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The weather is a little cooler this morning will get hotter this afternoon. We are still in need of rain did get a good rain last Sunday(07/03) but have received only small sprinkles this past week. Some of these showers has brought in some cooler temperatures for a short time.
This is Monday morning, things are rather quite in downtown Thaxton, other than the traffic passing through with five roads coming through the downtown area it makes for a lot of traffic. Since Thaxton Grocery closed its doors in December, 2021, there is only the Town Hall and Hooker Construction in this area. We do have several businesses located on the highway 6/278. However, it is rather lonesome on this side of town. People in the community miss not having a 'Country Store' to go to and visit and catch up with all the happenings of the day/week. I am one of those people this is the first time we have been without a country store since back in 1860's. There are a lot of memories from those days. Maybe one day I and others in the community can take time to sit down and do some history of the "General Merchandise-Country Stores" and their owners within our town/community. It would take research.
There was a large crowd to attend the July 4th Celebration to enjoy all the activities,food, fireworks and fellowship among all the neighbors and friends within our community and those attending from outside the community and other areas. The weather for the day was pretty, 'but hot'. Express appreciation to all the people, who make this day a success. Also, this year a parade with Rhonda Kenney being in charge of organizing this event, before the activities at the park got under way. This year the entries were small in number. Next year planning will be started earlier in the year to make the parade larger and better.
Please put these dates on your calendar: The Thaxton School Reunion, Saturday, October 1, 2022; Christmas Parade, Friday, December 2, 2022. More information on these events as time gets closer.
There were several from this area to attend the College World Series Championship in Omaha, Nebraska to see the Rebels win the National Championship. Among those were Sammy Matkins, sons, Kyle, Zack, and grandson, Bannon. Kyle and Zack are grandsons, Bannon is Greatgrandson, of Jimmy and the late Barbara(O'Bannon) Matkins, of Thaxton. Bannon is also the grandson of Bro. Paul and Laney
Sims of Pontotoc.
The following is a history item from July 2, 1898, published in the "Macon Beacon", Macon, Mississippi. "Catching Distillers" "Revenue Inspector, W.B. Cross and Deputy Marshal Anderson made a very successful expedition into the illicit distilling region of Pontotoc County recently. They captured one 60-gallon still near Thaxton and a 140-gallon one about twenty miles south of Pontotoc. Both were destroyed. Mr. Cross is proving himself one of the most efficient officers in the South, as his unceasing diligence is responsible for many of the captures lately made in this section." Thought some of residents would enjoy reading this article.
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Washington Hall sits on the campus of the shuttered Mississippi Industrial College, an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Holly Springs that closed in the 1980s. Nearby Rust College has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service to help restore the building, part of the school's ongoing efforts to preserve the neighboring HBCU.
Rust College receives $500K to preserve nearby historic industrial college
HOLLY SPRINGS • Mississippi’s oldest and most prestigious HBCU (Historically Black College and University) announced today that it has received a second large grant to help restore the historic Mississippi Industrial College (MIC), an HBCU which closed in the 1980s.
The National Park Service recently announced $9.7 million in grants to assist 21 preservation projects in nine states for the preservation of historic structures on HBCU campuses. Of that $9.7 million, Rust College has been awarded $500,000 for the restoration of the historic Washington Hall, which sits on the campus of MIC. Located directly across the street, Rust College acquired the property 2008 and is working to reimagine the former HBCU.
Earlier this spring, the Holly Springs-based Rust College received its first congressional special project appropriation recommended by Sen. Roger Wicker. This $1 million allocation was awarded to facilitate the creation of the Ida B. Wells Social Justice and Interpretive Center on the MIC campus in the Booker T. Washington Hall building, which is also on the National Register of Historic Places.
Washington Hall was founded in 1905 and is contributing to Mississippi Industrial College Historic District. MIC campus which will be a $35+ million-dollar renovation with the potential to offer new and innovative academic programming to Rust College students, and to serve as a place to restore the arts and meet the needs of the Holly Springs community and surrounding area.
“The intertwined histories of Rust College and MIC are worthy of preservation. These recent awards, focused on preserving Rust College’s historic assets are welcome investments in the past and the future of these HBCUs,” said President Ivy R. Taylor.
Rust College is the oldest and most prestigious historically Black college in Mississippi, founded in 1866 by the Freedmen’s Aid Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
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William "Bill" Michael Beasley, attorney, church leader, religious scholar, lover of knowledge, questionable dresser, and hater of all things mechanical, passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2022, with his loving wife of 47 year at his side. He was 71. Bill was the son of the late William Moore Beasley and Joyce Hall Beasley, who survives. Bill was the husband of Linda Jobe Beasley, was Dad to Will, Adam and Megan, brother to Nancy and Bob and grandfather to Aakyah and Jackson. He was born in Tupelo, MS on May 9, 1951 and soon moved to Sharon Hills, or what is now Lynn Circle. Originally called "Mike" by his parents, this moniker became problematic when another "Mike" moved into the neighborhood and joined the gang of unruly misfits who terrorized Sharon Hills. To clear up the situation--a talent he used throughout his life--he unilaterally changed his name to Bill with no notice to anyone, including his parents. He graduated from Tupelo High School in 1969 and attended the University Mississippi, much to his father's chagrin, being a die-hard Mississippi State. Following graduation, Bill attended law school at the University Mississippi School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Mississippi Law Journal. Bill practiced law in Tupelo for over 40 years, first at Michell Voge and later at Phelps Dunbar, LLP. His talent in the courtroom and particularly cross-examination was unmatched. Through the law, he touched the lives of thousands. Yet he sought no accolades. He preferred to work behind the scenes, in his own quiet way, providing advice and counsel to better his client's lives,. Away from the office, he excelled at long distance running, dragging his kids out of bed at ungodly hours for swim team practice but mainly providing a steadfast hand as he captained his family through many a dark and stormy sea. Bill was learned, loved to read and study, enjoyed nature and all God's creation and had a razor sharp, adventurous nature. He was the embodiment of an ideal husband, father, family man, Church man, community leader and friend. Bill had a deep faith that guided his pathway and was staunchly ethical in all his dealings in law. Firm, resolute and resourceful, he had a special bond with all his clients and grew long term friendships from the practice of Law. He was particularly resourceful when it came to the law as it related to mental illness and devoted much time to Region III / Lifecore Mental Health Center. He enjoyed travel and exploration and had just returned from a great vacation with all his family in Puerto Rico. He left this world better than he found it. A service of Death and Resurrection celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, July 18, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. Inurnment will follow in the Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends in the Gathering Room from Noon-1:45PM on Monday only. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their longtime friends. Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, to whom he married in l975; his sons, Will Beasley of Tupelo and Adam Beasley and his wife, Kateri of New York City, NY; his daughter, Megan Beasley of Nashville; his mother, Joyce Hall Beasley of Tupelo; two grandchildren, Aakyah and Jackson; a sister, Nancy Beasley Doss and husband, of Clinton, Ms.; a brother, Bob Beasley and wife, Ci of Snowmass Village, Co. his nieces and nephews and a host of friends all about the country. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 854, Tupelo, Ms. 38801 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net The family expresses gratitude to each of you for your many kind deeds and acts of love and concern.
William Michael Beasley
William Moore Beasley
Aakyah
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Longtime Tupelo Attorney and devoted civic and church leader, William Michael "Bill" Beasley, Sr. died unexpectedly from an apparent pulmonary embolism at his home on Monday, July 11, 2022. Bill was the son of the late William Moore Beasley and Joyce Hall Beasley, who survives. Bill was the husband of Linda Jobe Beasley, was Dad to Will, Adam and Megan, brother to Nancy and Bob and grandfather to Aakayah and Jackson. Bill graduated from Tupelo High School in 1969 and received both his Undergraduate and Law Degrees from the University of Mississippi. Later in life, he completed a Masters in Divinity from Loyola University in New Orleans. A faithful member for many years of the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo, Bill was a deeply spiritual man whose intellect and depth of study, contemplation and reasoning on things spiritual set him as a man of universal strength and purpose. A practicing lawyer for over 40 years, Bill's character and embodiment of the highest ideals of the law and civility set him apart in the practice of law. He was a senior partner in the Phelps Dunbar Law Firm. Bill was learned, loved to read and study, enjoyed nature and all God's creation and had a razor sharp, adventurous nature. He was the embodiment of an ideal husband, father, family man, Church man, community leader and friend. Bill had a deep faith that guided his pathway and was staunchly ethical in all his dealings in law. Firm, resolute and resourceful, he had a special bond with all his clients and grew long term friendships from the practice of Law. He was particularly resourceful when it came to the law as it related to mental illness and devoted much time to Region III / Lifecore Mental Health Center. He enjoyed travel and exploration and had just returned from a great vacation with all his family in Puerto Rico. A service of Death and Resurrection celebrating his life will be held at 2 PM Monday, July 18, 2022 at First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. Inurnment will follow in the Church Columbarium. The family will receive friends in Wesley Hall at First United Methodist from Noon-1:45PM on Monday only. Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their longtime friends. Bill is survived by his wife, Linda, to whom he married in 1975; his sons, Will Beasley of Tupelo and Adam Beasley and his wife, Kateri of New York City, NY; his daughter, Megan Beasley of Nashville; his mother, Joyce Hall Beasley of Tupelo; two grandchildren, Aakyah and Jackson; a sister, Nancy Beasley Doss and husband Billof Clinton, Ms.; a brother, Bob Beasley and wife, Chi of Snowmass Village, Co. his nieces and nephews and a host of friends all about the country. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 854, Tupelo, Ms. 38801 or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net The family expresses gratitude to each of you for your many kind deeds and acts of love and concern.
William Michael Beasley Sr.
Billof Clinton
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Gardner, Jr., Brother Henry Louis
Henry Louis Gardner, Jr. passed away at his resident on July 14, 2022 surrounded by the love of family. A faithful member of Johnson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church for over sixty years and served on the Deacon Board for fifty of those years. He was ever so faithful to his office as deacon of his church and was mindful of the charge which Paul gave in I Timothy 3. A retired employee of Pen Air/ Rockwell where he worked forty-five years. A member of the Wilson Chapel Masonic Lodge #350. Grave-Side Service will be held at 11:00 on Monday, July 18, 2022 at Johnson Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Marvin McWhorther Officiating Grayson-Porter's Mortuary is honored to be serving the Gardner family in their time of bereavement. Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at www.grayson-porters.com He is survided by his devoted wife of sixty-five years, Mary Gardner, one son Stanley (Shellie) Gardner; two grandchildren, Nicole and Stanley, Jr.; one great-grandchild, Jeremiah; two brothers, Willie (Pasty) Gardner, Lee Andrew Gardner; two sisters, Ella (John) Hersey, Mary A. Gardner and a host of other relatives and life-long friends. Preceded in death by his parents, Henry L. Gardner, Sr., and Eugenia Gates Gardner, two sisters and two brothers.
Eugenia Gates Gardner
Mary A. Gardner
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Millwood, Jerry
Jerry Millwood, 74, passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2022, at his residence in Port Arthur. Services will be on July 19, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at Nettleton First Baptist Church. Visitation will be on July 19 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. at at the church. Burial will follow at Zion Church Cemetery.
Jerry Millwood
Zion Church
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Sheriff Leo Mask
Regina Butler,
Pontotoc County law officials are investigating a shooting that occurred on Highway 15 South at 5:25 p.m. today, Friday, July 15.
Pontotoc County Sheriff Leo Mask said that one person was shot in the leg and taken to the hospital, however he didn’t know if the person was taken to Pontotoc or Tupelo.
“There were several people shooting at the house and we are questioning folks to find out out exactly what is going on. It will be some time before we can get things all sorted out,” he said.
Leo Mask
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Dave says: There's a process – and it works
Q. My husband and I have a beginner emergency fund set aside, and we’re working on paying off $30,000 in credit card debt and two cars in Baby Step 2. He would also like us to start putting money aside for a couple of trips and a few other things we have always wanted. This makes me nervous, because we have made so much progress over the last year in getting control of our finances, paying off debt and living on a budget. I understand wanting something to look forward to, but I would hate to see us slow down when we are doing so well. How do you feel about this?
A. OK. so you have two car payments hanging over your heads, plus a bunch of credit card debt, and your husband wants to throw saving for toys and vacations into the mix? I’m sure he’s a good guy, and he has obviously been on-board with your financial overhaul so far, but I wouldn’t recommend doing this.
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CRIME REPORTS: Saturday July 16, 2022
Charles R. Brown, 53, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, third offense driving under the influence.
Dianna N. Carr, 24, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony malicious mischief.
Loren L. Depriest, 37, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, child deprivation.
Susan Denae Earles, 31, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, sexual battery of a child.
Raven Lenise Hadley, 30, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, child deprivation.
Endia C. Ruff, 33, no address listed, was arrested by the Guntown Police Department, child abuse.
A County Road 736 Plantersville woman said her neighbor’s dog came over and damaged her water hose.
A Saltillo man said he legally evicted a male subject from a Highway 178 Mooreville rental property. The constable served the suspect and he was supposed to be gone by July 11. The suspect returned and was inside the building, but ran away before deputies arrived.
A County Road 1 Sherman woman, 51, said her brother has been living with her. He has been having parties and starting arguments with her and she wants him to leave. The deputy told her she would need to go through justice court to have him evicted.
A Jackson, Tennessee woman said she was walking down Woodland Avenue Tupelo. When she got to the stop sign, a silver Honda stopped, made a left turn and the driver’s side mirror hit her arm. She yelled at the young male driver, who stopped and told her she was OK. The boy’s father came to the scene and talked with her, but she didn’t remember their names. The next day there was bruising so she wanted to file a report.
A County Road 2346 Guntown woman said her ex-husband has been calling and texting all day. He called seven times in less that three hours and is threatening to take the kids away from her.
A Highway 178 Mooreville man said he and his girlfriend got into an argument that kept going. He called 911 “so that she would stop.” The girlfriend calmed down and her sister came and got her before deputies arrived.
A County Road 931 Tupelo woman said a white male in a blue Bronco has been parking in her parking space outside her apartment. He informed the apartment management and wanted to alert law enforcement of the suspicious activity.
A County Road 251 Saltillo woman heard someone at her back door after 3:30 a.m. She could hear people moving and moaning outside her room. She did not know how many people were outside the house.
The following reports were filed Friday by the Tupelo Police Department.
A Nanny Drive woman aid her Bichon poodle was in her yard when it was attacked by a neighbor’s two dogs, a tan Chow and a black Akita.
Police found a 2007 Toyota Avalon abandoned in the Shelton Drive and Tulip Drive area. The car had been there for at least four days. The car had a derogatory word scratched into the trunk lid and there was a basketball-sized break in the windshield.
Someone set fire to toilet paper in the bathroom at the Veterans Park splash pad. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire.
A South Green Street woman said two females were sending threatening text messages. They said they were going to come to her apartment complex and start a fight in the parking lot. She said the suspects showed up several times and were told to leave. They parked at a nearby store and followed her when she left. They followed her home and banged on her door, as well as the door of the landlord, trying to get the woman kicked out of her apartment.
A Woodlawn Street woman hired a man several months ago to do some work on the east side of her porch. He completed the work and she was pleased with the job. The handyman showed up uninvited and unexpected wanting to know if she wanted him to work on the other half of the porch. She said, No, and went back inside. She later heard power tools and saw the man was ripping up her front porch and putting the pieces in the front yard. He texted her about the work and she again told him she did not need his services. The next day, he returned and took the pile of scrap metal he had made the day before. The man initially told the police that the woman’s parents gave him permission to do the work. He later said he was trying to do something nice for the woman, to make sure the job was done properly. Police told the man he was no longer allowed anywhere on the woman’s property. The woman was advised to get an estimate on the repair costs.
A man said he left his Jeep at a Ryder Street location until he paid off the loan. When he returned two weeks later, both the radio and the catalytic converter were missing.
A clerk at Shoppers Value on East Main said a man tried to pay for groceries with a counterfeit $100 bill. When confronted, the suspect left the fake bill and left the scene.
A woman said that some time over the past week, someone stole a $500 clarinet from the back seat of her car. She said she left the car unlocked while running errands all over Tupelo.
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Tracie Johnston of Belden uses different plaster compounds to create texture on her canvases.
djr-2022-07-26-liv-traice-johnston-twp1
Johnston uses a knife to help form a petal on a 48-by-48-inch piece of artwork.
Ninety-eight percent of Johnston's work involves flowers of some sort.
Johnston's tools look more like something you'd purchase at a hardware store than an art store.
Johnston uses various brushes to create her colorful paintings.
BELDEN – When Tracie Johnston was 7 or 8 years old, her mother had a feeling her daughter might be artistically gifted.
"We were in church, and I was doodling on a bulletin," Johnston said. "I had sketched out the whole front of the church like a courtroom artist would."
Johnston's mom showed the bulletin to a friend of hers who was an art teacher.
"The art teacher said, 'Get that child in art lessons. Don't push it, but foster it,'" Johnston said.
Johnston took art lessons all through junior high and high school in Brookhaven from a teacher named Vicki Land, who died in 2021.
"Ms. Vicki took us through all the mediums," Johnston said. "I liked drawing. I really did not like painting, and I absolutely hated watercolor. Even back then, it was torture to have to go in there and do whatever she put in front of us. I just wanted to do what I wanted to do."
At the University of Southern Mississippi, Johnston majored in fashion merchandising with a minor in business. But she initially started as an interior design major, so she took several art, architecture and engineering classes.
"The architecture and engineering classes were the best tools I've been given about perspective and surfaces, and making things look a certain way," she said.
After Johnston married, she and her husband, Daniel, moved to Tupelo in 2015 for his job as a dentist. She was dabbling in art, creating things for herself and family members. Pretty soon, she started taking commission work.
"With commission work, no matter how free the client let me be, I still didn't want to let them down," she said. "I didn't want them to be disappointed. It was really stressful for me."
In the early days of COVID-19, when businesses were shut down and people were quarantined, Johnston found even more time to work on commissions.
"I was in my studio a lot," she said. "Daniel was home from work – he's a dentist, so there was no working from home for him. He was able to help around the house and with the kids. He became Mr. Mom."
One day, Johnston was talking with a friend in Laurel who suggested she do a trunk show in Laurel to showcase her art.
"It was still during COVID, so people had to make appointments, and only two could come in at one time," Johnston said. "My friend had invited her close circle of friends to the show, and I was just blown away and humbled. I cried tears of joy. I probably took 60 pieces and came back with two big paintings and a box of smaller ones. They just cleaned me out."
But more importantly, they validated Johnston's creativity.
"They made me confident enough to build my business without taking commissions – to be able to create what I wanted to without trying to please anybody but myself," she said.
From there, Johnston started showing at festivals.
"My first festival was the Canton Flea Market in May 2021," she said. "People loved my work, and words of affirmation are my love language."
Johnston took her work to Ole Brook in Brookhaven that October, and then to Double Decker in Oxford this past April and the Gumtree Art & Wine Festival in Tupelo in May. She'll be at the Monte Sano Art Festival in Huntsville in September.
"I've applied for the Peter Anderson Festival on the Coast, but I haven't heard back yet," she said.
Textured paintings
Johnson uses different plaster compounds, like spackling paste, to get different effects in her paintings.
"My favorite right now is a light and fluffy spackling that kind of has a velvet look to it when it's painted," she said. "At first I described my work as textured acrylic or mixed media. Now, I describe it as tiny sculptures on canvas."
Most of what Johnston paints are florals – hydrangeas, magnolias, tulips, roses, peonies.
"Some of it is what God created, and some of it is from my imagination, like what you would find in a unicorn garden with fairies watering it," she said. "People ask me why I paint flowers, and I tell them I come from a floral family, and this is my way of carrying on the legacy."
Johnston's grandmother, Jeanette Haag, had Haag's Flower Shop in Brookhaven for years. She died in 2016.
"Gandy never got to see this part of me, but everything she did was colorful and full of life, and that's how I want to be," Johnston said. "A lot of fine artists say to only have 10 pieces of art in your booth at a show because scarcity is a seller. But at the end of the day, the majority of my customers like coming in and being overwhelmed by color and joy."
The Johnstons have two children – 5-year-old Harper and 3-year-old Rhett – and both kids are a big part of Johnston's passion.
"I love what we've seen my art show our children," she said. "Daniel comes home after work and helps with handyman stuff for my paintings. The kids get to see Mom doing what she loves and Dad supporting her. The energy in this house is just so fun when I'm getting ready for a show. They love it, and they're very proud of me, and that really means something. It's just a big, fun family affair."
Tracie Johnston
Vicki Land
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Of dreams and nightmares, and whatever they mean
It was opening night, and I didn’t know any of my lines.
It was the end of the semester, and I’d missed so many classes that I was going to flunk.
I was back with my ex-wife.
The above scenarios are the kinds of nightmares I have, and it’s my understanding that they are all common types of dreams. I’ve talked with others who have had similar dreams. These shared sleeping experiences are a result of shared life experiences – being in school, doing theater, marrying the wrong person.
Both our past and our everyday experiences inform our dreams. I often dream of a friend I saw that day, or of a former classmate, or of my kids. We all have such dreams.
And then I have other recurring dreams, and I wonder if others have them as well. For decades I’ve had a dream where I’m trying to throw a football or baseball, but either I can’t get a good grip or I can’t get my throwing motion right, and if I’m able to throw it at all, it doesn’t go far. Probably no coincidence that my main position growing up was second base.
There’s a dream where I’m driving and trying to stop at a red light, but the brakes aren’t quite working and I drift into the intersection. Sometimes I stop under the light, other times I just cruise through and hope I don’t hear a siren.
I also often dream I have a paper route but can’t remember which houses get papers, so I’m just tossing them randomly. I have extensive newspaper delivery experience, having chucked them off and on from childhood through college, and I always knew who got a paper and who didn’t. I suppose these dreams are the residue of some subconscious fear I had at the time.
And then there are dreams for which I have no explanation. I recently started having a recurring dream in which instead of walking, I am gliding along just above the ground with my heels angled down. Other times I’ll be mid-stride when I start gliding, as if I’m taking an extremely long step. My shrink suggested that perhaps I have this dream after a particularly good day, and perhaps she’s right, because this is easily my favorite recurring dream.
I also have dreams that are just … weird. For years I’ve had a dream about trying to put in my contact lenses, but one of the lenses will be really big – like, bigger than my eyeball. So I’m standing there balancing this enormous lens on my finger and trying to figure out how in the heck this is gonna work. I can’t imagine any sort of meaning that could be attached to such a dream.
Maybe dreams don’t even have a meaning, per se, no matter how weird or delightful or disturbing. Perhaps they’re our brains’ way of telling a story or sorting out the previous day’s events or revisiting the past.
Or, perhaps, it’s like Dr. Robert Ford said in “Westworld,” which I’ve been binge-watching lately: “Dreams mean everything. They’re the stories we tell ourselves of what could be, who we could become.”
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DIXIE is an almost-2-year-old Terrier/Pit Bull/American Blue Heeler mix. This spayed female was surrendered by her owner in February because the family had too many pets. Dixie's adoption number is 022203Q.
PACO is a 3-month-old male brown tabby kitten. He was abandoned at the shelter with several siblings, and three others are also looking for good homes. Paco's adoption number is 050604Q.
IF YOU’D LIKE TO PROVIDE Dixie or Paco with a good home, call the Tupelo-Lee Humane Society at (662) 205-4221 or stop by 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd. Shelter hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Adoption fees for dogs and puppies range from $100 to $175. Adoption fees for cats and kittens range from $80 to $100. This includes one round of shots, worming, spaying/neutering. Please bring the photo of the animal you wish to adopt.
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Toddler's tantrums throw off nightly bedtime routine
Q: We have a 3 1/2-year-old and each night we have a routine that we go through with her – bath, pajamas, brush, choose two books and read them, sing a couple of songs, and pray before lights out. Bedtime typically falls between 7:30 and 8 each night, and she sleeps soundly for about 11 to 12 hours. We try to go through the routine calmly but most evenings, she finds some way to deviate from it. Almost every evening, she ends up having a screaming meltdown because we've told her the next step, given her time to respond, and she procrastinates in a big way. We've tried skipping books and songs as a consequence, to no avail. Last night, for instance, when it was time to go to her room to read, she threw herself on the floor and screamed bloody murder. We ended up having to carry her into her room. What can we do to make bedtime happier and calmer? I don't want her last thoughts as she closes her eyes to be about the meltdown that just ensued!
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Members of the celebrated (and feared) "Tupelo Four" — a quartet of Tupelo High School trumpet players who together in 1986 earned spots in the prestigious Lions All-State Band — reunite for the first time in decades on the field of their former school on July 14, 2022. The members are, from left, Chris Young, Greg Barnes, Sean Ross and Gregg Gausline.
Former Tupelo High School trumpet players Chris Young, from left, Greg Barnes, Sean Ross and Gregg Gausline walk from the field at Tupelo High School on July 14, 2022.
Back row, left to right, Stacy Wilson, Sean Ross, Michael Graham, Greg Barnes, Allen Bishop. Front row, left to right, Gregg Gausline and Sandra Fortenberry.
The 1986 Mississippi Lions All-State Band, of which "The Tupelo Four" trumpet players were part.
From left to right, Greg Barnes, Chris Young, Gregg Gausline, Sandra Fortenberry and Sean Ross.
TUPELO • In 1986, four trumpet players from the Tupelo High School band made the Mississippi Lions All-State Band — a rare feat for one section at a single school.
A shared love of music, and friendly competition, united Gregg Gausline, Chris Young, Sean Ross and Greg Barnes. Fittingly, music brought them back together again Thursday night for the first time in 36 years at a Drum Corps International (DCI) contest hosted at their alma mater.
Brought together by circumstance
It was circumstance that brought the four trumpet players together all those years ago.
Of the four, Ross is the only Tupelo native. Both Gausline and Young moved to Tupelo in 10th grade; Barnes was in ninth grade when his family moved to the All-America City.
"It was very humbling how many great trumpet players there were, not just in Tupelo but the whole state," Barnes said.
They competed with one another for chair placement, which is the ranking of players in each instrument section, and the opportunity to play solos during performances.
"Trumpet players, whatever we are as our natural personality, when we're on that field, we want the spotlight," Young said.
In a way, it was as if they were brothers. They were constantly at each other's throats back then, Ross remembered, but if they hadn't been, they wouldn't have pushed each other to reach the musical heights they did.
To this day, the men are still competitive.
"Is this our chair order now?" the men joked as the Daily Journal's photographer lined them up for a photo. They all laughed in unison.
Becoming 'The Tupelo Four'
Around the time the four fiercely competitive trumpet players earned spots in the Mississippi Lions All-State Band during the 1985-1986 school year, they came to be known by their friends and feared by their competition as "The Tupelo Four."
Another friend and member of the Tupelo band, a French horn player named Sandra Fortenberry, also made the Lions Band that year — a testament to the talent present at THS at the time.
Two people stand out in the group's minds as contributing to their success — Floyd Stevens, longtime Tupelo band director, and Keith Ellis, an Ole Miss music professor who traveled to Tupelo once a week to give private lessons to each of the four boys.
Gausline can't recall where the nickname "The Tupelo Four" originated, but it dates back to the mid-80s.
"I've heard different band directors that I've run across in Mississippi here and there at conventions say 'Hey, how's The Tupelo Four doing?' and I don't know where it stuck," Gausline said.
In the late 1990s, years after graduating, Young went to a Tupelo football game to see Stevens and the band. Another former high school band director was there talking with Stevens, and he made a comment about the 1985 marching season trumpet line.
"That's the best trumpet line I ever heard in my entire career," the director said.
"Mr. Stevens flicks his thumb towards me and says, 'Well, that was my section leader right there,'" Young said.
It was surprising to hear someone he didn't even know mention himself and his former bandmates.
Being referred to as "The Tupelo Four" still humbles and cracks Young up, he said, largely because band kids rarely receive much recognition.
Young, Barnes and Ross graduated in 1986, with Gausline graduating a year later in 1987. Their individual paths led them to varying careers and states.
Young became a Methodist minister. Ross works for Grammer, Inc, in Shannon. Barnes is a facilities engineer for a Japanese company. Gausline directed bands at the high school and college level for 15 years and now works in sales for Jostens.
As an Ole Miss student, Gausline spent two years marching with The Cadets, a competitive drum and bugle corps in Allentown, Pennsylvania.
Though Gausline now lives in Atlanta, when he heard the group would be taking part in a contest at Tupelo High, he made plans to go and reached out to his former bandmates.
"When I saw it on the schedule online, I naturally thought it would be a really cool opportunity, because I was going to come to this show anyway," Gausline said.
As the four men stood together near the concession stand at Tupelo's Golden Wave Stadium before the contest began, it was as if they'd never been apart.
"It's always a lot of fun for us because we can always say we sat ahead of a guy who was a featured soloist for The Cadets," Young joked. "We brag on him, then we go, 'You know, in high school we beat him.'"
Being together again was a bit overwhelming, Barnes said.
"It's kind of like there's so much you want to say, you can't get it all out at once," he added.
"It actually feels real natural at the same time," Chris Young said. "The whole thing, frankly, is blowing my mind. They were together in September, and I couldn't make it. It's been surprisingly natural."
"We were anticipating it so much and it's like, they're all the same as they were back then," Gausline said. "There's a lot of the same characteristics."
Although they don't play music like they used to, it's still just as important to them as the memories they once made together.
The DCI contest brought the memories flooding back with questions and exclamations like, "What was that marching show?" and, "Oh, I remember that piece!"
Without a doubt, the night will be another memory the members of “The Tupelo Four” will bring up the next time they're together again.
