Search Results

Asst. Chief of Police Reginald Thompson had the following to report as of 9 a.m. today, Monday, August 30, 2021: Gaddis & McLaurin has bottled water. The Bolton Chevron has no gasoline at this time. They have sold out of gasoline. UPDATE Tuesday, August 31: The Bolton Chevron HAS gasoline and is fully operational. The bridge on Bolton Raymond Road has not flooded. We have a number of downed trees, but all roads are currently open. We still have electricity at this time. UPDATE Tuesday August 31: Bolton City Hall will be closed today due to a power outage. Power is out at City Hall and two homes next to City Hall. It could have been much worse. If you don't have to be out on the roads, stay indoors. Continue to be alert and stay safe. In an emergency, Dial 911. Bottled water is available at Gaddis & McLaurin

On Monday, August 30, 2021, all Hinds County School District schools and offices will be closed on account of Hurricane Ida. This includes Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School and Raymond High School. Other closures in the area of which we have been notified: Hinds Community College Clinton Public School District (all schools and offices closed) Mississippi College To notify us of additional closures, please call or text 601.594.2250. Thank you.

Hinds County residents and businesses with damage to their home or business caused by Hurricane Ida are asked to report the damage directly to Hinds County Department of Emergency Management. Use this link to report your damage directly to Hinds EOC: https://buff.ly/3gXe0Kc

The Bolton News spoke today with Joey Perkins, Director of Hinds County Department of Emergency Management. Perkins had this to say, “We don’t want anyone to panic, but we do want everyone to be prepared. Hurricane Ida has the potential to bring high winds, heavy rain, cause downed trees, downed power lines and power outages. The list of things that are good to go ahead and do now in advance of the severe weather, include, checking to see that you have: flashlights batteries weather radio any medications you might need nonperishable foods drinking water vehicles fueled up first aid items And please check in with the elderly and other neighbors who might need help, to see if they are all set, and have what they need. Be prepared, not scared. ” When we asked about the current status of the warning sirens, Perkins said, “The sirens in and near Bolton have been tested and are working correctly. There is a siren in town on Madison Street; and there are two sirens just outside of town: one on South Norell, the other on Reuben Circle. All of the sirens in Hinds County for which Hinds County Emergency Management is responsible, are functioning properly.” “Our volunteer fire departments and other personnel have have checked all the generators, cables, fuel levels and so forth to be sure the equipment we may need, is ready to go. We don’t provide sand, but we do provide sandbags to residents who need them. We do that at the office, during our normal business hours. We gave out quite a few on Thursday and Friday, to residents who stopped by and requested them.” “We will be posting updates on our Facebook and Twitter accounts.” Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HindsEOC Twitter: @HindsEOC With the chance of Severe Weather with Hurricane #Ida, we encourage every Hinds County citizen to have multiple ways to get warnings:⠀ ⠀ • Wireless Emergency Alerts⠀ • NOAA Weather Radio⠀ • CodeRED Notifications⠀ ⠀ Signup for CodeRED at https://buff.ly/2BqDywq

Ahead of Hurricane Ida, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises residents to prepare now for dangerous storm conditions including heavy rain, possible flash flooding, high winds and possible tornadoes. Preparing a Disaster Kit Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during an emergency. At a minimum, these supplies should include: Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person). A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food. A first aid kit and manual. A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Sleeping bags or extra blankets. Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach. Prescription medicines and special medical needs. Baby food, prepared formula, diapers and other baby supplies. Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available. Personal hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc. An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit and fire extinguisher. For more information on disaster supply kits, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/kit. Food Safety Due to power loss, food may not be safe to eat during and after a hurricane. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water. Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color or texture. Throw away foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for two hours or more. Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened or damaged. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen or cooked. Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater, because they cannot be disinfected. While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. Never place any type of food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood. Thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, after handling uncooked food, after playing with a pet, after handling garbage, after tending to someone who is sick or injured, after blowing your nose and after coughing or sneezing. Drinking Water Safety Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Remember these general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking if you are under a boil-water alert, or if you are not sure your water is safe to drink: Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food or make ice. Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving or washing, as long as one does not swallow the water or allow it in eyes or mouth. Parents should supervise children to make sure water is not ingested, and caregivers should supervise disabled individuals for the same reason. Those with recent surgical wounds, who have a chronic illness or are immunosuppressed should consider using bottled or boiled water for bathing until their boil water notice is lifted. Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms. Water may be treated with chlorine or iodine tablets or by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes. Unlike boiling, this treatment will not kill parasitic organisms. Carbon Monoxide Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death. The following precautions can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace. Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in the garage. If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. For more information on hurricane preparedness and safety, visit HealthyMS.com/storm or download the free MS Ready smartphone app to get alerts sent straight to your phone. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect. 8/27/2021, 1:15 PM EDT: Data from an Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft indicate that #Ida has strengthened to a hurricane. Source: National Hurricane Center @NHC_Atlantic

