The Madison County Herald from Canton, Mississippi • Page 4

4 MADISON COUNTY HERALD THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 200 1 State gets possession of 347 acres; jury trial May 21 By Kan Wilbanka Herald News Editor Mississippi Supreme Court. "We're examining our options at this point," Kelly said. The state wants to use portions of Hixon's property for an interchange between Mississippi 22 and U.S. 51, a retention pond, a Mississippi State University Engineering Research Center and as possible sites for Nissan suppliers. Hixon questions whether the entire 347 acres is needed for the project.

A court-appointed appraiser determined the fair market value of the land to be about $4,000 an acre, or $1.4 million. The amount is far less than what Hixon has said the property is worth. Hixon has said he bought the property in August for $2,300 per acre. "The court will hold the $1.4 million for Mr. Hixon's benefit," said Jackson attorney Bob Wood, who has helped the state with land acquisition.

"We'll adjust the amount up or down depending on what the jury decides." State spokeswoman Sherry Vance has said that, with the state's final offer of $10,000 per acre, Hixon would have made a profit of $2,678 million on an original investment of roughly $800,000. The state, which began eminent domain proceedings in December, will not have to wait until the trial to gain access to the land, according to Agin's ruling. Agin ruled that the state is not obligated to negotiate indefinitely with a landowner, especially when time is a factor. The state is under extremely tight deadlines to prepare the foundation for Nissan, which hopes to break ground April 6 and begin production in 2003. Agin said normal eminent domain proceedings can drag on for months.

"This court finds that irreparable harm and delay would likely result to the plaintiff if the issue of right of possession remained open until the trial on the merits," Agin wrote in Monday's opinion. "This court, therefore, concludes that the plaintiff will suffer irreparable harm and delay and should be given the right of immediate possession to the "This allows us to move forward in the process of creating better jobs," said J.C. Burns, executive director of the Mississippi Major Saying "the plan of the state is a reasonable one," Madison County Judge William Agin Monday gave the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority possession of real estate investor Tom Hixon's 347 acres near Canton for the $930 million Nissan automotive plant. Agin also set a May 2 1 jury trial to determine how much the state must pay Hixon. But Dana Kelly, one of Hixon's attorneys in the case, said it is possible Hixon might appeal Agin's ruling to the Economic Impact Authority.

Agin had ordered the state to resubmit its proposal of 10,000 an acre to Hixon, who again rejected the offer by last Thursday 4 p.m. deadline. Hixon made an undisclosed counteroffer that was declined Thursday by the Mississippi Development Authority. In dismissing Hixon's com plaint, Agin wrote: court finds that there was no likelihood for successful Truly, Lousteau battle in primary Tommy Quatttebaum Incumbent Age: 50. Family: Married to Pamela Bailey Quattlebaum; one daughter.

Summer Ashley Boleyn, 7, a first -grader at Tri-County Academy. Education Tri-County Academy graduate. Occupation: Joint owner and operator of Quattlebaum's Auto Repair. Community involvement: Member of First Baptist Church of Flora; formerly served 26 years in the Flora Volunteer Fire Department, including approximately 10 years as fire chief; 12 years in emergency and rescue services for the town. Party affiliation: Independent.

By Ed Inman Special to the Herald The race for alderman-at-large in Canton is pitting two well-known candidates in the upcoming Democratic Primary, with the winner facing an unopposed Republican in the general election. The tentative election dates are May 1 for the Democratic Primary and June 5 for the general election. Some city leaders say they are preparing to ask a federal judge to delay the races in view of population growth and shifts as reported by the 2000 U.S. Census. The seat is currently occupied by Democrat Dr.

William Truly, a local physician. Truly, who first won the seat four years ago, is often identified as a vocal proponent for Canton's low- income and minority voters. He said his top goal, if re-elected, will be to make sure Cantoni-ans have the opportunity to be prepared "technically, educationally and skillfully" in light of anticipated growth due to Nissan's arrival. During recent board meetings Truly has challenged other city officials to make sure Cantonians have a fair chance at bidding on contracts related to the $930 million Nissan project. "I would also like to see us create more recreational and educational programs for inner city kids, particularly embracing the concept of neighborhood recreational programs," he said.

Another proposal, he said, will be to begin systematic upgrading of the city's streets and storm water drainage system through the creation of a special commission designed to address those needs. And, with Nissan on the horizon, Truly is predicting Canton will soon become a "hotbed" for new housing. "We need a new housing policy and stronger housing planning," he said. Stringent zoning codes have virtually prevented the construction of additional low-to-middle income homes in neighboring Madison and Ridgeland, Truly said, making Canton uniquely suited to house much of Nissan's anticipated work force. "Not everyone is going to be Quattlebaum, Morgan meet in general election Jerry Lousteau Age: 45.

Family: Married to Joanna Fulton Lousteau; father of one adult child. Education: Attended Nichols State University and the University of Southeastern Louisiana. Occupation: General manager of WMGO AM-1370 radio station in Canton. Community involvement Volunteer with the Canton Boys and Girls Club, Canton Library, Lula B. Covington Retirement Home and Habitat for Humanity.

