Established 1879 | Columbus, Mississippi

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Thursday | June 11, 2020

Majority of local delegation

supports flag change legislation
The Mississip-
pi state flag Chism, McLean say voters should decide issue at polls
flies over the BY SLIM SMITH left corner — is facing a real challenge
Lowndes Coun- ssmith@cdispatch.com
ty Courthouse for the first time since 2001, when voters
on Wednesday rejected a change in the flag by a 2-to-1
in Columbus.
Since 2015, bills filed INSIDE margin.
During the in the Mississippi Legisla- n OUR VIEW: House Speaker Philip Gunn, among
Jesus and ture to remove the state’s Time for a the first of the statewide elected officials
state flag that
Justice Rally current flag, adopted in makes a bet- to express his personal objection to the
outside the 1894, have died in com- ter statement. flag, has given his approval for House
courthouse mittee in both chambers. Page 4A members to poll their ranks to see if
on Sunday, That may be changing. there is enough support for a flag change
speakers said With a renewed demand from coast to to pass a bill, yet to be written, to remove
changing the coast to address racial injustice, which the Confederate symbolism.
state flag is
has included marches and protests If the votes are there, a bill will be
one way to ad-
dress systemic throughout the state, the state flag — drafted. If passed, it would proceed to
racism. with the conspicuous Confederate battle the Senate for its determination.
Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff flag emblem emblazoned in the upper See FLAG CHANGE, 6A

BUSINESS MOVES
WITH MARY
HOP, SKIP AND JUMP

UEC Theatre
prepares
for reopening
in Starkville
PLUS: Super Crown
Wings opens in Columbus
BY MARY POLLITZ
biz@cdispatch.com

A
fter

about a
three-
month
drought,
Starkville’s
movie
theater
will reopen
Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff
June 19. From left, Max Wang, Stacy Wang, 10, Cherri Zhang, 9, and Li Zhang play jump rope on Wednesday evening on the Drill Field
UEC Mary Pollitz
in Starkville. Stacy’s little brother Kaiden, 4, and Cherri’s little sister, Anna, 4 were also there to play. The families rode bikes,
Theatre’s played tag and played limbo.
general manager Seth Parsley con-
firmed the theater’s reopening and
said showtimes and movie lists will
be available “as soon as possible.”
The movie realm will not be
business as usual, though. Each
auditorium will operate at half
capacity. Staff will also encourage
Nonprofit Mississippi 30 Day Fund aims to be
moviegoers to socially distance
from other guests. With half ‘a quick shot in the arm’ for local businesses
capacity this should be an easily
achieved feat and one I honestly Donations drive forgivable loan program that offers up later when they’re in better financial
shape. It’s also built on being fast: The
prefer abiding by regardless of a
global pandemic. to $3K to small businesses during pandemic fund aims to wire the money directly
to qualifying businesses who applied
Like most area businesses,
guests cannot enter if they are BY THEO DEROSA can pay your bills. You can pay your within three days. Master’s of Business
running a fever or showing any tderosa@cdispatch.com bills, and you can be open another day,” Administration students at Mississippi
signs of COVID-19. UEC also will she said. “Sometimes you just need a lit- State and law students at the University
stagger showtimes and encourage C olu mbus - L ow ndes tle bridge to get to the other side.” of Mississippi School of Law are review-
guests to wear face masks while in Chamber of Commerce That’s precisely why James is in favor ing applications on a volunteer basis.
the lobby. Highly frequented areas President Lisa James of the new Mississippi 30 Day Fund, a Marie Sanderson of Ocean Springs,
will be sanitized regularly. knows a little bit of money nonprofit that launched Monday to fund who founded the fund with her husband
Once open, UEC will air “older” can make a big difference businesses who are in need of financial Brian, said the faster businesses can re-
movies until newer movies start for businesses struggling help because of the COVID-19 pandem- ceive money, the better.
premiering again around mid-Ju- financially. ic. “Last month, in a response to a survey
ly. Until those new movies are As soon as even a small James The organization is fueled by dona- by Main Street America, two-thirds of
released, the Starkville theater will contribution comes in, tions, with businesses that receive up Mississippi small businesses said they
have $5 movies, all day, every day. James said, the ball starts rolling. to the maximum $3,000 forgivable loan feared having to close their doors within
See BUSINESS, 6A “You have customers, and now you from the fund asked to “pay it forward” See 30 DAY FUND, 3A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

Campbell Callaway
Fifth grade, Annunciation
1 Which city’s football team perked up gameday MEETINGS
entertainment with a coed cheerleading squad in June 12: Lown-
1961, called the CowBelles & Beaux? des County School
2 Which food sensitivity plagued Ötzi the Iceman, District, 12:30 p.m.,
a Bronze Age mummy found in the Tyrolean Alps?
Central Office
3 Which TV law drama began with a slap in
2009, and ended with a slap in 2016 after its June 15: Lowndes
seven-year run? County Board of Su-
4 What was the first name of the Zulu king who pervisors meeting,
ruled most of southern Africa in the early 1800s? 9 a.m., Lowndes

85 Low 61
5 Which two super-popular hip-hop trios joined
County Courthouse
High forces for 1987’s Together Forever tour?
June 16: Columbus
Sunny Answers, 6B City Council, Mu-
Full forecast on
nicipal Complex, 5
page 3A.
p.m., stream live at
facebook.com/City-
Ariel Mullins lives in Macon and came
INSIDE to downtown Columbus on June 4 to ofColumbusMS/
celebrate her older sister’s birthday. June 25: Clay
Business 3B Dear Abby 3B Mullins loves to take photos and one of County Board of
Classifieds 6B Obituaries 5A
her favorite qualities about herself is that Supervisors, 9 a.m.
141st Year, No. 78 Comics 3B
Crossword 6B
Opinions 4A
she’s friendly. Courthouse

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Trump: No change at bases

named for Confederate officers
Press secretary:
President ‘fervently’
opposed to changing
names, doing so would
Jefferson Davis statue torn down
by protesters in Richmond, Virginia
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

amount to ‘complete RICHMOND, Va. — Protesters tore down a statue of Confederate

disrespect’ for soldiers
who trained there
BY ROBERT BURNS
AP National Security Writer
WASHINGTON — President
Donald Trump on Wednesday said
his administration will “not even
consider” changing the name of
any of the 10 Army bases that are
named for Confederate Army offi-
cers. Two days earlier, Defense Sec-
retary Mark Esper indicated that
he was open to a broad discussion
of such changes.
“These Monumental and very
Powerful Bases have become part
of a Great American Heritage, a
history of Winning, Victory, and
Freedom,” Trump wrote. “The Unit-
ed States of America trained and
deployed our HEROES on these
Hallowed Grounds, and won two
World Wars. Therefore, my Admin-
istration will not even consider the
renaming of these Magnificent and
Fabled Military Installations.”
Name changes have not been
proposed by the Army or the Pen-
tagon, but on Monday, Esper and
Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy
indicated in response to questions
from reporters that they were “open
to a bipartisan discussion” of re-
naming bases such as Fort Bragg in
North Carolina and Fort Benning in
Georgia.
Supporters of disassociating mil-
itary bases from Confederate Army
President Jefferson Davis along Richmond, Virginia’s famed Monument
Avenue on Wednesday night.
The statue in the former capital of the Confederacy was toppled
shortly before 11 p.m., news outlets reported.
Richmond police were on the scene and videos on social media
showed the monument being towed away as a crowd cheered.
About 80 miles away, protesters in Portsmouth beheaded and then
pulled down four statues that were part of a Confederate monument on
Wednesday, according to media outlets.
Efforts to tear one of the statues down began around 8:20 p.m., but
the rope they were using snapped, The Virginian-Pilot reported.
The crowd was frustrated by the Portsmouth City Council’s decision
to put off moving the monument. They switched to throwing bricks
from the post that held the plaque they had pulled down as they initially
worked to bring down the statue.
officers argue that they represent time the nation is wrestling with
the racism and divisiveness of the questions of race after the death of
Civil War era and glorify men who George Floyd in police hands. The
fought against the United States. Navy and the Marine Corps are now
To amplify Trump’s view, his banning public displays of the Con-
press secretary, Kayleigh McE- federate Army battle flag on their
nany, read his tweets to reporters installations, casting their decision
in the White House briefing room. as necessary to preserve cohesion
She said he is “fervently” opposed within the ranks.
to changing the base names and be- Ten major Army installations
lieves that doing so would amount to are named for Confederate Army
“complete disrespect” for soldiers officers, mostly senior generals, in-
who trained there over the years. cluding Robert E. Lee. Among the
The possibility of renaming the 10 is Fort Benning, the namesake of
bases, McEnany said, is “an abso- Confederate Army Gen. Henry L.
lute non-starter” for Trump. Benning, who was a leader of Geor-
If Congress were to pass legis- gia’s secessionist movement and
lation requiring name changes, he an advocate of preserving slavery.
would not sign it, she said. Others are in Virginia, North Car-
The U.S. military recently began olina, Alabama, Texas and Louisi-
rethinking its traditional connec- ana. The naming was done mostly
tion to Confederate Army symbols, after World War I and in the 1940s,
including the Army base names, in some cases as gestures of concil-
mindful of their divisiveness at a iation to the South.

‘Stop the pain,’ George Floyd’s brother pleads with Congress

‘Our country, this world needs the right thing’ amid a national debate
on policing and racial in-
Philonise Floyd
equality.
BY LISA MASCARO “I’m here today to ask Floyd challenged law-
AND ANDREW TAYLOR you to make it stop. Stop makers to be leaders:
The Associated Press
the pain,” Philonise Floyd “Our country, this world
told the silenced hearing needs the right thing.”
WASHINGTON —
George Floyd’s brother room. House Judiciary Com-
challenged Congress on Choking back tears, mittee Chairman Jerrold
Wednesday to “stop the he said he wants to make Nadler gaveled in the ses-
pain” as lawmakers con- sure that his brother, sion, with many lawmak-
sider a sweeping law en- whom he called “Perry,” ers and witnesses masked
forcement overhaul, so is “more than another during the COVID-19
the man he looked up to face on a T-shirt, more outbreak, as Democrats
won’t become just “anoth- than another name on a review the Justice in Po-
er name” on a growing list list that won’t stop grow- licing Act, a far-ranging
of black Americans killed ing.” package of proposals
during interactions with
police.
Philonise Floyd’s ap-
pearance before a House
hearing came a day after
funeral services for his
older brother, the 46-year-
old African American
whose death has become
a worldwide symbol in
demonstrations calling
for changes to police prac-
tices and an end to racial
prejudice.

Send in
your church event!

