The Jackson Chamber of Commerce rolled out its new vision this week. Jackson should be commended for looking ahead and doing what it can to make it a better place to live.
That is what we do here in Monticello as well. That is one of the reasons we had a comprehensive land use plan done. It helps lay out the vision for future land use.
However in the vision that Jackson has laid out, it should be noted that it includes the now One Lake plan, that is first touted as flood control but also has right next to it Water Front Development. There have been no formal studies done on this one lake plan, so to say that it helps in Flood control is a big misstatement. The Jackson Chamber did give $200,000.00 to help with a study for this, but the problem is the lake developers are laying out how the study will be done. No one from down stream is even being asked what do you think of this? It is highly unlikely that the study will include what effects this "one lake" would have as far south as Monticello, Columbia and even further south.
We already know that the "two lakes plan would put up to 2 more inches of water downstream. Now I am not an engineer, but I fail to see where one lake would reduce this amount.
We also learned last week that Jackson has knowingly been pumping untreated sewer water into the Pearl River and sending it downstream for a number of years. And this is not the first time they have been caught doing this.
I as a citizen of Mississippi want to see Jackson do well, to prosper. When they prosper it has a positive effect on the rest of the state. However as Mayor of Monticello and a citizen who lives downstream, I do not want to see our city suffer at the hands of Jackson. We are already receiving their untreated waste water, and now they potentially want to cause worse flood and riverbank erosion on us. I say no. and I ask that you contact Bob Evans, Bobby Moak and Sally Doty, these three represent us at the capitol, and they need to know that we can not and will not be harmed for the sake of Jackson are any other city or county.
I can only do so much, make your voice heard before it's to late. Why should we not be able to enjoy the a CLEAN river, that we don't have to worry about being FLOODED by because of those above us upstream.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monticello 4th of July Celebration
Just want to let everybody know that the 4th of July Celebration in the Town of Monticello will be held at the sports plex this year. There is more room there. We have outgrown Coopers Ferry Park.
Another good thing about having it at the Sportsplex is there is a small playground there for the kids to play on. There will still be all the usual activities, like the Patriotic Bicycle parade, watermelon eating contest and seed spitting contest.
There will also be food, so make plans to attend now. It will start around 4.30 pm. And end around dark thirty with the fireworks show sponsored by the Exchange Club.
God Bless America and Monticello and Lawrence County.
Another good thing about having it at the Sportsplex is there is a small playground there for the kids to play on. There will still be all the usual activities, like the Patriotic Bicycle parade, watermelon eating contest and seed spitting contest.
There will also be food, so make plans to attend now. It will start around 4.30 pm. And end around dark thirty with the fireworks show sponsored by the Exchange Club.
God Bless America and Monticello and Lawrence County.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Atwood Water Park
Yesterday I had to go down to the water park and talk with Pam. She is the Park manager and does a great job of keeping the park clean and picked up.
When I got to the park, Pam was not there, so I went down to us the new restrooms. This was at about 8:30 or 9:00 AM. The restroom was a mess. Now this is not Pam's fault, she had not even been to the park yet. Sometime during the night someone had come in and just really messed the place up. My question is, why do people treat things that their tax dollars built and maintain like garbage, it just doesn't make sense to me.
This brings me to my next point. Pam arrived shortly thereafter. She had gone into town to get fuel for the mower and weed eater. As we were sitting in the gatehouse talking about upcoming events at the park, a truck pulled up to the window. Pam greeted him in a friendly manner and he asked if he could drive through the park. This was a local man. When Pam informed him it would be a dollar admission to the park he let loose with a very rude comment and turned and left. He did not see me sitting in the gatehouse.
As I stated earlier Pam works hard to keep the park in good shape, and some people don't appreciate it, and trash it anyway. I wonder if this gentleman would have acted the same way when trying to enter a state park. The Town of Monticello spends a great deal of money trying to maintain all the parks in Monticello. This is the only park you have to pay a fee to use on a daily basis. We have held the cost to a dollar for over 15 years.
Why we all wish everything could be free, the fact of the matter it just doesn't work out that way. We have come up with a membership to the park, and it works out to just over 8 cents a day to use pretty much everything at the park. The Town of Monticello will expend over $300,000.00 on Parks and Recreation this year. I don't think a dollar to enjoy the Atwood Water Park is to much to ask.
