kids' lives could be changed. When people like Lewis Goins were there, the administration worked closely with the home schools and the youth court to provide the best opportunities to the students. However, that is no longer the case. The current administrator can't work closely with the court system because he has one child in the adult system and one child in the juvenile system. Also, I don't know that he has a close working relationship with all the home schools either! There is an old proverb that says,"Give a hungry man a fish and you feed him for a day...teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The goal of alternative education should be the same as any other educational focus...equipping students for their futures as productive citizens. This roll 'em in, roll 'em approach to alternative education needs to change. When you have an administrator who declares in public that he doesn't care about test scores, you've got problems. Scores, while only one part of the puzzle, are pretty accurate indicators of whether or not a student has learned anything during the course of the school year. Diminshing their signifance indicates a lack of caring about the level of instruction in the classroom and insults the students!

Submitted By: Really Concerned	Submitted: 6/14/2011
Dear In the know, You are right, if a student wants out of the district he is in to pursue a college scholarship. The school district he is in should let him go. For a school district to hold and not release a child to play sports in another district is nothing but BS. And if Milton Smith and Dr. Benigo are holding up a child to go to another district, it's just flat out wrong. Laurel schools are going down fast, as the whites are gone and now the blacks see that it's too late to right this ship. I sit and cry over what has happen to my beloved Laurel schools.

Submitted By: Jones County Voter	Submitted: 6/14/2011
I am an employee of the JCSD. We are one of the better school districts in the state. Yes we have improvements to make, but everyone does. I have worked in just about every setting that an educator can, including the Alternative school. I know first hand that students lives can be changed at this school. There are caring teachers who love to reach these students who consider themselves unreachable. However, you have teachers in every setting who do not like kids and do not want to teach. This is crazy to me. They go through college and get a degree to do a love they do not want to do. In reality, it is extremely hard to get rid of an incompetent teacher. We do need some change in this area. We have the opportunity, with the upcoming election to, to vote in change. I have read on here about the talk of teachers who have inappropriate relationships with students, and how they are just allowed to resign without any mark on their record. Well listen to this... a former softball coach at WJ who resigned after being caught having a relationship with a student, has been rehired. She just happenes to be best friends with the son of a current Superintendent canidate who works at the central office. She has been hired not only to teach again, but to work with the homebound students. Which means she will be going into their homes. I sure hope they require parents to be home! It is this kind of tactic that Parker is trying to pull to get elected. Do you want to elect someone for Superintendent who rehires a sexual predator? I don't! I beg you to elect someone other than PARKER!!!!

Submitted By: In the know	Submitted: 6/14/2011
LAUREL SCHOOL SUPER AND HEAD COACH; You are going to drive out what few athlete's we have left. I found out today that two more of our best are leaving our school district. Truth is three more are going to move. This has to do with your AD and head coach. Mr. Super, don't listen to your head coach!! You need to release those players, so they might get to attend college thru their God given talent. The two leaving will play college ball. I hear you claim you will not release these players to go elsewhere? If you do this you will lose all support that you have now, which is very little in the black segment and none in the white. Don't let others that have no business with laurel school business tell you what to do. Milton you need to but out and leave laurel. You have applied for 4 high school jobs in the last two years. But no luck!! Dr. Mcgee is gone and you don;t have your safety net. Anyone reading this post should call LSD and tell them if a child dosen't want to attend LSD then LSD should release them. It's not about sports. You are keeping these young men for selfish reasons.

Submitted By: Misquito Man	Submitted: 6/13/2011
I just received a letter from Beat 1 that they will be spraying twice a week this summer!!! It cost us tax payers OVER $2200.00 to announce this based on the fact there are 5000 plus households in beat 1 at a cost of .44Cents each !WHY WHY WHY do we waste money this way?OH DUH It's ELECTION TIME CRAZY!!! PS I'M STILL GETTING BIT !!!!

Submitted By: Make a change!	Submitted: 6/13/2011
It seems the voters of Jones County have a chance to prove they want change in the Superintendent of ED's office. A vote for someone with years of experience in the county office is an unwise vote--for the same old nepotism and political backscratching thats been going on for years. Vote for someone new--the great thing about our country is,in four years, you have another choice! You can't expect a different outcome in the race with the same old worn out horse!!

Submitted By: Inflated	Submitted: 6/13/2011
I read an article in the paper that MELVIN MACK SIGNED asking people to shop locally. This must NOT APPLY to CITY HALL!! It's a shame when LOCAL MERCHANTS can supply merchandise that is equal to or exceeds the quality of what the city is buying AND the local company right here in Jones County DON'T get the bid!! Again I must remind myself of who we are dealing with,(Laurel,Ms) need I say anymore?Oh and by the way hope you citizens enjoy the new system that fills the air tanks of the fireman at the already INFLATED NEW FIRE STATION! No pun intended!

Submitted By: run for cover	Submitted: 6/11/2011
Obviously they are not going to advertise for a full-time police chief. This week's edition states they are going to make all department heads civil service protected. To 'grabber', seems like you think you know who you are talking about. Sounds like a threat, possibly two threats. Get over yourself already...

Submitted By: Poll	Submitted: 6/11/2011
I see that there is a new poll for who you would support for mayor. This ought to be interesting with the results.

Submitted By: What	Submitted: 6/11/2011
Sounds like a threat to Wondering. Whats the matter, pressure getting to you already.

Submitted By: grabber	Submitted: 6/11/2011
Wondering, If when you are on the third floor of City Hall you'd ask the Human Resources Dept. this question instead of other requests, you might get the answer you are seeking!!! I didn't say the answer you were looking for!! It AINT GONNA HAPPEN!!! Keep stirring in it and it WILL get Worse !!! I hear there is a job In the Public Works Dept you might want to apply for that has civil service protection. I hear you have the experience ???

Submitted By: former student	Submitted: 6/11/2011
I have graduated, and had to spend one year at the Alternative School for a stupid mistake that I made. I was so scared when I got there, but I had a special teacher that made me believe in myself and she motivated me to learn. If not was not for that one special, beautiful, and intelligent teacher, I probably would have dropped out of school. People, let's get real. Treat our teachers with fairness and respect. There are plenty of people out there that can tell our students to play cards and sleep everyday. It takes a real teacher to make the difference in the lives of others. Jones County, open your eyes. Vote on someone that will work for the teachers and students of Jones County!!! If they don't won't to teach, get them out!!!!!!

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 6/10/2011
So I guess this means there will be no advertisement for a full time, non-civil service protected Police Chief for the City. We will be the only city in this state with a temporary situation being played out on a permanent basis. Will the court ruling concerning this just be ignored? Don't be counting on that. Will a blind eye be turned to violations of the law? Rest assured they will not.

Submitted By: Jones County Concerned Parent	Submitted: 6/10/2011
Yes. It is so important we have role-models for our children of Jones County. I have been told by a students from the Alternative School that teachers stand out in the hall and scream at each other. What does that teach our children. I have also been told that only one teacher was written up due to this behavior. What is the problem here? Do we have favorites? Sounds like a big gigantic mess. Why don't the principal resolve the problems at his school. My information came from a student that was amazed when they observed the behavior at this school. Come on people, do your job and listen to what is going on here. A teacher told me that the Alt school at one time was the best one in the state. NOT ANYNORE!!!

Submitted By: Citzen of Jones County	Submitted: 6/10/2011
So the citizens of Laurel are complaining about the Mayor and Council THEY voted in. Get over, you voted them in and you can vote them out. Why does everything in Laurel have to be a black and white thing? Yes, Laurel is 90% black, but that is because you have set back and let it happen. Get off your duffs and vote at the next election to make a change - maybe then you can take your city back.

Submitted By: concerned parent	Submitted: 6/10/2011
I had a students that went to the alternative school. I am very concerned that others that have made a small mistake has not got sent. What is the problem? Also, my child's favorite teacher left. It seems that if we have an alternative school, we need to be fair and have an administrator that has a good background. Teachers and administrates are role-models. Let's try to keep our good teachers.

Submitted By: Truth	Submitted: 6/9/2011
I just read Melvin Macks comments about if Bear wanted to stay, he could have told him he wanted to stay and thats what would have happened. Bull@#&^. Melvin and Dennis are the biggest liers the world has ever known. Melvin lies when the truth should be told and yes, he has Dennis to do his dirty work. Dennis lies and tells "You have done a great job, I don't know why Melvin asked you to resign or retire". Neither would know the truth if it bit them in the butt. I always have been told that if you wanted to catch someone in a lie just wait and watch their mouths move. Wait for the lies, thats all thats coming out. Dennis tell the truth about the fire station. You were offered a grant for over 300,000 dollars and lost it waiting for pie in the sky money. Loke to have cost the city its fire rating. What about the building Chief Russell told you about when you were in the CAO position under Susan. It would have saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars but no,you would not listen. Now you are costing the city two or three times the money to build another. Melvin tell the truth, you and your henchmen got rid of the best CAO, Gary Suddith because he wouldn't let the city and council do questionable things that could have cost the city lots of money. Stand up to the council and do right and lawful and you have the council looking for some way to get rid of you. Yes Gary, you and I both know what happens. Melvin, you what happened to your best fire chief ever? Tell the real truth behind his quick retirement. Oh never mind, if I am not mistaken, The Review exposed that. The city is being ruined and the question is still being asked, who is ruining I mean running the city? Balls in your court now, step up and for once, tell the truth. Do you have the whatevers to that or are you going to hide that it is a personel matter.

Submitted By: Also a Jones County voter	Submitted: 6/7/2011
If the current administrator is left at the Jones County Alternative school, no one will have to worry about there being an alternative school because it will cease to exist. Teachers are leaving right and left because they are being abused by the administration and asked to perform acts that are unethical and, in some cases, illegal. Offering alternative education for students won't be an issue much longer because the district may lose funding for programming at the school! And as for students who are discipline problems at their home schools, they won't have to worry about being sent to the alternative school because there won't be any spots for them as the school is now used for failing students to "catch up". Students can enter as fifth graders and presto, chango...abbra cadabbra...they are seventh graders. It's truly amazing!

Submitted By: concerned about education	Submitted: 6/7/2011
The rules should APPLY to all! The alternative school should not exist. If you cannot abide by the rules...I believe you should be sent home for the duration of the year and fail! Just like the old days before no child left behind. Being sent home means no free lunch and no free ride to the next grade! Abide by the rules or ELSE! West High has issues...when asked where do you go to school? Answered by a WJH, most white girls are asked..."DO YOU DATE BLACKS?" Of course...administrators that have no backbone starting in elementary areas are also to blame for alt school awareness by students. misbehave+spineless administrators+a school board that changes the rules as they go=problems in education! Clean house when the next election comes around. Perhaps we will even be able to do away with the obvious nepitism occuring at so many of the JCSD elementary schools (Moselle's secretary) and now (WJE's principals daughter getting a lower, non-tested grade at his school). Come on people...stand up when the election rolls around! Get rid of the Good Ole Boys' club and let's get some fresh, competent people in the system that will make the necessary changes for our students' to succeed without interruptions from students' who do not want to be there anyway! From school board members who have cheerleaders, soccer coaches, principals...a house cleaning should occur.

Submitted By: Real Life	Submitted: 6/7/2011
There will never be another white mayor in Laurel!!! Our city is in bad shape. Just Google the Rev. David Manning and see what he has to say about cities and countries run by blacks. I'm black and have just recently faced the truth.

Submitted By: Manincity	Submitted: 6/7/2011
Laurel has done the right thing in hiring Duke as baseball coach. Good coach and white. I have seen what black in charge of schools and city has done to my city. I'm black and hope it's not to late. And for the love!!! Black parents quit posting on facebook about this hire. You act like the hire is bad because he is white. Don't have any childern now in school but all 5 of mine got a sound foundation. Hope it will return. McGee and his staff wanted an all black school system. Will not work.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 6/6/2011
Possible Candidate, If you would like to run, get 100% of the white vote, and still lose, go for it.

Submitted By: Possible Candidate	Submitted: 6/5/2011
What would you people think about the possibility of a Business owner for MAYOR??? One who is a life long resident of the City that knows How to run this town like a business! Not connected to any political party or controlled by ANYONE! One that can hit the ground running that will not need the good ole department heads that DO NOT perform.One that has a PROVEN record of selling this city and brings businesses and jobs to Laurel. I know this person and they might consider a run !!! Let me know what you think! maybe the Review should do a poll of possible candidates and give us some insight into which ones could get elected!!

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 6/5/2011
And just where is that ad for a new full time, non-civil service protected Police Chief for the City? Is there some kind of a time frame in mind?

Submitted By: against the machine	Submitted: 6/5/2011
AMEN!!! 'responder', 'wondering and 'FRUSTRATED'. Talk about injustice. I will give them this, Stewart does appear to have the "skills and talent" to be promoted in the media. I hope that is enough for the citizens of Laurel. I sure would feel safer knowing it was actual skills, education, and experience that got him there.I see it's going the same way for his brother. You would think those two are the only ones who do any law enforcemnt around here if all you do is read the paper. Stewart has worked under the protection of the former police chief. We will see how he will handle things when the "bullets" start flying and he is the one responsible for making the decisons. It's also good to know all of the state and local officials who showed up in support of this act that was clearly manipulated to get around the intent of state law and a court ruling that the City pursued under Vincent's administration. Nice! I know who I won't be voting for.

Submitted By: Unknown	Submitted: 6/4/2011
Can someone please tell me why the library in Laurel is close don Wednesday's? I saw several employees entering the building - so why are they closed. Also I wanted to check out some children's book for my girls to read, but could not find the children's librarian to give me some pointers. Do they have one?

Submitted By: Reply to Also a Jones County Voter!	Submitted: 6/1/2011
If students would come to school and act like they have a brain, instead of doing STUPID stuff, then our administration would not have to use the alternative school. THE RULES DO APPLY!

Submitted By: Tammy	Submitted: 6/1/2011
The last comment by Fairer minded was so right. People here really do need to get with reality and stop judging. It is 2011 and it is what it is.

Submitted By: Fairer minded	Submitted: 6/1/2011
I am totally amazed at the comments by the narrow minded people of Jones County. What a disgrace that so many people there are so judgmental. If readers criticized a newspaper in a larger city because they ran an article by a gay person, or one about the KKK, or about a visit to the Playboy Mansion, they would be the laughing stocks of town. You people are hiding from reality, and living in the dark ages in your county and in Laurel, MS. You aren't expected to agree with every lifestyle, but the fact that we have freedom of speech in the USA just never has sunk in with you! How can you live your lives judging others the way you do? You are not only laughable, you are a disgrace to humanity.

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 5/29/2011
Still, where is the advertisement for a full time chief of police? By the way, did the attorney advising the elected officials inform them that it was okay to go against a court ruling? Reading that ruling it seems as though that same attorney was on board several years ago and was on one side of the ruling then and is now on the other side. Is it not wrong to advise someone to go against a court ruling? Did someone sleep through ethics class?

Submitted By: responder	Submitted: 5/29/2011
To "wondering", the reason is it is based only on pure politics, Kevryn has been grooming Stewart for chief since he served with Vincent. And to "truth/light" hello, is this Stewart? Sure sounds just like him. He is not sent by God, he just has a "god" complex. He is far from a genius too. But I am sure he has enough dirt on everyone concerned to keep him there because that is the way he works. To "concerned", "hammer" and the others you hit the nail on the head. We elect seven councilmen and women and a mayor to run the city, why do we need Kevryn or anyone else in a position that is not needed. All he is is a high paid middle man. There are department directors that could report to the Mayor and council without him being in the mix. Now that would save the City alot of money!!! I mean finally people get over this "promotion", nothing but politics plain and simple, that is what Stewart has been doing for 19 years, playing politics and making it work for him and no one else. It is all about Stewart and what benifits him and him alone.

Submitted By: wondering	Submitted: 5/29/2011
What I can't understand is, why is it that the interim job is being treated as if it is a permanent position? The Truth/The Light says that the interim chief will be chief as long as he is on EARTH!!!!!!!!!! The interim chief even said that he needed the civil service protection because he did not know what would happen two, four or even six years down the road. Is this expected to last more than a couple of months? There is already a court ruling concerning just this. Why the unethical manuvering on the part of the elected officials? Why has there not been one bit of advertising for a new full time chief of police? Having an interim is not good for the department, the citizens or the image of the city. Let's do move forward.

Submitted By: Thankful	Submitted: 5/29/2011
Can we all get along and move forward!!!!

Submitted By: The Truth /The Light	Submitted: 5/28/2011
Dear Frustrated, The man that was forced out was forced out by no other than himself. He was warned many of times. If U only Knew!!!!! BTW the man that has the job now tried to sell the white guy for the job. But it will never happen. Also the man that has the job now is a genius and is GOD appointed!!!!!! Keep tryinggggg!!! Its a waste of time!!!!!!!!! TYRONE STEWART will be Chief Of Police as long as he is on EARTH!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 5/27/2011
Guess what? We now have a West Jones satellite campus, the Jones County Alternative School! Or at least that is what the current administrator wants it to become!

Submitted By: FRUSTRATED	Submitted: 5/26/2011
I AGREE WITH THE FIRING OF DENNIS AND MELVIN. THE MAN THAT WAS FORCED TO RETIRE WAS ALL TOGETHER A BETTER MAN THAN THE ONE THAT WAS PUT IN HIS POSITION. HE LIES AND IS VERY CUNNING. HE HAS LIED ON THE CHIEF AND THEN LIED ABOUT THE MAN THAT WAS TO BE NEXT IN LINE FOR THE JOB BY SAYING HE COULD NOT MAKE A DECISION. HE HELP THE NOW MAYORS OPPONENTS CAMPAIGN AGAINST HIM AND THIS FOOL STILL LET DENNIS PUT HIM IN THIS POSITION.DENNIS IS THE MAYOR NOT MELVIN. HOW CAN YOU TRUST THIS MAN? He HAS SAID HIS ONLY CONCERN IS HIM AND HIS FAMILY.

Submitted By: Cityman	Submitted: 5/26/2011
Doctor Glenn McGee is the reason for the great white flight, to the county schools. Replacing retired white teachers with black ones. Doing away with the AP classes (Advanced Classes.) Laurel City school does not qualifly within the state limits on test scores. And will for sure go down after next year as not one white child will be at the high school.

Submitted By: curious	Submitted: 5/26/2011
I'm sorry. I meant to ask, why did the white kids leave City schools?

Submitted By: curious	Submitted: 5/26/2011
Why did all the white kids leave the public schools?

Submitted By: WATCHDAWG	Submitted: 5/26/2011
Almost ALL the White kids have Left the City and the City Schools !The Mayor an City council really don't give a rip about it cause they have all the control.That's what they wanted now that they've got it watch and see what happens!There probably will never be another white anything in this city. I just hope the Review will share this !

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 5/26/2011
I was wondering the same thing about the youth council. Where are the white kids? Looks like racism to me.

Submitted By: just wondering	Submitted: 5/25/2011
Are there any white kids in the Mayors youth council. All I ever see are black kids. And on another subject. There is a senior captain at the FD who has over 30 yrs. We no longer have a senior captain position so why not ask him to leave.That will save money to.

Submitted By: S M H	Submitted: 5/25/2011
[justice for all][so-called] ..where is your justice for all ppl.seems to me that you are so much into this matter with this man about his personal life than other things that are more important.this man that had to leave his job ,in your opinion he were doing a good job .in other ppl's opinion the only thing he were doing were sitting on his "ku-tush'' getting bigger .what does it matter what kind of home you live in and "affluent"neighborhood. you have to work hard to get what you need for your family,while you are snooping around other ppl affairs and how much retiring they are drawing already .what kind of person that makes "you "out to be ..its not hard to tell that you are on the inside and looking outside of the box.how many times have you seen this man that is leaving his job out and about fighting crime ,while this other man shows proof of what he is doing and what he has accomplish for the city .Do I detect that you are "jealous" or just plain "stupid" and need to get your facts straight before opening your "big' mouth....whats more important ?

Submitted By: Can't beleive it	Submitted: 5/25/2011
I think you will soon see some changes in the LPD!Don't be suprised what happens when these people are exposed.Dennis is like a plastic bottle you can see straight through him and his plastic smile. Everbody that this writer has talked to CANNOT understand why or how he got back to the position at city hall.If I'm elected your next mayor heads will roll at city hall!!!He'll be the very first FIRED CAO with a long line of department heads to follow .We CAN take this city back !!!

Submitted By: Justice for all	Submitted: 5/24/2011
Why does a man that is doing a good job and lives in a very modest house have to leave his job while a man who says things like, we did what we had to do to get who we wanted, get to stay on his job and by the way make more money than the one who had to leave his, oh and while he lives in a very nice house in a very affluent neighborhood already drawing a very nice retirement?

Submitted By: Hammer	Submitted: 5/24/2011
Why just fire Dennis and the Mayor. Fire the entire council, and start over before it's too late and Laurel is completely dead, like Jackson re; the Detroit of the South. What a shame! Laurel used to be a great city, with a lot of pride and progression for all citizens. Now day's; it's criminals who run the streets; and slums springing up everywhere; all presided over by a bunch of do nothing clowns!

Submitted By: concerened	Submitted: 5/24/2011
It seems to me that if the City Really wants to save money one of two things should happen! Either Dennis Kevryn resign and let the Mayor that we elected run the city or let Melvin resign and let Dennis run the city We DON"T need both !!!They both NEED to resign and let us elect some one competent, can I get at least one AMEN ????

Submitted By: Thumbs Down	Submitted: 5/24/2011
Thumbs down to the West Jones School Administrators. Seniors work for 12 years to receive their diplomas but when they go across the stage the diploma is NOT in the jacket they are given. They must go to the back of the Magnolia Center and wait in line to get the diplomas after they turn in their gowns. This is so tacky, and so unorganized; they are being treated like kingergarten kids. Put a school official and a box at each exit for the seniors to put gown in on the way out and put that DIPLOMA in the jacket they receive..... Who wants to keep the gown anyway!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Tammy	Submitted: 5/20/2011
We know many people in the transgendered communinity that are sex offenders. This man on the front of your paper obviously is which is awful. Not everyone who dresses like a woman is a child molester. The clothes this man wears has nothing to do with his crime. If he truly is dressing that way to get close to children then that is terrible but there are many transgenders who are just good people. Bad people come in all forms, shapes ad sizes. So, this man gives wonderful transgenedered people a bad name just as someone of a certain race commits a crime and everyone judges that whole race. It doesn't make sense.

Submitted By: Wes	Submitted: 5/20/2011
You should be ashamed for putting that transphobia in your paper. Obviously, whatever sex crimes were committed were abhorrent and inexcusable - but there are plenty of innocent transgender people who you are trashing by demonizing the other behavior. The outfits the person in question wears are NOT the problem - wake up and focus on preventing further sex abuse, not judging people for what they wear or whether or not they are transgender!

Submitted By: Saw that freak	Submitted: 5/19/2011
I saw that freak on the front page at the Hattiesburg mall one time dressed up in his female garb. He went into the ladies dressing room while my teenage daughter was in there trying something on. I followed him in there to make sure he didn't mess with my daughter. The workers were aware of him, but didn't stop him from going in there. I should have caused a stink. Next time I will.

Submitted By: Justice for all	Submitted: 5/18/2011
CAPTAIN LEFTY, You say you love a spirited debate but you run from it instead. A clear, concise, coherent point of view has been put forth along with certain facts and you want to run and hide calling it emotion-fed ramblings. Go ahead, change the channel.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/18/2011
JFA, I love a spirited debate, but I prefer coherent, thought provoking argument from the other point of view. Emotion-fed ramblings just make me want to change the channel.

Submitted By: Justice for all	Submitted: 5/17/2011
You are right CAPTAINLEFTY, your arguement was sophomorically stated as you only point out one side of things. You point out 30 years and what negatives that could mean but neglect to expound on 19 years and what negatives that could mean. What about 30 years and what positives that could mean? You also speak of a former Mayor going outside the department when that has nothing to do with the current situation as both of these men have been working right here in Laurel all this time. Either would be an in house promotion.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/17/2011
It is hard to argue with an ill-conceived and sophomorically stated point of view, so on those points, JfA, you win.

Submitted By: Justice for all	Submitted: 5/16/2011
CAPTAINLEFTY, you are right, you don't know squat about this situation. The older of the two officers being discussed is only 50 years old while the other is 40 years old. A dozen or so good years left in the man. Also, 19 years can be one year experience 19 times over. Can we agree on that CAPTAIN LEFTY? Also, WAKE-UP PEOPLE, this other man also has skills and talent behind his name. Question to you WAKE-UP PEOPLE is do you even know the other man or his qualifications for the job?

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/16/2011
I don't know squat about either of the officers being discussed, but I do believe that the amount of time one has served in the past deserves far less weight than the amount of time they can potentially serve in the future. Past performance should only be considered as an indicator of potential. When you hire someone who has 30 years experience, you can expect them to retire soon after, and all you are doing is padding their pension for them. Also, it is possible to confuse 30 years experience with one year's experience repeated 30 times. I also believe that promoting someone from within the force is better than hiring someone from out-of-state as Susan Vincent's administration did. Just giving opinions here, not claiming it's the Gospel Truth like the previous poster.

Submitted By: wake-up people	Submitted: 5/16/2011
to the "RESPONDER"....i will not debate this issue again ..the truth is the truth...#1-if you go back in read into this matter you will see that people has made this issue out to be a black and white thing.#2-the city of laurel voted tyrone in,they must see something in him... #3-just because you have lots friends on this department,maybe something is wrong with your friends..why haven't your friends been approve for this promotion ,you have to take this up with the city ."GOLDEN CHILD " [no] .."GOD'S CHILD" -[YES] have a Blessed day,

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/16/2011
Mississippi's Gubernatorial Race 2011 Prediction Johnnie DuPree wins Democratic Primary by garnering most of the black vote and loses by over a dozen percentage points to Phil Bryant in the general election.

Submitted By: responder	Submitted: 5/16/2011
I don't think the issue is black or white at all, it is what is legal and right that matters. If you want to go color then look at the white deputy chief that has been there over 24 years and over 30 with the city, why wasn't he chosen as he has more experience, training and knowledge than those under him. the other issue is that the Chief of Police is not supposed to be an interium position just so that person can be protected and if he messes up be sent back to his lower position. There are reasons for the Chief to serve at will of the Mayor. What if he abuses his power, well that is ok we just send him back to his lower level so he can keep doing it at that level. There is also the issue of hiring and promotions. With the deputy chief position being held open so it will be there if the need comes up to move him back down they are now one officer short in the department, and no one can be promoted at the lower levels for the same reason. If Stewart were to be hired the right and legal way for the position you would have four deserving officers promoted and someone else hired as a patrolman. Duh people get a grip, this is all politics, with the city bending the rules so they can play favorites to their golden child, Stewart. I have alot of friends on this department and believe me I have not heard one of them approve of this promotion, for many reasons. Let the city do the right thing, advertise for a new Cheif of Police, take applications, do interviews and select the person most qualified to bring professionalism, honor and duty to this department.

Submitted By: wake -up people	Submitted: 5/16/2011
this issue with the chief of police and mayor of laurel is so so uncall for ....what differance does it makes if you have a black mayor or black chief of police.the importance of it all is justice ,fighting crime and upholding the law..lets go back in the day when blacks couldn't vote,ride in the front of the bus ,drink out of the same water fountain and go into resturant to eat a meal....now that some of these changes has taken place,"YOU"wants to go back to salvery time again..we have this young man 'tyrone" that has skills and talent behind his name and years on the police force more than 9 years to be exact that has never given up on the people of laurel and for as his brother working for him .his brother is working for the people of laurel to uphold the law .he has been shot twice and came back to fight crime ..and some of 'you" black people that is so against tyrone and his brother,that are pointing your finger @ them well ,3 is pointing back @ you ...lets just turn the tables and show us what you are doing to uphold the law ..have you forgotten where you came from ..instead of all this personal hatered toward Mayor Mack and the "STEWART" brothers you should be thanking them every chance you get ..come on now and lets be real and wake -up people ...if you were in tyrone shoes wouldn't you want so kind of protection behind your job...this is something you will have to take up with the mayor ..not personally attack tyrone for this ..GOD BLESS US ALL !

Submitted By: anti anti immigration	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Because illegal immigrants can't speak for themselves, they become the scapegoat for the crimes committed by citizens. No, I'm not worried about them stealing my identity, taking my job, marrying my daughter, or selling drugs. Illegal immigrants are more law abiding than the average citizen because they can't afford to come to the attention of authorities. My identity is a 1000 times more likely to be be stolen by hackers here in the states. As for laws being broken, I'm more worried about white-collar crime. We will always have illegal immigrants. Businesses one way or the other will find a way to get them here to pluck their chickens, pick their fruit and whatever else cheap labor they need. There is no way to totally secure our borders and if we did, our economy will collapse. Like I said, secure the borders the best we can, but there is no reason for all the anger, rage, and racism.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 5/15/2011
To anti-anti-immigration. I am not against immigration but you seem to be overlooking the operative word, ILLEGAL!!! If any one here were to enter another country illegally, we would be thrown in jail yet these people come over here with false identities, including social security numbers, and benefits are practically thrown at them. Do you want one of them to steal your identity?

Submitted By: anti-anti immigration	Submitted: 5/15/2011
I know it's popular to hate illegal immigrants, but what is overlooked are the benefits. They pay taxes, they are as a rule, hard workers, and know more about this country and system of goverment than most citizens educated in our school systems. I think their values of family, industry, Christianity, and their commitment to freedom and opportunity infuse our culture with the values that originally made this country great. As for taking jobs away from citizens, the only jobs they take are those performed by people with less than a high school education. That's less than 10% of the workforce. They make us a better and stronger country. The rabid hatred and rage at illegal immigrants is fueled more by racism than by facts. It's easy to blame your troubles on those worse off than you are. If you are so worried about taxes (which are lower now than any time since 1950) you should go after the rich and the corporations who are getting a free-ride. They are the real freeloaders.Yes, man the borders, but don't go ballistic.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Back in April, I saw an ad for the Shades of Immigration Forum, “Because it is not all black and white” actually it is black and white, the colors on a white page with black letters, its is called the United States Citizenship Test, you have to take that test after you have taken the course to be eligible for CITIZENSHIP in this UNITED STATES so yes it is black and white, and guess what, if you do not take the course coming from another country, pass the course and receive your Citizenship papers you need to get back on the bus you came here on or whatever transportation and come back only when you are READY to do that, we are not likely to enjoy fellowship with anyone who is not a legal person of this UNITED STATES, and having children in this country AFTER you are a CITIZEN of this United States and certainly not one minute before, God is here and he freely gives us common sense, it is up to us tax paying citizens to elect Representatives to State and Federal offices who will PROTECT our rights and Citizens, you get a chance to do that in August when you vote, how many of those people who are running for legislature are going to LIE and say they’ll do whatever is necessary to keep noncitizens out of here and their approaching future family, our one vote can change everything, it is really up to each one of us, Republican and Democrat means nothing when it comes to IMMIGRATION, it is only one person who can change that, President Obama, we are not here, you and I do give away, anything to anybody who is a noncitizen of this country, we are here to make our living and spend it at our pleasure and pay our TAXES. Nothing else should be expected of us, OK! I am all for husband and wife having a family, that is God’s gift to us, and the married couples right, ONLY IF THEY ARE U.S. Citizens, if they are not citizens of our country and they want a family we are to make sure they have their family in whatever country they were living in before they came here, or maybe go to another COUNTRY where they can DO AS THEY WANT TO DO. As I said, before the vote is coming in August and we can turn everything UPSIDE DOWN, you see if nobody is sitting in the House, Congress, or Senate, who is to vote for Illegal-immigration, higher taxes, welfare, free medical care to anyone legal or not legal, delivering babies who become citizens of noncitizens parents and being paid for by I DO NOT KNOW WHO! My check that I get every week, is not big enough to help illegal anything, I don’t want to pay for anything that is not related to ME and my future social security and medical issues, if any! DO YOU Signed, Not a bit worried, I know what to do with my one Vote

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Back in April, I saw an ad for the Shades of Immigration Forum, “Because it is not all black and white” actually it is black and white, the colors on a white page with black letters, its is called the United States Citizenship Test, you have to take that test after you have taken the course to be eligible for CITIZENSHIP in this UNITED STATES so yes it is black and white, and guess what, if you do not take the course coming from another country, pass the course and receive your Citizenship papers you need to get back on the bus you came here on or whatever transportation and come back only when you are READY to do that, we are not likely to enjoy fellowship with anyone who is not a legal person of this UNITED STATES, and having children in this country AFTER you are a CITIZEN of this United States and certainly not one minute before, God is here and he freely gives us common sense, it is up to us tax paying citizens to elect Representatives to State and Federal offices who will PROTECT our rights and Citizens, you get a chance to do that in August when you vote, how many of those people who are running for legislature are going to LIE and say they’ll do whatever is necessary to keep noncitizens out of here and their approaching future family, our one vote can change everything, it is really up to each one of us, Republican and Democrat means nothing when it comes to IMMIGRATION, it is only one person who can change that, President Obama, we are not here, you and I do give away, anything to anybody who is a noncitizen of this country, we are here to make our living and spend it at our pleasure and pay our TAXES. Nothing else should be expected of us, OK! I am all for husband and wife having a family, that is God’s gift to us, and the married couples right, ONLY IF THEY ARE U.S. Citizens, if they are not citizens of our country and they want a family we are to make sure they have their family in whatever country they were living in before they came here, or maybe go to another COUNTRY where they can DO AS THEY WANT TO DO. As I said, before the vote is coming in August and we can turn everything UPSIDE DOWN, you see if nobody is sitting in the House, Congress, or Senate, who is to vote for Illegal-immigration, higher taxes, welfare, free medical care to anyone legal or not legal, delivering babies who become citizens of noncitizens parents and being paid for by I DO NOT KNOW WHO! My check that I get every week, is not big enough to help illegal anything, I don’t want to pay for anything that is not related to ME and my future social security and medical issues, if any! DO YOU Signed, Not a bit worried, I know what to do with my one Vote

Submitted By: Truth	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Thunder, to answer your question, the city violated the very thing they spent thousands of dollars to get established. No department heads are allowed to be covered by civil service. When they gave Tyrone civil service protection, they violated the law. It is also a slap in the face of the other department heads who had to give up civil service protection. What makes him so special?

