The Memo

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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On today’s episode, Derek and Brad discuss weekend entertainment options (20:15), including a broadcast by “Thacker Mountain Radio” at Tupelo’s Link Centre. Joining host Jim Dees and the Yalobushwackers house band will be bluesman Walter “Wolfman” Washington and author Alysia Burton Steele.

Meanwhile, the Art-er Limits Fringe Festival will be held in Oxford, and Corinth Theatre-Arts will present “Monty Python’s Spamalot.”

Also, on today’s episode, food editor Ginna Parsons (7:09) talks about peanut butter and chocolate pie and focaccia rosmarino – flatbread that is pillowy and chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Ginna also talks about Cook of the Week Sherry Hall of Ripley, the kitchen manager at Magnolia Place assisted living center in New Albany. Her specialties include chicken and dressing, banana pudding, crustless coconut dessert and sweet potato casserole.

M. Scott Morris (14:53) reviews “Atmoic Blonde,” a movie he says chooses Cold War style over substance.

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As a new school year begins, many teachers are spending their own money – and lots of it – to stock their classrooms.

According to a 2016 study by the Education Market Association, teachers nationwide spent an average of $500 per year out-of-pocket on supplies for their classrooms. A 2015 survey by Communities in Schools found that 91 percent of teachers use their own money to support students in need.

On today’s episode, Daily Journal education reporter Emma Kent (4:31) joins Derek and Brad to talk about teachers going the extra mile for their students and ways you can help them fund various projects.

Also, Daily Journal Capitol Bureau chief Bobby Harrison (10:41) talks about last week’s Neshoba County Fair.

Governor Phil Bryant discussed priorities for the remainder of his term in office – pre-K and school choice. Also, Jim Hood and Tate Reeves squared off in a possible preview of the race to succeed Bryant, and Central District Transportation Commissioner Dick Hall discussed the need for more state transportation funds.

M. Scott Morris (19:45) talks about his recent story on Dismals Canyon.

The spot in Phil Campbell, Alabama, is a place out of time. A spring-fed creek winds around massive slabs of rock, while blue, green, turquoise and yellow members of the dragonfly family dart hither and yon, and a bluff continuously weeps for a broken-hearted Indian maiden.

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On today’s episode, M. Scott Morris (6:27) joins Derek and Brad to review “Dunkirk.” The Christopher Nolan film about a World War II evacuation received high marks. Scott said the movie is both depressing and hopeful and does a great job of conveying emotions and providing a glimpse into war.

Food editor Ginna Parsons (16:50) talks about Hong Kong restaurant, which has developed a strong following by focusing on fewer items on its buffet but making them stand out.

Cook of the Week Edward Kiste of Tupelo aims to make meals that are memorable. His specialties include barbecued chicken, pulled pork, beef rib snack plates, shrimp tacos, spaghetti sauce and twice-baked potatoes. Ginna also discusses a recipe for grilled herbed tuna.

Derek (27:37) has the highlights of the weekend entertainment scene – a benefit for the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, plus Young Mister and Oh Jeremiah at Blue Canoe. He and Brad also talk about back-to school movies.

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Concerns over a rise in violent crime in Tupelo have driven community engagement.

The five murders so far in 2017 are the most in more than 20 years. Aggravated assaults and robberies also have more than doubled in recent years.

Daily Journal reporters William Moore and Caleb Bedillion (9:34) have been analyzing crime statistics and the responses by police, city leaders and community members. They join Derek and Brad on today’s episode to discuss the topic in depth.

After seeing rampant crime in the late 1990s, the level of crime in Tupelo steadily declined in the early 2000s before creeping back up. Officials say the increase is due to growth in the city, coupled with changing national attitudes, social media and a more relaxed approach to policing during the second half of 2016. They also insist Tupelo remains safe.

In the Haven Acres neighborhood of Tupelo, residents came together in the late 1990s to make their neighborhood safer and are trying to do the same thing again. They are looking at a model that includes cooperation between community leadership, law enforcement and social service providers.

Also on today’s show, William and Corinth Today news editor Josh Mitchell (28:29) talk about efforts to fight the state’s opioid addiction epidemic.

A new study reported that Alcorn and Tishomingo counties are among the highest opioid-prescribing counties in the nation, and Josh talks about causes and responses to that study.

Meanwhile, several agencies held a town hall meeting in Tupelo last week to let Mississippians understand the impact opioids are having on the state. William attended the meeting and reports on what leaders are focused upon in their efforts to address it.

Termed an epidemic by most experts, opioids have been responsible for 85 percent of all overdose deaths in Mississippi over the last four years. In Mississippi in 2016, more than 250 million dosage units of opioid medications were prescribed – which works out to nearly 90 pills for every man, woman and child in the state.

And photographer Lauren Wood (39:11) joins the show to discuss her recent photo essay that chronicled a group that meets at Tupelo Sportscards and Games each week for various card games, including Magic: the Gathering.

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M. Scott Morris (9:49) joins Derek and Brad on today’s episode to review “War for the Planet of the Apes.”

Scott said the third movie in the reboot trilogy of the sci-fi classic is both very intense and very funny. It also has sweet, tender moments that set you up for grief, but also bring you into the story. Overall the movie is a dark ride, but a worthwhile one, Scott said, with good acting and seamless special effects.

Also on today’s show, food editor Ginna Parsons (18:35) reviews this week’s food section. The Cook of the Week is New Albany High School student Mikael-Olivia Knowlton, who has learned to cook without wheat, soy and artificial ingredients. Instead, Knowlton uses things like honey, coconut oil and almond milk.

Ginna also shares a recipe for country-style fried corn. She said it was a cross between creamy and fried.

Derek (27:19) has the highlights of the weekend entertainment scene. Elvis Tribute Artist Travis LeDoyt has a fundraiser concert for the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club. Tupelo Community Theatre Off Broadway has a production of “Love, Loss and What I Wore.” Also, “The Lego Batman Movie” will be shown at Ballard Park, and the first Horror Con of Mississippi will be held at the Tupelo Furniture Market.

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