HAZLEHURST ALDERMEN: Hazlehurst joins Main Street Association

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By John Carney

Hazlehurst aldermen approved a request to join the Mississippi Main Street Association during its weather-delayed meeting June 5.

Aldermen, who hastily voted to recess the regular Tuesday meeting until Wednesday because of storms in the area, voted to spend $1,500 to join the association at the request of community planner Gail Cornell.

The organization, which works to foster community and economic development in Mississippi communities, offers advice and financial assistance to help grow opportunities. In 2023, according to the organization’s website, its impact included 372 new businesses, 71 business expansions, and 868 new jobs.

Joining the organization puts Hazlehurst in position to be chosen for future grant funding for community development. Average grants are about $150,000.

Cornell also introduced Antoine Lomax, a local painter who assisted in the repainting of the caboose in Railroad Park by restoring the “City of Hazlehurst” lettering.

She also reported the new vintage Hazlehurst sign is expected to be installed June 14, and irrigation will be installed in the island in front of the courthouse on June 21.

Another project in the works is a Hazlehurst Hall of Fame, with a ceremony set for June 28. Approval was given to providing $1,500 for the project.

Girl Scout Leader Barbara Higgins introduced Girl Scout Gold Award recipients from the local troop during the meeting, and Mayor Kenneth Ramsey presented each a resolution recognizing their accomplishments. Each performed a community service project and, together, put in over 400 hours of community service. Higgins said each of the girls graduated with honors, and a new non-profit has been formed to continue to involve the girls while they are in college.

Takeyia Singleton received approval to use the pavilion in Railroad Park for a fall festival Sept. 24. The event will be geared for children and will feature live music.

Routine business included the approval of Alderman Bo McKenzie as the alternate voting delegate for the upcoming municipal convention, Alderman Frederick Sandifer to attend a policy conference, the addition of three summer workers, and a $750 appraisal for property for an expansion of Railroad Park.

Ramsey reported a broadband survey and asked residents to participate by having their internet service measured. The results could help Hazlehurst attract assistance for improved service. More information on the survey is available at City Hall.

Aldermen brought up several property appearance issues and requested letters be sent to owners. The action begins the cleanup process, allowing action to be taken against the properties if owners do not clean them up.

Police Chief Anthony Parker received approval to terminate Darius Wilson, change Sherita Osborne from full-time to part-time, accept the resignation of Emmanuel Thurmond, and hire Sharon Kelly and Keith Williams. Ronnie Murray was appointed investigator, and Derrick Cubit was hired as a part-time officer.

Fire Chief Chris Pendleton presented the resignation of Dennis Shannon and received approval to hire Caleb Rice as a part-time firefighter.

Ramsey recommended the appointment of Bobby Crump to Hazlehurst Housing Authority but after a disagreement among aldermen, the action was tabled.

Ramsey also brought up the Juneteenth celebration for discussion. Aldermen voted to lift the open container ordinance during the celebration. The ordinance will be lifted in a designated area from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., June 22. They also approved providing two portable toilets for the event.

Linda Scott addressed board members about drainage issues on her property that have caused her house to flood during heavy rain. A heated argument resulted between Scott and Alderman Frank Jones, with Scott accusing Jones of not responding to the issue and Jones and Ramsey saying the situation was in the process of being addressed. Scott said there is a culvert that is completely blocked and all agreed there is a lot of debris in a nearby creek, including old tires and furniture that interfere with water flow.

The issue was discussed further during an executive session for the purpose of litigation. No action was taken during the executive session.

Claims for payment totaling $292,525 were approved, with Alderman Jeremy Longino expressing concerns about the budget of the street department for picking up debris. He pointed out the budget is tight because of recent storms.

Jones expressed thanks to the street department and Inframark for helping solve a 17-year-old drainage problem. He said crews worked for two days to get the problem cleared.

The meeting was adjourned until 6 p.m., July 2.