Submitted By: JoePa	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Hey Just Hush, Your right you do have great teachers at West Jones. Majority of those great teachers (both male and female) can usually be found laying on top of their students before they are forced to resign.

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 5/15/2011
Maybe when people and students are treated equally, the complaints will stop.

Submitted By: Aggravated Educator	Submitted: 5/15/2011
I am so sick of hearing everyone place all of the blame in the school systems in Laurel and Jones County on everyone EXCEPT the parents. If we had more parents who did care about their child's education, rather than using the school as just a free babysitting service and 2 free meals everyday, then their child would receive a better education. When teachers/administrators are having to spend SO MUCH time on discipline, it does take time out of teaching and educating, but the discipline problems primarily start in the home! When are we going to start holding parents accountable for some of this? Quit worrying about just spreading gossip, folks, and lets start addressing some of the real problems here!

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 5/15/2011
If there has been a violation of this law, then why use this forum to charge, place on trial, and provide a verdict. Are we now, as a society under such tyranny, or fear, or governed by such mediocrity and complacent incompetency that this violation can not be addressed. It will never change until we vote those out who are in charge.

Submitted By: Just Hush	Submitted: 5/12/2011
I am so tired of all the negativity about West Jones. We have great students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Yes, we have our problems--just like everyone else--that may or may not have been handled just as you would like it, but were you there when all of these things happened or got swept under the rug? No?? Well, then drop it because all your complaining isn't going to change one thing. There are EXCELLENT teachers at West who prepare the students well. Just look at all of the schlorships and awards of our current seniors. Don't put down the whole school just because of one incident. Also, stop mentioning specific names of students; they read this. What kind of person are you to talk about children?

Submitted By: Elizabeth	Submitted: 5/12/2011
Just got my copy of the Review. Read the article about the library. Is children's services and computer's all this woman has to offer the public? What about the rest of the library? There used to be a bang up reference area as well as a genealogy room. The genealogy lady has helped me more than once in my family research, but you never hear anything about these two areas from May Breland. What the hey!!! Talk about something real people want to know about. Not just computers and children's stuff. There is more to that library than that.

Submitted By: RebelYell	Submitted: 5/12/2011
Since everyone is talking about the Jones County School District.What happen to the West Jones soccer field being built at the old Calhoun Elementary football field. I was told that the soccer club at West donated money to help with the funding along with funds from the school board. But was also told the project was shut down beacuse a certain "Jones County School maintenance employee" took it upon himself to hire the electrical company for the lighting and not take bids!Of course, you hear all sorts of things. maybe the Review can find out what happen. Doesn't surprise me if this were true, rules don't apply to certain peolpe , especially when West Jones is concerned, look at the previous soccer coach vs other coaches.

Submitted By: Student-focused JC resident	Submitted: 5/12/2011
JCSD undoubtedly has issues. What school district doesn't? However, Jones County students are cream of the crop, in my opinion. As someone who works with students from all over the state, I'm always impressed with WJ, SJ, and NEJ graduates. These kids are 9 times out of 10 well-prepared for college level classes, involved in several service organizations on campus, and always well-mannered. They speak fondly of their high school years and the teachers who got them where they are now. I think if we ask our students, they would say that JCSD teachers are doing a great job educating and nuturing them from kindergarten through 12th grade. Maybe the problems are not with teachers and students. Maybe we, as parents, should consider that we might be some of the problem. Let's hire leaders that seek out quality teachers and then trust them to do their job.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 5/11/2011
Concerning the Laurel City Schools: All the optimism in the world will not overcome the devastation we see in Laurel's black community. The die is already cast for low school performance with 90% illegitimacy, rampant drug/alchohol abuse, crime, etc. How does it get fixed? Well, it will take time but a gradual weaning from government dependency is absolutely necessary. Ironically, it's taxpayer money that underwrites all the evils of poverty. We've seen the liberals grand experiment fail. Yes, I expect to see Benigno improve things but he'll hit a wall...a wall that's being held up by the very people he wants to help.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 5/11/2011
Good observation,CaptainLefty. The LLC got it right. You see, dogs are wonderful animals in most cases). Therefore, they must "wonder" about as part of being wonderful.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/11/2011
Leadercall article regarding uncontrolled pet dogs. http://leadercall.com/local/x364970372/City-reminds-residents-of-leash-law The last sentence has me puzzled... "Anyone wanting to report information or concerns about animals, should contact the city’s animal control at 601-428-6463 about any dog which is wondering around neighborhoods or is in a yard that is not secured with fencing." I want to do my part, but how am I to know if a dog is wondering? What do they wonder about? Do they go, "Hmmmm, I wonder if the postman has pepperspray in that bag" Maybe they wonder if it will rain today. I never gave them that much credit before, but it was in the paper, so it must be true.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 5/10/2011
Life Long Jones County.... You don't seem like a very optomistic person, not at all,,test scores might in fact be low or not what they need to be,,,but God bless the effort that has been put forth to change the mentality of people that think they way that you do...the glass never should be half-empty but instead half-full...but it takes willing teachers with a willing attitude to change this district....you of all people should know this....just think 50 years ago people were saying that there will never be a black president,,,,but God and strong determination has laid this to rest....test might be low,,,but it starts in the "HOME",,,,now after these test scores increase this year,,,,you will owe us dinner and an apology.....please try to be optomistic,,,,Thurgood Marshall once said that"Whatever you are told that you are is what you will think that you are"....

Submitted By: Lifelong Jones County	Submitted: 5/10/2011
Mary, Hope your right, but laurel city system is not a Mississippi quailfied school. In other words, they are on probation from state. This comes from poor test scores. From poor teachers. Bad as I hate to say this, but the better students black and white are leaving the system. These test scores are not going to get better. If fact they will drop more. Or just barely get by. Call me a black racist if you want, but the last of the smart white childern will be gone next year. The system will be 100% black. It will not work. McGee would hire a black teacher over a white even when there was not any comparsion in the qualifications. I do hope I'm wrong, but just heard today about 3 black families moving out of our school district.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 5/10/2011
TO: Jones County Lifelong, You really can't think this way..How in the heck can you think that the City Schools are history...the City schools are just find,,,it's just your thinking that's distorted...we have good and awful teachers in the county as well in the city....and some are black and some are white,,but what we have that's rare are "dedicated teachers"..until you can weed the teachers out of the schools that really don't care...the problem will still be there..some teachers don't give a hoot obout the children that they teach,,and some are really wonderful,,but test scores will take care of the teachers that are not teaching,,,,and then maybe the district will get back on the right track...but as for the current Supt. of the Laurel schools,,,,I've never met or come into contact with such a wonderful, caring individual in my life as an resident of this area...he cares about the whole system,,,from the bus drivers to cafeteria workers to the smallest of the children to the administrators,,,,he is wonderful and this process will take time to correct...just be patient, and just remember that Laurel Schools are back on track....

Submitted By: Jones County Lifelong	Submitted: 5/10/2011
The city school system is history. Dr. McGee is to blame. I hope New Supt. can make some difference, but I doubt it. Dr. McGee ran all of the white folks out, hired black teachers to replace white retirees. Most are not quailty teachers. I'm a black resident of laurel, and I want to cry. You cannot have an all black school or a all white one. It takes a mixed to compete in sports as well as make a showing in the class room. Thanks Mcgee for the start of a down fall.

Submitted By: Jones County Voter	Submitted: 5/10/2011
Listen voters of Jones County,,,JCSD cares nothing about trying to correct any existing problems that they have,,,they are more concerned about whatever the school board is concerned about which is: the tennis courts at WJ, make sure that their child(which shouldn't be on the team) makes the cheerleader squad, the baseball uniforms, the golf teams(with a golf coach that shouldn't even be coaching instead doing what he's paid to do,,,oh wait some of us are still waiting to see what that is)hopefully some one will change all of that.......You really don't want the school board menbers to high tail it down to the C.O. they need to "High Tail It" off of the school board,,,because they don't have the children of Jones County in mind,,,,their heads are so blown out of porportion that it's sickening.....Please let's get back to education our wonderful children and leave your egoes at the door.....

Submitted By: What the What	Submitted: 5/10/2011
Let's not concentrate so strongly on current administration,,,,let's look back(and believe me,,I don't like to look back) on almost all previous administrations,,come on now

Submitted By: Johnny	Submitted: 5/9/2011
Name just one white person that has been appointed by Laurel's current administration to a leadership job.

Submitted By: Also a Jones County voter	Submitted: 5/9/2011
Amazing that the superintendent of the JCSD is allowing a principal to stay in his position when he has written and verbal complaints against the administrator, including a statement by a female student of sexual harassment! What is going on? Apparently, the administrator in question can harass students and teachers, violate board policy and get away with it! Some school board members need to high tail it down to the central office and ask to see the evidence. Ask questions, folks. All the evidence proving misconduct is there!

Submitted By: What the What	Submitted: 5/9/2011
OMG.....What is the real issue..."Mr.Racism"..this "White is out black is in" mess is a bunch of "Boo-Boo"come on now give me a break,,,black has never been in and you know it.....never has black been in, especially in this "Free State Of Jones", you know for a fact that it's who you know and not what you know,,,l,, get your head out of the sand and be real.. we have teachers in the school district working for their husbands as principals, secretaries working for their husbands as principals, maintenance directors in the district buying items from his father's company,,,,talk about a conflict of interest,,,,if you only knew,,,,if you only knew...there is nothing wrong with this man working for his brother.....what is your real problem?

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 5/8/2011
"Let the Fun begin" And your point is?

Submitted By: Let the fun begin	Submitted: 5/7/2011
http://www.mssc.state.ms.us/Images/Opinions/Conv4188.pdf

Submitted By: Something to think about...or remember!	Submitted: 5/7/2011
With direction taken towards WJH PARENT: While "shaming" on those in the Jones County School District, you should shame on some administrators and a few others at central office as well. Think questioning their characteristic background should have been considered BEFORE we hired and elected them to run our schools and district! If you're gonna sling mud, might as well throw some on them to!

Submitted By: Something to think about...or remember!	Submitted: 5/7/2011
With direction taken towards WJH PARENT: While "shaming" on those in the Jones County School District, you should shame on some administrators and a few others at central office as well. Think questioning their characteristic background should have been considered BEFORE we hired and elected them to run our schools and district! If you're gonna sling mud, might as well throw some on them to!

Submitted By: Racism ?	Submitted: 5/7/2011
Just wondering and Joes County voter both bring up good points. Since when does it matter who is more qualified just as long as they are the right color for the mayor. White is out in Laurel, black is in. Civil service law and lawsuits don't mean a thing. This issue of allowing the interium police chief keep his civil service protection was taken to Jackson and ruled on for the city. It was ruled that it could not be done, but I guess if your the right color the hell with what the city paid thousands of dollars to take away civil service protection from department heads. Can Kim legally work for his brother Tyrone? What does state civil service law or Mississippi law say about it or does it really matter? Melvin does not care what people think, someone else is running the city. Why was the white battalion chief in the fire department not interviewed for the chief job? Was it because he was white, not the "IN" color at city hall? Once again, this proves how racism runs rapid at city hall. Billy Chandler deserved the job based on experience, time on the job and the respect the officers have for him. How did Tyrone become the next in line when Billy had been there the longest. No Melvin, Tyrone was not the next in line he was just the right color.

Submitted By: WJH PARENT	Submitted: 5/6/2011
I will Amen that Sick & Tired. The WJH baseball team is made up of all the players not just those three. How does that make the other boys look who go out there and practice just as hard as those 3 do and then have to ride the bench? Newspapers should be careful how they print their stories and make sure they have their facts right. I would also add that WJH has good kids and some good parents. It is a shame to the whole district when the kids are acting more mature than the coaches and teachers of Jones County Schools. Shame on these people!!!!!They have no fear of GOD!!!!

Submitted By: Sick & Tired	Submitted: 5/6/2011
I am so sick of newspapers not reporting the facts our local sports. In today's Leader Call they put a write up about West Jones High School being in the playoffs in baseball. "The three to watch for." Read it for yourself. There are other players on that team to watch for, but they set the bench most of the time. They had one of those players right. Koechner is a good players. However, he does make errors too. The other two are good players but lets face it they are not the two to watch for. Maybe they should watch for our DH who strikes out more than anyone on the team and is still the DH. Another one to watch for is, oh my bad you can't watch for him. He will be setting on the bench. He use to play in left field. Our center fielder is from WHERE? Stringer, the head coaches home town. Then you have a player removed from his position because the pitcher was taken out and he needs to be put on 2nd base. This player walks off the field with his head down and wonders why he is being taken out. He is not the one making the mistakes here. It is enough to make you not want to even support the team, because everyone knows what is going on. If that is not enough, 9th & 10th graders are put in over seniors to pitch. (They are just as good) What's up with that. Only time some of these seniors see the field for any length of time is senior day when WJH played Forrest Hill. A little league team could beat them. It should make you wonder what is going on. It will make you sick if you watch it long enough.

Submitted By: Just Wondering	Submitted: 5/5/2011
Tyrone will be the new police chief,tell me who will be his brothers boss. Kim works at the police dept and is also Tyrones brother. What a JOKE!!!!!!

Submitted By: dodat	Submitted: 5/5/2011
it doesn't matter who the president is or was. this was a military operation and we owe the fine men and women of the finest fighting force in the world for this accomplishment. mission accomplished by seal team six.

Submitted By: Jones Co Voter	Submitted: 5/4/2011
I'm sure that the Review will cover the story of the new polic chief of Laurel. I hope they dig into the injustice that was done with the placement of Tyrone Stewart as "interium" police chief. Before this "promotion" he was a co-Deputy Chief with Billy Chandler serving as the other co-Deputy Chief. Billy has 28 or more years of experience on the force. Tyrone has 9 years of experience. Who would you hire for a leadership position? Someone with 9 yrs or 28? Not only did they promote Tyrone to Chief, but they held his co-deputy position open for him to return to if the Mayor loses the next election and Tyrone is demoted. This is a classic example of discrimination!!! But because Billy Chandler is white and Tyrone Stewart is black, no one will say anything about it. The City of Laurel needs an overhaul just like the school systems!!

Submitted By: proud parent of south jones elem.	Submitted: 5/3/2011
to my fellow sje parents, i understand that there is alot of whailing and nashing of teeth over the fact that there will be no awards day this year. personally, i see both sides. south is not the only school in the county that is doing their awards this way, yet there are folks that are acting like it is the end of the world and are ready to burn the current administration at the stake. the children are still going to be recognized and praised for all their accomplishments just minus the complete chaios of battling about 2,000 people at one time. just stop and think about it from both ends of the spectrum, sje is the biggest school in the whole county. this time of the year it is very hard to get off from work and Lord knows with the economy the way it is i don't need to take off but that is very hard for a child to understand. by doing awards this way i don't have to try to make my child understand that the reason mommy isn't going to be there at awards day is not because mommy doesn't love you its because mommy needs to work so i can provid for us so we can eat this week. so from this momma thank you sje administration for thinking of me too. i am glad to know that the administration of sje is not more concerened about trying making some sort of big show but that our children are getting an education. not everyone always gets an award and its not much fun watching everyone else get up and go across that stage when your not the one going across. life is too short to make mountains out of mole hills. the way i have seen some fellow parents and others acting over such a miner thing i think is really sad and definatly not the way true christian should act. i think that the current administration has done a wonderful job this year, in fact i think this has been the best year ever at sje. i am very honered and feel very blessed and thankful to have a child at sje because when my child is at school i know that they are safe and the decisions that are made are decisions that are best for my child and each and every child at that school.

Submitted By: jonohoh	Submitted: 5/2/2011
In case you were wondering, that's the sound of choking in the background.

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 5/2/2011
We are missing a key point this debate over the announced assignation of a terrorist. Osama spottings will overtake Elvis spottings now. It took 3 presidential administrations to take this guy out, not just a single signature to order a hit. One, half white/half black president did not pull the trigger, but a team of AMERICANS in all walks of life, over 3 administrations in various supportive functions to make it happen. It's the hundreds, if not thousands that combined their talents and skills to defeat this spawn of pure EVIL. It is what AMERICA can do when we all come together for one cause. BHO picked up a pen and signed the hit, but Bush's team packed up, leaving their way of life behind and risked their lives to capture the informants that by the way BHO wanted to release, and Bush's team delivered them to GITMO, that BHO wanted to close one his 1st day in office, and Bush's team hired the interrogators that BHO wanted to get rid of that got the information needed for the hit to be made. Even Clinton's team played a role since Bin Laden bombed the trade center on Bill's watch. Give BHO his credit for not being a wimp liberal and having the courage to stand up for justice, but also thank all those that you will never see or know about that helped behind the scenes make it all come together. This is a day for all Americans to Celebrate and to be thankful we live in a land of opportunity and not tyranny.

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 5/2/2011
Well said, Captainlefty. Had Obama been in office a few years earlier, we'd have missed a lot of intel...the very intel that led to this mission's success. Maybe this will help him learn a thing or two.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 5/2/2011
Quoting jonohoh, who seems to think Obama put on a Ninja suit and personally went to Pakistan with a can of whoopass: "The right wing crazies of course will choke on the news that Obama took out Osama. What galls them the most? This is the 'Mission Accomplished' moment President Bush only fantasized about. It took a liberal black man to do the job right." The Truth: The Loonie Left has to live with the truth that Bin Laden was located based on information obtained under Bush's (that guy that was in charge before the abomination of Obama Care was rammed down our throats) santioning of harsh interrogation techniques at Gitmo. BTW..it is a well-known fact that the Mission Accomplished sign was put up by over-exhuberant Navy personnel. Bush (that guy we had in charge back when gas was half the price it is now) got stuck with that unfairly.

Submitted By: Paula	Submitted: 5/2/2011
My daughter tries out for cheerleading at West Jones and doesn't make it, that's life; move on. Others try out and don't make it, make some calls and change the whole structure of the squad so they can be a West Jones cheerleader. The old saying, "it's who you know" that comes to mind (and also who's on the school board).

Submitted By: jonohoh	Submitted: 5/2/2011
The right wing crazies of course will choke on the news that Obama took out Osama. What galls them the most? This is the 'Mission Accomplished' moment President Bush only fantasized about. It took a liberal black man to do the job right.

Submitted By: Simon Kenton	Submitted: 5/2/2011
I don't believe that obama killed his muslim brother bin laden anymore than I believe his multi-leveled phony birth certificate. The real world criminal is in our white house. When he is gone then I will go to the streets and cheer.

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 5/1/2011
Congratulations to Mayor Mack and Past Mayor Vincent on their upcoming imortalizations. It is a wonderful thing to honor a living person with something beneficial to the community and it gives us a way to share with the community our sence of agreement in unity by making the mortal, immortal and everlasting. I wonder if the former R. H. Watkins will now be reinstated to his originial place of imortalized honor. Or in fairness, will there be a time limit established on these recent honors also.

Submitted By: Jason	Submitted: 4/29/2011
I just had to respond to "Mary" I had an opportuinty to talk to some of the staff members at a couple of schools,,,,,they seemed really let down and disappointed and this "Now" administration...It seems as though no one cares about educating the children any more,,,they are more concerned about money and status....People I really hope that you get a chance to put your power together and vote for the most qualified candidate and not just that "Good Ole Boy" feel good canidate,,,,we need to shift our attention back to where it really belongs which is "The Children" Which candidate is able to get us back to where morals and standards are important and your word and a handshake means something...Obviously something is really wrong....This district has put power into the wrong hands,,,no one stands up to the board,,,,did you not know that the "Board" shouldn't be running the District....but when power is given over to you,,,you don't have a choice... I don't know why these individuals left the district,,,maybe the EEOC needs to look into it.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 4/29/2011
To the concerned student of WJHS....I understand your concerns with the nasty bathrooms, we all deserve to have schools sanitary and safe,,,but let's shift your concerns from filthy restrooms to former and current teachers sleeping and flirting with students..it goes on all the time and the staff is aware, but nothing is said or done .WJHS soccer coach flirt and sleeps with student,,he is allowed to leave with a little grace and dignity....SJHS coach does the same thing and he's ousted and name is smeared in the public..... And this is just a little information to the people of Jones County: Try to see if you recognize the pattern with the JCSD current admin. Dr. Edna Thomas leaves District Audic McCormick leaves district Lewis Goins leaves district Donna Scott leaves district Another lady from the C.O. that worked in the Purchasing Dept leaves the district...Talk about a Clorox cleansing...wow...I really didn't recognize it until it was brought to my attention...What's really going on?

Submitted By: Migrane	Submitted: 4/28/2011
TrueGrit you are probably right on target.I only did what I needed to do to get some of what I wanted and it worked out just like I planned.If I had it to do over again I would do a few things different.She still worries about me everyday because she knows what could be exposed !!! This mayor has been a severe disappointment in some other ways due to the fact he has hired ALMOST ALL of her old cronies aka the city administrator,city attorney,fire cheif etc. and now he's appointed her to some new boards like an idiot would do! We all understand and expected this type conduct. Just don't be suprised at what comes next!! I'll probably see you at the next cook out cause I can promise YOU we'll have a BIGGER FISH TO FRY !!!

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 4/28/2011
I understand the fellow that put on the big "fish dinner" has spent the last couple of years saying "oops"...LOL.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 4/27/2011
I really can't believe what is going on in the JCS district....this is a real mess,,,you can't trust anyone,,,the present Superintendent has thrown everyone under the bus that has supported him....And just think we were sold out for a "Fish Dinner",,,,be careful voters of what the new candidates are selling you....because there is still room under the "BUS"

Submitted By: Concerned Student	Submitted: 4/26/2011
I am a current student at West Jones High School. My concern is not facebook or whether teachers do a good job. My beef is the nasty bathrooms that we have to use everyday. CAN SOMEBODY IN THIS COUNTY PLEASE HIRE SOME JANITORS WHO KNOW WHAT A MOP, BROOM, AND CLEANING STUFF ARE USED FOR. PLEASE!!!!!

Submitted By: Jonathan Odell	Submitted: 4/25/2011
And before Mr. Adams was a brewer, he was a tax collector by profession.

Submitted By: jonathan Odell	Submitted: 4/25/2011
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the United States Constitution, is known as the Taxing and Spending Clause.[1] It is the clause that gives the federal government of the United States its power of taxation. "The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;" Before 1895, direct taxes were understood to be limited to "capitation or poll taxes" (Hylton v. United States)[34] and "taxes on lands and buildings, and general assessments, whether on the whole property of individuals or on their whole real or personal estate" (Springer v. United States).[35] The decision in Springer went further in declaring all income taxes were indirect taxes—or more specifically, "within the category of an excise or duty." Sam Adams was not part of the Constitutional Convention but did vote for its ratification as a delegate from Massachusetts

Submitted By: Freedom1913	Submitted: 4/24/2011
Regards to Ex-investor of Laurel, Mr Irby... Is this the same Charles W Irby that has a lawsuit against several individuals, including a certain IRS agent? Show me the law, written by congress that allows the goverment to tax the wages of the American people. "If ye love wealth better than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, go home from us in peace. We ask not your counsels or your arms. Crouch down and lick the hands which feed you. May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen." -Samuel Adams

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 4/24/2011
I had the priviledge of participating in a discussion recently with several well-informed citizens concerning the Jones County School District. We discussed the fact that several folks posting to this thread have pointed out the disturbing long time practice of promoting incompetent people in order to hide them. We all agreed that it is critically important to communicate this concern to the superintendent candidates. A great way to do this is face to face when a candidate seeks our vote. I think all three are fine gentlemen and will listen to our concerns. Running a school into the ground should not result in a promotion and pay raise!!

Submitted By: Wade Supporter	Submitted: 4/21/2011
I agree with "Jones County Voter". I am a former student of Mr. Wade's and he is the real deal. His math class was the only one that I ever had an A+ grade in. He worked closely with me until I understood and could move forward. I was in one of his first classes as a techer at WJH in the 8th grade. I have now been out of highschool for 8 years and still stand behind Mr. Wade! He cares about EDUCATION not politics. Ever since Mr. Prine left the school board things have went south and I think Mr. Wade is the canidate that will get things in line. Who cares about "he said, she said", not Mr. Wade. He cares about the education and future of the students of Jones Co. He proves that by running a tutoring club that has an excellent reputation. I hope Jones Co. makes the right choice and puts a man in office who is soley concerened about EDUCATION!

Submitted By: Fed UP	Submitted: 4/21/2011
I hope the new super will do something about the gay want-a-bees that wear the saggy pants to school. If they cannot dress like a human being, they should not be allowed at school with other humans. "Pull your pants up and wear a belt".

Submitted By: TrueGrit	Submitted: 4/21/2011
The claim about master teachers being harrassed is serious and true, I'm afraid. Our coach/principals enter into the academic arena poorly prepared and frankly don't know what a succesful teacher looks like. As a result, the coach/principals involve themselves with fixing things that aren't broke! Recognizing how to parallel park the drivers ed car is not the same as recognizing a teacher that has his/her act together.

Submitted By: Also a Jones County Voter	Submitted: 4/20/2011
I completely agree with many of the comments posted about the Jones County School District...we have incompetent principals who are allowed to harass master teachers to the point they have to leave in order to protect their health...wake up, candidates for superintendent...clean out the incompetence now!

Submitted By: Jones County Voter	Submitted: 4/20/2011
I will pass the message along to Mr. Wade. But you may do the same at his "get to know me" meeting on April 30 @ 6pm at the Tutoring Club headquarters. Check him out in the community and see if he walks the walk. I think you will find that he does. Kids adore him as a teacher, and teachers adored him as a principal. He has no one from the central office "backing" him, as the other candidates do. They were actually surprised when he qualified to run. When the other two candidates switched parties, they even thought he would drop out. But he didn't. He is in this for the kids!

Submitted By: Billy Wayne	Submitted: 4/20/2011
Interesting comment about Mr. Wade. I need to hear that from him. He (or any other candidate) will help themselves greatly by exposing the "sacred cows" and laying out a plan to clean things up. I can assure you that right now - no one at the county office or in a pricipals job is nervous. The complaints that we're hearing now have been out there for years. The slackers are thinking that it's going to be business as usual with whomever's elected. Who knows, they might be right. Someone needs to get ahead of the pack on the issues and make the slackers nervous. We're listening.

Submitted By: Jones County Voter	Submitted: 4/20/2011
I am an employee of the Jones County Schools. I understand first hand the frustration of working for and with people who are incompetent. Many of those have been moved to better paying jobs. It is a waste of money. Many jobs can be combined and many people can retire. One canidate is looking for his 4 highest years, so he can retire and draw a bigger check. If you want a Superintendent who has great morals, who is not afraid of hurting someone's feelings by doing away with their plush job, and does not have political promises waiting in the bushes; then elect Jerel Wade. He has proven to be a Christian example and leader we need.

Submitted By: Politician	Submitted: 4/19/2011
You tell it Billy Wayne. I believe the letter called the central office a Retirement home for those who could not handle the principals position. The person going in as superintendent needs to take control of the district as he is elected to do and not allow the school board to run the district. They are there to approve policies not to use it as a battling ground for their personal issues with someone.

Submitted By: Former Jones Countian	Submitted: 4/17/2011
I asked your illustrious Sheriff to be my friend on facebook, as I HAD been a supporter of his. I wrote him in a private note all about what my family had done for other law enforcement agencies, and I guess he didn't want to know this. He refused to reply and refused to be my facebook friend. We would have been there for him even though we have moved. We are still interested in seeing the betterment of Jones County. He refused to be my friend on facebook, so I guess that tells me that he doesn't need help. Maybe he thinks he can do it all.....himself. It's a shame for one man to think that way. Does he really have that much power in what is supposed to be a democracy?

Submitted By: Billy Wayne	Submitted: 4/15/2011
We need all the candiates for Superintendent to commit to 1) not promoting incompetent principals to higher paying jobs at the county office - just fire their butts 2) not creating jobs for their buddies (see 1), 3) require principal candidates to demonstrate excellent written/verbal communications skills, high personal morals (we don't need people that left their own families leading other folks children)and have a solid track record in academics - not drivers ed or weight room supervision. We've got plenty of those good 'uns. 4) and finally, develop a plan to consolidate admin jobs at the county office - the're tripping over each other down there trying to hide from work.

Submitted By: Just plain tired of it ALL	Submitted: 4/14/2011
I am so sick and tired of all the happenings at Jones County School District. It seems to me that somebody should come in and do an overhaul of the whole place from superintendent down! Those who stand up for themselves usually just leave out of sheer frustration, and those who stay walk around in fear of how the board will retaliate against them if they speak thier mind! We teach our children to fight for what's right. What's wrong is wrong! It's time for a change Jones County. Teachers can be given the option to resign when they've committed a crime; yet when a dedicated teacher mutters a curse word he is LET GO! School board, stick to healing sick puppies and selling insurance! Maybe you'll keep SOMEONE happy!

Submitted By: Politition's	Submitted: 4/14/2011
I have had all three candidiates who are running for Superintendent of Education in Jones County ask for my vote and support. Not one of them has said what their plans are for the overhead at the county office. I am a very prominent business man in this town and I have decided to cast my vote for the young lady who wrote the letter to the editor in regards to the overload at the county office three years ago. If I were one of those guys running for office she would be my side kick. I challenge the newspapers to revert back to that letter that was publsihed three years ago as a letter to the editor and republish it take questions from her letter and ask the candidates what their intentions are. The candidate that goes in needs to make her your financial officer. I will be happy to give my financial support to the candidate that has her support. And trust me I have plenty of it. And for those of you who want to get upset over a minimum wage job have nothing to do in life. You need to look at the real waste.

Submitted By: Well said!	Submitted: 4/14/2011
Well said!!! I was wondering if anyone saw J.A.'s true colors besides his two exes. Trying to be a politician, a deputy, a security guard, a know-every-one-in-power type of guy is NOT a good combination. He has made a spectacle of himself as well as his "family".