United States Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) recently announced that the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will host its annual hiring fair webinar on August 31, 2021 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm CDT. The webinar is free and will provide students and recent grads the opportunity to learn about DHS careers and the federal hiring and application process. To register for the webinar click here. The following DHS components and offices will participate in this year’s webinar: United States Secret Service (USSS) Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Federal Protection Service (FPS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) The Congressman’s Bolton office is located at 107 West Madison Street, Bolton, MS 39041. Telephone: (601) 866-9003. US Representative Bennie G. Thompson Bolton MS: 107 West Madison Street Bolton, MS 39041 (601) 866-9003 (601) 866-9036 (Fax) Washington DC: 2466 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 (202) 225-5876 (202) 225-5898 (Fax)

The 2021-22 school year is off to a great start at Bolton Edwards Elementary / Middle School. The school is excited to welcome these new teachers to BEEMS: Pictured above, are teachers who are new to Bolton Edwards Elementary/Middle School for the 2021-22 school year. Jennifer Bailey, Kindergarten. Shelia Johnson, 5th grade. Kayla Bilbo, 7th grade. Janae Mack, PreK. Abigail Parker, 4th grade. Antoinettia Wilkerson, Interventionist. Sherril Tate, 5th grade. Kourtney Bailey, 6th grade. Sharilynn McFarland, exceptional services. Bolton - Edwards Elementary / Middle School, is part of the Hinds County School District, and covers PreK, Kindergarten, and Grades 1 through 8. For grades 9 through 12, Bolton residents attend Raymond High School. Bolton-Edwards Elementary/Middle School 9700 I-20 Frontage Road, Bolton MS 39041 Telephone: 601.866.2522

Yesterday, August 17, 2021, Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Faye Peterson sentenced Regina Thomas of Bolton, owner of the former Total Healthcare Network, Inc., on five counts of Medicaid Fraud, totaling $4,091,208.09 in over-billing and billing for services not rendered. “Medicaid is an important part of our social safety net, helping those who cannot afford to pay for the healthcare services they need,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “When healthcare providers defraud Medicaid, they not only cheat the taxpayers who support this program; they also violate the trust of the people who depend on it. I commend the prosecutors and investigators of our Medicaid Fraud Control Unit for the work they do to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program.” Regina Thomas of Bolton, Mississippi, a Licensed Practical Nurse, operated Total Healthcare Network, Inc. in Jackson until 2019, offering respite care and personal care services. On a referral from the Division of Medicaid, the Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into suspected excessive billing, billing for services not rendered, and abandonment of an audit. The investigation resulted in uncovering more than $4 million in suspected fraud over a period of 5 years, between January 1, 2015 and December 5, 2019. Thomas pled guilty and was sentenced to serve 5 years, with five years post-release supervision, and was ordered to make restitution of the full $4,091,208.09. She was remanded to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections.

By Ed McMahon, Chairman of the National Main Street Center’s Board of Directors When Erin and Ben Napier returned to her hometown of Laurel after college graduation in 2008, the community was struggling with empty storefronts and economic disinvestment. That same year, the city of Laurel became a designated Main Street program, and more than a decade later, the city of 18,000 has seen a rebirth of downtown business and an influx of tourists, many of whom have come to know and love Laurel through “Home Town,” Napier's HGTV show. Laurel’s story resonates with viewers—in large part because it showcases the power of place and the ability of a committed group of people to make a difference. Through the redevelopment efforts of the Napiers and many other community leaders, downtown Laurel has become a thriving destination. Today, the city is known for its historic Craftsman-style homes, mom-and-pop boutiques, local restaurants, enchanting murals and small-town charm. The story of Laurel also illustrates the power of the Main Street approach to economic revitalization, which creates change through small steps, small developments, and small business. That’s the strategy taken by the Mississippi Main Street Association, an economic development nonprofit that supports small towns and neighborhood commercial districts around the state. In just the last year alone—and in the midst of a global pandemic—Mississippi Main Street reported nearly 600 net new jobs and nearly 200 net new businesses in designated Main Street communities. Yet politicians love nothing better than a ribbon cutting for a big new factory or distribution center. In fact, as much as 90% of state economic development dollars in the U.S. go to large companies. Take, for example, Nissan’s Canton factory, which employs about 5,200 people. To attract the plant, the state of Mississippi provided roughly $1.3 billion in subsidies over the first decade of operation—which works out to more than $200,000 per new job. There’s no doubt projects like these have economic value. But too often, support for small businesses and small towns is overlooked in favor of elephant chasing. Contrast the amount of money the state put into the Nissan plant with the amount it allocated to Mississippi Main Street. Over the last six years, the nonprofit helped its Main Street communities create more than 8,000 net new jobs with less than $500,000 in state funding—averaging $62.50 in state investment per job created. On a dollar for dollar basis, investing in place—through small businesses and local communities—is a better use of tax dollars. When we support small businesses, their owners tend to reinvest that money back in the community, rather than funneling it to large corporate entities outside the state. Small businesses also account for the lion’s share of new U.S. jobs. In fact, small businesses have generated 65% of net new jobs since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. And finally, small businesses help create a sense of place that is essential to attracting talent—and ultimately, to attracting large employers, too. People want to live in communities with vibrant commercial districts, walkable downtowns, a variety of restaurants, and local character. Another successful Main Street example is the community of Tupelo, known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Between 1990 and 2020, Main Street investment helped reduce the downtown vacancy rate from 13 to 4 percent, as the city added live music venues, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Today, visitors flock to Tupelo to attend the annual Elvis Festival or visit Fairpark, a vibrant mixed-use district built on the former site of the county’s fairgrounds. In a state where the biggest city, Jackson, has a population of just 160,000, it’s clear that small communities matter. Mississippi’s economy depends on towns like Tupelo and Laurel, and residents and tourists alike are drawn to their unique charm. By supporting places like these—and organizations like Mississippi Main Street—we can create lasting assets that will pay dividends for the long-term. Just as Ben and Erin Napier have demonstrated, investing in small, local development offers a proven return on investment—and is key to building thriving communities in the Hospitality State.

