Progress 2010

Covers 3/11/10 11:52 AM Page 1
PROGRESS
2010 PROGRESS EDITION
2010AN ANNUAL
REVIEW OF THE
GOLDEN TRIANGLE
THE
THE DISPATCH
DISPATCH
c h u r c h
Sunday
learn more here... 9:00 AM - DiscoveryZone (pre-school)
KidZone (children) & Life Groups
www.mtvchurch.com 10:00 AM - Connection Cafe

10:30 AM - Worship
Wednesday
5:00 PM Fellowship Supper
200 Mt. Vernon Rd Columbus, MS 39702 6:00 PM DiscoveryZone & KidZone
662-328-3042 6:45 PM Student Worship
7:00 PM Worship
1-6-this exact one 3/11/10 11:04 AM Page 1
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Saturday morning, Benjamin Harvey

of Starkville holds his 2-year-old
daughter, Sasha, to see the natural Outdoor Obsession
beauty of the Noxubee Wildlife
Refuge at Goose Overlook Point. 86 The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
has a hidden charm.
Status: Lowndes
WEST POINT 32 16 Acounty
new health department and
offices among projects INDUSTRY 50
to be completed this year.
Status: Oktibbeha
22 County sees schools expand facilities
and a hospital poised for growth.
Status: Clay
28 Bridge repairs on the horizon
for West Point.
Core philosophy Aerodynamics

According to Milton Sundbeck, If a city’s core is Region ready for takeoff to new
solid, the outer rings of the city will follow suit. heights with Aerospace Park.
From the Editor Building

6 Dispatch Editor and Publisher
Birney Imes recaps a year of change and for the future
realizations of dreams small and large.
44 district
School
Made in the Triangle MSU 38 evolves to

support
8 The Golden Triangle is home to some
interesting and unique products.
expected
Say Cheese! growth

with the
completion
Man on the Street MSU’s famous Edam cheese
has humble beginnings.
of Columbus
Middle
12 What makes your town unique? School.
2 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

Celebrating 21 Great Years!

Specialty:
LOCAL CUISINE 62 Hospital Care
80 Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden
Triangle’s hospitalist program
offers personal care for hospital
patients.
Ahead of the Game

92 Greg Bryne works to improve
athletic facilities to give the
Bulldogs a competitive edge.
Food for the Soul Party Supplies • Stationery

Restaurant matriarch continues
Gifts • Pottery • Printing Department
family tradition of soulful cooking.
Gourmet Foods & Coffees • Children’s Gifts
Mississippi Made Products
A passion
for politics 662-328-8469
56 Wiseman,
Marty info@partyandpaper.com
director of 218 Fifth Street South
the Stennis Historic Downtown Columbus
Institute of
Government,
uses his analy-
MUW 68 Monday-Saturday 9:00-5:30
sis and com-

Down
Powering
mentaries
to enlighten
the state.
to Earth
Flight Mission
Ceramics professor uses her
love of clay to teach the
“organic process of sculpting.”
progress
74 Area’s largest employer is also the
country’s premier pilot-training base.
ABOUT THE COVER

Dispatch Staff photographer Kelly
Tippett took this photo of visitors to
the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge,
at the Morgan Hill Overlook, one of
several areas to view plants and
wildlife at the refuge. The Morgan Hill
Overlook allows a covered place to
pause and view native grasses,
flowers and butterflies. The photo
was taken in March 2010.
www.4county.org
PROGRESS 2010 THE DISPATCH 3
• American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants
• Registered with Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board
• Member of Center for
Public Company Audit Firms
• Member of Center for Employee
Benefit Plan Audit Quality
• Member of Center for
Governmental Audit Quality
Serving The Golden Triangle Area and Beyond Since 1926
• Private Companies Practice Section
T. E. Lott, Sr. founded our firm in 1926 and his 45 years of Specialization is a must if we are to effectively serve our
• Alabama Society of professional service and his integrity served as the clients. Toward this end, we have departmentalized our
Certified Public Accountants cornerstone of the highly remarkable growth which we stockholders and managers into Auditing,Tax, Personal
• Mississippi Society of have experienced over the years. Starting from a one Financial and Estate Planning Services, Management
man practice,T. E. Lott & Company now is one of the Advisory Services, Information Technology and
Certified Public Accountants
largest CPA firms in Mississippi and Alabama, and we Employee Benefits areas. Our services are available
serve over 4,000 clients. Although we are basically a through highly trained specialized professionals who
COLUMBUS OFFICE regional firm, the geographic scope of these clients has work as a team.
221 North Seventh Street become national and international.
662-328-5387 T. E. Lott & Company is one of the few CPA firms to be a
T. E. Lott & Company offers our clients not only member of the AICPA’s Center for Public Company
professional skills, but service that is flexible...so Audit Firms, the Private Companies Practice Section,
STARKVILLE OFFICE
flexible that we serve a diverse group of clients, from the Center for Governmental Audit Quality and the
106 B South Washington Street the single entrepreneur to large corporations with Center for Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality, and
662-323-1234 multiple domestic and foreign holdings. Such also registered with the Public Company Accounting
diversity makes our task stimulating and rewarding. Oversight Board. Being a member of these
TUSCALOOSA OFFICE Over the years, one of the greatest strengths has been organizations ensures quality service and requires
6834 Highway 69 South the ability to provide all types of services to our clients. the firm to meet the highest of standards.
205-759-4195 It is with a great deal of pride that we have assisted
many enterprises as they have expanded into
extensive corporate groups.
www.telott.com
“The great
thing in the
world is not
so much where
we stand, as
in what
direction we
COLUMBUS MAYOR are moving.”
& CITY COUNCIL Oliver Wendell Holmes
Bill Gavin, Gene Taylor, Mayor Robert Smith,
Fred Stewart and Charlie Box.
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If no answer Call 662-244-1000

FROM THE EDITOR

While we’ve had layoffs in the Golden Triangle, there is
BIRNEY IMES cause for optimism. Major industries such as Severstal,
Paccar and American Eurocopter are doing their part to buoy
the local economy. Severstal, the Russian-owned steel facility,
has been running at almost full capacity; Paccar is expected
to be making diesel truck motors by the end of the year; and
in March, American Eurocopter celebrated the delivery of its
100th helicopter to the U.S. Army.
The creation in October of the Golden Triangle Regional
Global Industrial Aerospace Park adds to the range of possi-
bilities and offers another good reason to be hopeful.
Starkville continues to benefit from the economic engine
that is Mississippi State University. MSU President Mark
Keenum has brought a calm air of stability to the campus, and
Athletic Director Greg Byrne has made noticeable headway
reinvigorating the school’s athletic program. In town, newly
elected Mayor Parker Wiseman and a fresh crop of young
aldermen are bringing new ideas and new energy to this
bustling community.
West Point, with its exquisite downtown, fine dining and
beautiful homes, may find its role in the post-Sara Lee envi-
ronment as a hometown for those attracted to the area look-
ing for that Mayberry setting. Milton Sundbeck’s renovation
of the Ritz Theater and creation of a fine restaurant by the
same name adds luster to a downtown that is one of
Mississippi’s best-kept secrets.
The success of Columbus’ downtown is no secret. Long
regarded as the poster child for Mississippi’s Main Street pro-
gram, the city center is holding its own, evolving with new
restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Upstairs apartments contin-
ue to be in high demand with young professionals and airmen
at Columbus Air Force Base.
First a dream
After a Main Street-sponsored charrette, the city and
county in 2009 chose to site a long debated soccer park com-
plex in Burns Bottom adjacent to downtown. Plans are to con-
tain the facility within a city park that preserves wetlands and
old-growth timber and tie it in to the ever-popular Riverwalk.
“I
Questions abound over the fate of MUW. In February, law-
t is time for us to realize that we are too great … to makers rejected a bill that would set in motion a process that
limit ourselves to small dreams. We are not, as some would give the 128-year-old school a gender-neutral name.
would have us believe, doomed to an inevitable Budget cuts have mandated a consolidation of administrative
decline. I do not believe in a fate that will fall on us no matter services at The W with nearby MSU. Whether this Columbus
what we do. I do believe in a fate that will fall on us if we do institution continues to be a freestanding entity remains to be
nothing.” seen.
Mississippi University for Women President Claudia In his poem “Washington Monument by Night,” Carl
Limbert used the above quote by Ronald Reagan in her 2009 Sandburg wrote, “Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
convocation speech announcing a proposed new name for the As communities we have our collective dreams; as individ-
school. It was later repeated by a W faculty member arguing uals, we have personal dreams. In this year’s edition of
for the same. Alas, the name change did not happen. At least, Progress, we take a look at some of the people who are look-
not yet. ing beyond “small dreams.”
Change, that inexorable force, is, nonetheless, evident As a newspaper one of our jobs is to encourage and sup-
here in the Golden Triangle. Challenging economic times that port the realization of dreams. We encourage you to use your
began in 2008 and continued through 2009 into 2010 have gifts, whatever they might be, in bettering our community.
mandated all manner of change: Businesses are leaner and You can do this by volunteering, by attending public events,
more efficient, and communities and state government are by being engaged. It can be as ambitious as starting your own
scrambling to make do with declining revenues. Few have business or as simple as starting a conversation with a neigh-
been unaffected. bor. Dreams are realized by action. Get up. Get involved.
6 THE DISPATCH PROGRESS 2010

7-10 3/10/10 1:22 PM Page 1
PROGRESS 2010
Far From Ordinary...
A publication of The Dispatch
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THE COMMERCIAL THE STARKVILLE

DISPATCH DISPATCH
P.O. Box 511 101 S. Lafayette St. #16
Columbus, MS 39703 Starkville, MS 39759 Photography by Video Services & Photography, Amy Eairheart
662-328-2424 662-323-2424
7-10 3/10/10 1:26 PM Page 2
MADE IN THE CANDLES

Aspen Bay Candles in
GOLDEN
Starkville specializes in
designer candle lines including
the Gold Leaf, Pagoda,
Northwoods, Palmetto and
Inspirational collections.
TRIANGLE The company sells its

fragrant products in the
U.S. and abroad.
I www.aspenbaycan-
From the useful to the quirky, Golden
Triangle businesses of all sizes create
dles.com; 662-324-2231
and export a wide array of products to
the world. Here's a sampling.
CHEESECAKE
Jubilations Inc. in Columbus, now owned
by George Purnell, produces about 60
varieties of cheesecake and ships them
throughout the continental U.S. Begun in
1983 as a home-based bakery, Tammy
Craddock of Columbus and her staff built
Jubilations into a nationally-known brand.
Picture in background.
I www.jubilations.com;
662-328-9210
TOILET
SEATS
DEER BLINDS
Southern Outdoors Technologies
Sanderson Plumbing Products Inc. in in West Point produces several
Columbus is the second largest man- models of deer blinds for hunters,
ufacturer of toilet seats in the U.S. including the Sportsman’s Condo
The company’s wood composition, and Ridgeline series. The compa-
plastic and vinyl seats are shipped ny’s products are distributed
from coast to coast and to locales throughout North America.
including Ireland, Hong Kong, the I www.southernoutdoortech-
Caribbean and the United Arab nologies.com; 662-295-5702
Emirates.
I www.sppi.com; 662-328-4000
7-10 3/10/10 4:14 PM Page 3
SCUM FROG
FISH LURES
Southern Lure Company in Columbus
produces Scum Frog, Big Foot and
Trophy Series lures for fishing enthusi-
asts. The company ships to outlets
throughout the U.S. and to countries
including Canada and Australia.
I www.scumfrog.com; 662-327-4548
HELICOPTERS
American Eurocopter in Lowndes County is part
of the manufacturing company with the most
comprehensive range of civil turbine
helicopters available, from the five-seat EC120
light single to the 19-seat EC225 heavy twin.
The company also provides Lakota Light-Utility
Helicopters for the U.S. Army.
I www.eurocopterusa.com
BASKETS MRAPS
Navistar Defense in West Point focuses on spe-
Bessie Johnson’s intricate basketry has cialized armoring solutions,
been featured in the Smithsonian’s including the mine-resist-
Traveling Exhibition of Folk Art and on ant, ambush
Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s protected
“Mississippi Roads.” The Clay County resi- vehicles —
dent is a 2010 recipient of the Governor’s MRAPs — for
Awards for Excellence in the Arts. This the U.S.
charter member of the Craftsmen’s Guild Army
of Mississippi has also had her woven orna- and the
ments selected as part of the White House 262 “Husky”
Christmas decorations. tactical sup-
I www.arts.state.ms.us; e--mail bbj1@ebi- port vehicles
com.net.
for the British
military.
I www.navistar.com
TURFGRASS
INDIANA JONES Mississippi State University’s Department of Plant
and Soil Sciences cultivates several varieties of
Bermuda grass and holds the patents for MS-
HATS
Hatmaker Steve Delk of Adventurebilt Hat
Choice, MS-Express, MS-Pride and MS-Supreme.
More than a decade ago, MSU granted a license
for MS-Choice under the name Bull’s Eye Bermuda
Co. in New Hope, Lowndes County, to West Coast Turf, a widely-known sports grass
made Harrison Ford’s signature marketer with operations in Arizona, California and
fedoras for the “Indiana Nevada. The Rose Bowl and Edison International
Jones and The Kingdom of Field, home field of the Anaheim Angels, have used
the Crystal Skull” movie. the grass. Other venues with MSU turfgrass in use
Producer Steven Spielberg are MSU’s Scott Field; Chase Field, home of the
purchased Adventurebilt Arizona Diamondbacks; Petco Park, home of the
brand hats to give to friends San Diego Padres; and Kauffman Stadium, home of
as gifts. the Kansas City Royals.
I www.adventurebilthats.com; I www.msuturf.com; 662-325-9264
662-327-4644.
7-10 3/10/10 1:29 PM Page 4

11-14 3/10/10 1:31 PM Page 1
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11-14 3/10/10 1:33 PM Page 2
“I came here for the “There are a lot of places to “West Point has a festival
military, and have lived go shopping here. every year — the Prairie
here for almost 40 years.” Columbus has a lot of stores Arts Festival. That makes
JAMES MERRIGAN, 72 that other places don’t.” this place pretty cool.”
TACARA HARRIS, 22 SANDRA KNEDLIK, 38
WHAT MAKES YOUR TOWN UNIQUE?

