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Friday | February 28, 2020

A four-year wait for a birthday

Area Leap babies prepare to celebrate their rare, special day
BY YUE STELLA YU
syu@cdispatch.com

W
hen Annie Anthony was born in Lowndes
County on Feb. 29, 1936, her family did not
go to the hospital.
Instead, Anthony said, they brought a midwife
home and paid her with chickens.
As much as the family welcomed the baby, not ev-
eryone appreciated the birth date. Her grandmother,
Anthony recalled, was “having a fit.”
“My grandmother … changed my birthday to
(February) 28th,” Anthony said. “Because, she said,
‘You ain’t gonna have no birthday.’”
But Anthony knows when she should really cele-
brate. Although she still celebrated annually, every
four years on Leap Day, she said, she would look
forward to receiving something big.
“It’s special. I have to wait four years to be that
old,” she said. “I’m looking for more.”
And this year, Anthony’s just turning 21.

Young and special

Old photos bring back memories of a young An-
thony as she looked through pictures from when she
was 18 or 19.
“I was a little fox,” she said, chuckling.
See LEAP BABIES, 6A

Yu Stella Yu/Dispatch Staff

ABOVE: Annie Anthony,

born in 1936 and is having
her 21st Leap Day birthday
this year, reminisces as she
examines the photo of her
seeing the ocean for the
first time when she was 55.
Her late husband had prom-
ised to show her the ocean
but never had the chance
before he passed away,
she said. Shortly after his
death, her son brought
her to the beach to cheer
her up. RIGHT: Tia Antho-
ny-Johnson, 35, sits next
to her grandmother, Annie
Anthony, who lives alone
in her house in Crawford.
Yue Stella Yu/Dispatch Staff
Anthony-Johnson is the only John Frazier holds a framed news article from Baton
family member who still Rouge, Louisiana, for when his son, J.T. Frazier, had
lives close by, Anthony said, his first Leap Day birthday celebration in 1996. Now
and she calls her grand- 28, J.T. is looking forward to celebrating his “seventh”
mother every morning. birthday by spending time with his family in Birming-
Yu Stella Yu/Dispatch Staff ham, Alabama.

Citizen to ask supes to make Oktibbeha a gun rights sanctuary

Nationwide movement has reached 35 states; 16 Mississippi
counties have already adopted local resolutions
BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com
OKTIBBEHA COUNTY —
A statewide movement to shield
Mississippi from the possibility
of future legal restrictions on
firearm ownership and access
will come to Oktibbeha County
at Monday’s board of supervi-
sors meeting.
Sixteen county boards since
January have voted to become
“Second Amendment sanctu-
aries,” meaning they would
not enforce any state or federal
legislation they believe to be in
violation of the Second Amend-
ment to the U.S. Constitution.
The amendment states, “A well
regulated Militia, being nec-
essary to the security of a free
State, the right of the people to
keep and bear Arms, shall not
be infringed.”
Each county will use any
“legal means at its disposal”
to protect the Second Amend-
ment, “including through legal
action, the power to appropriate
public funds, the right to peti-
tion for redress of grievances,
and the power to direct the law
enforcement and employees of
(the) County to not enforce any
unconstitutional law,” the reso-
lution states.
The proposal will come be-
fore Calhoun, Franklin and
Criswell Roberson
Monroe counties in addition to
Oktibbeha on Monday morn-
ing, and each board will have
the option of voting on it. So far
none of the counties presented
with the resolution have voted
against it, said state Rep. Dana
Criswell (R-Olive Branch), a vo-
cal advocate for the movement.
District 4 resident Scott Ivy
— a constituent of Supervisor
Bricklee Miller — will present
the resolution to Oktibbeha
County supervisors Monday.
He said he decided to approach
the board after seeing a call to
action on social media for resi-
dents of every county to do so.
“Usually I like to be the one
that sits in the back and lets
somebody else do it, (but) I
waited a day or so and nobody
jumped in, so I took it upon my-
self,” Ivy said.
See GUN RIGHTS, 3A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS CALENDAR LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

Sophia Keith
First grade, Annunciation
1 What 2008 movie about a man who ages back- Today and Saturday MEETINGS
ward was inspired by an F. Scott Fitzgerald story? ■ Possum Town Tales
March 2:
2 Which professional networking website, the Columbus City
Storytelling Festival:
largest of its kind in the world, boasts over 500 Council, 5
million users in 200 countries and territories? The Columbus Arts Coun-
cil presents professional p.m., Municipal
3 Which MLB manager, who started with the
Anaheim Angels in 2000, had the longest tenure national storytellers Barbara Complex
with the same team in the league until he left the McBride-Smith and Dolores March 6:
organization in 2018? Hydock at its eighth annual Lowndes
4 Which state is home of Punxsutawney Phil, the festival at the Rosenzweig County Board of

57 Low 35
weather-forecasting groundhog celebrated every Arts Center, 501 Main St. Supervisors Board
High Feb. 2? Performances 7 p.m. nightly;
5 What “Point Break” actor sports a first name Meeting, 9 a.m.,
Mostly sunny Hydock also presents a free
that means “cool breeze over the mountains” in Lowndes County
Full forecast on Hawaiian? workshop at 10 a.m. Feb. 29
Court House
page 3A. Answers, 6B titled “Every Picture Tells a
March 16:
Story: Norman Rockwell as
Lowndes
INSIDE Storyteller.” Weekend passes
$25 CAC members; $30 County Board of
non-members. Nightly tickets Supervisors Board
Classifieds 5B Obituaries 2,5A
Comics 3B Opinions 4A $15 members, $17 non-mem- Morgan Thomas of Columbus is Meeting, 9 a.m.,
Crossword 6B Religion 4B bers, at columbus-arts.org, or a nurse. She enjoys basketball Lowndes County
140th Year, No. 300 Dear Abby 3B 662-328-2787. and softball. Court House

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2A FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
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Dennis Reno
VERNON, Ala. —
Dennis Reno, 63, died
Feb. 25, 2020, at DCH
of Tuscaloosa, Ala-
bama.
Visitation was from
11 a.m.-2 p.m. Thurs-
day, at Otts Funeral
Home Chapel of Sulli-
gent. Burial followed
at the Gilmer Addition
of Sulligent City Cem-
etery. Otts Funeral
Home of Sulligent was
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Rev. Robert Rice
COLUMBUS — Rev.
Robert Fulton Rice, 88,
died Feb.
21, 2020, in
Columbus.
Services
will be at
11 a.m.
Saturday,
at Pleasant
Grove M.B. Rice
Church of
Crawford. Burial will
follow in the church
cemetery. Visitation is
from 3-6 p.m. today at
West Memorial Funeral
Home of Starkville.
West Memorial Funeral
Home is in charge of
arrangements.
Mr. Rice is survived
by his wife, Adline
Rice; children, Wanda
Jean Prowell, Roger
Rice, Delphime Hud-
dleston, Delois Rice,
Rander Rice and Lee
Morris Rice; and broth-
ers, Jasper Rice and Joe
Nathan Rice.
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
AREA OBITUARIES
Hattie McMath parents, she was pre- Research Center, as Murphy of Muskogee, p.m. Saturday, at Bethel
ceded in death by her Radvanyi Chair for Oklahoma; and half Baptist Church, with
COLUMBUS — Hat-
tie McMath, 88, died sons, Demond Jethrow International Security brother, Eddie Fortner the Rev. Walter Butler
Feb. 19, and James Blevins; and Strategic Studies, of Tennessee. officiating. Burial will
2020, at and siblings, Tony International Institute, Memorials may be follow at Memorial
her resi- Matthews and Virgil Executive Lecture made to the Colum- Gardens Cemetery.
dence. Matthews. Forum, and as desk- bus-Lowndes Humane Visitation will be one
Services She is survived by top publishing expert Society, P.O. Box 85, hour prior to services
at Mississippi State Columbus, MS, 39703,
are at 11 her husband, Nathaniel at the church. Memori-
a.m. today, Blevins of Columbus; University. She was or the American Can- al Gunter Peel Funeral
at Stephen children, Keith Je- also formerly employed cer Society, 1380 Liv- Home and Crematory
Chapel
McMath throw, Tyommo Wilson, as a handyman and a ingston Lane, Jackson, Second Avenue North
M.B, Nathaniel Wilson and real estate professional. MS, 39213. Location is in charge of
Church of Columbus, Jamarris Wilson; sib- She was a member of arrangements.
with the Rev. Joe L. lings, Betty Colebrook, the NAACP, Fellowship Dean Threet Memorials may
Lucy Leech, Tippie Baptist Church, Second COLUMBUS — be made to Colum-
Peoples officiating.
Barry, Brenda Hamil- Baptist Church, Faith Dean Harper Threet, bus-Lowndes Humane
Burial will follow at
ton, Sally Harris, Linda and Works Community 90, died Feb. 27, 2020, Society, P.O. Box 85,
Union Cemetery.
Franklin, Mattie Walls, Church and Starkville at the Arrington. Columbus, MS 39703.
Carter’s Funeral
Renee Walls, Tawanda Chinese Christian Services will be at 1 See OBITUARIES, 5A
Services of Columbus
Harris, Annie Bannis- Church.
is in charge of arrange-
ter, Shirley Matthews, In addition to her
ments.
Willie Jethrow, Tony mother, she is survived
Mrs. McMath was
Walls, Robert Gunter by her husband, Wil-
born March 22, 1931,
and Elbert Gunter; five liam C. “Bill” Chapman
in Crawford, to the
grandchildren; and of Starkville; stepchil-
late Charlie and Hat- dren, Jereme of Geor-
tie Hairston. She was three step-grandchil-
dren. gia, Elizabeth Smith
formerly employed as of New York, Timothy
a cook and a manager. of Texas, Andrew of
She was a member of Hattie Neely Mississippi, Julianna of
Stephen Chapel M.B. STARKVILLE —
Oregon, Emily Hub-
Church. Hattie Lee Neely, 48,
bard of Missouri and
In addition to her died Feb. 20, 2020, in
Christina Nelson of Col-
parents, she was pre- Tupelo.
orado; siblings, Ming
ceded in death by her Services will be at 11
Mei Yamanaka and
siblings, Annie Jean, a.m. Saturday, at Cen- Mei-Yu Ooyanagi both
Emma Hairston and tury Hairston Funeral of Japan, Katie Tsai of
Charlie Hairston; and Home, with Darren Georgia, Danielle Tsai
one grandchild. Harris Jr. officiating. of New Jersey and Tim
She is survived by Visitation is from 1-5 Tsai of Canada; and 15
her son, Walter Mc- p.m. today, at the funer- grandchildren.
Math Jr. of Columbus; al home. Century Hair- Memorials may be
brother, Freddie Hair- ston Funeral Home of sent to the Tan Tsai
ston; four grandchil- Starkville is in charge &William C. Chapman
dren; 24 great-grand- of arrangements. Scholarship for Interna-
children; and 11 Mrs. Neely was tional & Special Needs
great-great-grandchil- born Jan. 28, 1972, in Students, c/o The MUS
dren. Starkville, to the late Development Foun-
Robert Lee Neely and dation P.O. Box 6149,
Lillie Blevins Laura Mae Walker. Mississippi State, MS
COLUMBUS — Lil- In addition to her 39762.
lie Lou Blevins, 64, mother, she is survived
by her children, Denise
died Feb.
Neely-Smith of West
Danny Fortner
23, 2020, at COLUMBUS – Dan-
her resi- Point and Antonia
ny Ray Fortner, 72, died
dence. Neely of Starkville.
Feb. 27, 2020, at Bap-
Services tist Memorial Hospi-
will be at Tan Huan Tsai Chapman tal-Golden Triangle.
1 p.m. Sat- STARKVILLE — A private memorial
urday, at Tan Huan Tsai Chap- service will be held at
Hopewell Blevins man, 57, Feb. 21, 2020,
a later date. Memorial
M.B. in Starkville. Gunter Peel Funeral
Church of Columbus, Services will be Home & Crematory
with the Rev. Jessie at 2 p.m. Saturday, at Second Avenue North
Slater officiating. Burial First Baptist Church. location is in charge of
will follow at Memorial Visitation is from 1-5 arrangements.
Gardens of Columbus. p.m. today, at Centu- Mr. Fortner was
Visitation is from 3-6 ry Hairston Funeral born March 1, 1947, in
p.m. today, at Carter’s Home. Century Hair- Columbus, to the late
Funeral Services. ston Funeral Home of Ed and Beulah Harrell
Carter’s Funeral Starkville is in charge Fortner. He was a a vet-
Services of Columbus of arrangements. eran of Vietnam serv-
is in charge of arrange- Mrs. Chapman was ing in the United States
ments. born Sept. 22, 1960, in Army. Mr. Fortner was
Mrs. Blevins was Kaohsiung, Taiwan, to formerly employed
born Sept. 9, 1955, in Yu-Hsia Tsai Wang. She as a truck driver for
Columbus, to the late was a graduate of the Hollis Roofing and was
Tony J. Matthews and University of Guelph a member of McBee
Nellie M. Jethrow. She and Mississippi State Baptist Church.
was formerly employed University. She was He is survived by
as a bail bondsman and formerly employed his wife, Carol Sims
a member of Friendship with the Center of Fortner of Columbus;
M.B. Church. International Security sisters, Marie Golden
In addition to her Studies, Social Science of Columbus and Peggy

