Ross Barnett Reservoir

Craftsmen's Guild Receives Grant

2012-02-11T02:09:00.000-06:00

Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Inc. Receives $10,000 Plum Creek Foundation Grant

Funds to Support Woodworking Studio Construction

Ridgeland, Miss. – The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the highest standards of regional craft, was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Plum Creek Foundation. Funds will support a fully equipped woodturning and woodworking studio.

The Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi presents craft exhibits and events, provides craft education and markets fine craft for entrepreneurial artisans. The Guild strives to increase craft appreciation by preserving pieces at the Mississippi Craft Center’s permanent collection and providing audiences with free demonstrations and classes.

The classes range from blacksmithing, pottery, jewelry making and woodcarving. However, any artisan specializing in woodwork would have to travel to Tennessee to participate in woodworking and woodturning classes because there has been no on-site woodworking studio.

“There is a great need for the Mississippi Craft Center to have a woodworking studio,” said Julia Daily, Executive Director of the Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi. “Plum Creek’s gift will add four studio woodturning lathes that will aid in education and future woodworking projects.”

The studio’s construction will support hobby and professional artisans, who are currently working in wood or wish to work with wood. The studio will contain a teaching studio, demonstration auditorium and visitor viewing area.

In conjunction with Jackson State University and Holmes Community College, the studio will offer current and new craftsmen a woodturning and woodworking certification program. Craftsmen will have access to the equipment needed to work on projects, classes to hone their skill and experienced woodworkers to mentor them.

“Plum Creek recognizes how artisans make a tremendous impact on economic development and the cultural lives of our community,” said Christie Bennet, Land Asset Manager for Plum Creek. “We are proud to play an important role in ensuring that local artisans are able to partake in woodworking and can become more skilled in their craft.”

The Plum Creek Foundation supports non-profit organizations that improve the overall quality of life in the communities where Plum Creek operates. The Foundation board meets quarterly to review submitted grant applications.
Visit www.plumcreek.com/communityinvolvement to download an application and learn more about the foundation grant program in addition to other ways that Plum Creek is serving its communities.

For more information about Craftsmen’s Guild of Mississippi, Inc. visit www.mscrafts.org.

Plum Creek is the largest and most geographically diverse private landowner in the nation with approximately 6.7 million acres of timberlands in major timber producing regions of the United States and wood products manufacturing facilities in the Northwest. For more information, visit www.plumcreek.com.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

PRVWSD Meeting Monday

2012-02-10T06:54:00.000-06:00

The Shoreline Committee of the PRVWSD Board of Directors will meet Monday. The meeting is open to the public.

Date: Monday, Feb. 13, 2012

Time: 3:30 p.m.

Where: PRV office - 115 Madison Landing Circle, Ridgeland.

AGENDA

SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE

Monday, February 13, 2012 3:30 P.M.

Old Business:

1. Status Report on Property Maintenance Code – D. Mitchell

New Business:

1. Prospective Leasing of Property - #152 and #153

Status Report

2. Approval of supplemental agreement to Bob Anthony Parkway

overlay project - Greg Burgess

3. Approval of one (1) year extension of Aquatic Vegetation

Control Program contract with Aqua Services – Greg Burgess

4. Approval to accept proposal from Wildlife Technical Services

for the development of a Pesticide Discharge Management

Plan - Greg Burgess

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

Mule Train Across The Rez

2012-02-10T02:08:00.002-06:00

Cowboys and Cowgirls crossed the Rez Thursday headed to the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The rodeo is underway with performances through February 15th - livestock events are scheduled through February 19th.

More info is available at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce site HERE.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Morrison Recognized By Supervisors

2012-02-09T02:03:00.001-06:00

Richard Morrison - Lem Adams

Northwest Rankin High School Principal, Richard Morrison, was recognized by the Rankin County Board of Supervisors at a recent meeting.

Board attorney, Lem Adams, presented Mr. Morrison with a resolution commending him for being named Mississippi Administrator of the Year by the Mississippi Department of Education.

A copy of the resolution is available HERE.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Radar Roundup

2012-02-09T02:01:00.003-06:00

The annual "Filing of the Radar Bills" event is underway in the Mississippi Legislature.

Each year numerous bills are submitted that would allow sheriff's departments to use radar - this year is no exception.

