The Memo

Daily Journal food editor Ginna Parsons (5:29) has been experimenting with a Moroccan recipe, and she joins Derek Russell and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to discuss it.

Ginna said she regrets that Tupelo doesn’t have a restaurant that serves Indian or Moroccan food, so when she craves a good curry or a highly spiced dish, she has to cook it herself. This week, she tried Moroccan chicken with green olives and lemon.

Ginna also talks about this week’s Cook of the Week, Violet Armstrong of Pontotoc County. Her specialty is a cabbage roll recipe she got from a Jordanian friend. She also specializes in several casseroles and has been cooking healthier since a recent heart surgery.

Daily Journal chief photographer Thomas Wells (13:09) talks about his photo essay on the dog groomers at Lil Darlins Grooming in Tupelo.

M. Scott Morris (22:19) reviews “The Glass Castle.” The movie takes a viewers on a dark ride through a series of painful moments, but leaves them filled with hope in the end.

Derek (31:44) has the highlights of the entertainment scene – a slam poetry and spoken word conference at the Link Centre, Touch-A-Truck at Ballard Park and the upcoming production of “7 Ways to Say I Love You” by the Tupelo High School Theatre Department.

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Two new state museums will open in Jackson in December, and workers are busy getting them ready.

Daily Journal Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (2:12) recently toured the 200,000-square-foot structure that will house both the Museum of Mississippi History and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. He joins Derek Russell and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to discuss it.

The two new museums are slated to open on Dec. 9 as part of Mississippi’s Bicentennial celebration. Bobby said they’re both impressive facilities that can benefit the entire state.

The Civil Rights Museum will be the only state-operated civil rights museum in the nation. Both facilities are filled with artifacts and exhibits, and special ticket packages will be available allowing visitors to tour both museums together.

Continuing on our history theme, M. Scott Morris (15:05) talks about a new book that chronicles Piominko, the great Chickasaw leader.

The book looks at the deep impact the Northeast Mississippian, who was friends with George Washington, had on both Mississippi and U.S. history. He was a man who was well known across the country from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

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A new brunch-themed food truck is coming to Tupelo. Daily Journal food editor Ginna Parsons (2:33) joins Derek and Lauren Wood to talk about it on today’s episode.

JD Dill and Lakyn Jackson will open Brunch Box this month. It will serve brunch food with a twist, such as breakfast pizza with a waffle as the crust or a Philly cheesesteak sandwich with an egg on top. It will be a farm-to-curbside business, and it also will offer coffee from organic beans.

Ginna also will talk about a recipe for parmesan garlic roasted baby potatoes. She said it makes the potatoes crispy on the cut side and tender and creamy on the inside.

And Ginna discusses this week’s Cook of the Week – retired police officer Keith Thacker of Pittsboro. Thacker always had an interest in cooking, but never had the time until he needed a kidney transplant in 2015 and was forced to retire early. Now he does practically all of his family’s cooking. His specialities include a pizza casserole – with ground beef, pepperoni, cheese, red sauce and pasta – and a Crock-Pot recipe for chicken and dumplings.

Meanwhile, Derek (12:37) discusses this weekend’s entertainment scene. That includes the Prairie Arts Festival in West Point and the Tupelo Summerfest Fair. Derek also talks about Tupelo’s upcoming Sept. 14 events as part of the Mississippi Bicentennial celebration.

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Tupelo-based Eight Days of Hope is gearing up to help people in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

The Daily Journal’s Scott Morris (4:12) spoke with Executive Director Steve Tybor and his wife, Charmaine. Scott joins Derek and Lauren Wood on today’s episode to talk about the efforts of the non-profit and other ways you can help those impacted by the storm.

Eight Days of Hope’s rapid response team is preparing to spend the next two months in Texas. They’re seeking donations of generators, batteries, box fans, extension cords, power tools and cash.

Scott also spoke with leaders at the American Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Blood Services about their needs as they respond to the disaster.

Also on today’s episode, business editor Dennis Seid (10:08) discusses the upcoming closing of Shockley’s restaurant, which has been a staple in Tupelo for nearly 60 years. It’s best known for its pancakes, bacon, grits, chicken and dumplings and chicken and dressing.

Owner Ruth Ecrement said a combination of factors led to the difficult decision of closing it for good, but she left open a small possibility of re-opening in a different location.

Meanwhile, Michaela Morris (17:16) talks about the challenging financial situation for North Mississippi Health Services, the parent company for Tupelo’s hospital.