Gun rights
Continued from Page 1A
He supports “a cer-
tain extent” of restric-
tions to keep guns out of
the hands of “someone
who’s extremely crazy”
but believes some laws
he has seen proposed in
other states go too far. He
said he fears gun restric-
tions getting to the point
to where they punish
law-abiding citizens.
“Say my ex-wife didn’t
like me too much,” Ivy
said. “All she has to do
is call the FBI and report
that I have guns and say
that I’m going to do some-
thing, and they’d come
and take my guns, (even
though) I’m completely
innocent.”
The statewide and
nationwide effort
At least one county
in a total of 35 states has
adopted the resolution, in-
cluding the entire states
of Alaska, Idaho, Kansas
and Wyoming, and most
of Kentucky, New Mexico
and Virginia, according
to a map on the sanctu-
ary county movement’s
website. Maricopa Coun-
ty, Arizona, home of the
state’s capital of Phoenix,
passed the resolution
Thursday.
Alcorn, DeSoto and
Lawrence counties were
the first in Mississippi to
pass the resolution in Jan-
uary. Lincoln, Madison,
Panola, Rankin, Tisho-
mingo and Union coun-
ties were next on Feb.
3, followed by Grenada,
George, Jackson, Stone
and Tate on Feb. 18, Pike
on Feb. 20 and Greene on
Wednesday.
DeSoto County amend-
ed the text of the resolu-
tion before passing it to
replace “sanctuary” with
“safe haven” to make it
clear that the county was
not resolving to harbor
undocumented immi-
grants, according to the
DeSoto Times-Tribune.
The resolution is under
review from attorneys in
Choctaw and Simpson
counties. The boards of
supervisors in Attala,
Hancock and Neshoba
counties will hear the pro-
posal in March.
There have been no
requests as of Thursday
afternoon to add the issue
to the Lowndes Coun-
ty board of supervisors’
Monday meeting agenda,
County Administrator
Ralph Billingsley said.
The movement started
in some Virginia counties
as a reaction to gun con-
trol measures that have
been moving through
the Democrat-led Virgin-
ia Legislature. The state
House of Delegates, the
equivalent of the House of
Representatives, passed
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516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
A map that appears on sanctuarycounties.com shows counties across the nation
that have passed resolutions indicating local governments and law enforcement will
not enforce federal or state laws they feel violate the Second Amendment of the
U.S. Constitution. A citizen will bring a resolution for the Oktibbeha County supervi-
sors to consider Monday.
a bill Feb. 11 that would
make buying and selling
assault weapons a felony,
though the bill has since
died in the state Senate.
The Virginia state
Senate has advanced
measures including re-
strictions on gun purchas-
es per month, required
reporting of lost or sto-
len guns to the police,
expanded background
checks and a tougher pen-
alty “for leaving a loaded,
unsecured firearm in a
reckless manner that en-
dangers a child,” accord-
ing to NBC Washington.
In Mississippi, Criswell
co-authored a House con-
current resolution with 18
other Republican legisla-
tors that would apply the
proposed county resolu-
tion to the entire state. It
was referred to the House
Rules Committee on Feb.
17.
Criswell also co-spon-
sors a House bill that
would allow Mississippi
to enter an agreement
with eight other states
— Alabama, Arkansas,
Georgia, Kentucky, Lou-
isiana, Oklahoma, Ten-
nessee and West Virginia
— to operate as Second
Amendment “sanctuary
states” together. Each
governor would appoint
members of a task force
that would meet to discuss
ways to protect the Sec-
ond Amendment, Criswell
said. The bill was referred
to Judiciary Committee
B and the Interstate Co-
operation Committee on
Feb. 10.
County leaders’ views
An approved resolution
is not the same thing as a
law, but it is essentially a
promise that a governing
body will support the pub-
lic and local law enforce-
ment in the face of an
unconstitutional gun law,
Criswell said.
“A sheriff is the con-
stitutional enforcer of
that county,” he said. “If a
law comes down and (the
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government) tells him to
enforce it, but it has not
been adjudicated by the
courts, he has every right
and a statutory obligation
to determine if that’s an
unconstitutional law.”
Oktibbeha County
Sheriff Steve Gladney
said he supports the res-
olution.
“I’m a gun owner and a
sportsman, and I support
law-abiding
citizens’
right to
keep and
bear arms,”
he said.
But leav-
ing con-
s t it ut ion a l Gladney
j ud g ment s
up to individual counties
could become confus-
ing and risk venturing
outside the purview of
existing statutes, said
state Rep. Rob Roberson
(R-Starkville), who also
serves as the Oktibbeha
board of supervisors’ at-
torney.
“Whenever (someone
is) asking for the county
to outlaw something that
has not already been fed-
erally or state-outlawed,
I have a tendency to say
we need to stay within our
boundaries, and it really
has nothing to do with the
issue,” Roberson said.
District 2 Supervisor
Orlando Trainer said he
generally
supports
the right to
bear arms
with excep-
tions for mil-
it a r y - s t yle
weapons,
but he sees Trainer
no need for
the resolution since there
are no current obstacles
to the Second Amend-
ment in Mississippi and
since the state might pass
its own resolution.
But District 1 Supervi-
sor and Board President
John Montgomery agrees
with Criswell that coun-
ties should be prepared
in case state or federal
SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Fri.
Major 4:36a
Minor 10:51a
Major 4:57p
Minor 11:13p
Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Courtesy image
leadership changes and
proposes firearm restric-
tions.
“I don’t want some-
thing like what happened
in Virginia
to happen
here, so if
we can do
somet hing
to prevent
that, I’m
certain-
ly for it,” Montgomery
Mo n t g o m -
ery said.
Supervisors Marvell
Howard of District 3 and
Miller of District 4 both
said they needed to re-
search the issue, and Dis-
trict 5 Supervisor Joe Wil-
liams said he did not want
to comment until after the
board discusses the reso-
lution on Monday.
Criswell said he is
proud that the movement
has been a citizen-led,
grassroots effort. Ivy
started an online petition
for the resolution in Jan-
uary that has gathered
166 signatures, and he
believes it would have a
lot more if he had sought
signatures in person, he
said.
“I believe in my right to
defend myself and I like
hunting too, so I’m going
to do everything I can to
keep it,” Ivy said.
Sat.
4:46a
10:31a
5:11p
—
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 3A
Mississippi mulls
checking tax info
of welfare recipients
Bill would authorize state auditor
to check a sampling of tax returns
to verify the income of people
enrolled in public assistance
BY EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — Mississippi is moving toward
more intense scrutiny of low-income people on
public assistance, an action that comes as a former
state welfare director and five other people have
been charged with misusing millions of dollars in-
tended for the poor.
Amid objections from several Democrats, the
Republican-controlled Mississippi House voted
75-46 to pass Senate Bill 2257. The vote was large-
ly along party lines.
The bill would authorize the state auditor to
check a sampling of tax returns to verify the in-
come of people enrolled in Medicaid, nutrition pro-
grams or other types of public assistance.
Republican Rep. Joey Hood of Ackerman said
federal authorities have pushed states to set an in-
come-verification process to ensure that only qual-
ified people are receiving assistance.
“If you’re not supposed to be getting it, you’re
not supposed to be getting it,” Hood said.
Critics say the proposal unnecessarily targets
some of the neediest people in one of the poorest
states in the nation.
“What does the state of Mississippi have against
poor people?” Democratic Rep. Chris Bell of Jack-
son asked during the House debate Wednesday.
Opponents of the bill also say that lawmakers
are pushing for the increased scrutiny while ig-
noring the potential for big, expensive fraud from
health care providers or private companies that
have contracts with the Department of Human
Services.
State Auditor Shad White announced in Janu-
ary that the former director of the Mississippi De-
partment of Human Services and five other people
had been indicted on charges tied to misspending
millions of public dollars. White, a Republican,
called it the largest public embezzlement case in
Mississippi in at least 20 years.
The bill being considered by legislators says
the auditor could verify the income of people re-
ceiving Medicaid or aid from two programs ad-
ministered by the Department of Human Services.
One is Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,
the program connected to the embezzlement case.
The other is the Supplemental Nutrition Assis-
tance Program.
Opinion
4A FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
SLIMANTICS
State Republicans are pumping up the cost of education
M
ississippi
Republi-
cans love
to talk about how
they’ve cut taxes
since obtaining
veto-proof control
of state government
in 2011. It’s good
politics. Who isn’t
in favor of lower
taxes?
Look closer, Slim Smith
though, and you’ll
realize that some
of these cuts aren’t cuts at all.
In some cases, they are little
more than shell games.
Nowhere is this sleight-
of-hand more evident than in
education.
For years, the Legislature
has short-changed K-12 educa- additional costs are passed
tion, putting more and more of directly to students and their
the burden on county and city
taxes. In counties where there
is a strong local tax base, the
cuts in state funding can be
greatly mitigated. In areas of
the state where the local tax
base is low, the loss of state
funding is crippling, leading to $30,000 in student-loan debt.
crowded classrooms, insuf-
ficient staff and crumbling
infrastructure. This is partic-
ularly true in the Delta, where
the loss of those funds is most
LETTER TO
THE EDITOR
Voice of
the people
Encouraged by citizens
speaking up
It has been a good week for
the citizens and a wake up call
for the city leaders. At the last
council meeting two citizens
brought their concerns about
drainage problems. This week,
Southside citizens came out
and voiced their concerns about
city services and the response
to calls. “SeeClickFix” and the
city’s action center were shown
as not efficient at addressing the
city’s problems. In my opinion
the solution to the city’s prob-
lems have been ignored for too
long. Ms. Studdard stated some
excellent points in her letter, that
I have been writing about. I have
been criticizes for addressing
some of the short coming for
several years. Some from the city
administration and lately anony-
mous letters. My concern is for
the city, my city and my home.
The city has hired J5 to oversee
all the over seeing for $90,000
per year plus a percentage of
most construction in the city and
our infrastructure has crumbled.
Are the citizens getting their
money’s worth? Time will tell,
but if the city doesn’t get their act
together, we might lose more the
businesses. What about CAFB?
Columbus would be a ghost town
if the base closed. Think about it.
I have one other matter that
I am disappointed in. The new
street lights. I have noticed
driving throughout the city, the
new lights on the neighborhood
streets are single bulb fixtures
and do not give out as much light
as the old ones. They look like
a flashlight pointing directly
down. Intersections have three
bulbs and other locations have
five bulbs. LED lights are energy
efficient, but are we sacrificing
security for energy savings?
Neighborhood streets need to be
well-lit. When this deal was voted
on by the council, I thought the
lights would be like the LED’s
the Columbus Light & Water
Department installed. Well I was
disappointed because they aren’t.
But, what does one expect for a
$3 million-plus job? I expected
great lighting didn’t you?
The citizens of Columbus
need more transparency and
accountability from our leaders.
Is it just me?
God Bless Columbus and
America.
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
PETER BIRNEY IMES Editor/Publisher
BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher 1998-2018
BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003
Dispatch
The
BIRNEY IMES SR. Editor/Publisher 1922-1947
ZACK PLAIR, Managing Editor
BETH PROFFITT Advertising Director
MICHAEL FLOYD Circulation/Production Manager
MARY ANN HARDY Controller
pronounced. As debt can be laid directly at the authored by Jackson Democrat ing they must pass out of two
a result, student feet of our Legislature. Chris Bell. Under the bill, the committees before they can
performance pre- In most states, higher edu- board would consist entirely of move to the floor. Double-re-
dictably decreased. cation has a governing board appointments made by each of ferred bills almost always die
It’s no coincidence that advocates on behalf of the the state’s eight public univer- in committee. Triple-referring
that virtually every universities and students. sities. Under the legislation a bill is like shooting a dog,
school district with Those governing boards are each university would have a then setting it on fire. Gunn
an F rating is locat- usually made up of people with voice in what happens while isn’t merely opposed to this
ed in economically strong backgrounds in educa- no one university would be idea, he hates it with every
depressed areas. tion, people who understand in a position to dominate the fiber of his being.
What has the challenges higher educa- board’s decisions. Better yet, Because of one man, this
received even less tion faces and will fight for the there would be no political bill will never get to the floor
attention is the institutions and students. appointments. of the house where it can be
starvation tactics But in Mississippi, that Is there anyone who doesn’t debated and discussed on
the Legislature governing board — called the believe that kind of board its merits, something every
have applied to higher educa- Institutions for Higher Learn- would be a better advocate college student and college
tion. Each year, the percentage ing — is made up of political for our universities and their parent deserves.
of tuition costs covered by appointees made by the gover- students (and parents)? The IHL will continue to be
state funding decreases. In nor. All 12 of the current IHL There’s at least one man a willing tool of the political
this case, it’s not a matter of board members were appoint- who doesn’t believe that. ruling class. The entire IHL
shifting the cost from the state ed by Phil Bryant. Unfortunately, it’s the one man board, as presently constitut-
to the local tax base: Those What happens when the who has immense power — ed, isn’t worth of a bucket of
governing board is governed House Speaker Philip Gunn. spittle.
by politics and ideology rather Gunn has taken the almost-un- As a result, the cost of
parents. than sound education policy? heard-of measure of triple-re- sending your kids to college
Since 2019, college tuition Ask the folks at Ole Miss, ferring Bell’s bill. will continue to rise because
for our eight public universi- where the search for a new Something you should the Legislature has abdicat-
ties has gone up by a whopping chancellor descended into cha- know about the law-making ed its role in making college
71 percent. As a result, the os with the “consultant” hired process in our state. After affordable.
average Mississippi college to lead the search essentially House members file any bill, If you don’t think our state
graduate leaves school with named himself as chancellor the House speaker has the leadership is an enemy of pub-
with the meek approval of sole discretion to assign that lic education, you’re simply not
That’s an ominous burden for Bryant’s lap-dog IHL board bill to a specific committee for paying attention
our young people as they enter members. consideration. Controversial Slim Smith is a columnist
the job market. It’s like having In this year’s session, an bills or pieces of legislation and feature writer for The
to make a car payment on a car effort to legitimize the board that the speaker opposes are Dispatch. His email address is
you don’t have. Much of that emerged through a House bill often double-referred, mean- ssmith@cdispatch.com.
CAMPAIGN 2020
Anybody But Bernie Syndrome: Why a brokered
convention is the mainstream party’s only hope
A
s I type this, the South er candidate has shown they native. Yet, with the debate performances
Carolina debate is can siphon off that support. he’s had in recent weeks, Bloomberg
barely 12 hours old, Contrast this truism with appears to be in a primary freefall.
and even more anxiety has the very real scare Sanders My money is on Pete Buttigieg. He has
stirred among the Democratic presents to the business and staying power. His base is equally devoted
Party establishment. They are investment communities. to him, yet admittedly much smaller than
worried. The resilience of the They’ve made it no secret he Sanders’. But it can grow. In my opinion,
Bernie Sanders movement and is bad news for business. Just Sanders’ has tapped into all the political
his supporters is clear. And three weeks ago, Washington Democratic outcasts that he can. I’m
everyone outside the Sand- consultants were sharing not convinced there are too many more
ers circle is growing more presentations and PowerPoints supporters who would easily slide into his
in its chorus crying for relief on what an Elizabeth Warren camp, especially if a compromise candi-
and commonsense to reign. Armstrong Williams White House will or will not date such as Buttigieg is put forth.
The “Anybody But Bernie!” do. Today, many of those Practically speaking, if Klobuchar were
movement is in full swing. The same consultants are forced to exit the race, that would help Buttigieg
challenge now rests on what to do about it to repurpose those slides for a Sanders immensely, and both know that. The
within the confines of party rules. administration, and many are coming up same cannot be said of Warren and where
Let’s step back for a moment and see blank. her faithful would migrate. I feel they
how we got here. Long before Hillary Clin- This perfect political storm points would split equally between Sanders and
ton sealed her nomination four years ago, to one course correction — a brokered Buttigieg, which, for reasons stated above,
the Sanders craze was palpable and per- convention. And with more than 47% of all ultimately favors Buttigeg.
vasive. His populist appeal is emblematic delegates up for grabs by the end of Super Buttigieg can appeal across many
of the same appeal in Republican ranks. Tuesday, the Party establishment has little sects of the Democratic Party. As a man
Progressives are just as fed up as Repub- time to study alternative scenarios. The married to another man, he is progressive
licans have been for decades. They’re good news is the nominating system is in his lifestyle and in his policies. Yet
tired of “waiting their turn.” Sanders is geared towards fragmentation. Without a he remains grounded in the reality that
the Democratic version of Donald Trump. winner-take-all structure, candidates can programs have price tags, and there are
He embodies all that pent-up frustration, “lose” abysmally and still stack delegates. some still in Democratic voting blocs who
and nothing will hold back his supporters, For example, as poorly as former Vice care about deficits and debt. Buttigieg can
certainly not the appeals of establishment President Joe Biden is doing, he still has appeal to them.
Democrats who claim he is “too liberal” to delegates and growing. The same is true The boost in delegates would in turn
get elected. for Sen. Amy Klobuchar. Only Tom Steyer boost fundraising among liberals on both
That’s the obvious. The often-forgotten seems to be a hopeless cause. Wall Street and Main Street. If they could
facts simmer just beneath the political Another factor that favors the Demo- see a path forward for a more moderate
surface. Sanders is a fundraising ma- cratic mainstream — Mike Bloomberg. candidate (beyond today’s crowded field
chine. And he’s barely holding fundrais- Money moves voters. It always has. And and the power of Sanders’ supporters),
ers. His money-generating machine runs as moderate primary voters go to the polls they could train their energy and dollars
on the sheer intensity of his base — all in early and mid-March, they, too, will to Mayor Pete, perhaps the Democrats’
sending small-dollar donations by the mil- start feeling the pressure and looming best bet.
lions. And nothing points to that support fear of a Sanders nominee. And the nearly Armstrong Williams is an American po-
stopping any time soon. More importantly $2 billion Bloomberg plans to spend could litical commentator, entrepreneur, author,
— as last night’s debate showed — no oth- push them toward him as a viable alter- and talk show host.

