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Tupelo offensive tackle Zay Alexander, who holds a bevy of Division I offers, has committed to Mississippi State.
Tupelo's Zay Alexander 'meant' to play football
By BRAD LOCKE and BEN SUTTON Daily Journal
Zay Alexander has been playing football for a long time, and his trajectory continues upward.
The Tupelo offensive tackle recently committed to Mississippi State. The senior also had offers from Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Oregon and Texas, among others.
Alexander said MSU feels like home. That’s how the football field feels to him, too.
“I’ve been playing football for a while, about 13 years. I think I was put here to play football. It was meant for me,” Alexander said.
He certainly looks the part, standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 320 pounds. Alexander has a huge wing span and is nimble on his feet.
But he didn’t always feel the way he feels now about football.
“When I got here, he probably didn’t love it that much,” third-year head coach Ty Hardin said. “But I think he fell in love with it, and I think he saw that football could be a way out for him and give him opportunities outside of high school and to get out of Tupelo, Mississippi. I think he’s seeing that he can use this sport to better himself.”
Harmon commits to MSU
Landon Harmon wasted little time making his college decision.
The East Union pitcher verbally committed to Mississippi State last week, just as his sophomore year is cranking up.
“I know that’s where i want to be, and I didn’t feel like there’s any sense in talking to anybody else,” Harmon said.
As a freshman, the right-hander was 3-1 with a 1.39 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 35 1-3 innings. He helped the Urchins win the Class 2A state title.
Harmon first came onto MSU’s radar this summer when he was playing travel ball in Atlanta, and Bulldog pitching coach Scott Foxhall saw him. Foxhall then attended Harmon’s next tournament and made him a scholarship offer.
“I probably wouldn’t have committed if he didn’t call me, because he called me a lot, just telling me how much he wanted me,” Harmon said. “We talked a lot, actually. That was the main thing for me, just making sure that they actually wanted me.”
Oxford Invitational
Oxford is hosting a big volleyball tournament on Saturday.
The Oxford Invitational will include a dozen teams from around the state, with pool play beginning at 8 a.m. on three different courts. The field includes the Daily Journal’s top three ranked teams: Oxford, Belmont and Lafayette.
The top two teams from each pool will advance to single-elimination bracket play, which is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. All matches are best two-out-of-three.
Landon Harmon
Scott Foxhall
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A freight train with the BNSF railroad travels past a track switch as it heads southeast as through the Crosstown intersection in Tupelo on Wednesday. City officials are moving forward with engineering work for several railway-related projects, thanks in part to a $1.5 million federal grant.
Tupelo to receive $1.5 million grant for railroad projects
TUPELO • With a $1.5 million federal grant coming their way, Tupelo officials hope to take significant steps toward upgrades to the city’s railroad infrastructure.
“This is a real shot in the arm for the city,” Mayor Todd Jordan said. “The administration is extremely excited and honored to get this because it shows we are not only talking about (railroad upgrades) but also taking action.”
The funding arrives as part of the federal Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and & Equity grant program. City officials say they plan to use the money to pay for engineering work on a handful of planned railroad upgrades, including the construction of an overpass on Eason Boulevard to bypass the Kansas City Southern Railroad crossing on the street, moving the Crosstown switching operation, developing quiet zones in the city and the installation of new safety features throughout the city’s railroad crossings.
City Engineer Dennis Bonds said the grant covers 30% of the overall $4.8 million in engineering costs for the project.
The grant, Development Services Director Tanner Newman said, will be used for “everything leading up to the construction phase.” He said the administration plans to apply for more grants to continue construction.
As of Wednesday, city officials have no solid timeline for the project.
Reducing the noise and/or traffic backup from the city’s railroad crossings is a priority for current city officials … just as it has been for multiple administrations.
Newman said the city gets at least one complaint about crosstown’s train intersection a week.
“This administration has worked with our federal delegation and BNSF to come up with a solution that is realistic and that we intend to implement,” Newman said. “Public safety is the primary focus of these three initiatives, but they will also lead to an improvement in quality of life."
Newman said he believes previous attempts to divert the railway were less than feasible and cost-prohibitive. A 2008 study had project estimates topping more $800 million. That project involved diverting the train away from Crosstown.
City officials say the current version of the project has an estimated price tag of around $60 million.
Quiet Zone project slowly progressing
Meanwhile, the city is moving forward with multiple railroad crossing upgrades, which Bonds said represents a significant step toward creating citywide quiet zones.
Federal regulations require trains to sound warnings before crossing a road, but federally designated quiet zones — a section of track that has safety features like crossing arms and flashing lights — lets railroads waive federal regulations on when and for how long to sound a warning upon crossing a road.
“It is going to take some time and some money to get there, but we are moving forward,” Bonds said. “Tupelo wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the trains. They are our partners in all of this.”
There are 19 railroad crossings throughout Tupelo. The federal railroad administration minimum for a quiet zone is half-a-mile of track with crossing up to quiet zone standards, including flashing lights, crossing arms and medians. Bringing each crossing up to standard would take about $25,000 apiece, Bonds said.
Bonds said the administration plans to create two quiet zones, which will cover most of the city. The zones will be broken at Crosstown, which Bonds said cannot feasibly be made into a quiet zone because of existing infrastructure.
City officials in 2019 said the cost to equip each of the 19 intersections throughout Tupelo with the equipment needed to secure quiet zone status for the city was around $5.5 million.
In 2016, the Mississippi Department of Transportation awarded Tupelo a $1 million grant to make safety upgrades at several railroad intersections, although those projects have been delayed multiple times over the years.
Tupelo’s portion of the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and & Equity grant was part of an overall $15.4 million in infrastructure money for the state, which also included $12.6 million for Yazoo City for main street revitalization and $1.4 million for Ripley’s Tanglefoot Trail extension.
Crosstown
Quiet Zones
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Aberdeen School District requesting an increase in ad valorem taxes
ABERDEEN – The Aberdeen School District’s proposed ad valorem tax request for Fiscal Year ’22-’23 is $6,141,473.69 for operations and $464,621.52. The district’s revenue and expenditure budget for the upcoming fiscal year is $26,228,316.25.
The planned request is an increase compared to $5,462,267.21 last year, which accounts for 22 percent of the ASD’s $24,637,138 projected total budget for the current fiscal year.
District chief financial officer Latasha Campbell estimates the school’s total millage to be 58.39 between district maintenance and debt, which is a 1.34-mill increase from last year.
The Aberdeen Board of Aldermen sets the millage rate from the school district’s request.
Of the overall budget, federal revenue totals 38.67 percent, local revenues total 31.27 percent, and state revenues total 30.05 percent. As far as expenditures, instruction comprised the largest portion at 40.06 percent.
More specific revenue sources included $683,455.17 for teacher pay raises, $624,406 through Title I, $85,886 through Title II, $47,204 through Title IV, $22,982 through Title V, $4,657,961 through ESSER III and $2,074,023 through ESSER II.
Average daily attendance for Fiscal Year ’21-’22 was 1,035.03, compared to 929.04 for the upcoming fiscal year. By ADA figures, student enrollment decreased by 105.99. There is a $658.12 increase in the base student cost, from $5,874.08 for ’21-’22 to $6,532.20 for the upcoming fiscal year.
“For FY ’23 for the Aberdeen School District, the total MAEP (Mississippi Adequate Education Program) full funded amount is $6,102,013. It’s changed by $103,343. Even though our ADA decreased, base student cost increased so that’s why we’re seeing an increase,” Campbell said.
MAEP allocations for the upcoming fiscal year totaled $5,461,563, compared to $5,367,092 last year.
The Aberdeen School Board will adopt the FY ’23 budget Aug. 12 ahead of submitting it to the city.
Latasha Campbell
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Supervisors updated on MEMA individual storm shelter program
ABERDEEN – During Aug. 1’s board of supervisors meeting, Monroe County Emergency Management Agency Director Donna Sanderson shared insight on the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Safe Room Pilot Program, which opened that day.
Through the program, applicants could be eligible for a 75 percent reimbursement or up to $3,500 for the cost of installing a storm shelter or safe room. The last day for people to apply online at https://my.msema.org/ is Oct. 31.
“After Oct. 31, they will see how much money they have left. Then they will open it up to a few more counties and possibly have another grant after that,” Sanderson said.
Monroe County is one of eight counties currently served by the pilot program.
“The applicant will fill out the first page, while the second will be completed at our office,” Sanderson said after distributing samples of the two-page applications to the supervisors for reference.
She said homeowners must still be prepared to budget at least $3,000 in addition to whatever reimbursement may be received. Shelters must be Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved and be installed by certified contractors.
Sanderson said successful applicants will be guided though the process step-by-step.
“I’m grateful for the effort that you have put in to make this come to pass. A lot of people are very concerned about storm shelters,” said board president Hosea Bogan, who expressed his appreciation to Sanderson for her service.
Earlier this year, supervisors discussed state legislation requiring permitting as a condition to construction across Monroe County. Last week, board attorney David Houston advised supervisors that they will need to take action in establishing a permit authority to administer provisions of the new law.
“A lot of counties are going into the permitting business for construction. Some people are charging a fee for issuing a permit. They are setting up a permitting authority somewhere within the county. Various counties are doing it various ways. This is something that needs to be done at some time, and not too far in the future,” he said.
Provisions of the new law will affect remodeling work of $10,000 or more and new construction of $50,000 or more.
During last Friday’s supervisors meeting, board attorney David Houston presented an ordinance for consideration, which was approved. There will not be a permitting fee, and it will go into effect 30 days after being published.
Agriculture and commercial buildings and projects completed by the property owner and someone related to the property owner to a certain kinship are exempt.
District 2 Supervisor B.R. Richey, who is a contractor, himself, enumerated the factors involved to administer and enforce a permitting authority in the county.
“It won’t be fun. Sooner or later, you might have one (inspector) who looks at construction work, and you’ll have to pay him. He’s got to know (all the trades involved) at each step of the project and sign off on it. He’s got to have a truck and insurance,” he said.
Houston described the limited scope of the permitting authority as ensuring that the contractor for a project is licensed.
“That’s a good thing,” Richey said.
In other business, circuit clerk Dana Sloan updated the board on changes in voting districts across the county through redistricting.
“The changes for the supervisory district and legislative district lines will not take effect until next year, so voting locations for the next election will not be affected,” she said.
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Hatley's Kenlee Wilkinson was one of the leading scorers for the Lady Tigers last season.
Hatley's Lexi Miller will return to the starting point guard position as a senior.
Hatley's Chloe Wilbanks will be one of the Lady Tigers' primary ball handlers in her junior year.
Lady Tigers fixated on team chemistry, gaining strength
With a solid amount of returning experience, the Hatley Lady Tigers spent their summer focusing on building chemistry and getting stronger in the gym.
“We’re trying to build some chemistry and feed off of our senior leaders this year,” Hatley coach Shelley Scott said. “We’ve been focusing on getting stronger this year, and we’ve implemented a new weight program to help out with that.”
Scott views the increase in strength as a huge plus for her team as they have utilized it on the defensive side.
“We invest a lot on defense, and we hope to be able to press a little bit more this year,” she said. “We’re working on growing our depth a little bit more this year in order to apply that pressure all game.”
Seniors Lexi Miller, Kenlee Wilkinson and Mary Katherine Willingham played big roles for the Lady Tigers over the summer, and Scott plans to lean on them once the season starts.
“I have some seniors coming back that have stepped up big for us in a few of our scrimmages,” she said. “Lexi Miller has stepped up defensively, and she’s really been a leader for us on defense. Kenlee Wilkinson had a big year last year as one of our leading scorers, and she’s looked good over the summer. Mary Katherine Willingham is another one of our seniors that’s stepped up and will be bringing back some good leadership.”
Juniors Chloe Wilbanks and Madison Whitt have also shown improvement over the summer after spending a lot of time in the gym, according to Scott.
“Chloe Wilbanks and Madison Whitt have been working hard in the gym every day, getting stronger, faster and working on their shots,” she said. “So, I’m excited to see their hard work over the summer transfer into the real season.”
The Lady Tigers’ chemistry, strength and confidence led them to a few scrimmage wins this summer, and Scott believes those three things will be key factors in the regular season.
“I feel like this summer has already proven that our chemistry will play a big factor in our success this season,” she said. “We’ve been really working on getting stronger and being more confident in ourselves, and I believe it has really showed on the court this summer.”
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Aberdeen's ML Fort plans to take on a starting role for the Bulldogs as a senior.
Aberdeen's Jermaine Strong played in a few games for the Bulldogs towards the middle of the season.
Deon Blanchard/Monroe Journal Files
Bulldogs looking to replace key roles over the summer
Last year’s Aberdeen Bulldogs basketball team was senior-heavy with six on the roster and five in the starting lineup. Aberdeen coach Kelvin Young acknowledged that this upcoming season might be a rebuild, but he accepted the challenge over the summer.
“I’m kind of starting over because our team last year was so senior-oriented,” Young said. “ML Fort is the only player on our team so far that has a little playing experience, and I believe he’s going to play a pretty big part for us as far as scoring the ball. Last year was sort of a rebuild too, but a few pieces fell into place. Now is where the work really begins, and these guys need to learn how to play first.”
This summer, the Bulldogs competed in a pair of games against Eupora and Coffeeville at a tournament in Calhoun City.
“Things were kind of challenging this summer because most of my players were at football, so we didn’t get to do a whole lot,” he said. “I got a chance to do a couple of games in the middle of June where we played Eupora and Coffeeville at a summer tournament in Calhoun City. Our girls’ team had a scrimmage in our gym, and one of the girls from Shannon got overheated, so our athletic director shut it down then. So, we didn’t get to host any scrimmages because we don’t have any air conditioning in our gym.”
The Bulldogs will have a completely new group this year, and Young believes Fort can make a big impact as their only returning player.
“The only guy that’s returning and has made a big impact so far is ML (Fort),” he said. “He was one of my scorers last year, and he played pretty well in those two games. The rest of the guys on the team are going to be fairly new.”
Outside of the two games in Calhoun City, the Bulldogs have mainly spent most of their time learning the game and working on basic fundamentals.
“Some of the things that I’ve been teaching the few guys that I had in practice are pretty basic things that they’re behind on,” he said. “People may think it’s odd, but they’re behind in fundamentals like left-hand layups, knowing how to set screens, spacing the floor and knowing how to properly cut to the basket. Passing is another thing that has been our priority, but there are a lot of things that we need to improve on.”
Young said that he is looking forward to teaching this new group and plans to push them to be the best that they can be.
“I’m looking forward to getting them to learn more about the basic fundamentals and knowing how to play basketball,” he said. “I tell them all the time that they have to put in the work not only with me but at home as well. If I’m stuck too long teaching them the basics, it’s going to be a challenge going up against experienced schools. It’s going to be a work in progress, but my job is to try and improve them.”
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Tennessee man killed in Tippah County wreck
RIPLEY • A Tennessee man was killed in a Saturday morning two-car collision in northern Tippah County.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to the wreck on Highway 72 on Aug. 6 at 5:22 a.m. in Tippah County. The preliminary investigation showed Henry L. Holt, 74, of Humboldt, Tennessee, was driving east in a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer when it collided with a westbound 2005 Toyota Tundra driven by 39-year-old Todd B. Samuelson, 39, of Bartlett, Tennessee.
Holt received fatal injuries during the collision. This crash remains under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.
Henry L. Holt
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Rep. Jason White says he wants to be Speaker, encourages Gunn to make a decision soon
JACKSON • Rep. Jason White on Thursday publicly acknowledged that he is interested in becoming Speaker of the House in 2024 and indicated current House Speaker Philip Gunn should make a decision on his future plans to avoid prolonged questions about the party’s leadership.
White, currently the second highest ranking House member, said on statewide radio station SuperTalk Mississippi that several members have indicated they support him to lead the 122-member chamber but are wondering why Gunn is staying quiet.
“I have gained some respect among my colleagues there and lots of them are encouraging me to run,” White said in an interview with SuperTalk's Paul Gallo.
Current House Speaker Philip Gunn has been silent about his future plans. He has not directly answered reporters' questions about running for re-election, a higher office or retiring.
White, who is Gunn's chief lieutenant, said he would not run against the current speaker.
“You won’t see a Philip Gunn and Jason White race for the House,” White said.
But when pressed if that meant White would continue to serve as House Speaker Pro Tempore if Gunn wanted to remain as Speaker, the Holmes County lawmaker demurred.
“We’ll see how it plays out," White said.
While the No. 2 Republican is saying that he will not participate in a head-to-head race against the leader of the Capitol’s lower chamber, White’s Thursday comments raise questions about the state of behind-the-scenes negotiations between him and Gunn.
White, in somewhat of an unusual move, seemed to put subtle pressure on the leader of the House to make a decision about his plans sooner rather than later.
"I can’t wait until December to decide, 'Hey let’s put something together and run for Speaker.'"
The Holmes County lawmaker at one point even joked that it would be nice for hjim and the current Speaker to finalize their future plans by "tomorrow," but White said it would realistically be early fall before a decision is solidified.
"Members want to know," White said. "It’s not healthy for us to be in limbo anyway. Things get squirrely."
The House Speaker is not a statewide office. To become the leader of the House, White first needs to get re-elected to the seat he currently holds. If re-elected, then a majority of his Republican colleagues would need to agree to support him as House Speaker.
In Mississippi, the House speaker wields enormous power by acting as a gatekeeper for major pieces of legislation and decides which lawmakers should lead committees.
House Transportation Chairman Charles Busby, for example, announced yesterday that he would give up his legislative seat to run for the Transportation Commissioner in south Mississippi, mean the committee he currently leads will be up for grabs.
After statewide elections in 2023, it will be up to the House Speaker to appoint a new leader of that committee.
2024 Statewide Elections
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Laurel wilt is attacking sassafras trees
There is a threat to the health of sassafras trees in north Mississippi. Clarissa Balbalian, the Mississippi State University Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab Manager, has reported an increasing number of calls about dying sassafras across the state. The disease laurel wilt is the suspected cause.
This column will discuss laurel wilt and the potential impact it can have in northern Mississippi. The sources include personal communication from Ms. Balbalian, a MSU Extension Service publication entitled, “Nonnative beetle threatens an entire family of U.S. trees”, and information from the Mississippi Forestry Commission website (www.mfc.ms.gov).
Laurel Wilt
All members of the laurel plant family are susceptible to this disease. The laurel family includes redbay, sassafras, avocado, swamp bay, and others.
Laurel wilt is a fungal disease that is transmitted by the redbay ambrosia beetle. The redbay ambrosia beetle is a nonnative insect from Asia. The pest was first detected in Georgia in 2002. It likely made its way to the United States in wooden pallets or shipping material.
Scientists soon linked redbay ambrosia beetles and laurel wilt disease with the death of several redbay trees near Jekyll Island, Georgia. Since then, the disease has killed millions of redbay trees and other members of the laurel family.
The first case detected in Mississippi was found in Jackson County in 2009. The disease has likely dispersed to other areas in the state. The spread is thought to result from increases in the beetle population and through the movement of firewood containing the insects.
The female beetles bore into host trees to lay eggs. During this process the tree is inoculated with the fungus that causes laurel wilt. The vascular system of the infected tree is clogged, causing wilting leaves and stem dieback. The invading beetles can push out sawdust that resembles toothpicks sticking out of the tree. There are no feasible treatments for trees in natural settings.
In north Mississippi sassafras will be the most severely impacted species. Sassafras has been an important plant that was used by early settlers and native Americans. Most notably, its roots were used to make sassafras tea. The fragrant oil from the roots, leaves, stems, and bark was also used to make root beer.
The redbay ambrosia beetle and laurel wilt disease can negatively impact a historically important tree species in north Mississippi. Please do your part to prevent the spread by not bringing firewood in from other areas and by watching for impacted trees. If you observe a sassafras tree that is experiencing wilting leaves and dieback you can notify the Pontotoc County Extension office by calling 662-489-3910 or by emailing james.shannon@msstate.edu.
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Courtesy: Econo Signs
TUPELO – It's business as usual at Connie's Chicken, said the restaurant's new owners.
The new ownership group is comprised of Nickle Smith, Patrick Ellis and Tres Brasell, who opened Lamar Yard Smokehouse in Oxford last year. They recently purchased Connie's for an undisclosed sum.
"We want to be clear we're happy to be in Tupelo," Ellis said. "This is a different ownership group from Lamar Yard, and we're looking forward to being here and being active in the community as it has been."
Connie's was founded in 1979 by Constantine Asters and his eldest son, Mike. His younger brother, Jay, joined the family business a few years later. Famous for its chicken and its blueberry donuts, Connie's has long been an anchor on South Gloster Street, ideally located directly across from North Mississippi Medical Center and serving as a beacon for many hungry diners.
"Jay and Mike and the Asters family have done a great job," Smith said. "I grew up in Tupelo. Long story short, what we're going to change is nothing. This place is iconic, and we don't want to come in changing stuff. We're not reinventing the wheel; we're just trying to continue what they started."
Asters will remain a familiar face in Connie's and will be there as long as he wants, the new owners said.
"We've got a really good relationship with Jay, and we want to make sure the community knows how much we respect how much he's done for this institution in Tupelo," Ellis said.
Mike and Jay worked in tandem for decades, but Mike's death in December 2020 had a big impact on the the restaurant and Jay's outlook on operating it.
The brothers essentially split their time equally running Connie's, but with Mike's passing, Jay was pressed into having to work even longer hours.
"It did have an impact, along with dealing with COVID," Jay said. "At the time, I wasn't really looking to do anything, but we got to talking, and it was a good feeling. It was time to do something."
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Let's start school, and football, in September
Many years ago in this spot, I advocated for the traditional American school year: nine months of schooling with the summer and holidays off.
As a parent, and a former child, I cited the financial hardships for parents in securing child care, and the benefits of a full summer for kids, as reasons for my stance.
Then, a number of years later, in another column, I changed my mind, advocating for not just a year-long school year, but a school year of 8 a.m.-5 p.m., every Monday-Friday, 52 weeks a year, minus Christmas day and Thanksgiving. If working Americans had that schedule, why not kids? Do you think the children in Japan get a week off for Thanksgiving? I don't know either, but maybe they don't, and that's why they are kicking our butts in science scores and Karaoke popularity. That, in a nutshell, was my reasoning.
Today, in this same space, I'm changing my mind again.
Today, I'm campaigning for not only a return to the traditional September-May school calender, but also, more importantly, a return to the traditional September-December high school football schedule.
First of all, a little history.
In the "olden" days, when kids had jobs during the summers, the school year often didn't start until September. Neither did football season. And kids went to school 180 days a school year — just like they do today.
Somehow, mostly through common sense, they made it work.
Looking at our school calendar, the kids started school on Aug. 4, and have a number of "breaks" that we never had, as well as days off for half-day releases and teacher in-service days, a week off for Thanksgiving, and 14 days off for the Christmas holidays. The school year ends on May 19.
Here's my proposal: Cut Christmas break down to 10 days off; Thanksgiving to three days; eliminate Fall and Winter breaks and some of those other assorted days off; and move back the last day of school back a little. Voila! You're starting the school year on Sept. 1.
Now, let's look at the high school football schedule.
Our team's first preseason scrimmage was held Friday, Aug. 5. First game is set for Aug. 19. The schedule calls for two bye weeks during the regular season. Then five weeks, at max, for the playoffs, ending with the state championship Dec. 8-10.
If you went back to the traditional one bye week during the regular season and moved the state championship back one week, you could start your season in — Voila! — September.
Here are two persuading reasons why these changes need to be made:
Perhaps you haven't noticed, but it gets hot in August. And in July, which is when some school systems are starting classes and most high school football teams start drills. Kids today grow up in air conditioning and aren't used to running around with pads on when it's 100 degrees outside. It's a dangerous situation — one that could be easily remedied (as clearly noted).
Your taxpayer money, in particular. How much are taxpayers spending to run air conditioning in these huge public school buildings in August, and maybe even July? I don't know either, but I figure it's more than they would be spending in December or January or February if we cut out all these breaks.
What could get this common-sense campaign more traction than our students' safety and your pocketbook? I don't know either.
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A portrait of Judy Baxter stands under the pavilion at Frisco Park in Amory during the vigil in her honor in this file photo from Aug. 15, 2021, in Amory.
LUKAS FLIPPO | Special to the Daily Journal
“We want to remind everyone that this is not a cold case. This case is not a forgotten case. Since the evening of August 12, 2021, several agencies have worked endlessly and continue to work on leads, as well as use new investigative tools to continue the search for a suspect or suspects responsible for this crime,” said Amory Police Chief Ronnie Bowen.
“At 77 years old, you would have thought she’d take her retirement and relax, but she spent her time taking care of four great-grandchildren. She volunteered with everything she could do with the city and with her church. I never heard her say a bad word about anybody. That’s what makes this so hard and we can’t understand why somebody would do this to her,” said her son, Keith.
“Somebody out there knows something about it, and we hope it’s in your heart to come forward,” Keith said. “You’ve got to search your heart and know this person is out there. If you know anything, please let Crime Stoppers or the police department know.”
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Ole Miss wide receiver Jalen Knox
The Ole Miss senior wide receiver began his career at Missouri as a four-star prospect out of Arlington, Texas. He caught 77 passes for 1,031 yards and four touchdowns in his Tigers career, including 31 receptions for 305 yards in 2020.
Knox transferred to Ole Miss as a walk-on in 2021 but was not eligible. During that time, Knox worked on himself — and for the first time in his college football career began taking his academics seriously. Knox joked that, while at Missouri, he would open his laptop “maybe two times a week.”
He discovered he was a better student than he ever gave himself credit for.
“Coming in, after I transferred, had to go through a whole process to get back eligible. I had to take, I think I’m at like 42 hours I ended up taking since I got here last July,” Knox said. “Just taking all those classes and really just having to lock in … (I was told) football can take a back role right now, because we just need you to get your academics (together).
“I actually am a smart kid. I’m really good at school and good at getting grades. It’s been blooming ever since.”
Knox also used that time to learn about himself as a football player. Knox was a high school star and started 16 games at Missouri; he wasn’t used to taking a backseat to anyone. But last season forced him into a new role on the scout team. His job was not to be a focal point — it was to help his teammates get ready for the opponent of the week.
It wasn’t necessarily familiar for Knox. But, in a way, it was good for him.
“Last year definitely made me more humble, just not being the starting receiver. … Everything I was doing was just preparing the team to go play whatever opponent. I wasn’t getting to travel, I wasn’t suiting up for the games. I had to take the backseat to whatever they were trying to do,” Knox said. “It was good. I got to focus on my grades, really learned that I’m good at school, started taking that aspect seriously. Now I’m on track to graduate, hopefully get on the field this year, make plays.”
The wide receiver room was crowded last season with the likes of Dontario Drummond, Braylon Sanders, Jonathan Mingo and Jahcour Pearson. Their departures would have led to more opportunities for Knox under most circumstances. The transfer portal, however, vastly changed things.
Ole Miss added former Central Florida receiver Jaylon Robinson, former Mississippi State receiver Malik Heath and former Louisville receiver Jordan Watkins in the offseason, each of whom has a wealth of collegiate experience.
Adding another wrench in his plans was a foot injury Knox suffered that kept him out of spring football. He finds himself in a battle for playing time with new players and veterans like Mingo and Dannis Jackson. That isn’t a bad thing, however.
“I see that as competition. When there’s 10 guys in the room that can all go play on Saturdays, and that can all start, I know every day I have to be on my job, I have to make sure that I’m locked in on the playbook, that I know every detail of the offense,” Knox said. “Because if I don’t, the guy behind me or the guy in front of me is going to either get further ahead of me or he’s going to take my spot. So, it’s good to see that, every day, somebody else is making a different play. … Now it’s time to see what I can go do.”
Jalen Knox
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Is it any wonder that Jesus told his disciples to let the little children come unto Him. I was thinking about that while spending a few days in Alabama with relatives. I had gone to meet for the first time our new great nephew and thoroughly enjoyed an abundance of baby love.
When I looked into that precious baby’s face, I saw nothing but pure innocence. His three-year-old brother depends on us as well, for guidance, love, and protection. Now isn’t that the way that we, Christians, should be as babes in Christ. Jesus knew this, and that is why He tells us that we should depend on Him with that child-like faith, so that we can learn, grow, and develop into the people He would have us to be.
Jim, Cathy, and their family so graciously allowed me to rock and hold and love on their sweet baby to my heart’s content. Sassy Cathy said that I was one of the first “strangers” for him to take to since he was born. As you can imagine, that filled my heart with joy. Though I knew I must return to Pontotoc, had there been a way to slow down time, I would have done so.
During my visit, my niece Mallory requested that I do something for her. She knows I like to cook, and I like to spoil her. So, she knew that whatever she asked for, I would do my very best to make it happen. The family had read my column a few weeks ago about doughburgers, and good grief; they had never had any! They agreed that they would like to try them, so I cooked doughburgers on the first night. I can’t say for sure, but since they cleaned their plates and told me they were really good, it was my assumption that they liked them, and perhaps might add them to their repertoire of favorite foods.
I was not surprised when Mallory requested chicken and dumplings for the second night, and on the third night, I tried to make everybody happy. Just for Jim, I threw an English pea casserole together, and baked pork chops per Mallory’s request. Since Mallory likes the way I make mashed potatoes, of course I made a big bowl for her, and finished the meal with cream style corn. I know you are thinking, “Where is the cornbread?”. Not a speck of cornmeal was to be found in their kitchen. I honestly don’t think it would hurt these Alabama folks to eat a little cornbread every once in a while and put a little meat on their bones. Do I dare mention that not a drop of sweet tea existed in their house either? Imagine that!! Well, I took care of the situation. I made a grocery list for the next night I was planning to cook and sent it to the store by Mallory. I knew she would get anything I sent for, and she did.
On my last night to cook for the family, I made potato soup and fry bread or hoe cakes as some of you may call them. We also had iced tea, sweet of course, with the meal. The little three-year-old ate two and a half of the cornbread cakes and Jim enjoyed his with apple butter. I reckon they enjoyed that meal as well as the others, because they cleaned their bowls and thanked me for a good supper. On the two nights that I did not cook, the family made sure we were well fed. On the night of our arrival, they ordered pizza and on the day Jim had planned to grill hamburgers it rained. Consequently, we settled for order out Taco Bell for supper. It was a great six days filled with lots of good food, family fun chit-chat and laughter.
I’m happy to be back home in Pontotoc, but I sure do miss those slobbery baby sugars. I am really happy to have FaceTime on our telephones for keeping in touch until we can arrange another visit. Anna and Molly are also missing the fun they had with their little cousins, and I suspect the Alabama folks are missing Anna and Molly. The girls did an excellent job of keeping the three-year-old occupied and allowing the grownups a little much deserved rest.
They probably don’t miss this old Nana rummaging around in their kitchen and drinking up all their coffee. But I will say that they couldn’t have done any more to make us feel welcomed and at home. I love these folks, and it is good to know that they love us back. Family!