Submitted By: Do you really think your actions are any better??	Submitted: 4/13/2011
J.A. Seriuosly...Do you really think it is necessary for you to spread your business in the news paper? How ruthless.. and you call yourself a christian?? This display shows just how childish and stupid you really are. You may try to make people think you are Mr. Innocent but just think bout this Mr. News Travels Fast.. the more you drag this out, the worse YOU look too! It's over! Get on with your life and leave it be. Oh and by the way, you don't even have "children" at SJH! Making their lives miserable is not gonna make it all go away. Think about the lives you're hurting. It sure takes a real JERK to do something like this! Your actions are no better then theirs!

Submitted By: News travels fast	Submitted: 4/12/2011
Maybe folks should lay off Moselle Elm. and focus on SJH for a while. The head baseball coach resigned because he was caught having an affair with another teacher. The place where we send our children to learn and behind the scenes adults are screwing around!! Jones Co. needs a clean out from the county office all the way down to the class rooms!!

Submitted By: AGC	Submitted: 4/11/2011
Seriously...get a sense of humor. I think the ReView is great because they don't take themselves so seriously and will do things like give Neil Young a thumbs down. Why do people always look to criticize everything little thing that this paper does?

Submitted By: Coach K	Submitted: 4/10/2011
@ DeLouis.....Hahahahahahahahhahahah. You are kidding.....right? You couldn't have possibly taken a quote ripped directly from "Sweet Home Alabama" and taken it as a serious Thumbs Down. Could you have? Nah...no one is that dumb.

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 4/9/2011
Why the hate for Neil Young?? if I remember correctly, he did drive, by himself, from Northern California to the Gulf Coast do some benefit shows after the BP oil massacre. I am pretty sure if something happens in California you aren't going to drive there to help anyone.

Submitted By: Aggravated Educator	Submitted: 4/5/2011
AMEN CORNBREAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have been saying that for AGES!!! It is insane to me that our schoolboard is comprised of people who don't have any teaching experience!!! Of course, we do have principals, too, that have not ever taught in a real classroom (I'm sorry, I don't call teaching Driver's Ed a REAL teaching experience....). I agree that all the folks need to lay off of Moselle; there are faults in any work place, I don't care what or where it is. And yes, taxpayers are paying some of those salaries, too, myself included. Yes, I'm a taxpayer paying my own salary; what a concept!

Submitted By: Frustrated Parent	Submitted: 4/5/2011
What is this obsession with our wonderful school and educators in Moselle? I've been told it is jealousy, but I am not so sure. It doesn't sound like jealousy. It sounds and feels like an attack. Satan is alive and well and having a great big ole belly laugh at the sour attitudes of the 'posters' in this "review". I am appalled and embarrassed for the employees at our school, whose only crime is trying to make the school and community a better place to learn and live. Despite the many pressures and lack of parental support, I think they do an amazing job. I pray God will convict these malicious people and have them to look into their hearts and stop talking about this subject that has absolutely gotten out of hand.

Submitted By: Moselle New Vegas	Submitted: 4/5/2011
It sounds like to me that Moselle is the new Vegas. Swingerrrrrrs! Why air all the dirty laundry? Someone just asked why it takes so many people to run one office and out comes talk about man parts and principals. I agree with the questions about principals hiring wives. I agree about certain teachers and counselors having reserved parking. Why not others? Somehow I really doubt that the principal pays for all of that special treatment.Maybe someone should find out who is paying for the signs and spa treatments.Is the wife one that gets that treatment? Im betting the cornfield she is. I'm glad my kid doesnt go there. I think I will stick to North Jones Co.

Submitted By: Cornbread Eatin Fool	Submitted: 4/4/2011
The problem with the Jones County School System is the simple fact they have a bunch of guys running it that have never been in the classroom. Sure they may operate on little dogs all day, but do they know what is going on. Their should be a rule that school board members have to have at least a couple of years of teaching experience...

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 4/3/2011
Dam zorrow. I was all happy looking at those private parts then you go spoil it all by telling me it's a HIM.

Submitted By: zorrow	Submitted: 4/3/2011
i think whoever is stirring in the pot at moselle school is just upset because they dont have the same principle at moselle that used to e-mail pictures of his private parts to some of the teachers and pto members.i think this person is having withdrawl symptoms and wants there principle back.nuf said.

Submitted By: Billy Wayne	Submitted: 4/2/2011
I'll tell you what would be entertaining. Have teachers in the Jones County School District print and share with the public memos and emails written by many of our school principals. According to my teacher friends, most of these former Coach/Drivers Ed types have very limited communications skills (verbal and written) resulting in some real funny stuff. These highly paid pro's put out gems such as "they's going to be a band concert" or "test scores is important"...too funny!

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen of Jones County	Submitted: 4/2/2011
I work & live in Jones County & I pay my taxes to Jones County. Did you know our taxes are being used to pay the salary of a library director who does not live in Jones County? Is this the very smart person who decided to close the library on Wednesdays even though they are still there working?

Submitted By: Coach K	Submitted: 3/31/2011
@Thunder. I saw where the Review accepted too. I'm not surprised. I'm sure we can get the schools too. I think the sticking point will be the LLC. I'm pretty sure they aren't going to want to undergo the scrutiny...they struggle with headlines. If you can somehow shame the LLC to participate, the idea is a winner.

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 3/31/2011
@ Coach K. A quick review of this week's "The Review" shows where the suggestion was accepted by "The Review". Now all we need is a short stick to stir the pot a bit to get the LLC to bite. Once each paper accepts the "opportunity" to raise the educational levels of the area students, we can submit the idea to the School Board to have them endorse the idea. If education buys the idea, then maybe we can get business to support the endeavor. If business and education can come together, then we should have no problem in getting the governing bodies to complete the links in the triangle of a successful idea and see it to completion. I see problems and conflicts as opportunities for creative insight. I hope someone stirs the pot some more and who knows, we might put a small town "rag" rival into the history books for something great.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 3/31/2011
I didn't mention it, but I think it is obvious, the story below was in the LLC.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 3/30/2011
Another story headed for the Tonight Show on Jay Leno's "Headlines". Note in the story, after striking the bicycle, the locomotive suffered no "major" damage. LAUREL — A local man injured in a train accident inside the City Limits of Laurel Monday night remained hospitalized. Detective Kim Stewart with the Laurel Police Department said an elderly man was injured around 8 p.m. Monday. “The man was riding his bicycle near the Central Avenue crossing, which is across from Fred’s and near the Train Depot, when he was struck by a train,” Stewart said. “According to witnesses, the guard rails were down and he attempted to go around the guard rails.” Stewart said the man has been identified as 65 year-old Robert Rogers of Laurel. According to officials, the man was transported from the scene by EmServ Ambulance Service and taken to South Central Regional Medical Center for treatment. Stewart said the train involved in the incident was a Norfolk Southern Train heading north. Officials said the train was estimated to be traveling about 25 miles per hour as it traveled through the city. According to officials, the locomotive did not receive major damage from Monday’s incident and was allowed to proceed on its journey.

Submitted By: MUSTANGFAN	Submitted: 3/30/2011
Just wondering....what teachers are posting comments on facebook during school hours? How do you know they have not taken a personal or sick day? Do teachers have an off period? I know some teachers...and they barely get a bathroom break and does anyone bother to ask if they need to go? As a parent, I worry about more important things. Here is one for ya'll to think about and discuss. During MCT2 testing how much pressure is put on the students to not go to the restroom, get water, be relaxed, blow their nose, or even breath! I heard the state is making restroom breaks for students more difficult during state testing...do these people not ever need to go? Put them in a room to take the test of the year after eating a well-balanced breakfast...but first tell them to relax and oh, by the way, you can only go to the restroom if you absolutely cannot hold it any longer while making your state, school, teacher, district, and parents proud! "NO PRESSURE THERE!" just sayin GET OFF FB AND GET INFORMED ABOUT THE CHILD ABUSE DURING MCT2 TESTING!

Submitted By: Moselle Supporter	Submitted: 3/30/2011
AMEN! AMEN! AMEN!

Submitted By: Moselle Parent	Submitted: 3/30/2011
I would like to comment on the dicussion about Moselle School and staff. First of all if parents and grandparents would become more involved in the school then they would know what really goes on there. In front of the school there are reserved parking spots for visitors not just employees. Throughout the year PTO does several fundraisers to provide the school with TVs, computers, paper, copy machines,the stage curtain for the multi-purpose building, the large lighted Moselle Elementary sign that is seen from Highway 11, landscaping, money for AR incentives for the students,and many other projects for the school so it doesn't come out of school money. We do have 3 secretaries that work very hard to keep the school running smoothly and in my option they don't get paid enough. No where near the $30,000 a year saleries that they are accused of receiving. The principals wife does work there but why does it matter as long as she is doing her job. In my opinion she does a great job along with the other two. There are plenty of spouses that work together in different work places so why is this any different as long as everyone is treated equally. Again since some people choose not to be involved with the school and make accusations that they have no idea about, I would like to clarify the remark made about the employees that go on limo ride and receive manicures and pedicures. By the way there was no man that went on this outing. The tax payers ARE NOT paying for this. The principal himself pays for this out of his own pocket. I have known in the past of times when he has also paid for things out of his own pocket that students needed. How many principals do you know that care enough about their students needs and the school to do that? So my advice to anyone that wants to attack our school and employees from what you see on the outside, I suggest you learn more about what goes on inside the school before voicing your "opinion". These people are our educators. Without them we wouldn't have successful Doctors, Lawyers, business men and women, other teachers,etc. Why are we attacking them? It does take more than just the teachers to do these things. It's just like any other successful business, you just don't have CEOs, everyones effort from the bottom to the top contributes as a whole. As like with a school, every person working there is dedicated to the success and well-being of the students. They want them to succeed in life and they are that stepping stone.

Submitted By: Barry	Submitted: 3/30/2011
Everyone please look at the candidates before you go to the poles and vote this year. Look at the ones that are in office now. Most of them lie to you and spend our money any way they want to. It starts from that Sheriff and goes down from there. We need to replace them all and re-take Jones County. Forget Democrat or Republican and vote for the one that will get the job done.

Submitted By: Jered	Submitted: 3/30/2011
This is regarding the Concerned Parent who was worried about the facebook postings from west jones teachers during school ours. I think you should be more worried about the coaches/teachers there that were secretly allowed to resign when they were found to be having intimate relationships with students. Those teachers belong in jail for taking advantage of students. But yet they were allowed to quietly resign and will be working in a teaching capacity again soon most likely.

Submitted By: wonder woman	Submitted: 3/29/2011
Margaret, if you have such a problem with what YOU think goes on at the school then maybe you should try to volunteer. Find out !!! You seen to want to continue to talk about this and inform everyone on this review what YOUR thoughts are. VOLUNTEER!! Then maybe you can let everybody know what you find out. Or maybe if you were that concerned about it as you say you are you might walk in there and JUST ASK!!! If this is all you have to do is complain then you should try walking in their shoes, COME ON, REALLY WHAT IS YOUR HANG UP!!!!

Submitted By: Coach K	Submitted: 3/27/2011
@ thunder...great idea...I think a spelling and grammatical mistake-off would be a great idea and a lot of fun. And SCR, seriously...seriously.....threatening to drop your subscription. Wow...pretty sure the entire economy will fall apart. God help us.

Submitted By: Thunder	Submitted: 3/27/2011
"Executed" shows a lack of understanding of the English language. They are spelling the way they speak and think the word sounds like in their everyday usage. They should consider having Harvey Warren as their editor. It might cost a few more trees per paper, but it would be worth the expense. What about,.. let's see if we can get a contest going that would involve individuals having to submit both spelling, and grammatical mistakes during a time period for the LLC and the Review. What a great way for all the high schools to learn about the news and compete in an area that actually has something to do about the use of correct English and grammer. The more mistakes found the more points made, and the individual or team with the most points is given some big honor or prize. Like a "buck" for every mispelled word, and 5 bucks for every misuse of the word for an entire year.

Submitted By: SCR	Submitted: 3/27/2011
No I do not work at the Leader Call. I just feel like if I wanted to read what was in the Leader Call I would be reading it. I do not read the Review which I feel is a good paper to find out what is in the Leader Call. Every Thursday their is some comment about the leader call. I guess if I am gonna have to read what is in the Leader Call maybe I should drop my subscription to the Review. I subscribe to the Review to read it. I really shouldn't have to read some off the wall comments about some other paper which I do not read.

Submitted By: coach k	Submitted: 3/27/2011
I agree with Precious. I assume that SCR is referring to the thumbs down that The Review gave to the LLC in this weeks paper. The LLC more than deserved it..they wrote that a man was "executed" at the airport instead of "electrocuted". Can you imagine if you were the poor guys mother and you read that your son was executed? Why not direct your criticism to the LLC for making such a horrible mistake?

Submitted By: Precious	Submitted: 3/27/2011
So Jay Leno can make fun of the Leader Call but the Review can't? I have a good idea. If the Leader Call wants people to stop making fun of it then maybe they should stop sucking.

Submitted By: TMC	Submitted: 3/27/2011
I can't understand why people are so preoccupied with whether or not the review makes fun of the LLC. Who cares? The review does do a good job and they obviously do concentrate on their own paper. Unless you work at the LLC how does it affect your life? (and if you do, you should stop making it so damn easy for the review to takes shots). As for the rest of us, Do what I do. Sit back and enjoy the fun little rivalry.

Submitted By: SCR	Submitted: 3/26/2011
I think this paper does a good job but you are way to occupied with the Leader Call. You should just concentrate on doing a good job and let them worry about themselves.

Submitted By: anonymous	Submitted: 3/26/2011
I'm embarrassed by the reaction that your fine newspaper has received in regards to the "Growing up gay" series that you have been running. I'm ashamed at the hatred and intolerance in Jones County and I'm ashamed that I'm not brave enough to put my name with this post but I know that my family would have to face consequences that they do not need to be put through. I'm very grateful that we have a newspaper like yours that isn't afraid to stand up for what is right.

Submitted By: Right on the mark, Mark	Submitted: 3/26/2011
Your editorial on the reaction to Jonathan Odell's series was the best thing I've read in a long time. "You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time, especially in Jones County."

Submitted By: Pencil Pusher	Submitted: 3/26/2011
I think it's funny how so many people are concerned about reserved parking places at a local school. It's sad that they are not this concerned about how their children are doing in school.

Submitted By: Me again Margret	Submitted: 3/25/2011
The person weeks ago said there were too many teachers at Moselle Elementary. She stated there are three sitting in one office. Now that school is probably around 550 students. You might call the others attendance clerks or something else but the fact is, there are three women in one office. Thats not counting all the other tutors and fancy titled people.A good question was raised though about the principal hiring his wife. I also never heard of reserved parking for certain staff members other than the principal. Fancy signs too. MY taxes paid for those signs AND the manicures and pedicures same staff gets with a ride in a limosine.Cant there be a better use of school money.? One member that got a manicure and pedicure was a man.

Submitted By: Concerned Parent	Submitted: 3/24/2011
It concerns me when I notice that teachers at West Jones High School have facebook posting DURING school hours. My child goes to school there. I wonder what is going on? Can someone explain?

Submitted By: School Secretary	Submitted: 3/22/2011
To Whom It May Concern: I don't know who the person was that commented about "two many secretaries" in the Jones County School System. I am a school sectretary and I am the ONLY secretary at our school.We have over 500 students. I can assure everyone that I don't make 30,000 a year. I don't even make half of that!!! I would love for the person who wrote that to come to the school one day, maybe just one hour! I think their attitude towards secretaries would change very quickly! Thanks to the parents/public who do support secretaries like me. It really makes my job much easier.

Submitted By: Miss AZALEA	Submitted: 3/19/2011
I once again remind you all, I know that, one at a time, our various legistrators are coming around on the front page of the newspaper, WANTING and expecting us to give them our vote, costly I may ad, as I see it, we really should not have gotten into that thing with Libya, we have interests there, OK we need to remove our interests there and not be missling anybody, who do we think we are and where is all this MONEY coming from to reach out to others, are we going to do without our bread in the next few years just so we can protect other nations? Every single time we VOLUNTEER to help other people in other countries, the COST is not cheap, I say it’s time to retire and close our borders and our airspace while you and I can still have a crust of bread on our table, and four wheels under us and maybe, just maybe just enough money in the bank to pay the outrageous deductable the hospital ALWAYS gets at the emergency room, if we get life-threatening sick, So are we going to continue at this pace or what, As for the budget, however, can anyone have a budget with a Deficit!!!!!!!!!!! Oh by the way, people, the illegal immigrants are already paying into the social security system through where they work and if they are not citizens, WHERE DOES that money go, Where do they put it, especially if millions of illegeals are working seven days a week here in the U.S. everyday, that is a lot of money, say for the past ten years or a little longer!!!!!!!!!!! One more thing, I noticed in the local paper, front page, highering a firm to study the issue of Redistricting. I think a dollar is fine, but other than that, hire someone who will do it for free, for goodness sake, I cannot agree with paying anyone, redistricting, sounds like the state can do that for FREE? Huh? As the economy gets worst, there are going to be lots of people, coming with suits and ties, wanting to do something ( not for free ) to help the City, watch out!!!!! We must stay alert, with the City money and our citizens money, lets keep Laurel, ALERT and learn to say No in a kind, way Yours truly, Miss AZALEA

Submitted By: Shannon	Submitted: 3/16/2011
Loved that you put the Leno video and article on your website!

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 3/15/2011
Aggravated, it apparently did no good.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 3/12/2011
I like this forum, it gives me a chance to get the word out about what I think, ok, if you go to church and 99% of Laurel does, go ahead and tithe if you have the money to do it, and be glad we still have churches to go to, remember though, be sure you have some extra somewhere, because our economic future not in Laurel but Washington is not looking real good right now, according to them, I am not so sure, because I do not believe everything I hear, only what I feel inside, I say not to worry, we have made it this far, we have cars, we have money for food, the basics and our city runs fairly smoothly, as I indicated earlier in this paragraph, watch your money, and learn not to spend unless you need until we at least know more about what the economy is going to do, I am talking to everyone even the financially elite, we could all wake up one morning and need it! I take the philosophy charity begins at home, my cousin gave me that phrase it applies to me and I refer to it when I have to make choices, to give to something outside my home or not! Signed, not poor but stable and keeping my money in the bank.

Submitted By: Aggravated Educator	Submitted: 3/11/2011
Just sayin', you just made my day. I get SICK of reading comments from people who cannot even make complete (and not run-on) sentences!!!!! Thank you very much!! :-)

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 3/11/2011
I just saw on television, our President offering Japan our condolences for their earthquake and offering whatever they need from us, well he forgot to say, we have no financial support but we can offer prayer for those who need it but, of-course Japan has other religious beliefs than the typical U. S. Citizen, any way I wish someone would tell our president that the american people do not have millions of bucks to give away to every country who has a disaster, sometimes I feel like our president is trying to make the U. S. look like a Big Wheel and that we are glad and able to help, BIG TIME to anybody who has a disaster, I keep saying over and over and over, WE ARE BROKE! And he keeps giving it away, where is he getting all of this money, I eat, I work, but I do not give away money, I promise you that! It is time our president and the legistrators, live on what the rest of us live on, then maybe they’ll think twice about giving away or offering help that we don’t have. Go to the POLLS, clean house and not only that when the president starts wanting to be re-elected remember who is paying too much for gas at the pumps, people can give excuses of why of anything right out the door, as a matter of fact who needs to be president next someone who does not need the paycheck works for free! Each state is working to do whatever they can for their state, I really think we are at the point right now, to not even have a Federal Government, I am not a Democrate nor a Republican but we are all over taxed and that ain’t right, OK! I will say though in all honesty, Laurel has the greatest police force, city I have ever seen, they are truly, fine! That is reason enough to stay here don’t you think.

Submitted By: City Resident	Submitted: 3/11/2011
I like your poll question but one of the choices should have been "Oh Hell No. I'd rather be eaten alive by dung beetles then to have anything named after either Mack or Vincent" I would have picked that one.

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 3/10/2011
da suz, I think your mom would have done you a better service if she had hired an English tutor.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 3/9/2011
I would like to put my two cents in about the City School Board of whoever they are now, I think it is alright to serve on the school board once, it really does not matter if they have a child in the city school system, better that they don’t since the private schools are infinately better Quality schools than public anyway no matter what! However, I think that being on the board is a matter of who you know and not so much, are you highly educated in a way that it would actually help with decisions that are made on the board, the public schools have changed dramatically over the years, my idea of a school board member is one that has information that can help students to not only just pass students but with honors, for example when I was young I needed help with math, my parents hired a lady to tutor me in math, I still remember her and what she taught me to this day! We can all learn because we are designed to do that anyway, it goes back to the wheel, but peer pressure is and has always been a problem, speaking english and not some sort of slang should be considered not even permitted, young people have not changed that much over the years, I am sure of that! For those people who want to be re-elected to the city of laurel school board, I say thank-you for your past service, but it is time for other people who can do something you could not to get a chance to do something, if we can not teach our children and raise them up to honor roll every time, what is the point in having public schools, some of these children go on to be presidents, clergy, scientist, chemists, and some need school because they cannot afford college, so they need this knowledge to help them get a descent job in this town. There is so much riding on a good school board member, and not just sitting in a chair, it does look good for community service, no doubt, great on a resume’ for future credit, but there a people, good people out here who want to do that, HOW ABOUT retired teachers, talk about knowing what to do, ask them! When I saw in the newspaper about this problem I knew right away it was politics, is everything politics these days? Do not pass a child unless they deserve it on paper, however, find a better way to get to the part of their mind that understands, we all understand, reading and understanding what you read is the nuts and bolts of education, remember if you cannot read and understand what you read and make an A on that test, there is another problem, why not get a child psychologist to work on the board, that could do a lot for anybody! Good Luck and lets not give up on our children just our school boards.

Submitted By: Aggravated Educator	Submitted: 3/8/2011
I will have to say that I have found it quite funny to read some of the comments that have been made about our local educational system in your public forum. So many things are said by people who seemingly have no clue of what they are speaking. To begin with, yes, there are quite a few people at the local administrative offices who probably have unnecessary jobs and over-inflated salaries. Unfortunatley, until someone gets up the nerve to just fire some sorry principals, this is not going to change, as they have to have somewhere to move the school administrators who do a terrible job. Next, several have commented on the waste of salaries in the individual school offices with the number of secretaries. I hate to inform some of these people, but these secretaries can be your best friend when you have a child in their school. Don't make them your enemies... They take care of sick kids when their sorry parents are stupid enough to send them to school, and they put up with a senseless amount of garbage from, you got it, some of the same parents! Teachers break their necks to teach kids things that they should have been taught at home. They have become substitute parents, nurses, counselors, and dhs workers in many cases. Are they as grossly underpaid as may seem? Depends on how much you value them taking care of your children... For the job they do, you cannot pay enough. Definitely can't afford to get rid of any of them! So, even though you all think you may have the perfect solution for our school systems, I would venture to say that those of you making such ridiculous comments have never worked in them, so until you're ready to take on that challenge, just keep your mouth shut...

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 3/5/2011
I believe that the average american is not at all responsible for this so called Trillion dollar deficit, all we can do to survive this moment is to fire every single legistator, republican and democrate and independant who is already serving because that is billions of dollars serving now that we can save, from now on if they want to serve it should become their money they all have other businesses anyway so let them go to Jackson and Washington when it is time to go, to serve their state and no benefits, they get those on their own job. Millions of dollars in the state and federal treasury can be seen in the first three months after it becomes law, then we can see who really wants to serve and not just those who like the legislators money and benefits, ‘cause there won’t be any. The other part of the deficit is the ongoing act of having children in this country without citizenship, the federal and state welcoming these aliens to not only pay for the birth but feed and extra money and medical, so these babies can not go hungry, why can’t a doctor who starts seeing a illegal or green card Mom who is pregnant, report her to ICE and they come for her and take her in her state and her family to the border, that alone can save the federal and state maybe $30,000 rough figure! I am a U.S. citizen and I know that the american people have a lot to be thankful for but I do not plan to give up my salary and my benefits and my peace of mind just so somebody who wants all that and much more can come from another twilight zone and take it all away from me, I did nothing to deserve all this anyway. Might as well know that the Republican and Democrats are no different in the money they see on the state and federal level, we should not believe that they are indeed any different how they could or should run things, I know we have no business helping Libya or anybody else WE HAVE NO MONEY, it takes money to pay military to go over there and fly or shoot, I am so sorry the federal government puts all the blame for the deficit on you and me, we did not do it, I promise you that, how long has it been since you had a cost of living raise, for me two maybe three years, the peas and carrots in the supermarket did not know about my paycheck so I have to search for cheaper peas and carrots and it I have to not eat them as often. Either way, if it means not voting for anybody in August to keep me from starving can you Quess what I will or will not do? Signed, holding on to my brains thank you very much and proud of it

Submitted By: B. D.	Submitted: 3/4/2011
All of this talk about the school system is so pety. If you really want to know what it is like to be in these positions, you need to first walk in the shoes of some of these people, especially the secretaries. These people has to take care of all the children who's parents send them to school sick (with fever and throwing up), dirty, & hungry, like it is the school's responsibility to raise and take care of the physical and emotional well-being of the child. Then get angry when they are called. The secretaries has to deal with the teachers and all of their attitudes. Then you have the other people that is looking in from the outside just thinking they know what is going on and how much people make financially. All the money in the world could not pay for what some of the secretaries has to go through. What we really need in every school district is PRAYER(GOD)and OLD FASHION DISCIPLINE back in the schools. For those that think it don't take all these people in the office, "It takes a village to raise children". These people are not just "Pencil Pushers", they are caring people that are doctors, nurses, lawyers, teachers, councilors, food providers, comforters, advisors,.....and last but not least, secretaries!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Submitted By: YellowDog	Submitted: 3/3/2011
The biggest problem with the Jones County schools is our dreadful habit of promoting incompetence. For example, school principals that do a poor job are routinely given nice, high paid positions at the county office. This is the easiest way to get them out of the way. There are several folks there now that fit this description. The district acts as if it's a union shop. Well, it's not. Incompetent people can actually be fired! It happens in the private sector every day. Overall, we do have good schools because we have great, dedicated teachers. We also have wonderful students and parents for the most part. To be fair, we also have some good principals in the system.

Submitted By: Max	Submitted: 3/3/2011
Wow! I agree with the person that said that is far too many people working in one office. Did I read it right that SOME members of the staff have RESERVED parking places? Does everyone get a reserved parking place? If just a few get this how are these people chosen? What makes a librarian more special than a third grade teacher??I still wonder how people in schools hire family members. I still wonder why it takes three people to run an office. HA! I cant believe someone got to hire their wife.

Submitted By: The go-for's of the system	Submitted: 3/3/2011
Well Oldtimer, wake up and get into the 20th century. When you think it is a waste to have that many people raising the children of today, then you need to know what they are doing to be wastful. Until you see ALL THE RESPONSIBILITY that it takes to assure that YOUR grandchildren are being cared for by EVERYONE in the school, no matter how small or wasteful you think it is then you really shouldn't make the comments. If you have a question about the responsibilities of someone then ask!!! Because you really shound NOT assume!

Submitted By: D. J.	Submitted: 3/3/2011
AMEN PENCIL PUSHER!!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: pencil pusher	Submitted: 3/3/2011
I am a secretary in the Jones County School System and I wish I made $30,000 per year. You need to get your facts straight before you make comments.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 3/3/2011
I just love that you guys think that if they eliminate those positions at schools, that the money will go into your pockets. And Librarians and Counselors get reserved parking because THEY WORK AT THE FREAKING SCHOOL. Principals are not over paid, how dare you say that. You make your guesses from the 5 minutes you are there everyday to drop off and pick up your grandchild. I agree that 30k is alot of money and because you do physical labor doesnt mean that your work is any more or less important than what the teachers and principals do. But I do hope they fire all those people so that you can park closer everyday.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 3/2/2011
Mary, As long as we're taking pot shots about how people sound, you sound like a woman who must have a miserable husband.

Submitted By: Taxed out	Submitted: 3/2/2011
Why say I am a idiot? I think that was rude and not Christian.I just was stating what I see as a waste of money. Thirty thousand X 3 is ninety thousand. I dont go to the central office. I was telling about what I see. The principals are over paid. I agree.Since you spoke back to me I also want to know why there is no where to park in front of Moselle School. Why are librarians and counselors given reserved parking? I had to park way down the driveway. Maybe when there are new people in office waste will be taken care of. Thirty thousand is good money. We run chicken houses and we work hard and dont make that.

Submitted By: Mary	Submitted: 3/2/2011
Taxed Out you sound like an idiot. Your complaining and moaning about secretary positions when the real money is being wasted at the central offices of these school districts. Each central office probably has at least 8 positions that are not needed. If you combined those salaries it would probably equal to over 500,000 dollars that could be saved. But here you are complaining about a secretary making 30k a year.

Submitted By: Taxed Out	Submitted: 2/28/2011
I'm and old timer and my kids are grown and gone but sometimes I pick up my niece at Moselle School in Jones Co. I noticed sumthing that has burned me up. There are three secretaries in the front office. Does it take that many? A teacher there said one is the principals wife. After seeing this I looked an saw there are three of 4 other people up there. Two are called facilitators and one is a tutor of some sort. I know this because she used to be my grandsons principal. Isnt this waste? How can you be a boss to your wife? How can anyone say my taxes need to go up when it takes all this to run one school? Who is in charge of this?

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 2/24/2011
For those of you that didn't read the story, http://www.nbc.com/the-tonight-show/video/headlines-part-1-22211/1300439/

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 2/24/2011
I didn't see the Leno show. What did he say? And I agree The ReView needs to include it in their next edition.

Submitted By: T.B.	Submitted: 2/23/2011
Leader-Call being made fun of by Jay Leno last night is hysterical. They are the worst newspaper in America. You guys need to put a clip of Leno making fun of them on your website.

Submitted By: daisymae	Submitted: 2/22/2011
I spotted a Jones County school bus parked in front of the Panda Buffet in Ellisville at 11:15 on Tuesday. Do you suppose this was a class project? Just wondering.

Submitted By: suzanne	Submitted: 2/20/2011
this is in response to Steve Thrash retiring. it seems many dont like the job Mr. Thrash was doing or just dont like him period. i dont know the reasons this is so but i do know he is a good man. i got to know him a few years back when he was with special education. he is a man that has good morals and cares about the children in these schools. i have a child with special needs and Steve was a God-send to us. so in my opinion jones county schools is losing a good one.

Submitted By: Waiting on Change	Submitted: 2/19/2011
Whoever gets elected as superintendent of Jones County Schools has got to make changes: too many administrators - high schools can survive with only 3 just ask WJ, too many central office people that spend the day HUNTING something to do, dress code - way too many butts and breasts hanging out (need school uniforms) just to name a few. Good luck!

Submitted By: concerned	Submitted: 2/11/2011
After reading the notice about the library I had to write in. I am glad to know I am not the only one who is concerned about it. Who is the director there? Does anyone ever see her? As for those children's programs, they are a waste of time and money. And why they closed on Wednesday? Anybody know.

Submitted By: Being Remembered	Submitted: 2/9/2011
In Tuesday's Feb 8th edition of the Laurel Leading Liar I was deeply disturbed and troubled to learn that tha local government was considering naming the sportsplex located off hiway 84 "THE SUSAN B. VINCENT COMPLEX". Most people I know and those I have spoken with associate the naming of public places with people who are highly reguarded and are of extremely elevated moral character. EX-MAYOR Vincent would fall in neither catagory! I am not totally against naming some form of city property with her name since she did serve as Laurels mayor.One of the existing lagoons would most definately be more appropriate bearing her name, considering the manner in which she served the City of Laurel and the decisions she made while in office.Think about it.It's really not that far fetchecd an idea!!!