Most, however, die an uneventful death in committee. Will this year be different?

The deadline for filing bills is Monday, February 20th.

The list so far.

HB 140 - would permit radar for any sheriff, deputy sheriff, or constable
HB 162 - would permit radar for The Reservoir Patrol
HB 163 - would permit radar for any sheriff or deputy in a county with a population of 70,000 or more
HB 190 - prohibits use of radar within 1000 ft. of a sign reducing the speed limit by 10 or more miles per hour
SB2127 - would permit radar for any sheriff department
SB2322 - would permit radar for any sheriff department

We'll update the list after the filing deadline passes.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Forest Point Homeowners Meet

2012-02-08T02:06:00.004-06:00

Raymond Duke and Sheriff Bryan Bailey

Residents of Forest Point met at the Reservoir Community Center Tuesday evening, the topic of discussion was forming a neighborhood crime watch group.

Rankin Sheriff Bryan Bailey stopped by and explained his position on radar. "Our number one complaint from the reservoir area is speeders", Bailey said. He emphasized that the use of radar was a safety concern and not an effort to raise money - he stated his department would receive very little money from any fines against speeders.

Current Mississippi law prohibits sheriff departments from using radar.

Raymond Duke, with the S.O. discussed the recent home and auto burglaries around the reservoir - he said the cases were solved by neighbors reporting suspicious activity.

He urged everyone to lock the their homes and vehicles.

He spoke about the two Florence females arrested for many of the home burglaries around the reservoir saying an investigator asked the girls why they drove from Florence to the reservoir and bypassed Richland, Pearl or Flowood. One of the girls answered "because they leave their garages open and have better stuff". Ed. note: she used a word other than stuff.

Forest Point Homeowner Association President, Chris Campbell, later spoke to the group and told of plans to purchase signs for the neighborhoods and enlist volunteers to move the project forward.

About 50 homeowners participated in the meeting.

More information about Neighborhood Watch programs is available here.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Mugshot Of Robert Williams

2012-02-07T09:08:00.000-06:00

Mugshot of the driver of the car involved in the fatal crash at Grants Ferry and Highway 25.

No photo available at this time of the other woman in his car, Melinda Renae Rutherford.

Robert Williams AKA Robert Byrd

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Northwest Rankin Relay For Life Fundraiser

2012-02-07T02:09:00.001-06:00

Team Northwest Rankin

Middle School

Announces A Fundraiser

McAlister's Night at McAlister's Dogwood location.

Tuesday, February 7th from 5-9 pm.

A percentage of sales will benefit Northwest Rankin Middle School's Relay for Life team.

Make plans to eat lots and drink big glass of tea.

You can keep up with the Northwest Rankin Relay for Life team by visiting their Facebook site - stop by and "give em a like" HERE.

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

Rankin Supervisor Meeting

2012-02-07T02:08:00.001-06:00

The Rankin County Board of Supervisors met Monday.

A copy of their agenda is available HERE.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Rankin School Board Meets Wednesday

2012-02-06T02:03:00.002-06:00

The Rankin County School District Board of Education will meet in a Regular Session on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 7:30 a.m. in the board room of the Administration Building, 1220 Apple Park Place, Brandon, Mississippi.

A copy of the agenda is available HERE.

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

Audio From Ridgeland Pursuit

2012-02-05T22:47:00.008-06:00

Audio from Ridgeland Pursuit into Rankin County

Ridgeland PD pursued a suspect into Rankin County Sunday morning, the chase ended in a fatal accident at Grants Ferry and Highway 25.

WAPT TV has identified the person killed as Milinda Clark, 36 of Flowood. (story here)

The following audio was recorded by The Rez News directly from our police scanner. The scanner was set to pick up Rankin County traffic only.

The audio begins with the Reservoir Control tower notifying The Reservoir Patrol that Ridgeland is in pursuit across the Lower Road. Moments later the Rankin County Sheriff's deptuties and dispatch are heard.

No traffic from Ridgeland or Flowood PD's on this recording.

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

Rankin Woman Killed By Fleeing Felon

2012-02-05T16:44:00.001-06:00

Press Release From Flowood Police Department

A Jackson man is in custody after multi-jurisdictional pursuit tragically claims the life of a Rankin County woman. The Rankin County woman’s identity is being withheld until notification of family.