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TITLE: Bruise discoloration on foot isn't from a blood clot
DEAR DR. ROACH: I'm a 68-year-old woman in good medical/physical condition. I run three times a week and work out with weights regularly. The only medicine I take is bioidentical hormones. Recently, the side of my foot near my baby toe felt sore as if, when I walked, I was stepping on a small pebble. It's not really painful, but annoying. This started about midday and continued throughout the day. The following morning, I woke to find the same part of my foot darkly discolored as if I'd had a bad injury. The bruised covered about a quarter of my foot. By the next morning, the discoloration had completely resolved. There was no other pain. What caused this -- perhaps a blood clot? Could this be a warning sign of something more serious? The only other time this happened was to my big toe a few years ago, and then it was exactly the same, some soreness, the bruised appearance and then complete resolution the following day. -- M.J.M.
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In this Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020, file photo, elementary school students sit on board a school bus after attending in-person classes at school in Wheeling, Ill. The latest federal relief package includes $81 billion that began flowing to states in late March 2021 with the goal of helping schools reopen quickly. The only problem is many of the school districts' current problems can't be solved by money.
Nam Y. Huh I AP
School mental health focus of $90B in grants
Administrators of some 6,000 school districts plan to spend $90 billion in federal grants on mental health resources for employees, students and their families, as well as on COVID-19 prevention and mitigation, after-school tutoring and IT upgrades for remote instruction, the tracking website Burbio says.
California psychologist Thomas Plante, a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) says it will take years to heal the wounds of young people who felt isolated during three years of COVID-19 restrictions.
“While it is terrific that schools are working hard to deal effectively with the challenges that starting the new school year will bring, we also have to be mindful of having reasonable expectations,” Plante said. “The problems they are facing are enormous due to COVID, large teacher shortages, fears of school gun violence, political divisiveness, discrimination, inflation, book banning, parents micromanaging teachers and the negative influences of social media.”
“He also said that on average, it takes 11 years for a child to get mental health care once they express a need for it,” said Plante, a Santa Clara University professor.
“Many kids during the pandemic lost loved ones, have become orphans, or themselves have ongoing COVID consequences,” said Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos, an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, in an email. “The pandemic has taken a toll on all.”
“Since online entertainment will be a strong pull that will likely compromise study habits, parents can do their part by restricting time online,” said Adamse, who hosts a weekly National Public Radio show on mental health.
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Fleming, Dr. Eldridge E.
Dr. Eldridge Erastus Fleming was born September 19,1936 to Ervin Erastus Fleming and Hellon Ruth Palmer Fleming in Smithdale, MS. He was the oldest of six children. He attended public schools in several counties before graduating from Independence High School in southeast Franklin County in 1954. After attending Southwest Mississippi Junior College, he earned a BA degree from Mississippi College in 1958. He earned his BD degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri in 1962. He earned a Master's degree from Mississippi State University in 1971 majoring in sociology and minoring in educational psychology. This was followed by a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Mississippi. He became a licensed psychologist in1976. Eldridge committed his life to the Christian ministry at age 16 and pastored Spring Hill Baptist Church, Knoxville, MS at age 19. He served three pastorates in Southern Baptist churches. He married Martha Bounds on December 20,1957. They share three great children. He joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1962. He served several Christian churches including First Christian, Tupelo, MS. He married Martha Dupuy Wackerfuss on August 12, 1972. In 1985 he transferred his ministerial credentials to the United Methodist Church under the leadershipof Rev. Prentiss Gordon. He served a special appointment to the Region III Mental Health Center as a psychologist. He retired from the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church in June, 2000 as an elder but continued to do psychological examinations of candidates for the ministry in the UMC. Eldridge continued to be active in psychology, the church and the community. He was known to be proficient in five P's. These were preaching, psychology, piloting, plumbing and programming. He served as Chaplain in the Mississippi State Guard and as a pilot and Safety Officer in the Civil Air Patrol. In 2003-2004 he built a Sonex airplane with the help of friends and family. He flew it to the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI in 2005. He was a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument for single engine aircraft and had a multi-engine rating. Flying always brought him great joy. Eldridge is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Martha Dupuy Wackerfuss Fleming. He was father to three children; Susan Reid (Shay), Dr. Tim Fleming (Millie) and Patrick Fleming (Paula). He was stepfather to three; Pam Barnes (Talley), Barbara White (deceased) and Rick Wackerfuss (Toni). His siblings were Hiram Fleming (deceased), Joe Fleming, Lloyd Fleming, Eleanor Filbert and Johnny Fleming. He is survived by 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Eldridge died peacefully at his home in Tupelo, MS on June 10, 2022. It was his wish to have his body donated to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to further medical science. The family would like to thank North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice and his sitters, Vonda Berry and Martha Tipton. Holland Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held on August 13, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, Tupelo at 2pm. A visitation will follow the service in the Gathering Room at First United Methodist.Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church missions. That address is PO Box 854, Tupelo, MS 38802.
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Jimmie Rhea "Jim" Garrison, at the wonderful age of 88, departed this life for his eternal home on August 10, 2022 from his West Tupelo residence. A native Tennessean, Jim was born in Decherd, Tn. on March 7, l934 to the late Howell B. Garrison and Isabelle Matthews Garrison. He grew up there and graduated High School from Baxter Boarding School in Baxter, Tn. Always a patriotic American, Jim served a tour of duty in Japan in the U.S. Army as the Korean Conflict was ending. He received his Bachelors and Masters of Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee - Memphis He furthered his education ultimately receiving his Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree. In l961 after completing Pharmacy shcool, he was transferred to Tupelo where he became a pharmaceutical sales representative for the Upjohn Company. He retired from Upjohn in l989 after more than 30 years. Jim enjoyed working as a relief pharmacist after retirement in several local pharmacies. Jim was a likeable soul, enjoyed good conversation and seldom met a stranger. Independent and often strong willed, he lived his life to the fullest and left a legacy of hard work, joy and love for his family. Jim enjoyed his farm where he raised cattle and crops and operated a sawmill. He even spent 12 years building a house on his farm, known as "Old Hickory" where he sawed a majority of the wood himself. Jim enjoyed the outdoors including bird hunting and, in earlier years, enjoyed golfing. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. His first wife, Mary Carol Garrison died on Jan. 10, l997. He married Patricia Adam "Pat" Garrison in March, 2003. A service, with military honors, celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Gill officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Faith Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 2 PM to service time Saturday. Honorary pallbearers will be fellow members of the Friendship Sunday school class at St. Luke. Jim is survived by his wife, Patricia Adams "Pat" Garrison of Tupelo; a son, Brian Garrison (Elizabeth Jane) of Chalfont, PA; two daughters, Cheryl Garrison Scott of Tupelo, Sally Garrison Hankins (Ronnie) of Tupelo; a daughter through marriage, Beth Craft of Tupelo; a sister, Jean Garrison Earnest of McKinney, TX; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Scott, PFC Elijah Scott (USMC), Jenna Wiygul (Chris), Mandi Heavener (Cody), Caroline Garrison, Conner Garrison; and 2 grandchildren through marriage, Abigail and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Carol Garrison; his parents, Howell and Isabelle Garrison and siblings, H.B. Garrison (Polly, deceased), Tom Garrison (Betty, deceased); and a brother-in-law, Ben Earnest. Jim also was blessed with 5 great grandkids. Memorials may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS. 38804; USO, P. O. Box 96860 Washington, D. C. 20077 or to Wounded Warrior Project, 370 7th Ave Suite 1802, New York, NY 10001. Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
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Thompson, Fred Wilson
Houston-Fred Wilson Thompson, 94, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at Care Center of Aberdeen. He was born December 3, 1927 in Chickasaw County to the late Robert Lee Thompson and Ellye Coila Wilson Thompson. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Houston. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the First Baptist Church of Houston with Bro. Kenny Adams officiating. Burial will be at Chickasaw Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Houston. Memorial Funeral Home of Houston is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by three daughters; Sherry Carr (Don) of Tupelo, Mary Anne Sanders (Harvey) of Houston, Taylor Golebiewski (Paden) of Fulton; three grandchildren, Jason Carr of Nashville, Justin Carr (Brandy) of Tupelo, Layden Strange of Fulton; six great grandchildren; one sister, Elizabeth Gann of Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents; Robert Lee Thompson and Ellye Coila Wilson Thompson; his wife, Sarah Frances Taylor Thompson; two brothers, Robert Thompson and Jack Thompson; two sisters, Hilda Baird and Ruby Brandon; a grandson, James Madison Bryant. Pallbearers will be Harvey Sanders, Jr., Drew Audette, Danny Alford, Jesse Garner, Ken Brandon, Paul Brassfield, Shane Booth and Andy White. Honorary pallbearers will be all past and present employees of Horn's Big Star, Piggly Wiggly and Grocer's Pride. Visitation will be Friday, August 12, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Houston. For online condolences visit www.memorialfuneralhomehouston.com.
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Bryan Thomas Caldwell, 37, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of a Schedule II drug.
Carlos Copeland, 36, of Sherman, was arrested by the Mississippi Department of Corrections, violation of probation.
Hallie Dilworth, 55, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, felony fleeing.
Winfred D. Hill, 74, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of a controlled substance.
Taylor Hinton, 25, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, breaking and entering.
Brandon Lee, 35, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, capias receiving stolen property.
Bradley D. Messer, 39, of Nettleton, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of methamphetamine.
Angela D. Moxley, 47, of Mooreville, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a controlled substance.
Curtessa M. Ray, 38, of Guntown, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, embezzlement.
Jennifer Rene Sims, 38, of Shannon, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of a controlled substance.
Kimberly Spencer, 43, of Plantersville, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of methamphetamine.
A County Road 122 Nettleton woman said someone in a red four-door pickup has been driving fast while the school bus is stopping to pick up kids in the morning.
A County Road 1277 Nettleton man said the neighbor’s dog has been coming onto his porch and scaring his wife. The dog has attacked and killed all but one of his cats.
A County Road 878 Mooreville man said overnight, someone cut the fence across from his house and the cows got out.
A County Road 931 Chevron employee said there was a man outside bothering customers at 10:20 a.m. He has been told many times that he is not welcome at the store. When the clerk told him to leave, he cursed at her and threatened her. He then punched the glass door, causing it to shatter and cut the clerk, who was standing at the door. The 26-year-old suspect was arrested, charged with disturbing a business and malicious mischief.
A Mount Zion Church member said a woman has been taking flowers off of graves at the County Road 659 cemetery.
The postmaster at the Mooreville Post Office said a white dog bit and punctured the tire of a postal vehicle along County Road 1409. Because of the dog’s aggressive behavior, they have suspended mail delivery to six houses. Those residents are starting to call and complain.
A County Road 1640 Tupelo man said someone stole a Milwaukee Tools circular saw and a grinder from his garage.
A Tunni Trail Lake Piomingo woman said two men came into her property after 9 p.m., walked around her house and knocked on the doors. She was scared and called 911. The men told the responding deputies they were bail bondsmen.
A Central Avenue woman said her ex-boyfriend has been sending her harassing texts. They broke up in 2020. She said she owed him $150 and recently paid him $130. He started sending her vulgar texts insinuating how she could make the other $20. She blocked his number but he started texting from a different one.
Police found a Lincoln Town Car abandoned on Southern Heights, just south of Mitchell Road around 9 a.m. The car was partially blocking the road so it was towed.
A McCullough Boulevard woman said her brother took her debit card and food stamp card while she was in an altercation with him and his girlfriend.
A Bell Circle woman said her ex-boyfriend stole her wallet during an argument. The wallet contained $180 cash, a cash card, food stamp card, and the Social Security cards for herself and her four kids. He refused to give the wallet back unless they could talk and get back together.
A guest at the Holiday Inn on McClure Cove said overnight someone damaged the bed cover on his truck and stole a suitcase of clothes and a case of water from the truck bed. The hotel security camera recorded the entire incident.
Enterprise car rental said an employee found a Taurus 9mm pistol under the seat of a car that had just been returned. The company policy is to turn the weapon over to police for safe keeping.
A Lumpkin Avenue man said his ex-girlfriend has been harassing him. They broke up seven months ago. Over the last month, she has been knocking on his apartment door and calling him repeatedly. He changed his phone number. Now she is going to the leasing office trying to get in contact with him. He has told her numerous times to leave him alone, but she refuses.
A President Avenue woman said her city-issued garbage can was missing. She said it might have been blown down the hill during a thunderstorm.
A North Gloster Walmart employee said a female customer was observed concealing clothes, toys and a vibrator. She attempted to leave without paying for the $100.02 worth of merchandise but was detained. Police cited her for shoplifting.
Police responded to a Lumpkin Avenue apartment complex where a woman said her ex-boyfriend had her bedroom furniture and miscellaneous kitchen items and refused to give them back. The officer explained it was a civil matter and she would have to take him to court.
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Houston's Jalen Washington rushed for 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns in just nine games last season.
It seems that every year, the deepest position group around here is running back. That’s probably the case most places high school football is played, but this year’s crop in Northeast Mississippi is a truly special one.
That’s who I’m writing about this week in the penultimate edition of my preseason position rankings. Let us count down.
5. Keshawn Henley, West Point
West Point always has one (or two) of the top running backs. Chris Chambless, who’s entering his 17th season as head coach, has built an offensive machine. Everyone knows what’s coming, and it doesn’t matter.
Last year, Henley rushed for 1,071 yards and 16 touchdowns — and he was just one of three 1,000-yard rushers. He averaged 10.8 yards per carry. Like many of his predecessors, Henley is small but quick.
4. Isaac Smith, Itawamba AHS
Our top-rated defensive back is also a heck of an offensive player. Smith isn’t a power back, but he doesn’t need to be because he can slither through defenses and is stronger than he looks. Last season he totaled 1,196 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground, averaging 9.9 yards per carry.
He’s also a threat in the passing game, making 21 catches for 320 yards and five TDs.
3. Jayden Reed, Lafayette
Reed has been a stalwart for the Commodores the last two seasons, rushing for 2,661 yards and 23 touchdowns. He averaged 117.7 yards per game last fall and had seven 100-yard games.
Reed worked hard this offseason to become faster, so defenders had better getting into tackling position a bit sooner than usual.
2. Charleston French, Amory
This kid has done nothing but produce since coming on the scene as a freshman. In three seasons he’s rushed for 3,968 yards and 33 touchdowns, including 1,880 yards and 18 TDs last year.
The son of former Ole Miss tight end Rufus French is a 5-foot-9, 195-pound bowling ball who can punish defenders for four quarters. He’d easily be our No. 1 back if not for this next guy.
1. Jalen Washington, Houston
Hard to believe he’s only a junior. Like French, Washington made a name for himself as a freshman, rushing for 745 yards. He took it up several notches last season, totaling 2,003 yards and 21 touchdowns on 160 carries — in just nine games. That’s 222.6 yards per game and 12.5 yards per carry.
Washington went over 300 yards three times last year.
He’s 5-8, 195 and is like French in that he’s very difficult to tackle. Washington has good open-field speed, too.
He’s the most special of a special group.
Previous: Wide receivers
Next week: Quarterbacks
Rufus French
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My family made a recent day trip to a neighboring state, so I decided this week’s column should be a tip of the hat to those oases of the interstate highway system: the state welcome centers.
My son is a brochure collector, so he invariably makes a bee line for the Wall o’ Brochures. These pamphlets can bring you up to speed on regional museums, stage shows, lakes, eateries and shopping destinations. Brochures for state forests are becoming a little scarcer because of printing all the … well, you know. (“Maybe if Charlie Brown’s friends would furiously wave their hands over the remaining trees...”)
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Enjoying the here, now a full time job
The Old Man had just been sprung from the hospital where he’d enjoyed a battery of procedures, mostly involving what he referred to as his “innards.” I had come to drive him home or anywhere else he wanted to go. When I pulled up to the curb, he was dressed and waiting outside, alone.
“Pancake house,” he said, slamming the door. I steered us down the street toward Shockley’s.
“I thought they were supposed to roll you out in a wheelchair?” I asked.
“They did, but the nurse said I couldn’t smoke while I sat there, so I got up and told her I was walking home,” he said.
At breakfast, he restored his innard equilibrium with a surfeit of bacon and grits. He smiled and drank steaming black coffee between bites.
“What do they want to do to you next?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” he said without concern, nudging a folded sheet of medical-looking instructions further from his plate.
“Didn’t the doctor tell you before you were released?” I asked.
“Maybe,” the Old Man said. “He talked a while. I wasn’t listening.”
“I’ll get around to that when I get around to it,” he said, dismissing the subject. “It’s important to enjoy being through with something before you make yourself start on whatever’s next. There’s always something next.”
“It would be the logical thing,” I said.
“When you’ve gotten through something difficult, something you’ve struggled with, prayed over, thought how happy you’d be if it were done and the burden lifted, make a point to stop and appreciate it,” he said. “It’s easy to flow out of one long struggle and directly into the next item up for bids on your worry list.”
He held out his cup to a passing waitress, who poured it full of coffee black as night.
“Life can be one long, unending crisis if you let it,” the Old Man said. “Even if whatever’s up next isn’t as large a worry as the one you just put away, it can still take over your mind. Don’t skip appreciating being done with whatever’s just gone. Less miserable is no way to live.”
“I’m sure the doctors just want to help you keep going,” I said.
“And I appreciate that,” he said, crunching another bite of bacon.
I picked up his medical orders and scanned the page.
“Don’t you even want to know what this says?” I asked.
“Does it say, ‘Eat a pound of bacon?’” he asked.
“Then no,” he said. “I don’t. Not yet, anyway.”
He leaned as far back as the springs in the booth would allow.
“I’ll get around to all that soon enough,” he said. “The time to enjoy now is right now.”
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WTVA's chief meteorologist Matt Laubhan grew up terrified of severe weather, but gradually turned that fear into his passion. The longtime weatherman, who's lived and worked in Tupelo for a decade, said he appreciates and respects the bond he has with his viewers.
Laubhan leads local Scout recruiting drive
As a child, Matt Laubhan loved exploring the outdoors, learning about the elements that proved most interesting. Scouting was his vehicle of discovery. It took him along a path that led to a thriving career as a meteorologist, now with WTVA in Tupelo. It was an experience he wants to make sure all boys and girls get to enjoy. That’s why he’s serving as spokesman for this year’s School Night for Scouting.
“From August through October, we’ll be going to all of the 22 schools in the counties we serve,” said Rick Wise, assistant scout executive for the Yocona Area Council. The district covers much of Northeast Mississippi. “Kids can join any time, but this is our main yearly recruitment push.”
These visits will be scheduled school by school over the course of the upcoming weeks. During these visits, representatives of Scouting will talk to students about what the programs have to offer, then parents will have the opportunity to enroll their youngsters.
Laubhan’s visibility and social media reach, coupled with his experience in Scouting, make him a natural choice for the role.
Laubhan is an Eagle Scout and his children, a boy of 6 and a girl of 8, will both soon be of an age to join. His daughter, especially, already demonstrates an interest in archery, camping and the outdoors.
“She isn’t what you would have thought of 20 years ago as a traditional Scout,” Laubhan said, “but in the coming 20 years she could become so. Becoming an Eagle Scout is no longer exclusively a male gender achievement. I know what Scouting does and I hope my daughter will want to be part of it.”
Laubhan grew up in Russell, Kansas, a town of 4,400 in the central part of the state.
“This was pre-internet,” Laubhan said. “We were in the middle of nowhere, but there was lots of opportunity to have fun outdoors. Scouting helped focus that.
“I was always interested in the weather, partially because I was scared.”
In the way Scouts here routinely go to Camp Yocona in the summer, Laubhan made yearly trips to Camp Hanson.
“Mom called it Camp Tornado because we always had bad weather,” he said. “It seemed like at least once every year we’d have to run up the hill and sleep in the basement of the dining hall.”
Along with teaching him about the forces of nature, Laubhan credits Scouting with guiding him into life skills he wouldn’t have acquired anywhere else at that age.
“Scouting teaches you teamwork, and you can learn that through sports, though beyond a certain age, most of us don’t play field sports anymore,” he said. “Scouting develops your talents and teaches a lot of skills you’ll use later in life. Not only the teamwork you’d learn from sports, but interactive skills, responsibility and more. There are very relevant qualities that can shape a person for the better from Scouting.”
He wants to remind people the products of Scouting grow up to do things not often recognized.
“There are Eagle Scouts all around you,” he said.
Laubhan got his start in Scouting thanks to a school recruiting opportunity much like local students will soon receive.
“Through Scouting I met a whole group of people I’d not necessarily have gotten to meet otherwise, but they became very good, consistent friends through the years,” he said. “We started off going to meetings and learning about knots, not through memorizing but by doing. The avenues of exploration open soon and quickly from there, though. We learned about personal finance and civic responsibility. Every Scout will be elected to something as part of Scouting, whether as patrol leader or another office.”
Scouting is adult-supervised but Scout-led.
“There are many offices, all indispensable to the operation of a troop,” Laubhan said. “You learn what you can do, what you can’t do and what to do when you realize you’re in over your head. You learn how to navigate that responsibility through practice and experience. Scouting creates leaders by honing natural talents and bridging the gaps between with practical experience. It creates a confidence and responsibility that couldn’t really come from anywhere else.”
Representatives of Scouting will be visiting area schools through the coming weeks. To learn more about getting involved in local Scouting now, visit www.yocona.org or call 662-842-2871.
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LYNN JONES: Don't let irritations build up
The sun began its slow journey northward last December. It reached the northern limits of its journey on June 21. That day of the sun’s northernmost advance, the summer solstice, is our longest day of the year. Since then, our time of daylight each day has slowly begun to shorten.
You would expect that June 21, the longest day of the year, would be our hottest day since we have more hours of sunshine that day. But that is not the case. Our hottest days of the summer generally come in July or August.
Why is that so? The reason is that there is a slow build-up of heat during the summer. It is the cumulative effect of many days of longer sunshine that causes our hemisphere to become like a pressure cooker that gradually collects the heat.
The same is true on any given day. The hottest time of the day is not at noon, when the sun is the highest. It is in the afternoon, when the heat of the day has been compounded by more hours of heating.
Sometimes it is like that in life. Anger, irritation, and frustration tend to build up in our lives. Often it is not a single big incident that pushes us to the boiling point. It is the cumulative effect of many irritating events. If we allow these to collect and do not process them as they occur, then they may push our emotional temperatures to all-time highs.
Collecting is a popular hobby. People collect all kinds of things. They collect stamps, coins, autographs, and baseball cards. Unfortunately, some also collect resentments, grudges, and old scores not settled. When this collection reaches large proportions, it can lead to devastating results. Sometimes a collection of irritations can be like a pile of flammable material that can be set ablaze by the spark of single incident.
Life can be like a shower where the hot water may be difficult to get started and even harder to turn off. Anger and hatred are like that.
At this season of the year, on pitching mounds across the nation, pitchers are plying their trade. Major league pitchers can throw fastballs that reach 100 mph. There are some pitchers who can throw that fast who never make the major leagues. The reason why they never make it? They lack control. It doesn’t matter how fast you can throw the ball, if you can’t control it, then you can’t play in the majors.
That’s the way it is in life. You may have great abilities, but unless you have self-control, then you can never be all that God wants you to be.
God can help. Paul said, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Let Him help you! Ask Him for the fruit of self-control.
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MEDITATION: The low down
The following is a preacher story, which means that it may or may not have happened: A certain club once gave a pin to a member for being the most humble of them all, then later took the pin away from him after he started wearing it in public.
Humility is a tough nut to crack. Anything worthwhile is. "Create in me a clean heart," for example. Here, the word heart means not the blood-pumping organ but the center of human thought, feeling and choosing. It is far easier to untangle the phrase than to get a brand new heart, yes?
When it comes to humility, a typical assumption is that humility wears plain, ordinary clothes, doesn't spend much money, lives in austere surroundings and never speaks above a whisper. The problem is that a rattlesnake of a spirit may comport itself in the exact same way. Appearances can be deceiving. Did you know that humility could look quite dashing in a tuxedo and top hat?
As with so many things, Professor C.S. Lewis helps out a great deal. Lewis once made the observation that if you ever happened to meet a genuinely humble person, "all you will think about him is that he seemed a cheerful, intelligent chap who took a real interest in what you said to him. … He will not be thinking about humility. He will not be thinking about himself at all. "
For heaven's sake, when was the last time you considered humility to be the source of cheer? That getting yourself off your mind might be the shortest trip toward learning to be at home in your own skin? Maybe that's why when it came to Jesus, so many had trouble accepting that he might be the Messiah. He just didn't come across like you'd expect from the Lord of the universe. "Isn't this the carpenter's son?"
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King City Church in Tupelo, located on Briar Ridge Road, was built from the remaining congregation of Elvis Presley's boyhood church. These days, the church is a far cry that simple house of worship, utilizing technology and brandishing a modern, laid back vibe.
King City Church in Tupelo has a modern, fun vibe, with large displays, lights and music. Church leaders said the atmosphere helps bring people through the doors.
TUPELO • When Elvis was a boy, he’d sometimes attend First Assembly of God Church, located at the time on Adams Street in East Tupelo. According to Elvis historians, he learned to play guitar under the tutelage of Reverend Frank Smith, who was then the church’s pastor.
The King of Rock and Roll would be all shook up if he had lived to see that the lowly church of his boyhood has morphed into King City Church — a vibrant and growing congregation on Briar Ridge Road with more than 1,000 weekly attendees.
Services at King City are lively affairs, with giant LED screens, strobing lights, and a high-energy praise team that leads an ethnically diverse congregation in worship. Out in the parking lot, golf carts ferry members to the crisply modern glass atrium, and an army of smiling volunteers make sure everyone feels welcome and appreciated as they’re led into the pulsing sanctuary.
Shane Robbins is director of small group ministry at King City. He said he remembers the old church on Adams Street.
“I went there when I was a teenager,” he said. “By then, they had moved the original building across the street and built a larger building on the site. A member of the church actually lived in the former church building.”
Robbins said his mother remembered Elvis as a child.
“Mom grew up in the part of town he lived in,” he said. “She remembers him coming around to collect bottles to sell for the deposit. She told me, ‘We were poor, but he was poor-poor.’”
In the 1980s, the church pulled up stakes and moved to Briar Ridge Road, Robbins said.
“In 1984, the church moved to this location,” he said. “It was renamed East Heights Assembly of God. The church grew, and they built a new building in 1986. That sanctuary from ‘86 is now our children’s ministry wing.”
Over time, the once-new church dwindled as its membership aged. Seven years ago, they were down to a handful of members, all in their sunset years, and the church was without a pastor. That’s when Robbins’ brother, Jeff, and his wife Sheri, stepped in and turned things around.
“They were on staff at Cornerstone Church in Southaven, and the church was flourishing,” Robbins said. “But they felt a burden for Tupelo.”
The Robbinses moved to Tupelo, and after a season of “vision meetings” to recruit future members, the church relaunched as Cornerstone — a daughter congregation of their former church in Southaven.
Now, seven years and a thousand members later, the little church that started on Adams Street has once again been renamed and relaunched — this time as King City Church.
“Our plan was always to slowly and organically become an autonomous church,” Shane Robbins said. “That’s what happened this past Sunday. Counting our online ‘campus,’ we had over 1,300 people. It’s just been a God-thing.”
Morgan Robbins is Shane’s 20-year-old daughter. She is a student at Ole Miss and the director of marketing for King City. She said the church’s updated look and new logo are part of an effort to make the church’s branding as appealing as its worship.
“I’m a stickler for branding,” she said. “We went for a minimalist design. I want it all to be cohesive, and when people see our logo, I want them to know that it's King City Church.”
While some churches are resistant to even minor change, Morgan said the culture at King City is future-oriented. They welcome innovation.
“We started meeting with our team over a year ago,” she said. “Then we rolled out the name change a few months ago. Everyone was on board, and it created excitement and momentum for the future.”
Morgan said the church’s motto sends a clear signal about its intentions:
“Our tagline is ‘a place to belong,’” she said. “It’s a place where everyone can feel like family, no matter who you are.”
Morgan said the church makes no apologies for its approach to ministry.
“We try to make it fun,” she said. “Sometimes, we get critiqued for that, but it makes people want to be here. There’s a vibe of fun and community, and people of all ages and backgrounds can come here and feel like they belong. Once they get here, we help them to believe as well.”
Despite smart branding and welcoming worship, Morgan said no one at King City can take credit for its success.
“We really don’t have an answer,” she said. “God just brought so many people together who are so different, but everyone feels like they belong. It’s a miraculous move of God.”
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Kobe Patterson, 14, shows Dr. Melissa Thomas his hall pass on his phone at Tupelo High School on Aug. 11, 2022. The school district has implemented a new digital hall pass system, allowing students to request a trip to the restroom, water fountain or classroom without ever having to raise their hands. It also gives teachers a way to monitor where students are at any given time.
Starr Jones applies for restroom pass from her teacher using the SmartPass application at Tupelo High School on Aug. 11, 2022.
TPSD introduces digital hall pass system for secondary schools
TUPELO • Tupelo Public School District’s sixth through 12th grade students no longer need to raise their hands to ask to use the restroom during class.
The district recently introduced SmartPass, a digital hall pass system, for its secondary students. Students create the pass by selecting the room they're currently in, choosing their destination and sending a request for approval to their teacher. After the teacher approves the pass, a timer begins and the student has a set amount of time to go to the restroom, get water, visit the school nurse or pick up something in another teacher's classroom.
The idea to implement the system came from Tupelo High School's new principal, Dr. Melissa Thomas.
After Thomas's hire as THS principal was approved in April, she spent several days on campus observing day-to-day operations.
"During class time, when kids were out and about, I couldn't tell where they were supposed to be and if they were going in the right direction," Thomas said.
In her eyes, that was a safety concern. If the school were to enter lockdown at that moment, many students would be unaccounted for. Upon returning to her office, Thomas immediately began researching how districts of similar size to Tupelo had addressed the situation.
Deciding a digital hall pass system was the right move, Thomas consulted with T.J. Higgins, TPSD's technology director, who compared a handful of available programs before settling on SmartPass.
A one-year subscription for the SmartPass software costs the district $2.99 per student, but with a 20% discount, the total cost for the district for the 2022-23 school year is just over $8,700.
Just a week into the new school year, the system is already working just as Thomas had hoped it would.
"So far, the kids have done wonderful with the new system,” Thomas said. “They make their passes, they go where they say they're going to go, they come back and they end their pass."
Emily Ruedas, a ninth grade Algebra teacher, said SmartPass is an effective way to ensure students are accounted for.
"Anytime they leave our classroom for any reason — whether it's a water break, a restroom pass or if they need to go see another teacher — it keeps them accounted for,” Ruedas said. “We know exactly where they're going, where they're coming from.”
The application does not track students’ movements, but if an administrator or hall monitor spots a student walking the hallways, they can easily identify where they’re supposed to be via the digital monitoring system, which includes the student's name, photo and a timer showing how much time they have left on their pass.
Schools have always had a system to give students permission and a pass to visit locations outside of the classroom during class time, but instead of giving them a physical pass or a paper note, it’s all digital.
"This is one extra measure that we can take to make sure that all 2,000 of my kids get to school, learn and that I'm able to send them back home that evening,” Thomas said. “That's my goal every day. And in the meantime, I hope they're learning what they're supposed to learn in class."