Submitted By: Very concerened Tax Payer	Submitted: 2/9/2011
Can ANYONE explain how in the world the taxpayers of Jones County can afford to pay $13,000 a month EVERY MONTH for the operation of the MAGNOLIA CENTER ? I have been told the Manager makes $65,000 per year thats $5400 per month That is over $33.00 per hour! Her assistant makes $34,000 per year or $18.00 per hour and this Does not count the additional full or part time help!!! The Magnolia Center as I understand has only one single income producing event the entire months of JAN. FEB. MAR. or April of this year! I can not beleive the STUPIDVISORS or THE CITY COUNCIL would continue to fund such a LOSING ENTITY! It seems somebody needs to wake up and take control of what is happening here. I have been told the power bill WITHOUT any event taking place is a minimum of $3500 per month FOR WHAT??? The unwillingness of the manager to rent out this place for an event futher compounds the problem.When you ask about an event such as a concert she is very quick to inform you that us as taxpayers CANNOT have the consession or beer sales no matter how much we are willing to pay what is the reason for this? Could it be there is TOO MUCH MONEY under the table? It is no wonder NOTHING ever comes to Laurel MS except the fair. I thought we the taxpayers bought and paid for this facility.Why can't we have use of it at an affordable rate and hope we could make up the shortage of revenue in SALES TAX from hotels, restruants, gas sales and other retail sales? Maybe if we looked a little closer at the ENORMOUS SALARIES of the people running this place we could understand what to do! You know the fair only comes once a year do we really need this much management, on the other hand I can see if you can keep the events to a minimum there is not as much work to do down there!! It's time for a change !!!

Submitted By: Scott W.	Submitted: 2/6/2011
Ignore all of your critics. There are so many more of us who appreciate that the Review doesn't hold back anything. I thought your front page story was well done, and was a real life tribute to the struggles of the civll rights era in Jones County and not just another bio of George Washington Carver. Your front cover and HEADLINE captured what anti-segregationists really had to go through back then and if some people think they can revise history by not talking about it, they are fools. What happened back in the 60's and before was hate...not your front cover. Much appreciation to Wyatt Moulds, the Writer, and the ReView for your story and I sincerely appreciate your bravery.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 2/4/2011
Why would the Review publish such a hate word? Isn't there enough people living in the past. The month of February should be a dedication to the accomplishments of African Americans, but that front page should've been a slap in the face. Keep the hate away.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 2/3/2011
The problem with property taxes is not that we have to pay them, but rather that we don't receive the services that they supposedly are used to fund.

Submitted By: renter	Submitted: 2/1/2011
For those of you that THINK you own your property I've got a news flash for you! You actually just rent your property, the county owns it and you pay rent (taxes) on it FOREVER.Remember this when you look at your tax statement this time of the year !!!It NEVER goes away and ALWAYS GOES UP !!!

Submitted By: Concerned	Submitted: 1/31/2011
All the talk about building ball fields, schools and spening money, and higer taxes. My property taxes in the city of Laurel have increased two hundred dollars a year for the last 3 years. Your Tax Collector needs removed from office, also she brought several Cars and hired people to go around and increase the valve of your property so the taxes will be higher. Your property valve is larger than your Insurance allows you. These elected persons may can afford these high taxes, but most of us can't.

Submitted By: supporter	Submitted: 1/31/2011
GOOD NEWS there is a group of business people that will pay up to $5000 per candidate for council and $15000 for a mayoral candidate that is electable! If you are interested in running we would like to talk to you and do a very informal background check.We will in the next few months post an address of where to contact us and all information will be kept very confidential.We don't want your name just your qualifications and your beleifs.We are dead serious about reworking city hall.only three of the current members need to apply.please help spread the word it's time to take our city back.We will fund your entire campaign if you qualify.

Submitted By: Judas	Submitted: 1/30/2011
Laurel must have an unbeleivable fuel budget,it's unreal how many city vehicles get taken home.A lot of these employees DON'T even LIVE IN THIS COUNTY. Oh yea when you read the other print media they claim the city is cutting back on this type use. Wish I had a city car to take my kids to school and run my family around.You know whats funny is the Ellisville residents have been seeing the Laurel Fire Dept. in their town thats amazing !!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/29/2011
Ellisville must have one hell of a fuel buget . The Fire Cheif has been scene in Hattiesburg and all over Laurel.

Submitted By: Why don't you	Submitted: 1/27/2011
*Someone please call the attorney generals office and let them know whats going on with the training officer at the LFD. He is working at the Ellisville state school in a LFD uniform and driving a city of Laurel vehicle on city of Laurel time. How long is this going to go on? I wonder if city hall doesnt know about it or just doesnt care. I think the city just enforces rules and regulations against certain employees while others just do what they want to.* Why does someone else have to do the work. If you know the facts, why don't you call the attorney gereral's office?

Submitted By: LsuOne	Submitted: 1/27/2011
The city of laurel, my hometown was once a wonderful place to live, now it has turn into slums, Drive down older neighborhoods, 1st, 2nd 3rd avenues, depressing.If all the break-in that occur in this city were reported by the media, everyone would be locked and loaded. Property taxes are ridiculous, schools hopless and failing. Our biggest employers that bring in new people, as well as some doctors, choose to live in hattiesburg, wonder why? Just saying

Submitted By: Disappointed	Submitted: 1/27/2011
I have waited patiently to get my weekly entertainment from reading the column submitted by Brian Hicks, as it always brightens my week. So I go first thing this morning to get my copy of the paper and eagerly thumb throught the pages only to discover that he has no column this week. Whats the deal? Was he booted? If people take the time each week to write a 1000 word column, which may I say would be hard coming up with 1000 words each week, they should get the face time so that loyal readers of the column are not let down!

Submitted By: dead wood	Submitted: 1/27/2011
Confused? Don't be the City leaders are going full speed ahead with plans to spend a MILLION plus dollars that we DON'T have on this new fire station!!!They said it has to be designed so that it won't be an eyesore to the neighborhood!! Come on! Everybody needs to take a look at the area of Parker Drive and Hiway 15,give me a break!!Don't forget they got this idea from Meridian Ms where they Had federal funds to help build their station. It's my understanding the ex fire chief,his secrtary and the CAO (all of which could not build a good dog house) were the ones that made the decision that this is what kind of station our broke city must build! Now that the feds have refused to help out financially the plans should be revamped,but NO, this bunch of JACK WAGONS are dead set to drive us deeper into debt. Why do we need a commercial kitchen in a neighborhood fire station ? Who knows what really makes an idiot tick anyway? Let's keep building soccer and baseball fields and don't pay attention to public safety and see where it all ends. Stay tuned there is more to come!!

Submitted By: confused	Submitted: 1/26/2011
If Laurel is out of money. How can we build soccer fields. We have firefighters living in a building that Highland Church ownes. What will the people in north Laurel do if the church comes and wants their building. Were not renting it so what would keep them from asking for it. Its theirs.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 1/25/2011
A tip to The ReView staff. I clicked on the story about the fatal accident on Ellisville Blvd. last night. Below that is a list of "updates" on various subjects. There are no dates. If someone didn't know better, they would think we were having freezing rain tonight with school closings tomorrow and that Will Graves' mother was in yet another accident. That is really old news and either needs to be deleted or dated.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 1/22/2011
Very Concerned, I concur with what you say but how do we sell out when no one is buying? Drive around Laurel and look at all the homes for sale. The house next to me has been for sale for 3 years. I also have a rental property that I'd like to sell mainly because of the ridiculous taxes but no one is going to buy it. We should have gotten the hell out of Dodge years ago but hindsight is always 20/20.

Submitted By: very concerned	Submitted: 1/21/2011
Justin case you have not figured it out Our City is GONE. I want to advise you good homeowners that you might want to consider selling out before the ship sinks to the bottom. We live in a town that is BROKE, has a worse than FAILING SCHOOL system,made up of rental property and government assisted housing. Anybody with kids would be a fool to build or buy a house in the Laurel School District and place their kids in this mess.That's one reason why you see property values at an all time low. When trying to sell a house as soon as the prospective buyer realizes that it's in the City they almost immediately say thanks but we're NOT interested!Then add the ridiculous amount of tax that goes with it and you for sure can't sell.Just last week my central air had to be replaced and on top of the already high cost of replacement the repairman added the cost of the CITY PERMIT another $150.00!! For what? They never came to inspect nothing.Just another way of goouging the homeowner.If i could give you any advice DO NOT buy a home here,and if you own one RUN RUN RUN!!! Get ready for the taxes to go up and service to go down it's happening every day in this administration. Jones county is the place to be not the City. I have lived here my entire life and have never seen property values this low.This town is a rotten mess and the only salvation is METRO GOVERNMENT, but I'm afraid even the County won't have us ! Just think about it I'll keep you informed.

Submitted By: Drop a dime	Submitted: 1/17/2011
You are so right. Good ol Mel and Dennis will turn on you before quick can get ready. Where is drop a dime when we need you? He has been allowed to work both places since he became training officer. I agree time to drop a dime

Submitted By: dusty	Submitted: 1/17/2011
You better leave the golden child alone Dennis and Melvin are scared to death of him and they will turn on you!!! The State Of Ms Fire Rating Bureau can't even enforce the law on him! Knowing full well he is not a real training officer because he don't have the qualifications set forth by the State they just turn a deaf ear to the problem! Go figure! Why can't the bible toatin member of First baptist just fess up and say he's not gonna stand for whats right!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/17/2011
Someone please call the attorney generals office and let them know whats going on with the training officer at the LFD. He is working at the Ellisville state school in a LFD uniform and driving a city of Laurel vehicle on city of Laurel time. How long is this going to go on? I wonder if city hall doesnt know about it or just doesnt care. I think the city just enforces rules and regulations against certain employees while others just do what they want to.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 1/15/2011
Maybe LPD would be more efficient if some of them would lose some weight.

Submitted By: In a Daze	Submitted: 1/14/2011
Folks is it just me ? I CAN NOT beleive what I just saw . Dennis Kevryn on WDAM announcing that He is NOT going to replace three Police Officers in an attempt to curb spending in the City of Laurel!!!Somebody needs to WAKE UP at City Hall and realize we have to have all the help we can for the citizens . This IS NOT the time to Not fill these positions when my house and business has been burglarized and not a sole has been caught! I along with COUNTLESS other Taxpayers am furious about this. I really hope you will call MELVIN MACK and Your COUNCILPERSON and voice your displeasure about this idiot we have as a CAO.He's pitiful and I can promise you If it had been his house in PEACH TREE (a gated community shielded from thugs)that had been broken into he would have a different outlook on what the L.P.D. needs. Folks we are out of touch with reality at City Hall. Please help us in this situation by caling 601-428-6401 and let the mayor know what you think. Maybe we should stop building more soccer fields and look at some other positions before we refuse to replace some much needed POLICE! The next home invasion could be YOURS! Most of us don't have and can't afford the luxury of living behind the gates of an upscale neighborhood maybe that's why we understand the need for adequate police protection. To the men and women of the Police department I would consider this a SLAP in the face especially with the salary you receive without a raise in years! I just hope you don't get any more discouraged.I'm STILL IN A DAZE!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/11/2011
just wondering, it might be interesting to know how much time he spends at state school while he is suppose to be working and being paid at the same time doing his job for the city. He has been seen in the city truck in Ellisville State School. Wonder if someone should let the attorney general know about this.

Submitted By: Parent with sense	Submitted: 1/9/2011
Wow, go ahead Thrash and keep schools open tomorrow..i know one student who will be absent..there is no way i would put my child on a school bus in these conditions..that is outrageous..if one of those buses wreck the blood will be on your hands, sir..

Submitted By: Patty	Submitted: 1/8/2011
I agree with Billy...I've made my entire family and a few friends read "Office Crises" and everyone agrees that it is one of the funniest things we've ever read. I hope your office has recovered. Keep up the great work.

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 1/8/2011
As for re-election of elected offices in Laurel and Jones County, first of all let’s lesson the pay of everyone so as to save money, I mean by half so they can continue to run or have someone else run their existing private business so as not to actually NEED the job but as a service to the community. I see where our sheriff is to be possibly re-elected, how about a veteran military police type person to do that job, an besides right after our sheriff because sheriff he stayed in the paper asking for money, how many people live in the county, HOW ABOUT 79,000 people that may not be accurate although Jones county is the largest county in the State, also a church gave the county a defibrilator, does not the county have enough monies to buy their own stuff that is needed, I really think too much money is going into paychecks and cars and gas for cars and insurance for cars and etc. etc. Looks like we are going to have to stop re-electing these people until they can agree that the job they want is for serving the community which could and should include pay that the community can afford and not a penny more, also I called someone last week and asked how about Veterans filling jobs in the city and county that does not require lifting so we can get volunteer service from people who truly care about Serving Laurel, they already have their own income and medical benefits, they want to do more, so lets let them, also I saw where our Circuit Clerk registered to be re-elected, a Veteran can do that job also, some of these offices get re-elected and re-elected and the good citizens of Laurel and Jones county keep on paying whatever so they can do this and that, Can we change, we can if we do not have the money to pay them for their service, car, gas, medical benefits etc. etc. Why not sub-contract jobs that way there are no benefits, cars, car insurance and no liability! Laurel is holding on best it can but we must be alert to survive, remember all this when you go to the polls OK! Signed, a Christian who is thinking of the pocketbook of other!

Submitted By: Billy T.	Submitted: 1/7/2011
JIm, "Office Crises" is the funniest thing I've ever read in my life. I laughed until I cried and then laughed some more. Thanks for brightening my day.

Submitted By: Brandiilyne	Submitted: 1/7/2011
I have something to say about this man claiming corruption in our City.."where is he from anyway?" I am a Pastor and I run a recovery ministry here in our city, and I work closely with many of our city officials including Judges, MDOC officers, The Sheriff's Dept, and the Mayor. I know for a fact that our City officials are concerned with the rehabilitation of "belligerent drunks" and drug addicts without regard to their race or social status. We work very hard to help people and prevent them from going to prison, but we can only do so much. I am very offended by this man's accusations and assumptions. I have the highest respect for every police officer that works to protect my City and County, and every official that is in office doing their best to make OUR CITY a better place. I would really love to have a face to face with this man and let him see the TRUTH about our City and those who make it great!!!!!

Submitted By: just wondering	Submitted: 1/7/2011
It just never seems to end,(the drama at the Laurel Fire Department that is}.I have just learned that the Training Officer that has recently been placed in this position ,( only because several others turned the promotion down)has just been forced to pay his city issued cell phone bill!!! Hooray for the officials that caught this culprit using our cities phone to conduct business totaly unrelated to the Fire Department!Im wondering why he was not forced to pay back that amount of his salary for the time that was used to make these calls? It's common knowledge that he has a FULL TIME job at ELLISVILLE STATE SCHOOL as well as his FULL TIME job at the L.F.D. just wondering what's next???

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 1/3/2011
AGGREVATED, Stay off 21st St between 7th Ave and Old Bay Springs Road...you'll lose more than your teeth. Worst street I know about. A little South, on 15th St, it's a different story. Joe Sanderson has a smooth ride home.

Submitted By: AGGREVATED	Submitted: 1/3/2011
I went to Chancellor motor group to purchase a new Caddilac for Christmas. I found exactly what i wanted .The sales people were nice and I pretty much made the deal until I drove it to the Jones County tag office. After getting my upper plate off the floor mat where it vibrated out because of the rough streets I went in to inquire about the cost of the tag. I could not beleive what the Lady said a whooping 2319.22!!! for a TAG!! I have decided to just wait and invest in some frontend work ,shocks tires and some polygrip to keep my teeth in my head and my checkbook in my pocket.I'm now looking for a new place to live with smoother streets and no new million dollar baseball fields where we can ride without losing my teeth or my pocket book!

Submitted By: dead wood	Submitted: 1/3/2011
Can somebody tell me WHY the city administrator Dennis The Menace is continueing to build a one and a half MILLION DOLLAR fire station? Ellisville just built one as nice as we need for under 300 thousand!!! Sounds to me like some pockets might get lined out of this deal!!!Who cares though the city has plenty of money !So just keep your mouths shut and they'll get her built!

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 12/30/2010
I find it unbelievable that M. Tolbert is even allowed to walk the streets much less patrol them! He is a danger to every woman he encounters.

Submitted By: THANKFUL	Submitted: 12/27/2010
Love this paper! I am so thankful there is a paper in Jones County that will report the NEWS! Thank you for the ''report'' on M.Tolbert! Now WHY he is not suspended or on 'desk duty' I cannot understand! Keep up the good work of keeping us informed!

Submitted By: Rubicon	Submitted: 12/25/2010
I want to wish JimC, Mark, and all the staff of The ReVIEW a very very Merry Christmas 2010! Thanks for a great year of news, great columns(!) and all else your great award winning newspaper presents. MAY 2011 be a fantastic year of increase for The ReView!

Submitted By: Ktak	Submitted: 12/18/2010
The review is always a good read but I think your last few newspapers have been even better than usual. I appreciate all you do for Jones County.

Submitted By: Yowie	Submitted: 12/16/2010
He should run cause we need a Mayor with a good sense of humor. It would be the only way put up with that City Council.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 12/16/2010
Maybe Jim C. needs to stop being so damn selfish and reconsider. He might have a shot cause he won the black vote as a Republican! I remember that was unheard of at the time. And BB Fan is right about him needing to change his last name.

Submitted By: just wondering	Submitted: 12/15/2010
Let me try to put things in prespective. Laurel Ms is in trouble and almost everyone can agree on this.After only 3 months into the new budjet year we have now been informed we are short in the bank account!My question is HOW did this big of a miscalculation get past 2 of the cities highest paid employees that basically control and administer this account???These 2 individuals should be held accountable to the good tax payers and be FIRED immediately!Where were they during the past year when people were begging them to listen to what IS going on in the real world?I know the mayor does not have a clue about a budget,how it works or how it is prepared.Apparently he just wanted to be the mayor to say he's the mayor but has no direction for our city.It reminds me of a ride at the fair when I was but a child,I couldn't wait to get in it but once there I threw up ,all the money fell out of my pockets and the fun was OVER!!!i was broke and empty and I then began to pray that it would simply stop and let me off!Ya'll can keep on riding but the thrill is GONE!!! Lets get a mayor with a plan and course of direction.RESTORE SANITY TO CITY HALL!!!

Submitted By: fan	Submitted: 12/11/2010
who does the administration think they are going to get to coach at South? even Dan Mullens couldn't pull-out any more wins! Anyone can look out on the field and see the difference between and south and other teams players! the talent just isn't there! hicks and his staff created a competetive team where atleast other teams had to prepare for-they finally weren't the definite win for the other side. i for one appreciate all that coach hicks has done for the football team and his players at south! he deserves an award for staying as long as he did-not a "firing"! didn't the last coach last all of 6 months?

Submitted By: Lookiinn-	Submitted: 12/8/2010
Below is the law. If anyone has knowledge of the alleged affair between the coach and the student, and is not reporting it to the authorities, they are as guilty as the participants. Lot of allegations, now is the time to put up or shut up.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 12/8/2010
Mississippi Law 97-3-95 A person is guilty of sexual battery if he or she engages in sexual penetration with a child under the age of eighteen (18) years if the person is in a position of trust or authority over the child including without limitation the child’s teacher, counselor, physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, minister, priest, physical therapist, chiropractor, legal guardian, parent, stepparent, aunt, uncle, scout leader or coach.

Submitted By: Laurel Resident	Submitted: 12/8/2010
@Captain Lefty. it is obvious that you like to think you are smarter than everyone else but if there is a 0% chance of something happening such as Laurel getting a white mayor than it is indeed a fact.

Submitted By: justcheckin	Submitted: 12/8/2010
yes, you are correct. That was stated in a previous statement. However, I guess it just amazes me that MS law approves that it is ok for a 16 year old to have sex with anyone, especially their coach, teacher, Sunday School teacher? If the 16 year old is willing so be it huh? Apparently I am way behind on the time! By the way, since neither of the two received any punishment, where is he coaching now?

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 12/7/2010
justcheckin' I did not say the girl was 16. I said it was previously stated that she was 16.

Submitted By: justcheckin	Submitted: 12/7/2010
Question in response to Captian Lefty, Nov. 23, 2010. Are you saying the girl/student was/is 16 and she consented? This has been going on for how long? And no one has said a word?

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 12/6/2010
I've been licensed to drive a car for over fifty years....yeah, I know..I don't look a day over forty. During that time, the price jump between grades of gasoline has stayed pretty constant at ten cents from grade to grade.....please don't get me started on the 9/10 of a cent thingie on the price of a gallon. Today, I bought at Shell on Parker Drive and 16th Ave, and the new math jumps 15 cents from non-leaded to mid-grade and 20 cents from mid-grade to premium. I guess the state of the economy has made retailers get more creative when it comes to squeezing the blood from the turnip.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 12/5/2010
Quote: "He probably would have been a good mayor but no point in talking about it now...There will never be another white mayor in the city of Laurel...not a racist comment...just a fact." That's actually an opinion, not a fact. It would be a good bet, but it's not a fact.

Submitted By: Laurel Resident	Submitted: 12/5/2010
He probably would have been a good mayor but no point in talking about it now...There will never be another white mayor in the city of Laurel...not a racist comment...just a fact.

Submitted By: Blues addict	Submitted: 12/5/2010
BARBARA BLUE ROCKS!!! Thank you Review...you guys rock too.

Submitted By: Steve	Submitted: 12/4/2010
I know for a fact that he's been asked to make a second run at being Mayor by quite a few people including some with money. He has always said he would never run again and why should he? Come to think of it, why would anyone want that job?

Submitted By: the realist	Submitted: 12/4/2010
Thanks to The Review and staff for taking time and money to promote the concert last night. This type event takes lots of time and money to promote.Laurel should really be thankful for anybody trying to do anything to promote the business owners in this town.Again my hat is off to you for giving us a great event in Laurel.

Submitted By: BB Fan too.	Submitted: 12/4/2010
Ditto. Awesome concert. I think Jim C. should run for Mayor again....Laurel was stupid not to elect him the first time. I know he probably won't but he has certainly done more for the City of Laurel than the last two Mayors combined. Just needs to change his last name to something a little more Southern.

Submitted By: New Barbara Blue Fan	Submitted: 12/4/2010
I had been reading the comments on here about Barbara Blue and decided to take my wife and go see her for myself last night and all I have to say is "WOW". I can't thank Mr. C. and The Review enough for inviting Ms. Blue to Laurel. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen and I've spent a lot of money over the years for concerts performances. I went back to Wings after the concert and was delighted to have a chance to purchase CD's from the lady herself. I told her I would be traveling to Memphis to see her perform again and I meant it. Again, thank you for bringing this wonderful entertainer to the Arabian, where I used to watch movies. It was an unforgettable evening.

Submitted By: DJ	Submitted: 12/4/2010
Thank you Barbara Blue for coming to Laurel. You brought chills to my spine with every song you belted out. What a voice and what a performance. I'll never forget it and will be listening to your CD's forever. I hope you will come back again to perform...maybe Hattiesburg next time.

Submitted By: Lesley Lindsey	Submitted: 12/3/2010
I have no idea where I have been. I love you guys paper. It is better than the news and the other newspaper in Jones county. OMG! and OMG again! Great job as soon as I get some extra pocket change I will be subscribing to The Review. Great job and I will be advertising for you guys. Thanks for such great information...

Submitted By: Inquiring minds...	Submitted: 11/30/2010
Just because The ReView of Jones County is promoting Barbara Blue does not mean that thay DO NOT support our local artists here in Jones County...Just search the archives. They are only trying to give "their people" something great and fun! Therefore, whoever feels the need to chastise them, needs to re-evaluate any negative critisism and go ahead and "eat crow" and say..."Thank You for bringing our county great entertainment!" And that's all I got to say about that!

Submitted By: Inquiring Minds Want to Know...	Submitted: 11/27/2010
DeLouis, Would you consider making a list of local musicians that you are familiar with and post them right here to help get the word out?

Submitted By: Macademia	Submitted: 11/26/2010
@Delouise The ReView is a newspaper not Rolling Stone Magazine of Jones County. It isn't their job to promote local musicians "that play 97% of their own music". If you are interested in starting your own magazine that promotes local musicians, you should do that. Otherwise, you should continue to watch VH1 and live vicariously through others.

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 11/26/2010
Jen K>>> Cheap shots?? small minded? oddly enough my music taste is very open minded. Few hundred concerts in my short lifetime...friends w grammys. im very open minded. Again for all the SLOW people, I think it would be nice if the paper would support local musicians or musicians w ties to LAUREL who actually play 97% of their own music they wrote...odd and small minded i know :(

Submitted By: Jen. K	Submitted: 11/25/2010
I agree with "Delouis is an idiot". I live in Hattiesburg and I've traveled to Memphis a number of times and we always make it a point to see Barbara Blue perform. She is an incredible talent. One of the most soulful singers I've ever heard. For someone on this forum to take cheap shots at her for his own petty personal reasons is very small-minded. I can't wait for Friday night. It is going to be a great concert and I thank the Review for bringing the great Barbara Blue to the Pine Belt.

Submitted By: Delouis Price	Submitted: 11/24/2010
@ Delouis is an idot First of all if you will re-read what I wrote it has NO mention of me...im not even a musician first of all, good assumption though. Yeah theyre doing something so wonderful...just saying why not maybe put a little of that effort into a local musician and or a musician w ties to south ms maybe?

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 11/23/2010
It was stated earlier that the student was 16 when the relationship started. Sixteen is the legal age of consent in Mississippi. The coach is not a rapist, just a jerk.

Submitted By: Delouis is an idiot	Submitted: 11/23/2010
What a pathetic whiner. The ReView, Rock 104 and Bud Light does something great for the community like bringing a grammy nominated Memphis blues legend to Laurel and you are going to take shots at them because you don't feel like you are getting your due. Well, first of all if you want your due, use your real name and secondly, don't wait for others to give you recognition, go out and earn it.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 11/23/2010
Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of this. If so, please relay that information to the DA office. J Ronald will be on this like white on rice.

Submitted By: Delouis Price	Submitted: 11/19/2010
You know, it would be nice if you guys would make a "big deal" about bands/musicians who come to laurel (w actual ties to Laurel) like you have of this Barbara Blue or whoever she is. I am willing to bet 97% of her set consists of OTHER peoples song's. Which that is cool I guess but it seems people with ties to Laurel seem to get no recognition or support? For example, not naming names, but one performer taught John Travolta how to play guitar (or made him look like he knew how) for a movie, been in movies and tours the country playing, his original music. Seems no one really cares... but come across some person who hasn't been singing but for 7 years there and probably only does other peoples songs and yall go crazy over her. Maybe one day people will support ORIGINAL music, w ties to LAUREL.

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/18/2010
AMEN again!!!!!! What kind of message does this send to other teachers? They can take advantage of students until they get caught then they can just go to a new school and have the pick of the crop? What about the ones that reported the crime? What kind of message does this send them? Why bother saying anything if it's no big deal to the school board and they are more worried about thier reputation. Good Luck at re-election time!

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 11/18/2010
Amen to what Frank & Becky said! He committed the crime of statutory rape and not only should he have been fired, he should have been arrested! It is unconscionable to me that he has been allowed to walk away from this. Does anyone really think he won't do this again? What the school board and the powers that be at WJ have done is release a rapist with a mere slap on the wrist. They should be held accountable for being accessories to a crime.

Submitted By: My thoughts	Submitted: 11/17/2010
Maybe the school board would have continued to look the other way another 3 or 4 years if "the coach" wouldn't have lost the state championship to the man they ran off so he could coach both teams.

Submitted By: Frank Dukes	Submitted: 11/17/2010
you idiots are getting way off track here. No one cares if players left the team or lost scholarships that shouldn't be the focus here. The focus should be that a coach was having sex with his underage player and all he has gotten so far is a slap on the wrist. Don't give me the "he needs to be proven innocent or guilty" line either because a coach as successful as the West Jones Soccer coach doesn't just resign for no reason. The administration obviously allowed him to resign in order to keep this information from getting into the papers and on television. Just like they allowed the softball coach to openly date a student who had graduated a month earlier, while technically thats legal, it still shows that something was going on between the softball coach and the student before the graduation. And the following year you had 7 boys attempt to try out for softball, that also should send up a red flag. My suggestion is that the school either starts to hire more quality coaches or either start giving out soft peter every morning so that these perverts can controlt themselves.

Submitted By: Becky Earnhart	Submitted: 11/17/2010
I read the letters from the concerned parents of Jones County regarding the soccer coach that resigned. I feel he should not have had that choice. He should have been fired! If the school board does not want to seek legal action why isn't the county? Or better yet why aren't the parents?! I totally feel that what this man did was wrong but was everyone unaware of what was going on? Parents need to get into their kids business more and not take everything they say at face-value. On a different note, do mothers not care what their kids wear anymore? Why do mothers let their daughters wear shorts that are about 3 inches long? To me that does not say much about their homelife.

Submitted By: The ReView	Submitted: 11/14/2010
Get your Barbara Blue Tickets before it is too late. The "Queen of Memphis" will be performing at the Arabian Theater on Friday Dec. 3rd. At only $15 a ticket, they won't last long so call 601-649-9388 and get your tickets now. If you want a preview of the concert to to http://www.barbarablue.com/

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 11/14/2010
Dear Citizens of Laurel and Jones County: I was talking to my relative in Illinios earlier today and it seems they want to put a casino on their river. It is all about revenue isn’t it! I know by now, that nothing stops these casinos, if someone has money to build one, they get built! However, the cost for law enforcement is going to be more and who pays for that? But, you know, if they don’t make enough money to run it, it will close and whoever built it will lose their money, I am not a lot worried about it because who do you know around here is going to go there anyway in December when we are busy getting ready for the holidays and celebrating Jesus Birth, Christmas, I do know however, that Governor Haley Barbour is almost planning to run for President, if he does not find a way to keep this Casino from opening on schedule and stop it from opening at all I think we should all remember that when he asks for ALL Mississippians to vote for him for President, to tell the truth, if he cannot use his authority for something like this, how can someone like that run this country, I believe it takes a special person to run for President and it is a very hard job, I think that if our Governor cannot find a way to end this mess with the indians (that will ruin the economy for Laurel right away because we’ll start seeing all kinds of folks from everywhere) when these non-Laurelites come around after they lost their money, they’ll be asking for help, I don’t have it, DO YOU? I will say this, aren’t we truly thank-ful for the Salvation Army, because after this Casino opens, they will most likely stay full for as long as the Casino is open for business. signed, concerned about why, if we do not want this casino, why we have to have it anyway, what about democracy in action?

Submitted By: GET IT STRAIGHT	Submitted: 11/14/2010
Noone has quit or left the West Jones Soccer Teams. Both teams are off to a great start. Second, noone has compromised their scholarships or anything because of it. I am aware that only two of the players on these said teams have been offered scholarships, both to D1 colleges. Now, with that being said. Let's all keep in mind that the parents of said child would have to be aware of these said allegations and inappropriate affairs if they were in-fact true. However, since from what I have gathered the child is still active in every single thing she was before this all was brought up... Innocence probably lies somewhere in there. I cannot see these parents just turning their cheek to this. Another thing.. Who are you all to judge? Who am I to judge? While you believe that you "acting out" in this case is the right thing to do, remember that you yourself have made mistakes. Let's remember that as Christians we are taught to love and not judge. If you want to do what is right.. then DO IT. Stop acting like children.

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 11/14/2010
same old stuff, you have really piqued my curiosity I went to Maddox during that time period.

Submitted By: opinion	Submitted: 11/13/2010
I find it so crazy that they would fire a teacher Reed Walters for cussing in front of a student and then just let this coach resign.. What is this world coming to?

Submitted By: JimmyDuggins	Submitted: 11/12/2010
Nobody is losing a scholarship because the coach resigned or did or did not do anything with one of the players... now people are just making up stuff... if a player is good, they'll play on the next level if they want to

Submitted By: same old stuff	Submitted: 11/12/2010
Sounds like Maddox during the mid 60's. We had a teacher dating a 8th grader and doing it pretty much out in the open and I don't recall anything being done about it.

