Monday, November 7, 2011
The Vicksburg Post
Toyota
Initiatives
Continued from Page A1.
Continued from Page A1.
others are employed by suppliers. Production comes at a time when the future is uncertain for many in the state where unemployment has hovered above 10 percent. Excitement over the plant is palpable from the folding tables at the single store in Blue Springs to the halls of the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson. “It’s a Godsend to us,” said Mayor Jack Reed Jr. of Tupelo, the biggest city near the facility with 34,500 residents. “People around here certainly have a little more bounce in our steps now.” Officials from three counties spent years working to lure a car manufacturer, watching as other southern communities have reaped the economic spoils of new plant openings. In the past decade, foreign carmakers that opened plants elsewhere have included Nissan in central Mississippi, Toyota in Texas, Kia in Georgia and Volkswagen in Tennessee. Gov. Haley Barbour went to Japan to court Toyota before the Blue Springs plant was announced in 2007, and state officials were glad to sign off on a $324 million incentive package. To illustrate what a car manufacturer can do for an area, Barbour cites a Toyota plant that opened in Georgetown, Ky., in the 1980s. “It literally changed that entire region of the state. It started with only a couple of thousand jobs and now has well over 5,000 jobs,” Barbour said in a telephone interview. “My point is, we’re just starting to see the effect Toyota will have on northeast Mississippi,” he said. Georgetown Mayor Everette Varney said the Toyota plant has spurred steady growth in the Kentucky city since it was announced in 1985. The city’s population has nearly tripled since 1990 to 29,000 people, according to the U.S. Census. “Even in the downturn in the economy we experienced growth. Toyota, I mean, we just exploded,” Varney said. “They have been tremendous for this city.” Analysts say one reason the South is attractive to foreign automakers is because in right-to-work states that are common in the region workers can’t be forced to join unions if their co-workers unionize. Nice weather and proximity to customers in growing states are other factors. “They pay pretty good wages so there’s not much incentive to union-
ize. This is why the Southeast is just harvesting new jobs,” said Larry Rinek, a California-based consultant with Frost and Sullivan who works with major auto manufacturers and suppliers. The Mississippi plant sits at the edge of Blue Springs, a town of 200 that’s little more than a winding, hilly road lined with modest houses, a small post office and Gentry’s Grocery & Grill. The same locals sip coffee nearly every morning at Gentry’s, where mounted deer hang from the walls and Toyota is a favored conversation topic. The store is packed at lunch with automotive workers. “Things are rolling now,” owner Mike Gentry said recently. Toyota has been working with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to take job applications. MDES recently said that it has collected more than 41,000 applications for the plant, with applicants from all 82 Mississippi counties, 44 other states and Puerto Rico. Blue Springs’ leaders are studying ways to improve infrastructure, knowing they can’t lure suppliers and other spin-off businesses without sufficient sewer and water systems. A few miles southeast, rental units are in demand in the town of Sherman and investors have snapped up commercial property. But people weren’t always so upbeat. Initial excitement over Toyota’s announcement in 2007 turned into concern late the next year when the carmaker indefinitely delayed the start of production. The decision came after the economy tanked and Toyota was hit by the largest recall in company history. Production had originally been slated to begin in 2010. The delay was unusual for a company like Toyota, “but given the circumstances, the economic backdrop, it was a wise thing to do,” said Mike Jackson, an automotive analyst for IHS Global Insight. People around here got worried, said Blue Springs Alderwoman Rita Gentry, whose brother owns Gentry’s Grocery. “At first there was concern that they might not open at all. To be honest with you, I had my doubts. But when I saw how much work they’d done and how much they invested in our community and schools, I knew it would open. They were just being cautious,” Gentry said.
would’ve limited the terms of state legislators. • Initiative 26, backed by the Colorado-based Personhood USA, seeks to provoke a court challenge to Roe v. Wade, the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that established a legal right to abortion. Mississippi is the only state voting on a life-at-fertilization amendment this fall. Supporters say the initiative seeks to end abortion in a state that already has some of the nation’s toughest abortion regulations and only one clinic where the procedures are performed. Opponents say defining life as beginning at fertilization could block common forms of birth control and deter physicians from performing invitro fertilization. Atlee Breland of Brandon, who’s active in the Parents Against Mississippi 26 group, said she has three children because of in-vitro fertilization. She said she believes the initiative could drive IVF specialists out of the state. “This should not just be a matter of concern for women, but for every Mississippi family,” Breland said. “Everybody knows somebody that has gone through infertility. Everybody knows somebody who has had life-threatening pregnancy issues.” Anne Reed of Tupelo, who’s active in the Yes on 26 group, describes herself as a “post-abortive mother,” and said she provides counseling for other women who have had abortions. “With every woman that I have counseled that is post-abortive, there are consistent feelings of that experience, of actually being in that clinic, of feeling devalued, dehumanized,” Reed said. The Mississippi State Medical Association says it is not supporting the ballot measure — a step short of actively opposing it. The Mississippi section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposes the initiative. Some OB-GYNs, however, support the proposal. Glenn Cohen, a Harvard Law School professor, said Initiative 26 is “ambiguous.” He said if it passes, judges will have to interpret it and determine how it applies to Mississippi law and whether, for example, it would affect birth control, IVF or only abortion.