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Herman Page built a store — and a brand
Long before Sam Walton conceived the notion of placing a variety store within a grocery store, Herman Page pioneered the concept right here in Tupelo.
In 1947, Page and his wife, Jeanette, started Page’s Super Market and Variety Store in the All-America City and endured until 1977. Even after closing the stores, the Pages still had a finger in the grocery business.
A Gleason, Tenn., native, Page arrived at his craft early, having labored in his dad’s grocery store in Houston. He finished high school in 1929 and ventured up to Tupelo and a job at the downtown Kroger store.
In 2001, nearly a year before his death and at age 89, Page told Bobby Pepper, the community editor of the Daily Journal at the time, his first job at the Kroger paid $7.50 per week for 60-80 hours with no time off. Later, he transferred and became assistant manager of the Kroger in Grenada. He served as a floating “troubleshooter” before returning to Tupelo as manager of its Kroger. After 13 years with Kroger, Page decided to leave the company and start his own, independent grocery.
His debut in the business began as a partnership in a location on Broadway. Within a year, Page found himself as the sole owner of the super market. In 1947, short of funds, Page and his wife moved their location to Crosstown and prayed for divine help. During the middle of stocking the store, the couple ran out of money and they couldn’t borrow any.
Page told Pepper that as the couple faced its nadir in business, an elderly gentleman, Murphy Thomas, asked to see the new store. The Pages had seen to it that Thomas received his grocery delivery from the downtown location to his home in the same area. Thomas, at age 95, was grateful. He gave the couple a check for the money they needed to open that location.
Several years later, the Pages suffered losses when a fire destroyed the store at Crosstown. They opened another location downtown, where the Lee County Justice Center stands today. But they didn’t abandon the Crosstown site. They opened a larger market there in 1952.
Many young people during the 1950s and 1960s toiled at their first jobs at Page’s Super Market, including the late Bobby Knight of Todd’s Big Star, who began his career in the business at Page’s in the early 1960s in the meat market.
And Page’s had loyal customers like Truman “Dudie” Christian, whose former carhop Gene Autry Turner recalled the boss going over to Page’s each morning to get meat to make those famous Dudie Burgers sold to throngs of people each day from the retired Memphis streetcar then-located on South Gloster Street.
Page’s Super Market grew. The couple built three stores in Meridian and one in West Point.
By the time the 1970s rolled around, Page opted to consolidate his Tupelo stores into one large 50,000-square-foot location on Industrial Drive. Then he built another giant store on East Franklin.
Page sold his stores to Jitney Jungle in 1974. He and his wife spent summers in Tupelo and winters in Florida, where they spent their time on the links. In subsequent years, the couple returned full-time to Tupelo to live.
The Jitney Jungle that opened on the Industrial Drive site operated as a Sack and Save, then converted to a Jitney Jungle. It closed in 1977.
Page died at age 89 in February 2002, about six months after sitting down in the interview with Pepper.
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Amory aldermen hear update on West Amory Community Center activities
AMORY – West Amory Community Center Coordinator Dwyan Suggs updated the board of aldermen Aug. 2 on community services it offers. Programs serve elementary through high school-age youth.
“We talked to them about life and being good teammates, as well as individuals. We have several businessmen that want to come and talk to the kids as well," he said.
Suggs expressed his appreciation for the assistance of Ward 2 Alderman Barry Woods, along with Charles Rainey and Exie Glenn for interacting with the kids.
He is also working on putting together a neighborhood mentoring program for youth while collaborating with Amory Parks and Recreation Department Director Rory Thornton on planning tournaments and movie days inside the center.
“We want to do a pizza day or cookout for kids that pass their nine-week grades. We’re looking for people to donate food for these events. We’re also planning events for graduating seniors to help them fill out applications for financial aid and college admission, as well as job searching for those not considering college. We will also offer credit counseling for the youth as they reach the age to carry a credit card,” he said.
Suggs elaborated on measures to be taken to ensure maximum security for students and staff alike.
“The parent will need to fill out a waiver as part of the entry forms. We also provide the children with a form explaining the rules of conduct expected. Children and parents must sign the forms, along with providing a telephone number. We will also have a sign-in sheet to verify all children attending. We also have a list of expectations for volunteers to abide by. Younger children will need to be accompanied by an older sibling or guardian. This is not intended to be a babysitting service. Areas of community service and facilities maintenance will be used to help knock time off of suspensions handed out in cases of rules violations,” he said.
Suggs highlighted a recent event that brought families together at the West Amory Community Center during summer vacation.
“We hosted a family fun day on June 30 at the center. We had volunteers to help the kids. Parents brought their children and stayed to participate. They stayed with the volunteers and helped in any way I needed them to help. The kids played air hockey, ping pong and pool, as well as watching television. We fed them hotdogs and chips. They had a real good time and are asking when we will do it again," he said.
Another event is being considered a few weeks into the school year.
“If we get enough volunteers, we’ll do something for them,” he said.
Suggs is also looking to establish a mid-day camp next summer targeted at elementary age youth.
“The number of kids we can serve will depend on the number of volunteers we can recruit,” he said.
Careful measures continue to be taken to sanitize the facility to minimize effects of COVID-19.
“We are trying to think about how to better utilize Carlos Moore Ball Field for field days and tournaments,” he said.
Woods applauded Suggs’ leadership.
“It’s long overdue, When these young people are not engaged in something productive during the summer, Chief Bowen sees them, and that costs taxpayers money. This program saves taxpayers’ money and provides something positive to do. Our kids are not bad kids. They just need structure and mentoring so they can contribute positively to their community and our city. I appreciate the support from the mayor and board for this," Woods said.
Mayor Corey Glenn joined Woods in endorsing the programs offered at West Amory Community Center.
“I really want to do something big (for West Amory community properties) once the Panther Park project is completed,” he said.
Ward 1 Alderman Mike Edgeworth added another area of mentoring to consider.
“I recommend taking some of the older (youth) and let them officiate over the younger ones, especially in light of the shortage of (referees). Taking your knowledge over the years and teach them something by which they can make an extra $200 or $300 a week umpiring to help in our summer programs," he said.
Suggs said a couple of youth already volunteered to help as referees for flag football.
“You’re the man that can help them and train them,” Edgeworth said.
In other business, Dennis Brasfield appeared with other citizens to express concerns with a permitted burn he said exceeded the limitations of the city’s burn permit for disposing of waste or debris.
“Nothing in the permit was adhered to. There was complete disregard for all the residents in the subdivision. If you’re going to go through the trouble of putting together a burn permit, then you ought to adhere to it," he said.
Brasfield complained that his home suffered smoke damage to the extent that professional services will need to be contracted for the cleanup work.
Glenn acknowledged there were violations committed and that he took actions once he was notified.
“It is the responsibility of the person to whom the permit is issued to adhere to it. It is the city’s responsibility to ensure that the rules and regulations are adhered to," he said.
Glenn said the incident would serve as a teaching moment for all the parties involved.
“I apologize, and it was wrong,” he said.
He recommended reviewing the incident for making any necessary policy revisions.
“We’ve learned something from this scenario and we’ll take it under advisement,” he said.
Fire chief Zack McGonagill said later the fire department never received a similar call or complaint from citizens before this incident happened.
“They called us, and we came out and took care of it,” he said.
Exie Glenn
Barry Woods
Coordinator Dwyan Suggs
Mike Edgeworth
Dennis Brasfield
West Amory Community Center
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Ross & Yerger Senior Vice President Joey Hutto can only grin as Dr. Glenn Thomas opens up this year's Good Samaritan Health Services Roast and Toast fundraiser with a few funny stories about Hutto on Aug. 11, 2022, at the BancorpSouth Conference Center in Tupelo. The event, which serves as the nonprofit clinic's sole annual fundraiser, made its return after a two-year hiatus.
Hundreds of supporters fill the BancorpSouth Conference Center Thursday as this year's Good Samaritan Health Services Roast and Toast gets underway.
Ross & Yerger Senior Vice President Joey Hutto, right, thanks guests for attending the fundraiser.
TUPELO • A huge crowd gathered at the BancorpSouth Conference Center on Thursday night to point and laugh at a prominent Tupelo businessman ... all for a good cause.
The Good Samaritan Health Service’s annual fundraising Roast and Toast event returned Thursday night following a two-year, pandemic-forced hiatus. The event arrived just in time for the long-running event’s 20th anniversary.
This year’s event, the first one held since 2019, marks their 20th anniversary of the event and the 30th anniversary of the organization.
This year’s honoree was Joey Hutto, senior vice president of the Tupelo office of Ross & Yerger. Hutto’s friends, family and colleagues took to the stage at the BancorpSouth Conference Center to roast and toast … but mostly roast … the respected businessman.
Hutto was a childhood friend of Antone Tannehill, who was involved in founding the organization. Amy Fagan, executive director of Good Samaritan Health Services, said that makes him an appropriate honoree for the fundraiser.
“We are very excited to be able to honor someone who was so close to Dr. Tannehill,” Fagan said on Thursday morning.
Roasters included John Wheeler, David Carlisle and Robin McGraw.
The event also featured a social hour and live auction.
As of Thursday morning, before the first barb had even been uttered, the event had raised just under $140,000. Those proceeds will all go to Good Samaritan Health Services, a Tupelo-based nonprofit that provides professional medical and dental services to qualifying unemployed or uninsured Northeast Mississippians.
The event is open to the public, and they also have a list of generous sponsors who help fund it as well. The organization’s Board of Directors oversee the event, and they have a team of staff and volunteers that help set up and prepare.
Fagan said the event represents a lot of hard work of dozens of people.
“We have a lot of help from the community to make this possible,” Fagan said.
Roast and Toast is the lone fundraising event Good Samaritan Health Services holds each year. Fagan said its success is vital to the nonprofit organization’s success.
“Without it, we couldn’t fulfill our mission,” she said
See how much land in Mississippi is owned by the federal government
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ABERDEEN • A woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by an on-duty Booneville policeman is suing the former officer, the police chief and the city for unspecified damages.
On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Sharion Aycock set a jury trial date of Oct. 2, 2023, in Aberdeen for Tiffany Oswalt’s civil case against the city of Booneville, former officer Dustin Rambo and Police Chief Michael Ramey.
The lawsuit alleges that while in uniform and on duty, Rambo picked up Oswalt near a motel Aug. 13, 2020, and placed her in a patrol car. He allegedly told her to lay down in the back seat so she wasn’t seen and drove to a warehouse parking lot. Oswalt, who believed she had been arrested, says she was dragged out of the patrol car and sexually assaulted.
In addition to the assault, Oswalt’s lawsuit claims that the city knew or should have known about previous indiscretions that cost Rambo jobs with other law enforcement agencies.
Dustin Rambo
Tiffany Oswalt
Michael Ramey
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TUPELO • After 16 days on the run, a woman accused of killing her estranged husband is in custody.
U.S. Marshals apprehended Patricia Flakes in Tennessee Friday morning. Lee County Sheriff Jim Johnson said she is awaiting extradition to be returned to Tupelo.
Flakes, 42, of Tupelo; Shannon D. Bramlett, 33, of Sardis; and Darick L. Moody, 19, of Oxford; are all charged with first degree murder in the July 14 shooting death of Jeremiah Flakes.
Johnson named the suspects July 27 and said they were all fugitives. Bramlett and Moody were captured near Pensacola, Florida on Aug. 1, and have since been returned to Lee County. They remain in the Lee County Jail on $1 million bonds each.
The three are accused of the fatal shooting of Jeremiah Flakes, 21, who was found dead in the back seat of a his mother’s car that had crashed into a ditch County Road 1438, just west of County Road 1147. Both the four-door sedan and Jeremiah Flakes had been shot multiple times.
Authorities believe sometime earlier that Thursday morning, Jeremiah Flakes drove to the location in his mother’s car. At some point, the suspects shot at him with multiple guns, most likely handguns, Johnson said.
Shannon D. Bramlett
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Dr. Eldridge Fleming, Tupelo
Jim Garrison, Tupelo
David Richard Huggins, Brandon
John Meinardi, Corinth
Dr. Eldridge Fleming
TUPELO - Dr. Eldridge Erastus Fleming was born September 19,1936 to Ervin Erastus Fleming and Hellon Ruth Palmer Fleming in Smithdale, MS. He was the oldest of six children. He attended public schools in several counties before graduating from Independence High School in southeast Franklin County in 1954. After attending Southwest Mississippi Junior College, he earned a BA degree from Mississippi College in 1958. He earned his BD degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri in 1962. He earned a Master's degree from Mississippi State University in 1971 majoring in sociology and minoring in educational psychology. This was followed by a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Mississippi. He became a licensed psychologist in1976.
Eldridge committed his life to the Christian ministry at age 16 and pastored Spring Hill Baptist Church, Knoxville, MS at age 19. He served three pastorates in Southern Baptist churches. He married Martha Bounds on December 20,1957. They share three great children. He joined the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1962. He served several Christian churches including First Christian, Tupelo, MS. He married Martha Dupuy Wackerfuss on August 12, 1972. In 1985 he transferred his ministerial credentials to the United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Prentiss Gordon. He served a special appointment to the Region III Mental Health Center as a psychologist. He retired from the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church in June, 2000 as an elder but continued to do psychological examinations of candidates for the ministry in the UMC.
Eldridge continued to be active in psychology, the church and the community. He was known to be proficient in five P's. These were preaching, psychology, piloting, plumbing and programming. He served as Chaplain in the Mississippi State Guard and as a pilot and Safety Officer in the Civil Air Patrol. In 2003-2004 he built a Sonex airplane with the help of friends and family. He flew it to the EAA Air Venture in Oshkosh, WI in 2005. He was a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument for single engine aircraft and had a multi-engine rating. Flying always brought him great joy.
Eldridge is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Martha Dupuy Wackerfuss Fleming. He was father to three children; Susan Reid (Shay), Dr. Tim Fleming (Millie) and Patrick Fleming (Paula). He was stepfather to three; Pam Barnes (Talley), Barbara White (deceased) and Rick Wackerfuss (Toni). His siblings were Hiram Fleming (deceased), Joe Fleming, Lloyd Fleming, Eleanor Filbert and Johnny Fleming. He is survived by 11 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Eldridge died peacefully at his home in Tupelo, MS on June 10, 2022. It was his wish to have his body donated to the University of Mississippi Medical Center to further medical science. The family would like to thank North Mississippi Medical Center Hospice and his sitters, Vonda Berry and Martha Tipton.
Holland Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held on August 13, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, Tupelo at 2pm. A visitation will follow the service in the Gathering Room at First United Methodist. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church missions. That address is PO Box 854, Tupelo, MS 38802.
MEMO, FLAG, MCPETERS FH LOGO
BRANDON - A service to celebrate the life of David Richard Huggins will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday August 14, 2022 at McPeters Funeral Directors in Corinth, MS with interment to follow at New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rienzi, MS.
Visitation will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at McPeters Funeral Home located at 1951 E 3rd Street, Corinth, MS
David Richard Huggins, a beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He was 74 years old. David was born in Corinth, MS, and attended Biggersville High School. He then went on to attend Northeast Mississippi Junior College and later attended, through the University of Southern Mississippi, Forensics at Scotland Yards located in London, England. On June 9, 1969, David graduated from The Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy Class #27 and was assigned to Tunica, MS. He then married Judy Monroe on June 28, 1969, and they were married for 53 years.
David and Judy also lived in Senatobia, Jackson, Corinth, and Brandon. From 1988 - 1992 David served as the Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. From 2000 - 2004 David served as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety under Governor Ronnie Musgrove.
David loved entertaining, whether it was camping, water skiing, or planning his grandkids' birthday parties on the back deck. David also loved the Highway Patrol and embraced the politics involved. On March 28, 2010, Governor Haley Barbour signed H.B. 1159, to be known as the "David R. Huggins Act." This bill ensured Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers were compensated for all the hours they worked.
David is preceded in death by his son Joseph Huggins, his parents, Frank, Sr. and Ruth Huggins, and his brother Frank Huggins, Jr.
David is survived by his lovely wife, Judy Huggins. His daughters Rebecca, her husband David, their children Payton, Sydnie, Madi, Kaycee Jo, and Wyatt, and daughter Vicki and her daughters Katelynn and Haylee. He is also survived by his brother Martin Huggins and his wife Neta.
David's love, commitment, and lasting impact on his family and the Mississippi Highway Patrol will be greatly missed.
Online condolences can be made at www.McPetersFuneralDirectors.com.
TUPELO - Jimmie Rhea "Jim" Garrison, at the wonderful age of 88, departed this life for his eternal home on August 10, 2022 from his West Tupelo residence. A native Tennessean, Jim was born in Decherd, Tn. on March 7, 1934 to the late Howell B. Garrison and Isabelle Matthews Garrison. He grew up there and graduated High School from Baxter Boarding School in Baxter, Tn. Always a patriotic American, Jim served a tour of duty during the Korean Conflict in the U. S. Army. He received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee- Memphis. He furthered his education ultimately receiving his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. Jim's first job after receiving his license to practice pharmacy was with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. In 1961, he was transferred to Tupelo where he became a pharmaceutical sales representative of the Upjohn Company, calling on health care facilities and doctors all over Northeast Miss. He retired from Upjohn in 1990 after more than 30 years. Jim enjoyed providing relief work at area pharmacies and, after retirement, filled many of his days assisting fellow area pharmacists run their businesses. Jim was a likeable soul, enjoyed good conversation and seldom met a stranger. Independent and often strong willed, he lived his life to the fullest and left a legacy of hard work, joy and love for his family. Jim enjoyed his farm where he raised cattle and ran his own sawmill. He loved planing rough sewn lumber into usable wood products. He even spent 12 years building a house on his farm, known as Ole Hickory" where he supplied most of the wood. Jim enjoyed the outdoors including bird and dove hunting and, in earlier years, was a "fair" scratch golfer. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. His first wife, Mary Carol Garrison died on Jan. 10, 1997. He married Patricia Adam "Pat" Garrison in March, 2003.
A service, with military honors, celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Gill officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Faith Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 2 PM to service time Saturday. Honorary pallbearers will be fellow members of the Friendship Sunday school class at St. Luke.
Jimmie is survived by his wife, Patricia Adams "Pat" Garrison of Tupelo; a son, Brian Garrison (Elizabeth Garrison) of Chalfont, PA; two daughters, Cheryl Garrison Scott of Tupelo, Sally Garrison Hankins (Ronnie) of Tupelo; a daughter through marriage, Beth Craft of Tupelo; a sister, Jean Garrison Earnest of McKinney, TX; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Scott, PFC Elijah Scott, US Marine Corps, Jenna Wiygul (Chris), Mandi Heavener (Cody), Caroline Garrison, Conner Garrison; and 4 grandchildren through marriage, Abigail, Sarah, Blake and Grace. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Carol Garrison; his parents, Howell and Isabelle Garrison and siblings, H.B. Garrison (Polly, deceased), Tom Garrison (Betty, deceased); and a brother-in-law, Ben Earnest.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS. 38804; USO, P. O. Box 96860 Washington, D. C. 20077 or to Wounded Warriors, P. O. Box 758561, Topeka, Kansas 66675
Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net.
MEMO, MCMILLAN LOGO
John Meinardi
CORINTH - John Jesse Meinardi, 64, of Corinth, MS passed away Thursday August 11, 2022 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born May 19, 1958 in Hoboken, New Jersey to Louis and Shirley Horne Meinardi-Johnson. He married Jan Dillon on May 16, 1981. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Florida Power and Light/Nextera Energy for 37 years in West Palm Beach Florida where he and Jan lived until his retirement. When not working he enjoyed travel with his wife and their best friends Jim and Kathy Ledbetter (Lucy and Ricky) and spending time at the Ledbetter's cabin in Franklin, North Carolina, coaching little league baseball for his son Aaron's teams, cooking and smoking meat for family and friends.
John is survived by his wife Jan and his children, Jessica Garland (Darren) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Aaron Meinardi of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Kelsey Meinardi of Corinth, Mississippi; two Grandsons Airman First Class, Logan Garland stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Landen Garland of Battle Creek, Michigan; a niece, two nephews and several great nieces and a great nephew; Uncle JC Horne of Rayville, Louisiana, as well as close friends Jim and Kathy Ledbetter of Palm Beach Gardens.
Visitation will be at McMillan Funeral Home on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 14, 2022, at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Walter Downs officiating. Graveside services will follow in Booneville Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Nathan McVey, Josh Ross, Darren Garland, Cal Worley, and Logan Garland. Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Worley, Phil Worley, Crick Ross, and Ricky Skelton.
Eldridge Erastus Fleming
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Saying goodbye is always hard to do
I had to say goodbye to three more precious children the last Sunday in July. Teaching Sunday school is fun, but then all too soon comes tithe time to say goodbye. When I said goodbye to these I realized that were were slighted because we didn’t have Sunday School during 2020 and I didn’t get near the time I wanted with them.
Each of these precious little ones brought their own set of fun to my classroom. I made each of them this little picture that takes the first letter of their name and has character traits that talk about them.
My dear Jaycie Moore was mine not only on Sunday but Wednesday night as well so I had to say goodbye to her twice. She has this quiet spirt that just permeated my soul and calmed me many a Sunday morning.
Her little tinkling laughter has brightened many a day and she was good at doing arts and crafts. In fact over the past year she has been my assistant because when she finished hers, she would help someone else. That’s always a plus in Miss Gina’s room. We have laughed together and cried together and often encouraged each other when days were hard. On her little picture I told her, "you have been joyful when you come in here and have always listened to me."
“You don’t know how much I appreciate hearing you say yes ma’am and I’ve seen your compassion and how you have been a friend to others,” I wrote.
“You know how to stand up for what is right which is part of that independent spirit and yet you are a constant encourager, telling folks it is going to be okay. Thank you for your smile, thank you for your love.”
Jeremiah Hellums has been my special joy as well. He kept me on my toes by asking so many questions. He is smart and understands things as well.
“As you move on up to the next step in life through teaching of God’s word, I pray that you will take time to read it every day,” I challenged him. “Remember that you are called by Christ and He wants to walk with you and talk with you just like His Father did with Adam and Eve. You do this by reading the scriptures of truth and listening to what He has to say.
“The words that I used to describe you through the first letters of your name are so fitting. You were always joyful and ready and excited to learn. You remember things that I taught and you have always been a wonderful example to young and old alike. I’ve seen you minister to your friends by helping them understand the things we learn together, but you are always asking questions and inquiring about things. That’s a good thing. You are alert to the needs of others and yet no matter how much you know, you are still humble and that is the best character trait of all.
“You have been a constant encourager to me and I thank you for your love and enthusiasm through these years.”
Landon McCuller was my little artist. No matter what I asked them to draw he would do it and do it well. He always amazed me with detail. “The words I used to describe you through the letters of your name say it all,” I wrote to him.
“You have always made me laugh and surprised me with your art. You are neat and dependable as well as obedient. The word nimble means quick and you have that quick way of thinking. So please use these traits to the best of your ability. Thank you for your smile. Thank you for your love. I will miss you.”
I told all of them what my ninth grade English teacher, Mrs. Elizableth Bowen wrote to me when I graduated from high school. The Spanish folks have this saying, “Voya con Dios” which means go with God. Do that in all of life and you will ever have the Shepherd to lean upon.
Landon tickled me later. I held them back after class to present them with a little sling bag full of extra goodies. They took them out and looked at them and when Landon started re-packing it he said, “I’ve got to do this right because you said I am neat.”
This past Sunday Jaycie showed her little sister Christina to my room. But before she went down the hall to go to her new Sunday school class, she hugged me and said “Well, good-bye.” I wasn’t supposed to start the class with tears trying to smart my eyes.
Landon Mcculler
Jaycie Moore
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In this April 15, 2011 file photo, a bottle of Johnson's baby powder is displayed in San Francisco. Johnson & Johnson is pulling its iconic, talc-based Johnson’s Baby Powder from shelves worldwide next year in favor of a product based on cornstarch. The health care giant’s announcement Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, comes two years after it ended talc-based powder sales in the U.S. and Canada, where demand has dwindled amid thousands of lawsuits claiming it had caused cancer.
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Joshua Goodman I AP
CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y. • Salman Rushdie, the author whose writing led to death threats from Iran in the 1980s, was attacked and apparently stabbed in the neck Friday by a man who rushed the stage as he was about to give a lecture in western New York.
The Chautauqua center is known for its summertime lecture series, where Rushdie has spoken before. Speakers address a different topic each week. Rushdie and Reese were set to discuss "the United States as asylum for writers and other artists in exile and as a home for freedom of creative expression."
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E.L. McIntosh
E. L. McIntosh, age 78, passed away Friday, July 15, 2022 in San Antonio, TX. He was a retired Vietnam Veteran, and worked as a civil servant at Kelly AFB. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and helping anyone in need. His hobbies were barbecuing, working on old cars and fishing with friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Birdie Townsend and a special aunt, Mary Townsend. He is survived by his children: EL Jr., William, Melissa, Kendra, Christina, Amanda, and Marcia. A sister, Frances Green McIntosh. Graveside services were held Wednesday July 27, 2022, at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.
E. L. Mcintosh
Mary Townsend
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Courtesy: Heritage Foundation
Census errors will distort elections, funding for next decade
By HANS A. VON SPAKOVSKY Guest columnist
The Census Bureau has not explained how it got the 2020 Census so wrong. This is particularly troublesome because the Bureau reported an error rate of 0.01% in the 2010 census — an overcount of only 36,000 people, a statistically insignificant mistake.
After each census, the Bureau interviews a large number of households across the country and then compares the interview answers with the original census responses. The 2020 survey showed that the bureau overcounted the population in Delaware, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island and Utah. The largest mistake was in President Biden’s home state of Delaware, which was overcounted by 5.45%.
The states whose populations were undercounted were Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas. The largest error in the undercount was in Arkansas, where the population count was off by 5.04%.
The census is geared to providing a count of the population on one specific date, in this case April 1, 2020. A remedy that involved ordering the Census Bureau to conduct another actual recount in the 14 affected states — a complex, expensive undertaking — would provide numbers on a different date than the original census, whose population totals would still be in effect for the rest of the states. This would raise fundamental fairness issues, given the high mobility of our population.
HANS A. VON SPAKOVSKY is a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation and a former Justice Department lawyer and FEC commissioner. His new Heritage study on the census errors, “Census Bureau Errors Distort Congressional Representation for the States,” can be found at heritage.org.
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This Feb. 2, 2000, photo shows David Huggins, in Jackson, Miss., who was chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol under Democratic Gov. Ray Mabus from 1988-1992, and the commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety under Democratic Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, in 2000-2004. Huggins died Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at age 74. The Department of Public Safety said Friday that Huggins died of health complications.
JACKSON • David Huggins, who led the Mississippi Highway Patrol under one governor and the Department of Public Safety under another, died Wednesday. He was 74.
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Clark, John
John Alva Clark, 84, of Memphis, Tennessee, formerly of Ripley, MS, was born to Leonard Horace and Bertha Mae Hamm Clark in Tremont, MS, on September 16, 1937 and passed on August 10, 2022. He grew up in Red Bay, AL, and resided in Ripley, MS, for most of his life, where he had a successful career in retail. He always brought a smile to his customers' faces and never met a stranger. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed gardening, and spending time with his beloved wife, family, and friends. Mr. Clark is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lillian Rubine Clark; his son, Philip Anthony Clark (Myra); his grandchildren, Anna Kathryn Hall (Christopher), Thomas Kyle Clark, Laken Elizabeth Clark, Elizabeth Livingston Morris (Kevin), and Sarah Anderson Livingston; his great-grandchild, Henry Rhodes Morris; and a host of other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Horace Clark and Bertha Mae Hamm Clark; and his siblings, Oliver Edward Clark (Maydale), Amy Jean Gilliand (Eddie), and Horace Lane Clark. Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka, MS, is entrusted with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, August 14, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Cutshall Funeral Home - Iuka. Funeral Services are scheduled immediately afterwards at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Bro. Jerry Bingham. Pallbearers include Kyle Clark, Gary Childers, Chris Hall, Warren Mills, Dylan Wallace, and Mike Wallace. Interment will follow at Rutledge- Salem Cemetery. Memorials may be made in John's honor to the Alzheimer's Association. An online guestbook may be accessed at www.cutshallfuneralhome.com.
John Alva Clark
Leonard Horace Clark
Thomas Kyle Clark
Bertha Mae
Cutshall
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Jimmie Rhea "Jim" Garrison, at the wonderful age of 88, departed this life for his eternal home on August 10, 2022 from his West Tupelo residence. A native Tennessean, Jim was born in Decherd, Tn. on March 7, 1934 to the late Howell B. Garrison and Isabelle Matthews Garrison. He grew up there and graduated High School from Baxter Boarding School in Baxter, Tn. Always a patriotic American, Jim served a tour of duty during the Korean Conflict in the U. S. Army. He received his Bachelor and Master Degrees in Pharmacy from the University of Tennessee- Memphis. He furthered his education ultimately receiving his Doctor of Pharmacy Degree. Jim's first job after receiving his license to practice pharmacy was with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company. In 1961, he was transferred to Tupelo where he became a pharmaceutical sales representative of the Upjohn Company, calling on health care facilities and doctors all over Northeast Miss. He retired from Upjohn in 1990 after more than 30 years. Jim enjoyed providing relief work at area pharmacies and, after retirement, filled many of his days assisting fellow area pharmacists run their businesses. Jim was a likeable soul, enjoyed good conversation and seldom met a stranger. Independent and often strong willed, he lived his life to the fullest and left a legacy of hard work, joy and love for his family. Jim enjoyed his farm where he raised cattle and ran his own sawmill. He loved planing rough sewn lumber into usable wood products. He even spent 12 years building a house on his farm, known as Ole Hickory" where he supplied most of the wood. Jim enjoyed the outdoors including bird and dove hunting and, in earlier years, was a "fair" scratch golfer. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. His first wife, Mary Carol Garrison died on Jan. 10, 1997. He married Patricia Adam "Pat" Garrison in March, 2003. A service, with military honors, celebrating his life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, August 13, 2022 at St. Luke United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob Gill officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Faith Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 2 PM to service time Saturday. Honorary pallbearers will be fellow members of the Friendship Sunday school class at St. Luke. Jimmie is survived by his wife, Patricia Adams "Pat" Garrison of Tupelo; a son, Brian Garrison (Elizabeth Garrison) of Chalfont, PA; two daughters, Cheryl Garrison Scott of Tupelo, Sally Garrison Hankins (Ronnie) of Tupelo; a daughter through marriage, Beth Craft of Tupelo; a sister, Jean Garrison Earnest of McKinney, TX; six grandchildren, Elizabeth Scott, PFC Elijah Scott, US Marine Corps, Jenna Wiygul (Chris), Mandi Heavener (Cody), Caroline Garrison, Conner Garrison; and 4 grandchildren through marriage, Abigail, Sarah, Blake and Grace. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Carol Garrison; his parents, Howell and Isabelle Garrison and siblings, H.B. Garrison (Polly, deceased), Tom Garrison (Betty, deceased); and a brother-in-law, Ben Earnest. Memorials may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Avenue, Tupelo, MS. 38804; USO, P. O. Box 96860 Washington, D. C. 20077 or to Wounded Warriors, P. O. Box 758561, Topeka, Kansas 66675 Condolences may be e mailed to hollandfuneraldirectors@comcast.net
Jimmie Rhea "jim" Garrison
Master Degrees
Isabelle Matthews Garrison
Howell B. Garrison
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Huggins, David Richard
A service to celebrate the life of David Richard Huggins will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday August 14, 2022 at McPeters Funeral Directors in Corinth, MS with interment to follow at New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Rienzi, MS. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at McPeters Funeral Home located at 1951 E 3rd Street, Corinth, MS David Richard Huggins, a beloved husband, father, and friend passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2022. He was 74 years old. David was born in Corinth, MS, and attended Biggersville High School. He then went on to attend Northeast Mississippi Junior College and later attended, through the University of Southern Mississippi, Forensics at Scotland Yards located in London, England. On June 9, 1969, David graduated from The Mississippi Highway Patrol Academy Class #27 and was assigned to Tunica, MS. He then married Judy Monroe on June 28, 1969, and they were married for 53 years. David and Judy also lived in Senatobia, Jackson, Corinth, and Brandon. From 1988 - 1992 David served as the Chief of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. From 2000 - 2004 David served as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety under Governor Ronnie Musgrove. David loved entertaining, whether it was camping, water skiing, or planning his grandkids' birthday parties on the back deck. David also loved the Highway Patrol and embraced the politics involved. On March 28, 2010, Governor Haley Barbour signed H.B. 1159, to be known as the "David R. Huggins Act." This bill ensured Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers were compensated for all the hours they worked. David is preceded in death by his son Joseph Huggins, his parents, Frank, Sr. and Ruth Huggins, and his brother Frank Huggins, Jr. David is survived by his lovely wife, Judy Huggins. His daughters Rebecca, her husband David, their children Payton, Sydnie, Madi, Kaycee Jo, and Wyatt, and daughter Vicki and her daughters Katelynn and Haylee. He is also survived by his brother Martin Huggins and his wife Neta. David's love, commitment, and lasting impact on his family and the Mississippi Highway Patrol will be greatly missed. Online condolences can be made at www.McPetersFuneralDirectors.com.
