Funeral Set for George County Sheriff Garry Welford

LUCEDALE -- Funeral services will be held Monday, July 26, for George County Sheriff Garry Welford who was killed July 21 on Bexley Road.

The sheriff was attempting to bring an end to law enforcement pursuit of Christopher Lee Baxter, 24, and Brandy Nicole Williams, 19. They have been charged with capital murder and being held without bond at an undisclosed correctional facility in the state.

Update:

Sheriff Garry Welford "Died Courageously"
www.sunherald.com Tuesday, July 27, 2010

First Lady Christens Stratton (WMSL 752)

First Lady Michelle Obama breaks a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow of the Coast Guard's newest national security cutter, officially christening the ship Stratton (WMSL 752). More than 3,000 guests attended the ceremony at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding facilities in Pascagoula, Miss. Mrs. Obama was supported by (l-r) Mike Petters, president, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bruce Baffer, prospective commanding officer, Stratton (WMSL 752) and Adm. Robert Papp Jr., commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

(Globe Wire)

PASCAGOULA -- First Lady Michelle Obama christened the Northrop Grumman-built (NYSE:NOC) U.S. National Security Cutter Stratton(WMSL 752) in front of 3,000 guests today calling the ship "truly magnificent." Stratton is the third of eight planned National Security Cutters being built at Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in Pascagoula for the U.S. Coast Guard. With its 418-foot length and 4,700 ton full load displacement and state-of-the-art command and control systems, the NSC is the largest and most technologically advanced of the new multi-mission cutters. "Here in Pascagoula, you've been building ships for centuries," said Mrs. Obama. "It's in your blood—a proud tradition passed from generation to generation. Your hands have given us some of the greatest ships in the United States Navy and Coast Guard. So whether you're a welder or a fitter or a burner—whatever your craft—today is also a tribute to you and your families, and America thanks you." Stratton is named in honor of Captain Dorothy C. Stratton (1899-2006), the U.S. Coast Guard's first female commissioned officer and director of the SPARS ("Semper Paratus - Always Ready"), the U.S. Coast Guard Women's Reserve during World War II. SPARS mainly replaced men in shore stations during most of the war; however as the war progressed SPARS were placed in charge of greater areas of previously male-only control—including as parachute riggers, aviation machinists' mates and air control tower operators. Several former SPARS attended the ceremony. In his ceremony remarks, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding president Mike Petters recognized all of the shipbuilders who are building Stratton and added, "Captain Stratton was truly a trailblazer – and I know that her passion and energy will be embodied in this great ship named for her, built by the best shipbuilders in the world." U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Bruce Baffer is the ship's prospective commanding officer and will lead a crew of 120 U.S. Coast Guard sailors. "Christening of Stratton is an important step in advancing our Coast Guard mission," said Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. The Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) is capable of meeting all maritime security mission needs. Powered by a twin propeller combined diesel and gas turbine power propulsion plant, the NSC is designed to travel at 28 knots maximum speed. The cutter includes an aft launch and recovery area for two rigid hull inflatable boats, and a flight deck to accommodate a range of manned and unmanned rotary wing aircrafts. It is the largest and most technologically advanced class of cutter in the U.S. Coast Guard, with robust capabilities for maritime homeland security, law enforcement, marine safety, environmental protection and national defense missions. This class of cutters plays an important role enhancing the Coast Guard's operational readiness, capacity, and effectiveness at a time when the demand for their services has never been greater. "Cutter Stratton...embodies our drive to constantly innovate and evolve our maritime capabilities and leverage technology to our greatest advantage. It also reflects our desire to create a more modern, agile and forward-leaning Coast Guard capable of handling a new era of national security threats," said Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding is responsible for the construction and testing of the NSC's hull, mechanical, and electrical systems, while Lockheed Martin is building and integrating the command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities onboard the cutters. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

Transition Program Eases Soldiers into Civilian Life

BILOXI -- Staff Sergeant Frankie Beamon talks about coming home and returning to the everyday things that make life worth living -- family, friends, walking in the neighborhood without the constant threat of death.