When I got to the park, Pam was not there, so I went down to us the new restrooms. This was at about 8:30 or 9:00 AM. The restroom was a mess. Now this is not Pam's fault, she had not even been to the park yet. Sometime during the night someone had come in and just really messed the place up. My question is, why do people treat things that their tax dollars built and maintain like garbage, it just doesn't make sense to me.
This brings me to my next point. Pam arrived shortly thereafter. She had gone into town to get fuel for the mower and weed eater. As we were sitting in the gatehouse talking about upcoming events at the park, a truck pulled up to the window. Pam greeted him in a friendly manner and he asked if he could drive through the park. This was a local man. When Pam informed him it would be a dollar admission to the park he let loose with a very rude comment and turned and left. He did not see me sitting in the gatehouse.
As I stated earlier Pam works hard to keep the park in good shape, and some people don't appreciate it, and trash it anyway. I wonder if this gentleman would have acted the same way when trying to enter a state park. The Town of Monticello spends a great deal of money trying to maintain all the parks in Monticello. This is the only park you have to pay a fee to use on a daily basis. We have held the cost to a dollar for over 15 years.
Why we all wish everything could be free, the fact of the matter it just doesn't work out that way. We have come up with a membership to the park, and it works out to just over 8 cents a day to use pretty much everything at the park. The Town of Monticello will expend over $300,000.00 on Parks and Recreation this year. I don't think a dollar to enjoy the Atwood Water Park is to much to ask.
Friday, April 6, 2012
Easter Weekend
Well it's Good Friday. Two days before Easter. What are your plans? I hope and pray they involve going to church.
I don't care what anyone says, the reason this country has been called the greatest country ever, is because we were founded on Christian principles. If you do any reading of George Washington at all, you will know this is true. It is the religious freedoms that we enjoy that were the blue print for all of the freedoms we enjoy.
There is far to much evidence in Jesus life to not believe he his the risen savior. Without him we are contemned to a life of misery and torment. With him we are assured of eternal blessings. I chose blessings over torment any day.
Again I say I hope you find your way to a church on Sunday. It will be the best decision you can make this week.
I don't care what anyone says, the reason this country has been called the greatest country ever, is because we were founded on Christian principles. If you do any reading of George Washington at all, you will know this is true. It is the religious freedoms that we enjoy that were the blue print for all of the freedoms we enjoy.
There is far to much evidence in Jesus life to not believe he his the risen savior. Without him we are contemned to a life of misery and torment. With him we are assured of eternal blessings. I chose blessings over torment any day.
Again I say I hope you find your way to a church on Sunday. It will be the best decision you can make this week.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring Break
Well Mother Nature sure was nice and gave us some nice weather during spring break.
I hope you made it to Jimmy Davis Park for the LCHS baseball tournament. There was some mighty fine baseball action in Monticello last week. And it won't be long before the little guys hit the diamond for Dixie Youth action and the Girls hit the diamond for some fast pitch summer league.
I was talking with a friend of mine from another community in Southwest Mississippi, with a facility very similar to ours. He told me that they don't even have a boys our girls league, because the Town does not have Parks & Rec. department. What they have offered is to rent the facility for $1500.00 to any one wanting to put on a league. The person or organization would then also have to provide liability insurance, uniforms, pay for umpires and everything else associated with running a league.
Sometimes we take a little heat for our registration fee here in Monticello. But could you imagine what it would be if you were in this other town. I can tell you what it would be. It would be nothing, nada, zilch, because just like there, there would be no league here. And I believe our children deserve better. So when the actions heats up at the Mac. (Mac Dale Park) and at the sportsplex, I hope you will consider just how good we have it. And I hope you will come on out and support our young people.
I hope you made it to Jimmy Davis Park for the LCHS baseball tournament. There was some mighty fine baseball action in Monticello last week. And it won't be long before the little guys hit the diamond for Dixie Youth action and the Girls hit the diamond for some fast pitch summer league.
I was talking with a friend of mine from another community in Southwest Mississippi, with a facility very similar to ours. He told me that they don't even have a boys our girls league, because the Town does not have Parks & Rec. department. What they have offered is to rent the facility for $1500.00 to any one wanting to put on a league. The person or organization would then also have to provide liability insurance, uniforms, pay for umpires and everything else associated with running a league.