Email
editorialassistant@
cdispatch.com

Subject:
Religious brief
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 3A

Mississippi governor to lift curfew on bars, restaurants

New order will also allow fitness centers
and gyms to increase their customer
capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent
BY LEAH WILLINGHAM
The Associated Press/Report
for America
JACKSON — Mississippi
bars and restaurants that serve
alcohol will soon be able to stay
open later as Gov. Tate Reeves
prepares to lift a curfew he set
because of the coronavirus pan-
demic. Cases of COVID-19 are
still rising, and the state health
officer continued warning peo-
ple to be cautious.
A new executive order that
takes effect Monday will lift the
current 10 p.m. curfew for plac-
es that serve alcohol as long as
they “do their best” to reduce
customer capacity to 50 per-
cent, Reeves said Wednesday.
The new order will also allow
fitness centers and gyms to in-
crease their customer capacity
from 25 percent to 50 percent.
“That should allow many
workers to get closer and closer
to a normal paycheck and clos-
er and closer to normal hours,”
Reeves said.
Under the new order, recep-
tion halls will be able to open
at 50 percent capacity. Starting
Monday, arenas can host events
with no greater than 25 percent
capacity. Reeves announced
government entities will resume
normal business operations no
later than July 1.
Still, Reeves expressed con-
cern over several instances of
large gatherings occurring in
Mississippi recently, including a
protest against police brutality
that drew thousands to Jackson
on Saturday.
“When you consider the fact
that Memorial Day weekend
was two and a half weeks ago,
and these large protests have
taken place throughout our
state over the last 10 days, I’m
concerned that those numbers
are not going to decline signifi-
cantly any time soon,” Reeves
said.
The state health officer, Dr.
Thomas Dobbs, said he’s seeing
a pattern of young people get-
ting the virus after having par-
ties and taking the illness home
to older family members.
“Please, I’m about to say,
if you’re over 65, avoid your
grandkids,” Dobbs said.
Before the governor’s news
conference, people from the
restaurant, bar and entertain-
ment industry stood outside
the state office building where
Reeves would be speaking.
They said they had been hurt-
ing financially under the curfew.
Tracey Dickerson of Crystal
Springs said one of her sons
plays guitar in a band and the
other plays drums. Holding a
bright pink sign reading “All
jobs are essential after 10 p.m.,”
Dickerson said both had gigs
canceled last weekend. The
performances were supposed to
be some of their first since the
start of the pandemic.
“Most of the people in the
nightclub community don’t get
started until 10 o’clock,” Dicker-
son said. “My children lost out
on money and that’s how they
support themselves.”
Dickerson said, in her eyes,
the curfew was not doing much
to halt the spread of the virus.
“COVID doesn’t know the
difference between 9:59 and
10:01,” she said.
The Health Department said
Wednesday that Mississippi —
with a population of about 3 mil-
lion — has had at least 18,483
cases and 868 deaths from the
coronavirus as of Wednesday
evening. That was an increase
of 374 cases and 21 deaths from
the numbers reported a day ear-
lier; the latest count included
four deaths that occurred be-
tween May 26 and June 1, with
information from death certifi-
cates arriving later.
The number of coronavirus
infections is thought to be far
higher because many people
have not been tested, and stud-
ies suggest people can be in-
fected without feeling sick. For
most people, the coronavirus
causes mild or moderate symp-
toms that clear up within weeks.
For others, especially older
adults and people with existing
health problems, it can cause se-
vere symptoms and be fatal.
The Health Department
said at least 2,137 cases of the
virus have been confirmed in
long-term care facilities such as
nursing homes, with at least 447
virus-related deaths in those fa-
cilities.
The department also said
Wednesday that 223,195 corona-
virus tests had been conducted
in Mississippi as of Wednesday.
More than 9,442 of those were
blood tests that detect wheth-
er a person has antibodies that
usually show up after an infec-
tion is resolved.

30 Day Fund
Continued from Page 1A
five months,” Sanderson
said in an email. “So time
is of the essence here.”
To James, the pace of
the program is geared to-
ward keeping businesses
open just a few days lon-
ger to start with.
“I think the whole point
of it is, ‘You don’t have to
close this weekend. You
can stay open this week-
end,’” James said. “It’s
that quickly.”
Jennifer Gregory,
president of Downtown
Solutions for Relief Solu-
tions, is a friend of the
Sandersons nesses whose profits have be a quick shot in the arm pians continue to roll in,” of their revenue.
and one of drastically dwindled as for small businesses,” Gal- Grant said in an email “… “This is an absolutely
more than of the past few months,” loway said. Our goal is to fundraise critical provision for these
30 members Gregory said. Executive Director Ju- and fund simultaneously small businesses to pre-
of the 30 Brandt Galloway, own- lia Grant said the fund has — to keep funding quali- vent closure,” she said.
Day Fund’s er of Galloway Chandler no current overhead, rely- fying businesses as long Across the Golden
advisory McKinney Insurance in ing on seed money from as new donations permit.” Triangle, James feels the
board. The Columbus, is another board members and oth- Gregory knows how same way.
Gregory
former CEO member of the organiza- er donations to operate. many businesses in the “I think it’s a great idea,
of the Greater Starkville tion’s advisory board. He That’s part of what makes Starkville area depend on and I think as many Co-
Development Partnership said he was impressed the nonprofit alluring, she the presence of tourists lumbus businesses as pos-
said what small business- with how quickly the 30 said. for sports tournaments, sible should apply,” James
es need most right now is Day Fund was launched “One of the most ex- arts shows and other said.
capital, and the fund pro- and commended the citing aspects of working events, and she said the Interested business
vides that. Sandersons, whom he has with the Fund is that our fund came at the perfect owners can submit their
“The intention is for known for 20 years, for operating balance is con- time for many who have applications on the fund’s
these loans to prevent the setting it up. stantly in flux as donations lost those things and with website, ms30dayfund.
shutdown of small busi- “It’s really intended to from altruistic Mississip- them substantial portions com.

Crawford man charged with shooting into a dwelling

Columbus man charged in separate cyberstalking case according
to the press
DISPATCH STAFF REPORT of Crawford, has been Hubbard is currently release. In-
charged with shooting in custody at Lowndes vestigators
L owndes into an occupied dwell- County Adult Detention ident i f ied
County dep- ing, according to a Lown- Center. His bond had not John Ster-
uties have des County Sheriff’s Of- been set at the time the ling, 34, as
arrested a fice press release. press release was issued. the suspect- Sterling
man who Hubbard allegedly Also on Tuesday, depu-
ed individ-
allegedly shot at a dwelling on Ho- ties arrested a Columbus
fired multi- tel Street shortly after man in a separate inci- ual sending the threaten-
ple shots at midnight on May 14, the dent for cyberstalking. ing messages.
an occupied Hubbard press release said. Au- Deputies first received Sterling’s bond has
building in Crawford last thorities arrested Hub- a report from a victim re- been set at $5,000.
month. bard on Tuesday, accord- ceiving threatening text Suspects in both inci-
Jamie Hubbard, 24, ing to jail records. messages back in April, dents are still in custody.

AROUND THE STATE

Cruises halted by
virus plan return to
Mississippi River
VICKSBURG — Ef-
forts to reduce the spread
of the coronavirus have
further delayed the re-
turn of cruises along the
Mississippi River.
American Cruise
Lines announced this
week that it would re-
sume operations on the
river July 11, The Vicks-
burg Post reported. It
was previously expected
to resume in late June.
Vicksburg Conven-
tion and Visitors Bu-
reau Executive Director river due to the virus. Its
Laura Beth Strickland cruise is now expected to
told the newspaper that return to Vicksburg on
the American Harmony July 17.
cruise liner was now set
to arrive in Vicksburg on
July 13.
The American Queen
Steamboat Company also
delayed its return to the

AREA ARRESTS

Bankhead Burks Coleman Dooley Jr. Gardner Jackson

The following arrests
were made by Lowndes
County Sheriff’s Office:
n Mariah Bankead, 23,
was charged with burglary
of dwelling house and ma-
licious mischief-felony.
n Ledarius Burks, 23,
was charged with pos- Petty Robinson Smith Wright
session, sale, transfer of session of marijuana more n Donshay Robinson,
SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates

stolen firearm, resisting

peak-feeding times for fish and game.

than one ounce and failure 36, was charged posses- Major
Thurs.
5:55a
Fri.
6:39a
arrest and carrying of a to appear. sion with intent to distrib- Minor 12:29a 1:02a
concealed weapon. n Lillie Jackson, 41, ute and possession of a
Major 6:17p 7:00p
12:20p
Minor 11:23a
n Jasmine Coleman, was charged with burglary controlled substance.
Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

27, was charged with

of dwelling house and ma- n Tisha Smith, 43, was

conspiracy to commit a
crime-felony, suspended
drivers license and speed-
ing.
n James Dooley Jr., 33,
was charged with cyber-
stalking.
n Jervarkis Gardner,
20, was charged with pos-
licious mischief-felony.
n Lee Petty, 59, was
charged with driving un-
der the influence-4th or
subsequence offense, sus-
pended drivers license,
no insurance and expired
license tag.
charged with grand lar-
ceny-more than $500 and
possession of cocaine.
n James Wright, 42,
was charged with posses-
sion of methamphetamine
with intent to distribute
and littering.
The Dispatch
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Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
The Commercial Dispatch, P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703 Website: cdispatch.com/help
Published by Commercial Dispatch Publishing Company Inc., Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
Opinion
4A THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
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

SLIMANTICS
Time for a state flag that makes a better statement
M
ississippi’s
state flag is
back in the
news again.
In the wake of
recent events, with
Americans from
one end of the
country to the other
protesting racial
injustice and police
brutality against
black citizens, a lot Slim Smith
of people in our state
and thinking — and
just hear me out — that a state
flag with a big Confederate flag
in its canton may not be “a great
look.” Just a thought.
We’ve been having this
debate for years and years. In
2001, voters chose to retain
the flag by a 2-to-1 vote, but
that hasn’t ended the debate.
After Confederate flag-loving
Dylann Roof killed all those
black people in Charleston, S.C., about trying to offend black
Confederate imagery has fallen
out of fashion in most places.
Heck, even Walmart decided
to quit selling Confederate
merchandise and this week
NASCAR — yes,
NASCAR — decided
Confederate flags
would no longer be
allowed at its races
and the U.S. Marine
Corps has banned
Confederate images
on its bases.
Now, if Confed-
erate imagery is too
racist for NASCAR
and the Marines,
you have to wonder
why we are even
having this debate in Mississip-
pi in 2020.
Is the flag offensive to black
citizens? Is that a serious ques-
tion? Ask yourself, “If I wanted
to present one symbol that was
sure to offend black people,
what would it be?”
I think I’ve made my point.
Defenders of the flag, and
there are many, say the flag isn’t
people (that’s just a side bonus,
I guess), but remembering our
history. Change the flag and you
erase history, appears to be the
argument.
Yet of all the things about our
state that we should remember
and enshrine, how is it that the
one thing we honor above all
others is our state’s decision
to secede from the union and
fight for the right to own human
beings like livestock?
To that, flag defenders argue
that history can be good or bad
and neither should be erased.
Interesting argument.
Really?
Well, a while back Uncle
Frank got drunk, took off all
his clothes and drove his John
Deere tractor through the plate
window of the hardware store,
but nobody even thought of put-
ting THAT in their Christmas
newsletters.
It’s possible to remember
something without venerating it.
I don’t know how successful
the latest move to change our
flag will be, but it’s the best shot
we’ve had in almost 20 years.
Although it may be prema-
ture, we ought to be thinking
about what the new flag will look
like. So far, the most popular al-
ternative is “The Stennis Flag,”
designed by the granddaughter
of Mississippi Sen. John Stennis.
She’s fought long and hard to
have the current flag removed
and designed an alternative. For
her part, it’s an effort to redeem
the family name — John Stennis
was segregationist. Her inten-
tions are good, but the optics
are terrible — replacing the flag
with a flag bearing the name of a
segregationist presents its own
problems.
So, it might be a good idea to
look at other options.
State flags generally don’t get
much attention. In fact, aside
from the 10 states whose names
are actually on their flag, the
average person would find it
difficult to identify more than
two or three state flags, I bet.
Most of them are pretty bor-
ing. New Mexico’s flag is cool,
artistic. Maryland’s flag looks
like it was designed by some-
body on an LSD trip. Other than
that, state flags aren’t much to
look at.
So, if we’re going to the trou-
ble of changing the state flag, I
think we should have something
that makes people stand up and
take notice (in a non-racist sort
of way, for a change).
I believe I have come up with
a design sure to knock it out
of the park when it comes to
attracting attention.
I am, by no means, an artist
so I’ll just describe my flag:
It is a simple white flag with
black text that reads, “I’m With
Stupid” and an arrow pointing
left to right (toward Alabama).
I think that would generate
the sort of attention that would
make our state flag really grab
the nation’s attention. I think we
can all agree that Alabama has
it coming, for more reasons than
we need to elaborate on.
I understand there could
be unintended consequences.
When the state flags of our
nation are presented alphabeti-
cally in venues, the arrow would
be pointing at Missouri.
But, hey, you can’t please
everybody.
Slim Smith is a columnist and
feature writer for The Dispatch.
His email address is ssmith@
cdispatch.com.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE

The need for de-escalation techniques
On Tuesday June 9th, the city live-streamed a town hall
meeting that addressed policing in Columbus. Among other
topics, Police Chief Fred Shelton discussed the city’s policies
regarding when and how force should be used by his police
officers.
What wasn’t addressed, and I understand time was limited,
was whether the Columbus Police Department has any training
in place to teach its officers how to de-escalate conflicts, and
whether the Columbus Police Department has any policies in
place requiring de-escalation attempts before force or weapons
are used.
Many police-associated tragedies of the past decade (and be-
yond that, too) might have been avoided if the officers involved
had the know-how and tools to calm volatile situations. But this
is not a skill that comes naturally to most people, nor apparent-
ly to police in particular. Training and policies are needed.
Do we have de-escalation training and policies for local
police officers? If we do not, can we please work on adopting
them immediately!
Ross Whitwam
Columbus

STATE OF THE NATION

While much of white America reckons with Black
Lives Matter, others feel marginalized
S
cenes of largely white
crowds across the
world demonstrating in
support of Black Lives Mat-
ter in the wake of George
Floyd’s murder are reminis-
cent of another watershed
moment in America — the
1960s civil rights revolu-
tion. Through the historic
‘60s, white America finally
awakened to the plight of
blacks in this country. What Armstrong Williams got the emails about how
followed was an upheaval
in American society that
forever changed the social and political
landscape within our country.
While many in America see this new
crisis as grounds for a much-needed
racial reckoning, many in the white
community see anti-racism protests
as a condemnation and repudiation of
white identity. In fact, the liberal media
has, in some instances, attempted to
question whether whites deserve to be
involved in the conversation at all. In an
opinion piece published in The Washing-
ton Post last week, whites were urged
to “shut up and listen,” and the author
even suggested that the overwhelming
social media support on behalf of whites
for civil justice was co-opting the Black
Lives Matter movement in harmful ways. feeling coerced into making a politically
Others questioned whether the backlash
against police brutality marginalized
whites while promoting an anti-racism
agenda that ignores the progress and
promise America has experienced over
the course of the post-civil rights era.
After all, if whites are so bad, how could
white voters have elected a black presi-
dent not once but twice?
Regardless, the dynamics of alien-
ation are particularly stark among an
older generation of whites who see their
power and status challenged by an in-
creasingly diverse and increasingly gen-
der-balanced power structure in Ameri-
ca. This new structure often
comes across in very blunt
terms. A recent example oc-
curred when a white retired
couple was sitting on their
couch watching the news and
discussing the recent events
surrounding Black Lives
Matter. Unbeknownst to
them, one of their phones was
broadcasting the conversa-
tion over Facebook Live. “I’ve
we’re supporting and we need
to fix this problem, f—- you,”
said retired Navy Captain and Naval
Academy Alumni Board member Scott
Bethmann. He objected to the fact that
organizations felt a necessity to publicly
align themselves with Black Lives Mat-
ter — even when they themselves had
done nothing wrong. “So all the white
people have to say something nice to
the black b—— that works in the office.
But the black b—— don’t get fired. It’s
bulls—-. Management’s going to fire the
white people. ... The white m——-f——-
can’t say anything, that’s the point we’re
making here...”
While Bethmann’s use of racial slurs
is certainly condemnable, his broad-
er point — organizations and leaders
correct statement on the controversy du
jour — resonates among many whites.
Bethmann’s candid comments also
reflect a frustration at feeling that he
will only be heard if he agrees with the
current media narrative.
Even more alarming is the knee-jerk
reaction to deface and dismantle Con-
federate flags and other monuments.
Symbolically kicking the dead when they
are down does not solve the problems
of racism and police corruption that are
very much still alive. Rather, tearing
down monuments may only further alien-
ate those, like the Bethmanns — who
are successful and politically connected
whites in positions of power and influ-
ence — whose assistance will be greatly
needed if we are to create additional
leadership opportunities for blacks and
other minorities in the military and law
enforcement. We should not require
them to assert their allegiance to BLM
or demand they kneel in solidarity with
striking athletes; rather, we should ask
that they use their positions of influence
and stature to open the doors to more
inclusion and opportunity. This is some-
thing they would likely be only too eager
to do — if constructively engaged. The
best way to defeat an enemy, to para-
phrase the great Abraham Lincoln, is to
convert him into an ally.
What is also obvious is that Bethmann
is not alone in his sentiments. One of
the most contentious controversies over
the past few years has been the battle
over the meaning of national anthem
protests at professional sports events
used as a tactic to bring attention to the
issue of police brutality. While propo-
nents of the protests, most notably Colin
Kaepernick, have insisted that taking a
knee during the national anthem was not
about disrespecting the flag but about
holding America to its unkept promise
of equal treatment under the law for
African Americans, others, including
NFL Commissioner Goodell and Presi-
dent Trump have attempted to cast the
issue in terms of symbolizing respect for
the service and sacrifice of America’s
veterans and front-line law enforcement.
This culture war has raged for years and
has recently resurfaced in the aftermath
of the George Floyd tragedy.
When asked how the NFL should
respond to renewed calls by players for
on-field gestures to protest police brutal-
ity, future hall of fame quarterback Drew
Brees of the New Orleans Saints waded
full-tilt into the controversy by stating
that he would “never agree with anybody
disrespecting the flag of the United
States of America.” Brees’ statement,
in light of the current climate, provoked
immediate, and in some cases violent,
backlash against him, even among his
own teammates. But this is a stance
Brees has consistently taken, and that is
much in line with that of Trump and the
NFL, which had essentially banned on-
field protests.
Brees himself is a well-liked and
respected leader in a locker room where
most of the players are black. He has
contributed significantly to charitable
causes in New Orleans, specifically those
that benefit poor and black children. He
is — for better or worse — no Donald
Trump. And so, for him to get swept up
in the furor around Black Lives Matter is
a telling signal of the times. The larger
point here is that Drew Brees dared to
speak his opinion; he did not just shut
up. Though he was challenged, he also
responded in subsequent statements that
he was willing to listen to the perspective
of his black friends and supporters, and
stand in solidarity with them in their
quest for equal justice.
Notably, however, Brees did not repu-
diate his stance on respecting the flag.
Furthermore, he did not have to in order
to demonstrate great humility and com-
passion towards his fellow teammates.
The two ideas are not mutually exclusive.
Brees can have his own opinion about
disrespecting the flag while also deeply
empathizing with the plight of others.
He can stand for what he believes and
permit others to kneel for their beliefs
— without driving a stake of division
through the heart of unity he has engen-
dered over his career as a team leader.
Brees’ conduct exemplifies a clear path
forward toward healing our divides and
making progress together.
Armstrong Williams is an American
political commentator, entrepreneur,
author, and talk show host.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 5A

Companies touting Black Lives Matter face workforce scrutiny

#pulluporshutup campaign on Instagram
pushes brands to reveal the racial makeup
of their corporate workforce and executives
BY SALLY HO
The Associated Press
SEAT TLE — After hitting
the streets to protest racial
injustices, Sharon Chuter was
disillusioned by the number
of corporate brands posting
“glossy” messages spouting
support for black lives.
The 33-year-old founder
of Uoma Beauty, a cosmetics
company that caters to black
women, came up with a social
media challenge to test the sin-
cerity of the companies: She
launched the #pulluporshut-
up campaign on Instagram to
push brands to reveal the ra-
cial makeup of their corporate
workforce and executives.
The hashtag has since gone
viral, amassing nearly 100,000
Instagram followers in a week.
Chuter said it’s a wake-up
call for many businesses who
couldn’t see or didn’t take seri-
ously enough the silent racism
and prejudices that hold black
people back in their own work-
places.
“Reflection is painful,” Chut-
er said. “The truth hurts and I
just felt like brands didn’t want
to do it.”
As protests over police
brutality have erupted across
the country over the past two
weeks, The Associated Press
reviewed the diversity reports
of some of the biggest compa-
nies pledging solidarity with
their black employees as well
as the black community, and
found that their efforts to re-
cruit, maintain and promote
minorities within their own
ranks have fallen short.
Microsoft has been post-
ing powerful quotes on Twit-
ter from black employees de-
scribing how systemic racism
takes a toll on their lives. One
employee, Phil Terrill, talk-
ed about the death of George
Floyd, a handcuffed black
man who pleaded for air as a
white Minneapolis police offi-
cer pressed his knee against
Floyd’s neck for several min-
utes, sparking protests around
the globe.
“It should not take the death
of Black people at this magni-
tude to inspire everyone to be
an ally,” Terrill is quoted as
saying.
Only 4.4 percent of Micro-
soft’s global workforce across
all brands, including retail and
warehouse workers, identify as
black, and less than 3 percent
of its U.S. executives, directors
and managers are black, ac-
cording to the company’s 2019
diversity and inclusion report.
Microsoft CEO Satya Na-
della addressed the issue in an
email to employees, saying the
company “must change first”
if it wants to help change the
world, and that it’s investing in
its talent pipeline by expand-
ing connections with Histori-
cally Black Colleges and Uni-
versities.
“In order to be successful as
a business in empowering ev-
eryone on the planet, we need
to reflect the world we serve,”
Nadella said.
Amazon is prominently dis-
playing “Black lives matter”
on its platforms and its CEO
Jeff Bezos has been posting on
Instagram racist emails he’s
received from consumers who
are unhappy with the company
for taking a stance.
But the company itself has
been accused of hypocrisy for
the troubling conditions re-
ported by warehouse workers
during the coronavirus pan-
demic. An AP analysis found
that more than 60 percent of
warehouse and delivery work-
ers in most cities are people
of color. Amazon’s 2019 work-
force data shows about 8 per-
cent of its managers in the U.S.
are black, compared to nearly
the 60 percent of managers
who are white.

