Lumberton Informer

How is it that there are businesses in Lumberton that are not paying a water bill? This is the second time a certain business owner has not received a water bill for a building he owns. First it was the little salon next to the old Saxon building, and now I have discovered that the Lumberton Drug Court has not been paying a water bill either. Now both the salon and the drug court building are both owned by the same person. Whenever there was a problem reported in the area of a mistake on the water bill, we were told that there must be a glitch in the system and they are working to get the problems corrected. Somehow, these glitches are beginning to develop into a pattern. I spoke with the person that was leasing the salon and she told me that she did not pay a water bill when she first moved into the building. But when she shared that information with another stylist that was leasing a building from the same person she was leasing from, her free water came to an end. As long as ...

When it rains, it pours. First I heard about Fiorello's closing and now I just found out that the feed mill (Land of Lakes) has closed. That is going to be a big hot to Lumberton's budget. That is a great loss in the amount of revenue that will be going on the books for Lumberton. I hope our aldermen are paying attention to what is going on in this city and submit a budget that will help us weather these hard times. I have been trying to decide what to post and what to leave out, but you know my tag line states "From the hood to the hall. . . I'm reporting it all." So, I would like to talk about what's been going on at City Hall these past few days. I want to know the legality of taking employee time cards out of City Hall to fninish payroll. When I came to City Hall on Thursday, I saw Deputy Clerk 1 leaving the office with some paperwork. I needed to research some information about a zoning ordinance and when I asked Deputy Clerk 2 where was Sue going ...

The ripple of the BP oil spill has reached the shores of Lumberton. Fiorello's officially closed Friday, August 27, 2010. No longer will we enjoy the aroma of shrimp po boys, burgers and fries. I don't know if the closing is related to the escalating price of seafood or if the family has decided to find another business venture to persue. But one thing is for certain, the business will be missed by all.

Today, I'm not going to blog about the payroll issues, taking time sheets out of the office, suspensions or any of the other drama that took place this week. But I do want to talk about the big dumpster that is sitting in the middle of the street on Myrick Avenue. The dumpster is blocking half of the street, making it difficult and sometimes dangerous for drivers to get to the stop sign and their homes. I know they are in the middle of remodeling the units at Frank Lee Homes again, but there are several vacant units and the large dumpster could have easily been placed in one of the empty parking areas or on the lawn. Instead, they opted to place this large dumpster in the middle of the street, with no regards to the safety of those driving through this area. My question is who is responsible for correcting this matter? Should the police department ticket this company for their disregard for public safety or is this a matter for the code enforcer? I am not certain of the laws, ...

What makes a good mayor? In my opinion, a good mayor has a good professional relationship with each council member. He or she has demonstrated this by meeting with them or talking with them individually to learn more of their desires and positions. Being able to work as a team member and support other council members is integral to the successful mayor. He or she is respectful of the council members’ opinions and allows sufficient time for them to make their point (if there is a point to be made). The good mayor does not push the council in a certain direction that is not consistent with the majority of the council’s position in order to further a personal agenda. Finally, a good mayor not only works well with other council members, but works well with the city staff. Respecting the staff and not attacking it, supporting and appreciating their work, and making suggestions for improvement for the benefit of the city is important for the good mayor and the council. What makes a goo...

This is going to be a long post, so fasten your seatbelts because this is going to be a bumpy ride. Yesterday at City Hall, there was a heated discussion between "Give 'Em Hell" Nell and a city alderman. There were going back and forth with accusations against one another, and the coversation became quite heated. While there, another alderman entered the board room and said that they could hear them all the way in the city clerk's office. Now, we were right next to the Police Department, and no one from the police department came to offer any assistance. This could have been a code 10 man down situation. Both sides got the opportunity to say some things they apparently been wanting to say, and hopefully they have moved on and are ready to work together for the good of the city. While at city hall, I found out that the Louisiana Club will be hosting some fundraisers in an attempt to raise some money to purchase video cameras for the Lumberton Police Department. ...

The Hattiesburg American ran a story today about two utility clerks in Collins that were charged with embezzlement. Apparently, the two set up a scheme to receive utility services provided by the city with no intention of paying for the services. I didn't know that would fall under the category of embezzlement. You mean to tell me that if a business owner was receiving free water and sewer services and not being billed for those services, that would be considered embezzlement? (Did you catch the sarcasm in that rhetorical statement?) But how can something like that happen? Wouldn't they need someone else in the office to help cover their tracks? Oh, my bad. The article did say that two women were indicted in the embezzlement scheme. One defination for embezzlement stated that it is the act of dishonestly appropriating or secreting assets by one or more individuals to whom such assets have been entrusted. Embezzlement is performed in a manner that is premeditated, systema...