Last week, NMMC-Tupelo filed a lawsuit against Blue Cross. The suit accuses the state’s largest commercial insurer of making unilateral contract changes that the hospital says are costing it at least $1 million a month.

The health system’s finances have also been stressed by Medicare changes that have cost it $54 million over the last five years. As a result, it announced late Tuesday a plan to reduce expenses by $31 million – and to raise revenue by $7 million – by the end of 2018. The plan includes closing its 20-bed skilled nursing facility and its Community Health Department, as well as closing seven beds at the Behavioral Health Center.

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On today’s weekend edition, M. Scott Morris (2:22) joins Derek and Leslie Criss to review “Logan Lucky.”

Scott said it was a good heist movie that delivers a lot of laughs. Although it didn’t do well at the box office, Scott believes a lot of people would enjoy it if they went to the theater to watch it.

The cast includes Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Dwight Yoakam and Riley Keough – Elvis Presley’s granddaughter.

Also, Ginna Parsons (8:36) talks about this week’s food section. That includes the recipe for the peanut butter pie she made for Brad last week. The recipe was inspired by Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond.

This week’s Cook of the Week is Ellen Reed of Tupelo, whose cakes are always in demand. Reed’s specialities include cream cheese pound cake, chicken & dumplings, chicken salad and pecan tarts.

Meanwhile, Derek (15:03) has the highlights of the weekend entertainment scene. Pied Pipers Players present “The Magic Wishing Ring,” and TCT performs “The Robber Bridegroom.”

Also, Link Centre’s monthly music mix concert features songwriters Kate Campbell, John Milstead, Ashley Rose and Bob Ray. And the final summer-in-the-park film will be “Pete’s Dragon.”

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The Lee County Board of Supervisors voted against building a new jail, citing the estimated $51 million cost, which would force a tax increase.

In a surprise 3-2 vote Monday morning, the supervisors voted to stay in the current 202-bed facility, which will have to be significantly renovated. With the action, Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson said he will be forced to start releasing current inmates from municipalities throughout the county to reduce overcrowding.

Daily Journal law enforcement reporter William Moore (5:56) joins Leslie Criss and Chris Kieffer on today’s episode to give the latest on the situation and discuss what might happen next.

Also on today’s episode, local government reporter Caleb Bedillion (20:47) talks about a plan to expand Tupelo’s West Jackson Street as part of the city’s Major Thoroughfare Program.

The work would include the addition of a turn lane between Clayton Street and Robins Street/ Highland Circle, as well as a sidewalk. Total project costs are currently estimated between $3 million and $3.5 million – significantly higher than the initial cost estimate of $540,000 – but the work remains a priority of city leaders.

City and MTP leaders say the widening project is necessary to help with traffic. But some residents are concerned about how it will impact homes and businesses that are located close to West Jackson.

Capitol Bureau Chief Bobby Harrison (30:09) has an update on efforts by legislative leaders to rewrite Mississippi’s school funding formula.

Both House Speaker Philip Gunn and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves made a splash last October when they announced they were hiring New Jersey-based consultant EdBuild to help rewrite the Mississippi Adequate Education Program. But those efforts stalled during the legislative session.

Both Gunn and Reeves told Bobby there will be renewed efforts to rewrite the funding formula in the coming months, with the goal to be ready before the 2018 legislative session. But, Bobby notes, building consensus will not be easy.

And Daily Journal photographer Lauren Wood (39:46) talks about her recent photo essay on a Mixed Martial Arts event in Tupelo.

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It’s Brad’s final episode, as he prepares for his switch to the sports department, but Derek isn’t sad – well, maybe a little.

Food editor Ginna Parsons (6:47) even brings him a peanut butter and chocolate pie as she stops by to talk about this week’s food section.

Ginna talks about The Twisted Burger, a popular Columbus eatery that will soon reopen in West Point – where it first started. Owner J.T. Hurst had no restaurant experience before he first opened the business, but it quickly became a hit. Popular burgers include the Godzilla, the Rooster and the Fat Elvis.

Ginna also talks about Cook of the Week Star Ray, who likes to make party food. Ray especially likes dishes that can be prepared in advance, like cheese balls, hors d’oeuvres, pimento cheese and cookies. She also makes a tomato pie with a crust on both the top and bottom.

And Ginna talks about a recipe for avocado chicken salad that includes corn, bacon, scallions and a light lemon dressing. Plus, she still needs your best tailgating recipes for a future story.