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PRECISION FORECAST • Mississippi lawmakers argued about voter ID for more than 15 years before Republican Sen. Joey Fillingane of Sumrall started the petition drive that put Initiative 27 on the ballot. Supporters say requiring ID would protect the integrity of elections. Opponents say there’s been little proof that people are trying to vote under others’ names, and that requiring ID might be a way to intimidate older black voters who were once subject to Jim Crow laws. The National Conference of State Legislatures says 30 states require all voters to show ID at the polls, many of them in the Deep South. Fourteen of the 30 require photo ID. Nsombi Lambright, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, said that in poor, rural areas, many people might lack any form of government-issued photo ID. She also worries a voter ID law would be applied unevenly, and perhaps unfairly, by poll workers who might not be well trained. Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, a Republican who is Mississippi’s top elections official, said he supports the voter ID ballot initiative. “We in Mississippi need to step away from where we were 50 years ago. We’ve made a great deal of progress,” Hosemann said. “A commonsense voter ID to enforce the integrity of the voting for every Mississippian makes sense.” • Eminent domain is the process government uses to take private land for projects ranging from road construction to industrial development. Initiative 31 would not stop eminent domain for public uses such as road and bridge construction or placement of utility lines. It proposes banning state and local governments from taking private property and, within 10 years, giving it to other private citizens or businesses. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a Connecticut case in 2005 that land could be taken for private development. Since then, more than 40 states have enacted restrictions on eminent domain for private projects. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour in 2009 vetoed a bill that would’ve restricted eminent domain. The Republican argued that the restrictions would hurt the state’s pursuit of big projects such as automobile manufacturing plants.
deaths Ellis J. Cummins Mr. Ellis J. Cummins, age 82, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at Glenwood Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry White officiating and burial following at Greenlawn Gardens Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 tonight. Mr. Cummins was born in Attala County and had lived in Vicksburg since 1968. He retired from Sears after 32 years of service. He was a member of Bowmar Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school director and teacher. He served as president of Men’s Brotherhood, was a choir member and served as program chairman and vice president of Bowmar’s Awesome Senior Saints. He was also a member and executive officer of Vicksburg Homebuilders Association. He was preceded in death by his two sisters, Hilda Steed and Helen McCool. He is survived by his wife, Ruth F. Cummins of Vicksburg; his sons, Donald E. Cummins (Lisa), David Wayne Cummins (Deborah) and Randall Keith “Randy” Cummins, all of Vicksburg; his brothers, A.C. Cummins of Ethel and J.J. Cummins of Brandon; his sisters, Mildred Mangrum of Rolling Fork and Nadine Hughes of Indianola; grandchildren, Chad Cummins (Christie), Jennifer Ruston (Cary), Jason Cummins (Glynda) and Kirsty Brewer (Billy); and eight great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Aaron Cummins, Jim Cummins, Chad Cummins, Jason Cummins, Carl Mangrum and Mac Steed. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Vicksburg Homebuilders Associa-
tion and the men and women of Bowmar’s Adult Sunday School Department.
Lillie Mae McDuff Lillie Mae McDuff died Sunday, Nov. 6, 2011, at Vicksburg Convalescent Home. She was 91. Mrs. McDuff had lived most of her life in Valley Park. She was formerly employed at the King’s Gin for many years. She was an active member of the Valley Park Baptist Church, where she was loved by everyone. She was preceded in death by her husband, James McDuff; a son, James G. “Coot” McDuff; a sister, Margaret Porter; a brother, Vernon Martin Sr.; and her parents, Littleton and Clara Winstead Martin. Survivors include her three sons, Bobby McDuff, Jerry McDuff and Betty, all of Valley Park, and Kenneth McDuff and Cindy, both of Purvis; three daughters, Linda Minchew, Deborah Southern and Kenny, all of Vicksburg, Rita Childres and Dennis of Valley Park; a daughter-in-law, Mary McDuff of Valley Park; 13 grandchildren; and 22 greatgrandchildren. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Valley Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Ronnie Purser officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Tuesday at Glenwood Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Michael Childres, Stacey McDuff, Justin McDuff, Kody Birtt Jr., Wesley Southern, Kevin Southern, Brandon McDuff and Ryan Ferrington.
Mobrey K. Parker Sr. Mobrey K. Parker Sr. died Nov. 5, 2011, at River Region Medical Center. He was 75.