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Lee Malouf
Honor our lost loved ones by ending the war on drugs
By LEE MALOUF Guest columnist
My son, Robert, passed away in January 2017. He died of an accidental overdose of opioids. For me and my family, the last five years have been filled with minutes, hours and days of tremendous sadness with grief gripping every ounce of us. How can we use our horrific loss and heartbreak? We can wield it in anger and bitterness, or we can use it to support life-giving solutions.
Recently I recalled some of my thoughts from the night of Robert’s death. I thought of all the moms who lost their sons and daughters in war. Someone had appeared at their doorstep with the horrific life-altering news that their precious child had died in battle. The one held most dear to their heart had passed from this world. I remember thinking they died for a cause.
Our present-day battle is the war on drugs, where we are using our criminal justice system to handle a health crisis. For the loved ones we lost in its collateral damage, bringing an end to it is perhaps the best way to honor them.
I can't help but wonder what our lost loved ones would say if they were able to speak. Would their message be for more jailing to heal the problem? Would their message be for long sentences? Or would it be listening to the stories of people using drugs and in addiction?
Would our loved ones want more and more punitive reactions? Or would they want us to look for the best way to keep people in the struggle alive and functioning?
What would those who have died want for other people using drugs who are still here?
Perhaps they would challenge us to sit in on an open AA meeting or any support group, coming face to face with people who are in the struggle. Those who are walking the walk. The people in these groups are real people exposing their thoughts and fears. Each one can share and is understood. Being able to totally relate gives strength and courage.
I pray those we have lost have not died in vain. And their legacy collectively can be for more understanding and compassion and less shame. Maybe they will be known in years to come as trailblazers in the fight against the war on drugs. And their lives will be viewed as a sacrifice to upend the old way of using the criminal justice system to tackle our drug problems.
Maybe this is part of the battle. Maybe our loved ones have died for a cause. I feel that would be the most amazing blessing that could develop from this tragedy that is being played out before us.
Will apathy progress us? Will turning a blind eye advance solutions? Will the same old path of punishment lead us to a better place? It hasn't yet.
How can we fight for the betterment of those still on earth, those still enveloped in the struggle? I think I know what our loved ones would say. Let's give them a voice.
LEE MALOUF is an advocate for health-centered responses to drug use. She can be reached at missyazoo@aol.com.
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Richard Rahn
Why does leadership consistently fail us?
By RICHARD W. RAHN Guest columnist
Why is it that a major airplane crash gets so much press coverage? The main reason is that it is so rare. A century ago, flying in an airplane was very risky; now there is almost no way you can spend your time in greater safety. Why this remarkable change?
Early on, those in the airline industry realized that to greatly increase the number of potential passengers, they had to change the perception that flying in a little metal tube far above the earth was dangerous. To change the perception, they changed the reality. Whenever there was a crash, or even a failure of an aircraft part or system, government and industry experts spent the necessary time and money to find out why, and then made the necessary corrections so it would not happen again. Decades of failure identification and then mitigation have resulted in the safest transportation system ever devised by man.
Contrast this model with failure in government. Government failures, starting with war, public health, crime, the economy and almost everything else the government touches continue on and on with endless empty promises from the political class that “we are never going to let this happen again.”
Airplane pilots and mechanics undergo rigorous training before being given responsibilities for people’s lives — and their knowledge, skills and health are monitored and evaluated on a regular basis. There are numerous procedures to identify potential problems with key personnel and aircraft parts and systems to make sure action is taken before a tragedy occurs.
There are no 80-year-old pilots in commercial aviation for good reason. We retire senior military officers from direct line command after so many years because they tend to lose their sharpness, among other things, yet we have no age limit or test of cognitive skills for the commanders-in-chief.
Businesses normally hire, promote or fire people on the basis of the expertise they bring to the job and their ability to fulfill the goals of the company. Only in government are people routinely hired for their political connections rather than their expertise or demonstrated past accomplishments. The result is the U.S. now has a Secretary of Energy who appears to know little about energy or even understands the laws of supply and demand. The Secretary of Transportation seems to know little about transportation, nor does he have any background in the field. Similar comments can be made about many other members of the Biden cabinet.
Part of the problem is the incentive structure where people are often rewarded more for saying what those in political control want them to say, rather than what good theory and data would indicate. The Fed is supposed to be independent, but often Fed chairs — and other members and even staff — are bullied by presidents, members of Congress and even editorial writers, leading them to make erroneous inflation and other economic forecasts. If the Fed got out of the forecast business and instead used the mean projections of leading private sector forecasters who have good track records, performance — and policy — would likely be improved.
Government agencies often suffer from mission creep, leading them to intrude into areas where they have no or little expertise while decreasing their focus on the core mission. The Fed was originally established to ensure price stability, and then creating full employment was added to their mandate — even though the goal of price stability can conflict with the goal of full employment. Now, the Biden administration has added environmental sustainability and worker diversity to the Fed’s task — not only for its own actions but for those it regulates. These additions are both vague and subjective.
The Securities and Exchange Commission has just announced that all businesses that it regulates must now prepare reports to explain the environmental impact of all of its various activities. This may well double or more the costs of businesses complying with SEC mandates. The new mandate is not explicitly based on congressional delegation of authority to the SEC, nor does it contain any commonly agreed-upon methodology for such reporting.
Fortunately, there is hope for improvement. The Supreme Court has just ruled that the EPA was not given the authority by Congress to regulate all CO2 emissions.
One major way to improve government governance is for Congress to make the dozens of administrative agencies that have acted like independent authoritarian governments strictly limited in mission to only what Congress has explicitly granted. And that these agencies can no longer serve as prosecutor, jury and judge for alleged offenses that those they regulate may or may not have committed.
If people are discriminated against because of gender, sexual preference, race, national origin or religion and they have less liberty than many of their fellow citizens, they may seek redress. Likewise, if a government imposes financial restrictions or financial reporting requirements on certain citizens but not all, they have lost some of their liberty — particularly if the restriction is not based upon competent cost-benefit analysis, which is also true if a government restriction interferes with a fundamental right explicit in the Constitution.
Governments increasingly employ diversity officers. Is it not equally important for governments to employ “liberty protection officers” — to help restrain the excesses of government employees and agencies?
RICHARD W. RAHN is chair of the Institute for Global Economic Growth and MCon LLC.
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Robert St. John, Jesse Marin, and Harrison St. John at Gris-Gris in New Orleans.
Welcome to America, Jesse: It's time for me to host you
There is something deep inside me that enjoys hosting people. It borderlines a compulsion or obsession. I've been that way since I was a little kid. Whenever I heard a new song on the radio, in my youth – and I had enough money to purchase a 45 single – I would ride my bike to the record store, buy the record, and then spend the next week trying to get my friends to listen to it. I love turning people on to music. Six decades later, I still do it. A lot. Conversely, I also enjoy learning about new music from friends who have similar tastes.
In the years I worked in radio, I was able to hear new music before it ever hit the market. That enabled me to introduce all sorts of great music to my friends before any of them had heard it. When I got out of the radio business and moved into the restaurant business, the search for new discoveries was the same, though this time for food items, design elements and restaurant concepts.
I have spent over 40 years in the restaurant business. Much of that time has been traveling around to different cities — and restaurants in those cities — to discover new dishes and new methods, as well as new themes, designs and concepts. Restaurants are my hobby. Some of my friends live to play golf at Pebble Beach or Augusta. I live to travel to Chicago and go on a four-restaurant progressive dinner in one evening. It’s even better if I have people with me who have never eaten at those restaurants or have never experienced a multi-location progressive dinner St. John-style. It's a blast.
Several years back my church offered to give a test on spiritual gifts. Despite years of Sunday school, I had never heard of spiritual gifts. Had someone asked me if I had any, I might have been at a loss to answer, though the test that evening stated that I have the spiritual gift of hospitality. Had you given me a list and asked me to list potential spiritual gifts, I would never have thought that hospitality would be on the list.
I took the spiritual gifts test two other times at two different churches. Both times the test results stated that I had the spiritual gift of hospitality. The first thing that hit me was — I am certainly in the right business. The restaurant business is the hospitality business. But secondly, it answered the lifelong question of why I get such a kick out of turning people on to things I have discovered. It's just another form of hospitality. It could be called “hosting.” I do a lot of hosting these days.
This hosting thing took a new turn several years ago when people started asking me to take them to Italy to revisit the restaurants and places I discovered on a very long European sojourn back in 2011. Those requests sounded like a great idea, but I only planned on doing it once. That one time turned into 16 or 17 trips overseas, and I have stopped counting. Each trip with 25 people, and each is designed with the sole purpose of creating the most complete experience — whether in Tuscany, Rome, Amalfi, Naples, Venice, Bologna, Milan, or the entirety of Spain — is for the guest.
Those trips are nothing more than a modern-day extension of me going out and buying a 45 record in 1970 and turning my friends on to it. It's just done overseas, and the music, food, and scenery are better. It's basically coming from a premise of — I love this, I think you will love it too, here let me show it to you. Though, as a host, I am as happy as my least happy guest. So, it is always my No. 1 goal to keep everyone happy.
Traveling with a group of 25 people, especially the way I travel in groups, takes a lot of planning. Transportation is crucial. The vans must be where they are supposed to be at the scheduled time, or everything goes awry. Whether it's picking up guests at the airport, dropping them off at the end of a trip, or just being at the meeting point in the city center of Florence or Rome, our ride must be there. Lodging is also crucial. A night’s stay at a bad hotel when someone is already jet-lagged will ruin an entire trip.
In 2022, I will spend 14 weeks hosting guests in Italy, on the Amalfi Coast and Rome, and several weeks with several groups in Tuscany, a long trip covering the majority of Spain, and we will be preparing for a new journey next year into Holland and Belgium. I am the host. But to pull off something as complicated as 25 people moving around a strange city or country and not knowing the language takes a lot of boots on the ground and a logistical team to help me pull this off.
One of those people who does an excellent job at that is my friend Jesse Marin, a Dutch citizen who lives in Rome. Jesse landed at the New Orleans airport last night and will be here for two weeks. This time he is not the boots-on-the-ground guy. I am. We are here to host him and give him a break from his busy schedule of booking tours all over the world. It's a job I take seriously and it's a job I enjoy. We will spend two days in New Orleans showing him the city, my son will take him out at night to show him the nightlife, and then we will cross the border into Mississippi and I will proudly show off my home state to my Dutch-Italian friend. The final leg of his tour will be in the Florida Panhandle before he heads to a friend’s wedding in Miami and then flies home.
When he landed, my son picked him up at the airport and I met them at one of my go-to restaurants, Gris-Gris on lower Magazine. As soon as he sat down he said, “I don’t really know what to do. I am not used to this. I am always the one planning the trip. My mother asked me about my plans, and I told her I didn’t have a clue. This is weird.”
I got this, Jesse. It’s time for me to host you. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride.
ROBERT ST. JOHN is a restaurateur, chef and author. Find his recipe for Caponata at robertstjohn.com.
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Fire Departments seek help as volunteerism wanes
HOUSTON —The Houston Fire Department is always looking for a few good men and women, not only to fight fires, but to do many other jobs associated with operating a Fire Department, Chickasaw County Fire Coordinator and Fire Chief Jonathan Blankenship said this week.
So are Chickasaw County’s eight volunteer Fire Departments, he said.
There’s a dollars and cents side to area residents about the issue: If a Fire Department rating rises due to a department being understaffed, so could the cost of fire insurance in the area the department serves, he said this week.
In years past, there were plenty of volunteers to staff fire crews, but that isn’t the case anymore, he said.
“There’s been a decline in volunteerism, not with just our department, but also with others in the county. It seems to be a nationwide trend. Across the board, volunteerism seems to not be a priority anymore,” the Fire Chief said this week.
According to 2019 data from the National Fire Protection Association, the number of firefighters reported nationwide for 2016 and 2017 — the survey’s most recent years — was the fewest since the organization started keeping records in 1983.
Blankenship has seen membership figures in the Houston and county departments spiraling downward for years, he said.
Reflecting the NFPA figures, the Houston department now has about 30 members. The department can usually count on about 6-8 responders for a daylight fire, or 15 responders for a nighttime blaze.
The county’s other departments have about 30 members also, however the number of "active” members -- those members who the department can count on to respond, are sadly decreasing -- the Fire Coordinator said.
Retention— keeping good members — is a problem, he said. "The fire service is like a family. We try to keep the fire house as a family environment. We eat together. We try to socialize together. And there are several benefits that are offered such as death benefits, etc.,” he said.
Like most small departments, the Houston department and the county departments play a vital role in saving lives and property. They can’t do that without good help, and good help is getting increasingly hard to find.
“For a lot of people, it’s not lack of interest. Many people who could be potential volunteers are busy with a lot of other things nowadays — personal pressures of their jobs or their personal lives, finding another job if they lose a job, the pandemic, the time involved with farming work,” he said. Many people just think it is somebody else`s job and that help is not needed.
“Overall, I think many people just aren’t that interested in volunteerism. Also, I think there’s a lack of volunteerism among many members of the younger generation.
"People used to take ownership in helping make their community the best it could be, but now they expect others to get that job done,” Blankenship said.
The lack of volunteers hurts in other ways. There may not be enough backup personnel at a fire scene to insure the firefighters fighting a blaze are protected. That lack of backup, in turn, puts more stress on the frontline firefighters battling a blaze.
Said the chief: “The question is: If you don’t step forward to help, who will? What would happen if there was a fire or some other type of disaster, and nobody came?”
There are a lot of volunteer jobs with the Houston or county fire departments that don’t necessarily involve fighting fires.
“We need people with mechanical ability to help keep our trucks and equipment running properly. Someone who has administrative skills can help us out because in terms of keeping accurate records, administration is as important as firefighting,” he said.
Only those whose job would be firefighting are expected to graduate the State Fire Academy.
"The more people we have the better we can spread the workload. We wouldn’t expect folks to be on call 24/7, but we’d expect them to at least participate in department activities,” he said.
The department also offers a lot of benefits to those who join.
“Every department is different, but most departments have eating meetings, and everyone likes to eat. There’s also a spirit of helping people, and lots of camaraderie. If you’ve never been a part of that sort of friendship you don’t know what you’re missing. Most fire departments are a family within themselves, and that’s a reward you can’t put a value on,” he said.
The departments offer Workman’s Compensation insurance for those who may lose time from their jobs due to a line of duty injury, Blankenship said.
Who’s the ideal candidate? “We’re looking for someone with a clean record, who would be proud to be a part of us and who we’d be proud to have. Along with having folks with administrative or mechanical abilities, we’d love to have some youngsters — big strong physical people who can strap on gear and work,” he said.
"People might say,' I’m too old,’ but everyone has something to contribute — there’s are all types of skill sets,” he said.
Jonathan Blankenship
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John Allen Law, 93, beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away, quietly Thursday, July 14 at home in Phil Campbell, Alabama with his bride of 23 years by his side. He was born September 17, 1928, the son of Edward Reid Law and Evie Lorraine Williams and the oldest of 5 siblings. In 1949, he married Kazuko Osanai of Sapporo, Japan, with whom he had two daughters - Chieri Faye and Anita Jauquin and was married for 35 years. He later married the love of his life Sandra Johnson, January 22, 1999 and they enjoyed over two decades together filled with much love and happiness along with her children, Chuck Key (Jaime), Cassandra Funderburk (Shane) and their children and grandchildren. John was born and raised in the Amory, Mississippi area, leaving for the United States Air Force in his late teens to serve his country. His distinguished 40-plus year career with the United States Air Force took him to post WWII Germany and other countries in Europe, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, and several states in the continental US. He was a member of the Strategic Air Command and retired his active military career at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois in the mid 60's. He began his civil service career at Chanute teaching until his full retirement in the late1970's. He was proud of his service to our country and was a true patriot, supporting many veterans organizations throughout his lifetime. John moved to Florida after his military retirements and began working at Holley-By-The-Sea, then, a new residential development in Navarre, Florida as their maintenance supervisor. He managed staff responsible for outside ground services, development safety, minor construction projects and consulted on land development as the property expanded. He retired from Holley, after 15 years of service and moved back to his home state of Mississippi in the early 1990s to be near family. John loved nothing more than to be outdoors fishing and hunting and did so at every opportunity. While his passion for fishing took him to the deep seas of the Gulf and the lakes of northern Minnesota and Canada, his favorite places to fish were in Alabama and Mississippi where he spent his childhood. He was an avid skeet and trap shooter and was pretty good at busting clay targets on a sporting clays course. He was never without dogs and cats, rescuing and finding furever homes for them but kept many who became his constant companions. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed "tinkering" in the garage or outside on his boats, cars, mower, and guns - always a project to do. John absolutely loved playing with his 4 year old great-grandson, Charlie. He would just light up every time Charlie walked through the door. John was a 32nd degree Scottish rite Free Mason, an oath-bound society, devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance. He joined the Masons as a young man. John is survived by his wife, Sandra (Johnson) Law; three daughters, Chieri Esposito (Marty) of Gulf Breeze Florida , Anita Broeren (Stuart )of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cassandra Funderburk (Shane) of Phil Campbell, Alabama ; one son, Chuck Key (Jaime) of Phil Campbell, Alabama,; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; a sister Joyce Browning of Amory, Mississippi; a brother Theldon of Lee Summit, Missouri; a sister-in-law Marie Law of Smithville, Mississippi and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Nella Mae Franks, and brother Roger Dale Law, and Sandra's daughter, Robin Haywood. Arrangements are entrusted to Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, Mississippi. Visitation is scheduled Sunday, July 17 at 12:00-2:00 PM.at Pickle Funeral Home 500 3rd Avenue S in Amory. The funeral service will begin at 2 pm. John requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256.
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After submitting last week’s column, it seemed like I was being reminded of doughburgers every which way I turned. I was looking through my July edition of ‘Today in Mississippi’ which is provided by the Pontotoc Electric Power Association. Plastered across pages 8 and 9 in bold red print was the word “SLUGBURGERS”. I enjoyed the article by Steven Ward and think it would have been fun to attend the Slugburger Festival in Corinth. I wished I'd had that information to include in last week's writing. If you have not done so, you might want to pick up your magazine and give it a read. Who knows, but one of these days, Steven might be writing about Doughburger Day in Downtown Pontotoc.
I couldn't help but remember how Granddaddy (L.C. Anderson) would buy doughburgers and cold coca colas in glass bottles for him and me. It was our secret. We would take a load of produce (peas, watermelons, cantaloup, etc.) to town to sell on the court house square. Then he would take some of his profit from the sales and treat us to a most wonderful meal. I was instructed to not tell Mama Gert, because she might not take it so kindly that we had wasted the money. I loved our secret, and it made the doughburgesr seem to taste even better.
The memory of that little girl sitting beside her grandfather flooded me with emotion. I could almost reach out and touch them, smell the burgers cooking and taste that iced cold coca cola. “What was the name of that place,” I asked myself. I could just see the steps that led down to the underground restaurant, but for the life of me I couldn’t think of the name of the place. Mr. Fitts owned it. I called my cousin, Sam Anderson, to see if he could remember the name. His wife, Paulette, said that he was in the garden. She remembered that Mr. Fitts had the place, and she had always called it, “The Underground Restaurant.” Later she texted to say that Sam remembered it as, “Fitts’s Café.” I just couldn’t get it out of my mind. I posted on a Pontotoc Facebook group of which I am a member to see if anyone could remember the eatery. Oh, my goodness at the responses to my question. So many people wrote about the delicious burgers and stew they had enjoyed there. Folks remembered the steps going down to it, but there was great discussion as to the location and name of the place. Many of us remembered the exact spot where the steps had been and that they are now concreted over. But there was no definite consensus as to the name. The majority remembered it as Fitts’s Café, and I think that might be right. One thing is for sure, we agreed that it was a great memory of a great place to eat.
In thinking about Granddaddy selling produce on the square, I want to mention the nice farmer’s market facility we now have in Pontotoc. I think that was a great idea and applaud whoever came up with it. It is in such a good location making it accessible to both the venders and the shoppers. I remember in the past that finding a parking place on the square to stop and shop at the pick-up trucks was sometimes a difficult task. Many trucks loaded with produce for sale would come to town on Saturdays. But Granddaddy often took Friday as his day to peddle his goods. The ladies who worked in the court house would shop during their lunch hour. He enjoyed meeting and chatting with folks who worked in town and visited his truck. Sometimes when it was too hot for people to store produce in their closed-up automobiles for 5 hours, So, Granddaddy would wait until up in the afternoon to go to the square. When people got off work, they could buy their fresh watermelons, peas or cantaloups and not have to worry about leaving them in their vehicles. That also gave him time to get some work done in the garden or field during the cooler morning hours.
Though life has changed, and we shop in many different ways, I am so happy to know that Pontotoc folks still appreciate our farmers. There are several places to shop for fresh fruits and vegetables that have been harvested and brought straight from the fields to the consumer, and in some cases, we can go buy them straight off the farm. I salute anyone who takes the time to provide us with these delicious, fresh, and nutritious products.
I would love to have a garden, but due to the limited space we have in our back yard I can only grow a few things. Of course, tomatoes are planted as soon as possible. We generally plant peppers, too. I grow several herbs year-round as well as some which only survive outside during the warmer months. Mint is so good in a cold glass of iced tea or water. I appreciate fresh sage, basil, rosemary, and other herbs with which to cook. Some of these plants also help to keep away mosquitoes, and I like that. Now let me talk to you about my cucumber plants. A few years ago, we planted some cucumbers near the crape myrtle in the back yard. I was amazed to see the vines running up the little tree instead of all over the ground. I thought it was hilarious and let them go. We had cucumbers hanging from the crape myrtle, and I made lots of pictures and shared this funny sight with my friends on Facebook. One day my little granddaughter told me that we needed to go pick some cucumbers off the cucumber tree. I laughed and laughed. The poor crape myrtle had been renamed, “the cucumber tree.” We have continued to plant the cukes in the same place each year and eagerly await the amazing hanging fruit. My friends think it is too funny, but it is really a good thing. The cucumbers are easier to pick, they don’t lay on the ground, terrapins can’t reach them, and they don’t take up space on the ground. Dale can just mow around the cucumber tree, and it all looks very pretty. I invite you to stop by the house for a glass of iced tea with mint, sit a spell, chit-chat, and take a gander at our cucumber tree.
I also encourage you to support our local farmers and thank them for their hard work. We are very blessed to have access to a wide variety of fresh and nutritious homegrown foods. I read a little quote on face book the other day and would like to share it with y'all. I do not know who wrote this but having been raised on a farm I do know these words to be true.
“Through winter’s chill or summer’s heat,
a farmer works so the world can eat.”
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Members of Booneville-based Bluegrass band Breaking Grass include, from left, Zach Wooten, Britt Sheffield, Jody Elmore, Cody Farrar and Tyler White. Since their founding roughly 15 years ago, the group has steadily grown in popularity.
BOONEVILLE • When the five members of Booneville-based bluegrass band Breaking Grass take the stage, it looks like they’re having the time of their lives.
Frontman Cody Farrar smiles ear-to-ear as he moves around the stage interacting with audience members, while bandmates Jody Elmore on banjo, Britt Sheffield on bass, Tyler White on fiddle, and Zach Wooten on mandolin hold down a hard-driving, surgically precise groove.
Breaking Grass got its start playing for tips at the Marietta Community Center, when members of the band met through Itawamba Community College’s “Campus Country” band.
“We’d play at the community center in Marietta, population 250,” Farrar said with a laugh. “They’d bring potluck, and we’d each leave with $10 to $15. We needed money for Wendy’s, so we were tickled.”
These days, the group has lots to be tickled about.
Now in their 15th year together, Breaking Grass has had multiple albums on the Top 10 Billboard Bluegrass charts, as well as many songs in the Top 10 Bluegrass Today charts. Currently, their single “100 Degrees in the Shade,” from their new album “Somewhere Beyond,” is at No. 15 on the Bluegrass Unlimited Top 30 Songs chart.
The band’s growing acclaim keeps them in demand on the summer festival circuit.
“Summers are busy,” Farrar said. “Spring through fall, it’s usually three weekends a month. We all work full time, so we load up on Friday night and usually drive all night, get to the hotel to take a shower and then go play the festival without sleep.”
After years of paying dues and playing small venues, Farrar said it is rewarding to see the band’s name moving up the “festival food chain.”
“These days, when the posters get made, our name is slowly getting closer to the top,” he said. “That’s what you want.”
Audiences of all ages respond positively to Breaking Grass’s masterful musicianship and wholesome, high-octane performance style. Unlike many traveling bluegrass bands, which often rely on covers of old standards, Breaking Grass’s set list is almost entirely original songs.
36-year-old Farrar, who sings lead and plays guitar for the band, is responsible for writing most of the group’s material.
“We do about 90% original material,” he said. “But in all honesty, I couldn’t write my name without God. I wish I had a recipe for songwriting, but I don’t. It’s a lot of trial and error, and you’ll never be as good as you’d like to be.”
Farrar said fiddle player Tyler White is a reliable, if sometimes painful, sounding board for song ideas.
“Tyler is my most honest critic,” Farrar said. “Sometimes I’ll tell him a song idea and he’ll say, ‘That’s just stupid. Why would you even pursue that?’”
Farrar, who came late to bluegrass, said his songwriting style is an homage to many influences.
“Gillian Welch is a huge influence,” he said. “She was born in the wrong century. And I love the Steel Drivers. But nothing moves me like the old Cadillac Sky records. The songwriting was amazing, and the musicianship was phenomenal. They were too far ahead for their time.”
While their star is rising, Farrar said he and the members of Breaking Grass are not above the occasional off night.
“We’ve bombed real hard, several times, in front of big audiences,” he said. “You never forget it. We could write a book on how many times we’ve been humbled. It’s good medicine.”
Farrar said while he and the band are enjoying their growing popularity, they never want to take their audience for granted.
“We try to be humble and appreciative and know where our blessings come from,” he said. “People drive a long way to be there, so whatever is going on in the van or at home, you’ve gotta leave it behind, get up on stage and have fun and put on a good show.”
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Biden met with Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman (affectionately known as MBS), who has been accused by U.S. intelligence of sending a hit squad to murder journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Apparently feeling the heat of criticism from people opposed to the trip, Biden felt the need to explain himself in an op-ed for The Washington Post.
When Reagan visited Moscow, his approval ratings were 53%, according to Gallup. He dealt from a position of strength and moral clarity. Biden's approval numbers (if they can be called that) have declined to a record 33%, according to a New York Times/Siena College survey with a majority of Democrats wanting him to be replaced in 2024. Ninety percent of young Democrats want another candidate.
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Vicki Fikes Turman
I'm sure that many of you read my post on Facebook two weeks ago concerning some choices made in the updates of the walking track here in Amory. I am still extremely upset and disappointed about the approximately 75- to 100-year-old healthy, rare and beautiful live oak tree being cut down simply because it 'didn't fit into the plan' and because its roots would ruin the new sidewalk they plan to pour.
Imagine anyone cutting down that tree for a new, totally unnecessary sidewalk when there is a perfectly good, newly paved walking track one to two feet away all the way around that block?!?!
Anyway, I do want to sincerely apologize to any innocent party upon whom I appeared to place blame for this poor choice. My emotions and passion definitely overtook my judgment in that moment.
However, the heartfelt concern and disappointment over the way in which this proposal for our neighborhood was dreamed up and carried out is still present, not only with me but with many of the residents who live around the walking track and McAlpine Lake.
I am a native of Amory, having lived here for all but 10 of my almost 66 years - my husband and I have lived in between the walking track and the lake for the past 36 years, having raised our two daughters here.
We have enjoyed the beauty of the area, and our children and now grandchildren enjoy both the track and the lake. I have personally logged countless miles walking on that track over the years. We are fortunate to have these and other nice areas in our city to enjoy and we truly appreciate the city's efforts to make these areas better and more enjoyable.
I have learned over the years that in any endeavor, if you do something, do it right and do it well. Any professional who makes a plan should first and foremost do his due diligence.
A good plan that is truly meant to bring meaningful and useful benefit to a city's citizens should begin as a research project. A proposal can only be as good as the amount of time you invest into finding out exactly what the citizens need and want most in the affected area.
And who better to ask about the changes proposed than those who live in the area, who have lived there for years and observed on a daily 24/7 basis what goes on?
Someone outside of that neighborhood or even in another city altogether would have no way of knowing about the safety concerns, the dangerous traffic or anything that might affect the family-friendly atmosphere that they are trying to preserve.
Sadly, we never received any legitimate or justifiable reason for the tree being cut down. Hopefully, going forward, I ask that our mayor and board of aldermen, as well as anyone else in our city government who takes part in the planning of and the writing of grant applications, to please include the taxpayers' input into the process from the early stages.
Once it is decided to apply for a grant, please publicize a public meeting (in plenty of time for those who would like to be involved and attend) to give citizens a chance to voice their concerns or suggestions.
Have them fill out a survey or questionnaire and then take these into consideration as the grant is written. Then prior to actually submitting the grant application, please publicize another meeting for the citizens to view the completed proposal.
If these grants are truly sought after to enhance the citizens' enjoyment of our town, then this should not be too much to ask to include us in the process and take our suggestions into consideration.
While I realize that it is too late for these above mentioned steps to happen with the current plan for the track and the lake, there are several extremely important issues that can still be addressed and changes implemented to make certain that the area can be much safer for everyone and further protect the very children and adults whom this grant is meant to benefit.
1.) For years now, there has been a dire need for flashing stop signs to be placed at the corners of 8th St North and 7th Ave North, as well as at 8th St North and 8th Ave North. These stop signs are needed even more so if the proposed parking spaces are added on the segment of 8th St N against the grass triangle.
