News Briefs From Across The State
Victim saw his stolen property on popular social network
A Gulfport man has been charged with embezzlement after his former employer saw items from his business in a photo on Facebook.
Police Chief Alan Weatherford said 25-year-old Jonathan Huckabay was taken into custody after John Milner, the owner of Milner Rental, saw a large party tent with tables and chairs on the Facebook page of one of Huckabay’s relatives.
Milner did an inventory of his stock and told authorities Huckabay should not have been in possession of those items since he no longer worked for him.
Police launched an investigation and Milner’s property was found at Huckabay’s residence.
A warrant was issued for Huckabay and he is being held on a $20,000 bond.
Misuse of fuel card, state vehicle alleged
The deputy administrator of the Mississippi Homeland Security office is on administrative leave without pay following his arrest for alleged misuse of a state vehicle and Fuelman card.
Other than saying Byron Thompson is on leave, Department of Public Safety spokesman Jon Kalahar, said he could not release any further information.
Thompson was indicted on an embezzlement charge in Hinds County. The indictment states the offense occurred between Aug. 3, 2009, and May 19, 2010.
Thompson has been freed on bond. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 26.
The state auditor’s office issued a demand letter in 2010. Auditor’s Office spokeswoman Lisa Shoemaker says the original demand amount was negotiated down and Thompson repaid $2,624.
Former prosecutor Dantin dead at 82
Maurice Dantin, a former district attorney who made unsuccessful runs for governor and U.S. Senate in Mississippi, has died. He was 82.
Danton died Tuesday at his home in Columbia. Hathorn Funeral Homes officials said services were Thursday at the First Methodist Church in Columbia.
Dantin was an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for governor in 1975. He also was the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1978, an election won by Republican Thad Cochran.
Dantin was elected mayor of Columbia at age 26. He also served as city attorney and district attorney. He practiced law in Columbia for many years.
Survivors include his wife, Patty; two daughters and a son; and four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren
Lamar officials get pay boost
Two key Lamar County administrators received significant raises this year, thanks to provisions provide by state statute.
The Hattiesburg American reports the wage increases for one was because of the county’s population growth, the other because of professional degrees and titles his predecessor didn’t have.
A notification of pay scale changes for the sheriff and tax assessor/collector appeared as an agenda item at the Board of Supervisors’ first meeting of year. Because the salaries/raises were based on state law, no action was required by the supervisors.
Sheriff Danny Rigel, who was sworn in for a third term earlier this month, will see his annual pay increase from $82,000 to $88,000.
Tax Assessor/Collector Jack Smith will see his compensation increase from $86,500 to $94,000, a boost of $7,500.
MC Singers join others in New York program
The Mississippi College Singers will join choruses from five states in a performance Sunday at the Lincoln Center in New York.
Other groups from Mississippi also will be among the musical lineup, including singers from Clinton Junior High and Sumner Hill Junior High and members of the Mississippi Girlchoir.
Other states participating are Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina and New York.
Among others on the Avery Fisher Hall stage will be two soloists, Mississippi College voice professor Kristen Johnson and 2010 MC vocal performance graduate Jay Carr.
The MC Singers will perform such major works as “Chichester Psalms” by Leonard Bernstein and “Gloria” by Randol Bass.
Planting decisions weighed by Miss. farmers
The lower input costs of corn give it some advantages for Mississippi Delta farmers choosing between corn and cotton for 2012.
Farmers will be making planting decisions through February.
Jerry Singleton, an agent with the Leflore County Extension Service, said that the key for farmers is deciding which has the best profit potential.
He says some larger farmers may still plant cotton simply because their operations are equipped with cotton pickers and other specialized equipment.
He says corn planting will begin in the first half of March, depending on the weather. Typically, cotton planting begins in the Delta in the first part of May.
Peanuts, sweet potatoes and some grains also may be added to the mix of annual crops.
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