COLUMBUS • WEST POINT • STARKVILLE
“The W makes me feel at “The community support “West Point is where my

home — it definitely makes for the Air Force base Dad was born and is where
makes Columbus really
Columbus special.” special. All the businesses I learned to play softball.
LARESHA FLOWERS, 21 and people are always will- It’s just a great town.”
ing to help us out.” LINCOLN PEARSON, 16
JOHN-MICHAEL AYERS, 25
11-14 3/10/10 1:35 PM Page 3
“Football makes West “I’ve come to accept and “I’ve lived here about 37
Point awesome with six appreciate the simpleness years — it’s a friendly,
state championships!” of Starkville. I’m from a family-oriented place.”
ANTHONY JOHNSON, 14 larger city, but I’m starting JACK CARROLL, 70
to enjoy the small-town
atmosphere.”
ASHLEY TOOMBS, 22
“West Point has a close- “It’s all about the people that “The right activities we
knit, family-like community live here. There are just so have here make Starkville
atmosphere that I love.” many talented people that special — whether it be ani-
DAVIDA HILL, 27 are so willing to give to the mal rights or archeological
community and share their awareness, Starkville is
gifts.” involved.”
ADA MCGREVEY, 50 KIM MOFFITT, 24

11-14 3/11/10 3:32 PM Page 4
COLUMBUS
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Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor

Jeff Smith demonstrates how to catch
a basketball to 5-year-old Jeramiah
Crawford, while Kenneth Henry, at
right, helps. Smith and others began
the Crawford Community Center
Basketball Camp as a way to offer
recreation opportunities for area
children. Jeramiah parents are
Amanda and Melvin Crawford. Luisa Porter

15-20 3/12/10 9:01 AM Page 3
Status Report:
LOWNDES
HEALTH DEPARTMENT,
COUNTY OFFICES, COURTHOUSE
PROJECTS ON TAP FOR
COMPLETION THIS YEAR
A new 2,000-square-foot
Health Department
facility currently
under construction at the inter-
sections of Warpath and
Lehmberg roads likely will be
complete in late summer and
county administrative offices
are expected to occupy a newly
renovated building — the for-
mer First Federal Bank
Building at 12th Street and
Main Street — this summer.
Renovations on the building
likely will be completed by
June.
The county tax offices, with
a drive-through window, will be
located on the first floor of the
three-story building and county
administrative offices, includ-
ing the purchasing department,
accounts payable and accounts
receivable offices and the coun-
ty supervisors’ offices will be
located on the second floor; the
third floor will be used for stor- Kelly Tippett
age.
Lowndes County District 1 Supervisor Harry
COURTHOUSE RENOVATION Sanders predicts the new Lowndes County Health
Architects are considering Department, being constructed at the corner of
renovating the Lowndes Warpath and Lehmberg roads, will have a huge
County Courthouse for more impact on the area.
story by KRISTIN MAMRACK photos by KELLY TIPPETT and LUISA PORTER

15-20 3/10/10 1:46 PM Page 4
CASH & CARRY BUILDING SUPPLIES

space for the Chancery Court
Division, the Circuit Clerk Division, a
new Circuit Court judge and the dis-
trict attorney’s office, Sanders said,
noting the courthouse annex building
currently occupied by the district
attorney and supervisors’ offices,
among others, will be demolished to
allow for additional courthouse park-
ing.
JUSTICE COURT COMPLEX

And, architects are drawing up
plans for a new Lowndes County
Service • Quality • Variety

Justice Court complex, to be located
next to the Lowndes County Sheriff’s
Office, reported Sanders, noting the
Building contractors and do-it-yourself deliver and accept all major credit cards for your supervisors have not officially voted to
homeowners appreciate quality merchandise, convenience. Cash & Carry stands behind what
construct a Justice Court building, but
selection and friendly service. Add expertise and it sells, and takes personal interest in customers,
more than 100 years of combined experience, and because many of them are friends and neighbors. It have agreed to do so.
it’s easy to see why Cash & Carry Building Supply is a locally owned and managed business, and it is
at 1120 Gardner Blvd. is a preferred place to shop
for building materials.
committed to this community.
Owners Bill McBryde and Charles Shelton take
SOCCER COMPLEX
Construction on a Burns Bottom-
Cash & Carry stocks virtually everything needed pride in their staff, led by Manager Randall Grant, area soccer complex likely will start in
to complete a home, building or remodeling job. who has been with the company 38 years. Avery
January 2011, and completion is esti-
In fact, the staff will analyze house plans and give Duncan 35 years; Charles Williams, 34 years; Jim
cost estimates on materials needed for construction Key 34 years; Lindy McBryde, 13 years; Steve mated by September 2011. Sanders
and finishing. Known for their incredible service, Lindsey 18 years; Tommy Betts, 11 years; and noted all owners of the property need-
Cash & Carry has a knowledgeable staff, they bookkeepers Dorothy Tarlton and Diane Lollar. ed for the complex have signed
options to sell their property to the
1120 Gardner Blvd. • Columbus • 328-5776 county for its appraised value and a
landscape architect has been commis-
sioned to draw up plans, expected in
March, for the complex.
The sign you want...
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Along with a new soccer complex
and park, supervisors have a neigh-
The agent borhood parks plan. District 4
Supervisor Jeff Smith, who grew up in
you need. a neighborhood park himself, is a
major proponent of the project.
“It’s the lifeline of the community
www.remax.com — the churches and the parks,” said
Smith, who grew up on Southside near
Zion Gate and 10th Street Baptist
churches.
“I have a personal investment in
this community and want to see it
prosper and do well,” he said. Smith
still lives in the area, and during the
summer, his neighborhood park —
Hank Aaron Park — is still used for
community baseball games.
For Smith, whose district spans
MICHAEL DAVIS, GRI KRIS DAVIS, GRI, ASP Southside, East Columbus, Crawford
Broker/Owner Broker/Owner
and southern and western Lowndes
County, the neighborhood parks proj-
662.889.4355 662.549.7771 ect is about quality of life.
“Kids walk the streets during the
day with nowhere to go,” he noted of
662.327.7705 children living in areas several miles
www.remax.com away from “leisurely outlets.”
“This is what it is all about,” Smith
15-20 3/11/10 3:33 PM Page 5
It’s the lifeline of

the community — give Gifts with a
personal touch.
touch
the churches and Best Selection of We have a variety of items as
Shrubs & Trees
the parks.” You’ll find
unique as the people in your life!
Featuring:
JEFF SMITH, Lowndes County
ANYWHERE!
District 4 supervisor Reasonable Prices trollbeads
A knowledgeable
staff willing to
help you with your &
gardening &
said. “It’s about improving the quality landscaping needs.
Come See Us!
of living. No one is going to tell me
these people shouldn’t be able to have
leisure in their community ...”
Columbus-Lowndes Recreation
Director Roger Short, in November 604 18th Ave. N. • Columbus, MS Columbus, MS
2009, presented a $1.6 million plan for
improving neighborhood parks.
Ph: (662) 327-6664 327-3332 • Next to Belk
Fax: (662) 329-9311
PREDICTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
“Slowly, but surely, employment is
going to increase,” Sanders predicted.
“Gradually, people will be back at GOLDEN TRIANGLE
work and they’ll be higher-paid jobs.
Because of that, you’re going to see
retail sales increase and home sales
SECURITY ALLIANCE
increase and you’ll see a general
Serving The Golden Triangle Since 1985
upswing in Lowndes County and areas With Professional, Prompt & Personal Service.
around. It’s going to be a regional Exclusive
Dealer
thing.
“Locally, you’re going to see an eas- Security and Fire Alarms • Camera Systems
ier way to do business with the county
(in the new administrative building) 24 hour monitoring • financing available
and certainly the folks who have to (662) 329-4222 • 1223 2nd Ave. N. Columbus, MS 39701
deal with the justice system are going
to find it easier,” he continued, refer-
ring to the new facilities. “And you
know there’s going to be a tremen-
Jeanette Beard
dous impact with the Health
Department in the new location. (The
soccer complex) is going to give a new
Interiors & Antiques
look to downtown; there’s going to be
a tremendous green space right in Antiques, Interior Design &
downtown Columbus and there will be
nothing like it in the South. It’s going Consultation, Window Treatments,
to be tremendous for quality of life
and tying Burns Bottom into the
and Estate Jewelry
Riverwalk is going to be a boon and
will clean up a somewhat blighted area
1223 2nd Avenue North
of the city.” Columbus, MS • (662) 386-6157
15-20 3/11/10 3:35 PM Page 6
80-2010
19
SOUTHERN IONICS
is proud to have its
Corporate Headquarters
in West Point.
As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary

of SII, we salute the 237 employees
who work in manufacturing, sales,
transportation, research, and in our
Corporate headquarters in West Point.
These individuals and the loyal
customers to whom we supply products
have made SII successful for thirty
years. SII is proud to be part of the
West Point Community.
1980 - 2010
Columbus Cardiovascular Care Michael J. Boland, MD, FACC

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21-26 3/10/10 1:54 PM Page 1
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LOWNDES COUNTY
...leading Mississippi in Business & Industrial Development
LOWNDES COUNTY
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
District 1 - Harry Sanders
District 2 - Frank Ferguson
District 3 - John Holliman
District 4 - Jeff Smith
District 5 - Leroy Brooks
Chancery Clerk - Lisa Younger Neese
Administrator - Ralph Billingsley
• Crossroads Megasite • Regional Trade Center

• Economic Engine for Golden Triangle • Active Business Partners
• Full Service Port on the Tenn-Tom Waterway • Regional Transportation Hub
• State’s 3rd Busiest Commercial Airport • 22 of the top 100 Retailers
• Educated, Strong Workforce • Pro-Business Climate
• Regional Medical Center • Dynamic & Responsive
• 3 Major Universities within 75 Miles Development Agency, The Link

21-26 3/12/10 9:08 AM Page 2
Status Report:
OKTIBBEHA
STARKVILLE, OKTIBBEHA
SCHOOLS EXPAND FACILITIES;
HOSPITAL POISED FOR GROWTH
I f hard hats are signs

of progress, the
Starkville School
District is making leaps
and bounds. At
Henderson Intermediate
School, district Assistant
Superintendent Dr.
Walter Gonsoulin walks
carefully down a dusty
hallway, his eyes glanc-
ing around at construc-
tion crews working hard
to renovate a 50-year-old
section of the building.
The whirring of power
tools echoes off the gray
cinderblock walls and
lengthy extension cords
line the cold concrete
floor.
“Wow,” Gonsoulin
says as he looks into a
classroom with little
more than a wheelbar-
row and a pile of rubble,
its windows covered with
plastic.
The renovation project
at Henderson is sched-
uled to be completed by
July, Gonsoulin said.
Construction crews are
“gutting” the building
and renovating classrooms, turning offices into classrooms, extending the library,
installing new wiring and, among other things, doing some exterior work on the
building “to make it a very eye-appealing place to the public,” he said.
story by TIM PRATT photos by KELLY TIPPETT

21-26 3/12/10 9:09 AM Page 3
Starkville Assistant Superintendent Dr.

Walter Gonsoulin stands amid ongoing
construction at Henderson Intermediate
School. Construction crews have been
working to renovate a 50-year-old sec-
tion of the building. It and several other
Starkville schools will have facelifts and
expansions once projects are complete.
OPPOSITE: Thomas Graham, right, pass-
es a plank to Paulino Anastacio, as
they work on renovations at Henderson
Intermediate School in Starkville. The
construction on these projects was paid
for by a $26 million bond issue passed
by voters in 2007.
21-26 3/10/10 2:01 PM Page 4
Roadways on the east and west sides ect began in late 2008. It is scheduled ECONOMIC IMPACT
of the building also will be repaved, new for completion in June. The addition The region’s economy also could
playground equipment will be installed, includes classrooms, exterior work, benefit from a modern school system,
and fencing will be erected around the additional parking lot areas, rehabilita- he said.
entire campus, which includes Ward- tion of existing parking areas and paving “Updated equipment is going to allow
Stewart Elementary School, Gonsoulin the area around the Greensboro Center. our teachers and our students to be
said. The cafeteria also will be extended, he exposed to a top-notch educational expe-
Projects also are under way at a num- said, though the cafeteria and pavement rience,” Gonsoulin said. “It puts them
ber of other schools in the district. won’t be completed until July. ahead of the curve. And with the new
Construction crews recently completed “All of our projects are scheduled for facilities, I think the public feels good
the interior portion of an approximately completion by July of this year, right about what they’ve done and how
18,000-square-foot addition at Sudduth before school starts,” Gonsoulin said. they’ve contributed to the school district
Elementary, with 10 classrooms, an The district also recently completed a with the bond issue. It sends a message
activity room, tutoring rooms and read- renovation and new entrance at to new businesses coming into town.
ing rooms, Gonsoulin said. Classes Starkville High School. They come and look at our schools and
began in the new wing on Feb. 22. see how they look. They’ll be very invit-
Gonsoulin feels it is important to ren-
The siding and landscaping outside ing, new, up-to-date, 21st-century equip-
ovate and build new classrooms in the
the addition still needs work, along with ment and facilities. It’s a place that will
the walking track on the property. The district, not only to relieve overcrowd-
attract people.”
school district also needs to put the ing, but to give students the most mod-
The construction on these projects
playground equipment back in place and ern learning facilities possible. New was paid for by a $26 million bond issue
install lights around the track, computers, smart boards and other passed by voters in 2007. But students
Gonsoulin said. items also are being purchased for class- in the school district still will encounter
“We are expecting that to be finished rooms. crowded hallways.
here in the near future, but that all “It sets the climate for learning,” “Even with the additions, we are still
depends on the weather,” Gonsoulin Gonsoulin said. “Kids want to go to filled to capacity,” Gonsoulin said.
said. school in a building that looks good,
that they can be proud of, and, also, with HOSPITAL RENOVATIONS
ARMSTRONG EXPANSION all of the renovations, it allowed us to Upcoming renovations at Oktibbeha
A new addition also is in the works outfit the buildings with the latest tech- County Hospital, which is set to be
for Armstrong Middle School. That proj- nology.” renamed OCH Regional Medical Center,
$POUJOVFZPVSQBUI
.BLFB statement.
admissions.msstate.edu
Office of Admissions and Scholarships

10#PYt.JTTJTTJQQJ4UBUF .4
5t'.46t&NBJMBENJUNTTUBUFFEV
.46JTBOFRVBMPQQPSUVOJUZJOTUJUVUJPO

21-26 3/10/10 2:12 PM Page 5
“Updated equipment is going to allow our teachers

and our students to be exposed to a top-notch educational experience.
It puts them ahead of the curve.”
DR. WALTER GONSOULIN, Starkville School District assistant superintendent
also will be paid for with a bond issue.

In November 2008, 61 percent of vot-
tions to existing portions of the hospi- NEW CENTRAL OFFICE
tal, including one project that will con- In the Oktibbeha County School
ers in Oktibbeha County approved a vert every three patient rooms into two District, a new central office building is
measure for the county to issue up to larger rooms. Kelly expects renovations planned behind Mugshots in downtown
$27.5 million in bonds to pay for renova- on the existing hospital building to Starkville. The county Board of
tions at OCH. The county Board of begin after the completion of the new Supervisors accepted bids for the proj-
Supervisors recently accepted a con- tower. ect, but voted to readvertise in mid
struction bid from Brasfield and Gorrie
February when the bids came in “too
LLC, of Birmingham, Ala., to complete
the project at a cost of $23.29 million. EXCITEMENT ABOUT PROJECTS high,” County Administrator Don Posey
Arthur “Sonny” Kelly, CEO of OCH, Kelly and the rest of the hospital said.
expects construction to start in March staff are excited about the upcoming Plans also are under way to replace
and last 24 months. The project will be construction projects. roofs this spring at East Oktibbeha
completed in two phases, he said. “We’re very gratified that the citi- County High School, West Oktibbeha
The first phase involves the con- zens of our county have the trust in the County Elementary School and West
struction of a new tower, which will hospital, that the citizens voted for a Oktibbeha County High School,
include new patient rooms and a relo- (bond) issue in what we realize are dif- Superintendent James Covington said.
cated intensive care unit, Caesarian sec- ficult economic times, and that makes it The Starkville Electric Department
tion area, well-baby area and obstetrics all the more special to us,” Kelly said. also plans to move into its new, two-
department, Kelly said. He hopes the “We are determined to deliver a great story, 9,000-square-foot building at
new tower will be completed within a project for the citizens of Oktibbeha Jefferson and Lafayette streets by late
year. County and the other counties we March, department Manager Edd
The second phase involves renova- serve.” Hattaway said.
Available at
Est. 1905
Jackson Square
2013 Hwy. 45 North • Columbus • 327-2684
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21-26 3/10/10 2:03 PM Page 6
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27-30 3/11/10 3:42 PM Page 1
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27-30 3/10/10 2:08 PM Page 2
Status Report:
CLAY
The bridge at the corner
of Highway 45 and Main Street
in West Point is on the busiest
intersection in the city, supporting
9,000-13,000 vehicles a day.
Repairs to the weather-damaged
bridge will cost about $350,000.