Obituaries
Continued from Page 2A
Theodore Smith
COLUMBUS —
Theodore Smith, 78,
died Feb.
18, 2020,
at Baptist
Memorial
Hospi-
tal-Golden
Triangle.
Services
will be at Smith
11 a.m. Sat-
urday, at Brownridge
M.B. Church of Craw-
ford, with the Rev. Fred-
erick Harrison officiat-
ing. Burial will follow at
Oakland M.B. Church
Cemetery. Visitation is
from noon-6 p.m. today,
at Carter’s Funeral Ser-
vices Chapel. Carter’s
Funeral Services of
Columbus is in charge
of arrangements.
Mr. Smith was born
Dec. 29, 1941, in Co-
lumbus, to the late Gus
and Annie Smith. He
was formerly employed
as a machine operator
for Airline Manufac-
turing and a member
of Brownridge M.B.
Church.
In addition to his
parents, he was pre-
ceded in death by his
son Ronald Smith; and
siblings, Annie Smith
and Eckford Smith.
He is survived by
his wife, Lellar Smith
of Columbus; children,
Tedtra Smith of Colum-
bus, Contrisha Smith,
Latarisha Chandler
both of Dallas, Tex-
as, Cheryl Smith and
Barzinia Smith both of
Starkville; siblings, Tie
Ron Randle of Artesia,
Zelda K. Williams of
Crawford, Sain Trotter
of Vicksburg, Bobbie
Tolon of Rockford,
Illinois, Unice Hayes
of Harvey, Louisiana
and Velmar Stallings of
Crawford; and 8 grand-
children.
Eunice Ward
COLUMBUS — Eu-
nice Ward, 62, died Feb.
25, 2020, at
Starkville
Manor
Nursing
Home.
Grave-
side
services
will be at Ward
11 a.m.
Saturday, at Prairie
Grove Church Ceme-
tery. Visitation is from
noon-6 p.m. today, at
Carter’s Funeral Ser-
vices Chapel. Carter’s
Funeral Services of
States ramp up virus
preparations, try to
reassure public
BY DAVID A. LIEB
The Associated Press
As worries about the
new coronavirus grow in
the U.S., state officials
are ramping up efforts
to prepare for a possible
outbreak while simulta-
neously trying to assure
the public that they are
well-positioned to handle
it.
Governors and legisla-
tors in several states have
proposed pumping mil-
lions of dollars into pro-
grams to combat the virus
that causes the COVID-19
illness. State health of-
ficials are checking on
stockpiles of supplies
such as face masks and
respirators and arranging
potential isolation sites for
sick patients.
Some states received
federal approval Thursday
to conduct tests for the
virus at their own labs,
which could confirm or
rule out potential cases
more rapidly than waiting
on results from federal
labs.
Governors in several
Columbus is in charge
of arrangements.
Mrs. Ward was born
July, 21, 1956, in Colum-
bus, to the late Jesse
and Lucy Ward Sr.
In addition to her
parents, she was pre-
ceded in death by her
siblings, Leon Ward,
Jesse Ward Jr. and Ber-
tha Ward.
Robert Shields
STARKVILLE —
Robert Earl Shields, 62,
died Feb. 25, 2020, in
Starkville.
A memorial service
will be at 11 a.m. Satur-
day, at West Memorial
Funeral Home. West
Memorial Funeral
Home of Starkville is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
He is survived by his
wife, Joella Shields; and
siblings, Harry Shields,
Henry Shields, Charlie
Shields, Tinna Sherrod
and Brenda Griffin.
Johnny Shields Sr.
COLUMBUS —
Johnny James Shields
Sr., 54,
died Feb.
26, 2020,
at Baptist
Memorial
Hospi-
tal-Golden
Triangle.
Services Shields Sr.
will be at
2 p.m. Saturday, at El
Bethel M.B. Church,
with the Rev. Leroy
Jones officiating. Burial
will follow at Sandfield
Cemetery. Visitation is
from noon-6 p.m. today,
at Carter’s Funeral Ser-
vices. Carter’s Funeral
Services of Columbus
is in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mr. Shields was
born Feb. 13, 1966, in
Columbus, to the late
James Harris and Labay
Shields. He was former-
ly employed with Gold-
en Triangle Insulation
and was a member of El
Bethel M.B. Church.
In addition to his
parents, he was pre-
ceded in death by his
siblings, Anderson and
Joe Shields.
He is survived by his
wife, Jacqueline Shields
of Columbus; children,
Lacrystal Keaton and
Laclaudia Keaton both
of Columbus; and
siblings, Jean Curtis of
Los Angeles, California,
Martha Smith of Co-
lumbus, Bobby Harris
of Virginia, Robert Har-
states — including the
three most populated,
California, Texas, and
Florida — sought to ease
concerns about the virus
Thursday at news confer-
ences.
“We have an extremely
robust, well-informed, ac-
tivated force prepared for
any potential outcome that
we may have to deal with,”
Republican Texas Gov.
Greg Abbott said. Texas
is one of the states where
coronavirus patients who
traveled abroad are being
treated in isolated facil-
ities before returning to
their homes.
State officials are walk-
ing a fine line between not
stirring unnecessary anx-
ieties while still keeping
the public informed.
Republican Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis, for ex-
ample, pledged to notify
the public if anyone tested
positive for the new virus
in his state. But the state’s
surgeon general declined
to confirm if any suspect-
ed cases had been investi-
gated.
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 5A
ris of Memphis, Tennes- West Point, Jeannette Chambers. He was Van Edwards and Mary
see and James Harris of Mason Ivy of Starkville; formerly employed with Addie Gosa. He was
Nashville, Tennessee. stepsons, Montrell Cun- EAB Bank. formerly employed as a
Pallbearers will be ningham and Roosevelt He is survived by factory worker.
Mark Butler, Kirk Tate, Cunningham Jr. both his wife, Mary Ann
Derrick Holliday, Gary of West Point; siblings, Chambers of Colum-
Jefferson, Richard Guy- John Mason of Waterloo, bus; children, Danielle
ton and Marlon Jordan. Iowa, Barney Mason of Chambers and Dennis
Fort Washington, Mary- Chambers; step chil-
Eugene Mason land, Rosie Mason, Dora dren, Desiree’ Krieger
WEST POINT — Virgin and Katie Mason of Columbus, Arianne
Eugene Mason, 79, died all of Chicago, Illinois. Riggs of Bay St. Louis
Feb. 17, 2020, at his and Daniel Riggs of
residence. Eddie Thomas Metairie, Louisiana;
Services will be at COLUMBUS — Ed- and nine grandchildren.
11 a.m. Saturday, at die D. Thomas, 72, died
Pilgrim Grove M.B. Feb. 27, 2020 at Bap- David Peterson
Church, with the Rev. tist Memorial Hospi- COLUMBUS — Da- Dr. David Payne
Robert S. Taylor officiat- tal-Golden Triangle. vid Peterson, 65, died Visitation:
Saturday, Feb. 29 • 1-2 PM
ing. Burial will follow at Arrangements are Feb. 26, 2020, at his College St. Location
Greenwood Cemetery. incomplete and will be residence. Services:
Saturday, Feb. 29 • 2:30 PM
Visitation is from 3-6 announced by Carter’s Arrangements are Friendship Cemetery
p.m. today, at Carter’s Funeral Services of incomplete and will be Burial
Columbus. announced by Carter’s Friendship Cemtery
Mortuary Services. College St. Location
Carter’s Mortuary Ser- Funeral Services of
vices of West Point is in Dennis Chambers Columbus. Dean Threet
charge of arrangements. COLUMBUS — Den- Visitation:
Mr. Mason was born, nis “Poppy” Howard Mack Edwards Saturday, Feb. 29 • 12-1 PM
Bethel Baptist Church
April, 14, 1940, in West Chambers, WEST POINT — ­ Services:
Point, to the late Louis 73, died Mack A. Edwards, 75, Saturday, Feb. 29 • 1 PM
Bethel Baptist Church
Mason Sr. and Mary Feb. 25, died Feb. 21, 2020, at Burial
Lou Roby Mason. He 2020, at his residence. Memorial Gardens
2nd Ave. North Location
was formerly employed Baptist Services will be at
at Bryan Food. Memorial 3:30 p.m. at Northside Jerry Kendall
In addition to his Hospi- Christian Church, with Visitation:
parents, he is preceded tal-Golden the Rev. Quincy Patter- Thursday, March 5 • 10 AM
Chambers East End Baptist Church
in death by his step- Triangle. son officiating. Burial Services:
son, Olando Bobo; and A cel- will follow at West Point Thursday, March 5 • 11 AM
East End Baptist Church
siblings, James Walter ebration of life will be Memorial Gardens. 2nd Ave North Location
Mason, Robert Louis from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, Visitation is from 3-6
Mason, David Lee at the Colin Krieger p.m. today, at Carter’s Danny Fortner
Mason, Louis Mason residence. Lee-Sykes Mortuary Services. Memoiral Service at a later date
Jr., Mary Mason and Funeral Home is in Carter’s Mortuary 2nd Ave. North Location
Roberta Curry. charge of arrange- Services of West Point
He is survived by ments. is in charge of arrange-
his wife, Debra Bobo Mr. Chambers was ments.
memorialgunterpeel.com
Mason of West Point; born Jan. 1, 1947, in Mr. Edwards was
children, Timothy Dale, Brooklyn, New York, born Oct. 15, 1944, in
Cynthia Dale both of to Arthur and Florence Clay County, to the late
David Payne
David LeBaron Payne, age 92, of Overland
Park, Kansas, formerly of Columbus, MS went
to be with his heavenly Father on February 24,
2020.
Visitation will be held Saturday February 29,
2020, from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at the 903
College Street location of Memorial Gunter
Peel Funeral Home. Services will be held by
the family graveside at 2:30 PM at Friendship
Cemetery, Columbus, MS, with Rev. Sarah
Windham officiating.
David was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, May
9, 1927. He was the second of two children of
John Quincy Adams and Mabel Evelyn Franklin
Payne. He graduated from Gulfport High School,
Perkinston Junior College (AA), Mississippi
State University (BS, MS), University of Alabama
(MS) and The University of Southern Mississippi
(Ed. D.)
He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine
Marling Payne; son, John Quincy Adams Payne
II; and sister Doy Evelyn Payne Longest.
He is survived by his children, Robert Earl
Matthews(Kathleen Matthews) of Madison,
MS, Debbie Payne Gibson (Rodney Gibson)
of Lenexa, KS and Marlene Payne Townsend
of Brandon, MS. He is also survived by his
grandchildren, Russell Matthews, Bradley
Matthews (Courtney Matthews), Jennifer Gibson
Summerlin, Dava Gibson Jackson (Spence
Jackson), Angie Gibson Harkins and Nicholas
Townsend; and great -grandchildren, Maddie
Matthews, Rachel Matthews, R.J. Summerlin,
Haley Summerlin, Spencer Jackson, LoriAnne
Jackson, Jack Harkins and Maddie Harkins; and
great-great-grandson, Everett Summerlin.
David’s entire adult life was centered around
his family and his career in public education.
His education related career ranged from an
elementary school teacher and librarian to the
Director and Professor of Library Services at
Mississippi University for Women. His professional
memberships included The Mississippi Library
Association, Southeastern Library Association,
American Library Association, The Association
of College and Research Libraries, and The
Mississippi Genealogical Society. In 1972 he was
named as an Outstanding Educator of America,
along with membership in honor societies; Pi
Gamma Mu, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Delta Kappa,
Phi Alpha Theta, Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Beta
Alpha, and Lambda Chi Alpha.
Another important facet of his life was
his involvement and leadership in fraternal
organizations: Masonic Lodges, Shrine Temples,
Order of the Eastern Star, The Scottish Rite, The
Odd Fellows, as well as The Mississippi Society,
The Sons of the American Revolution, and The
Sons of Confederate Veterans. David was a
faithful lifelong member of the United Methodist
Church culminating with his membership at
Wesley United Methodist Church in Columbus,
MS.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to:
Shriners Hospitals for Children, P O Box 1525
Ranson, WV 25438, shrinershospitalsforchildren.
org or Palmer Home for Children, P O Box 746,
Columbus, MS 39703.
Sign the online guest book at
www.memorialgunterpeel.com
College Street • Columbus, MS
6A FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
Shannon Bowen and Corky Smith, center, present Joanne and Homer Beaty with the President’s Choice Award
and a “The End of an Era” recognition during the Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Celebration for Main
Street Columbus at Events Off 5th Thursday evening. The Beatys closed the doors of The Fashion Barn after 27
years of business. Zachary’s Doug and Stephanie Pellum were also honored with a President’s Choice Award and
the New Beginning Award. Many other downtown businesses were also recognized.
Leap babies
Continued from Page 1A
Sometimes, Anthony
said, she does feel like a
21-year-old — or perhaps
someone much younger.
“This is what I tell my
kids sometimes,” Antho-
ny said. “When I woke up
this morning, every four
years, I say, I was feeling
so young I thought I’d
get up and catch a school
bus.”
And as she watched
her children’s hair turn
gray, Anthony teased
them.
“I’ll tell them, ‘You
look older than I do,’” she
said.
For J.T. Frazier, a Mis-
sissippi State University
graduate born on Leap
Day in 1992, his birthday
was something he took
advantage of when his
elementary school class-
mates made fun of him
about it.
“They say, ‘Well, you
are a little baby,’” Frazier
said. “I looked at all of my
friends that were making
fun of me and I said, ‘You
know, when you are 100
one day I’ll only be 25.’”
Frazier, who is
celebrating his seventh
birthday this year, came
to his family as a “mir-
acle” when his parents
thought they would never
have a baby after years of
frustrating attempts.
His mother, Melonie
Frazier, was considered
at high risk when she
gave birth to him at age
38. Prior to her pregnan-
cy, she said, she had suf-
fered a series of female
health issues.
“When we gave up and
just threw up our hands
and quit trying,” she said,
“that’s when I conceived.”
J.T.’s due date fell on
Feb. 29, Melonie said,
and he was punctual.
Still, the hours-long labor
stretched into late that
night, she said, when the
doctor offered to delay
the process to skip Leap
Day.
“I said, ‘Nope,’” Melo-
nie recalled with a laugh.
“We’ve been doing this
all day long and I’m ready
to have this baby.”
John Frazier, J.T.’s
father, said “a million
things” crossed his mind
when his only son was
born 28 years ago. The
hospital gave him a scrub
shirt with his son’s foot-
print inked to the front
pocket on the day he was
Send in your
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event.
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cdispatch.com
Subject: NATS
MAIN STREET AWARDS
born, he said, and the
shirt is still tucked in his
drawer.
Since the day J.T. was
born, Melonie said, “It
has been nothing but joy.”
“I think it was just
meant to be,” she said. “I
think he was a gift from
God.”
‘He took really
good care of us’
Unlike J.T. Frazier,
who came to the world
right on time, Ava Jacobs
was late. She was born in
Tupelo 12 years ago, days
after her due date, said
Ava’s mother, Brenda
Jacobs. Her doctor at
the time, Clay Hudson,
performed an emergency
C-section to deliver the
baby.
“At the last minute,”
Jacobs said, “(Ava) decid-
ed to do a little Leap Year
twist.”
The “twist” developed
further when Jacobs was
surprisingly reunited
with Hudson in Colum-
bus as she moved for her
new job at Baptist Me-
morial Hospital-Golden
Triangle, where Hudson
happens to work. The two
had been out of touch for
eight years, she said.
“He took really good
care of us,” Jacobs said.
“I found him back down
here, so now he’s taking
care of me again.”
Hudson still remem-
bers the day he delivered
Ava, Jacobs said, and he
asks about Ava often.
“He gets tickled when
he sees her,” she said.
“He said (the day she was
born) kind of just sticks
in your mind.”
For this year’s Leap
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
Day, Jacobs said, Ava
prepared a stuffed frog as
a gift to Hudson.
“She wants him to
have that to remember
her by,” she said.
Celebrating the leap
Whenever it’s Ava’s
real birthday, family
members take the day off
to gather for the occa-
sion, Jacobs said.
“She expects every-
body to be available that
fourth year (on Leap
Day),” Jacobs said. “She
says, ‘So you just go
ahead and make that
schedule for me so that
we can be together.’”
For this year’s Leap
Day celebration, the
family is preparing her a
three-tier cake and hav-
ing a cookout at home,
Jacobs said. Family and
friends are also invited to
surprise her.
For J.T. Frazier, the
most unforgettable cel-
ebration he had was the
crawfish boil for his fifth
Leap Day birthday.
Frazier and his friends
bought live crawfish from
Little Dooey’s and boiled
them in a 20-gallon pot
filled with water, onions,
mushrooms, sausages
and other ingredients.
The secret touch, he said,
was to throw in some or-
anges to enrich the flavor.
“They were probably
the best crawfish I’ve
ever had,” Frazier said.
This year, Frazier
will have a quiet family
reunion in Birmingham,
Alabama with his mother
and wife.
“My favorite cele-
bration is cooking and
spending time with my
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
family,” he said.
That rings true for
Anthony as well. She
lives alone in Crawford,
and she said most of
her children are spread
around the country.
For her 77th birthday
(which did not fall on
a Leap Year), Anthony
said, her daughter invited
relatives from across the
states to surprise her.
As memories started to
come back of that special
moment in 2013, she
suddenly teared up.
“It was special to me
because my daughter, my
kids did so much for me,”
Anthony said. “Just the
little things they do.”
Some of those little
things, though, prove to
be pretty big.
Anthony’s late hus-
band, who passed away
when she was 55 years
old, had promised to take
her to the ocean. Howev-
er, she had still not gone
before he died.
Instead, not long after
her husband passed
away, her eldest son took
up the mantle on his
father’s behalf.
“He surprised me
by taking me to see the
ocean,” she said. “That
was so special to me be-
cause I’d never seen the
ocean before.”
This year, Anthony’s
only wish is for her
children and grandchil-
dren to gather beside her
again.
“I believe if we can all
get together,” she said,
“and we just spend some
time together … that
would mean more to me.”
Sports MISSISSIPPI STATE 92, ARKANSAS 83
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
B
SECTION

