News Briefs From Across The State
By Monica Land
Victim hit by forklift
Reportedly, no charges have been filed in a freak accident last month that claimed the life of 73-year-old Morton woman. WLBT reported that Catherine Westman was coming out of a nail salon when she was run over by a forklift in the parking lot of the Fairway Grocery store during the afternoon hours of June 12.
The forklift was being used to remove boxes.
Scott County Coroner Joe Bradford said Westman was taken to UMC in Jackson where she died in surgery.
No charges have been filed against the operator of the forklift at this time.
Pearl landlords balk at new rental ordinance
Tensions are high in Pearl over a new ordinance related to rental property.
The Clarion-Ledger reports the city is requiring existing rental properties to have sprinklers in case of fires. It also mandates landlords add warning sirens, a telephone or text emergency warning system that would notify tenants in emergencies, and storm shelters capable of withstanding an EF2 tornado.
Steve Maulding owns three rental properties in Pearl and said the cost of meeting the new requirements would hurt his business.
Maulding said he estimates it would take him about $1.5 million to make the renovations to meet the new requirements for all three of his properties.
Landlords met with Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers on July 10 to voice their concerns.
Man pleads guilty to enticement of minor charge
A Mississippi man has pleaded guilty to using a computer and cellphone in attempting to entice a minor for sex in Tupelo.
William Henry Michelletti, of the Paris community in Lafayette County, pleaded guilty Thursday, July 11, in U.S. District Court in Oxford to one count of coercion or enticement of a minor.
The 35-year-old Michelletti faces from 10 years to life in prison at sentencing. Court records did not list a sentencing date.
Court records say he tried to entice a 15-year-old for sex over two days in March.
Oxford police deploying ATV around city
The Lafayette County Crimestoppers recently purchased a Polaris Ranger all-terrain vehicle for the Oxford Police Department.
Police Chief Joey East tells the Oxford Eagle that the ATV is used in parades, during races and walks and will assist in ball game traffic and around the Square during special events like Double Decker festival.
The four-seat Polaris 500 cost around $10,000.
Funding came from the $1.50 Crimestoppers’ fee on some tickets and misdemeanor arrests. The proceeds can be used toward reward money for tips or helping to fund law enforcement initiatives.
East talked earlier this year with the board of directors of Crimestoppers about buying the ATV.
It is the first purchase of a large piece of equipment by Crimestoppers.
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