Trump picks Tulsa for return Backlash over George

of signature campaign rallies
President’s signature rallies often
draw tens of thousands of people but
have been on hiatus since March 2
because of the coronavirus pandemic
BY KEVIN FREKING
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — American
President Donald Trump
is planning to hold his
first rally of the corona-
virus era on June 19 in
Tulsa, Oklahoma. And he
says he’s planning more
events in Florida, Texas
and Arizona as well.
COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
OBITUARY POLICY
Obituaries with basic informa-
tion including visitation and
service times, are provided
free of charge. Extended
obituaries with a photograph,
detailed biographical informa-
tion and other details families
may wish to include, are avail-
able for a fee. Obituaries must
be submitted through funeral
homes unless the deceased’s
body has been donated to
science. If the deceased’s
body was donated to science,
the family must provide official
proof of death. Please submit
all obituaries on the form pro-
vided by The Commercial Dis-
patch. Free notices must be
submitted to the newspaper
no later than 3 p.m. the day
prior for publication Tuesday
through Friday; no later than 4
p.m. Saturday for the Sunday
edition; and no later than 7:30
a.m. for the Monday edition.
Incomplete notices must be re-
ceived no later than 7:30 a.m.
for the Monday through Friday
editions. Paid notices must be
finalized by 3 p.m. for inclusion
the next day Monday through
Thursday; and on Friday by 3
p.m. for Sunday and Monday
publication. For more informa-
tion, call 662-328-2471.
Dandre Wright
COLUMBUS — Dan-
dre Rashad “Drizzy”
Wright, 30,
died June
2, 2020,
at Baptist
Memorial
Hospi-
tal-Golden
Triangle.
Grave- Wright
side ser-
vices are at 11 a.m. Fri-
day, in Union Cemetery,
with the Rev. Ralph Ter-
ry officiating. Visitation
is from 2-5 p.m. today,
at Carter’s Funeral Ser-
vices. Carter’s Funeral
Services of Columbus
is in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mr. Wright was born
May 19, 1990, in Co-
lumbus, to Merritt Wi-
lis and Mary Wright.
In addition to his
parents, he is survived
by his children, Olivia
Wright, Jorkiria Jones
and Madisyn Wright
Floyd tweet forces
ic, which has now killed
more than 110,000 people
decimated in 1921, when
a racist white mob killed
out CrossFit founder
in the U.S.
“A beautiful new venue,
hundreds of black resi-
dents. Black residents at-
BY MAT T OT T
AP Business Writer
brand new. We’re looking tempted to rebuild in the
The founder and CEO of CrossFit is stepping
forward to it,” Trump said decades that followed,
during a White House only to see their work down after his tweet about George Floyd sparked
a social media backlash and a wave of affiliated
event. “They’ve done a erased during urban re-
Trump made the an- great job with COVID, newal of the 1960s. gyms cut ties with the company.
nouncement as he met Trump’s campaign has Reebok also dropped its affiliation with Cross-
as you know, the state of
with a handful of African Oklahoma.” been eager to resume Fit this week.
supporters The rally will take rallies as it tries to move Greg Glassman wrote on CrossFit’s website
Wednesday afternoon for place on Juneteenth, the past the pandemic, even late Tuesday that he would retire. Glassman had
a roundtable discussion. commemoration of the as cases continue to rise apologized earlier for tweets that sparked online
Trump’s signature ending of slavery in the in some parts of the coun- outrage by connecting Floyd, an African Ameri-
rallies often draw tens United States. Tulsa has try. He has focused most can man who died at the hands of the Minneapolis
of thousands of people its own troubling history of his rallies this year on police, and the coronavirus pandemic. He said he
but have been on hiatus on race. Its once-thriv- battleground states, al- had made a mistake and should have been more
since March 2 because of ing African American though Oklahoma is reli- sensitive, but denied being racist.
the coronavirus pandem- business community was ably Republican. “On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit
community and unintentionally hurt many of its
members,” Glassman said. “I cannot let my be-
havior stand in the way of HQ’s or affiliates’ mis-
sions.”
Glassman’s exit may have been sealed after
AREA OBITUARIES Buzzfeed posted a Zoom call he held with Cross-
Fit affiliated gyms in which Glassman reportedly
all of Columbus; and Rickey Maxey son, Anthony Morris said: “We’re not mourning for George Floyd — I
siblings, Timothy of Smithville; broth-
CALEDONIA — don’t think me or any of my staff are.” Buzzfeed
Wright, Dominique Rickey Allen Maxey, ers, Billy Weston and said it received the recording through its anony-
Wright, Katrina 69, died June 9, 2020, at David Weston, both of mous tip line.
Wright, Tyra Wright, his residence. Beaverton; sister, Kim The Zoom call took place hours before Glass-
Tylin Wright all of Co- No services will be Weston of Amory; six man made a glib response on Twitter to a post by
lumbus, Dan’Quavious held at this time. Lown- grandchildren; and six the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, a
Willis, Danielle Willis, des Funeral Home of great-grandchildren. health research group, which said, “Racism is a
Diamond Willis and
Columbus is in charge public health issue.”
Sentairra Willis all of
West Point.
of arrangements. Nettie Ogden “It’s FLOYD-19,” he replied Saturday, and
Mr. Maxey was NORTHPORT, Ala. in a second tweet criticized the group’s “failed”
born July 27, 1950, in — Nettie Ree Ogden, quarantine model and accused it of attempting to
L.C. Bush Indiana, to the late 76, died June 4, 2020, “model a solution to racism.”
NOXUBEE COUN- Some 1,250 gyms have now severed links
Charles and Irma at Grandview Medical
TY — L.C. Bush, 81, Milam Maxey. He was Center.
with CrossFit, according to industry blog Morn-
died June formerly owner of a ing Chalk Up. An anonymously-curated Google
A graveside service spreadsheet lists hundreds of CrossFit affiliates
7, 2020, shoe repair service in will be held at 11 a.m. with links to their social media accounts, with
at Baptist Crown Point, Indiana, Friday, at Cedar Oak most on the list saying they have cut ties, or are
Memorial and as a maintenance
Hospi- Memorial Park, with considering doing so.
supervisor with Lake Carlos Calhoun offi-
tal-Golden Shore Bone and Joint.
Triangle. ciating. Visitation is
He also served with the
A family from 2-5 p.m. today at
Coolspring Township
only funer-
Bush Wills’ Funeral Service.
Fire Department.
al service In addition to his par- Wills’ Funeral Service
will be at 2 p.m. Friday, ents, he was preceded of Northport, Alabama,
at Bigbee Valley CME, in death by his broth- is in charge of arrange-
with Raphael Terry ers, Dennis Maxey and ments.
officiating. Burial will Keith Maxey.
follow in the church He is survived by
cemetery. Visitation is his wife, Kathleen
from 2-5 p.m. today, at “Kathy” Pawlicke Max-
Carter’s Funeral Ser- ey of Caledonia; sons,
vices. Carter’s Funeral Chester Maxey and
Services of Macon is Rodney Maxey; nine
in charge of arrange- grandchildren; and six
ments. great-grandchildren.
Mr. Bush was born
Aug. 16, 1938, in Noxu- Doug Weston
bee County, to the late BEAVERTON, Ala.
Rob Bush and Mary — Doug Weston, 72,
Jane Bush. He was Jo Connor
died June 7, 2020, in Visitation:
a member of Bigbee Angola, Louisiana. Thursday, June 11 • 12-2 PM
Valley CME. Services were at 4 Memorial Gunter Peel
In addition to his Graveside Services:
p.m. Wednesday, at Thursday, June 11 • 2:30 PM
parents, he was preced- Otts Funeral Home Ross Cemetery
ed in death by his wife, Chapel, with James Burial
Ross Cemetery
Gertrude Bush. Godsey officiating. 2nd Ave. North Location
He is survived by Burial followed in
his son, Davis Wells Piney Grove Cemetery. Beth Feland
of Chelsea, Alabama; Otts Funeral Home of Visitation:
siblings, R.B. Bush of Sulligent, Alabama, was Monday, June 15 • 1-2 PM
Birmingham, Alabama First Presbyterian Church
in charge of arrange- Memorial Service:
and Rosie Mae White- ments. Monday, June 15 • 2 PM
field of Columbus; and First Presbyterian Church
Mr. Weston was born 2nd Ave. North Location
two grandchildren. May 20, 1948, in Grun-
dy, Virginia, to the late Dorothy Hodges
Betty Vail Avery H. Weston Sr. Incomplete
2nd Ave. North Location
COLUMBUS — Bet- and Myrtie Bell Collins.
ty Ruth Vail, 75, died He attended Sulligent
June 10, 2020, at her High School.
residence. In addition to his par-
Arrangements are ents, he was preceded
memorialgunterpeel.com
incomplete and will be in death by his brother,
announced by Lowndes Avery H. Weston Jr.
Funeral Home. He is survived by his
6A THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Flag change
Continued from Page 1A
Of the seven members
of the Golden Triangle del-
egation, only Reps. Gary
Chism and Dana McLean
(both R-Columbus) said
they would not support
legislation to change the
flag, both saying it is a de-
cision that should be left
to Mississippi voters at
the polls.
Both of the delegation’s
senators, Republican
Chuck Younger (Colum-
bus) and Democrat An-
gela Turner-Ford (West
Point) said they would
support legislation, al-
though Turner-Ford qual-
ified her support.
“It depends on the con-
tents of the bill,” Turn-
er-Ford said.
“I would be
concer ned
about the
new design
and how the
flag would
be changed.
I would Turner-Ford
support the
appointment of a commis-
sion to design a new flag. I
would not support change
by referendum.”
Rep. Cheikh Taylor
(D-Starkville) said chang-
ing the flag by legislation
has his enthusiastic sup-
port. He said the current
events prove the time for
the change is now.
“With the George
Floyd killing, COVID-19,
the econom-
ic situation,
it’s time to
move,” Tay-
lor said. “It’s
chaos right
now, but I
remember
my father al- Taylor
ways telling
me, ‘Where there is cha-
os, there is also opportuni-
the flags in Minnesota or
HOW GOLDEN TRIANGLE LEGISLATORS WOULD Illinois. I don’t see their
VOTE ON A BILL TO CHANGE STATE FLAG flags making any differ-
ence there.”
■ Rep. Gary Chism (R-Columbus) - NO Chism said he doubts
if the House had the time
■ Rep. Kabir Karriem (D-Columbus) - YES necessary to pull togeth-
er enough support for the
■ Rep. Dana McLean (R-Columbus) - NO* bill, but he does think the
House might pass a bill to
■ Rep. Roberson (R-Starkville) - YES
put the issue on the ballot.
“My position is that the
■ Rep. Cheikh Taylor (D-Starkville) - YES
people need to vote on it,”
■ Sen. Angela Turner-Ford (D-West Point) - YES** Chism said.
“If it did get
■ Sen. Chuck Younger (R-Columbus) - YES on the bal-
lot, I would
*may decline to vote
vote to keep
**support depends on bill’s content
the current
flag. Peo-
ty.’ From what I’m hearing Rep. Kabir Karriem ple voted
we’re really close. We may (D-Columbus) said it’s a in 2001 to Chism
be lacking 16 votes (in the pretty simple question. keep the flag by a super-
House). I really believe we “There’s no doubt I majority. Now, there may
can get this done.” would support a bill to be enough votes out yon-
Rep. Rob Roberson change the der to change it, but I just
(R-Starkville) said he’s flag,” he think we need to keep the
fine with changing the said. “That flag we have.”
flag by either legislative is one of our McLean said she would
action or referendum. responsi-
not support a bill, but
“I honestly don’t have bilities. To
wouldn’t
a problem with us bring- make bold
necessarily
ing it to the decisions
vote no.
floor,” he and try to Karriem
“I might
said. “I also change the
not vote
don’t have a dynamics of what’s going
problem if it on.” (at all) if it
goes on the Sen. Chuck Younger came to the
ballot. I’m (R-Columbus) said he floor,” said
just trying would support legislation M c L e a n , McLean
to figure out Roberson to change the flag, al- who, like
the best res- though he’s not sure what Chism, favors a referen-
olution to this. If a family changing the flag would dum.
member or friend came really accomplish. “My position has never
to me and said something “I’d vote yes on the changed on that,” she said.
was hurting them, I’d feel change, because I’ve got a Asked how she would
obligated to do what I lot of friends vote if the flag was on the
could to help. It’s the same that want ballot, she declined to an-
as a legislator. If someone this done,” swer.
comes to me and asks if he said. “It’s what the voters
there is something I can “But I hate want that matters,” said
do, it would be irresponsi- the stuff McLean, who spoke at
ble of me not to listen and because it’s racial justice rallies in Co-
figure out a way to help. so divisive. lumbus and Starkville over
So, yes, I would support What has to Younger the weekend. “I don’t think
legislation to change the change is in my personal views on this
flag on that basis.” people’s hearts. Look at are important.”