Sometimes we take a little heat for our registration fee here in Monticello. But could you imagine what it would be if you were in this other town. I can tell you what it would be. It would be nothing, nada, zilch, because just like there, there would be no league here. And I believe our children deserve better. So when the actions heats up at the Mac. (Mac Dale Park) and at the sportsplex, I hope you will consider just how good we have it. And I hope you will come on out and support our young people.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Things to do in Monticello, Lawrence County
One of the biggest complaints I here is there is nothing to do in Monticello and Lawrence County.
Well lets name a few things to do.
This past weekend was the MS. Hospitality Program, about 10 people showed up. There were high school baseball and softball games.
Before it looked like bad weather we were supposed to have our annual Downtown Marketplace.
You can go for a walk on the one mile nature trail at Atwood Water Park (soon to be lighted), or check out the tree Top Trail at Coopers Ferry Park where you can also enjoy lunch on the deck overlooking the Pearl River.
We just had the Gala at the Civic Center. Which also houses a great regional Library and Military Museum.
Also coming up in April is the Exchange Clubs Easter Egg Hunt where you might win a bicycle or some other great prize. And in May you can enjoy the Atwood Music festival. Plus little league baseball and softball will be in full swing. July will be the 4th of July Celebration complete with fireworks. Of course there will be another Monticello Marketplace in the fall, The Christmas Parade and open house by the business.
This is by no means everything there is to too in Lawrence County. There is the Pulpwood festival in New Hebron, the Bull riding rodeo at Robinson's Ranch, the annual Jr. Livestock show and sale. And I have not even mentioned all the things that the local churches have going on. This is only a small amount of what happens in and around Monticello.
There is plenty do to here, all you have to do is look and get involved.
Well lets name a few things to do.
This past weekend was the MS. Hospitality Program, about 10 people showed up. There were high school baseball and softball games.
Before it looked like bad weather we were supposed to have our annual Downtown Marketplace.
You can go for a walk on the one mile nature trail at Atwood Water Park (soon to be lighted), or check out the tree Top Trail at Coopers Ferry Park where you can also enjoy lunch on the deck overlooking the Pearl River.
We just had the Gala at the Civic Center. Which also houses a great regional Library and Military Museum.
Also coming up in April is the Exchange Clubs Easter Egg Hunt where you might win a bicycle or some other great prize. And in May you can enjoy the Atwood Music festival. Plus little league baseball and softball will be in full swing. July will be the 4th of July Celebration complete with fireworks. Of course there will be another Monticello Marketplace in the fall, The Christmas Parade and open house by the business.
This is by no means everything there is to too in Lawrence County. There is the Pulpwood festival in New Hebron, the Bull riding rodeo at Robinson's Ranch, the annual Jr. Livestock show and sale. And I have not even mentioned all the things that the local churches have going on. This is only a small amount of what happens in and around Monticello.
There is plenty do to here, all you have to do is look and get involved.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Monticello Fire Ratings
The Town of Monticello has been hard at work over the last several years trying to reduce the Towns fire rating from a class six to a class seven. This started when Wayne Harrison was chief and really got kicked into high gear the last two years under Chief Robert Patterson, assistant chief Hugh Summers and Captain and training officer Jared Evans.
Jared has really motivated the men and women to become better trained. This training and the new trucks that have come into the county along with more training dollars from the Town of Monticello may pay off in a lower rating.
Monticello has applied for a class six and Monticello along with a lot of help from Beat 3 has applied for a class eight outside the city limits where Monticello fights fire. We feel good about our chances, but won't know for a couple of weeks.
Regardless if we get the lower ratings are not, rest assured your house and property are better protected today than they were in the past. The next time you see one of the volunteer firefighters in the county give them a big thank you. They are giving up a lot of time to become better trained to help you and your loved ones. And they don't get paid.
Jared has really motivated the men and women to become better trained. This training and the new trucks that have come into the county along with more training dollars from the Town of Monticello may pay off in a lower rating.
Monticello has applied for a class six and Monticello along with a lot of help from Beat 3 has applied for a class eight outside the city limits where Monticello fights fire. We feel good about our chances, but won't know for a couple of weeks.
Regardless if we get the lower ratings are not, rest assured your house and property are better protected today than they were in the past. The next time you see one of the volunteer firefighters in the county give them a big thank you. They are giving up a lot of time to become better trained to help you and your loved ones. And they don't get paid.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Some new thoughts.
Well I have been away for quite some time. To be honest I have not felt like writing lately.