The pursuit originated in the City of Ridgeland where Robert Williams (Jackson MS – Convicted Felon out of MS & GA) and Melinda Renae Rutherford (Ripley MS – No Prior Felony) went into a Ridgeland business and committed felony shoplifting.

Ridgeland officers attempted to take the two into custody and in doing so, WILLAMS attempted to strike the officers with his 1999 Mercury Grand Marquis. WILLIAMS & RUTHERFORD then fled and lead law enforcement on a multi-jurisdictional pursuit that went across the spillway into Rankin County and ended in a fatal crash at the intersection of Grants Ferry Road and Lakeland Drive in Flowood.

The fatality victim was taken to UMC where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. The suspected thieves were also transported to UMC where their condition is unknown at this time. There are no other injuries reported at this time. The crash is currently being investigated by the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol’s Crash Unit.

Upon being released from UMC, WILLIAMS will be taken to the Rankin County Jail and will be charged with a number of felonies including Felony Fleeing that resulted in the death of another and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. Rutherford will be transported to the Ridgeland Police Department to face charges in that city.

TRN took the following screen shots of the accident from MDOT cameras at Lakeland and Grants Ferry.

click photos to enlarge

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Big Fish

2012-02-05T02:05:00.001-06:00

Andy Griffin made the trip from Pelahatchie to the spillway Saturday morning to try his fishing luck.

He caught this huge Buffalo by snagging - he estimated it would weigh between 25 & 30 lbs.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Representative Ordered to Repay Funds

2012-02-04T12:03:00.001-06:00

District 59 Representative, Kevin McGee (R) has been fined and ordered to repay money received by his company from state contracts. Rep. McGee's district covers much of the reservoir area.

Link to Jackson Jambalaya article HERE

Link to Clarion Ledger article HERE

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

New Summit Fundraiser

2012-02-04T05:53:00.000-06:00

News From New Summit
School

The 12th Annual Celebration of New Summit School’s “Draw Down & Auction” fundraiser is Saturday, February 25, 2012 from, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson.

We are working towards raising funds for student scholarships, classroom supplies, technology equipment, and other amenities for our school. With the participation and support you have given us, we have been able to successfully help this school continually grow stronger each year.

Only 300 tickets will be sold with a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000! Tickets are on sale $75.00 per ticket which includes admission for 2 people and free insurance if purchased by December 31st.

Purchase insurance any time after December 31st for an additional $25.00. The insurance allows you from being eliminated during the first 50 draws.

For more information contact Jeanine Pickering at 601-982-7827 or jpickering@mscec.org

Learn more about the school at their website:
newsummitschool.homestead.com

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Northwest Rankin H.S. Student Awards

2012-02-04T02:07:00.001-06:00

Northwest Rankin High School

Students Of The Month for January

SENIORS
FRONT - Raven Howard, Ashley Seiss, Brittney Myles,
Vanessa McFarland BACK-Alyssa McPhai, Skyler Self,
Lauren Rutledge, Jeremy Katz,
Makenzie Bullock, Louis Coney

JUNIORS

FRONT - Ashley Baker, Sarah Beysselance, Catlin Ruhl,
Haley Toups, Tayler George, Caitlyn Simpson, Brianna Norris
BACK - Elaina Edwards, Clint Chapman, Blake Gordon,
Chris Stribling, Jordan Williams, Blake White, Michael Morganti

Sophomores

Hunter Fulton, Devan McCoy, Sara Lang, Kajal Sahoo,

Tyler McMurray, Tristen Pate, Maria Welch, Peyton Blanks,

Derek Anderson, Zelda Risinger, Morgan Ball,

Kaitlin Harris, Mariah Donald, Blake Dearman, Conrad Griffith,

Jake Shuler, Mark McKean, Jonathan Watts, Hannah Lowery,

Vikram Schdeva, Amanda Womack, Brody Risinger, Han Tran

Freshman

Sydney Fisher, Elizabeth Walt, Logan Bliss, Lila Burton,

Carley Luke, Tessie Hall, Mary Katherine Campbell,

Morgan Hamilton, Brittany DeSelle, Iffat Jahan, Katelyn Walker,

James Rodriguez, Daniel Mitchell, Gralyn Jones, Cannon Gibbs,

Hunter Thomas

Congratulations to all the winners.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Suspect Arrested In Rez Auto Burglaries

2012-02-03T14:51:00.001-06:00

Reservoir Auto Burglar Suspect

Arrested by Rankin County Deputies

Sheriff Bryan Bailey Reports:

Rankin County Sheriff’s Department Deputies arrested Gregory Tyler Moore in connection to recent auto burglaries in the reservoir area subdivisions. Deputies were able to arrest Moore after an observant citizen reported a suspicious person in the Farmington Station Subdivision.