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Meinardi, John
John Jesse Meinardi, 64, of Corinth, MS passed away Thursday August 11, 2022 at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was born May 19, 1958 in Hoboken, New Jersey to Louis and Shirley Horne Meinardi-Johnson. He married Jan Dillon on May 16, 1981. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Florida Power and Light/Nextera Energy for 37 years in West Palm Beach Florida where he and Jan lived until his retirement. When not working he enjoyed travel with his wife and their best friends Jim and Kathy Ledbetter (Lucy and Ricky) and spending time at the Ledbetter's cabin in Franklin, North Carolina, coaching little league baseball for his son Aaron's teams, cooking and smoking meat for family and friends. John is survived by his wife Jan and his children, Jessica Garland (Darren) of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Aaron Meinardi of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and Kelsey Meinardi of Corinth, Mississippi; two Grandsons Airman First Class, Logan Garland stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis and Landen Garland of Battle Creek, Michigan; a niece, two nephews and several great nieces and a great nephew; Uncle JC Horne of Rayville, Louisiana, as well as close friends Jim and Kathy Ledbetter of Palm Beach Gardens. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be at McMillan Funeral Home on Saturday, August 13, 2022, from 3:00-5:00 P.M. A Celebration of Life will be at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, August 14, 2022, at McMillan Funeral Home with Bro. Walter Downs officiating. Graveside services will follow in Booneville Cemetery. Pallbearers are Nathan McVey, Josh Ross, Darren Garland, Cal Worley, and Logan Garland. Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Worley, Phil Worley, Crick Ross, and Ricky Skelton.
John Jesse Meinardi
Jan Dillon
Logan Garland
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The emblem of a Mississippi Highway Patrol badge on a "cover," the hat worn by uniformed officers, is shown June 30, 2021, taken at a ceremony in Pearl, Miss. The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said on Aug. 12, 2022, that its investigation into an incident involving a white Mississippi Highway Patrol officer and three Black men showed no evidence of criminal conduct by the state trooper. The investigation was launched after a viral video showed the officer putting a handcuffed man into a chokehold and wrestling him into a ditch, Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, in McComb, Miss.
JACKSON • The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said Friday that its internal investigation found no criminal conduct by a white Highway Patrol trooper who used physical force against a handcuffed Black man during an arrest — a confrontation caught on video by relatives of the man being arrested.
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Have I mentioned my three greatest fears? I don’t believe I have, so here they are, in order:
3. Being homeless.
2. Going to prison.
1. Cockroaches.
Actually, I have written about my fear of cockroaches, but we’ll get back to that in a minute. Let’s start with being homeless, why I fear it, and why I would be terrible at it.
First off, I need reliable 24/7 access to indoor plumbing. When that morning cup of coffee hits, I do not need to be wandering an alley in search of a bucket. Also, if I go more than a day without showering, I feel filthy. Yes, I’m spoiled. So are you.
There would also be the problem of getting two to three squares per day, but I’ve always been a pretty good moocher despite my social anxiety. Just ask my parents! I’m already a picky eater, so yes, I’d be that guy at the homeless shelter asking them to hold the zucchini.
Let me be clear that I am not making light of being homeless, I’m making light of ME being homeless. I don’t know how people do it. I was in Chattanooga last year and encountered a young homeless man who looked as despondent as any person I’ve ever seen. He just sat on a bench and stared at nothing. I’ve known misery, but nothing like that, and I want no part of it.
You’d think going to prison would be better than being homeless, and in many ways it is. For one, you have food and shelter – and a toilet. On the other hand, you’re packed in with a bunch of other stinky men who might stab you with a sawed-off toothbrush just because they’re bored. You can’t enjoy the outside world and all the pleasures it brings, like fresh bacon, the touch of a woman, and doomscrolling on Twitter.
Plus, there’s the whole … you know … getting raped thing. Not a fan.
By the way, the irony of “The Shawshank Redemption” being my favorite movie is not lost on me. Perhaps if I were more like Andy Dufresne, I could handle being on the inside. Alas, I’m probably more like that guy at the beginning who gets beat to death by the guard.
But even worse than being without a home, worse than being stuck in the hoosegow, is encountering a cockroach. It is the vilest of creatures, one most acquainted with filth and putrescence. Its mere existence can cause one to question the very existence of God, for what sort of benevolent being would curse even the worst of us by bringing cockroaches into our world?
When I was a child, I once stood on a chair while my younger sister killed a giant roach. A few years ago, I was trying to kill one of the little hell-bugs when it FLEW AT ME. My life flashed before my eyes as I screamed, “No fly! No fly!” like some sort of 2-year-old who can’t yet form full sentences.
When the nuclear apocalypse comes, nothing will remain on Earth but roaches – and Keith Richards.
You remember that show “Fear Factor” that Joe Rogan used to host? People would engage in disgusting competitions in order to win money, abandoning all dignity as they bit into a bull’s testicle (after it was removed from the bull, mind you). Anyway, roaches would sometimes be involved in one of the stunts, and that’s when I’d check out – even if I needed the money to keep my house.
I’d be seeing y’all at the soup kitchen.
Andy Dufresne
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Q. My husband and I are retired. I receive a small pension, and we are both on Medicare and Social Security. We have about $25,000 left to pay on our mortgage, along with a second mortgage of $18,000. These are our only debts. We also have a nest egg of $30,000 set aside, and a small annuity that’s worth about $20,000. Would you recommend paying off our mortgages with our savings?
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• Registered nurse Katie Kerr has been selected by her peers as North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory’s Star of the Month.
Kerr works in the hospital’s Emergency Department and has been employed by NMMC Gilmore-Amory since 2019.
Kerr earned an associate degree in nursing from Bevill State University in Hamilton, Alabama in 2018 and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus in 2020. She is certified in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum, Pediatric Advanced Live Support, Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course and Advanced Stroke Life Support.
NMMC Gilmore-Amory’s Star of the Month is selected by a team of employees
• North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory recently presented its DAISY Award to registered nurse Tiquisha “Nikki” Evans of the Medical-Surgical Unit.
A 2005 graduate of Aberdeen High School, Evans received her Licensed Practical Nursing certificate from Bevill State Community College in Hamilton, Alabama, in May 2018 and earned her associate degree in nursing there in December 2018. She joined the NMMC Gilmore-Amory staff in February 2019. Evans completed her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus in 2020.
Evans received a certificate, DAISY Award pin and bouquet of flowers. The DAISY Award is an international program that rewards and celebrates the extraordinary compassionate and skillful care given by nurses every day.
• Cheri Harbour of North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented “I Take the Yellow Pill in the Morning! Promoting Self-Management in the Older Adult with Low Vision,” at the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired international conference.
Harbour, who holds a Specialty Certification in Low Vision from the American Occupational Therapy Association, offers Low Vision Rehabilitation at the NMMC Retina Center. She earned a post-professional master’s degree in occupational therapy with emphasis in low vision rehabilitation from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The AER conference is the largest gathering of professionals who provide services to those who are blind or visually impaired. Harbour discussed how to help adults with vision loss manage their own medication and nutrition, as well as assessment tools and adaptive strategies to facilitate self-management, health literacy and healthy behaviors.
• North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented a BEE (Beyond Exceptional Expectations) Award to Kearsee Foster, case manager on 3 West.
A coworker nominated Foster for helping facilitate a patient’s transfer to Jackson for an emergency procedure when she was not working. “Kearsee was at church and stepped out to take our call and help,” he wrote. “She kept us informed despite being off work and at home. This is only one of the many times that Kearsee has gone above and beyond for her patients, even though she is sometimes not in the facility. She is a definite asset to 3 West and NMMC.”
Foster is a licensed clinical social worker who joined NMMC’s Case Management team in 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. She resides in Tupelo.
The BEE Award is given to a deserving caregiver each month at NMMC. Nomination forms are available throughout NMMC or at www.nmhs.net/bee-award. For more information, call (662) 377-3431 or email BEEAwards@nmhs.net.
• Gwendolyn Nelson has been selected by her peers as North Mississippi Medical Center Gilmore-Amory’s Star of the Quarter.
Nelson is a patient access specialist in the hospital’s Business Office. Since joining the NMMC Gilmore-Amory staff in April 1998, she has worked in the Emergency Department, switchboard and outpatient services.
Nelson graduated from Benjamin E. Mays High School in Atlanta and attended Reinhardt College in Waleska, Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Rust College in Holly Springs.
• North Mississippi Medical Center recently presented a DAISY Award to registered nurse Katie Kincaid of 3 West.
A coworker nominated Kincaid for providing DVDs for a patient to watch and getting approval for his grandchildren, who are in his custody, to visit because they had not seen each other for two weeks. “I believe that the actions Katie took made a meaningful difference in his stay,” she wrote.
A 2013 graduate of Saltillo High School, Kincaid attended the University of Mississippi before completing her associate degree in nursing from Itawamba Community College in 2019. She lives in Tupelo and joined the NMMC staff in 2020, working on 5 West before transferring to 3 West.
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Shannon's Thompson has grown into a force at linebacker
SHANNON – Jayden Thompson’s growth as a player and as a person synced up at the right time.
He quit Shannon’s football team after one summer workout prior to his freshman year – one of the “bad decisions” Thompson says he made at the time. But the next summer he returned to the fold. Not only that, he sprouted four inches, to 6-foot-4.
By his junior year, Thompson was a force at linebacker for the Red Raiders. He surprised himself.
“I didn’t know I had this much in me,” Thompson said. “I feel like coach (Darryl) Carter pushed me more, and it brought it out of me, and I got a lot more to do.”
As a first-year starter last season, Thompson recorded 41 tackles, 5 tackles-for-loss and three interceptions. He can play inside or outside, covers a lot of ground, and can bring the wood at 240 pounds. He’s worked this offseason to be better against the run.
“With my size and length, it’s hard for linemen to put their hands on me because my arms are so long,” Thompson said. “And I’m not little, so it’s hard for them to try to toss me around.”
A strive to improve has been a constant for Thompson since he rejoined the team. Carter, the 11th-year head coach, said his linebacker has grown in his understanding of the game.
“He’s very talented, but at the end of the day it’s about him understanding what it took watching film, asking questions, and reevaluating himself and seeing he had to get more physical on and off the field,” Carter said. “He did a great job of that, put on about 15 pounds of muscle. He’s been a student of the game, in the weight room and everything.”
Thompson has also become more mature. He’s no longer afraid of the hard offseason work, and he enjoys being one of the team leaders.
His overall growth has been such that colleges are starting to pay attention. Murray State made him a scholarship offer a few weeks ago and is Thompson’s frontrunner.
Carter feels Thompson could be a steal of a prospect.
“He’s not a one-dimensional guy,” he said. “He can play inside, outside, very athletic, and he can run with any running back out of the backfield. He’s the kind of guy, he’s a diamond in the rough.”
Shannon opens the season Aug. 26 at Pontotoc.
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It is 6:28 on a Wednesday morning, and I am attempting to rouse my daughter from her slumber-time world of fantasy with a series of semi-furious shoulder shakes and half-gentle chants of her name.
She pushes me away, muttering some mostly unintelligible complaint about how sleepy she is. I wander back into the living room, where I will give her approximately three minutes to stumble out of her bedroom before I begin the process again.
Two minutes later, she speaks the first distinct words of the day, her little voice reaching fever-pitch levels.
“A is for Adley!” she cries, shouting it at the same volume and with the same intensity that someone of drinking age might declare, “I just won the lottery!” or “It was just a benign cyst!”
I shudder. For those without tiny children who lack an appreciation for proper storytelling or any form of entertainment that isn’t 95% yelling into a hand-held camera, “A is for Adley” is a YouTube series chronicling the life of young Adley McBride, a spitfire redheaded child who — if her many … many videos are to be believed — spends her days loudly goofing off with her parents and siblings.
The child’s channel has roughly 4.51 million subscribers. At age 7, she is wealthier than I have ever been or ever will be.
It is now 6:34 on a Wednesday morning, and the vampiric sense of world-weariness is already unbearable. Arlie bounds from her room with the kind of energy middle-aged people can’t fathom mustering even during their peak hours of the day.
“Daddy,” she begins, and I already know she’s going to ask, “What can I watch?” but what she’ll really mean is, “Can I watch ‘A is for Adley?’”
“What can I watch?” she says.
And like any parent who knows what he or she should say but also hasn’t even had a single drop of coffee yet because it’s 6:36 on a Wednesday morning and he or she thought it was a good idea to stay up until after midnight drinking beer and watching Cynthia Rothrock movies, I just didn’t have the energy for an argument.
“You can watch ‘A is for Adley,’” I tell her.
“Hooray!” she says, and then “Thank you, Daddy” before dashing toward the tiny room off the kitchen where she likes to eat her breakfast and the cats perform their bathroom rituals.
“Eat first,” I call after her. “You have 20 minutes before you have to get ready for school.”
“OK,” she shouts as she slams the door to the room. From the kitchen, the coffeemaker lets me know it has finished brewing a pot by bleating a few dozen times.
I plop into my usual living room chair at 6:42 on a Wednesday morning and curse as I slosh coffee all over my shirt. I return to the kitchen for paper towelsand profane self-cleaning just as I hear a small child shout “A is for Adley!” from the adjacent room.
I open the door to find Arlie standing centimeters from the television, mesmerized by the tiny redhead bouncing around the screen. The plate of pancakes I fixed my child for breakfast remain sitting on the table some three feet behind her. They are untouched.
“Arlie. Don’t stand so close to that TV,” I tell her. And then, “Also, you’ve got 15 minutes before we have to get ready for school. You can eat and watch television at the same time, like the rest of us.”
“OK, Daddy,” she says, then slowly backs away from the television. Somehow, she navigates her way to her seat without ever removing her eyes from the chaos on-screen.
“Eat,” I tell her again.
“OK,” she says, and then, “Shut the door, please.”
It is now 6:52 on a Wednesday morning, and I have refilled my cup and returned to my seat. From the nearby child-feeding/cat-pooping room, I hear the distinct clamor of a 6-year-old jumping around. It does not resemble the sound of pancakes being eaten.
“Arlie,” I call out. “Eat.”
“I am, Daddy,” she answers.
It is now 7:01 on a Wednesday morning, and my child has returned to her position a hair’s breadth from the television. The plate of pancakes appears to be in pristine condition.
“Time to get ready for school,” I tell my child. The look she gives me is one of panic and confusion.
“But I haven’t eaten yet,” she tells me.
It is now 7:03 on a Wednesday morning, and a very noisy, very rich child is screaming on TV. I feel like joining her.
A Is For Adley
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As it name implies, the Black and White Warbler has prominent black and white lengthwise stripes.
Jerry Green
Fall migration for Black and White Warbler has begun
By MARGARET GRATZ Contributing Columnist
In August, the heat may still be oppressive, and summer may tenaciously hang on, but fall migration for some of our impatient feathered friends has begun. A sighting of a Black and White Warbler frolicking in the bird bath confirmed that our avian summer residents will be departing soon for the tropics.
The Black and White Warbler rarely nests in Mississippi, and should this bird choose to do so, it would probably nest in the forests of the Northeastern part of the state. However, this warbler is always anxious to take to the skies, and sightings of this neotropical migratory bird will begin in mid-July or early August. This warbler would be most welcome to nest on my wooded hillside, but it is usually only seen during migration when it stops by to rest, refuel, and bathe in the bird bath.
Because most warblers lose their colorful plumage and markings in the fall, they are difficult to identify. In Roger Tory Peterson’s Field Guide to the Birds, he refers to these birds as “those confusing fall warblers.” However, this nomenclature does not apply to the Black and White Warbler, whose markings remain much the same as they were during the breeding season, and thus this bird is easy to identify even in the fall.
As it name implies, the Black and White Warbler has prominent black and white lengthwise stripes. The male warbler has a black throat, and the female has a white throat. Unlike most warblers that flutter erratically amongst the treetops foraging for food, the Black and White Warbler alights on a tree trunk or limb and methodically climbs up and down, much like a nuthatch, in search of tasty insects and spiders. This warbler has a long claw and hind toe which allows this bird to move with agility, and it can ascend the tree trunk or even go down headfirst. Hence, this warbler is much more accommodating when it comes to identification by birdwatchers. With the Black and White Warbler, bird watchers with binoculars in tow need not suffer from “Warbler neck,” a common affliction of those who peruse the tree tops to catch glimpses of most skittish warblers.
This engaging little warbler is attractive. but would probably never make the Glee Club. In almost every field guide, this warbler’s song is described as less than melodious. Almost every ornithologist uses the word “squeaky” to describe its song.
The Black and White warbler is a bird of deciduous and coniferous woods. It usually builds a nest at the foot of a tree or in the shelter of a fallen log. Such a location always makes me nervous for these nests seem so very vulnerable to predators. However, this warbler’s numbers are not as worrisome as many other warbler species, but their numbers are declining.
And, of course, this warbler must make a perilous journey every spring and fall. These warblers migrate nocturnally and are at risk of colliding with glass, buildings, and wind turbines, and as insect eaters, they can succumb to pesticides. Yet, fall migration has begun, and these warblers may choose to winter in the coastal Southeast or venture on as far south as South America.
Fall migration for the avian species has begun. The little Black and White Warbler will travel the same route that his predecessors have traversed for eons. There is still something mysterious and magical about the journey. It is an annual celestial odyssey that continues to somewhat puzzle scientists and fascinate birdwatchers around the world.
THE EARTH LADY by Margaret Gratz appears once a month in the Daily Journal.
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In this file photo from June 2022, young Elvis fans who taking part in the BECOMING Experience, a youth-focused Elvis tribute artist competition held as part of the annual Tupelo Elvis Presley Festival, take a tour of the King of Rock and Roll's Birthplace before they compete. Attendance at Tupelo's most well-known tourist destination has been steadily rising and has nearly reached pre-pandemic levels.
In this file photo from July 2022, Sara Dabbs of Tupelo tours the Elvis Presley Birthplace with her friends, Bronwyn and Darryl Scott, who were visiting from the Blue Mountains of Sydney, Australia.
TUPELO • Roy Turner welcomed a busload of tourists to the Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum earlier this week, and he's ready for more.
After spending more than 40 years preserving the life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll, Turner was named the executive director of the Birthplace last fall to replace longtime leader Dick Guyton, who retired.
His biggest challenge in his short tenure leading Tupelo’s most well-known attraction: getting visitors to return after the pandemic kept so many from coming.
Fortunately, Turner has seen more visitors this year. It’s a trend he hopes and expects to see continue.
That would be the Baz Luhrmann-directed "Elvis," which has been a hit with more than $250 million in global ticket sales so far. And with international tourists typically making up 60% of visitors to the Birthplace, the movie couldn't have come out at a better time.
It was only last November that a busload of international visitors returned to visit, the first group since January 2020.
"They're coming from all over the world," Turner said on Tuesday. "Today we probably had 20 from Belgium who spent the better part of the day here. Over the next 15 days, we have 35 bus tours coming through ... the number of visitors is approaching to what they were pre-COVID."
Before the pandemic, the Birthplace would see some 60,000 visitors a year, but attendance plummeted in its wake.
The Aug. 13 Fan Appreciation Day event is expected to be better attended than previous events. It’s the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ death, and his fans are eager to celebrate his legacy.
"We typically see more people in those five-year increments," Turner said.
The increase in tourists has not only been at the Birthplace, but across the city.
Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau executive director Neal McCoy said the CVB uses two metrics to track tourism in the All-America City. The first is tax receipts, a sign of how much money is being spent. McCoy said tourism tax is up this year.
"For the year as of July 31, we're up 14.5% compared to a year ago,” McCoy said. “And last year was the second-highest on the books, so we expect Fiscal Year 22 to be a record."
The other metric comes from the Smith Travel Report, which tracks data from hotels across the city. Occupancy rate, average daily rate, and the all-important revenue per available room are among the numbers the report gives.
And McCoy said all those numbers show the Tupelo market is doing just fine.
Three new hotels in the past year - Home2Suites, Tru and Hotel Tupelo – have been well-received. Another hotel, a TownPlace Suites, is scheduled to open in 2024.
"Hoteliers wouldn't be opening new hotels if they didn't see a need or demand for it," McCoy said. "And banks wouldn't lend them money either."
As for the Birthplace, Turner wouldn't mind seeing more overnight stays by visitors. But for now, he's happy to see more people, including younger ones.
The movie brought in some other familiar faces as well.
"I saw a lot of locals come in when the film first came out, and it thrilled me," he said. "We have a great facility that's often taken for granted, and more people need to see that we have a top-notch park and museum."
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Barbara Mallory shows off a large photograph of the early members of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club, of which she was instrumental in founding and is now the president emeritus. To her, one of the most valuable aspects of the club is giving back to the community through donations to the Tupelo Aquatic Center, Regional Rehab and young artists and musicians.
Barbara Mallory poses with an enlarged copy of her photo picturing devoted Tupelo area Elvis fans from the 1950s. Along with a few friends, Mallory saw Elvis in concert many times, the first being in 1955 at the Belden High School gym.
Gayle Hillhouse has preserved most of her Elvis memorabilia throughout the years. Her collection includes postcards that were designed by hand, fans and books that tell the story of Elvis' and those closes to him.
Gayle Hillhouse, left, and Sharon Estes shared a fifth grade classroom in 1960. They never dreamed that the one and only Elvis Presley would walk into their room one day, but that all changed when they heard a knock at the door and saw the King's face peering through the window of his former fifth grade teacher classroom.
Kay Matthews holds a story that contains a photo of the 1956 Elvis concert at the Tupelo Fairgounds that she attended as a student in the seventh grade.
This photo of the 1956 Elvis concert at the Tupelo Fairgrounds features Kay Matthews as a seventh grader in the right hand corner along the front row.
By BLAKE ALSUP and BROOKE BURLESON Daily Journal
TUPELO • While a new generation of Elvis fans have been introduced to the King of Rock and Roll through this summer’s worldwide hit movie, “Elvis,” plenty of Northeast Mississippians met Tupelo's native son or saw him perform live long before the jumpsuits and Las Vegas shows.
In honor of the 45th anniversary of the rock and roll legend’s death on Aug. 16, 1977, the Daily Journal spoke with several local people who saw him perform.
Gayle Hillhouse and Sharon Estes: fifth graders who met The King
Gayle Hillhouse of Plantersville and her lifelong friend Sharon Estes shared a classroom in fifth grade at Milam Elementary School. Both considered their teacher, Mrs. J.C. Grimes, to be “wonderful.”
But Grimes was special in many ways, one being that she taught the one and only Elvis Presley during his formative years growing up in Tupelo.
The two 10-year-old girls were in class one unsuspecting day when there was a knock on the door. The class turned their heads to see none other than superstar Elvis Presley with his head in the door's window.
"We were sitting around the room, and Elvis's face was in that little window,” Hillhouse said. “And we looked up and said, 'It's really him!'”
Hillhouse said Presley stepped into the classroom and gave his former teacher a hug.
"He said, ‘Y'all better listen to this lady, she knows what she's talking about,'" Hillhouse said.
After school that day, Hillhouse was abuzz with energy.
“I saw him,” she recalled telling her grandmother, who watched her after the school day ended. “I saw him; I saw him.”
For Estes, Grimes' classroom and the Elvis encounter she had would come to be a full circle moment later in life.
"It's really strange because, years later, that was my classroom where I taught fifth grade," Estes said.
Hillhouse saw Elvis three times in concert, but Estes never got the chance to see him perform.
"I saw him in Huntsville, and you cannot imagine the excitement," Hillhouse said. "I came home and told my husband that it didn't matter if you did or didn't like Elvis, you would scream your head off."
Although Hillhouse's husband was lukewarm on the King at the time of the Huntsville concert, he’s now a bona fide fan.
In fact, several members of the Hillhouse clan are diehard Elvis fans. Hillhouse, her husband, and their granddaughter, Ivy Brooke, all joined the Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club years ago. Elvis Presley provided a backdrop for many of Hillhouse's life changing moments, including the time she met her husband at 15 while attending a dance at the Elvis Presley Youth Center, now the Elvis Presley Birthplace.
Even though the once fifth grade girls only got to see Elvis up close and personal once in 1960, they have continued to carry on a love for the King more than 60 years later.
Barbara Mallory saw Elvis before, and after, he was famous
Barbara Mallory has been an Elvis fan since before he became the world's most famous musician.
Currently President Emeritus of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club, Mallory worked at the ground level to establish the club. Now, the Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club gives back to the community in big ways, just as Elvis did.
For Mallory, Elvis fandom is intensely personal. Mallory was 16 when she first saw the King at the Belden High School gym outside of Tupelo. That was in 1955, and the future King of Rock and Roll was still, as best, a princeling.
“He was not very well known," Mallory said.
Although Elvis had yet to become a superstar — that would come early the following year with the release of his worldwide hit, “Heartbreak Hotel” — Mallory had previously heard him on the radio and immediately liked what she heard.
"When we saw him, I tell people there was no turning back. He was different," Mallory said. "All the boys had crew cuts, and here he comes with a ducktail and a flashy dresser. But it was mostly his music."
When the Belden concert concluded, Mallory said that Elvis stuck around to sign autographs.
"I was just looking at him. I was shy and couldn't say a word," she said.
After Mallory's first encounter with Elvis, she joined his Memphis fan club.
"I wrote him a letter, and I got an answer to that letter dated September 26, 1955,” she said.
Mallory said she can’t recall the exact contents of that letter, but remembers she had asked Presley if he was married or planned on getting married.
“He answered and said he wasn’t,” she said with a laugh.
Mallory saw Presley again shortly after the Belden performance during a 1955 show at the Tupelo fairgrounds. She even has the ticket stub to prove it.
At the time, he still wasn’t a headliner. However, when the 1956 and 1957 fairs came to town, Presley took center stage.
The next time Mallory saw Presley was in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1971. For that concert, she brought her kids along with her. She then saw him one last time in concert in 1974 in Memphis.
The last time she got to see Elvis Presley was at his casket viewing. She said she had mixed feelings about attending the viewing but ultimately followed through with it.
"We grew up, and it was almost like he was a member of the family and part of my life so much,” she said. “I just went out of respect.”
Kay Mathews is pictured in iconic 1956 Tupelo concert photo
When Kay Mathews went to the 1956 Mississippi-Alabama Fair and Dairy Show, she wasn't there to see Elvis.
Mathews, 78, was around 12 years old when she walked with the rest of her classmates to the fairgrounds from Tupelo High School, now Milam Elementary School.
Once she and her classmates entered the fairgrounds, everyone congregated near the stage where Elvis was set to perform.
“At that point in my life, that didn’t mean anything to me,” Mathews said.
But she found herself at the front of the crowd, nearly within arm’s reach of the King of Rock 'n Roll. She vividly remembers his blue velvet shirt and white shoes.
“All of a sudden, when he starts, the older teenagers start the screaming and the hollering,” Mathews said. “It was contagious.”
She doesn’t remember any of the songs Elvis sang, doesn’t remember the concert ending, and doesn’t know what she did after.
“I don’t think I thought anything about, ‘I’m seeing history' or ‘I’m seeing something magnificent in the future,'" Mathews said. "I don’t think that was part of what it was. It was just a fun day.”
It took over 50 years for Matthews to realize that she is pictured in an iconic photograph from the show.
She and her husband had taken a trip out west to hike the Grand Canyon in 2007. After stopping to eat at a Route 66-type diner on their way back, Mathews looked through the Elvis memorabilia for sale there.
She picked up a gold-handled mug featuring a photo of the performance, and she instantly spotted herself.
"Yep, that shows I was there," Mathews said to herself.
A random childhood encounter with one of the most famous men who has ever lived linked their lives via a photograph.
These days, Matthews shares Elvis’ passion for helping others, particularly children. After a successful career at the Regional Rehabilitation Center in Tupelo — first as a speech therapist, and later as executive director — Mathews retired in 2014 but continues to work there on a volunteer basis.
"It certainly ties it all together for me," Mathews said. "And the fact that Elvis loved children, he wanted to do things for children, and I'm here at the rehab center doing things for children and the fan club supports us here, it's just full circle."
When the Tupelo Elvis Fan Club was revived around the 50th anniversary of his fair appearance, Mathews was a founding member. It’s more than a club; it’s a service organization, one that donates tens of thousands of dollars per year to local agencies and organizations.
For Matthews, as it is for many of the rock legend’s fans, Elvis Presley fandom runs deeper than just a love of the man’s music. It’s personal.
“I’m an Elvis fan because of what he means to Tupelo and what Tupelo meant to him,” Mathews said. “And that all goes back to how we all, who were born and raised and grew up here in Tupelo, feel about Tupelo.”
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The first day of school signals the beginning of learning how to solve problems — or does it?