Drivers exceeding the speed limit and ignoring the already present foot traffic around here make it extremely dangerous. With the addition of a paved track on the grass triangle encouraging even more foot traffic crossing over from the track to the lake, the danger is even more present.
2.) There was some mention of the proposal including a gazebo to be built on the grass triangle. We pray that that plan has been taken off of the table. Drivers flying up and down both sides of the grass triangle already do not pay attention to what is coming or who is walking toward them.
Placing any structure there would only further block the drivers' view and increase the chance of accidents. And the Yield sign at the intersection of 7th and 8th avenues at the point of the triangle needs to be replaced with a flashing stop sign.
Evidently, no one knows the meaning of a Yield sign - the drivers fly right on out into the oncoming traffic and when you approach that intersection from either direction, you had better be extremely diligent to avoid a wreck.
3.) There is also an immediate need for additional lighting in the lake area that shines out towards the pier, as lots of after-dark activity taking place there is suspicious and dangerous and needs to be stopped.
We love our city and we appreciate any efforts to enhance Amory and to make it more safe and enjoyable for us all. I hope that in future planning, these additional steps mentioned can be included in the process, and we ask that these suggestions concerning the enhanced need for traffic and general safety at the triangle will be implemented as soon as possible.
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JACKSON • Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson asked the Department of Justice on Friday to investigate former Gov. Phil Bryant in connection with a welfare fraud case.
"The people of Mississippi deserve answers, and accountability for breaking the law must be upheld for all who were involved: especially for Governor Bryant," U.S. Rep. Thompson wrote in a letter to the Department of Justice, which was obtained by WJTV.
In the 29-page court filing, which was dated Monday, New's attorneys say she was acting at the direction of Mississippi Department of Human Services officials in the awarding of various contracts and allocation of funds. New specifically mentions Bryant regarding $1.1 million in money paid to Favre "in consideration for Favre speaking at events, keynote speaking, radio and promotional events, and business partner development."
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University of Southern Mississippi President Rodney Bennett attends a state College Board meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2015, in Jackson, Miss. Bennett's final day as president of the Hattiesburg-based university was Friday, July 15, 2022.
HATTIESBURG • The University of Southern Mississippi is undergoing a leadership change as Rodney Bennett ends his nine years as president — a period that saw increased freshman enrollment and extended academic offerings.
Board president Tom Duff said in a news release that Bennett "has many successes to his credit," including the university's recovery from a tornado that struck the Hattiesburg campus as Bennett began his presidency. During Bennett's tenure, USM also earned a designation as a top-tier research university and made improvements to facilities and academic programs at its Gulf Park Campus, Duff said.
"I have learned a great deal — I have grown a great deal — and I have worked with and mentored outstanding individuals, who I am confident will continue to have a positive impact on higher education," Bennett said in January.
Paul retired in 2015 after serving 40 years as a USM student affairs administrator. Before becoming vice president for student affairs in February 1993, he was assistant director of student activities, assistant vice president and dean of student development. He also held faculty rank in USM's College of Education and Psychology.
"As decades of alumni can attest, he has great affection for the university and tremendous concern for its students," Duff said.
Paul earned a bachelor's degree in communication and political science from USM in 1975 and a master's degree in communication and management from the university in 1978. He earned a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Alabama.
Tom Duff
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Miskelly, Howard
Howard Lafayette Miskelly was born July 17, 1925 in Faulkner, Mississippi and went home to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully on July 16 just short of his 97th birthday. Howard was proceeded in death by his parents, Homer and Wardie Miskelly and his sister Elva (Neil) Balch. Howard graduated from Faulkner High School as class president where he selected the mascot and school colors for the black and gold Faulkner Eagles. Drafted into WWII in 1943, he bypassed all deferments with his dad's encouragement. He served honorably, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and being awarded two Bronze Stars. Howard returned home and attended college at Union University on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to Mississippi State University where he was president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Cadet Colonel of the MSU ROTC. After the war, he married the beautiful Letha Ann Street, and they were married 74 years. Howard and Ann's love for the Lord and for each other stands as a model for all. Howard and Ann moved to Okolona in 1952 and opened Howard's Department Store which they owned and operated for 40 years. He loved the Okolona community and especially First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for over five decades. He was a member of the Lions Club and founder of the Okolona Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf. He was appointed to the Veterans Administration Board, served on the board for Mississippi School for The Deaf and Blind, and was the President of the Mississippi Retail Association. His last years were spent in West Point, MS, where he served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church. When asked what was most prized in a life so full, Howard would say that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all walked with the Lord. Howard is survived by his wife, Letha Ann Street Miskelly; his five children: Pam (Chuck) Carson, Marty (Jerry) Ishee, Chip (Geri) Miskelly, Oscar (Joyce) Miskelly, and Tommy (Lisa) Miskelly, along with his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren: Chad (Merry) Carson, Kelli (Edgar) McKee, Jonathan (Anne) Ishee, Joshua Howard (Ragen) Carson, Elizabeth Ann (Tyler) Howell, Caleb (Avery) Miskelly, Miles (Amy) Miskelly, Anna Katherine Miskelly, Falon (Carter) Cowman, Anderson Miskelly, Abby (Colin) Agostinelli, Franklin (McKenzie) Miskelly, London Miskelly, Faith Carson, Jack Carson, Ava Carson, Carson McKee, Geer McKee, Max Ishee, Sims Ishee, Everly Howell, and Charlie Miskelly; nieces Laura Franz and Linda Fulton; nephews Marvin Reid and John Reid; life-long friends Celia and Harvey Fisher. The family sends sincere appreciation for Howard's attentive care-givers over the last years and the countless neighbors and friends who have continued to visit, call, and pray for our precious Howard. The family is encouraged by 2 Corinthians 5:8 that while Howard is absent from his body, he is at home with the Lord. A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Okolona, Mississippi on Monday July 18 from 4:30:-6:30 under the direction of Brother Randy Lewman. A celebration of Howard's life will be held on Tuesday July 19 at 11am under the direction of Reverend Brandon Bates at First Baptist West Point with visitation preceding the funeral from 9:30-11:00 am. Howard's grandsons will serve as the pallbearers. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Okolona (201 West Main Street, Okolona, MS 38860) or the First Presbyterian Church of West Point (PO Box 366, West Point, MS 39773). Robinson funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may leave an online condolence to the family at robinsonfh.net.
First Baptist Church Of Okolona
Carson Mckee
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The 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft began Sunday night in Los Angeles.
Follow this thread for updates on Mississippi State players and signees during the draft’s first two rounds.
Jett Williams — Round 1, No. 14, New York Mets
Mississippi State signee Jett Williams became the first Bulldog off the board Sunday evening.
Williams was taken with the No. 14 overall pick by the New York Mets. The shortstop from Rockwall-Heath High School (Texas) was a consensus first-round pick.
The No. 14 pick carries a slot value of $4,241,600, but the Mets can offer Williams more or less than that amount.
Either way, the high pick means Williams is unlikely to come to campus in 2022.
He would join pitcher JT Ginn, outfielders Rowdey Jordan and Jake Mangum and even manager Buck Showalter as Mississippi State products in the Mets’ system.
Mississippi State signees Bradley Loftin and Jurrangelo Cijntje are also candidates to turn pro out of high school, while right-hander Colby Holcombe of Northeast Mississippi Community College could sign with a big-league club.
Bulldogs players Logan Tanner, Brad Cumbest, Kamren James, Preston Johnson, KC Hunt, Jackson Fristoe, Luke Hancock and Brandon Smith are among the candidates to be selected this weekend.
Landon Sims — Competitive Balance Round A, Pick No. 34, Arizona Diamondbacks
Landon Sims came off the board one pick before his hometown Atlanta Braves got on the clock.
Sims was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the No. 34 overall pick as part of Competitive Balance Round A, the “sandwich” round between Rounds 1 and 2.
The pick carries a slot value of $2,257,100.
Sims was the first Mississippi State player drafted Sunday and will likely sign with Arizona after tearing his UCL and undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. He was injured March 5 during his third start of the season against Tulane.
Sims was dominant out of the Mississippi State bullpen in 2021, striking out 100 batters in relief as he filled the closer role for the Bulldogs en route to their first national championship.
He tried to entrench himself as a starter in 2022, but the injury put an end to that.
Sims profiles as a reliever at the Major League level. ESPN draft analyst Kiley McDaniel suggested Sims could be the first player from the 2022 draft class to reach the majors once he gets healthy.
Logan Tanner — Round 2, No. 55, Cincinnati Reds
Logan Tanner became the second Mississippi State player off the board, selected with pick No. 55 in the second round by the Cincinnati Reds.
The Mississippi State catcher hit .285 with seven home runs and 38 RBIs in his junior season. The George County High School native was scouted as a pitcher out of high school but chose to attend MSU, helping lead the Bulldogs to their 2021 Men’s College World Series title.
Tanner’s rocket arm behind the plate helped him make his name, and on Sunday, it paid off. The No. 55 pick comes with a slot value of $1,373,300.
He’ll go to a Reds team among the worst in the majors this year but known for its history at the catcher position, dating back to Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Bench.
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Ole Miss baseball signee Jackson Ferris — a heralded left-handed pitcher — was drafted in the second round (47th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in the 2022 MLB Draft.
Ferris played his last two high school seasons at IMG Academy in Florida and was a combined 16-0 with an ERA of 0.80. He struck out 189 batters over that span to just 28 walks.
The slot money for the 47th pick in the MLB Draft is set at just over $1.66 million. Ferris can either sign with the Cubs and begin his professional career or play with the Rebels, who just won the program’s first ever College World Series.
Ole Miss baseball signee Roman Anthony was drafted 79th overall (free agent compensation pick) by the Boston Red Sox.
Anthony is an outfielder from Florida. During his senior season at Stoneman Douglas High School, Anthony hit a whopping .520 in 2022 with 10 home runs, 40 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. He was named the Gatorade Florida Player of the Year.
The slot money for the 79th pick in the MLB Draft is set at $820,000.
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Senior health fair being held at High Street Community Center
ABERDEEN – A July 20 health fair at the High Street Community Center will cater to seniors’ needs for wellness. It will be held from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and the High Street Community Center is located at 607 High St.
“I’ve been working with senior citizens for about 10 years, and we have visited health fairs in West Point, Columbus, Tupelo and Amory,” said Christine Holliday, adding she was inspired to host a health fair following the recent success of Joe Lee Howard Day.
She and Mayor Charles Scott spoke about the health fair during last week’s board of aldermen meeting.
As of last week, confirmed vendors were Monroe Regional Hospital, Reliant Home Care, Whole Health Wellness, Three Rivers Planning and Development District and Home Care Hospice.
Additionally, there will be information about the senior yoga program through the Aberdeen Park and Recreation Department. More vendors are anticipated to be present.
“This is one of the events the Mayor’s Health Council will be a part of, and they’ll be working to ensure the success of this event,” Scott said.
A free lunch will be provided during the health fair.
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East Amory Elementary School students participating in the Stock Market Game included, from left, Carson Staten, Foster Payne, Jeremiah Hawkins, Graham Bishop, Cameron Maranto and Mason Woodham. The school's first-place team had a return of 3.5 percent above the S&P 500. The second-place team had a return of one percent.
AMORY – Teams of East Amory Elementary School students placed first and second place in this year’s Stock Market Game. The first-place team had a return of 3.5 percent above the S&P 500, while the second-place team had a return of one percent.
“The Stock Market Game is an online education program used in classrooms across America to help teach all skills. Students experience making real-life decisions by participating in the Stock Market Game,” said EXCEL teacher Marcia Moore.
Students in grades four through 12 learn to be a part of a team as they practice math, language and life skills. The program encourages students to work in teams and invest a hypothetical $100,000 in the stock market.
Winners are determined on the percentage return above or below S&P 500 growth. During this trading session, they learned how the war in Ukraine affected trading in a time when the stock market already had a shaky start to the year.
“I am very proud of how well all my students did and I was encouraged by how hard they worked to learn more about the process,” Moore said.
East Amory Elementary School
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According to the Amory Police Department, Michael W. Bedwell, 36, of Fulton was charged with breaking and entering of a vehicle. Officers took a report July 14 of a theft from a vehicle at a business, and the investigation led to the arrest and recovery of property the following day.
Monroe County Justice Court Judge Brandon Davis set bond at $15,000. As of Monday morning, Bedwell was being housed at the Monroe County Detention Center.
Michael W. Bedwell
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Sharron Kay Harrell Barks, Walnut
Mavienne Hanson, New Albany
John A. Law, Phil Campbell, Alabama/Smithville
Glema Mabry, Tupelo
Howard Miskelly, West Point
Gracie Murphy, Booneville
Stephanie Pass, Tupelo
Ruby Shields, Tremont
Mr. S. L. Tate, Moscow, Tennessee
Dean Walker, Hendersonville, Tennessee
Robert Winston, New Albany
NEW ALBANY - Robert Winston, 84, passed away on July 17, 2022, at New Albany Health & Rehab in New Albany, MS. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Serenity-Simmons Funeral Home.
Glema Mabry
TUPELO - Glema Mabry, 68, passed away on July 16, 2022, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Agnew and Sons Funeral Home of Verona.
BOONEVILLE - Gracie Murphy, 80, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022, at Longwood Nursing and Rehab Facility in Booneville. Services will be on Monday, July 18, 2022 at 2 pm at Kesler Funeral Home - Booneville Chapel. Visitation will be on Monday from 12-2 pm at Kesler Funeral Home - Booneville Chapel. Burial will follow at Booneville Cemetery. Condolences to the family may be made online at www.keslerfuneralhome.com.
Mr. S. L. Tate
MOSCOW, TENNESSEE - Mr. S. L. Tate, 75, passed away Monday, July 11, 2022, at his residence in Moscow, TN. Services will be on Saturday, July 23, 2022, 11:00 a.m. at New Dimension Salt & Light Ministries, 565 Neely Ave., Holly Springs, MS. Visitation will be on Friday, July 22, 2022, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at New Community M.B. Church, 230 N. Memphis St., Holly Springs, MS. Burial will follow at Sand Hill M.B. Church Cemetery, 10575-10581 Lamar, Rd, Lamar, MS. Serenity-Autry Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS, is in charge of arrangements.
Sharron Kay Harrell Barks
WALNUT - On Friday afternoon July 15, 2022, Sharron Kay Barks, 72, residence of Walnut, passed away peacefully at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo.
Funeral Services honoring the life of Mrs. Barks will be at 2 PM Tuesday, July 19 in The Heritage Chapel of Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Doc Shelton and Bro. Terrell Gatewood officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony Cemetery near Walnut.
Born March 21, 1950 in Manila, AR, Mrs. Barks was the daughter of the late Marvin and Virginia Kinder Harrell. In the mid-70's she moved to Walnut, MS with her husband, Lonnie and resided most of her adult life in the Chalybeate Community which she loved dearly.
A member of Oak Grove Independent Methodist Church, Mrs. Barks loved her church and church family dearly. Her pride and joy was her much loved family, especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered as a wonderful cook and enjoyed being in her kitchen preparing the dishes her family loved that included big family meals, locally famous pies and lots of Christmas candies. She enjoyed taking care of others; she definitely had a gift for nurturing. She was always a hard-worker, never resting when there was work to be done. In her more active years, she enjoyed camping, boating and water skiing as well as women's softball.
Visitation will continue today at The Ripley Funeral Home.
Memories will continue to be shared by a son, Gary Dulaney (Jessy) of Manila, AR, two daughters, Chastity Wood (Stan) of Belden and Tina Barks of Nashville, TN, three grandchildren, Denver Dulaney of Manila, AR, Lonnie Dulaney (Peyton) of Lake City, AR and Millie Kate Nails of Belden.
She is also preceded in death by her husband, Lonnie Barks and her brother, Donald Harrell.
The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the family at ripleyfuneralhome.com.
MEMO, FLAG, PICKLE LOGO
PHIL CAMPBELL, ALABAMA/SMITHVILLE - John Allen Law, 93, beloved father, husband, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away, quietly Thursday, July 14 at home in Phil Campbell, Alabama with his bride of 23 years by his side. He was born September 17, 1928, the son of Edward Reid Law and Evie Lorraine Williams and the oldest of 5 siblings. In 1949, he married Kazuko Osanai of Sapporo, Japan, with whom he had two daughters - Chieri Faye and Anita Jauquin and was married for 35 years. He later married the love of his life Sandra Johnson, January 22, 1999 and they enjoyed over two decades together filled with much love and happiness along with her children, Chuck Key (Jaime), Cassandra Funderburk (Shane) and their children and grandchildren.
John was born and raised in the Amory, Mississippi area, leaving for the United States Air Force in his late teens to serve his country. His distinguished 40-plus year career with the United States Air Force took him to post WWII Germany and other countries in Europe, Japan, Korea, Hawaii, and several states in the continental US. He was a member of the Strategic Air Command and retired his active military career at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, Illinois in the mid 60's. He began his civil service career at Chanute teaching until his full retirement in the late1970's. He was proud of his service to our country and was a true patriot, supporting many veterans organizations throughout his lifetime.
John moved to Florida after his military retirements and began working at Holley-By-The-Sea, then, a new residential development in Navarre, Florida as their maintenance supervisor. He managed staff responsible for outside ground services, development safety, minor construction projects and consulted on land development as the property expanded. He retired from Holley, after 15 years of service and moved back to his home state of Mississippi in the early 1990s to be near family.
John loved nothing more than to be outdoors fishing and hunting and did so at every opportunity. While his passion for fishing took him to the deep seas of the Gulf and the lakes of northern Minnesota and Canada, his favorite places to fish were in Alabama and Mississippi where he spent his childhood. He was an avid skeet and trap shooter and was pretty good at busting clay targets on a sporting clays course. He was never without dogs and cats, rescuing and finding furever homes for them but kept many who became his constant companions. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed "tinkering" in the garage or outside on his boats, cars, mower, and guns - always a project to do. John absolutely loved playing with his 4 year old great-grandson, Charlie. He would just light up every time Charlie walked through the door.
John was a 32nd degree Scottish rite Free Mason, an oath-bound society, devoted to fellowship, moral discipline, and mutual assistance. He joined the Masons as a young man.
John is survived by his wife, Sandra (Johnson) Law; three daughters, Chieri Esposito (Marty) of Gulf Breeze Florida , Anita Broeren (Stuart )of Scottsdale, Arizona, Cassandra Funderburk (Shane) of Phil Campbell, Alabama ; one son, Chuck Key (Jaime) of Phil Campbell, Alabama,; 10 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; a sister Joyce Browning of Amory, Mississippi; a brother Theldon of Lee Summit, Missouri; a sister-in-law Marie Law of Smithville, Mississippi and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Nella Mae Franks, and brother Roger Dale Law, and Sandra's daughter, Robin Haywood.
Arrangements are entrusted to Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, Mississippi. Visitation is scheduled Sunday, July 17 at 12:00-2:00 PM.at Pickle Funeral Home 500 3rd Avenue S in Amory. The funeral service will begin at 2 pm. John requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300 Jacksonville, FL 32256.
NEW ALBANY - Mavienne Hanson, age 88, died Friday July 15 at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo. She was born December 9, 1933 to William Brewer and Essie Jewel Garrison Smith. She was a retired nurse. She previously served as director of the LPN nursing program at ICC for 20 years. She was an active member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church tentatively planned to be held on Tuesday afternoon with Dr. Rex Yancey and David Blackwell officiating. Visitation will be starting 2 hours before the service at the church. Details will be finalized and announced. United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.
TUPELO - Stephanie Pass, 48, passed away on July 16, 2022, at North MS Medical Center in Tupelo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Agnew and Sons Funeral Home of Verona.
TREMONT - Ruby Yvonne Fowler Shields, 80, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022, at her home on Blue Ridge Rd. in Tremont. She was born October 24, 1941 to the late Eveard Fowler and the late Ounida Holland Fowler Barnes. She was a member of Gum church of Christ. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Her greatest joys were time spent with her family and friends and her church family.
Services will be 11:00 am on Wednesday July 20, 2022 at Senter Funeral Home with Ministers Brady Ramey and Bobby Fowler officiating. Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday July 19, 2022 at Senter Funeral Home. Burial will be at Gum Cemetery. Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Survivors include her sons: Ricky (Sandi) Shields of Booneville, MS, David Shields of Fulton, Mike (Pam) West of Fulton; 8 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; brothers: Bobby (Lynn) Fowler, Jimmy (Gesa) Fowler, Brian (Sharon) Barnes,
Preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth L. Shields; brother, Charlie Fowler, sisters-in-law, Freddie Fowler, Denessa Barnes, Audrey Robinson; brother-in-law, Lewis Robinson, step-father, Bill Barnes
Pallbearers are Nick Shields, Cole Shields, Dywane Shields, Dylan Shields, Timmy West, Corey West.
In lieu of flowers the family asked to make a donation to a charity of your choice.
MEMO, FLAG
WEST POINT - Howard Lafayette Miskelly was born July 17, 1925 in Faulkner, Mississippi and went home to be with his Lord and Savior peacefully on July 16 just short of his 97th birthday. Howard was proceeded in death by his parents, Homer and Wardie Miskelly and his sister Elva (Neil) Balch.
Howard graduated from Faulkner High School as class president where he selected the mascot and school colors for the black and gold Faulkner Eagles.
Drafted into WWII in 1943, he bypassed all deferments with his dad's encouragement. He served honorably, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and being awarded two Bronze Stars.
Howard returned home and attended college at Union University on a basketball scholarship. He later transferred to Mississippi State University where he was president of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Cadet Colonel of the MSU ROTC.
After the war, he married the beautiful Letha Ann Street, and they were married 74 years. Howard and Ann's love for the Lord and for each other stands as a model for all.
Howard and Ann moved to Okolona in 1952 and opened Howard's Department Store which they owned and operated for 40 years. He loved the Okolona community and especially First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher for over five decades. He was a member of the Lions Club and founder of the Okolona Country Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf. He was appointed to the Veterans Administration Board, served on the board for Mississippi School for The Deaf and Blind, and was the President of the Mississippi Retail Association. His last years were spent in West Point, MS, where he served as an Elder at First Presbyterian Church.
When asked what was most prized in a life so full, Howard would say that his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all walked with the Lord.
Howard is survived by his wife, Letha Ann Street Miskelly; his five children: Pam (Chuck) Carson, Marty (Jerry) Ishee, Chip (Geri) Miskelly, Oscar (Joyce) Miskelly, and Tommy (Lisa) Miskelly, along with his numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren: Chad (Merry) Carson, Kelli (Edgar) McKee, Jonathan (Anne) Ishee, Joshua Howard (Ragen) Carson, Elizabeth Ann (Tyler) Howell, Caleb (Avery) Miskelly, Miles (Amy) Miskelly, Anna Katherine Miskelly, Falon (Carter) Cowman, Anderson Miskelly, Abby (Colin) Agostinelli, Franklin (McKenzie) Miskelly, London Miskelly, Faith Carson, Jack Carson, Ava Carson, Carson McKee, Geer McKee, Max Ishee, Sims Ishee, Everly Howell, and Charlie Miskelly; nieces Laura Franz and Linda Fulton; nephews Marvin Reid and John Reid; life-long friends Celia and Harvey Fisher. The family sends sincere appreciation for Howard's attentive care-givers over the last years and the countless neighbors and friends who have continued to visit, call, and pray for our precious Howard.
The family is encouraged by 2 Corinthians 5:8 that while Howard is absent from his body, he is at home with the Lord.
A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Okolona, Mississippi on Monday July 18 from 4:30:-6:30 under the direction of Brother Randy Lewman.
A celebration of Howard's life will be held on Tuesday July 19 at 11am under the direction of Reverend Brandon Bates at First Baptist West Point with visitation preceding the funeral from 9:30-11:00 am. Howard's grandsons will serve as the pallbearers. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors.
Robinson funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may leave an online condolence to the family at robinsonfh.net.
HENDERSONVILLE, TENNESSEE - Dean Walker- passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Although she is now in heaven, it would be wrong to say that she lost her battle with the disease, because she fought a long and courageous fight. Through her you could see what perseverance and strength looked like. She was 84 years old. She was a lifelong resident of Tupelo, MS, where she was well loved by her family, friends, and community. Dean was married to Dudley Walker for 64 years, and she was the proud mother of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of her family and they were her reason for living and laughing. She was larger than life--to know her was to love her, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Dean is survived by her four children, Chip Walker (Thompson Station, TN), Tammy Wilson (Nolensville, TN), Jeff Walker and his wife Debbie (Thompson Station, TN) and Deanna Martin and her husband Tony (Cottontown, TN). Eleven grandchildren, Morgan Taylor (Joey), Nolensville, TN, Drew Wilson (Deborah) Clarksville, TN, Jake Martin (Shanna) Baldwyn, MS, Austin Martin, Cottontown, TN, Tyler Martin (Shelby), Gallatin, TN, Zach Martin (Alyson), Cottontown, TN, Amanda McElyea (Tony), Huntsville, AL, Faith Carter (Ryan), Thompson Station, TN, Kiersten Kirby (Geoff), Thompson Station, TN, Savannah Walker, Nashville, TN, Camille Walker, Thompson Station, TN and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Walker and her parents, Homer and Flossie Stovall. The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service in Tupelo with details to be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. Your donation will aid with further research in hopes to find a cure for this heartbreaking disease.
You can donate to the Alzheimer's Association online or to donate by check, please send to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
Charlie Miskelly
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In this Jan. 17, 2014, file photo, Retired Army Staff Sergeant Howard Miskelly thanks attendees during a ceremony at the Capitol in Jackson after being awarded the Bronze Star for his service in WWII, when the 102nd Infantry Division fought in Belgium, Holland, Germany. Miskelly died July 16, 2022, at 96.
Longtime businessman and civic leader Howard Miskelly died July 16, one day shy of his 97th birthday.
Miskelly — who often said his greatest achievement was raising children who were strong in their Christian faith — started a retail store in Okolona that would provide as inspiration for his children to found Miskelly Furniture, one of the largest independent furniture retailers in the country.
“His passion in life was influencing, inspiring and helping people in any way that he could,” Chip Miskelly, one of his sons and a co-founder of Miskelly Furniture, told WLBT. “That was his legacy that he left for us to continue.”
Howard Miskelly showed his aptitude for success at an early age. He selected the mascot and school colors for Falkner High School in Tippah County as class president.
In 1943, he was drafted into World War II. He served with the 102nd Infantry Division and fought in Belgium, Holland, Germany. Miskelly earned the rank of Staff Sergeant and was awarded two Bronze Stars.
When he returned home to Mississippi, Miskelly eventually found himself at Mississippi State University, after transferring from Union University where he played basketball.
Mississippi State would become a lifelong passion for Miskelly and his children. He was a donor, supporter and tireless supporter of the school.
But family was his truest love. He married the former Letha Ann Street. They were married for 74 years. Together they raised five children who have blessed them with countless grandchildren and great grandchildren.
It was 1952 when Miskelly opened Howard's Department Store in Okolona. The couple ran the store for more than 40 years. According to his family, Miskelly loved the Okolona community, especially First Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years. Miskelly was also a member of the Lions Club and founder of the Okolona Country Club.
Miskelly also left his mark statewide. He served on the Veterans Administration Board, the board for the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind, and was a past president of the Mississippi Retail Association.
Miskelly and his wife most recently lived in West Point, where he was an elder at First Presbyterian Church.
A visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Okolona on July 18 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
A celebration of Miskelly's life will be held at 11 a.m. July 19 under the direction of the Rev. Brandon Bates at First Baptist West Point, with visitation preceding the funeral from 9:30-11 am. Miskelly's grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the First Baptist Church of Okolona (201 West Main St., Okolona, MS 38860) or the First Presbyterian Church of West Point (P.O. Box 366, West Point, MS 39773).
sam.hall@djournal.com
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TUPELO • The Lee County Board of Supervisors has approved drastic changes to its district lines to correct for a “significant” loss of population to its minority-majority district without the lone Black supervisor's approval.
On Monday, county supervisors voted 4-1 to adopt a proposed redistricting plan for both the supervisors' voting districts and the constable's districts.
District 4 Supervisor Tommie Lee Ivy was the lone vote against the proposal.
Oxford-based consulting firm Bridge & Watson handled the redistricting process. In the firm's plan, District 4 — the lone minority-majority district in Lee County — absorbed a significant chunk of Verona’s population to make up for its 1,600 loss in population over the last decade. As a result of this change, District 5 lost almost 10% of its Black population, dropping from 32% to 23%.
Following a short public hearing in which Chris Watson of consulting firm Bridge & Watson broke down the changes to the county's district lines, Tupelo/ Lee County NAACP President Charles Moore presented an alternative plan he said would better serve the county by bolstering District 5's minority population. The NAACP plan would have both preserved District 4’s minority-majority and raised the minority percentage of District 5 from 32% to 37%.
The board did not bring the NAACP's plan up for a vote.
Ivy, following his vote against the Bridge & Watson plan, told the Daily Journal he would have supported the NAACP plan should it have been brought up for a vote.
“The NAACP brought numbers, and we should have considered them,” Ivy said.
Moore said the rejection of his proposal was not the end, but he was unsure how to move forward when asked after the meeting.
“The numbers show it is possible to maintain (District 5’s minority makeup),” he said. “The next step is to do what is necessary to maintain the district, but at this point, we still don’t know which direction that takes us.”
