Mississippi

Former MS Democratic Party Chair no longer seeking reinstatement. DNC denies appeal

Published

2 months ago

May 15, 2024

Former MS Democratic Party Chair no longer seeking reinstatement. DNC denies appeal

Irving says DNC made decision for him, declines to discuss Hinds Chancery Court case

The former chair of the Mississippi Democratic Party said this week he is no longer seeking reinstatement after an appeal submitted to the Democratic National Committee’s Credentials Committee was denied last month.

The committee threw out the appeal from former state party chair Tyree Irving to be reinstated after he was voted out of office in July 2023 for alleged “long standing and repeated actions of malfeasance and misfeasance.” His appeal was thrown out during the DNC’s April meeting.

The decision came less than two months before the state party holds an election to elect a new chair.

“The Credentials Committee voted unanimously (25-0) to recognize State Representative Cheikh Taylor as permanent chair,” The committee wrote in a press release issued last month. “Taylor was elected by a 2-1 vote by the State Executive Committee at a July 2023 meeting and has served as chair since then. In addition to filing the challenge with the national party, Irving also took the extraordinary measure of suing his own party in Hinds County Chancery Court in connection with his removal.”

The lawsuit referenced is still pending further action in the Hinds County Chancery Court.

That suit was filed in September 2023 and in it, Irving claims the state party violated its constitution several times in the course of ousting him, appointing Taylor and making several position changes within the party. He has also requested a restraining order on all party business until he is reinstated.

Irving had previously submitted a resignation letter to the party a few days before the vote was tallied during a special meeting.

That resignation letter came after Irving ridiculed MDP Executive Director Andre Wagner for trying to clarify an email Irving sent stating DNC funds were coming to MDP if it donated an equal amount to Gubernatorial candidate Brandon Presley. Gifting funds to a political entity to give one candidate funding is a crime.

More on Irving’s resignation The Mississippi Democratic Party chair announced he will resign. What happens next?

Details on Irving lawsuit: Former Mississippi Democratic Party chair sues to reinstate himself, saying his ouster was improper

Irving and several other plaintiffs claim that the party, as well as key executive committee and party members including Taylor and William Wheeler, are essentially acting as a rogue political group without legal ground to conduct business on the party’s behalf.

The party’s response in the case is that Irving claims are all categorically false, and that the party has acted in accordance with its own regulations. It also denounces his claim to be reinstated, and one defendant, Wheeler, even alleges Irving destroyed property at party headquarters in Jackson.

“Irving negligently and intentionally abused and caused damage to the property, including personal property inside of the building, out of spite and malice, all of which will be shown by the evidence at trial,” Wheeler stated.

The court has not yet set a trial date, according to a Hinds County Chancery Court employee.

Irving’s status with state Democratic Party

Irving, a former appellate judge who declined to comment on the ongoing case, told the Clarion Ledger Tuesday that with the decision from the DNC, he has no plans to run against Taylor.

“I devoted nearly three years of my post-retirement time to trying to lay the groundwork to transform the Mississippi Democratic Party into a real political force that would serve the interests of all ordinary Mississippians rather than the interests of self-appointed party bosses,” Irving said. “My term will officially end when the State Executive Committee elects new officers in the next month or two. I can think of no good reason why I should continue my efforts to bring about such a transformation by seeking another term.”

Irving added that he believes the DNC simply made a political move to support Taylor and ignore the facts of the July 2023 vote to oust him as party chair and the ongoing case.

“The Credentials Committee of the DNC made a political decision without consideration of the facts,” he said. “The DNC sends $15,000 monthly to support the Mississippi Democratic Party. Without that financial support, the Mississippi Democratic Party would not have any substantial operational footprint. Since it is clear that my vision for the Party did not align with the Party bosses of the Mississippi Democratic Party and the Credentials Committee of the DNC, there is no reason to believe that would change going forward.”

Taylor, a Democrat from Starkville, told the Clarion Ledger he is unaware of any other challengers to him, and he hopes he can continue the work of the party as the congressional elections come up in November.

“I am seeking chairmanship again and we’ve moved forward rapidly,” Taylor said. “I want a solid four years to really put my stamp on the vision and the mission along with the great council that I have moving the party forward.”

Read more on Primary races MS Primary results

Taylor added he believes the decision made by the DNC may help push the chancery court in favor of the party over Irving’s claims.

