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A few months ago we announced that we were starting an investigation into what appears to be a conspiracy working to stop Mayor Zach Patterson or any progress being made within the black community by the Enterprise-Journal and a few influential business owners. Today we have our smoking gun.

 Leatrice Stern’s emotional state changes every four to eight paragraphs, from laughter to anger to sadness to joyfulness. But she never seems to stop talking while she tells her story. A story of nearly 100 years. Stern, 95, is a longtime McComb resident, living off of Wall Street, who made history as the first African American woman Girl Scout Leader in the state of Mississippi.

On May 13, 2009, a day after her birthday, she shared her story with the Mississippi Tribune.

Bernadine Welch, a 36 year educator with the McComb School District, passed away on Monday, March 1, 2010. The McComb School District is deeply saddened by the news of Mrs. Welch’s passing. Mrs. Welch was loved and respected by all those who knew her, and the students who had her in class have been profoundly touched by this tragedy. Mrs. Welch began teaching with the McComb School District in 1973. She touched the lives of so many students, faculty and staff members.

Sissy Burris, long time friend and colleague said, “I did my student teaching under Mrs. Welch. She was my mentor, my teacher, and my friend – a # 2 wash tub would not do.”

Senator Kelvin Butler is Chairman of the Local & Private committee. He also serves on the Business & Financial Institutions; Finance; Judiciary, Division A; Municipalities; State Library; Highways & Transportation and Tourism committee.

Senator Kelvin Butler’s Weekly Report: This week we approved changes to Senate Bill 2495 that restored $82 million to state agencies for the current fiscal year, including $37 million to K-12 education and $2 million that ensures National Board Certified teachers receive their $6,000 annual stipend. The bill also provides $16 million to the Department of Corrections to prevent mass layoffs, $1.49 million to district attorneys so they can continue to prosecute cases and $4 million to the Department of Mental Health. Another $4 million will be given to community and junior colleges.