Submitted By: Former WJ student	Submitted: 11/12/2010
I can tell you the FACTS people! This kind of CRAP has been going on at WJ for years. Everyone knows "those coaches" that have relations with their students and its been that way for years, so why are we so worried about it now. I agree that this should be on the front page of every paper and on news 7, but like some of your have already said its just swept under the rug along with all the other dust WJ is living in. You should also know that it WAS her actual team mates who turned the info they had over to adminstration because several of them witnessed and took pictures of the girls car at the coaches house! The evidence IS THERE people and this makes me even madder. And feel sorry for the fellow teachers and coaches at WJ who are NOT involved in this type behavior, because they all get this lable and not every one lacks self respect and control like the "resigned coach" and teachers that are there that shouldnt be. And don't blame adminstration at WJ either all they do is what County Office tells them to or they lose their jobs, thank your wonderful school board who has a history of kicking out the good and winking out the bad. CORRUPTION at its finest!

Submitted By: Roll tide	Submitted: 11/12/2010
Facts? It's hard to get Facts when the truth is being swept under the rug. When you have great reporters like the REVIEW has, and they can't even get the scoop there must be something to hide. Fact: WJ soccer coach packed up and left like a scalded dog! Fact: At least one School board employee doesn't seem to mind the coach was seeing a student, he still hangs out with him. So, I guess I'm just old fashion, and I should think it's all OK. That seems to be the "way it rolls".

Submitted By: WJ Graduate	Submitted: 11/12/2010
To "Involved WJ parent", you made many valid points but how can you prove someone innocent or guilty if he never stands trial for it and why would an innocent man resign from his job if there was no wrong doings?

Submitted By: Involved WJ parent	Submitted: 11/12/2010
it amazes me how people post so-called facts when actually they really dont have their facts straight... such as, players quiting.. fact: NO player has quit the soccer team (boys or girls) since the beginning of the school year 10-11.. as for parental involvment, i wish parents would get involved but not just when its time to gossip! there are many kids in all school districts that would love for their parents to be there for them... it's really sad to me that when i go to sporting events that there are more players on the field, track, court, etc. than there are in the stands supporting them... yes, i understand that many people work and are not able to come to all of their events but just once would be nice... getting your priorities straight as parents would be a great thing.. those of you not involved may want to try it before its too late... but as for our coaches and teachers.. WJ has a group of coaches, teachers and administrators that are great at what the do in the classroom, on the field, and in the offices... i greatly appreciate all that they have done for my children that are there now and have graduated from there...i honestly would love to know what happened to innocent until proven guilty... so until proof is provided guess what... he is innocent!! dont mean you have to like it... “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.. John 8.7” ...

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/12/2010
It seems like parents, students, the school board, WJ staff and DA office have all turned the other way, or there would be media coverage like the Wayne County teacher. Why is it that the news reporters are not able to get any informantion? What is being covered up and why?

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 11/11/2010
WJ Parent, you said some of the girls quit the team because of this and other issues. I don't know if you had a daughter on the team, but if any parent knew that their daughter quit because of what was going on between the coach and the girl, why did the parent turn a blind eye to it? If you think about it, anyone who did this was an accessory to crime. Maybe if the parent of those girls had reported what they knew, their daughters would still be on the team and eligible for scholarships.

Submitted By: Just Sayin'	Submitted: 11/11/2010
Capt. Lefty, it is not speculation or hearsay. I heard it first-hand that the girls on the team knew about it but didn't tell because they didn't want to get involved. Apparently a lot of the parents were clueless as well, at least I hope so. I can't imagine having that kind of information and not reporting it to the authorities.

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 11/10/2010
Kind of funny that the DA is now the "coach" of the soccer team! Chip G is the 'official' head coach, but the DA is the soccer expert!

Submitted By: WJ Graduate	Submitted: 11/10/2010
To the parent who is referencing that some of these girls are now missing out on scholarships, it is these girls parents duty to step up and demand something be done! Dont sit back and be another hushed person. How sad it is that these kids are having to miss out and nothing be done by their own parents who wont speak up. Your children are suffering the consequences instead of this "teacher/coach/criminal" for his wrong doings. The parents of those students "not involved" need to step up and demand that something be done to protect their children and the school's reputation.

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/10/2010
You vwould think that the DA and the school district has the proper evidence or WJ would still have 2 coaches/teachers. I find it hard to believe that a so called state championship coach would "resign" for no reason especially under a teaching contract and a week or so before soccer season starts.

Submitted By: WJ Parent	Submitted: 11/10/2010
Perhaps the coach can be left alone with one of your underage female relatives for a few days and you could let us know if its heresay or not.

Submitted By: WJ Parent	Submitted: 11/10/2010
Not all WJ soccer parents are more worried about positions on the team for their daughters. Please do not assume all of the players and parents are ok with this. That is definitely NOT the case. Not all WJ parents and players "roll that way"! Some players got out before all this hit the fan! What's sad is, this group of girls is VERY talented. Some are no longer playing due to this and other issues. This means they do not get the chance for scholarships, etc. How sad this is for the whole team and the WJ community!

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 11/10/2010
Perhaps the DA could gather the necessary evidence from posters on this forum...unless of course, the posters are merely engaging in a bit of gossip and actually only have hearsay evidence.

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/10/2010
maybe if these forums are printed in the paper it would put pressure on the proper authority to do the right thing and put the so called coach/sex offender behind bars. You would anyone else. Just a thought!

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 11/9/2010
Capt. Lefty, I realize it is up to the DA's office to investigate and prosecute crimes such as this but someone has to report the offender and apparently that wasn't done in this case. Now that it is out in the open, I would hope the DA's office would step up to the plate and do the right thing.

Submitted By: Roll Tide	Submitted: 11/9/2010
Since the soccer coach at WJ "resigned" maybe he can coach at one of the other Jones County schools and someone else daughter/granddaugter or niece can start having an affair with him! Of course they are are probably parents waiting in line so they can promote their child in the soccer program. WJ soccer parents seem to roll that way! Turn their cheek instead of taking a chance of loosing their daughter's position on the soccer team.

Submitted By: WJH Graduate of 2003	Submitted: 11/9/2010
What are our schools coming to? It is so hard to believe that this would just be looked over. First the lady softball coach was looked over now the male soccer coach is being looked over. What happend to the code of ethics both of thESE individuals signed. An excellent teacher like Mr. Walters is fired from WJ over nonsense compared to these FACTS. The parents of this school need to rise up and take a stand against these actions before their child is the next VICTIM. It's disgusting to me that the administration is not doing more to alert and protect their students and parents of this kind of behavior.

Submitted By: Sarah Hoffman	Submitted: 11/8/2010
Oh my gosh.This is the first time I have read the Review. It is far better than Laurel Leader Call, however, the forums and opinion letters remind me of why I left Jones County and why I even hate to go back to visit. Still talking the talk but not walking the walk. Wonder why Mississippi is last in everything that matters. A school board can't even fire a teacher who is inappropriate with a student and then hand him over to the appropriate legal authorities for punishment. Same old Jones County.

Submitted By: Teacher2	Submitted: 11/8/2010
The good ol' boy system is in full swing at West Jones and every other county school as well. So many times I have seen qualified people get passed over for jobs in our district so that somebody's friend could have the job. Very few are hired based on credentials. And now you see what kind of friends our good ol' boys are dragging up.

Submitted By: Truth	Submitted: 11/8/2010
Yes, The teachers need to look at what they are there to do teach or date the students.. But also need to know that our children are not like we were when we were children. I have heard of some of the textes that the boys and girls are sending to some teachers and it would be hard to resist that.. No matter what profession that the adult should know better. But like wise so should married men and women and this happens everyday. When it is laid out infront of you it would be hard. So we all need to look at our self and not judge that's The LORD'S job and he will take care of the judging. We need to teach our kids Godly ways and alot of this will not happen. Parents have quit being parents and letting the kids watch anything on tv and listen to anything on the radio and in what they see and hear all this is okay. Well PARENTS teach your kids right from wrong and it is not okay to text abscene things to anyone. I have a teenage son and I have seen textes from girls that made embarressed to read. We all need to get on our knees and pray.....

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/8/2010
With all due respect Captain Lefty, I think that it is newsworthy reguardless if it is the District Attorney's Office or West Jones High responsibility. Whenever, wherever and whoever committs this type of crime should be held accountable for their actions and not just and easy exit to go teach in our backyard. Are we protecting the coach or protecting the school board from bad press? Kind of hard to tell. Thanks Jones County!!!!

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 11/6/2010
Last I heard it was the District Attorney's Office that was responsible for prosecuting crimes such as this. If they have delegated that authority and responsibilty to West Jones HS, that would indeed be groundbreaking and newsworthy.

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 11/5/2010
What that West Jones soccer coach did was a crime called statutory rape. Although the girl is now of age, she was only 16 when the affair began and although it was apparently consensual, it was still a crime punishable by law. Why did the school board not have him arrested? Why are the parents not filing charges? It's not to keep their daughter's identity a secret because everyone knows who she is. I'm just baffled. And to think of all the people who moved out of Laurel to put their children in that corrupt school!

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/5/2010
It starts with the Jones County Central Office. Reed Walters was fired because he said A_ _ in front of a student. Apparently the child's parent had pull with the Board of Education!!! However another teacher can have inapproiate behavior with a student and he is given the option to "resign" and it is all HUSH HUSH. What good does it do to even care what happens at that school!!!

Submitted By: Parent of West Jones Students	Submitted: 11/5/2010
I am a parent of both a male and female that attend West Jones. The example that the school officals are giving our children is WRONG!!! They might as well have said that this was acceptable. This should go public and punishment should be issued to ALL involved in my opinion. This is just another example of how things are swept under a rug at WEST JONES HIGH SCHOOL!!! Parents we need to do something to help protect our children from people like this and I am including the PEOPLE who turn their heads and give them the opition to just leave!!!

Submitted By: Justice for All	Submitted: 11/5/2010
WOW,,,,are we living in America or what?...Why isn't this stuff in the news? Where are the parents of this child?...It's time to speak up and speak out again't this outrageous behavior. Oh I forgot the Jones Conuty Schools has adopted the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. These teacher will leave this district and be hired with another district and get wonderful recommendations and continue this behavior,,,I ask you parents, let's stop this injustice, for the sake of our Children

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/5/2010
Very GOOD point WJ Staff Menber. At least you are not scared to speak up! I find it amazing at the number of people that have said they suspected the inapproiate conduct of the WJ Soccer Coach but choose to turn their head and not say a word. I can assure you that if it were their daughter being influenced by a teacher/coach they would want someone to report it. Oh wait, let me think that statement over....Those are probably the parents that would not care as long as their daughter got playing time!!! SAD, BUT TRUE!!!!!

Submitted By: David E Chance Fire Chief (Retired)	Submitted: 11/5/2010
Laurel Fire Department now has a new Fire Chief. I have offered Chief King my full support and look forward to working with him. He is a great man and should do well. It is time to get behind this department and help any way possible. David

Submitted By: WJ Staff Member	Submitted: 11/4/2010
I find it strange that Jones County Schools can get away without reporting situations where teachers are involved in inapproiate relationships with students, but other districts prosecute them. I personally know that West Jones has had two teachers "resign" due to this. A female softball coach last year, and a male soccer coach this year. Jones County is allowing these dispectible humans to quitely leave and move on to another district and violate another child.

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/4/2010
Amen concerned teacher. Sounds like you could a teacher in the Wayne County or Jones County School District. The only difference is that the Wayne County School District lets the truth be known instead of covering up the truth.

Submitted By: Concerned Teacher	Submitted: 11/4/2010
As a teacher in a district where so much has happened, I find it absolutely appauling that a colleague of mine would do something so unacceptable. Yes we all make mistakes, but our children are just that.........children! How dare a fellow teacher disrupt the learning process by engaging in a relationship with a student!!!! I AM ANGRY!

Submitted By: Albany Law	Submitted: 11/4/2010
I absolutely agree with you. he disappeared in a hurry and apparently no one will ever know the truth. He obviously had some great legal coaching to be able to weazel his way out as quiet as a mouse!

Submitted By: Justice for All	Submitted: 11/3/2010
WOw another local teacher texting and involved with young children,,,,,,,,haven't you been watching the news for the last 10 years?,,,, And nothing is said about Mr. ??????? at West Jones High School doing the same thing and worse...forced to resigned and not a peek from officials,,,,,this needs to be looked into quick, fast and in a hurry,,,,,,,,,where did our teacher go?

Submitted By: Linda	Submitted: 11/1/2010
Steve, technically people are their "thought patterns," or at least that's what I was taught in college. And I do live in the 4th District, I just did not keep up with the Republican Primary. Once they chose Mr. Palazzo, I checked him out and knew that he would never get my vote. Let me add, that I do think Mr. Palazzo will probably win this race, but he will not get his votes from people on the gulf coast -- we KNOW him!

Submitted By: Rubicon	Submitted: 11/1/2010
For all of you who missed Gene Taylor's town hall meetings, I can assure you that all the comments are properly expressed. In his arrogance he believes that Mississippi cannot survive without his brilliance. I guarantee you we can. My main concern is that Democrats fail tomorrow in doing what they do best---That is stealing elections!!!!! Gene Taylor in all his years in the House has never risen above chairing a subcommittee. He's the prime example of the Peter Principle. He is also the perfect poster boy for 'Term Limits.' Gene Taylor must go!!!!!

Submitted By: steve in ellisville	Submitted: 11/1/2010
Linda, I didn't call you stupid.It's your thought pattern that is stupid. I assume you're not living in the Ms. 4th district or else you pay no attention to the candidates or the issues. If you did, you would know that Joe is the person who ran against Steven Palazzo in the Republican primary. Go your merry way and vote against America by supporting Democrat candidates. May you enjoy an empty checkbook by all the taxes democrats dream up.

Submitted By: Just sayin'	Submitted: 10/31/2010
Dear Politician(s), When you call my house and no one answers after I have said "hello" twice, I am going to hang up. I do not appreciate nor do I want a recorded message dialed to a random number. Gene Taylor/Steve Palazzo, neither of you is in my district so I can't vote for you. If I could vote, it would be for Palazzo but that's a moot point. Both of you would do better to check the voter roles and districts but I guess it's a little too late for that, isn't it?

Submitted By: da suz	Submitted: 10/31/2010
I am concerned about the voter turn-out for Tuesday, I am also concerned that Gene Taylor is going to be re-elected, let us say he has been elected quite a few times and has done whatever JOB he has already done, but from what I am hearing from other people is that he votes for the wrong things in Washington, he is not a public servant, as we elect him to be, I really believed that experience was the most important thing but it’s not, caring about the people is what is important, and he really has not done a whole lot for Mississippi, ALTHOUGH HE HAS BEEN THERE LONG ENOUGH TO GET LOTS OF THINGS ACCOMPLISHED for Mississippi, he has not!!!!!!!!! So I am asking why not? The answer is it is time to choose someone else who will, and if they don’t , don’t re-elect them or find a way to get them out before time to be re-elected, I am certain that is technical and I know anything done can be undone, by law! The people vote and we can find ways to get people out of elected offices just like we put them in, don’ t know the terminology or the actually ways of removal, but the kind of money invested by us the people, to these elected is SIZEABLE and we also can remove when our money is being slung around like a hole in a flour bag (just made that up!) The people of Mississippi , citizens who pay property taxes from way, way, back are serious about our monies being spent on retereck, we mean to have our elected officials to know who sent them up there to Washington and for them to take care of us and no absolutely not to anymore taxation of any kind whatsoever, even if it mean that our elected officials have to wash cars in Washington to show how serious we are in Mississippi about no more taxes! Signed, got no more room in my paycheck for taxes!

Submitted By: Linda	Submitted: 10/30/2010
Steve, I would NEVER call you stupid because your opinion differs from mine. By the way, who is Joe?

Submitted By: steve in ellisville	Submitted: 10/30/2010
Linda, you must be plain stuck on stupid. America means nothing to you. Plazzo has made it very plain what his agenda is. He stands for all our conservative values. The less governorment the better. I don't believe in luck. Are you one that voted for Joe and can't stand supporting the best surviving candidate?

Submitted By: Linda	Submitted: 10/30/2010
"Once again, a vote for taylor, is a vote for pelosi, reid, obama, obamacare(which violates the law by paying for abortions with federal funds)higher taxes, green jobs that ignore fossil fuel, a loss of freedoms which spits on are FOUNDERS graves." Just plain stuck on that line, are you? Well, that's what Palazzo wants, that way you are blind to his lack of agenda. But, then you have a vote, and I have a vote and that is the way it should be. Good luck.

Submitted By: steve in ellisville	Submitted: 10/30/2010
Linda, thank you for showing the myth of Mr. Taylor. You must be the person who wrote the political ad I hear on 98.1. Your post is almost verbatim. I don't know the Gene Taylor of 2005, walking on water during Katrina,I only know the pompous, codescending GT of 2009-10.The man we met face-to-face is full of Washington politics, not the concerns and fears of the people he is representing. Linda, you must of missed eb-laurel,directly below your comment. His says it all. What I don't understand is someone who says I am a Republican and then still votes for a Democrat. I guarantee you, Ronald Reagan would not vote for Gene Taylor verse Steven Palazzo. Once again, a vote for taylor, is a vote for pelosi, reid, obama, obamacare(which violates the law by paying for abortions with federal funds)higher taxes, green jobs that ignore fossil fuel, a loss of freedoms which spits on are FOUNDERS graves. It's not too late to save America

Submitted By: Linda	Submitted: 10/29/2010
I am a Republican, in fact, a Reagan Republican. Just because I am a Republican does not mean that I am going to be led down the "throw the bums out" path. I can think independently and I see accomplishment and character in the Democrat. I see a man who has kept thousands of jobs in our area, a man who has fought hard to provide the best of equipment to our soldiers, a man who voted against bailouts, against Obamacare, a man who is pro-gun and pro-life. I see a man standing waist deep in water, trying to help Katrina victims and I see that same man standing on the floor of the House, trying to help those same people. All some people seem to see is a vote for Pelosi as Speaker. Hundreds and hundreds of votes, they only see two. I see beyond that - to the man. You cannot hide character or courage and Representative Taylor has both.

Submitted By: eb - Laurel	Submitted: 10/27/2010
I understand Gene Taylor appeared on WDAM today and managed to sway some voters. I attended his Town Hall meeting in Ellisville and after seeing how he avoided answering ANY direct questions, I will never vote for him again. Try it - call his office and ask a direct question, see if you get a direct answer. He spends most of his time patting himself on the back for all "he's" done for the military but he will not answer any tough questions! Watch him smile when Nancy Pelosi was elected for speaker - www.notmyrep.com.

Submitted By: steve in ellisville	Submitted: 10/27/2010
correction: chose = choice

Submitted By: steve in ellisville	Submitted: 10/27/2010
Da suz, thanks for posting. I will only respond to your final sentence. The chose is simple, if there is a D for Democrat after their name they must go. I attended a Town Hall meeting in Ellisville with Mr. Taylor. He is so out of touch with Mississippi voters, he must go. Voting for Nancy Pelosi is voting against the USA.He voted twice for her as speaker. She stands for obama, reid and everything else that is destorying this great nation. People of Mississippi, who shut down the oil industry in the Gulf? The party of taylor, pelosi, reid, obama, and aLL those others who hate America. It's easy next Tuesday, vote for all Republcans. If they suck, next election, we will fire them.

Submitted By: DA suz	Submitted: 10/26/2010
On the matter coming up in November, those who are ready to vote one way or the other, this is more serious now than has ever been because we now know as voters we can change everything, remember the republican candidates and the democratic candidates are basically after the same things, a great paycheck for wearing a tie and or a dress or skirt, and fabulous health benefits, and all free not to pay, which my benefits are $500.00 a month, whether I go to the doctor or not, and that will go up to another number, whenever, but the quality of care will remain the same. What the republican party believes in and or what the democratic party believes in is not what the candidates are concerned about or even to make a difference or to be heard in Washington or even HELP their state or district, they cannot tell us that it sounds ugly but it is the first truth, no digging ditches, no hard labor, no standing on an assembly line with the line boss saying do that faster or we’ll find someone else, it all comes down to MONEY and BENEFITS, that is what I believe because I know what Mr. Gene Taylor makes in a year for his job with the State and Washington, now I must say that man work hard as any and he has a lot of people to pay with his paycheck and he is accessible on a local level, and quite honestly we need experienced people in public office, rookie’s don’t need to be making that kind of money and getting that kind of free benefits and experience is crucial in politics, to send anybody to Washington, not knowing anything is wasteful and compromising all the rest of us who need leadership! As I said everyone who is running for a public office for State and Federal level is worried, they should be, this is how it goes on that voting day, Go on down there, sign your name so you know you went there and nobody can accuse you of that, once you have signed the all important book, they give you something to vote with, take it over to the machine and, you are on your own, if you do not see someone on their that makes you feel good that that person is going to do AS YOU WANT in Jackson or Washington, then keep looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How Many Times Have I Heard This Phrase? Well, gotta vote for someone, someone is better than no one, Bull. Just because he or she is the only one running for “animal control supervisor” does not mean you have to vote for them, many people do that, it is time we cherish, our one vote, I told you it is all about finance! Signed, Just trying for alert people at the polls and good luck to us all as we try hard to make the right decision!

Submitted By: susan clanan	Submitted: 10/18/2010
It is on my heart to say this at this time: Mr. Chris McDaniel is a christian man, not that he is in politics, but before and after that, I believe that he puts God First in all his decisions and that is right, everyone reading this should know that it is important for men to be like that in this day and time! It is not easy for men, being head of household when money is tight and life is so hard, but Mr. McDaniel does indeed put his Lord first and I respect him for that! We should pray for men like that to keep them strong when the world seems to be all about money! We all can change everything for the good by praying for Mr. McDaniel as he keeps faith that last an eternity, and since we are all here for a blink of an eye, it is our duty to help each other, the one’s who are with the right way, that which God directs us to do everyday! God Bless American and the citizens of our nations, and nothing that is not legal such as immigrants with no citizenship! My grandparent who worked their fingers to the very bone to keep U.S. citizenship alive, we salute them all and we live today trying so very hard to keep citizenship of U.S. protected and in no way taken for granted by other countries who do not understand the meaning of it. Yours truly, (just trying to keep U.S. citizens focused on our rights) God Bless Us all and thank-you, Mr. McDaniel for all your hard work up until now and in the future, my comments may not be shared by Mr. McDaniel, I think he is a sweetheart!

Submitted By: susan clanan	Submitted: 10/18/2010
Why don’t we get it straight about what is going to transpire in November, we as official voters on the books and everything, can go to the polls and vote sure, however, remember, whoever wins is going to go to Washington, these people who are elected in November are going to stay with their party, it is so important that we vote for people who are going to do us some good for a change, Who is that? I am not saying anything other than be very careful and watch them after they win, if they get to Washington and turn a 180 degrees fine, when it comes time to re-elect vote someone else in who may not do a 180 degree. We as americans can now begin to realize just how important our vote is, Ok! Yours truly, a too many taxes paid to the wrong people, citizen of the U.S. where we still have the highest quality of home-land security of any land on this earth.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 10/12/2010
From the LLC: October 10, 2010 Residents gather to voice complaints Many say rights were violated by officers Among those speaking at Saturday’s event were Elder Carl Rogers, president of the NAACP Wayne County branch, Wendal Lee of the Memphis-based Operation Help Civil Rights Group, and former Jones County Sheriff Larry Dykes. “The city belongs to us,” Rogers said, acknowledging next month’s elections. “Whatever you don’t like, vote it out.” Hold on, Einstein..er....Carver... There are no local elections next month, but if you are referring to Gene Taylor, I couldn't agree more.

Submitted By: Big Tree	Submitted: 10/5/2010
Dear Eager Reader: ReView, September 30, 2010 page B10.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 10/3/2010
What in the world is Big Tree talking about????

Submitted By:	Submitted: 10/3/2010
Will the city ever build the new Fire Station for north Laurel. I thought it was to be complete before now. Will our insurance be going up anytime soon . And if so how much. Why can the Police Dept get grants and the Fire Dept not. Do we have anyone in charge at the LFD that has sence enough to apply for a grant. Help me with this.

Submitted By: Big Tree	Submitted: 10/1/2010
The wasp nest was 8 inches in diameter.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/25/2010
You know who your school kids see on a daily basis that poses a threat to them? Their school bus drivers....damned lead-foots. The consistently break the speed limits by a good margin...at least in North Laurel. When I am following them and doing the speed limit, they are pulling away from me at a good clip. This is an absolute...100% of the time.

Submitted By: Jellyroll	Submitted: 9/24/2010
Rod, I guess I might agree with you if the felon has expressed some regret or remorse regarding his criminal actions. This description doesn't fit the guest speaker at Laurel High School.

Submitted By: Rod	Submitted: 9/23/2010
How unthinkable it is for someone to actually say they never want their children to hear a speech by an ex-felon. Some men I call my fiends are ex-felons and are some of the finest men with solid character that I know. I am proud to call them my friends and love for my children to have fellowship with them. To be sure there are some ex-felons I wouldn't want my children to emulate but don't label all ex-felons as no goods, losers, etc. Our children in school need to hear what happens when men make bad choices. Lots of evil stuff goes on in Jones County and our youth need to hear it's not glitz and glamor.

Submitted By: JCMIII	Submitted: 9/22/2010
i happen to know for fact there is a tape of a interview with matt ishee being the investagator and he stated the interview properly by reading this female not going to say her name her rights and then it went south from there if you know what i mean and the female was not aware she was even being taped but one of the 2 knew it because his tapes are what he calls his trophys

Submitted By: Jelly	Submitted: 9/22/2010
The teacher didn't even know the convict was coming to talk to the class. The principal decided to bring him up to speak on his own, and no the topic wasn't how to steal money. He was treated like he was an expert and outstanding citizen.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/22/2010
I hear you, Jellyroll, and I'm a convert. I am not going to let my kids watch anymore Ole Miss football because their quarterback pled guilty to a felony. Well...that and the fact that they are pretty awful. Gotta go..kids are watching Toy Story....Tim Allen is the voice of Buzz Lightyear, and he served 28 months in prison for possessing over a pound of cocaine.

Submitted By: Jellyroll	Submitted: 9/21/2010
Captain Lefty, you may want a convicted felon talking to your children but I don't want them talking to mine.....I don't care what the topic is. And especially one who was an elected official, who betrayed the trust of the citizens who elected him. What's next? Maybe they should bring in ex-councilman Joseph Jones to talk about the consequences of trying to escape from prison? As for the LL-C...you would have never seen a story in the Washington Post about Richard Nixon without the words "disgraced former President" and "Watergate", just as you shouldn't see a mention of Thaddeus Edmonson without the words "disgraced former councilman" and "betraying the public trust".

Submitted By: Condor	Submitted: 9/21/2010
Trust me knothead, they were not afraid. Politicians only care about preceptions but they do not allow that to alter their behavior. If you do not preceive a situations as they want you to then they stand up and double talk the public. They know that most people don't care, per Hicks comment below "I could not care less about the rest.", and the rest will forget. If someone is doing your brother wrong then it may be only a matter of time before he does you wrong. What's wrong for standing up for fair treatment for all.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/20/2010
I read that article, and due to its subject matter, just don't see why a reference to Edmondson's criminal record need be included. Was he a convicted felon at the time of the events that were the central theme of the article? Nope. As far as his talking to the school class...again..why not? Who better to answer the school children's questions on that issue?

Submitted By: Jellyroll	Submitted: 9/20/2010
In Saturday's LLC, there was a big story about former Laurel City Councilman Thaddeus Edmonson speaking to a class at Laurel High School. I don't know who is making the decisions in regards to guest speakers at the school but bringing in a convicted felon to speak to high school students would seem to be an extremely poor choice. I also must take issue with LLC reporter Eloria Newell James for completely ignoring the fact that Mr. Edmonson was a former Laurel City Councilman who was convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison. What kind of journalism is that? Although I would say that Ms. James’ bad journalism pales in comparison to the bad decision-making on the part of Laurel High School to invite a convicted felon into the classroom.

Submitted By: Knot Head	Submitted: 9/16/2010
The test scores are in at the LFD and low and behold they are NOT what I predicted!!! They actually came back just the opposite and needless to say I am proud that there may be some good things happening at City Hall, or could it be that they have read all the predictions posted in this forum and were just too afraid to try what I think was planned!!!Sometimes when people know that we are watching every move they make it just makes them act a little honest(like taking your preacher fishing with you).As it turned out the very one that was being watched somehow did not score near the top(how amazing) I hope this sends a very strong message to the City Of Laurel that we ARE WATCHING every move you make when it comes to our employees!Thank you REVIEW for allowing us to post these concerns and providing a channel to do so.Let's wait and see how the promotions go if they bother to use the test results to promote.In the past they have been known to promote any which way they wanted so lets keep our eyes on them!!

Submitted By: firftr11	Submitted: 9/15/2010
I was just wondering if a list of names of "people to know" is given out when you register your child at South Jones Junior/High School. I hope to get a copy of this when my child gets to South because apparently when a pre teen brings drug related items to school and shows it off, you are let off with a slap on the wrist. I feel relly sorry for the next kid who brings illegal items to school and doesn't know the "right" people. He/she will probably be nailed to the wall. I'm scared for my child in the future.

Submitted By: David E. Chance LFD Fire Chief Retired	Submitted: 9/14/2010
I have been reading with much intrest at the posts that have been written on this forum. For the record, I would like to straighten some post that I have been mentioned in. 1. I agree that it is time for all of the comments about the fire department to stop. They are doing nothing but slamming a very great department that is in a period of adjustment. 2. I still think that Laurel has a great bunch of people that work there risking their lives whenever the bell "falls of the wall". 3. Though I may not agree with the manner in which things I am told that have been happening there, I still have alot of loyalty to to department. 4. Chief Bunch and I have spoken on several occasions since I retired and should he ever need to talk with me, I am available. 5. Three of the Battalion Chiefs worked with me and I still feel they do a great job. The training officer is new to the job and it will take him some time to find his nich. 6. I was at the Sunflower Food Store when it was on fire. The city and volunteers did a very good job in keeping it from spreading to the other stores. And no, I did not fall off a ladder so that would make it impossible for me to fall on my head as cheapshot said. No, I do not have split personalities. 6. Yes there are things going on in the department that I do not like but, since I am no longer there, I do not have a "dog in the race". 7. Laurel is still my home and even though things happened that should not have happened, thats life. I still support Laurel and will continue to do so. 8. Before you slander me again, make sure you have your facts straight and don't go making things up for your literary pleasures. Thank you Review for allowing me a medium in which to express myself. I do wish and agree with Brian, its time to put it to rest. Blieve in your fire department because there are some great people "risking theirs to save yours" twenty-four hours a day. David

Submitted By: Cheapshot	Submitted: 9/14/2010
Old Chief falling on his head might explain a lot of things. His split personalities on a bunch of these LFD posts for one. The Reviews public forum isnt a personal vehicle for point scoring. If you've got issues to reveal then buy a soapbox and go stand in the street. I'm with Bryan, enough already.

Submitted By: kool k@t	Submitted: 9/14/2010
i was was also at sunflower fire, "then or now" cheif wasn't there and the county basically stood by, some vol helped set up ladders and such, but minimal, LFD are pro's maybe not the best but pro's!LFD did there job as always when called upon. We complain, but who doesn't, we do our job regardless!

Submitted By: kool k@t	Submitted: 9/14/2010
sounds like fireman afraid to go public with there concerns through proper channels, nice weather we're having huh!

Submitted By: kool k@t	Submitted: 9/14/2010
why don't you fireman stop hiding behind this forum and get to work when it's time

Submitted By: ????	Submitted: 9/14/2010
lefty, I was there also but I never saw the chief fall off a ladder

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/13/2010
Whoa..you're twisting my words. I didn't say "just." I know LFD was there. I think the "then" chief fell off a ladder.