See his story at www.wlox.com

Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program is used by the 155th Infantry Battalion. Major Joe Hardaman is the state director.

Photos Sunday’s public fireworks displays are at 8:30 p.m. on Ocean Springs front beach, 8:45 p.m. near the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor and 9 p.m. near the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor. (U.S. Air Force photo by Kemberly Groue) Download HiRes A blast isn't always a good thing Firework safety tips Posted 6/30/2010 81st Training Wing Safety Office and Public Affairs 6/30/2010 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- *NOTE: Please remain vigilant of current oil spill updates as they may affect beach availability for 4th of July firework demonstrations off highway 90. Go tohttp://biloxi.ms.us/Oil_Spill/index.html for further information.* Dry weather in south Mississippi makes fireworks a dangerous proposition for Independence Day. James Palmer, Keesler's fire prevention chief, stressed that fireworks are strictly prohibited on base and in surrounding cities, but fireworks continue to be sold in Harrison and Jackson counties outside city limits. "Some people insist on buying and using them, regardless of the dangers," Mr. Palmer said. A June 2010 report from the National Fire Prevention Association noted that in 2008, the most recent year for which statistics are available, about 7,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms. About 53 percent involve injuries to the extremities and 37 percent to the head. About 40 percent of the injuries involved young people under the age of 15. Sparklers, often considered "safe" for young children, caused 22 percent of the injuries, and small firecrackers accounted for 18 percent. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at an outdoor public display put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet from the launch area. For people who opt to light their own fireworks, here are some safety reminders: Fireworks are not toys. They burn at about the same temperature as a household match. Buy fireworks from reliable merchants. Never attempt to make your own homemade fireworks. Mixing chemical powders can result in an untimely explosion that can cause death or injuries. Know the difference between a legal consumer firework and a dangerous explosive device. Items such as M-80s, M-100s and blockbusters are federally-banned explosives that can cause serious injury or even death. If you know of anyone selling such devices, contact your local police department. Different fireworks mean different hazards, so read the instructions on each one and follow them carefully. Avoid anything that isn't clearly labeled with the name of the item, the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Light the tip of each firework at arm's length, using a fireworks lighter or fuse wick. Move back immediately. Light one firework or sparkler at a time. Rockets should be launched from a rocket launcher, not from glass or metal containers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure that anyone holding one wears gloves and puts each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it's gone out. Never give fireworks to small children. Close adult supervision of all fireworks activities is necessary. Don't throw fireworks onto a bonfire. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don't carry fireworks in your pocket. Always ignite fireworks outdoors. Never throw fireworks at another person. If a firework doesn't go off, it could still be live and could go off unexpectedly. Douse the "dud" with water, then bury it. Pets hate bangs and flashes and get frightened around fireworks, so keep pets indoors and close curtains to make things calmer. Before lighting any fireworks, make sure enough room is available in a safe place. Have a full bucket of water handy for any emergency, and for disposing of used sparklers. Loose clothing or scarves can catch on fire very easily. If clothing catches fire, stop, drop to the ground and roll over to put out the flames. Drinking alcohol adds to the danger when there are fireworks and bonfires around. Consider not having any alcoholic drinks available until after all fireworks have been set off. For more information, call the safety office, 377-2910, or fire prevention office, 377-8441.

General McCrystal Likley to Lose Job

Gen. Stanley McChrystal is likely to lose his job today after he and other military personnel made disparaging comments about President Barack Obama and some of the president's top aides during an interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

McChrystal is expected to meet with President Obama before turning his resignation. On Tuesday, Obama said the general and team members of McChrystal used "poor judgment" in their statements to the magazine reporter.

According to AP reporters Anne Gearan and Jennifer Loven, "McChrystal did not criticize Obama directly but called the period last fall when Obama was deciding whether to approve more troops "painful' and the president was handing him an 'unsellable' position.
"McChrystal also said he was 'betrayed' by Ambassador Karl Eikenberry, the man the White House chose to be his diplomatic partner in Afghanistan."

Flag Retirement Ceremony

D'IBERVILLE -- A flag retirement ceremony has been planned for June 14.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6731 will conduct the ceremony at 1 p.m. at 4321 W. Gay Road.