Tuesday, August 17, was a busy day for Bolton's first responders. Reginald Thompson, Assistant Chief of the Bolton Police Department says that Bolton Volunteer Fire Department was called to assist the Edwards VFD after a car flipped over into a ditch around 7 a.m. Additionally, a semi truck caught fire on the ramp, I-20 Exit 27 West, Bolton, at approximately 8 a.m. Bolton Police responded and remained at the scene until Mississippi Highway Patrol arrived. It was necessary for MHP to close the ramp for approximately two hours. Debris was removed and the area was restored to safe status around 2 p.m. In an emergency, dial 911. Non-emergency calls to Bolton Police Department: 601-866-7233.

On Monday, August 16, the Hinds County Board of Supervisors appointed Marshand Crisler to serve as interim sheriff of the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department following Sheriff Lee Vance's death. Crisler will serve in the position until a special election is held on November 2, 2021. The winner of the special election will serve the 2 ½ years remaining in Lee Vance's term. The qualifying deadline is September 3, 2021 for candidates who wish to run for Sheriff of Hinds County.

KEITH KINKADE OF KINKADE’S FINE CLOTHING TEAMS UP WITH JEFF GOOD OF BRAVO!, BROAD STREET AND SAL & MOOKIE’S TO OFFER INCENTIVES FOR CENTRAL MISSISSIPPIANS TO GET VACCINATED With the exponential growth of the Delta Variant of Covid-19 monopolizing the news, Keith Kinkade wanted to do something to help keep Mississippi moving forward and keep businesses open. He approached Jeff Good and suggested a partnership promotion where central Mississippians getting their first vaccine shot could get a treat from Jeff’s restaurants, and a great suit from Kinkade’s. “We’ve all been through a lot this past year. And we have come so far as a state... but we need to do better,” states Keith Kinkade, the owner of Kinkade’s Fine Clothing. “We are pro-business, and we are pro-Mississippi. And Mississippi is made up of the best people in the world. So, we wanted to come up with a way to do our part to help increase the vaccination rate in our community.” With Mississippi vaccination rates well below the national average, Keith and Jeff came up with the idea to incentivize those choosing to get their first vaccine shot with a $10 gift card to BRAVO!, Broad Street and Sal & Mookie’s as well as a chance to win a tailored suit from Kinkade’s! “If you got your first vaccination shot on July 23rd or thereafter, just bring your card to one of our businesses: Kinkade’s, Sal & Mookie’s in the District, BRAVO!, Broad Street or Sal & Mookie’s in Madison and we will give you a free $10 gift card!,” Jeff Good explains. “That’s not all! One lucky person out of every 100 will receive a free tailored suit from Kinkade’s! So, the more people who get vaccinated, the more suits will be given away! More gift cards, more suits, and better vaccination rates… it’s a win/win!” The promotion starts Friday, July 23rd 2021 and will run indefinitely. “We hope our efforts entices some folks who have not gotten around to getting their vaccine to doing so,” adds Keith Kinkade. “We just want to do our part to keep Mississippi open!” Participants will need to bring their official vaccination card, dated no earlier than July 23, 2021, for the first shot, to one of the host businesses: Kinkade’s, Sal & Mookie’s in the District, BRAVO!, Broad Street or Sal & Mookie’s in Madison to receive their free $10 gift card. At that time, they will be able to register for the free suit drawings. A new drawing will take place with every 100 entries. Participants can only enter once and may only receive one free gift card. Related story: Protection from COVID-19