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Biz Roundup
Wine and Dine: Changes Coming to Fenian's and Grocery Stores
Three months ago, Ryan Cassell—a Madison native who had been living in Charlotte, N.C., for the last 10 years—returned to his home state to take on the position of head …
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Person of the Day
Ross Bjork
Ole Miss has received $5 million from two sources to benefit its athletics program.
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Politics
Gov. Bryant Taps Justice Chandler to Lead Overhaul of Child Welfare System
The State of Mississippi took the first step toward following a set of recommendations for complying with the long-running court case over the state's foster-care system known as Olivia Y.
Entry
Presley: Net-Metering Rules Pass Public Service Commission
By R.L. NaveThe Mississippi Public Service Commission's Northern District Commissioner Brandon Presley issued the following statement about the approval of the state's first net-metering rule:
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI - (December 3, 2015) – Today, the Public Service Commission unanimously passed a groundbreaking rule allowing net metering in the state. Net metering is the process by which individual utility customers who use solar panels or other renewable energy generators can sell back their excess power to the power companies. The electricity the customers produce can be placed back on the electric grid to offset what they otherwise would pay on their power bill.
In early January of 2011, the PSC initiated a study of the costs and benefits of net metering. Today’s decision is the culmination of nearly 5 years of work by the Commission.
“Mississippians are self-sufficient. They like to fix their own cars and grow their own food. They should be able to make their own power, too,” Presley said.
The rule requires that customers who produce excess electricity be compensated at the cost the utility will not have to spend each month, plus 2.5 cents for unquantifiable benefits. To assist low income customers, the Commission orders that each utility file a report on the feasibility of community solar by summer, 2016. Further, the first 1,000 low income customers will receive an additional 2 cents/kWh as a way of offsetting some initial costs. The order further protects consumers by establishing a joint working group to address all concerns raised in the docket. The effectiveness of the rule will be evaluated in 5 years.
“Passing this rule is a big step toward creating a solar market in our state; a step that could one day benefit all ratepayers. No one can predict what the cost of electricity or gas will be tomorrow but I can tell you that the sunshine will be free,” Presley concluded.
http://jacksonfreepress.com/users/photos/2015/dec/03/23755/
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City & County
Malcolm White: City Resort Plan 'Ass Backwards'
Malcolm White, a cofounder and owner of Hal & Mal's, is threatening to move his iconic downtown restaurant and concert venue if it remains excluded from receiving so-called resort status.
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The Slate
The Mississippi high-school football championships are in Oxford Dec. 4-5. You can catch all six games on TV with channel 35 (WLOO) or on radio with 87.7 FM.
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Cover
Under Pressure: Dan Jones on Health, History and Ole Miss Race Battles
Coaches at Warren Central High School told Dan Jones he couldn't play football past ninth grade—he was too small and slow, but he was welcome to be a trainer instead. …
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Music
Freedom in Fides
Since the members of psychedelic-indie-rock quartet Fides first met as students at Clinton High School in 2009, they have made it their mission to create music that is serious and …
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Art
Supporting Local Artists at Chimneyville
Since 1976, the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi has kept many Jacksonians out of the outlet stores and away from the clearance racks while also supporting local arts with the Chimneyville …
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Education
Creating a Hub for Early Learning and Creativity
For children not at regular daycare centers, options like "ABC, Come Play with Me" give parents a break from teaching their children at home and provide new ideas for preparing …
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Business
West Rankin Looks For Home Advantage in Sewage Battles
Embroiled in a two-front battle with the City of Jackson over the wastewater-treatment issues, the West Rankin Utility Authority hopes to fight it out on its home turf—in Rankin County.
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Civil Rights
Donald Trump’s Most Vicious Lie, Yet?
It's a tough contest, but Donald Trump just spread his most poisonous lie yet in his race to become the fuehrer of the 21st century.
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Food
Distilling Innovation
On a day in the middle of November, a lot of commotion is happening in a warehouse space off South Farish Street behind the Jackson Convention Complex and Mississippi Museum …
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Art
Eddie Izzard: Tour de Force
Eddie Izzard considers himself a "British European." Like many of his countrymen, the internationally known comedian, actor and writer is embroiled in a deep sense of history—not all of it …
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City & County
City May Privatize, Install More Meters
Parking in downtown Jackson is like a perverse kind of casino. Instead of the odds being in favor of the house—in this case, the City—the players are more likely to …
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Crime
Advocates: ‘Safe Campus Act’ Not Safe
Two Mississippi organizations focused on keeping women safe are opposing the Safe Campus Act, a bill currently working its way through the U.S. House of Representatives, because it would make …
Place
Place
One Blu Wall Gallery and Christina Foto
See works from several local artists and photographer Christina Cannon.
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The Mosaic Shop
Owner and artist Artist Wanda Hendrix is a native of Waxahachie, Tex. Visitors create their own mosaic pieces to take home. Space available for art parties.
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Lounge Interiors/Lounge Arts Gallery
Lounge Arts features the works of several artists including Susan Carter Hall, Buttons Marchetti, Kelly Neidig, Ellen Langford and Robert Hale.
