Hattiesburg American from Hattiesburg, Mississippi • 3

I iiMiir i i MHP'alleffations examtaed AROUND THE PINE BELT should investigate the testing procedures. "We found out that high- the results were thrown out. Valerie Hicks Powe, an attorney for the Mississippi Central Safety Patrol promotions exams that they say some candidates received ahead of time. Gov. Haley Barbour announced Aug.

29 that the Department of Public Safety was conducting an internal investigation after authorities were told about possible impropriety in testing for officers' promotions. The tests were given in mid-August, and Barbour said NAACP calls for external probe By EMILY WAGSTER PITTUS The Associated Press JACKSON The state NAACP and an attorney for some black state troopers on Wednesday called for an independent investigation into Mississippi Highway "This speaks volumes as to the integrity of the Highway Patrol the fact that it has been compromised considerably suggests that there is reason to believe there is more there." Hicks Powe said she has been told by several troopers that DPS executives emailed the promotions examinations to some people. See MHP, 4A Cross-cultural exchange Barbour Troopers' Coalition, said during a news conference Wednesday that the U.S Justice Department or another independent group i PEARL RIVER COUNTY New West Nile death reported The Mississippi State Department of Health has reported a West Nile death in Pearl River County. The department also reported five new human West Nile virus cases in Madison, Pearl River (two), Tate and Washington counties, bringing the state's total to 23 for 2011. So far this year, cases have been confirmed in Coahoma, Forrest (three), Hinds (four), Jones (three), Madison, Pearl River (six), and one case each in Rankin, Tallahatchie, Tate, Wayne and Washington counties.

Two deaths have been confirmed, one in Jones and the most recent one in Pearl River County. In 2010, Mississippi had eight WNV cases and no deaths. HATTIESBURG Churches to host Sept. 11 event Trinity Episcopal Church and The Episcopal Church of the Ascension, both of Hattiesburg, will hold an Evensong Service of Remembrance and Hope at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at Trinity Episcopal, 509 W.

Pine St. The community is invited, regardless of denomination, to join the special service to reflect and renew their commitment to peace as we continue to work toward healing and reconciliation. Evensong is a beautiful evening service comprised of prayer, Psalms, hymns and scripture readings. More information may be found at www.trinity-hattiesburg.org and clicking on the "Upcoming Trinity Events" icon. For more information, call the Rev.

Marian Fort-ner, rector of Trinity Episcopal, at 544-5551. PETAL City plans hearing to discuss budget The City of Petal will have a public hearing at 6 p.m. today in the Petal City Hall board room to discuss the fiscal year 2012 budget. The public will have an opportunity to ask questions or comment on the proposed budget for the city. For information, call 544-1776.

Bark in the Park to be Saturday Bark in the Park Day will feature a dog wash, paw print, digital pet portraits, vendor booth, pet adoptions and more. There will be contests for the best dressed dog, dog and owner look alikes, ugliest dog, cutest dog, biggest dog, best bark and a talk to the vet (free). The event will be from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at Petal Dog Park, located on Dawson's Cutoff behind A Cycles in Petal. Admission is $5, with proceeds to benefit South-em Pines Animal Shelter.

The event is part of a Petal High School senior project. From staff reports Photos by RYAN MOORE I Hattiesburg American RISA IGUCHI, CENTER, EXPLAINS how to make an origami bird to first-graders Kaili Magee, left, and Victoria Nelms during class Wednesday at Hawkins Elementary in Hattiesburg. Japanese students share with first-graders ranking of- Johnson ficials in the Highway Patrol stole the test and provided it to other, specified troopers who they intended to have an unfair bias," Hicks Powe said. I can either be followed or ignored by the new legislators. All 122 House members and 52 senators will get to vote on details of a budget next spring, if they remain on schedule during their four-month session from January through early May.

