News Briefs From Across The State
Reverend has prior drug arrest
Members of the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, in Hattiesburg, have taken drastic action to unseat their pastor, who authorities said has a criminal history. Congregants filed an injunction against Reverend Gerry James because he has been arrested several times for possession of marijuana, DUI and threatening a police officer.
Friendship congregants held a church meeting to oust James from his post because they were unhappy with his personal conduct, but James refused to give up his pastoral seat saying the members didn’t have the authority to call that special meeting.
James has also been accused of mismanaging church funds.
Car accident kills 1, injures another
Authorities are still investigating an accident that claimed the life of a Greenville School District employee. Johnnie Holliman, of Greenville, was killed after a two-car collision on Broadway in Greenville.
The accident occurred on Oct. 14, around 7 a.m. Police said Jeremy Johnson was traveling southbound on Broadway when he crossed into the northbound lane colliding with Holliman. Holliman was reportedly pronounced at the scene and Johnson was transported to the Delta Regional Medical Center in critical condition.
Macon man gets 10 years for fondling young girl
A Macon man was recently sentenced to 10 years in jail after he admitted that he fondled an underage girl. Gervacques Hodges, 26, pleaded guilty to the 2008 charge and was sentenced to 10 years in prison with nine of those years suspended.
Hodges was also sentenced to five years post-release supervision and a $1,000 fine. Hodges must also register as a sex offender.
Meridian company expanding
Peavey Electronics in Meridian announced that they will be expanding their operations to include a new line of guitars. The company’s founder and CEO, Hartley Peavey, said the expansion could initially create about 15 new jobs, but that may increase to 75 or more.
Peavey Electronics said the expansion was necessary after their recent acquisition of Composite Acoustics. Peavey’s CEO said there is a big demand for his guitars, which are made of graphite fiber, and there is relatively no competition in the area.
Organizes pledges funds to new sport complex
The Washington County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau has pledged $250,000 toward the construction of a new sports complex near Greenville. Wesley Smith, the executive director of the visitor’s bureau said his organization will pledge $25,000 a year, for the next 10 years for the center that will have several baseball and soccer fields.
The Sportsplex plans to build on land near the visitor’s bureau with the hopes that it will generate tourism dollars and more revenue for local businesses, restaurants and hotels.
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