MATHARU, CARTER GUIDE MSU TO WIN, DOUBLE-BYE IN SEC TOURNAMENT

Jim Lytle/Special to The Dispatch

Mississippi State’s Jordan Danberry (24) shoots a layup over Arkansas’ Taylah Thomas (24) during the first half of their NCAA college basketball game Thursday in
Starkville.
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — On a night
that Mississippi State honored
its lone senior in guard Jordan
Danberry, it was the Bulldogs’
youngsters that carried them
to a 92-83 win over Arkansas
Thursday night.
After not playing more than
eight minutes in a game since
MSU’s Jan. 26 win over Ole
Miss, Matharu offered the MSU
faithful at Humphrey Coliseum
a look at the instant-offense she
can afford off the bench as she
notched 10 of her 18 points in
the first eight minutes of action.
Riding her sharpshooting
from beyond the 3-point line, six
of Matharu’s final eight points
came from behind the arc. The
minute guard also finished the
night with seven rebounds and
four assists.
“Just playing (Jordan), being
with my teammates everyday,
you just get better,” Matharu
said postgame. “And when the
opportunity presents itself you
just have to be prepared and
that’s what I did.”
With former All-American
forward and No. 1 overall WNBA
Draft pick LaToya Thomas
seated courtside, sophomore
stalwart Jessika Carter quietly
racked up her 11th double-dou-
ble on the season in a perfor-
mance reminiscent of Thomas’
four-year MSU career.
Finishing the night with 21
points and 11 rebounds, Carter
was wildly effective — shooting
9-of-12 from the floor.
Battling a wayward start that
saw MSU coach Vic Schaefer
ditch his suit jacket in between
the first and second quarters,
the Bulldogs responded to their
fiery eighth-year head coach
with a 9-0 run in under a minute
and outscored Arkansas 27-17
in the second frame to earn an
eight point halftime lead.
With the MSU offense thriv-
ing in the open court, it was its
pressure on Arkansas guard
Alexis Tolefree — Danberry’s
high school teammate and
childhood friend — that alleviat-
ed their woes. After scoring 19
points over the games opening
14 minutes, Tolefree went score-
less over the half’s final 5:52 —
part of what became an over 20
minute field goal drought.
While Tolefree was limit-
ed down the stretch, former
Oklahoma standout and 2019
All-SEC second team honoree
Chelsea Dungee was anemic,
finishing with just four points on
1-of-13 shooting — well below
her usual marks of 17.8 points
and 38 percent from the floor.
“We really, really focused on
not fouling driving shooters,”
Schaefer said. “There’s no need
to whack them. There’s no need
to foul them. Make them make
a tough shot and I thought we
were spectacular on drives to
the basket not fouling — and
that was a big focal point for us.”
Playing her final regular sea-
son home game at Humphrey
Coliseum, Danberry capped her
maroon and white clad career
with 19 points — 13 of which
came in the second half — and
five assists.
“My teammates were trying
to keep me in the game and tried
to help me forget about the first
half and those (three) turnovers
and all that,” Danberry said. “I
was a little frustrated but I think
once I got over that I just started
attacking them.”
Though not quite a Jordanian
effort, freshman Rickea Jackson
also proved effective despite bat-
tling strep throat coming into
the contest. Using her 6-foot-2-
inch frame that stood taller than
every Razorback that checked
into Tuesday’s game, Jackson
split defenders off the bounce
and was seamless in her spot up
jump-shooting en route to seven
points on 3-of-8 shooting in just
17 minutes played.
With the win, MSU now
locks up the No. 2 seed in next
weekend’s SEC Tournament
in Greenville, South Carolina.
The Bulldogs’ potential op-
ponents won’t be known until
later in the week, though their
finish does earn them a dou-
ble-bye.
MSU closes out the regular
season Sunday against in-state
rival Ole Miss in Oxford. Tip-
off is scheduled for 1:40 p.m.
“I’ve been telling them we’ve
got a lot to play for,” Schae-
fer said. “If we can do some
things, something now in the
next three, four games you’ve
got a chance to improve where
we are. We have so much to
play for.”

EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL PREP BASKETBALL

Taylor Lattimore comes up clutch twice as West Lowndes girls

EMCC beats Jones College for MACJC title
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
SCOOBA — Taylor
Lattimore’s arms went up
slowly, as if she couldn’t
quite believe what she had
just witnessed, what she
had just done.
The East Mississippi
Community College soph-
omore guard had fired an
off-balance 3-pointer with
less than a second to go in
regulation in Thursday’s
MACJC tournament cham-
pionship game against
Jones College. She landed
on one foot and stumbled
backward as the desper-
ation shot found nothing
but net. At midcourt, she
stood a little stunned, then
raised both arms in dazed
triumph while her team-
mates pelted toward her
in glee. Fellow sophomore
See EMCC, 3B
advance to state
semifinals; boys fall
in quarterfinals
BY STAN CALDWELL a.m. Monday in the state
Special to The Dispatch semifinals at Mississip-
pi Coliseum in Jackson.
POPLARVILLE — The West Lowndes boys
One streak is still alive,
completed their season
but another ended as at 13-9.
West Lowndes split two
“I don’t think we’ve
games in the Class 1A
peaked,” said West
South Quarterfinals
Lowndes girls coach Ta-
Thursday night.
keea Bozeman. “These
The West Lowndes
girls have been together
girls kept their unbeaten
since before they started
season going with an au-
playing ball. They have
thoritative 66-49 victory
great chemistry togeth-
over Simmons, improv-
ing their record to 25-0, er, and I think we’ve still
but the boys team saw got our best ahead of us.”
its nine-game winning West Lowndes trailed
streak brought to an end early in the game, as
in a 49-40 defeat to West the Devilettes took a
Tallahatchie. seven-point advantage
The West Lowndes on the strength of back-
Jason Clark/EMCC Athletics
girls advanced to the to-back 3-point shots by
The East Mississippi Community College women’s basketball team celebrates
Class 1A Final Four and Jy’Nicia Brady.
its double-overtime win over Jones College in Thursday night’s MACJC tourna-
ment championship game in Scooba. will face Pine Grove at 9 See PANTHERS, 2B
2B FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

BRIEFLY PREP SOFTBALL ROUNDUP

College Basketball
Rebels drop to 0-15 in SEC
Caledonia earns road win
Ole Miss (7-21, 0-15 SEC) women’s basketball
nearly erased a 20-point first half deficit and drained a BY THEO DEROSA Dale pitched all trips to the plate.
season-high 12 three-pointers, but Tennessee (19-9, 9-6) tderosa@cdispatch.com seven innings in the Karlie Brooks
was able to use its size and timely momentum swings to circle, allowing two went 2 for 3, driving
keep the Rebels at bay, 77-66, in Rocky Top on Thursday CHOCTAW — The earned runs and in six runs out of
night. Caledonia softball
Ole Miss now returns home to hold its own senior four hits. She walked the leadoff spot for
team beat Choctaw
day ceremony at 1:40 p.m. Sunday to honor Torri Lewis three and struck out Starkville. Jacquasha
when it plays host to in-state rival Mississippi State. Central 9-3 in Thurs-
five. Brown went 3 for 3
day’s road game in
Source: From Special Reports Caledonia hosts with three RBIs, and
Choctaw.
Eupora at 5:30 p.m. Kyler Reeves went
The Confederates
CALENDAR (3-0) scored five Friday. 1 for 4 and drove in
three runs.
runs in the first two
Today innings to get out Starkville 24, Allyson Barefield
College Baseball ahead and stay there. was 2 for 2 with a
Mississippi State at Long Beach State, Ashlyn Jordan
Starkville Christian walk, scoring three
8 p.m. drove in two runs for STARK VILLE — times. Ten Jackets
Ole Miss at High Point, 11 a.m. Caledonia to lead the The Starkville High had at least one hit;
Snead State Community College at team. Jada Glasgow School softball team 11, including a cour-
East Mississippi Community College, and Allison Penning- made a quick state- tesy runner, scored
doubleheader, 1 p.m. ton each went 3 for ment in Thursday’s a run.
Southern Miss vs. Valparaiso at Lake 4, and Maddy Suggs home game against Reeves pitched
Area Classic, Lake Charles, La., 2 p.m. went 2 for 3 with two Starkville Christian. three scoreless in-
College Softball runs scored. The Yellow Jackets nings for a short com-
UAB at Mississippi State, 7 p.m. Pennington dou- (2-0) scored 11 runs plete game, walking
Jackson State and California Baptist at bled twice, and in the first inning one batter and strik-
Ole Miss Classic, 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 Suggs had a double. and 13 in the second, ing out five.
p.m. Glasgow and Carlee earning a 24-0 win Starkville will host
Prep Boys Basketball Dale each had a tri- in just three innings Noxapater at 6:30
Noxubee County vs. Holly Springs, ple. and only two team p.m. Monday.
MHSAA Class 3A playoffs, Itawamba
Community College, Fulton, 7 p.m.
Prep Archery
West Point at Winston Academy, TBA
Prep Baseball
Pickens Academy (Ala.) at South Choc-
taw Academy (Ala.), 4 p.m.
PREP BASEBALL ROUNDUP
Winston Academy at Oak Hill Academy,
6 p.m.
Starkville Academy at Bayou Academy,
Heritage Academy’s Banks
6 p.m.
New Hope at Caledonia, 6 p.m.
Amory at Starkville, 7 p.m.
Hyde, Davis Fitch combine
Prep Softball
Noxubee County at Columbus, double-
to blank Oak Hill Academy
header, 5 p.m.
Eupora at Caledonia, 5:30 p.m. BY THEO DEROSA by the run rule.
tderosa@cdispatch.com Columbus will play Lee Acade-
Pickens Academy (Ala.) at South Choc-
taw Academy (Ala.), 5:30 p.m. my at noon Saturday in the Heri-
The Heritage Academy base- tage Academy Invitational before
Hamilton at New Hope, 6:30 p.m.
ball team (5-1) shut out Oak Hill playing the host Patriots at 4 p.m.
Academy 8-0 in Thursday’s game
in Columbus.
ON THE AIR Three runs in each of the fourth Starkville 7, East Webster 3
and fifth innings helped the Patri- STARK VILLE — The Starkville
Today ots to victory, while Banks Hyde High School baseball team beat
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S)
pitched four scoreless innings East Webster 7-3 in the Yellow
5:30 p.m. — Kent State at Ohio, Jackets’ home opener Thursday
CBSSN
and Davis Fitch pitched three.
in Starkville.
6 p.m. — Davidson at Dayton, ESPN2
Hyde struck out nine hitters,
Hayes Davis drove in two runs
6 p.m. — Harvard at Columbia, ES-
and Fitch struck out two.
to lead Starkville (3-0) in the win.
PNEWS
Seth Harris and Cole Ketchum
Banks Perry struck out seven
6 p.m. — Wright State at Northern
each had two hits for the Patriots,
Wolverines in three innings on
Kentucky, ESPNU
and K J Smith drove in a pair of
the mound for Starkville.
8 p.m. — Texas State at Texas (Arling- runs.
The Jackets host Amory at 7
ton), ESPN2 Garrett Edwards led Oak Hill
p.m. Friday
8 p.m. — Monmouth at Rider, ESPNU (1-0 -1) with two hits, and Dalton
8 p.m. — Washington State at Wash- Magers pitched three innings.
ington, FS1 Heritage Academy will host Starkville Academy 7,
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (WOMEN’S) the Heritage Academy Invitation-
al on Saturday, playing Newton
Pillow Academy 2
6 p.m. — Villanova at Creighton, FS1 STARK VILLE — The Starkville
7 p.m. — Stanford at Arizona, FS1 County Academy at 10 p.m. and Academy baseball team won Fri-
10 p.m. — Washington State at Ore- Columbus at 4 p.m. day’s home game against Pillow
gon, PAC-12N Oak Hill will host Winston Academy, 7-2.
GOLF Academy at 6 p.m. Friday and will Cooper McNeel had a two-run
4:30 a.m. — EPGA Tour: The Oman play Lee Academy at 6 p.m. Sat- home run for the Volunteers (6 -
Open, Second Round, Muscat, Oman, urday in the Heritage Academy 0), and Kamden Upchurch drove
GOLF Invitational. in two runs. A four-run fifth and
1 p.m. — PGA Tour: The Honda Classic, a two-run sixth added some cush-
Second Round, Palm Beach Gardens, Nettleton 12, Columbus 1 ion.
Fla., GOLF The Columbus High School Harris McReynolds and Mi-
Saturday baseball team fell to 0 -2 on the chael Winfield each had two hits
COLLEGE BASKETBALL (MEN’S) season with a 12-1 home loss to for the Vols.
11 a.m. — Texas A&M at LSU, ESPN2 Nettleton on Thursday. Ayden Alsobrooks pitched 5⅔
12 p.m. — Vanderbilt at Ole Miss, SECN Nettleton scored two runs in innings for Starkville Academy
1 p.m. — Florida at Tennessee, ESPN2 the first and fourth innings and with 10 strikeouts.
2:30 p.m. — Mississippi State at Missou- four in the second and third to Starkville Academy will play at
ri, SECN end the game after five innings Bayou Academy at 6 p.m. Friday.
2:45 p.m. — Auburn at Kentucky, CBS
5 p.m. — Arkansas at Georgia, SECN
7:30 p.m. — South Carolina at Alabama,
SECN

Panthers
Continued from Page 1B
But then Panthers se- enough good things about better relationship on the we make layups and free
nior standout Marvaysha Marvaysha Seals. Who- court with these girls,” throws, it’s a different
Seals took over and made ever gets her at the next Bozeman said. game.”
that deficit disappear in level is going to get a good Sophomore Taylor Lu- The Choctaws pulled
a hurry. Seals, a 5-foot-5 one. She plays strong, she cas-Howard scored 20 away in the fourth quar-
guard, drove the lane for goes hard to the basket points to lead Simmons, ter, hitting 8 of 13 shots in
a layup, then took a steal and she has a very high which finished 24-5. the final eight minutes.
coast-to-coast for another basketball IQ.” For the West Lowndes Sophomore Decam-
layup that put West Lown- Simmons scored five boys, it was pretty simple, by Willis had 15 points
des up for good, 14-12. quick points out of the and Panthers coach Donta to lead West Lowndes.
“We knew we had to gate in the third quarter, Yates was right on point in Roddarius Moss had 11
step it up on defense, be- cutting the West Lowndes his postgame comments. points to lead a balanced
cause we knew how quick lead to 29-28, but Takara “We missed too many score sheet for West Talla-
they were,” said Seals, Givens hit a short jump layups and free throws,” hatchie (20-9), which will
who finished with 21 shot, then Acveri Sanders Yates said. “You can’t play Baldwyn on Monday
points for West Lowndes. hit one from the lane to win at this level when you in the 1A semifinals.
“We’re taught to play de- give the Panthers some don’t make layups and
fense with our hands, to breathing room, opening free throws.” CLASS 1A SOUTH
get steals. We felt like we up a 10-point lead. Indeed, West Lown- QUARTERFINALS
were a little quicker than West Lowndes put the des converted just 6 of 23 Thursday at Poplarville
they were.” pedal to the metal in the shots in the second half GIRLS
The Panthers contin- fourth quarter, convert- and were 8-of-18 from the West Lowndes 66, Simmons 49
W. Lowndes 14 15 12 25 - 66
ued their run into the sec- ing 10 of 13 shots from the foul line for the game. Simmons 12 11 10 16 - 49
ond quarter, eventually field in the final period, West Tally never WEST LOWNDES (25-0): Averi Sanders 7, Roslyn
Rice 4, Quankeria Halbert 2, Tydajasha Hood 7, Ta-
scoring 13 unanswered mostly layups, and the trailed, but the Panthers kara Givens 6, Marvaysha Seals 21, Nenah Young
15, Gracie Wells 4. TOTALS - FG 28-61 (3FG 2-10),
points, getting turnovers Panthers were also 6 of 9 hung in there, thanks to FT 6-9 (66).
SIMMONS (24-5): Nicole Maybell 7, Jamira Scott 4,
on seven consecutive de- from the foul line in the their defense, which kept Taylor Lucas-Howard 20, Aayliyah Esco 2, Jy’Necia
fensive possessions to fourth quarter. them in the game, espe- Brady 9, Na’riah Robinson 5, Nikkia Douglas 2. TO-
TALS - FG 16-42 (3FG 3-7), FT 14-20 (49).
take command. Junior forward Nenah cially when the Choctaws
BOYS
West Lowndes led 29- Young had 10 of her 15 went to a slowdown game
West Tallahatchie 49,
23 at halftime. points for West Lowndes in the second half.
West Lowndes 40
“I just told them to play in the fourth quarter, as “We can play that way,” W. Tally 12 10 9 18 - 49
W. Lowndes 11 8 8 13 - 40
strong defense and be the dominated in the low Yates said. “That really WEST TALLAHATCHIE (20-9): Markeese Lewis 9,
aggressive on offense,” post. didn’t hurt us much. We Malique McGee 7, Anthony Williams 7, Roddarius
Moss 11, JaQuriua McGee 9, Sinnarity Love 6. TO-
Bozeman said. “I can’t say “I couldn’t ask for a adjusted to it. Again, if TALS - FG 21-51 (3FG 2-9), FT 5-14 (49).