Business
Continued from Page 1A
If you’re getting tired of
binge watching the same TV
shows you’ve seen innumerable
times online, check out the UEC
Starkville site to see which movies
are playing and when you can kick
back and relax with some buttery
popcorn.
Both the Columbus Malco and
Starkville UEC theaters closed
temporarily on March 18 due to
COVID-19.
For Columbus, the Malco The-
atre will remain closed for the time
being. Karen Melton, vice presi-
dent and director of Malco market-
ing, said a press release will be out
soon with additional information
regarding theater opening dates.
“Theatres are still closed and we
are working behind the scenes to
ensure a safe movie-going experi-
ence,” Melton emailed.
Other news in Starkville, more
recreational facilities are opening
to the public.
Kampgrounds of America
announced both its Mississippi
locations are now open, including
Starkville’s location at 2661 County
Lake Road.
According to the KOA website,
the campgrounds office hours are
limited from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for now.
If you’re interested in camping
out with KOA, be sure to continue
practicing social distancing while
you’re getting some much-needed
fresh air.
Speaking of the outdoors, that’s
exactly where all bugs, insects and
unwanted pests should stay.
Insects bugging you out? Jimmy
Redd’s Feel Good Pest Solutions
will open in Starkville next week.
Redd studied entomology and ad-
vanced pest control at the Univer-
sity of Purdue and decided to start
his own pest control business when
his friend talked him into it.
“I love studying bugs,” Redd
said. “I find them fascinating, but
they are a problem when they get
in our living areas. … I think a lot
of folks feel helpless against their
bug problem. I want to make them
feel good about the solutions to
those problems.”
Redd said he works 24/7, so
just give him a call at 662-416-0302
and he’ll even meet you at your
convenience and give you a free
estimate.
Moving over to Columbus, a new
restaurant is open.
Super Crown Wings, 512
Alabama St., is serving 30 flavors
of wings, shrimp burgers, Philly
steak sandwiches, fried chicken,
fried fish and more. Super Crown
Wings is open for dine-in and car-
ry-out so be sure to stop by the new
eatery Monday through Thursday
11 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Friday and Sat-
urday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sundays
from 11:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
After closing for COVID-19, the
frozen yogurt shop Smackers at
2017 Hwy. 45 reopened Monday.
Stop by Smackers and get the
froyo you’ve been waiting for.
Though the topping bar will still
be there, Smackers employees will
top off your frozen dessert with all
the sprinkles, chocolate and whip
cream you need.
When there’s good news, it
always seems like there’s bad news
as well.
CJ’s Pizza, 507-2 18th Ave. N.,
closed Wednesday for one week.
The owners, Brent and Courtney
Teague, announced on Facebook
an employee tested positive for
COVID-19.
“Unlike big stores that only take
a day or 2 off for this situation, we
don’t feel safe doing that at this
time,” the owners posted on Face-
book. “We have way less employ-
ees than they do and can’t rotate
shifts the same way. We apologize
for this inconvenience but we prom-
ise you that it’s just as hard on us, if
not harder.”
The Teagues added CJ employ-
ees will get tested, stay safe and
relax during this “crazy time.” CJ’s
should open in a week, but keep
up to date on its Facebook page for
more pizza news.
Over in New Hope, a tea nu-
trition store is now under new
ownership.
The Vault, 58 Center Road, first
opened in December by Ethan
Walley. Ken and Lisa Oglesbee
became the new owners less than a
month ago and reopened The Vault
last Friday. The new owners added
decorations, more tea flavors and
extended the nutrition tea shop’s
hours.
Check out The Vault Monday
through Friday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

HBO Max removes ‘Gone With the Wind,’ will add context
BY JAKE COYLE
AP Film Writer
NEW YORK — HBO
Max has temporarily re-
moved “Gone With the
Wind” from its streaming
library in order to add his-
torical context to the 1939
film long criticized for ro-
manticizing slavery and
the Civil War-era South.
Protests in the wake of
George Floyd’s death have
forced entertainment
companies to grapple
with the appropriateness
of both current and past
productions. On Tuesday,
the Paramount Network
dropped the long-running
reality series “Cops” after
33 seasons. The BBC also
removed episodes of “Lit-
tle Britain,” a comedy se-
ries that featured a char-
acter in blackface, from
its streaming service.
In an op-ed Monday in
the Los Angeles Times,
the filmmaker John Rid-
ley urged WarnerMedia
to take down “Gone With
the Wind,” arguing that it
“romanticizes the Confed-
eracy in a way that con-
tinues to give legitimacy
to the notion that the se-
cessionist movement was
something more, or bet-
ter, or more noble than
what it was — a bloody
insurrection to maintain
the ‘right’ to own, sell and
buy human beings.”
In a statement, the
AT&T-owned Warner-
Media, which owns HBO
Max, called “Gone With
the Wind” “a product of
its time” that depicts ra-
cial prejudices.
“These racist depic-
tions were wrong then
and are wrong today, and
we felt that to keep this ti-
tle up without an explana-
tion and a denouncement
of those depictions would
be irresponsible,” said an
HBO Max spokesman in a
statement.
The company said
that when “Gone With
the Wind” returns to
the recently launched
streaming service, it will
include “historical con-
text and a denouncement
of those very depictions,
but will be presented as
it was originally created,
because to do otherwise
would be the same as
claiming these prejudices
never existed.”

If you don’t read The Dispatch, how are you gonna know?
Sports MLB DRAFT
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000 B
SECTION

THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020

MSU’S FOSCUE, WESTBURG AND SIGNEE AUSTIN HENDRICK SELECTED ON FIRST NIGHT
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — The
next wave of Mississippi
State players have hit Ma-
jor League Baseball.
Wednesday night, cur-
rent Bulldogs Justin Fos-
cue and Jordan Westburg
were taken in the first
round and competitive
balance round of the 2020
MLB Draft, respectively,
while signee Austin Hen-
drick went No. 12 overall.
Hendrick was the
first of the MSU contin-
gent taken Wednesday.
In a class loaded with
left-handed hitting pros-
pects, the West Allegheny
High School product was
among the best. One of
the nation’s top recruits
in the class of 2020, there
was little chance he ended
up at MSU based on mock
draft projections and that
should remain the case
after being taken by the
Cincinnati reds. Hendrick
boasts some slight swing
and miss tendencies that
might have scared a few
teams off, but he still pro-
files as one of the best
high school bats in this
year’s five round draft —
down from the normal 40
rounds.
“He reminds me of
Bryce Harper now...the
left-hand hitting right
fielder who provides value
in the outfield, but whose
profile is built mostly
around his power,” Per-
fect Game National Scout-
ing supervisor Brian Sa-
kowski told The Dispatch.
“He takes a super violent
swing, and he’s got maybe
the best raw power of the
prep class, at least from
the left side. That’s a guy
that’s going to hit and hit
for power.”
Two picks later, Fos-
cue became the 15th first
round pick in school histo-
ry, going No. 14 overall to
the Texas Rangers.
The highest floor, low-
est ceiling prospect out of
Starkville this year, Fos-
cue was a prolific hitter
and solid fielder during
his time at MSU.In 67
games last season, the
Huntsville, Alabama prod-
uct hit .331 with 14 home
runs and 60 RBIs before
spending the summer
with the USA Baseball
Collegiate National Team
in Japan.
The biggest question
mark with Foscue re-
mains where he’ll play in
the field at the next level
— be it second or third
base — but he’s decent
enough defensively the
Rangers took a stab on
him early.
The second piece of
MSU’s talented middle
infield duo, Westburg was
the final Bulldog off the
board Wednesday night
— being taken No. 30
overall by the Baltimore
Orioles.
The flashier prospect
between him and Foscue,
the New Braunfels, Tex- Photo courtesy of Mississippi State Athletics
as native boasts the tools Mississippi State’s Justin Foscue was drafted No. 14 overall by the Texas Rangers Wednesday night in the MLB
See MSU, 2B Draft. Foscue was selected along with teammate Jordan Westburg in the first round.

West Lowndes softball player Givens signs with Mississippi Valley State
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
In the past few sea-
sons, West Lowndes
softball coach Anthony
King has often taken his
team to watch Missis-
sippi State play at Nusz
Park in Starkville. Sev-
eral times, the Bulldogs
were matched up against
Mississippi Valley State.
Now, if King and the
Panthers come back to
watch the same match-
up, they’ll recognize a
familiar face on the field.
On Wednesday after-
noon, West Lowndes se-
nior Takara Givens offi-
cially signed her letter of
intent to play softball at
Mississippi Valley State,
becoming the school’s
first softball signee since
a player two years ago
went to Coahoma Com-
munity College.
Theo DeRosa/Dispatch Staff
Givens, too, said she
Takara Givens, center, signed her letter of intent to play softball at Mississippi Valley
State on Wednesday. Givens, a senior this spring, only got to play one game for the intended to go to Co-
Panthers before the coronavirus pandemic ended the season. ahoma but eventually
changed her mind and ley, where she plans to
settled on the Division I major in athletic train-
program instead. ing. Givens profiles as a
“It means a lot to me,” leadoff hitter, King said.
she said. “I never expect- “One thing’s for sure:
ed to go off to college
She will be a fan favor-
and play softball at the ite,” King said. “Every-
next level.”
body sees those little
That became a reality
legs moving, and they
for the second and third
baseman after a stand- just want to root for her.”
out junior year in which The coach said fans
she really made a name of the Devilettes will be
for herself. But Givens pleased by the effort Giv-
— who, coach Anthony ens will put in when she
King said, is a “natural” gets to Itta Bena.
with a strong arm, a good “She’ll do an out-
bat and solid fielding standing job, and we’re
skills — only got to play so proud to have her go-
one game this spring, a ing down to Valley,” said
loss to Columbus, before King, who has coached
the COVID-19 pandem- the Panthers for four
ic shut her senior year
years.
down.
Givens is proud of her-
“I was really looking
forward to playing this self, too, and she can’t
season before I got the wait to get down to see
bad news about the coro- campus and start her col-
navirus,” Givens said. lege career.
King said Givens will “It feels great,” she
likely play second base said. “I’m really happy
more than third at Val- today.”