109 Year Old Talks About WWI Memorial

In today's Parade magazine, 109-year-old Frank Buckles talks about the need to create a National World War I Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C.

Buckles, who lied about his age to enter the U.S. Army in 1917, is the last living American veteran of WWI, known as Doughboys. He was 16 years old when he went to war in France.

"I know that I am a representative of all those who have gone before me. Those veterans, especially those who made the supreme sacrifice, should be remembered," said Buckles in the May 30, 2010, edition of Parade.

Actually, according to the magazine, there already is a memorial for fallen soldiers of WWI from the District of Columbia as well as the Liberty Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., site of the National WWI Museum.

Read Richard Rubin's article about Frank Buckles and his efforts for a national WWI memorial.

Frank Woodruff Buckles (born February 1, 1901) is, at age 109, the last living American veteran of World War I and the oldest verified military veteran in the world.^[1] He currently lives at Gap View Farm, near Charles Town, West Virginia and is the Honorary Chairman of the World War I Memorial Foundation. During World War II, Buckles was taken prisoner by the Japanese as a civilian.

Giving Away Buddy Poppies

PASCAGOULA -- Today, outside of Wayne Lee's there was a group of young girls and their sponsor giving away Buddy Poppies.

Although the woman who was passing out the souvenirs did not ask for a donation, residents dropped in a dollar for the effort and the memorial it represents to veterans across South Mississippi and the country.

It hit me that $1 bills were about all there were in the donation box. They seemed inadequate. It just didn't seem enough for these times. You can hardly buy a brand-name soda with a dollar, especially if you add tax. And our soldiers certainly deserve all the help they can get for their service and lives.

Anyway, the woman and children gladly shoved the souvenirs into people's hands, as if having the poppies was better than any money that could be gained from their endeavor. Their sign said something about remembering vets.

This is the weekend for remembering. Officially, Memorial Day will be May 31, always the last Monday in May. Numerous programs and services will be held today and the next three days, which makes for a four-day weekend.

Enjoy.

Say hi to a soldier -- former, present, future.

Pascagoula Offers Memorial Day Fun

By JENNIFER FLANAGAN

Public Relations Coordinator

PASCAGOULA -- Get in the mood for summer at Pascagoula’s new beach and Beach Park over this Memorial Day weekend. Following tradition, Pascagoula’s “Sounds by the Sea” outdoor concert will be held at Beach Park at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 30. In preparation for this event the park will not open until 2 p.m. that Sunday allowing for the set-up of the concert stage and other activities.

For added convenience the new concession facility at the park will be open during the “Sounds by the Sea” concert. D’Vine Soul Food will be serving everything from hot dogs to pork and rib lunches from the new facility located on the west end of the park from noon to 9 p.m. Regular concession hours will be Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.

In order to insure a safe and fun experience within Beach Park visitors are asked to follow these rules and regulations: no pets allowed, no alcoholic beverage or glass containers, no profanity or disruptive behavior, and please put trash in receptacles.

City officials have not forgotten about our furry friends this Memorial Day weekend. Owners and their dogs can play on the beach between Hague and Pascagoula streets. However, dogs must be kept under control at all times and owners must pick-up after their animals.

For additional fun, the beach pier will remain open from 7 a.m. until dusk daily.

For those interested in a beach bonfire you must obtain a fire permit through the Pascagoula Fire Department and be prepared to display the permit throughout the weekend. Contact Pascagoula’s Central Fire Station at 228-762-1901 for more information.

Parking for the beach is located at The Point on the west end of Beach Boulevard or at Beach Park. No parking is allowed along either side of Beach Boulevard. Violators will be towed at the expense of the vehicle owner.

Memorial Day weekend always brings music, fun and fireworks to Pascagoula. To insure a fun and safe experience all visitors and residents are encouraged to following the rules and regulation set forth for the City’s public spaces.

Park ordinance for the City of Pascagoula reads:

1. No person shall cut, break, trample, injure or take any plants, flowers, shrubbery, trees or vegetation or remove any benches, seats or other appurtenances of such parks or enclosures.

2. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle upon a publicly owned beach except as necessary in its maintenance and care by a person authorized to do so.

3. It shall be unlawful to sell, drink or possess any alcoholic beverage on a municipal park, playground, ballfield, recreational area, or any public beach including those leased by private parties.

4. Glass beverage containers are banned from municipal parks, playgrounds, ballfields, or other recreation areas and public beaches.

5. It shall be unlawful for any dog to be in or upon any public park, beach or other public recreational areas (except the north portion of IG Levy Memorial Park & on the beach betweenHague Street and Pascagoula Street.)

Dog ordinance for the City of Pascagoula reads:

(a) It shall be unlawful for any owner of any animal, whether under control or not, to allow it to be in or upon any public park, beach, or other public recreational area within the City, except as otherwise provided in this section.

(b) Dogs may be allowed on the north portion of I.G. Levy Park under the following conditions:

(1) A dog shall be under the immediate control of a responsible person.

(2) Any feces produced by a dog while on such park shall be immediately collected and removed in a sanitary manner by the person having it under control.

(3) No dog shall be permitted upon the pavilion located on the park.

(4) No dog shall attack any other dog or human.

(5) No dog involved in a violation of this subsection pertaining to I.G. Levy Park shall again be permitted on such park.

(c) Dogs may be allowed on the public beach only in the area between Pascagoula Streetand Hague Street under the following conditions:

(1) A dog shall be under the immediate control of a responsible person.

(2) Any feces produced by a dog while on such beach shall be immediately collected and removed in a sanitary manner by the person having it under control.

(3) No dog shall attack any other dog or human.

(4) No dog shall be allowed to run free in the designated beach area.

(5) No dog involved in a violation of this subsection pertaining to the Pascagoula beach shall again be permitted on such beach.

(d) Owner as used herein means any person owning, keeping, harboring, or in possession of an animal.

Old Soldiers -- April 2010

Dorian Lee "Chic" Anderson, 79, passed away April 21 at his home in Ocean Springs. He was born April 28, 1930.
Anderson was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 1954 with the rank of aviation electronics technician first class. He flew in missions off the USS Boxer CVA 21 and USS Oriskany CVA 34 during the Korean Crisis.

Specialist Aquaneldo Maurice Johnson

GULFPORT -- Specialist Aquaneldo Maurice Johnson was born to the late Jackson and Jean Johnson.

Johnson is survived by wife Karen Johnson and daughters Janae and Makia Johnson; mother Jean Johnson, sisters Jacqueline Glenn Moody, Marilyn Yvette Exum and Bonnie Stewart; a very special cousin, Precious Ann Thomas; god-brother Sedric Casey; grandchildren Kynnedi and Kassidy Johnson; nieces Talia Glenn and Bryanni Exurn; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, April 23, 2010, with visitation at 8:30 a.m. and commemoration at 9:30 a.m. at First Missionary Baptist Church of Hansboro, 1100 E. Pass Road in Gulfport. Burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Read a complete obituary and sign his guestbook at http://www.marshallfh.com/.

Sheriff Honors Emergency Personnel for Rescue

PASCAGOULA -- Sheriff Mike Byrd has honored emergency personnel who helped rescue an infant from a house fire Feb. 18 in Gulf Park Estates, according to local news reports.

See Photos of Presentation at sunherald.com

The 5-month-old boy, Madden Graham Gunn, died Feb. 19 of burns and smoke inhalation at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Ala.

Officers, Firefighter Honored for Bravery

www.sunherald.com, Tuesday, March 2, 2010

The honorees included Chief Michael Belton with the Fontainebleau Volunteer Fire Department, Mike Hurring, a deputy with Jackson County Sheriff's Department, and Ocean Springs police officers Jason Byrd and Steven Dye.

Sheriff Byrd made the presentation during a supervisors meeting on Monday, March 1.

Sheriff Honors Four Men for Rescue Work During House Fire

www.themississippipress.com, Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Grandmother Kathy V. Bradley, 57, was able to get out of the burning two-story home with 2-year-old Benjamin Gunn, but was unable to reach her grandson Madden.