Submitted By: LFD & JCVFD SUPPORTER	Submitted: 9/13/2010
Lefty, I hate to correct you but it wasn't just the county fighting the fire. It was a team effort with the city and county units working together. This is not unusual for the departments to help eachother.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/13/2010
C'mon Brian..when Sunflower caught fire, it was mostly the county units that fought the blaze. I could be wrong, but that's the way I remember it.

Submitted By: Bryan Hicks	Submitted: 9/13/2010
Here's my take on the Laurel Fire Department. If my house catches fire and the LFD shows up to help put it out, then I'm good. I could not care less about the rest.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/12/2010
Mr Warren seems to confuse being verbose with being articulate. He may have valid arguments, but I just don't have the patience to shuck a thousand oysters to find one pearl.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 9/12/2010
Condor, there is a lot of truth in what you have said on several issues. One, Mr. Warren does use a lot of words that in order to read his column, it is best to keep a dictionary close by in order to discern exactly what he is saying. However, his points are usually on target. Two, I agree with you about advertisers withholding their support if they believe a media support could harm their business. On the other hand, I believe that they would support the Review if they printed an expose (good or bad) of Laurel City government. I believe it would generate more business for them in the long run. The Review is known for it's fairness in reporting the facts, and how to shuck the corn down to the cob. It's time to shuck the corn.

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/11/2010
Condor, How well do I remember those days. The city employees were lied to so many times I don't care to think about it. Your statement about ole firey is correct with the exception of one thing. He is like the mayor and five council members who are extremely RACIST. He always has been and always will be. He has always been nothing but a trouble maker an will always be. He lied on so many people that he has city hall believing him. I intend this to be my last comments about him and the city officials. They have ruined this town and it looks more like a slum that what it use to be. We all were proud of our town back then but it is dying because of the my way attitude, its my turn mentality of the people running/ruining it. I hate what Laurel has become and before long, if the people don't stand up and tell them enough is enough, it will be dead. Maybe the best this that could happen to it. RACIST RACIST RACIST

Submitted By: Condor	Submitted: 9/8/2010
I have read the comments pertaining to the fire department troubles. All of this is just what we warned the citizens about back in 1985 when Lindsey started changing everything. we tried to tell what it would be like and no one cared so why all the fuss now. Most of the people that were hired by the fire department way back when made a minimal score. That would be one between 70 and 75. How can one differentiate between 1 or 2 points on a score. I have all the old records from the civil service and I may reveal in a future post just how corrupt the Civil Service and the Lindsey administration was that set all this in motion. It was all by design so that they could keep the employees inline. It worked well for them and it is still working now. We see a lot of post here but the truth is guys that the general public just don't care. Most of the post here don't really know the depth of what they are talking about. They are really concerned with more or less what their situation is. Recently I was told that a Chief Bunch did not care if one was black or white and that he went by the book. This was more of a discussion on day to day operations and discipline than promotions. That conversation seems to be 180 degrees from what I am reading here. The largest problem with laurel is that the media, the LLC, The Review and WDAM is that they will not report on controversial things because the advertisers forbid it. Business wants everything to appear just okay. That is good for business and I don't blame them for that. But as long as voters are uninformed they cannot make good decisions. It is the media responsibility to inform the people but if they do they cut off their life line...advertising. As for Harvry Warren's article I just had one question at the end of reading it...The question was, "What the heck is he talking about?" Maybe Mr. Warren could get across some good points if he would cut down on all the words he uses. Maybe he understands them but for most folks, black, white Hispanic or whatever the message gets lost in all the words.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 9/8/2010
If the fire department is as bad as these folks have posted, why hasn't the citizens risen up and corrected these things? Is the police department as bad as the fire department? If so, the citizens lives and properties are in danger. How about it Review? I know that you are capable. I knew that Laurel had deteriorated, and the City Government leaves a lot to be desired, but the Citizens(black and white) need to take back their city. The answer to me isn't who runs the city, but how the city is run. Someone posted and suggested that the Review do an investigation of the fire department; I would suggest that they also investigate the Police Department, and City Hall as well. Then print their findings in the Review. The Review impresses me as a newspaper that has the courage to print what they find and believe. How about it Review? I know that you are capable.

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/8/2010
You and I agree on this. Just because you may have been there sitting in a chair for 20 years does not mean that its your turn to fill another seat. That is the way it use to be and beleive you me the FD suffered. Who you know not what you know seems to be the way it is going back to. The very thing that got ole firey where he is today.

Submitted By: jus sayin'	Submitted: 9/8/2010
I do agree with you on it not being a true assessment of ones abilities so let me rephrase. Some employees do not put any effort into their job and are just there for a paycheck and should not be handed a position just because they have been on the job for a number of years or they eat sunday dinner with the higher ups! Should not be based on who you know.... but what you know!

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/8/2010
You said it right when you say it smells fishy. Its the down right the truth. Old Firey didn't get who they/he wanted so he threw in a chiefs interview. That is the problem. The city is now going against their agreement with the justice dept. when Old Firey's friend came down and the agreements were made. It would be that the assesments would be done with a test, oral board with outside people from other fire departments that didn't know the firefighters taking the assessments and those scores combined with years of service points added. After all these elements were done, the firefighters would be ranked and a list formed. The city would go down the list from the top to the bottom. This is the only way it could be done to meet the justice dept requirements and the city's obligation. Now Old Firey has added a step that he is in violation of the agreements made. It is a way that he and others can get the person they want. jus sayin' you hit the nail on the head about the smell. I would like to say that the test really isn't a true assessmant of ones ability. Some people can't take test but given authenic assesments would beat out the high scorers everytime. After the thousands of dollars the city has spent to come up with a fair assessment and testing, it has become what they paid Ole Firey and another thousands of dollars to get away from, the good old boy system. Yes Uncle Harvey is right, the chief has lost his face. Hide if you will behind the rev if you want to but the your true colors are showing.

Submitted By: jus sayin'	Submitted: 9/7/2010
The whole thing is pretty messed up for the guys that love their job and when it comes time to take their promotional tests they take the time to study for it and try to do their best just for it all to be a big show when they know who they are gonna promote before the test is taken.Its also a bunch of BS that they are told it will consist of a written test, an interview, points for years on the job,and yearly evaluations .....then what do you know.... scores must not have came back like they wanted them cause then they threw in a chiefs interview...hmmmm smells a little fishy to me!! I say it shouldnt matter if you have been on the job for 20 years if u cant pass the test about your job i wouldnt want you leading me into a burning building!

Submitted By: Bossman	Submitted: 9/7/2010
To sum it up on todays Forum turn to the book of Psalm v.8 Let his day be few; and let another take his office. I would think everyone could rest with that.

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/7/2010
"This Fire Department as well as City Hall is rotten at the very core!" I was commenting on this sentence, No offense taken but clarity in what you were trying to say was in question. Glad you came back and explained it.

Submitted By: knothead	Submitted: 9/7/2010
Hey Judas read my letter again.I did not say the whole department was rotten.What i said was it is rotten at the very core. There are some mighty fine people who work there and we both agree they would have to be good people to put up with the dirty underhanded deals that go on at the core.Be assured it will rot from the inside out just like a cancer.Maybe someone can do chemo therapy and get rid of the problem,if you know what i mean.I hope i did not offend any innocent people.

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/7/2010
Thiry pieces of silver anyone? Knothead I agree with most of what you are saying. The only thing we differ in is the fact you said the whole fire department is rotten. There are still some great people working there doing their jobs, putting their life on the line. You are correct in the fact that there is a major problem with some politically connected butts who let the mayor and council do their bidding for them. They along with Ole Firey should be fired and the dang council members should be as well. City Hall and council teams up against the employees and we need a clean out of the septic tank that the city has become. Ole Firey is just like the mayor and most of the council. Put them in a sack, shake it up and you could not tell them apart. They all smell like the worthless pieces of crap they are and could care less about our city or employees. RACIST through and through.

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 9/7/2010
Thirty pieces of silver anyone? Is Ole Firey as Uncle Harvey calls him showing his true face? Has he let the power trip he is on go to his head or is he a puppet for city hall and others with politics pulling the strings? True test of of a person is how one handles power, we see that he has failed. What we don't understand is why the city is keeping a trouble maker that he has been for years, the fire chief. We also can't understand the hr department is backing Ole Firey to the point of changing the rules and then lying about it. It should be interesting at the civil service meeting on the 10th. If you really want to see how city hall treats their employees, go to the meeting. Wonder how many more lies will be told there. Everyone knows how he runs rough shod over the firefighters, why is it allowed to continue? Also, when the search for a new chief came about, why were only the blacks chosen by the mayor to be interviewed? More outside help or what? There was another battalion chief who happens to be white that was never asked to interview. Is this RACIST or what? Why was the "first black fire chief" cut from the mayor's commercial? Does city hall not care about the rest of us that happen to be a different color? We knew that most of the council were RACIST so also now, we see the mayor and Ole Firey are too. May the good Lord have mercy on their souls. Wonder lies they will tell next to cover up their underhanded cover ups that they got caught doing. Will the truth come out on this battalion chief test and how about that poor firefighter that was sent home for five days for simply trying to get information he had a right to have. Five shifts off instead of five days. FD days are 24hr shifts and counted as two days at a time. That means not only did he not get to take the test, he was charged for five shifts instead of the two and one-half shifts {five days} that he should never have been charged with in the first place. Was all the paperwork done correctly or was it covered up like the rest of this mess? HR you new better.

Submitted By: knothead	Submitted: 9/6/2010
This situation at the LFD really needs to be investigated by the Review and put in your newspaper so the good citizens of Laurel and the surrounding areas can know first hand what political things are going on in the city! In another event this week we have learned that Fire Chief Jimmie Bunch, has aske a battalion Chief to alter his test score/evaluation of a station captain that is up for promotion!!! Can you beleive this? This captain is the really close friend of Mayor Mack,Dennis Kevryn (City Administrator) Syrus Nichols (Civil Service)and his wife is Kevryns secretary,(YOU GET THE PICTURE NOW???)Under pressure the Bat. Chief asked the Fire Chief "do you want me to do this?" to which the Chiefs reply was "YES!!!" This is a disgrace to this city and especially to the other candidates who are way more qualified to have the position at stake. I know this will probably never make it to the investigation stage but something really needs to be done about this. This Fire Department as well as City Hall is rotten at the very core! It's always been said that when you wrap yourself in politics you can NEVER GET unwrapped and dang if I don't beleive it.What will happen next?

Submitted By: No Saint	Submitted: 9/6/2010
Inappropriate.

Submitted By: ????	Submitted: 9/6/2010
Can someone get throat cancer from someone who has prostate cancer? If so, a whole lot of people need to get tested.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 9/3/2010
Wow. Golden Eagles. It's tackle football, not touch. Now that you know, I look forward to better results next game.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 9/1/2010
I don't know if the Mayor does or doesn't have cancer. If he does, regardless of how I feel about him because of his politics, my dissatisfaction of the job he is doing, or his very obvious racist actions, he needs our prayers for a speedy recovery. Get well Mayor! The Sandersville Casino is a hot issue and I am for it. This reminds me of when Jones County voted to legalize liquor. Back then the Good folks lined up with the bootleggers to try and keep the county dry. This time, the Good folks have lined up with the other Casinos to keep a Casino out of Jones County. What strange bed fellows! Seems the fire department has a few problems with the new Chief, and some of the rank and file presently employed, and some former members of the fire department. I for one think that Harvey Warren should be thanked for his exposure of the problem and having the courage to call a spade a spade. Keep up the good work Harvey. I haven't always agreed with Harvey and his columns, but he has done a good job on this issue. The little brown jug? What a shame that this tradition has been relegated to basically mean nothing. But then, Laurel isn't the same either. It's certainly not the "City Beautiful", the beautiful could be easily replaced with disgrace when it comes to the infrastructure one sees when driving through Laurel. Thanks!

Submitted By: review reader	Submitted: 8/31/2010
Maybe The Review made a mistake and wrote POTASSIUM rather than PSA (prostate specific antigen) Surely, this information will be corrected. I wouldn't want someone freaking out over their prostate instead of their heart or kidneys over a elevated K+ level.

Submitted By: review reader	Submitted: 8/31/2010
Maybe The Review made a mistake and wrote POTASSIUM rather than PSA (prostate specific antigen) Surely, this information will be corrected. I wouldn't want someone freaking out over their prostate instead of their heart or kidneys over a elevated K+ level.

Submitted By: Wrong again Driver	Submitted: 8/31/2010
Well driver your facts are not correct. That don't suprise me because you only believe what you make up in your mind to believe. At the request of your hero Trey Chinn and others, the chief was told in a budget meeting to do the study. It was not brought up by David Chance. Chinn told Dennis that he wanted it done. Dennis then ordered the chief to do it. Oh BTW, your friend at the top lied to you, the scores on the captains test were not rigged as you have told anyone who would listen, you were just that bad. I see you now have thrown him down, doesn't surprise me because you are just that way. I also see that you can't wait for the elections, I too would like to see a clean sweep with the exception of Tony Wheat, he is the only one with the sense to do the job. Do you have family relations running again?

Submitted By: Driver	Submitted: 8/30/2010
Uncle Harvey I don't know who is feeding you info but they are pretty much right.It's a shame you don't have the actual test scores to see for yourself but I do!!! Now comes another cover up with the Fire Dept. you see dennis Kevryns secretaries husband didn't make a high enough score on the recent test!!! So to fix this little problem the so called chief/preacherman and Kevryn deciced to go back and add another interview to the test and guess who it's in front of ,You guessed the chief/preacher himself as well as three black battalion chiefs and only 1 white battalion chief!!! That's right the politics are ever present at city hall and you watch what I tell you this captain will prevail when they get through crunching the numbers! This town will never change just get ready for some more crap to fill your newspaper.Remember Last year at this time David Chance and Kevryn were about to bust a gut to take this fire dept. to three platoons?well guess what if they had done this we would have still been paying for this for a long long time to come.Ken Keyes testified before the council and told them if they would fully staff the dept.the overtime problem would take care of itself.Thank God the council listened and voted this nonsence down and guess what there is not a problem like they decribed would be and guess we saved MONEY!!! Somebody needs to do an investigation into civil service and what they are allowing kevryn and a few others to get away with.Man I'll be glad when the election comes I think there will be some changes i certainly pray so.

Submitted By: review reader	Submitted: 8/30/2010
In reference to potassium levels as it is related to prostate CA.....this is a random finding indicative of many diseases. A PSA is the test for prostate cancer.

Submitted By: Steve	Submitted: 8/30/2010
Concerned reader: I refer back to my original post. Your criticism is still unwarranted. The article urged men to have their prostates checked. Once men go to Doctor to have this done, then it is up to the doctor to talk about "Prostate specific antigen" and "potassium levels" with his patient. If the writer had included that in their front page story about the Mayor, I would have immediately been bored and stopped reading. Also, I'm sure the writer who penned the column is a very bright person but I don't want my medical advice coming from a newspaper writer, no matter how much research that person does. I want it coming from my doctor. The newspaper did its job..get people to the doctor so they can get personal attention and real medical advice. Again, kudos to The Review.

Submitted By: Concerned Reader	Submitted: 8/29/2010
This is in response to Steve, regarding "Mayor treated for prostate cancer..." in the 8-19-10 edition of The Review. Based on this article, is one to assume that if his "potassium rate" (referenced in paragraph 6 of the article) is normal that he need not worry about prostate cancer? Would a low potassium level be even better? Does a man's potassium level have anything at all to do with his likelihood of having prostate cancer? Could it be possible that the mayor's family physician checked a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level, a test that is often discussed in popular print and broadcast media and that is commonly used to screen men for prostate cancer? What about treatment options for prostate cancer? Most sources suggest that the choice is very complicated and highly individual. The Review article says that the mayor made his personal decision based on input from several sources. [Well done, mayor!] The article goes on to quote the mayor as saying that "you burn all your bridges with removal" and that he wanted to keep all of his options open; but it offered no general information regarding the range of options and their relative advantages and disadvantages. Raising awareness of a problem such as prostate cancer is a lofty goal, but doing it well requires more background research than appears to have been done in the preparation of this particular article.

Submitted By: Movie or Book Idea	Submitted: 8/29/2010
I have an idea about a moive or book. We could call it "Gone with the Losers" staring the Laurel Leader Call and the City of Laurel Council and Administration. It would have to be a short take or short story because there nothing there at either place.

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 8/29/2010
Odell McRae where are you?

Submitted By: Penn state Fan	Submitted: 8/29/2010
It's quite and honor to have Joepa on here. I agree with him too...the LLC gave up on sports a few years ago. Don't know why they even bother.

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 8/29/2010
The Jug game apparently does not mean anything to the LLC, either. They failed to staff the game this year. It appears they ran an 'unedited' version from the Hattiesburg American, with a Stan Caldwell byline (he's the HA prep sports writer), and stuck the story on page 2. Truly unbelievable. Their photo also came from the American. I also see their "Scoreboard" section in Sunday's paper is the exact same "Scoreboard" from Saturday's paper. None of the Friday scores are updated. I guess they liked it so much, they decided to run it again!

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 8/29/2010
Gene Taylor has been the only thing keeping me from voting a straight Republican ticket in the past. I felt comfortable that the Blue Dog Democrats were conservative enough for me and that keeping our congressman's seniority was important. This November, I shall do my part to vote Gene Taylor out because I feel it is vitally important to wrest the power away from Pelosi and Obama.

Submitted By: Jug = Town	Submitted: 8/28/2010
Lefty, so bring up a good point. Just as the Jug is gone, so is the town. It did mean a great deal in the Big 8 years so did Laurel. Look what has happened to Laurel and who really cares?

Submitted By: captain lefty	Submitted: 8/28/2010
Laurel lost the jug three years ago...and have failed to win it back last year and again this year. It used to mean something during the Big Eight years, but now..who cares?

Submitted By: Bye Bye Melvin	Submitted: 8/28/2010
Laure lost the jug. Does this mean Mayor Mack will soon be leaving or is this another lie?

Submitted By: Steve	Submitted: 8/27/2010
The criticism from "concerned reader" is one of the most unwarranted posts I've ever read on here. I don't know what "dysinformation" this person is talking about but no matter, it completely overlooks the fact that you raised awareness on your front page about a very important issue that effects a lot of men, especially black men who don't normally get prostate exams. You may have saved someone's life and you should be applauded for the story not criticized. It just goes to show that no matter what you do, some people can't be pleased. By the way, "concerned reader", I don't remember seeing anything regarding the Mayors prostate cancer, or the importance of exams in the LLC, why isn't your criticism directed towards them? ....Keep up the good work ReView.

Submitted By: Concerned Reader	Submitted: 8/27/2010
One fully expected the editorial board of The Review to give itself the Thumbs Down in this week's edition in response to the very poorly researched article, "Mayor treated for prostate cancer..." published in the 8-19-10 edition. The mayor himself likely was the source of most of the information; nevertheless, the writer could have consulted the mayor's family physician or treating urologist, or our local urologist, or could have utilized any number of readily available sources geared to laypersons to avoid publishing an article filled with "dysinformation" regarding the diagnosis and treatment of this common malignancy. Please do better. Best wishes to the mayor for a longlasting cure!

Submitted By: Uncle Harvey Right Again	Submitted: 8/26/2010
Uncle Harvey, once again your are right to the point!! Ole Firey is now trying to force the battalion chiefs to do his bidding by forcing them to do interviews. Civil Service lookout, you may as well get a bed at city hall because your going to be living there before long. Now city hall is going to back him even though they promised the justice department the way it would be done from now on. That just goes to show that Firey is not the saviour of the fire department his buddies made him out to be. Firey has let the power go to his head. Opening the city for many law suites they will lose. Uncle Harvey hang in there and enjoy the ride, its going to be a very hot time in the old town very soon.

Submitted By: Uncle Harvey Was Right	Submitted: 8/25/2010
How soon he forgot. Now he is going against the very process that got him the training job then chief. Could it be that the person he wanted did not score high enough to the assessment center, so now he has changed the rules? Could that person have close ties to city hall? Yes, Uncle Harvey was right, seems the chief has lost his face.

Submitted By: LazyEye	Submitted: 8/22/2010
Hard to believe but the leader call got worse with the departure of phatledge

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 8/21/2010
According to today's LLC, Laurel lost to Wayne County last night by the following scores: 44-7 44-14 34-14 Must have been a hell of a game.

Submitted By: Budget Solution	Submitted: 8/20/2010
Since the city is scrambling for money next year please allow me to offer suggestions. 1. Who do you know makes $16,000.00 a year for a part time job, the council does. 2. Who gets to go on vacation I mean MML at tax payers expense with traveling money, mileage at 55 cents per mile and luxury rooms at the Beau for almost a week? It would be intersting to know how much money was spent for this. How many employees went and really what was the total cost for these council and employees who were paid their salary plus expenses? 3. How many trips do council members go on each year on so called city business? Cut the council salary, trips and vacations MML and the city could save alot.

Submitted By: Randy Gould	Submitted: 8/19/2010
To Icryforlaurel and Sick of the city: I don't know anything about the issue you are referring to because I no longer live in Laurel. One thing I do know is that how many times Linda has changed her name has nothing to do with issue. You hide behind secret i.d.'s, but you are quick to make uneccessary comments about someone else. Tell us your real names so people can make comments about your personal life. People like you are one of the reasons I moved from Laurel and the reason I will never return to live. I do know that Laurel was at one time a beautiful city and now it looks like a ghetto. Maybe she is just trying to make it beautiful again.

Submitted By: Icryforlaurel	Submitted: 8/17/2010
Linda (many last names) worked in the Inspection Department under George Smith. The mayor at the time (old noddy head) promoted her to head the department after George Smith retired. Since that time she has had her position title changed as often as her last name. After all these years, she has reached her level of incompetency. She thinks she has replaced Queen Noddy Head and unbelievably, the city council thinks so also. No matter what she proposes, the city council approves. The gonadless members of the city council and the mayor are afraid of her. As long as she doesn't enforce the state law concerning tinted windows, the gonadless will leave her alone.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 8/17/2010
Phillip Swindall of AL submitted a letter to the LLC concerning his teaching career in Greenville when a third casino was opened and a sheriff was killed. His letter misleads people into believing the casino's being in Greenville had something to do with the sheriff being killed. Nothing could be further from the truth. The sheriff being killed had more to do with an idiot kidnapping a woman and killing her. He did not kill her because she had casino chips in her pocketbook. The mscfcv had a rebuttal letter in the LLC explaining their opposition to the casino was based on their concern with the increased infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, sewer, fire & police etc…) costs which research tells them is sure to happen if the casino is built. They neglect to mention the automobiles and support the city of Sandersville has received from the Choctaws for their Fire and Police departments. They also cleverly omit the fact Fire and Police are handled by the Indian tribe on the reservation where the casino is being built. Was any mention made of the Choctaw nation advertising for firemen with a starting pay of $20.00/hour. I didn't think so. Next thing you know, they will be concerned about the turtles and birds as is Gov Barbour, if the casino is built. Stretch, stretch, reach, reach, eventually the mscfcv may come up with something that someone other than mscfcv members and the LLC can hang onto. In the meantime, I am saving my quarters for the slots in Sandersville.

Submitted By: captainlefty	Submitted: 8/15/2010
Ever accidently left a bag at checkout at the grocery? I have...at Krogers...went back, and the cashier saw me walk in and said, "Here it is." while holding up my bag and smiling. I wouldn't want this to happen at Corner Market. I was in there today, and heard the supervisor telling a cashier/bagger, "If they leave it, it is ours." First...don't talk shop in front of the customers. Secondly....really lady? That's your policy? Arrogance and stupidity are not a good combination.

Submitted By: Sick of the City	Submitted: 8/15/2010
Go to the LLC website and read the article "Blitzed" about Linda Reinholz, or whatever her name is now, and city inspectors made early morning visits to people in the County Club Hills subdivision giving tickets for cars illegally parked in the yards. We're not talking about junkers sitting on blocks, they are focusing on operable vehicles that just happen to be in the yard. I live in North Laurel and my son has a car and a truck and generally parks one on the side of the driveway and into the grass so we don't have to play musical cars in the morning. What about the cars parked on the street in the so-called historical district? Is that legal? I really don't think so. If the people who are parking in the yards parked in the streets, would that be okay? It all boils down to money. The city is broke so they are charging these "offenders" from $200 to $1000 for each vehicle parked illegally. Guess someone has to pay for our Honorable Mayor's new $50,000 SUV with illegally tinted windows.

Submitted By: rangou	Submitted: 8/14/2010
O spell check, spell check, wherefore art thou, spell check? pedestal I better be carefull with my spelling or people will think I was edjicated in jones county

Submitted By: rangou	Submitted: 8/14/2010
Lookin-in, It's hard to talk to people who place themselves high up on a pedistal. I'm not a betting man, but I would wager that when some of them travel outside Laurel and away from the eyes of their Family and Community Values visit the casinos on the Gulf Coast or in New Orleans. Bet a few of them have even to Boobs Galore.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 8/12/2010
The organization, Mississippi Coalition for Family and Community Values has gotten quite a bit of press from the LLC in their opposition to the casino being located in Sandersville. The organization has a web site www.mscfcv.org in which it lists a number of contacts in which to voice your displeasure of the opening of the casino in Sandersville. I am in support of the casino so I visited their web site to voice my displeasure of their opposition to the casino. I met with what I classify as a fake website. I clicked on the contact us button, and guess what, you can't contact them. That little button leads you right back to where you can voice your displeasure with the opening of the casino. The LLC has not printed a letter I sent to the editor referencing my support for the casino, now the mscfcv has a web site that refuses to allow you to voice opposition to their "values". I want to thank The Review for providing the residents of Jones County an avenue to express their thoughts, even those contrary to what The Review may be in favor of. I want to express again my support for the casino in Sandersville and for the jobs and opportunities it will bring to the citizens of Jones County.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 8/12/2010
Submitted By: rangou Submitted: 8/11/2010 I think he's spent too much time in texas at boobs galore. That's where I got my certification as "Master Observer".

Submitted By: Julie	Submitted: 8/12/2010
I was walking at Mason Park this morning and there were two small dogs (one dog and one puppy) who look like they were abandoned. Both very friendly but hungry. I already have two dogs - is there anyone you know who would like to save these two? The animal shelter cannot take them because they have a case of parvo.

Submitted By: rangou	Submitted: 8/11/2010
I think he's spent too much time in texas as boobs galore.

Submitted By: Ted	Submitted: 8/10/2010
Lookin-In my old friend, it's good to see ya!! LOL As a lifelong observer of boobs - and also a former user - My observations of said marvels completely agrees with your own. LOL Hang in thair old buddy.[grin]

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 8/4/2010
I may need the staff at The Review to edit this post. I wondered about all the hoopla on the body painting of a woman at the Playboy Mansion in a recent article in The Review. I was discussing this with a few friends and a copy of the picture was presented. It was pointed out to me the nipples were showing on the models breast. I couldn't believe what they were describing as nipples. At a very early age, I was introduced to a woman's breast and at that time in my life the nipple was of the utmost importance. I can assure you I did not have to crawl to the top of the breast to suckle. After weaning, and as I grew older, my concentration and observations of a woman's breast took on new "enlightment". I became a Master Observer and my opinion of women's breasts were well respected by many. It is with that well respected background that I offer the following. Those "buttons" on top of the painted model's breasts were not nipples. Nipples are in the center outward side of breasts and in a lot of instances have a tendency to be on on a downward trend as the model's age advances. No matter how some of you want to twist something in your mind to make this model painting obscene, just think of where real nipples are located on a breast. If anyone believes nipples ride that high on a breast, then you don't believe water is wet.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 7/30/2010
Need a job? Do you........ Take no pride in your work? Have no skills? Can you lean on a shovel? Is "shoddy" your version of "adequate?" Maybe you could work for the city repairing potholes.

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 7/27/2010
My wife always tells me if you discover something good, share it with others. My discovery is Fox's Pizza Den in Ellisville. It's next to the Corner Market on the road to JCJC. The food is awesome. I have tried a pizza and a Hoagie sandwich and tomorrow a Wedgie which is simply a sandwich but served on pizza crust. Prices are less than a happy meal at Macs. Great food and great service.

Submitted By: daisymae	Submitted: 7/27/2010
What is the logic behind 14 localities in Mississippi choosing NOT to participate in the "tax free" day? Won't any tax they collect those two days - assuming anyone would be foolish enough to shop in their towns - go straight to the state? Do they get to keep a portion of the tax? I don't get it, but I'm not a business owner or a politician, thank goodness.

Submitted By: The "Little People"	Submitted: 7/27/2010
Wow,,,,did you see the salaries for the Jones County School District?,,,,,,,talk about "Top" Heavy,,,,,,,what a waste of funds,,,,,,

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 7/26/2010
I see in Saturday's LLC, the "new" Social Security Building (what about the status of that one they started at the corner of 10th Ave. and 6th St.? ) will be a "....900,000 square-foot facility." Had it in the story and in the photo caption like that, too. The Louisiana Superdome is only 269,000 square feet. We can fit three Superdomes into our "new" Social Security Building. Man, who needs a casino? We can host Super Bowls, Final Fours and major party political conventions right there on Highway 15!

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 7/25/2010
I also agree. Put that kind of stuff in the sports section so we men will see it sooner.

Submitted By: Liz	Submitted: 7/24/2010
I certain agree with Julie about the use for the front page!!

Submitted By: Julie	Submitted: 7/24/2010
I think it was in poor taste to give front page coverage to the playboy mansion article. Very disappointing.

Submitted By: Southern Belle	Submitted: 7/23/2010
If you think folks are upset about the Casino I hate to think how riled up they are going to get about the picture of the "painted lady"!!!

Submitted By: Judas Mack	Submitted: 7/20/2010
Another way to throw money away. Local tv station shows only black players and black fc on tv, what about the whites? Is Laurel all black now or is the station reporter just prejudice.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 7/18/2010
You should always take two Baptists fishing with you. If you only take one, he will drink all your beer.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 7/17/2010
Former Subscriber, I don't know why you would cancel your subscription because of something someone said on a public forum. That is just someone's personal opinion, to which we are all entitled.

Submitted By: Former Subscriber	Submitted: 7/15/2010
I am so disappointed in the views printed in your publication regarding the casino. Yes, I am a Christian and I am against gambling. Your derogatory comments about Baptists in our community helped me make my decision to discontinue my subscription when it runs out soon.

Submitted By: Former Student	Submitted: 7/15/2010
The ReView seldom makes an error but there was one in Mrs. McBride's obituary. Her name was Mellie, not Millie. She was my third grade teacher and one of the best I ever had. Such a sweet lady.

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 7/15/2010
Isn't it A little early for the former mayor to be raising her head in the local scheme of things? All of a sudden she's addressing the school board trying to organize some football game etc. Nobody I've talked to wants to go through another 4 years of that mess and besides it wasn't anybody on the school board that leaked the news story!after all the capers she's pulled she can't possibly point a finger at anyone.It's time for her to give it up,after all she did cost Jerome wyatt the last election due to her involvement in his campaign.Thank you Review for keeping us informed leaver her alone everybody knows her intentions!

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 7/15/2010
I think Jim Cameron hit the nail on the head in his view point 7/14/10 on the casino. As a business owner I really hope things go forward with this project.I have plenty of vacant buildings for rent and need any and all extra business it may bring to this dying city of Laurel. Crime is already abundent here and I don't see how some supervised gaming would add to the problems we already have!!! Take a drive to Philidelphia and just look at what they have done with that God forsaken place.They have their OWN fire department with equipment that far surpasses anything we have in all of Joned County.Maybe when they finish thier casino these locals will be wearing their southern Baptist britches around their ankles!!! >

Submitted By: Thank your Review	Submitted: 7/13/2010
Fair and balanced coverage of the proposed casino while the leader liar continues its push to have the casino stopped. The liar has yet to run a pro-casino piece, and i would venture to say that there is a 4 to 1 ratio in favor of the casino. Maybe they would be for it if it had a buffet so Joe Pha..nevermind

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/9/2010
Someone needs to contact Katie Curic and let her done a documentary on FLEECING OF JONES COUNTY SCHOOLS.