NASCAR bans Confederate flag from its races, venues

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
For more than 70
years, the Confederate
flag was a familiar sight at
NASCAR races. Through
the civil rights era right
on through the season
opener at Daytona in
February, the flag dotted
infield campsites and was
waved in grandstands by
fans young and old.
As the nation - and at
last, NASCAR -- comes to
grips with race relations
in the wake of the death
of George Floyd, it was
time: The flag is no longer
welcome in the stock car
series.
NASCAR banned the
flag at its races and all
its venues Wednesday, a
dramatic if overdue step
by a series steeped in
Southern tradition and
proud of its good ol’ boy
roots. It must now hope to
convince some of its most
ardent fans that it is truly
time to leave the flag at
home, leave those T-shirts
in the drawer, scrape off
the bumper stickers and
hit the track without a
trace of the longtime sym-
bol to many of racism and
slavery. Policing the poli-
cy may prove challenging
and NASCAR did not of-
fer details.
The issue was pushed
to the fore this week
by Bubba Wallace, NA-
SCAR’s lone black driver
and an Alabama native
who called for the banish-
ment of the Confederate
flag and said there was
“no place” for them in the
sport.
The ban was an-
nounced before Wednes-
day night’s race at
Martinsville Speedway
in Virginia where Wal-
lace was driving Rich-
ard Petty Motorsports’
No. 43 Chevrolet with a
#BlackLivesMatter paint
scheme. Wallace, wear-
ing an American flag
mask, clapped his hands
when asked about the de-
cision before the start of
the race.
“It’s been a stressful
couple of weeks,” Wallace
said on FS1. “This is no
doubt the biggest race
of my career tonight. I’m
excited about tonight.
There’s a lot of emotions
on the race track.”
Wallace wore a black
“I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt
but did not kneel during being taken down across
the national anthem. His the South — the tradition-
Chevy had “Compassion, al fan base for NASCAR.
love, understanding” em- “The presence of the
blazoned on the hood. Confederate flag at NA-
Bernice King, the young- SCAR events runs con-
est daughter of Martin trary to our commitment
to providing a welcoming
Luther King Jr., tweeted
and inclusive environ-
”#NASCAR, family” after
ment for all fans, our com-
the announcement.
Floyd, an unarmed petitors and our industry,”
black man who died in NASCAR said. “Bringing
Minneapolis while being people together around
detained by police, has a love for racing and the
been a catalyst for fresh community that it creates
discussions about racism. is what makes our fans
Protests have roiled the and sport special. The
nation for days and Con- display of the Confeder-
federate monuments are See NASCAR, 2B
2B THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020
Tigers draft Arizona State slugger Torkelson with No. 1 pick
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW YORK — Spen-
cer Torkelson slugged
his way through college,
bashing baseballs all
around the country with
eye-popping power.
All those impressive
drives made the decision
easy for the Detroit Ti-
gers, who selected the Ar-
izona State star with the
No. 1 pick in the Major
League Baseball amateur
draft Wednesday night.
But while Torkelson
was long considered the
favorite to go first overall,
the surprise came when
he was announced as a
third baseman by Com-
missioner Rob Manfred.
Detroit plans to move
Torkelson to the hot cor-
ner from first base, where
he played in college.
“It shows the amount
of respect they have for
me as an athlete,” a smil-
ing Torkelson said on the
MLB Network broadcast.
“I’ll take it and run with
it. I like to label myself
as a baseball player, and
you give me a bat, a ball
and a glove, and you know
what? I’m just going to
USC welcomes back
Reggie Bush after 10
years in NCAA exile
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Reggie Bush was the
centerpiece of Southern
California’s last football
dynasty. He inspired play-
ers to become Trojans and
continued to be adored by
USC fans while spending a
decade in NCAA-mandat-
ed exile from the school.
NASCAR
Continued from Page 1B
ate flag will be prohibited
from all NASCAR events
and properties.”
Enforcing the ban
could require added se-
curity in the often row-
dy, booze-fueled infield
filled with fans who may
be intent on thumbing
their nose at NASCAR.
The series declined addi-
tional comment and fans
have not been allowed
back at races yet amid the
coronavirus pandemic. It
won’t be long: NASCAR
plans to welcome a small
number of fans at a race
Sunday near Miami and
more later this month in
MSU
Continued from Page 1B
to be an impact player at
the major league level.
Standing 6 -f00t-3 and
weighing 206 pounds,
he hit .317 with six dou-
bles, two home runs and
11 RBIs in the COVID-
19-shortened 2020 cam-
paign following a sum-
want to win.”
Arkansas outfielder
Heston Kjerstad went No.
2 overall to Baltimore,
which took Oregon State
catcher Adley Rutschman
with the top pick a year
ago.
After having the worst
record in the majors last
season, Detroit opened
the draft for the second
time in three years. The
Tigers took Auburn right-
hander Casey Mize in
2018, and now they’ve got
a powerful bat that could
anchor their lineup for
years to come to go along
with an arm they hope is a
future ace.
With power to all
fields and a great eye at
the plate, the 6-foot-1,
220-pound Torkelson es-
tablished himself as col-
lege baseball’s top slug-
ger after going undrafted
out of high school. He hit
54 home runs at Arizo-
na State, two shy of the
school record set by Bob
Horner — who was draft-
ed No. 1 overall in 1978.
Torkelson likely would
have obliterated that
mark if his college sea-
son hadn’t been canceled
USC welcomed back
Bush on Wednesday, 10
years to the day the NCAA
slammed the program
with sanctions that includ-
ed cutting off official ties to
the only Heisman Trophy
winner to have his victory
vacated.
“I’ve dreamed of this
day for 10-plus years, and
I’m excited to come home!”
Bush said in a statement.
Bush played running
back at USC from 2003-
Alabama.
The decision had Con-
federate flag loyalists
howling in protest and
vowing to swear off the
sport.
Truck Series driv-
er Ray Ciccarelli wrote
on Facebook he would
quit the sport, writing:
“I could care less about
the Confederate Flag but
there are ppl that do and
it doesn’t make them a
racist.”
NASCAR helmet art-
ist Jason Beam tweeted
“ignorance wins again,
NASCAR you realize the
North had slaves too, lol
mer in which he hit .326
for the Hyannis Harbor
Hawks of the Cape Cod
League.
While Westburg
showed improvement
in recent months at the
plate, his 2019 batting
numbers were a slight
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
after just 17 games be-
cause of the coronavirus
pandemic. The Petaluma,
California, native hit .340
with six homers and 11
RBIs this year.
“We know he can
play first. But our scouts
strongly feel that he can
play third base, and that’s
our intent at this point,”
Detroit general manager
Al Avila said on the ESPN
broadcast. “He’s exact-
ly the type of player we
hoped would be there for
us to get with the top pick.
Obviously, he’s one of the
most productive hitters in
college history.”
This year’s draft orig-
inally was scheduled to
take place for the first
time in Omaha, Nebras-
ka, as a lead-in to the
College World Series.
Instead, the COVID-19
outbreak caused MLB
to make some drastic
changes, including hold-
ing the draft remotely —
much like the NFL did in
April — and shortening it
from three days with 40
rounds to only two days
and five rounds.
Manfred announced
the first-round selections
05, helping the Trojans to
a pair of national champi-
onships. Five years after
he was gone, Bush and
USC were penalized by the
NCAA after an investiga-
tion determined he and his
family received impermis-
sible benefits while he was
still in school.
USC President Carol
Folt wrote in a letter to
Bush that all restrictions
had been officially re-
moved and he could now
not just the South, you
want to remove the Amer-
ican Flag as well, idiots.”
And a publicist for one
NASCAR driver tweeted
the decision was “a joke.”
Five years ago, the
flag issue was front and
center for NASCAR after
nine black churchgoers
were slain in Charleston,
South Carolina. The man
currently on death row
for the murders, Dylann
Roof, had embraced Con-
federate symbols before
the attack, prompting a
reappraisal of the role
such symbols play in the
South.
concern for MLB teams.
Batting .294 with 21
doubles and 61 RBIs, he
notched just six multi-hit
games over his final 30
regular season contests.
“Westburg is a little
more tools over per-
formance, but he also
as usual from a podium at
MLB Network studios in
Secaucus, New Jersey. He
also addressed racial in-
justice and the recent pro-
tests that have occurred
all over the country and
the world.
Executives from all 30
teams held up signs at the
beginning of the broad-
cast that read: “Black
Lives Matter. United For
Change.”
The shortened — and
in some cases even can-
celed — college and high
school baseball seasons
presented unique chal-
lenges for big league
scouting departments,
which had to rely more on
video of players instead of
attending games to help
with their evaluations.
Perhaps that contrib-
uted to a record seven
straight college players
being selected to begin
the draft.
After Torkelson and
Kjerstad were picked,
Miami took Minnesota
right-hander Max Mey-
er; Kansas City selected
Texas A&M lefty Asa
Lacy; Toronto went with
Vanderbilt shortstop Aus-
“be afforded the privileges
and courtesies extended to
all Trojan football alums.”
The school also end-
ed its disassociation with
former basketball star
O.J. Mayo, who was also
sanctioned in 2010 for
receiving impermissible
benefits as part of the
same broad investigation
into USC athletics.
Bush’s Trojans teams
won national champion-
ships in 2003 and ‘04 and
The NASCAR chair-
man at the time, Brian
France, said the series
was “working with the in-
dustry to see how far we
can go to get that flag to
be disassociated entirely
from our events.” Tracks
offered to exchange Con-
federate flags for Ameri-
can flags, but there were
few takers and flags have
continued to be seen at
the events.
NASCAR’s checkered
history with race took
another blow when driv-
er Kyle Larson was fired
in April after he uttered a
racial slur during a live-
doesn’t have a lot of
reps in summer show-
case, high-level stuff,”
ESPN baseball insider
Kiley McDaniel told The
Dispatch. “He’s contin-
ued to improve and so
there’s a lot of teams
that are model-driven
tin Martin; Seattle chose
Georgia righty Emerson
Hancock; and Pittsburgh
picked New Mexico State
shortstop Nick Gonzales.
Tennessee high school
outfielder Robert Hassell
ended the run on college
players, going No. 8 to
San Diego.
“We’ve seen the trend
in this direction over the
last number of years,” Mil-
waukee scouting director
Tod Johnson said after
the Brewers took UCLA
outfielder Garrett Mitch-
ell at No. 20. “Those three
years of development that
players get when they
go to college tells us a
lot about them. It helps
to make these decisions
with more information.
We have more of a statis-
tical record for college
players against quality
competition.
“All those factors I
think have trended to-
ward moving toward
a more college-heavy
draft.”
Florida high school
outfielder Zac Veen was
taken by Colorado with
the ninth pick, followed
by the Los Angeles An-
had a 34-game winning
streak. He ran for 3,169
yards in three seasons,
averaging 7.3 yards per
carry, and scored 42
touchdowns.
He won the 2005
Heisman, with 1,740
yards rushing and an 8.7-
yard average per carry.
But the award was vacat-
ed because of the NCA A
sanctions. He voluntari-
ly returned the statue
to the Heisman Trophy
streamed virtual race.
Led by Wallace, some
of NASCAR’s stars have
forged ahead ready to
create what they hope is
a new legacy in the sport.
Several drivers — includ-
ing two-time Daytona 500
champion Denny Hamlin
— said they supported
Wallace in his quest to rid
the sport of the flag.
The predominantly
white field of drivers unit-
ed over the weekend for
a video promoting social
change. A black NASCAR
official, Kirk Price, took
a knee before Sunday’s
race near Atlanta in what
and see his big metrics
in terms of exit velocity,
speed, size, raw power,
and then see his improv-
ing stats.”
With the first night of
the 2020 MLB Draft now
complete, sophomore
right hander JT Ginn
gels selecting Louisville
lefty Reid Detmers to
round out the top 10.
Tampa Bay took Arizo-
na State shortstop Alika
Williams — a college
teammate of Torkelson’s
— with the final pick of
the first night at No. 37
overall.
Rounds 2-5 will be held
Thursday, for a total of
160 players selected.
Houston will have to
wait until pick No. 72
before it makes its first
selection after being
stripped of its first- and
second-round selections
by Manfred as part of the
team’s punishment for
breaking rules against
using electronics to steal
signs during games.
Boston lost its sec-
ond-round pick for violat-
ing rules against in-game
use of video to identify
pitch signals.
Undrafted players
need to wait until Sun-
day before they can sign
with major league teams,
who can offer signing bo-
nuses only up to $20,000
as agreed upon by Major
League Baseball and the
players’ association.
Trust before the organi-
zation had a chance to
strip him of it. Bush is
the only Heisman winner
to not be recognized by
the Heisman Trust.
“To say that I don’t
want the Heisman back
would be a lie,” B ush
said in an interview on
“The Herd with Colin
Cowherd” on FS1. “One
hundred percent I want
my Heisman Trophy
back.”
may have been a first
for the series. NASCAR
President Steve Phelps
addressed the drivers be-
fore that race and vowed
to to do a better job of
addressing racial injus-
tice in the wake of Floyd’s
death.
“Phelps and I have
been in a contact a lot just
trying to figure out what
steps are next,” Wallace
said Wednesday night.
“That was a huge pivotal
moment for the sport. Lot
of backlash but it creates
doors for the community
to come together as one.”
should be the first MSU
product off the board
when selections resume
Thursday at 4 p.m. Oth-
er MSU signees to watch
include DeSoto Central
product Blaze Jordan and
pitcher Jackson Fristoe
out of Kentucky.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 3B