EMCC
Continued from Page 1B
guard Topazia Hawkins lift-
ed Lattimore off her feet in
celebration.
But the jubilee was short
lived. Lattimore’s shot had
tied the game at the buzz-
er, and there was still more
basketball left to play. In
overtime, EMCC fell be-
hind three points with 2.8
seconds remaining and held
possession again. To Lions
coach Sharon Thompson,
there was no doubt who
would get another attempt
at the tie.
Lattimore caught the ball
on the right wing and fired
for 3 in one fluid motion. It
was an easier look than her
first tying make, and this
time, there was no doubt.
“When I let it go, I knew
it was going in,” Lattimore
said.
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
She tilted her head back
and yelled to the roof, but
the ensuing celebration was
cut short again with the start
of double overtime. Fueled
again by Lattimore’s magic,
though, EMCC needed no
third act.
The Lions (24-2) flat-
tened the Bobcats in the
second overtime period,
earning an improbable 87-73
win that at times seemed im-
possible and winning their
first MACJC title since 1984.
“This has been 19 years
in the making,” said Thomp-
son, who is in her 15th sea-
son as EMCC’s head coach
after four as an assistant
with the team.
It was also the 19th
straight win for the Lions,
who will begin play in the
NJCAA Region 23 tourna-
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
ment next week in Clinton.
“I guess 19 is my lucky
number,” Thompson said.
“I’ve gotta play the lottery:
19 is my number.”
On Thursday, though,
the Lions’ lucky number was
certainly Lattimore’s No. 3.
The sophomore had been
cold from the field in EM-
CC’s three state tournament
games -- including early on
Thursday -- but she got hot
at the precise moment her
team needed it.
“She didn’t shoot it well
all night,” Thompson said.
“She hadn’t shot it well the
whole tournament. But she’s
making big shots for us.
She came through when we
needed her.”
With the Lions trailing
the Bobcats 63-60, EMCC
collected the rebound on a
missed free throw by Jones’
LaMiracle Sims, who led
her team with 22 points
Thursday. The Lions called
timeout and inbounded from
the frontcourt with 1.5 sec-
onds to go, looking for Haw-
kins. But the play fell apart,
so the pass went to a tightly
guarded Lattimore, who
spun backward as she fired
a deep 3 from the left wing.
“’We worked too hard for
this,’” sophomore forward
Maddie Riley thought from
the bench. “’We can’t lose.’”
“But Taylor’s a good
shooter, and she made those
shots all the time in practice,
and I knew she was gonna
make it,” Riley said. “I had
faith in her.”
“’Oh my God,’” Latti-
more thought to herself as
the miraculous shot went
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
I was born
into a poor
family, and my
father gave me
up for adoption
to his well-to-do
sister. My narcis-
sistic adoptive
mother severely
abused me phys-
ically, mentally
and emotionally
as a child, and
tormented me
financially as an
adult. I no longer
speak to her. Dear Abby
My biological
mother has been attempting
to have a relationship with me
as her daughter. But I don’t
regard her as my mother. I
don’t feel anything toward her.
All those years of abuse have
left me feeling ... jaded.
My biological mother is
still poor, and she constantly
asks me for money to help my
nieces and nephews with their
needs. I understand that they
are blood, but I work hard for
my money and cannot afford to
support them financially. They
have had plenty of opportuni-
ties in the past to better their
lives but decided to live off
handouts. How do I find valida-
tion that I am a person and not
just a piggy bank? — JADED IN
CALIFORNIA
DEAR JADED: Considering
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Feb.
28). The spontaneous good
fortune you experience in the
next four weeks will let you
know that you are on the right
path. Stay open to solutions.
Preconceived notions will be the
enemy through March and April.
What ultimately happens will
defy expectations and delight
you. Libra and Cancer adore
you. Your lucky numbers are: 8,
20, 22, 21 and 46.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
No one is better or cooler than
anyone else. However, those
who have taken more risks in
a shorter amount of time will
certainly come off as heroes.
Worship cautiously.
down. (Suddenly feeling
light-headed, Thompson
sank into a waiting chair
on the bench.) “’God is
real.’”
Just over two minutes
into the first overtime pe-
riod, Jones’ Daja Woodard
was ejected for punching
Riley in the nose as she
dove for a loose ball. The
technical foul gave EMCC
two big free throws and
provided Lattimore and
the Lions with another jolt
of energy -- and a desire for
some vengeance as both
teams sought the golden
championship trophy in
the shape of a basketball.
“’Now it’s time to take
their heart,’” Lattimore
told her teammates.
“’They want the ball, and
we want it, too, so it’s time
the circumstanc-
es in which you
were raised,
it may not be
easy. A way to
find some of
that validation
would be to start
establishing
some boundaries
in your life. If you
can afford to see
a licensed men-
tal health profes-
sional, you would
benefit greatly
by scheduling
some sessions.
Not only will it
help you to get your priorities
straight, it may also help you
to feel less guilty about saying
no to relatives with ulterior
motives.
DEAR ABBY: I felt com-
pelled to write after seeing
your Dec. 15 response to
“Anywhere, USA,” the hosts
seeking guidance about how
to respond to the daughter
of longtime friends who had
recently visited. The daughter
had emailed asking for a re-
port on her parents’ habits and
conduct during their trip.
As a caregiving daughter
myself, knowing many other
caregiving adult children and
belonging to a few support
groups for caregivers, I believe
inquiring of family friends
and other relatives about
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
You’ll be like a tree rooted in
the earth that is the element of
your sign. You’ll stay grounded
and grow incrementally, defying
timelines. And you’ll let go of
and regrow your “leaf” equiva-
lents in due time.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
To run your whole life on adrena-
line is not a sustainable model.
It won’t work in the long term.
Though, certainly, the adrena-
line challenges you set up in the
short run will be a burst to get
you to the goal.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
People do well-intended and
super embarrassing things in
the name of peer-pressure,
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020 3B
to take what they want.’
We went out there, kept
fighting and took it.”
Her second game-sav-
ing 3 of the night rattled
home with 0.3 seconds to
go, and the Lions’ offense
finally started clicking in
double overtime. EMCC
scored the first nine points
of the period and cruised
from there to a comfort-
able win.
“Once we start making
shots, it’s over,” Thompson
said. “We’re gonna defend,
but once we start making
shots, it’s over.”
The Lions were already
assured of a spot in the
Region 23 tournament,
but now they enter it with
their heads held high and
a shiny gold trophy in
their hands.
their loved ones is not wrong
or invasive. Our loved ones
behave differently in different
situations. How they negotiate
changes and social situations
without the caregiver present
may provide important clues
and information regarding their
mental/cognitive status.
Caregivers try to give their
loved ones as much freedom
as safely possible. Gaining in-
formation about the visit would
possibly give clues regarding
the ability to travel inde-
pendently or not, and whether
they can still negotiate social
and public situations appro-
priately. These are examples
of things that a caregiver will
never observe without the
eyes of others.
Many caregivers out there
read your column, and others
who have aging, declining
friends with caregiving kids.
People must not hesitate to
say something when they
notice a change in behavior.
— LOYAL READER IN NEW
JERSEY
DEAR READER: I’m printing
your letter because it is rep-
resentative of the response
I received about “Anywhere,
USA’s” letter. You raise an
important issue about how
it “takes a village” to band
together and to share obser-
vations about changes in older
people’s comportment beyond
simple aging.
connection and fitting in. You’ll
be an observer in this today,
resisting participation, as you
should in this case.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The
energy that goes into making an
impression will be well spent.
It’s not because you’ll make the
intended impression; rather,
it’s that you’ll learn something
about yourself, what matters to
you and how much.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
Diversity makes groups strong.
This is true for your friend group
as well. A mix of people with
different strengths will add to
your life, whereas a group that
is too much of one thing won’t
have the spark.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
You’re an original. Saying the
lines that others have said,
sticking to the script, using the
cliches, well, that gets old fast.
It’s invigorating to express your
uniqueness.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). Your best is good enough.
Your pie wins the contest, and
your special sauce garners
worldwide intrigue. This is the
stuff of fantasies and diary
entries, so make sure you put
the events and potential events
of the day into both.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). The sparkling parts of life
are the in-between moments
when you have nothing to gain,
nothing to lose and nothing to
tally in general. What’s most
valuable is unquantifiable.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). The correct next move is
often not to the right or left or
even straight ahead. The best
move might be no move at all.
To stand there until the world
shifts is a real test of patience
that will pay off.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). The self-help gurus insist
it: In every moment, we have a
choice. But many moments go
the way of programming. If there
are choices, we are unaware.
There’s no shame in this; it’s
human. Waking up is step one.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Arthritis sufferers know
that, though it sounds coun-
terintuitive, moving the parts
that don’t want to move will
keep you pain-free. Use this as
a metaphor for another part of
your life.
Head over heels in love
SOLUTION:
4B FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2020
JAMES DELIVERS OPENING PRAYER
Rev. Steven L. James Sr., center, pastor of United Christian Baptist Church in Co-
lumbus, delivered an opening prayer to the state senate on Tuesday at the invitation
of Sen. Chuck Younger, who led the Pledge of Allegiance before Lt. Gov. Delbert
Hosemann guided lawmakers into the day’s business. Also pictured are Sen. Angela
Turner Ford and James’ friend, Dennis Erby, a retired U.S. marshal and trooper.
RELIGIOUS BRIEFS
Annual Usher
Board Program
Brick M.B. Church, 4572
Old Macon Road, hosts its
annual usher board program
at 2:30 p.m. March 1. Dr.
Charles E. Davidson of Town
Creek of West Point will be the
guest speaker. For more infor-
mation, call 662-574-8640.
Sixteenth Section
MB Church
The Gospel Choir will host
a breakfast from 8:30-10 a.m.
March 7, 1515 Old West Point
Road, Starkville. The public is
invited. There is a $5 dona-
tion. For more information, call
662-323-6098.
4th Annual Choir Day
NewBellZion United Meth-
odist Church, 3743 Highway
25 South, hosts its 4th Annual
Choir Day at 6 p.m. March 7.
The public is invited to attend.
For more information, call
Sis. Rose Ferguson, 662-324-
3075.
136th Church
Anniversary
Turner Chapel AME Church,
1108 14th Street South,
hosts “136th Church Anniver-
sary” at 3 p.m. March 8. The
public is invited. The guest
speaker will be Rev. Otto
Duncan, pastor of Trinity AME
Church in West Point, MS.
Rev. Jessye Coffey, pastor.
For more information call 662-
435-4997.
19th Pastoral
Anniversary
Pleasant Grove Pools
M.B. Church, 3000 Waverly
Road, West Point, hosts its
19th Pastoral Anniversary
at 2:30 p.m. March 8. The
Guest speaker will be Rev. Dr.
A. B. Sutton, pastor of Living
Stones Temple of Fultondale,
AL. For more information
contact Sis. Jennifer Johnson,
662-494-4295 or 662-494-
8652.
Pastoral Anniversary
Concord Independent
Methodist Church, 1235
Concord Road, hosts its 6th
Pastoral Anniversary for Rev.
Robert L. Hamilton Sr. and
First Lady Dorothy Hamilton
at 3 p.m. March 8. The guest
speaker will be Dr. Stan
McCrary from Friendship MB
Church. The public is invited to
attend. For more information,
call 662-549-9798.
School of Ministry
Enrollment
Mississippi State School
of Ministry is now taking ap-
plications for enrollment. Earn
a certification, associates,
99.49%
receive their paper on time.
(Believe us. We track these things.)
If you are unhappy with your delivery
please let us know. Our goal is 100%
The Dispatch
bachelor, master or doctoral
degree in divinity. For more
information, call Dr. Michael T.
Boyd, 662-425-8443.
Forgive and Live
Forgive and Live meets
from 6-7 p.m. every 2nd and
4th Tuesday of each month
in the downtown YMCA Board
Room and every 3rd Wednes-
day at Vibrant Church Cafe.
Inquire and seek informa-
tion to succeed spiritually,
physically and financially and
be eager to be a blessing to
the community, churches and
families through the Word of
God. The public is invited to
attend. For more information,
call Pat Fisher Douglas, 662-
251-5899.
Fellowship Dinner,
Youth Service
Pleasant Ridge Faith
Center, 923 Ridge Road, hosts
a fellowship dinner and youth
service every 3rd Sunday.
Gospel Book Club
Friendship M.B. Church,
1102 12th Ave. S., invites the
public to join its Community
Gospel Book Club from 6-7
p.m., on the fourth Friday of
each month, to study and
share views of the Holy Bible.
Open to all ages and ethnic-
ities. For more information,
call Barbara Mattison or Lillian
Murray, 662-570-5595.
Grief Support Group
The Oil of Joy for Grief and
Mourning offers a grief sup-
port group at 6 p.m. every 2nd
Thursday of the month at Unit-
ed Christian Baptist Church,
232 Yorkville Road East.
“Making your grieving journey
easier.” For more information,
call 662-327-0604 or e-mail
unitedchristian@cableone.net.
Celebrate Recovery
The Assembly Church,
2201 Military Road, and
Meadowview Church, 300 Lin-
den Circle in Starkville, host
Celebrate Recovery at 6 p.m.
every Sunday at The Assembly
Church (next to Lowe’s) and
at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at
Meadowview Church. Get help,
healing and support for any
habit, hurt or hang-up using
the Christ-centered 12 steps.
Divorce Recovery
The DivorceCare Recovery
support group meets from
4:30-6 p.m. each Sunday
beginning Jan. 12-April 5 at
Meadowood Baptist Church,
1512 Hatley Road in Amory.
Child care provided through
5th grade. Standalone
seminar sessions topics are
“Facing My Anger”, “Facing My
Loneliness”, “New Relation-
of our customers
customer satisfaction.
Call customer support at:
662-328-2424
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
Courtesy photo
ships”, and “Forgiveness”.
For more information, call
Meadowood Baptist Church,
662-256-5616, or email mead-
owoodamory@gmail.com.
Prayer for Youth
Every 2nd and 3rd Sat-
urday, Pleasant Ridge Faith
Center hosts a prayer for the
youth from 2-3 p.m.
Prayer, Free Coffee
Mount Zion Missionary
Baptist Church, 2221 14th
Ave. N., hosts free coffee and
a prayer community outreach
service from 8-9 a.m. every
5th Saturday. For information,
contact Jesse Slater, 662-
328-4979.
Radio Program
Apostles Patrick Perkins
invites the public to tune in to
WTWG, radio 1050 AM for Per-
fecting the Saints Broadcast,
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.
Women Prayer,
Worship Service
Church of the Eternal
Word, 106 22nd St. S., holds
a prayer and worship service
every Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
Call Marie Nabors, 662-549-
4322 or 662-329-1234, for
prayer requests.
Prayer Ministry
New Beginning Everlasting
Outreach Ministry invites the
public to call in with their
prayer requests at 662-327-
9843.
Prayer Service
Church of the Eternal Word,
106 22nd. St. S., Columbus,
holds prayer service Thurs-
day nights 5-6 p.m. Contact
Marie Nabors, 662-549-4322.
Church service times: Sunday
school 10 a.m.; Sunday
worship 11:15 a.m.; Tuesday
Bible study 7 p.m. For informa-
tion, call Pastor District Elder
Lou Nabors, 662-329-1234.
Fitness
Transformations
The Transformational
Church, 2301 Jess Lyons
Road, hosts boxing lessons
Mondays and Wednesday
from 5-7 p.m., weight-loss
boot camp Tuesdays and
Thursdays 5-7 p.m. and both
on Saturdays 9-11 a.m.
Youth Fellowship
The Transformational
Church, 2301 Jess Lyons
Road, hosts Youth Fellowship
from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tues-
day. Games, prayer, service,
food, & more. Transportation
available. For information, call
Iris Roberson, 662-295-7456.
 this Court by Christine Winter tion of Heirship and Wrongful YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE found therein after diligent in-

Classifieds
Frost in Motion to Determine Death Beneficiaries. ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR quiry, and whose post office
Heirship. RIGHTS. address, except as set forth

Ads appear in The Commercial Dispatch,

You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against
You are required to mail or
hand-deliver a copy of a writ-
above, is unknown to the Peti-
tioner after diligent inquiry.