Submitted By: Worried Parent	Submitted: 7/9/2010
Wow, have you heard the lastest rumor?,,,The Jones County schools wants to build a tennis court at WJHS for 5 or 6 students that will probably value over $200,000, and yet they want to cut the custodians,,,wow,,,,how unfortunate,,,well what the "Board members want....the Board member always get....or is it whatever West Jones Wants,,,,West Jones gets...........

Submitted By:	Submitted: 7/9/2010
Jones County schools will be opening bids today for a Janitorial Service. HOW PATHETIC!. You are going to take away low paying jobs with the economy in the shape it is. How unthoughtful and cruel. NO ONE IN AN ELECTED POSITION IN THE CENTRAL OFFICE SHOULD BE RE-ELECTED. They can let the little guy go and their families suffer but yet they have more administrators than office space with all salaries averaging $90,000.00 per year. THAT JUST GIVES A WHOLE NEW MEANING TO THE PHRASE "EDUCATED IDIOTS". Several of those janitors have almost enough years to retire. IS THE BOARD GOING TO GIVE THEM A SEVERANCE PAY! HECK NO!

Submitted By: Michelle	Submitted: 7/7/2010
Hey Price sounds like you need to go to church and see how depressing it is. Sounds like you have not ever been to church because if you left depressed you only went for social status. I agree with you about Wal Mart because you depressed when you work(and don't get a EBT card) and watch all your money go to food and other things needed to support a family. But be blessed you have the money and be blessed you work for it. Oh yeah, I do hope the casino crashes down on itself because it is not needed here.

Submitted By: Disbelief	Submitted: 7/7/2010
I am in disbelief! What is going on at Jones County Schools! Somebody do something!

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 7/6/2010
hey Karen...since you think Casino's are such a depressing place you must NOT go in to Wal-Mart or church...those places are pretty depressing, well actually more depressing than a casino...last time I went to a casino everyone was smiling and having a good time...crazy isnt it?

Submitted By: Average Somebody

Submitted: 7/6/2010

Editor's note: Some of the specific job titles listed in the original post were replaced with more vague job descriptions in parentheses.

Just overheard that Howard's is placing a bid on computer repairs for Jones County Schools which will eliminate Technology positions. First janitors, now this! What next, outsourcing teachers?! Meanwhile, a certain (high level administrator's) daughter still holds her job after sleeping with a coach from (a county school). And not to mention (another high level administrator's) fling with a recent graduate who was quickly moved to a position at (another school) after school officials discovered this. And (another high level administrator) still holds his job after his fling with a former counselor at (a county school) was discovered. She was let go. Enough is enough. Lower your own $100,000/yr salaries and leave the poor alone. And for god's sake, keep your pants up on the job!

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 7/4/2010
Replying to Captain Lefty: Your suggestion has made me reconsider how I could best spend my $20.00.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 7/3/2010
I do not gamble. I am not guided by emotionally charged religious or moral principles on this issue, but rather by intellectually developed fiscal ones. I fully respect the rights of the idiots who cannot afford to gamble but are compelled to do so. They represent a large portion of those with whom I do not have to compete with as I journey towards the top of the heap. I suppose that I am ambivilent regarding the "casino," but I would really dig a brothel. Let's go Choctaws...think outside the box.

Submitted By: Rubicon	Submitted: 7/2/2010
Let the Casino be built in Sandersville. This is Indian Nation territory. Let them build and let the MS government cry as they lose tax revenue. Sovereignty is sovereignty.

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 7/2/2010
I am in full support of the Choctaw Nations decision to build a Casino in Sandersville. The extra potato chip package on the side of the road, the extra possum road kill generated from the increased traffic is a small inconvenience. Gamblers buying gas and snacks will increase the monies for the city. That wicked and evil gambling money from the Casinos in Philadelphia bought Police and Fire vehicles for the City of Sandersville. Indian Casinos across the nation have returned the Tribes to self-determination. I applaud their efforts to become less dependent on the government to provide for their needs. I submit to you that a Casino in Sandersville will generate more than 250 jobs. Of that 250+, half will be from the Choctaw Nation and the other half Non-Choctaws from Jones County. I know the number is less than the 10,000 jobs Howard Industries promised for Howard Technology Park when that bond was passed, but these 125+ jobs are real, not like the jobs at Howard Technology Park. The argument for tearing up the roads is weak. How many 3,000 lb cars does it take to do the same damage to our roads as one 80,000 lb semi passing over them? Choctaws have their own law enforcement. Why will this cause an imaginary increase in Jones County law enforcement? The Governor has come out opposed to the casino, citing harm to the turtles, snakes, and plants. Barbour has been Governor for eight years, this is the first I have ever heard of him mentioning the environment. I think more harm will be done by denying the Choctaws living in poverty, an opportunity to be self-sufficient. One letter to the editors of LLC indicated murders would increase by hundredfold. If one murder was committed in Sandersville, a hundredfold would be 100 murders committed if a Casino was built in Sandersville. I think not. There are many false statements being propagated by opponents of the Casino. Be careful as you read the letters and press releases, make sure they are based on fact and not emotions. Besides, I don’t like to drive 2 hours to put $20.00 in a nickel machine.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 6/29/2010
We're number one! http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20100629/obesity-rate-swells-in-28-states

Submitted By: michelle	Submitted: 6/29/2010
I will tell you why there are so many homes in Laurel vacant. There are so many criminals running free and robbing people that no one who is decent will move into Laurel. The police do the best they can but when their hands are tied what else can they do. The criminal has more rights than you or I do. People just about have to give their houses away now. I remember a long time ago the thugs just lived in the projects but they don't want them no more so they buying up the homes with the dope money they make. Leave it to Laurel. Thats one reason Laurel will never be a decent city again unless authority is able to unleash the tight reign of the law.........

Submitted By: Chiuahua	Submitted: 6/29/2010
Laurel=Tijuana

Submitted By: Robert Hayes	Submitted: 6/28/2010
Having only lived in Jones County a few years, what's the issue in Laurel? So many homes for sale and many at almost give away prices. I remember when were looking for a place here, our realtor said you want to live in or near Ellisville, not laurel, but she wouldn't elaborate beyond just saying you don't want to go there??????

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 6/27/2010
With regard to oil leak....I am totaslly depressed. With regard to the new school supt leak....yawn.

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 6/26/2010
The June 17 paper where the Review "scooped" everyone says, "....two sources with knowledge of the board's decision confirmed that Benigno had been hired for the job...." It does not say "...a board member..." or anyone else. Obviously, Miranda knew but did not tell her co-workers at WDAM. I think the School District's PR person, Lacy, still does work for the Leader-Call and she did not tell any of them. There are professional ethics questions all around here. On the one hand, you work for your employer (WDAM, Laurel School District) and on the other hand you have knowledge of important school decisions, but cannot tell your employer (WDAM) or the business you do part-time work for (Leader-Call) or else everyone will know where it came from and it could get you in trouble.

Submitted By: Laurel School District Supporter	Submitted: 6/25/2010
Congratulations to Chuck Benigno--hopefully, everyone will support him. However, the School Board member who leaked the news to The Review should be removed. He/she was completely unprofessional. That information was not supposed to leave the meeting room until the Board was ready to announce the results. Roberts Rules were definitely abused by this member.

Submitted By: Laure School District Parent	Submitted: 6/25/2010
Are you serious "Laurel Parent" and "Congratulations"? The Laurel School Board had the right to make an official announcement concerning the new superintendent when it was appropriate and to all citizens and parents of Laurel at the same time. Yes, Miranda does work for WDAM and kudos to her for being a professional and not "leaking" any information concerning this matter to her news sources. I wouldn't consider offering congratulations to The Review for getting their information from a Board member that had been out-voted and was, to say the least, scorned!

Submitted By: Wow	Submitted: 6/24/2010
Uncle Harvey piece was outstanding if not hard to read..Less commas and more periods please but the content was amazing, A MUST READ!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: michelle	Submitted: 6/21/2010
Thats the problem we shouldn't have to take Spanish classes in the USA because English is our language and if Hispanics want to move here they need to learn English or don't talk to use. This is not our repsonsibility it is theirs!!!!!!!!!

Submitted By: Laurel Parent	Submitted: 6/18/2010
Thank you so much for letting us know who the next Laurel School Superintendent will be. I think the school board is making a good choice. And I agree with the post below stating that it is funny that Miranda Beard is on the school board and they still don't have the story. Maybe you guys could write WDAM's news for them.

Submitted By: WOW	Submitted: 6/18/2010
OMG! i thank God for justice,my heart goes out for the family of the rape victims..im spanish and a christian,but wrong is wrong! this S.O.B was my neighboor i mean leave next door.new him for 10 years.WHAT the HEll! this is a lesson to learn..looks can be decieving and fool ya! ask your self do you really know your neighboor? dont get me wrong..i hope he rotens in hell for what he did.i know they cant wait to get there hands on him in jail...GOD is in control he is the big judge,justices WILL BE DONE..i my self i applaud the sherif dept and every one else who help..GOD BLESS YOU.KEEP DOING WHAT YALL DOING..BE BLESS

Submitted By: ME	Submitted: 6/18/2010
U.S.A is my home, im original from Panama,but i love my USA.shes been good to me.i thank God for that!Im a legal imimgrant. and DAMM proud to.i been here 29 years.this one is for you who said ...if you dont like it,leavea and go back where you came from....mmmmhmm! let me tell you something..you and every body else whos being ignorant rite about now ..every body legal or ilegal or even born citizens has to get use too to everything.i think you just had a very stupid moment...lol.you eat there food,MEXICAN you have to take spanish in H.S or colleage or University DUUUHHHH! but you complaining lmao..naw baby you get smart and go back to school...or JESUS! what would he say or do? be bless

Submitted By: Mike	Submitted: 6/18/2010
Wow, so one of our local lawmen/narcotics officer was quoted as saying "its harvest time" when referring to a local bust/marijuana...its pretty embarrassing knowing that an OFFICER has no clue when actual harvest time is...it is JUNE right now. BTW, harvest time is in Sept/Oct.. Good to know we have such educated lawmen. Another reason the Drug War is a waste of time and $

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 6/18/2010
Boy was I wrong !!! hats off to the LSD in choosing the best candidate regardless of race.I would have bet you a million it would not happen. Maybe its not as bad as I thought.

Submitted By: Congratulations	Submitted: 6/17/2010
You mean to tell me that the little Jones County weekly scooped the big bad Leader-Call and WDAM on the naming of the new School Superintendent? Isn't Miranda Beard on the school board? Congratulations. Job well done!!!

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 6/15/2010
Yes, Carl was outstanding. An excellent lawman for a long, long time in Laurel and Jones County. RIP, Mr. Monk. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Submitted By: Sad day	Submitted: 6/15/2010
rip carl monk, one of the best lawmen this county has ever had

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 6/14/2010
Now can you beleive that we are going to spend over a million dollars on a fire station that includes a commercial kitchen???Wake up citizens we are BROKE!!!

Submitted By: Fed Up	Submitted: 6/13/2010
Driver you are correct, the city is broke.Having to sale city buildings to keep a float.Sending everyone to MML for a all expense paid vacation at tax payers expense.

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 6/9/2010
Do you think there will ever be another white superintendent or mayor in Laurel Ms Get real no matter what their qualifications it will NEVER happen

Submitted By: driver	Submitted: 6/8/2010
Are we ready for another tax increase? Its comming! The school system and the City are out of money. How much more can we the citizens afford to pay.

Submitted By: UpUpandAway	Submitted: 6/7/2010
Having recently moved to another state from Jones County,MS, there are things I terribly miss, but litter is not one of them. Where I now live, I see almost NO litter on the sides of the roads. Here, we have civic groups who do pick up trash, but there isn't much to collect. Citizens seem to be more interested in keeping their state clean and litter free than the people of Mississippi do. It's a shame to have to go elsewhere to see cleanliness and manifestations of pride. Clean up, Mississippi. You are a beautiful state, and Jones County is a fine county that we should all be proud of.

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 6/6/2010
So the Laurel Farmer's Market has to hire someone from San Luis Obispo, Calif., to be its manager? Wow. Truly amazing.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 6/5/2010
What's the deal with the downtown farmers' market? It's open from 3:00-6:00 p.m. What about working people? By 5:00, anything worth buying is gone (I know this from last year's experience). It seems much more feasible to me. if three hours is the limit, for the market to be open from 7:30-10:30 a.m. when working people could stop by on their way to work plus it would be cooler for the merchants.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 6/5/2010
Dear "Member of a local fire department." I hope you get this newspaper thing sorted out soon. Then you may become aware of some issues a bit more serious than a free paper. Issues like our state leading the way in all the negative statistics used to measure our quality of life...teen pregnancy and its financial burden on our infrastructure...illiteracy..unemployment..infant mortality...You may want to shift your shift your focus to issues like oil in the Gulf of Mexico threating the economy and culture of the entire Gulf South. Perhaps you'll give some thought to the massive uinchecked influx of illegal aliens into our region, the meth epidemic in Jones County, and other issues which you aren't being made aware of because you're too cheap to cough up fifty cents for a newspaper. That is an assumption on my part...you may just have a deeply offended sense of entitlement.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 6/4/2010
Can someone please explain to me why Laurel has an organization called "Laurel Main Street" and an annual "Main Street Festival" when Laurel has no Main Street?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 6/1/2010
I am a member of a local fire dept. We recieve FREE basic cable from our cable provider. We have just recieved a bill from The Leader Call for their paper. We provide a service for all including the Leadrer Call. Are they so cheap that they cannot donate a newspaper to a Fire Dept. Can the Review be taking so many readers away that they can"t give a free paper to a fire station. We will not be paying this and will be looking for The Review on Thursdays

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 5/25/2010
is there a REASON why WXXV/FOX on COMCAST is so terrible?? any reason why it has not worked in lets see, a week or so? the reg ch is terrible...so is COMCAST!

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 5/25/2010
He has been caught and is in jail in Mexico.

Submitted By: Walker Texas Ranger	Submitted: 5/25/2010
So what was the major announcement the sheriff made this morning regarding the illegal rapist?

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 5/23/2010
Deputy honored for DUI enforcement Great...he must have an eye for spotting impaired drivers. I don't have that skill. I do, however, spot dozens of adult drivers every day hauling kids who aren't buckled in. How many of these chumps has he written up?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/22/2010
Capt. Lefty, money talks. If all the dirt on said poultry farmer were made public, it would rock Jones County.

Submitted By: Captain Lefty	Submitted: 5/22/2010
As one crosses 7th Ave on 15th St, they are cautioned by a sign that NO TRUCKS are allowed. Would the city prefer that trucks travelling East to West use 13th St, perhaps the worst paved street in town? Maybe 12th, so heavy traffic passes by the high school. What about routing through 21st and then 20th, both pothole championship contenders. I guess any route that doesn't take you past a millionaire chicken farmer's house will do.

Submitted By: Stunned by verbosity	Submitted: 5/20/2010
Harvey Warren is obviously a deep thinker. I just wish he would value periods as much as he does commas, and sentences as much as he does clauses. He is a hard read.

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 5/20/2010
Jammin For Jax FREE benefit concert this Saturday (May 22nd) @ Mason Park. 10am to 5 pm. 4 bands!!! also after last band is done we are having a Drum/Percussion JAM and everyone is invited to join in 1. Skeletons of Society 2. Plyward Grove 3. Black Anny 4. Who is Tyler Durden? There will be food, fun activities and tables set up for different activities. Come out and join us for some great fun.

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 5/19/2010
Wow. On Monday, the LLC ran a huge picture of the winner of the 2009 Oilmen's Golf Tourney (taken just after last year's tournament) and ID'd him as the 2010 winner. How do you screw that up? Priceless......

Submitted By: FeelingRippedOff	Submitted: 5/14/2010
Where was Uncle Harvey's column this week?? I want my $.75 back..

Submitted By: ReView Editor	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Folks, we aren't in the business of stifling free speech ... but we intended for this forum to be a place for debate and discussion of local issues, not for personal, petty arguments and grievances. We will not be posting any more comments on this most recent subject. It's time to move on ...

Submitted By: Legalteam	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Sounds like DJ has all he needs for a liable/defamation claim. Let's find an apology posted quick from both of them and a couple of checks sent into the Review for DJs choice of local charity.

Submitted By: Firefighter	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Just as well old chief is out of a job otherwise he'd be in mac's office this morning with some explaining to do lol.

Submitted By: Teacher99	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Well I know these 2 so called American personaly and I wouldn't trust either one as far as I could throw them. The dj guy described them to a tee. Well done sir.

Submitted By: Pay back time	Submitted: 5/6/2010
I gets the feeling your not happy with them lol. War & peace there but does this mean he gets more column space when he writes again for the review. ?

Submitted By: Sue Them	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Thanks for all you've done in helping to provide this website to the local community DJ. These 2 should be ashamed to call themselves Americans, makes me feel sick. You deserve more than an apology.

Submitted By: Hell yeh	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Sock it to them mr dj. What a pair of slimeballs!!!

Submitted By: Johnfreemont	Submitted: 5/6/2010
Mr. DJ, that was more than a mouthfull. How much lying crap is a man to take? I have read a few of the venomous posts from Former Member. Yes, it is time for FM to find a life. Thanks for your faithfulness.

Submitted By: bystander	Submitted: 5/5/2010
I'm a member of The LaurelMsForums and have found nothing anti-American about The DJ. There are many members that log on daily, some post some just read but a good time is had by all. The two former members have gone out of their way to destroy a forum that was supported by a few members but is now mostly paid for by The DJ. What's the problem? Read a good book, get a new hobby or just plain get a life.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/5/2010
It's about time. Good for you DJ, give em hell!

Submitted By: The DJ	Submitted: 5/5/2010
Thank you, Mr Mitch Chance (AKA Hammer, AKA Former Member, AKA a whole host of other character names) along with you brother Mr David Chance (our esteemed ex-Fire Chief) (AKA Phoenix, AKA Festus, AKA Marvid, AKA an even longer list of character names) for your evidence on behalf of the prosecution in the ongoing “hate The DJ campaign” on internet forums, here, there and everywhere they can find to spew their obnoxious and repugnant filth and lies. In response to your latest Carpetbagger and exploitive accusations, which I consider to be libellous and also “asking American Citizens to donate so that the forum can operate”, I would like to offer some factual statements, against the following timeline. April 2nd, the owner of the forums hosting account (David) rattled the donation can to seek some help with the hosting bill. Any money going directly to the hosting account. In that post, he also stated that I had actually paid the hosting bill for the previous year. April 24th, the hosting account was suspended as the bill hadn’t been paid. Forum disappeared. April 25th, As quoted in your post, I made our apologies here on the Review Public Forum that the forum was down, hoping it would return ASAP and suggested that people might want to make a small donation. April 26/27th, I exchanged emails with David about the forum and his hosting account. Without going into personal circumstances here, the account wasn’t going to be renewed. With no other options available, I asked him to get the account transferred to my name. April 27th, I paid the hosting account for the next year and the hosting account became active again. The forum came back online. April 29th, I posted here on the Review that the forum had actually been back online since the 27th but there had been a server outage that day. April 29th, David posted on the forum, that the forum was under new ownership, that I had assumed responsibility for his hosting account. I posted a response that it was business as usual. We have merely underpinned the continuation of the forum and that David had continued use of the hosting account should he so wish. April 30th/May 1st, I received 2 donations notifications from the hosting provider. I posted our thanks and appreciation on the forum. Timeline of events ended, I would like a really good explanation as to why this is being described as Carpet-bagging and I would also like to know who has been exploited. Given that I have paid the hosting account both for last year as well as for the next 12 months, am I being accused of taking advantage of David? I did try to encourage donations in my Review post, which was posted 2 days before I entered into discussion with David about taking on the hosting account. As stated above, the donations go into a holding account at the hosting company, not to an individual, and are not cash redeemable. I have never received any financial return from any forum I have been involved in, and similarly any donations will be used for ongoing hosting bills. “Asking American Citizens to donate so it can operate” If people wish to make a small donation to something they get enjoyment from then that is their prerogative and as far as I’m aware the US constitution does not require them to ask Mr Chance’s permission first. The forum has my backing that it will continue, regardless of whether donations are made or not. Should either of the two donators feel exploited in any way, I would be happy to refund their donations from my own pocket, leaving the donations in the hosting holding account, which as I said is not cash redeemable. I would therefore request a full written apology to be posted on this forum for the above libellous comments, which can all be formally back up with paperwork, in the meantime I’ll let other be the judge. To put these accusations that has spread here to the Review into perspective. -------- Mitch and I had a bust up about our Terms of Service on appropriate post content that is allowed on the forum. (what’s considered appropriate to post) Mr Expert on all things constitutional wanted to hold up the constitution card and tell me that Americans can say what the like, wherever they like to say. Fine by me, but trying to explain that we have different constraints under our TOS was like lighting the blue touch-paper. And that’s why they both ended up getting ejected from the forum. Since then myself and some of the other members have been subjected to a series of hateful and vile comments posted on various forums around the internet by these two reprobates dating back over the last year, with a whole bunch of multiple characters trying to look like a crown. Much of it gets deleted quite quickly by the individual forums who actually understand their responsibilities in dealing with appropriate post content but I have a full file of what’s been posted for the appropriate authorities, if it needs to be used. Personally, I admit I made a grave error in judgement by letting brother Mitch get up too close with all his praises and how wonderful you are smarmy comments and it has bitten me in the A$$. In hindsight I'm sure he has always been the same kind of person throughout his life, trying to manipulate people to get his own way. A weasel who works his way in under cover. All sorts of accusations of being Anti-American, Socialistic, Obama, Nazi, and other hateful comments but despite his bragging about all how clever he is, his connections and knowledge, he actually knows very little about me and my views. He's actually been very crafty in making most of my views up for me. It's a bit like a political assassination, where all sorts of stories and half truths and lies get baked and turned into facts. I suppose it comes with the territory of being in a position where people have a different view of how things should be done. Just because I may have posted something on the forum or made reference to something in the past doesn't mean it reflects my personal views on any matter but it seems that 2 plus 2 makes about 17 to some people and things become facts. It would be foolish of anyone to have any involvement with him on ANY forum. A fox is still a fox, no matter what he tells you. Oh, he keeps on saying the characters are different people that are doing the posting but if you play multi-characters, you have to remember which one you are playing and he hasn’t got the brains to say exactly the same things on different forum as the same character. On that and other key traits, he leaves a trail a mile long. Brother David only started off by coming to the defence of his brother but should have kept his nose out, let it run it's course and maybe there might have been a different outcome. That's a brotherly thing to do and I respect that but as things continued over the months the man shows signs of being severely unhinged and all I can do is feel pity for him. He lost his job and that kind of thing can have an ill effect on people. That being said, I have questions over him being able to do the job he did given the kind of temperament he has displayed, his attitude to other fellow human beings and perhaps that was the real reason for his remise. JMO. Some people don't like my ways, that's understandable. Sometimes calls have to be made for the overall good of the forum and it's continued existence. We can all have our different views. All I've been attempting to do in the past is to get members to be responsible for their actions and post in an appropriate manner with some respect for their fellow human beings. It's not a difficult concept to grasp but some people have difficulty with it. Some of the accusations also suggested that I had infiltrated the Review, and was spreading my so called Anti-American beliefs and values, as a result of the association with our forum and that I wasn’t worth the money they were paying me. (Perhaps Jim/Mark would like to comment on that.) I believe I've made a significant commitment to the continuation of the forum's existence. It’s a pity some others don’t appreciate it. Why don’t the two of you give it up and go and get a life or you’ll both end up bitter and twister for the rest of your days.

Submitted By: Former Member	Submitted: 5/5/2010
According to the LaureMsForums, the forum is now owned by dj. In dj's post to the review; see as follows:Submitted By: The DJ - LaurelMsForums Submitted: 4/25/2010 LaurelMsForums Apologies that the LaurelMsForums isn't available right now. I'm sure it will return as soon as possible. Whilst the forum is provided free of charge, it does rely on donations to help out with with running costs. Unfortunately, as some will be aware David (Locolobo on the forum) who provides the hosting for the site, isn't a local oil baron and with a young family, there are always other important items that need his finances attention first. When we do get the forum back up again please make some use of the Hosting/Donations button at the bottom of the forum page if you can help with a dollar or two, if you can't then the forum will still continue to be free. Seems dj is using The Review to make a plea for donations to keep his forum going. As I posted earlier,the LaurelMsForums is a Carpetbagger Forum, asking American Citizens to donate so it can operate. Another outsider/non American taking advantage of Americans.

Submitted By: Former Member	Submitted: 5/4/2010
You're right! Who cares? The LaurelMsForums should be renamed "Carpetbagger Forum" Carpetbagger, noun, "any opportunistic or exploitive outsider"

Submitted By:	Submitted: 5/1/2010
Who cares? The LaurelMsForums is now owned by dj. Wish you would stay gone.

Submitted By: The DJ - LaurelMsForums	Submitted: 4/29/2010
The LaurelMsForum has actually been back online since Tuesday. There was an outage last night, for a couple of hours, while some work was being done at the server end. Apologies for the recent downtime but we are back online.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/28/2010
Last night the Laurel MS forum was up and running and tonight it's gone again. What's going on?

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 4/27/2010
Is there anywhere in Laurel that we can donate food, clothing and other supplies to those in the tornado-ravaged areas in Yazoo and surrouding counties?

Submitted By: daisymae	Submitted: 4/27/2010
Why do the uninformed think Tea Party supporters are all old and rich? Maybe they should attend a rally and see for themselves.

Submitted By: The DJ - LaurelMsForums	Submitted: 4/25/2010
LaurelMsForums Apologies that the LaurelMsForums isn't available right now. I'm sure it will return as soon as possible. Whilst the forum is provided free of charge, it does rely on donations to help out with with running costs. Unfortunately, as some will be aware David (Locolobo on the forum) who provides the hosting for the site, isn't a local oil baron and with a young family, there are always other important items that need his finances attention first. When we do get the forum back up again please make some use of the Hosting/Donations button at the bottom of the forum page if you can help with a dollar or two, if you can't then the forum will still continue to be free. In the meantime The DJ will still be hanging out Across The Pond at www.TheDJsForum.co.uk/forum and I'll hopefully be back with some ramblings on The ReView column...... whenever I get to escape from the hospital visiting. Mom is doing well and will hopefully be getting out of hospital soon. Those long distance prayers must have worked.

Submitted By: randy	Submitted: 4/24/2010
Tried the link to Laurel MS Forums and could not get through. Has the forum shut down?

Submitted By: oft	Submitted: 4/22/2010
Anyone from Laurel or surrounding area on the Deepwater Horizon?

Submitted By: LaurenB	Submitted: 4/12/2010
When I read or hear negativity towards the Review it's sad because most all of it sounds like hurt feelings. Lack of fearless honesty and unapologetic humor or opinions is why I spend .75 cents each week without fail. I don't have to read between the lines of Southern terminal niceness, I get to hear what's really going on and being said raw and to the point. Feelings aren't fact! Offended readers have no authority to speak for everyone. This paper has an obvious soul behind it, not an obvious censor or biased good ol' boy mentality. Sorry LLC, but you all have been getting called the Leader Liar since I was a child, and I'm almost 30. (I vividly remember laughing at the pun.) So for God's sakes, LAUGH at YOURSELVES! It's annoying how PC and structured the articles can be, dehumanizing the reader with its robotic rhetoric. I still appreciate the astrographs and Dear Abby though.

Submitted By: Anonymous	Submitted: 4/11/2010
To the man who got a $15.2 million dollar verdict for asbestosis. Unfortunately, the oil company will most likely appeal the jury's decision and unless you agree to a settlement amount, it will be years before you see any of that money. That is something plaintiffs don't realize when they file a lawsuit. That and the fact that the lawyers get anywhere from 30% to 50% of the amount awarded, plus expenses, which can amount to thousands of dollars to pay expert witnesses, deposition expenses and the list goes on and on.

Submitted By: David E. Chance	Submitted: 4/9/2010
Mark, Jim and others, You have the best newspaper anywhere. Please keep doing what ya'll are doing because it is what we need. A local paper with local news and articles.

Submitted By: The Review	Submitted: 4/9/2010
Dear Something to be Proud of: Yes.. We are extremely proud of both issues and our newspaper in general. Thank you for reading and visiting our website.

Submitted By: ReView Supporter	Submitted: 4/7/2010
The ReView was the only Laurel paper that went to cover that boxing event. They did not know that something horribly tragic would occur.. but nonetheless news is bad sometimes. They honored that boxer in that issue and if you don't see that then you should get your eyes.. or maybe heart... checked. As for the April Fools edition, it was all in good fun. The Leader Call blows. That's not a secret. Obviously a majority of Jones County can respect what they are doing. It's not like the ReView physically forced people to buy their newspaper. If you don't like the ReView then don't read it. You just make yourself look like a shallow dip(stick).

Submitted By: Something to be proud of	Submitted: 4/7/2010
The Review's 2 top selling newspapers came from making a mockery of another paper and the death and subsequent distasteful photos of Pancho Moncivais, now that is something to pride yourself on.

Submitted By: The Review	Submitted: 4/6/2010
Thank you Jones County for making our April Fool's Edition our top selling paper ever!!!

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/6/2010
Why can't you buy beer between 2 and 7 in the morning? Is it the Blue law or city law? Go buy groceries in the morning hours before 7 and you can by everything but beer. Another trip to the city ugly wasted.

Submitted By: ReView Supporter	Submitted: 4/4/2010
Fellow ReView Supporters: Don't get too upset by the posts by the LLC folks on here. They were posting on Facebook and had to flee when they realized that they were getting hammered and couldn't hide their identity like they do over here. Robert, you sound as much like an attorney as the guy who mows my lawn. Someone at the ReView reads all of these comments before they get posted so if the ReView was really worried about getting sued, they would never post comments like Roberts.

Submitted By: Laurie	Submitted: 4/3/2010
God, how stupid are people. No one is forcing you to read anything. The ReView is a phenomenal newspaper, and there was nothing wrong with them having some April Fools Day fun! They have every right to confront the LLC because it sucks. If you don't see that, then you are either blind or work for them. I don't understand why people continue to attack the well-written, well-produced newspaper as opposed to the crappy one that has been cheating Laurel's citizens of local news for years.

Submitted By: Laurie	Submitted: 4/3/2010
God, how stupid are people. No one is forcing you to read anything. The ReView is a phenomenal newspaper, and there was nothing wrong with them having some April Fools Day fun! They have every right to confront the LLC because it sucks. If you don't see that, then you are either blind or work for them. I don't understand why people continue to attack the well-written, well-produced newspaper as opposed to the crappy one that has been cheating Laurel's citizens of local news for years.

Submitted By: Robert	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Mr. LLC Blows, I for one really liked reading The Review when it first came out, but this war with the LLC has gotten old. You dont know much about the legal system, do you. I happen to be an attorney and I would gladly take the LLC's case. I am sure they had enough documentation before this..but this stunt was the icing on the cake. I think I will give them a call.

Submitted By: Steve	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Dawn: Come on over to the ReView's Facebook page and post your garbage over there and you'll see how many of us loved The ReViews April Fool's edition or are you scared to let us know you work for the LLC?

Submitted By: So Tired Of It	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Why does anyone take time to even read that RAG? I agree completely, Dawn. I stopped by this site to voice my opinion about Thursday's piece of trash and found your posting. Steve is the one that is an IDIOT. And what do you expect someone to say that works at the place. They ALWAYS GET DEFENSIVE if someone doesnt like something they do. I have known so many people that have cancelled their subscriptions. Thanks for speaking your opinion. You are certainly not alone.

Submitted By: Dawn	Submitted: 4/3/2010
So Steve, Speaking of IDIOTS..how long did you say you have worked at The Review Rag? You are not fooling anybody. Get defensive, but nobody, and I mean nobody that I know appreciated the Thursday newspaper. You must live in a cave...and of course work for The Review Rag.