“What I think may happen is that the chancery court will probably look at the ruling of the committee, And will follow suit,” he said.

Grant McLaughlin covers state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335.

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Mississippi

Mom of 3 Dies After Being Hit by Car Near Mississippi Restaurant: ‘Truly Heartbroken’

Published

3 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Mom of 3 Dies After Being Hit by Car Near Mississippi Restaurant: ‘Truly Heartbroken’

A mother of three children was struck and killed by a car near a restaurant in Mississippi on Saturday, July 20, authorities said.

The incident occurred on MS-43 near the Sunset Grill restaurant in Rankin County and is under investigation, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) said in a news release shared with PEOPLE on Friday, July 26.

The pedestrian, Marcie Errington, 41, of Crystal Spring, Miss., was hit by a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound. She died at the scene from her injuries, the MHP added.

The driver of the Silverado, identified by authorities as Donnie Taylor, 67, of Brandon, Miss., was unhurt in the collision.

No additional details were offered from the MHP.

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According to a GoFundMe set up on behalf of her family, Errington was a nurse and a devoted mother to her three sons.

“We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our sweet Marcie,” read the fundraiser description. “She was such a radiant gypsy soul who loved nature, animals and children… Her sons were the center of her universe, and her every action was a testament to the profound love she had for them.”

The GoFundMe described Errington as “thoughtful, selfless, compassionate, and genuinely caring – everything that made her such an amazing momma and nurse.”

“Marcie’s impact on our lives is immeasurable,” the description continued. “She taught us the true meaning of love, empathy, and perseverance. Her legacy of kindness will live on through the countless lives she touched, both human and animal. We are devastated by her loss, but we celebrate the beautiful person she was and the extraordinary life she lived.”

Kelly Johnson, a friend of Errington’s, remembered her as outgoing. “When you think of a Gypsy Soul, that’s what you think of as Marcy, she loved anything that breathed,” Johnson said, NBC affiliate WLBT reported.

Errington was employed at Pedicare Nursing Agency. The news of her death sent a shock to Errington’s colleagues, said Melissa Flanagin, the agency’s founder.

“There was a time of denial where we didn’t want to believe that that had really happened to our Marcy,” Flanigan told CBS affiliate WJTV. “When we learned, and it was confirmed that it was her, we were just heartbroken.”

Johnson told WLBT that the GoFundMe will help Errington’s children.

“There’s a lot of bills and things that have, you know, accrued and you know, just life,” Johnson said. “It’s mainly to take care of those children to make sure they have what they need.”

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Mississippi

Mississippi State’s Rendon promoted to brigadier general surrounded by family, friends and servicemen

Published

10 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi State’s Rendon promoted to brigadier general surrounded by family, friends and servicemen

Contact: Mary Pollitz

STARKVILLE, Miss.—On Thursday afternoon [July 25], Mississippi State alumnus Andrew Rendon, the university’s executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs, was promoted from colonel to brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard. Less than one-half of 1% of officers in the Army achieve the rank of a general officer.

The first action Gen. Rendon took after his promotion was to present his daughter Sarah and wife Hilary with flowers while thanking the three institutions he credited with his success—MSU, the Mississippi National Guard and his family.

“Not once have those institutions left me alone. Not once have they let me down. Not once have those institutions not cared for me,” he said. “In every instance, as I asked for help support or assistance, they have been there for me.”

Andrew Rendon pets MSU’s Bully mascot, Dak, while celebrating his promotion to brigadier general. From left to right: MSU President Mark E. Keenum, Adjutant General of Mississippi Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, Rendon, his wife Hillary Rendon, and children Sarah and Kyler Rendon. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

MSU President Mark E. Keenum commended Rendon with his leadership supporting the armed forces, military students and his country. Rendon’s service and commitment to others—along with Bulldogs, cowbells and Edam cheese—is what the university is known for, Keenum added.

“We’re also known for our values. Our core values that define who we are at MSU: integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others,” Keenum said. “Gen. Rendon embodies all of these values, and he lives them every single day. So, it’s an honor to recognize him and his achievements this afternoon as he begins this new chapter of service to our state and our nation.”

The promotion ceremony for the Guard’s commander of the 66th Troop Command took place in Wingo Auditorium of the university’s Old Main Academic Center. The event was officiated by MSU alumnus Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi.