M. Scott Morris (19:03) reviews “The Nut Job 2,” a movie he said aimed for hilarity but hit dullness.

Derek (30:53) has the highlights of the entertainment scene. The “Discover the Dinosaurs” exhibit is coming to the Tupelo Furniture Market this weekend. Meanwhile, Tupelo Community Theatre will open its season next weekend with a performance of “The Robber Bridegroom.”

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Contour Airlines has proven to be a reliable service after 16 months of providing flights between Tupelo and Nashville.

Now, it’s time for the airline to bid for a new two-year contract through the U.S. Department of Transportation. On today’s episode, Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid (4:16) joins Derek and Leslie Criss to discuss Contour’s plans for the future.

Dennis recently spoke with airline officials, who told him they plan to bid to continue service. They may however, tweak their offerings going forward.

Contour currently receives a federal subsidy for providing service, but officials are considering applying for a different subsidy program that would allow more flexibility. If that happens, they may decide to use larger planes or even to add destinations.

Dennis also talks about the latest on plans by Toyota and Mazda to build a new $1.6-billion plant. Mississippi leaders are trying to bring the plant here, and the Magnolia State was among 11 listed as strong candidates by the Wall Street Journal. But the state also will be challenged to prove it has a large enough workforce to fill the 4,000 jobs the plant will bring.

Also on today’s show, Daily Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Bobby Harrison (13:23) discusses the large number of appointments to Mississippi’s Supreme Court that have been made recently by Gov. Phil Bryant.

Supreme Court seats are elected, and the governor only makes appointments when a judge steps down early. But Bryant has made two appointments to the high court in the past two years and is about to make a third – giving him a rare opportunity to exert considerable influence on the court.

M. Scott Morris (23:57) talks about Monday’s upcoming solar eclipse.

And photographer Adam Robison (34:24) discusses his recent photo essay on the Tupelo Police Department’s motorcycle training.

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On today’s episode, M. Scott Morris (5:50) joins Derek and Brad to review “Detroit.”

The movie is powerful, uncomfortable and disturbing, Scott said. It also had technicalities that left him feeling confused and conflicted – even more so since it is based on real events. He said it’s not a movie for anyone who loves easy answers.

Also, food editor Ginna Parsons (14:32) talks about this week’s food section.

This week’s Cook of the Week is Beth Shelton, a dentist who excels in making desserts. Among her recipes are perfect chocolate chip cookies, coconut pound cake, caramel brownies, lollipop cookies – and mandarin orange salad.

Ginna shares a recipe for caramelized leek and spinach dip – a twist on the standard spinach and artichoke dip. And she issues a call for listeners to send her their favorite tailgating recipes, to be published on Aug. 30.

Meanwhile, Derek (23:34) talks about the weekend entertainment scene and provides a look ahead at what’s coming from the North Mississippi arts this season. That includes a busy slate of symphony, dance and theatrical performances.

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Lee County leaders have discussed building a new jail since the beginning of the year. That facility is now closer to becoming reality.

Plans for a new Lee County jail were recently completed, and Lee County supervisors appear to be on the verge of approving them. But first, they will hold a public hearing next month.

Daily Journal local government reporter Caleb Bedillion (11:35) joins Derek and Brad to discuss the latest on a facility that has been the subject of much talk and even some controversy.

The Board of Supervisors voted on Monday to advance for a final vote plans to raze the current jail and sheriff’s offices on Commerce Street in Tupelo and rebuild a significantly expanded $51-million-facility, including a 600-bed jail.

To pay for the new jail, the county would issue bonds, which would raise taxes by about 5 mills. A final vote by supervisors on the issue will come on Aug. 21.

Also on today’s episode, Daily Journal business editor Dennis Seid (21:39) talks about the new partnership between Toyota and Mazda and how it could impact the Toyota facility in Blue Springs.

The two automakers announced on Friday they would each be building vehicles at a new $1.6 billion assembly plant and would also work together to develop electric car technology.

Toyota Mississippi officials said the new plant will not hinder the production of the Corolla at the Blue Springs plant, and some are hopeful that Mississippi can also land the new facility.

Chief photographer Thomas Wells (29:26) talks about his recent photo essay on Traylor’s Detail Shop on North Gloster in Tupelo. Owners Terry and Sheryl Traylor have now been in business for 18 years.

Derek (35:19) talks about his recent story on the future of the BancorpSouth Arena.

Crews are currently installing new seating into the lower bowl of the 24-year-old facility. Meanwhile, among the other changes for the future are plans to expand the facility and connect it to the conference center for an enhanced VIP experience. They also hope to increase the number of concerts they offer each year.

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