2013 – Page 67 – The Mississippi Link

Bryant gets bill to ban portion size restrictions

It’s up to Gov. Phil Bryant to protect the Big Gulp and the Happy Meal in Mississippi.

The House passed the final version of Senate Bill 2687 on a 92-26 vote Wednesday, March 6. It bars local governments from requiring nutritional information, restricting portion sizes, or barring toys in kids’ meals.

The bill, introduced by Picayune Republican Sen. Tony Smith, is meant to keep Mississippi cities and counties from modeling rules after cities like New York. […]

“Embracing Our Legacy: Reflections of Sisterhood through Timeless Service”

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By Tonya Parker

and Ayesha K. Mustafaa

Special to The Mississippi Link

The theme for celebration of the 105th Founders’ Day of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Chapters was “Embracing Our Legacy: Reflections of Sisterhood Through Timeless Service.”

The women who make up the chapters celebrated the rich legacy of Alpha Kappa Alpha and its continued dedication to service in the community, also serving as a reflection of why “Women’s History Month” is observed….. […]

Rev. Ozie Wattleton celebrating 80 years in Ministry

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By Ayesha K. Mustafaa

Editor

On Sunday, March 10, The Crossroads Church of God celebrated the anniversary of 80 years of ministry for Rev. Ozie G. Wattleton, who began preaching at the age of 17 in Farmhaven, Miss., where she has retired.

“I grew up in and under the Word of God and never veered from it,” said Wattleton. And at the age of 97, she delivered what she called her last sermon titled “Tell Them….” Sunday, March 10…. […]

VolunteerMississippi rally showcases AmeriCorp members and alumni at State Capitol

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By Ayesha K. Mustafaa

Editor

As many students march off to relax during spring break, other high school and college students joined VolunteerMississippi as it hosted AmeriCorp alumni and current members at the State Capitol, Tuesday, March 12, to share their stories of service to others.

VolunteerMississippi executive director W. David Mallery was joined by Sen. Hillman Frazier (D) to discuss the valuable on-the-job experience AmeriCorps Works members receive, as they “fill unmet needs in Mississippi communities,” explained Mallery…. […]

Jump starting the Jackson mayoral race

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By Artaymis Ma’at

Special to The Mississippi Link

The People’s Assembly Task Force did not hesitate to jump start the first public forum for who’s the best person to serve the people as mayor of Jackson. The forum took place Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Word and Worship Church, 6286 Hanging Moss Rd.

Eight mayoral candidates – six Democrats and two Independents – seized the opportunity to showcase their credentials.

Incumbent Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr.’s campaign manager attended on his behalf. Frank Bluntson, Audrey Nichols, Robert Amos and Charles Taylor Sr. were not in attendance. Also qualifying as a candidate is Victoria Jacobs. There are now 14 candidates…. […]

Bumble Bee Foods recalls tuna and albacore products

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Tuna giants Bumble Bee Foods and Chicken of the Sea have expanded recalls of their flaky fish because of a possible packaging problem.

Both companies issued voluntary recalls of some 5-ounce cans of Chunk White Albacore and Chunk Light Tuna because the seals did not meet company standards, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The recalls have now been expanded to include more cans,” ABC News reported.

Bumble Bee initially issued the recall on Wednesday, March 6 after identifying the issue on a manufacturing line. The problem has since been corrected. […]

Mississippi child support bill passes Senate

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The Mississippi Senate is pushing ahead a plan to privatize the collection of child support payments.

Senators voted Wednesday to support House Bill 1009. It would allow the Mississippi Department of Human Services to contract with private vendors to collect unpaid child support, which lawmakers say totals more than $1 billion.

State employees protested the bill March 5 at the Capitol, warning a previous privatization effort had failed. […]

JSU stadium could derail downtown arena plans

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Jackson State University’s recently announced plans to build a domed stadium could effectively kill an effort to build a downtown arena.

The city and other arena backers have spent or pledged $180,000 in recent years to study building an arena to host concerts, sporting events and other entertainment, The Clarion-Ledger reported.

The key factor in the city of Jackson supporting the university’s plans is that it would only have to pay $10 million toward the university stadium, Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said. A feasibility study in January estimated that a 9,000-seat arena would cost the city $115 million. […]

Officials say body is that of missing kayaker

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The body found Friday in the Mississippi Sound is that of a kayaker who had been missing for 10 days.

Harrison County Coroner Gary Hargrove says an autopsy Saturday confirmed the body as that of 23-year-old Nick Rainer, who went missing Feb. 27 while kayaking with his father.

The state Marine Patrol found the body more than four miles south of Biloxi. The body had been spotted by a charter boat fisherman. […]

Henderson, Alwal honored as top players in state

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Marshall Henderson grew up playing basketball in Texas, started his college career in Utah and has now been honored as the best player in Mississippi.

It’s an unorthodox story for an unorthodox guy. Not even Henderson saw this one coming.

“I really never thought I’d be here,” Henderson said with a grin. “… But it feels good.” […]