In the approved plan, District 1 gained 409 people; District 2 lost 1,151; District 3 lost 1,104; District 4 gained 1,802; and District 5 lost 524 people. The county’s overall deviation decreased from 20.8% to 6.7%. The state requires any county with a deviation of more than 10% of the ideal population — an evenly divided number of people for each district — to redraw their district lines.
To preserve District 4’s minority makeup, Watson said District 4 took a large portion of Verona because there was not much choice for large minority voting blocks in the county.
“The idea is we take a non-retrogressive approach," Watson, who has taken part in the county's two previous redistricting cycles, said. "We want to do no harm. We didn’t have a lot of options. Neighborhoods have become more integrated, so we have to be more selective during the process.”
Tommie Lee Ivy
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Pontotoc County Sheriff Leo Mask said Monday morning (July 18) an investigation continues into a shooting last Friday (July 15) which resulted in two men being shot.
Sheriff Mask said numerous shots were fired during the altercation which occurred at a residence on Highway 15 south of Pontotoc around 5:25 p.m.
Mask said he expects to release the identity of those shot and charges files later this week.
“Late Friday evening we initially thought that only one man had been shot, but we confirmed later that another man had also been wounded,” Sheriiff Mask said. “The one that was shot in the leg was taken to the hospital in Tupelo and one that was shot in the foot took himself to the hospital in Prentiss County.”
“Both are expected to recover and we’re in the process of going through all the paper work needed to identify them and question them,” Mask said. “Between eight and 10 people were at the residence when the shooting occurred and we’re trying to sort out just who all was shooting. One group was at the house and another bunch came over and the trouble started.”
Two Men Wounded In Friday Shooting
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I wish I could say the same about the January 6th Committee. The Speaker of the House denied the House minority leader his choice of members and hand-picked Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. That’s fine as far as it goes because both of them are legitimate members of the GOP, but unlike their counterparts at the Watergate Hearings, they seem more intent on channeling Democrats’ grievance than providing a well-rounded view of the events.
Some will argue that it’s the GOP’s fault that they aren’t more involved in the proceedings since they’ve stonewalled and created a bizarre legion of loyalty to the former president. That is true, and I also happen to think that it’s much less loyalty to the president and much more a “save my own skin” mentality that is motivating those who push back against the work of the committee.
But these hearings are unworthy of us and of our history. The members are acting like prosecutors in front of a grand jury, and their presentations are one-sided and colored by their own personal animus. Jamie Raskin has a particular amount of hostility for this president, a man he desperately tried to get impeached. When he speaks, we should all turn down the volume.
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SENATOBIA • Northwest Mississippi Community College announced on Monday they have been selected as an education partner for Amazon's Career Choice program, providing Amazon's hourly employees access to all of Northwest's academic programs and pathways.
"Northwest is excited to partner with Amazon to provide flexible educational opportunities for their employees and the citizens of North Mississippi through this Career Choice program," said Dr. Michael Heindl, President of Northwest. "We look forward to helping Amazon employees advance their career goals. This partnership is another way that Northwest is committed to partnering with local businesses and industry as we seek to grow the local economy and workforce."
Dr. Keith Reed, Dean of the DeSoto Campus, is encouraged by the partnership, "Our campus in DeSoto County, is centrally located for Amazon's local employees and a great asset with day, evening, online, and flexible course options for enrollment."
Northwest Mississippi Community College's vision is to transform students' lives, enrich our communities, and strive for excellence in our educational programs and services.
As an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving 11 counties in Northwest Mississippi, we offer nearly 80 academic programs and pathways to help students on their journey toward full-time employment.
Amazon's Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners on their education journey through various education and upskilling opportunities, including full college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.
Amazon's Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success.
"We're looking forward to Northwest coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees," said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead of Amazon's Career Choice program. "We're committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that's with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 80,000 Amazon employees worldwide have participated in Career Choice, and we've seen first-hand how it can transform their lives."
For more information on Amazon's Career Choice, visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/career-choice.
For more information on Northwest Mississippi Community College, visit www.northwestms.edu.
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Landon Sims is bringing his trademark fire to the desert, Jett Williams appears to be taking off, and Logan Tanner is taking his rocket arm to Cincinnati.
Sims, Tanner and Williams were the three MSU-affiliated players selected Sunday in the opening two rounds of the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft, which runs through Tuesday.
Signee Bradley Loftin is the top option among a host of Bulldogs remaining on the board.
Sims was taken by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the No. 34 overall pick as part of Competitive Balance Round A, the “sandwich” round between Rounds 1 and 2. Coming off the board one spot before his hometown Atlanta Braves got back on the clock, Sims was selected with a pick carrying a $2,257,100 value — but he could sign for more or less.
Williams, meanwhile, was taken No. 14 overall in the first round by the New York Mets. The shortstop from Rockwall-Heath High School (Texas) was a consensus first-round pick.
The No. 14 selection carries a slot value of $4,241,600, and it means Williams is unlikely to come to campus in 2022. Briefly a resident of Long Island, New York, Williams indicated to SNY that he would sign with the Mets.
“Happy to come back home and can’t wait to get to work,” he said.
Tanner was taken by the Cincinnati Reds with the No. 55 pick of the second round. The Mississippi State catcher, known for his prowess behind the plate, is in line for a slot bonus of $1,373,300.
“Time to work! Let’s go @reds,” Tanner posted to Instagram on Sunday night.
The George County High School standout was recruited by pro teams as a pitcher in high school but chose to prove he could play every day. Tanner was projected as a mid-first-round pick this time last year, but his season at the plate fell below his lofty expectations.
The Bulldogs’ backstop hoped to hit .330 but ended up at just .285 with only seven home runs. Still, he is expected to sign with the Reds and begin his pro career.
”Gonna miss this guy,” MSU coach Chris Lemonis tweeted. “He is a special player. Big part of our Championship team.”
Sims will likely sign with Arizona after tearing his UCL and undergoing Tommy John surgery in March. He was injured March 5 during his third start of the season against Tulane.
“Couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity,” Sims tweeted shortly after being selected. “Let’s go to work!”
The Cumming, Georgia, native was dominant out of the Mississippi State bullpen in 2021, striking out 100 batters in relief as he filled the closer role for the Bulldogs en route to their first national championship.
“One of the best to ever wear the maroon and white,” Lemonis tweeted. “A great player and even better person.”
He tried to entrench himself as a starter in 2022, but the injury put an end to that. After striking out 10 batters through 3 2/3 perfect innings at Tulane, Sims injured himself on a pitch to Bennett Lee and was unable to finish the inning.
Sims profiles as a reliever at the Major League level, according to ESPN draft analyst Kiley McDaniel. McDaniel suggested Sims could be the first player from the 2022 draft class to reach the majors once he gets healthy.
It’ll take longer for Williams, who is just 18 years old, to get there. If he signs, though, he will join pitcher JT Ginn, outfielders Rowdey Jordan and Jake Mangum as Mississippi State products in the Mets’ system. Even manager Buck Showalter is an MSU alum.
Of the remaining Bulldogs in the draft pool, Loftin — a left-hander from DeSoto Central — and ambidextrous pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje are also candidates to turn pro out of high school, while right-hander Colby Holcombe of Northeast Mississippi Community College could sign with a big-league club.
Outfielder Brad Cumbest, third baseman Kamren James, catcher Luke Hancock and pitchers Preston Johnson, KC Hunt, Jackson Fristoe and Brandon Smith are among the candidates to be selected this weekend.
Rounds 3-10 are Monday, and Rounds 11-20 are Tuesday.
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Ole Miss still figuring out how all the talented puzzle pieces will fit
ATLANTA — If a college football team is a massive jigsaw puzzle, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are still learning how all the pieces will fit together come early September and beyond.
After losing star players like Matt Corral and Sam Williams to the NFL this offseason, the Rebels reloaded coming off their first 10-win regular season in program history, signing one of the top transfer classes in the country. Included in the group are former USC quarterback Jaxson Dart and tight end Michael Trigg, former TCU running back Zach Evans, and several other high-caliber transfers.
Ole Miss once again looks like a team to be reckoned with in terms of talent on the roster. But star rankings aren’t going to determine whether the Rebels follow up on a stellar 2021 campaign.
“Our job is, I think, really challenging this year, because on paper we may look like we should be decent. Because we filled a lot of holes with transfer portals. That is a good system, when you lose really good players and you haven't been somewhere long enough to develop a lot of classes of depth. So we are grateful for that,” Kiffin said. “At the same time, with everything good, there are challenges as well. You have people coming from – like I've said, kids coming from different parenting, and we have to put them all together as this blended family. That is challenging.”
In addition to losing key playmakers on both sides of the ball, Ole Miss will also have a new offensive coordinator and co-defensive coordinator, as Charlie Weis Jr. and Maurice Crum take the place of Jeff Lebby (Oklahoma) and D.J. Durkin (Texas A&M), respectively.
In prior iterations of college football, the veterans on your team eventually became the leaders and established a culture. In 2022, there aren’t a lot of players that stick around that long, and it’s a bit harder to get things to gel quickly.
“It’s a huge challenge. Because not only do you have to get the players into a culture, you have to get the coaches, with losing so many, and losing our strength coach, Wilson Love, which is very valuable in culture,” Kiffin said. “So, that’s a huge challenge that we’re into.”
That might also mean an offense that looks different than it did in 2021. Kiffin and his staff aren’t sticking players into a set offense; instead, they’re molding the offense to what they have. And at this point, it’s hard to say what exactly the Rebels have right now.
“One thing we do pretty well is change our offense to our players, to our skilled players. It's why people will say we look so different year to year,” Kiffin said. “That's not necessarily offseason studies, that is more who our players are. Now with the portal, we know less about that. I can't really tell you right now what it's going to look like.”
All eyes are on the quarterback position this offseason, where Dart will battle fellow sophomore Luke Altmyer for the right to succeed Corral, the seventh-place finisher in last year’s Heisman Trophy voting. The battle will go on through fall camp.
Dart played in six games as a true freshman in 2021, completing just under 62% of his passes for 1,353 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Altmyer saw limited time behind Corral but played most of the Sugar Bowl following Corral’s injury, completing 15 of 28 passes for 174 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.
While there is a lot that remains to be played out across the depth chart — wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker are among spots that have yet to be settled — who lines up under center is the question on everyone’s mind.
“It’ll be a fun competition, seeing the guys play it out. Both guys did good things in the spring and did some things (that showed) they’re both still young,” Kiffin said. “They’re both just going into their true sophomore years. A lot will be leading the team and taking care of the ball and making really good decisions. They’ll make each other better.”
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Derek Diamond began the 2022 season as Ole Miss' Friday night starter.
Joshua McCoy | Ole Miss Athletics
Tim Elko headlines group of five Ole Miss players selected on day 2 of MLB Draft
Day 1 of the 2022 MLB draft saw Ole Miss signees Jackson Ferris (47th overall) and Roman Anthony (79th overall) come off the board.
Derek Diamond, Hayden Dunhurst and Dylan DeLucia were drafted in close success in the sixth round Monday.
Tim Elko, Kevin Graham and other Rebels could follow them in Monday’s action, comprising Rounds 3-10.
Stay tuned for live updates of Ole Miss’ day at the draft.
RHP Derek Diamond — Round 6, Pick No. 170, Pittsburgh Pirates
Pitcher Derek Diamond was Ole Miss’ first draft pick of 2022.
Diamond was taken with the No. 170 overall pick in the sixth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The pick has a slot value of $311,400.
Diamond had an ERA of 6.89 and WHIP of 1.44 in 65 1/3 innings. He struck out 57 batters for the Rebels, who won the 2021 College World Series.
C Hayden Dunhurst — Round 6, Pick No. 175, Kansas City Royals
Catcher Hayden Dunhurst was taken not long after Diamond, going to the Kansas City Royals at No. 175.
Known for his defensive skill, Dunhurst hit .231 with six home runs and 30 RBIs in 2022.
The No. 175 pick comes with a slot bonus of $298,600.
RHP Dylan DeLucia — Round 6, Pick No. 181, Cleveland Guardians
And just six picks after Dunhurst, DeLucia became the third Rebel off the board.
The College World Series Most Outstanding Player went on a stellar late-season run for Ole Miss. DeLucia finished the year with a 3.68 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP and 105 strikeouts in 95 1/3 innings.
Pick No. 181 has a $284,000 slot value.
RHP Brandon Johnson — Round 9, Pick No. 265, Kansas City Royals
The Royals doubled up on Ole Miss prospects Monday.
They took right-handed reliever Brandon Johnson with the 265th overall pick in the ninth round.
Johnson had a 4.32 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings for the Rebels. He got the final out of the 2022 CWS.
Pick No. 265 carries a slot value of $163,700.
1B Tim Elko — Round 10, Pick No. 311, Chicago White Sox
Ole Miss’ captain got his professional shot toward the end of Monday’s action.
First baseman Tim Elko was selected with the No. 311 overall pick in Round 10 by the White Sox. The pick has a slot value of $149,500.
Elko hit .300 with 24 home runs and 75 RBIs for Ole Miss in 2022.
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Bustamante, Ruben
Ruben Bustamante, 60, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at the North Mississippi Medical Center. He was born October 21, 1961, in El Paso, Texas, to Ruben Vincente and Margarita Martinez Bustamante. He worked 26 years in the foam industry as a factory worker. He moved to Mantachie from Texas in 1988. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mantachie. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed fishing and helping others. A Celebration of Life will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Tina Harris's house, 1106 RD 1498, Tupelo, MS. Everyone is invited to attend. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Survivors include his beloved wife of 33 years, Sonya Harris Bustamante; one son, Ruben Thomas Bustamante of Colorado Springs, CO; the brothers and sisters he grew up with, Rodolfo Martinez and Daniel Briones; sisters, Gloria Pescrillo, Irene Silva, Estella DeReamer (Darryl), and Guadalupe Briones; other brothers, Amador Bustamante (Veronica), Ruben Bustamante, Jr., Luke Pierce (Erika); other sisters, Elma Foreman, Bertha Bustamante, Idalia Bustamante, Lori Tate (Lance), Becky Sanders; a niece he loved like a daughter, Kaci Cox Wood (Matthew); a great nephew, Brooks Wood; three brothers he made when he moved to Mantachie, Chad Cooley, Jerry Jones, and Greg Nolan; his step-mother, Carleene Bustamante of Springtown, TX; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Emilo Briones and Margarita Martinez Briones; his father, Ruben Vincente Bustamante; his mother-in-law, Nell Walton; his father-in-law, C.V. Harris, Jr.; and his brother-in-law, Phillip Cox. Condolences may be shared with Ruben's family at mcneecemorrisfuneralhome.com.
Ruben Vincente Bustamante
Idalia Bustamante
Margarita Martinez Briones
Margarita Martinez Bustamante
Carleene Bustamante
C.v. Harris
Emilo Briones
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Hodges, Mavienne
Mavienne Smith Hodges of New Albany, age 88, died Friday, July 15 at Sanctuary Hospice in Tupelo. She was born December 9, 1933 to William Brewer and Essie Jewel Garrison Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Rev. Charles Smith, her sister, Carolyn Goodwin, her daughter, Diane Jackson McGill, and her granddaughter, Amanda Beard. She is survived by her husband, Bobby Hodges, her brother, Dean Smith, and her three children, Barbara Taylor (Don), Eddie Yoe (Jane), and Ronnie Yoe. She was an active member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where she taught women's Sunday school until her health declined. She was an avid gardener, quilter, seamstress, reader, and enjoyed social media. She enjoyed traveling and playing games, especially cards. She enjoyed hand crafts. She loved being with children and caring for them. She has seven grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was a retired nurse, having worked at Shands Hospital, Northeast Mississippi Hospital in Booneville, and North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. She was Health Occupations Supervisor for ICC at the Tupelo campus from 1965- 1981, having helped set up the LPN nursing program, EMT program, and Allied Health programs. Funeral services will be held at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, outside New Albany on Tuesday, July 19, with Dr. Rex Yancey and David Blackwell officiating. A visitation will be at the church from 1-3pm followed by the service at 3. There will be no graveside service. As a nurse, since Covid 19 numbers are high again, she requests that all visitors and participants wear masks and take appropriate Covid 19 precautions. United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.
Barbara Taylor
Diane Jackson Mcgill
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Roth, Caroline Francis
A funeral service for Caroline Francis Roth, 22, of Marshall, Texas will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Rogers Spiritual Life Center at East Texas Baptist University Chapel in Marshall, Texas. Interment will follow at Yates Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Scottsville, Texas. A visitation for family and friends will be held at Downs Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Caroline passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022. She was born June 6, 2000, in Houston, Texas to Brendan Roth and Marcy Minor. She was a senior at Ole Miss in Oxford, MS with plans to graduate in the spring of 2023 with a degree in Hospitality Management. She was a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. She was a 2018 graduate of Marshall High School where she was active in cheerleading, cross-country, Future Farmers of America, and the National Honor Society. She radiated love and light to all those around her. She loved animals, was a beloved babysitter, and loved serving her community. Whether she was volunteering to help protect abused and neglected children or spending her Thanksgivings delivering meals to the elderly and underprivileged, she had a passion to serve others. She cherished the honor of following in her Yaya's legacy and serving as the Duchess of Marshall in the 2019 Tyler Rose Festival. Most importantly she loved her family immensely and was proud to be their "Goat." Her sweet Caroline sparkle lives on through the lives she touched, and she forever changed the world for the better. She is survived by her parents; four brothers, Jackson Roth, Henry Roth, Cameron Haller and Nathan Hicks; paternal grandparents, Carl and JoAnn Roth; maternal grandparents, Gene and Joyce Minor; aunt and uncles, Indy Roth Fenton, Micah Fenton and Dylan Roth; cousins, Miles Fenton, Liam Fenton and Ben Fenton; her special people, Mandy Abraham, Kurt Truelove, Jennifer Baldwin, Cade Bickerdike and Kirsten Lasell and her beloved dog Phoebe along with other family and many close friends. Pallbearers will be Cade Bickerdike, Ty Kirkland, Joe Black, Brophy Somerford, Robert Evans and Tucker Barton. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, Memphis, TN or the Epilepsy Foundation.
Jackson Roth
Cade Bickerdike
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Walker, Dean
Dean Walker- passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Although she is now in heaven, it would be wrong to say that she lost her battle with the disease, because she fought a long and courageous fight. Through her you could see what perseverance and strength looked like. She was 84 years old. She was a lifelong resident of Tupelo, MS, where she was well loved by her family, friends, and community. Dean was married to Dudley Walker for 64 years, and she was the proud mother of 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She was the heart and soul of her family and they were her reason for living and laughing. She was larger than life--to know her was to love her, and she will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Dean is survived by her four children, Chip Walker (Thompson Station, TN), Tammy Wilson (Nolensville, TN), Jeff Walker and his wife Debbie (Thompson Station, TN) and Deanna Martin and her husband Tony (Cottontown, TN). Eleven grandchildren, Morgan Taylor (Joey), Nolensville, TN, Drew Wilson (Deborah) Clarksville, TN, Jake Martin (Shanna) Baldwyn, MS, Austin Martin, Cottontown, TN, Tyler Martin (Shelby), Gallatin, TN, Zach Martin (Alyson), Cottontown, TN, Amanda McElyea (Tony), Huntsville, AL, Faith Carter (Ryan), Thompson Station, TN, Kiersten Kirby (Geoff), Thompson Station, TN, Savannah Walker, Nashville, TN, Camille Walker, Thompson Station, TN and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dudley Walker and her parents, Homer and Flossie Stovall. The family will hold a Celebration of Life Service in Tupelo with details to be announced in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association. Your donation will aid with further research in hopes to find a cure for this heartbreaking disease. You can donate to the Alzheimer's Association online or to donate by check, please send to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601
Cottontown
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Greg Sankey, Lane Kiffin talk conference realignment
ATLANTA — The talk of SEC Media Days in 2021 was the newly implemented NIL legislature and the impending additions of Oklahoma and Texas to the SEC. In 2022, the talk of the town was largely centered around the newest members of the Big Ten: USC and UCLA.
The Trojans and Bruins will leave the Pac-12 for the Big Ten in a few years, a move that came in late June and shocked the landscape of college sports.
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin was the head coach at USC earlier in his career and noted that the trip to Notre Dame every other year was a trek. The Trojans will now face such travel arrangements on a weekly basis.
“There’s some geographic ones that now don’t make a lot of sense,” Kiffin said. “But everything evolves, everything changes, the game has changed, and now we have conference changing, too. At the end of the day, it’s obviously about money, not about tradition.”
With the expanding Big Ten blueprint, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was asked if he believed college football was headed toward “a conglomeration of super leagues” and if the SEC would be willing to expand beyond adding Texas and Oklahoma in response to the Big Ten’s moves.
“When I walk through the recitation, this is a super league,” Sankey said. “We're comfortable at 16. There's no sense of urgency, no sense of panic. We're not just shooting for a number of affiliations that make us better. Could they be out there? I would never say they're not. I would never say that we will. We're going to be evaluating the landscape. I'm not going to speculate. I actually am watching a lot of this activity operating around us, more so than impacting us directly.”
Sankey also said the scheduling model for the SEC once the Sooners and Longhorns join – currently set to be 2025 – “is still under consideration.”
Broeker eyes trip to Texas A&M
Like most college players, Nick Broeker enjoys seeing different stadiums.
He’s particularly excited about the Rebels’ trip to Kyle Field to face Texas A&M on Oct. 29.
The Rebels haven’t played at Kyle Field since 2018, the year before Broeker, a senior left tackle from Springfield, Illinois, joined the program.
“I’m really looking forward to that trip. I’ve heard it’s a really great experience with the 12th man and everything. It will be really fun to play up there,” he said.
Playing the Aggies was a really fun experience for Broeker and his teammates last year in Oxford.
Broeker, who could be a late second day or early third day draft pick next spring, was a part of a Rebels offense that put up 504 total yards — 257 on the ground — in a 29-19 win.
Victory wasn’t secured, though, until safety AJ Finley returned an interception 52 yards for a score with 4:50 to play. That put Ole Miss ahead 29-13.
“When AJ had that pick six that iced the game. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the Vaught that loud.”
It’s three, not two
Kiffin fielded a question about “two big personalities” among the college football coaches in the state of Mississippi.
The questioner told Kiffin that Jackson State’s Deion Sanders was the other big personality and asked about recruiting.
Kiffin quickly corrected him to include Mississippi State’s Mike Leach in the big personality club.
“Well, we’ve got another personality in Mike Leach. I would say there are three personalities in the state that are very unique and extremely different from each other,” he said.
Kiffin went on to give a shoutout to Sanders, who won the SWAC championship with the Tigers last season.
“It’s nice to see coach Sanders’ success, how well he’s done down there, how well he’s done in recruiting,” Kiffin said.
The follow-up question was whether Ole Miss will play Jackson State any time soon.
“I don’t know the future plans on that, but that would be exciting,” Kiffin said.
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Sandlin
TUPELO – A lot of players saw the field for the Tupelo 49ers on Monday, and as a bonus, they picked up a pair of wins.
Tupelo (27-1) closed out a stellar regular season by sweeping a doubleheader from Baldwyn, 11-4 and 3-2. It wasn’t the cleanest baseball the 49ers have played, but they feel ready for the American Legion State Tournament, which begins Thursday in Hattiesburg.
“It was a kind of get all of our pitchers we needed to some work, get some guys in some spots that they haven’t really been in,” coach McKinley Holland said. “Make sure everybody’s fresh, make sure everybody’s healthy. Move some guys around in the field, mix the lineup up a little bit. Overall, you came away with two wins, you can’t be disappointed.”
While Tupelo had only five hits in the nightcap, it got the kind of timely hits it’s gotten all season. With Baldwyn up 1-0 in the third, Taylor Ballard yanked a two-run home run to right field.
The Blue Aces tied it in the fifth when Drake Douglas tripled and scored on a wild pitch. But in the bottom half, Ben Sandlin delivered a two-out RBI single to plate the go-ahead run.
“That’s what this team has been really good about,” Holland said. “When the fight comes to them, they’re ready. The best thing about them is they don’t panic at the plate.”
Tupelo used six pitchers in Game 2 – one per inning. Matthew Roncalli was credited with the win, while Jackson Cheek earned the save.
Tupelo pitchers struck out nine of the last 10 batters they faced.
“A lot of those guys, like Stone (Collier) and Easton (Hood) and Roncalli, they haven’t thrown a lot for us,” Holland said. “So it’s good to see them get in there and throw in the strike zone.”
The 49ers will face rival Pontotoc in the first round of the state tournament on Thursday in Hattiesburg. It’s the first step in Tupelo’s bid to return to the American Legion World Series, where they reached the semifinals last summer.
“I think we’re pretty prepared, looking good,” Sandlin said. “I’m just ready to get after it and hope we come in fired up and ready to play on Thursday.”
Baldwyn reached the state tournament finals last season, its first as a program, and hopes to make another run.
“It’s a new organization, but it’s one that is being built the right way. All the pieces are there,” said coach Bryce Capobianco.
Big Inning: In the nightcap, Ballard drew a walk in the fifth, stole both second and third base, and then scored on Sandlin’s bloop single.
Big Stat: Tupelo pitchers struck out 13 batters in Game 2.
Coach Speak: “I told them, ‘You can’t live on last year’s success. We can’t take anything for granted.’” – Holland
Baldwyn Blue Aces
Drake Douglas
Ben Sandlin
Matthew Roncalli
Jackson Cheek
Stone Collier
Easton Hood
Bryce Capobianco
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Chloe Baker, 25, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, child abuse.
Scotashia Chambriau Barnett, 25, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, burglary of a dwelling, petty larceny, trespassing.
Brock Davis, 34, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.
Zachary Guy Ethridge, 31, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine.
Daniel Joseph Guillot, 45, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine.
Kenyon Hill, 46, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Robert Holcomb, 39, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, child deprivation, possession of methamphetamine.
Lexie Hutcheson, 20, of Booneville, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, aggravated assault.
Jessica Celeste Lavender, 38, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Saltillo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine.
Amber Lindsey, 33, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, child deprivation, possession of methamphetamine.
Raymond Dewayne Long, 48, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, burglary, possession of a firearm by a felon.
Daniel Mayo, 45, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, aggravated domestic violence.
Isaiah Jermaine McAllister, 32, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, burglary of a commercial building.
Melvin Merritt, 31, of Verona, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of cocaine.
Willie Poindexter, 38, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule I drug, careless driving.
John Louis Potmesil, 46, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine, domestic violence.
Russell Reich, 35, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Mississippi Highway Patrol, possession of methamphetamine, careless driving, driving with a suspended license, littering, no insurance, no seat belt.
Willie Matthew Taylor, 51, of Booneville, was arrested by the Guntown Police Department, possession of a controlled substance, no insurance, switched tag, open container.
Katie Walton, 30, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, burglary of a dwelling.
A County Road 1380 Mooreville woman said a male acquaintance came to her house and said if she didn’t take care of the puppies, he would call the humane society. When she told him to leave, he refused. When deputies arrived, they discovered the man had an outstanding warrant, so he was carried to jail.
A County Road 746 Plantersville man said in May 2020, someone used his identity to fraudulently apply for unemployment benefits. He only learned of it when his employer noted he had supposedly received more than $9,300 in benefits.
A Shannon man said while he was at work at Okin, someone broke the rear passenger window of his car and stole his girlfriend's purse, hidden under the driver's seat. The Michael Kors purse contained $439 in cash, a debit card and an iPhone 6.
An Aberdeen woman said while she was at work at MTD, someone broke the rear passenger window of her truck and stole $280 in cash.
A County Road 855 Shannon man said he called Hertz in Orlando, Florida about renting a car. He was told to get an American Express gift card for $400 and told not to activate it. He called back and gave them the numbers and was told it was an older card that they no longer used. When he later checked, the money was taken off the card and used at an Apple Store in New Hampshire.
A County Road 401 Shannon woman said a female suspect showed up at the house, blowing the car horn and banging on the front door with a stick. The suspect ripped the windshield wiper off her SUV and threw it at the door. She then ripped the license plate off the vehicle and threw it in the yard.
A County Road 2204 Guntown man said he sleeps in a camper and turns the air conditioner off at night and leaves the door open. He is worried about someone entering the camper while he is asleep.
A County Road 1389 Saltillo woman said a stray dog tore down a portion of her fence and entered her backyard and has been eating her dog’s food.
A man was driving an RV down State Park Road when he had a blowout and the vehicle caught on fire.
A Fulton woman and her husband were at the Mooreville One Stop when her female cousin approached and started a verbal altercation that turned physical. The cousin punched her in the face twice then hit her hand with a beer bottle. When the couple left, the cousin and a male suspect followed them and tried to run them off the road.
A Tomlinson Drive woman said while she was at work, her former girlfriend broke into the house and stole assorted pants, shirts and underwear. She said they broke up a month ago. The suspect returned around 2 a.m. and tried to enter the house by shoving in a window unit air conditioner. When the woman yelled, the suspect got in her car and fled.
A County Road 506 Shannon woman said two men had been cutting limbs off her trees. When she confronted them, they cursed at her. She said she owns the land 2 feet over the fence and has been to civil court over the matter. She said a neighbor hired the men.
A Drive 271 Shannon man said a man has been cutting limbs off his trees. He said a neighbor hired the men.
A Hayes Drive woman said her 21-year-old son came to get some of his belongings. He accused her of taking some of his stuff and became upset. When deputies arrived, he refused to comply and took off running. He was arrested and carried to jail.
A Highway 178 Mooreville business said a man purchased $48 worth of goods and paid with a $100 bill. He got $52 in change and drove away. After he left, the clerk realized the bill was counterfeit.
