News Briefs From Across The State
By Monica Land
Suspect collected $4,900 from “clients”
A 33-year-old Gulfport woman posing as a bail agent and collecting thousands of dollars from clients of A Grant Bail Bonding has been arrested on two felony charges of false pretense.
Harrison County Sheriff's Major Ron Pullen tells The Sun Herald Susan A. Johnson was arrested Nov. 3 after deputies received a tip about her possible whereabouts in Pass Christian.
After sheriff's deputies got to the home, Pullen says, Johnson attempted to flee on foot but was quickly captured.
He says Johnson had collected about $4,900 from two clients of A Grant Bail Bonding.
It was unclear whether Johnson has an attorney.
Biloxi's public works director to retire
Richard Sullivan is stepping down as Biloxi public works director. He is the city's third director to retire before the end of the year.
The Sun Herald reports his last day will be Dec. 21. Sullivan says he is leaving the job to pursue other opportunities.
Also leaving are David Staehling, director of administration, and Brenda Johnston, city clerk.
The 60-year-old Sullivan became public works director in July 2002 after serving for 10 years as manager of ECO Resources, the city's water contractor at the time. He worked in the public works department from 1983 to 1991, when Biloxi privatized its water and sewer departments.
After Hurricane Katrina, his department helped clear streets and restore city utilities.
Clinton offers biomedical research course
Clinton High School has partnered with the University of Mississippi Medical Center to offer a course in biomedical research.
Clinton instructor Richard West says the course will prepare students to take part in professional biomedical research activities at the university level.
It is already a recognized course in Mississippi's science framework, and students receive one credit when they complete it.
Through the partnership, Clinton High School has a one-year renewable contract with UMMC's Department of Physiology and Biophysics.
The course enrollment is limited to 10-12 students. There are 11 students enrolled this year.
“Students are taught laboratory skills and research methods the first semester,'' West said. “The second semester, they will be placed in labs at UMMC one day per week to observe actual medical research.''
West said students will compile a research paper to present to their peers and teachers.
“This research paper and their attendance at the lab facilities will determine their second semester grades,'' West said.