Moore was arrested in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 2nd when he returned to his maroon Ford Mustang he had parked in the subdivision. Moore had stolen property in his possession at the time of his arrest.

The investigation is continuing, and Moore is believed to be tied to numerous auto burglaries in the reservoir area including Farmington Station, Bay Point, Audubon Point and Reservoir East.

Gregory Moore is in the Rankin County Jail awaiting an initial appearance before Rankin County Court Judge Kent McDaniel.

Gregory Tyler Moore
DOB – 01/26/1992
200 Pinkley Drive
Branson, MO

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

Chase Suspect Identified

2012-02-03T07:06:00.000-06:00

Update on Rankin County Pursuit Suspect

The suspect from the pursuit on evening of Tuesday January 31st in Rankin County has been identified as Kristopher Aaron Lambert a 31 year old male from Pine Grove Church Rd. in Kokomo, MS.

Lambert was identified with assistance from the Jackson Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigations. Lambert was released from the hospital Thursday evening after receiving treatment for the injuries sustained in his accident prior to the pursuit. Lambert was booked into the Rankin County Jail for Auto Theft, Felony Fleeing, Giving False Information to a Police Office and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.

A check on Lambert revealed a warrant for probation violation through the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Lambert will appear before Rankin County Court Judge Kent McDaniel.

Sheriff Bryan Bailey
Rankin County Sheriffs Office

Got Fish? - 2012

2012-02-03T02:02:00.002-06:00

Fishing Seminar

Hosted by Local Fishing Experts

The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science will host the annual “Got FISH?” fishing seminar program - moderated by “Mississippi Outdoors” TV show co-host Randy Newell.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, don’t miss this group of successful anglers and biologists.

They will answer questions concerning fish, fishing, fishing techniques and may even share the location of some secret fishing spots!

The event is geared for adults, the seminars give the fishing public a chance to ask the experts for tips and techniques to use when fishing area lakes and reservoirs.

For the kids there will be SCUBA divers doing fish feedings in the aquariums and a touch tank.

Regular museum admission is all that is needed. $4 for kids, $5 for seniors, and $6 for adults.

FEB 4 • Sat • 9AM-12:15PM

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

Presents

Got FISH?

Host: Randy Newell

of Mississippi Outdoors

Bass Fishing Seminar

9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Panelists:

Scott McGehee, Madison, MS Mike Norsworthy, Brandon, MS

Teb Jones, Hattiesburg, MS Austin Banks, Madison, MS

John Skains, MDWFP

Crappie Fishing Seminar

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Paul Johnson, MCC President, Brandon, MS

David Thornton, MCC Weighmaster, Eagle Lake, MS

Shelton Culpepper, MCC Vice-President, Bay Springs, MS

Terry Stewart, MCC Tournament Director, Clinton, MS

Katie Womack, currently 1st in 2011 -12 regular tournament season, Puckett, MS

Larry Bull, MDWFP

Fish Feedings with SCUBA diver at 10:00 am and 11:00 am

Touch Tank 10:00 am until 12:00 pm in Terrarium

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir

WLBT Talks to Rankin Sheriff About Radar

2012-02-02T14:51:00.003-06:00

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Hot Pursuit

2012-02-02T02:03:00.002-06:00

At approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night the Rankin County Sheriff's office got a call that a truck had been stolen from a residence near Pelahatchie.

The event turned into a high speed chase beginning at Pelahatchie and ending in Byram.

We recorded the radio transmissions and condensed them down to a 9 minute audio. It begins with the report of the stolen vehicle, followed by an accident then the pursuit on I-20 headed toward Jackson.

A few listening tips

At about 2:30 into the broadcast the dispatcher tells all units to swap over to common law. The common law channel is one shared by all law enforcement agencies, it provides a "common" place where they can all communicate.