I hope you all have had a great Holiday, and by that I mean Christmas and New Years. I am not afraid to still say Christmas. It is God that directs my life and I have given him complete control.
Let me share some things with you. I have fought a call to the ministry for many many years. But if you know anything about God at all, you know he always wins out. He is control weather we want to believe it or not.
Right before my defeat in the first primary for the State senate I learned that a church in Columbia was without a youth pastor. That church is East Columbia Baptist Church, where my good friend and now my mentor Tim Morrison is the Pastor. I had served Bethel Baptist here in Monticello for right at a year as the acting youth pastor. That was before we called Brother Zack Kilpatrick to the position. During that time I began to feel Gods call once again.
It's funny how Satan will work to convince you that you are unworthy to work for God. When that is what God wants from all of us. He says go to the ends of the earth, he does not say to stay or sit still. But Satan will do all he can to keep you from going. And in one way he is right when he says you are unworthy to work for God, that is unless you know Jesus as your personal saviour. It is through Jesus that we are worthy, it is through the power of his blood that we can overcome the lies of Satan.
Well I talked with Brother Tim and offered to help him until they found a new youth pastor. I had no way of knowing that this was the way God would get my attention and obey his call. I never planned on this being something permanat. However God had something else in mind.
The position at east Columbia is bi-vocational. If you are not familiar with that phrase it means it's part time, you have another full time job. Well after meeting with the Personnel Committee at east Columbia they asked me to serve in that position. I guess all my work at Bethel for those 10 months had something to do with it, as well as my involvement in various other youth programs throughout my adult life. They were calling me to actually fill the position, not as an interim. Well after much prayer and talks with my family, I finally accepted what I had been fighting for years.
So long story short I drive to Columbia on Wednesdays nights and Sunday Morning's ( I stay in Columbia most Sundays and come home Sunday night) where I serve as their Youth Pastor. I have been blessed that Bethel Baptist licensed me and East Columbia later ordained me.
East Columbia is a great little church and God is doing big things there. It is a joy and privilege to serve alongside Brother Tim. It is even more of a blessing to watch God at work in his church. I hope that you will keep us both in your prayers.
But most important I pray that you are listening to Gods will for your life.
I hope you all have had a great Holiday, and by that I mean Christmas and New Years. I am not afraid to still say Christmas. It is God that directs my life and I have given him complete control.
Let me share some things with you. I have fought a call to the ministry for many many years. But if you know anything about God at all, you know he always wins out. He is control weather we want to believe it or not.
Right before my defeat in the first primary for the State senate I learned that a church in Columbia was without a youth pastor. That church is East Columbia Baptist Church, where my good friend and now my mentor Tim Morrison is the Pastor. I had served Bethel Baptist here in Monticello for right at a year as the acting youth pastor. That was before we called Brother Zack Kilpatrick to the position. During that time I began to feel Gods call once again.
It's funny how Satan will work to convince you that you are unworthy to work for God. When that is what God wants from all of us. He says go to the ends of the earth, he does not say to stay or sit still. But Satan will do all he can to keep you from going. And in one way he is right when he says you are unworthy to work for God, that is unless you know Jesus as your personal saviour. It is through Jesus that we are worthy, it is through the power of his blood that we can overcome the lies of Satan.
Well I talked with Brother Tim and offered to help him until they found a new youth pastor. I had no way of knowing that this was the way God would get my attention and obey his call. I never planned on this being something permanat. However God had something else in mind.
The position at east Columbia is bi-vocational. If you are not familiar with that phrase it means it's part time, you have another full time job. Well after meeting with the Personnel Committee at east Columbia they asked me to serve in that position. I guess all my work at Bethel for those 10 months had something to do with it, as well as my involvement in various other youth programs throughout my adult life. They were calling me to actually fill the position, not as an interim. Well after much prayer and talks with my family, I finally accepted what I had been fighting for years.
So long story short I drive to Columbia on Wednesdays nights and Sunday Morning's ( I stay in Columbia most Sundays and come home Sunday night) where I serve as their Youth Pastor. I have been blessed that Bethel Baptist licensed me and East Columbia later ordained me.
East Columbia is a great little church and God is doing big things there. It is a joy and privilege to serve alongside Brother Tim. It is even more of a blessing to watch God at work in his church. I hope that you will keep us both in your prayers.
But most important I pray that you are listening to Gods will for your life.
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