By CATHY GRACE Contributing columnist
Schools across the state are opening this week, and the beginning of a new school year is reflected in back-to-school shopping as well as the return of school buses to city and county roads. News stories in papers across Mississippi herald the start of the year and highlight new programs and school policies. For kindergarteners and their parents, this is a big deal! If their child has not attended pre-kindergarten, the world of school as a kindergartener is exciting as well as scary and can create anxiety. The ”bigness” of school and, in some cases, riding a school bus can be overwhelming at first.
Young children have a sense of wonder about the world and all the pieces they are led to discover. Teachers of children in early elementary grades have an opportunity to serve as guides for the children as the world opens up in many mysterious ways. It is unfortunate that many teachers feel they are bound by district requirements that leave them powerless when it comes to being creative. A case in point is the requirements the Mississippi Department of Education has published, with State Board approval, that clearly defines how kindergarten should be taught. The Department of Education also has provided state learning standards for each grade and for children as young as infants. Reading the required guidelines and visiting kindergarten classrooms would make you wonder if the school administration was reading the same document as you were. While the Department of Education has offered training on the guidelines for years, the application of them in schools across the state is not happening. Basically, the program guidelines are evidenced-based and promote teaching children how to think and become problem-solvers. The translation in the real world of kindergarten today is less about teaching children how to think, but about teaching them how to memorize and sit still.
Every element needed to become a successful reader can be taught through hands-on learning and exploration, if teachers are given the opportunity. The time spent on reading instruction consumes the greater portion of the instructional day. There is nothing wrong or bad about that, but how instruction takes place is where the opportunities to teach social studies, science and the arts get lost. Having provided in-service for many kindergarten teachers across the state, I can say with certainty that the learning standards related to the arts, science and social studies are more often than not passed over. There is just not enough time is the response given when asked why they do not use learning centers with hands-on learning opportunities as required by program guidelines. School administrators who do not realize the arts provide more opportunities to develop problem-solving skills and creative thinking than the solitary instruction of the elements of reading are missing the barge.
Classrooms not equipped to promote active learning are that way by design. Several years ago, many districts removed the learning centers and opted for tables and chairs and mostly group instruction. Worksheets for children to complete and multiple-choice tests became more common. My personal favorite is the weekly spelling tests administered to kindergartens who are asked to spell words they cannot even read. The retention rate on this exercise is, as you would imagine, low.
Learning to read and compute are life skills that are non-negotiable. The way children are taught those skills is where teachers have been hijacked by rigid cookbook approaches and multiple texts that are not inclusive of all state required learning standards. The reading scores at the third-grade level have increased, but has the level of being able to think?
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Fred Cannon follows the ball to the plate in a Sun Belt Conference Tournament game.
Fred Cannon at work in an NCAA Tournament regional.
Sometimes a decades-long career is birthed in the most innocent of ways.
Fred Cannon was just answering a plea for help from his local parks and rec department.
Next spring there will be organized baseball without Cannon, something that hasn’t happened since he was 5.
Often in his adult life, Cannon has had a seat — or a squat — right behind home plate … as the umpire.
He called his last games in May.
Cannon was part of Minor League Baseball at various levels for 11 years and has called college baseball, mostly in the SEC, for the last 22.
A high school player at Brookhaven and then an education major at Mississippi State intent on coaching, Cannon began the umpire life as a humble attempt at pocket change and continued as supplemental income.
“As a teacher in the mid-80s, you had to have another job. I got paid once a month, and my check didn’t have a comma in it,” he said.
At MSU, Cannon had enrolled in a class for football and basketball officiating.
“One day a guy came and said they were looking for basketball officials for third grade through seventh on Saturday mornings and one night a week,” he said.
Months later Cannon was calling baseball games, which he enjoyed more.
He never stopped.
After college Cannon coached football and baseball at the former South Natchez High School.
He continued to call games when he could and had the opportunity to attend umpire school.
Soon Cannon was calling spring training games in Florida. Eventually he was on the Texas League payroll making overnight van trips from Little Rock to El Paso or Jackson to Midland, Texas.
As a high school player, Cannon turned down a chance to play Division II baseball because he incorrectly judged himself to be a Division I prospect.
Suddenly his part-time college job had placed him in position to impact the Major League aspirations of hundreds of baseball players.
“I messed up and got a job out of umpire school (in 1989). I went straight to the Gulf Coast League. We did games at noon six days a week, and it was blazing hot in Sarasota, Florida. I did that for a couple of years. You were done at 3:30, but you’d lost 10 pounds.
“We had eight guys that lived in the same (apartment) complex. Everybody would shoot off, go do their games and come back.
“We would drive to all these places, do games and come back, at that time getting paid little or nothing and having to pay for lodging, yet they told us this was where you had to stay.”
Times have changed, and Minor League umps now have their lodging covered, Cannon said.
In his last professional outing, Cannon called home plate in the final game of the Triple-A World Series. That was 1999.
Late in his pro career he began making contacts and laying the ground work for a future college opportunity.
Cannon had reached Triple-A, but he knew the numbers. Less than 1% made it from umpire school to the Major Leagues, and that weighed on him.
After a couple of years focusing on real estate in Tupelo while still staying active, Cannon reached out to the area coordinator of college umpires and began the second leg of his journey in 2001 with two Sun Belt assignments and two SEC assignments most months.
The road trips were more manageable, but the landscape was different.
“Pro ball, even in the Minor Leagues, is such a business. It’s all developmental. They’re playing to win the game, but it’s more about getting to the next level. That’s the way it was with the umpires as well. We were just trying to get to the next level.
“College is more team, they’re trying to win, every pitch is the last pitch of the world series, it’s do or die, every pitch hangs on everything which I love because you better come to work, you better be on edge, you better be on your game.”
Cannon leaves a game that has seen lots of change on his end of things.
He embraces replay reviews but not the coming of “robo-umps” at home plate, which he believes will happen.
“It’s a mistake unless they get it absolutely right the first time. If they don’t, and I don’t see how they’re going to, you can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube,” Cannon said.
For now, real people are still calling balls and strikes.
Coaches and players still get mad, and umpires have to decide on their personal ejection line before throwing someone out of a game.
For Cannon, the ejection was coming if a coach turned the argument into something personal.
“You can come out and say, ‘You missed that call,' or, 'That was terrible.’ That’s your opinion. But to come out and say, ‘You’re terrible,’ or anything that gets personal … I just called what I thought it was. I don’t care whether you win or lose.”
What Cannon cared about for 35 years was doing his best work.
Fans, perhaps some coaches, may wonder if a certain umpire has it in for a certain team.
“Every pitch, every play I’m trying to get everything right. I’ve worked with hundreds of umpires over 35 years, I don’t know a single one ever who has not felt the same way,” he said.
Cannon looks back on his career and takes pride in a number of things.
“I did postseason at every level I ever worked. That’s a reward, a recognition of your performance during the season,” he said.
You can’t get to postseason if you can’t make it through the regular season. Durability is important.
“In 35 years I never went down. I busted up a finger, had my bell rung, bruises and things, but I never went down, never missed a game.”
But he’s most proud of his integrity.
“I focused on trying to get every play right.”
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Celebrating family during holidays diminishes with the years
Among my cherished personal effects that survived our house fire are pictures of our family reunions down through the years, preserved in both print and more durable digital format.
I regret that, at least in our family, we just do not get together like we used to. I can tell how long it has been by looking at the cars in the pictures.
I would attribute it to two factors: our elders passing off the scene and the advent of social media that keeps everyone updated the way Christmas letters and family reunions used to.
Family patriarchs were the glue that kept family ties from unraveling. They also had the purpose and drive to keep the campaign active to bring everybody together again year after year.
I heard a radio host who identified herself as a grandmother comment about all the work it was to host a family reunion, but that it was worth it all to see and hug her family members again. You can’t hug people in a Zoom meeting.
Among our church family, it seems that most of the phone calls and emails concern prayer requests to help people get through life’s challenges. It can get wearisome when it seems that nobody ever calls just to relay good news. It’s always bad news that grabs the headlines and generates prayer requests among members of a community of faith.
Our roles in our particular church group have typically been more visible down through the years and thus have made us targets for calls for any kind of help. We have been gratified through a variety of gestures ranging from taking meals to shut-ins, mowing yards for elders and even providing shelter for the homeless.
The Apostle Paul urged the people in Thessalonica to whom he wrote to, “never get tired of doing good,” which brings glory to God and good to mankind. We are not excused from liberality and generosity, arguing that it is no use to help any because so many just seem to take advantage of charity. We simply need to keep on keeping on – encouraging the industrious, as well, to support the sick and afflicted as we are able.
It is an exhortation to practice patience, taking for granted that we had already been “well doing,” or acting honorably. The mission looking forward is to preserve ourselves from “fainting” (per the Biblical term translated in Galatians 6:9), and so slipping into idleness and apathy.
Just as our elders never seemed to tire at the job of hosting a family reunion every year, I try to remind myself that the same mission applies in a smaller scale when helping on an individual basis, even though we may not experience the camaraderie of the family setting with dinner on the grounds and fellowship.
The apostle followed up on his admonition by assuring that we will eventually reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up, which is even more assured than waiting for our stock portfolio to rebound.
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JACKSON – The state’s welfare agency intends to contract with law firm Jones Walker to claw back millions of allegedly misspent federal dollars in a civil suit that involves a Northeast Mississippi nonprofit organization.
A communications official for Gov. Tate Reeves’ office on Saturday confirmed to the Daily Journal that the Mississippi State Department of Human Services will contract with the Jackson-based firm in the civil action suing dozens of people and businesses.
The civil litigation has experienced delays since MDHS, with Reeves’ approval, decided to cut ties with the initial attorney — former federal prosecutor Brad Pigott — it hired to recoup the welfare dollars.
Pigott believed that state officials fired him because of political reasons. Reeves has previously said that he signed off on Pigott’s firing because the former prosecutor “seemed much more interested in getting his name in print” than working on the litigation.
Mark Jones, a spokesperson for the Department of Human Services, said in a statement that the agency is working with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, who must approve the choice for outside counsel, but the statement did not mention the Jones Walker firm.
“We hope to get a new attorney in place soon following approval by all appropriate parties,” Jones said
It’s unclear which attorney at the firm will act as lead counsel or how much the state will pay the firm for its services. The firm and its members regularly donate to Mississippi elected officials, according to campaign filings with the Secretary of State’s office.
DHS is attempting to claw back money from dozens of people and companies, including the Tupelo-based Family Resource Center, over claims of misspending money associated with the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.
FRC Director Christi Webb, who has maintained through attorneys that she has done nothing wrong, was also scheduled to participate in a deposition in September. However, those depositions have been delayed.
The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Mississippi State Personnel Board must also approve of DHS’s contract with Jones Walker. The personnel board’s next meeting is Aug. 18, according to the agency’s website. It’s unclear if the contract will go before the board at the upcoming meeting.
Mississippi Welfare
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"When you're attacking FBI agents because you're under criminal investigation, you're losing."
That 2016 tweet from Trump campaign adviser, and future White House press secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then referring to Hillary Clinton and Democrats, took on a special irony on Monday, as former President Donald Trump and his allies spent much of the day and night railing against the FBI for raiding Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort and occasional home that morning.
The FBI search, executing a search warrant, was conducted as part of an investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents while in the White House. He's accused of removing classified documents illegally and even ripping some up and throwing them in White House toilets — a fitting metaphor for a presidential legacy if I've ever heard one.
Most legal analysts agree this is really, really not good news for Trump. As former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal said on MSNBC, "If I were Donald Trump's lawyer right now, and thank God that I'm not, I would be advising my client to be telling my family that I am expecting jail time...."
Additionally, if Trump's found guilty of mishandling classified documents, he could be prohibited from holding public office again, say, in 2024.
So, it's no wonder Trump responded with a typically nuclear statement about his circumstances, calling the raid "prosecutorial misconduct," "the weaponization of the Justice System" and an "attack by Radical Left Democrats who desperately don't want me to run for President in 2024."
But make no mistake about it — for all their spittle-soaked bluster, Trump and friends couldn't be happier this is happening now.
His loyalists were quick to turn the story of a president who may have committed crimes while in office into one about the "deep state" he so often insisted was out to get him — presumably for moments like this one.
"The FBI just proved that Donald Trump was right," tweeted Newsmax host Benny Johnson. "He's always been right. No one will ever forget this."
If anything, it proves Trump critics were right that he's a corrupt megalomaniac who flouted rules and possibly laws to cling to power, avoid oversight and profit off of the presidency.
And over at Fox News, where news of some legislative wins for President Biden and Democrats was throwing the vibe off, hosts and guests didn't just make a meal of this, they made an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Trump's daughter-in-law Lara ominously warned supporters that they could be next, or something. "If this is what they're able to do to the former president of the United States, think about what they could do to you, to anybody in America."
Steve Bannon called the FBI "the Gestapo" — because nothing means anything anymore.
Laura Ingraham promised even more retribution against, well, everyone I guess: "...when we get power back, it's time to hold everyone accountable: the military leadership, the civilian leadership, the civil service, those in Congress who've abused their power."
And Mark Levin was having a totally normal one, as he usually is: "This is the worst attack on this republic in modern history. Period!"
Dan Bongino was equally restrained. "This is a freaking disgrace. A disgrace," he said. We don't live in Cuba. We don't live under Kim Jong-un. There has to be not only hearings, but a total, total house cleaning at the top of the DOJ and FBI."
Over in Congress, Republicans are making the most of this, too. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, eager to get back into MAGAland's good graces, threatened the attorney general, and Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene went on an unhinged Twitter tirade, mumbling something about communism.
It's wild to watch a group of people compare the U.S. to Nazis, Communists, and dictators because — get this — their favorite former president, who refuses to believe the results of a democratic election, may not in fact get to act more like...a dictator.
If only these folks were as mad about the insurrectionist siege on the U.S. Capitol as they're pretending to be about the raid on Trump's Palm Beach golf club. But they aren't really mad about either — because if Trump was successful at anything, it was convincing his fans that nothing matters more than he does. Not even America itself.
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A response concerning the construction of a $250,000 cross…
A healthy mind must question. In the Christian religion, the faithful are commanded by the Apostle Paul to “examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith” (2 Corinthians 13). In fact, one could say that the practice of self-examination is central to the Christian religion, for “the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Samuel 16) to judge, and the Christian, too, is called to constant repentance and forgiveness, a process by which sins of the heart are necessarily recognized and acknowledged.
The Christian must commit to such practices, an act of “picking up one’s cross” (Luke 9) and removing the “plank in one’s own eye” (Matthew 7). In this way, we are also warned by God of what we might discover there, in the quiet corners of our hearts and minds.
Biblical wisdom teaches that “All the ways of a person are clean in their own sight, but the Lord weighs the motives” (Proverbs 16). Thus, with these core tenets of the Christian faith in mind, I must pose some questions of reflection.
Should the Christians of Monroe County spend $250,000 to erect a cross…of any height? And what are the motives for doing so? Is this true religion? I would advise against it, for I can see no worship through it nor commandment abided by it. Rather, in the scriptures, Jesus directs the Christian on how to exercise one’s faith – and also how to spend one’s money.
I am by no means against public displays of religion. In fact, the last letter to the editor I wrote concerned the lack of a nativity scene in Frisco Park in December 2016. I haven’t changed my stance. Rather, I question the purpose of erecting such a cross with so much grandeur and lavishness in a place of so much human hurting and calling it an act of God.
In Matthew 25, Jesus summarizes the righteous work of a Christian life: “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…Truly, I say to you as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
The message – to me – is clear. The list is rather brief. No 120-foot cross required.
I have spent the last year studying and traveling in the Mediterranean, spending periods of time in Italy, Malta, Spain and Gibraltar firmly under the influence of the Roman Catholic church. In the Catholic tradition, I have noticed the image of the holy cross is never displayed without the crucified body of Christ gruesomely affixed to it. Once I asked a Spaniard, who was devoutly Catholic, why this was, for in the Protestant church this is never the case. She frankly told me, “¿Qué significa la cruz sin Cristo?” [“What does the cross mean without Christ?”].
To the Christians of Monroe County, I propose this question to you. Where is the Christ in your $250,000, 120-foot-tall cross? I believe He is to be found elsewhere, among the hungry, thirsty, poor, lonely, incarcerated, sick, unwelcomed persons in our communities. These are the causes of Christ that deserve our attention and gifts.
And while one might claim that such a cross is indeed a gift to God, I believe God has established rules for our gift-giving. Yes, Abel, Abraham, Mary and the Magi gave their very best to God. Distinctly, they gave their gifts in worship. Worship, too, has rules. As God did through the Temple priests, through Christ, God demonstrates sacrificial gift-giving as authentic worship.
Christ also teaches in this way: “So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5).
In a community still divided along lines of race, wealth, power, incarcerated status, religious denomination and political affiliation, is there a scarcity of crosses or a scarcity of love?
In short, God is not impressed by our piety or symbolic gestures. He need not be reminded of our devotion, and we need not a $250,000 cross to remind ourselves of our devotion to Him.
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13). True faith is exercised in acts of love towards our marginalized and hurting brothers and sisters. We are to imitate the holy cross. However, I fear, to some, the actualization of this project might lead to a corrupt understanding of the meaning of the cross. I am afraid this project will become a callous symbol of social might rather than a somber reminder of austere suffering and death.
Redirecting $250,000 to any one cause will surely not solve it, but committed Christian love just might. Our community needs more acts of love, not acts of symbolism. In reflecting on the words of Jesus, I cannot see how a $250,000 cross might be justified at this time. Do we really need one that big or that expensive? I find no respite in such an idea.
Brandon Blair
Greenwood Springs
I have never believed that teenagers are the worst drivers in the world. What I do believe is teenagers lack experience. Experience comes with age. Going too fast, taking crazy chances and not paying attention could not only shatter your life but many people’s lives. When you get behind the wheel, you have a tremendous responsibility to yourself, the people riding with you and others on the road.
I encourage every parent, grandparent, teacher and teenager to read this article, clip it out and pass it on to someone. Make a promise to God that you will be the most careful driver in the whole world.
Dead at Seventeen
Agony claws my mind. I am a statistic. When I first got here, I felt very much alone. I was overwhelmed by grief and I expected to find sympathy.
I found no sympathy. I saw only thousands of others whose bodies were badly mangled as mine. I was given a number and placed in a category. The category was called, “Traffic fatalities.”
The day I died was an ordinary school day. How I wish I had taken the bus. But I was too cool for the bus. I remember how I wheedled the car out of Mom. “Special favor,” I pleaded. “All the kids drive.”
It doesn’t matter how the accident happened. I was goofing off – going too fast, taking crazy chances. But I was enjoying my freedom and having fun. The last thing I remember was passing an old lady who seemed to be going awfully slow. I heard a crash and felt a terrific jolt. Glass and steel flew everywhere. My whole body seemed to be turning inside out. I heard myself scream.
Suddenly, I awakened. It was very quiet. A police officer was standing over me. I saw a doctor. My body was mangled. I was saturated in blood. Pieces of jagged glass were sticking out all over. Strange that I couldn’t feel anything. Hey, don’t pull that sheet over my head. I can’t be dead. I’m only 17. I’ve got a date tonight. I’m supposed to have a wonderful life ahead of me. I haven’t lived yet. I can’t be dead.
Later, I was placed in a drawer. My folks came to identify me. Why did I have to look at Mom’s eyes, when she faced the most terrible ordeal of her life? Dad suddenly looked very old. He told the man in charge, “Yes, he’s our son.”
The funeral was weird. I saw all my relatives and friends walk toward the casket. They looked at me with the saddest eyes I’ve ever seen. Some of my buddies were crying. Several girls touched my hand and sobbed as they walked by.
Please somebody – wake me up. Get me out of here. I can’t bear to see Mom and Dad in such pain. My grandparents are so weak from grief, they can barely walk. My brother and sister are like zombies. They move like robots in a daze. No one can believe this. I can’t believe it either.
Please don’t bury me. I’m not dead. I have a lot of living to do. I want to laugh and run again. I want to sing and dance. Please, don’t put me in the ground. I promise if you give me just one more chance, God, I’ll be the most careful driver in the whole world. All I want is one more chance. Please God, I’m only 17. – Author unknown.
Lynn Luthe
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Saudi Aramco engineers and journalists look at the Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant in Hawiyah, in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia on June 28, 2021. Saudi oil company Aramco’s half-year profits peaked just shy of $88 billion for the first half of the year as oil prices remain high globally. The oil and gas company, which is nearly entirely state-owned, said Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022, it also saw a 90% surge in net profits for the second quarter of 2022 compared to the same time last year.
Amr Nabil I AP
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates • Saudi energy company Aramco said Sunday its profits jumped 90% in the second quarter compared to the same time last year, helping its half-year earnings reach nearly $88 billion. The increase is a boon for the kingdom and the crown prince's spending power as people around the world pay higher gas prices at the pump while energy companies rake in top earnings.
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Tarek Wajeh I AP
CAIRO • A fire ripped through a packed Coptic Orthodox church during morning services in Egypt's capital on Sunday, quickly filling it with thick black smoke and killing 41 worshippers, including at least 10 children. Fourteen people were injured.
President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi spoke by phone with the Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II to offer his condolences, the president's office said. Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, Al-Azhar's Grand Imam, and other government officials also offered his condolences to the head of the Coptic church.
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Barron, Susan
Susan Frances Barron, 72, of Booneville, MS, died August 11, 2022, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS. Born in Booneville, on November 3, 1949, to Harmon L. and Mary Edith Hill Barron, Susan graduated from Booneville High School and Mississippi State University and began a thirty-year career in elementary education. Her vocation was teaching. Her avocation was interior decorating. Her way of life was that of a strong, dedicated Christian, witnessing to all around her, in word, deed, and attitude. She was preceded in death by her Barron and Hill grandparents, her parents, and her aunts and uncles. She is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Beverly and Rick Bolton; their sons, Chris and Jason; and many treasured cousins. A graveside service was held at Meadow Creek Cemetery on August 13, 2022, with Bro. Harold (Bubba) Lollar officiating. McMillan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lifesong Evangelism at GlobeWorks International Ministries or to Meadow Creek Cemetery Fund. Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
Susan Frances Barron
Mary Edith Hill Barron
Avocation
Booneville High School
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Julie Battaile, 84, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo . Services will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 until 8 p.m. at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo and 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.
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Gallop, Sherron
Amory - Willie Sherron Wood Gallop, 81, finished her work here on earth and began her new life in Heaven, on August 12, 2022. She was born in Tupelo, MS on March 25, 1941, to the late Lawrence E. and Mayola Webb Wood. Sherron grew up in Itawamba County as an only child and graduated from Itawamba High School. She furthered her education by attending ICC, later obtained a Bachelors Degree and then went on to get a Masters Degree in Education at Mississippi State University. God called her to motivate and help mold the yound minds of the future. She was a dedicated teacher who was by the book, at times strict, and ensured that her students learned correctly. Not lacking in the ability to run an orderly classroom, Sherron was the tough teacher whose heart was for excellence in her children. She served the kids and their families for over 33 years and the only regret she had was the piles of paperwork which had engulfed the education system. She made so many friends through the years and she enjoyed the trips taken through the school system. There are so many lives that were touched by Sherron and she helped so many young people in the surrounding counties. Even more than her classroom family, her immediate family meant the world to her. At a young age, she was set up on a blind date with Jason Gallop. It was love at first site and they were married on August 19, 1966. He was her best friend and God blessed them with a son, daughter-in-law, and two beautiful grand daughters. She loved her family dearly, was caring, and enjoyed doing every and anything with them, especially shopping with the granddaughters whom affectionately called her "Dan". All those memories made through the years will be cherished. God effortlessly carried her through all the trials in life. She walked out her faith daily and was a living testament of a servent of God. Not just through teaching all those years, Sherron was always active in helping others yet she never wanted any credit for what she did. She was a humble, faithful member of Meadowood Baptist Church and served on the Bereavement Committee and attended Sunday School. Southern Gospel music gave her inspiration daily. In her free time, Sherron enjoyed going out to eat, hosting gatherings with her family, and just having fellowship with others, especially one of her close friends, Janet Goudelock and her cousin, Claudette Sheffield. Through the years, her friends were many and they all liked spending time visiting and catching up on all the latest news. Always on the go, Sherron had the best time going for hours shopping without tiring and then she would return happy even if she hadn't purchased a single item. She was just happy to go and live life to the fullest. There is no doubt that she is a place far better than any of us could imagine here on earth. We wish she could stay forever yet her family and friends celebrate her home going. They know that it is not goodbye, it is, we will see you again some day. Left behind to cherish the memories of her are her husband of 55 years, Jason D. Gallop, Amory; son, Stephen "Steve" Gallop (Charity), Amory; granddaughters, Mackenzie Gallop and Madison Gallop; cousin, Claudette Sheffield (Joe); and too many other friends to list. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence ad Mayola Webb Wood. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:00 am at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home, in Amory, MS with Dr. Lloyd Sweatt officiating. Burial followed in Masonic Cemetery, Amory, MS with pallbearers being the Deacons of Meadowood Baptist Church. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Meadowood Baptist Church Faithworks Mission Program, 1512 Hatley Road, Amory, MS.
Sherron
Jason D. Gallop
Claudette Sheffield
Mayola Webb Wood
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Atiya Henley
Mud & Magnolias original
ELEMENTARY AUTHOR
Clay County 10-year-old writes anti-bullying book
William Faulkner was 29 years old.
Richard Wright was 30.
John Grisham, Eudora Welty and Greg Iles were all around age 33.
But Atiya Henley was just 10 years old when she published her first book.
Atiya will enter the fifth grade at West Clay Elementary this school year, but unlike most — if not all — of her classmates, she's already a published author.
Published in February, Atiya's short book, "The Mean Girls: A Bunch of Bullies," carries an anti-bullying message.
Atiya's mother, Amy Deanes, founded West Point-based Superior Publishing in 2020. The small publishing house currently distributes the work of 13 authors; among them, Atiya's book as been the publisher's best seller.
According to Deanes, Atiya has always been interested in writing stories. In fact, she wrote a book titled "Black Joe" before writing "The Mean Girls."
The idea to write this specific book came about during a conversation with her mom. Atiya was playing a game, and Deanes suggested that she create her own game or write a book that other people can experience.
Although the book isn't based on a situation she's personally experienced or witnessed at school, she's seen news reports on the effects of bullying. Atiya said she wanted to do something to help make people aware of bullying in an effort to help stop it.
"I'm very passionate of others' feelings, and I don't like when someone gets mistreated or left out," Atiya said.
The 34-page book took her about a month to write. Her mother both edited and illustrated it.
Atiya and her eight classmates made up the entire fourth grade class at West Clay Elementary during the 2021-22 school year. Her whole class was involved in making the book, posing as characters in photo illustrations.
"We have a very small class, so basically all of them are best friends," Atiya said.
The school's principal, teachers and students were overjoyed to have an active part in the book's creation and have supported it after release as Atiya has traveled to other schools and churches promoting it.
With a head start on what could be a productive career, Atiya is already planning future publications. She plans to publish the first book she penned, "Black Joe," in the near future, and is currently working on a sequel to "The Mean Girls" subtitled "The Silent Bullies."
The fifth grader has no intentions of putting down her proverbial pen. Atiya said she plans to continue writing. As an adult, she hopes to be an author and a real estate agent.
At just 10 years old, she's already halfway there.
Readers can find Atiya Henley's book, "Mean Girls: A Bunch of Bullies," on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and at a variety of other book retailers.
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Charlie Farrar, a member of Nettleton High School's class of ’64, presents Juanita ‘Rosebud’ Stephens Davis, 96, with a prize for being the oldest attendee of the school's class reunion, which included classes from a 28-year span.
NETTLETON – Following a three-year pause due to COVID-19, Nettleton High School alumni representing a 28-year span of graduating classes gathered Aug. 5 at First United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center to catch up on old times.
The multi-class reunion is a longtime tradition, and a new class is added each year. This year’s reunion included 175 members of NHS classes between 1944 and 1972.
“It’s something a lady got started years ago, and another lady took it over,” said class reunion organizer Catherine Payne, who graduated in 1959. “Ms. Gracie Weeks started it from what I understand, and I’ve seen paperwork as far as the class of 1939 but am not sure what year they started it.”
The class reunion’s original planners are now both deceased.
Juanita ‘Rosebud’ Stephens Davis, 96, was recognized as the oldest person in attendance. She has attended most of the reunions throughout the years.
Davis was a student at Bigbee Primer School before attending Amory schools and ultimately Nettleton when her family moved in 1938 when she was in the sixth grade.
“I was the fourth of 12 children. I didn’t enjoy much of a social life in school because we were so poor,” she said.
Davis remembers that people seemed friendlier in those days before technology.
Her son, Robert Dykes, said she can still show him everywhere she lived in the north part of Amory as a child.
During Payne’s senior year, NHS’ football team played a bowl game against Senatobia under the late coach Jack Carlisle, who was a member of the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Community College Hall of Fame and the Northeast Mississippi Coaches Hall of Fame.
Ahead of his death last year, he was a regular attendee of the class reunion.
Former Nettleton School District Superintendent James Malone, a member of the class of 1969, not only attends regularly but helps coordinate the entertainment, which this year included five previous NHS graduates singing everything from gospel music to Elvis Presley chart toppers.
Juanita Stephens Davis
Catherine Payne
Jack Carlisle
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College Hill Presbyterian Church in Oxford
Historic College Hill Presbyterian Church in Lafayette County severely damaged by fire
OXFORD • Around 30 firefighters and a dozen fire trucks were not able to save a historic church just north of Oxford Saturday night.
A passerby spotted a fire at the College Hill Presbyterian Church on County Road 102 on the evening of Aug. 13. They called 911 at 10:57 p.m. and reported flames were visible in the rear of the structure.
The first fire truck from the Lafayette County Fire Department arrived on the scene at 11:04 p.m. and found the rear of the building fully involved.
According to LCFD Capt. Ben Moore, the fire crews stretched one line to the rear and began fighting the blaze. A second line was carried to the front door of the church to attack the fire from the inside, in an attempt to save the nearly 200-year-old structure.
Churches with History
»'A simple church': College Hill Presbyterian is like (and is) something out of a Faulkner tale
When the firefighters got inside, they discovered the fire had already reached the attic and was rapidly spreading. At that point the firemen had no choice but to pull out. With the integrity of the structure rapidly deteriorating, firefighters switched to a defensive attack to keep it from spreading as much as possible.
A total of nine fire trucks and 25 men from LCFD responded. The Oxford Fire Department responded with three trucks and 9 men.
The fire was finally brought under control and firefighters were able to leave the scene by 3:20 a.m. Sunday. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The church held its regular Sunday worship service in the nearby fellowship hall. In a Facebook post, the church asked for the community’s thoughts and prayers “as we celebrate our time as a church in the beautiful sanctuary, mourn its burning, and ask for the Lord's comfort and guidance.”
College Hill Presbyterian Church was organized in 1835 and the building was constructed in 1844. It is reported to be the oldest Presbyterian structure in north Mississippi. Union troops camped on its grounds in the Civil War and author William Faulkner was married there.
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Mr. James Russell, Ripley
TUPELO - Julie Battaile, 84, passed away Friday, August 12, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Services will be on Friday at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5 until 8 p.m. at W.E. Pegues, Tupelo and 10 a.m. until service time Friday at the church.