A Guntown woman met her ex-boyfriend at the Mooreville One Stop because he said he was too tired to drive. He got in the car, said the car was his and refused to get out. Deputies arrived and told the couple that the car’s ownership was a civil matter, not criminal. The ex got in his car and left.
A County Road 373 Shannon man said while he was in jail, his ex-girlfriend entered his residence and took all the furniture, the food, a television and his young son’s belongings.
A County Road 2256 Baldwyn man has taken a male suspect to court over home repair fraud. The judge ordered the men to not contact each other. He said the other man has contacted several of his family members.
A Drive 138 Shannon man said his cousin’s wife walked up with a butcher knife and slashed all four tires on his 1990 Chevy pickup. He said she was getting him back over a money issue between the cousins.
A Drive 230 Nettleton woman heard her dogs barking after 1:30 a.m. She looked out the window and saw someone with a flashlight behind her shed. Nothing was stolen, but it appeared the suspect had messed with her lawnmower.
A man said he paid a female acquaintance $50 to drive him to Baldwyn to meet someone who was supposed to be return some of his property. They stopped at the intersection of county roads 2788 and 2776 after 1:30 a.m. He got out of the car to wait on the guy. The woman then drove off with his wallet and $200 cash sitting in the passenger seat. He said the woman is not returning his calls.
A County Road 1792 Saltillo man said there was a woman standing in his driveway at 8:45 a.m. When he told her to leave, she grabbed his shoulder. He said if she touched him again, he would punch her. She asked for something to drink, then ran and jumped in his pond. He told her to get out of the pond because the police were on the way. She took out her false teeth and began screaming. A neighbor removed the 35-year-old woman before deputies arrived.
A County Road 1463 Nettleton man said a couple were invited into his house. While they were there, they stole a Dewalt cordless impact drill and about $50 in change. He said the theft was captured on cameras inside the house.
A County Road 931 Tupelo man said he has security video showing a suspect breaking two different security cameras.
A Whitewater Lane Saltillo man said an elderly man showed up at his house around noon. He said he was looking for a friend’s residence but seemed lost and confused. He said he was looking for his wife and going door to door.
A trucker was attempting to turn around his 18-wheeler at the intersection of Highway 371 and County Road 1429 and severed a Tombigbee Fiber optic cable.
A County Road 1645 Auburn man said an unknown man showed up around 4:30 p.m. beating on his door, saying that someone was trying to kill him. The man called 911 and then carried the subject to the store to meet deputies. The man said his cousin threatened to kill him.
A County Road 192 Nettleton woman said her brother, 29, started calling and threatening her because she did not buy him any food before she left out over the road. He threatened to burn down her house, steal all her stuff and possibly do her bodily harm when she returns.
A Drive 984 Bissell woman thought she heard fireworks outside around 6 p.m. When she walked outside, she saw an unknown, heavyset black male standing in the doorway of another apartment, shooting into the apartment. When he saw her, he stopped shooting, ran to a small black sedan and drove away. The witness did not know if anyone was inside the apartment at the time of the shooting. No one answered to door for deputies.
A Whitfield Cove Saltillo man said three coworkers are harassing him over a workplace issue. While he was at a store, he saw one of the suspects. When he got back home, he noticed his 2019 Ford Ranger had been keyed.
A County Road 2768 Baldwyn man said a woman he has not dated in more than two months texted him around 7:30 p.m. wanting to know what he was doing and why he was not answering his door. She showed up about an hour later and was running around his house. He walked outside and locked the door behind him. He told the woman to leave. Instead, the 50-year-old ran at the door, put her shoulder into it and broke open the door, damaging the door frame and drywall inside. He picked her up, took her outside and told her again to leave.
A Highway 370 Baldwyn man said a man in a green Ford Ranger pulled into his drive around 9 p.m. The driver said his motor was running hot and he needed a water hose. The driver wanted the man to take him somewhere and got mad when the mad refused. The suspect left on foot, leaving the truck in the man’s driveway.
A County Road 115 Shannon man went to get his horse out of the barn and noticed a car under a tarp. He said he has relatives who sell drugs and live beside the barn. He felt the 2018 Dodge Challenger was stolen. Deputies ran the VIN and discovered the car had been stolen out of Atlanta, Georgia. The car was towed.
A County Road 251 Saltillo man rode his four-wheeler to his mother’s house down the road. When he arrived, his 59-year-old brother fired a shot at him. It hit the driveway near him, causing gravel to fly. He went back home and called 911. He said the brother is mad because he would not let him borrow the four-wheeler.
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Children's advocacy organization seeks monetary support from Lee County
TUPELO • A regional children’s advocacy group has asked local supervisors to provide financial support for the nonprofit's recent expansion into Lee County.
Representatives with the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of North Mississippi attended the Lee County Board of Supervisors meeting on Monday morning to request almost $10,000 in a one-time donation, which would go toward the organization's functions for the next fiscal year.
Erin Smith, Founding Executive Director of CASA of North Mississippi, said since her organization began its work with Lee County’s youth court system in January, it has hired a local volunteer coordinator, gathered seven volunteers and worked with 18 children.
“Once the child comes into state custody as a foster child, that is when we come in," she said.
Smith called the employees and volunteers at CASA “investigators.”
“We provide information to the courts and make recommendations,” she told supervisors.
CASA is a local nonprofit branch of a national organization that works with the court systems to appoint volunteers to support foster children. Smith created the local branch of CASA in 2018 and has worked solely in Oxford and Lafayette County.
Smith said her goal was to expand to the whole of North Mississippi by 2025. With this growth, shrinking federal funds and nonexistent state funding, Smith said the origination has had to rely on additional support from local municipalities and counties along with private donations.
The nonprofit has requested $146,186 from the federal Victims of Crime Act grant, but Smith said she does not expect to receive the full amount. In order to receive the grant, Smith said her organization must match 20% of the funds. That money is generally raised through government and private donations.
When asked, Smith said the county’s donation would fund victim services, training, and travel.
CASA Board member and volunteer Adam Miller of Saltillo spoke on the importance of the organization’s work and the gaps they help fill between foster children and an overburdened Department of Child Protection Services.
“One social worker may have 30 kids, and there is no way they can keep up,” he said. “CASA comes in and really helps with that. CASA volunteers are in it because they want to be, and they are doing it to help the children.”
Board President and District 1 Supervisor Phil Morgan told the Daily Journal he believed the organization was an asset to Lee County but said the board would not commit to making the donation until it knew its revenue for the upcoming fiscal year.
“We will have to see where we stand with our revenue,” he said. “If we approve it, we’d just approve it with our other budget items. (CASA) sounds like a great organization, but it is hard to select which ones you fund and which ones you don’t.”
City Administrator Bill Benson told the Daily Journal preparations had already begun for the upcoming fiscal year’s budget and more discussion on the donation would come up during the broader discussion of the budget.
The county must approve its budget for the 22-23 fiscal year by Sept. 15.
Court Appointed Special Advocates Of North Mississippi
Casa Of North Mississippi
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Michael Hale, Myrtle
Dennis "FOX" Matthew Ragin, Booneville
Juan Vincent Gonzalez-Suarez, Houston
MEMO, FLAG, PHOTO, UNITED LOGO
MYRTLE - Michael Alan Hale, 79, died peacefully at his farm shortly after midnight, July 16, 2022.
A native of New Albany, MS he was born August 14, 1942 and graduated from New Albany High School in 1960. Following his graduation, he served in the Viet Nam conflict as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Upon discharge he went into the insurance business in Dallas, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi beginning his life long career. He ultimately opened his own independent adjusting company, Carter Insurance Claims Services, Inc. in Tustin, CA in 1986. He was a sought after expert witness in major litigation cases all over the United States. He was instrumental in bringing Swiss Re, a globally recognized reinsurer to the state of California for CPLIC, RRG. He enjoyed many professional achievements and received many professional awards as an insurance professional.
Michael was a visionary and a problem solver. Upon making Myrtle his home he made it his mission to bring the community together for growth and inclusion. He was instrumental in chartering the Greater Myrtle Business Association and the Greater Myrtle Sustainability Committee which is currently involved in a major public art mural project.
He enjoyed acting, having played roles in various college and community productions. He supported the arts and music nationally and on the local level.
He worked on numerous philanthropic projects with the Town of Myrtle and city officials anonymously at Christmas time and during the year. He served as Grand Marshall for the 2017 Town of Myrtle Christmas Parade.
He believed in hard work, loyalty and dedication. He believed in giving everyone a chance. Over the course of his life many people credit him with their success because he gave them a start or a chance.
He became a certified Master Gardner and in the ensuing years acquired a seven-acre property for the development of a public garden. He established the Vicki M. Smith Foundation with a vision to feed the nutritionally unstable in the community and create a public garden for the enjoyment of all.
Michael was a member of the Myrtle United Methodist Church.
He is survived by one daughter, Michale Hale Hewlett (Scott) of Prosper, TX; one brother Scott Hood (Debbie) of Hattiesburg, MS; three grandchildren Heather Hewlett Potter (Travis) of Houston, TX; Austin Hale Hewlett (Kenslie) of Plano, TX and Ethan Lane Hewlett of Celina, TX; great grandchildren, Asher and River Hewlett, Hattie Potter of Texas; a niece and nephew Ronnie Hood (Allie) and Amberly Denham of Mississippi.
He was preceded in death by his father Harold Hale and mother, Mildred Currie and his late wife, Vicki M. Smith.
Pallbearers will be Austin Hewlett, Ethan Hewlett, Travis Potter, Jeff Galloway, Billy Robishaud and Jose Pablo.
Special friends and family helping in Michael's last days include but are not limited to: Tina Wood, Lisa Galloway, Kilee Medlin, Sandy Shaddinger, Amanda Sheffield, Melody Thompson, Sarah Farr, Crystal Cunningham and Susan Jones.
Memorials may be made to The Vicki M. Smith Foundation, 1883 CR 478, Myrtle, MS 38650 and Myrtle United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 88, Myrtle, MS 38650.
Dennis "FOX" Matthew Ragin
BOONEVILLE - Dennis "FOX" Matthew Ragin, 49, passed away Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Golden Triangle Baptist Hospital in Columbus. Services will be on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 12:00 noon at Beckley Chapel CME Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, July 21, 2022 from 4:00 until 6:00 pm at Patterson Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Wolf Creek Cemetery.
Juan Vincent Gonzalez-Suarez
HOUSTON - Juan Vincent Gonzalez-Suarez, 1 day, passed away on June 21, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center Women's Hospital in Tupelo. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Community Funeral Directors and Cremations of Okolona.
Dennis Matthew Ragin
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Surrounded by volunteer clinic escorts, Derenda Hancock, co-director of the Jackson Women's Health Organization clinic patient escorts, better known as the Pink House defenders, gives a defiant salute as she expresses her disappointment at the U.S. Supreme Court ruling which overturned Roe v. Wade, Friday, June 24, 2022, at a news conference in Jackson, Miss. The clinic is the only facility that performs abortions in the Mississippi. However, the ruling ends constitutional protections for abortion. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Mississippi abortion clinic drops lawsuit asking courts to let it reopen
JACKSON • Mississippi’s only abortion clinic is dropping its lawsuit against state officials that sought a court order granting it permission to reopen, according to a press release from the clinic’s attorneys.
Attorneys with the Mississippi Center for Justice, who represented the clinic, said in a statement they were dropping the legal challenge because state judges had declined to consider the case quickly and because the clinic’s owner recently sold the clinic building.
“If the clinic is not in a position to reopen in Mississippi, it no longer has a basis to pursue this case in the courts,” said Rob McDuff, a Mississippi Center for Justice attorney.
The Jackson clinic, commonly referred to as the Pink House because of its bright exterior, faced a steep uphill legal battle to get a state court to agree with them.
A state judge earlier this month declined to grant the clinic’s request to pause Mississippi’s “trigger ban” on abortions from going into effect, despite a 1998 ruling from Mississippi’s highest court finding that the state Constitution grants a right to seek an abortion.
The clinic initially appealed that ruling to the Mississippi Supreme Court, but a panel of three justices declined to hear the case on an expedited schedule.
Even if the panel had agreed to quickly hear the case, the majority of the nine-member Court have a conservative judicial philosophy. One justice is a former Republican state lawmaker and another was previously involved in GOP politics.
Michelle Williams, the chief of staff at the AG's office, told the Daily Journal in a statement that the office is "pleased that the laws enacted by the people of Mississippi through their elected legislators can go into effect unimpeded by this litigation."
Now that the clinic has dropped its legal challenge, there is no major legal challenge to the state’s abortion ban, a 2007 law adopted by the Legislature, that prohibits doctors from performing abortions unless the life of the mother is at stake or unless the pregnancy was the result of a rape that's been reported to law enforcement.
When it was passed, it held a provision — or trigger — that the law would go into effect if Roe v. Wade was ever overturned.
Diane Derzis, the owner of the Jackson clinic, told the Associated Press on Monday that she sold the building that housed the clinic and all of the furniture and equipment from the facility have been moved to a new abortion clinic she will open soon in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Mississippi Abortion
Jackson Women's Health
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Nashreda Strong-Clay, right, clutches the arm of West Point detective Lt. Ramirez Ivy as she thanks all those involved in the arrest of a suspect in a nearly two-decade old case in which she was attacked and almost killed during a home invasion.
WILLIAM MOORE I DAILY JOURNAL
WEST POINT • It took nearly 20 years, but Nashreda Strong-Clay finally knows the name of the man suspected of attacking her in January 2003.
“The pretrial rules do not allow us to say much about the evidence,” said Scott Colom, 16th Circuit District Attorney. “I will say this is very solid evidence. I am confident we will be able to get a conviction.”
“We are here to work for the victims,” Ivy said. “It’s a blessing that we were able to get her some closure and some answers.”
“He treated me so humanely and that is what is missing so many times in cases like this,” said Strong-Clay, who is now a victim’s advocate in Memphis, Tennessee.
“I don’t blame anyone but the suspect,” Strong-Clay said.
Trina Davidson Brooks
Frederick Fitzgerald Gandy
Nashreda Strong-clay
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Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers never had 'that stage fright'
ATLANTA — It’s Year Three of the Air Raid offense in Starkville, and Mississippi State coach Mike Leach has a lot to be excited about. He also knows there are plenty of things to work on.
Mississippi State scored more than a touchdown more per game in 2021 than it did in 2020. Much of that jump can be attributed to the development of quarterback Will Rogers.
Rogers threw for 4,739 yards, 36 touchdowns and nine interceptions as a true sophomore. The Brandon native showed unique leadership qualities as a freshman in 2020, Leach said Tuesday at SEC Media Days.
Leach said he expects Rogers to keep improving.
“Will stepped in and had great leadership qualities, wasn't afraid to talk to the locker room as a freshman, which I think is one of the more impressive, courageous things that he did. It allowed him to excel early,” Leach said. “It allowed him to focus in on playing because he didn't have some of that stage fright that initial freshmen do. I think it allowed him to progress quicker.
If there’s an area of the offense Leach thinks needs to keep taking steps forward, it’s a wide receiving corps that lost its top player — Makai Polk — in the offseason. Polk left Mississippi State early for the NFL after catching 105 passes for 1,046 yards and nine touchdowns last season.
The Bulldogs return several key receiving options with hefty experience, however. Jaden Walley and Austin Williams have 223 career receptions between them. The team also added talent in former Georgia wide receiver Justin Robinson and former Northwestern receiver Jordan Mosley — both four-star recruits out of high school — in the offseason.
Leach also noted that, while Mississippi State has a lot of players with starting experience, those players are on the younger side.
“We're still I guess on paper kind of a medium young team. We do have a lot of starts. I think that's helpful. So we do have experience to draw on,” Leach said. “I think we need to sharpen up at receivers. I think we need to kind of polish up our receiver play. We have good guys that work hard. I have a sense of urgency, that type of thing.
I just think we need to be sharper.”
Leach was also asked how the Air Raid, which is now widely adopted in some capacity at all levels of football, has evolved over the years. The answer, as many tend to be from Leach, was multifaceted and a bit complicated: it’s about little alterations that make the biggest difference in an offense.
“It's hard for me to gauge because some of these changes are gradual over the years. Some I forgot we changed. Some I forgot when we changed it. Some I can kind of tell you clearly,” Leach said. “If we adopt a new play, I've always tried to cut one that we have so we can control the package, practice and execute it, because execution is the most important. Better having too small of a package than too big of one.
“Often it's techniques, a tag, adjustment that maybe changed, perhaps the way you practice it. It's something you try to grow and build on all the time, whether it's watching film, everything from high school through to the NFL. We used to call it the whole. ‘Find a better way to build the mousetrap.’”
Jaden Walley
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Kelly Wilkinson I The Indianapolis Star via AP
Mass shooting in mall stopped under Indiana’s new law
By Valerie Richardson The Washington Times
The good Samaritan hailed as a hero for taking out a mass shooter at an Indiana shopping mall was allowed to carry a firearm in public under the state’s newly enacted constitutional carry law.
Police said Monday that Elisjsha Dicken, 22, of Seymour, Indiana, fatally shot the suspect less than two minutes after gunfire erupted Sunday at the Greenwood Park Mall in Greenwood, taking the lives of three shoppers and wounding two others.
Greenwood Police Chief James Ison said Dicken did not appear to have a permit but was carrying legally under the constitutional carry law, which was passed in March and went into effect July 1. The law eliminated the permit requirement for legal owners to bring their handguns in public.
“Many more people would have died last night if not for the responsible armed citizen who took action very quickly, within the first two minutes of the shooting,” Chief Ison said at a Monday press conference in Greenwood, a southern Indianapolis suburb of about 60,000 people.
Those killed were identified as 30-year-old Victor Gomez, who was shot seconds after the gunman exited a mall restroom. The shooter then fired at the food court, killing 56-year-old Pedro Pineda and his wife, 37-year-old Rosa Pineda, as they ate dinner.
“This tragedy hits at the core of our community,” Greenwood Mayor Mark W. Myers said in a statement.
The gunman killed at the scene was Jonathan Douglas Sapirman, 20, of Greenwood. He had a juvenile record but no adult criminal history, and he quit his job at a warehouse in May. Police said the motive for the attack was unknown.
“We’re very thankful for a young 22-year-old man who stopped this violent act,” Myers said. “This young man, Greenwood’s good Samaritan, acted within seconds, stopping the shooter and saving countless lives. Our city, our community and our state [are] grateful for his heroism in this situation.”
Police said the gunman walked from his apartment about a mile to the mall carrying a bag with ammunition, two rifles and a handgun. He purchased the rifles in March in Greenwood. The only weapon fired in the attack was a Sig Sauer 400M .556 semi-automatic rifle.
The gunman entered the mall at 4:54 p.m. Sunday and went into a restroom near the food court, where he stayed for one hour and two minutes. He left his cellphone in the toilet. He exited the bathroom and began firing at 5:56 p.m., police said.
“At 5:57 p.m., the shooter was confronted by our good Samaritan,” Ison said. “The good Samaritan was armed with a pistol and engaged the shooter as he stood outside the restroom area, firing into the food court.”
Dicken reportedly fired several rounds at Sapirman with a Glock pistol.
Sapirman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police recovered 24 rifle rounds from the attacker and 10 rounds fired by Mr. Dicken.
Mr. Dicken, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, was shopping with his girlfriend when the shooting began.
Based on video footage, “I will say his actions were nothing short of heroic,” Chief Ison said.
Police say Dicken cooperated with police after the shooting.
“He actually approached mall security and told them that he was the one who neutralized the shooter and waited for the officers to arrive," Isom said.
Indiana became the 24th state with a constitutional carry law after Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, signed the legislation in March, according to the National Rifle Association. Indiana gun buyers must pass background checks and abide by other state and federal restrictions.
Mr. Dicken agreed to let police release his name but asked for the public to give him “time to process and grieve himself before reaching out to him,” Chief Ison said.
Police searched Sapirman’s apartment and found a laptop and a can of butane inside the oven, which was turned on high heat. He lived alone. Police were checking a report that he had been served an eviction notice.
Sapirman's family said he was a regular at a local firing range. Records obtained by agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed that he had been practicing and buying ammunition at Range USA for about two years.
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Hale, Michael
Michael Alan Hale, 79, died peacefully at his farm shortly after midnight, July 16, 2022. A native of New Albany, MS he was born August 14, 1942 and graduated from New Albany High School in 1960. Following his graduation, he served in the Viet Nam conflict as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force. Upon discharge he went into the insurance business in Dallas, Texas and Jackson, Mississippi beginning his life long career. He ultimately opened his own independent adjusting company, Carter Insurance Claims Services, Inc. in Tustin, CA in 1986. He was a sought after expert witness in major litigation cases all over the United States. He was instrumental in bringing Swiss Re, a globally recognized reinsurer to the state of California for CPLIC, RRG. He enjoyed many professional achievements and received many professional awards as an insurance professional. Michael was a visionary and a problem solver. Upon making Myrtle his home he made it his mission to bring the community together for growth and inclusion. He was instrumental in chartering the Greater Myrtle Business Association and the Greater Myrtle Sustainability Committee which is currently involved in a major public art mural project. He enjoyed acting, having played roles in various college and community productions. He supported the arts and music nationally and on the local level. He worked on numerous philanthropic projects with the Town of Myrtle and city officials anonymously at Christmas time and during the year. He served as Grand Marshall for the 2017 Town of Myrtle Christmas Parade. He believed in hard work, loyalty and dedication. He believed in giving everyone a chance. Over the course of his life many people credit him with their success because he gave them a start or a chance. He became a certified Master Gardner and in the ensuing years acquired a seven-acre property for the development of a public garden. He established the Vicki M. Smith Foundation with a vision to feed the nutritionally unstable in the community and create a public garden for the enjoyment of all. Michael was a member of the Myrtle United Methodist Church. He is survived by one daughter, Michale Hale Hewlett (Scott) of Prosper, TX; one brother Scott Hood (Debbie) of Hattiesburg, MS; three grandchildren Heather Hewlett Potter (Travis) of Houston, TX; Austin Hale Hewlett (Kenslie) of Plano, TX and Ethan Lane Hewlett of Celina, TX; great grandchildren, Asher and River Hewlett, Hattie Potter of Texas; a niece and nephew Ronnie Hood (Allie) and Amberly Denham of Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his father Harold Hale and mother, Mildred Currie and his late wife, Vicki M. Smith. Pallbearers will be Austin Hewlett, Ethan Hewlett, Travis Potter, Jeff Galloway, Billy Robishaud and Jose Pablo. Special friends and family helping in Michael's last days include but are not limited to: Tina Wood, Lisa Galloway, Kilee Medlin, Sandy Shaddinger, Amanda Sheffield, Melody Thompson, Sarah Farr, Crystal Cunningham and Susan Jones. Memorials may be made to The Vicki M. Smith Foundation, 1883 CR 478, Myrtle, MS 38650 and Myrtle United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 88, Myrtle, MS 38650.
Harold Hale
Vicki M. Smith Foundation
Scott Hood
Ronnie Hood
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Nunley, Marty
Marty Lee Nunley, 73, passed away Sunday, July 17, 2022, at her home in Saltillo. She was born September 14, 1948, to Robert and Luna Grooms. She was a 1966 graduate of New Site High School, in 1968 became a nurse, and later became a Nurse Practitioner. She was a member of the National Nurse Practitioner Association and National VA Response Team. She enjoyed going to places where she had never been before, and was an avid Star Trek fan. A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at McMillan Funeral Home. Visitation will be Thursday from 12:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the funeral home. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Benard Larry Nunley; three sons, Chris McDonald, Brandon Kirk Nunley and Nathan Eric Nunley; two sisters, Beverly (Jackie) Hamblin and Stella Edge; two nephews, Michael Edge and Marcus Edge; four nieces, Christie Woodard, Victoria Burns, Elesha Sample and Ashley Sherit; and six grandchildren, Heaven, Elise, Madelyn, Taylar, Kaitlyn and Tannon. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lorrine Mizzell; one brother, Robert Lee Grooms; and one brother-in-law, Marshall Edge. Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
Stella Edge
Robert Lee Grooms
Benard Larry Nunley
Marcus Edge
Brandon Kirk Nunley
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Hammons, Eva Sue
Eva Sue Hammons, age 84, of Collierville, TN went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at home following a lengthy illness. She was born in Falkner, MS on March 26, 1938 to Charles Joseph and Effie Josie Shelton Butler. She graduated from Falkner High School in Falkner, MS and subsequently moved to Memphis where she worked in the proof department of First Tennessee Bank. Her career in banking spanned nearly 30 years before she retired to work with her husband in their family business. She faithfully attended Bellevue Baptist Church for several decades where she served by making coffee for multiple Bible fellowship classes on Sunday mornings. She enjoyed decorating her home, tending to her flower gardens, and could always be found in her kitchen during the holidays preparing meals for family gatherings. Additionally, she enjoyed true crime and home renovation television programs. Sue was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, of 62 years (H.B. Hammons, Jr.); three brothers, Edward Butler, Willard Butler, and Hugh Almos Butler and two sisters, Aileen Duncan and Mattie Rogers. She is survived by her three children, Rocky(Christine) Hammons, Tracy (Mike) George, and Greg (Debbie) Hammons; her five grandchildren, Jennifer, April, Matthew, Morgan and Mackenzie. Mrs. Hammons will be interred at West Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery following a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, the family requests lasting memorials be sent to Love Worth Finding Ministries.
Eva Sue Hammons
H.b. Hammons
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Mississippi State pitcher Jackson Fristoe
Pair of Mississippi State pitchers, third baseman Kamren James selected on Day 3 of MLB draft
A pair of talented Mississippi State pitchers were not far apart when it came to being selected in the MLB draft Tuesday.
Right-handers KC Hunt and Jackson Fristoe were both picked in the 12th round — Hunt by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Fristoe by the New York Yankees.
Hunt was taken by the Pirates with the No. 350 overall pick. He posted a 7.46 ERA in 25 1/3 innings in 2022, striking out 32 hitters.
Despite his numbers, Hunt was one of MSU’s more reliable bullpen arms. He began the year in the weekend rotation but missed several weeks to injury after his first and only start.
A junior from Wyckoff, New Jersey, Hunt has two years of eligibility remaining.
Fristoe followed him 20 picks later as the No. 370 overall selection by the Yankees. He came to Starkville as a highly touted prospect from Paducah, Kentucky, and earned some weekend starts as a freshman in 2021. His 2022 season didn’t go to plan, as Fristoe posted a 7.96 ERA.
As a draft-eligible sophomore, Fristoe could return for three more years at MSU should he choose not to sign.
Third baseman Kamren James followed the pair of pitchers, going 494th overall as a 16th-round choice of the Tampa Bay Rays. James was draft eligible as a sophomore last year but was not selected, likely because of plans to return to Mississippi State.
The DeSoto Central product had a solid but unspectacular year for the Bulldogs in 2022, hitting .303 with nine home runs and 33 RBIs. His glove was a little suspect at third base, and he saw time in center field.
James could come back for up to two more years if he doesn’t sign with the Rays.
In the last MSU-related action of the day, ambidextrous pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje was taken by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 18th round.
Jurrangelo Cijntje, a native of the Netherlands who pitched at Champagnat Catholic School in Florida, tweeted Monday that he planned to come to Starkville rather than turn pro.
That didn’t stop the Brewers from drafting him anyway with Pick No. 552.
Given Cijntje’s declaration Monday, it’s likely the Brewers’ selection won’t stop him from pitching for the Bulldogs and turning pro after two or more collegiate seasons.
Not selected were signees Bradley Loftin, Colby Holcombe, Dakota Jordan, Ross Highfill and others, as well as players Luke Hancock and Brandon Smith.
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Arielle Hudson
By Dana Engelbert University of Mississippi
OXFORD • University of Mississippi alumna Arielle Hudson, the university's first female African American Rhodes Scholar, plans to draw upon her experience in an inequitable primary education system as a Marshall-Motley Scholar.
Hudson plans to enroll at Yale Law School in August after graduating from Oxford University in July. She earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from UM in 2020 and is the school's 27th Rhodes Scholar.
"The Marshall-Motley Scholars Program came out in 2021, when I was starting to think about next steps after Oxford," Hudson said. "It's divine intervention really, because I was supposed to be applying to law schools earlier but decided to focus on the Rhodes Scholarship process."
The Monday following Hudson's interview for the Rhodes Scholarship, she was scheduled to take the LSAT for law school admission. Because the scholarship process was so demanding, she was encouraged to take a break.
"The scholarship, funding and resources the Marshall-Motley program provides is tremendous," she said. "I'm very grateful for its existence and the opportunities it creates for aspiring civil rights attorneys."
Hudson's aspirations were shaped by the educational inequities she and her peers experienced.
Hudson's mother, Tammie Turner, also a UM alumna, was able to ensure Arielle and her siblings had the necessary educational resources and support they needed because she worked in the superintendent's office.
"I saw my classmates didn't have access to educational tools like I had, or the advantages of those that attended the private school," she said.
"I don't want my little sister, who is 7 years old, to deal with the inequities my friends and I dealt with in high school. And I want my 3-year-old niece to face fewer challenges than my little sister."
Hudson's selection to the Marshall-Motley program is no surprise to Scott Colom, district attorney for the 16th Circuit Court of Mississippi. Colom first met Hudson when she was in middle school and has been a mentor since.
"This is what Arielle has wanted to do since I met her," Colom said. "No one I know has been as driven as Arielle to fight for civil rights.
"She has lots of characteristics that will allow her to succeed, but two stand out. She has lots of integrity – even when she disagrees, she does so respectfully. She is a lifelong learner, open to receiving new information and to developing new strategies based on that information."
