DUI manslaughter suspect Austin T. Pittman, in orange jumpsuit, is escorted out of Marion County Justice Court by Sheriff's Office Investigator Jamie Singley.

A Foxworth man was arrested Thursday night on a charge of DUI manslaughter for allegedly driving intoxicated and killing an elderly Marion County man.

Austin T. Pittman, 42, 581 New Hope Road, allegedly killed 83-year-old Jewel Cecil Brumfield in a hit-and-run accident, according to a Marion County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall said Brumfield was apparently picking up litter on the side of the road when he was allegedly struck by Pittman’s vehicle. Hall said Brumfield was just trying to be a good citizen and clean up litter.

Sheriff’s Office dispatch received a call at 6:50 p.m. in reference to someone lying in the roadway of Brumfield Cut-Off.  The caller advised dispatch that the man appeared to not be breathing, and when AAA Ambulance arrived it was determined that the person was deceased.

Through the course of the investigation it was learned that Brumfield was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene of the accident.

At 7:03 p.m. Sheriff’s Office dispatch received another call from someone saying there was a medical emergency at 568 New Hope Road. Deputies arrived on scene and interviewed Pittman who admitted that he was involved in a hit-and-run accident, according to Hall. Sheriff’s Office officials found his vehicle deep in a wooded area behind the residence with heavy damage to the front end, Hall said.

Hall said Pittman was taken into custody and transported to Marion General Hospital where he had blood drawn to determine if he was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The blood sample will be sent to the State Crime Lab, Hall said.

Justice Court Judge Gwen Broom set Pittman’s bond at $100,000 this morning. Pittman’s peliminary hearing in Justice Court is scheduled for Aug. 12, Broom said.

Say it With Flowers

Say it With Flowers on Church Street in Columbia is having a huge sale beginning today and running through Saturday. Storewide everything is 30 percent off, and jewelry is 50 percent off. Say it With Flowers is “Columbia’s Favorite Place to Shop.” Say it With Flowers is also a full service florist and has big selection of home décor items. The sale excludes merchandise from Tyler, Gracious Goods and Fiesta Ware.

Demetrius Peters, 18, CPD, malicious mischief

Albert Lavella Merritt, 51, CPD, simple assault

Tanya Stevens, 42, CPD, disturbing the peace

Floydzell Pittman, 48, CPD, driving under suspension, implied consent, no insurance, speeding, improper equipment, expired tag

Janice Simms, 45, MCSO, domestic simple

Willie Magee, 47, MCSO, domestic assault

Carnell Owens, 46, CPD, DUI, careless driving

Jimmie L. Robbins Jr., 36, CPD, DUI

Each week the Marion County Informer provides a breakdown of local gas prices compared to the state and national average.

By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

Gas prices at most Columbia gas stations are above the state average today.

According to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report the average price per gallon of unleaded in Mississippi today is $2.56 while the national average is $2.75.

The Columbia Wal-Mart had the least expensive gas in town at $2.53 per gallon, which is 3 cents less than the state average.

However, other Columbia stations were above the state average by 3 to 7 cents.

Here is a list of local gas stations and their prices today:

Foxworth BP: $2.58

U.S. 98 Shell: $2.61

U.S. 98 Kangaroo: $2.59

U.S. 98 Texaco: $2.61

U.S. 98 Exxon: $2.63

South High School Avenue Shell: $2.61

Sunny’s on Broad Street: $2.59

Highway 13 North Shell:  $2.61

U.S. 98 Chevron: $2.58

Terry Barnes, 37, MCSO, grand jury indictment, possession of controlled substance while in possession of a firearm

James Dealvelo McGowan, 24, MCSO, felony possession of controlled substance

Sandra Merritt, 46, MDOC, post release supervision violation

Mike Rogers, 49, CPD, driving under suspension

Johnny Charles Robinson Jr., 44, CPD, attempted rape

Cara McLendon, 25, CPD, driving 8under suspension, no insurance

Jessica Allen, 21, CPD, possession of controlled substance, disorderly conduct

Sedward Franklin, 28, CPD, burglary

Demara Collins, 23, CPD, burglary Click to continue »

Snowballs are popular treats in the summer.

By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

Going into the business of making icy treats seems harmless enough, but it has taken a turn for the worst for a local businessman.

Craig Wesley, owner of the Snowball Factory in Columbia, was arrested today at the Police Department for allegedly receiving a stolen snowball machine, according to Columbia Police Detective Chris Brumfield. The snowball machine Wesley received is valued at $1,800, and the charge is a felony.

The snowball machine he received was reported stolen from another snowball stand, LuLu’s, on Highway 13 North in Columbia on April 25.

Wesley was unable to produce a receipt or name a  person or business he purchased the machine from, according to Brumfield. “The story he gave me wasn’t adding up,” Brumfield added. The Snowball Factory just opened and still does not have a business license. In fact, Wesley appeared before the Columbia Board of Aldermen on Monday night regarding the business.

David James, 42, CPD, disturbing the peace

Arthur Ball Jr., 24, CPD, disorderly conduct, DUI, driving under syspension, no insurance, no seatbelt, open container

Kevin Darnell Lenore, 27, CPD, DUI, driving under suspension, careless driving, open container Click to continue »

By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

Bawgy Holler owner Billy Johnson stands by his ATV parked next to one of the ponds.

This afternoon, as I was riding the roads in Kokomo, I spotted a sign that stated, “Bawgy Holler Mud Ridin’.” Curious, I followed the sign to see what this could be about.

I arrived at the home of Billy and Wanda Johnson, who have many acres of land ideal for four-wheeler riding. Mud riding enthusiasts can trudge their four-wheelers through four muddy ponds. Billy’s son, Zach, and their friend Barry Stringer showed me how real mud riding is done as they submerged their four wheelers into the ponds. I was able to get a short video with my little digital camera of the action.

As summer draws near, Billy expects more to come out to Bawgy Holler, saying it is quite a sight when there are 30 four-wheelers in a pond at a time. Also, there are a series of trails through the woods that riders can also enjoy. Bawgy Holler is good for a family outing or time with friends. Billy Johnson said Bawgy Holler started out as something for friends and family, but he decided to open it to the public last summer.

Zach Johnson shows how to Git-R-Done.

 Outdoor showers are available to get the mud off, and you can bring a picnic. You must bring your own vehicle, and the cost is $15 per four-wheeler and $5 per extra rider. If you are under 18, you must have notarized consent from a parent. The location is 223 Taylor Road (only about 10 miles from Columbia), and you can call 736-4977, 522-1511 or 730-0714.

Pioneer Aerospace Director of Operations Christopher Powell (holding strap) gives officials from United Space Alliance of Houston, Texas a tour of the plant.

Pioneer Aerospace of Columbia was recognized on Wednesday for its contributions to the Space Shuttle program.

Representatives from United Space Alliance of Houston, Texas paid a visit to the plant to show their appreciation for Pioneer, which has made parachutes that are used on the Space Shuttle.

United Space Alliance is the primary contractor for the Space Shuttle program, and Pioneer is one of the company’s vendors.  Pioneer manufactured the parachutes that are used to bring the Shuttle’s rocket boosters back down to Earth after the launch.

Pioneer Aerospace Director of Operations Christopher Powell gave the United Space Alliance representatives a tour of the plant during their visit. United Space Alliance Vice President Anne Martt said she was very impressed with the operation at Pioneer.