Mr. James Russell
RIPLEY - Mr. James Russell, 83, passed away on August 12, 2022, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Serenity Funeral Home.
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Mississippi State will have an old-school look with its uniforms on Sept. 24 against Bowling Green.
MSU Media Relations
Dowsing and Bell arrived at Mississippi State in 1969. The new uniforms showcase a unique look that hearkens back to the practice jerseys the groundbreaking players wore three years later in 1972. The outfit also features a custom Dowsing-Bell logo in the spirit of the traditional M-State stripe that honors the two men's pioneering achievements both on and off the field.
Dowsing was a First-Team All-American as a senior and earned two total All-Southeastern Conference defensive back selections at MSU. The Tupelo, native ended his career as the school's career leader in interceptions with 10 and still remains tied for eighth all-time entering the 2022 season.
Bell was an inspirational leader on the Mississippi State defensive line who was a regular starter that garnered three letters for the Bulldogs. A fan favorite, it was common to hear chants from the Bulldog faithful of, 'Give 'em hell, Robert Bell.' A native of Meridian, Bell passed away in March of this year. He was 70 years old.
Both Dowsing and Bell's legacies continue to live on at Mississippi State. In 2017, MSU dedicated the plaza in the north end of Davis Wade Stadium in their honor, dubbing it the Dowsing-Bell Plaza. In 2018, State's M-Club Alumni Association created the Dowsing-Bell Award to honor the most deserving male whose determination and perseverance in overcoming obstacles academically, athletically or personally, exemplifies tremendous character. Also, each spring, Mississippi State presents a male and female student-athlete with the Dowsing-Bell True Maroon Spirit Awards. The honors go to individuals who best exemplify what it means to be a Bulldog while championing sportsmanship, personal growth, grit, overcoming adversity and exceptional leadership in and around the athletic department.
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The Tupelo Furniture Market summer market runs Tuesday through Thursday this week.
Summer furniture market kicks off Tuesday
TUPELO – Seventeen months ago, Hector Mustafa purchased Magnolia Upholstery Designs.
Despite the pandemic, business was exceptional, as consumers who were stuck at home began to upgrade the furniture with which they were spending so much time. That led to a boom in home furnishing sales.
The Pontotoc company hopes this week's summer market at the Tupelo Furniture Market will bring back some of the luster.
The market begins Tuesday and wraps up Thursday.
"Our expectations aren't too high right now because of how business is going," Mustafa said. "We're dealing with a lot of inventory so I figure if people come we can give them some discounts so we can pay our bills."
About 70 vendors have committed to this market, a slightly higher number than the February Winter Market.
A year and a half ago Magnolia, like so many of its fellow manufacturers, couldn't make furniture fast enough. Supply chain backups were exacerbated further as demand boomed, and customer wait times stretched not only weeks, but months.
All that is a fond, distant memory.
Magnolia, which employed 140 people last year, is now down to 32 as more layoffs have occurred this year.
"Retail right now is really difficult all over the country, although there are a few bright spots here and there," he said. "People are not spending right now... you're living it, I'm living it."
Mustafa does expect to write a few orders, which would keep his remaining workers busy.
"We had some people in the last market, locals and people from all the surrounding states looking for product," he said. "We saw some small retailers and it was good. What I heard that it wasn't advertised enough; we heard from some people who didn't know we were open. That was the only thing. We had some business and we hope to do the same for the market."
Jim Sneed, the CEO of Affordable Furniture in Houlka, is feeling confident despite inflation and recession talks. The Winter Market wasn't a smashing success, but it was better than expected, he said. This market could be surprising as well.
"But it is August in Mississippi," he said.
Still, Sneed said some major accounts came to the last market, and he expects the same this week.
"We had local retailers, and many from the contiguous states at the market, so we had no real complaints," he said.
Larry Cofield of Rustic East in Albertville, Alabama is attending his 16th market, and he has high expectations this week.
Rustic East imports rustic-style furniture from Mexico, which arrives at the company's Alabama facilities and goes out to customers from that point.
"Retail business is down a bit but we can't complain really," he said. "Everybody else seems to be dealing with so I'm pretty thankful."
Traffic is key to writing orders at this week's market which will be contained mainly to Building V, but also some spillover into Buildings IV and VI.
Getting the attention of as many of those attendees as possible could mean the difference for some vendors.
"It's a fight, especially after the last couple of years," Mustafa said. "It was fun and it was easy. We all made money, and now it's just the opposite. We've given everything back and then some. We're just trying to keep the people employed."
Jim Sneed
Hector Mustafa
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As the third season under Lane Kiffin begins Ole Miss starts at No. 21 in The Associated Press Top 25.
The Rebels were ranked No. 11 at the close of 2021 after a school-record 10 regular season wins followed by a Sugar Bowl loss to Baylor.
Alabama is No. 3, Georgia No. 3, and there are six SEC teams ranked.
Mississippi State gained 15 points in the “receiving votes” category which includes five other SEC teams.
The top 25 is heavy with SEC on both ends.
Texas A&M joins Alabama and Georgia in the top 10 coming in at No. 6.
Just ahead of the Rebels are Kentucky at No. 20 and Arkansas at No. 19.
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Tracie Michelle Putt, 49, of Jacksonville Beach, FL, passed away on August 7, 2022. She was born in Tupelo, MS on October 14, 1972. Tracie graduated from Tupelo High School and received an Associate’s from Itawamba Community College. Tracie worked in accounting for Donovan Heating, Air, and Electric. She had a passion for watching romance movies, sitting on the beach with Millie (her chocolate Lab), face timing her daughter and hanging out with Janie & Matt. Tracie is survived by her daughter Katie Putt; canine companion, Millie; parents, David & Sherry Putt of Saltillo, MS; sister and brother-in-law, Janie & Matt Lott of Jacksonville Beach; brother, Brad Putt of Saltillo, MS; and nieces and nephews, Camden, Adam, and Abby Putt of Saltillo, MS. A celebration of Tracie’s life will be held 2:00 p.m., August 21, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Saltillo. In lieu of flowers, a GoFund Me account has be created in Tracie’s name. It can be found on her Facebook page.
Brad Putt
Matt Lott
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Mississippi defensive back Deantre Prince (5) celebrates during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Vanderbilt in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021. No. 10 Mississippi won 31-17. (AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Lane Kiffin discusses Rebels entering third week of fall camp
"I can't really tell you where we are right now," the third-year Ole Miss head coach told media following Monday's practice.
OXFORD — There is a lot of talent in Oxford, and coming off a 10-3 season Ole Miss is ranked No. 24 in the preseason Coaches Poll and No. 21 in the Associated Press top 25. Excitement is also high with nearly 38,000 full-priced season tickets having been sold through late July.
But head coach Lane Kiffin said he still isn’t quite sure what to make of his team after its first scrimmage that took place over the weekend.
“There were good things, there were bad things. It was kind of in the middle on everything, whether it’s offense, defense or position groups, where you kind of get excited about some things and you’re still nervous about others," Kiffin said. "We tackled the entire time, which is kind of unusual for us, just because, like we talked about, the question mark of all the new players, especially defensively."
Sophomores Jaxson Dart and Luke Altymer, who are battling to be the Rebels starting quarterback, both had their moments in Saturday’s scrimmage.
Though the USC transfer seemingly outperformed the Starkville native, throwing two touchdown passes with no interceptions compared to no touchdowns and one interception.
Kiffin said it was junior Kinkead Dent “probably played the best of the three” quarterbacks, however, throwing a touchdown pass on each of his two drives with the third-string offense.
There are new players at every position on the roster. The wide receiver, defensive line and linebacker rooms are littered with new faces who may be called upon to have big roles in 2022 and beyond. And while it was good to see all of the players together in a game-like scenario, it didn’t necessarily solve all the lingering questions for Kiffin.
“A lot of guys got to play because there were a number of injuries in the secondary, so that part’s good. But I can’t really tell you where we are right now. You guys know, we just give everybody chances and evaluate not by what you’ve done before or your stars or recruiting or anything.
“We still have a good solid week here where we’re still in training camp mode.”
Junior offensive tackle Jeremy James said he believes the offense is in a good place at the moment, with its combination of veteran returners and new, talented pieces. When it all comes together? He’s expecting good things.
“Score a lot of points. We’re going to move fast. I think we’re going to try to continue our tradition of trying to be one of the most run-dominant teams and be explosive in the pass game as well,” James said. “I mean, I’m confident where we are now. But to where we want to be, I’d say we have a ways to go.”
Kiffin: Deantre Prince “one of our better stories”
Kiffin believes senior cornerback Deantre Prince's journey is one worth discussing.
Prince’s story has been documented previously — he began his career at Ole Miss, left the program and played a season at Northeast Mississippi Community College before coming back as a walk-on. He started seven games last season and intercepted Altmyer on the final play of Saturday’s scrimmage.
“Prince has done a great job. Really great camp and is playing as good as anyobody back there. … He’s really matured over his time here, leaving and coming back and all that. So, one of our better stories that way.”
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TUPELO • After more than two and a half decades in office, Lee County Tax Collector Leroy Belk tendered his resignation during a Monday morning Lee County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Belk, 66, began his career as county tax collector in 1996 and would be up for reelection in Nov. 2023. The board unanimously approved Belk’s resignation effective Sept. 1.
“Today is the day I announce my retirement and respectfully tender my resignation,” Belk said, addressing the board. “I want to thank the Board of Supervisors for their help throughout the years. Together we accomplished much.”
When asked what his plans for retirement were, Belk said he planned to spend time with family, travel and eventually become a consultant.
County Administrator and Chancery Court Clerk Bill Benson, who was elected in 1992, said he has known Belk since high school and was proud to work with him over the years.
“We had a great working relationship,” Benson said. “He did a great job. I hate to see him go, but I am proud for him to have the opportunity.”
Benson said that according to state law it is too close to regular county elections in November 2023 to hold a special election for the position, leading to a brief executive session that saw the unanimous appointment of Deputy Clerk Crystal Heatherly as interim tax collector.
“(Heatherly) is one of the experienced people in my office staff,” Belk said.
Heatherly, who has been at the tax collector's office for 11 years, told the Daily Journal she was happy to get the opportunity to fill in for the remainder of Belk’s term. She said she believed Belk had done a great job of keeping the office at the “cutting edge” of tax collection technology and hopes to continue that trend.
“I am excited to be able to serve the taxpayers of Lee County,” she said. “I am really excited to follow in (Belk’s) footsteps and see what opportunities are out there to better tax collection in the county.”
When asked if she expected to run for election when she completed Belk’s term, Heatherly said she was undecided. The qualifying deadline for this and other state and county elected offices is Feb. 1.
“I haven’t made up my mind completely, but it is definitely in the forefront of my thoughts, and I will know by January,” she said.
Lee County Elections
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Steven Baker, 42, of Water Valley, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, false pretense.
Christopher Elton Barnett, 45, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of methamphetamine.
Christopher Hattox, 58, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.
Desmond Tashawn Hayes, 30, of Guntown, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, possession of a firearm by a felon, driving with a suspended license, no insurance.
Jeavontae Jackson, 32, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, two counts of credit card fraud.
Jazmine Martin, 33, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, felony malicious mischief.
Ryan Miller, 42, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of MDMA, possession of cocaine, improper equipment, tint violation.
Artavis Moore, 30, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, violation of probation.
Amber Nicole Moss, 33, of Guntown, was arrested by the Saltillo police department, possession of methamphetamine, possession of hydrocodone, possession of oxycodone.
Alfonso Pass, 49, of Tupelo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, insurance fraud.
Michael Price, 50, of Baldwyn, was arrested by the Guntown Police Department, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, expired tag, no insurance.
Melissa Reynolds, 47, of Guntown, was arrested by the Tupelo Police Department, possession of a Schedule II drug.
Shon Sherwood, 39, of Saltillo, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, breaking and entering, possession of methamphetamine.
Anthony Springer, 32, of Ecru, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service, failure to register as a sex offender.
Courtney Townsend, 41, of Shannon, was arrested by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, aggravated assault, shooting into a motor vehicle.
A County Road 122 Nettleton woman said an unknown white female ran out of the woods and got into a black car that then drove away. She wanted an extra patrol of the area because there is a lot of drug activity in the area.
A County Road 1551 Mooreville man said someone stole a Craftsman string trimmer, a Craftsman circular saw and about 15 feet of chain.
A County Road 931 Tupelo man said a group of four-wheeler and side-by-sides drove on his property behind his house after 12:30 a.m. It is an ongoing problem with folks going to ride on the TVA land behind him. He wouldn’t mind as much if they did it at a decent time, not in the middle of the night.
A County Road 2346 Guntown man said he and his ex-girlfriend live in separate residences on the same property and share the same water and power hook-up. He said she is mad because he is about to move and she tried to cut the power off to his house. The woman said the junction box was in her name and she just wanted to remove the lock.
A Presley Drive man said he was walking his dog. A neighbor’s two pit bulls were loose in their yard. He asked the owner to get the dogs up so he could pass safely. The owner did nothing as the two pit bulls approached the man. He picked up a stick and started swinging it to defend himself. The dogs’ owner just watched.
A professional tattoo artist was working in Colorado for three months and asked a friend to house sit at his State Park Road Mooreville home. When the man got back, his discovered someone had stolen nine tattoo machines, two sets of ink, 3,000 tattoo needles and a power supply.
A Nettleton couple said they let a male relative stay in their County Road 1057 Saltillo in exchange for him doing some renovations to the structure. The relative later called and said the power had been cut off, so he was not going to stay there any more. When the couple went to check on the house, a flatscreen television, an oak dresser and 30 pieces of roofing tin were missing. A large amount of drug paraphernalia was found inside the house.
A Birmingham Ridge Road woman said her ex-husband had repeatedly violated a restraining order that was part of their divorce. She said he was supposed to be in rehab but had left early because of Covid-19. He sent her several messages saying he would post embarrassing things about her on social media.
A Tomlinson Street woman said a male cousin with her and she was going to take him to church on Sunday. Saturday afternoon, he started acting strange. He started cursing at family and laid down in the middle of the road. He got up and started walking down the road. When deputies found him, he had drug paraphernalia on him and was arrested.
A County Road 1451 Eggville man said two 20-something white males pulled into his driveway around 10:45 p.m. and got out of a green Dodge Dakota. The driver said he didn’t have a license and didn’t want to get stopped by a deputy who turned around after they passed in the road a moment ago. The man said he didn’t care and told them to leave, which they did. Afterward, the man went back out to where the young men were standing and found three bags of a white, crystalline substance. He called 911 to have a deputy take possession of the suspected drugs.
A County Road 1559 Nettleton man said his property is on a lake and extends 30 yards into the lake. He said a neighbor paddled up and began firing a gun at him. He said the suspect is upset because the man lets his children fish in the lake. The suspect reported told the man, “I am going to do something to you.”
A County Road 1389 Saltillo man said he was at a neighbors house using their WiFi when he got into an argument with his wife. A second woman tried to interrupt the argument but was told to leave. After he started walking away, the woman showed up carrying a gun, that she pointed at him. He said she told him that she would kill him if she had to.
A County Road 1389 Saltillo woman said she had friends over so their kids could swim in her pool. A male guest started cursing and caused an altercation. She told him she was not going to have any of that language and he needed to leave. He refused to leave until she called 911. Deputies told the man he was no longer welcome at the woman’s house.
A County Road 33 Tupelo man said he and his wife are separated and divorcing. She showed up unannounced and found him at home with a female friend. The wife entered the house, got mad and broke the bedroom door frame. She then went outside and punched the headlight on his Ford pickup, which is still in both of their names.
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The Rapid City Marshals line up for the national anthem before their April 9 game against the Sioux City Bandits at Summit Arena.
The Rapid City Marshals were told to pack up their bags and leave their hotel last week due to unpaid bills.
Multiple sources confirmed to the Journal that at approximately 11 a.m. Thursday morning, Marshals players were told by staff at the GrandStay Residential Suites on Disk Drive to leave the property. The hotel kicked the players out after several weeks of unpaid bills charged to Pick Six Entertainment, the former owner of the team.
Team members were left without a home four days prior to their final home game of the regular season, scheduled for Monday.
Marshals head coach Dante Dudley said he and his staff scrambled to help find temporary residence for his players amid another instance of turmoil during their inaugural season, caused by the founding ownership group.
“It was heartbreaking,” Dudley said. “I live here and I’ve never had a home pulled from underneath me. That part is rough because we don’t have a front office in place. Wes (Johnson) and Rebecca (Chapman) are busting their butt in every way they can. It was a blind side hit because all we’d been told is everything is taken care of.”
Johnson and Chapman purchased the team from Pick Six Entertainment earlier this month and assume full control of the Marshals on Aug. 1.
Since then, multiple sources have described unpaid wages, bounced checks and said they have not been able to reach Pick Six owner Keith Russ. Moreover, Tel Koan, the former operator of the Marshals franchise, resigned from his ownership stake at Pick Six on May 10 and said he has not been involved with the issues of the last few weeks.
“I reached out to Keith and had a couple of conversations with him,” Johnson said. “I was just kind of waiting for them because it’s still their organization right now. Then things hadn’t happened so we did what we could to fill the holes.”
The duo from Gillette, Wyoming has tried to create a sense of stability within the organization, even though they have no contractual obligation to do so yet.
“I’m not going to have players sleeping in cars,” Johnson said. “They have to have a roof over their head, so we are going to do whatever we have to do. We have also come to an agreement with players on payroll and making sure they are paid so they can play.”
Dudley and his family were getting ready for his daughter’s graduation Thursday when he received calls from players an hour before the event. As a result of the circumstances, he said he couldn’t truly focus on celebrating his daughter but was concerned about housing 20 players from out of town.
“I don’t want to make things worse than they already are, but Pick Six Entertainment is definitely responsible for the turmoil,” Dudley said. “I want to reiterate that Wes and Rebecca have gone above and beyond, they could’ve said ‘it’s not our problem until next year,' but they have hearts of gold.”
Dudley and Johnson gave players the option to leave the team this weekend but only Jake Johnson, L'Herisson Fontilisse Jr., LaBarron Mallory and DeVonte Tinsley were released this weekend.
“It says a lot about the leadership on the team too, with Shea Roberts, Antwan Smith and Demetrius Davis,” Dudley said. “We have guys that stay in communication with their teammates and keep everybody’s head above water. It’s been trying on all of us, but having team leadership helps a lot.”
Johnson doubled down on his commitment to wade through the storm and give fans in Rapid City an organization to be proud of.
“What we are doing right now is a testament,” Johnson said. “This is not our responsibility right now. I have to be clear that we are not obligated contractually but we want this to be here as much as the community wants it to be here."
The Marshals return to the field at 7 p.m. Monday night for a Memorial Day matchup with the Omaha Beef at Summit Arena in their regular season home finale.
“It’s been a really rough year for all of us,” Dudley said. “My goal was that if I started something I was going to finish it. The fans should know we have enough guys here that want to finish it and the team hasn’t changed that much.”
Dante Dudley
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2022-05-30T22:08:35Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Marshals kicked out of hotel amid unpaid bills charged to former owner | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/marshals-kicked-out-of-hotel-amid-unpaid-bills-charged-to-former-owner/article_3f8bd1dc-a2df-5768-bf78-c4f3d650d675.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/marshals-kicked-out-of-hotel-amid-unpaid-bills-charged-to-former-owner/article_3f8bd1dc-a2df-5768-bf78-c4f3d650d675.html
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Omaha Beef too strong for shorthanded Marshals
Rapid City receiver Zeccheus Roberson (11) goes up high for a long touchdown catch against the Omaha Beef Monday night at Summit Arena.
After a tumultuous week off the field, the Rapid City Marshals fell short in a 44-25 loss to the Omaha Beef in their home finale Monday at Summit Arena.
Rapid City cut its deficit to 28-19 with 7 minutes and 17 seconds to play in the third quarter, but self-inflicted errors and a lack of offensive prowess proved costly for the shorthanded Marshals squad.
“We were just inconsistent,” Dudley said. “The defense played their asses off tonight, but offensively we just couldn’t get it done.”
The Beef (6-3) held the Marshals (2-7) to 99 yards of total offense and just 40 yards from scrimmage in the second half.
“Part of that is what’s been going on and part of it was the things they forced,” Dudley said. “At the end of the day, I’m O.K. with the performance, and if we cleaned up the mistakes it could’ve been totally different.”
On Thursday, Rapid City lost its starting quarterback Jake Johnson, and Efi Eyo, who joined the team two weeks ago, stepped in under center. Eyo completed 7 of 22 passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns with a pair of interceptions.
Eyo said it was difficult learning the offense in just two weeks, but did not make excuses for the way things panned out.
“It’s been tough,” Eyo said. “We’ve had a lot of guys coming in to put a team together, but we have a good group of guys and we have to keep coming together. We have one more game and still have a shot at the playoffs. We just have to bear down and try to beat a good team. This was one of the best teams in the league tonight too.”
Rapid City opened the game with a pick six, which Omaha’s Taylor Hawkins returned for a 12-yard touchdown. The Marshals also surrendered a kickoff return for a touchdown by the Beef’s Deshawn Jones at the end of the first half.
Those non-offensive touchdowns allowed the Beef to run away with the game down the stretch.
Defensively, the Marshals held their ground. Rapid City surrendered 189 yards of Omaha offense. The Beef garnered just 18 yards rushing on 15 carries.
Rapid City kick returner Kevin Chism finds a seam and breaks a long kickoff return for the Marshals in the second quarter Monday night at Summit Arena.
Defensive end Cory Henry played a big role in stopping the run and getting to the quarterback.
“He played like a man that was suspended three days ago and really got after it after that,” Dudley said.
Henry said Rapid City stood strong up front but the loss of defensive back L'Herisson Fontilisse Jr. and costly penalties hurt the team in the end.
“We played good as a unit and did what we could,” Henry said. “The defensive line played strong. We were just killing ourselves with mental mistakes, but as a defense I think we played strong.”
On the second play of the game, Omaha’s Hawkins intercepted Eyo and scampered in the end zone to give his team a 7-0 lead with 12:48 left in the opening quarter.
Two plays later, Eyo found Zeccheus Roberson down the middle for a 31-yard touchdown pass to cut the Marshal’s deficit to 7-6 with 10:57 left in the first after a missed extra point.
Rapid City had an opportunity to take the lead with a field-goal try with 11:47 to play in the second quarter, but Melissa Strother’s 23-yard attempt was blocked. Omaha capitalized on the opportunity on a 41-yard touchdown pass with 10:28 left in the second quarter to extend its lead to 14-6.
Later in the quarter, Beef quarterback Andrew Jackson found Montero Dubose in the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown and gave his team a 21-6 advantage.
The Marshals answered on the following drive when Eyo ran for an 18-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 21-12 after a failed two-point conversion with 12 seconds left in the half, but Jones returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to give Omaha a 28-12 halftime lead.
In the second half, the Beef seized control of the game and stifled the Marshals offense en route to a 44-25 win on the road.
Rapid City returns to action at 7:05 p.m. Saturday on the road against the top-ranked Sioux City Bandits (8-1).
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2022-05-31T07:01:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Omaha Beef too strong for shorthanded Marshals | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/omaha-beef-too-strong-for-shorthanded-marshals/article_0e13171a-6804-5c57-8ad0-62212d9f824a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/omaha-beef-too-strong-for-shorthanded-marshals/article_0e13171a-6804-5c57-8ad0-62212d9f824a.html
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Elevate Rapid City report shows good economic indicators
Elevate Rapid City's May Economic Indicator's report. The report shows decreases in unemployment and wages.
Courtesy of Elevate Rapid City
Elevate Rapid City, the economic development organization of the Black Hills, is optimistic concerning the city's economic position despite inflation and interest rates.
Elevate's May Economic Indicators report showed a decrease in unemployment from 2.8% in April to 2.5% in May. The labor force participation rate declined slightly as well, from 61.9% in April to 61.6% in May.
“The unemployment rate is almost at historic lows in Rapid City as we've discussed before, which is a good thing. That means a lot of folks are working, but also the true nature of some of our labor forces, this labor force participation rate is 62%. That's still lower than where we want it to be,” said Tom Johnson, Elevate Rapid City president/CEO.
Johnson said Elevate is reaching out to three specific populations in an effort to increase the labor participation rate.
“So the three groups that we really have an opportunity with are our more mature senior workforce, the Native American workforce, and then the veteran workforce, those are all places that we have an opportunity, and possibly ways to move that percentage up,” Johnson said.
Employment numbers in leisure and hospitality, education and health services, and the primary sector were unchanged from April to May.
Weekly wages in May in Rapid City were $891, down from $909 in April. April’s inflation rate was at 8.3%. Johnson said inflation is like a “hidden tax on the individual” that offsets wage increases.
“You might have gotten a wage increase of like 3% or 4%, so you think you're making more money and you're doing better, but because the cost of goods are going up at a higher rate than three or 4%, you're actually losing purchasing power,” he said.
Despite inflation, the number of passengers at the Rapid City airport increased in May from April’s 37,650 to 41,031, not including Memorial Day weekend. New housing permits saw a small decrease from 81 to 79. Building permits increased from 248 to 266 from April to May.
The median housing cost in Rapid City decreased from $439,405 to $426,689, although Johnson said the price of housing changes depending on which part of the city the home is in. 57701 zip code homes are at a median list price of $280,000. For 57702, it’s $595,000. For 57703, it’s $359,000. Active real estate listings increased from April to May from 70 to 99.
“Depending on where you’re buying in Rapid City, the price is going to fluctuate,” Johnson said.
Even though interest rates are rising, Johnson said that Elevate does not expect Rapid City’s housing market to crash even if the economy crashes nationally because of expected growth at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Although it may slow down and cause prices to decrease some in the fall and winter if interest rates continue to rise, making buying homes more difficult, he said.
“While the price of housing in Rapid City has increased over the last year and a half, it's increased faster in other markets, so our increase hasn't been as quick as other markets, like Denver,” Johnson said.
Real Estate Market Rapid City
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2022-05-31T14:18:27Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Elevate Rapid City report shows good economic indicators | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/elevate-rapid-city-report-shows-good-economic-indicators/article_4ad3aee7-4a80-5a64-9dd1-d81c0de14908.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/elevate-rapid-city-report-shows-good-economic-indicators/article_4ad3aee7-4a80-5a64-9dd1-d81c0de14908.html
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Fuller receives prestigious award
Chuck Beck of NBDC presents the award to business owner Eric Fuller
Thursday at the Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Fuller Construction was recognized for the contributions the company has provided, and officially named the 2021 Government Contractor of the year by the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC).
Presenting the award was Chuck Beck of NBDC, who described the day as one that’s phenomenal to be in Chadron and at the college. It was appropriate the ceremony was at the Mari Sandoz Center, Beck said, as Fuller helped renovate the Carnegie portion of the facility and built the addition.
Fuller Construction got its start building homes and communities, as well as the sense of community, and has been around for more than 60 years. Athel Fuller began the company in 1959, Beck said, “and obviously they’ve worked on a lot of projects since then.”
Beck became familiar with Fuller about nine years ago, but it wasn’t until the award nomination process that he gained a deeper understanding and fuller appreciation for the company. He learned how it was founded, and the leadership that turned it into a larger, stable company that contributes to the local communities.
There were many things that strengthened the company’s nominations, Beck said, “but as I learned more about the company I gained a sense that Fuller Construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s not just about building houses and businesses. It’s really about building places where people can come together.” The award and ceremony, he added, is a testament to that.
Beck continued Fuller Construction is a part of the fabric of northwest Nebraska, as well as the surrounding states where they have completed projects. It was an honor to nominate the company, and an even greater one to present the award, Beck said.
Eric Fuller expressed his appreciation, noting they’ve been blessed to have great clients and projects over the years, as well as great collaborators, sub-contractors and suppliers.
“We really are tremendously blessed to live and work in this community,” Fuller said. “Chadron, the Panhandle and the surrounding states we work. Mainly, I really want to express our gratitude to the fantastic men and women that have ben part of our team over the years. We’re grateful for you. They have diligently and passionately helped build this company of the past 60-plus years. . . Construction is a people business, and we’re really fortunate to work with some of the very best.” The award, he added, truly belongs to them.
Senator Tom Brewer said the legacy of a company is what people think of the work after a project is over. “When you do things people speak highly of years later, you probably did it right.” In addition to praising several projects that Fuller has completed, Brewer spoke highly of the activities and scenery found in the Panhandle.
Deb Cottier with Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation noted Eric Fuller was the board chair of NNDC when she joined in 2009, and the first board meeting was two days on the job. In the 13 years since, she’s been amazed with what’s happened in the community and how Fuller has been a strong partner on projects.
Chadron Chamber of Commerce Director Gabby Michna recalled when she first met Eric and Dana Fuller in 2019, and realized quickly they not only talked the talk but walked the walk. The positive impact they have on the community, she said, is seen in they way they treat staff and collaborate with others in the community."
They have been behind the scenes on several things, Michna said. “It is an honor to be part of this community and have people like you here. This is why people want to stay here, because of people like you, the way you treat people and the experiences you create for them.
Jennifer Wittrock with NBDC in Chadron was glad to help present the award, noting Fuller excelled in several markets. She further added there have been more than 5,000 projects headed up by Fuller, including the Lister Sage building in Hay Springs, the Mari Sandoz Center, Sparks Hall on the CSC campus and the 21st Century Equipment building in Gordon.
“We are sure your solid and respected reputation for three generations over six decades has been responsible for your past success and future successes.”
Chuck Beck
Nebraska Business Development Center
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2022-05-31T20:50:24Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Fuller receives prestigious award | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/fuller-receives-prestigious-award/article_434f1f83-fe57-58cc-8d03-659772baf8a3.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/news/fuller-receives-prestigious-award/article_434f1f83-fe57-58cc-8d03-659772baf8a3.html
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Jurisdiction, custody issues surround missing baby case
Joann Hoof was born on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation on April 27. Two days later, the infant went missing after the father reportedly took the newborn without the mother's consent.
Courtesy of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women USA social media
Joann Hoof was just two days old when she went missing, but her mother, Lassandra Hoof, said she is running into multiple jurisdictional hurdles in her search to find her infant.
Joann was born April 27 on the Pine Ridge Reservation to Lassandra Hoof and Jacob Barajas.
After Barajas reportedly took Joann on April 29 without her mother’s consent, Lassandra filed for temporary emergency child custody and temporary emergency placement of the baby, which the Oglala Sioux Tribal Court granted her on May 2. On May 24, the court granted Lassandra permanent guardianship over Joann, tribal court documents show.
Despite the custody rulings and Joann being listed as officially missing on the South Dakota Attorney General’s missing persons list, Lassandra said she hasn’t had much luck getting help from the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police Department. The department provided the missing person information to the South Dakota Attorney General’s office and are listed as the agency in charge of the case, according to Tim Bormann, the attorney general’s chief of staff.
“Basically they said that custody hadn't been established, so they couldn't really do anything about it since he signed paternity on her,” Lassandra said.