Born in Vicksburg, he was the son of the late Samuel Thomas Parker Sr. and Alice Ford Parker. Mr. Parker was a graduate of Carr Central High School in the Class of 1954. He served in the Navy. Mr. Parker was a welder for LeTourneau for several years and later was employed with the Illinois Central Railroad retiring from Kansas City Southern Railroad as a switchman-conductor with 32 years of service. He was a member of the W.H. Stevens Masonic Lodge No. 121. Mr. Parker was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jnell Matthews Parker; a daughter, Paula Harris Morley of Vicksburg; a son, Mobrey Knox (Micky) Parker Jr. of Vicksburg; three grandchildren, Candice Danielle Ladner
(Jake), Logan Matthew Parker and Carley Da’Sha Morley, all of Vicksburg; two great-grandchildren, Adilynn Keiley Ladner and Joel Liam Ladner, both of Vicksburg; and one brother, James Ernest Parker (Marion) of Vicksburg. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Anthony Knox (Tony) Parker; twin grandsons, Colter Lee Harris and William Chase Harris; a brother, Samuel T. Parker Sr.; and a sister, Helen Emerch. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cedar Hill Cemetery with Pastor Doyle Moulder of the Living Water Christian Fellowship officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be at Riles Funeral Home tonight from 5 until 7. The family wishes to
express appreciation to Dr. Hildon Sessums, Dr. Michael Davis, Dr. Paul Pierce IV, Dr. Feras Hamadeh, Gina Mitchell and the nurses of ICU-River Region for the excellent care given to their husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Pallbearers will be Fred K. (Kenneth) Ragland, Jimmy Gillis, Pete Hall, Cliff McKay, Frank Norwood, Herbert Stokes, Melvin Grantham, David Wright, Lee Evans, Logan Matthew Parker, Candice Danielle Ladner, Clay Griffin, Jake Ladner and Chris Morley. Memorials may be made to the Living Water Christian Fellowship, 2079 Culkin Road, Vicksburg, MS 39183 and to the Vicksburg-Warren Humane Society, P.O. Box 820171, Vicksburg, MS 39182.
BY CHIEF METEOROLOGIST BARBIE BASSSETT TONIGHT
Tuesday
55°
80°
Partly cloudy tonight, lows in the mid-50s; partly sunny Tuesday, chance of rain, highs near 80
WEATHER This weather package is compiled from historical records and information provided by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the City of Vicksburg and The Associated Press.
LOCAL FORECAST Tuesday-Wednesday Chance of rain Tuesday night, lows in the upper 50s. Partly sunny Wednesday, chance of rain, highs in the lower 70s.
STATE FORECAST TONIGHT Partly cloudy tonight, lows in the mid-50s. Tuesday-Wednesday Chance of rain Tuesday night, lows in the upper 50s. Partly sunny Wednesday, chance of rain, highs in the lower 70s.
Almanac Highs and Lows High/past 24 hours............. 76º Low/past 24 hours............... 51º Average temperature......... 64º Normal this date................... 60º Record low..............24º in 1959 Record high............82º in 1925 Rainfall Recorded at the Vicksburg Water Plant Past 24 hours.................0.0 inch This month..............0.16 inches Total/year.............. 33.02 inches Normal/month......0.75 inches Normal/year........ 43.31 inches Solunar table Most active times for fish and wildlife Tuesday: A.M. Active............................ 2:23 A.M. Most active................. 8:34 P.M. Active............................. 2:44 P.M. Most active.................. 8:55 Sunrise/sunset Sunset today........................ 5:08 Sunset tomorrow............... 5:08 Sunrise tomorrow.............. 6:25
RIVER DATA Stages Mississippi River at Vicksburg Current: 12.3 | Change: +0.1 Flood: 43 feet Yazoo River at Greenwood Current: 14.4 | Change: -0.9 Flood: 35 feet Yazoo River at Yazoo City Current: 12.2 | Change: -0.3 Flood: 29 feet Yazoo River at Belzoni Current: 14.9 | Change: -0.8 Flood: 34 feet Big Black River at West Current: 2.2 | Change: NC Flood: 12 feet Big Black River at Bovina Current: 6.4 | Change: NC Flood: 28 feet StEELE BAYOU Land....................................69.2 River....................................59.1
MISSISSIPPI RIVER Forecast Cairo, Ill. Tuesday.................................. 20.0 Wednesday........................... 19.8 Thursday................................ 19.5 Memphis Tuesday.....................................3.7 Wednesday..............................3.7 Thursday...................................3.7 Greenville Tuesday.................................. 18.2 Wednesday........................... 18.2 Thursday................................ 18.1 Vicksburg Tuesday.................................. 12.4 Wednesday........................... 12.3 Thursday................................ 12.3