"What I've witnessed shaped me and compelled me to seek justice on behalf of Black people" Hudson said. "My family are Black people from the South, and if we don't commit to making change, how can we expect others to do so?
"I'm definitely the product of a village."
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Shalunda Tamika Gardner, 45, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.
Jason Chadwick Haughton, 44, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, false pretense.
Kelynn Nicola Renae Simmons, 21, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff's Office, possession of methamphetamine.
A County Road 661 Guntown man said overnight someone stole a set of four Mud Claw tires on black 22-inch rims. He said they were worth $2,500.
A County Road 1581 woman, 19, said her adoptive mother of five years came to her house and started a disturbance with her and her friends. She said the mother jumped on top of the woman pulling her hair until the adoptive father came in and pulled his wife off. The mother fled before deputies arrived.
A County Road 931 Saltillo woman said a young man wearing all black clothing came to her door around 7 p.m. He asked how many people lived there and what were their ages. When she asked to see his ID, he refused. She didn’t feel safe about the incident and called 911.
A County Road 649 Plantersville woman called 911 saying someone had shot her dog. The responding deputy and the woman determined the dog had actually been run over by a vehicle.
A woman said a man violated a protection order by not only trying to contact her through a third party but he also showed up at her hotel. Security camera footage confirmed his car in the parking lot.
A woman said she was sleeping outside the Salvation Army and went inside around 4 a.m. to use the bathroom. When she came outside, she noticed her duffel bag was open and her purse and cell phone were missing.
A man came to the police station to report he lost his wallet containing his license and credit card.
A guest at a North Gloster motel said someone hit his car during the night, damaging the front end of his Lexus. He said there was a black pickup parked in front of him the night before.
A woman said while she was inside the Salvation Army Thrift Store on Daybrite Drive, someone hit her parked car, damaging the right rear of her 2019 Hyundai Sonata.
An Elvis Presley Drive woman hired a man living with her neighbor to do some yard work and cut up a tree that had fallen. The man did about half the work by June 12 and requested $750. She gave him cash and he never came back to finish the work. On the same day, the neighbor kicked him out.
A West Main Walmart employee said two Black females selected 15 items worth more than $150. They put price tag stickers for 50-cent tumblers on each one and scanned them at the self checkout. They fled the store before employees could confront them.
A Wilson Street man was holding $600 of his former girlfriend’s money in his checking account. He gave her $500 and said she would have to wait until the following day for the rest because of bank limitations on withdrawals. She showed up at his house around 7 p.m., defecated on his property and broke a window at his house. He has security video of the incident. She later texted, saying his vehicle would be next.
A Bell Circle woman said someone “maliciously applied paint” to her front porch. The crime happened around 10:30 p.m. She was at home but did not hear or see anyone.
Police were called to the Econo Lodge motel on Mississippi Drive for a white female swimming in the pool after 2:30 a.m. The woman did not have a room at the motel, but she did have an outstanding warrant. The 20-year-old was charged with aggravated assault and booked into the county jail.
A South Church Street woman found a debit card in her backyard and turned it over to police.
A woman said she went out to eat with friends and they all went to a male’s McCullough Boulevard apartment for drinks. She decided to stay the night. The next morning, the man’s ex-girlfriend who is pregnant with his child, showed up and started punching her in the head and face while they were still in bed. When the ex-started assaulting the man, the woman was able to slip away and leave the apartment.
Nabor Beauty Supply on South Gloster said while a white couple distracted employees, two Black females stole three wigs and several bottles of Nair. One of the women was wearing an ankle monitor.
A Nixon Drive woman said she has been receiving threatening text messages. He ex-husband’s new girlfriend has been insulting and making threats to physically harm her. The suspect has also used her daughter’s cell phone to send harassing and threatening messages.
A man said after working the night shift at Cooper Tire, he noticed his Ruger 45 handgun was not in his truck.
A woman said she met a friend at the South Gloster Street Jack’s and noticed her ex-boyfriend pull into Connie’s Chicken next door. When she left, the ex- confronted her aggressively, shoved her to the ground and then left.
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Bernardo Guerro celebrates the completion of his training program at Disney University. The program allows students to represent their institutions by noting it on their Disney name tags.
Guerrero getting to 'the core of hospitality' in hotel services
By Lauren Lucas School of Applied Sciences, Ole Miss
OXFORD • Bernardo Guerrero has a personal mission to take advantage of every opportunity, and the hospitality management program at the University of Mississippi, where he graduated in May, has helped him fulfill that mission.
The Ripley native realized that he wanted to study hospitality after noticing how much energy he gets from serving others. Guerrero has always been interested in understanding people's needs, and he said that it drew him to pursue a career in hospitality management.
"I have always been concerned with doing what I can to make others happy, and really, that is at the core of hospitality," Guerrero said. "It involves understanding people, their needs and what you can do for them."
During his time at Ole Miss, he has served as an officer for the campus chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, where he worked to promote essential and foundational leadership skills to more than 300 new members each semester through training, activities and speaker engagements.
He also worked with the Luckyday Scholars Program as a student coach, supporting first-year students in their transition to the university through the four Luckyday pillars of scholarship, community, service and leadership.
Guerrero is a first-generation college student who experienced many struggles navigating college in the beginning. He said he is grateful to the Luckyday Foundation and the university's Luckyday Scholarship Program for believing and investing in him during that time.
Throughout his college experience, the program has provided him access to opportunities through service and leadership as components of his academic and professional journey. The program's mentors helped guide him in the transition to college and introduced him to a community of diverse scholars with whom he has found academic, personal and professional successes.
In spring 2018, Guerrero took advantage of an opportunity to live, learn and work at Walt Disney World through the Disney College Program. Because of his interest in serving others, he was matched as a resort concierge.
Despite his having no experience in hotels, this placement set him on a path that defined his career aspirations in lodging.
Over the seven months he was there, he cross-trained in the front desk and back-of-house support roles. His hard work was recognized by company leadership through a Confirmation of Excellence Quarterly Award.
Guerrero originally planned to extend his time at Disney World for five more months, but when the COVID-19 pandemic began, he was unable to continue. So he decided to return to school the following semester to finish strong and take what he had learned with him.
"I was able to recognize what I had learned in the program, and it has proven incredibly helpful in every course I've taken since," he said. "The introductory hospitality courses at Ole Miss helped me get into the program, and the program helped me finish my degree."
After returning from the Disney College Program, Guerrero was able to join peers from the Department of Nutrition and Hospitality Management on a Study USA course in New York City. He took this opportunity to learn more about the industry by networking at HX: The Hotel Experience conference.
"It was through this experience that I truly realized the scope of possibilities available in the hospitality and tourism industry," Guerrero said. "I am excited to launch my career in this global industry knowing that I can choose to learn and experience new things anywhere in the world."
Anna Lauren Heavener, Guerrero's success coach, who is a 2011 graduate of Walnut High School, has been a beacon of motivation, accountability and connection, and she speaks highly of him. Heavener said that during her years of involvement with high-achieving student servant leaders, there have been a few students who inspire others so deeply with their actions, inside and outside the classroom.
"Bernardo has unmatched integrity and maturity in both his student leadership roles and academic pursuits," Heavener said. "His passion, determination and charisma have a unique way of making him stand out above the rest in each of his endeavors."
Guerrero recently accepted a position with the Marriott Voyage Program in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. After graduation, he will take on the role of rooms operations voyager at the Westin in Hilton Head.
"I am excited to broaden my horizons beyond my previous experiences as I continue on my journey," Guerrero said. "I hope to continue to learn and make a difference as I move closer to my goals and navigate my way up to more professional and corporate roles in the hospitality industry.
"I am excited for what's to come, and I hope to one day pay forward the support that I have been granted."
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I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those of you who may not know me yet and to let y’all know what to expect from us here at the Tippah County Extension Office. I was hired back in 2019 as one of your Extension Agents (ANR/4-H/County Coordinator). I am a graduate of Mississippi State University with my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Agriculture Information Science (Extension and Education degrees). I have been involved in 4-H now going on about thirty-one years. As a youth, I was active in the 4-H livestock program here in Tippah County. My family and I showed our cattle on local, state, regional, and national levels. During my eighteen years of being a MSU Extension Agent, I have had the opportunity to work in five counties (Benton, Tate, Lincoln, Lee, and Tippah) and three districts (NE, NW, and SW). It is truly a blessing to be back home. My wife Kelley and I have been married for going on 10 years and have been blessed with our daughter Bella and our son Paden. We live on our family farm here in Falkner where we enjoy raising cattle and an assortment of other animals.
Mississippi State University Extension Service is, and will continue to be, a leader for positive change for individuals, families, and communities through the following ways: by providing research and education in a practical and applicable way; by using the latest technology and teaching techniques to serve clients; by developing and using volunteers to help disseminate programs and information; by cooperating with other groups and agencies; and by maintaining a culturally diverse staff responsive to the needs of various audiences at all socioeconomic levels.
We believe that agriculture and its related enterprises are of major economic importance in Mississippi, and we will direct programs and resources to reflect this importance. We also believe that quality of life is affected by the reciprocal relationship between people and their environment and will continue to emphasize environmental issues. We recognize the critical need for human resource development and will continue to search for ways to help families and young people to cope with an everchanging society.
Each day I look forward to assisting the people of Tippah County. I encourage each of you to come by the office and check out what we have to offer. We have something for everyone.
I was recently asked to do a weekly article. This week we will touch on the topic of fall armyworms. Last year we had an unusually heavy and widespread outbreak of fall armyworms. It is July, and time for fall armyworms to appear. So, let’s talk about some of the key publications from Mississippi State University that address fall armyworms. All these publications can be found on our website (https://extension.msstate.edu/).
Home Lawns
For our homeowners who might be spraying their own lawns, it would be beneficial to read publication 2331 (Control Insect Pest in and around the Home Lawn). Some of the most common insecticides used for control in home lawns are bifenthrin (Ortho Bug-B-Gone Insect Killer), gamma-cyhalothrin (Triazicide Insect Killer), and trichorfon (Bayer 24-Hour Grub Killer Plus).
Hayfields and Pastures
For our livestock producers, we recommend that you refer to publication 2717 (Fall Armyworms in Hayfields and Pastures.) This publication has been revised to include the latest insecticide recommendations.
Pyrethroids, such as zeta-cypermethrin (Mustang Maxx), beta-cyfluthrin (Baythroid XL), and gamma-cyhalothrin (Declare), are still recommended, and there are many generic pyrethroid products. Hay producers who experienced control difficulties with pyrethroids alone last year and are worried about control this year, may want to use the high rate and tank mix with one of the IGR products (methoxyfenozide or diflubenzuron). Growers who are especially concerned about control failures with pyrethroids, should consider using an alternative such as chlorantraniliprole (Prevathon, Coragen or Vantacor) or Spinosad (Blackhawk).
Remember to always read the label and follow the directions when using insecticides.
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Among the athletes on top moments (from left): Cassidy Duskin (SB), Calysia Phillips (WBK), Wesley Wiltshire (MTN) & Colby Holcombe (BB).
Year-In-Review: New records, playoff runs highlight athletic season at NEMCC
EDITOR'S NOTE: This is part two of a three-part series that highlights some of the best performances from the 2021-22 athletic season at Northeast Mississippi Community College.
BOONEVILLE • The Northeast Mississippi Community College athletic department prospered as it emerged from the restrictions associated with the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
Northeast fully opened up its home venues to max capacity for all fans and spoiled its own supporters with five teams that made postseason appearances during the 2021-22 school year.
The following are five of the top moments from Northeast's 10 intercollegiate athletic programs during its 73rd year of competition inside the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
#1 Holcombe Crowned Northeast's Strikeout King
Freshman phenom Colby Holcombe (Florence, Ala.) shattered the Northeast baseball program record for most strikeouts in a single season with 115. He raced past the previous mark with just under a month still to go in the regular season.
Holcombe baffled hitters with a fastball that reached as high as 99 miles per hour (MPH) and a breaking pitch that dropped to around 83 MPH. It was no wonder that the opposition batted just .142 against him over his 12 starts.
He earned Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Pitcher of the Year honors. Holcombe had seven double-digit strikeout performances, including a career-high 15 punch outs in a complete game win at Copiah-Lincoln Community College.
#2 Tigers Set New Mark for Most Home Wins in a Row
Bonner Arnold Coliseum has long been considered by opposing teams as one of the toughest places to play in the entire country. Northeast's men have backed that notion up by setting a new program record for most consecutive home victories.
The Tigers won 31 straight games on the Booneville campus over portions of three seasons. Northeast eclipsed the previous mark of 29 in a row, which had stood for three decades, with a 72-67 decision versus East Mississippi Community College in late January.
The winning streak started with a triumph over Volunteer State (Tenn.) Community College in the opening contest of the 2019-20 campaign. The Tigers had an average margin of victory of 20 points during that impressive stretch.
#3 Softball Makes Noise in Postseason Tournaments
The Northeast softball team pieced together one of its best playoff runs in recent seasons by advancing to the semifinals of both the MACCC and NJCAA Region 23 tournaments. The Tigers survived potential elimination four times in those events.
Northeast also won four games against nationally ranked opponents during the postseason. Most notable was a wild 19-18 triumph over rival Northwest Mississippi Community College that went 12 innings and lasted four hours and 41 minutes.
Cassidy Duskin (Ardmore, Ala.) had a 2.12 earned run average (ERA) and struck out 20 batters over five starts in the circle. Taylor King (Smithville) was one of several productive Tigers offensively with a .458 batting average, 11 hits, five runs scored and two doubles.
#4 Phillips Begins Basketball Season On Fire
Sportscaster Dan Patrick's famous call of "en fuego" would perfectly describe the start of Calysia Phillips' (Lyon) second campaign with the Northeast women's basketball team. She scored 20 or more points in six of her first eight outings.
Phillips led the NJCAA in scoring after the first full month of the season with 23.8 points per game. She tied a career-high of 31 points in back-to-back victories by the Lady Tigers over Arkansas State University Mid-South and Mississippi Delta Community College.
She went on to receive All-American recognition from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) after averaging 17.7 points for the entire year. Phillips was the first Northeast player in two seasons to rack up more than 500 career points.
#5 Tennis Returns to Northeast's Athletic Lineup
Northeast expanded its offerings by reinstating the men's and women's tennis programs. The Lady Tigers and Tigers competed in their first official matches in four years on January 28 at East Central Community College.
A majority of Northeast's home contests were staged at BNA Bank Park's 10-court complex in New Albany. The first of those took place on the initial day of February against visiting Holmes Community College.
Alumnus Mark Gilliland, who played number one singles and doubles as a sophomore for the Tigers in 1999, was tasked with leading the revival of both teams. Each roster featured student-athletes primarily from Northeast's traditional five-county service area.
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The Mantachie Board of Aldermen took the first steps toward medical cannabis being sold in the Mantachie city limits during their July 12 meeting.
The board discussed regulations on dispensaries in the city, but the only concrete decision made in last week's meeting concerned dispensary hours of operation. The board set hours of operation at 8 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Further discussion on dispensary regulations was tabled until the board's August meeting.
The hours the board chose closely mirror state law governing the sale of wine and liquor, as Mississippi law allows liquor stores to sell alcoholic products between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday-Saturday.
The board's discussions also mirror those being had in counties and municipalities across the state since Mississippi became the 37th state to legalize medial cannabis on Feb. 2, as local governments wrestle with the task of regulating medical marijuana. By the end of June, 19 of Mississippi's 82 counties had chosen to opt out of cannabis sales within their borders, including only four in Northeast Mississippi: Calhoun, Pontotoc, Tippah and Union.
Tupelo became the first nearby municipality to finalize its own guidelines for the sale of medical cannabis in early April. Tupelo's rules used regulations on liquor stores and pharmacies as a foundation. The city's rules prohibit cannabis facilities in the city limits from being located within 1,000 feet of churches, schools or childcare centers, as well as limiting hours of operation to 8 a.m.-9 p.m. seven days a week.
None of Itawamba County's municipalities have chosen to prohibit the sale of medical cannabis, but the county's three municipalities have yet to establish complete guidelines for the growing and sale of medical cannabis within their city limits. Much like Mantachie, Fulton's and Tremont's guidelines are still a work in progress.
Mantachie Board Of Aldermen
Matt Fennell
City Of Mantachie
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Tremont High School Athletics
Courtesy of Tremont High School
Tremont girls cross country has a new coach in 2022.
First-year head coach Vanessa Myers is a Boulder, Colo., native who moved to Tremont with her husband Nathaniel in 2019. The Myers fell in love with the Tremont community, and now Vanessa will have an opportunity to contribute her extensive knowledge and experience in track and cross country to an already successful program at Tremont.
"I'm super excited to be part of Tremont, and boy is this season gonna be a good one," Myers said.
Myers takes over a youthful Lady Eagles team which placed runners no lower than 45th and as high as 20th in last year's Class 1A state competition. In her eyes, a change at the top has changed nothing about expectations for Tremont.
"I've watched these girls throughout the summer and throughout the track season, and I'm just excited because we've got some really hard workers, a lot of talent and some new faces coming in that are gonna be real strong competitors," Myers said.
Leading the charge for Tremont will be sophomore Paige Gillespie, who placed 20th at state in 2021 as a freshman. Myers expects Gillespie to pace the Lady Eagles, but also lead the way in a more figurative sense as a role model for her teammates.
"(Paige) is a good one," Myers said. "She's got a great attitude, always sets the bar high with respect and good sportsmanship."
Lilie Lentz, who placed 23rd at state last year as a seventh grader, will be another returning runner who will bring both youth and experience to the 2022 edition of the Lady Eagles.
Tremont's success won't just be a result of more of the same from experienced runners, however. Myers expects several of her girls to take it to the next level this season, including Abbie Leathers, Kara George and Layla Kent. The new season represents something of a second chance for Kent, who suffered a leg injury just prior to state competition last year.
"She was kind of trying to recover with that injury, and she still got 42nd," Myers said.
Myers credits her predecessor, Amy Lentz, for establishing a winning culture for Tremont girls cross country, and hopes that what she and her coaching staff bring to the table will build upon the foundation already laid out for the Lady Eagles.
"I think Coach Lentz did a phenomenal job, and I'm really going into some big shoes there," she said. "But I'm confident because I've got such a strong coaching staff around me. They are so willing to help and share knowledge. I just know we're going to have a winning team.
"More than anything, I feel blessed and grateful to be part of such a great organization with such strong coaches that have already laid the foundation," she added.
If Myers feels any pressure to live up to expectations for the program, she hasn't shown it. She said she has her athletes to thank for that, as they exhibit an attitude which reflects the culture at Tremont.
"These kids have got it," Myers said "They've got the right mindset. They're willing to be coachable and learn and try new things and take risks. And that's what I really appreciate about this culture, is that they're eager. Knowing that we've got a strong program, we're just gonna fuel it."
With both youth, experience and the right attitude all on their side, Myers fully expects her team to exceed their performances a year ago. Combined with the experience she and her staff bring to the table, the sky's the limit for the Lady Eagles.
"I really think that these kids are gonna elevate. We're really gonna be able to showcase the talent that's at Tremont."
Tremont Cross Country
Tremont Lady Eagles
Paige Gillespie
Vanessa Myers
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David Sheffield begins watching the documentary about the making of his original play "The Heartbreak Henry" at the Claude Gentry Theatre in Baldwyn Saturday night.
Clark Richey takes the stage at the Claude Gentry Theatre in Baldwyn Saturday night to introduce the documentary of the making of the David Sheffield original play "The Heartbreak Henry." The play will be performed in Baldwyn next month.
David Sheffield attended a rehearsal and reception for his play "The Heartbreak Henry" in Baldwyn on Saturday, July 16. An SNL writer and longtime friend of Hollywood star Eddie Murphy, Sheffield based the play off of his experiences as an employee of Oxford's Henry Hotel while a student at the University of Mississippi. Sheffield is a graduate of the flagship university and the University of Southern Mississippi.
BALDWYN • Saturday Night Live producer and "The Nutty Professor" writer David Sheffield made his way to Baldwyn on Saturday, July 16 to attend a rehearsal of "The Heartbreak Henry," another of Sheffield's creations, and serve as the special guest at an evening reception in his honor.
A Laurel, Mississippi native and "Coming to America" writer, Sheffield has penned many Hollywood screenplays for his lifelong friend Eddie Murphy.
Sheffield is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi but began his education at the University of Mississippi. While a student at Ole Miss in 1967, Sheffield worked at Oxford's Henry Hotel which was as his inspiration for the play's premise.
For the well-known Hollywood writer, this play has been 50 years in the making that he intended to write sooner before Hollywood distracted him for some 40 years.
"It's based on experiences I had as a freshman at Ole Miss. I took a job as a manager of the Henry Hotel which was a flophouse," said the comedy wordsmith. "I met a bunch of bizarre characters there which I couldn't get out of my head," he said.
"The Heartbreak Henry" has been performed in select theaters throughout the United States, each one individually selected by Sheffield.
Baldwyn will see the fourth production of "The Heartbreak Henry," which was originally performed in Biloxi. Oxford and Slidell, Louisiana were the most recent locations for the play's debut.
Sheffield's friendship with play director Christy McBrayer dates back to her time as an actress in Los Angeles.
"I'm excited about this production because I know Christy well," Sheffield said. "She's not only directing it, but she's playing one of the characters who was a waitress that lived at the hotel and worked across the Square at Leslie's Drugs," said the "The Boomerang" writer.
The Claude Gentry Theatre in Baldwyn will serve as the backdrop for "The Heartbreak Henry," premiering Thursday, August 11 through Saturday, August 13. Each evening's show will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Cast members for the production include Gavin Lane of Tupelo, Brad Locke of Tupelo, Alex Wright of Houston, Will Senf of Corinth, Laura Leigh Johnson of Fulton, Carolyn Parson of Aberdeen, Kelan Traylor of Tupelo, John McCustion of Tupelo, Dan Marsh of Corinth, Belinda McKinion of Saltillo, Clark Richey of Baldwyn, Mel Hart of Kossuth, Missie Cochran of Tupelo, Barbara Fleishhacker of Tupelo, Kinzie Mackey of Saltillo, Micah Nieminen of New Albany and Christy McBrayer of Saltillo.
Attendees can purchase tickets for the upcoming August performances online.
David Sheffield
Christy Mcbrayer
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No one likes going to the doctor and most certainly no one likes a hospital stay.
A hospital stay was necessary for my Dad last week and if you have to spend three days in the hospital it is wonderful to stay where you feel good about the care your loved one is receiving.
Dad was not terribly sick because we caught it early and got him to the hospital quickly when he became ill.
He had an infection and pneumonia was beginning to set up.
We took him to Baptist Hospital in Oxford and I have to tell you, they were the kindest, most accommodating, and caring hospital staff I have ever experienced.
This is not the first-time daddy has been in Oxford and if he ever needs to go back to a hospital it will most certainly be there.
From the time you walk in the door until you go out, they are attentive to the patient, but they also listen to the family members with him to be sure they are giving him the best care possible.
They not only take care of the patient, they make sure any family member with the patient is taken care of as well.
Everyone speaks to you and asks if you need anything.
This is a small example of their kindness. I got on the elevator to get some lunch and as I got on the elevator there was a nurse there that greeted me as I entered the elevator.
I asked if I remembered correctly that the cafeteria was on the first floor which she confirmed.
As I exited the elevator, I looked around and she came up beside me and walked me to the door of the cafeteria and explained the options as she pointed out the different salad bars, hot bar, grill or grab-and-go sandwiches, drinks and where to find the eating utensils.
Once she completed the tour of the cafeteria she went out and back to whatever job was next on her schedule.
She could have easily stood at the elevator and pointed and let me find my way around, but that is the kind of service I experienced in that hospital all three days.
The nurses and aides were equally responsive to my dad and any needs he had.
When he was trying to sit up in the chair, it was too tall and would make his hips and back hurt if he sat up very long. When we explained this to his nurse she found a way to make a foot stool to make him more comfortable to allow him to sit up longer.
I was trying to work while I was staying with daddy and if anyone, the aides, nurses or doctor came in and a I was on a zoom meeting or on a phone call they would tell me they could come back later.
My response always was, no come in and do what you need to take care of daddy and I can pause this until you have finished.
After all, I was in their house not the other way around, but they wanted to accommodate my time rather than rushing in and out with daddy’s care.
They treated daddy like he was their father or grandfather. They showed genuine concern about his health and his comfort.
I hope Dad remains healthy and we don’t need their services anytime in the near future but if we do I am grateful that there is a facility like Baptist Hospital in Oxford to care for him.
Oxford Hospital Agrees The Extra Mile
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Can you see why it's called "The Mother Church"? Concertgoers sit in wooden pews to watch the show.
Bella was just a little excited.
Making memories with my best girl before she graduates from college this year. Our night at Ryman Auditorium seeing American Aquarium was unforgettable!
A stage full of history at the legendary Ryman Auditorium.
B.J. Barham signing Bella's poster.
Bella, B.J., and me.
From L: Opening act, Hailey Whitters, and Bella. Check Hailey's music out on Spotify.
Summer Fun at the Ryman Auditorium
Recently, I've been writing columns about Bella, Jack, and I going to Nashville. In the past month, I've written about our lunch at Puckett's, and also about the sweet fun we had in the candy store on Broadway. What brought us to Nashville has yet to be discussed in the column, and that was that Bella and I had tickets to see our favorite band, American Aquarium, make their debut at Ryman Auditorium!
Ryman Auditorium, also known as "The Mother Church of Country Music," is one of the most celebrated venues in modern music, and, as such, is on the bucket list for places to perform for many musicians. We absolutely could NOT miss American Aquarium's debut there for this very reason. The Americana band, established 16 years ago by front man B.J. Barham, played for two hours straight on that hallowed stage, including both fan favorites and new music from their most recent album, Chicamacomico. We've seen many American Aquarium shows, but this one hit different because of the significance of this achievement. Our favorite band, which began after B.J. taught himself how to play the guitar so that he could set his poetry to music to create an audience for himself, had reached a major career milestone by playing at Ryman. Bella and I were hoarse by the end of their epic Ryman set.
Ryman is celebrating 130 years of concerts this year, and is rich with history. Being a member of the press and writing in my column about my trip to Nashville, there was no way that I could miss an opportunity to write about a trip to such an iconic Nashville landmark. In addition, Bella has her own Americana college radio show in Florida, and seeing a show at Ryman Auditorium gives her automatic street cred amongst other D.J.'s.
Whether you are really into music (like we are) or not, I strongly recommend anyone visiting Nashville to check out Ryman, whether or not you decide to see a show. You may wish to take a tour of Ryman (which lasts about 90 minutes, and is well worth it).
Since 1892, according to ryman.com, Ryman Auditorium has been hallowed ground for artists, seekers, rebels and trailblazers that offers an experience and acoustics like no other. From Houdini to comedian Charlie Chaplin, Teddy Roosevelt to MLK, and from Dolly Parton to Lizzo, this stage has welcomed diverse acts and music of all genres, creating the "Soul of Nashville."
What began as the Union Gospel Tabernacle constructed by steamboat Captain Thomas Ryman as a place where all could gather and worship, is now recognized as one of the best performance halls in the world, the stage where bluegrass was born, the "Mother Church of Country Music," and a place where both artists and fans come to experience that sacred, intimate something that one feels in their bones at this iconic landmark. Call it spiritual, call it mythical, call it the abundance of music, history and magic that happens every week from this stage.
With COVID restrictions now eased, there is no better time to make a trip to the Mother Church as they celebrate their 130th anniversary this year with more residencies, shows, new tour experiences, events, giveaways and so much more.
Bella and I had great seats at Ryman, and I couldn't help but take a picture of the stage before the concert began. Just being there in such a historic venue with my best girl, gave me the chills as I thought about how many other historically significant musicians had graced that stage.
I guess I am lucky that my kids and I genuinely enjoy each other's company. Most 21-year-olds would rather be out with their friends rather than at a concert with their mother, but my girl is special! We really are best friends, and one of our favorite things to do together is to go to concerts-- especially American Aquarium concerts! It was a perfect evening. An added bonus was that the opening act, Hailey Whitters, was amazing! We had never heard Hailey's music before the show, and became instant fans. Bella was even able to get a photo taken with her after the show.
After singing and dancing the entire night, Bella and I caught up with B.J. Barham, lead man of American Aquarium, who has become friendly with us from seeing him at so many of his shows. B.J. always makes his fans feel important, and he is never too busy to happily chat it up with Bella. At the merchandise table, he signed her poster and took pictures with us.
I'll never forget our first night at Ryman! A great memory was made by all, including the musicians. The next time I go to Ryman for a show, I will be dragging FGG along with me to see Jason Isbell!
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The Houston Police Department received a donation, in memory of Chief Adam Harmon's brother Casey, to buy new body cameras for the department. Pictured is Harmon with the body cameras and Nock Hamner of 10-8 Video, where the cameras were purchased from.
Casey Harmon was killed in the line of duty in March 1998.
HOUSTON – Officers in the Houston Police Department now have an added layer of protection in the field thanks to a donation made by Chief Adam Harmon’s family in memory of his brother, Casey Harmon, who was killed in the line of duty in 1998.
“Adam took over as Police Chief about a year ago, and they were struggling with finances for what he felt the officers needed for their protection and the other people’s protection,” said John Harmon, who along with his wife, Janet Harmon, donated to the department for the purchase of new body cameras. “Of course, those things are not cheap, so my wife Janet and I decided to donate $5,000 towards the cameras, in memory of Casey Harmon, our son, Adam’s brother, who was killed in the line of duty in ’98.”
The donation comes on the heels of the 25th anniversary of Casey’s death, which was on March 2, 1998.