NCAA finalizing plan for extended college football preseason

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
After the pandemic
wiped out spring practice
for most major college
football teams, an NCAA
plan to extend the presea-
son by two weeks could
help coaches and players
make up for the lost time.
The NCAA’s football
oversight committee ex-
pects to finalize a plan on
Thursday to allow teams
to conduct up to 12 un-
padded, slow-speed prac-
tices, also know as walk-
throughs, during the 14
days before the typical
preseason begins in Au-
gust.
Teams will be permit-
ted up to 20 hours per
week of what the NCAA
calls countable athletical-
ly related activities during
those extra two weeks,
leading into a normal
29-day preseason prac-
tice schedule. The walk-
throughs will be part of
those 20 hours per week,
along with weight train-
ing, conditioning, film
study and meetings. Play-
ers will not be permitted
to wear pads or helmets
during walk-throughs,
which cannot exceed one
hour per day.
Notre Dame coach
Brian Kelly said the ex-
tra time on the field with
a ball will be valuable for
teaching schemes, but not
necessarily for assessing
player development.
“That going to be all the
install that you didn’t get
in in the spring is really
going to take place during
that period of time,” Kelly
said Tuesday. “They won’t
be an opportunity to see
skills on display.”
The football oversight
committee has been circu-
lating its proposed sched-
ule to NCAA members
as a way to encourage
feedback. West Virginia
athletic director Shane Ly-
ons said he doesn’t expect
much to change before it
is taken to the Division I
Council for approval next
week. The council meets
June 17.
“I think there’s been a
lot of collaboration among
the conferences,” Lyons
said.
Schools have started
this week bringing their
football players back to
campus for voluntary
workouts — mostly weight
training and conditioning
— in team facilities. Play-
ers are being tested and
screened for COVID-19
and will continue to be
monitored for the corona-
virus.
Under the oversight
committee’s plan, this pe-
riod of voluntary activities
would run until about July
12, depending on the ex-
act date of a team’s open-
ing game.
That will be followed
by two weeks of summer
access, which usually hap-
pens earlier in the year.
During that time, coach-
es can require up to eight
hours per week of weight
training, conditioning and
film study. Lyons said if
any tweaks are made to
the plan before it goes to
the council they would
likely be made to this two-
week period.
Around July 24, the
meetings and walk-
throughs can begin. Then
29 days before a team’s
first game — Aug. 7 if the
opener is Sept. 5 — the
usual preseason practice
period starts.
Lyons said teams will
be required to complete
at least the four weeks of
standard preseason before
playing a game.
There has been con-
cern among NCAA offi-
cials and athletic adminis-
trators that some schools
will not be able to start
their preseason work soon
enough to begin their sea-
sons on time because of
restrictions put in place by
state and local authorities
to fight the coronavirus.
Those fears seem to be
easing now.
“It all gives us a little
bit of relief knowing the
campuses are starting
to reopen and these stu-
dent-athletes are back
working out on campus,”
Lyons said.
What will practice look
like during a pandemic?
The oversight committee
won’t be in charge of those
details. Those decisions
will be made at the school
level, guided by local
health officials, but medi-
cal experts at the confer-
ence and NCAA level are
also expected to provide
guidance.

Comics & Puzzles

DILBERT
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
I have been
married for
seven years and
have two beautiful
children. My
husband and I both
work full-time, yet I
do almost all of the
household chores.
I have asked him
repeatedly to help
ZITS ease my workload
and stress by
dividing the chores
more equitably, but
my requests are
met minimally and Dear Abby
temporarily. This
has caused arguments, tension
and resentment.
He says, “You and I value dif-
ferent things,” or, “This isn’t what
I want to focus on at home,” or,
“Your standards are too high and
have negatively impacted your
relationship with our kids.” I do
ask our kids to clean up routinely
GARFIELD because I want them to be active
members of this household, and
this is how I was raised.
It’s putting a strain on my
marriage and affecting my
feelings toward my husband. Do
I need to let this go? Or are my
priorities misplaced? — OUT OF
BALANCE IN RHODE ISLAND
DEAR OUT OF BALANCE:
From your husband’s perspec-
tive, why should he have to help
with the housework if he can
jawbone you into doing the lion’s
share? Perhaps you should offer
CANDORVILLE
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June
11). This world is your world,
and you take personal respon-
sibility for what happens in it.
You’ll be involved and connect-
ed with a vast network of like
minds, doing what you can to
fix something you did not break.
The noble effort will not be all
seriousness. Your year will be
filled with friends and games,
adventures and love. Leo and
BABY BLUES Aquarius adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 13, 2, 10, 14
and 5.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
The more honest you are, the
better you know yourself. And
the better you know yourself,
the easier it is to choose your
next transformation.
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
FAMILY CIRCUS
him a choice —
participate more
or someone will
have to be hired to
take some of the
burden off your
shoulders.
As to your
children, please
stick to your guns.
It is important
they master basic
housekeeping
skills so that when
they become
adults, they will be
able to take care
of themselves.
Few children relish
the idea of doing
housework, but many of them
do it anyway as a way to earn an
allowance.
DEAR ABBY: I was happily
married to the same woman for
51 years. “Jane” was married
42 years to the same man. We
were both widowed. We hooked
up and were enjoying our time
together, but after about three
years it all changed.
Do you believe in split
personalities, the Jekyll and
Hyde thing? Jane started falsely
accusing me of having affairs
with other women. The last two
women she accused me of being
involved with I don’t even know.
The accusations have been
coming more frequently. One day
she’s fine; the next day she is
accusing me.
Jane doesn’t like vulgar lan-
guage, and normally she doesn’t
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
Today’s luck and bounty will
make you smile. Even so, it’s
not why the day is great. Your
perfect day will always involve
giving to others and helping
without expectation of some-
thing in return.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
Love is a superpower you were
born with and you use without
thinking about, just like you use
your sense of touch or smell.
The time you’re most aware of
your natural gift to love is when
something is standing in the
way of it.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Looking for signs to point you to
your next move? They will be ev-
er-present. In fact, you will find
use it. But when she’s accusing
me of communicating with these
women, she uses words that
would make a sailor blush! A
researcher’s first guess was the
early stages of Alzheimer’s. I
know she is paranoid, but why?
— HATES THE CHANGE IN NORTH
CAROLINA
DEAR HATES: A personal-
ity change such as you have
described can be a symptom
of Alzheimer’s disease, but it
can also be caused by small
strokes and other dementias.
Jane’s paranoia could also be a
symptom of a physical illness.
If she has family, it is very
important that you inform them
about what’s happening so they
— and you — can encourage her
to be evaluated physically and
neurologically. If you do, it might
save not only her life but also
your sanity.
DEAR ABBY: When I was 21,
my grandparents told me, “It’s
better to be loved than to be
right.” Fifty years later, I’m still
trying to follow that advice be-
cause it’s so true. Sometimes it
is very hard to practice, but I will
never forget those words. — KEN
IN SHERMAN OAKS, CALIF.
DEAR KEN: Anything that
encourages folks to get along
better is good advice in my book.
People sometimes place too
much importance on trying to
be right. Now, allow me to share
an adage with you that I learned
from MY grandfather: “I never
learned anything while I was
talking.”
them wherever your eyes land.
Of course, it’s the interpretation
that matters. Trust your inner
knowing.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The
whole world is interesting to
you, and your curiosity about it
makes you brave and unselfcon-
scious — a powerful combina-
tion and, arguably, your most
natural state.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
The reason there aren’t a lot of
award ceremonies in superhero
movies is because heroes don’t
need accolades. You should
know. You’re the hero of the
day, at least to yourself, and
likely to the one that you lift
and love.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct.
23). It will be lucky to ponder
your relationship with food
and make some experimental
adjustments. It’s not just about
what you eat; the why and how
matter, too, especially the role
of emotion.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). You seek deals that are
mutually satisfying, but different
things satisfy different people.
To make the most appropriate
and effective bid, first find out
what others desire.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). Children play make-believe
games all the time to try out dif-
ferent roles. You pretend, too.
Instead of thinking of pretense
as false, think of it as the early
stages of becoming.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). There’s a great deal of
satisfaction on offer today,
mainly because you feel good
about what you’ve done so far.
In short, you keep showing up
to fulfill your own plans. It’s
working for you.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-
Feb. 18). Breath cleanses.
Water cleanses. Loving feelings
cleanse. Just as you wash your
hands to prevent the spread
of germs, you wash your spirit
so that you may share only the
highest and best of yourself.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). It is possible to busy
oneself with a million tasks and
still have a million left. For just
a moment, slip into the sublime
state in which there is nothing
to do and no one to be. When
you come back, ask: What is
necessary here?

Breakneck speed
SOLUTION:
4B THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 5B

Business
Surviving in America’s Black Belt
amid pandemic and job loss
‘When the rest place like the Black Belt
catches the flu,” said Lyd-
of the country ia Chatmon, who works
with the Selma Center for
catches a cold, Non-Violence and helped
coordinate with the Black
a place like Belt Community Founda-
tion on last week’s dona-
the Black Belt tions.
Stretching from Louisi-
catches the flu’ ana to Virginia, the Black
Selma Center for Non- Belt is a crescent-shaped
Violence worker Lydia agricultural region first
Chatmon known for the color of its
soil and then for its mostly
BY JAY REEVES
black population. It provid-
The Associated Press
ed for much of the antebel-
having jobless rates near
or above 20 percent.
And now that Alabama
Gov. Kay Ivey has allowed
businesses and many en-
tertainment venues to re-
open in a bid to stimulate
the economy, worrying
public health officials,
cases of COVID-19 and
hospitalizations have held
steady or increased in the
state.
It’s not that government
isn’t helping: The food at
the giveaway was donat-
ed through a federal pro-
“It’s every day, all day,”
she said. “That’s why I am
here.”
The Black Belt Com-
munity Foundation also is
giving away 100,000 face
masks, and people are us-
ing social media to share
tips and resources, trying
to reach residents who
lack any internet at home.
While broadband access
is spotty across much of
rural Alabama, some en-
tire counties lack service
in the Black Belt.

SELMA, Ala. — Life
can be tough even on a
good day in the Black Belt,
where some of the poorest
people in America are, as
usual, depending on each
other to survive. Their
struggle has become even
more difficult with unem-
ployment intensifying and
coronavirus infections
raging.
Both the need and the
relief have been on display
in the historic civil rights
city of Selma, where volun-
teers distributed free food
to scores of people, many
of whom shared rides from
isolated communities just
to get to the school where
boxes of fruit and vegeta-
bles were available.
“When the rest of the
country catches a cold, a
lum South’s cotton econ-
omy, and remains home
to many descendants of
slaves. With relatively lit-
tle industry and a declin-
ing population, poverty re-
mains a constant problem.
Now the virus that
causes COVID-19, which
is killing U.S. blacks in
disproportionately large
numbers, has taken hold
as well.
Black Belt counties
have eight of the nine
worst infection rates in
Alabama, where more
than 21,600 have test-
ed positive for the virus,
and more than 730 have
died. The area also took
the hardest hit from un-
employment during the
economic shutdown, with
eight Black Belt counties
gram. And more than $4
million in pandemic assis-
tance grants announced
last week will go to agen-
cies that serve Black Belt
counties in Alabama. The
money will help provide
food, rent and medicine.
Small-town coronavirus
testing stations also have
opened, so residents don’t
have to travel to bigger cit-
ies to learn if they may be
spreading the virus .
But the region also has
mobilized to help itself.
Clementine Blythe-Ellis, a
high school teacher who is
off for the summer, put on
a protective mask to guard
against the new virus and
a hat to ward off the sun
before showing to distrib-
ute food. The need, she
said, never goes away.

Applications open for state’s

Back to Business grant program
DISPATCH STAFF REPORT
Online applications for the new Back to
Business Mississippi Grant Program will
open at noon today, Gov. Tate Reeves an-
nounced Wednesday.
The program, which allows each eligi-
ble small business owner to receive up to
$25,000 in federal funding, is being admin-
istered by the Mississippi Development
Authority to mitigate the impact of the
COVID-19 pandemic on small businesses
in the state. Overall, $240 million is avail-
able to be given out through the program.
To be eligible, a business must pay tax-
es in Mississippi, must have had no more
than 50 full-time employees as of March 1
and must have suffered an interruption of
business because of the pandemic.
Interested business owners can apply
at the grant program’s website, backto-
businessms.org.