If either one is pressed too hard, they have a tendcy to run. Should I or shouldn't I talk the news I received. I think I'll leave that matter alone, besides this blog is about politics. I just wonder why is it that when a pastor tells his members to let matters stay within the church walls, it always have a way of seeping out? (S/N: I'm not talking about something that happened at my church. I don't need anymore egg washes for my car.) But this post is not about that, it is about the recall on eggs. Now I know I haven't ticked off enough people to garner an egg recall, but one may never know. Check your local grocery store to see if their eggs were affected by the recall. There have been several cases of somanella poisioning and it has been traced back to the mis-handling of eggs. In case someone else has the unfortunate task of cleaning egg from their car, here are a few tips: If possible, do not allow the egg to sit on the car for an extended period, especia...

While growing up and going to school, Fridays easily became my favorite day of the week. It was the end of the long week at school and the beginning of two days of relaxation and fun on the weekends. Today, there will be no posts about budgets, summons, politics, or anything else. Tonight is all about Lumberton High School football. This marks the time when the people of Lumberton show their passion and community pride by supporting our football team. Go Panthers!

Yesterday, I was driving to Poplarville (going to Deb's Pizza. . . again.), and I saw this property. I usually hit the interstate whenever I'm going somewhere, but I decided to go a different route yesterday. At one point, this building was being used as a doctor's office, but now it's abandoned and overgrown. There are several properties like this throughout the city but this one is located just a block from our school.

It's been said that you don't know what you got until it's gone. But I believe that you don't know what you've been missing until it shows up. I've been asked by several readers that I need to focus on the good in Lumberton, and I have been hard pressed to find some good to blog about. But at last, I found a nugget and it was sitting right under my nose. Have any of you visited Bass Pecan Company lately? This store is one of Lumberton's best kept secrets and it's time to spread the word. I visited the store the other day to buy a book on entertaining and I was surprised that it had been signed by the author. As I looked around the store, I was amazed by the array of gifts and food items. They have candles, jewelry, silver tea sets, books, fresh and frozen vegetables, ice cream, pies, cobblers, a variety of canisters, aprons, kitchen items and of course, pecans. They have a large variety of regular and flavored pecans. My favorite is the key lim...

The Lumberton Board of Aldermen may want to take notes from the Hattiesburg City Council. The Hattiesburg City Council has made changes to its FY20111 budget. As a result, they have cut their budget by $4.5 million dollars. Now, I know that the City of Lumberton is not generating the type of revenue that is being generated in Hattiesuburg, but Hattiesburg's council members realize that the cuts need to be made, and they want to have an ending cash balance of $1.2 million dollars. So, they are taking the steps, making the tough decisions and doing what's best for their city. Would you like to take a guess as to how much is in Lumberton's ending cash balance for their budget?

I stumbled across an intersting bit of information this morning, but I don't know what I'm going to do with it just at this moment. For now, I'm going to keep this little secret to myself, but I'm not sure how long I will be able to refrain from sharing it with the residents of Lumberton. On a differnt subject, I was surprised to find that the Hattiesburg American is having some of the same issues I am having with my blog. I have been contacted by individuals that wanted to tell me that I should post some positive stories about the City of Lumberton. When I am given that type of advice, I begin to wonder to myself "Is this person actually reading the blog, or have they been spoon-fed some second hand information about what is on this blog." Because those that read the blog know that I try to be fair and balanced in what I state. Sometimes it's positive and sometimes it's negative. I don't go out searching for stories to blog about.(The story ...

I thought I was finished for the week, but I keep thinking about the unresolved issues at City Hall. Why is it so difficult to balance the budget? Why are we holding onto people that have no intention of getting the training they need for their position? Why? Why? Why? For far too long, mismanagement of the city finances has many residents viewing the City of Lumberton as tired, bureaucratic, uninspired and unresponsive. It's time to make a change. Some tough decisions need to be made, and they must be made now. People may find some solace in having the Mayor and Board of Aldermen cut their pay, but cutting their pay will do nothing to solve the budget crisis we are facing. The only way to resolve the issues of the budget is by cutting payroll. For instance, we are entering the Fall season, and it would be wise to cut the Public Works Department. My proposal is that they keep Jimmy H., Roy, Jimmy W., Richard, Stanley, Otis (aka D-90), and Michael (and Kelvin is necessary) an...

School offically started last week, but the true sign of Fall is the start of the football season. Tonight, the Lumberton Panthers will take to the football field. Although this is a scrimmage game, it will give the people of Lumberton the opportunity to see the talented teens that will represent our city. High school football has the ability to unite communities. This is the time when we set aside our personal and political agendas and become one city. So, come out tonight to support the Panthers and cheer them on throughout the season because they represent something good in our city.

One of my favorite shows is Law and Order. Jack McCoy always said never ask a question if you don't already know the answer. At the last board meeting, the aldermen voted to send both deputy clerks to the 2009-2010 Summer Certification Program. I remember this agenda item because Alderman Gibson wanted to know if it was mandatory. So, I would like to know if Deputy Clerk 1 attened the training session? Of course I already know the answer. She didn't attend the training program. So, what is it going to take for the Board of Aldermen to realize that she has no plans of getting certified. Deputy Clerk 1 has made excuse after excuse for four years as to why she can't attend the training classes. The City of Lumberton pays for the registration as well as travel expenses and she still refuses to attend the classes. By the way, the City of Lumberton paid the registration fee for this class, who is responsible for reimbursement of these fees? I don't know what it'...