According to the Officer Down Memorial Page (odmp.org), “Deputy Jailer Casey Ryan Harmon was shot and killed by a 16-year-old detainee, at the Lee County Juvenile Detention Center, who was about to be released to his stepfather for a shoplifting charge.”
Since then, his father has done many things to honor him, and this was another that he felt needed to be done.
“I founded the Northeast Mississippi Fallen Officers Memorial that happens every year, and it’s been going on since ’99, and we’ve sponsored several little league baseball teams in Casey’s honor, but we just felt like this was something that needed to be done, so we did it.”
Chief Harmon also gave a little backstory on the donation, and how it came to be.
“My brother Casey was killed 24 years ago, and it’s coming up on the 25th anniversary, and my parents, when we were getting donations on the dog, said they wanted to do something in memory of Casey. Well, we had enough money for the dog, so I said why don’t you do body cameras? We need new body cameras, ours are all messed up, so they decided to do a donation for body cameras in memory of Casey’s death.”
Adam’s brother, Andy Harmon was also involved. He too emphasized the family aspect of the donation, as well as the need for the new cameras.
“It’s in memory of our brother that was killed in the line of duty, back in 1998,” he said. “I come from a law enforcement family, I’m third generation, like Adam, and its public service. The way the world is, with the cellphones and technology out there, the officers need protection for themselves as well as protection for the citizens.”
Chief Harmon said that this donation is truly a gift, and it will be put to good use.
“Being a small department with limited income, this private donation made it possible for us to buy what we needed.”
The department received their body cams, courtesy of 10-8 Video out of Tennessee.
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Kristen Dasto, a dancer in Branson, MO, has many ties to the area.
Pictured is Kristen with the Branson High School Sweethearts dance team.
Kristen coaching the Sweethearts.
Kristen also performs in numerous dance shows in Branson.
“I took dancing from age 1 1/2 to 5, then gymnastics from ages 5-9, then I flopped back to dance. As I grew up I fell in love with all aspects of performing,” she recalled.
As Poison once sang, Every Rose Has Its Thorns; every job has its difficult parts. For her, the hardest part of the journey from child to professional dancer has been, “Believing in myself and keeping my confidence.
There’s a lot of conditioning and cross training she has to do to stay flexible and strong to accomplish those goals. Her regimen includes jumping jacks, planks, splits, eye-high kicks and pilates.
“She couldn’t drive, so I stayed around to help her. Nicole saw an ad for the Branson Regional Arts Council saying they were putting on their first production in a new location. She wanted us to audition together but I did not want to audition as my plans were to go back to New York as soon as possible. Nicole ended up talking me into going. I got cast, and that led me to connections with various theaters in Branson. Later in the year, I auditioned for King's Castle’s 2018 Christmas season. I was offered the position as a part time dancer for the season a few weeks later,” she said.
Viewed from the perspective of a resident, and not a tourist, she believes family values make Branson a special place. "Branson was created to offer family oriented entertainment,” she said.
"The Sweethearts are a talented, hard working group of young ladies,” Dasto said. “This season we took on a few new challenges and had an absolute blast. I love helping younger generations learn and grow in the industry, and inspiring people to become the best they can possibly be. It is truly an honor to be this team’s coach.”
Where does Coach K want to be 5 or 10 years from now?
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The Thorn VFD received a check for $50,000 from the state last week. Pictured, from left, David Coleman, Robbie Lynch, Earl Adams, Representative Jon Lancaster, Senator Ben Suber, Renee Davis, Wayne Byars, Gilbert Taylor, Bonnie Taylor, Jackie Suggs, Chief Andy Harmon and Floyd "Rooster" Gann.
Representative Jon Lancaster, left, and Senator Ben Suber, right, present Thorn Fire Chief Andy Harmon with a check for $50,000.
Thorn Fire Department meets fundraising goal with help from legislature
THORN – The Thorn Volunteer Fire Department has been working for years to build a new station, and now, thanks to a $50,000 appropriation from the state legislature, they have met their goal and can complete work on the new building.
“It’s been a blessing to have the community support like we have had,” said Thorn Fire Chief Andy Harmon. “It has taken a lot of man hours and volunteerism and a lot of funds that folks donated throughout our whole community. It’s been a team effort and it’s been going on for a long time and it’s finally becoming a reality to us, we’ve got a structure and we’re actually housing our equipment here and now we are at the final stages we have got to finish, and with the help of the state, Ben [Suber] and Jon [Lancaster] helped us, and it’s going to get us to the point that we are going to be able to complete that final stage without prolonging it anymore.”
The final stage includes the interior work.
“We have got to frame the interior up and we have got to put in the training room and the bathrooms.”
However, it is the work that they have put in, and their refusal to quit, that earned them this money.
“It was easy to sell this because of the work they have done,” said Representative Jon Lancaster. “They gave it to us in detail and gave us something to sell. That’s what we needed, something to take down to the chairman that’s over Ways and Means, and the chairman over Senate Appropriations. They had a lot of skin in the game, that’s what you keep hearing continuously, they had a lot of skin in the game, and it was an easy sell. They said these people here are working and we want to reward that. There is not a more deserving bunch as far as I’m concerned.”
Senator Ben Suber echoed those sentiments as well.
“This is the best part of the job,” he said. “Thorn Fire Department has worked hard for years, selling plates, doing fundraisers, raffling off the side-by-side, they’ve been working hard raising money. They built this building without any help, and they still had a long way to go to finish the building, so it’s great for the legislature to come together and get them this $50,000 so they can finish the building. Chief Harmon said that this puts them at their goal, and it’s very exciting for me.”
Harmon said it was an amazing feeling to find out that they had gotten the money, but he also emphasized the teamwork that got them this far.
“It’s an awesome feeling to get that phone call saying, ‘Hey, we’ve got this appropriated for you all’s community.’ Me being the leader of Thorn Fire Department, I can say it’s about teamwork, it’s not one individual, it’s been the whole community backing us, basically neighbors helping neighbors. That’s what’s so great about this community, and I think the state capital, Jon and Ben going to bat and telling them what we’ve accomplished out here has been tremendous.”
The department hosted an open house for the community last week where citizens could tour the new station, and Suber and Lancaster presented them with the check at the event.
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When you claim to be above the responsibilities of helping your fellow man, woman, or child, you're saying there's no higher moral ethic or higher standard to which an individual should hew.
And when you do away higher ethics, you get things like draft-dodging, Enron, WorldCom, arson and looting, and the latest school shooting.
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Chris Stevenson
Tonya Vaughn
ICC's Vaughn, Stevenson have new roles
Beginning July 1, Tonya Vaughn of Mantachie and Chris Stevenson of Fulton have new roles at Itawamba Community College.
Vaughn is the dean of Health Science Instruction, and Stevenson, dean of Academic Instruction.
Vaughn, who is an alumnus of ICC, earned the bachelor’s degree from the University of North Alabama and the master’s degree from Western Governors University. She has been employed at ICC for 25 years, previously serving as director of the Surgical Technology program. Vaughn’s professional memberships are the Association of Surgical Technologists, Mississippi Board of Nursing, Association of Surgical Technology (curriculum writing team), Association of Career Technical Educators, Career Technical Officers Association and advisory committee for Pontotoc and Itawamba County Allied Health. During her tenure with ICC, Vaughn has been instrumental in coordinating efforts with healthcare partners, including all sites of the North Mississippi Medical Center, Specialty Orthopedic Group, Baptist Memorial Hospital facilities, Magnolia Regional in Corinth and the OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville. She attends Connect Church in Tupelo. Married to Richard Vaughn, she has two sons, David and Wilson Knight, and two grandchildren, Tripp and Paisleigh Knight.
Stevenson, who has been an employee of ICC since August 2010, served as chair of the Social Science Division since the 2017 fall semester. He was a full-time instructor of American History I and II and will continue to do so on a limited basis. His past employment includes social studies teacher and football coach with three different school districts within ICC’s five-county district. He was raised in Guntown, and after graduating from Saltillo High School, he attended ICC for two years before transferring to Mississippi State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and social studies. Following his graduation from MSU, Stevenson accepted a graduate assistantship with the University of Mississippi Athletic Department and worked extensively with the football program. While at Ole Miss, he earned the master’s degree in higher education and student personnel. Subsequently he has earned 21 additional graduate hours from Ole Miss and Delta State University. Stevenson is married to the former Jessi Parker from Bruce, who is also an ICC instructor. They have two sons, Rourke and Riley. He and his family are members of the Gumtree Presbyterian Church in Tupelo, where he is a deacon and the head of the church security team.
Paisleigh Knight
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Emergency workers responded to an accident involving a lineman installing fiber last week.
Itawamba County Sheriff Chris Dickinson said an independent contractor working for Tombigbee Electric Power Association was installing fiber cables on Highway 23 north of Tremont when the cable lying in the road got caught in the axle of a motor home and pulled the man from the bucket truck.
The accident occurred around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, July 11. Sheriff Dickinson said the lineman was airlifted to North Mississippi Medical Center with neck and back injuries. The individual's name and age has not been released.
Matt Fennell, Manager of Fiber Services at TEPA told The Times that according to reports he had received the utility worker underwent surgery late last week.
“He remains hospitalized and currently still has some paralysis, but hopefully he will make a full recovery” Fennell said. “We asked that everyone keep him in their thoughts and prayers.”
Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.
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When you claim to be above the responsibilities of helping your fellow man, woman, or child, you're saying there's no higher moral, ethic, or higher standard to which an individual should hew.
And when you do away with higher ethics, you get things like draft-dodging, Enron, WorldCom, arson and looting, and the latest school shooting.
Purse-snatcher
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Andrew McDonald, a 2019 graduate of Blue Mountain College, has been named one of the 2022 recipients of the Mississippi Vision Foundation’s (MVF) Helen Allison St. Clair scholarship for students of optometry.
“We are honored to have Mr. McDonald as one of three recipients of the 2022 Helen St. Clair Scholarship. His commitment to and passion for the profession of optometry represents the very best the future field of Optometry has to offer,” said Dr. Kimberly Ragan, president of the Foundation.
McDonald, a third-year student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry (UABSO), graduated from Itawamba Community College with an Associates degree and from Blue Mountain with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. While at UABSO he has exhibited a high degree of loyalty and trustworthiness. He is a UABSO ambassador, an elected class representative, and a member of Beta Sigma Kappa honorary. He participates in the Private Practice Club and the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists.
The Fulton native is the son of Jamie and Angie McDonald. He is married to the former Karli Knox of Amory.
“I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the 2022 Helen St. Clair Scholarship. I hope to one day serve my community with the same passion as Mrs. St. Clair. Thank you to the Mississippi Vision Foundation for this opportunity. I look forward to practicing alongside my future colleagues and providing quality eye care to the residents of Mississippi,” McDonald said.
The Helen Allison St. Clair Optometry Scholarship was established to honor the memory of long-time Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) Executive Director Helen Allison St. Clair. Mrs. St. Clair served the MOA for more than 28 years and had a passion for optometry students and doctors. Her family and friends want her passion and service to optometry to live on in the awarding of annual stipends from the scholarship established in her name at the Mississippi Vision Foundation.
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Amory's Emilee Slade made a big jump at the plate in her sophomore year at Meridian Community College, coming away with 48 hits, 33 RBIs, 11 doubles and six homers.
Emilee Slade plans to continue her softball career at the Mississippi University for Women.
By Melissa Meador Monroe Journal
Hatley’s Emilee Slade turned the early end to her senior season of high school into a positive – working out before starting college ball and gaining the strength to hit for power during her two years at Meridian Community College.
Slade went from hitting no home runs during a successful career as a Lady Tiger to blasting six homers during her sophomore season at Meridian. After two years as a Lady Eagle, she is preparing to continue her college career at Mississippi University for Women.
“COVID hit senior year, and we were done. I didn’t want to just be sitting at the house all during COVID, so me and my family rigged up something in the backyard where I could still hit,” Slade said. “I really focused on hitting, and I went to Walmart and bought some weights so I could still work out. I guess I just fell in love with being strong, and that’s what I’ve been doing since, working out, getting stronger and taking cuts.”
She also credited a change in her eating habits, adding more protein and carbs into her diet, along with getting stronger under Meridian’s workout plans.
“I learned how to eat right, protein and carbs. In the fall, my first year at Meridian, we did do CrossFit and I fell in love with it,” Slade said. “That helped a lot I think, and the whole fall workout plan that we did really helped with gaining some strength, getting more comfortable with my body and the new athlete that I was. We ran every morning to get used to carrying the weight that we were adding on. Right after that, we’d go into practice so we could feel it. Practicing when we were tired was a big thing every day, 5:30 in the morning.”
In addition to power, Slade hit for average, batting .372, good for second on the team, and finishing with 33 RBIs, 11 doubles and a triple, mixing in speed and power.
“In college, I was the main one asked to lay down a bunt. So being able to do that in high school, I wanted to carry that over into college, and I was glad that I was able to do that while mixing in power,” she said.
During her freshman season, Slade worked in the infield in the fall and the outfield in the spring but found herself locked into her catcher spot as a sophomore, the position she found her home at in high school.
Slade worked as a utility player in high school, especially during slow-pitch, moving around the diamond, but she first learned to catch while working with her older sister, Kara, who was learning to pitch.
“That’s what made me fall in love with softball in the very beginning was the fielding, and I’ve always loved the defensive side of softball. That’s what softball was to me at the beginning, and that’s what it will always be to me is the effort and the getting dirty side of softball,” Slade said. “From a young age at Hatley, I was expected to be a leader, and I fell in love with that role. So catching was the best was to use that role in my opinion. I like people looking at me for guidance. Catching allowed me to have that role and be seen at all times by my teammates and for them to look to me. If we were down and making a lot of errors, I could easily call time because I’m right beside the umpire and go figure things out.”
Slade credited Hatley coach Chris George with helping to prepare her for college ball.
“Coach George saw something in me that I really didn’t see in myself, and he saw it through,” she said. “I honestly believe that if it wasn’t for him being my coach, I probably wouldn’t have even played college ball.”
While Meridian didn’t see success as a team, Slade believes navigating through a tough schedule in the MACCC will also help prepare her to move on to the next level.
“I think the competitive side of community college ball will help me a ton, especially with the conference that I was in because I believe there are five-star athletes in that conference, whether they go on to play at a D1 school or not,” she said. “The failure that I ran into playing people that good made me better, so I think I’ll be able to carry that over to the W. Since I’ve seen that competition, I’ll know what I need to do against it.”
Her future team at the W has tasted postseason success in recent years with the Owls finishing third this season at the USCAA Small College World Series and also making it in the previous three seasons as well, not including the COVID-shortened season in 2020.
One other positive about the W was that Slade will carry three of her Meridian teammates with her.
“I’m excited for that success, which of course, this coming up year will be our last year in small college, and then we’ll be going into a conference so it’s going to change,” she said. “Our coach has talked about the culture and how it feels like you’re still with family even when you’re away. Like sometimes when you travel with your team, you might get homesick, but he makes it sound like you’re still with your family and things will be just as fun as going on a family road trip in the summer.”
While she hit for power and a high average, Slade named her most immediate goal as improving plate discipline and pitch recognition to cut down on strikeouts.
With three years of eligibility left, long-term, she’s aiming for a season with double-digit home runs.
“As a hitter, I want to work on discipline in the pitches that I swing at, so improve my pitch recognition. Even though I hit really well, I did have way too many strikeouts for my pleasing, and I only struck out a handful of times in high school,” Slade said. “I want to get into double-digit home runs in a season because I got six this past year, and I really just want to enjoy my time there. I know with this past year, at the beginning of the season, I was thinking that this might be it. Now that I know I have three years left until I’m completely done playing, I just want to enjoy it as much as I can and not take any moment for granted.”
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The Punt, Pass and Kick event will be held on August 6 at 9 a.m. at the Amory High School football field.
Krisi Boren
Punt, Pass and Kick event providing fun opportunity for kids
AMORY – Amory’s Krisi and Mark Boren, partners of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), will give kids across Monroe County and the surrounding areas a fun opportunity to get active with a Punt, Pass and Kick event. The event will be held at the Amory High School football field on August 6 at 9 a.m.
“We were thinking about something that we could put together to provide some friendly competition, and we care about our community and the kids that play rec and club sports,” Krisi Boren said. “Each participant will get two attempts to punt, pass and kick the ball, and we’ll accumulate the best two attempts for their final scores. One thing that we’re really excited about is the top two from each age division, boys and girls, will go on to compete in the championship round before a Friday night football game at one of the high schools. Overall, our goal is to have a fun day of competition, while also raising awareness of FCA and its impact in Monroe County.”
The FCA is a ministry and student-led club that reaches around 750 to 800 athletes a week and uses sports to share the word of God.
“The FCA is a 66-year-old ministry that is now the number one club in public schools worldwide,” Mark Boren said. “We use the platform of sports and peer-on-peer influence to be positive role models and give coaches and athletes a place to grow in Christ and use their platform to share the love of Christ.”
At the event, every participant will receive a goodie bag and t-shirt, and awards will be given out on the day of preliminaries for the longest kick, punt and pass. During the championship round, the winner will receive a championship jersey and a medal.
The divisions will be split into ages 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and there will also be an 8-12 special abilities age division.
“Amory is my hometown, and we just want to make a difference,” Krisi Boren said. “This is one way to help us do that, and at the same time, it allows something fun for kids to participate in. We’re looking forward to a fun day, we’re expecting an ice cream truck to come by, and hopefully, we can turn this into an annual event.”
The event is $10 to compete, and the last day to sign up and guarantee a t-shirt is July 22, but walkups are welcome.
For more information, contact Krisi Boren via cell phone at 662-315-0860 or email at kboren@fca.org. You can also contact Mark Boren via cell phone at 662-418-5556 or email at mboren@fca.org.
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Former Amory catcher Andin Johnson will continue his baseball career with the University of North Alabama.
Andin Johnson finished his time at Meridian Community College with 51 hits, 24 RBIs, seven doubles and a home run.
Through all the adversity and challenges, Amory’s Andin Johnson found a home at Meridian Community College. Now, he is preparing to take on an even bigger challenge, playing Division I baseball for the University of North Alabama.
Johnson put together a solid first year at Meridian Community College, finishing his freshman year with posted 33 hits, 19 RBIs, four doubles and a home run with a .444 on-base percentage. Johnson also finished the season with a .971 fielding percentage as a catcher.
Johnson credits former Amory coaches Cade Hoggard and Chad Williams for preparing him for college baseball while laying a foundation on how to be an elite catcher.
“Being with Coach Williams and Coach Hoggard helped me out a lot,” Johnson said. “I was able to talk with Coach Hoggard more about what goes on at college practices, and with Coach Williams, he led the foundation for how I played. I’d always try to go out and make a difference behind the plate.”
Johnson’s hard work paid off after he announced last year that he would be continuing his baseball career with the UNA.
“It was a tough decision because I didn’t know if I wanted to wait and see what other options would come, but ultimately, it was a good decision for me,” he said. “It’s a good Division I school that’s close to home and has good tradition and a good program.”
The Lions have only been a Division I program for four years now, and Johnson is aware of the challenges that come with facing bigger schools like Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Alabama and Vanderbilt.
“We’re in the rebuilding part of our transition, so it’s going to be a rough time to get back to where they were at the Division II level, playing all these bigger schools that have been recruiting guys for three to four years,” he said. “It’s going to be hard to go from recruiting Division II guys to getting better recruits and competing at the Division I level.”
Johnson is no stranger to competing against tough competition as he played American Legion baseball last summer with the Tupelo 49ers, who made a run to the World Series, finishing as the runnerup. He believes that his experience playing with the 49ers helped prep him for Division I baseball.
“When we went to our regionals, that was not an easy experience because the Louisiana team had a guy going to LSU, and the South Carolina team had like three guys going to the University of South Carolina,” he said. “It wasn’t an easy time, playing against those guys, but it gave me an early feel of what Division I baseball would be like.”
Last year, Johnson and the 49ers finished with a 29-3 and cashed in on an opportunity to play in the American Legion World Series for the second time in the team’s history.
While competing in the World Series last summer, Johnson suffered a thumb injury just three innings into the game. After being sidelined due to the injury, Johnson used his time to soak in more knowledge on the game of baseball.
“My experience was not great because I played three innings before tearing the ligament in my thumb,” he said. “Playing wise, it wasn’t a good experience, but going there, watching all those guys play and talking with (Coach) Collin McCrory about pitching, catching and pitch calling taught me a lot. He would look over at me and ask what I thought to call, and he would immediately call it, which was a surprise to me. Just being able to watch those guys, learn from them and pick their brains to see what thought helped me learn a lot.”
The road to recovery was a lengthy process for Johnson as he had to rehab for three months and was unable to practice or play in the fall.
“You catch throws coming at you in the low 90s to upper 80s, so it wasn’t easy,” he said. “You have to rehab after surgery and build your hand back up in strength so it doesn’t bother you anymore. It was a three-month recovery process that I had to go through, and I was a little scared to catch because I didn’t want it to happen again. I couldn’t even put my thumb around the bat and hold it comfortably, and I didn’t get to play at all in the fall, which made me feel behind going into the spring.”
Johnson finished his sophomore year with the Eagles with 18 hits, five RBIs and three doubles.
One thing that Johnson said he plans to work on as he transitions to Division I baseball is getting back to where he was at the plate before his injury.
“I definitely want to get better on the offensive side because I didn’t hit as good as I wanted to this year,” he said. “I was hitting it well before I got hurt last summer, but it just never got back to where it was. I’m most excited to play against some of the guys that I played against in high school and at community college.”
In his full experience going from high school to junior college to now Division I baseball, Johnson said he has learned that the pace of the game is much faster on each level. He plans to combat that by continuing to soak in information and adapt his game.
“College is a lot faster than high school ball, and I noticed that when we went to Amory’s North half game against Booneville because the pace was much slower,” he said. “I can only imagine what it will be like for me next year, going from JUCO to Division I, but it’s probably going to be ten times faster than it was this year. Going from high school to college, you’re like the big dog on campus, but when you go into JUCO, everyone was the guy at their high school. So, just like what I did with Legion ball, I’ll pick their brains and figure out how to use the stuff that they do to be successful.”
Andin Johnson
Cade Hoggard
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The floor plan for the Veteran's Affairs building includes a spacious lobby for folks to wait in while they are waiting their turn to see Col. Huey, handicap accessible rest rooms in the lobby, a copy and file room as well as a small meeting room.
Pontotoc Veterans' Affairs service center to become a reality in 2023
A spacious new building will soon come out of the ground in front of the American Legion Building that will be the place to go for those seeking Veteran’s benefits.
For years the office has been housed in the Pontotoc County Courthouse, which has been hard to access and has been a challenge for veterans and their wives, especially during times of circuit court.
But that is all about to change.
“I saw a lot of veterans in the hallway of the courthouse waiting on their turn to go into Mack’s office and that hurt my heart. They were freezing in the winter and burning up in the summer. About 18 months ago I called Mack and asked him to draw up a plan for a building for the veterans,” said Chancery Court Clerk Ricky Ferguson.
Ret. Col. Mack Huey, who is the Veterans' Affairs service officer readily agreed because he saw the same things Ferguson did when it came to the veteran’s needs. “The doors at the courthouse are narrow and you have to open both of them to allow for a wheelchair to come in,” Huey said. “When Rickey first came to me and asked if I had an open concept for a Veterans' Affairs building how would I do it. So I sketched out a floor plan of what I would like to see and sent it over.”
Ferguson began to act quickly on it and monies were becoming available through the American Rescue Plan funds as well as bond money. Mills and Mills architects drew out plan specs and on June 30 the board approved for Hooker Construction to build the building for $410,000 parking lot and all.
The building will face north or to Center Ridge Drive and the parking lot will ‘L’ around it from the front to the east side of the building and will be all handicapped accessible.
It will include a spacious lobby for veterans to rest in while they are waiting their turn in the office as well as a copy room and a small conference room.
The timing for getting this building was perfect. “It won’t affect the taxes at all,” said Ferguson. “It will benefit the veterans. They won’t have to wait in the hall anymore,” Ferguson said. “It often gets congested with people especially during court. Plus the deputies are bringing inmates back and forth in shackles; and that’s just not a good situation for our elderly folks.”
Ferguson said when he presented the idea to the board of supervisors “They didn’t have one thing to say against it. They were all for it. They said if I’d find the money we could do it.”
Ferguson broke the news of the letting of the bid on the evening after the supervisors approved it at the American Legion Fish Fry.
Huey said he is looking forward to the day he can open the doors to the building. “The main thing is it will be handicap friendly. They will have. Parking lot right beside the building and the doors will be wide enough to accommodate a wheel chair or a motorized chair.”
Huey said the best thing about it is “we will have a dedicated stand alone service center for the veterans where they will be respected.
“I’m already getting positive feed back for it even before it is built,” said Huey. “The overall location for spouses and vets will be much easier to access.”
Now that the bid is let it will be sometime in the first half of 2023 that the building should be open for service for those who fight to keep our nation free.
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The North Pontotoc Lady Vikings have a new volleyball skipper. Coach Bailey Reece comes to Ecru fresh from Mississippi State University, where she earned her degree in secondary education. Reece will teach English at North Pontotoc, in addition to her coaching duties.
“I’ve spent the last eight years on a volleyball court, and it’s a phenomenal sport,” said Reece, who graduated fromTishomingo County High School, where volleyball has become one of the school’s strongest programs.
“We’ve really worked hard to cultivate an appreciation of the sport in Tish County, and I’ve returned every summer to help with the program,” said Reece, who will take over for coaches Amanda Little and Amanda Puckett, who skippered the team since its inception three years ago.
Reece described herself as family oriented, and said she enjoys spending time with relatives, as well as swimming and other lake activities, and reading.
“Shakespeare is so much fun to read, when you really understand it,” said Reece. “I also love the novel, The Great Gatsby, and I never tire of reading it.”
Reece said she’ll focus on the importance of fundamentals.
“I always tell my girls that if we can’t do basic, fundamental things, like receiving and serving consistently, then we can’t play,” said Reece. “I’m very fundamentally driven. If we do the little things right, the big things come together.”
Coach Chad Anthony, North Pontotoc’s athletic director, said he’s excited about having Reece join the Viking staff.
“Coach Reece has already been working very hard this summer, and has had great participation from all of our young ladies on the volleyball team,” said Anthony. “We look forward to watching them compete this fall.”
Bailey Reece
Chad Anthony
Amanda Puckett
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The summer is drawing to a close and school bells will ring across the county and in the city calling students back to the books. Registration will be held next week at all schools so parents need to peruse the list of what they need to enter their child in the school they will attend.
First day of school for all students in both the city and county school districts will be Friday, August 5.
Registration and residency information
Please note all legal guardians entering a child in any school must bring two proofs of residency, however if you do not own or rent your home, you must bring five proofs of residency.
Pontotoc Elementary, located at 145 Fred Dowdy Avenue, will be the site for registration for all of the schools in the Pontotoc City School District.
Registration will take place Monday, July 25 and Tuesday, July 26 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and again on Wednesday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 12 noon.
This includes the elementary school which includes grades K-2; D.T. Cox Elementary - Grades 3 and 4; Middle School - grades 5-6; Jr. High - grades 7-8 and High School grades 9-12.
If you are a returning student you can register online through Active Parent, however, two proofs of residency are required and they need to be dropped off during the district wide registration dates.
Meet the teacher open house for students will take place Tuesday, August 2, 4-6 p.m. for Pontotoc High and Junior High School students; and Wednesday, August 3, 4-6 p.m. for Pontotoc Elementary, D. T. Cox and Pontotoc Middle School students.
South Elementary, South Middle, and South High will all have registration at the same time on Tuesday, July 26, from 9 a.m - 5 p.m. in the South Pontotoc gym.
All paper work must be turned in at this time including proofs of residency.
North Pontotoc Elementary parents can register their students two different days. Tuesday, July 26, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or Thursday, July 28, 1 - 6 p.m. in the North Elementary gym.
Kindergarten meet the teacher is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, in the North Pontotoc Elementary gym. One session begins at 4 p.m. and another at 5 p.m.
North Pontotoc Upper Elementary will be hosting registration from July 25-29. Times are 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. July 25 and 26; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. July 27, 28 and 29. Thursday, July 28 there will be a block party which will be the meet the teacher night and it includes a light supper. This event will be held from 5-7 p.m. If a new student wants to get their schedule at the block party, they must be enrolled by Wednesday, July 27.
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Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County will host a free back-to-school health fair for children 12 years and younger on Saturday, July 23 from 9 – 11 a.m. The event will be held in the parking area behind the hospital located at 200 Hwy 30 West, New Albany.
The event will have over 20 booths featuring car seat safety, medical, dental and vision clinics. Community resources will be onsite to provide health tips, safety information, and emergency vehicles. School supplies will be available on a first come, first serve basis, and participants will also receive a sack lunch.
“The back-to-school health fair is a great opportunity to help prepare students and parents for the new school year with school supplies, screenings, and resources,” said James Grantham, CEO and administrator of Baptist Union County. “We want to thank our community partners for your continued support and dedication to the health and well-being of our community.”
Baptist Union County offers a variety of services, including adult and pediatric inpatient care, OB emergency department, maternity, surgery, a 24-hour emergency department and diagnostics. The hospital also has PET/CT, 3D mammography, sleep lab, TeleHealth services and an eICU. Baptist Union County has an excellent reputation for providing quality care and recently earned an “A” Safety Grade from the Leapfrog Group as well as Outstanding Patient Experience and Patient Safety Excellence awards from Healthgrades.