LOCAL GAS PRICES

Source: gasbuddy.com

Just Eat swallows Grubhub COLUMBUS

creating restaurant delivery giant 1.64 CHEVRON
488 US-45 S & Frontage Rd.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS acquiring Chicago-based 1.69 SHELL166 W Plymouth Bluff

Grubhub, snatching it
Two pioneers in restau-
rant delivery — Just Eat
away from ride-hailing gi-
ant Uber, which had been
1.74 SPIRIT
1450 Jess Lyons & Ridge Rd.

Takeaway.com and Grub- reportedly seeking to team

hub — are combining in
a $7.3 billion deal that will
create one of the world’s
Grubhub with its Uber
STARKVILLE
Eats business.
The deal is expected to
1.59 SPRINT
308 Hwy 12 E & S Montgomery

largest delivery compa-

nies.
close in the first quarter of
2021. The combined com- 1.59 WALMART
105 Market St.

Amsterdam-based Just pany will be headquartered

Eat Takeaway.com said in Amsterdam, with its U.S. 1.59 SHELL1125 US 82 E & Old Mayhew

late Wednesday that it was headquarters in Chicago.

Classifieds
Ads appear in The Commercial Dispatch,
The Starkville Dispatch and Online
To place ads starting at only $12,
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2020 n 6B

Apts For Rent: Other Waterfront Property General Merchandise

Employment
Call us: 662-328-2424
General Help Wanted
CARPENTER NEEDED w/ at
least 4 yrs. of experience.
Ideal candidate will have an
COLEMAN
NEWLY RENOVATED three
bedroom, two 1/2 bath
RENTALS home in private community
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS with community boat
landing. Property sits on
1 BEDROOM Tibbee Creek and is
conveniently located to
2 BEDROOMS West Point, Columbus, and
3 BEDROOMS Starkville. Home has a
screened in back patio with
LEASE, a deck that overlooks
© The Dispatch
MERCHANDISE
Collectibles, Santas,
snowmen, longaberger
baskets, antiques, lamps,
some furn., & pewter.
Call 662−312−6207
WHITE POSTER BOARD
$0.50 each − 24"x23"
Community
Ads starting at $12
Travel & Entertainment
PUBLIC CATFISH POND
@ 130 Hillcrest Drive.
Open Tues−Sat, 7a−5p

eye for detail, be depend- Visit 516 Main Street

able, have good communic- Tibbee Creek. $198,800. or call 662−328−2424 662−386−8591
ation skills, reliable trans-
DEPOSIT 662−549−2768 Call for pricing.
portation & basic tools. We AND
Lawn & Garden
specialize in home remod- CREDIT CHECK
Five Questions:
Garage Sales
els & new construction.
Call 662-312-3130 for info.
662-329-2323
HAYES DAYLILIES
Open mornings. M−S.

1 Dallas
1069 New Hope Rd. Call
AREA BUSINESS 2411 HWY 45 N Two free signs 662−251−6665.

Sudoku
is seeking a mature, YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
motivated person who COLUMBUS, MS Garage Sales: New Hope
enjoys interacting with
Vehicles 2 Lactose
people, being outdoors
and multitasking. Skills
Houses For Rent: North 2019 STRAWBERRY ST.
Th/Fri 9a−2p & Sat. 8a−12 intolerance Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
related to maintaining 135 HORSESHOE LOOP, Purses, jewelry, h/h items,
Ads starting at $12 Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis witha several
num- 3 5 4 8 1 6 7 9 2
equipment and/or farm COLUMBUS. 3BR/2BA, antiques & collectibles.
ber-placing
given numbers.puzzle 8 9 7 3 4 2 5 6 1
3 “The Good The object

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

work are desired but not fenced yard, quiet & retired
required. Person needs to area. Storage building in Autos For Sale based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 6 1 2 5 9 7 3 4 8
be flexible enough to pitch back yard. $700/mo +
Wife” grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 5 3 9 1 2 4 6 8 7
in where ever needed but
also keep their core
dep. 901−314−3098.
Merchandise 2004 FORD T−BIRD. Two
tops, hard & soft. Little
given
so thatnumbers.
object
each row, each
column and each 3x3 the
is to place
The 4 7 8 6 5 3 1 2 9
4 Shaka
responsibilities in mind. over 100k mi. Excellent box 1 2 6 7 8 9 4 5 3
If you enjoy a different ex-
HOUSE FOR RENT BY
OWNER. 220 Mclemore Ads starting at $12 Condition. Call Holly at numbers
contains the1same to 9 number
in
perience on the regular, Road, Columbus. 1750sqft Eaton Motor Company in the empty spaces so 2 8 1 4 7 5 9 3 6
only once. The difficulty 9 4 3 2 6 1 8 7 5
meeting new people and Houston, 662−705−1143. that each row, each
5 Run-D.M.C.
Brick house in quiet neigh− Bargain Column
believe in customer level increases from
satisfaction this job might
borhood. 3 bedrooms & 2 column and each 7 6 5 9 3 8 2 1 4
Mondayboxtocontains
Sunday.
Go online. and the
full baths. No HUD,
be for you. Columbus City school
Ladies Ring, Size 9 with 3x3 Difficulty Level 6/10

Please submit resume to:
Blind Box 675 c/o The
Commercial Dispatch
PO Box 511
Columbus, MS 39703
CALEDONIA BUSINESS
needs General Laborer.
Valid driver's license,
transportation & experi-
ence helpful. Will train on
the job if needed. Call
Jesse & Beverly's Lawn
Service at 662-356-6525.
THE COMMERCIAL
DISPATCH seeks a motiv-
ated, contracted carrier for
the Brooksville & Macon
area. Excellent opportunity
to earn money for college.
Must have good transporta-
tion, valid driver's license
& insurance. Delivers on
Sunday morning and Mon-
Fri afternoons. Apply at The
Commercial Dispatch, 516
Main Street in Columbus.
No phone calls please.
large garnet stone and 4 the same number only once. The difficulty level
ads.cdispatch.com
Beastie Boys
district. $1000/mo with small topaz stones.
1 mo deposit. Serious Sterling Silver. $15. increases from Monday to Sunday.
inquiries only please. Call
662−497−4626.
662−574−3202 to see the
house or make application. Auctions
Massage Hand Shower.
HOUSE FOR RENT Peerless. New never used.
2−3 Bedroom w/ 1.5 Bath 4 spray settings including
Fenced in yard. $675. Pause function. $10.
662−549−9555. 662−497−4626.
Ask for Glenn or text.
General Merchandise
Real Estate 2018 40FT Gooseneck
Trailer w/ 5ft dovetail, 12
ton axles, 10−4inch straps
& tarps. $7,000.
Ads starting at $25 662−251−3001.
Houses For Sale: New Hope
16 WIDNER IN NEW HOPE Penny
Newly remodeled. 3BR/
2BA home. Approx. 1,500
sqft. Has 25’x30’ wired
pincher?
metal shop w/ roll−up front
& side door. $158,500.
662−549−9298.
Lots & Acreage

1.75 ACRE LOTS.

Good/Bad Credit Options.

Rentals
Good credit as low as 10%
down, $299/mo. Eaton
Land, 662−361−7711.
Ads starting at $25
Use and read
Apts For Rent: North
classifieds and
FOX RUN APARTMENTS
1 & 2 BR near hospital. your dollars will
$595−$645 monthly. Looking for a new home?
Military discount, pet area, Let us help, shop here. go further.
pet friendly, and furnished
corporate apts.
24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL Auctions
GYM. ON SITE SECURITY.
ON SITE MAINTENANCE.
ON SITE MANAGEMENT.
24−HOUR CAMERA
SURVEILLANCE. Benji &
Ashleigh, 662−386−4446.
ACROSS
Apts For Rent: West
1 Does a yard
job
VIP 5 Secret store

Rentals
10 “To repeat ...”
12 Turkish
Apartments & Houses bigwig
13 Dull finish
1 Bedrooms 14 Church
2 Bedroooms feature
15 Mamie’s
3 Bedrooms

Service Directory
husband
Furnished & Unfurnished 16 Scanner
target
1, 2, & 3 Baths 18 Drive-in
Lease, Deposit server
& Credit Check 20 Crater part
Promote your small business starting at only $25
viceinvestments.com 21 Hand cost
DOWN 24 “Smiley’s
327-8555 Carpet & Flooring Electrical General Services Lawn Care / Landscaping 23 Powerful
people 1 Parrot People” author
CARPET INSTALLATION. WORK WANTED: Jake’s Mowing 24 Green shade 2 Honshu city 25 From Portu-
Apts For Rent: Other Re−Stretch & Repair also Licensed & Bonded. Mowing, Weed−eating, 3 Bottled buy gal or Spain
avail. I accept select jobs. Carpentry, minor electrical, Blow off walks, Trim shrubs 26 Carpet type 4 Canine com- 27 That woman
Call Walt, 662−574−8134. minor plumbing, insulation, Free quote. Great pricing. 28 Cotillion girl
painting, demolition, Call, text, leave message. 29 Spot mand 28 Disagree
gutters cleaned, pressure 662−570−8815
31 Water cooler 5 Ship pole 30 “— a deal!”
washing, landscaping,
32 La Brea sight 6 Soft mineral 33 Cookout site
cleanup work, moving help.
662−242−3608.
JESSE & BEVERLY’S
LAWN SERVICE 36 China’s 7 Oregon city 34 Dancer
MOUNTING TV’S AND Mowing, cleanup, region 8 Slight variation Castle
HIDING WIRES
HILL’S PRESSURE landscaping, sodding,
39 Verb for you of color 35 Principle
Mount TV:
WASHING. Commercial/ & tree cutting.
40 Showy detail 9 Chambers for 37 Otherwise
$60/TV (mount not incl) 662−356−6525
Mount TV & hide wires: Residential. House,
41 Consumed women 38 Out of the
$120/TV (mount not incl) concrete, sidewalks & Painting & Papering 43 Make blank 11 Prepares a wind
mobile washing. Free est.
DAVID’S CARPET & Johnny Beamon
662−386−8925. 44 Book part fillet 42 Phone down-
UPHOLSTERY 662−251−8472 QUALITY PAINTING.
CLEANING Ext/Int Painting. 45 Zellweger of 17 Gifted load
1 Room − $50 General Services Sheet Rock Hang, Finish & “Judy” 19 Deli choice
CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
2 Rooms − $70 $545 plus Filing Fee Repair. Pressure Washing.
46 Frost, e.g. 22 Manor
3+ Rooms − $30 EA A & T TREE SERVICES
Rugs−Must Be Seen Bucket truck & stump
Free Estimates. Ask for
CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY settings
specials! Larry Webber,
Car Upholstery Cleaning removal. Free est. All Attorney Fees Through The Plan 662−242−4932.
Available Serving Columbus
662−722−1758 since 1987. Senior Jim Arnold, Attorney
citizen disc. Call Alvin @ 662-324-1666 • 601-656-6914 SULLIVAN’S PAINT
242−0324/241−4447 104 South Lafayette Street, StarkvilleSERVICE
Childcare "We’ll go out on a limb for Special Prices.
you!" Interior & Exterior Painting.
662−435−6528
Read local. Emmanuel’s Christian
Academy−Child care PRESSURE WASHING
SKILLED CRAFTSMAN. Any
kind of work! We can build,
AVAILABLE SOON For ages paint, drywall, clean,
cdispatch.com 6 weeks to 12 years old.
Commercial & residential.
pressure wash & cut grass. Are you a painter?
Bricks, concrete & siding.
emmanuelsca@yahoo.com Call for quote, Reasonable rates. Safe & Advertise here!
or text 662−245−6998 662−295−6880. Reliable. 662−386−3658.

Buy. Sell. Discover. In the Classifieds section.

On the web: ads.cdispatch.com • Or call: 662-328-2424