A new governor will get to sign or veto the spending plan. The state's 2013 fiscal year begins July 1. Bryant faces Democrat Johnf DuPree, independent -4, 4 1 I x7- Winston: Tax breaks could draw businesses By TIM DOHERTY American Staff Writer tdohertyhattiesburgamerican.com Lamar County District 2 Supervisor Ben Winston said he would like to see the board of supervisors consider tax breaks as a way of spurring economic development, particularly in conjunction with the South Mississippi Industrial Park near Lumberton. "One thing that challenges us more in Lamar County than in For rest County is that Forrest County is more (accepting) of tax exemptions," Win ston said Wednesday Winston morning during a meeting with the Hattiesburg American editorial board. "My thoughts on this, especially with the economics the way they are, is that if you fish with no bait, you're not going to catch much, and if you do catch anything, it's not going to have much value to it.

"Now, other people are fishing with a lot more bait, trying to catch businesses to locate in their areas." Winston, a Democrat, is running against Republican challenger Warren Byrd in the Nov, 8 general election. The incumbent is wrapping up his first term representing a swath of the county that swings east from central south Lamar over to a tapering strip that runs north up the eastern edge and into the Hattiesburg city limits. It's a diverse territory, with decidedly different demographics, needs and outlooks, and even though Winston is a Lumberton native and resident, he said he felt like he has been an effective representative for all his constituents. "The people, they're the key thing that I feel like I have a responsibility for," Winston said. "I don't believe that I would be satisfying God in any way if I did not step up to bat and try to represent the people.

"And I think I represent all the people. I'm the only black on that board and my district is majority white and I get more accolades from the white community than I do from the black community." But as a Lumberton native who served as an alderman, Winston said it has been tough to watch his city's eco- See TAX, 4A Will Oatis and possibly a Reform Party candidate in the Nov. 81 election. Republican Gov. Haley Barbour couldn't seek a third term this year.

"I have made it no secret that I believe we need to adopt a more efficient budgeting system than what is currently used," Bryant said in a news release Wednesday. In 2010 and this year, SeelJUDGET, 4A By ELLEN CIURCZAK American Staff Writer eciurczakhattiesburgamerlcan.com Kimonos, chopsticks and origami were all part of the lesson plan Wednesday for first-graders at Hawkins Elementary School in Hattiesburg. Nine Japanese students from the University of Southern Mississippi came to the children's classroom in a cross-cultural exchange. "They've been here less than three weeks," said teacher Emily Nelson about her Japanese students who YUTA HIDA, CENTER, TAKES a photo with Tania Brown, right, and Josiah Jones during class Wednesday. are taking classes at the university's English Language Institute.

The Japanese students came to Hattiesburg from Kaetsu University and Kansai Gaidai University to study English and immerse themselves in American culture. Nelson said her students were learning a lot by coming to the first-graders' class. "It's wonderful because of the cultural experience," she said. "They get to see American schools. They get to hear and speak English.

Later, See STUDENTS, 4A at the Woolfolk state office building, near the Capitol in downtown Jackson. Lt Gov. Phil Bryant is the Republican nominee for governor and current chairman of the 14-member committee. He said he wanted to cancel the budget hearings this fall because several committee members Including him won't return next year. Democratic House Speaker Billy McCoy of Rienp, who's 5 STUDENTS IN MARGARET ADERHOLDT'S CLASS at Hawkins Elementary spent time with nine Japanese students Wednesday.

The Japanese students are studying English at Southern Miss' English Language Institute. State budget hearings set for late September not seeking re-election, said the fall budget hearings are an obligation and they give the public a chance to hear how tax dollars might be spent on everything from public health to prisons to education. "We have a responsibility to fulfill our duty until the last hour we're there," McCoy told The Associated Press Wednesday. The fall hearings produce a set of recommendations that By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS JACKSON -Top lawmakers meet later this month to start planning Mississippi's budget a process they'll hand off to new legislators who take office in January. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee announced Wednesday that it will hold public hearings Sept 19-22 Whom to contact Ellen Ciurczak: eciurczakhattiesburg american.com; 584-3116; kindergarten to grade 12 education.

TimDoherty.tdoherty hatUesburgamerican.com, 584-31 12; growth in Lamar County and news in Lumber-ton, Sumrall and Marion (County..