Mentions of "Spike Strip" or "Stop Sticks" - they are devices that are placed on the roadway to blow out the tires of the vehicle being chased.

At 4:33 a deputy calls out that "he ran over them" meaning the truck being pursued ran over the stop sticks and blew out tires.

At 7:30 a Rankin K-9 unit asks if the sheriff wants to release the K-9 in the event the suspect attempts to run from the vehicle once it stops.

At 9 minutes into the recording you can hear a deputy call that he has the suspect in custody and to send a 51 (wrecker). Apparently Byram PD placed stop sticks on the roadway and several Rankin Deputies weren't notified. They suffered blown tires and needed assistance.

Hear how the guy's with badges earn their pay.

Sheriff Bryan Bailey released the following statement Wednesday.

Rankin County Pursuit of Stolen Vehicle and Arrest of Suspect

On Wednesday evening February 1st, 2012 the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department received a report of a white Chevy truck being stolen from a residence off of MS Highway 43 north of Puckett. The complainant knew the person who stole the vehicle and gave a physical description of the white male suspect.

While responding to the stolen vehicle report, the sheriff’s office received a report of an accident involving a white Chevy pickup on Highway 43 near Antioch Baptist Church south of Pelahatchie. The caller stated that the vehicle was damaged but the driver had gotten the vehicle operational and left traveling north on Hwy. 43.

Pelahatchie Police Department was notified and asked to be on the lookout for the vehicle. A short time later the vehicle entered the City of Pelahatchie where officers tried to stop the vehicle. The driver refused to stop and drove onto Interstate 20 westbound. A Rankin County Deputy met the vehicle on Interstate 20 and deployed spike strips in an attempt to disable the vehicle. The spike strips deflated one tire on the vehicle and it continued west on I-20.

All Rankin County Law Enforcement Agencies were notified of the pursuit. Brandon Police Department, MHP Troopers and additional Rankin County Deputies blocked traffic at the ramps in Brandon to protect the public and deployed additional spike strips in an attempt to further disable the vehicle. The suspect continued west on I-20 into the City of Pearl where Pearl Police Department, Richland Police Department and additional troopers and deputies blocked ramps again to protect the public and deployed additional spike strips.

The vehicle continued west on I-20 into Hinds County and then traveled south on I-55. The Hinds County Sheriffs Office and Byram Police Department responded to our call for assistance and deployed spike strips which disabled the rest of the suspects tires. The suspect took the Byram exit and turned left onto the overpass. At this time the suspect’s speed had slowed enough for officers to “box” him in and end the pursuit.

The suspect was taken into custody and was transported to UMC for minor injuries. The suspect had no identification on him and gave conflicting details on his identity. We hope to identify him through fingerprints when he is booked into the Rankin County Jail.

At this time he is facing Vehicle Theft and Felony Evasion Charges.

Sheriff Bryan Bailey
Rankin County Sheriffs Office

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Rash Of Auto Burglaries Near Rez

2012-02-01T02:04:00.004-06:00

Update from Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey

The Reservoir East subdivision (off Holly Bush Road) in Northwest Rankin County has been victimized recently with numerous auto burglaries. There have been at least a dozen vehicles entered into over the past two weekends.

It appears the burglaries are occurring after the midnight hour until the pre-dawn hours. The list of items taken ranges from electronics to clothing. Although some of the owners have reported their vehicles were locked, there have been no signs of forced entry and most owners stated they failed to lock their vehicles.

A number of the owners were unaware of the burglaries until notified by patrol deputies working the area. Investigators were able to take prints from a number of the vehicles and have developed persons of interest in the case and are following up on leads.

If you have any information that may assist law enforcement in the case, please notify the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department at 601-825-1480

Sheriff Bryan Bailey
Rankin County Sheriffs Office

We spoke with Sheriff Bailey, he told us there are several important things people can do to help in these types of situations.

Lock your car
Take a home inventory and record serial numbers of valuable items like guns, TV's, computers, etc. Serial numbers are invaluable in helping identify stolen items.

Many insurance companies provide policyholders with kits and instructions that can help you inventory the contents of your home.

There are also online services that allow you to record your home inventory and store the contents on a remote site.