Party affiliation: Democrat. city. Lousteau cites his long involvement as a community volunteer and as a successful businessman as qualifications that have prepared him for the job. As a member of the Black Heritage Committee, he is widely credited for helping to found the Canton Gospel Homecoming concert held annually on the square. Lousteau also was instrumental in getting city officials to rededicate Second Avenue as Harvey Watkins Sr.

Drive in honor of the late founder of the inter-nationally acclaimed Canton Spirituals vocal group. He is active in the Canton Chamber of Commerce and has joined with local Constable Johnny Sims in volunteering for youth HeadStart programs in the city. The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Canton's only Republican candidate, local businessman S. K. Desai, in the general election.

A native of India, Desai has lived in Canton since 1984, and he first appeared on the political screen as a mayoral candidate in 1993. The owner of Sunny's Drive Inn restaurant on Peace Street Billy Morgan Age: 38. Family: Single. Education: Tri-County Academy graduate; attended Hinds Community College. Completed paramedic training program at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Occupation: Paramedic with University Medical Center of Holmes County in Lexington. Community involvement: Served in Flora Volunteer Fire Department and in emergency and rescue services for a number of years. Party affiliation: Independent. He said improving job opportunities as well as providing the best city services and increasing the town's tax base will be among his top priorities. Challenger Billy Morgan, who for many years served with Quattlebaum in the town's volunteer fire department, said he believes growth in light of Nissan will likely be coming to the area faster than some people realize.

He said the time is "now" for the town to do a betterjobofplanningforit. "I think it is possible our population will double over the next four years, and we need to develop a long-range plan," said Morgan. Among his priorities is developing a new transportation plan. "Look at the traffic congestion in Madison and Ridgeland," he said. "If we don't start working on a plan now, we are going to be like that in another 10 years." Morgan also wants to see the town put at least one paid, professional firefighter and paramedic on duty weekdays between the hours of9a.m.-5 p.m.

"As it is now, many of our volunteers work outside Flora during weekdays," he said. "We have had fire alarms where Gluckstadt has had to respond because there was no one available on duty in Flora." Morgan also wants to see the town replace a 1978 fire truck with a newer model, and said larger water mains are urgently needed to make the town less vulnerable to fires. He said the town also needs to make it easier for all residents to qualify for town sewer service. "We still have residents within the town who are not connected to sewer," Morgan said. "It's time for a change." 1221 352-2822 1222 352-2822 1221 352-2822 1221 961-7249 9409 961-7200 961-7100 Dr.

William Truly Incumbent Age: Refused. Family: Single with two adult children. Education: Medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville. Bachelor's degree from Howard University. Occupation: Physician.

Community involvement: Member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church and the Canton NAACP. Founder of Truly's Youth Challenge, a youth service program. Party affiliation: Democrat. able to own a $250,000 home in south Madison County," he said.

Truly also said he wants to see better local participation in the Canton Public Schools, and wants to see the district's accreditation improve from its present Level 2 to at least a Lever 4 or 5. "We've got to involve the total community in making the schools better," he said. Truly's Democratic challenger, WMGO-AM 1370 radio station general manager Jerry Lousteau, is equally well known throughout the community for his popular and sometimes controversial morning radio newscasts. A frequent critic of Truly and the city's current administration, Lousteau said he has witnessed "too many missed opportunities" on the part of present elected officials. He said he believes he can do a better job.

"It is a leadership issue," said Lousteau. "I believe Canton needs stronger business-oriented leadership to take us into the Nissan era." He also is an advocate of improving the accreditation standards of Canton Public Schools, and said he will support a larger and stronger police force in the The certificate is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting. "David Overby, director of finance and administration, and his staff have once again achieved a level of excellence that is worthy of recognition," said Mayor Gene McGee. Ridgeland's entrance signs designed by landscape architects WeatherfordMcDade Ltd. have received the Merit Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects "in recognition of outstanding professional achievement." "It is my belief that establishing a sense of community within the city of Ridgeland is important," McGee said.

"To that end, I've worked with the Board of Aldermen in identifying specific actions that would define the city visually, and that speaks to our commitment of providing quality of life for our residents and businesses. "Our entrance signs, along with our distinctive street signs, are the first steps in creating an identity that is so important." McGee said the entrance signs "are placed at key points of entry into the city." The vertical, red brick structures include the city logo along with the slogan "Living Right." S.K. Desai Age: 41. Family: Married to Hema Desai. They are parents of two children: Sagar, 14, and Sanket, 11, both Canton Academy students.

Education: Electrical engineering degree from MNR School in Bilimor, India. Occupation: Owner of Sun-ny's Drive Inn restaurant. Community involvement: Helps community people in need on an informal basis. Party affiliation: Republican. said he is running on a platform of making Canton more business friendly, especially for small and moderate-size business owners.