The Journal has attempted multiple times over several days to get in touch with the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police Department investigators without success. The Federal Bureau of Investigation also has not confirmed if they are looking into the case.
Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women USA posted Joann and Barajas’ information on May 2, and the Rapid City Police Department confirmed that Barajas and his vehicle are listed in the National Crime Information Center database as a person of interest to another agency, but there doesn’t appear to be any criminal charges against Barajas.
Tribal law enforcement aren’t able to arrest a non-native person who isn’t on the reservation, and Lassandra believes that Barajas took the baby out of state.
Rapid City family lawyer Kyle Krause said it’s not a crime to take your own child until there’s a court order establishing custody.
“It’s basically a free for all until somebody gets a court order,” Krause said. “He can grab the kid and run wherever he wants, at least within the country, and he hasn’t violated any laws.”
Krause said states are required to honor tribal court rulings under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).
“If she called my office and said, ‘How do I get my kid back? I’ve got this valid tribal court order.’ I’d say, you need to go file a motion or petition to have that recognized (in state court). Basically, the question for that court is whether the tribal court would have jurisdiction based on those UCCJEA principles,” Krause said.
Lassandra and Barajas are still officially married, but their relationship was short-lived. Lassandra said their interactions started on Facebook. Lassandra said Barajas had “been trying to get with” her since 2020, but she didn’t take it seriously because he lived out of state.
“But last year (2021), I decided to just throw caution out the window and talk to him, and he seemed like a pretty decent dude,” Lassandra said.
After Barajas visited South Dakota in late June, the pair went on a trip to meet his family out of state and Lassandra moved to Texas with her two children to be with Barajas. They married in early August 2021. About two weeks later, Lassandra found out she was pregnant.
The relationship soured less than a month later, she said. Lassandra said Barajas became violent with her. Lassandra references the alleged violence in tribal court documents asking for custody of Joann. Despite the strain between the couple, Barajas attended Joann’s birth.
“I had no intention of keeping her from him or anything like that. I told him to go ahead and come be here for her birth because I believe in having two parents,” Lassandra said.
Two days after being discharged from the hospital, Lassandra went to the Prairie Winds Hotel with Joann, her two other children and other members of her family, who she said left after dinner. Lassandra’s father went to the casino, and she and her children stayed in a hotel room. After going out to her father’s truck to get her hospital back, Lassandra said she returned to the hotel room to find Joann, Barajas and his Army duffle bag gone, she wrote in a statement requesting charges be filed against Barajas.
Multiple attempts by the Journal to contact the Clerk of Courts at the Oglala Sioux Tribal Courts to confirm if charges have been filed were unsuccessful.
Barajas' Facebook page pictures him wearing an Army uniform, and Lassandra said he was on a leave from deployment for the baby's birth and returned overseas after giving the child to a member of his family who Lassandra hadn't spent much time with.
“I’ve been told I seem well put together, that I’m holding it together and stuff, but no. It’s been hard,” Lassandra said. “I haven't been able to sleep a lot because I miss her. That’s my baby. I didn’t get to sit with her and bond with her or anything.”
Lassandra said she hopes to see some sort of change in the law regarding parental custody.
“I think something or a law needs to be made about this because other parents are gonna see this, and think that, ‘Hey, I could go and kidnap my kid and then nothing's gonna happen, no charges are going to be pressed or anything like that. Law enforcement is not going to get involved. It’s just going to be me and that person.”
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2022-06-01T00:41:03Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Jurisdiction, custody issues surround missing baby case | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/jurisdiction-custody-issues-surround-missing-baby-case/article_beb9779c-eaf9-51a3-a408-07c212bb4da0.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/jurisdiction-custody-issues-surround-missing-baby-case/article_beb9779c-eaf9-51a3-a408-07c212bb4da0.html
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League stepping in to help Marshals amid Pick Six scandal
The Rapid City Marshals team name and logo is announced at a Sept. 3, 2021 press conference at Main Street Square.
The Champions Indoor Football League is taking over daily operations of the Rapid City Marshals and Billings Outlaws until new ownership takes effect.
CIF commissioner J.R. Bond announced the change in a statement Wednesday morning.
“The CIF believes in both markets,” Bond said in the statement. “The fans and corporate partners in both Billings and Rapid City have shown they want indoor football. We will assign full time personnel to both markets to do a full accounting of the operations and to identify and vet new ownership for each team.”
The statement continued to reassure fans that Billings and Rapid City can expect indoor football to return for the 2023 season.
“The league is not willing to allow the great fans in Rapid City to lose their team,” Bond said. “We will do whatever is necessary to ensure indoor football is played in Rapid City for years to come.”
The announcement comes a day after the Journal revealed Keith Russ and Pick Six entertainment left bills for the Marshals team hotel and wages unpaid over the last several weeks. The unpaid bills led a Rapid City hotel to remove the team from its temporary home last Thursday.
Bond said the CIF will conduct a comprehensive audit of expenditures and financial contracts.
“We are putting personnel on the ground and will have a conversation with Wes (Johnson) about how he wants to be involved,” Bond told the Journal. “We are going to do a full financial accounting of everything and get to the bottom of everything that is going on.”
Johnson, who is in the process of acquiring the Marshals, said he welcomes the league’s financial audit.
“The league understands that the community wants the organization,” Johnson said. “They want to support us and make sure we are able to make sure the transition goes smoothly. We are still in the application process with the league but they are working to expedite that right now.”
Russ and Pick Six are not the first indoor football team ownership group to cause a stir in the Black Hills with nefarious activity.
An indoor team that operated in Barnett Arena from 2000-2006 as the Rapid City Machine, Rapid City Red Dogs, Black Hills Red Dogs and Rapid City Flying Aces endured similar scandals. The fallout ultimately led to the team disbanding, and former owner Howard Weiner faced four months of prison time and five years of probation for bank fraud.
“I get it,” Bond said. “There have been teams come through the town and that led to this effort. When we first got wind of what was going on we wanted to get to the bottom of it and make sure there was good ownership on the ground there.”
Bond and Johnson are both confident in the future of the league’s involvement in Rapid City and Billings moving forward.
“Rapid City is a great market and has embraced the Marshals,” Bond said. “Attendance and corporate partners have been highly engaged and we know responsible ownership will make the team very successful.”
The Marshals return to action in their season finale on the road against the Sioux City Bandits at 7:05 p.m. Saturday in the Tyson Events Center.
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2022-06-01T00:41:10Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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League stepping in to help Marshals amid Pick Six scandal | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/league-stepping-in-to-help-marshals-amid-pick-six-scandal/article_5e5e73f5-0c91-53fa-bd30-3ad868bf023a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/league-stepping-in-to-help-marshals-amid-pick-six-scandal/article_5e5e73f5-0c91-53fa-bd30-3ad868bf023a.html
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Two-vehicle crash on Highway 16 under investigation, injures 3 people
One person is facing life threatening injuries while two are facing serious, non-life threatening injuries after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 16, approximately five miles south of Rapid City.
Photo courtesy Pennington County Sheriff's Office
Three people were transported to Monument Health Rapid City hospital Tuesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 16, just south of Rapid City.
Tony Mangan, public information officer for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, said a 78-year-old woman was transported to the hospital with life threatening injuries. She was not wearing a seat belt.
Law enforcement was called to the crash around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 16, mile marker 60.
Mangan said the woman was driving a 2010 Buick LaCrosse heading east on Highway 16. According to preliminary information, the vehicle veered to the right and hit a guard rail. It then went across the two east-bound lanes, went into the median, entered a west-bound lane and struck a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
There were two passengers in the Hyundai heading west, a 66-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman. Mangan said both were wearing their seat belts and sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries. The two passengers were extricated from the vehicle.
Charges are pending, Mangan said.
Highway 16 was shut down for 48 minutes until one lane was opened. The scene was cleared about 12 minutes after.
South Dakota Highway Patrol is the lead investigator and the case is under investigation. Names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Tony Mangan
The examination found questions and possible error for the filings of four candidates — Tim Goodwin, Janyce Hockenbary, Ryan Mechaley and David Johnson.
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2022-06-01T00:41:16Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Two-vehicle crash on Highway 16 under investigation, injures 3 people | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/two-vehicle-crash-on-highway-16-under-investigation-injures-3-people/article_f6c0e036-7fe5-528b-9570-84d0dace1b80.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/two-vehicle-crash-on-highway-16-under-investigation-injures-3-people/article_f6c0e036-7fe5-528b-9570-84d0dace1b80.html
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Dan Workman and Jeff Kingsbury will star as Oscar and Felix in Neil Simon's classic "The Odd Couple." The comedy will be part of Black Hills Playhouse's 2022 season.
From left: Penny Stevens (Matilda Wormwood), Justin Speck (Matilda's father, Mr. Wormwood), Michelle Martinson (Matilda's mother, Mrs. Wormwood) and Riley Hadorn (Matilda's brother, Michael Wormwood) rehearse a scene from Black Hills Community Theatre's "Matilda."
Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance tells of the ancient origins of Irish dance and the Celtic migration from the ancient Near East to Ireland, Scotland, England and the United States.
Roald Dahl’s classic story “Matilda” is a tale of triumph over adversity, and Black Hills Community Theater has done just that. After being postponed because of COVID-19, BHCT’s production of “Matilda The Musical” opens June 17. June’s entertainment lineup is also packed with Celtic dance, ballet, comedy, drama and more throughout the Black Hills.
Celtic Throne: The Royal Journey of Irish Dance explores the ancient origins of Irish step dance and celebrates the millennia-long journey of a music-and-dance-loving people, featuring more than 30 performers from around the world. Celtic Throne will be presented at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater at The Monument. Tickets $45-$60. Tickets and information: themonument.live/events/detail/celticthrone22 or 1-800-468-6463
South Dakota Ballet presents its first professional show in Rapid City, “Invisible Threads,” at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theater at The Monument. Local ballet students will train with professional dancers, who will all be in the show made up of contemporary and classic ballet performances with original choreography. Tickets $32.50-$62.50. Tickets and information: themonument.live/events/detail/sdballet2022 or by calling The Monument box office, 605-394-4115.
Black Hills Playhouse opens its 76th season, “A Real Ball!” with performances in its renovated Warren M. Lee Theatre. The season begins with “The Mountaintop,” a fictional imagining of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final night after giving his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech, before his assassination the next day. This show has extreme language and content and is not recommended for children. Due to road construction throughout the summer, Black Hills Playhouse can be accessed by Highway 87 (take Highway 79 to the State Game Lodge and come through Custer State Park.) Tickets: Adults $41; seniors/military $36; students with ID $29; kids age 16 and younger $19. Tickets and information: blackhillsplayhouse.com/themountaintop or 605-255-4141 or 605-255-4910, ext. 1.
Black Hills Community Theatre’s Broken Lemons Playwriting Group local playwriting group wrote a series of short plays that will be performed in a one-night-only production, “When Life Hands You Lemons.” The showtime is at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theater at the Performing Arts Center in Rapid City. Seven local playwrights examine what happens when life presents us with the unwanted and unexpected, from absurd comedy to epic disaster. Some adult language and situations. Admission is pay what you can. Information: bhct.org/new-play-development-series.html
Sturgis Area Arts Council will present the award-winning rock musical, “Pippin,” the story of a prince searching for a way to live an extraordinary life. A traveling troupe of actors invites the audience to witness Pippin’s adventures as things don’t always go as planned. Recommended for ages 10 and older. Showtimes are 7 p.m. June 16, 17 and 18, and 2 p.m. June 19, at Sturgis Community Center Theater in Sturgis. Admission is $15 adults, $10 senior citizens, $5 students, free for ages 5 and younger. Pay by check or cash only at the door.
The story of a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers comes to life in Black Hills Community Theatre’s production of “Matilda The Musical.” Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. June 17, 18, 24 and 25, and 2 p.m. June 19 and 26. This is a family-friendly show for all ages. Tickets: Adults $30; senior citizens and military $28; students $21. Tickets and information: bhct.org/matilda.html
"The Odd Couple," Neil Simon’s classic comedy about two men who are roommates and complete opposites, is the second show of the season at Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park. The added twist: Lead actors actors Dan Workman and Jeff Kingsbury will alternate as Felix and Oscar in different performances. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. June 18, 22-25, 29-July 2, and 2 p.m. June 19-22, 26-29 and July 3. Due to road construction, Black Hills Playhouse can be accessed by Highway 87 (take Highway 79 to the State Game Lodge and come through Custer State Park.) Tickets: Adults $41; seniors/military $36; students with ID $29; kids age 16 and younger $19. Tickets and information: blackhillsplayhouse.com/theoddcouple
Homestake Theatre Works presents “Disney’s The Lion King Jr.” at 6 p.m. at Homestake Opera House in Lead. Doors open at 5 p.m. Join Simba on his journey in this beloved coming-of-age tale. Kids from the Black Hills area will portray Simba, Nala, Scar, Mufasa, Pumbaa and more. Tickets $15 per person and can be purchased at the door or online at homestakeoperahouse.org/event/disneys-the-lion-king-jr
June is filled with a variety of free concerts as well as these unique musical performances.
The Rapid City Concert Association presents The French Family Band at 7 p.m. in the Historic Theater at the Performing Arts Center in Rapid City. The French Family’s original songs evoke the mood of country music that sounds best when a family, gathered at twilight on the porch, sings together. Tickets $30. Tickets and information: performingartsrc.org/
Nashville recording artist and award-winning music producer Chris Golden and Rapid City’s Potter Family will present a gospel concert at 6:30 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Rapid City. Admission is free; an offering will be taken.
The Northern Hills Community Band opens its summer season with a concert at 7 p.m. on the Historic Adams House lawn in Deadwood. The program will include patriotic music, marches, and show tunes. Admission is by donation. In case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center.
Songwriting folk duo Resonant Rogues will perform at 7:30 p.m. at Matthews Opera House in Spearfish. Sparrow, on banjo and accordion, and Keith Smith on guitar have traveled and performed nationally and internationally. From riding freight trains to building their own homestead, the pair are no strangers to blazing unconventional trails. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Information: 605-642-7973 or matthewsopera.com
The Northern Hills Community Band will present a concert at 7 p.m. in Spearfish City Park.
Big band music is the theme of the night when the Northern Hills Community Band performs at 7 p.m. June 26 at Harley-Davidson Rally Point in Sturgis. Admission is free.
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2022-06-01T12:19:20Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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June a treat for local dance, theater fans | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/june-a-treat-for-local-dance-theater-fans/article_8604d827-c98e-54ae-add4-72ad6cea01fd.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/june-a-treat-for-local-dance-theater-fans/article_8604d827-c98e-54ae-add4-72ad6cea01fd.html
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Kaleb Center
Chadron State College’s array of athletics camps is underway. Seven CSC sports have camps lined up during June and July. Eagles’ coaches and athletes direct the camps and provide the instruction.
The men’s basketball program had an individual camp at the end of May. This weekend, June 3-5, three-day team camps for boys entering grades 5-12 will take place in the Chicoine Center. Each team is guaranteed five games. The camp fee starts at $350 for the first team entered with discounts given to schools that bring more than one team.
Overnight accommodations the college residence halls and dining in the college cafeteria are available at all the camps lasting more than a day. Youths attending one-day camps also may eat their noon meal in the cafeteria.
Football camps will start this weekend. The first of two Eagles’ Prospect Camps is Saturday, June 4. The second is Saturday, July 23. These 5 ½-hour sessions are designed for aspiring college prospects entering grades 9-12 and cost $50 for early registration or $65 for later.
On Sunday, June 5, the action continues with the first of three football team camps. Eleven-man camps are set for June 5-8 and June 8-11. An additional camp for six-, eight-, and nine-man teams will run June 13-16. Three-day or four-day options are available, for $125 or $140 per day.
This will be the 25th year that Chadron State has hosted football camps for high school players and teams.
Right on the heels of football team camps, will come five sessions of various dimensions directed by the CSC women’s basketball program. Sessions for younger players will be open to both girls and boys.
An Elementary Camp on June 8-9 for both boys and girls, grades kindergarten through fifth, is offered for $50 per player. Next is a Position Camp for girls and boys grades 6-12, with a base price of $70. focusing on post and perimeter footwork and drills.
A Development Camp for middle grade players, both girls and boys. will take place June 11-12 at a rate of $165, or $190 for overnight campers.
On June 13-14, the girls’ basketball high school team camp will feature varsity, junior varsity and freshman divisions, with five games per team, starting at $325 per team. Finally, an Elite Prospect Camp, starting at $75, pits serious high school players against elevated competition on June 15.
Next up will be the inaugural CSC girls’ wrestling camp. It will feature afternoon and evening technique sessions on Thursday, June 16, followed by three dual matches and a third technique session the following day. The fee for the camp is $75, with one-night accommodations available at an additional charge of $50.
The Chadron State men’s wrestling program, which regularly hosts one of the largest camps in Nebraska, already had 25 teams signed up for its summer team camp last week. Those dates are June 20-23. The program also continues to host its Regional Wrestling Club on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings through June 16, at $20 per 90-minute session.
The Eagles’ volleyball program will offer four opportunities for youths to improve their skills. A Youth Skills Camp is slated for July 11-13, for 1-4 graders, at $75 per camper. The Middle School Camp, for grades 5-8, follows on July 14-15, at $100 per camper. Starting at $325 for one team, the Team Camp offers options for housing and meals, and is July 23-24.
The volleyball camps will conclude with a High School Skills Camp on July 25-26, beginning at $125 for commuters.
A softball camp is set for July 26. Details and registration information will soon be finalized.
More details for all CSC camps, as well as online registration, may be found at ChadronStateSportsCamps.com.
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2022-06-01T18:22:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Many athletic camps at Chadron State in June, July | Sports | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/many-athletic-camps-at-chadron-state-in-june-july/article_27530dc8-b577-5118-8823-df82d94bfe8f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/community/chadron/sports/many-athletic-camps-at-chadron-state-in-june-july/article_27530dc8-b577-5118-8823-df82d94bfe8f.html
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One person is facing life threatening injuries while two are facing serious, non-life threatening injuries after a two-vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon on U.S. Highway 16, approximately five miles south of Rapid City.
The woman and two others were transported to Monument Health Rapid City hospital Tuesday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 16. The 78-year-old woman died at the hospital. She was not wearing a seatbelt.
Tony Mangan, public information officer for the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, said law enforcement was called to the crash around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday on U.S. Highway 16, mile marker 60.
Mangan said the woman was driving a 2010 Buick LaCrosse heading east on Highway 16. According to preliminary information, the vehicle veered to the right and hit a guard rail. It then went across the two east-bound lanes, went into the median, entered a west-bound lane and struck a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport.
There were two passengers in the Hyundai heading west, a 66-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman. Mangan said both were wearing their seat belts and sustained serious, non-life threatening injuries. The two passengers were extricated from the vehicle.
Charges are no longer pending.
Highway 16 was shut down for 48 minutes until one lane was opened. The scene was cleared about 12 minutes after.
South Dakota Highway Patrol is the lead investigator and the case is under investigation. Names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
Tony Mangan
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2022-06-01T21:54:39Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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UPDATE: One dead after two-vehicle crash on Highway 16 | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/update-one-dead-after-two-vehicle-crash-on-highway-16/article_f6c0e036-7fe5-528b-9570-84d0dace1b80.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/update-one-dead-after-two-vehicle-crash-on-highway-16/article_f6c0e036-7fe5-528b-9570-84d0dace1b80.html
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Rapid City school wins global competition
St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School team members, "Spiky Balloons," pose with their awards and the two devices that won them first place at the Destination Imagination Global Finals, a first for a South Dakota school. Pictured left to right: team coach Betsy Sage, Maggie Honeycutt, Soraya Karim, Tenley Sage, Vihaan Purushottam, Kellan Knapp, Brady Sage and Lara Sage (front).
St. Elizabeth Seton Elementary School in Rapid City has made history as the first South Dakota team to win first place at the Destination Imagination Global Finals.
Destination Imagination, a creative, team-focused STEAM competition for Kindergarten through college-level students, held their first in-person competition since COVID-19 in Kansas City, Missouri, March 21-24, bringing in over 7,000 students from over 400 teams and six countries.
Seton’s championship entry, "Spiky Balloons," won the technical challenge for the Elementary Level called Daring Escape, where participants designed and built two devices that used technical methods to overcome hazards. Students also created and presented a story about a daring escape from a hazardous situation, including a feat of skill that helped in the daring escape, and two “Team Choice Elements” that showed off the team’s interests, skills, areas of strength and talents.
For the "Spiky Balloons" entry, the skills, strengths and talent came from seven Seton students: Maggie Honeycutt, 11, Soraya Karim, 12, Kellan Knapp, 11, Brady Sage, 11, Vihaan Purushottam, 10, Tenley Sage, 9, and Lara Sage, 8.
They weren’t a group hand-picked for their skills or interests, or even a tight-knit group of friends looking for fun — they were a random group of students who happened to be free on Monday nights. Yet somehow, they formed the dream team.
“The stars aligned,” said team manager Betsy Sage, and mom to three of the seven Spiky Ballooners.
While being recognized at a national level is wonderful, Seton Principal Colleen Lecy said it is really about the process.
“It’s about the learning that takes place along the way that is paramount to the success of that program,” she said. “It offers students really positive opportunities to brainstorm and collaborate and to work as a team. And using problem solving skills, and just a lot of practical application for lifelong skills.”
For the students, it was fun.
“It was fun and hard,” Brady Sage said. “You had to work, but it was kind of fun working.”
The eight-minute skit that won their global title, while labeled technical, called on the team’s creativity as well, drawing out skills even the kids didn’t know they had.
Brady thought the story was the hardest part.
“Because you had to come up with something that was creative and nobody saw it before," he said. "The hard part was you want to keep adding and making the story a lot more exciting that in normal reality.”
Zip ties, cardboard, hot glue and “lots of spray paint” told the story of a lost porcupine with a fear of balloons. The students worked for four months on a budget of $200, having to document every purchase. They were encouraged to be resourceful with “garbage”— utilizing items around the house that wouldn’t infringe on the budget.
Spiky Balloons’ Globals skit was a modified version of the presentation that won them the state championship, and punched their ticket to Kansas City. They decided to tweak their electric device based on judges' feedback. While their story won high praise, their devices received some constructive criticism.
They left their non-electric device alone — a mousetrap that utilized CDs, dental floss and dowels to propel it through a gauntlet they’d built, through a tunnel and over a balloon barrier into their balloon world.
Their electric device, however, they improved. The team could have left it alone, but instead learned how to build a motor, and how to solder it to a battery. They built a gearbox.
The students also built their own props and made their own costumes, praised by the judges as “superb.” Their tweaks to the electric car paid off, as one of the judges commented they did an “awesome job engineering the electric car.”
The team all contributed. Purushottam accompanied their skit on the piano, and did a lot of painting. Brady was the team’s balloon twisting expert. Everyone pitched in, and everyone had fun.
Knapp’s favorite part was the team’s energy. It made everything a lot better, he said. It brought excitement “and it made us want to play more.”
“It keeps their imaginations going,” Betsy Sage said. “I love that they can look at something and feel like they could build something out of garbage.”
That creative process, she said, is what it’s all about. Participating in Destination Imagination kept that process alive and kept them working as a team. They learned how to admit their idea may not be the best.
Seton Elemetary has been participating in Destination Imagination for more than a decade. Betsy Sage participated as a student, called "Odyssey of the Mind" at the time, and was coached by her own mom.
Today, she’s the coach of South Dakota’s first winning team. They were on the bus home when they found out, with only Knapp still behind in person.
“My dad’s not very emotional, and he started tearing up,” Knapp said, when he learned they’d won first place.
Meanwhile, back on the bus, the students were “crying, hugging and screaming,” the team said.
The students weren’t thinking about the life skills they were gaining, or the creative process they’d fostered. They remembered how much fun they had, and the friends they made.
“I think it just brings joy to people’s lives,” Knapp said. “I think all people need that. And when kids are struggling in school and stuff, it’s nice to have a little getaway and hang out with your friends.”
They also surprised themselves.
“You see what kids can do when you just leave them with a couple of craft sticks and they come out with a working car,” Tenley Sage said.
They learned how to create things, Karim said, and interact with other people, and face their fears. Lara Sage experienced an opportunity to help kids have fun and show their creative side.
Whatever lessons were learned by the global champions, they were excited to make South Dakota history for Seton Elementary. But mostly, the students said they just had fun.
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2022-06-01T23:34:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City school wins global competition | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-school-wins-global-competition/article_c0ed0a2b-8711-59c8-b606-6e98861400c9.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-school-wins-global-competition/article_c0ed0a2b-8711-59c8-b606-6e98861400c9.html
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The campaign manager for Pennington County Sheriff candidate Ryan Mechaley plans to file a municipal code of conduct complaint against Rapid City Council member Pat Jones in response to an opinion column Jones wrote that was published in the Journal Wednesday.
Jordan Mason is Mechaley's campaign manager and is also a former city council member. Mason told the Journal Wednesday he feels Jones libeled him in his opinion column.
“I find it incredibly unbecoming of a city council person and I have already reached out to the city council to talk about a code of conduct complaint for his violation,” Mason said.
Jones, a council member for Ward 1, wrote an opinion column stating he had been subject to a “disturbing campaign tactic.” In the column, he wrote Mechaley is one of his former students and the two talked about his run for sheriff. He wrote that he was proud of his efforts and encouraged him to seek the position back in January.
Jones wrote it wasn’t his intention to endorse any candidate during the election cycle, but saw his endorsement on Mechaley’s website and later on campaign mailers in May. He wrote that he contacted Mechaley and told him he didn’t give him permission to use his name or photo, Mechaley apologized and said he would speak with Mason and ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
He said he later heard from Mason that it was too late to remove him from a new mailer and nothing could be done.
Mechaley told the Journal Wednesday he’s had a relationship with Jones since he was in elementary school. He said he spoke with Jones at an event about medical marijuana and told him he was considering running for sheriff.
Ryan Mechaley, a former state Highway Patrol officer, announced in January his run for Pennington County Sheriff on his website.
He said he thought Jones has done a great job as a Ward 1 council member and asked for an endorsement, and sent him the endorsement link. He said all Jones had to do was type what he wanted to say.
Mechaley said his staff took Jones’ biography off of the city council webpage and his picture and published it on the campaign website Jan. 7.
Mechaley sent the Journal text message screenshots between himself and Jones from January that show Jones asking for Mechaley to update his biography information regarding his employment.
“Thank you very much. Happy to give my recommendation,” Jones wrote in the text message.
The next text message communication shown is from May 20, with Mechaley asking to call Jones and again May 23 asking to visit regarding one of Jones’s Facebook posts.
Jones told the Journal Wednesday that he never intended to offer an official endorsement as Pat Jones City Councilman. He said when he saw his endorsement on Mechaley’s website, he should’ve asked for it to be totally removed.
“I didn’t want to have Ryan think I’m not being supportive of him in a role as an adult mentor,” he said. “I decided to let it go.”
Jones said he called Mechaley May 20 when he found out he was on Mechaley's campaign mailers. He said there was no reason for it to be a confrontation, and it wasn’t. He said Mechaley apologized.
Jones said Mason called him May 26 stating it was too late to be removed from an upcoming mailer and there was nothing that could be done.
“Sometimes people mistake my kindness for weakness, but I’m not just going to stand by and let this lie perpetuate,” Jones said. “I want people to know the truth and I have to take every stand I can to make sure the record is correct.”
In a copy of an email Mason sent to Jones dated May 26, Mason said he sent off the last postcard for Mechaley’s campaign to be printed, packaged and mailed at 1:05 p.m. May 17. He said three days later, he heard Jones wanted to retract his endorsement or not have support publicly visible.
“When Ryan spoke to me shortly thereafter, I told him there was nothing left to send out from his campaign, so there shouldn’t be an issue with your picture or endorsement being used any further,” Mason wrote. “Unfortunately, it has occurred to me that this last mail piece which was mailed on the 17th has not hit mailboxes yet and is now in the possession of the United States Postal Service.”
According to the email, Mason told Jones it would be the last mail piece with his picture or any association with him, and his endorsement had been removed from the website.
“For him to indicate that he didn’t endorse us, which is what his opinion column clearly is saying, is pretty shocking to me because that recommendation he’s talking about was on an endorsement page on a political ‘paid for by’ website,” Mason told the Journal on Wednesday.
He said there’s been a real public perception of a lack of accountability and trustworthiness in politics. He said when someone makes an endorsement, it’s like a stamp of approval.
“It’s not uncommon for people to give me a, ‘Hey, I don’t know this guy as well as I’d like, I wish I knew more, I’m not comfortable doing that, I’ll give you a no,’” Mason said. “But if they give a yes, then that’s a pretty solid deal.”
— Kent Bush, Nathan Thompson and Siandhara Bonnet contributed to this report.
Ryan Mechaley
Pat Jones City
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2022-06-02T01:17:08Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Pat Jones could face city council ethics complaint over opinion column | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pat-jones-could-face-city-council-ethics-complaint-over-opinion-column/article_51e7ed7a-362b-575f-8a71-a7b585d2f9e5.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/pat-jones-could-face-city-council-ethics-complaint-over-opinion-column/article_51e7ed7a-362b-575f-8a71-a7b585d2f9e5.html
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Jon Otto Lehner
RAPID CITY - Jon Otto Lehner passed away on May 13, 2022 surrounded by family at his home. Jon was born on October 6, 1942 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Otto and Nola (Maier) Lehner.
After going to school in McLaughlin and graduating from Watertown High School in 1960, Jon attended the South Dakota School of Mines to get a degree in math. In his senior year, he met Jan Smith and married her in October 1964. Shortly after their wedding, Jon went to Airborne School at Ft. Benning and was deployed to Germany in a combat engineer battalion. Jan joined him in Germany where they lived until Jon was deployed to Vietnam. During the year he was in Vietnam, his daughter Nancy was born. He returned to Fort Hood for his final year of service and after he was discharged, his wife Jan was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died shortly after the diagnosis.
He met Judy (Neff) Hankins and married her in December, 1968. Judy had lost her husband George Hankins the previous year and had two children – Terri and Steve. Jon and Judy found themselves a new couple with three children under the age of three and adopted each other's kids to raise them as a family.
During that time, Jon earned his Masters Degree in Mathematics from the SD School of Mines. He took a management job with the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1970 and spent his career with them, retiring in 1998. His time with the phone company took him to Sioux Falls four times, Aberdeen twice and Mitchell once. After retirement, he moved back to the Black Hills to enjoy hiking and traveling – especially traveling to spend time with his grandkids. In 2006, Jon and Judy moved to Shenandoah, Iowa for six years to be closer to all their grandkids. They returned to the Black Hills in 2012 and have enjoyed their time near Hisega, South Dakota.
During retirement, Jon did not slow down much. Jon and Judy loved to travel and visited Ireland, Czech Republic, Germany, Canada, and many states in the US. Between travel and time with his grandkids and eventually great-grand kids, Jon found time to volunteer for many things, but he had a particular passion for helping students learn math. He volunteered at Shenandoah High School in Iowa and the Oglala Lakota College in Rapid City and touched many students' lives. Jon and Judy have also been active members of the Canyon Lake United Methodist Church since returning to Rapid City.