The Starkville Dispatch and Online

plaint or petition filed against
you in this action at 9:00 A.M.
on the 13th day of April, 2020,
in the courtroom of the
Lowndes County Courthouse at
Columbus, Mississippi, and in
case of your failure to appear
and defend a judgment will be
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
Legal Notices Legal Notices Legalmay
you Notices
do so if you desire.
you in this action at 9:00 A.M.
on the 17th day of March,
2020, in the courtroom of the
Lowndes County Courthouse at
Columbus, Mississippi, and in
case of your failure to appear
To place ads starting at only $12,
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
and defend a judgment will be
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion. THE DISPATCH n
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
you may do so if you desire.
Legal Notices
ten response to the Petition to NOTICE TO DEFENDANT
Close Estate to Gary Street
Goodwin, attorney for the Exec- THE COMPLAINT OR PETITION
utrix, whose post office ad- WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS
dress is Post Office Box 524, SUMMONS IS IMPORTANT AND
Columbus, Mississippi 39703- YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE
0524, and whose street ad-
dress is The Plaza Building,
ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR
RIGHTS.
501 7th Street North, Suite
10, Columbus, Mississippi You are required to mail or
CDISPATCH.COM
39701. Your response FRIDAY,
n must FEBRUARYa28,
be hand-deliver copy2020 n 5B
of a writ-
mailed or delivered within thirty ten response to the Petition to
(30) days from the date of the Close Estate to Gary Street
first publication of this Sum- Goodwin, attorney for the Exec-
mons, or a judgment by de- utrix, whose post office ad-
Legal will
fault Notices
be entered against Legal Notices
dress is Post Office Box 524,

LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
The following vehicles have
been abandoned at Atlas Re-
covery & Towing, 4009 HWY
373, Columbus, MS 39705:
2004 Jeep Liberty
VIN# 1J4FK48124W205129
2001 Nissan Maxima
VIN# JN1CA31D31T828317
1994 GMC Sonoma
VIN# 1GTCS19Z2R8510735
IF THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT
CLAIMED THEY WILL BE PUT
UP FOR SALE ON THE 13TH
DAY OF MARCH, 2020 AT 6:00
A.M. AT ATLAS RECOVERY &
TOWING, 4009 HWY 373,
COLUMBUS, MS 39705.
Witnessed under my hand on
this the 26th day of February,
2020.
/s/Frank Stump
PUBLISH: 2/28 & 2/6/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: ESTATE OF BRUCE
HENDERSON, DECEASED
ROBERT BRIAN HENDERSON,
EXECUTOR
CAUSE NO.: 2020-00022-JNS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
Bruce Henderson, Deceased,
by the Chancery Court of
Lowndes County, Mississippi,
on the 11th day of February
2020. This is to give notice to Mississippi Code Ann. Section
all persons having claims
against said estate to Probate fer for sale and sell to the
and Register same with the
Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF CURTIS
LEE MOORE, DECEASED
BY: REGINALD J. MOORE, PETI-
TIONER
CAUSE NO.: 2019-0221-JNS
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: THE KNOWN AND UN-
KNOWN HEIRS of Curtis Lee
Moore, Deceased.
You have been made a Re-
spondent in the suit filed in
this Court by Reginald J. Moore ary, 2020. This is to give no-
in Complaint to Determine Heir- tice to all persons having
ship.
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against ninety (90) days from the first
you in this action at 9:00 A.M. publication date of this Notice
on the 13th day of April, 2020, to Creditors. A failure to so pro-
in the courtroom of the
Lowndes County Courthouse at will forever bar that claim.
Columbus, Mississippi, and in
case of your failure to appear
and defend a judgment will be
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are not required to file an 3/13/2020
answer or other pleading, but
you may do so if you desire.
ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND SIPPI
THE SEAL OF SAID COURT¸ this
the 25th day of February,
2020.
/s/ Cindy E. Goode by
Shantrell W. Granderson, D.C.
CINDY GOODE, Chancery Clerk
Lowndes County, Mississippi
Publish 2/28, 3/6,
3/13/2020
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice of Sale of contents of
self storage unit. Pursuant to
85-7-125, U-stor Inside will of- You have been made a Re-
highest bidder, for cash, the
contents of the following cli-
mate controlled storage units:
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
TATE OF JAMES MORRIS
REEVES, DECEASED
CAUSE NO.2020-0028-S
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
James Morris Reeves, De-
ceased, by the Chancery Court
of Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi, on the 24th day of Febru-
claims against said estate to
probate and register same with
the Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
bate and register said claim
This the 26th day of February,
2020.
/s/ Lee Alan Harris
LEE ALAN HARRIS, Executor
PUBLISH: 2/28, 3/6, &
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF KAREN
NIX WINTER, DECEASED
BY: CHRISTINE WINTER FROST, and defend a judgment will be
PETITIONER
CAUSE NO.: 2019-00240-JNS
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: THE KNOWN AND UN-
KNOWN HEIRS of Karen Nix
Winter, Deceased.
spondent in the suit filed in
this Court by Christine Winter
Frost in Motion to Determine
Heirship.
ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND
THE SEAL OF SAID COURT¸ this
the 25th day of February,
2020.
/s/ Cindy E. Goode by
Shantrell W. Granderson, D.C.
CINDY GOODE, Chancery Clerk
Lowndes County, Mississippi
Publish: 2/28, 3/6,
3/13/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF MAR-
ILYN HARRIS THOMPSON,
DECEASED
BY: SHERRY DIANE EADS,
PETITIONER
CAUSE NO.: 2019-0186-JNS
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: THE KNOWN AND UN-
KNOWN HEIRS of Marilyn
Thompson, Deceased.
You have been made a Re-
spondent in the suit filed in
this Court by Sherry Diane
Eads in Petition for Determina-
tion of Heirship and Wrongful
Death Beneficiaries.
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against
you in this action at 9:00 A.M.
on the 17th day of March,
2020, in the courtroom of the
Lowndes County Courthouse at
Columbus, Mississippi, and in
case of your failure to appear
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
you may do so if you desire.
ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND
THE SEAL OF SAID COURT, this
the 11th day of February,
One call will bring you
2020.
results.
/s/ Cindy Goode by Shantrell
W.
662-328-2424
Granderson, D.C.
CINDY GOODE, Chancery Clerk
ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND
THE SEAL OF SAID COURT, this
the 11th day of February,
2020.
/s/ Cindy Goode by Shantrell
W. Granderson, D.C.
CINDY GOODE, Chancery Clerk
Lowndes County, Mississippi
PUBLISH: 2/14, 2/21 &
2/28/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: MATTER OF THE LAST
WILL AND TESTAMENT OF WIL-
BERT THOMAS, SR., DE-
CEASED, VERONICA THOMAS
HAIRSTON, EXECUTRIX
CAUSE NO. 2019-0066
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: MARY GUNTER THOMAS,
222 Sara Sista Circle, Harvest,
AL 35749, who is an adult non-
resident of the State of Missis-
sippi, or not to be found
therein after diligent inquiry,
and whose post office address,
except as set forth above, is
unknown to the Petitioner after
diligent inquiry.
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT
THE COMPLAINT OR PETITION
WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS
SUMMONS IS IMPORTANT AND
YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE
ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR
RIGHTS.
You are required to mail or
hand-deliver a copy of a writ-
ten response to the Petition to
Close Estate to Gary Street
Goodwin, attorney for the Exec-
utrix, whose post office ad-
dress is Post Office Box 524,
Columbus, Mississippi 39703-
0524, and whose street ad-
dress is The Plaza Building,
501 7th Street North, Suite
10, Columbus, Mississippi
39701. Your response must be
mailed or delivered within thirty
(30) days from the date of the
first publication of this Sum-
mons, or a judgment by de-
fault will be entered against
you for the money or other
things demanded in the Com-
you for the money or other
things demanded in the Com-
plaint.
You must also file the original
or your response with the clerk 39701. Your response must be
of this Court within a reason-
able time afterward.
Issued under my hand and the mons, or a judgment by de-
seal of said Court, this the
19th day of February, 2020.
CINDY GOODE, LOWNDES
COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK
P.O. BOX 684, COLUMBUS, MS You must also file the original
39703
(SEAL)
BY: SHANTRELL W. GRANDER- able time afterward.
SON D.C.
Publication dates: February 21, seal of said Court, this the
28 and March 6, 2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: MATTER OF THE LAST
WILL AND TESTAMENT OF WIL-
BERT THOMAS, SR., DE-
CEASED, VERONICA THOMAS
HAIRSTON, EXECUTRIX
CAUSE NO. 2019-0066
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: SYLVIA THOMAS ROSS,
256 West Indian Creek Drive,
Mobile, Al 36607, who is an
adult non-resident of the State
of Mississippi, or not to be
found therein after diligent in-
quiry, and whose post office
address, except as set forth
above, is unknown to the Peti-
tioner after diligent inquiry.
NOTICE TO DEFENDANT
THE COMPLAINT OR PETITION
WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THIS
SUMMONS IS IMPORTANT AND
YOU MUST TAKE IMMEDIATE
ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR
RIGHTS.
You are required to mail or
hand-deliver a copy of a writ-
ten response to the Petition to
Close Estate to Gary Street
Goodwin, attorney for the Exec-
utrix, whose post office ad-
dress is Post Office Box 524,
Columbus, Mississippi 39703-
0524, and whose street ad-
Columbus, Mississippi 39703-
0524, and whose street ad-
dress is The Plaza Building,
501 7th Street North, Suite
10, Columbus, Mississippi
mailed or delivered within thirty
(30) days from the date of the
first publication of this Sum-
fault will be entered against
you for the money or other
things demanded in the Com-
plaint.
or your response with the clerk
of this Court within a reason-
Issued under my hand and the
19th day of February, 2020.
CINDY GOODE, LOWNDES
COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK
P.O. BOX 684, COLUMBUS, MS
39703
(SEAL)
BY: SHANTRELL W. GRANDER-
SON D.C.
Publication dates: February 21,
28 and March 6, 2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATIER OF THE ES-
TATE OF VICKIE REED, DE-
CEASED
RAYMOND REED, PETITIONER
NO. 2019-0159-F
SUMMONS
(Publication)
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
TO: HEIRS-AT-LAW AND
WRONGFUL DEATH BENEFI-
CIARIES OF VICKIE REED, DE-
CEASED
You have been made a Defend-
ant in the suit filed in this
Court by Raymond Reed. Peti-
tioner, to determine Heirs-at-
Law and Wrongful Death Bene-
ficiaries. Defendants other
than you in this action are one.
You are summoned to appear
then and there at 9:00 a.m. on
the 13th day of April, 2020, at

ninety (90) days from this date.
A failure to so Probate and Re- Unit C1, Sharonna Crosby
gister said claim will forever
bar the same.
This the 11th day of February
2020.
Robert Brian Henderson
ROBERT BRIAN HENDERSON
PUBLISH: 2/14, 2/21, &
2/28/2020
All notices must be days.
emailed to
classifieds@
cdispatch.com.
1315 5th St. S.
Columbus, MS 39705
The aforementioned Lessees
have rent due on the self stor-
age unit which remains unpaid Lowndes County Courthouse at
and to whom proper notice
been given according to law.
has Columbus, Mississippi, and in
The contents of the above unit and defend a judgment will be
will be sold at public auction on entered against you for the
March 8th on line at selfstor-
ageauction.com and run for 3
Winner bidder will clean
out said Unit at U-stor Inside,
213 Alabama St, Columbus,
Ms 39702
Publish: 2/28/2020
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against 2/28/2020
you in this action at 9:00 A.M.
on the 13th day of April, 2020,
in the courtroom of the
case of your failure to appear
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
you may do so if you desire.
ISSUED UNDER MY HAND AND
THE SEAL OF SAID COURT¸ this
the 25th day of February,
2020.
Service Directory
Lowndes County, Mississippi plaint.
PUBLISH: 2/14, 2/21 & You must also file the original
or your response with the clerk
of this Court within a reason-
able time afterward.
Issued under my hand and the
Promote your small business
seal of saidstarting at only $25
Court, this the
19th day of February, 2020.
Automotive Services ChildcareGOODE, LOWNDES
CINDY
COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK
P.O. BOX 684, COLUMBUS,
CHILDCARE SERVICESMS
39703
Look No Further!!
( Quality
S E A L )Childcare Services
BY: SHANTRELL W. GRANDER-
SONAre D.C.Available For The
Golden Triangle Area!!
662.343.8386
Publication or 21, seal of662−497−1388
dates: February
28662.813.3672.
and March 6, 2020 Serious
Inquiries Only, Please!!
General Services
dress is The Plaza Building, the Oktibbeha County Chan-
501 7th Street North, Suite cery Courthouse in Starkville,
10, Columbus, Mississippi Mississippi, to show cause, if
39701. Your response must be you can, why the Petition filed
mailed or delivered within thirty in this civil action by said Ray-
(30) days from the date of the mond Reed, and exhibited
first publication of this Sum- against you should not be al-
mons, or a judgment by de- lowed and approved and relief
fault will be entered against
you for the money or other
demanded therein granted.
things demanded in the Com- You are not required to file an
General Services
plaint. General Services
answer or other pleadings but
may do so if desired. Issued
You must also
GRAVEL. $360file PER
the original
LOAD. under my hand WARRIORS.
WEEKEND and the seal of
or your delivery,
response 14 withyd
thetruck.
clerk said Court thisproblems,
the 26th day
weof
Local
of Backhoe
this Court &
within a reason-
You
February,
have
2020.
Dozer work. have answers. 30 years
able time afterward.
Mobile Home Pads & expE.inGOODE,
roofing,Clerk
drywall,
CINDY
Driveways.
Issued under my hand and the painting,
BY: flooring,
Shantrell decking.
W. Granderson,
said Court, this the Free estimates. Local refs.
D.C.
19th day of February, 2020. (SEAL)662−386−3658.
MONOGRAMMING
CINDY GOODE, LOWNDES Lawn Care /2/28,
PUBLISH: Landscaping
3/6, &
COUNTY CHANCERY CLERK 3/13/2020