He questions why large industries are given "lucrative tax breaks," which he says equates to discrimination against small business owners. Of the huge tax incentives given to locate Nissan in Canton, Desai said: "It is not worth it from my knowledge." He said he would also like to see Canton relax it's stringent sign ordinance, particularly along 1-55, which he says only serves to stifle business growth. And, like his two opponents, he cites education of youth as being Canton's top social issue. "The public schools need improvements, and there needs to be more teacher and parent involvement with the children," he said. Desai said he also supports better benefits for the city's police officers and firefighters.

He said officials who work for the city should live in the city. "All department heads should be required to live in Canton," Desai said. Chad Wages, an engineering manager with the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority, said the flooding was caused by a culvert that didn't drain. "It got partially stopped up and we got about two inches of rain," Wages said. Lonzo Archie, who attended a church groundbreaking and a funeral Saturday along with family members, said "the whole road was underwater." "We had one of the young fellas walk into it.

The water came up to his waist," he said. Wages said the residents were carried home in three four-wheel drive pickup trucks that went around the construction site for the Nissan plant. He said work began Sunday to try to prevent future flooding. Lonzo Archie said he hopes it works. "That road is very essential.

It's the only way to get in and out," Archie said. "We don't want to have to go through this again." New coach Andy Lee has been named the new varsity baseball coach at Canton Academy. He is a graduate of Woodland Hills Baptsit Academy and played college baseball at Hinds and Delta State. He played two years professionally with the Boston Red Sox organization. He is the son of former major league pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee, who played with the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos from 1964-1984.

By Ed Inman Special to the Herald The June 5 general election for alderman-at-large in Flora will have two independent candidates squaring off, both with long records of service as former fire department and emergencyres-cue volunteers in the community. Incumbent Tommy Quattlebaum, who formerly served as fire chief and is now seeking his fourth term, says his experience and long record of service makes him qualified for the job. "I was born and raised in Flora," said Quattlebaum. "I love this community and intend to live here the rest of my life." He credits his record as alderman-at-large as being one of working closely with the public, and said the board has also worked with the Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations to make Flora a better place to live. "I believe we have a real good relationship with the citizens," Quattlebaum said.

With the much anticipated growth in the county related to the $930 million Nissan automotive plant, Quattlebaum said he would like to see Flora grow, but only at a moderate rate. "We're not trying to be a Madison or Ridgeland or Canton," he said. But, he said the town must get prepared to deal with growth, nonetheless. "Right now, Flora is primarily a bedroom community with many people going to work elsewhere," said Quattlebaum. "We need to develop a better mix of commercial, industrial and residential properties to see the town survive and grow." Flooding near plant site keeps residents from homes Hazard Mitigation Plan hearing April 19 By Kan Wilbanks Herald News Editor Madison County residents unable to get to their Archie Cain Road homes Saturday evening due to flooding returned home early Sunday morning.

"Everybody wanted to come home," said Lonzo Archie, one of the 20 to 25 Archie Cain Road residents who waited at a nearby church until about 1 a.m. because the flooding blocked the only way they could access their homes. The portion of the road that flooded was not near any homes. By late Sunday morning the water had completely subsided and no homes were flooded. Archie is one of four landowners trying to stop the state from using eminent domain to take his land for the $930 million Madison County Nissan project.

The others include Andrew Archie, Matilda Archie and Percy Bouldin. They own a combined 27 acres located on three parcels. Madison CountyHERALD Delivery, subscriptions 859 Classified advertising 859 Information 859 Comments, suggestions 859 Fax number 859 ByKonWilbanks Herald News Editor RIDGELAND A hearing will be held here April 19 at City Hall to receive public comments regarding the city's Draft Hazard Mitigation Plan to help respond to flash floods, tornadoes and other natural disasters. Jill Hartford, a civil engineer with the city, said "public comment on the plan must be taken" before it can be approved by the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Hartford said officials formed a Hazard Mitigation Council in Aug.

1999 "for the purpose of mitigating natural hazards and creating and implementing policies and strategies that can protect citizens and significantly reduce the loss of life and property." The document can be viewed at the Ridgeland Library, Public Works Department or the city of Ridgeland's web page, www.ridgelandms.org. Residents may give written or tape recorded comments on the plan between p.m. April 19. The city has received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report for the eighth consecutive year. William W.

HunsbergerPresident 961-7201 Joe DovePublisher 961-7022 Bill ZimmermanManaging editor 961-7249 Ken WilbanksNews editor 961 -7227 Christopher BruceCopy editor 961 -7254 Doris LuckettCommunity news editor 859-9400 Desi VanSkiverAdvertising representative 961 -7056 Bub CarsonCommercial print manager 859-9411 The Madison County Herald is published weekly by Gannett River States from offices at 1 59 E. Center Canton MS 39046. Periodicals postage paid at Jackson, Miss. and additional mailing offices (USPS 324-900). Subscription rates are: Madison County, 1 year, $16; elsewhere, 1 year, $20.

The publisher reserves the right to change rates during the term of the subscription upon 30 days' notice. This notice may be sent by mail to the subscriber, by notice in the paper or otherwise. Postmaster Send address changes to Madison County Herald, Box 119, Canton MS 39046. I 1 ijii I.