Submitted By: Bob	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Dear ReView Folks: Don't worry about all these complaints, most likely from the same three people who work at the Leader-Call. Everyone got the joke and it was funny...Keep up the good work and don't let these people bring you down. You are the best paper in Jones County, hands down.

Submitted By: LLC Blows	Submitted: 4/3/2010
These Leader Call people are freaking morons. A lawsuit about what? I hope the LLC does sue...It will be funny to see a judge laugh at them.

Submitted By: Sandra	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Dear Editor, Sounds like you may have a law suit on your hands. Enough is enough. I have not seen the Thursday paper, but have heard all about it. I don't want to see it if it is as sickening as it sounds. A friend of mine was furious about the "big head" story. They have a niece with that condition. The LLC just may get your attention this time and then hopefully you will learn your lesson. Do you really think anyone likes to read that stuff. PLEASE.

Submitted By: Steve	Submitted: 4/3/2010
Dawn, you're an idiot. How are these guys trying to "pull the attention" away from themselves? They put a pooping dog on their front cover. It was hysterically funny and took a huge set of balls to take the risk they did. It is exactly this kind of boldness that makes The ReView interesting every single week while the Leader Call continues to suck. Get a clue.

Submitted By: Dawn	Submitted: 4/3/2010
You know what they say...an organization that continually tries to put their competition down is insecure. They know that their own product is lacking and they try to pull the attention away from themselves. The paper Thursday was the ultimate example. Come on guys. GROW UP.Take your medicine. There is room for a daily and weekly newspaper in Jones County, but I for one am sick of reading The Review. It is tabloid journalism. I would welcome another weekly newspaper to our community.

Submitted By: Sick	Submitted: 4/2/2010
The front page of your newspaper Thursday was sick. Poor taste. Horrible. You have some warped people working at the paper. When are you guys going to "get over" your war with the best newspaper in Jones County. Grow up.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/2/2010
I have just heard that the Laurel Fire Dept has hired another firefighter. Im wondering what the ratio of black to white is . The concent decree says it should be 50/50. But seeing that we now have a council and administration mainly of blacks when will Barbara T. be down here to make it right.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 4/2/2010
Once again a select group of Macks followers are getting off with pay. This town is going to !!!! in a handbag fast. It reminds me of the Obama and Polosi crew doing as they please and damn the rest. If people are wondering why the moral is so low within the workforce check out the hours administration has been paid while they were off. Look into a mis use of tax payer monies.

Submitted By: The ReView Rocks	Submitted: 4/2/2010
I think the front page was very funny. It was a great joke and to true of a newspaper name. The ones posting bad comments about the front page joke are probably Leader-Call employees. Lmao!

Submitted By: joepaterno	Submitted: 4/2/2010
I'm disappointed. I was really looking forward to reading Joe Phatledge's review of SEC press box buffets. It would have been the first thing he has written about those games he attends – including USM. I hear he hits the buffets at ballgames, leaves sometime in the second half and never writes anything about the games. Using press passes to get into events, just eat and never write anything about the event is a serious, serious lack of professionalism. Joe Phatledge would not be welcome in my press box at Happy Valley.

Submitted By: My Opinion Counts	Submitted: 4/1/2010
To quote your website, "No slanderous, libelous or malicious entries will be tolerated." Maybe you should delete that trash off your website you call a front page. That is the most ridiculous prank and lack of professionalism I've ever seen. It's a shame you people think your newspaper is so wonderful. If your "journalists" put half as much time in writing unbiased work as you did that front page, I might consider your paper worth something.

Submitted By: clem	Submitted: 4/1/2010
the phatledge parity crossed the line

Submitted By: toocansam	Submitted: 4/1/2010
Well, by looking at the front page it seems more like the Inquire than a real newspaper.

Submitted By: bigdawg	Submitted: 4/1/2010
I like your comment, but i think Bear would take Hodge in a cage fight!!!

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 4/1/2010
Maybe one day someone will knock that Sheriff of Jones County off his high horse and everyone will see him as he really is. Why doesn't he tell actually how many man hours he had looking for that hundred pounds of dope.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 4/1/2010
OMG! You have outdone yourself with today's edition and I've only looked at the front page so far. Too funny!

Submitted By: Richard Conrad	Submitted: 3/26/2010
Everyone is invited to a Meet-n-Greet with Steven Palazzo, Candidate for the 4th Congressional District of Mississippi. He is running against Gene Taylor. The Meet-n-Greet will be held at the Hampton Inn on Jefferson Street in Laurel at 1:00 pm tomorrow, Saturday, March 27.

Submitted By: Johnfreemont	Submitted: 3/24/2010
Well once again Gene Taylor gave us another reason why he must go. By his voting for Nancy Pelosi as leader of the house, we are saddled with Obamacare. This total attack of our God given freedoms(obamacare) will do nothing to help anyone. So Gene say good-bye. And anyone else with a D after their name. The "D" really does stand for the party of death.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 3/21/2010
Could you please find another source for your crossword puzzles? The ones you publish now are no fun at all.

Submitted By: Johnfreemont	Submitted: 3/19/2010
Just announced on 98.1, At 11:30am (Sat.the 20th) the "We Surround them" of Jones county will meet at the Laurel Court House for prayer. We will pray for America and ask for God's intervention on obamacare. God can touch hearts and defeat this wicked legislation. See you there.

Submitted By: Wilma	Submitted: 3/16/2010
Who would know better about waste of space than old Chief Waste of Space himself.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/15/2010
Noticed the dj column was back, bad waste of good space.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/14/2010
Rubicon, You have been noticeably absent from TOF. What's up?

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 3/13/2010
My first reaction Thurs am, after purchasing my "Review" and reading that Reed Walters had been fired "Was those PC bastards on the school board. I have met Reed at Tea Party events and felt thank God a real educator. But he was teaching the children today. That is a definite no-no in this modern--we need more MONEY for education generation. More MONEY and all our problems will be solved.The mystery of all this money poured into the schools, has still left America with a dumded down generation.(study hegelian dialectic process). I highly recommend that Mr. Harlan Matthews and Mr. John David Jeffcoat immediately reinstate Mr Reed Walters. Then do the descent thing and resign. An educator such as Mr. Walters is a gift in this day and not to be thrown away to please the big dogs. Once again damn the children who benefit the most from this man, let's please, well I don't know who is pleased. There is a public outcry that will soon deafen the ears of this school system. Also, let's fire some football coaches for swearing at the children. Naw, football is the god of this school. I hope the school has lots of money to pay out for a wrongful dismissed suit.

Submitted By: Kalikotecats	Submitted: 3/12/2010
Just to get my two cents worth in, I love Karen's writings. She is a fine lady and I would recommend her new book,Travelers In Search Of Vacancy, for some delightful reading.Keep up the good work Karen. I miss your collumn when it isn't in the Review.

Submitted By: down n dirty	Submitted: 3/11/2010
Take time to enjoy the daffodils and thank a gardener while you're at it.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/11/2010
Cause he and the new chief and council are buddies. Viloted city policy

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/11/2010
Also the training officer at the fire dept is still under his 6 month probation period. Why is he so special........

Submitted By: Right most Rev. Stumpslungpewchittlin	Submitted: 3/9/2010
Thangs sho smelling right at the fire dept

Submitted By: IVECROSSEDMYRUBICON	Submitted: 3/9/2010
I just called The ReView's office to inquire about WHERE WAS THE DJ's COLUMN this past week?....I was assured this Thursday -- March 11th -- he will have a column. Thanks ReView and as always all of you are outstanding!

Submitted By: u left it out	Submitted: 3/9/2010
U forgots to mention the rookie was wriiten up and the chief wasnt. What about the memos on miss spelling on inspections that had severl misspelled words in it

Submitted By: r u surprised	Submitted: 3/9/2010
And all God's chillin said amen

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/9/2010
Once again Laurels double standards have come to the surface. A battalian chief rearended another car and did not take a drug test. A few weeks ago another fireman was involved in a accident and was taken to have a drug test right away.

Submitted By: Getalife	Submitted: 3/7/2010
You'd need one of those fancy Ph.D degrees to be able to write like than, never mind actually read it. You know the type, the kind you don't actually need to attend the institution to get one.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen, ?????, Morale Booster	Submitted: 3/6/2010
The following correspondence is a recapitulation of several letters posted on the Review forum. The author has taken the liberty to reconstruct the letters to a simpler style of writing for reading. Please leave this in the manner in which it was written. Hats off to the city of Hattiesburg for compensating the workers that came in on the day the great blizzard hit. Now lets look at Laurel. They told their worker "only the ones in administration were allowed to be off with pay. The ones who came in were told they would get no nothing”. That is a great moral booster. Yes ,once again the great city officials have made their employees feel wonderful. Work your butt off for people who do not care. They can take trips anywhere anytime they want but the employees cannot get paid. Employees should be treated like they are important not just slaves serving a master. I would like for the Review to see if there is any validity in the following questions: > Is it true that the city sold the number five fire station to a local church? > Is it also true that they were to be out by the end of February and they are still there? > Is it also true that they are not paying any rent and the fire facility that was supposed to be finished this month will not be built to sometime next year? >Is it true that the former fire chiefs found property and a building that would have saved the city coffers hundreds of thousands of dollars compared to what the city is now having to pay but were told no? > Also, there was money that should have been earmarked for a new station but somehow lost its identity. What happened to the money received by selling station three and the property around station five? > Is it also true that the flagpole annexations are going to cost dearly? That some of the people in the new west Laurel no longer rate a class five rating but a class ten? What about Hawkes where two very large manufacturing plants are located how will they be affected? > Were they asked to put the fire trucks on a four year rotation to ensure that the time would not run out on their certification but once again why did they not listen? > For years, the has been property on the east side of town that does not have fire hydrants. Railroad avenue/street has needed one for years, so why was it not done? Had not the city been informed many times of this also? > Are there are also other parts of Laurel where hydrants are needed or never repaired? If the city has the documentation on all this why was it not fixed it ? > How can the city continue to toss money here and there while taking trips and staying in fancy hotels at the tax payer's expense several times a year while these very real problems were never fixed? > All these concerns could have, should have, would have been fixed so why did they not listen to the people they were paying to ensure the citizens of Laurel were safe and problems like this were handled? This will my the final correspondence on these subjects. I am quite certain that the Review will not receive straight answers for these problems facing our once great city. One additional question. How is the fire department doing now? I understand there are many new problems and most of the employees are extremely unhappy. My way or the highway mentality doesn't work. Lies and deceptiveness brings the truth to light. It make take time for the truth to surface but from what I hear it will not be long.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 3/5/2010
As to to remark (2/18/2010) that was made about the moselle case yes he will have to regester as a sex offender but he will get on with his life but the children and the families of these children will have this to deal with for the rest of their lives in my opinion what was said was not even close to what needs to be said

Submitted By: Morale Booster	Submitted: 3/3/2010
Yes,once again the great city officials have made their employees feel wonderful. Work your but off for people who don't care. Put your life on the line for years and because you are the wrong "color" you get fired. Can't get the things needed to do your job but they can drive new suvs. They can take trips anywhere anytime they want but the employees can't get paid. Racist bunch of bigots who are running the city now. Employees should be treated like they are important not just slaves serving a master.

Submitted By: ????????	Submitted: 3/3/2010
Hats off to the city of Hattiesburg for compensating the workers that came in on the day the great blizzard hit. Now lets look at Laurel. They told there worker "only the ones in addminitration were alowed to be off with pay. The ones who came in were told they would get no nothing. That is a great moral booster.

Submitted By: Karen Rasberry	Submitted: 3/1/2010
Funny, and definitely in a funny way, if my critic had actually used spellcheck or a dictionary, he would know how to spell the word "actually." Also, if he had done a little research on the proper use of grammar and sentence structure, he "might would've had" used different language when he bashed my column on Global Warming. Of course I know Al Gore and his followers have changed Global Warming to Global Climate Change to suit their misguided, pocket-padding agenda.

Submitted By: ???????????	Submitted: 2/28/2010
While having dinner tonite, someone came to where we were dining and told me something intresting. I would like for the Review to see if there is any vality in the following questions. Is it true that the city sold the #5 fire station to a local church? Is it also true that they were to be out by the end of February and they are still there? Is it also true that they are not paying any rent and the fire station that was supposed to be finished this month, will not be built to sometime next year? I sure wished I could sell my home and still live there witout paying rent or anything for over a year.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 2/28/2010
I am again speaking up for Karen Rasberry. I thoroughly enjoy her column and don't look at it as though she is trying to make a political statement, as some others do. (Global warming/climate change, or whatever you call it, is indeed a liberal, political issue.)

Submitted By: ReView Reader	Submitted: 2/27/2010
I personally think that Karen is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Keep up the good work Karen.

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 2/22/2010
Karen Rasberry's article on Al Gore/Global Warming was funny, but not in a funny way. Actualy if she did a little research she might would've had a different article. They call it Global Climate Change now, not "global warming". Besides Global Warming never meant it would just be hot. Besides, it occurs to me its is USUALLY cold in February. Hey, I could be wrong but in August it is hot as well...even weirder is at night it is dark...

Submitted By:	Submitted: 2/22/2010
NE Jones has decided on a new head football coach. Lets see who gets the scoop first the LLC or the Review.

Submitted By: Lavon Manning	Submitted: 2/18/2010
In the recent events involving Mr Williams from Moselle this is truely a horable crime that is due punishment this man took his plea deal and is going to jail for his crime. In my opion and others may disagree that the Jones County ADA should not make statements such as " I am tired of sexual preditors saying they have a disease or "an addiction" causeing them to commit the acts they do. "I hope he gets his cure at Parchman." If I am correct this slander. This man will now register as a sex offender(life sentence) serve his time, and try to go on with his life it will be hard enough with these charges hanging over his head without the comments made by Jones County ADA J. Ronald Parish, his job is to present evidence not to make degrading comments.

Submitted By:	Submitted: 2/18/2010
I would like to thank you for the article on craig bush, he was an uncle, husband, son, brother, and friend to alot of people. I believe that the review should write a story on how the laurel leader call cares nothing about people or the feelings of a grieving family. There also may be protests due to the heartless editor's failure to apologize to the family. My prayers are with the bush family and friends.

Submitted By: GreenEyedGirl	Submitted: 2/18/2010
Thank you so much for writing a more appropriate article about the recent death of Craig Bush. I was horrified to read the LLC's article and the complete lack of respect the staff showed this family during their time of mourning. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the Bush family.

Submitted By: Concerned Citizen	Submitted: 2/13/2010
Just read in the LLC that the city is just now planning a public forum about the new fire station #5. This is the same station the rating bureau was told would be in the finishing stages now. The city has drug their feet on this one for sixteen years. They were informed in 1994 that a new station was needed but it fell on death ears until now. It was only when they were told that they were going to lose the rating of a five that they started listening. It's to late now, its time to pay the fiddler with the home owners and businesses paying the cost. The flagpoles are going to cost dearly. Some of the people in the new west Laurel no longer rate a class five rating but a class ten. Then there is Hawks that is also going to be effected. Former fire chiefs found property and a building that would have saved the city coffers 100s of thousands dollars compared to what the city is now having to pay but were told no. The city can't bury their heads in the sand now because they are not telling the whole truth. They were asked to put the fire trucks on a four year rotation to ensure that the time would not run out on their certification but once again they did not listen. For years, the has been property on the east side of town that does not have fire hydrants. Railroad avenue/street has needed one for years and yes, the city has been informed of this also. There are also other parts of Laurel where hydrants are needed or never repaired. This has been going on for years so don't blame the former chiefs but blame some of the people at city hall. Some of the same people in charge now were in charge when these problems first started and have known about them for years. You can't blame the former fire chiefs because they were never allowed to get some of these problems fixed. The city has the documentation on all of this but why wasn't it done. We can throw money here and take trips there but these very real problems were never fixed. They could have, should have, would have been fixed but they did not listen to the people they were paying to be sure the citizens were safe and problems like this were handled. Ok council and mayor, what are you going to do now. Don't try and wiggle now about this because there is the truth about this waiting in the wings.

Submitted By: Oh Yea	Submitted: 2/7/2010
Hell froze over!!! Bunch is chief and Saints won the Super Bowl

Submitted By: Mark Easley	Submitted: 2/6/2010
CONGRATS to the NEJ Lady Tiger soccer team.....4A STATE CHAMPIONS!!!!! The final was 2-1 in sudden death overtime. Super job!!! Good luck to the Lady Mustangs this afternoon!!!!

Submitted By: One Mad Teacher	Submitted: 2/5/2010
I think that The Review is a refreshing way of reading local news. However, I am upset that only West Jones has received coverage about anything and everything they do that is so wonderful. I am sick and tired of seeing the ponies on the front page every day. This county has many schools that are doing great things! You know some schools may not win everything-and who is going to care in 10 years? We have some talented and great kids in this area and I am personally revolted by those green ponies on the front page every week. Please take note and make sure you include many of the schools in our area!!!! West Jones has their problems as well-don't let money fool you!

Submitted By: C'mon Man	Submitted: 2/5/2010
You guys must have gotten John Blackledge from the LLC to write that signing day article. It was Corvell Harrison, not Cory who signed with MSU. The entire article wreaked of a LLC rush to print job.

Submitted By: Condor	Submitted: 2/4/2010
It is amazing to me how little attention the recent bill that passed the legislature concerning prescription for over the counter medication such as Sudafed, machine, etc. Has anyone considered how much this will affect your life? Even if you have insurance you will pay the cost of doctor’s visit through increased insurance rates. People that don't have insurance will go to the emergency room for a Sudafed. Children will miss more school. It is impossible for me to imagine how the legislature could have allowed this to pass. Proponents of the legislation claim it cost law enforcement 4500.00 to clean up one of the meth sites that the drugs in question are used to produce the meth. Does anyone really believe that this will change anything? The drug problem gets worse with every new law they have passed since Woodstock in the 60's. Maybe we should have left well enough alone. BTW...I don't use any of these products, legally or illegally.

Submitted By: Fan of Flyin' Bryan	Submitted: 2/4/2010
Loved the Sound Shop article by Bryan Hicks. It was wonderful. I have many of the same memories and lack of funds during teen years because all monies were spent there! Now my kids were just starting to spend their allowances there. Most importantly, it was a place where the kids and I actuially had something in common. It will be missed!

Submitted By: Beth Allen	Submitted: 2/4/2010
Glad you included a poll to see what school needs more coverage but how in the devil can 30% think West Jones needs more coverage when they already have an entire newspaper dedicated to them? I am personally sick and tired of picking up the daily paper(Lord only knows why I bother)and WJ being on the front page for any miniscule little accomplishment. Granted they have some talented sports programs but they are NOT the only school in Jones County! Some of our schools actually excel in academics - after all isn't that what they are supposed to be there for? Anyway, great paper, look forward to it each week!

Submitted By: Justin Graves	Submitted: 2/3/2010
Great Website! Thank you, JC, for reading a fresh newspaper! Thank you REVIEW for publishing it!

Submitted By: Hopeless Libertarian	Submitted: 2/2/2010
Does anyone know if Al Gore crawled out of his mansion and saw his shadow this morning?

Submitted By: INDIA	Submitted: 1/30/2010
By the way i'm glad some body said some thing about the pot holes,,the one is call THE VENICE of the SOUTH ohhhhhhhhh my GOD..READ IT THATS GOOD.AND IS TRUE

Submitted By: india	Submitted: 1/30/2010
I LOVE YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU THE REVIEW,LOVE YA,I CAN'Y WAIT EVERY THURSDAY FOR YALL NEWS PAPER.YOU HAVE SO MUCH TO OFFER,AND BY THE WAY THE LLC,,YOU MIGHT AS WELL HANG IT UP,.,.I JUST CAN'T STAND IT.THERE IS NOTHING AT ALL THERE NO MORE.SEE THE REVIEW MAKE IT FUN AND TELL IT LIKE IT IS,SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.I LOVE YALL

Submitted By: Teffany C. White	Submitted: 1/29/2010
I Love the ReView. I have been reading this paper from the very start and I have enjoyed every page of it. I want my own column in it !!!!!

Submitted By: DeLouis Price	Submitted: 1/26/2010
Sure miss the music column...movie reviews just take up space!

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 1/26/2010
Great TEA PARTY last Sat. The real America showed up. As Patriots we will not stop until we are FREE once again. Obama is coming down and shall be returned to his native Kenya. Truth is truth.

Submitted By: ReView Supporter	Submitted: 1/25/2010
Thank God we have a newspaper in this town with a set of balls. Long live the ReView.

Submitted By: Hate the LLC	Submitted: 1/25/2010
I'd guess that if The ReView hasn't already passed the Liar Call in circulation they will in the near future. The Liar Call is a piece of garbage and I don't know why anyone still reads it. The Supervisors are just plain stupid to have gone against a local company...a good one at that.

Submitted By: Mitch Chance	Submitted: 1/25/2010
I am no fan of the Laurel Leader Call, and firmly believe that the Review is a better newspaper. With that said, the matter of total circulation may have been a factor that entered into this decision. I don't know the circulation of either the LLC or the Review, but I'm sure it was a factor at some point. I am all in favor of supporting local business first, but unfortunately in today's market place sometimes I need things and services that local businesses can't or don't provide.

Submitted By: Irate Voter	Submitted: 1/25/2010
Shame on you Andy Dial!! I voted for you last election but won't next time. If Cegielski's description of how the counties legal listings ended up with the LLC is the truth, then you and all of the Supervisors should be taken out behind the wood shed. Where is your support for local business and even worse than that...where is your common sense? Cegielski is right....if the LLC was charging you the maximum allowed under the law until The ReView came along, what in the world makes you think they won't do so again as soon as they get the chance. Wake up!

Submitted By: Mark Clark	Submitted: 1/22/2010
Where's my Loft cookies?

Submitted By: John Charles Cox	Submitted: 1/20/2010
Oh, and by the way, "eager reader" and "spaghetti monster" at least I use my real name when posting.

Submitted By: John C. Cox	Submitted: 1/20/2010
I have known Karen Rasberry for many,many years and worked with her briefly. She is INDEED a wonderful, intelligent, witty, person, full of vim, vigor and vitality, and I like her very much. As far as her talents as a newspaper columist, well that is another storey. But to take my comment as my comment being negative toward Karen personally, please let me assure you, and Karen, it wasn't! From my viewpoint, there's enough "fluff" in the Review as it is, reference the mess over Newt Knight etc. but as Mark once remarked "it sells papers!" Finally I do not understand the personal comments that my name is "apt" Cox is my late father's name and a name I carry with honor. If you're going to critize me do it for my intellectual inablities not on the basis of some Jr. High snicker, snicker, association with the pronunciation of my last name. Sincerely John Charles Cox Vietnam combat theatre 1968 Former member of the Jones County United Way Board of Directors, Laurel Little Theatre, Former President Jones County March of Dimes etc. etc. etc.

Submitted By: Eager Reader	Submitted: 1/18/2010
I really enjoy Karen Rasberry's column. It always brings back fond memories of my child- and young adulthood. It may not be Mr. Cox's cup of tea but perhaps his childhood was less than idyllic. Like Spaghetti Monster said, Mr. Cox is aptly named.

Submitted By: Spaghetti Monster	Submitted: 1/17/2010
You're right, Mr. Cox, I do know why Karen Rasberry has her own column. It's because the people of Jones County love her writing. She's very talented, and her ability to tell a story takes us on a welcome trip away from all the negativity that fills most newspaper pages these days. If you're going to be negative, I will too - Your last name suits you perfectly.

Submitted By: John Charles Cox	Submitted: 1/15/2010
Hi guys! When are you going to give poor Harvey Warren a more space? I think he should have his own column so you can use a larger typeface so we can read it without a magnifying glass. George Jaynes has a column, Karen Rasberry, for reasons known only to the great spaghetti monster, has a column, why not poor windy, wordy, worrison,ole Harvey?

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/12/2010
Congratulations on a wonderful newspaper and website. I've been a subscriber since the beginning. Is there any chance you might try another source for your crossword puzzles? I'm an avid puzzle solver, but have been very unhappy with the one The Review uses.....as have several other people I've talked to. It's the ONLY negative I have....Great job!!! I just wish you'd go daily...

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 1/11/2010
To Brad Smith. I agree with Jim and his belittlement of the LLC. I spent a dollar one Sunday and realized that all they did was reprint my home news page on my computer. Besides, Jim is funny. Who else would talk about their buttocks.

Submitted By: Brad Smith	Submitted: 1/10/2010
First, let me say that I like "The Review." It is an excellent local newspaper. I also like the website. Free online "newspaper" content is becoming hard to find. My only complaint is that Jim Cegielski seems to have some personal vendetta against the LLC. Why? Did they refuse to print his articles? Where some of the other "Review" writers dismissed from the LLC? I agree wholeheartedly that the LLC is a poor excuse for a local paper. The writing is amateurish, they typos are plentiful, and the coverage is limited. But the best way to win support is not by bashing your competition. Win the readers with expanded coverage, local interest news, professional reporting, and superior layout!

Submitted By: kay Scarborough	Submitted: 1/7/2010
Your website is one of the best I've visited. Will it continue to be free or subscription only? daisymae

Submitted By:	Submitted: 1/7/2010
Thank you for another informative and very entertaining issue of The ReView. I look forward to next Thursday just to see what you good folks have in store for us. As for Jim's unusually large buttocks..don't know. Thanks for giving The DJ a column of his own. We'll make a southerner out of him yet, as soon as he knows the difference between a "hissy fit" and a "conniption fit".

Submitted By: Snoopy	Submitted: 1/2/2010
Hard to believe those charges against Craig Bush and Matt Everette. I know them both as good, solid guys. They ought to talk to the Review to tell their side of the story. That paper has proved it doesn't always take what the cops say as gospel.

Submitted By: Joe paterno	Submitted: 1/1/2010
Great job on the All-Jones County Football Team. Great stats and action shots. And a great job of getting pics of each young man to make the team. All it takes is a little effort to make your product look good and you guys did that. Congrats!

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 12/29/2009
I need an English grammar lesson. In an article in the LLC, a Charlotte A. Graham was writing an article about Ellisville and the "Beer business booming. Under a photo of Casadores workers, the phrase =have say business has been booming. Is have say proper? Also, Miss Charlotte, it is Corner Market, not Country Market.Oh well.

Submitted By: John Freemont	Submitted: 12/25/2009
Jim and Mark, I wait with eager -excitement for the "Over the Pond" column to be a part of your AWESOME weekly publication. The DJ seems to have that English or Scottish wit, that has great depth. Merry Christmas to all at the 'REVIEW'. John Freemont, son of the REPUBLIC .

Submitted By: birthdaybunnie	Submitted: 12/23/2009
I guess you will kick a good man when he is down. Hope that you will do the same with the upper level of people in Jones county.

Submitted By: Hopeless Libertarian	Submitted: 12/23/2009
Surprised to hear about the embezzlement charge against former Red Cross employee Matt Everette. He's always seemed like a good guy to me. Then again, nothing should surprise me anymore.

Submitted By: John C. Cox	Submitted: 12/23/2009
Mark and Jim: Good web site, uncluttered, nice and clean, easy to navigate. Hope you won't do as other sites have done (Clarion-Ledger/Hat American/Leader-Call) and "improve it" for your reader's convenience! Remember the age-old adage, KISS!

Submitted By: Anthony J. Hudson	Submitted: 12/22/2009
I can truly say that if the review writes something about you or something you are involved in, they will let you respond. This is not true about the Laurel Leader Call.

Submitted By: yank	Submitted: 12/21/2009
Congratulations! Thanks for having a local website that loads in less than 30 seconds! (LLC I'm looking at you.)

Submitted By: Phunky	Submitted: 12/15/2009
St Judes/Ian Musgrove benefit set for Saturday in Laurel MS @ Overtime's (formerly Pasta's) 6 great bands.. This event is being held to raise money for Donation. 75% of all money raised will go to the family of Ian Musgrove for help with medical exspenses. Ian is the 3 year old son of Robert "Grove" & Jamie Musgrove from Laurel, MS. He is currently undergoing treatment for cancer at St. Jude Children's Hospital. The Musgrove family has asked that 25% of all proceeds be donated directly to St. Jude's Hospital. Please come out and show your support for local music from Laurel, MS. PLEASE Help us lend a much needed hand to the Musgrove family during this difficult time. PLEASE HELP US MAKE A DIFFERENCE *if anyone has any questions about the event, post it in the comment section below or email Kenny at acosmicdancer@gmail.com

Submitted By: Rubicon	Submitted: 12/13/2009
My prayers and thoughts go out to Key family during this time for the loss of their precious little one.

Submitted By: ThatIsMe	Submitted: 12/13/2009
Why is COMCAST digital service/HD so awful?? esp FX WXXV...for some reason, on SUNDAYs its the worse...

Submitted By: Daisy	Submitted: 12/12/2009
Love the website, this is going to be fun! You guys are a breath of fresh air in Jones County.

Submitted By: Lance Chancellor	Submitted: 12/12/2009
Congratulations on "going live" with the online version of The Review! On behalf of the Jones County Fire Council, which is composed of the eighteen volunteer fire departments in Jones County plus the Ellisville Fire Department, we thank you for the news coverage The Review has provided on our emergency responses. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Submitted By: Simon Kenton	Submitted: 12/6/2009
You have a problem. A good one! I was shopping at the Corner Market in Ellisville this Sunday morning and thought I would pick up a LLC and see if I could justify the dollar it cost me. There were numerous copies of it, but the "ReView of Jones County" rack was totally empty! Looks like you need to leave more copies as this newspaper is a hit!

Submitted By: birthdaybunnie	Submitted: 12/4/2009
Thanks for another forum. Hope to have a community forum to discuss topics with other members.

Submitted By: Mitch Chance	Submitted: 12/4/2009
Jim,you must have really been looking for something to print by using something I wrote. Nope, I have no bugs up my butt about you personally. If I do, the Doctor on Thursday morning didn't find them when he did my yearly procto examination. Thanks for protecting Hammer's real name, but I don't mind anyone knowing who I am. It's Mitch Chance. Thanks for a great newspaper, and an owner with a sense of humor.

Submitted By: Jeffb	Submitted: 12/3/2009
Jim I enjoy your coulumn. I say keep it up. News men and women shouldn't have to pursue popularity but rather the truth with objectivity. Thanks for your effort(s).

Submitted By: Lauren Leist	Submitted: 11/30/2009
Now I won't be a week late getting caught up on Jones County! Love the Web site. Can't wait to be back.

Submitted By: Mitch Chance	Submitted: 11/21/2009
Congratulations on the major achievement offering an online newspaper, as well as a forum that will allow freedom of speech, freedom of expression, and freedom of dissent to the people of Jones County.

Submitted By: Simon Kenton	Submitted: 11/21/2009
Way to go guys! It is so wonderful to have one PROFESSIONAL newspaper in Laurel. I am so excited when Thursday comes. I look forward to being involved in your Forum. I love the Newt Knight series. The Yankees who wrote the latest book "The State of Jones" can go home and take their North-Eastern attitudes with them. I find your 75 cents a copy a real bargain. Looking forward to a long lasting relationship. Simon Kenton

Submitted By: Rubicon	Submitted: 11/21/2009
Congradulations Mark and Jim for the ReView's new website!!! I NEVER miss picking up my ReView every Thursday. I enjoy ALL the contributing columnists and their articles. It is great having a home owned newspaper that relates to the people of Jones County.

Submitted By: The DJ	Submitted: 11/21/2009
Congratulations on the launch of The Review's new website, from all all LaurelMSForums.com

Submitted By: Terri L.	Submitted: 11/21/2009
I am so glad to see that the REVIEW is now online. I love my print edition..but this adds a place for some interaction. I look forward to some LIVELY discussions on the forums. Congratulations, Review staff!!

Submitted By: Shawn Wansley	Submitted: 11/21/2009
Congrats on the website. Looks great!

Submitted By: Mark Clark	Submitted: 11/20/2009
Congratulations to the ReView on your new website!

Submitted By: Lookin-in	Submitted: 11/20/2009
Thank you for providing a forum for the people of Jones County. Your paper is a success in spite of the contributions of Jim C.