For more information about Baptist Union County, please call 662-538-7631 or visit unioncounty.baptistonline.org.
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County fair is a good alternative to electronic isolation
It was hot but not sweltering this past week. We had some rain but no series of torrential downpours.
That was good news for the Union County Fair and Livestock Show.
Attendance was down for senior citizens’ day, probably due to the weather, but appeared to be good the rest of the week.
I’ve had a soft spot for the county fair ever since I was young, even though some see it as an anachronism today.
In the fair’s heyday, it had little competition. No theme parks, no TV other than a few channels and, later, rudimentary limited cable. There weren’t as many local activities and people did not travel outside the county as much.
The weather was cooler, then, and communities that really no longer exist throughout the county still had separate identities and strong competitive pride. Agriculture was a much bigger part of our lives then as well.
More recently, some people may have thought themselves too urbane for county fairs.
Also, there is so much more competition for one’s time, what with school, sports, church and other activities.
But although attendance may have gradually waned over decades, I am wondering if, perhaps, the fair isn’t making something of a comeback.
It provides experiences that many younger people did not grow up with. Folks pay good money to pick pumpkins and cotton and see cows milked through agri-tourism, and enjoy going to pioneer days at the museum, so the fair may have some of that same relevance.
Perhaps people have gotten so used to communicating by electronic devices that the intrapersonal fair experience is a welcome change. It certainly is a good opportunity for family and friends to get together for some fun, a little excitement and food that’s a bit different from the norm – all without being hunched over a keypad.
Fair officials have tried to “modernize” the fair on occasion, but it probably should remain as the “classic” fair from times past. Although agriculture does not play the role it once did in Union County, it’s good to see that livestock farming is still strong and involves plenty of young people.
This year, for the first time in a while that I am aware of, officials reportedly talked about moving the fair back to the fall, perhaps in late September. That probably would help with attendance when the weather is cooler, although Septembers now are warmer than they were 50 years ago.
Changing the fair time might present a problem in having the carnival, and officials are concerned that that time of year would present more competition from sports or other activities. It’s a difficult decision.
But the county fair is a colorful part of our heritage, reflecting some experiences and values in short supply today. Surely anyone can find something of interest there. The county fair has value and we need to preserve it before it’s too late and we can only bemoan its absence.
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County Schools Cell Phone Policy
Grades K-6
Students in grades K-6 are not allowed to bring cellphones to school.
The following disciplinary action will take place if a K-6 student brings a cell phone to school: The cell phone will be taken by the principal or his/her designee until either a $25 fine has been paid to the school or until the phone has been kept in the school’s possession for 7 days, after which the phone will be turned over to the parent/guardian.
The Union County School District recognizes the importance of integrating emerging technologies with the academic learning process. Our cell phone policy has been crafted to utilize such technology while providing a safe and orderly instructional environment.
Students in grades 7-12 may possess cell phones on campus, but they must be used in accordance with school guidelines below:
● Cell phones may only be used before school, during scheduled breaks, during the lunch break, and after school. Usage of cell phones in the hallways and during class changes are prohibited
● Students are not allowed to take pictures, including selfies, record videos, or post on social media sites that could lead to a disruption of the educational environment. Violation of Cell Phone Policy will result in the following consequences:
1st Offense- The student’s phone will be taken up and sent to the office. The phone will be given back to the student at the end of the school day.
2nd Offense- Paddling or 1 Day of ISS (Parent must pick the phone up at School)
3rd Offense- Paddling or 2 Days of ISS (Parent must pick the phone up at School)
4th Offense- 3 Days ISS (Parent must pick the phone up at School)
*Each Offense after the 6th Offense will add one day of ISS to each step with the parent having to pick the phone up at the school The Union County School District will not be held responsible for lost or stolen phones. Electronic devices brought to school are the responsibility of the students.
Days Iss
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Everett accepted to rural physicians program
By J.
Maggie Jo Everett, a New Albany native and junior at Mississippi State University, was recently selected to participate in the undergraduate portion of the Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholarship Program (MRPSP). Everett is the daughter of Angie and Vance Yerby and the late Joseph Everett.
Created in 2007, MRPSP identifies college sophomores and juniors who demonstrate the necessary commitment and academic achievement to become competent, well-trained rural primary care physicians in our state. The program offers undergraduate academic enrichment and a clinical experience in a rural setting. Upon completion of all medical school admissions requirements, the student can use the scholarship at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine or William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
During medical school, each MRPSP scholar may receive $35,000 per year based on available funding. Consistent legislative support of MRPSP translates to 62 medical students receiving a total of $2,170,000 to support their education this fall. In addition to the legislative support, 3 privately funded scholarships are also awarded from the Madison Charitable Foundation, the Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, and the Medical Assurance Company of Mississippi. Additional benefits include personalized mentoring from practicing rural physicians and academic support.
Upon completion of medical school, MRPSP scholars must enter a residency program in one of five primary care specialties: family medicine, general internal medicine, pediatrics, medicine-pediatrics, or obstetrics/gynecology. A select number of spots are available for those interested in psychiatry, as well. The MRPSP Scholar must provide four years of service in a clinic-based practice in an approved Mississippi community of 15,000 people or fewer and located more than 20 miles from a medically served area.
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Immunizations, Birth Certificate, Social Security Number
Mississippi State Law requires all students to be immunized prior to enrolling in school in Mississippi.
The local Health Department or a student's physician may provide the proper certificate to be placed in his/her record. All students entering the 7th grade will be required to have a new Immunization Form 121 to verify this compliance. It is recommended that this form be obtained and given to the school at the end of the 6th grade year to avoid delayed enrollment in the fall. Seventh grade students cannot begin classes without this form. No child can attend without proof of immunization. The school should have a copy of a child's Certified Birth Certificate from the State Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics. If you need to obtain a certified birth certificate, forms are available in the school office. Your child's Social Security Number is necessary for school attendance reports to the Mississippi State Department of Education.
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Local entrepreneur forms own record label
Martelle Clemmer plans to make it big in the music business. “I’ve been interested in music for the past 20 years,” he said.
Over more recent years he has gone from dreams to entrepreneurial merchandising to starting his own record label, NA Music Group.
In fact, one of his artists will have an album release this week.
Clemmer, who was raised here, said he has been selling his Fly Boy Apparel clothing line about two years along with Hamz Clothing Co. for women and the Hams Kids Collection.
He also has created his own designs with Mean Street Merch.
But, this week, his focus is on rap and hip hop music.
His two contract artists are OVN Celebrity, AKA Ryan Hearn, and Dolo, AKA Paul Baldwin.
OVN already has a mix tape, “No Refunds 2,” out now. He’s going to release “F*A*M*E” this week.
OVN Celebrity’s mixtape release party will start at 8 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Swagg Bar and Lounge in Prairie. Details are available on the website about location and admission.
Clemmer says he has been using Shorter Productions in New Albany so far. “It’s a nice studio,” he said, and added that he plans to shoot a new video here in the next two to three weeks. It will be for OVN and called “First Day Out.”
Clemmer wants his label to remain independent, but also wants it to grow so his artists have been doing events around here and in the Memphis area.
For more information, go to www.meanstreetwarehouse.com. On Facebook, it’s Mean Street/North Side Assn. On Instagram, look for northsideassociation and his Youtube channel is NA Music Group.
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Macedonia Baptist had a lively week at Spark Studios VBS last week. The stage decorations were phenomenal. Bro John Stuckey and Johnny Knighton went to Birmingham to pick them up from Bro. John's nieces. They took the church van but when they tried to load them, they wouldn't fit in the door. So, they rented a U-Haul truck and managed to get them to Macedonia. Bro. John's nieces handmade the decorations, but they looked professional. Parts of the decorations would move. The music was also awesome under the leadership of Christie Stuckey, and Robin and Jake McDonald. The kids always love the songs and learn the movements. What is so awesome about the songs is that they teach spiritual truths set to music. Our memory verse, Ephesians 2:10, was set to music and the children learned the verse by learning the song. Rotations consisted of gym, crafts missions, Bible study, and snacks. The youth class had a great week too. They had a class competition consisting of two groups. Each student brought change, and they had a contest to see which group could raise the most money. They are going to use the money on the church they will be ministering to this week in New Orleans on the youth mission trip. Bro. James thought they might could raise $200, but instead they raised $1,300!! The youths left July 16, and I know they will have an eventful week. They will return on July 22. The average for VBS was 117 kids and 80 adults.
Annie Michael Steele celebrated her fourth birthday on Saturday, July 16, at PAC in New Albany. The theme she picked out was a pastel rainbow party. She had pink, yellow, white, blue and purple balloons and a big gold four balloon. Her table had the same colors of ruffles on the tablecloth. She had cupcakes, a pastel cake, fruit and ice cream. Her mom, Marley Collier; her dad, Michael Steele; and her stepdad, Kent Collier gave the party. All her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and little friends were invited. They were entertained by playing on the jumping house and fun trampolines.
Nicole, Anna Claire, and Adilynn McQuary invited Arden McQuary to go to the movies on Sunday, July 17. They saw the new Minions movie. Everyone enjoyed their afternoon.
Macedonia will have the blessing of the back packs Aug. 14 during the morning worship service and a back-to-school bash that night.
Thought for the week: “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” Psalm 61:2
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As part of continued efforts to reduce overdose deaths, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has extended and expanded the statewide naloxone standing order that permits pharmacists to dispense the opioid reversal medication naloxone without a prescription from doctors or other medical practitioners.
Signed by State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers, the standing order states that pharmacists are allowed “to dispense an opioid antagonist [naloxone] to a person at risk of experiencing an opioid-related overdose or to a family member, friend or other person in a position to assist an at-risk person.” And according to Mississippi’s Medical Emergency Good Samaritan Act, one cannot be prosecuted for calling 911 in the event of an overdose—even if they are in possession of a drug.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 106,000 people died in the U.S. as the result of a drug overdose in the 12-month period ending November 2021, with opioid-related deaths accounting for 75 percent of all overdose deaths. A report from the Mississippi Opioid and Heroin Data Collaborative showed that drug overdose deaths in Mississippi rose by 49 percent in one year from 2019-2020.
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Jimmy Bennett, Fulton
Walter Griffin, Holly Springs
Gladys Johnson, Tupelo
MEMO, HUNTING ICON, SENTER LOGO
FULTON - Jimmy F. Bennett, 70, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Sanctuary Hospice House. He was born January 18, 1952 to the late R.J. Bennett and the late Ella Jean Kerr Fortner. He worked at PCA for 17 years and then Itawamba County School System for 26 years of maintenance service. He was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. He loved to go fishing, hunting, gardening, and tending to his chickens and turkeys.
Services will be 1:00 pm on Thursday July 21, 2022 at Senter Funeral Home with Bro. Bobby Fowler, Bro. James Peoples, and Bro.Terry Paul Graham officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 till service time at 1:00 pm on Thursday July 21, 2022 at Senter Funeral Home. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery. Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Survivors include his wife, Hilda Jane Bennett of Fulton; son, Steven (Pam) Bennett of Fulton; granddaughters: Halie (Shawn) McAllister and Taylor Bennett, brother, Wayne (Sandy) Bennett, sister-in-law, Joyce Bennett, a host of nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Bennett.
Pallbearers will be Harold Wilson, Ken Lentz, Tommy Poole, Stevie Jones, Michael Lentz.
Honorary pallbearers are Dan Farrar, Pete McMurry, Larry Underwood.
TUPELO - Gladys Laverne Johnson at the age of 84 years old died Monday, July 18, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born in Itawamba County on September 1, 1937. She is the only child of William "Grady" Farris and Pearlie Pruitt Farris. On July 17, 1959, she married Teddy Hoyt Johnson; they shared 46 years together before his death on December 30, 2005. Gladys was the longtime Supervisor for the Lee County Health Department, prior she taught nursing at Northeast Junior College from 1966 until 1971. After her retirement, she enjoyed doing crafts. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing. Gladys' true joy was reading and studying the Holy Bible. She was a past member of Verona First Baptist Church and a current member of First Baptist Church in Tupelo.
Gladys is survived by her three children, Anthony Johnson and his wife, Suzanne, of Franklin, Tennessee, Vanessa Davis and her husband, John, of St. Louis, Missouri, and William Johnson of Tupelo; four grandsons, Sean Davis and his wife, Jennifer, of High Ridge, Missouri, Eric Johnson of Springhill, Tennessee, Scott Davis and his wife, Kasey, of Garden City, Missouri, and Nick Johnson and his wife, Laura Jean, of Springhill; and nine great-grandchildren, Owen, Mason, Emylia, Avery, Aiden, Aubrey, Zoe, Camryn, and Charlotte.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, July 21, 2022, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo.
A service honoring Gladys' life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Matt Powell officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
HOLLY SPRINGS - Walter Griffin, 59, passed away on July 19, 2022, at Alliance Health Care in Holly Springs, MS. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Serenity Funeral Home.
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Dr. Daniel P. Edney
Incoming state health officer: Postpartum Medicaid extension is ‘easiest thing to do’
JACKSON • The doctor who will soon lead the Mississippi State Department of Health is openly supporting giving poor mothers in the state access to more Medicaid coverage after they give birth, a policy that some Republican lawmakers have rejected.
Dr. Daniel Edney, the incoming state health officer, said in an interview on conservative statewide radio station Supertalk Mississippi that expanding postpartum care from the state’s current policy of two months to a full year would be the “easiest thing to do” to improve health disparities.
Between 2013 and 2016, there were 136 Mississippi mothers who died either during pregnancy or within one year of their pregnancy's end, according to a 2019 report from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Of those deaths, 86% of them occurred postpartum.
“I just refuse to accept the premise that it’s just our fate to be unhealthy,” Edney said. “It’s our fate for our mothers and our children to die at higher rates than every other state; I just refuse to accept that as a physician, as a Mississippian and certainly as a state health officer.”
The state Senate earlier this year overwhelmingly passed a bill to extend postpartum coverage for up to a year. But it repeatedly stalled in the 122-member state House, led by House Speaker Philip Gunn, who has repeatedly been opposed to postpartum expansion.
Gunn, R-Clinton, has been a critical opponent of giving poor mothers in the state more postpartum Medicaid coverage, even though medical leaders have urged him to support the policy.
Gunn has previously told members of the press that he’s reached out to leaders of the Mississippi Division of Medicaid for information on whether expanding postpartum care would be beneficial, and he said they haven’t responded.
The speaker also announced he would create a commission to study childcare issues, doing so after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. So far Gunn has not announced any appointments to the commission. It is also unclear if the meetings will be open to the public.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, a Republican, created a similar commission. He named nine state senators to study childcare and maternal health legislation. The committee is set to meet later this year.
Daniel Edney
Mississippi Healthcare
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By JOE GUZZARDI Syndicated columnist
Most blue-collar, working Americans consider the consumer price index a government gimmick that purposely excludes their day-to-day necessities: energy up 41.6%, gas up 60%, eggs up 33%, and public transportation up 23.7%. A truer indicator of consumer pain showed up in the producer wholesale price index, which hit 11.3%.
Inflation has its peaks and valleys, but the prediction by the United Nations that the global population will reach 8.5 billion in 2030 and 9.7 billion in 2050 represents an ongoing and perhaps insurmountable challenge. By the end of the century, the U.N. estimates that there will be 10.4 billion people on the planet. Today, the world’s population is just a tick under 8 billion and has grown at an unsustainable rate.
Those countries are thousands of miles away, and their difficulties unfathomable to most Americans, but U.S. population also is climbing at an unsustainable rate. The nation’s population is about 332 million now but will reach 424 million in 2100, about 25% more people than live in the U.S. today. The consequences of too many people are grave, both in terms of more difficult human interaction in overcrowded surroundings and lasting ecological damage to dwindling natural resources.
Ironically, the U.N. released its frightening population projections at about the same time that Elon Musk, claiming the U.S. faces an “underpopulation crisis,” pleaded for an increase in births. “A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far,” said Musk, who cited himself as a would-be role model. One of his love interests, Shivon Zilis, gave birth to twins this summer, bringing Musk’s total offspring to nine. To Musk, replacement-level fertility, normally considered 2.1 children per woman, is an outdated notion.
Unfortunately, Musk’s message to promote a have-more-children agenda via his huge social media following reaches more people than the communications of stabilization advocates. Census Bureau data reflects a net gain of one person — births and international migrant arrivals minus deaths — in the U.S. every 26 seconds, far too many to protect the nation’s already crumbling, overcrowded infrastructure and its imperiled ecosystems.
So please, don't listen to Musk.
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Spence Coffman had to do a double-take to make sure it was real.
While watching the Major League Baseball Draft on Tuesday, he saw his name pop up in the 19th round, as the 570th overall pick by the San Diego Padres.
“There’s that moment of, is this real? Once I took a second glance and saw that it was real, I was jumping around for about five minutes, I was so excited,” said Coffman, a shortstop from Tishomingo County High School.
He said he plans to sign with the Padres and will soon head to Arizona for a rookie camp.
As a senior at Tishomingo County, Coffman batted .507 with 12 doubles, three home runs, 26 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. He committed only one error in 67 fielding chances.
As good as he was in high school, Coffman is looking forward to making baseball a full-time endeavor.
“In school I played basketball, and basketball takes up a lot of time, and so does school,” he said. “I want to see how good I can really be if that’s my focus. It’s literally my job now, so it’s going to be everything I do. I think I’ll get really good at it.”
Coffman is the only area high schooler to be drafted this year. He said he knew he might be selected late in the 20-round draft.
“This is what I’ve dreamed of since I was – I can’t even think how far back,” Coffman said. “This is what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a trip.”
He’s also quite happy it was the Padres who drafted him. He cited their strong minor league system, and also the big club’s playing style.
“I love their style of play in the MLB; they’ve got a certain swag to them, so I think it’s a perfect fit.”
Spence Coffman
Tishomingo County Braves
Tishomingo County High School
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Colin Maloney of Tupelo stands in front of a world map — its surface dotted with mementos of his travels across the globe — posted on the wall of his office inside Century Construction in Tupelo.
A helmet, signed by a group of Maloney's friends and fellow adventurers, is perched atop the antler of a deer head mounted in Maloney's office.
Canoers navigate the waters of Tishomingo State Park in this file photo from May 2022. Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, which oversees 25 state-owned parks, could soon have a new permanent director.
C. Todd Sherman
Tupelo resident Colin Maloney appointed to state outdoor conservation board
JACKSON - Gov. Tate Reeves on Wednesday announced he appointed Colin Maloney, the CEO of Tupelo-based Century Construction, to the board of trustees of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund.
Maloney will now be one of seven voting board members who will determine which conservation and wildlife projects can be improved with state tax dollars.
“Our wildlife lands are important to me,” Maloney said. “I’m excited about being on the committee.”
Reeves also appointed Van K. Ray of Yazoo City, Drew Thomas St. John of Madison and David Edward Holman of Bay St. Louis to the board.
“I am confident that these individuals will help to do exactly that by effectively representing the state and steering the responsible investment of these funds toward impactful conservation efforts,” Reeves said in a statement.
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann earlier this month appointed Denny Terrell of Kosciusko, Joe Cloyd of Ocean Springs and Mat Lipscomb of DeSoto County to the board.
All seven appointees are subject to Senate confirmation during the next legislative session. Several legislators and leaders of state agencies will also sit on the board as non-voting members.
Even though one piece of legislation said the trust fund would receive $20 million this year, the Legislature only agreed to set aside $10 million in state funds for conservation efforts. But after this year, it will be up to the Legislature to determine how much money goes into the fund each year.
Another goal of the fund is to draw down federal matching dollars to support conservation efforts in the state.
The money can be directed toward a variety of issues including improvements to state parks, public water and land restoration, forests, and grasslands and land owned by nonprofits.
Mississippi state-owned parks have been chronically underfunded in recent years, causing them to go into a state of disrepair, causing the Senate and House to sharply sharply disagreed for years about how the trust fund should operate.
The Senate wanted to fund the program through yearly spending bills and allow the funds to only go toward public lands initially. The House wanted to fund the program through a tax diversion and have the money go toward private and public lands.
The two bodies eventually compromised to allow the Legislature to fund the program each year, but the money can go to private and public lands.
It’s unclear when the board will conduct its first meeting and decide who will be the first chairman of the board.
Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund
Mississippi Conservation
Colin Maloney
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Matt Rourke I AP
PHILADELPHIA • I think it's gonna be a long, long time until we see another songwriter and performer like Elton John.
He has sold over 300 million records worldwide, has played over 4,000 shows in 80 countries — including two in Tupelo (in 1998 and 2014) — and recorded one of the best-selling singles of all-time, his 1997 reworking of "Candle In The Wind" to eulogize Princess Diana, which sold 33 million copies.
The outrageous costumes and oversized glasses he was known for in his early '70s heyday are gone now, and while the man has not met a sequin or a feather he doesn't adore, his wardrobe is (by Elton standards) somewhat tamer these days.
"Be kind to yourself," he said. "Love each other."
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OXFORD • An Oxford doctor has been arrested after being accused of playing a role in fleecing $3.8 million from the United States and health care benefits programs.
According to court documents, Lund ran “The Foot Doctor,” a podiatry clinic with an in-house pharmacy that he used to prescribe foot bath medications and to order molecular diagnostic testing. The indictment says Lund and his co-conspirators fraudulently billed insurance companies – including Medicare and TRICARE, which provides benefits to U.S. military personnel, retirees and their families.
In addition to the fraudulent submissions that benefited Lund and the co-conspirators, the indictment alleges that certain participating pharmacies and laboratories also paid kickbacks and bribes to Lund for sending the additional business their way. The indictment cites text messages between Lund and a co-conspirator talking about the kickbacks. Lund received around $100 for each diagnostic test. After one text message thread discussed sending Lund to Hawaii on vacation, the co-conspirator reportedly wrote, “Not joking. Delete that before I get arrested though.”
The indictment only tells the government’s side of the allegations. Lund is represented by Oxford attorney Hal Neilson, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday afternoon.
Lund’s trial is scheduled to happen Aug. 22 in Oxford before U.S. District Court Judge Glen Davidson. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 95 years in a federal prison.
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Ferguson, Sylvia
SYLVIA FERGUSON September 1, 1940 - July 19, 2022 Sylvia Hawthorne Ferguson of Tupelo died July 19, 2022 at the North Mississippi Medical Center after a brief illness. She was 81. Sylvia was born on September 1, 1940 in Meridian but her parents moved to New Albany shortly thereafter. She attended New Albany Public schools through the 10th grade and was a cheerleader and Member of the Homecoming Court. Following a family move to Natchez, she graduated from high school there in 1958 and was active in the city's annual Pilgrimage serving as one of the hostesses for the event. Another family move got them back to New Albany after her graduation and she went to her first year of college at Northeast in Booneville. After a year at Northeast, Sylvia transferred to Delta State University where she majored in Elementary Education and gained her undergraduate degree. While there she was a cheerleader, Delta Belle and married her forever sweetheart, Bob Ferguson. From there they started a 61-year journey together that was filled with a love for each other, a love for education and a love for life. They started work in Kansas City, Kansas and Sylvia earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Their careers together carried them to school systems in Corinth, Columbia, Long Beach/DeLisle, Picayune and Tishomingo County. It was at Tishomingo County High School that Sylvia started Mississippi's first Vocational Child Care Center. Then they retired. Time to travel the world, which they did. See new things, which they did. Make new friends, which they did. Some 15 countries and 48 states. But the globe hopping didn't last long. Sylvia felt the need to do something really special for the field of education she so loved. And she did. The Tri-State Educational Foundation was founded in 1999 to provide scholarships and grants to eligible individuals and organizations. For more than 20 years Sylvia provided the leadership to oversee and distribute some 3,832 educational scholarships and countless grants to teachers, schools and municipalities. To date, the Foundation has provided almost $14 million in direct assistance to help further education in the region. Unfortunately, Sylvia's health began to decline in recent years necessitating a move from their Tennessee River home to Tupelo for medical purposes. Sylvia was an active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church in Tupelo and the Friendship Sunday School Class. She is survived by Bobby Ferguson, her beloved husband of 61 years, and two children Bart of Chattanooga, Tennessee and Kristi of luka as well as six grandchildren and two sponsored foreign exchange students. Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents Everette and Opal Hawthorne, her brother Fred and sister Beth. Funeral services will be held Friday at St. Luke United Methodist Church at 11am. The services will be conducted by St. Luke's Senior Pastor Reverend Rob Gill and Reverend Amber Lea Gray. Holland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be from 10 am until service time at the church and burial will be at 1:30pm at United Funeral Home Vista Memorial Gardens in New Albany. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS 38804. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
Sylvia Hawthorne Ferguson
Amber Lea Gray
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Gladys Laverne Johnson at the age of 84 years old died Monday, July 18, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center. She was born in Itawamba County on September 1, 1937. She is the only child of William "Grady" Farris and Pearlie Pruitt Farris. On July 17, 1959, she married Teddy Hoyt Johnson; they shared 46 years together before his death on December 30, 2005. Gladys was the longtime Supervisor for the Lee County Health Department, prior she taught nursing at Northeast Junior College from 1966 until 1971. After her retirement, she enjoyed doing crafts. In her younger years, she enjoyed sewing. Gladys' true joy was reading and studying the Holy Bible. She was a past member of Verona First Baptist Church and a current member of First Baptist Church in Tupelo. Gladys is survived by her three children, Anthony Johnson and his wife, Suzanne, of Franklin, Tennessee, Vanessa Davis and her husband, John, of St. Louis, Missouri, and William Johnson of Tupelo; four grandsons, Sean Davis and his wife, Jennifer, of High Ridge, Missouri, Eric Johnson of Springhill, Tennessee, Scott Davis and his wife, Kasey, of Garden City, Missouri, and Nick Johnson and his wife, Laura Jean, of Springhill; and nine great-grandchildren, Owen, Mason, Emylia, Avery, Aiden, Aubrey, Zoe, Camryn, and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, July 21, 2022, at W. E. Pegues, Tupelo. A service honoring Gladys' life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2022, at the Jefferson Street Chapel of W. E. Pegues with Rev. Matt Powell officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Baptist Church Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.peguesfuneralhome.com.
Teddy Hoyt Johnson
Verona First Baptist Church
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Meg Potter I The Las Cruces Sun News via AP
Crowd protests relocation of Mississippi abortion clinic to New Mexico
LAS CRUCES, N.M. • Anti-abortion activists from across the U.S. converged in southern New Mexico on Tuesday to protest relocation plans by the Mississippi clinic at the center of the court battle that overturned the Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide, but New Mexico's governor vowed not to back down from her support for access to abortions.
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Shanaija Baker, 24, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Baldwyn Police Department, felony dog theft.
Lekendrick Bell, 26, of Plantersville, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.
Michael Brock, 36, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, violation of probation.
Julie Carruth, 54, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Thomas Carruth, 56, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, exploitation of a vulnerable adult.
Jimmy Green, 40, no address listed, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of methamphetamine.
Terrance Mitchell, 38, no address listed, was arrested by the Verona Police Department, driving under the influence – third offense, driving with a suspended license, resisting arrest.
Danzel Rakeem Harper, 22, no address listed, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, exposing others to HIV.
Dustin Smith, 37, no address listed, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor fleeing.
The following reports were filed Wednesday by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
A Guntown woman left her husband and went to stay with a Highway 370 female friend. She said the husband drove past the house all night long honking his horn. At one point, he pulled into the driveway and threw out some of the woman’s belongings.
A woman said a man came after her in the parking lot of Ashley Furniture at Saltillo. She called her friends, who arrived and started an altercation and blocked the road. Plant officials called 911 and the suspects all left.
A County Road 2578 Guntown man said in mid-June there were four fraudulent withdrawals from his bank account. The first two transactions were for 6 and 14 cents. A week later, $10 and then $150 were removed. The bank said someone overseas used Google Wallet to take the $169.20.
A County Road 2296 Saltillo man said he had an altercation in May on his property with his father-in-law. He wanted a report on file and has told the suspect he is not welcome on his property.
A woman said her son, 29, has been staying with his grandmother, 74. He has been yelling and disrespecting the grandmother and will not follow her rules. The women told the suspect to move out but he refuses.
A County Road 1438 Auburn woman said an Ashley Furniture truck backed into her mailbox, knocking it down. She followed the truck onto the interstate where it took the Belden exit. She said her damaged mailbox and post were worth $500.
A Birmingham Ridge Road man said during the day, someone shot his mailbox. Deputies responded and found two bullet holes in the box.
A security guard at the Super 7 Motel on McCullough Boulevard saw a white male key a car in the parking lot of the Red Roof Inn next door after 1 a.m. Police contacted the owner of the car. She said her ex-boyfriend just left the hotel room after they got into an argument over money. She said his tax refund was withheld, due to child support in arrears.
A Meadow Circle Belden woman has a protection order against her ex-husband. He found out she is dating and sent an email to the new man. She feels his is trying to get to her.
A woman said a man found her phone number on Facebook and called her about her art, before trying to start a romantic relationship a week later. After she turned him down, he started harassing her and began calling from other numbers. He showed up at her house at 9 p.m., despite her not giving out her address, and confronted her verbally, then left.
A woman said she was stopped at the traffic light in front of the West Main Walmart around 4 p.m. when a black sedan rear ended her 2017 Honda Accord. She pulled into the Murphy’s gas station, but the other car drove away.
A Bell Circle woman was standing outside her apartment around 9:30 p.m. when a woman walked up and started yelling at her for no reason. The suspect then assaulted her, busting her lip. The suspect tried unsuccessfully to grab a hammer. When the woman got away and called 911, the suspect left. The suspect returned two more times, standing outside and yelling.
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