Jon was known for his smile, laughter, and dry (but witty) sense of humor. Everyone who knew Jon was touched by his kind heart and generous spirit.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy Lehner, his sister Vonnie (Lynn) Saternow, his daughter Terri (Mike) Harmon, his daughter Nancy Lehner, and his son Steve (Kim) Lehner. His three children blessed him with five grandchildren – Brittany (Josh) Evans, Sara Van Maanen, Alex Lehner, Alyssa Harmon and Olivia Harmon - and four great grandchildren – Braden and Easton Evans and Blake and Summer Van Maanen.
The family will be planning a small memorial service for Jon at a time when they can all be together.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at kirkfuneralhome.com.
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2022-06-02T06:01:14Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Jon Otto Lehner | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/jon-otto-lehner/article_fdcb9564-1e3d-58f3-9f58-40bf7fa1a440.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/obituaries/jon-otto-lehner/article_fdcb9564-1e3d-58f3-9f58-40bf7fa1a440.html
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RCAS Supt. Lori Simon honored at farewell ceremony
Rapid City Area Schools Supt. Lori Simon, second from right, visits with guests during a goodbye party in Simon's honor on Wednesday afternoon in the commons at Rapid City High School.
Rapid City Area Schools Supt. Lori Simon talks with her guests during a goodbye party in Simon's honor on Wednesday afternoon in the commons at Rapid City High School.
Guests came out to recognize Rapid City Area Schools Supt. Lori Simon during a goodbye party in Simon's honor on Wednesday afternoon in the commons at Rapid City High School.
Dozens of well-wishers gathered Wednesday afternoon at Rapid City High School to honor outgoing Rapid City Area Schools Superintendent Lori Simon and her six years of leadership in the district.
Simon was named superintendent in 2016 and made the decision in February to resign effective the end of the 2021-2022 school year.
At the reception Wednesday, Simon told the Journal that she is proud of all of the work the school district has done for students, but said the past two years have been challenging.
She specifically said the failure of the 2020 school bond election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the politicization of school boards have been difficult to deal with.
"As I've reflected especially the last couple of years, you know, I think there's a reason why there's a mass exodus of superintendents right now across the country, because the job for reasons beyond our control became politicized. And that that took a lot of the joy out of the work," Simon said. "None of us mind working long hours, when it's the things that are important. But the last couple of years have definitely been a challenge."
Simon said there were mistakes that she, her staff and administrators made through the pandemic, but Simon said the decisions made were always in the students' and staff members' best interest.
"With the information I had in any given day, I felt like I did my best to keep my students safe, helping my staff stay safe and healthy, and to keep school in session and kids learning," she said. "Was it perfect? No. When you get to these levels of leadership, you can't second guess your decisions."
"You need to know in your heart and your soul and your mind — at the time with the information that you have — what the best decision for the day is. If you put your students and your staff at the center those decisions, then you can rest easy with the decisions that you've made."
Simon said she was proud of seeing the daily growth in students during her tenure. She said when she watches students have special moments in school and that culminating in events like graduation, it brought her great joy and satisfaction.
She said she believes she improved working relationships with school staff and opened up new lines of communication that were lacking previously. Simon said she's also proud of the district's strategic plan that was developed during her first year.
"That really paved the way for a lot of good work to happen, and I'm really proud of how hard our staff have worked to accomplish really good things for kids," Simon said.
She said leaving the school district is bittersweet for her, but it was time to get back to her family and "decompress."
"I just need to decompress a little bit and put my husband, and my sons and their wives, and my grandchildren — and myself first. It's time to do that," Simon said.
Simon said she plans on staying in the Rapid City community and will continue to stay "very supportive" of the school district. She said there are some other opportunities that she's been approached about, "but I'm going to take some time away to just really decompress before I make any future decisions," Simon said.
She gave some advice to the person or administrative team that will succeed her in RCAS leadership.
"I think first and foremost, listen and learn. These last couple of years have been really hard on everybody. Staff are exhausted. Families are exhausted. We're all dealing with things beyond our control," Simon said. "Listen and learn from our staff, our school leaders, our district leaders, our families, our board members — really the entire community.
"It truly has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the superintendent of the Rapid City Area Schools. I've loved my time here and wish everyone in the district the very, very best."
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2022-06-02T13:37:23Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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RCAS Supt. Lori Simon honored at farewell ceremony | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-supt-lori-simon-honored-at-farewell-ceremony/article_64429ded-0533-5924-8768-f168c1997247.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rcas-supt-lori-simon-honored-at-farewell-ceremony/article_64429ded-0533-5924-8768-f168c1997247.html
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In response to Wednesday's Two Cents' contributor who wrote, "The Democrats want to kill children before they are born..." Inflammatory untruths like this maliciously misstate what pro-choice supporters actually want. We want women to have the right to make their own reproductive health care decisions.
I will not be voting for any incumbents this election. There are too many issues that have not been addressed and the political mailers are just too nasty.
So the State's Attorney was unaware of the 45-day deadline about the death penalty. Par for the course, the blind leading the blind. Makes one wonder how he got to where he is.
Thank you to all the people who show up to paint our houses or fix our cable or restore our appliances to working order or fix the plugged up sink. To all the people who do this kind of work, a big thank you! Your work is important and appreciated.
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2022-06-02T13:37:29Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Your Two Cents for June 2 | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/your-two-cents-for-june-2/article_537bd3d9-2ea7-58fc-ae6e-a276fd4a5b8f.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/your-two-cents-for-june-2/article_537bd3d9-2ea7-58fc-ae6e-a276fd4a5b8f.html
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Judge sentences rapist to 20 years in prison
The Pennington County Courthouse
Circuit Judge Robert Gusinsky told Tywon Adams, 45, “You’re just trying to look for excuses. You’re trying to minimize what happened here,” before sentencing him on Thursday morning at the Pennington County courthouse to 20 years in prison for a third-degree rape he committed in April 2015 in Rapid City.
The judge suspended two years and applied three and half years of time served. Adams will also have to pay attorneys fees, $21.40 in medical fees, $2,676.70 in extradition costs and $18.75 for grand jury costs.
Third-degree rape applies when the victim is incapable of giving consent because of any intoxicating, narcotic or anesthetic agent or hypnosis, according to the indictment charging Adams.
The victim told a medical professional she had woken up on the floor of a bathroom at a house party with her pants down not knowing what happened. She received a medical examination at the hospital 13.3 hours after the incident and a lab determined her blood alcohol content was anywhere between 0.14 and 0.28 at the time of the assault, according to court records. The legal limit for driving is .08.
Lab results determined Adams’ DNA was present in semen samples collected during the examination, a result the judge said Adams challenged multiple times.
Deputy State’s Attorney Rachel Synder said Adams will have to serve 75% of his sentence before being eligible for parole. The earliest Adams could be out of prison would be 2038.
Gusinsky noted that the reason Adams has so much time served is because he delayed court proceedings. Adams went through eight defense attorney’s and absconded in 2017 for two years before being extradited back to South Dakota in 2019.
The judge said some of those attorneys had to withdraw for reasons outside of Adams control, but that he had physically threatened his seventh attorney, causing the judge to have to remove him as counsel.
“He has done everything in his power to tie up the court system,” the victim’s father said in his statement to the court at sentencing.
The father said he specifically chose not to address Adams because he is “incapable of taking responsibility,” but spoke to the court instead. He told the judge he felt Adams was purposely trying to run out the clock in county jail so he wouldn’t have to serve as much time in the state penitentiary where “offenders like him are on the lowest level.”
“Ultimately he could not outrun his day of judgment,” he said. “(Adams) is a criminal narcissist incapable of empathy, compassion and taking responsibility.”
The 31-year-old victim, who was 23 at the time of the assault, chose not to speak at the sentencing hearing. She attended through video teleconference because she had since moved out of South Dakota.
Synder referenced the two years Adams absconded, the violent nature of the crime, Adams’ lack of remorse and him not knowing the victim, which she argued increased the possibility he would re-offend in the future.
Gusinsky spoke to the results of Adams’ psychological-sexual evaluation before announcing his sentence. He said the doctor wrote in his report that Adams was defensive, portrayed himself as virtuous, and Adams’ “minimization exceeded an acceptable level.”
“That’s the story of this case: minimization,” Gusinsky said.
The judge said Adams lied to police and claimed he never even had sex with the victim. After a jury convicted him, he admitted they did have sex but refused to acknowledge that it was non-consensual and claimed he was wearing protection at the time.
“That makes zero sense, so you’re not truthful with the court,” said Gusinsky, who added that people who are remorseful and accept the consequences are less likely to re-offend.
Gusinsky also referenced Adams' prior felonies, which are four or five. The judge said the number was unclear because some of those felonies occurred in another state. He said he sentenced Adams' as if he had four prior felonies to ensure that he gave him the benefit of the doubt.
Adams’ defense attorney, Matthew Stephens, did not paint Adams in a particularly positive light. Stevens said Adams’ psychological-sexual evaluation pointed towards narcissism but not sexual deviance, and that he is of average propensity to re-offend.
Stephens said Adams is an opportunist, the type of person who would walk through an alley, find an unlocked car and break into it, but that he's not at risk to seek out a similar crime. He requested the judge to consider suspending some of his sentence, so Adams would be under supervision when released.
“If parole wanted, they could keep a better eye on him,” Stephens said, when the judge asked him to speak to what assurance the court would have that the community would be kept safe if Adams was out on parole.
After taking a short break to speak with his attorney privately, Adams addressed the court.
“I don’t have the vocabulary to try to get forgiveness. No matter what I say it won’t change the judgment or what people want to think about me,” Adams said.
He stated that he’s not a monster and that he does have good qualities. He vaguely apologized to the victim and her parents, but did not admit guilt.
“I’m sorry for what they think about me,” he said.
Robert Gusinsky
Matthew Stephens
Third Degree Rape
Rachel Synder
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2022-06-02T22:50:43Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Judge sentences rapist to 20 years in prison | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/judge-sentences-rapist-to-20-years-in-prison/article_d03762ca-0fa7-54bd-b913-111d4ef9b043.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/judge-sentences-rapist-to-20-years-in-prison/article_d03762ca-0fa7-54bd-b913-111d4ef9b043.html
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I-90 eastbound entrance ramp at Lacrosse to close for a month on Monday
The South Dakota Department of Transportation said the Interstate 90 eastbound entrance ramp at North LaCrosse Street in Rapid City will be closed to all traffic beginning at 5 a.m. Monday and lasting the rest of the month.
Motorists on Lacrosse Street are told to follow the detours, and use exit 58 at Haines Avenue, and exit 60 at Elk Vale Road as an alternate route to access I-90 eastbound.
SDDOT said the closure will be in place through at least July 1, and is related to the requirement for the contractor to excavate the eastbound ramp, prepare storm water elements and to construct the pedestrian islands at the top of the ramp. Motorists and pedestrians are asked to be aware of construction workers and equipment in the eastbound I-90 exit 59 vicinity.
This is the second year of the project to reconstruct the interchange on I-90 at Lacrosse Street. Complete Contracting of Rapid City is the prime contractor on the $17 million project. The overall completion date of this project is June 2023.
Complete road construction information is available for this project at: https://www.i90lacrosseddi.com/ and on https://sd511.org or by dialing 511.
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2022-06-02T22:50:49Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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I-90 eastbound entrance ramp at Lacrosse to close for a month on Monday | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/i-90-eastbound-entrance-ramp-at-lacrosse-to-close-for-a-month-on-monday/article_c50be5d6-13e0-5eb9-bebb-675e13ede304.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/i-90-eastbound-entrance-ramp-at-lacrosse-to-close-for-a-month-on-monday/article_c50be5d6-13e0-5eb9-bebb-675e13ede304.html
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Malcom Little Brave
Malcom Little Brave, a Native American man who is 6-foot 2-inches tall and weighs about 230 pounds, left his community service jobsite in Rapid City without authorization. He failed to return to the Rapid City Community Work Center, according to the news release.
Little Brave has black hair and brown eyes. He's currently serving a sentence for an aggravated assault conviction from Meade County.
If anyone sees Little Brave, or if someone knows his whereabouts, contact law enforcement immediately.
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2022-06-02T22:50:55Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Rapid City inmate placed on escape status | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-inmate-placed-on-escape-status/article_612f62a0-0e80-5eb7-8bcc-4fd65acccdb9.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/rapid-city-inmate-placed-on-escape-status/article_612f62a0-0e80-5eb7-8bcc-4fd65acccdb9.html
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Black Hills Con starts Friday
Black Hills Con returns this weekend for fans of pop culture, sci-fi and anime. The convention will be at Rushmore Plaza Holiday Inn in Rapid City. Black Hills Con opens Friday from 2 to 10 p.m., continuing Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased at the door beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.
This kid- and adult-friendly event includes games, vendors, panels, anime industry guests, a costume contest, an art contest, cosplay chess, karaoke, a talent show and more, plus some after-hours events for those 18 and older.
This year’s lineup of special guests includes Melanie Kohn. From 1974 to 1977, she was the voice of Lucy VanPelt, everyone’s favorite crabby big sister, in several Peanuts specials and the movie “Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown.” She’ll be joined by voice actors John Swasey, Jill Harris and Bryson Baugus.
Go to blackhillscon.com for ticket prices and more information about this year’s convention.
Melanie Kohn
John Swasey
Race For Your Life Charlie Brown
Jill Harris
Bryson Baugus
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2022-06-03T00:30:40Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Black Hills Con starts Friday | Entertainment | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/black-hills-con-starts-friday/article_a59af1d0-a960-5a33-8aef-8b6bce4e492c.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/entertainment/black-hills-con-starts-friday/article_a59af1d0-a960-5a33-8aef-8b6bce4e492c.html
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League approves Marshals ownership transfer
Rapid City's Antwan Smith (4) celebrates an interception along with teammate Rapid City's Cory Henry (1) during an April 9 game against the Sioux City Bandits at Summit Arena.
The Champions Indoor Football League officially approved the sale of the Rapid City Marshals on Thursday evening.
The CIF board of directors voted to accept the transfer from Pick Six Entertainment to Wes Johnson and Rebecca Chapman.
“We are extremely pleased to approve the application of Wes and Rebecca,” the league said in a statement. “Mr. Johnson has already been in Rapid City working tirelessly to right the ship.”
Johnson and Chapman announced the purchase of the team May 5 in a Facebook post. After the transfer process began, Pick Six Entertainment began defaulting on payments leading to unpaid wages and led an area hotel to boot the Marshals before their last home game.
Johnson told The Journal the duo was excited to receive the official go-ahead from the league, but knows there is a rough road ahead.
“We couldn’t be more optimistic of the future of the Marshals in Rapid City than we are today,” Johnson said. “We have a lot of work ahead of us, but we are wholly committed to the team and the Rapid City community to ensure the Marshals are the best organization in the CIF.”
Earlier in the day, the CIF also approved the transfer of ownership for the Billings Outlaws from Pick Six Entertainment to Steven Titus, who already received approval in May to purchase the Wyoming Outlaws from Pick Six.
The league highlighted the stability of the Marshals' new ownership group.
“They have a strong financial backing and the operational know-how to ensure Rapid City has indoor football for years to come,” the statement said. “The CIF strongly believes in this market, and Wes and Rebecca will do great things there.”
Johnson and Chapman are hosting an event for the team’s corporate partners to signal the transfer of ownership and wrap up the season at 6 p.m. Monday at Murphy’s Pub.
“One thing we have confirmed in the last three weeks, being in the community and interacting with our partners, is that Rapid City wants to see the Marshals succeed and be here for the long term,” Johnson said. “Rebecca and I are going to do whatever we can to make that a reality.”
The Marshals wrap up the regular season on the road against the top-ranked Sioux City Bandits at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Tyson Events Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
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2022-06-03T06:04:58Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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League approves Marshals ownership transfer | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/league-approves-marshals-ownership-transfer/article_cd205990-ba08-54fb-9da9-e7c6dada84a8.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/league-approves-marshals-ownership-transfer/article_cd205990-ba08-54fb-9da9-e7c6dada84a8.html
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Sasquatch rally in the ninth, beat Hastings in extras
The Spearfish Sasquatch rallied for four runs in the top of the ninth inning and pushed Thursday night's game to extras, eventually beating the Hastings Sodbusters 12-11 at Duncan Field in Hastings, Nebraska.
Johnny McHenry earned a double and went 2 for 5 with two runs and drew two walks to record the only multi-hit game for the Sasquatch (2-7), who were walked 17 times. Rapid City native Ryan Bachman tallied two RBIs, and Carson Green, Gabe Springer and Ivan Palomino each scored two runs.
Spearfish starting pitcher Hunter Polley lasted five innings, surrendering two runs on three hits and four walks while striking out six on 101 pitches.
The Sasquatch begin a three-game against the Fremont Moo on Friday in Fremont, Nebraska.
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2022-06-03T06:05:22Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Sasquatch rally in the ninth, beat Hastings in extras | News | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-rally-in-the-ninth-beat-hastings-in-extras/article_2ffc2077-95e1-5063-91c6-3a0aaf7bd32a.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/sasquatch-rally-in-the-ninth-beat-hastings-in-extras/article_2ffc2077-95e1-5063-91c6-3a0aaf7bd32a.html
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Dangerous AR-15s
The second amendment says, "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the rights of the people to bear arms, shall not be infringed." James Madison composed the second amendment; so the states could form well-regulated militias to protect the states from the federal government and slave uprisings.
A 5-4 majority ruled the language and history of the second amendment showed that it protects the rights of private individuals to bear arms for their own defense. They were wrong. What about a well-regulated militia? Couldn't they read? Well-regulated Militias train, march, obey orders, etc., etc., etc.
A projectile from an AR-15 can go straight through almost all the bulletproof vests worn today. An AR-15 bullet travels at 3251 feet per second. A 9mm round travels at only 1180 feet per second. when an AR-15 hits the body mass it's like an explosion in the body. The U.S has 329.5 million people and 400 million guns. In Australia, a 1996 massacre prompted mandatory gun buybacks and banned assault rifles. More guns mean more deaths. Let's reinstate the assault rifle ban and melt them down to make toys.
Remember, E (energy) = M (mass) times V (velocity) squared.
Metakuye Oyiasin (All my relatives)
Robert Ackerman, Rapid City
Being American
What Does It Mean to Be An American? Local Control, States’ Rights, and the US Constitution!
To be an American, would seem to mean that each of us enjoy all of the rights and privileges of every other citizen.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.-- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed”
Should the quality of a child’s education depend on which school district they live in?
Should a woman’s right and access health care and an abortion depend on which state she lives in?
Should your right to vote depend on which state you live in?
Should the minimum wage be dependent on which state you live in?
Should Medicaid benefits depend on which state you live in?
Should the dispensation of justice vary depending on which county, state, or federal jurisdiction with which you are involved.
If you answer “YES” to any of these questions, there is no such thing as an “American”!
Douglas T. Erickson, Rapid City
Crime pays...Sadly. Criminals are not punished to the necessary degree. Crime will continue for that reason. Effective crime prevention would increase unemployment throughout the judicial system.
No tickets, no fine, no income for the police, attorneys, court associated employees, jail employees and more. Offenders would not repeat if they remained in jail. Every single day, a crime is committed in every city in the United States.
Yes, whether it be a traffic violation, an assault, a burglary, car theft, vandalism, and murders in major cities. If everyone, parents, schools, law enforcement and more did their job, crime would decrease. Enabling bad behavior is a negative cause in our society. Responsible people get up in the morning and do what is right. Irresponsible people expect the world to take care of them. The Do-Gooders...say Let Me. Enabling handicaps those people, free food, shelter, health care and more. Don't take my word. Look around, read, view the news. A woman being assaulted on a subway by another woman...nobody helped her.
Allen McPherson, Rapid City
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2022-06-03T11:31:21Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Letters to the editor, June 3, 2022 | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-june-3-2022/article_3c8c05da-50f0-5c1a-aed6-7a07d6c3d570.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor-june-3-2022/article_3c8c05da-50f0-5c1a-aed6-7a07d6c3d570.html
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A close-up listing of the five book titles that could be destroyed if the Rapid City Area Schools Board of Education declares them as surplus property.
Records from Rapid City Area Schools show school board members were informed of discussions on the removal of controversial books as early as August during the 2021-2022 school year, despite statements to the contrary.
However, the review of the emails show there was never any direction from school board members to remove controversial or inappropriate books. Those decisions were made strictly by school administration staff, which backs up a statement from the school board that it wasn't their decision.
According to email records obtained by the Journal, Superintendent Lori Simon forwarded an Aug. 5 email to all school board members from a concerned parent asking about the book “How Beautiful We Were: A Novel” by Imbolo Mbue possibly being banned.
In the email, Simon replied to the parent that the district was made aware of “some sexually explicit content in a book” and after reading it, didn’t believe it was appropriate for school-age students. Simon forwarded her response to the board stating some of them may have received the same email.
Simon finished her statement by telling board members, "If you need further information, please contact me directly." The email records show no school board member responded to Simon for further questions.
“How Beautiful We Were” is one of five book titles purchased for a new English 12 course planned for destruction. Records show the books were deemed inappropriate by school administrators between August and October 2021. The books’ destruction was delayed by a unanimous vote by the Board of Education May 3 in order to seek legal advice.
According to the surplus list, 185 copies of “How Beautiful We Were” were set for destruction, along with 35 copies of “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel, 75 copies “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, 30 copies of “Girl, Woman, Other: A Novel” by Bernardine Evaristo, and 30 copies of “The Circle” by Dave Eggers. The books were purchased for the new English 12 course, which teachers said was developed by a group of teachers with guidance from district administrators and included choice reads, in spring 2021.
The Journal requested records from RCAS regarding emails from district administrators and school board members concerning the book titles between August 2021 and April 28, 2022.
Records show the first email about the books in that time frame was from Valerie Seales, director of teaching, learning and innovation for the district, to Colby Christensen, the district's teaching and learning specialist, at 12:54 p.m. Aug. 2. In the email to Christensen, Seales wrote "It sounds like there are additional books that are inappropriate for HS students." Seales requested a reading list from Christensen.
Seales followed up with another email to Simon and former Assistant Superintendent Mark Gabrylczyk at 1:03 p.m. Aug. 2. In the email, Seales wrote that there are some issues with the English 12 books and included a photo of the top of page 69 of “How Beautiful We Were.”
The passage of the book describes a girl seeing her parents having oral sex in their kitchen.
“I ordered that these books be returned to the warehouse,” Seales said. “The reason I am bringing this to your attention is I think some English teachers are going to want to fight this fight to keep the books. I am taking the stance that they are inappropriate and we will not use them for assigned or voluntary reading list. Let me know if you disagree.”
The email also contains a forwarded email from Stevens High School principal Jocelyn Hafner who said a teacher brought the passage in the book to her attention. She said she believed her parent community would have issues with the message, as well as others in the book.
“I don’t believe this book should remain on the list of possible options for English 12,” Hafner said.
According to records, Simon responded to the email at 1:29 p.m. the same day stating she agreed the book be removed.
“Now more than ever, what curriculum and resources/books we use will be subject to public scrutiny,” Simon said. “Let’s avoid issues proactively.”
She also said she didn’t understand why it would be necessary to use books that could be perceived as inappropriate when there are other books that could reinforce concepts English teachers need to teach from the standards that don’t push the lines.
Records show the other books purchased for the English 12 course included 180 copies each of “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe,” “Give Me Some Truth,” “Little Fires Everywhere: A Novel,” “One of the Good Ones,” “Solar Storms,” “The Marrow Thieves,” “There There,” “The Vanishing Half: A Novel,” “Where the Crawdads Sing,” “As Long as Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice, from Colonization to Standing Rock,” “Evicted: Poverty and Profits in the American City,” “Heart Berries: A Memoir,” “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” “Made in China: A Prisoner, an SOS Letter, and the Hidden Cost of America’s Cheap Goods,” “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America,” “Spirit Run: A 6,000-Mile Marathon Through North America’s Stolen Land,” “The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America’s Shining Women,” “The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two Cultures,” and “The Water Defenders: How Ordinary People Saved a Country for Corporate Greed.”
On Aug. 4, 2021, Central High School principal Michael Talley sent an email to his language arts department and school administration stating there was controversial content in “How Beautiful We Were” and they were being ordered to remove the book from the list of approved literature resources.
“We are to pack up these books and bring them to the office where office staff will ensure they are taken out to the Warehouse,” he said. “I am not sure to what extent our literature pieces will be scrutinized this school year but be aware that any books with passages that are deemed explicit will more than likely be flagged and possibly removed.”
Talley said some of the books could be replaced with non-fiction literature and still teach the standards.
An English teacher said she responded to Talley’s email to give further information on the thought process behind the book selection.
She said given the limited funds and difficult topics included in the pacing guides, the committee decided it would be best to make sure students had choices. She said they attempted to do so by purchasing literature circle sets instead of class sets. She said it was never the committee’s intention that all students would be forced to read the entirety of “How Beautiful We Were,” but that it would be offered as a choice.
“I personally feel that it would really be difficult to remove all controversial content from our teaching materials either fiction or nonfiction,” she said. “This is true both of any new materials, fiction and nonfiction, but also much of the established English curriculum has content that is just as controversial if not more controversial than the passage attached here.”
The teacher said the committee spoke in length about how the seniors are legally adults, or are close to it, and didn’t want to “sell them short” by lowering their standards and not ask them to work with challenging texts.
An email from Hafner to Seales stated she met with two teachers to discuss the book selections. She said she told the teachers any books that would potentially require a permission slip would not be allowed as a selection. She said they determined any book with sexual content similar to “How Beautiful We Were” would be considered mature and not allowed.
In an Aug. 25 email from Talley to Seales, Gabrylczyk and Simon at 8:44 a.m., he said his librarian found a graphic image in “Fun Home,” and removed it from the library to be sent to the warehouse. He attached a list of books and said the highlighted ones have been removed. It is not clear from the records which book titles were highlighted, but there were asterisks marking “Desert Solitaire,” “The Gulag Archipelago,” “Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You,” “Things Fall Apart,” “Mexican Gothic,” “Girl, Woman, Other” and “The Circle.”
Talley said he spoke with his teachers and said books with explicit materials would not be allowed.
“That being said, I am disappointed that there wasn’t some type of screening and accountability process in place to prevent the purchases in the first place,” he said. “Ultimately, if something gets missed, this looks really bad for the school, the teachers, and the Principal. Any suggestions?”
Seales responded to the email at 9:13 a.m. and said she directed a member of her staff to get a single copy of each title and that her team would do a review of the books as quickly as possible.
In an Oct. 28 email from Seales to Christensen, with carbon copies to Hafner, Talley and Rapid City High principal Jennifer Roberts, Seales recommended “The Circle” be pulled.
Seales said in an Oct. 29 email that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” should also be sent to the warehouse.
A March 16 email from Christensen to Seales notes that “How Beautiful We Were,” “Fun Home,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “Girl, Woman, Other” and “The Circle” were all returned to the warehouse. Christensen also said schools were able to make their own decision on the book “Shout,” and sent information regarding “Give Me Some Truth,” which a parent expressed concerns on March 15 to a teacher at Central High School.
In the email, the parent said their student said he was uncomfortable reading the book stating there were two underage girls dating two older men.
“He said it felt like they were grooming these young girls,” the parent said. “By the end of that week he said it was getting worse and that one of the girls was excited about losing her virginity to the 30 year old man and the story was very explicit.”
The parent ultimately asked the teacher if her son could read a different book for a project, and the teacher responded the next day stating he could start a new book or analyze a portion of the book that didn’t make him uncomfortable.
It is not clear if “Give Me Some Truth” was removed, but it did not appear in the April surplus list.
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2022-06-03T14:25:22Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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Emails show RCAS board members informed of removing books | Local | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/emails-show-rcas-board-members-informed-of-removing-books/article_66d6630c-0164-5c7b-af7a-486ac4392a03.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/news/local/emails-show-rcas-board-members-informed-of-removing-books/article_66d6630c-0164-5c7b-af7a-486ac4392a03.html
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SKARIN: It’s time to fight for abortion rights in South Dakota
Libby Skarin SD ACLU Campaigns Director
Now, it’s important to remember that this leaked opinion is still just a draft. Abortion remains legal across the nation – and it remains legal here in South Dakota.
If Roe is overturned, abortion will become a criminal act in South Dakota, thanks to a trigger law that’s been on the books since 2005. That means people would have to travel out of state to get essential care – something that’s impossible for many people to do.
Overturning Roe v. Wade would be an unprecedented action. Never before has the Supreme Court deprived half the country of a well-established constitutional right. The Court has, on occasion, overturned precedents in the past, but virtually always to expand rights and protections – not to take them away.
It’s beyond time for South Dakota to recognize that abortion care is essential health care. Banning abortion care won’t stop South Dakotans from needing, and seeking, abortion care. It just ensures that the most vulnerable South Dakotans have a much more difficult and costly experience accessing it. When someone decides to have an abortion, it should be safe, accessible, and free from punishment or judgment.
The ACLU of South Dakota will never stop fighting for abortion rights. Whatever happens when the Court actually issues a decision, we must never give up. Everyone can fight back: Take to the streets to have your voices heard, contact your elected representatives and support your local abortion movement, including abortion funds, health centers, and reproductive justice organizations. And then vote. Vote like your rights depend on it – because they do!
If abortion is going to be left to the political process, those of us who care about reproductive freedom have to get engaged despite the barriers politicians have put in our way. Let us all make clear that the right to decide when – and whether – to have a child belongs to us. Not the government.
Libby Skarin is the campaigns director for the ACLU of South Dakota
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2022-06-03T14:25:35Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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SKARIN: It’s time to fight for abortion rights in South Dakota | | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/skarin-it-s-time-to-fight-for-abortion-rights-in-south-dakota/article_c2cbedc9-2bc2-5214-a2de-c3dab3c75b48.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/skarin-it-s-time-to-fight-for-abortion-rights-in-south-dakota/article_c2cbedc9-2bc2-5214-a2de-c3dab3c75b48.html
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We have all heard of the law of ‘Supply and Demand’. The concept of ‘supply and demand’ usually determines the price we pay for our goods and services. As we have seen since the dawn of civilization, when demand outpaces the available supply, prices will escalate. Inversely, when the demand falls, prices will tend to fall and equalize over time as well. This makes sense and most people understand this basic economic concept.
John Newby, is a nationally recognized Publisher, a Community, Chamber, Business & Media consultant & speaker. His “Building Main Street, not Wall Street,” column runs 60+ communities around the country. The founder of Truly-Local, dedicated to assisting communities, their businesses and local media to build synergies, thus creating more vibrant communities. He can be reached at: info@Truly-Localllc.com.
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2022-06-03T17:06:20Z
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rapidcityjournal.com
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NEWBY: Economics will impact local communities | Opinion | rapidcityjournal.com
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/newby-economics-will-impact-local-communities/article_79f23f64-3d8e-59cf-8c7b-88050cd3c102.html
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https://rapidcityjournal.com/opinion/newby-economics-will-impact-local-communities/article_79f23f64-3d8e-59cf-8c7b-88050cd3c102.html
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