Children and teens (17 and younger) may read down overdue fees and processing fees charged to their library card accounts rather than pay those fines. They will get $1 taken off their fine for every 10 minutes that they read in the library. Call or visit your local library for more details.

Yesterday, I posted a blog about the old hospital. Last night, I received a call advising me to remove the post because I could be charged with trespassing. So, I removed the post, but after removing the post, I felt that I was not being true to the reason why I blog. So, after looking through the pictures I had taken in the hospital, I realized that I had some valuable information. I had photos of several patient's information. I also called local and county law enforcement officials who told me that it didn't matter that the building wasn't posted with No Trespassing signs that I could still be charged with trespassing if it's private property. Therein lies the dilemma. Do I re-post the blog and take my chances or do I let the matter go? Well, readers of this blog should know the answer to that question. If I'm charged with trespassing, I will blog about it, and contact the ORC (Office of Civil Rights) at 1-866-627-7748 to report the HIPAA violations I uncove...

I received several e-mails about people breaking into the old hospital. So, on my way out this morning, I stopped by the abandoned building to see what was going on. To my surprise, there were no "No Trespassing" signs or "Keep Out" signs posted anywhere near the building. There were several windows broken, and when I pulled on the side door I found that it was open. No lock or chains. As I cautiously entered the building, I saw a lot of old office supplies, chairs, and wires. As I journeyed further into the building I saw an office with papers and folders scatterd across the desk. Being the inquisitive (okay, nosey) person that I am, I began looking through the papers, and found patient information, billing information, and the patient's diagnosis. After I found this information so easily, I began to wonder what other information was readily available. So, I opened a file cabinet drawer, and there was more patient information. Now the point I'm try...

First of all, I know that my haters and dyslexic readers are going to say why is he putting this on the blog? I’m putting this on my blog because just as sure as the day is Sunday, the folks in Lumberton will be talking about these events at their various gathering places. So, don’t hate on me because I have the wherewithal to put the events into a readable format. Now that I have that part out of the way, here we go. The City of Lumberton is in the middle of cutting the budget, and they need to remember nights like this when they consider making cuts to the police department budget. I was nestled in my bed without a worry or care, in hopes that Sunday morning would soon be there. Then deep in the night, I heard such a clatter, I rushed to my window to see what was the matter. I saw a large crowd of people arguing and fighting. It took me a minute to gather my thoughts and interpret what was going on, so I raised my window so I could hear what was being said. Now keep in mind, th...

There is always a trade off in setting the budget. You can't achieve a 5, 10 or 15 per cent saving by cutting all budgets by the same amount. Some services are so small that if their budgets were cut they would no longer be viable. But some tough decisions need to be made in order for this city to say afloat. The City of Lumberton has no wiggle room, and the only way this city is going to achieve any wiggle room is by making cuts in payroll. To many decisions are being made at City Hall based on personal/emotional attachments. This board is not the first board to make budget cuts a personal issue. Unfortunately, the budget is not personal, it's business. I never had to fire anyone, but anyone seeking election as a concil member must come to terms that their decisions will directly or indirectly affect someone. There was a citizen that wanted the council members to add more fees to the already fee-laden water bill. That's not the answer. The only way the city is goin...

The montly meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen had it's ups and downs, but for the most part it was business as usual. The City of Lumberton is still wading through the issues of water bills, and they are trying to find out why we are having so many problems with the reading of the water meters. Our city clerk, Stephanie Mullings, was in top format last night. I must commend her on the way she handled the issue that was presented to the board. She quoted her reason as well as the state law supporting her reason for the changes that were made. However, I think there is a flaw in the law because it should just classify snow-ball stands as transient businesses and not mention anything about being in operation for six months. Because there was a valid question that arose from this matter, and it was How does the city know that this person is only operating for six months? Also, I would like to commend Alderman Rogers on how he stood up for the City of Lumberton. While other...

I don't need a crystal ball to tell you how things are going to play out at tonight's board meeting. I, along with several other disgruntled citizens of Lumberton, will probably be threatened with expulsion from the meeting. For those that think I don't know what I'm talking about, here are a few predictions about what's going to take place tonight. Alderman Johnson wants to disband the Lumberton Planning and Zoning Committee and the vote will be as follows: Crider, Gibson and Johnson will vote to disband the committee although there are no provisions to disband a committee, but there is a provision to remove individual members from the committee if there is just cause and that cause must be presented to the city clerk, in writing, and a public hearing held, but this process must be completed within 15 days of the grievance. Another agenda item presented by Alderman Johnson is to suspend the Planning and Zoning Ordinance until new Planning and Zoning Committe c...