/s/ Cindy E. Goode by

Shantrell W. Granderson, D.C.
CINDY GOODE, Chancery Clerk
Carpet & Flooring

CARPET INSTALLATION.
A & T TREE SERVICES
Bucket truck & stump
Just for Ladies
P.O. BOX 684, COLUMBUS, MS
39703
(SEAL)
BY: SHANTRELL W. GRANDER-
JESSE & BEVERLY’S
LAWN SERVICE
Mowing, cleanup,
SONMossy
D.C.Oak Mall • West Point
Re−Stretch & Repair also removal. Free est. landscaping, sodding,
Lowndes County, Mississippi avail. I accept select jobs. Serving Columbus & tree cutting.
662-492-4221 • Mon.-Sat.
Looking Publish:
for2/28,
3/13/2020
goods
3/6,
Call Walt, 662−574−8134. since 1987. Senior
citizen disc. Call Alvin @
Publication
CHILDREN’S &dates:
28 and March 6, 2020
February 21,
LADIES’ CONSIGNMENT
662−356−6525
Painting & Papering
or services?
242−0324/241−4447

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ON

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E Starkville, MS
W ELER
J

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DAVID’S CARPET & washing, landscaping,

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CLEANING 662−242−3608. CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
1 Room − $50 $545 plus Filing Fee
2 Rooms − $70 GET YOUR PRIVACY CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY
3+ Rooms − $30 EA All Attorney Fees Through The Plan

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Text/Call 662−549−7167.
Jim Arnold, Attorney
with the classified
662-324-1666
service directory.
104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville

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$12
Law and Wrongful Death Bene-
6B Friday,
ficiaries. February
Defendants other 28, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
than you in this action are one.
Legalare
You Notices
summoned to appear Apts For Rent: Other General Merchandise

Rentals Real Estate

then and there at 9:00 a.m. on
the 13th day of April, 2020, at
the Oktibbeha County Chan-
cery Courthouse in Starkville,
Mississippi, to show cause, if
you can, why the Petition filed
in this civil action by said Ray-
mond Reed, and exhibited
against you should not be al-
lowed and approved and relief
demanded therein granted.
You are not required to file an
COLEMAN
WANTED FREON R12.
We pay CA$H. ON THE WEB
RENTALS R12 R500 R11.
Ads starting at $25 TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS
Ads starting at $25 Convenient. Visit www.cdispatch.com
Certified professionals.
for a printable copy of
Apts For Rent: South 1 BEDROOM Houses For Sale: North 312−291−9169
RefrigerantFinders.com/ad
2BR/2BA, newly renovated
2 BEDROOMS FSBO: 3BR/2BA, 3304 5th these puzzles.
downtown apt. Roof deck, 3 BEDROOMS St N. Fenced back yard w/
open concept. $1,200/mo sm shop. Great neighbor− WHITE POSTER
LEASE, BOARDS.

© The Dispatch
answer or other pleadings but + dep. 662−328−8655. hood. $110,000. 662−356
24"x23"
may do so if desired. Issued
under my hand and the seal of Apts For Rent: West DEPOSIT −4764 or 901−848−0051.
$0.50 each.
said Court this the 26th day of AND Houses For Sale: Caledonia 100 in stock.

VIP
February, 2020. Visit 516 Main St. or
CREDIT CHECK FSBO: 3BR/2BA ON 2.5 call 662−328−2424.
CINDY E. GOODE, Clerk

Rentals
ACRES. 1600 sqft.
BY: Shantrell W. Granderson,
D.C. 662-329-2323 Completely remodeled.
$178,000. 662−386−
Sporting Goods
(SEAL)
Apartments & Houses 2411 HWY 45 N 7113. ED SANDERS GUNSMITH
PUBLISH: 2/28, 3/6, & OPEN FOR SEASON!
3/13/2020
1 Bedrooms COLUMBUS, MS Lots & Acreage
9−5: Tues−Fri &
2 Bedroooms 1.75 ACRE LOTS. 9−12: Sat.
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF Commercial Property For Rent Over 50 years experience!
Good/Bad Credit Options.
3 Bedrooms
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- Repairs, cleaning,
SIPPI FOR RENT LOCATED NEAR Good credit as low as 10%
down, $299/mo. Eaton refinishing, scopes
Furnished & Unfurnished
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
DOWNTOWN. 3,000 sq. ft. mounted & zeroed,
truck terminal, 9,500 sq. Land, 662−361−7711.
TATE OF VICKIE REED, DE- handmade knives.
CEASED 1, 2, & 3 Baths ft. shop & 3,200 sq. ft.
office/shop. Buildings can
Located: Hwy 45 Alt, North
of West Point, turn right on
Lease, Deposit
RAYMOND REED, PETITIONER
Garage Sales
be rented together or Yokahama Blvd, 8mi & turn
NO. 2019-0159-F
& Credit Check separately. All w/ excellent
access & Hwy. 82 visibility.
left on Darracott Rd, see
sign, 2.5mi ahead, shop on
viceinvestments.com 662−327−9559. left. 662−494−6218.
Two free signs
327-8555
SUMMONS
(Publication)
Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
Houses For Rent: North
Estate Sales
Vehicles
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES Apts For Rent: Other 2BR/1.5BA @ 8827 HWY

TO: BRIAN KEITH NICHOLS,

45 N. CH/A, carport & in− Indoor Sale @ 2212 New
1ST MONTH − RENT FREE! door utility room. Caledonia Hope Rd. Clothes, books, Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
whose address is unknown to
Petitioner after diligent search
1−2 BR Apt: $350−435 Schools. $700/mo & dep etc. Fri/Sat/Sun, 6a−6p. Sudoku Ads starting at $12
a 9x9 gridis a several
with num- 2 9 8 7 4 6 1 5 3
1−2BR TwnHome: req. 205−712−5901.
and inquiry.
M−F call 901−293−7608. ber-placing
given numbers.puzzle
The object 6 5 7 3 1 9 2 8 4

2020 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

You have been made a Defend-
Lease, Dep, Credit Check. COLONIAL TOWNHOUSES.
ant in the suit filed in this
Court by Raymond Reed, Peti-
tioner, to determine Heirs-at-
Law and Wrongful Death Bene-
ficiaries. Defendants other
than you in this action are
none.
You are summoned to appear
then and there at 9:00 a.m. on
the 13th day of April, 2020, at
the Oktibbeha County Chan-
cery Courthouse in Starkville,0
Mississippi, to show cause, if
you can, why the Petition filed
in this civil action by said Ray-
mond Reed, and exhibited
against you , should not be al-
lowed and approved and relief
demanded therein granted.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
may do so if desired: Issued
under my hand and the seal of
said Court this the 26th day of
February, 2020.
CINDY E. GOODE, Clerk
BY: Shantrell W. Granderson,
D.C.
(SEAL)
PUBLISH: 2/28, 3/6, &
3/13/2020
$625−650
Garage Sales: East Autos For Sale based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 4 1 3 2 5 8 9 6 7
Coleman Realty 2 & 3 bedroom w/ 2−3 grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 3 8 1 4 7 5 6 2 9
2005 FORD FIVE
662−329−2323 bath townhouses. $625 to STORAGE SALE Gateway
Mini Storage. 201 Alabama HUNDRED SEL, $3000 given
so thatnumbers. The 9 7 6 8 2 3 5 4 1
each row, each
well maintained, very good object
column is andtoeach
place
3x3 the
$675. 662−549−9555.
Ask for Glenn or text. St. Sat. 10 am−until. box 5 2 4 6 9 1 7 3 8
Everything must go. condition, no accidents, numbers
contains the1sameto 9 number
in
new tires, garage kept, the empty spaces so 8 4 9 1 6 2 3 7 5
GREAT LOCATION! Dead Garage Sales: New Hope regular maintenance. Call only once. The difficulty 1 3 2 5 8 7 4 9 6
end street. Very private and that each row, each
662−570−5673. level increases from
country atmosphere with 1059 NEW HOPE RD. Fri & column and each 7 6 5 9 3 4 8 1 2
city convenience. Updated Sat, 8am−5pm. All new Campers & RVs Monday
3x3 box tocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 2/27
and remodeled. $850/mo. merchandise. Prices
901−413−8121. reduced. 662−328−0094. 2012 JAYCO EAGLE 5th
the same number only once. The difficulty level
WHEEL. 39ft, 4 slide−outs. increases from Monday to Sunday.
Houses For Rent: South MOVING SALE! 72 Wind 2BR, 48" TV & 27" TV.
Path off Oswalt Rd. Gener− $26,500. 662−386−9605.
FOR RENT: 408 11th Ave ator, motorcycle, furn, h/h, Motorcycles & ATVs
S. 3BR/2BA, CH/A,
clothes, & so much more!
garage, fenced yard, quiet
neighborhood, recent Garage Sales: Other 1993 KAWASAKI
remodel. Call 662−752− VOYAGER XII Only 25,500
9010. miles. Runs & looks good.
5532 HWY 50 E Fri., Sat.,
& Sun. 7am−until. Jewelry, No problems. $3000 OBO.
Houses For Rent: Other turn., toys, tools, clothes, Can be seen local.
dishes, antiques & more. 501−545−7750.
RENTALS 1999 ROADSTAR 1600
802 17th St. N. All Only 45k miles. Hard bags,
Merchandise
electric, 2BR/1BA, rider & passenger back
DOWNTOWN: 2BR/1BA Renovated with fresh
CH&A, 1 story, W/D, rests w/ luggage rack, has
paint, new appliances, windshield. Ready to ride!
historic district, 1 block ceramic tile bath.
from downtown. $435/mo. Lease, Ads starting at $12 $3000 OBO. Can be seen
local. 501−545−7750.
$575/mo. + $575 dep. deposit, credit check.
NO PETS. 662−574−8789.
Peaceful & Quiet area.
No pets. Farm Equipment & Supplies
2017 Harley Davidson CVO

Employment 1933 Cherry St. 2BR/ Street Glide Special

JOHN DEERE MODEL M Starfire Black. Beautiful
1BA, CH&A, fresh paint, TRACTOR. A set of one row
appliances. Lease, Bike with 2 luggage racks
cultivators w/ hydraulic lift, and saddle bag inserts.
deposit, credit check.
Call us: 662-328-2424 $435/mo. No Pets
has been repainted, looks
good & runs good, $3500.
Excellent Condition.
$25,500.00
Call 662−436−2037. 662−574−9663
General Help Wanted Downtown Area. 2BR/
1BA. CH&A, hardwood,
CALEDONIA BUSINESS appliances. Walk to 2015 Harley Davidson
needs General Laborer. MUW, churches, shops.
Too much VROD Night Rod Edition.

STUFF?
Valid driver's license, $675/mo. No Pets, no Dark Red with 8,000 miles.
transportation & experi- smoking. Lease, Excellent Condition.
ence helpful. Will train on You’ll find the best deals deposit, credit/ $8,500.00
the job if needed. Call when you advertise reference check. 662−574−9663
Jesse & Beverly's Lawn NO HUD.
Service at 662-356-6525. and shop here! 2014 Harley Davidson CVO
South Columbus. 3 BR/ Limited. Silver and Sunset
ads.cdispatch.com ads.cdispatch.com 1BA brick house. Orange, approx. 20,000
Renovated, CH&A, new miles, new front and rear
appliances, carpet, tires and battery.
Medical / Dental fresh paint. Lease until Excellent Condition.
closing with approved $15,500.00
applicant. No pets. No 662−574−9663
smoking. $675. Lease,
deposit, credit check.
NO HUD.
Sell idle items
LONG & LONG REAL
ESTATE with a quick action
662−328−0770 classified ad.

Mobile Homes for Rent

Start your
ACROSS
RENT A CAMPER!
de-cluttering by Five Questions: 1 Unable to do
CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL!
Utilities & cable included,
placing a garage well
6 Quarterback
from $145/wk − $535/mo sale ad today! 1 “The Curious John
Case of Benjamin
Columbus & County School
locations. 662−242−7653 11 Skylit lobbies
12 Paris sight
Button”
or 601−940−1397.
Ads starting at... 13 Fire starter
2 Linkedin
1 day $10 14 Airs
RV/MOBILE HOME SITE
near CAFB, Caledonia 15 Yale rooter
schools. Call 601−940−

3 day $18
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3 Mike Scioscia
1397.
mother
Office Spaces For Rent 18 Monk’s title
OFFICE SPACE FOR
LEASE. 1112 Main St.,
6 day $34 4 Pennsylvania
19 — Andreas
20 Caret’s key
Ste. 5. 3700 sq. ft. Price includes 4 lines of text; 21 Refiner’s
Plenty of private parking.
$1/line after base cost. supply
662−327−9559. 5 Keanu Reeves 22 Magnate
24 Symbol of 43 Singer 9 Soft yarn
grace Haggard 10 Toadies
25 Robin Hood 44 Takes a 17 Shoe style
weapon breather 23 Punch-in-the-
27 Stew meat 45 Moves cau- gut response
29 Houston team tiously 24 Boston team,
32 Thurman of for short
film DOWN 26 “I have no
33 Soccer’s 1 Most con- clue”
Hamm temptible 27 Stick in the
34 Take in 2 Frolicking fridge
35 Toe count 3 Clog treat- 28 Come into
36 Gifted ments view
37 Brood 4 Vacuum lack 30 Pester
watcher 5 Adopts 31 Detects
38 Low cards 6 English county 33 Ship poles
40 Winter gliders 7 Summer sign 39 So far
42 Long-plumed 8 Workers with 41 Pasture
bird squeegees

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