One such service is provided free by the Insurance Institute of America, it's called "Know Your Stuff" , learn more about it here.

A short video about home inventories.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

PRVWSD Claims Docket

2012-01-31T02:04:00.001-06:00

The most recent Claims Docket for the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District is available HERE.

The docket is a listing of expenditures by the agency.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

Two Perish As Plane Crashes Into Reservoir

2012-01-30T02:01:00.005-06:00

That was the front page headline on the June 3, 1972 edition of the Clarion Ledger. The story brought tragic news - two local men were killed when their plane went down near Overlook Point on the Madison County side of the lake.

The pilot, Jim Waller, was an experienced aviator with over 5000 hours in the cockpit. He was doing an aerobatics routine while an on-board cameraman took video for a news story.

The man with the camera was WAPT (TV 16) sports anchor, Dick Thames.

Read the Clarion Ledger article about the accident then come back for "The Rest Of The Story".

Article HERE.

Fairchild PT-19
Type plane that crashed into The Rez

The newspaper article said "Another TV Channel 16 newsman was shooting film from the ground at the Madison Airfield".

The other newsman was WAPT News anchor, Jim Jeffries, but he wasn't shooting film.

We tracked Jim down, he lives near The Rez and told us what happened that day.

Flashback to June, 2nd 1972.

Jim and Dick had the idea to film an aerobatic routine for a news story about an upcoming air show at North Jackson Aviation - they grabbed a camera and headed to Madison. Their idea was to get video of the plane's performance from the cockpit and the ground.

They agreed that one would go up with the camera and film from the cockpit, after the routine the plane would land and the newsmen would swap places, the camera would remain on the ground so film could be shot from the airfield.

Good plan.

While waiting for the pilot they received a call from WAPT news director, Bert Case. The president of General Motors was in Clinton to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Packard Electric plant and afterwards doing a walking tour of Clinton. Bert needed one of them to meet a cameraman in Clinton to cover the story.

Neither Jim or Dick wanted to go to Clinton, the thrill of a plane ride was much more exciting than a walking tour. They decided to settle the issue with a coin toss.

A fifty cent piece was produced and tossed into the air. Dick won the toss and would stay at the airfield, Jim headed to Clinton. He covered the events in Clinton and was returning to Madison when he heard the news on his car radio - a plane had crashed into the reservoir.

Jim said his heart stopped.

His worst fears were soon confirmed, Dick Thames was on the plane that went down.

When the plane was recovered the camera was still in the cockpit. Jim had advised Dick to loop the aircraft seat belt through the camera strap, it would help steady the camera in flight. Recovery crews gave the camera to the TV personnel - they dried and processed the film. The results were incredible.

Amazingly, Dick Thames kept the camera operating until impact and the entire out-of-control spin was caught on film. WAPT ran the video on several of their news broadcasts.

We spoke with Bert Case who still has memories of the film - he recalled the spinning motion of the landscape and remembered seeing the Jackson Yacht Club appear 5 times as the plane spun downward.

We contacted WAPT to see if the they still had the film but it appears to have been lost.

The 1972 WAPT News Team

(L to R) Bert Case, Hank Downey, Jim Jeffries, Dick Thames, cameraman Martel Cook

Jim was having a portrait done at that time, it was complete except for the camera in his hands.

The camera was the same one Dick used in the plane that went down. Jim decided to leave the portrait unfinished, it now hangs in his home as shown above.

Jim retrieved the wooden propeller from the recovered wreckage, it was splintered on impact but the hub portion survived. It's kept in a corner of his home office - a constant reminder of how losing a coin toss might have saved his life.

Jim is no longer in the news business - he does specialized maintenance on aircraft, his company is Jim Jeffries Airworks.

The Rez News
Barnett Reservoir

2012 Hot Chocolate Classic

2012-01-29T06:05:00.001-06:00

Sunshine and windy conditions greeted participants in Saturday's Hot Chocolate Classic Run/Walk at The Rez Saturday morning.

The event was a big success - over 900 people signed up for the annual fundraiser that benefits the Foundation for Rankin County Schools.

MS Race Timing provided state of the art timing for the event - many thanks to them for providing us with the results.

Race results HERE.

Start for the runners.

Start for the walkers.

A few pictures.

The Rez News

Barnett Reservoir