27-30 3/10/10 2:09 PM Page 3
BRIDGE
REPAIRS ON
THE HORIZON
FOR NORTHERN
POINT OF
THE GOLDEN
TRIANGLE
L ately, when West Point officials

talk of building bridges, they only
wish they were speaking
metaphorically.
The city will close the Main Street
bridge, located immediately east of
Highway 45 Alternate at the intersec-
tion of Highway 45 and Main Street,
around mid-March to begin demolition
of the old bridge and construction on a
new one. The bridge was initially closed
in September 2009 when heavy rains
caused the bridge’s brick arch to erode
and a hole formed in the middle of the
bridge.
Because the bridge is located at the
busiest intersection in West Point, sup-
porting 9,000-13,000 vehicles a day, it
was reopened in December with traffic
diverted to the stable outside edges of
the road.
After attempts to apply for state
grants were scrapped because the
bridge project does not qualify as an
emergency, West Point decided to
repair the bridge with funds received
from the sale of $1.95 million in general
obligation bonds.
Approximately $800,000 of the bonds
were spent late last year on equipment
purchases including a street sweeper,
track hoe and other items, leaving $1.1
million for roads. Jones estimates the
bridge repair will eat up $350,000 of the
story by JASON BROWNE

photo by KELLY TIPPETT

27-30 3/10/10 2:10 PM Page 4
remaining money, leaving $800,000 for road work. a whole lot more to lose a road than repair it,” said Jones.
Once the bridge project begins, Jones predicts the work Roads become irreparable when moisture seeps through
will last two-three months, “if the weather doesn’t interfere.” cracks and penetrates the seal between the asphalt and the
road bed. If that happens, Jones says the road has to be
CONSTRUCTION BIDS rebuilt from the bottom up, and $800,000 “won’t get you much
Engineering analysis for the project was completed in new road at all.”
February, freeing the city to begin advertising for demolition Fortunately, the price of asphalt has dwindled with lower
and construction bids. gas prices and construction firms are making more competi-
The new bridge will be constructed with pilings driven 20 tive bids due to the economy, allowing West Point to stretch
feet into the limestone bedrock to create a stronger founda- its remaining dollars.
tion. The city will also recycle asphalt milled from roads which
Jones says the estimated total cost of the bridge project is have leveled out and lost their slope, allowing standing water.
as low as $350,000 because the city will offer in-kind labor and
equipment use. Additional labor is expected from Clay COUNTY BRIDGES
County, along with materials from the Mississippi Clay County has a pair of bridge replacements of its own
Department of Transportation and equipment and erosion on tap for the spring.
control from the Tombigbee River Valley Soil Conservation Bids were opened in February to replace bridges on U.S.
District. Davidson Road and Ruth Cliett Road, both in the Montpelier
The rest of West Point’s bridges are reportedly in good community.
shape and are regularly inspected by MDOT and city engi- Clay County engineers estimated the total cost for the
neers. bridge replacements around $500,000.
Clay County Chancery Clerk Robbie Robinson said the
ROAD WORK county is also seeking funding to pave 1.6 miles of Tibbee
Once a new bridge is in place on Main Street, West Point Road, which would pave the road to the Lowndes County line.
will be free to begin its road work. “There’s a glimmer of hope through stimulus money,” said
Each city selectman is responsible for turning in a priori- Robinson.
tized list of their ward’s worst roads. The city will then priori- That project is estimated to cost more than $1 million
tize the streets on those lists to address those with the great- because the area is prone to flooding and the road bed would
est need. have to be raised. But Robinson says the road is an important
“From an engineering standpoint, we want to know the connection between Clay and Lowndes, offering a straight
roads that, if we don’t fix, we’re going to lose. Because it costs shot to the Clay County Landfill and Highway 45 Alternate.I

31-36 3/12/10 8:54 AM Page 1
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31-36 3/10/10 4:18 PM Page 2
WEST
POINT
Core
Michael Brown performs on his trumpet with the jazz band the State Messengers,
from Starkville, in February, at West Point’s Ritz Theater on Commerce Street. Milton
and Christy Sundbeck have worked to restore the historic building to its original glory.
OPPOSITE: Milton and Christy Sundbeck’s renovation of the 1931 Ritz Theater in has
inspired movement of sorts in downtown West Point. Milton Sundbeck believes a
strong downtown “core” will lead to growth in the rest of the city.

31-36 3/10/10 4:19 PM Page 3
“For this city to maintain itself

and be a place that has a high quality
of life, its center city must be focused.”
MILTON SUNDBECK, Owner of Southern Ionics and The Ritz
philosophy
DOWNTOWN BELIEVER TRYING TO BUILD CITY
FROM THE CORE OUT
story by JASON BROWNE

photos by KELLY TIPPETT
and LUISA PORTER
Photos by Luisa Porter

31-36 3/10/10 4:23 PM Page 4
M ilton Sundbeck subscribes to

the Downtown Core philoso-
phy of city economics: If a
city’s core is solid, the outer rings of the
city will follow suit.
Conversely, if the core is allowed to
deteriorate, the rest of the city won’t be far
behind.
As fate would have it, Sundbeck is one
of the few West Point citizens with the
bankroll, business acumen and community-
minded concern to make a positive impact
on his city’s downtown district.
“For this city to maintain itself and be a Luisa Porter
place that has a high quality of life, its cen-
ter city must be focused,” says Sundbeck, The Ritz Theater was built in 1931 and was open for nearly four decades before
owner of Southern Ionics, a chemical com- closing its doors around 1970. The Sundbecks have worked to restore the historic
pany with nine manufacturing plants and building. OPPOSITE, LEFT: Culin-Arts on Commerce Street has a fresh paint job
and new awnings, adding to the charm of downtown West Point. MIDDLE: A vin-
four barging facilities across the South, tage sign welcomes patrons to Kellogg's Hardware in downtown West Point.
from Texas to Georgia. RIGHT: Bink salon on Commerce Street, owned by Dovie James, features a
Since moving his company’s headquar- reworked facade.
ters to West Point in 1982 to be closer to
his largest customer base, Sundbeck has
walked the streets of downtown West Point had dead pigeons in it and standing water. Ritz changed hands several times. At one
from his office on Commerce Street, admir- Over the last few years it was just a big point the building was owned by the Bryan
ing its old-fashioned, small-town charm but concern to me.” family before ending up with the West
wincing at the condition of one particular That ailing building — the Ritz Theater Point Community Foundation, which deed-
building. on Commerce Street — had a rich history. ed the building to Sundbeck for $1.
“Two or three times a week I’d walk by Built in 1931, it enjoyed a run of almost 40 After inspecting the building, which had
this old theater,” he recalls. “It was a very years before closing its doors around 1970. 2 feet of standing water at the foot of its
sick building that always bothered me. It During that period, ownership of The sloped floor and decades worth of pigeon
droppings in its projection room, Sundbeck
Nephrology
considered simply demolishing the faded
movie palace and starting from scratch.
But he couldn’t bring himself to let all that
history go to waste.
Associates, P.C. RESTORATION PROJECT

Instead, Sundbeck and his wife, Christy,
decided to restore the theater to its former
glory. And a quick survey of businesses
that share Commerce Street with The Ritz
leaves no doubt what the convention center
and café has accomplished in the year
since its reopening.
“It’s really impacted the whole street,”
says Valeda Carmichael, owner of Culin-
Dr. Jason Dunn Dr. Chris LeBrun Dr. Gregory Mock Kala W. Phillips, CFNP Arts, a food crafts and art gallery located
~ Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Research ~ across the street. “Now that the Ritz has
John E. Reed, Jr. M.D. and Catherine Pace, Pharm. D. opened up, it’s brought a lot of out-of-town
people in for lunch. Then they hit the
• Chronic Kidney Disease • Acute Kidney Disease shops. I see my business pick up in the
• Hemodialysis • Peritoneal Dialysis afternoon, usually between 1-2 p.m.”
• Hypertension • Kidney Transplant Management “One thing that’s really helped is The
• Anemia Management • Metabolic Disorders Ritz. If we continue what we’re doing
• Home Hemodialysis • Kidney Stone Prevention (downtown), things will pick up,” said
Louise Campbell, clerk at Bits N Pieces, a
consignment and antiques store.
2104 5th Street North • Columbus, MS 39705 “The Ritz has been a big help bringing
662.329.3838 people downtown during the day. I’m excit-
Starkville Dialysis Columbus Dialysis Macon Dialysis Louisville Dialysis Aberdeen Dialysis ed about the changes,” said Scott Reed of
104 West Garrard Road 92 Brookmore Drive 703 N. Washington St. 562-A E. Main St. 308 Highway 8 West Petal Pushers, a floral shop.
Starkville, MS 39759 Columbus, MS 39705 Macon, MS 39341 Louisville, MS 39339 Aberdeen, MS 39730
“It’s clearly the crown jewel of down-
31-36 3/10/10 4:26 PM Page 5
Photos by Kelly Tippett
town,” added Mayor Scott Ross, who works Martha Allen, head of the West Point- their stores. It’s kind of surprising the way
in City Hall, across Commerce Street from Clay County Growth Alliance, the city and the economy is.”
The Ritz. county’s Chamber of Commerce, points to Allen also credits the Garden Club for
a recent $12,000 grant secured by the Main its work putting new potted plants through-
Street Association through the Appalachian out downtown to beautify the area.
DOWNTOWN REVIVED Regional Commission that helped 15 busi- A pending $35,000 grant from the ARC
That’s not to say The Ritz did all of the nesses find the funds to refurbish their will fund new signage aimed at funneling
work alone. Ross says downtown West signs or paint their buildings’ facades. traffic away from Highway 45 Alternate to
Point has been on an upswing for the past “It’s getting a little better,” says Skeeter downtown West Point.
couple years thanks to the efforts of Busbin, a clerk at Kellogg’s Hardware, of “One of the most important things is let-
groups like the Main Street Association the changing face of downtown West Point. ting people know West Point is not
and the West Point Garden Club. “Everybody’s starting to paint the front of Highway 45. You have to turn off 45 to get
I Columbus AFB (662) 434-2660

I Golden Triangle (662) 243-1900
I West Point (662) 492-8767
I Macon (662) 476-5386
I Scooba (662) 476-5000
I NAS Meridian (601) 679-3570
www.eastms.edu
EMCC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities.
Contact Dr. Jackie Stennis with inquiries regarding this policy, (662) 476-5000 or jstennis@eastms.edu.

31-36 3/11/10 3:44 PM Page 6
.byYHWOPJZ
Arden
:HE6LWHV
&XVWRPPDSV
%URFKXUHV
3UHVHQWDWLRQV3RZHU3RLQW'9'
3URSRVDOV3ULQW3RZHU3RLQW
%XVLQHVV&DUGV6WDWLRQHU\ Luisa Porter
/RJRV
)O\HUV An overall view of West Point’s downtown Ritz theater during
the Valentine’s Day Ball Feb.13.
,QYLWDWLRQV
1HZVOHWWHUV
6LJQV3RVWHUV$GV to downtown,” says Allen. ference center, but also capable of support-
3KRWRVPDGHLQWRPRYLHV And in April, West Point will host the ing itself as a stand-alone restaurant.
same charrette team which visited
$UGHQ)UDQNOLQ Columbus in September to offer a compre- SUPPLY AND DEMAND
hensive plan for city improvement. Since opening, The Ritz Café has
DUGHQI#HDUWKOLQNQHW expanded its hours, days and menu to
ZZZDUGHQIUDQNOLQLQIR A MASSIVE UNDERTAKING meet growing demand. Next, The Ritz will
Present and future improvements meet another demand: An appetite for local
4XDOLW\SURGXFWVDWDUHDVRQDEOHUDWH notwithstanding, The Ritz is still the produce. The Ritz will begin trucking in
biggest thing to hit downtown West Point fresh, organic vegetables from Sundbeck’s
in years, fulfilling Sundbeck’s vision of an farm.
all-in-one entertainment center capable of “That’s a big thing people are really
hosting conventions, performances, interested in,” said Sundbeck. “I doubt if
movies, dances, parties, wedding recep- it’s going to be cost effective, but we’re
tions, club meetings and other gatherings. going to do it anyway.”
“The objective was we wanted the place But The Ritz is more than fine dining. It
used on a regular basis,” said Sundbeck. is a theater, after all.
Creating the most diverse facility in Sundbeck plans to incorporate regular
The Firm Offers Services in: town was no small order to begin with, but entertainment into the theater’s schedule.
• Commercial & Residential Sundbeck wanted more. He wanted every Some early ideas include Grand Ole Opry-
Real Estate Loan Closings inch of The Ritz to speak quality and histo- style talent revues and weekly classic film
• Divorce/Child Custody/Contempt ry. screenings.
• Wills/Power of Attorney/ The first challenge was flattening the It’s fitting that The Ritz shows old
Health Care Directives/Probate Matters theater’s sloped floor. movies — in part because they may have
“A lot of theaters kept that stadium-style previously played at the theater — because
• Personal Injury seating that was sloped. It’s just something “classic” is the theme. From floor to ceil-
• Business Law/LLC Formation that couldn’t be utilized, so we hired Pryor ing, everything in The Ritz is original.
and Morrow (Architects) to discuss the The theater was designed with Arabic
JASON K. MERCHANT feasibility of leveling the floor and what stylings, popularized at the time of its con-
Attorney that would entail,” said Sundbeck. “To our struction by movies such as Casablanca.
delight and amazement, we were able to But the technology is anything but old
level the floor to create a building that school. The Ritz boasts a $75,000 state-of-
ANITA HEATH looked like this is the way it was always the-art projector that faces a 20-by-20-foot
Legal Assistant supposed to be built.” screen that can be used for movies, com-
The level floor allows for tables to be set puter-based presentations or satellite televi-
out for fine dining, but Sundbeck didn’t like sion.
Trustmark Financial Center the idea of having events catered by anoth- “There are a lot of people over time that
3600 Bluecutt Rd. er company. So he put in a restaurant next worked to do this. I think the renovation of
Columbus, Mississippi door. The Ritz has inspired a lot of people to
Sundbeck bought the old Woolworth’s improve the upkeep of their buildings,”
241-9800 Sundbeck says. “The result is one of the
building directly north of The Ritz and
www.merchantlawfirmpllc.com installed a full-service kitchen and café most vibrant downtown business communi-
capable of catering events in the larger con- ties of any small town in Mississippi.”I
37-42 3/12/10 9:11 AM Page 1
Intersection of Hwy. 82 & Military Road

662.327.4676
www.brickerton.com
BEANS & CREAM • 662-328-2003
Columbus’ finest coffee shop featuring: Seattle’s Best Coffee, Edy’s
Ice Cream & the Ole Country Mennonite Bakery. Free Wireless
Internet. “More than Coffee…It’s a Destination.”
BRICKERTON DAY SPA • 662-244-7100

We invite you to step away from your hectic day to relax &
rejuvenate. Our professional staff strives to provide you with the
finest treatments available in a beautiful calming environment.
www.brickertondayspa.com
BRICKYARD PROPERTIES • 662-327-4676

Contact Bill Walker for leasing or sales information to locate your
retail, office or restaurant space to Brickerton.
GRINS & GIGGLES – 662-244-8788

Looking for the best selection of children’s clothing, shoes, gifts
and accessories? Come to Grins & Giggles, we carry clothing
brands such as E-Land, Bailey Boys, Tea Collection, Mis-Tee-V-Us
& Mooshu Trainers in sizes from newborn up to size 12. Mon.-Fri.
10am-5pm & Sat. 10am-4pm www.grinsngiggles.net
MELANGE • 662-243-2434
A ladies’ boutique loaded with the latest fashions. We feature
dressy separates and trendy casual wear with names like Not Your
Daughter’s Jeans, Spanx, City Girl, Sharon Young & more. Our shoe
department features Onex, Nicole & J-41 shoes. Plus beautiful
fashion & sterling jewelry along with other unique accessories.
TRINITY ISLAND CAFÉ – 662-328-8452

Located across from Lowe’s at 2212 Military Rd the Trinity Island
Café offers a menu full of Caribbean and American specialties with
salads, sandwiches, tropical island tea, jerk chicken, grilled fish
and desserts. Grammy Award winner and former member of the
O’Jays, owner Nathan Best & wife Sherry, offer live music Fri & Sat
night. Tues.-Thurs. 10am-8:30pm & Fri. & Sat. 10am- 11pm
VIDEO SERVICES • 662-329-5011

Quality video production and digital photography made affordable
–Commercial, Industrial, Weddings, Events, Individual Photography
& Videography, Duplication, Media Transfer, Professional editing
and Post production. Christian owned & operated.
www.videoservicesinc.net
WINGATE INN – 662-327-9999

Conveniently located catering to the business traveler with
meeting facilities, High-Speed Internet, indoor pool, fitness center,
whirlpool & 24-hour business center. www.wingateinn.com
37-42 3/12/10 9:12 AM Page 2

37-42 3/12/10 9:13 AM Page 3
The early days of

Edam production
were limited to only
a few hundred
MSU
cheese balls per year
due to the outbreak
of World War II. ... The MSU Dairy Processing Facility
has sold millions of Edam cheese balls over the years.
say
cheese
FAMOUS MSU CHEESE HAD HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
story by TIM PRATT photos by KELLY TIPPETT
A
the sun rises, Graves already has been on the job for two or
s the sun rises over the tree line east of Mississippi three hours. Fellow herder J.B. Gardner and a handful of student
State University’s Joe Bearden Dairy Research Center, workers also bustle about the facility.
herdsman Kenneth Graves is right there with it, “It takes a special breed of person to be a dairy farmer,”
strolling through a barn full of Holstein and Jersey cows. Graves says, his boots caked in mud and the vapor from his
He gazes over the sprawling 1,100-acre property on Turkey breath visible in the early morning air. Staff will milk the herd
Creek Road, five miles southeast of the MSU campus, shakes his again at 3:15 p.m. in a process that produces an average of about
head and smiles. 10,000 pounds, or 1,250 gallons, of raw milk per day, Graves said.
“One thing I can say is I’ve probably The dedication of Graves, Gardner and
seen more sunrises than most people my the rest of the staff at the Research Center
age,” the 37-year-old Graves says. has helped the dairy program at
Staff at the Research Center begin milk- Mississippi State gain national recognition.
ing the herd of approximately 150 cows The Custer Dairy Processing Plant on
every day at around 3:15 a.m. By the time the Mississippi State campus, located in the
F.H. Herzer Building, ranked fifth national-
OPPOSITE: Mississippi State University ly last year in pounds of raw milk
Custer Dairy Processing Plant Manager processed by a university-operated cream-
David Hall holds Edam cheese cannon- ery. The plant processes an average of 3.6
balls, at the sales store. RIGHT: In the million pounds of raw milk annually, which
early days of Edam, production was limit- it transforms into cheese, ice cream, butter
ed to only a few hundred cheese balls
per year. Now, about 50,000 are shipped and fluid milk for retail sale.
every year. ABOVE: Staff at the The MSU creamery also ranks second
research center begin milking 150 cows nationally in overall cheese production,
every day at around 3:15 a.m. trailing only Washington State University.
37-42 3/11/10 4:26 PM Page 4
Mississippi State University Joe The manufacturing facility at Mississippi university’s 2,000-gallon transport truck
Bearden Dairy Research Center herds- State produces in excess of 300,000 for the five-mile trek to the processing
men Kenneth Graves, left, and J.B. pounds of cheese each year. plant on campus.
Gardner manage a barn full of Holstein
and Jersey cows.
DAIRY RESEARCH MILK, BUTTER, ICE CREAM
But it all starts at the Dairy Research AND CHEESE
Center on Turkey Creek Road, where a The first stop for the raw milk upon
carefully planned diet and close monitor- entering the MSU production facility is
APARTMENT HOMES/ ing of each animal’s health improves the
quality, and the taste, of the dairy prod-
the pasteurizer, where it is heated to a
COMMUNITY ucts Mississippi State produces every day,
temperature of 161 degrees Fahrenheit,
Custer Dairy Processing Plant Manager
Graves said. Genetics also plays an impor- David Hall said. All raw milk must be pas-
tant role. Mississippi State has the oldest teurized, regardless of what it will be used
continually bred Jersey herd in the coun- for, in order to kill any enzymes or bacte-
try on the university level, he said. It dates
ria which could affect quality and food
back to 1929.
safety, he said.
Using artificial insemination, MSU
Two percent milk, chocolate milk, but-
A CUT ABOVE
breeds the “best bulls” with the cows that
termilk and butter are all produced by the
produce the most milk, Gardner said.
MSU creamery, along with 16 flavors
THE REST
The top cow at the dairy farm now, a
of ice cream. Available in 8-ounce cups,
Holstein, produces about 158 pounds, or
approximately 20 gallons, of raw milk per half-gallon and 3-gallon containers, the fla-
day. vors come in the standard vanilla, choco-
Community Clubhouse
“We’re constantly trying to improve,” late and strawberry, but also include sev-
Fitness Center • Tennis Court
said Gardner, whose family in Warrenton, eral specialty flavors, like sweet potato and
Jacuzzi • Social Activities
Ga., has been in the dairy business for muscadine ripple.
Courtesy Officer Dishwasher/Disposal
generations. “You can’t ever get lax on Cheese-making, however, is how
Sparkling Private Pool
genetics.” employees at the processing plant spend a
Built-In Microwave
After the cows are milked at the large portion of their time.
FF Refrigerator w/Ice
Research Center by a pulsation machine, The history of cheese-making at
High Speed Internet Available
which squeezes and vacuums the liquid Mississippi State University dates back to
Walk-In Closets
from the animals’ teats, the milk is stored 1938, when dairy scientist Fredrick
Private Porches or Balconies
and cooled at the facility. Milk typically Herman Herzer decided to create a
24-Hour Emergency Maintenance
comes out of a cow at about 101 degrees, cheese that would both represent the
(662) 329-2544 Graves said, but is cooled and stored

below 37 degrees to slow down bacterial
state college and show support for the
booming dairy industry in central
625 31ST AVE. N. R-153 growth. Mississippi. His decision was to manufac-
COLUMBUS, MS 39705 After milking, the raw milk is pumped ture Edam cheese in distinctively shaped
www.falconlairapts.com out of the parlor’s storage tanks into the 3-pound cannonballs.
37-42 3/10/10 4:54 PM Page 5
THE GROWTH OF EDAM

The early days of Edam production
were limited to only a few hundred
cheese balls per year due to the outbreak
of World War II. Nearly a generation later,
the need for expanded cheese production
capabilities has long since been realized
through the efforts of two Mississippi
Agriculture and Forestry Experiment
Station departments: Animal and Dairy
Sciences, and Food Science, Nutrition
and Health Promotion.
The present-day Frederick Herman
Herzer Building houses the dairy pro-
cessing plant, the MAFES Sales Store,
and the Department of Food Science,
Nutrition and Health Promotion, which
interact constantly through research and
teaching. The facility also ships out
approximately 50,000 Edam cheese balls
annually, not only to Mississippi resi-
dents, but to locations across the U.S.
The MSU Dairy Processing Facility
has sold millions of Edam cheese balls
over the years. Nearly 90 percent of the
sales have been accounted for during the
Christmas holiday season.
A VARIETY OF CHEESES
Edam isn’t the only cheese product
made by MSU’s dairy plant. The uniquely
shaped cannonballs are joined by 2-pound
blocks of cheddar and jalapeno pepper
cheese, baby swiss Valagrett wheels, as
well as jalapeno and cheddar cheese
spreads, available in 20-ounce souvenir
crocks.
The manufacturing of cheddar cheese
for sale has grown to 40,000 2-pound
blocks per year since production of the
blocks started in 1970. Jalapeno pepper
cheese, which was introduced into the
line of products in 1976, has increased
from a few hundred blocks a year to 8,000
2-pound blocks annually. In this same
period of time, the sale of jalapeno pepper
spread has increased to 4,000 20-ounce
crocks per year. Cheddar cheese spread,
meanwhile, was introduced in 1983 and Aubrey E. Nichols • 243-7312
has gone from 1,100 crocks that year to anichols@nicholscrowell.com
4,000 annually.
John W. Crowell* • 243-7308
While the cheeses, milk and other
jcrowell@nicholscrowell.com
dairy products produced at the dairy
plant are used in campus dining halls, William F. Gillis • 243-7329
proceeds from the MAFES Sales Store wgillis@nicholscrowell.com
and orders shipped elsewhere help sup- Regions Bank Building
port the two Mississippi Agriculture and William T. Cooper • 243-7334
Forestry Experiment Station depart-
3rd Floor wcooper@nicholscrowell.com
ments. And while the dairy program is 710 Main Street
self-supported, it also serves as a learning Marc D. Amos • 243-7332
P. O. Box 1827 mamos@nicholscrowell.com
and research tool for MAFES students.
“The bottom line is, yeah, we’re self- Columbus, MS 39703-1827
M. Jay Nichols • 243-7330
supporting, but out here, it’s all about *Also admitted in Arkansas jnichols@nicholscrowell.com
teaching and research,” Graves said.
37-42 3/12/10 10:11 AM Page 6
W H E N O N LY T H E
BEST WILL DO
43-48 3/11/10 8:39 AM Page 1
43-48 3/12/10 9:17 AM Page 2
SCHOOLS
BUILDING
FOR THE FUTURE
SCHOOL DISTRICTS EVOLVE TO
SUPPORT EXPECTED GROWTH
story by JASON BROWNE OPPOSITE: Lee Middle School principal Cindy Wamble poses
with a cow skull used as a teaching aid in Amy Cummings’
photos by KELLY TIPPETT eighth-grade science class. Cummings is in the background. The
teacher and administrator, both, will move to a newly construct-
ed middle school by January 2011. ABOVE: Construction is
ongoing near the corner of Highways 45 North and 373, where
the new Columbus Middle School will be located. The school
will house grades six, seven and eight.

43-48 3/12/10 9:20 AM Page 3
43-48 3/11/10 4:29 PM Page 4
get it just right. But her team is ready

to serve up some gourmet education.
The new Columbus Middle School
is scheduled to be completed by
November and open in January 2011.
The $19.1 million facility, built on a $3
million, 50-acre site on Highway 373,
will house sixth, seventh and eighth
grades and faculty from Lee Middle
School and Hunt Intermediate School.
That’s roughly 1,000 students, 70
teachers and 10-15 administrators and
support staff.
NEW INGREDIENTS
But the new school will be more
than three grades smashed together.
New ingredients must be integrated.
Elements of technology, such as
promethium smart boards and laptop
computers, will join two science labs,
Lee Middle School principal Cindy Wamble outlines the layout of Columbus dance and drama studios, multiple
Municipal School District’s new middle school. At right are Lee office manager band halls and a drama classroom in
Carla Wilson and student Kenneth Miller.
addition to traditional facilities like the
library, cafeteria and gym in a 155,000-
T
The Columbus Municipal School square-foot complex.
he recipe is simple. Combine three District kitchen is cooking up a mar- With all those students running
grades, four principals, two faculties velous new middle school. around all that space, Wamble says her
and five magnet focuses in one Cindy Wamble, head chef (i.e. prin- faculty’s first concern and biggest chal-
school; top with Pre-Advanced Placement cipal) of the new middle school, knows lenge is clear: security.
classes and sprinkle $19 million. the recipe will need some tweaking to “That’s No. 1 — that we know we’re
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going to be safe,” says Wamble.

But that’s not news to anyone.
Security was the priority before the
COUNTY SCHOOLS FORGE AHEAD
first sketch was jotted down. That’s
T
why, according to Chris Morrow, of staff and students now have a new
heir first order of business was allied health and building trades
Pryor and Morrow Architects in
recovering from an F3 tornado facility, which includes space for
Columbus, the building’s main rotunda
which ravaged the town of band and art studies.
will offer a clear view down all three
Caledonia. But they also are planning The band hall features more open
classroom wings and the extracurricu-
ahead. With their eyes on the future, room with better storage areas.
lar facilities.
Lowndes County school board mem- The combination band, art and
bers have acquired a 2.53-acre plot of vocational center, is about an 18,000-
LIMITED ACCESS land between two access roads east of square-foot facility, with walkways
The rotunda will also serve as the Caledonia schools’ campus.
school’s lone entrance. adjoined to those already running
Owning the land gives the district
“If you’re visiting, you have to go in throughout the campus.
the option of expanding the high
through the front door and through The vocational buildings lost in
school.
several checkpoints before you can get the tornado were the newest parts of
Meanwhile, new buildings to
to the students,” said Wamble. “Not Caledonia High. They were complet-
replace facilities destroyed by the
that we have a lot of people that walk tornado that struck Caledonia in ed in 1999. The middle school gym
in (Lee Middle), but we have like 25 2008 and heavily damaged the was built in 1972.
entrances in this building.” schools’ campus, are in full use. In addition to the school build-
Another unique aspect that doubles Caledonia Middle School is enjoy- ings, more than two dozen homes
as security feature and traffic reducer ing a new gym. The school has were completely destroyed during
is self-contained wings. never had a gym of its own. The pre- the severe storm on Jan. 10, 2008.
Each of CMS’s three classroom vious middle school gym was an old Nearly two dozen more suffered
wings will house just one grade, com- facility near the high school; the major damage. The tornado was so
plete with administrative offices and building also housed the band hall strong it threw cars through the air
assistant principal. CMSD and art room, all of which were lev- and a picked up a school bus, which
Superintendent Dr. Del Phillips says eled in the storm. ended up on the roof of a school
the seventh- and eighth-grade assis- Caledonia High School’s faculty, building.
tant principals from Lee will follow
Come Discover Caledonia Hello from the town of Caledonia,

home of the Caledonia Confederates!
Caledonia is home for 1015 residents within the city limits and hundreds of others that
live in the surrounding area.
We are a community of close-knit families, thoughtful and caring individuals, with a strong
belief in doing what is right.
We are extremely proud of our schools. Families with school-age children move into
this area because of our highly-rated school system. There are dedicated administrators and
teachers who make this an outstanding school for students in K-12 grades.
The Ola J. Pickett Park and Recreation Authority is revving up for another summer of
sports activities for ages 3-15 and up. The park recently received $15,000 from the Columbus-
Lowndes Recreation Authority to be used for capital improvements. Park officials will make
recommendations to the Mayor and Board of Alderman for improvements and other projects.
The Board of Alderman recently approved a contract to Perma Corp to construct a new
water treatment plant at the town' s site on Old Wolfe Road. This contract was for approximately
Caledonia Mayor George Gerhart four million dollars. The new facility will help provide water for both present and future
customers. Benny Coleman is superintendent of the water and sewer department. Randle Flippo and Trey Robertson are technicians,
with Cathy Brown as the office manager.
Caledonia recently replaced the street lights on part of Main Street with 400 watt high-pressure sodium lights. This really makes a dif-
ference in visibility from the Church of Christ to Academy Street. The town hopes to install more of these lights in the future.
Our town has three paid marshalls: Ben Kilgore, Steve Hatcher, Larry Swearigan and two auxiliary marshalls: Lance Lucky and Carl
Griffin who work on a volunteer basis. Constable Hoot West is always willing to provide assistance if needed, as is, Sheriff Butch Howard.
All Caledonians are proud of the new businesses that have made our daily lives much easier. Pioneer Medical Clinic has been ex-
tremely busy this winter. Dollar General and Shop and Save are popular places as well. We all wonder how we made it without the conve-
nience of these stores.
Welcome to three new businesses: Jumps, Kicks, and Splits, Something Southern and the Home Run Grill.
The Town Hall is open from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Monday through Friday. Judy Whitcomb, our town clerk, and Mayor George Gerhart
may be reached at 356-4117.

43-48 3/11/10 8:44 AM Page 6
Wamble to the new middle school, ies will remain voluntary, the interna- requires students attend two sets of
while the sixth-grade assistant princi- tional studies focus — which will be classes on alternating days.
pal will make the jump from Hunt part of the International Baccalaureate The change, according to Wamble,
Intermediate. program once approved by the IB would not only give students the
Organization — will be extended chance to take more classes, but would
schoolwide.
ADMINISTRATORS ON EACH WING Wamble says all teachers at CMS
give teachers a long planning period
“We’ll have an assistant principal on each day if all students in a grade
will be trained in IB curriculum, which moved to an elective at the same time.
each grade wing. So you’ll have an
teaches children to think and learn in
assistant that will really function as the relation to the entire world through
key person,” said Phillips. studies of language, humanities, sci- RETIRING OLD FACILITIES
After security and administration, ence, math, arts and technology. When Columbus’ sixth-, seventh-
Wamble says the next challenge faced “It’s a way of teaching and making and eighth-graders take over their new
by at the new middle school will be kids think,” said Wamble of the IB cur- school in January 2011, Lee — which
organizing and implementing a pletho- riculum. “We’ll expose every kid to houses grades seven and eight — and
ra of curriculum features. Elements of that.” Hunt — which houses grades four and
the district’s five magnet schools will A higher level of IB curriculum will five — will both be retired from educa-
be available to all students along with be available at Columbus High School tion. Fifth grade will be distributed
Pre-Advanced Placement classes. if students choose to pursue the cur- among the district’s remaining elemen-
The magnet school elements, which riculum. tary schools.
are now individually specific to New classrooms are being con-
Columbus’ five elementary schools, ADVANCED CLASSES structed at Cook Elementary Fine Arts
include fine arts, aerospace science, CMSD will also introduce voluntary Magnet School, Sale Elementary
medical science, technology and com- Pre-AP courses, which offer more rig- International Studies Magnet School
munication and international studies. orous instruction. and Stokes-Beard Elementary
Wamble and CMSD are also eyeing Technology and Communication
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES a possible switch to block scheduling, Magnet School to house the fifth-
While the majority of magnet stud- which extends class periods and graders.I
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Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS)
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I Apple MacBook Carts used in Grades 4-8
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49-54 3/12/10 9:36 AM Page 1
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49-54 3/11/10 8:48 AM Page 2
AERO
DYNA
MICS
REGION READY FOR
TAKEOFF WITH
AEROSPACE PARK
story by KRISTIN MAMRACK photos by KELLY TIPPETT
F or Joe Higgins, the sky’s the limit for economic

development in the Golden Triangle — literally. In
2009, the Lowndes County industrial park was
renamed the Golden Triangle Regional Global Aerospace
Industrial Park — a moniker that capitalizes on aerospace
businesses that have already landed in the 3,500 acres
adjoining the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.
In addition to Columbus and Lowndes County, West
Point, Clay County, Starkville, Oktibbeha County and
Noxubee County are expected to benefit from the park,
which will also provide opportunities for surrounding col-
leges and universities, said Higgins, chief executive officer
of the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link.
It’s the park’s “central location” which makes it such a
treasure, he added.
“It’s in close proximity to all those communities,” he
explained. “And I think it lets us showcase four groups —
Bevill State Community College, East Mississippi
Community College and their industrial training program,
Mississippi State University and the University of

49-54 3/11/10 8:49 AM Page 3
INDUSTRY
“I think you’re going to see aerospace be, for the next

20 to 30 years, in the South what we saw automotive
(mean for the South) for the last 20 years.”
JOE HIGGINS, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO
Joe Higgins, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link

CEO, stands in American Eurocopter, overlooking the
production floor, where helicopters are assembled.
Eurocopter is part of a core group of aerospace manu-
facturing companies already located at the Golden
Triangle Regional Aerospace Park.

49-54 3/11/10 9:01 AM Page 4
Alabama’s engineering programs. Any

time we get a chance to showcase to the
world what these colleges can do, that
doesn’t hurt anybody.”
The Link, Columbus and Lowndes
County, Starkville and Oktibbeha County
officials’ and other regional partners’
efforts to establish the aerospace park
was named one of the six 2010 Innovation
South award winners in 2009.
The Link plans to use the site’s exist-
ing resources — access to GTRA, rail-
ways, highways and the Tombigbee River
— to attract more companies in the
expanding aerospace industry. American
Eurocopter, Stark Aerospace and Aurora
Flight Sciences already occupy some of
the site’s publicly owned acres and
employ more than 600 workers.
Senior aircraft technician Alan Harwell works on the production floor
BEYOND AEROSPACE of American Eurocopter. Senior technicians were trained at the EADS plant
The site boasts more than just aero- in Germany, so they could pass those skills on to other technicians. EADS
space-related industries; it also houses a is the parent company of Eurocopter.
Paccar Inc. engine plant and a Severstal
steel mill.
Traditional industries also will be con- ing to purchase additional land in the Development Authority and the local
sidered for the park, Higgins said. south half of the aerospace park and a bill banking community to put together a
Funds have been secured for water and was introduced, as well as local and pri- financing package,” Higgins reported, not-
sewer infrastructure for the park, and con- vate legislation, to allow funds for the park ing the group is asking for $13 million to
struction likely will start in June or July. to be borrowed for a term of 30 years. purchase an additional 1,200 acres west of
Link officials also are applying for fund- “We’re working with the Rural GTRA.
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49-54 3/11/10 3:46 PM Page 5
Aircraft technicians Colton Talley, left, and William Dedrick work on the wiring of a helicopter at the American Eurocopter
plant in Lowndes County. From start to finish, it takes about five months to build a helicopter.
Our energy fuels

homes and
communities.
Your natural gas company

49-54 3/11/10 9:06 AM Page 6
A REGIONAL EFFORT industries we’ve got.”
Electric Motor Regional partners in “every county

touching Lowndes County” as well as JOB CREATION
Sales & their economic development organiza- Higgins earlier said the planned meg-
tions have signed on to help market the asite could feature up to 8 million square
feet of industrial space and bring thou-
Service, Inc
megasite, Higgins noted.
“With funds being harder and harder sands of jobs to the Golden Triangle.
to get, it’s easier for us to function on More than $100 million worth of
infrastructure work already has gone
Since 1969 projects that have regional benefits,” he
said. “It’s no secret that projects with into the site, with more expected. The
regional benefits seem to be a whole lot $150 million expansion plans include,
new roads, water pipes and treatment
232 Alabama St. easier to get approval for than projects
that just benefit Lowndes, Oktibbeha or
plants and electrical systems.
Columbus, MS Clay county.
The GTR Global Aerospace Industrial
Park also will be included in The
“The South has aerospace’s name all
Aerospace Alliance, a new public/private
over it now,” he added. “I think you’re consortium aimed at establishing the
going to see aerospace be, for the next Gulf Coast and surrounding region as a
20 to 30 years, in the South what we saw world class aerospace, space and avia-
automotive (mean for the South) for the tion corridor.
last 20 years. (The park is) basically a The Aerospace Alliance will include
way to stay current and compete and see business leaders, economic development
we’re going to have the greatest of professionals and government officials,
opportunities. If aerospace is foreign to who will advocate for policies, programs
people in the GTR, it shouldn’t be. We’ve and specific aerospace projects on the
been in the aerospace industry, since local, state and national level and to pro-
World War II. We may have more people mote common assets, said officials with
Ph. 662-327-1606 employed in aerospace already than we
do in steel, or paper or any of the other
the offices of Mississippi Gov. Haley
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55-60 3/12/10 9:22 AM Page 2
MSU
Marty Wiseman, director of the Stennis

Institute of Government, poses in his
office at the Institute on the campus of
Mississippi State University. Behind him
is a bust of John C. Stennis, the cen-
ter’s namesake and founding father.
Kelly Tippett

55-60 3/12/10 9:24 AM Page 3
“Even when I was 10, 12 years old, I was fascinated

with government and politics.”
MARTY WISEMAN, Stennis Institute of Government
a passion
for politics
STENNIS INSTITUTE’S RESEARCH
TOUCHES LIVES ACROSS THE STATE
government and politics. My dad ran for a seat in the
H e is large in stature, physically, as well as in knowl-

edge of state politics. Through his commentaries and
analysis — in both print and broadcast mediums, as
well as his primary venue at the Stennis Institute of
Government — he edifies his fellow Mississippians, branded
Legislature to fill the remaining term of Clarence Morgan, who
went on to become a circuit court judge,” Wiseman said.
Wiseman’s father served one-and-a-half years of the term
and left the political arena. Yet his brief stint as a lawmaker led
Wiseman to what has become the focal point of his career:
working with citizens and local and state government officials
with his trademark: a bow tie. on policies and procedures.
Politics was a part of Marty Wiseman’s life long before he And Marty Wiseman is not the only one in his family who
assumed the directorship of the Stennis Institute of has been bitten by the political bug. His son, Parker, is the
Government. mayor of Starkville.
Wiseman, a native of Kosciusko, became interested in poli- “I did not get to vote for him, because I live out of the
tics through his dad. Starkville city limits,” the elder Wiseman noted. “He has done
“Even when I was 10, 12 years old, I was fascinated with well, and I am proud of him.”
story By ALLEN BASWELL photos by KELLY TIPPETT and LUISA PORTER

55-60 3/11/10 9:29 AM Page 4
SPECIALIZING IN POLITICS al writer in Mississippi daily and weekly

newspapers, he can also be relied upon
RESEARCH
Marty Wiseman’s interest in politics Research briefs are also prepared by
led him to Mississippi State, where he to evaluate federal, state and local elec- staff members as part of the Institute’s
received a bachelor’s degree in political tion results for all media. civic education initiative. These briefs
science and a master’s degree in public Wiseman serves as a committee mem- focus on primary sources found in the
administration. ber on the Civil Rights Commission on Congressional and Political Research
His areas of academic interest include Education, the Mississippi Economic Center at MSU’s Mitchell Memorial
American government, intergovernmen- Policy Center Advisory Council and the Library.
tal relations and federalism, county and Delta Early Learning Leadership Wiseman said the intended audience
municipal management, public personnel Initiative. for the briefs include elected officials,
administration and innovations in state classroom teachers and anyone with an
and local government management. DISSEMINATING INFORMATION interest in congressional and political
He is widely published, including arti- But that is not all Wiseman and his affairs.
cles in numerous research and technical staff at the Stennis Institute do to assist The Institute also implements pro-
assistance reports. Wiseman has also local communities. grams to benefit government officials,
provided testimony, on numerous occa- “We want to put information out there including the State Executive
sions, to Mississippi Senate and House to help policy makers and citizens to Development Institute. Wiseman
committees on governmental issues. decide what their government can do,” describes it as an annual educational
Wiseman said. workshop offered by the Stennis Institute
IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE Among the papers published by the of Government.
Along with his duties as director of Stennis Institute for Government include “It is designed to prepare mid- to
the Stennis Institute, Wiseman also publications on policy and research. upper-level state and local government
serves as a professor of political science. Wiseman said these reports put together executives to be more effective leaders,”
“I have been here at Mississippi State at the request of state legislators, state Wiseman said
for at least 34 years as a student, teacher agencies, municipal governments and A broad range of topics are presented
and director of the Stennis Institute,” he other related entities. by government officials, researchers and
said. “The reports are comprehensive, com- instructors to provide participants a well-
Wiseman is a sought-after speaker missioned studies on various topics of rounded and applicable curriculum.
and commentator on state and local gov- great interest which include municipal
ernment, particularly in Mississippi, and salaries, taxes, Hurricane Katrina, hous- STENNIS INSTITUTE HISTORY
rural development. Often a guest editori- ing and more,” he said. Created as a service and research arm
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of MSU, the John C. Stennis Institute of

Government was established on Feb. 9,
1976. Announcing its formation during a
two-day forum on politics honoring U.S.
Sens. John Stennis and Margaret Chase
Smith, MSU President William L. Giles
outlined the institute’s mission and
goals.
According to Giles, the institute
would seek to integrate research, serv-
ice and teaching activities to improve
government in the state, as well as pro-
mote the training of students who seek
careers in public service.
“We want to help all towns, from big
cities like Jackson and Hattiesburg, to
small towns like Jonestown and Tula,”
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towns are just as important to us. We
treat everything the same.”
In addition to running the Stennis

Institute at MSU, Marty Wiseman
teaches political science at the univer-
sity, where he obtained his bachelor’s
degree in political science and master’s Luisa Porter
degree in public administration.
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“I’m particular about my food ... very particular. I like for it to

be as close to perfect as possible.” LOCAL
HELEN KARRIEM, Helen’s Kitchen CUISINE
SOUL FOOD
FOR THE
RESTAURANT MATRIARCH CONTINUES FAMILY TRADITION

story by JAN SWOOPE photos by KELLY TIPPETT
OPPOSITE: It took Helen

Karriem, owner of Helen’s
Kitchen, and her family a
decade to compile the fami-
ly recipes into a cookbook.
Karriem admits it was chal-
lenging to complete A plate of hot wings is
“Helen’s Kitchen: Cooking ready to be eaten at Helen’s
from the Soul; Southern Kitchen in Columbus. Helen’s
Cuisine & Family,” out in son, Ward 5 City Councilman
December, because she Kabir Karriem, talks to a
doesn’t cook by recipes. customer in the background.
61-66 3/11/10 9:56 AM Page 4
A
down here, and, oh my, that has brought
fter 22 years as matriarch of some famous visitors to the restaurant —
Helen’s Kitchen, Helen Karriem like Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland and Bobby Rush,”
still rises at 4:30 every morning, Ms. Helen reminisced, resting a few
even on rare days the third-generation moments after a hectic lunch rush. Even
restaurateur doesn’t have to oversee the O’Jays are among those who made
preparation of some of the most mouth- sure to stop by for some of that crispy
watering soul food to be found in fried chicken, catfish, yams, fresh greens
Mississippi. and golden brown pan trout. Not to men-
It’s a work ethic instilled by her late, tion the signature peach cobbler and
beloved mother, Sallie Mae Jones (former sweet potato pie.
owner of Jones’ Restaurant in downtown
Columbus), and a promise Ms. Helen — CLOSE AND PERSONAL
as she’s known — made to the good Lord As good as the down-home cooking is,
years ago. Ms. Helen’s personal touch has made the
“I get up early, even on Sunday, family restaurant what it is — an inclusive
At Shelter Insurance®, although the restaurant is closed,” she gathering place, a pulse of the communi-
we’re proud to have one of the soundest says in a disarmingly soft voice. “I prom- ty.
financial statements in the business. So if you ised God that if he let me halfway pay my Now that one of her sons, Kabir
like the idea of working with a company with bills, I’d be closed every Sunday. So, I get Karriem, has joined in running the busi-
rock solid financial footing, you’ve come to on up and read my Bible ... ” ness, she can take it a bit easier, but the
the right place. The former coronary care nurse, who lifelong cook admits she can’t stay away
Call, click or come see us to find found herself taking care of six children from the kitchen for long.
out how our shield can protect you! alone after 17 years of marriage, has “I’m particular about my food ... very
made Helen’s synonymous with soul-com- particular,” she says, in a tone that brooks
forting fare. The neat brick building at the no argument. “I like for it to be as close to
Priscilla King corner of 15th Street and Seventh Avenue perfect as possible.” It works. Even mid-
940 Tuscaloosa Road
Columbus, MS North in Columbus is in the heart of what afternoon, a steady stream of customers
662-328-9988 was once a bustling center of African- crosses the red- and white-checked floor
ShelterInsurance.com American commerce and entertainment. to place orders. Ceiling fans whir as
1-800-SHELTER
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PHARMACY
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61-66 3/11/10 9:57 AM Page 5
Lunch at Helen’s Kitchen can consist of a variety of dishes such as fried chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese, corn-
bread rolls and peach cobbler.
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61-66 3/11/10 9:58 AM Page 6
sized white ice chest and fill plates from

the ample offerings.
“Hello, sweetie, how are you?” Ms.
Helen smiles, greeting a familiar face.
“I come from a large family; I’m the
sixth of 11 children,” she says, while
keeping a practiced eye on customer
service. “My earliest memories of cook-
ing are of standing on a chair when I was
8 years old, making biscuits on a wood
stove. I’ve always cooked.”
FROM THE SOUL

It has taken 10 years, but with the help
of the Karriem children, the family
recipes have been compiled into a cook-
book. “Helen’s Kitchen: Cooking from
the Soul; Southern Cuisine & Family,”
out in December, was a labor of love.
“This cookbook took me so long
because I don’t go by recipes,” explains
Ms. Helen, who admits she often cooks
more by experience and intuition than
exact measurements.
The book is dedicated to her mother
and her late sister, Annie Louise Petty, a
former chef at Columbus Air Force Base.
Pecan and pumpkin pies are two of the mouth-watering “They really were the wind beneath
desserts served at Helen’s Kitchen. my wings, in both my personal and pro-
fessional life,” she says.
The opening pages are a family snap-
shot, filled with messages from the chil-
dren and memories of their mama’s fine
cooking and warm heart.
“There was no better feeling than get-
ting off the school bus and entering the
house to the smell of pipin’ hot food pre-
pared by my mother,” writes her sixth
child, Ayesha Karriem-Mayagoitia, who
worked extensively on the cookbook proj-
ect.
For her mother, the completed collec-
tion is a testament to heritage.
“I hope my mother and sister’s spirit
of hard work and devotion continues to
live on through this ... and I’d like for the
restaurant to live on ... You know, I would
like to be remembered by the work I do
... that is very important to me.”
Her brief break over, Ms. Helen grace-
fully moves to the cash register to check
out a customer, seamlessly rejoining the
rhythm of the restaurant. Families gath-
ered at tables laugh, share and sustain
the community hum.
“Have a good one, OK?” she says.
“Goodbye, sweetie; you all come back.”I
HOW TO ORDER:
I “HELEN’S KITCHEN: COOKING FROM THE
SOUL; SOUTHERN CUISINE & FAMILY”
www.helenskitchenonline.com
($27.95, plus shipping)

67-72 3/11/10 10:01 AM Page 1
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67-72 3/12/10 9:29 AM Page 2
“Clay is just this lump

MUW of earth. It wants to be
beautiful, and I like to help it.”
AL HOLEN, MUW assistant ceramics professor
D O W N T O
EARTH
PROFESSOR USES LOVE OF
CLAY TO TEACH THE ‘ORGANIC
PROCESS OF SCULPTING’
story by JAN SWOOPE photos by KELLY TIPPETT

67-72 3/12/10 9:30 AM Page 3
Al Holen spends lots of time at

the potter’s wheel in her office
at Mississippi University for
Women. The assistant professor
has reinvigorated the school’s
ceramics program.
67-72 3/11/10 10:04 AM Page 4
I
Kitchen and Global Connections, a relief
We’ve got t is no surprise to find Alisa — Al —
Holen at the potter’s wheel in her
effort for Africa.
“Potters tend not to be wealthy people,”
pads you’ ll office at Mississippi University for said the Habitat for Humanity volunteer.
Women before class. The assistant profes- “So I thought, what can I contribute? And I
love! sor of ceramics is infectiously passionate figured out I can contribute bowls and my
about her art, so spare moments are never know-how and raise more for something
CHECK US OUT TODAY! wasted. like Loaves and Fishes than I could ever
A bright, natural light infuses the work- give them myself in a million years.”
Chateaux space as Holen completes a few turns Ever on Earth watch, Holen is also
incorporating recycling into the MUW
Holly Hills before wiping clay from her hands.
“It’s wonderful,” she laughed, moving design program, and is clearly enthusias-
APARTMENTS
to her desk. “It’s this mud pie you get to tic about a wood-firing kiln the department
102 Newbell Road • Columbus, MS play with; I can get stuff all over my is building in collaboration with Columbus
(662) 328-8254 clothes — and I don’t get in trouble.” Brick Co., a source for clay.
Swimming Pool with Sundeck • Tennis Court Since arriving in Columbus to teach at
Central Heat & Air Conditioning MUW in June 2008, the unpretentious LOOKING AHEAD
Acoustically Designed For Added Privacy Minneapolis native has energized the As the future unfolds, Holen hopes
Where Coming Home Is The ceramics focus at the 128-year-old univer- MUW can eventually add ceramic sculp-
Best Part Of The Day sity. She taught her first semester at ture courses. And the relatively new
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm instructor wants to recruit students “like
Shattuck Hall, where the art department
crazy.”
Rivergate
had been temporarily housed for several
years, while The W rebuilt the primary art “I know a lot of students will take
A P A R T M E N T S facility heavily damaged by a tornado. beginning ceramics, and that’s it,” she
“Quiet Country Living” Far from being daunted, the University acknowledged. “So I’d like them to be
of Iowa alumna and visiting assistant pro- challenged and motivated; we really focus
300 Holly Hills Rd. • Columbus, MS
662-327-6333 fessor relished the challenge. After inven- on problem solving, which can help them
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm torying and assessing equipment on hand, in every area of life.
she repaired what she could and ordered “The earth is very important to me,”
1&2 Bedrooms • Individual Climate Control
Studio & Corporate Units new, when possible. The art faculty is now Holen stressed. “I just can’t imagine life
Sparkling Pool with Sundeck gratefully ensconced in its new home, the
renovated Art and Design Building on
campus.
Her enthusiasm for passing on a love of
clay to students takes a playful and sculp-
tural approach.
ZZZQHHOVFKDIIHUFRP
“I knew I loved the organic process of
sculpting it myself, but I didn’t know I was
going to love teaching it so much,” she
revealed.
0LVVLVVLSSL Holen’s own calling came early. She
/RFDWLRQV knew as a youngster the sticky, fine-
grained stuff ran in her veins.
“When I was 12, I told my mom I want-
%D\6W/RXLV ed to be a potter and live in the woods,” Al Holen was responsible for bring-
she chuckled. “Clay is just this lump of ing “Functional Relationships,” a
%LOR[L earth. It wants to be beautiful, and I like to national juried ceramics exhibition
&ROXPEXV help it.” to MUW, in January (above). She
also coordinated a simultaneous
*XOISRUW
INNOVATIONS “Mississippi Mud” exhibition at
the Columbus Arts Council’s
+DWWLHVEXUJ In January, one of Holen’s bold visions
Rosenzweig Arts Center.
-DFNVRQ
for the university was realized — Normandy Alden’s “Untitled,”
“Functional Relationships,” a national pictured here, right, was featured
/DXUHO juried ceramics exhibition she organized at “Functional Relationships.”
0DGLVRQ and curated. Clay artisans from across the
country participated. She also coordinated
0F&RPE a simultaneous “Mississippi Mud” exhibi-
0HULGLDQ tion at the Columbus Arts Council’s
Rosenzweig Arts Center, where she
3DVFDJRXOD serves on the gallery committee.
5LGJHODQG This past fall, Holen led the charge in
greatly expanding Empty Bowls into a
6RXWKDYHQ community art project which raised about
$6,000 for the Loaves and Fishes Soup
67-72 3/11/10 10:05 AM Page 5
Candice Padden, a senior at Mississippi University for Women, works on a project during Al Holen’s ceramics class. Holen
wants to pass on her love of “the organic process of sculpting.”
without clay. Just think; we take it from

the ditches and end up putting it on Everything in Janitorial, Paper & Packaging Supplies
pedestals. It’s an elevation of the earth.
... I tell students when they put something
in the kiln, know that it could survive for
3,000 to 30,000 years — so don’t put it in
unless you’re pretty sure,” she grinned.
Like her refreshing persona, Holen’s
outlook is forthright and down to earth: “I
don’t think great art requires great mate-
rials. A great idea and craftsmanship
usually can get the point across.”
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73-78 3/11/10 10:15 AM Page 2
“Indeed, our mission is to train the world’s

best military pilots, but we also want to contribute to the
CAFB economic well-being of this area.”
COL. GEORGE H. ROSS III, Vice commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing
CAFB Public Affairs
Flight
74
Mission
THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010
story by ALLEN BASWELL
73-78 3/11/10 10:18 AM Page 3
Sonic Johnson/CAFB Public Affairs
Columbus Air Force Base student pilot 2nd Lt. Benjamin Hurlburt, left, under the watchful eye of Maj. George Mounce, 37th
Flying Training squadron T-6 Texan II instructor pilot, reviews T-6 maintenance documents during pre-flight actions at the base’s
flight line. CAFB trains one-third of U.S. Air Force pilots. OPPOSITE: Once completed, the Columbus Air Force Base Child
Development Center will have room for up to 128 children, and will replace the current facility, which was built in 1968. The
CDC, designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, includes additional classroom space and training areas.
COUNTY’S LARGEST EMPLOYER IS ALSO THE

COUNTRY’S PREMIER PILOT-TRAINING BASE
F
Lowndes County and the Golden Triangle area as a
or more than 67 years, Columbus Air Force whole.
Base has served as the home of the 14th “We are the largest employer and have the
Flying Training Wing of Air Education and largest payroll. We have our personnel who live on
Training Command. base, and our civilian workers live in Lowndes
Each day, the wing flies about 300 sorties, or County as well as Clay County,” said Col. George
training missions, making CAFB one of the busiest H. Ross III, vice commander of the 14th Flying
flying wings in the United States Air Force. These Training Wing.
efforts exemplify the wing’s true mission: to devel- “Indeed, our mission is to train the world’s best
op the world’s best warriors, leaders and profession- military pilots, but we also want to contribute to the
al military pilots. economic well-being of this area,” he added.
Yet CAFB also serves another role, as a key ele- In all, the base has 1,400 military and 1,700 civil-
ment in the economic impact of Columbus, ian employees; plus there are more than 6,000 mili-

73-78 3/11/10 4:47 PM Page 4
tary retirees who live in the Columbus

area. The pay of local military retirees
— including Air Force, Army, Navy,
Marines and Coast Guard — has seen
an increase by $5.1 million from last fis-
cal year.
According to a fiscal year 2008 CAFB
report, the base’s economic impact for
the area totaled $321 million, an
increase of $38 million from the previ-
ous fiscal year.
Of that $321 million, more than $179
million is for annual expenditures,
$109.1 million, is for payroll, and $32.03
million is for indirect jobs. A total of
1,037 indirect jobs have been created.
Over the past five years, the base has
CAFB Public Affairs

gradually increased its impact on the
area’s economy.
BY THE NUMBERS
Commodities and purchased mainte- Contractors hang drywall in the new Child Development Center lobby. The $7.1 mil-
nance of equipment increased for a total lion child care facility will be more than 24,000 square feet and is scheduled for
of $23.5 million. Also, contract supplies completion this fall. The contractors work for Acoustics Inc. of Ridgeland.
and equipment as a whole increased by
$12.7 million for the 2008 fiscal year.
One of the key elements to help
increase economic impact at the base is Construction of new gate houses at the and ducting repairs to the heating ventila-
construction. It increased in 2008 from base’s main gate, off Highway 45 North, tion and cooling at the unaccompanied
$15.8 million the previous year to $23.9 and back gate, on Highway 373, as well as officers’ quarters, contributed to the boost
million. replacement airfield lighting and cable in construction figures.
662-434-8213
columbusfamilyhousing.com
• Basketball Courts
The Landings at • Baseball Field
• Dog Park
Columbus AFB • Tot-Lots
• Play And Park Areas
Capitol Village homes are newly renovated • Volleyball Court
• Pet Friendly 423 Wilkins-Wise Rd.
and waiting for you. 3 to 6 bedrooms with
1.5 to 2.5 baths and 1 car garage. • Monthly Activities Columbus, MS
• Utilities Included (662) 328-1188
Now available to retired military, active and • No Application Fee Monday-Friday
retired civil servants, DoD contractors as • No Pet Deposit 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
well as active duty service members. Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
73-78 3/11/10 4:48 PM Page 5
“It will have a capacity for 128 chil-

dren, and will replace the current facili-
ty, which was built in 1968. Its capacity St. Paul’s Episcopal School
was for 62 children, and trailers had to
be placed on the grounds in recent
years to handle the overflow,” Linquist
said.
With this new building, it should
maintain the consistent enrollment of
approximately 120 children.
“This is a state-of-the-art child care
facility, and in the construction work,
great measures have been taken to
ensure good learning environment and
child safety,” Linquist said.
“...Feed my Lambs.” John 21:15
ENERGY REGULATIONS Christian Environment
The new building will also meet new
energy guidelines, he noted. Weekly Chapel
CAFB Public Affairs
“Part of the building will have natu- Academic Curriculum
Hangar 450, a former B-52 maintenance ral lighting in order to help us main- Excellent Staff/Pupil Ratio
hangar built in 1958, is receiving a tain new guidelines for going green,” Staff CPR & First Aid Certified
$3.3 million overhaul. The aircraft main- Linquist said. Member of the National
tenance facility will be reclad and Association of Episcopal Schools
receive new insulation, HVAC systems, With each new building being con-
electrical upgrades and a fabric door structed, Linquist said, he had a partic-
Serving Ages 6 weeks through Pre-K
allowing easier access and better work- ular design in mind. He was inspired
ing conditions for maintenance person- by designs of buildings and streets of 6:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
nel. The overhaul will also increase the downtown Columbus and other parts 318 College St. • Columbus, MS
number of aircraft that can be serviced of the Golden Triangle, as well as ante- 662-328-6801
in the facility and should be completed bellum homes in Columbus. st.paulscolumbus@yahoo.com
in September.
“We want the designs to reflect the
look of the area’ we want it to have a
PRIVATIZED HOUSING theme of ‘Showplace of the South.’ We
Due to the privatization of housing, want to have a different, unique look,”
there were no housing costs to the mili- Linquist said.
Because you need
tary last year.
According to Brian Linquist, primary
engineer for construction at CAFB,
The Child Development Center
should be complete in October. The
total cost of construction is $7.1 mil-
the solution
work on the main and back gates should lion.
be completed by April.
before you have the problem.
Other building projects taking place BASE HISTORY
at the base include the construction and CAFB began as an advanced twin-
completion of the second phase of the engine flying school during the rearm-
Mission Support Complex, a $7.8 mil- ing of America before World War II.
lion project. Pilot training for the U.S. Army Air
The building will be used to support Corps began at the base in 1942.
consolidation of administrative facilities. After the war, the base was inactive
The complex was designed by the until 1951 when it reopened to train
Mobile District of the Corps of pilots during the Korean War.
Engineers. Columbus became home to a KC-135
“The furniture is being installed now, tanker squadron, and a B-52 bomber
and full occupancy of the facility should squadron in the late 1950s. SWOOPE
be no later than early April. All of our And even in these ever-changing INSURANCE
designs come from the Mobile District,” times, the base continues its mission of
Linquist said. training military pilots.
AGENCY ~ since 1926 ~
“We will continue to be the primary
Business • Commercial • Farm
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER pilot training location for the United Contractor Bonding
Another major construction project is States Air Force and our allies,” he Homeowners • Auto
the CAFB Child Development Center. said. Health - Group & Individual
(662)328-1855
2203 Hwy. 45 N. • Columbus

73-78 3/11/10 10:22 AM Page 6
Hometown folks bringing you

your hometown newspaper
Business Office 328-2424

Circulation 328-2433
Classified Advertising 328-2424
Retail Advertising 328-2427
News 328-2471
Sports 328-1297
www.cdispatch.com The Starkville Dispatch 324-2424
79-84 3/12/10 8:44 AM Page 1
The benefit of knowing there’s

someone you can talk to.
BAPTIST BEHAVIORAL CARE — If you or someone you know is anxious,
depressed, or has substance abuse problems, Baptist Behavioral Health
Care-Willowbrook is here for you. As part of Baptist Golden Triangle, we
can offer both inpatient and outpatient care and specialist consultations
for a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues.
525 Willowbrook Rd. • Columbus, Miss.
662.244.2161 • 800.362.7902
goldentriangle.BaptistOnline.org
79-84 3/12/10 8:47 AM Page 2
“With Baptist’s hospitalist model, a physician is in

the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”
DR. JOHN REED, Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden
Triangle chief of staff
79-84 3/12/10 8:49 AM Page 3
SPECIALTY
HOSPITAL
CARE
HOSPITALIST PROGRAM
OFFERS PERSONAL
Dr. John Reed, chief of staff for Baptist Memorial
CARE WHEN PRIMARY Hospital–Golden Triangle, also heads the hospitalist pro-
gram. Through the hospitalist program, Baptist is able to
provide 24-hour care to patients when their primary care
PHYSICIAN IS AWAY physicians are away from the hospital.
A team of doctors, nurses and support staff

has brought to Baptist Memorial Hospital-
–Golden Triangle the most rapidly grow-
ing medical specialty, freeing primary care physi-
cians to care for a full schedule of office patients
with the assurance their seriously ill hospitalized
patients are in good hands and bringing more timely
care to patients.
Hospitalists are physicians specializing in acute
care, who handle patients’ hospital care from the story by KRISTIN MAMRACK
time of admission until the patients’ discharge
from the hospital. photos by KELLY TIPPETT

79-84 3/11/10 10:28 AM Page 4
From left, certified family nurse practitioner Carrie

Flowers, Dr. John Reed and Dr. Brad Brown are
part of the hospitalist program at Baptist.
Unlike cardiology or neurology — John Reed, BMH-GT’s medical director “With Baptist’s hospitalist model, a
specialties organized around organs — and hospitalist medical director, adding physician is in the hospital 24 hours a
hospital medicine is a specialty organ- hospitalists are doctors whose primary day, seven days a week,” said Reed.
ized around a site of care, noted Dr. focus is the care of hospitalized patients. “Working with patients’ primary care
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79-84 3/11/10 4:52 PM Page 5
physicians, hospitalists coordinate Physicians choose whether or not

patients’ care and follow patients hospitalists will treat their patients, until
nex lim
throughout their hospital stay. after they are discharged from the hos-
Hospitalists are a part of the health care pital and resume care under the physi- ™
team and work with other physicians, cian.
nurses and other health care staff to Surgeons and other specialists also
coordinate inpatient care. may ask hospitalists to provide consulta- medical weight loss
“They also can react quickly through- tions.
Changing Lives one person at a time!
out the day to changes in a patient’s “Hospitalists bring many advantages
medical status,” he continued. “Patients for patients, physicians and colleagues,” Lose Weight With nexSlim!
return to their private physicians after said Reed. “They can provide more
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they are discharged from the hospital.” timely care, because they are based at
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the Cleveland Clinic and Harvard spot, instead of waiting for the next • FDA Approved Appetite Suppressants
Medical School-affiliated hospitals; pri- day.”
mary care physicians have come to
depend on the services of hospitalists, MORE TIMELY DISCHARGE
with 58 percent of all hospitals employ- “In addition, hospitalists can dis-
ing hospitalists. charge patients in the late afternoon or
evening, so patients who are ready to go
NEW DIMENSION OF PATIENT CARE home don’t have to wait until the next
Instead of visiting hospitalized day,” he added. “And they can consult
patients only before or after their office with the patient’s family more readily.”
hours, in a struggle to balance their “Quality of care and patient satisfac-
inpatient and outpatient needs, office- tion are of utmost importance to us at 662-243-7795
based primary care physicians now rely Baptist–Golden Triangle,” said BMH-
300 Hospital Drive Suite 1
on hospitalists as a new dimension to GTR Administrator Paul Cade. “We
patient care, allowing physicians more believe by having the hospitalists as
Columbus, MS
time to see in-office patients. part of our health care team, our com- www.edenmedispaandlaser.com
J. Douglas
Dalrymple
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79-84 3/11/10 10:30 AM Page 6
munity benefits, because they relieve

some of the pressure placed on physi-
cians and they provide additional sup-
port to our patients.”
The BMH-GTR hospitalist team con-
sists of doctors Brad Brown, Reed,
Matthew Wade and James Woodard, as
well as certified family nurse practition-
ers Carrie Flowers, Nicole Terry, and
Renee Vick.
According to information provided by
Reed, 82 percent of all hospitalists are
trained in general internal medicine, 6.5
percent are trained in pediatrics and 4
percent are trained in medicine subspe-
cialities.
UNDER HOSPITALISTS’ CARE

The hospitalist team medically man-
ages a patient’s condition, coordinates patients in critical care units. From left, Dr. James Woodard,
all specialist care and testing, keeps Additionally, BMH-GT hospitalists certified family nurse practitioner Renee
patients, their physicians and families offer coverage of cardiac arrests, a rapid Vick and Dr. Matthew Wade are part
informed about their condition, discuss- response team, and care for patients in of Baptist’s hospitalist program.
es further treatment needs and pre- the hospital’s skilled-nursing facility. Hospitalists take care of hospital-bound
scribes medications needed upon dis- BMH-GT hospitalists also cover unas- patients 24 hours a day.
charge from the hospital. signed emergency room admissions and
Clinical services offered by provide emergency room consultations,
BMH–GT hospitalists include consulta- among other things.
tions, care of unassigned patients, refer- Hospitalists provide value by reducing
rals from primary care physicians, sur- patients’ length of stays and costs, without
gical co-management and care of compromising quality, said Reed.I
Covenant
Presbyterian
Church
Part of the EPC Family of Churches
515 N. Lehmburg Rd.
Columbus, MS 39702
662-328-3882
8643 Highway 182 East • Columbus, MS 39702 www.epc.org
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85-90 3/12/10 10:14 AM Page 1
Announcing A Very Special Delivery

Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce a special
addition to its healthcare family.
The Women’s Center at Gilmore
I In the tradition of the Gilmore family, our new arrival was created with a mission to provide the highest
possible level of care and services for the women of northeast Mississippi.
Advanced Technology
: Surgical Suites with state-of-the-art technology for C-Sections
: The only Digital Mammography in our community
: An advanced neonatal intensive care unit
: Other comprehensive outpatient diagnostic services including: ultrasound, stereotactics, urodynamics
and bone density scanning
Comfort & Convenience
: New main hospital entrance
: Convenient separate Emergency Room entrance
: Comfortable new hospital lobby and Emergency Room waiting area
: Ample, accessible parking
Beautiful, Spacious Surroundings
: New family-friendly Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum and
Labor/Delivery/Recovery Rooms with beautiful furnishings and finishes
: Bright new Well-baby Nursery, with a special private viewing area
And, at The Women’s Center at Gilmore, you can count on the well-
regarded caregiver team of physicians, nurses and technologists
you know and trust.
The Women’s Center at Gilmore • 1105 Earl Frye Boulevard, Amory, MS • 662-256-7111 • www.gilmorehealth.com
PROGRESS 2010 THE ISPATCH 85

85-90 3/11/10 10:37 AM Page 2
RECREATION
OUTDOOR
OBSESSION story by BUSTER WOLFE photos by KELLY TIPPETT,
BUSTER WOLFE AND LUISA PORTER
Kelly Tippett

85-90 3/11/10 10:39 AM Page 3
“Like we’ve said, it’s the best-

kept secret around here.”
LARRY BOX, refuge volunteer
NOXUBEE REFUGE HAS A HIDDEN

CHARM AND MASS APPEAL
L
The past president of the Friends of
arry Box has been using the the Noxubee Refuge, Box belongs to a
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge concerned group of volunteers tied to
since he was a little boy. the refuge’s activities.
“Back when I was growing up, we From picking up trash on the
didn’t have any money,” said Box, for- refuge’s seven trails to leading groups
mer superintendent of education for of weekend rangers in conservation,
Starkville schools. “So Daddy would environmental education or recreation
throw us in the car and we’d go down activities, the group has become an
and wade in the spillway on the week- important advocate for the refuge.
ends. And that was recreation.”
Lake Loakfoma can be seen looking out

from the Larry Box Education Building.
The building was named for Box, past
president of the Friends of the Refuge,
a group formed to support the refuge
and offer educational opportunities
using its natural resources.

85-90 3/11/10 5:14 PM Page 4
unique to the group.

“So far as I know, it is somewhat unusual
for a group to receive the educator of the
year award,” he said. “One of our stated
goals is to provide educational opportuni-
ties using the refuge as the entity to bring
that about. That’s one of the major reasons
we’ve got Saturdays at the Refuge.”
SATURDAYS AT THE REFUGE

“Saturdays at the Refuge, for the group,
is the biggest thing going on that got the
award for this group,” Box said. “We do a
lot of other things besides that.”
“I thought that was fantastic” the
Buster Wolfe
Friends received the award, said Henry R.
Sansing, the refuge manager at Noxubee
NWR. “We’ve been doing the Saturdays
program for over two years now. They’ve
Noxubee Wildlife Refuge boasts an elevated walkway over Bluff Lake. A viewing become popular. And we have some really,
platform also juts out over the lake, offering an intimate view of the nature scene.
really good programs.
“That’s one of our jobs on the refuge —
The two-year-old group’s efforts were receive the award in the past 40 years. especially with a focal refuge like Noxubee
recognized recently when the Mississippi “Most of the people who receive the — is conservation awareness and educa-
Wildlife Federation awarded the Friends of Educator of the Year Award are because tion,” Sansing said. “We couldn’t do it alone.
Noxubee Refuge the 2009 Educator of the that is their job,” said Dr. Cathy Shropshire, Without the Friends group, I couldn’t sus-
Year Award at the 50th Mississippi executive director of the Mississippi tain as much activity. The volunteers —
Conservation Achievement Awards Wildlife Federation. “Because (the Friends) without them, these things just don’t hap-
Banquet. are a volunteer group, that makes it more pen.”
The Friends received a statue of a white- special.” The Friends of Noxubee Refuge help
tailed deer as only the third group to Box said he also believes the award is with the twice-monthly activities on the first
CLRA...
•Soccer
- Recreation Leagues
- Certified Coaches
- Division II Teams
•Baseball
•Softball
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327-4935
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85-90 3/11/10 10:43 AM Page 5
We’re More Than

Just A Gym!
Luisa Porter
As part of Saturdays at the Refuge, the Noxubee County Wildlife Refuge,

in February, hosted a blue bird house camp for children to make their own We build strong kids, strong
birdhouses. From left, are 4-year-old Paul Allen, his grandmother, Susan Allen,
and his 5-year-old brother, Johnathan Allen, all of Sturgis. families, strong communities.
and third Saturdays. The refuge uses the into the weekend activities. www.columbus-ymca.com
weekends in conjunction with the Junior “Before the Friends were here, I did do
Refuge Ranger program, where campers weekend things,” said Dunstan, who led
Downtown New Hope
ages 4-14 can earn the honorary title by the refuge’s signature bluebird house build- 328-7696 328-0212
completing six activities. ing recently. “But it was every other month, Caledonia Wellness
Park Ranger Andrea Dunstan said the one weekend; I couldn’t do it, there’s just
addition of the Friends group put new life no way. When we got a regular schedule —
356-9622 243-1162
Noxubee CountY...
Where natural scenic beauty meets historic antebellum charm!
• 2008 Winner of Community Economic Development
Award for top economic & community development
program in Mississippi
• Noxubee River recognized as Mississippi’s newest State
Scenic River
• Newest addition to the Mississippi Blues Trail recognizes
blues legends Carey Bell, Eddy Clearwater, & Willie King
with historical marker in downtown Macon
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• Home to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge which

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85-90 3/11/10 10:44 AM Page 6
every first and third weekend — that was

the best thing.”
Sansing likes to relate an observation
he sees at every weekend program.
“We’ll have parents bring their kids out
to the activities, and the youngster may not
be interested in what’s going on,” Sansing
said. “Then they’ll catch on and the two of
them will leave the refuge laughing togeth-
er and having a good time. It tickles me to
death when I see that happen.”
BEYOND WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

The Friends of Noxubee Refuge reach
For All Your Bakery Needs

beyond twice-monthly activities, serving in
volunteer roles to provide refuge mainte-
nance, visitor center duties and operation
Mon-Fri 6am-5pm • Sat 6am-2pm of the Noxubee Nature Store at the visitor
center. Proceeds from sales at the store go
to the group.
CAKES • PIES • BREADS • ROLLS SERVING Even when other groups use the
refuge, the Friends become involved.
DELI SANDWICHES Mississippi State University’s Department

of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture in
SOUPS • SALADS
the College of Forest Resources sponsored
a recent youth squirrel hunt at Noxubee
National Wildlife Refuge.
Free Delivery on John Guyton, associate Extension pro-
662-738-5795 Wedding Cakes

fessor and a Friends of the Noxubee
Refuge member, conducts wildlife, fish-
Hwy. 45 South • Brooksville, Mississippi eries and aquaculture and entymology
camps with the refuge as a resource.
Because of the refuge’s rich variety of
insects, Guyton sees a renewed interest in
Discover the Difference...

the camps.
“We’ve camped at all kinds of places.
But the one thing kids and adults have fig-
ured out is that the most diversity of
species that they have seen anywhere we
have camped has been on the refuge,”
Guyton said.
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
By not being bound to an education-
only mission, the Friends of the Noxubee
• PreK-4 through 6th. NOW Refuge also reach out to help with in-house
OFFERING 7th GRADE projects. In October, the group helped
BEGINNING AUGUST 2010 open the 540-foot boardwalk stretching
• All Faith Traditions Welcomed into Bluff Lake.
Sansing said an observation tower over
• 16:1 Student Teacher Ratio Loakfoma Lake is expected to open in the
• Only area non-public school spring or early summer after access is pro-
accredited by the Mississippi vided.
Department of Education With recent improvements and the
• Accredited by the Southern refuge’s natural beauty, Box said he is still
surprised when he hears people say they
Association of Colleges and haven’t visited the Noxubee National
Schools Wildlife Refuge.
• All full-time faculty are certified “A friend of mine for 40 years is a mem-
• Tuition Assistance available for ber of the Audubon Society and Save the
For more information contact Terri Heath Whales and stuff like that,” he said. “She
those who qualify 223 North Browder Street • Columbus MS had never been to the refuge. It sounds
• After school care 662-328-4479 crazy.
• Active Parent School Association annunciationcatholicschool.org “Like we’ve said, it’s the best-kept secret
around here.” I
91-96 3/11/10 10:47 AM Page 1
The Time To Live In Beauty Is Now.
The Waverly
APARTMENTS
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fax (662) 327-4976
www.thewaverlyapartments.net • All major appliances
• 1 & 2 bedroom apartments

• Gated community
• Washer & dryer included
• Large swimming pool
• Hardwood floors, ceramic tile 2301 5th St. N. • Columbus, Mississippi
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• All major appliances fax (662) 327-4498
www.thefranklinapartments.com
Professionally managed by: Hughes Management, Inc.

91-96 3/12/10 9:32 AM Page 2
MSU
“Just like you want your business school, your
engineering school to look and have the latest equipment
and technology to let students know they’ll be able to train
at the highest levels — it’s the same thing for athletics.”
GREG BYRNE, MSU Athletic director
AHEAD
OF THE
BULLDOGS IMPROVE FACILITIES TO GET COMPETITIVE EDGE
GAME
S
which was planned before he took over, “I think we made good progress last
ince Greg Byrne’s arrival as direc- opened its doors, and a $6 million high- year,” Byrne said. “Getting the basket-
tor of athletics at Mississippi State definition video board was installed at ball practice facility going was a big
University, there’s been an Davis Wade Stadium. part thanks to the generosity of the
emphasis on giving the school’s athletes Then, last year saw most every sport Mize Foundation and through some
and coaches better ways to train and fans on campus receive an upgrade. other families, we were able to get the
better ways to enjoy the games. Volleyball, baseball and softball had video board up. That has dramatically
When it came to facilities in the playing surfaces redone, while new advanced the atmosphere at our football
Southeastern Conference, MSU bore video boards were installed at Dudy games. I think we’ve made some good
the stigma of being near the back of the Noble Field and at the MSU Soccer strides in improvements for a number
pack. But after a productive 2009, Field. of our sports. With that, we still have
there’s plenty of evidence of change sig- Then, the men’s and women’s bas- needs.”
nifying State’s push to compete at a ketball teams got a major recruiting lift Byrne said he had a good base to
championship level. when they broke ground on a $12 mil- start with when he became AD, citing
The ball really got rolling in 2008 lion practice facility. It may seem like a the Palmeiro Center, Academic Center,
when an energetic and imaginative whirlwind year of changes, but in reality Dudy Noble and Humphrey Coliseum.
Byrne became AD. The $10 million MSU is looking to keep up with the rest However, many projects loom on the
Templeton Athletic Academic Center, of a fast-moving conference. horizon for MSU as the school has
story by DAVID MILLER photos by KELLY TIPPETT

91-96 3/12/10 9:33 AM Page 3
Mississippi State University Athletic

Director Greg Byrne, who was appoint-
ed to the post in 2008, wants to ensure
the Bulldogs are equipped to compete,
with the latest equipment and facilities.
91-96 3/11/10 10:54 AM Page 4
making their mark on State athletics.

The power of private donations for colle-
giate sports is no secret, but the general
public typically doesn’t grasp the
immensity of private giving.
“Unfortunately, we don’t have state
dollars we can ask for these types of
projects,” Byrne said. “Obviously,
there’s a lot of needs the university has,
and we don’t want to be taking away
from any areas ... that would impact the
bottom line for our campus. Private giv-
ing is critical to allow these things to
happen. We need to explore every
avenue that’s out there and be as cre-
ative as we can.”
Bonding and being selective in how
many donors are sought out for each
project are a pair of creative ways Byrne
has helped steer the department’s facili-
The men’s and women’s basketball teams will enjoy a new practice facility, being
added to MSU’s Humphrey Coliseum. The practice facility is a $12 million project. ties growth. For instance, the basketball
practice facility had 12 donors, while
four donors pledged the money for the
golf practice facility.
begun construction on a $1.4 million somewhat immune to ailing economy, For major projects like the Davis
track. There’s also been $650,000 raised marked by talks of Mississippi Wade Stadium north end zone seating
for a new golf practice facility. University for Women merging academ- plans, which would round off the cur-
The end of 2010 should see the bas- ic programs with MSU. While the rent student section, a large group of
ketball practice facility completed, golf growth in the athletic department seems donors will be needed. That project is in
practice facility finished and track done. to contrast the rest of the state’s finan- the early planning stages, and Byrne
The athletic department has been cial concerns, it’s a reflection of donors said he has spoken with construction
Starkville
Memphis
9.04
r n * Starkville
Aub u
9.09
g ia * Starkville
Ge o r
9.25
r n S t. Starkville
A lc o
10.02 C ) Starkville
UAB (H
10.23 y * Starkville
Ken tu c k
10.30 s * Starkville
A r k a n s a
11.20
ES
O N F E R E NCE GAM
*- C G
MECOMIN
(HC) - HO

91-96 3/11/10 5:21 PM Page 5
IN THE WORKS FOR 2010

Basketball practice facility:
$12 million
PHILLIPS PIPE
Golf practice facility: $650,000
New track and field: $1.4 million
AND PRODUCTS
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FOR THE FUTURE Small Tools • Lumber • Landscaping Materials
Softball field brickwork, chair back Culverts of All Types • Concrete Supplies • Bridge Supplies
seating Environmental & Erosion Control Supplies
Tennis locker room renovation, indoor
facility
Football training center, renovated
practice fields
Davis Wade Stadium north endzone
seating
Dudy Noble skybox, club
seat renovations
companies about the project, though a

timetable for the project hasn’t been
set.
“We’re in a league that’s had tremen-
dous growth in facilities,” Byrne said.
“Just like you want your business
school, your engineering school to look
and have the latest equipment and tech-
nology to let students know they’ll be www.phillipspipeandproducts.com
able to train at the highest levels — it’s
the same thing for athletics.” 662.328.8881 • 2917 14th Ave. N. • Columbus
Quality, local service and

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Columbus, MS 39701
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Mayhew, MS Aberdeen 369-8681 • Amory 256-1100
One mile north of Hwy. 82 on 45 Alt. Starkville 323-3332 • West Point 494-4781
662-492-4382
91-96 3/12/10 9:34 AM Page 6
Index of Advertisers
4-County Electric Power Association ............................................3 Junior Auxiliary ...........................................................................48
American Eurocopter ...................................................................55 Leigh Mall......................................................................................7
Antiques & Interiors by Jeanette Beard .......................................19 Lighting Plus ................................................................................76
Annunciation Catholic School .....................................................90 Lighting Unlimited.......................................................................58
At Home with Bassett ..................................................................95 Lowndes County Board of Supervisors .......................................21
Atmos Energy ..............................................................................53 Lowndes Funeral Home & Crematory .........................................82
BACCO Materials........................................................................58 Lowry Medical Clinic ..................................................................52
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle ...............................79 Main Street Columbus .................................................................21
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle ................Back Cover Memorial Funeral Home/Gunter & Peel Funeral Home..............60
Bella Interiors...............................................................................72 Merchant Law Firm .....................................................................36
Bennett Ophthalmology Group ....................................................88 MetroCast.....................................................................................41
Broadcast Media ..........................................................................24 Microtek Medical .........................................................................10
Brunini Attorneys at Law .............................................................72 Mid-South Signs ..........................................................................84
Cable One.....................................................................................15 Mississippi State University, Athletics ........................................94
Cash & Carry Building Supply ....................................................18 Mississippi State University, Admissions ....................................24
CECO Building Systems..............................................................20 Mississippi University for Women ....................Inside Back Cover
Chateaux Holly Hills Apartments ................................................70 Monograms Plus ..........................................................................19
City of Columbus ...........................................................................4 Moving Forward Counseling Center, LLC ..................................46
Clinic at Elm Lake .......................................................................54 Mt. Vernon Church............................................ Inside Front Cover
Lowndes County Radial Tire .......................................................54 Neel-Schaffer ...............................................................................70
Coldwell Banker/West Realty Company .....................................60 Nephrology Associates, P.C. ........................................................34
Columbus Brick Company...........................................................14 Newell Paper Company ...............................................................71
Columbus Cardiovascular Care ...................................................20 Newman Oil .................................................................................26
Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau .....................................1 Nichols, Crowell, Gillis, Cooper & Amos ...................................41
Columbus Eye Clinic ...................................................................82
North Mississippi Medical Center, Columbus .............................72
Columbus Farm & Garden ...........................................................89
North Mississippi Medical Center, West Point ............................30
Columbus Light & Water .............................................................21
Noxubee County ..........................................................................89
Columbus Police Department ......................................................14
Oktibbeha County Hospital..........................................................42
Columbus School District ............................................................43
Ole Country Bakery .....................................................................90
Columbus-Lowndes Development LINK ....................................10
Party & Paper .................................................................................3
Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority ..................................88
Pediatric Dentistry, D.K. Curtis, D.M.D., P.A. ............................46
Covenant Presbyterian Church ....................................................84
Phillips Pipe & Products ..............................................................95
Domtar .........................................................................................11
Pinnacle Housing .........................................................................76
Century 21 & Associates Doris Hardy .........................................31
Doug Dalrymple...........................................................................83 Quality Automotive......................................................................67
Dr. Gregory Childrey ...................................................................26 Reed’s...........................................................................................25
East Mississippi Community College ..........................................35 Rehab@Work ...............................................................................26
Eden MediSpa ..............................................................................83 ReMax ..........................................................................................18
Electric Motor Sales & Service....................................................54 Rivergate Apartments...................................................................70
Express Employment Professionals .............................................27 Rodney A. Ray, Attorney at Law .................................................65
Falcon Lair Apartments................................................................40 Saum Chiropractic .......................................................................59
Family Pharmacy .........................................................................64 Severstal .......................................................................................49
Friendly City Mini Warehouses ...................................................27 Shelter Insurance ..........................................................................64
Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance ...................................95 Smith Landscaping.......................................................................19
Gilmore Memorial Regional Hospital Women’s Center ..............85 Southern Ionics ............................................................................20
Global Pharmaceutical Corporation .............................................66 St. Paul’s Episcopal School..........................................................77
Golden Triangle Neurology Clinic...............................................64 Swoope Insurance ........................................................................77
Golden Triangle Regional Airport ...............................................52 T.E. Lott & Company, PA ..............................................................4
Golden Triangle Security Alliance ...............................................19 Tennessee-Tombigbee Tourism Association .............................21
Granite Guys ................................................................................59 The Dermatology Clinic ..............................................................14
Graphics by Arden .......................................................................36 The Dispatch ................................................................................78
Greater Starkville Development Partnership ...............................25 The Franklin Apartments .............................................................91
Hematology and Oncology Associates at Columbus ...................83 The Shops at Brickerton...............................................................37
Heritage Academy ........................................................................48 The Waverly Apartments .............................................................91
Hometown Realty ........................................................................65 Town of Caledonia .......................................................................47
Immanuel Center for Christian Education ...................................60 Tuscaloosa Convention & Visitors Bureau ..................................73
James L. Holzhauer, M.D. .............................................................5 Weyerhaeuser ...............................................................................61
Johnson Carpet Center .................................................................72 YMCA..........................................................................................89
Making a Difference in Our Community
BAPTIST GOLDEN TRIANGLE is committed to serving our community

through programs that heal, educate and inspire others. In 2009 our
hospital and colleagues pulled together like never before to support
health and education initiatives vital to our region, contributing more
than $62 million in community benefit in Lowndes County — part of
more than $541 million contributed by the Baptist hospital system 662-244-1000
throughout the Mid-South. goldentriangle.baptistonline.org
To view a full copy of our 2009 Community Report, please visit

goldentriangle.baptistonline.org.

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Covers 3/11/10 11:52 AM Page 1

www.mtvchurch.com 10:00 AM - Connection Cafe

Saturday morning, Benjamin Harvey

Core philosophy Aerodynamics

From the Editor Building

Made in the Triangle MSU 38 evolves to

Say Cheese! growth

2 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

Celebrating 21 Great Years!

Ahead of the Game

Food for the Soul Party Supplies • Stationery

sis and com-

ABOUT THE COVER

505 Willowbrook Road Columbus, MS

PROGRESS 2010 THE DISPATCH 5

FROM THE EDITOR

6 THE DISPATCH PROGRESS 2010

Business Office 328-0333

THE COMMERCIAL THE STARKVILLE

MADE IN THE CANDLES

TRIANGLE The company sells its

10 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

NOT A PRIORITY...PRIORITIES CHANGE.

We are Domtar... with a proud history and a growing future.

WHAT MAKES YOUR TOWN UNIQUE?

“The W makes me feel at “The community support “West Point is where my

PROGRESS 2010 THE DISPATCH 13

114 BRICKYARD RD. COLUMBUS, MS 39701

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Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor

16 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

story by KRISTIN MAMRACK photos by KELLY TIPPETT and LUISA PORTER

PROGRESS 2010 THE DISPATCH 17

CASH & CARRY BUILDING SUPPLIES

JUSTICE COURT COMPLEX

Service • Quality • Variety

It’s the lifeline of

As we celebrate the 30th Anniversary

Columbus Cardiovascular Care Michael J. Boland, MD, FACC

20 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

Columbus Light & Water...

• Crossroads Megasite • Regional Trade Center

PROGRESS 2010 THE DISPATCH 21

I f hard hats are signs

story by TIM PRATT photos by KELLY TIPPETT

22 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

Starkville Assistant Superintendent Dr.

Ofﬁce of Admissions and Scholarships

24 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

“Updated equipment is going to allow our teachers

also will be paid for with a bond issue.

BOBTAIL DELIVERY Rehab

FARM • CONSTRUCTION • RETAIL • INDUSTRIAL Making a

Dr. Gregory Childrey

Visit www.edenmedispaandlaser.com or call 662-243-7795 or 662-240-0095.

26 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

Move it to OUR house!

28 THE DISPATCH N PROGRESS 2010

L ately, when West Point officials

story by JASON BROWNE