Rendon began his military career nearly 30 years ago as an Army Aviator. After spending nine years on active duty, with assignments in Germany and Alabama, Rendon joined the MSNG in 2004 serving in various aviation roles throughout the state, from logistics officer and platoon leader to his current role as troop commander and MSNG director of Joint Staff.

Rendon holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from MSU. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

Andrew Rendon rings a cowbell — Andrew Rendon, Mississippi State alumnus and the university’s executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs, celebrates his promotion to brigadier general by ringing a cowbell. Less than one-half of 1% of officers in the Army achieve the rank of general officer. (Photo by Grace Cockrell)

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Mississippi

Where can you go from Jackson by train? Curious Mississippi answers

Published

17 hours ago

July 26, 2024

Press Room

Where can you go from Jackson by train? Curious Mississippi answers

Editor’s note: This is the latest edition of Curious Mississippi, a service to the readers of the Clarion Ledger. Other questions answered by Curious Mississippi included road safety, potholes, cicadas and the international nature of the Jackson airport. Last week, we answered the question of why Mississippi roads are brown. Readers can submit questions by email to CuriousMississippi@ClarionLedger.com and editors will pick out the best and reporters will answer them in an upcoming edition.

Looking to take a trip from Jackson? The city’s Amtrak station located in Union Station allows travelers to take a train to a handful of different destinations via a direct route.

However, there are downsides when opting for a train ride.

Getting North and South by train from Jackson is relatively easy. Going East or West, and you are out of luck.

Three major cities with direct routes by train from Jackson include New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago. A trip to New Orleans in your own car takes just under three hours compared to the four-and-a-half-hour train ride from Union Station. A car drive to Memphis takes about one and a half hours less than a train ride. A plane ride to Chicago is significantly shorter and comparative in price.

So, why opt for a train over a plane or automobile?

Some find trains a romanticized mode of transportation, offering a unique experience not found when sitting on a plane or car or bus. Trains often offer passengers with more room and leisurely views of the surrounding scenery. Train stations and trains themselves are also often easier to navigate for those with disabilities.

Jackson resident Khalilah Wright and her daughter Chandler Wright waited in Union Station Tuesday afternoon for the evening train heading to Chicago, where they had moved from four years ago. Khalilah said they opted for a train ride because Chandler doesn’t like planes.

Khalilah said she and her family travel to Chicago often. She takes a plane when traveling with her husband and train when traveling with her daughter. While both have advantages and disadvantages, Khalilah said riding the train provides more bonding time with Chandler because they can chat while waiting in the station and during the longer ride.

The train is “nice and relaxing,” Khalilah said, and she enjoys the views from the train cars with large windows. She also said a train is a much better option for her mother, who is disabled, to travel to Jackson from Chicago.

Like plane tickets, Amtrak ticket prices vary depending on upgrades and when you book the ticket. Read on to find out which cities you can reach directly from the Jackson Amtrak station. These “direct routes” refer to the cities to which you can buy a one-way or round-trip ticket. There are often several stations in between Jackson and these final destinations, so they are not considered “non-stop” routes.

How to get to Chicago by train

A trip to Chicago from Jackson by an Amtrak train takes about 15 to 16 hours. Overnight rides are offered so you can board the train at 6 p.m. and arrive in the Windy City by 10 a.m. the next morning.

A one-way ticket to Chicago from Jackson for one adult will set you back about $150 to $200 for a coach ticket or anywhere from $300 to $900 for a private room with a restroom and shower.

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How to get to New Orleans by train

A train ride to New Orleans from the Jackson Amtrak station takes around four and half hours. A round trip is feasible for a quick weekend get away.

A ticket for a single adult one-way is about $50 to $60 for a coach ticket or about $100-$150 for a private room with a restroom or sink.

How to get to Memphis by train

Memphis is also a good option for a weekend trip. A train ride from the Amtrak Jackson station to the Memphis station clocks in at just over four and a half hours.

Tickets cost anywhere from about $30 to $50 for a single adult coach ticket or from $100 to $300 for a private room.

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Where else can I go by train from Jackson?

There are several other stops on the direct route from Jackson. The stations on this route are not the only Mississippi stations. There is a line that runs from New Orleans connecting stations in Picayune, Hattiesburg, Laurel and Meridian before continuing through Alabama.

Here are all the cities with Amtrak stations on the direct route to and from Jackson, starting with New Orleans and heading north ending with Chicago: