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BY BARBARA GAUNTT/CLARION LEDGER

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H J. OLIVER EMMERICH AWARD FOR EDITORIAL EXCELLENCE

ABOUT THE EMMERICH AWARD

The J. Oliver Emmerich Award for Editorial
Excellence presented annually during the MPA Better
Newspaper Contest was founded in 1977 to honor the
life and career of one of Mississippi’s leading journalists
and newspapermen of the 20th Century. John Oliver
Emmerich, the longtime editor of the Enterprise-Journal
in McComb was a past president of MPA and noted
editorial writer who served as a civic leader and
dedicated journalist during one of the state’s most
turbulent periods.
Each First Place winning entry in the annual BNC
Best Editorial category is re-judged to determine the
single best editorial writer in the state. The winner of the
SAM HALL
prestigious award, MPA’s highest honor, is revealed
DAILY JOURNAL
during the BNC presentation at the annual convention
each summer.
See a complete list of past winners at
www.mspress.org/emmerich
 Monroe Journal
AMORY – Cafeteria expansions
are on tap for Hamilton, Hatley
and Smithville attendance cen-
Part of the McClatchy Media Network ters possibly by the end of the
year. During March 8’s Monroe
County School Board meeting,
H GENERAL NEWS
Obituaries Sports BusinessSTORY
Classifieds Personal Finance
architects Rud Robison and Dr.
Adam Pugh of Pryor Morrow ex-
plained school-by-school plans.
The school board previously
engaged the architectural firm
to provide services for cafeteria
SPECIAL INVESTIGATION expansions and window replace-
ment at the district’s schools.
H BILL MINOR PRIZE WINNERS
$53.3 million. 33 jobs. No plan. That’s how GENERAL NEWS REPORTING
CRISIS IN
Mississippi lawmakers are spending BP oil UKRAINE
spill money.
BY ANITA LEE
dents will be expanded to 324
with an 1,100-square-foot ad-
dition along the side. Typical-
ly, we plan for 15 to 17 square
feet per person for dining at
tables,” Robison said of Ham-
ilton’s project. “We have pretty
tight confines at Hatley. After
researching building codes for
minimum separations between
buildings, we have planned
an addition of just over 1,000
square feet accommodating 84
extra seats at similar tables to
existing, yielding a total capaci-
ty of 384 seats. This is the max-
here.” tendent Brian Jernigan said the th
School board member Mick- buildings are structurally sound to
ey Miller asked if the addition at and would last beyond the life- n
Hatley would be large enough time of most of the board mem- e
to meet the needs of the student bers. th
population, which is approxi- The cafeteria at Smithville is
mately 1,000 students. also slated to receive an addition w
“We have gone out as far as we to the side, accommodating an v
can. There’s nowhere else to go,”
Jernigan said.
additional 108 seats at tables to
the existing capacity of 216.
th
d
School board member Chris “We’re trying to keep every
Markham asked if the existing addition to approximately 1,000 a
buildings have a sufficient pro- square feet for whatever seems to
jected lifespan to justify the ex- to make the most sense for the A
pense of the addition at Hatley as
opposed to building an entirely
existing buildings in place. We’re
bumping up our seating capac-
Commu
speak t

UPDATED JUNE 23, 2022 8:34 AM

    Close Enough to Chaos the nee
parent
BY JOHN WA
Monroe Journal

The circums
for children to
can range from
households. T
ment and in t
court syste
play roles
helping separa
children fro
those types
lifestyles.
“Foster pa
ents play a vi
role in helpin
glected, abuse
stances. One o
is to reunify ch
parents provid
stability while
said Monroe C
Griffie.
Monroe Co
dresses the su
Mississippi legislators created an advisory board to help guide the spending of BP oil spill money in the enforcement o
six counties closest to the coast. But lawmakers have sometimes disregarded the board’s advice as they self.
spread money around their districts. Ricardo Santos, special to ProPublica. Source Images: Rory Doyle; He and his w
EVGENIY MALOLETKA I AP
James Edward Bates/Sun Herald; Gulf Coast Restoration Fund application obtained by the Sun Herald and A man walks with a bicycle on a street damaged by shelling in Mariupol, Ukraine, on Thursday, March 10.
their own entru
“I began lo
ProPublica; Mississippi Department of Transportation via Mississippi Department of Archives and History. years ago. If ju
Former Aberdeen youth pastor shares Clinton White,
who previously
100-plus chur
would be a fo
(Editor’s note: This article was produced with ProPublica as part of its Local his first-hand take on Ukrainian spirit served in youth there wouldn’
and children’s prayer,” Crook
Reporting Network initiative. Sign up for Dispatches to get stories like this one BY RAY VAN DUSEN ministries in Aber- He estimate
Monroe Journal deen, is pictured drug-addicted
as soon as they are published.) with his wife, need foster car

S
ince late February, the world has watched Lena, and a child case scenario.
as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine they’re in the pro- “It takes a ye
Nothing about the proposal to create a “town center” in the coastal bedroom has claimed the lives of civilians, caused cess of adopting. cal dependenc
They operate the
community of Gautier, Mississippi, made sense to Becky Montgomery Jenner. widespread damage in parts of the country,
nonprofit Shade
alcohol,” he sa
prompted Ukraine’s largest exodus since Monroe Cou
World War II and caused a ripple effect throughout for Children in Cherylann Ro
The mall that once functioned as the town’s community hub is literally a shell of the world. western Ukraine, nile cases. She
While the Ukrainian city he now calls home is not where Clinton identifying chi
its former self, with a rusting metal structure covering a concrete slab where under an immediate threat, one missionary who permanently “Frequently
moved to in
shoppers once browsed. In its place the city wants to create a downtown where TURN TO UKRAINE, 12A 2012. TURN
people can live, shop and dine.

No developers, banks or investors have signed on to the project. An advisory

CLASS AJenner sits on voted 6-1 against recommending the project for
board that
LOCAL NEWS
CLASS C Nani is a
PETS OF THE WEEK
Ferrell was
OBITUARIES (Page 4A)
Linda Moore

economic development funding paid by the oil company BP following its

1st Place
24/7 AT
1st Place
spayed medi-
um-sized female
terrier mix who
trapped and
brought to the
Amory Humane
Brenda Joyce Andrews Atkins
Vera Ruth Laney Gray
is close to 2 Society. He
years old. She would make a
H BILL MINOR PRIZE FOR GENERAL NEWS REPORTING H BILL MINOR PRIZE FOR GENERAL NEWS REPORTING gets along well
with other dogs and people too. She
great barn cat.
He’s 6 months old, very friendly and
Sun Herald Monroe Journal is waiting for her furever home at
the Amory Humane Society.
loves to be held. For more informa-
tion, call (662) 256-7566.

Anita Lee Ray Van Dusen

$53.3 million. 33 jobs. No plan. War in the Ukraine It’s more than a loan. It’s Pea
That’s how Mississippi lawmakers are spending BP oil spill money. Very interesting story on a global news story and war with a local take,
Excellent use of public records to show not only what exists (grant Great work. Personal Loans up to $15,0
agreements and Mississippi Development Authority applications) but 662-256-1054
also what doesn’t exist (concrete plans and more than 33 jobs). 2nd Place 1FFC.com 1112 Hwy 278 E, Suite C, Amory
All loan terms and applicable APRs depend on meeting our underwriting and income criteria for the loan size requested and may require collateral. Active duty military, their spouse
1

Thepurposes;
SeaActgambling
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(“MLA”) may not Echo
pledge a vehicle as collateral. Loan proceeds obtained from 1 Franklin Financial cannot be used for post-secondary educational or vocational expens
st

or illegal purposes. 1 Franklin Financial Corporation, NMLS #141654, Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee #5656. Any offers referenced here do not apply to
st

2nd Place Cassandra Favre

Daily Journal If you want it, it’s possible
Taylor Vance
Health giant Centene 3rd Place
The Pine Belt News
3rd Place Haskel Burns
Daily Journal Investigators still working on Angela Freeman case 30 years later
Blake Alsup
Death of the Dream Honorable Mention
The Sea Coast Echo
Honorable Mention Geoff Belcher
Sun Herald Opioid overdose problem
Gautama Mehta
The CDC used ‘shoe-leather detective work’ to uncover deadly bacteria CLASS D
on the MS Coast. What now?
1st Place
The Baldwyn News
CLASS B Jason Collum
1st Place He’s Home - Rowland Returns
Laurel Leader-Call Well-written, comprehensive, interesting.
Mark Thornton
Gas-station heroin 2nd Place
Great job informing the community and pushing for change The Deer Creek Pilot
Natalie Perkins & Amy George
2nd Place Identity Theft
The Vicksburg Post
Anna Guizerix 3rd Place
Vicksburg family forced to seek care 8 hours away after Blue Cross The Baldwyn News
severs ties with UMMC Jason Collum
A Wheel Winner
3rd Place
The Mississippi Press Honorable Mention
Warren Kulo Tishomingo County News
He sexually assaulted 14-year-old... Pamela McRae
Landowners win suit over deer dogs

See visuals of all First Place Winners by downloading the BNC slide show at mspress.org/bnc
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Federal, state agents Superintendent

plans meeting
visit Express Grain on grant funds
Law enforcement also at Coleman’s home By GERARD EDIC
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Ruthie Robison
situation dire for Mississippi State
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County’s COVID-19
MDA trying to reclaim
By KEVIN EDWARDS
pí~ÑÑ=têáíÉê= Ross Reily

toll increases to 166

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qÜÉ=çÑÑáÅÉë=çÑ=bñéêÉëë=dê~áå=qÉêãáJ Mississippi Clarion Ledger

$750K in grant funds

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Published 10:05 a.m. CT Dec. 12, 2022 Updated 1:39 p.m. CT Dec. 12, 2022
`lsfaJNV= Ü~ë= Åä~áãÉÇ= ÜáÖÜÉëí= ÇÉ~íÜ= ê~íÉ= Ñêçã=
Mississippi
~åçíÜÉê= State football
iÉÑäçêÉ= `çìåíó= coach Mike Leach had a massive heart attack on
îáÅJ `lsfaJNV=çÑ=jáëëáëëáééáÛë=UO= Sunday in
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êÉä~íÉÇ=íç=áíë=Éñé~åëáçåI=áå=ÉñÅÜ~åÖÉ= Starkville and was transferred
ÇÉ~íÜ=íçää=íç=NSSK= to University of Mississippi Medical Center
Ü~îáåÖ=ÇáÉÇ=Ñêçã=íÜÉ=îáêìë=Ñçê= in Jackson,
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àçÄë= Ñçê= áíë= Ñ~ÅáäáíáÉë= ïáíÜáå= íÜêÉÉ= where
qÜìêëÇ~ó= Äó=he
íÜÉ=is still being
jáëëáëëáééá= íÜÉ= cared for
é~åÇÉãáÅ= on Monday.
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Öê~åí= ï~ë= íÜÉ= dêÉÉåïççÇJiÉÑäçêÉJ According to multiple sources, Leach, 61, collapsed at his home in Starkville, but did not

CDC to ease mask

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receive medical
CLASS C attention for between 10 to 15 minutes. EMTs used a defibrillator machine
and delivered multiple shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.
guidelines Friday
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1st Place
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After he was stabilized at Oktibbeha County Hospital, he was transported by helicopter to
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Mike Leach suffers heart attack, situation dire for Mississippi State
Coleman ÅçìäÇ= ÄÉ= ëÉÉå= í~âáåÖ= áåÇìëíêó=áå=íÜÉ=pí~íÉ=çÑ=jáëëáëëáééáIÒ= bñéêÉëë= dê~áåI= ~ÅÅçêÇáåÖ= íç= íÜÉ= Petal man in custody for sex crime, facing life sentence
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football coach
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2nd Place
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jáÅÜÉääÉ= táääá~ãëI= ~= ëéçâÉëéÉêëçå=
flow, easy to follow
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äçåÖÉê= ÄÉ= ~ÇîáëÉÇ= íç= ïÉ~ê= ÅçìåíáÉëI=~ÅÅçêÇáåÖ=íç=íÜÉ=ä~íJ
condition"
ã~ëâë= in a statement
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2nd Place
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Daily Journal
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pÉÉ=EXPRESS,=_~Åâ=m~ÖÉ çããÉåÇ=Ñ~ÅÉ=ÅçîÉêáåÖëI=ëÜáÑíJ
the coach, but also requests that their family’s privacy be respected at this time.
pÉÉ=MASKSI=_~Åâ=m~ÖÉ=

This was a flying bomb The Columbian Progress

"That
Joshuais the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach's
Campbell
ÖïÅçããçåïÉ~äíÜ WEATHER= STATE NEWS Almost
.com condition.
390,000 theFoxworth
And university will make no other comment at this time."
=

3rd Place = =
Blaze destroys
i~ïëìáí=ë~óë=g~Åâëçå=éçäáÅÉ=êç~ÇÄäçÅâë=~êÉ=
home
Friday:= `äçìÇóI= íÜÉå= Öê~Çì~ääó= ÄÉÅçãáåÖ= total monthly
Sun Herald
låäáåÉ=ÉÇáíáçå ëìååóK=eáÖÜ=åÉ~ê=QVK= Page 4
îáçä~íáåÖ=éÉçéäÉÛë=êáÖÜíëK
Leach
Back Page isreadership
in his third season with the Bulldogs and guided Mississippi State to a 24-22
Margaret Baker CLASS D
In his final moments, Bay St. Louis police officer shot veterinarian who
1st Place
opened fire at Motel 6
The Sun-Sentinel
Clay McFerrin
Honorable Mention
Windstorm damages 46 structures
Sun Herald
It is important to have a balance of personal toll and property toll in
Margaret Baker
storm stories, and this article accomplishes that. The detail about where
Victim’s dad detains Coast councilman at Kiln gas station after alleged
damage occurred and what the damage was is excellent, and the
sex asault
personal accounts of riding out the storm give the necessary human
element to the article. Excellent job.
CLASS B
1st Place 2nd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth Franklin Advocate
Kevin Edwards Sean Dunlap & Nicole Stokes
Federal, state agents visit Express Grain Water, water everywhere
Good job sharing background information to explain what led to the
arrests. 3rd Place
The Deer Creek Pilot
2nd Place Amy George
Enterprise-Journal Tornado rips through Anguilla
Matt Williamson
Senseless: 6-year-old killed, 4 wounded in park shooting; 4 suspects Honorable Mention
jailed The Sun-Sentinel
Clay McFerrin
3rd Place Sherry Hill gives life trying to save beloved dogs
Daily Corinthian
Mark Boehler
Tate Street blaze a total loss

Download a PDF of this winner’s book at mspress.org/bnc

 Expanding your Community Banking Experience! gbtonline.com

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Clark turns 93
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Holmes Grenada Late TD lifts GHS See page 2B

Grenada St
H IN DEPTH OR INVESTIGATIVE makes new hires
See page 3A
Chargers to victory
See page 11A

r
2/20/23, 10:54 AM Delta farm owners underpay, push out Black workers - Mississippi Today

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H BILL MINOR PRIZE WINNERS
Serving Grenada County & Surrounding Areas Since 1854
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

City letter causes contention

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 168th Year • Number 37 $1

I
NDIANOLA – The new crop of workers arrived with clipped accents and small khaki shorts.
A Mississippi Today investigation found at least five Delta farms paid their primarily Black local workforce

Fortune 500 company Council OKs

Richard
less money perStrong remembers
hour than the young
temporary men
workers – farmers
from back home
other countries – had
– most neverwhite
often, seenmen
a massive 28,000-
from South Africa.
pound tractor until traveling some 8,000 miles to Mississippi.
denied by city council city-owned
building lease
As kids, Richard and his brother, Gregory, earned calloused palms chopping cotton in the swelter of southern Expanding your Community Banking Experience!
By ADAM PRESTRIDGE
gbtonline.com

Publisher
summers. As adults, they spent 24 years filling acres with cotton, soybeans and corn on Pitts Farms – just like Our ITMs and Customer Success Call Center are now open M – F from 7 am – 7 pm.
A letter obtained by The
Saturday ITMGrenada Star
Hours: from– a12
9 am City
pmof Grenada
their daddy had. official has been the topic of contention between the Council for
By ADAM PRESTRIDGE
https://mississippitoday.org/2022/06/29/delta-farm-underpay-black-farmers/ 1/18 several weeks. MSDE Super
The letter – penned by City Manager Stanford Publisher
Amos – was recently sent to officials with a visits GUES
GFD, State Farm Chargers, Raiders
Fortune 500 company, which met with the City See tive
Following months of discussions in execu-
pagesession
1B with several interested industrial

Grenada St
Council during its regular meeting on Monday,
“Farming is actually in our DNA,” said Richard Strong, now 51. “I could close my eyes and drive a tractor.” prep for NFPW lose home games
July 11, 2022, to discuss their desires to expand prospects, the Grenada City Council approved
the household name brand company to Grenada. a lease agreement last week with a company
The potential impact for the See city page 3A mil-
included See page 13A to take over the city-owned building current-

r
lions of dollars in improvements, renovations ly occupied by a division of Modine in the
and expansions to the city-owned facility located Industrial Park.
But the brothers haven’t been on a tractor or in the fields in over two years. They say they unknowingly Amos at 823 Air Industrial Park Rd., in the city’s The decision, however, wasn’t made without
Industrial Park, as well as the hiring of up to 300 controversy.
trained themselves out of jobs when the Pitts family hired South Africans through a visa program. employees at its peak.
Greater Grenada Partnership Executive Director Matthew
For more than a year, Greater Grenada
Partnership Executive Director Matthew
Harrison met with the City Council during official monthly meet- Harrison met with the City Council during offi-
ings – seven to be precise – as well as one-on-one with Amos and cial monthly meetings as well as one-on-one to
Councilmen
Servingto discuss
Grenada howCounty
the industrial development organiza-
& Surrounding Areas Since 1854 discuss the industrial development organization
The Pitts paid their foreign workforce nearly $12 an hour while their local workers – usually Black men – See LETTER, Page 4A See LEASE, Page 4A

Council minutes prove Fortune 500 visit

Wednesday, September 28, 2022 168th Year • Number 39 $1

Grenada County
made just $7.25 to $9.50 per hour, according to a Department of Labor audit that spanned 2020 and 2021. The
audit also found four local workers lost out on shifts when the temporary workers arrived.

But the Strongs and other Black workers say the pay gap existed from the first day the South Africans started approves tax levy
By ADAM PRESTRIDGE
Publisher
facturer from expanding into Grenada.
Both by word of mouth and posts on
Councilman Lewis Johnson. of discussion with you in the meeting, we
A portion of the letter penned and signed have explored several potential opportuni-
social media, supporters of several City by Amos on City of Grenada letterhead fea- ties to establish a working relationship with
The notion that the Grenada City Council Councilmembers have been coming to turing its seal, which was reprinted in The Matthew. From these explorations, we have
at the family-owned farm several years before. Records show the Pitts started seeking foreign workers as did not receive a visitBy from a Fortune
MANDY 500 their defense claiming that no such meeting Star on Sept. 14, read: “In your presentation been unable to establish the trust necessary
AYERS
company representative inStaffJuly has been cir- occurred.
Reporter and in the subsequent emails sent prior to the to have a successful relationship with him.”
early as 2014. Locals got an occasional pay bump on the weekends, but mostly took home federal minimum culating since The Grenada Star broke the
story
“No one has heard anything from the so- meeting addressed to me, the Councilmen In the story on Sept. 14, The Star omitted
The on Sept.of14,
Board concerningheld
Supervisors CityaManager called tocompany
budget meeting that supposedly decided and others, it was indicated that we would the name of the company at its request, but
discuss and
Stanford Amos sending the same company not to locate here because of city officials,” be working through Matthew Harrison, as
wage as the farm started giving them fewer shifts, according to years of paystubs obtained by Mississippi approve the Grenada County tax levy for 2022-23
an unauthorized
morning. letter, deterring the manu- one
last Thursday
Facebook post reads, tagging Ward 3 Viking’s representative. As was a matter See MINUTES, Page 4A

Duo masters crappie Bert Bell

Board members in attendance for the meeting were Darrell
Today. Robinson, Chad Bridges and Columbus Hankins. Michael Lott,
who was out of town, was present via phone. Supervisor Chad
Gray was not present. Circuit Clerk Johnny Hayward presented the
Board with the updated tax levy.

murderer
During the meeting, the Board:
The Strongs and six others – who worked for the Pitts for more than 100 combined years – say they were • Approved the Grenada School District budget acceptance/fund-
ing requirements.
pushed out of their jobs completely. • Approved the setting of levy/tax levy order:

to remain
• General County purposed as amended by HB 813-1985 of 34.37
• General fund – reappraisal escrow of 1.00
• General fund – reappraisal of 2.68
• District road maintenance fund of 3.04

Rainy Jubilee
in prison
• Bridge construction and maintenance of 12.21
• Holmes Jr. College – maintenance of 1.00

CLASS A
•Holmes Jr. College – construction of 1.00
2nd Place
• Holmes Jr. Bond 2011 Series of .72
• Fire protection (outside of city) of 2.00
Onia Sessom with Sessom’s Catering out of Byhalia cooks smoked sausage last Saturday
during the Grenada Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Downtown Jubilee as rain falls. See
next week’s edition for more information and photos.
The Northside Sun See LEVY, Page 3A Photo by Mandy Ayers

1st Place
Pig Kissin’ Contest
By ADAM PRESTRIDGE

Nell Floyd Publisher

H BILL MINOR PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING Gene Bell, brother of Robert C.

In Depth Investigative Coverage “Bert” Bell, who was brutally mur-

nets $8K for Rotary

dered in Grenada County on May 6,
Mississippi Today
https://mississippitoday.org/2022/06/29/delta-farm-underpay-black-farmers/ 2/18 1991, breathed a sigh of relief Monday
morning following actions taken by one
Mississippi State Senator.
Sara DiNatale & Alex Rozier Sen. Angela Burks Hill
(R-Dist. 40), along with
3rd Place thousands of family mem-
Exploited: White Delta farm owners are underpaying and pushing out By CHUCK HATHCOCK
Sports Editor
bers,So,friends
ed Kissin’
the club
officials Contest
andheld
haveleading
elect- the inaugural Pig
been up to the Labor
The Pine Belt News writing letters and
Day holiday. Members mak- of the club sold

Black workers The Grenada Rotary Club was looking ingBoston

for a fundraising event to help provide ingthree
phonebutts
to individuals
callsand
stop the release
attempt-
could vote for which of
that agreed to take part
Haskel Burns monies for the various community proj- of they Frederick
wanted Bell to see–pucker no Frederick
up to the hog.
Every article in this category was solid and any could have placed. ects the club takes on throughout the relation Bell
Those –community after he was celebrities included
year. After much thought, Secretary granted Ward 4parole Councilman by the Michael D. Smith,
Inadequate resources, exorbitant fees Ashley Lane came up with the idea of Mississippi
Grenada School Department District of Superintendent
Corrections

Good to know there are great reporters in Mississippi, bad to know their Michael Smith, Dr. David Daigneault and Sheriff Rolando Fair await results.
Hayden and Dan Jeffries, a father-son fishing team from Brandon,Photo wonbythe Crappie
a Pig Kissin’ Contest involving promi- Parole Board earlier this summer. After
Masters National Championship
Chuck Hathcock nent members of the community.
at Grenada Lake over the weekend. The duo caught a two-day total of 33.75 pounds to bring home $30,000.
See ROTARY,
some research, Frederick Bell
remain behind bars for now.
Page 3Awill

Father-son
D On Nov. claim $30K grand prize
are so many issues that need investigating. It’s scary that this is even
Photo by Chuck Hathcock
“Over the weekend, we did some
DECADESresearch OF EXPERIENCE on the case and we learned that
CLASS 8, IN THE the Parole Board did not follow the stat-
COURTROOM
happening. Good research, great interviews. Easy to follow. vote AND ON
ute 47-7-17 in notifying the community
andTHE running BENCH a notice in the newspaper
for two weeks, 30 days prior to his hear-

1st Place
By CHUCK HATHCOCK His wife, Katie, is nine months pregnant Brian Sowers, an official with Crappiewww.lancasterforjudge.com
ing,” Hill explained on the Gallo Show
Sports Editor and could have went into labor at anytime, Masters, was down to weighing the first day Paid forMonday morning. “So, I contacted the
Circuit
preventing him from competing Judge
in the event leaders Hayden and Dan Jeffries of Brandon, Attorney General’s
to and approved Office
by the candidate and gave that
by Committee to Elect Alan D. Lancaster, Fay Matthews treasurer
Submitted

Grenadian Blake Cook was unsure if that paid a top prize of $30,000. The late who needed just over 13 pounds to claim the
2nd Place Clarke County Tribune
he would get to fish the Crappie Masters arrival of Maggie May proved to pay off for title away from Cook. The father-son duo
National Championships at Grenada Lake Cook, who took over the lead in the tourna-
See CRAPPIE, Page 4A
information. I validated that with the
newspaper in that county and the notice
See MURDERER, Page 4A
last weekend. ment during the weigh-in Saturday.
Mississippi Today Brittney Mangum
Anna Wolfe 5 years wet GPD offers drop box
for prescription meds
The Backchannel Well presented information and point proven.

3rd Place 2nd Place By MANDY AYERS

Staff Reporter
DEA to get this box here at our police
department,” Wilbourn said.
Drug overdose deaths are up 16 per-
The Drug Enforcement Administration, cent in the last year, claiming more than
Clarion Ledger The Sun-Sentinel along with Grenada Police Department
Investigator Sean Wilbourn, recently
290 lives every day. More than 106,000
people died as the result of a drug
teamed up to obtain a permanent pre- overdose in the 12-month period end-
Jackson water crisis flows from a century of poverty, neglect and racism Clay McFerrin scription medication drop box for pub-
lic use in the city.
ing November 2021, marking the most
drug-related deaths ever recorded, with
After months of hard work, a large opioid-related deaths accounting for 75
In Charleston, government’s original form gets fresh look
Grenada Police Department personnel, from left, Charles Washington, Ricky
blue metal lockbox has now been
placed in the police department’s lobby
percent of all overdose deaths.
Unused prescription drugs thrown in
for residents to discard old prescription the trash can be retrieved and abused or
Honorable Mention
Williamson II and Sean Wilbourn stand next to the new prescription drop-box
located inside the Grenada Police Department lobby. medication as well as a local pharmacy.
Photo by Mandy Ayers “I have been working hard with the See GPD, Page 3A

Daily Journal 3rd Place DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

On Nov. 8, IN THE COURTROOM
Caleb Bedillion The Wayne County
vote News AND ON THE BENCH
You should have transparency Paul Keane Circuit Judge
www.lancasterforjudge.com
Paid for by Committee to Elect Alan D. Lancaster, Fay Matthews treasurer
Submitted to and approved by the candidate

Howard Industries negotiations

CLASS B
Honorable Mention
1st Place
Clarke County Tribune
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Brittney Mangum
Gerard Edic
How has Inflation Affected You
In battle vs. gun violence, solutions proving elusive
The use of statistics, the investigative work of the many gun violence
H ABOUT THE BILL MINOR PRIZE
instances and personal stories makes this exemplary coverage of the
subject. In 2003, donors established the Bill Minor Journalism Prize to honor
the late Mr. Minor’s long career. Recipients of the General News and
2nd Place Investigative Reporting prizes are selected from the First Place winners
The Greenwood Commonwealth in Categories 1 and 3. The four winners of the Minor Prize are also
Tim Kalich presented with a generous cash prize.
Highly paid chancery clerk is slow to pay
MPA expresses its appreciation to Mr. and Mrs. Tim Medley of
3rd Place Jackson, the benefactors of this prize. In 2021, the Medleys endowed
The Mississippi Press the MPA Education Foundation with $150,000 to continue the prize
Warren Kulo fund in perpetuity. We are deeply grateful for this generous contribution
Allen Todd Pisarich sexual assault case in support of excellence in reporting by MPA member journalists.

CLASS C
1st Place
H BILL MINOR PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Grenada Star
Adam Prestridge
City letter causes contention/Council minutes prove Fortune 500 visit
Excellent piece demonstrating the power of local journalism and
covering government meetings. Purposeful, sourced and unbiased. Very
well done!
 H PLANNED SERIES
WEEKEND, SEPTEMBER 3-4, 2022 | WWW.VICKSBURGPOST.COM | SERVING VICKSBURG AND WARREN COUNTY SINCE 1883 | $1.50
4B • Community Problem — Community Solutions • The Wayne County News • January 27, 2022
FACESOFTHEFLOODS
TEENS: Schools, Youth Court both trying to battle youth addiction issues
“We seized close to 16 grams of marijuana along
with some scales,” Beard said. “We couldn’t prove
that they were selling it on campus, but they were
caught for possession of it ... and theywere expelled
from school.”
Statistics from the Mississippi Behavioral Health
Barometer show that between 2014 and 2017, the
annual average marijuana use among teens in Mis-
sissippi was 4.4 percent. During those same years,
the annual average of alcohol use among teens was
9.2 percent. Between 2013 and 2017, the annual av-
erage of teens who had used alcohol for the time was
8.9 percent. The annual average of teens who had
used marijuana for Redwood
the firstresident
time wasStormy Deere speakspus
4 percent.
School administrators and law enforcement have
teamed up with the Youth Court when it comes to
Redwood’s Stormy Deere recalls
handling situations involving students and illegal
drugs. Beard has been in law enforcement for 17
years, and he says that his main goal as an officer
is to help educate and make a positive impact on a
young person’s life who may need it.
fear in wake of 2019 Backwater Flood
“I take my job seriously and try to dedicate more
time to every student,” Beard said, “and not get mad
at them when something like this does happen, but
rather let them know that they made a mistake so
they can better themslves and get an education.”
According to WCHS Supervising Principal Robert
“Bubba” Hahtorn, the school faced problems involv-
By Anna
ing pills and fentanyl duringGuizerix
the previous school
The Vicksburg
year. Several students Post as a result days,
were hospitalized
of substances they had consumed during their week-
end activities, with little to no knowledge of what the
Faceseventually
substance was. This issue of the Floods is aonce
died down series nitytears
the Sheriff’s Department issued arrests and started
cracking down. by The Vicksburg Post that tells According
This year, vaping is the biggest concern, with
the stories of people impacted by ultimate in thegoal of Youth Court is to unite families
students as young as fourth and fifth grade partici-
catastrophic floods in the Yazoo
Backwater area.
F
rom fending off a 12-foot
alligator to watching vol-
unteers from ages 2 to 90
fill sandbags and pray aloud for
safety, there are some things from
the 2019 flood Redwood resident
EPITOME OF A PROFESSIONAL
CLASS A Winchester remembered by colleagues as cherished friend,
Lt. Sam
1st
By BenPlaceMartin
The Vicksburg Post
Sun Herald
Colleagues of Lieutenant Sam
Gautama
Winchester, of the Mehta,
Warren CountyMary Perez & Hannah Ruhoff
Sheriff’s Office, shared fond mem-
The
o r i e s future of Backatown, a historic Black neighborhood in Bay St. Louis
of
Well
him after
researchedhethiswith many authentic voices. I was impressed by how
passed away
easily
week afterthe story flowed. The writer did a good job of getting out of the
battling
sources’
cancer. way so they could tell their stories.
Lieu-
tenant Stacy
Rollison of WINCHESTER
2nd Place
the Sher-
A Warren County sheriff’s deputy shows his respect as Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace leads a funeral escort consisting of a Mississippi CLASS D and crisp. I picked on him because
iff’s Office worked with Winchester
Daily Journal Highway Patrol trooper and deputies for sheriff’s Investigator Sam Winchester, who died Tuesday at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
for her entire career, and both were
Danny McArthur investigator, he welcomed me. He lawRollison
at the same time.
life,” she said. “When I became an
promoted to the rank of Lieutenant
Creating Local Blacktrained me. I started on shift with County. “He always treated me as of a professional,” she said. “He The Wayne County News
History
“I think the most important thing
him on patrol. He was quick to give an equal. I never felt inferior,” she treated everyone equally. His uni-
about Sam is that he was 100 percent
me all the knowledge that he had, said. “He treated me like family, and form was always on point. If you A Community Problem
a family man. He was so proud of his
share that knowledge with me and I did that as well with him. His loss needed help, he would be the first
family, his wife, his daughter, and his
3rd Place share it with any officer that wanted will never be filled, that’s for sure.” one to offer a hand.”
son. He absolutely was probably one
to learn.”
of the best men I’ve ever met in my
Daily Journal
Blake Alsup & William Moore
DAILY BIBLE VERSE:
Ukraine The earth is filled with your love, O Lord; teach
CLASS B
1st Place
The Vicksburg Post
Anna Guizerix
Faces of the Floods
2nd Place
Starkville Daily News
Abigail Sipe Rochester
Know Your Neighbor
3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Growth Thirty-nine MPA member newsrooms submitted a total of 1,583
CLASS C
1st Place
Monroe Journal
John Ward
Foster care
Great in depth reporting
2nd Place
The Gazebo Gazette
Hunter Dawkins
Pass Christian Animal Abuse Couple
Community Problem — Community Solutions • The Wayne County News • January 27, 2022 • 13B
Smith to run for
Vicksburg Warren
School Board of
Trustees
By Ben Martin
The Vicksburg Post
Orlon Derrick Smith recently
announced that he plans to run for
the District Five School Board seat
for the Vicksburg Warren School
District.
Smith is cur-
rently an inves-
tigator and train-
ing coordinator
for the Vicksburg
Police Department
in the Internal
Affairs Division
and has been in law SMITH
pating. the intentions of molding the child into a productive enforcement for 20
“A couple years ago, we had a young man hit a citizen. Clay believes that social media could have
vape and immediately hit the floor,” Hathorn said. “If something to do with this youth drug epidemic. years, 15 of which were with VPD.
it hadn’t been for one of our teachers, it could have “Kids today have different peer pressures than “Throughout my career, I have
been very, very serious. These students don’t know when I was younger,” Clay said, “The child could be
what’s in those vapes when they’re taking hits from on Tik Tok, Snapchat or Instagram, getting this type worked with families and chil-
other students.” of peer pressure that I never experienced growing dren enhancing public safety and
Beyond nicotine, pills are an issue among the up.”
student body, whether a student is taking them for Clay began her career in Waynesboro in 2006 education in the community,” he
pain-related reasons or recreational reasons. Teens where she started as a Youth Court Guardian and
will take pills seeking immediate relief, ignoring the a Youth Court Public Defender. Today, she is a U.S. said. “And because of that, I have a
potential long-term effects these drugs could have. Court Referee where she represents
PHOTO BY children of all | THE VICKSBURG POST
ANNA GUIZERIX vested interest in seeing that every
However, the majority of these cases happen off cam- ages, regardless of their criminal allegations. During
on Aug. 24 to
rather a delegation
than on school from the Biden Administration about
property. her experience
her time as a YouthinCourt
the 2019 Yazoo
Judge, sheBackwater
has seen aFlood.
va- school in our community is the best
“I think the students who got involved with these riety of children participating in recreational drugs, it can be.”
pills thought that they were taking something with even kids that come from what are considered “nice
just a short term effect, without knowing the long families.” Smith has worked in the Juvenile
term effects” Hathorn said. “When we seize these “One kid had ulcers from his mouth all the way Division of the Police Department,
pills, we are afraid to touch them. We are just trying through him,” Clay said. “He bled all the time. He
to have a safe school and do our job.”
Hathorn says there is no specific demographic re-
was snorting eight times a day. It was just horrible.
These kids were really messed up.”
and said that working and speak-
ing with kids in the legal systemNew Law Opens Back Up Certain Allergy Pill Sales
garding students getting involved with these drugs. While Clay says one of the main purposes of her
“I’m seeing it with all kids, all walks of life,” he job is to “scare” kids into behaving, the ultimate goal has taught him a lot. “Some of the
By Grace Marion
said, “No matter if they come from wealthier families of Wayne County Youth Court is to get children the LocaL MedicaL ProfessionaLs Weigh in
or poor families, the vaping or the pills.” help they need to overcome whatever is causing their reasons
Ole Miss whySchool (those kids) make
of Journalism andthe
New Media Wayne General Hospital’s Jason Rogers, who helps oversee emergency
Wayne County High School takes these matters negative behavior, mold them into adequate citizens On Jan. 1,they
decisions 2022do Mississippians
is because became
of a able to access certain allergy medi- room operations at the facility, is also a member of the Wayne County Nar-
very seriously, calling these allegations a “level three and eventually reunite families. cations without a prescription for the first time in more than a decade. cotics Task Force. He clearly remembers Mississippi’s meth problem before
violation,” meaning the student or students par- The high school has hired speakers to come talk to lack
SB of parenting,”
2119 reversed thehe 2010
said.decision
“But weto require prescriptions for products the pseudoephedrine restrictions.
Stormyin these
ticipating Deereactivities
said she simply for
are suspended that’s
two the bottom
studentsline,”
about the said. ofdogs,
shedangers vaping,four
drugs andtwo
cats, al- possums and containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, bringing Mississippi’s laws re-
have a lot of types
parents that aremedications
work- more in line with the rest of the “Back in the 90s there was a lot of manufacturing of crystal meth, espe-
can’t unsee.
followed by reporting them to Youth Court and don’t
“... We garner
cohol. thethis
Because attention two raccoons
issue typically in her care.
involves students garding these of allergy cially in the rural areas because it was cheap, easy to manufacture, and
counseling for the whole family. gathering in bathrooms or the back of buses, accord- ing very, very hard, but they just
nation. anybody could do it,” Rogers said.
And while
Additionally, speaking
further punishment includes that
through high-income
commu- placesthe
ing to Hathorn, We Onehasmorning,
do.administration looked into she woke up to “It’s also a win for public health since Mississippians will be able to get “You started being able to really trend and track it because it was alkaline
don’t have the resources.”
easier access to the safe and effective cold and allergy medicines they want batteries, muriatic acid and Sudafed over the counter,” Rogers said, explain-
tofollowed
service a delegation from
by further testing don’t
drug the in the pull technology
the votes tolike a lotin of
install find and
bathrooms a 12-foot
buses that alligator had torn
future. could possibly detect smoke and vapor. However, with and When asked what
need without wastinghisvaluable
goals time
for and cost at the doctor’s office,” ing that those three products are main compnents needed to manufacture
Biden Administration on Aug.
to Youth Court Judge 24Clay,high-income
Katie the only and
a fewhighly popu- in adown
administrators schoolthe
full last section of wooden
of roughly Carlos Gutierrez, vice president of state and local government affairs for the methamphetamine.
the districtHealthcare
Consumer are if elected, Smithassociation,
Products said, said in a press release following
South Delta High School lated places800 students, keeping this problem under control
do.” fencing in her yard and was the decision. SEE PILLS, 14B
struggling with drug or alcohol dependency with continues to remain a challenge. “making sure every child is treated
auditorium, Deere said she felt When the first signs of danger making a beeline for her back
fairly and that they have the best
overwhelming emotion: anger started rearing their heads in deck — the same deck she had to
education they can have, because
at the area’s elected officials for 2019, Deere said she saw the let her cats and dogs outside on
that’s what my parents did for me.”
using the people impacted by the potential impacts of catastrophic to get some fresh air every day
He added that one reason he
Yazoo Backwater floods as polit- flooding on wildlife and decided because the rest of her property
is running is to try and get par-
ical tools. to pursue a wildlife rehabilita- was underwater.
ents more involved in their
“It’s been 80 years that the tion career. Now a sub-permit- “Our fence had already taken
people of the South Delta have ted rehabber, at the height of the
See DEERE, Page A2 See SMITH, Page A2
been used as political pawns. And 6-month flood, Deere had three
3rdhard
Place
worker
The Pine Belt News
had during his career in law enforce-
Haskel
ment was FireBurns
Investigator for the
Sheriff’s Office. Warren County
Medical
Fire Coordinatorcannabis
Jerry Briggs said
he often worked with Winchester
and that the two were close friends.
Honorable Mention
“You know, probably the closest
thing I’ve got to an actual brother
The Enterprise-Tocsin
was Sam Winchester,” Briggs said. “I
guess the one thing to sum him up (is
Jyesha Johnson
that he was) just a good human, and
mentor, and father,” Briggs said. “If
Officers Down
you look up the word ‘professional’,
you should see a picture of Sam. He
dressed the part, he was always clean
JOHN SURRATT | THE VICKSBURG POST
he probably had 100 pairs of shoes.
Because he was gonna match.”
was the first certified professionalism.
enforcement officer in Warren “Sam was absolutely the epitome
1st Place “We lost a good guy,” he added,
“They don’t make very many Sam
Winchesters.”
Sheriff Martin Pace said that Win-
chester was a dedicated member of
the Sheriff’s Office for over 20 years,
Excellent partnership with Mississippi J-school students unraveling an
Rollison also praised Winchester’s One of the many duties Winchester See WINCHESTER, Page A2
important topic for the community to create a guide with a long shelf
life. Great use of multimedia tools to broaden the audience reach. Well
VICKSBURGPOST.COM:
done!
VOLUME 139 NUMBER 105
TheVicksburgPost
Visit now for breaking news,
constantly-updated stories,
@
me your decrees. photo galleries, feature stories, RIVER LEVEL: 10.59 feet
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— Psalm 119:64 local columnists, sports coverage CHANGE: -0.59 foot
and a searchable news archive. @ vicksburgpost
FLOOD STAGE: 43 feet
2nd Place
Stone County Enterprise
Lyndy Berryhill
Miss Wiggins: Mystery Remains Unsolved 42 Years Later
3rd Place
Clarke County Tribune
Brittney Mangum
Shirly Owens
H ABOUT THE BETTER NEWSPAPER MEDIA CONTEST
entries in the 2022 editorial division contest. Judging was conducted this
spring by volunteers from the Arkansas Press Association.
Copies of this Winners Book and of the slide show presented
during the Awards Luncheon at the 2023 MPA Annual Meeting can be
downloaded at mspress.org/bnc.
Criteria for the 2023 Better Newspaper Media Contest Advertising
Division will be released Aug. 31.
 250 Power Dr,
Batesville
(662) 563-2075
NEIGHBORS
TO KNOW
Powered by:

Lockley said the cityGrenada’s Granholm Kirk’s Hathcock inks

low us to get a large pot of mayor said.
UNITED WE STAND Half of money would go to Delaware Ave. improvements money and do that work and can’t Call us for all of
your roofing
Bonded
Insured
Licensed in
Mississippi and
Louisiana
250 Power Dr, Batesville

Local Home
(662) 563-4742
www.tvepa.com

Grenada St
needs!
i-ROK Tint Services &

enjoys gardening baseball scholarship

1323 Lakeview
Grenada
Dr.
Improvement
BY JOSH TROY the money and repay it with The mayor wants to allow that modernization to do anything about its other (662)307-2458

Guide

HLIGHTS ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL what it receives from internet spend half of the proposed fi- pay for it.” east-west thoroughfares, Vet-
Grenada’s window
tinting experts.

Fly Tie & Lumber LLC

PANELING, MOULDING, FLOORING,
and other specialty item needs
TONGUE AND GROOVE
and SHIPLAP.

See page 4A See page 14A

2178 Hwy. 7 North • 226-2276 We can take care of
www.flytimber.com all of your
PAWN, GUN, GOLD
McDaniel’s

r
and SPORTING GOOD

sales taxes, which can only be
nancing on the street over-
Lockley said the city has
erans and Presley boule- A/C, Plumbing &
Electric
11631 Hwy. 51 North
We sell dog houses!
We install all types
of fences including
wood, ornamental
iron, and chain link.

The Fence Guys

needs at
OKEEFE’S
1325 Sunset Drive
Grenada, MS 38901
Grenada
226-4613 (662) 809-8299 (662) 294-0706
okeefe2650@gmail.com
For all of your http://www.holcombbuildings.com/

McComb officials dis- spent on roads. That would- lay throughout the city and previously borrowed money vards, which are state and HVAC needs.
(662) 226-2233

1865 S. Commerce • 226-4611

We have
smokers &
heaters!
Ricky & Amy
Palmer, owners
START RIGHT. START HERE.

cepting cussed the possibility of n’t affect the city’s borrowing the other half on addressing for park and recreation im- U.S. highways and main- Patrick Thimmes
Allstate Insurance
• 24/7 Monitoring
• Burglar & Fire
Alarms
• Security
Custom
Cameras
Exhaust
to Santa pumping $4 million into capacity. a wide range of issues along provements and repaid it tained by the Mississippi De- 1977 Commerce St
Grenada, MS 38901
• Access Control
• Video Doorbell
• Medical
Pendants
1765 Commerce St,
Grenada, MS 38901
(662) 227-2703
24/7 Wrecker Service

H BUSINESS NEWS STORY

(662) 226-7280 After 5 p.m. call (662) 299-2988
Shelby Mitchell
Lic.# 15036860

street repairs throughout the Lockley said Tuesday that Delaware Avenue, including with its 3% motel tax. partment of Transportation. McDaniel’s
(662)458-6909
wshelbymitchell@
gmail.com
We sell:
• Gravel
• Sand
A/C, Plumbing & Electric
11631 Hwy. 51 North Grenada • Concrete

s to Santa from city and spending half of it to the city will start receiving water, sewer and the street “I just think it would be However, the city has the au- 226-4613
For all of you
plumbing needs.

Tree Service Let us do

• Masonry Sand
• Fill Dirt
• Limestone
You Call, We Haul
Dirt Moving the cleaning!
Townes
Lawn Service

dren will be make improvements to annual payments of about $1 itself. wise of us to look at this and thority to make improve- Yard Cleanup

Affordable
Contractors
(662) 229-5984
(662) 809-3269
Construction
& Ready Mix, Inc.
16398 Hwy 8 West • Grenada

Serving Grenada County & Surrounding Areas Since 1854

(662) 226-4816 or (662) 226-1894
Cell: 662-417-0101

n a special edi- Delaware Avenue. million in the so-called mod- “I think we still need to get move forward with this, but it ments on Delaware Avenue.
e Enterprise- Mayor Quordiniah Lock- ernization funds per year some more streets done,” may require us to do some INSIDE
n Dec. 22. ley said the city would borrow starting in 2023. Lockley said. “This would al- more talking about it,” the SEE STREETS, PAGE A2
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 168th Year • Number 21 $1

rates TOOL
s must be re-

Milwaukee Tool Timeline

Friday, Dec. 9.
s should include
s name and Bridge shutdown takes bite out of sales Entergy April 2021 April 2022 Mid-2023
wn. E-mailed let-
ncouraged and Milwaukee Tool
Greater Grenada Crews begin dirt
plans to open its new

over nextTIME
ent to Partnership announces work at the new
nterprise-jour- large Milwaukee Tool Milwaukee Tool Grenada facility.
project for county. site.

wise, mail letters

October 2021 May 2022
c/o Enterprise-
P.O. Box 2009,
to rise Kenosha-Wis.-based
Riley Construction
Official groundbreaking
held at Milwaukee Tool
, MS 39649. named Milwaukee Tool site in I-55 Business &
general contractor. Technology Park.

Milwaukee Tool celebrated with official groundbreaking

eed after
40 years
3 killing 6 months By ADAM PRESTRIDGE
Publisher
ORLEANS (AP) FROM STAFF REPORTS
n who spent Grenada County hit the equivalent
of the lottery in April 2021 when the
Greater Grenada Partnership announced
ur decades be- Entergy Mississippi will
s for a 1983 raise rates over that
theMilwaukee
next six Tool would expand its
as won his free- months in order footprint
to in Mississippi with the con-
keep
structioncost
of a of
state-of-the-art accessories
manufacturing facility in the county’s
r New Orleans pace with the rising
ors joined de- I-55 Business
natural gas, which pro-and Technology Park.
yers in asking duces 70% of theFollowing 13 months of strategic plan-
electricity
is conviction generated by the ning, behind-the-scenes work and even
utility.
some speculation, more than 150 county
and state dignitaries and special guests
ed. Entergy officials said
neys on both joinedincreas-
Thursday that rate GGP officials and Milwaukee
evidence of in- es will begin inTool executives last Thursday morning as
November
ground was officially broken on the site,
which began taking shape more than a
ncies in the only and continue through April
ss’ testimony to offset naturalmonth
gasago when large equipment began
costs,
from the jury moving dirt.
which have doubled in the
victed Raymond “We won,”
past year. The increase will Matthew Harrison, CEO of
be about $2 perthe GGP, the for
lead economic and chamber
of commerce organization in Grenada
month
County,1,000
said as the hour-long ceremony
CARRIE CHEUNG | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL
oint motion to customers using
2/20/23, 11:54 AM Medical marijuana: Regulation 'stuck in constipation mode' - Mississippi Today
s conviction Customers eat inside a mostly empty Huey Magoo’s on Anna Drive, where business is down since the emer- kilowatt hours ofbegan.
electricity.
Dozens ofbills
executives from Milwaukee
Tool traveled south from Wisconsin for
oved Thursday gency closure of the Delaware Avenue overpass. At that rate of usage,
. Flanks was will be about $12 more
d in the Decem- once the phase-inSee of MILWAUKEE,
rate Page 3A
ARTIST RENDERING

Lt. Gov. Hosemann talks grants in Grenada

shooting death hikes is completed in April,
n Carnesi during
d robbery.
si’s wife had
Flanks as the
t her descrip-
ered at trial from
Bypassing business the utility said.
“We know this is tough
news for our customers, as
prices for nearly everything
are rising, so we’ve worked
hard to come up with a way
By MANDY AYERS
Staff Reporter
ceremony to explain the bill passed by the members joined together at the Grenada due to receive $1.8 billion of that. The good
House, that would create a $400 million County Courthouse to hear Lt. Gov. news for Mississippi is this one-time infu-
er statements. Delaware closure keeps travelers and their money away to soften the impact,” Enter- grant program for counties and cities to Hosemann speak on Senate Bill 2822. sion of borrowed dollars could help the state
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann met with city make water, wastewater and stormwater On December 2, 2021 President Joe Biden make huge strides with infrastructure repair
and county officials last Friday after leav- upgrades. signed into law the $1.9 trillion American
gy Mississippi president and
BY CARRIE CHEUNG 2/20/23,
ing
CEO Haley Fisackerly 11:54 AM Tool groundbreaking
the Milwaukee
said. Medical
Surrounding city mayors marijuana:
and Regulation
county board Rescue 'stuck
Planin(ARPA)
constipation mode'
Act, with - Mississippi TodaySee GRANTS, Page 2A
Mississippi

Moorman jumps to titles

S ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL “If we didn’t phase-in these
costs, the new rates would

Come Join
Businesses along Delaware Avenue be fully in effect in Novem-
len, 63 are feeling the effects of the damaged ber rather than April.”

Our Team!
Interstate 55 overpass, with some say- Entergy said the U.S. En-
arnes, 66 ing they’ve lost half of their profits ergy Information Agency is
By CHUCK HATHCOCK
Sports Editor
since the span closed Oct. 23, and predicting natural gas bills
anghoff, 67 they’re growing concerned as the clo-
Dozens
will rise this winter. The
of licensed cultivators have about 80,000 marijuana plants growing. Around
It all started innocently enough for
Full-time Position
1,100 patients have
5todays a them.
weekSmall
Montalvo, 92 sure drags on. utility said it expects its nat-
Kirk Academy eighth-grader Alexis
“We don’t know what to do,” said signed up for medical marijuana, and 96 doctors orMoorman.
ural gas costs this year to be nurse Now, practitioners are working
she is a three-time (including
certify
Friday & Saturday)
rgan, 20 Sherry Garner, a clerk at the Marathon the most it’s paid going back state track champion.
convenience store. “We are losing to 2000, but itsgrowers
power rates are complaining a large one has been allowed Moorman to skirt
added tothe rules.
her gold medal 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
ith Sr., 64 list earlier this month by winning
around 50% of our profits.” will still be lower than the
the Class AAAA State Title in both Duties include
A3 Garner’s regular customers now national average. the triple jump and long jump. Being Online sales,
only stop by on occasion. The utility sets fuel rates able to repeat in the triple jump and Great Customer Service,
But thisthe Mississippi State Department of Health hasadd zero
the long investigators —
jump title to her resume and only three staffers — overseeing
Helping With Social Media
“When they do stop by, they tell me once a year, and year’s
E made things really special this season.
ing natural gasMississippi’s new medical marijuana program. Another thing that makes the accom-
that it’s just easier and cheaper on gas to rates weren’t as high as ris-
stop elsewhere,” she said. rates. plishment that much more impressive
is the lack of track facilities to prac-
But somewhere else isn’t across the “All customer bills are go-
tice her craft. Part-time Position
“I have worked really hard for it this
street at the B-Kwik Chevron, where ing up as a result of these
Sunny
year,” Moorman said. “It feels really 3 days a week
Soasfar only one testing facility has been licensed and goodis to only
be ablepartially ready to test products. Plus, the health
High: 56 owner Clifton Van Cleave also said higher natural gas prices,
business is down by about 40 to 50%. but not as much Entergy to win especially 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
since we really don’t have a track
Low: 33
His store on Veterans Boulevard, one
department’s
Mississippi’s actual costs in-
program director still has another job to— running
practice on – just the
goingdepartment’s
out there Office Against Interpersonal

Rain: None
exit north of Delaware Avenue, isn’t
Wind: NE, 5
making up for the loss, either, he said.
A2 “Not even close,” Van Cleave said.
Garner said the closure has affected
CT US her own commute and she has to go out
of her way just to get to work.
“It’s such a big inconvenience for me
CRIBE 684-2713 and for everyone having to get to work
p.m. Monday-Friday on time,” she said.
The salad bar at the Golden Corral awaits the lunchtime crowd.
taking place. MDOT has a large office
here in McComb; you’d think they
would be making this a priority. Actions
speak louder than words.”
The deli is losing around $5,500 a
curred,” the company said
in a statement.Violence.
CARRIE CHEUNG | ENTERPRISE-JOURNAL
The news comes five
months after the Public
get fixed, months could pass by without Service Commission ap-
them realizing it, and the shopping proved a $300Health million Department
set-
habits they formed when the bridge was tlement with Entergy that
out could still apply. And this will lead to came as the result“provisional”
of pro-
issuing “corrective actions,” giving marijuana businesses
weeks, or possibly months of loss for us longed litigation before
Stubbs
and winging it makes it even more
special.”
Moorman’s practice consists of get-
ting her steps down because there is
no pit available to use to practicing 1508 Commerce St., Grenada
jumping. (662) 227-1812
Moorman won the triple jump with a Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
officials told the Board of Health on Wednesday that the agency is in a four-month
best of 33 feet, 8 ¼ inches, which was
two inches better than her winning
period with licensed marijuana businesses. jump as a As it findsHerproblems
seventh-grader. win- or violations, it’s typically just
ning long jump was 16 feet, 9 inches,
a chance toschool
straighten up without hitting them with
both of those numbers are

CLASS A CLASS C records. Next season, she would like

A Mississippi Department of Trans- week, Scheel said, adding that deliveries and other businesses.” the Federal Energy Regu-
fines or
Kirk Academy’s sanctions or calling
Alexis Moorman in inlaw
competes the enforcement.
triple jump at state.
ERTISING 684-2421 portation spokesperson said Wednesday are also affected by the closure. Baymont Inn and Suites used to pull latory Commission relat-
p.m. Monday-Friday that repair work is expected to take place “Our delivery trucks have to take in at least three customers a night from ed to “certain accounting Photo by Kim Goss See MOORMAN, Page 2A
during the first or second week in De- Marion Avenue to get to us,” he said. Interstate 55, but that business is all but and financing aspects of
1st Place
cember and will last three to four days,
weather permitting.
Scheel still sees his regular customers
because they know how to navigate
gone, Manager Wilson Chadala said.
“We have no night business,” he 1st Place
the Grand Gulf Nuclear
Power Station.”
The Health Department in a meeting with its board Wednesday pledged transparency in its oversight of
A9
A8
RELIGION A10
SPORTS A12 Mississippi Today
McAlister’s Deli general manager
Phillip Scheel said Tuesday, just as the
around the overpass, but he worries the
longer the bridge goes unfixed, people
said. “Trucks would often stop here at
night, but now that the exit is out, we Grenada Star
The PSC directed $200
medical marijuana,
million of the settlement to shortly before going into a closed door session to brief the board on specific active
Geoff Pender & Sara DiNatale Adam Prestridge
work was beginning, that he was doubt- might develop different shopping habits have had a large drop in customers.” offset fuel costs to prevent
marijuana
from oc- program investigations. During its public meeting, some board members’ questions were deferred
A2 STOCKS A7
S A3 TV GRID A6 ful of the MDOT’s timeline, considering that lead them away from the deli. Chadala said he knows construction steep rate increases
to the upcoming executive session.
how little activity has taken place before “I fear once people get used to the takes time, but while the Baymont has curring in the future. The
Medical Marijuana in Mississippi Tool Time
A5
this week. bridge being out and the longer it takes no option but to wait it out, customers utility used another $35
“I do not see the bridge being fixed by to get fixed, people’s set patterns on do have an option — go elsewhere. million from the settlement
Outstanding continuing coverage of a novel business thatSEEhad
January,” he said. “I drive past it every
day and I don’t see any construction eluctant
where they shop and eat will become
habit,” he said. “When the bridge does
BRIDGE, PAGE A2 You
to give customers an $80
expressed the importance and excitement of the groundbreaking so
Some of the Board of Health questions Wednesday for the Health Department on marijuana were prompted
credit in September.

regulators and eager local entrepreneurs at odds with a large out-of- well. CleverToday
by a Mississippi headline asweek
article last well!
about Mockingbird Cannabis LLC, the largest marijuana grower
state operator. Superb reporting and writing. licensed so far in Mississippi. Health Department documents and photos obtained by Mississippi1/5Today
https://mississippitoday.org/2022/10/12/mississippi-medical-marijuana-regulation/

showed the company did not follow state growing regulations.

2nd Place
2nd Place The Pine Belt News
And the department’s response so far — to write Mockingbird Cannabis LLC a letter listing “corrective
Sun Herald Haskel Burns
actions” and to not answer questions — has competitors crying foul. They said Mockingbird was allowed to
Mary Perez Babes
grow and BBQ
harvest aopens new storefront
crop improperly in inPetal
and on the cheap plastic- and cloth-covered greenhouses that will
allow them to beat others growing in buildings to market as the state’s medical marijuana program gets
Black-owned businesses once thrived in heart of Bay St. Louis. They’ve all rolling.
but disappeared. 3rd Place
The
READ Star-Herald
MORE: Weed war: Medical marijuana competitors cry foul over Health Department’s response
3rd Place Ruthie
to companyRobison
breaking rules

Mississippi Today End of an era for downtown business

https://mississippitoday.org/2022/10/12/mississippi-medical-marijuana-regulation/ 2/5

Sara DiNatale
Starbucks employees and others trying to unionize in Mississippi face CLASS D
decades-old hardships
1st Place
The Sun-Sentinel
CLASS B Clay McFerrin
1st Place Solar energy farm eyed for Tallahatchie
Enterprise-Journal Great job!
Carrie Cheung
Bypassing business 2nd Place
A lot of people don’t think about how a road or overpass closure The Yazoo Herald
can have severe economic impact on nearby businesses. This article Jamie Patterson
captures the concerns of the business owners and offers some Shivers Buildings covers it all under one roof
quantification of the financial toll.
3rd Place
2nd Place The Sun-Sentinel
Hattiesburg American Clay McFerrin
Lici Beveridge Tallahatchie River Authority meets in Tallahatchie
Retail renaissance: Innovation and improvements are part of downtown
Hattiesburg’s success Honorable Mention
The Sun-Sentinel
3rd Place Clay McFerrin
The Commercial Dispatch Local bid for charter school nixed
Grant McLaughlin
Quarter-billion dollar incentive package passed
 5-0 wins over the Golden Eagles

SP were Mississippi State coach

Sports
Chris Lemonis and his hitting

coach Jake Gautreau.
Bianco was asked by a young
reporter from Sports Illustrated
Kids on Sunday what impact
he thought the Rebels’ national
1B
JOSHUA MCCOY | OLE MISS ATHLETICS
Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco sits alone in the clubhouse prior to the start of Sunday’s Game 2 against Oklahoma.
“I will say this, and this seems their hitting coach: Congratu- It was an exchange that
maybe too nice for your ques- lations, good luck in Omaha,” contradicts the sentiment many

B
SECTION
championship might have on tion, but when we won in Hat- Bianco said. people have in the rivalry.

H SPORTS NEWS STORY

the Mississippi State rivalry tiesburg at the super regional I His response was, “Thanks so Fact of the matter is these SPORTS EDITOR
now that Ole Miss has unseated got a text from Chris Lemonis, much. I really appreciate it, and coaches respect this rivalry. Theo DeRosa, tderosa@cdispatch.com
MSU as the defending national the head coach at Mississippi we’re hoping to keep the trophy THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2022
champion. State, and from coach Gautreau, in Mississippi.” TURN TO ALFORD, 4B

HERITAGE ACADEMY 53, WEST MEMPHIS CHRISTIAN (ARK.) 48
ZZMAKER
Patriots come back
BY ALEX MURPHY
Withto beat Black
conference
USM’s Director of Athletics Jeremy McClain breaks down the school’s future goals
amurphy@cdispatch.com
At the end of the third
quarter, Heritage Acad-
emy trailed West Mem-
phis Christian School
(Arkansas) 41-32, getting
worked on the glass and
unable to contend against
the fast offense of the
Black Knights.
The Patriots needed a
surge on Tuesday after-
noon and fast.
It was provided by ju-
nior Jack Ketchum, who
caught fire in the final
eight minutes of play,
knocking down four
3-pointers, including sev-
AP eral big ones late in the
ar game.
PROUD TO BE THE HUB FOR NEWS IN FORREST AND LAMAR COUNTIES • HUBCITYSPOKES.COM Thursday, April 14, 2022
Knights forfinished
realignment first win
what’s next for Southern Miss?
erased the nine-point defi- game. Spencer Singley team, and when we start
cit by the final two min- added 10 points for the to defend at the level,
utes of the game, and Bythe
ANDREW ABADIE
Patriots. hopefully, that we’ll be at
pandemic, and can now focus “I think now we are getting ets, with a few outliers, are in Clain projects an almost imme-
3s continued to rain down The Pats needed some in a couple months.”
for the Patriots (1-2), big-time production in the on increasing
This is a team the athletic
that’s our legs back under us with get- the $28-35 million range,” Mc- diate seven-figure increase in
who defeated the Black Withfinal
Southern
quarterMiss
of the game, hadbudget,
officially renovating
just five practice days various fa- ting the things that we want to Clain said. “I think (conference revenue as a result of joining
Knights, 53-48. leavingandConference USAfourth
their 21-point and thiscilities
seasonand andshaping
a num- the future get done.” realignment) allowed us to the Sun Belt. Back in November,
joiningquarter
“We just finally started the Sun Belt
did justthis out- ber plans
sum-
that, for the
of players out department.
due to maintain momentum. We want McClain projected Southern
making shots,” Ketchum mer, the athletic
scoring Memphis crossover
department
West “Financially,
between Ifoot-
thought we BUDGET GOAL to try and capture that and Miss to save $500,000 with
said. “Teammates can werenow Christian 21-7 in the quar- ballhandled
and basketball.
(the pandemic) well as The first major goal McClain build on that. I’m glad to have travel costs, while new interest
begin looking forward
getting me open. Good ter.projects and set sights That’s kept the Pats
to future a university and as an athletic says is for the department to that done and focus on the Sun from fans will likely increase
screens and play calls by “It really came down from being able to prac-
department,” McClain said. “I have the athletic budget go over Belt. We have a lot to do with all ticket sales.
the coach, I was juston newtogoals
get- for the depart-
our effort,” Heritage tice and play as a full team
ting wide-open looks.” ment. Academy coach Zach Alli- untilthink now, weandcame
slowlyoutbutof it in a $30 million, which would place the small things that have to “If I were to put a number on
Ketchum scored 14 Southern
of son said. Miss
“WeDirector
play hard pretty
ofat surely, good
they’re place.toThe biggest
starting USM mid-pack budget-wise happen with just making the it between cost savings and an
his game-high 21 pointsAthletics JeremyorMcClain
moments at times,be- challenge with the pandemic
but click. within the Sun Belt. In 2020, adjustments with logos, signage increase with tickets and other
in the fourth quarterlieves
and thewe’veschool
been is heading
talking in a Itwas
about that you
definitely tookhad
someto hit the Southern Miss held a $25.6 mil- and uniforms and with build- revenue streams, we feel like it’s
sec- needing
19 of those 21 in theconsistent and to have that
upward for timepause
direc- on Tuesday
button forbecause
Heri- you lion budget, but McClain esti- ings and facilities over the next a seven-figure number and I
ond half alone, hittingtion 32 minutes.
fivefinancially That fourth tagedidn’t
Academy to click be-
know what the financial mates the current budget to be several months.” think that’s somewhat conser-
since the de-
3s in the half as well. quarter, it came down to cause the Black Knights
landscape was going to be at the around $28 million. The $30 million figure looks
partment is almost fully Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
He was one of two us moving the basketball had control of much of Heritage Academy’s Jack Ketchum drives by a West
Heritage Academy recovered
play- and frombeing the COVID-19 the end.
unselfish.” game, led by Amare Memphis Christian“Most Schoolof the (Sun
defender Belt)
during budg-
Tuesday’s to be obtainable given that Mc- See GOALS, Page 4B
“When we do that, I Foreman, who scored 13 Heritage Invitational game in Columbus. Ketchum
ers who went on to score

GoodKnight
Heritage Academy in double figures in the think we can be a decent See PATRIOTS, 3B helped the Patriots beat the Black Knights 53-48.
old defenseman,
onn Smythe Trophy MHSAA adding
VP after leading the PREP ROUNDUP Class 7A for
lanche to their first
title since 2001 and
hise history.
nche beat the two-
Starkville HELP WANTED: 2023-24
athletic year
girls suffer BusyKnight
Friday night? Want to ref?
ng champion Tampa
g 2-1 in Sunday’s By ANDREW ABADIE
nd a goal and an
athan MacKinnon.
shed the postseason
in scoring with eight
first loss of throws
gem against rival
The Mississippi High School
Activities Association voted

season at
points in 20 games. Thursday to approve a seventh
classification during the next
e won the Norris Tro-
HL’s top defenseman
Purvis as Bobcats realignment.

Vicksburg
The MHSAA will be divided
r season. clinch region title into Classes 1-7A beginning in
the fall of 2023. The top 24
By ANDREW ABADIE schools in terms of enrollment
E BUZZ BY ALEX MURPHY
amurphy@cdispatch.com
andrew@PineBeltSPORTS.com will become 7A schools; the
next 24 in enrollment will be
PURVIS – As Sumrall has done 6A, followed by the next 24 be-
celebration will VICKSBURG — The Starkville High
School girls basketball team lost a close- many times now in its rich base- coming 5A. The next 40 schools
on Wednesday fought battle at Vicksburg on Tuesday ball history, the Bobcats checked would become Class 4A, the
afternoon, 52-49. o one of their many high-end, next 40 would be Class 3A, the
will celebrate the Turnovers hurt the Yellow Jackets and almost expected, goals after next 40 Class 2A and the rest
baseball national (5-1) late in the game as a last-second clinching Region 7-4A on Tues- will make up Class 1A.
p on Wednesday with 3-point attempt from Je’Neicia Hill
AP
bounced off the rim at the final buzzer. day night. In classes 5-7A, there will be
ough The Square that Ole Miss players – from left, Ben Van Cleve, Tim Elko and Justin Bench – soak it all in after Sunday’s decisive victory in Omaha. Hill led Starkville with 14 points, with And like so many times before, four regions of six schools,
e with an event at the Jamaica Young also scoring 12 points Sumrall has seen its fair share of while Classes 2-4A would have

Veterans’ day
e field. and Zariyah Edwards scoring 10 points memorable performances. The eight regions of five schools.
e will kick off at for the Yellow Jackets in the loss. Bobcats’ starting pitcher Andrew The plan does not include
Starkville will take on New Hope in its Knight delivered just that as he sports requiring combined
e route will begin at next game at 6 p.m. Dec. 2.
past The Graduate on threw a complete-game shutout classifications such as archery,
e a full circle around in a 3-0 win over rival Purvis. swimming, powerlifting, golf
Other scores “It was a big game, and I knew I and bowling.
se, continue down S. Prep girls basketball
was going to have to step up if we The seventh classification
a right on University Jackson Prep 64, Heritage Academy
were going to get the job done Austin Frayser/Special to The Dispatch came from a discrepancy in
he Lyceum. 32 An MHSAA official conducts the coin toss during Starkville’s Nov. 3 home game against Grenada. The game — along with
JACKSON — Heritage Academy girls all Class 1A, 5A and 6Athat’s
and what I did,”
weekKnight numbers between the top
e will include Rebel basketball was doubled up on Tuesday af- said.
could double up with that
contests
“ItFriday’s
that
feels great
Class(to
— was played on a Thursday night so a dwindling number of officiating crews
winfirst-round
2A-4A the re- playoff games. schools of each classification to
etes and coaches, ternoon by Jackson Prep in a 64-32 loss. gion). There are always expecta- the bottom.
campus administra- The Patriots (2-4) were led by Lucy tions for us every year. The Based on the previous reclas-
as other invited guests Sharp, who had 11 points, and Reagan Irate fans, COVID, rising costs causing
ultimate goal is to win the state
football) on Saturdays.”
Especially with football,
rialized.
Soccer official and assign- sification numbers, rivals Oak
Merchant, who had 10 points, the lone
s. two scorers for Heritage Academy in statewide officiating decline
championship. We came up the lack of officiating crews er Emanuel “Many” Pintican
has brought first-time refer- has seen the effects of this
Grove and Petal could be sepa-
ade progresses, fans double figures. short last year, but we feel like rated. Oak Grove would make
BY ALEX MURPHY
we have a good “Ishot
started
of officiating up ees seeking to help into the current wave of refereeing
getting the jump to 7A and would be
ed to make their Heritage Academy will play at Tisho- amurphy@cdispatch.com here around the 2007 sea- fold. dying down within the state.
d-University Stadium/ See ROUNDUP, 3B But even those efforts ha- Having anywhere from 10 the highest in the classification

After heartbreak, seasoned Rebels on top ofOwls

the world
son, and we’ve probably got
for a championship During a Nov. 3 home less than See half
GEM,ofPage
the 6B
num- ven’t done much, if anything, to 15 referees on the docket while Petal could stay in 6A
Gates at the stadium game against Vardaman, ber of officials we had then to help out the current issues at one time is standard, but with the highest total enroll-
ment or be one of the smallest
drop
West Lowndes head foot- across all sports,” Morrison plaguing Mississippi. with soccer crews consisting
5 p.m. ball coach Anthony King said. “This is my first year of- of two line judges and one schools in 7A. Petal Athletic Di-
gestured at the clock on the ficiating,” Jason Chrest of main official on the pitch, 30
dvances again
rematch with
scoreboard, then looked up Caledonia said. “Because to 45 officials — or more — Photo by Van Tyner for The Pine Belt News
By MICHAEL KATZ mit, this was the prize they all Sunday magic said. “To do what we did, and to Schedule changes
at the press box.Sumrall head coach Andy Davis embraces Andrew Knight like, are required for a full slate. night to clinch Region 7-4A championship.
Morrison is one of several of the shortage,
after I was perofrmance
his 10 strikeout against Purvis on Tuesday See ADDING, Page 4B
edon begins Daily Journal came back for. The last team to get into the NCAA base- go where we were after leaving Clock errors throughout
officials who work multiple ‘Somebody has to do it, and There aren’t always

Birmingham-
the Panthers’ regular-season enough officials to go around
sports, as he currently offi- I know I can do it.’

COVID-19
Wimbledon champion “I’ve been crying for like, the ball tournament was the last team standing Arkansas, being 7-14 and just finale had fans and coaches
ciates baseball, basketball, “Right now in District 4, as dire situations with fewer
has made his way OMAHA • Standing on the field, last 15 minutes. I can’t look at when it was all said and done. being in a bad spot, just sticking questioning what was going football and softball games. there were about 11 crews referees have become preva-
wearing a brand-new shirt that Tim right now or I’ll burst into Ole Miss beat Oklahoma 4-2 on Sunday together. And just belief, man. Walk In Only
Southern
nd round at the All on. That wasn’t all: When lent, Pintican said.
Football has seen some this season, so roughly 77-

TESTING
to become the eighth national champion West Lowndes went up 40- significant changes in re- 80 people,” he added. “As far “Pre-COVID, we were at
England Club for no one in Ole Miss history had tears again,” Graham said. “But As you can tell, we’re out here Monday - Friday 8-8
7, the scoreboard showed a cent years, most notably the as how many there used to 852, and at the end of 2022
the 14th-straight ever had the privilege to wear, man, this is incredible.” since 2009 to come out of the SEC. because we believed, but we just 44-7 tally instead, triggering switch to playing games on be, from what I understand, registration, we were at 643. Saturday 9-5
FROM SPECIAL REPORTS
time. senior left fielder Kevin Graham The Rebels lost in the super We’re re-running our game story in case played every pitch and tried to a running clock for the rest both Thursday and Friday around 2017, there were So we have had a 24.5 per- Sunday 1-7
The unseeded really didn’t know what to say. regionals in 2019. In 2020, Ole you didn’t see it in our Monday e-edition. win every pitch.”
After leading by as many as 17 points in of the game via the 35-point nights so officiating crews about 25 crews.” cent decrease in our referee
Murray beat
James Duck-
He was standing with his team- Miss was the hottest team in the Read more, 3B the second half, the Mississippi Universi-
ty for Women men’s basketball team had
lead threshold.
Even when the score was
won’t be stretched too thin. Same Day Results
More players, fewer refs
registrations,” Pintican said.
“This is pretty similar to na-
6176 US Highway 98, Hattiesburg
1706 W 10th St, Laurel
mates, some still taking photos country having won 16 games Elko rises up
the game get away in the waning minutes
The West Lowndes-Var-
corrected, the clock contin- daman game was slated for Football officiating crews tional United States Soccer
worth of Austra- with a trophy that had eluded the in a row before the COVID-19 polls just weeks earlier. Elkoofmade
a 74-72aloss
name for versus
at home himselfBirming- ued to run for the rest of the Thursday before the season once were groups of six until Federation (USSF) num-
lia 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, Rebels for years, donning a “Na- pandemic shut the entire world Sunday was a long time com- last postseason, hitting The
ham-Southern College. majes-
Owls (3-3) game. began along with the rest of recent changes added an ex-
bers.”
ray 6-4 Monday on tional Champions” T-shirt. down. And in 2021, the Rebels ing, and not just for the Rebels’ had topped the Panthers (4-2) by 10 points
tic home runs in the Oxford re-
The reason? The Missis- MHSAA Class 1A, 5A and tra member.
Centre Court. in the season opener Nov. 11 in Alabama. sippi High School Activities 6A contests that week in or- With so many officials ‘Always recruiting’
For Graham and his senior fell one win short of making it to seniors. The veterans who had gional on Theone leg by
W trailed following
two points, an
32-30, at Association official assigned der to accommodate Class needed on the field at the MHSAA Assistant Di-
ever lost in the first to operate the clock never 2A, 3A and 4A playoff games same time, football has be- rector Greg Freeman, who
mbledon and has won teammates, including first base- the College World Series, falling been around the program felt ACL injury that he after
the intermission miraculously
chipping away at a
man Tim Elko, third baseman/ to Arizona in three games at the the gravity of the moment. They came six-point
back from.deficit with
He less
hadthan three min-
more showed up. the following night. come one of the biggest ex- supervises officials for Mis-
ent twice. utes left in the opening period. The first It was a picture-perfect Despite the change, the amples of how bad the offici- sissippi’s high school sports
ctory, in 2013, ended center fielder Justin Bench, clos- Tucson Super Regional. knew what the other side felt like. tricks seven
up his sleeve in 2022, hit-
minutes of the second stanza saw representation of the ongo- Panthers’ game still ended ating shortage has become. governing body, said there
it for a British man er Brandon Johnson, among sev- And that’s without mention- After all this time, Ole Miss ting five home
the Owls runs in
seemingly flip the 2022in their
the game ing official/referee shortage up short staffed. But it’s far from the only were roughly 3,000 officials
le on home soil. He eral others, Sunday afternoon in ing a 2022 season that saw the was taking home its first nation- favor. to go with 14 RBIs,
postseason in Mississippi. “They’ve done every- sport that has felt the effects. in the state in 2020.
From the outset of the second half until Columbus-based referee thing they can to keep them Soccer, very much a The Midsouth Associa-
hitting American John Omaha was a long time coming. Rebels start 7-14 in conference al title. each theseemingly coming
13:48 mark left at the
in the game, a Owls Jeff Morrison has been refer- from infringing on college growing sport in Mississippi tion for Independent Schools
econd round. Because for a group that had had play and on the outside-look- “I have goosebumps right more pivotal moment.
went on a 23-4 run that took them from two eeing for the greater part of game days on Saturday,” and in the South, has seen did not provide The Dis-
5, also won in 2016 experienced heartache on more ing-in on the NCAA Tournament now. But man, it’s special,” ju- points down to ahead by 17 (53-36). With four decades, but during his Morrison said. “If it contin- increased player participa- patch with officiating statis-
Grand Slam title. occasions than they’d like to ad- after ascending to No. 1 in the nior catcher Hayden Dunhurst
just under nine minutes left, The W still
TURN TO REBELS, 4B a double-digit lead, 60-49. time in the Golden Triangle, ues to get worse, I can see tion in recent years, but the tics upon request.
maintained he’s seen a “severe” decline that becoming an issue as corresponding amount of Roughly 500 to 600 new
See OWLS, 3B in officials across the board. well: playing (high school soccer referees hasn’t mate- See REFEREES, 3B

CLASS A CLASS C
1st Place 1st Place
Daily Journal The Pine Belt News
Michael Katz Andrew Abadie
After heartbreak seasoned Rebels on top of the world With conference realignment finished what’s next for Southern Miss?
Great story about a challenging but rewarding season. Fantastic quotes A well-written piece that shows that the writer appears to have a good
and well-rounded writing. working relationship with the school’s athletic department and provides
key details on the future of the USM program overall.
2nd Place
Clarion Ledger 2nd Place
Stefan Krajisnik and Langston Newsome The Columbian Progress
Mike Leach, Mississippi State football’s innovative and influential coach, Joshua Campbell
dies at 61 Rays make ‘emotional’ decision on White

3rd Place 3rd Place
Mississippi Today The Bolivar Bullet
Rick Cleveland Andy Collier
‘Phenomenal,’ Deion Sanders says of ESPN GameDay visit, but he CCHS Volleyball Honors Lucas
expected it
CLASS D
CLASS B 1st Place
1st Place The Sun-Sentinel
The Commercial Dispatch Clay McFerrin
Alex Murphy CHS Tigers bounced by MHSAA ruling
Busy Friday night - Want to ref? Clay McFerrin handles a (probably) delicate story well with solid
This struck me as a useful story, told in a straightforward professional reporting. This is a bread and butter type story but the class of this
manner. category.

2nd Place 2nd Place

The Vicksburg Post The Newton County Appeal
Ernest Bowker Robbie Robertson
Goodbye to the Pirate Alderman fills key role for CWS bound Ole Miss

3rd Place 3rd Place
The Mississippi Press Franklin Advocate
Warren Kulo Sean Dunlap
Tomaszewski field dedication O’Quinn: FC hoops has potential

See visuals of all First Place Winners by downloading the BNC slide show at mspress.org/bnc
 H SPORTS COLUMN

ALL MULTI-DAY ALL WEEKLY

1st Place 1st Place
Clarion Ledger Monroe Journal
J.T. Keith Melissa Meador
Deion Sanders, Jackson State football learned Well-written pieces that not only share opinion but
valuable ‘life lessons’ in one week also inform the readers. It is obvious the author is
This is a great column, full of heart. an experienced journalist who knows that opinion
pieces should be both entertaining at times and
2nd Place informative as well. These group of pieces exhibit the
Clarion Ledger author’s personality as well.
J.T. Keith
For Jackson State football coach Deion Sanders, success starts in the 2nd Place
uncommon hours The Northside Sun
Jeff North
3rd Place Sports Column
The Vicksburg Post
Ernest Bowker 3rd Place
Ernest Bowker The Yazoo Herald
Joffre Washington

Honorable Mention
The Bolivar Bullet
Andy Collier

H SPORTS FEATURE
SOUTHERN-MISS

CLASS A
He's the heart and soul of Southern
1st Place
Daily Journal
Miss football — and it's time you met
Brad Locke him
2021 still echoes at Biggersville Ingomar David Eckert
Great story about an unbelievable series of events that would be Hattiesburg American

suspect in a movie much less in real life. What an insane end to the Published 8:59 p.m. CT Aug. 31, 2022 Updated 9:41 p.m. CT Aug. 31, 2022

biggest game of the year! When Stone Lott was young, Southern Miss touchdowns often meant trouble. 

2nd Place As the Golden Eagles’ offense edged closer and closer to the goal line, the Lott family’s focus
would drift to the ROTC cannon in the north end zone at M.M. Roberts Stadium — primed to
Daily Journal
fire in celebration of Southern Miss points. 
Michael Katz
Meet AJ Finley The sensory overload from the blast often made the experience overwhelming for Stone, who
has since worked to overcome significant challenges relating to communication, reading and
3rd Place writing.
Daily Journal
He’s learned to love the cannon — but not as much as the football program it represents loves
Michael Katz him. 
Legend of the spring
Stone, 20, works in an official capacity as a volunteer equipment manager for Southern Miss,
CLASS B but in reality his role is much more expansive. He is the Golden Eagles’ director of team
morale, assistant wide receivers coach, Monday morning quarterback and disc-jockey, all
1st Place rolled into one. 
Hattiesburg American
David Eckert “When your kids are growing up, you don’t know what they’re going to be, there’s always
those kinds of concerns for every child,” said Hank Lott, Stone’s father. “Man, they’ve
He’s the heart and soul of Southern Miss football — and it’s time you
answered a lot of prayer.” 
met him
A clear-eyed, well-written feature with multiple sources that resists Stone's pathway
sentimentality to sketch a portrait of a remarkable young man. This
piece was a clear winner, in a category that had a few strong entries. 3rd Place
The Pine Belt News
2nd Place Andrew Abadie
The Mississippi Press Remembering Corky Palmer
Warren Kulo
Gretchen Aucoin feature CLASS D

3rd Place 1st Place
Enterprise-Journal Franklin Advocate
Marquis Cooley Sean Dunlap
Three strikes and you’re out O’Quinn commites to help
Well-written piece with good quotes from the story’s subject that also
CLASS C addresses some of the future concerns for his primary team.
1st Place 2nd Place
The Bolivar Bullet Franklin Advocate
Andy Collier Sean Dunlap
Olemaha: Local fans travel to watch Ole Miss’ run in the World Series Young leads by deeds
I love the fan side of such an historic event. Each family’s reasons and
memories add depth to the story and help produce a unique piece. 3rd Place
The Wayne County News
2nd Place Paul Keane
The Bolivar Bullet Williams throwing his weight around
Andy Collier
Remembering a Legend
 Thursday
5 p.m. SEC Network - Mississippi State’s
men’s basketball team had an extra day to
rest before its SEC Tournament opener, but
will have to beat a hot South Carolina team
to get past the first round.
H GAME STORY QUICKREPORT
SEAHAWKS TRADE
QB WILSON TO BRONCOS
CLASS A ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) —
The Denver Broncos upgraded their
quarterback position in a big way
1st Place Tuesday by agreeing to a trade that
will acquire Russell Wilson from the
Daily Journal Seattle Seahawks for a huge package
Michael Katz of players and draft picks.
The NFL Network reported the
Storybook ending as Rebels fulfill their Omaha dream Seahawks agreed to send Wilson
and a fourth-round pick to Denver in
What a journey! The writer does a fantastic job telling their story and
exchange for two first-round picks,
showcasing the team and standout players. two second-round picks, and a fifth-
rounder, along with quarterback
Drew Lock, defensive end Shelby
Harris and tight end Noah Fant, the
2nd Place Broncos’ first-round draft pick in
2019.
Daily Journal The blockbuster trade is pending
Wilson passing a physical, and can’t
Michael Katz become official until the start of the
Rolling Rebels advance to title series new league year on March 16.
The teams cannot comment on
the deal until then, but the Broncos
tweeted a clip of Tom Hanks’ charac-
3rd Place ter in “Cast Away” drawing a face on
the volleyball he named “Wilson.”
Sun Herald Wilson has two years left on his
Scott Watkins current contract and a salary cap hit
of $37 million for the 2022 season.
Southern Miss football defeats Rice in LendingTree Bowl behind Frank
The trade was the culmination of
more than a year’s worth of buildup.
Gore Jr. record Wilson first expressed his discon-
tent with the Seahawks last offseason
after they won the division but lost in
CLASS B the first round of the playoffs.
The acrimony got to the point
that his agent publicly expressed the
1st Place teams Wilson would be willing to
accept a trade to, but the quarterback
The Vicksburg Post and the Seahawks moved forward
Ernest Bowker together for one more season.
Robinson Wins 5K Walk JSU COACH SANDERS
HAD TOES AMPUTATED
Wow! Beautiful lede and well-executed story. The word that(AP)
JACKSON came— Deionto Sanders
had two toes on his left foot ampu-
mind reading this was “craftsmanship.” Great job! tated due to blood clots stemming
from a previous surgery.
The Jackson State football head
2nd Place coach and NFL Hall of Famer
revealed the severity of his foot injury
The Vicksburg Post in an episode of his “Coach Prime”
documentary series that was to air
Ernest Bowker Tuesday night on Barstool Sports.
Unfinished Business Sanders was hospitalized for
around a month in the middle of last
season when the Tigers finished 11-2.
He had a dislocated toe along with
3rd Place an inflamed nerve. His initial proce-
dure was in September and he later
Daily Corinthian returned to the field for practice using
Melissa Meador a golf cart and crutches. He roamed
the sideline for a game with the help
State bound: Lady Bears top Aggies, heading back to defend title at
of a push scooter.
As he healed, his toes began to
MSU darken under the bandages.
“They were talking about the
amputation of toes,” Sanders said.
“Then they were talking about the
amputation of my leg from the knee
CLASS C down. Then, they were trying to
ensure I had life.”
The 54-year-old Sanders under-
1st Place went several surgeries. He developed
Monroe Journal a femoral arterial blood clot. He also
had compartment syndrome, where
Deon Blanchard his leg swelled up, and doctors had
to flay open his leg to drain fluid.
Amory championship Sanders later had his big toe and the
second toe amputated.
The lede grabs the reader, although it might not make sense to readers
who don’t connect the lyric with the fact that it was the team’s first title
since 1999. One of several well-written entries by this writer.
2nd Place
Tate Record
Brian Lentz
Chiefs storm past Lee Academy
3rd Place
Grenada Star
Chuck Hathcock
North State Champs
CLASS D
1st Place played hard and I was glad
Franklin Advocate to get a lot of them some
Sean Dunlap Coach B.J. Smithhart said after the game.
Dawgs batter Bears
Paints a great pic of field conditions and how it affected play. Every
student-athlete loves at least one muddy game in their career.
2nd Place
The Wayne County News Memorial Stadium in Meadville on Friday, Aug.
Paul Keane tackles for the Bulldogs.
Heartbreak
3rd Place • Volunteer
The Yazoo Herald • Donate
Joffre Washington
Mavs defeat rival Raiders, head to state title game
Honorable Mention
The Wayne County News
Paul Keane
War Eagles fall shy of Final Four
Download a PDF of this winner’s book at mspress.org/bnc
ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
Steve Pranger, left, and Larry Robinson give each other a fist bump during the Run Thru History awards ceremony on Saturday. Robinson was awarded the men’s
championship after Pranger vacated it. Complete race results/A11
RUNNING INTO HISTORY
Crandall, Hall both Robinson wins
claim second RTH 5K walk after act
10K championships of sportsmanship
By Ernest Bowker By Ernest Bowker
The Vicksburg Post The Vicksburg Post
This wasn’t the first time that Ryan Cran- Two roads diverged in the Vicksburg
dall and Kristi Hall have won the Run Thru National Military Park. Larry Robin-
SPORTS
History 10K. In a lot of ways, though, that son took the one less traveled. And that
made it even more special. made allFRANKLIN COUNTY SPORTS SCHEDULES
the difference.
Crandall won the Run Thru History’s LADY BULLDOGS VOLLEYBALL
It also made for a bit of a problem. BULLDOG
Thursday, Sept. 1 vs. Brookhaven 4:30 p.m. (FCMS, FCHS)
men’s and overall championship on Saturday Thursday, Sept. 8 @ Saint Andrews
Robinson was leading
4 p.m. (FCMS, FCHS)
the RunFriday,
ThruSept. 2
Tuesday, Sept. 6
vs. Wesson (Varsi
@ North Pike (Jun
after three consecutive runner-up finishes. Tuesday, Sept. 13 vs. Saint Andrews History’s 5K FCHS)
4 p.m. (FCMS, race walk by a largeFriday, Sept. 9 @ North Pike (Var
Hall won her second women’s title in a row,
Franklin
Thursday, Sept. 15 vs. Crystal Springs margin when he missed a checkpoint
5 p.m. (FCHS) Monday, Sept. 12 @ Lawrence Co. (
but firstAdvocate
on the traditional Vicksburg National and veered off course. He finished well
Military Park course. back in the pack, far behind wom-
Both wins, then, were breakthroughs of en’s winner Col. Teresa Schlosser and
sorts for the two runners. men’s winner Steve Pranger. Franklin County’s top footbal
Bulldo
ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
“It feels good. For the past three years I’ve
been the vice president,” Crandall said with
Ryan Crandall heads for the finish line at the 43rd Pranger, however, voluntarily gave
up his trophy to Robinson and the
annual Run Thru History Saturday in the Vicksburg
a laugh. National Military Park. Crandall won the overall 10K
championship with a time of 35:14.
latter was named the Run Thru His-
the tren
Crandall clocked a time of 35 minutes, 14 tory winner for the seventh time in one
seconds to finish atop the list of 200 runners. INSIDE: of the strangest results in the race’s Bulldogs’ biggest
He was more than two minutes ahead of run-
ner-up Baylor Picard, despite having to make
4 Complete race results/A11 43-year history.
“We screwed up, but Steve made it the weather as FC
S
a mid-race pit stop. went downhill, so I was a little upset.” right,” Run Thru History race direc-
ome spas make th
Picard finished in 37:38, and Matthew Getting the “big” cannon trophy awarded
to the Run Thru History’s overall winner
tor Phillip Doiron said. “Normally customers to relie
Manning was third in 37:51. you can’t do anything about it. You defy the skin’s ag
“The first mile was good, but at the mile made Crandall a little happier. He won the
race in 2017, skipped it in 2018, and finished
can’t ask the guy who won to give it varsity football team go
and a half my shoe came untied. So I could up because the other guy would have free — and came away
lose my shoe or stop and tie it,” Crandall Torrential rains soak
said. “That took (time) off. My momentum See RUN, Page A12 See WALK, Page A11 lins Memorial Stadium
and prompted the game
because the Bears’ field
In the end, the Bulld
Gators cruise to fifth consecutive win
wet turf and mud to wa
improve to 1-0 on the 2
SEAN DUNLAP | FRANKLIN ADVOCATE FC wore its tradition
Franklin County’s Tyrese O’Neal test and those who saw
(15)reports
From staff
The Vicksburg
— in top left photo —
scrambledPost past a West Lincoln
2-for-2 with a triple and two
RBIs for Natchez.
the team thanks to liber
were either soaked to th
defender and left him in the mud Vicksburg is scheduled to a few snaps in the gam
The teams combined
in first-half
A new week began action onMonday,
Friday, Aug. host Greenville Friday at 7 p.m. the Bulldogs resulting i
and the 26Vicksburg
at Louie Mullins
GatorsMemorial
stayed Penalties proved cos
right in the comfortable groovehad
Stadium in Meadville. O’Neal
three carries
they finished for one
the last 101in.yards in
TALLULAH ACADEMY 13,
UNION CHRISTIAN 0
11 flags for 82 yards —
negated and several sta
the season-opening
Tyler Carter doubledcontest and for Hayes Hopkins went 3-for-3 The most significant
scoredthefour
Bulldogs.
runs,(Top
MenserrightMinor
photo) with three RBIs and two runs 3-of-4 on fourth down
wentFC’s Donovan
2-for-3 with Moore
two RBIs (12)and
had scored, and also pitched two Tyrese O’Neal turne
twoa runs
pair of key pass receptions for
scored, and Vicks- shutout innings to lead Tallulah ing rusher against West
68 yards against the West Lincoln
burg scored 12 runs in the third Academy (3-5) to an easy win three carries — the ma
touchdown run to start
Bears last week. (Right photo)
inning on its way to a 19-7 run-
Xavier Rankin (3) bulled his way
rule rout of Natchez.
over Union Christian.
Hopkins, Dee Morgan and
FC’s Broderick Sha
through a pair of Bears’ defend- while Keyundre Felto
The Gators (7-2) ran their
ers en route to some of his 25
Todd Etheridge split up the
pitching duties in the five-in-
Xavier Rankin, Res
winning
yards onstreak
threetototal
fivecarries
games.in the Brown, Peyton Touch
They’ve
contest.scored
Franklin78County’s
runs in offense
those ning run-rule victory. They rick Starks also had ca
wins,combined
with double-digit totals in combined to strike out 10 bat- a team-total 231 yards
for 316 all-purpose Rancifer had a 3-12-
four of them.
yards — 231 on the ground and
ters while walking none, and
allowed three hits. Donovan Moore catch
85The Gatorsthefellairbehind 3-0game HUNTER CLOUD|THE NATCHEZ DEMOCRAT
through — in the Baker reeling in one fo
after one inning
that was moved against Nat- after Ricksburg’s Michael Johnson heads for third base during Monday’s game against
to Meadville The Trojans had nine hits,
chez,
WestthenLincoln’s
took thefield
leadwas
Natchez. Johnson walked twice, scored two runs and had one RBI to help the
forunplay- Gators to a 19-7 victory. with seven of the nine start-
Defensively, Touchs
tackles and a sack whil
ers having one each. They also recorded five take-dow
goodablewithdue fivetoruns
recentin the
heavytoprains.
of
the second. Four errors helped put Vicksburg ahead 7-4. Minor helped things along. drew 11 walks — seven of
them score their runs with- delivered a two-run single McCroy finished the game which came during a 10-run
recovery for the Bulldo
quarterback sack.
later on, and Rashad McCroy with three hits, one RBI and
Dawgs batter Bears
out getting a hit, but they soon
started smashing the ball. had another RBI single on his three runs scored. Brown scored
rally in the third inning.
Wyatt Bedgood doubled
Ja Norman had an i
Three straight hits, including
an RBI double by Carter and an
second trip to the plate.
In all, Vicksburg had six hits
three runs as well.
Chris Green pitched a
and drove in two runs, and
Arnett Sevier and Paul Michael
RBI single by Decedric Brown, and sent 18 batters to the plate four-inning complete game and Machen also had two RBIs BULLDOGS
started the big third inning and during the big rally. A string of had seven strikeouts. apiece. FRANKLIN CO
seven consecutive walks also Roderick Simpson went SCORE BY QUARTERS
FCHS 13 7 21
Despite sloppy field conditions, Franklin County dominates on ground and through air to claim lopsided 41-7 win over West Lincoln WLHS 0 0 0 7 —
By Sean Dunlap
FrAnklin AdvocATe
The Bulldogs combined for an impressive 231
yards on the ground thanks to 30 carries with a
Kicker Dakota Chisolm’s point-after try was
no good, but FC had opened a 6-0 advantage
SCORING SUMMARY
FIRST QUARTER
FCHS — 6:09, Quez Rancifer to R
The regular season gridiron opener for Frank- 3-12-0 passing performance for 85 yards. over the visiting Bears. Chisolm point-after kick fails.
FCHS — 0:57, Keyundre Felton 1
lin County’s varsity football team turned out to The Bears gained only 19 yards on 27 totes The Bulldogs scored again on their next drive good.
be soggy with a heaping helping of muddy and
slippery thrown in for good measure.
and had one receiving yard on a 1-3-1 airways
performance.
with a pair of backs — Keyundre Felton and
Tyrese O’Neal — along with Baker making
SECOND QUARTER
FCHS — 4:30, Rancifer 7-yard to
THIRD QUARTER
In a game that was originally scheduled to be Franklin County set the pace of the game early significant ground gains on the wet turf. FCHS — 11:32, Tyrese O’Neal 83
held at West Lincoln last Friday night, the mon- thanks to a five-play opening offensive series. The series concluded when Felton exploded FCHS — 11:18, Ja Norman 37-ya
soon weather pattern experienced locally forced
the contest to be relocated
It was bookended with a 29-yard pass comple-
tion between quarterback Quez Rancifer and re-
for a 12-yard touchdown run with 57 seconds
remaining in the initial frame.
after kick good.
FCHS — 6:37, Xavier Rankin 22-
FOURTH QUARTER
to Louie Mullins Memo-
rial Stadium in Meadville
ceiver Donovan Moore from midfield and ended
when Rancifer struck receiver Reshon Baker on
Chisolm split the uprights to lift Franklin
County to a 13-0 lead.
WLHS — 3:20, fumble recovery in
TE
after the Bears’ home field a 17-yard scoring pass with 6:09 remaining in FC added some scoring insurance before FCHS
11 FIRS
proved to be unplayable. the first quarter. intermission thanks to another timely five-play
30-231 RUS
FC’s field conditions The drive was successful despite the Dawgs drive with less than six minutes showing on the 3-12-0 PASS
85 YAR
turned out to be only being called on a block-in-the-back penalty dur- clock — even though the series looked doomed
FRANKLIN COUNTY
ing a punt return to take possession of the ball from the start.
0-of-4 THIR
41
slightly better in leading to 3-of-4 FOU
a combined 15 fumbles for and a holding call on the second snap of FC’s 7-3 FUM
the two programs. first offensive series. SEE BullDOGS A6
11-82 PEN
0-0 PUN
Despite the conditions,
the Bulldogs wound up
manhandling the visiting
7
WEST LINCOLN
RUSHING
FC IND
Tyrese O’Neal, 3-101; Broderick S
team by a 41-7 margin to 3-25; Reshon Baker, 2-24; Quez R
3-4; Zorian O’Quinn, 1-0; Detrick
improve to 1-0 on the new
campaign.
PASSING
Quez Rancifer, 3-12-0, 85 yards.
RECEIVING
“I thought our kids Donovan Moore, 2-68; Reshon Ba
that we had the opportunity
TACKLES
Peyton Touchstone, 6; Larry Perne
Windom, 4; Zy Cole, 4; Jamal Flow
playing time,” Franklin County Head Football
Smith, 2; Keyundre Felton, 1; Devi
1; Cadarrius Young, 1; Jaquez And
Eric Dyer, 1; Scott Causey, 1; Ziqua
“The conditions were pretty slippery out there,
SACKS
Peyton Touchstone, 1; Zy Cole, 1.
INTERCEPTIONS
but we did some things that gave us chances to Ja Norman, 1.
score … especially in the early going. We also FUMBLE RECOVERIES
had a lot of penalties that especially hurt us when
they resulted in a touchdown being called back.”
Larry Pernell, 1.
2022 VARSI
SEAN DUNLAP | FRANKLIN ADVOCATE
Friday, Aug. 19 at W
Friday, Aug. 26 vs. W
Friday, Sept. 2 vs. W
Franklin County defender Jaiden Hunt (20) Friday, Sept. 9 at N
Friday, Sept. 16 vs. R
snared a West Lincoln back around the
Friday, Sept. 23 vs. A
shoulder pads during first-half action between Friday, Sept. 30 vs. T
Friday, Oct. 7 at Je
the Bulldogs and visiting Bears at Louie Mullins
Friday, Oct. 14 vs. P
Friday, Oct. 21 at W
Friday, Oct. 28 at Bo
26. Hunt finished his night on defense with five
Proud Supporters of
Athletics in Franklin County
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 H GENERAL INTEREST COLUMN Corinth, Miss. www.dailycorinthian.com Opin
CLASS A
1st Place
Mississippi Today
Turning points
1st Place
The Columbian Progress
CLASS C

change our
Adam Ganucheau Joshua Campbell
Engaging from start to finish on wide variety of This entry contained a nice variety of approaches
topics. It would be a pleasure to be a regular and topics. The writer takes on the societal issue of
reader. too much screen time using research and sourcing to

lives forever
support his arguments. He also delves into personal

VIEWPOINTS
2nd Place and hilarious topics with a quality writing style that
Daily Journal HubCitySPOKES.com keeps a reader engaged. On both Tserious
H E P I and
N E Blight-
ELT NEWS
(MORE)
W
Brad Locke hearted
e were young and topics, I greatly
Jason was my enjoyed
best the writing. I just
friend. want to know one thing — did he ever get his internet turned on!

It's three g
3rd Place We were friends in the way I sometimes think
Daily Journal only children can2nd be. Place
There were days at school
Sam R. Hall with lunch and recess, The Pineclasses Belt News and field trips

back for vot

spent with him and ElijahourJones
little group of friends.
CLASS B Jason’s mother was our 4-H leader and there
1st Place MAY 12, 2022 were
and
3rd clubPlace
Thecompetitions.
meetings, activities
Bolivar Bullet There were
PERSP
Daily Corinthian Brant
Brant Sappington Scott spent
nights Coopwood sleeping over at
Hands down best of the best in this category. As a
fellow columnist, I appreciate your ability to write
about a common subject in an uncommon way that
Sappington
Brant’s Slant The Squeaky Wheel Gets the G
each
the
From
woods
CLASS
house
the
others’ Publisher
and
homes, exploring
fields around my
andDhis family’s small
any reader can relate too, cry over or even laugh. I I’m notfarm. sure
1st Place when humans from which to reign that a
and Chihuahuas We shared
decided those adventures
to live that
over his kingdom. they h
loved the one about your dad’s truck. As a daughter Tishomingo County News
seemed so big from the perspec-
of third generation Old Spicer I relate to every word. together, but BoI’m Murphy
sure the humans In exchange, Banjo by the
tive of a young person who had
Great work, great insight. had no choice I’veinHeard
the Things After
not yet seenmatter.
the world. We shared allows them to live simply
all, who would the Your writingof
choose
laughter is phenomenal!
to be jokes and
stupid mostly unmolested vocal

IT’S SIMPLE
2nd Place thephysically
elementary school gossip of
Enterprise-Journal
verbally and 2ndhad Place assaulted by in his totalitarian his op
a pint-sized who dictator aevery
crush day on who for and we regime. I’ve heard smalle
Ernest Herndon shared our own secrets The Deer Creekwho
about Pilotwe had our
Leather Britches columns the crime
own crushes on. of walking
Natalie in
Perkins the door? The overall things... his op

ECONOMICS Candidate J
All manner of flora
We dreamed about a future that seemed so far and fauna system works as other
3rd Place
Bo Murphy
3rd Place away, inhabit
aboutthe whereslicewe’d of land go tomy family
school and what nature intended, for it.
The Commercial Dispatch we has might be. into Tishomingo County News
made a home. The plants which includes daily squabbles on the

but had few r
Slim Smith Then one day, he NatewasClark gone.
and animals seem
Town to be absorbed among the various groups of Th
Slimantics I remember early on aCryin’s
Sunday morning, my
An insightful column on into Theour greater Novemberfamily 2021 unit, andapplied citizens. Some conflicts, such as
spending, autocr
mother
Washington Post websitemany
coming for
does a of the
into my room totalled
an entire year,that
to tell $16.4
me about an
accident with tears creatures share tril- when the dogs crowd the cats and m
good job of identifying the bedrock lion.inButher the eyes.
same number in Febru-
H COMMENTARY COLUMN cause of today’s inflation. this
Jason
It is the truckloads ofhadinteract
pandemic relief money horse
spot
loved
gone riding
and was
with
horses
withalone.
us will
and
the lairds
seriously injured.
on frequently
that early
ary 2020, right before
Somehow
the coronavirus
of their he fell
country, was $1.6 trillion
morning,
hit thefrom the
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he the
S
bed, are mundane
TARKVILLE
innocuous. Ross Barnett, Jim Buck
Ross, Robert
— and

“Blowtorch”
Like anima
natori
with eo
from
ing M Da
handed out to individu- estate to communicate their
less. That sizable increase Others, like when the cats eat
CLASS A Later that day
als, families and busi- displeasure with our
we3rd got the
Place call
in governance
that
demand explainsor
he had died. Mason,
why the birds, are deadly. The well-
and J.P. Coleman normM
Ray
nesses by the federal He was 13 years old
Laurel and so
Leader-Call
supplies was I.
cannot before
keep up, oiled machine stays in balance and him, highly success- Sturdi
1st Place request
I was lookinga treat
through of some some kind.
oldthat There
things recently ful trial lawyer John Arthur not
Bill th W
government. Mark Thornton and when happens,
Daily Journal when
Last week the govern- is an overallthat
I realized hierarchy
day that
the
Feeding the beast of
still authority
inevitable seemsresult sois clear everyone
in knows
Eaves Sr. their
was
"Everything old is new again." place.
a master of people
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Sam R. Hall ment reported that con-
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concise, engaging manner. Hall presented December
facts were 7% American spending voting rights in this Court lo
feel that way to me. his 10-minute speaking slot at
followed by an opinion and explanation.months ago. It was theHe would never1st
higher than they were 12thousands of get mice and
habitssquirrels
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Place There
terns, are those
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When I turnedhim
County Fair, the paved
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his driver’sRYAN bottom,
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in life that dr d
The author connects with readers using a highest
writingone-year increase saved willwhen
declinea linewasted no Jacinto Courthouse and other ing
time getting righ
style mirroring a logical thought process. since
Very1982,
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Mississippi insane.
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abama)
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understand it will
person it. keep
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you inflation
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before its to register
simplicity. to vote. My
“stump” speeches. sion. Th
the cost of virtually everything.No onegoing elected the Chihuahua
for a while longer. quivering anxiety has convinced agend
2nd Place place
For a while, columnistas
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thewaysperson you were mother hadEaves,
thousands
drummed 86,and March 18 at had
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Henry only two for this into me the of mice
importance consid
trict cou
Mississippi Today Olsen noted, economists school,
believed never 2nd Place
have toanend,
problem after and those two
and neither one is a hundreds Miss.
of voting. Having Baptist
grown Medical Center made Ba its
power by waging unending
The Enterprise-Tocsin
peoplesupply are never of birds, three larger dogs,
Bobby Harrison rising prices were temporary. The surprise. Basically, needs toquite the up poor in rural
in Jackson
Greene after a battle with Supreme
causes were seasonal in hisnature,
firstthey
campaign date,of never
self-imposed
Patrick
catch up withErvin
same.
demand. two larger
County, she cats,
cancer.was anHeand
edu- fiveelected
was humans to the Shelby the
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C
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said, and caused by lockdowns all the
dominance dur-things How he
backed to do up this?
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was First,
threats
my the govern-
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cated the
Mississippi
woman Postal
whose and
House UPS
of Repre- most
Desp
"win." Tp
self-made.in 1972 JONES
3rd Place ing the spring of 2021 or by supply- ment needs to stop pumping so
3rd Place experience withtoThat success was
death,carriers) sentatives represent- that guberjuri
Mississippi Today chain issues. wanted
violence to betowards
when
much money anyone into the daring
economy. that
Like other Black citi-
he has the authority he’s
under th
a
Adam Ganucheau question his Tate
authority. the first
Record lossrelief
of someone to instruct ing usHinds
all onCounty’s
how we District
should 31 attemp
comp
All good points. But we so innocentlyStephanie
Federal Re- means no more
I was
pandemic
close
Cunningham
zens of her generation
to and reallyin SouthPost 12. she lived the to seek federal
order no
will re
serve chairman Jerome Powell got it packages, which both President Mississippi, appr
right last week when believed
The other
we could much larger dogs, live. If
CLASS B he told a Sen- knew. His
Biden and President Trump washave my first struggle forInher1975, Eaves
right to vote. – a lifelong
said the formulaEaves wa

1st Place match between supply and

be along
ate committee that a classic mis- with supported.
anything
demand
attheCLASS
all. rest visitation
Second,been
of
D the animal
the Federal
and my first
Reserve must self-imposed
IWe all
remember reluctantly
Democrat – ran
the stories accept
fortellhishis
she'd party’s
Chief Justicejust
John wA
John
community, have funeral. convinced me aboutnomination
former rule because
Forrest County
for no one
governor in in hiseasily
stated opinion
more
The Commercial Dispatch is at the root of America’s price 1st Place
reduce economic demand by raising
re-Circuit Clerk Theron
problems. that the Chihuahua theThe
It just
is
costSun-Sentinel
of borrowing
was the crazy
through
moment I ever a first
challenged hisLynd,
primary who,featured
that
aggression
almost literally, stood in the door
tions had "unquesti
and tin roo
clothe
proved," and "thing
Slim Smith ally understood how fleeting life could be and how eventual winner Cliff Finch, the old
“Demand is high because enoughAmeri-to followhigher
Clay through
interest
McFerrin rates. on
This his
is a risk, he’s
to just
keep always
African been
Americans the
from loudest in the South. nervo
Voter
Slimantics cans have more money suddenly
to spend it all can change.
because if the FedIt was
gets when
too aggres- I came tobecoming Maurice
voters. Dantin,
LyndIt Leman
eventually Squar
threats, and giveWell him
written, wide berth atopics.
theeveryday
voice in firefighters
the room. has neverregistration with now apc
The writer’s columns are timely and relevant, understand
than ever before,” Olsen wrote. howsive,fragile this existence
it increases chance of is. Itre-was Piece on
a lost that Gandy,
battle when David
votingL. Perkins
rights Blatantly Fair.
and discrimina
addressing issues that are of interest to readers
“Peopleandof all incometime and
levelsofbuilthis choice
lostupinnocence was of pillows
very
cession instead strong.
as I came on
of a gradual the bed occurred
return to allwere granted
to understand to
William the bottom
to everyWinter.
American 99% of
Eaves ran alway
of federal decreesEave ar
savings
offering fresh insights into current events. The during the pandemic,
writer’s normal. citizen. fourth behind Winter, Finch Not so fast, Mr. fC
those
amounting to $2.7 trillion. They
big dreams we
The Fed
had would never
already has announced a
be his. He time
2nd Place In 1965, President Lyndon John- The court's ruling

Testing, Testing, 1, 2, ...

columns are not only thought provoking, but bankedinspire wouldthe
this money because neverfed- getseries
his driver’s license,
of rate increases thisnever
year. That go with and Dantin (in that order) and es in N
The Wayne County News son signed the Voting Rights Act. gia Gov. Brian Kem
readers to think differently. The writer haseral
thegovernment
ability handed me to that
it out mysterious
willy- place called
needs to happen, because interest high school, won 50,606
It expanded the 14th and 15th votes. Finch beat long h
last March encomp
is to use their words to effect real changenilly
in the never
state.multiple
through rounds haveof his first Paul
rates date,
haveKeanenever
been be all the
ridiculously lowthings
for heamendments Republican
by barring Gil Carmichael
the overt pourriinof voterEaves
supp
stimulus checks to everyone
wantedbelow to bea when a decade.
we so Yet innocently
in a world of great believed weracial discrimination the generalpracticed election. by They includedemag reduc
2nd Place certain income level could
whetherbe theyanything 3rd
change, Place
at all.there is some satisfaction in the white power In 1979, structure,
Eaves particu-
ran forofgov-ballot boxes.butOne he
were hurting or not. ... The result:Spring knowing
hasThe Deer
sprungthat Creek
time-proven Pilot economic
You don’t larly in the DeepagainSouth.andThose
forced totimecounty,
hang rural
out LincolL
with
Delta Democrat Times Thirty
record-high consumer spending de-
years or thirty minutes,
principles still apply — and that
the loss still ernor this won what
AmyIt’s George barriers, supported by state and poses cutting its nu
Jon Alverson spite employment stilllingers
herepre-
below oninmy soul.
beautiful,
something there
crime-
can be donein every
tothink
reduce other ourlosslocal laws, 143,411 votes
had been in place
inforthe Demo-
children and you
places
Long
should
from seven to
pandemic levels.” I’vefree experienced. Off
these It’sThein
maddening Cuff
the way
price I try
increases. to never cratic first primary finishing palorul
Iuka, Mississippi. school nearly a century. feel bad about yourself
egregious, Kemp's
The column further leave
notedanything
that unsaid with those I love. It’s in One provision third behind of the 1965MissVot- Evelyn Eave
officials to negate th
consumer spending — thetheAnd
effort by
“demand” “spring
I make Jack
each has
Ryandayis to the truly
publisher teachers
and
treasure bothing Rights Gandy and
5, hasyour
and Winter
Act, Section (in life
been that choices.
or-election
county tioner
offi
element of the classictheeconomic
sprung,”
big and little editor-in-chief
I mean moments it’s that of the Enterprise-
with theare peoplebrave? I careunder attackder).byWinter wasWhat
those seeking to makes
don't likethis
the eventual thethe
outcofla
equation — is through the roof. Journal. limit minority voter access. That even bans outside g
about because I know
week where your allergies Well, that we never truly know. winner after a
timegeneral
of election
year especially Winst
I know Town
section required federal approval ing water or food to
finallyI’m backnotdown,alone in this experience
either you try matchup
and preclearance with
before the GOP’s
challenging
changing forlines.
long he wa
teachers?
because it’s theYear oneto universal truth of this life. Cryings
voting Carmichael.
laws in specific states, coun- Over in on the
Texas, th
MCRAE Every by onethe pollen
of ustions.
haswashing
reevaluate your contribu-
an expiration
Even a few extra dollars
spending
date. Death tiesNate The 1987
and townships.
Clark
Well,twoyou see,
Democratic
Recently,
years
guber-
jected mail-in
ago
sissipp
ballo
Continued from Pageaway 5A or by you ingesting eight in America we used to
 16 79 Tuesday, July 5, 2022

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H FEATURE STORY

Buckley bows out

Giving
Lawsuit Roses: Celebration Diamo
set for
filed longtime Waveland
to halt city m
DA who served
record 5 terms community
ban on activist resigns
says office is abortions
BY CASSANDRA FAVRE
STAFF WRITER
BY GEOFF BELCHE
GENERAL MANAG

in good hands Hearing

Waveland
set native
for Diamondhead M
By Mark Thornton
editor@leader-call.com today in Hinds
Yvette Hawkins has al-
ways dreamed of honor-
or Nancy Depreo
the Diamondhead
The walls are bare. The photos and By Bobby Harrison
other personal items that adorned the ing her uncle, Clarence
Mississippi Today Council met in spe
Harris-Singleton for his session on Friday to
^=c~ãáäó=çÑ=pÉêîáÅÉ
O_I=qeb=v^wll=ebo^iaI=tbakbpa^vI=klsbj_bo=VI=OMOO
shelves are gone. But there were still
files on the desk that District Attorney Facing the specter of most abor-
Tony Buckley has occupied for almost numerous
tions being prohibited contributions
in Mississippi cept the resignatio
20 years, even though it was only a day toJulythe
on community,
7, a special judge has sched-and City Manager Mic
before his retirement became official. uled a hearing for 10 a.m. Tuesday in
“I’m doing one more grand jury,” Hinds County Chancery Courtdream
this Sunday, that to hear J. Reso.
Buckley said with a smile. “That’s one of is coming
arguments to fruition.
in a lawsuit attempting to In his resignat
the good sides of the job.” prevent the ban from taking effect.
He was getting ready to present “He’sDebbra
Chancellor beenHalford
one of of my effective immedia
about 10 new cases to the panel of role models
Franklin County in the and4th inspira-
District in Reso thanked the m
grand jurors on Thursday, then bid southwest Mississippi was appointed
them farewell on his final day. Newly tions,”
late Thursday she said. “Being
by Mississippi Supreme or and council for
appointed DA Brad Thompson took the his Chief
Court niece, I Michael
Justice get toRan- phys- opportunity to s
reins Friday. dolph to preside over the case after all
“I’ve had 38 grand juries,” Buckley four Hinds County chancery judges I
ically touch my hero. this wonderful com
said. “You get to know them over time. don’tthemselves.
recused have to look to the nity.”
Each one has its own personality. It’s Halford will hear arguments in a
amazing how everyone seems to know TV screen
lawsuit and Women’s
filed by Jackson cheer on “We thank Mic
someone involved in the cases. They the athlete,
Health Organization, my superhe-
the state’s only for his service and
can be a wealth of information. I’m remaining abortion clinic, claiming a
going to miss those.” roes laware
trigger cannotright
go into amongst
effect ban- ication to the city
There are things that he won’t miss, meabortions
ning in my infamily. So, that
the state because of Diamondhead,”
though. The constant consequential a 1998 ruling by the Mississippi Su-
decisions. Crime-lab backlogs and for me,
preme Court.is theruling
That honor.”
stated that attorney Derek Cu
turnover. The whims of jurors. The loss Hawkins
the Mississippi saidprovides
Constitution she said in a press rele
Tony Buckley gives an interview shortly before his retirement from his nearly five
See BUCKLEY on A9 terms as District Attorney of Jones County. (Photo by Mark Thornton) has See lookedLAWSUIT uponto A9 Har- “The city has a br
ris-Singleton, or — as future with many fu
Captain Charles D. Hogue Warrant Officer Jeremiah D. Hogue
he is more affectionate- Photo courtesy of Yvette Hawkins projects on the hori
news • a2 cêçã=ÜìãÄäÉ=ÄÉÖáååáåÖë=áå=_Éåíçåá~I=íÜÉ=
Celebrating Oak Park
ly known — “Mr. C,” Clarence Harris-Singleton will be honored this The city will begin
and tried to follow in his weekend for his 50 years of community service search for our new
Beer here!
Shoppers at Soso's
eçÖìÉ=Ñ~ãáäó=ÅêÉ~íÉÇ=~=ÜÉêçáÅ=äÉÖ~Åó footsteps. to Waveland.

Hancoc
ShortStop convenience store
_ó=g^jfb==m^qqboplk=
bÇáíçê=C=mìÄäáëÜÉê=
“My husband and I around our history. He History Month.
Grads started
gather fora biennial
ministryreunion, in the made sure we knew who “His wife and some of
=

buy beer in town

cêçã=íÜÉ=_Éåíçåá~=Ñ~êãä~åÇëI=~=ëÉÉÇ=ï~ë=éä~åíÉÇ=Ñçê=~=äçÅ~ä=Ñ~ãáäó=íÜ~í=
ÖêÉï=áåíç=~=äÉÖ~Åó=çÑ=Üçåçê=~åÇ=ÇÉÇáÅ~íáçåK=_ìí=áí=ïÉåí=ÄÉóçåÇ=íÜÉ=ïçêâäç~Ç=çÑ=
~=Ñ~êã=çéÉê~íáçåK=qÜ~í=ëÉÉÇ=ÖêÉï=áåíç=íïç=ÖÉåÉê~íáçåë=ëÉêîáåÖ=íÜÉáê=ÅçìåíêóK=^=
community doing the we were and where we the other women in our
dedicate school alumni
he’s building
cleared
for first time on Saturday Ñ~êãáåÖ=Äçó=ïçìäÇ=ÇÉÑÉåÇ=Üáë=Åçìåíêó=ÇìêáåÖ=~=íÉêêçêáëí=~íí~ÅâK=^åÇ=Üáë=ëçå=

same works done for came from and that we

ïçìäÇ=í~âÉ=íç=íÜÉ=~áê=~ë=~=_ä~Åâ=e~ïâ=éáäçíK==
^=ÜìãÄäÉ=ÄÉÖáååáåÖÁ~=ÜÉêçáÅ=äÉÖ~ÅóÁíÜáë=áë=íÜÉ=ëíçêó=çÑ=íÜÉ=eçÖìÉ=Ñ~ãáäóK==
community would make
deaths • a3
`Ü~êäÉë=aK=eçÖìÉ=ï~ë=Äçêå=áåíç=~=Ñ~êãáåÖ=Ñ~ãáäó=ïÜç=ã~ÇÉ=íÜÉáê=äáîáåÖ=Ñêçã=
By Cam Bonelli
íÜÉ=ëçáäë=çÑ=_Éåíçåá~K=eáë=Öê~åÇé~êÉåíëI=íÜÉ=ä~íÉ=b~êäáåÉ=eçÖìÉ=pêK=~åÇ=j~ÖÖáÉ=
táäâÉêëçå=eçÖìÉI=ïÉêÉ=áåëíêìãÉåí~ä=ÑáÖìêÉë=áå=Üáë=äáÑÉK=^åÇ=~ëáÇÉ=Ñêçã=Ç~áäó=
ÅÜçêÉë=~åÇ=Ñ~êã=ïçêâäç~ÇëI=íÜÉó=áåëíáääÉÇ=î~äì~ÄäÉ=äÉëëçåë=áå=íÜÉ=óçìåÖ=ã~å=
us,” she said. “Coming
reporter@leader-call.com had a great self-esteem our costumes,” she said.
up, I can remember him about ourselves.”

shootin
• Brenda Ladner Carlisle-Guinn
íÜ~í=ÜÉ=Å~êêáÉÇ=ïáíÜ=Üáã=áåíç=~ÇìäíÜççÇK=qÜÉ=çåÉ=êìäÉI=íÜÉ=dçäÇÉå=oìäÉI=ï~ë=
íÜ~í=ÜÉ=Çç=ìåíç=çíÜÉêë=~ë=óçì=ïçìäÇ=Ü~îÉ=íÜÉã=íç=Çç=ìåíç=óçìKÒ=
Mary Finch, 100 years old, sat in the pas-
Once a year during the
making surepickup
thewaiting
kids for had Hawkins said he or- summer months, Haw-
`Ü~êäÉë=Öê~Çì~íÉÇ=Ñêçã=_Éåíçåá~=eáÖÜ=pÅÜççä=áå=NVTVI=~åÇ=íÜÉ=ÑìíìêÉ=ï~ë=
ïáÇÉ=çéÉå=Ñçê=íÜÉ=óçìåÖ=ã~åK=_ìí=áåëíÉ~Ç=çÑ=Ñ~êãáåÖI=ÜÉ=ÇÉÅáÇÉÇ=íç=í~âÉ=~=
senger seat of an old Ford
• Wanda Keyes ÅÜ~åÅÉ=ïáíÜ=íÜÉ=ãáäáí~êó=íç=ëÉÉ=ïÜ~í=çééçêíìåáíáÉë=áí=ïçìäÇ=éêçîáÇÉ=Ñçê=ÜáãK=

• Carolyn Ann Lovette

eÉ=áããÉÇá~íÉäó=ÉåäáëíÉÇ=áå=íÜÉ=råáíÉÇ=pí~íÉë=k~îóK=fí=ï~ë=~=êçäÉ=ëìáíÉÇ=àìëí=Ñçê=
ÜáãI=~åÇ=ÜÉ=ëÉêîÉÇ=Üáë=Åçìåíêó=Ñçê=ON=óÉ~êë=çÑ=Üçåçê~ÄäÉ=ëÉêîáÅÉ=ÄÉÑçêÉ=êÉíáêáåÖ= something
the Oak Park to do that
Alumni Homecoming paradewas
to ganized Martin Luther
áå=OMMOK== begin. The side of the car boasted an “Oak Park
positively productive. He King Jr. celebrations as
• See ROSES
_ìí=íÜÉ=ãáäáí~êó=äáÑÉ=ï~ë=ëíáää=îÉêó=ãìÅÜ=~=é~êí=çÑ=`Ü~êäÉëÛ=äáÑÉK=réçå=êÉíáêÉJ
Alumni Class of 1945” sticker.
• Evelyn Merle Lowery Sanford ãÉåíI=ÜÉ=ÇÉÅáÇÉÇ=íç=ëÉêîÉ=~ë=~=ãáäáí~êó=éçäáÅÉ=çÑÑáÅÉê=Ñçê=íÜÉ=k~î~ä=^áê=pí~íáçåI=
äçÅ~íÉÇ=áå=mÉåë~Åçä~I=cä~K=fí=ï~ë=íÜÉêÉ=íÜ~í=ÜÉ=éÉêÑçêãÉÇ=~=î~êáÉíó=çÑ=ëÉÅìêáíó=
ÇìíáÉëI=åçí=çåäó=Ñçê=ãáäáí~êó=éÉêëçååÉä=Äìí=ÉîÉå=Ñçê=íÜÉ=mêÉëáÇÉåí=çÑ=íÜÉ=råáíÉÇ= That’s kept usofinvolved
the legacy in plays
the Oak Park School well as community per- BY GEOFF BELCHE
— Finch and hundreds of other graduates
Page 13
pí~íÉëI=~ãçåÖ=çíÜÉê=ÜáÖÜJê~åâáåÖ=ÇáÖåáí~êáÉëK==

inside • Opinion 5 gatheredand

in Laurelactivities
this weekend forcentered formances during Black
_ìí=áí=ï~ë=~äëç=çå=íÜ~í=mÉåë~Åçä~=å~î~ä=ëí~íáçå=íÜ~í=Üáë=äáÑÉ=ïçìäÇ=ÅÜ~åÖÉ=
ÑçêÉîÉêK=fí=ï~ë=aÉÅÉãÄÉê=çÑ=OMNVI=~åÇ=íÜÉ=Ä~ëÉ=ï~ë=íÜÉ=ëáíÉ=çÑ=~=íÉêêçêáëí=~íJ the 23rd GENERAL MANAGE
í~ÅâK==
biennial reunion to honor the school.
Obituaries .................................. A3 fí=ï~ë=~êçìåÇ=SWQP=~KãK=çå=íÜÉ=ãçêåáåÖ=çÑ=aÉÅK=SI=OMNV=ïÜÉå=~=ëìëéÉÅíI=

Opinion ....................................... A4
Puzzles/Comics ................... A5, A6
Classifieds/Legals ................A7, A8
• Obituaries 7
~êãÉÇ=ïáíÜ=~=Ü~åÇÖìå=~åÇ=ëÉîÉê~ä=Éñíê~=ã~Ö~òáåÉëI=çéÉåÉÇ=ÑáêÉ=áå=çåÉ=çÑ=íÜÉ=
Åä~ëëêççã=ÄìáäÇáåÖë=çå=íÜÉ=éêçéÉêíóK=qÜÉ=ëÜççíÉê=ïçìäÇ=ä~íÉê=ÄÉ=áÇÉåíáÑáÉÇ=~ë= Oak Park Vocational High School opened in
jçÜ~ããÉÇ=p~ÉÉÇ=^äëÜ~ãê~åáI=~å=~îá~íáçå=ëíìÇÉåí=Ñêçã=p~ìÇá=^ê~Äá~K=
`Ü~êäÉë=~åÇ=Üáë=é~êíåÉê=ïÉêÉ=~ãçåÖ=íÜÉ=Ñáêëí=çå=íÜÉ=ëÅÉåÉ=íç=êÉëéçåÇ=íç=íÜÉ= 1928 and provided education to black stu- A Hancock Cou
• Puzzle 8 dents until 1970, when it integrated with R.H.
áåÅáÇÉåíK=^åÇ=íÜÉó=ÄçíÜ=éìí=íÜÉáê=äáîÉë=çå=íÜÉ=äáåÉ=íç=Çç=íÜÉáê=àçÄÁéêçíÉÅíK==
`Ü~êäÉë=~åÇ=Üáë=é~êíåÉê=ïçìäÇ=ÉñÅÜ~åÖÉ=ÖìåÑáêÉ=ïáíÜ=íÜÉ=íÉêêçêáëí=~ë=~ÇÇáJ
íáçå~ä=íÉ~ãë=ëÜçêíäó=~êêáîÉÇ=çå=íÜÉ=ëÅÉåÉK=bîÉåíì~ääóI=íÜÉ=íÉêêçêáëí=ï~ë=ëÜçí= Watkins High School, now known as Laurel sheriff’s deputies o
a Pearlington man
Silver Slipper to ban anyone
qÜÉ=v~òçç=eÉê~äÇ
~åÇ=âáääÉÇ=ÇìêáåÖ=íÜÉ=~íí~ÅâK=qÜÉ=áåÅáÇÉåí=äÉÑí=íÜêÉÉ=ãÉå=ÇÉ~Ç=~åÇ=áåàìêÉÇ=

Sports ....................................... A10

ÉáÖÜí=çíÜÉêëK=`Ü~êäÉë=ï~ë=~ãçåÖ=íÜçëÉ=áåàìêÉÇ=ïáíÜ=~=ÖìåëÜçí=ïçìåÇK==
c~ãáäó=~åÇ=ÑêáÉåÇë=êÉÅ~ää=íÜ~í=íÜêÉ~í=~åÇ=Ç~åÖÉê=åÉîÉê=áåíáãáÇ~íÉÇ=`Ü~êäÉëI= `Ü~êäÉë=aK=eçÖìÉI=Ü~îÉ=ëÉêîÉÇ=íÜÉáê=Åçìåíêó=áå=íÜÉ=råáíÉÇ=pí~íÉë=^êãó=~åÇ=k~îóK=
~ÇÇáåÖ=íÜ~í=êìååáåÖ=íçï~êÇë=çíÜÉêë=íç=âÉÉé=íÜÉã=çìí=çÑ=Ü~êãÛë=ï~ó=ï~ë=~äJ
pÉÉ=eçÖìÉI=m~ÖÉ=P_
• Service
máÅíìêÉÇ=Ñêçã=äÉÑíI=t~êê~åí=lÑÑáÅÉê=gÉêÉãá~Ü=aK=eçÖìÉ=~åÇ=Üáë=Ñ~íÜÉêI=`~éí~áå=
High School. Alumni gather every two years for
a reunion to celebrate the legacy of the school.
`Ü~êäÉë=ï~ë=~ãçåÖ=íÜÉ=Ñáêëí=êÉëéçåÇÉêë=ÇìêáåÖ=íÜÉ=OMNV=mÉåë~Åçä~=k~î~ä=^áê=
them during Hurric
Directory 16
_~ëÉ=pí~íáçå=íÉêêçêáëí=~íí~ÅâI=~åÇ=gÉêÉãá~Ü=ÅìêêÉåíäó=ëÉêîÉë=~ë=~=_ä~Åâ=e~ïâ=éáäçíK= This year included a ribbon-cutting ceremony
for the renovation of the Oak Park Alumni “After full and d

under 21 from property

Association building.
the facts and circum
CLASS A Mary Finch, 100, sits in the passenger seat of a Ford pickup waitingVolume 130
for the Oak Park
homecoming parade to begin Friday morning in Laurel. (Photo by Cam Bonelli)
Alumni 2nd Place
Oak Parkites gathered as Mayor Johnny Ma-

See OAK PARK on A2

31, 2021 shooting o
No. 21 The Clarksdale Press-Register and the circumstanc
1st Place of the shooting,” acc
ONE SECTION Floyd Ingram
BY GEOFF BELCHER
issued Thursday, “th
Mississippi Today
16 PAGES Party atGENERAL
Martys MANAGER
conduct on behalf
Kayleigh Skinner & Julia James Beginning on July 1,
the Hancock Count
Book bans are on the rise the Silver Slipper Casino
3rd Place
Hotel is banning anyone • See CLEARED
Important information to get to the public and well written.
Grenada
under Star
21 from its prop- Page 7
erty.
Adam Prestridge
“No persons under
2nd Place

Qualif
Peacocks
the ageProsper
of 21 years will
Daily Journal be permitted in this
Blake Alsup building for any rea-

begins
Honorable Mention
son,” according to the
NMMC hospice volunteers serve patients Silver Slipper’s Face-
Grenada Star “All guests

for Wa
book page.
AdammustPrestridge
be 21 years of age
3rd Place or older in order to be
History Uprooted
electio
admitted to the casino, Photo submitted
Sun Herald our restaurants, the ho- Effective July 1, the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel
Isabelle Taft tel or the pool area. You will no longer allow anyone under age 21 on the
CLASS may D be asked to provide property.
Ms. Audrey and her ‘Kitchen Bible’ have fed the Coast for 25 years. identification in order to announcement last week. Ferrucci said there BY CASSANDRA FA
How she became a legend. 1st Place
enter the building. If you “We tried really hard to had been six separate STAFF WRITER
do not have the proper educate our guests when incidents in the past two
The Yazoo Herald
I.D., you will not be per- they came in on how a months. Qualifying be
CLASS B Jamiemitted
Patterson
to enter.” minor needs to be treat- “We just got to the today, June 15,
It wasn’t an easy de- ed while they’re on the point where we had to Waveland’s gen
From cision,
humble beginnings in Bentonia the Hogue family created a heroic
1st Place according to John property. but we’ve had say, there’s no minors al- election for the offi
legacy
Ferrucci, Silver Slipper far too many incidents lowed on the property,” of mayor and alder
Laurel Leader-Call general manager and of parents or guardians Ferrucci said. “While it
This wonderful story about the Hogue family, a father and son who forThe Wards 1, 2, 3 an
Mark Thornton COO and vice-president not supervising their was a difficult decision candidate qu
are military heroes,
of Full House provides
Resorts, a deep and personal
children properly, which to makelook
and at
we their lives,
didn’t fying paperwork is
Buckley Bows Out Inc., the Slipper’s parent causes me to be in viola- take it lightly, I’m get- available at city ha
highlighting the sacrifices tion
theywith
made and the impact their service hasthe city clerk’s
Significant story of a life’s work and the toll his dedication took. Good company. the Mississippi ting a great deal of pos- offic
had on“We theirstruggled
family andwith communities. It is well-researched,
Gaming Commission, well-written,
itive feedback from our City Clerk Tam
use of quotes. this decision for as along and I obviously can’t af- guests, who all say it’s Fayard said party
and emotionally impactful, leaving readers with
as we’ve been open,” ford that.”
a sense of appreciation
been a long time com- didates in primary e
and respect
Ferrucci for
said these military heroes.
after the ing.”
2nd Place
Enterprise-Journal
2nd Place
Ernest Herndon
Clarke County Tribune
Storm chaser
Brittney Mangum
The Heart of a Hero
3rd Place

Hattiesburg American
3rd Place
Lici Beveridge
The Wayne County News
Chapel Hart’s hometown of Poplarville helped shape the country music
Paul Keane
trio
Repairing homes, restoring hope


CLASS C
Honorable Mention
1st Place The Richton Dispatch
The Sea Coast Echo Annette Harvison
Cassandra Favre Celebrating a century of life
Giving Roses
 pect, Amy ven Robin, 34, responded

H GENERAL NEWS PHOTO
ESTORFFE
Brogdon
Ander-
son, 43,
of Ocean
to a call for a welfare check
at the Motel 6 in Bay St.
Louis, Mississippi, located
at 1003 Highway 90.
RISING IN THE RANKS
Vicksburg Firefighters Masterson and Johnson promoted to Lieutenant
Springs, was a veterinarian
and worked and practiced See OFFICERS, Page A8 By Ben Martin
The Vicksburg Post
this promotion, and then you passed
that test where your colleagues
a celebration honoring those newly
promoted,” Stamps said. “The brass

T
selected you to, at this time and that is presented is a symbol of the
he Vicksburg Fire Depart- place, show and demonstrate that public’s faith and trust in the fire-

CLASS A MSU increasing ment held a pinning ceremo-

ny to celebrate the promotion
you’re leaders. I would encourage
you, as leaders, to understand and
fighter who wears the badge. And
(that) they’re willing to make sure

1st Place presence in Vicksburg of two firefighters to the rank of

lieutenant on Wednesday.
embrace that leadership.”
Ward 2 Alderman Alex Monsour
that all the citizens of Vicksburg
are protected just as pioneers did
Clarion Ledger Colleagues, family and friends then took the opportunity to thank before us.”
Staff Report funding from the U.S. gathered to see Elwin Johnson and Johnson and Masterson for their Masterson was the first to receive
Hannah Mattix The Vicksburg Post Small Business Adminis- Jonah Masterson receive the pins work. his new rank pin, which was fas-
Convicted Mississippi murderer, rapist Thomas ‘Eddie’ Loden
tration, the MSUexecuted
Center recognizing their new rank at the “We look for y’all for leadership tened to his collar by his wife Han-
by lethal injection Mississippi State Uni- for Entrepreneurship and VFD Training Center on Old Mill in the community (and) public safe- nah Masterson. Next, Johnson was
versity is in
This moving photo captures the beauty expanding
this tragicits Outreach
moment is establishing
of anti- an Road. ty. And I just want to thank you for pinned by his mother, Rosalyn John-
presence in Vicksburg and office in Vicksburg at the Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs what you’re about to embark upon,” son.
death penalty activists praying to stop grow
helping an execution
the city’s Sen.thatThad
will not be
Cochran Missis- Jr. was the first to speak after an Monsour said. “And thank you to After the pinning, the two fire-
stopped. One can see the pure emotion
technology onand their faces
start-up sippinicely framed
Center for Informa-by invocation. the guys and girls and everybody fighters stood side-by-side with their
the few light sources on the edgesector.
of the photograph.
Utilizing $650,000 in
“You’re now leaders. You are
leaders because you’ve been chosen
that’s already in our fire department
and in our public safety.”
right hands raised to recite their
oaths. Then each took the opportu-
See MSU, Page A2
and ordained to be leaders. And in Fire Chief Derrick Stamps then nity to address the audience.
2nd Place this department, I know that there’s spoke about the traditional pinning “I just want to say to all my
Sun Herald a creed, and there’s things that you that was about to take place, which co-workers: thank y’all for leading
Hannah Ruhoff Vicksburg firefighter already know, because you passed
the test,” Flaggs said. “You passed
marks the two firefighters’ promo-
tions.
the way that you have,” Masterson

Becoming a US Citizen
earns NFPA certification that real test that allowed you to get “The traditional brass pinning is See FIREFIGHTERS, Page A8

3rd Place Staff Report course meets and exceeds

Daily Journal The Vicksburg Post
Thomas Wells Firefighter David Allison
Memorial Day of the Vicksburg Fire Depart-
ment recent-
ly graduated
Honorable Mention Class 200
Sun Herald from the
Hannah Ruhoff National
Fire Pro-
Mourning Fallen Officer at Funeral
tection
Association
CLASS B ( N F P A ) ALLISON
1001 Fire-
1st Place fighter I-II course held at the
The Vicksburg Post Mississippi State Fire Acade-
my in Jackson.
Raegan Pope This intense seven-week
After the Storm course includes online, class-
Great capture of moment. room and hands-on instruc-
tion in the areas of fire
behavior, fire suppression,
2nd Place rescue, incident command,
Starkville Daily News hazardous materials and
other fire-related topics. This
Wil Bane Pictured over Washington Street Park, the rainbow was visible from downtown and beyond.
the National Fire Protection AFTER THE STORM
Association for Firefighter
Qualifications and the uni-
form minimum training stan-
dards stated in the Mississip-
pi Code section 45-11-7.
The Mississippi State
Fire Academy is a division
of the Mississippi Insur-
ance Department. State Fire
Marshal Mike Chaney and
Academy Executive Director
Terry Wages conclude that
firefighters, through their
newly acquired skills and
knowledge, will be an asset
to the fire departments they
represent.
“We are excited to intro-
duce our newest group of
certified Mississippi Fire-
fighters. that will be tasked
with protecting our commu-
nities all across our great PHOTO BY RAEGAN POPE | THE VICKSBURG POST
A large rainbow was spotted over the sky in the Vicksburg area Wednesday afternoon, after a day of thunderstorms and severe weather threats.
state,” Wages said.

Bryce Vine at Bulldog Bash

3rd Place
Starkville Daily News
Cal Brown
Evan Giia at Bulldog Bash

Honorable Mention
Laurel Leader-Call DAILY BIBLE VERSE: VICKSBURGPOST.COM: VOLUME 139 NUMBER 149
The angel said to [Mary], “Do not be afraid, you have found fa-
Mark Thornton vor with God.You will be with child and give birth to a son, and
you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be
Visit now for breaking news,
constantly-updated stories,
@ TheVicksburgPost

Grave discovery called the Son of the Most High.The Lord God will give him the
throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of
photo galleries, feature stories,
local columnists, sports coverage
@ vicksburgpost RIVER LEVEL: 16.86 feet
CHANGE: +1.39 foot
Jacob forever.” and a searchable news archive. @ vicksburgpost FLOOD STAGE: 43 feet
— Luke 1:30-33
CLASS C
1st Place
Grenada Star
Adam Prestridge
Animal shelter fiasco
Exactly what a news photo should do — this paints a vivid picture of the
problem. Excellent job!

2nd Place
Grenada Star
Adam Prestridge
Rock-and-Road

3rd Place Baldwyn Boys beat Booneville to claim

Grenada Star 2022 Prentiss County Championship
Adam Prestridge SEE PAGES 5 & 6

History Uprooted /// JANUARY 13, 2022 ///

www.BaldwynNews.com
Facebook.com/The-Baldwyn-News

CLASS D
1st Place
The Baldwyn News //////////////////////////////////////////// 2 • 1 SECTION, 6 PAGES
50 CENTS NEWSSTAND • BALDWYN, MISSISSIPPI • VOL. 85, NO. 28 ////////////////////////////////////////// AN HPI PUBLICATION © 2022
Jason Collum
Casket loaded at airport
The solemness of the occasion is perfectly captured in this photo.

2nd Place
The Baldwyn News
Jason Collum
Purple Heart presented

3rd Place
The Wayne County News
Sean Dunlap
Floyd Williams

Honorable Mention
The Baldwyn News
Jason Collum
Serving where needed
The casket of Army Pfc. Jimmy Rowland, killed in action in 1950 in the Korean War and whose remains were not identified until November 2021, is transferred into the hearse at Memphis International
Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2022, as family members, from left, Billy Ray Williams (great nephew), J.B. Williams (nephew), and Ann Mullins (niece) salute. NEWS PHOTOS/JASON COLLUM

HHH
 H SPOT NEWS PHOTO

CLASS A
1st Place
Sun Herald
Hannah Ruhoff
Parents Mourn Daughter Killed in Crash
Captures the heartbreak of a tragic accident. Hard to look at this photo
and not be emotional. It tells a clear story without words. Very impactful.

2nd Place
Daily Journal
Thomas Wells
Gas Station Murder
Expanding your Community Banking Experience! gbtonline.com

3rd Place Our ITMs and Customer Success Call Center are now open M – F from 7 am – 7 pm.
Saturday ITM Hours: 9 am – 12 pm
Sun Herald
Hannah Ruhoff
Gulfport Abortion Protest Christmas Parade GHS boys, girls hoops
Baleigh Bowlin’s mother hugs a family member as they sit near the site of a car crash that killed

Grenada St
her daughterplanning continues
off of Highway control
613 in Hurley on Monday, Oct.Cancer Classic
17, 2022. Baleigh Bowlin and Chloe
Taylor were driving together afterSee
thepage
East3ACentral High School homecoming dance
See page 13A when their
CLASS B

r
car went off the road.

1st Place Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald

Daily Corinthian KA’s D
Mark Boehler Serving Grenada County & Surrounding Areas Since 1854
decade
Tate Street blaze a total loss
Great coverage and really good placement on the page as well. Smart Wednesday, November 9, 2022 168th Year • Number 45

move getting fire photo from multiple angles. Flame shots are difficult to
get and these are really good, quality photos. Murder suspect’s bond revo
2nd Place Drug charges send Thompson b
Enterprise-Journal By ADAM PRESTRIDGE
Publisher
Justice Court
after being
charged
of a con
arrested by the she told
1 killed in Magnolia A Grenada man free on bond Grenada County first ch
after being charged with Capital Sheriff’s Office 13.74 g
Murder in September is back on several is 26.7
behind bars after having his bond drug charges. charge
3rd Place revoked last week following
drug charges.
Justice Court
Clerk Judith
just arr
he was
The Greenwood Commonwealth James Wayne Thompson, 55, Eldridge read Thompson Court fo
stood before Grenada County off Thompson’s Thom
Andy Lo James Wayne Thompson is led into the Grenada County Jail.
Photo by Adam Prestridge
Justice Court Judge Vincent
Marascalco last Tuesday in
charges.
“Judge, Mr. Thompson is See R

Mu
Man out of hospital after train accident

rem
Honorable Mention
Laurel Leader-Call

in p
Josh Beasley
Beaten bloodied booted
By ADA
CLASS C
It has been t
1st Place family’s praye
After learning
relation – who
Grenada Star the gruesome m
Robert C. “Be
Mandy Ayers decades ago h
in August, his
GFD battles big blazes Friday, Saturday brother, Gene
on a mission. H
Very dramatic photo. Photographer must have arrived within minutes to tive: Keep his
killer behind b
Following a
catch the fire at this point. Nice work. from family,
and politica
ers statewid
Mississippi De
2nd Place of Correction
Board denied
The Columbian Progress Firefighters were in full force last Friday battling a house fire on Elm Street. The structure was a total loss.
dom on Oct.
family peace f

GFD battles big blazes Friday, Saturday

Photo by Mandy Ayers
Joshua Campbell “We are very
board’s decis
Frederick Bell
Blaze destroys Foxworth home worked and pr
to once again
By MANDY AYERS
Staff Reporter
6:11 p.m. to find fire coming from three
sides of the home.
An initial search was performed and the
fire was quickly put out on the main floor.
family, but for
Frederick Be
3rd Place The Grenada Fire Department battled mul-
According to officials, all stations respond-
ed to this call.
The attic was fully involved. The roof was
seen as having fire burning through it.
prison was pus
pending a hear
tiple house fires this past weekend. “Three fire hoses were pulled to pro-
The Pine Belt News Last Friday, at 6:07 p.m., the GFD was tect neighboring buildings and to make an
Chief Willis added that firefighters were
ordered out of the home and crews switched
began receivin
from citizen e
dispatched to a house fire at the 300 block interior attack on the fire,” Grenada Fire
Cayla Burns of Elm Street. The first units arrived at Department Chief Ronnie Willis Sr. said. See BLAZES, Page 3A See MUR

Halloween weekend at
Petal man in custody for sex crime, facing life sentence

Lee Tartt is enchanting

CLASS D
1st Place
By MANDY AYERS again Halloween weekend.
The Sun-Sentinel Staff Reporter “We gathered a magical group of art-
ists, local businesses, volunteers, spon-
Geneva Campbell surveys the splintered ruins Enchanted forests have always had a
special place in fairy tale storybooks
sors and wildlife organizations to create
an enchanted day of fun,” Whitfield
The profile of the subject’s reaction to the utter devastation before her and movies.
In most fictional stories, the forest is
said.
According to Whitfield, the Lee Tartt
often seen as a place of danger where
was acutely captured. anything can happen and where dark
Nature Preserve doesn’t lack mystery
when it comes to turning the swamp
witches and evil spirits dwell.
Robin Whitfield, director of Friends of into an enchanted forest.
Chakchiuma Swamp, saw a vision for “The truth is, the swamp doesn’t need
2nd Place the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve to become
a magical and charming creation filled
any help being enchanting,” she said.
“We just like being there and letting our Wendy Jean Garrison of Water Valley was on hand during T
Tishomingo County News with trolls and dragons during their
migration season. It came to life once
See ENCHANTING, Page 4A event on Oct. 30, playing the role of Aunt Nancy AKA Anansi t

Driver survives collision with log truck Thursday morning

3rd Place
The Deer Creek Pilot
Amy George
Victoria Rounds tornado victim

Honorable Mention
The Wayne County News
Paul Keane
Nakiyah McInnis is surprised
 sports
A10 • FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 2022 • VICKSBURGPOST.COM
H SPORTS FEATURE PHOTO
STARTINGLINEUP
WHO’S HOT:
Tallulah Academy track
athlete Henry Ellerbee fin-
CLASS A ished first in the high jump,
with a height of 5 feet, 10
1st Place
inches, at the MAIS Class
3A South State meet on
Wednesday.
H MPA PHOTO OF THE YEAR
Clarion Ledger
ONTELEVISION
Barbara Gauntt Friday
6 p.m. ABC/ESPN/NFL Network -
Shedeur Sanders helmet reflection of JSU crowd The 2022 NFL Draft continues, with teams
picking in rounds 2 and 3 in Las Vegas. The
This is a unique view! The photo is crisp and interesting.NewKudos
with the Nos. 49 andto98 pickthe
Orleans Saints entered the draft
in the middle
rounds, but could trade them.
photographer for seeing and capturing this.
QUICKREPORT
2nd Place BRAVES’ ACUNA RETURNS
Sun Herald AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
ATLANTA (AP) — The Atlanta
Hannah Ruhoff Braves reinstated outfielder Ronald
Acuña Jr. from the injury list on
Southern Miss Baseball Celebration Thursday, more than a week ahead of
the team’s target date for his return
from knee surgery.
Acuña was expected to hit leadoff
3rd Place Thursday against the Chicago Cubs.
He may initially split time between
Daily Journal right field and designated hitter.
The defending World Series cham-
Thomas Wells pion Braves have struggled at the
start of the season and are still look-
Homerun ing for their first series win after
splitting the first two games of their
three-game series with the Cubs. The
CLASS B
Braves will be looking for Acuña to
provide a boost to their lineup after
showing in his rehabilitation stint
1st Place with Triple-A Gwinnett that he has
recovered from the surgery that ended
his 2021 season.
The Vicksburg Post Acuña was 2-for-5 for Gwinnett on
Ernest Bowker Wednesday night and hit .368 with
three stolen bases in six games.
Run Fast, Jump High Despite the strong showing by
Acuña in his rehabilitation assign-
Got the right angle on this one! ment, the Braves had appeared firm
in their plan to remain cautious ahead
of his projected return on May 6.
There had been some signs that
2nd Place Acuña was influencing that plan,
however. On Wednesday, manager
The Vicksburg Post Brian Snitker said the team would
wait until after Acuña’s scheduled
Ernest Bowker nine innings with Gwinnett on Thurs-
day before deciding on his next game.
Earning His Spot The Braves’ decision to activate
Acuña could have been motivated
by losing Eddie Rosario for 8 to 12
weeks. Rosario, the MVP of the NL
3rd Place Championship Series last season, had
a laser procedure on Wednesday to
Daily Corinthian
Randy J. Williams
correct blurred vision and swelling in
his right eye.
The Braves designated outfielder
Alex Dickerson for assignment to
Booneville sweeps 3A basketball titles clear a roster spot for Acuña.
Great emotion filled shot NCAA BOSS EMMERT
TO STEP DOWN IN 2023
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — NCAA
President Mark Emmert is stepping
Honorable Mention down after 12 tumultuous years lead-
ing an association that has become
Enterprise-Journal increasingly marginalized while col-
lege sports has undergone massive
Matt Williamson changes and been besieged by politi-
cal and legal attacks.
Spring warmup NCAA Board of Governors Chair-
man John DeGioia announced the
move earlier this week and said it was
CLASS C by mutual agreement. The 69-year-
old Emmert will continue to serve
in his role until a new president is in
1st Place place or until June 30, 2023.
The announcement comes one
The Pine Belt News year after the board approved a con-
tract extension for Emmert that ran
Abigail Smith through the 2025. Emmert’s salary
was nearly $3 million in 2021.
Player of the Year Rodgers
NCAA revenue has reached
more than $1 billion per year under
Maybe the toughest category I’ve judged. Great photographers here. Emmert.
Emmert was appointed to the job
This one made me feel Keeghan’s determination. You can see it on his in April 2010. He had led the Uni-
versity of Washington and LSU prior
face. Great photo. It just demands attention. to taking over in Indianapolis. He
replaced Myles Brand, who held the
position for seven years before dying
of cancer in 2009.
2nd Place
The Columbian Progress
Brad Crowe
West Marion Trojans
3rd Place
The Pine Belt News Our 151st Year No. 6
Michael Sandoz
Pine Belt Sports Football Sacred Heart mçäáÅÉ=íç=áåÅêÉ~ëÉ=é~íêçä=áå=ÜáÖÜJëéÉÉ
CLASS D
1st Place ÇÉåí=ïçìäÇ=äáâÉ=Åáíó=
The Yazoo Herald íÉÉíÜ=áå=ÉåÑçêÅáåÖ=íê~ÑJ
Jason Patterson ã~áå=íê~îÉä=ÅçêêáÇçêë=
Back to where it all began
Great photo! As soon as I saw Philadelphia Eagles running back
Kenneth Gainwell with that vintage Yazoo County scoreboard in the
background I got chill bumps. Already knew the article was about
without reading it. Professional Athletes not forgetting where they came
from and giving back to the community is great and this photo captures
it.
2nd Place
The Yazoo Herald
Joffre Washington ï~ó=qáêÉ=`ÉåíÉê=áå=v~òç
Back to Back
3rd Place ^=åÉï=ÅÜ~
The Yazoo Herald Ñçê=páãã
Joffre Washington _ó=g^jfb==m^qqboplk
Panthers Prevail bÇáíçê=C=mìÄäáëÜÉê=
RUN FAST, JUMP HIGH
Warren Central track athletes Jonathan Henderson, top, and Ashton Murphy, bottom, will compete in the high jump
and 100 meters, respectively, at the MHSAA Class 6A state meet Friday at Pearl High School.
Missy Gators end layoff, start playoffs
By Ernest Bowker
The Vicksburg Post
Vicksburg High’s softball
season has been an unusual
ride, to say the least.
The Missy Gators started the
season by losing 10 of their first
11 games, then won seven of
the next eight. They clinched
the Region 4-5A championship
without setting foot on the field,
when Jim Hill forfeited a game
to them.
Finally, in the run-up to the
playoffs, they’ve come to a
dead stop. Rainouts and other
cancellations have conspired
to let the Missy Gators play
only one game in the past three
weeks. Their biggest challenge
Friday might not be their oppo-
nent, Ridgeland, but simply
regaining the momentum and
speed that was scrubbed off by
the long layoff.
“We’ve done some inter-
squad scrimmages. We’re going
to really go into game mode
(Wednesday) and scrimmage
for an hour and a half or so. But
it’s tough because a lot of teams
have played a lot of ballgames
in the last three weeks — a lot
more than us,” Vicksburg coach
_ó=g^jfb==m^qqboplk=
bÇáíçê=C=mìÄäáëÜÉê=
=
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äÉ~ÇÉêë=íç=éìí=ëçãÉ=
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åáíóK==
Back to where it all began
cçêãÉê=v~òçç=`çìåíó=eáÖÜ=pÅÜççä=ÑççíÄ~ää=ëí~ê=~åÇ=ÅìêêÉåí=mÜáä~ÇÉäéÜá~=b~ÖäÉ=hÉååÉíÜ=d~áåïÉää=ÜçëíÉÇ= åÉï=äçÅ~íáçå=~åÇ=~å=ÉñJ
~=ÑêÉÉ=ÑççíÄ~ää=Å~ãé=ä~ëí=p~íìêÇ~ó=~í=v~òçç=`çìåíó=eáÖÜ=pÅÜççäK=jçêÉ=éÜçíçÖê~éÜë=~ééÉ~ê=çå=é~ÖÉ=ëáñI= é~åëáçå=çÑ=ëÉêîáÅÉëK=cçê=
~åÇ=~å=ÉÇáíçêá~ä=~äëç=~ééÉ~êë=çå=é~ÖÉ=Ñçìê=çÑ=íÜáë=ÉÇáíáçå=çÑ=qÜÉ=v~òçç=eÉê~äÇK
Vicksburg High softball pitcher Lexi Kistler delivers during a game earlier this
season. The Missy Gators will face Ridgeland in the second round of the MHSAA
Class 5A playoffs this weekend.
VICKSBURG VS. RIDGELAND
Class 5A softball playoffs
4 Game 1: Friday, 6 p.m., at Vicksburg
4 Game 2: Saturday, 1 p.m.,
at Ridgeland
4 Game 3: Monday, 6 p.m.,
at Vicksburg (if necessary)
Brian Ellis said before Wednes-
day’s practice. “You’re this late
in the season, it’s up to the girls
to showcase what they can do
and go out and play. It’s a big
mental thing.”
oçÄÉêí=`çñI=ïÜç=êÉJ
ëáÇÉë=çå=dê~åÇ=^îÉåìÉI=
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íçäÇ=Åáíó=äÉ~ÇÉêë=íÜÉ=
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Warren Central’s
Henderson and
Murphy eye gold
at 6A state meet
By Ernest Bowker
The Vicksburg Post
A month ago, the thought of
competing for a state champion-
ship wasn’t really on Jonathan
Henderson’s mind.
The Warren Central sophomore
was winding down his first var-
sity track season, showing a bit
of potential, but still far from the
kinds of marks that could be con-
sidered elite in his best event the
high jump.
Then, in the first round of the
postseason, he made a literal leap
to the next level. Then another.
And another.
In the span of three weeks Hen-
derson’s personal best in the high
jump improved by a foot. And,
when the event is contested Friday
at the MHSAA Class 6A state meet
in Pearl, he’ll be right in the thick
of the competition for a medal —
perhaps even a gold one.
“I prayed before every meet and
I jumped. God got me up there.
It’s been a span of two weeks. It
blew my mind,” Henderson said.
“I went from not even placing at
some of these meets to getting first
and second in South State, region-
als and division. I wasn’t expect-
ing it.”
Henderson’s best high jump
height in the regular season was 5
feet, 4 inches. He cleared 5-10 to
win the Division 5-6A champion-
ship, and then finished second at
both the Region 3-6A and South
State meets by clearing 6-2.
He went over the bar at 6 feet, 4
inches in practice earlier this week.
It’s been a sudden and remarkable
surge that’s caught even Henderson
himself off guard.
“God’s grace that I got here,”
Henderson said. “I didn’t break out
until about three weeks ago. Then
ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
in district I jumped 5-10. I had
See TRACK, Page A11
this season, but there is some
familiarity between the teams.
Two of Ridgeland’s starters —
first baseman Makyia Adams
and outfielder Kamyia Fultz
— transferred to the school
after playing for Vicksburg last
season.
“It’s kind of tough seeing
Makyia and Kamyia on the
other side,” Ellis said with a
laugh.
Any friendly reunion will
quickly give way to fierce com-
petition, however, as the Missy
Gators and Lady Titans try to
punch their ticket to the Class
5A quarterfinals.
ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
Even with their up-and-
down season, Ellis said there’s
Vicksburg (9-13) will host
no reason his team cannot pull
things together and make a deep
Ridgeland (17-8) in a sec-
ond-round series in the
run in the bracket.
A number of Vicksburg’s ear-
Inside Today’s E
MHSAA Class 5A playoffs ly-season losses came against
solid Class 5A and 6A teams,
beginning Friday at 6 p.m. at
VHS’ Softball Swamp. and coincided with a pro-
longed hitting slump. The hot
Kenneth Gainwell Footb
Game 2 will be Saturday at
1 p.m. at Ridgeland, and if a streak that followed, Ellis said,
offered a glimpse of the team’s
Yazoo Back Home Fe
deciding Game 3 is necessary
it will be Monday at 6 p.m. at
Vicksburg.
potential.
“We were down. We weren’t
Vicksburg and Ridgeland real happy that we lost 10 in a
have not played each other
See MISSY GATORS, Page A11
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Three Sectio
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 H SPORTS ACTION PHOTO

CLASS A
1st Place
Clarion Ledger
Hannah Mattix
JSU player diving for tackle
Great timing delivers a winning shot

2nd Place
Clarion Ledger
Barbara Gauntt
Clinton’s Za’Kariyea Hamilton and Brandon’s Isaiah Morey battle for
possession

sports
3rd Place
Daily Journal
Thomas Wells
Flying High A10 • VICKSBURGPOST.COM • WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

A SPRING IN THEIR STEP

CLASS B STARTINGLINEUP

1st Place WHO’S HOT:

The Vicksburg Post Warren Central running
back Trey Hall scored Big plays highlight
Ernest Bowker three touchdowns in a
20-19 win over Lafayette Flashes’ spring game
A spring in their step in the Vikings’ spring game
on Friday.
Great photo! The show of action and emotion, determination in against Central Hinds
the players comes through loudly in this photo. Sharp focus and
ONTELEVISION By Ernest Bowker
The Vicksburg Post
composition within the photo only draws the eye toWednesday
it even more.
8 p.m. TNT - The NBA’s Final Four gets RAYMOND — Throughout their
under way with Game 1 of the Western spring practice period, one of St. Aloy-
2nd Place Conference finals between the Dallas Maver- sius’ biggest challenges was competing at
icks and the Golden State Warriors. full speed.
Daily Corinthian Thursday
Between injuries, obligations to other
sports and a general lack of depth, the
Larry Glidewell 6 p.m. SEC Network/7 p.m. ESPN2
- The final weekend of the SEC baseball reg- Flashes simply didn’t have the bodies
Leaping Owen ular season begins Thursday night with a full
slate of games. Tennessee plays at Mississippi
to pit their best offensive and defensive
players against each other. In many cases,
State at 6 p.m., and an hour later LSU faces they’re the same people anyway.
Vanderbilt in Nashville. They finally got the opportunity on
3rd Place Monday, and passed the test. Three big
plays and a defensive stand put three
Daily Corinthian QUICKREPORT touchdowns on the board and gave St.
Larry Glidewell Al an 18-12 win over Central Hinds in a
SAINTS SIGN FORMER spring scrimmage.
Flying High LSU STAR LANDRY “We started off a little rough. Once
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Free the nerves settled down and saw how the
agent wide receiver Jarvis Landry, a speed of the game was going to go ... I’ve
Honorable Mention five-time Pro Bowler, is joining the said it a thousand times, that’s hard to
emulate in practice with 23 varsity kids,”
New Orleans Saints.
Daily Corinthian Landry spent his first four pro sea- St. Al coach Bubba Nettles said. “Seeing
that, and once we began to calm down,
Larry Glidewell sons with Miami before joining the
Browns. He led the league in recep- we started to click off some yardage. I
was very pleased to see that. And to score
Rowsey Rebounds tions in 2017 with 112, his final
some touchdowns goes a long way also.”
season with the Dolphins. ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
In all, the 2014 second-round draft St. Al and Central Hinds each ran
St. Aloysius running back Damien
two sets of 10 plays, followed by about
CLASS C pick from LSU has 688 receptions for
7,598 yards and 37 touchdowns.
Reeves (34) has his helmet
knocked off by a hit from Central 20 minutes with a running clock. St. Al
Landry, 29, was instrumental Hinds’ Brady Price (12) and Sam scored twice during its second 10-play
1st Place in improving Cleveland’s culture
McCoy (21) during their spring
game on Monday.
series, on an 80-yard run by Damien
Reeves and a 71-yard pass from John
and helping the Browns break their
The Pine Belt News long playoff drought in 2020. But
Reeves totaled 112 rushing
yards and one touchdown on
David Liggett to Ahmad Stewart.
Reeves also had a 22-yard run on the
Andrew Abadie he missed time in 2021 with a knee
injury and had career lows in recep-
four carries to lead St. al to an
18-12 win in the varsity scrim- final play, and finished the scrimmage
with 112 yards on only four carries.
Southern Miss’ Austin Crowley hits a slam dunk tions (52), yards (570) and TDs (2). mage.
At right, Price (12) is tackled Liggett threw two interceptions during
The Browns considered restructur-
Three different expressions from 3 players make for an emotional shot.
ing his contract, but the sides couldn’t
by St. Aloysius’ Vaughn Hynum (2).
Price had five carries for 64 yards
the running clock segment and fumbled a
strike a deal and Cleveland released couple of high snaps. Nettles, though, was
Great job! Landry in March. Landry finished
and one touchdown.
St. Aloysius will open the 2022
happy with his and his teammates’ exe-
with 288 catches for 3,560 yards and football season Aug. 19, at home cution on the two explosive plays that put
15 TDs with the Browns. against Park Place Christian Acad- points on the board.
2nd Place New Orleans used a first-round emy. Central Hinds’ opener is the
same night, at home vs. Washing-
“It’s the tweaks we’ve put in our run
game, with a little more of that RPO,”
draft pick on Ohio State receiver
The Pine Belt News Chris Olave, and expects quarterback
ton School. Nettles said. “That long touchdown pass
was an RPO. John David ran it beauti-
Jesse Johnson Jameis Winston to be healthy after he
had knee surgery and played in only fully. He read it, saw it, chucked it down
Petal defeats Hernando to win state championship six games in 2021, going 4-2. the field ... it was perfect.”

See FLASHES, Page A11

TIGERS FAN FALLS
3rd Place THROUGH BRIDGE
DETROIT (AP) — A man walk-
The Pine Belt News
Storms spoil Gators’ spring scrimmage
ing on a footbridge to a Detroit
Tigers game said he fell 15 feet to
Andrew Abadie the ground when part of the concrete
Andy Davis gets an unexpected ice bath collapsed.
Ely Hydes said the incident By Ernest Bowker at their own 20 and moved it
occurred May 9, but the bridge still The Vicksburg Post just across midfield before the
was open until The Detroit News
CLASS D reached out to the state Transporta- With a half-dozen college
game was stopped with 6:46
remaining in the first quarter.
tion Department on Sunday. coaches roaming the sideline The players were sent off the
1st Place The Spruce Street pedestrian and a decent crowd ready to field a couple of minutes later
bridge is above M-10, also known as
The Wayne County News cheer on their team, there was as thunder rumbled and light-

Doris Keane
the Lodge Freeway. Hydes said he
was walking to Comerica Park with a 
friend when “the bridge just collapsed
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2022
some electricity in the air for
Vicksburg High’s spring foot- SportS THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS | 1B
ning flickered in the sky. About
10 minutes after that, with a

JagsholdoffSBASaints,27-18
ball game on Friday night. likely one-hour delay looming,
Samuel Graham under my feet.”
“I remember thinking, ‘I hope I’m
A bit too much, as it turned the decision was made to send
out. everyone home.
Wonderful camera action shot! not over the freeway.’ I landed about
BY MATT HALL Vicksburg and Terry made it Collin Johnson had 22 rush-
six feet from the traffic. ... After I hit
THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS

through half a quarter of their ing yards on two carries for the
the ground I got the wind knocked
Wayne Academy’s Jaguars may

varsity scrimmage at Memo-

have had a little rust after not
Gators in their five-play pos-
2nd Place
playing a game for two weeks, but
out of me pretty good,” Hydes,40® needed 36,
Daxton West proved to be the WD-
to give the team a 27-18
rial Stadium before it was session. Malik Montgomery
told the newspaper.
win over their long-time rivals, the
ERNEST BOWKER|THE VICKSBURG POST
halted and eventually called off carried twice for six yards and
Saints of Sylva Bay Academy, Friday

The Wayne County News night.

He informed police, thentoThe resumed
3-2
victory improved the Jaguars
on the year heading into a big
because of lightning. The can-
Vicksburg High running back Collin Johnson (11) tries to fight through a tackle
during Friday’s spring game against Terry. Cedric Blackmore once for five
his walk to the Tigers game, emy. a 2-0
road game against Heritage Acad-

Doris Keane loss to Oakland. Hydes went

West accounted for all four touch-
to a hos-
downs for the Jaguars, helping W.A.
overcome a 12-0 second quarter
cellation followed another hour-
long weather delay before the most important thing is to look Vicksburg’s Demarcus John-
yards.
“We probably had one play
pital a few days later. at the big picture. We didn’t get son sacked Sanders to end the
deficit.
“It was a slow start but a great fin-
game. that got back to the line of
“I’m a giant walking bruiseMarcus right
ish for us tonight,” said Head Coach
Davidson. “I think we came
“We can’t be mad about anybody hurt and we go to the series. scrimmage, but every other play
3rd Place
out still asleep from our nap time
now,” he said. before the game, but the guys came
out and responded. They handled
God’s work. We had a really summer fully healthy.” “I loved what I saw. I saw a we saw seams for the backs and
In 2019, Hydes caught ain“Now,home
the secondrun
the adversity early and played well
Neither team got much work lot of aggression,” McDaniel
The Baldwyn News good spring. You could really good blocking, and were good
half.
we have a tough road game
hit by Albert Pujols, the slugger’s
against Heritage, and it’s a long two-
and-a-half hour road trip. They are
see the defense was hitting on in. Terry got the ball first and said. “We had two (defensive) coming off the ball. We had five
Jason Collum 2,000th career RBI. He gave thetoball picked up 24 yards on a bro- starters sit out the game, but
really big up front and we just have
to go back work and do what we
do and mash people and try to get all cylinders, the offense was plays, but I liked what I saw
to the Baseball Hall of Fame. them off the ball.”
rolling pretty good. We just ken-play scramble by quarter- the guys that were on the field in those five plays,” McDaniel
Braylon Pippin Hurdles
After a scoreless first quarter, the

“Crazy things happen toSaintsmeused

a 29-yard when a 19-yard pass play and
run in the second period
didn’t get the opportunity to back Carlos Sanders, but had attacked it and got at it. They said. “Our defense dominated
I’m going to Tigers gamesleft —in thegood
to move out to a 12-0 lead with 7:16
a total of minus-9 yards on dominated those two series.”
finish it,” Vicksburg head coach
first half. Then West took
charge of things, at least for a little
and bad,” Hydes said. while. After the second SBA score, West
Todd McDaniel said. “But the its other five offensive snaps. The Gators then got the ball
See GATORS, Page A11
Honorable Mention
took the ensuing kickoff and re-
turned it 75 yards for the score.
Colton Stringer booted the extra
point to make it 12-7 with 6:59 left in

The Baldwyn News

the second quarter.
The Jaguars took advantage of
miscues by the Saints, capping off
a short drive with an 8-yard run by
West that made it 13-12 with 4:05 left

Jason Collum before halftime.

In the third quarter, West scored
on a 4-yard run, and the Stringer ex-
tra point made it 20-12 with 2:06 left.

Hunter Franks steals second The Saints answered that score

early in the final period, using a
7-yard run to make it 20-18 with 9:17
remaining in the contest.
West and the Jaguars iced the
game when the senior raced 16 yards
for a touchdown. Stringer booted the
extra point to make it 27-18 with 5:10
remaining.
From there, the Jaguars were able
to control things and eventually
DORIS KEANE | THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS
Samuel Graham takes down a Sylva Bay Academy player while knocking the ball loose during Friday night's game between Wayne Academy and the Saints.
milk the clock down to 0:00. returned deep into SBA territory. who finished with 80 yards rushing, airways. Preston Pittman paced the
The Jaguars made their own op- W.A. rushed for 168 yards and 39 receiving and eight tackles on defense with 13 tackles on the night
portunities with two interceptions passed for another 56 while putting defense. while Samuel Graham contributed
— one by Brady Graham and the up 191 return yards, with most of The Jags allowed 186 yards on nine. Sam Cook had a pair of sacks
other by Mason Coxwell, which he that coming from the feet of West, the ground but only 9 through the as well.

War Eagles roll past Braves, 47-0, in district opener

 Daily Corinthian
H FEATURE PHOTO
Friday
CLASS A August 12, 2022
1st Place 75 cents
Daily Journal 0% chance
Thomas Wells Vol. 126, No. 158 • Corinth, Mississippi • 16 pages • One section
Splash Pad
Shooting probe leads to murder charg
Love that this photo captures a unique moment - telling a story all on its
own.
2nd Place By JEBB JOHNSTON
jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Sun Herald Corinth police found a history
Hannah Ruhoff of trouble between the accused
shooter and the victim preceded the
GCCA Parade shooting death last week of Thomas
Lee Hamer.
Detective Bo Swindle said the
3rd Place
Daily Journal Absentee
Thomas Wells
Color Guard voting begins
in runoff
CLASS B
election
1st Place jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
By JEBB JOHNSTON
Daily Corinthian jjohnston@dailycorinthian.com
Larry Glidewell The first votes have been cast as
Cooling Off in Extreme Summer Heat Corinth’s election focus moves to
the Aug. 23 Republican primary
Great motion shot. Can feel the heat and understand her impulse to
runoff.
The city opened absentee voting
cool off on Wednesday, and several have
cast ballots.
Absentee voting is available
during regular business hours at
2nd Place City Hall and will also be offered
The Greenwood Commonwealth on the next two Saturdays from
8 a.m. to noon.
Johnny Jennings What was originally going to be
only a runoff for Ward 5 alderman
Expose the woes now has citywide interest with the
alderman at large race getting add-
ed to the runoff ballot after ending
in a tie between Mike Hopkins,
3rd Place the incumbent, and David Curry.
Along with those who did vote
Enterprise-Journal in the Republican primary, peo-
ple who did not vote in the Aug.
Matt Williamson 2 election are eligible to cast a
ballot in the runoff. Those who
Summit full of fun with Smokin’ on the Tracks voted in the Democratic primary
in Ward 4 are not eligible.
The Aug. 2 election whittled the
CLASS C Ward 5 race down to Joshua Bry-
ant, who led with 44 percent of
the vote, and David Roberts, who
1st Place finished second with 28 percent
of the vote. Bryant runs the Pizza
The Pine Belt News
Sheppard wedding
Grocery restaurant, and Roberts is
retired after serving as the Boys
& Girls Club director for many
years. Roberts is also a former al-
So many faces, expressions in one photo. Great job derman who served from 2006 to
2010.
In the at-large race, Hopkins,
2nd Place
a real estate agent, won the ma-
chine votes 972 to 967, while
The Pine Belt News See ABSENTEE, page A2
Abigail Smith
2022 Mississippi Miss Hospitality is crowned
Bar association sponsors free legal clinic
3rd Place By MARK BOEHLER
Monroe Journal editor@dailycorinthian.com
John Ward Everyone often needs a little
help and advice.
Nursing home petting zoo Especially when it comes to le-
gal matters.
Eligible Alcorn County resi-
dents can get some free legal as-
CLASS D sistance through the Free Family
Law Legal Clinic, and now is the
time for those who wish to par-
1st Place ticipate to call for pre-screening.
The Baldwyn News The next clinic is set for Tuesday,
Aug. 16, beginning at 1 p.m. at
Jason Collum the Alcorn Chancery Building at
the corner of Fillmore Street and
The loveliest village in the hills Waldron Street.
Individuals who attend the
It is the loveliest village and photo clinic can get assistance from
volunteer attorneys in the areas
of divorce, child custody, child
support, guardianship (for school
2nd Place attendance purposes or for group
The Wayne County News
Paul Keane
Buckatunna School Principal
3rd Place ////////////////////////////////////////////
The Yazoo Herald
Jason Patterson
A Christmas Wish
306 Bradley Road
Corinth, MS 38834
662-286-2020
With apologies to Auburn, Alabama, which is billed as “the loveliest village on the plains,” the view of downtown Baldwyn current would give it rights to a claim as the loveliest village in the Mississippi
Partly Su
Today T
91
department on Thursday morning
charged Montrail Butcher, 43, of
mined that he was the shooter.
“There had been numerous dis-
heading south. He may have lost
consciousness about that time and
45-year-old Corinth
man died at Magno-
Corinth, with murder.
The situation began on the eve-
putes over about the past year be-
tween the two,” he said. “We think
slumped over before the vehicle en-
tered the Briggs Wholesale parking
lia Regional Health
Center after under-
ning of Aug. 3 in the area of the in- the most recent issue was over a car lot and ran into an 18-wheeler trail- going surgery.
tersection of Meigg Street and Scale stereo.” er, taking the roof off the car. The suspect’s
Street. Witness accounts placed It appears Butcher returned to First responders who took Ham- bond had not yet
Butcher at the scene, and Swindle his home following the shooting, er out of the vehicle discovered he been set Thursday BUT
said further investigation deter- while Hamer drove to Cass Street, had multiple gunshot wounds. The morning.
COOLING OFF IN Man gets
20 years in
EXTREME SUMMER HEAT robbery ca
By JEBB JOHNSTON
A third defendant in th
holdup at Culver’s Groc
been sentenced to serve t
hind bars.
David Cordell Brown, 32,
a guilty plea to armed robb
fore Judge Michael P. Mill
the recent term of Alcorn
ty Circuit Court. Mills se
Brown to serve 20 years i
dy of the Mississippi Dep
of Corrections, according
records. The sentence inclu
years of probation and a
fine.
The sentence is concu
another sentence Brown fa
of Washington County. Th
dant had a Greenville addre
time of arrest.
Earlier this year, Andrew
Walker was sentenced to s
years in the same case, and
Cordell Williams was sente
serve 25 years in 2021 afte
trial found him guilty.
The robbery of the stor
corner of Wenasoga Ro
West Shiloh Road was follo
a long pursuit when a coun
uty happened to arrive w
See ROBBER
Woman
charged
in churc
Photo by Larry Glidewell
Caitlyn Harville was having a recent photo session when she decided to cool off in the extreme summer heat.
She is the 16-year-old daughter of Sandy Crum and Chad Harville.
burglary
By BRANT SAPPINGTON
Commission.
bsappington@dailycorinthian.co
“The individuals who attend and receive services from the
attorneys will be expected to handle their legal matters on their
Individuals receiving assistance
must have income at or below
A Corinth woman ha
charged with breaking int
own after the clinic. They will be given instructions from the 200 percent of the federal pov-
erty guideline. For a family of
corn County church.
Sheriff Ben Caldwell
attorneys who volunteer at the clinic on how to proceed after the two, that amount is $33,820; for a Amy L Schneider (McD
clinic in order to get their matters fully resolved.” family of three, it is $42,660; and 36, of
for a family of four, it is $51,500. Road 187,
PHIL HINTON For an individual, the income cap was charge
Attorney and coordinator with the local bar association is $24,980. day with b
The free legal clinics began in and des
2014. This is the first legal clinic of a church
insurance), name change, eman- torneys will be expected to han- since 2019 as they were cancelled being held p
cipation and expungement. Here to help
dle their legal matters on their in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid. an initial
MCDONALD ance.
“Local attorneys volunteer to own after the clinic,” said Hinton, Clinics have been held through-
provide legal guidance to help with all of your
of Corinth. “They will be given out Northeast Mississippi this Sheriff’s
low-income people who are seek- instructions from the attorneys year in five counties and Alcorn ment investigators were
ing to represent themselves in children’s
who volunteer at the clinic on County is the first of four more Tuesday to assist the F
court because they cannot afford how to proceed after the clinic counties the rest of this year. ton Police Department
to hire a lawyer,” said attorney vaccination needs!
in order to get their matters fully Call the office of the Chancery burglary at Farmington
Phil Hinton, coordinator with the resolved.” Clerk Greg Younger at 662-286- Church.
local bar association. Along with the bar associa- 7700 for pre-screening. Caldwell said they were
“The individuals who attend tion, the clinic is sponsored by People can also register by go- able to identify the susp
and receive services from the at-
www.BaldwynNews.com
the /// DECEMBER
Mississippi Access15,to2022
Justice/// ing to www.msatjc.org/event. make the arrest.
Facebook.com/The-Baldwyn-News
PRAYER FOR TODAY A VERSE TO SHARE
My Father, I bless thee for thy patience and forbearance. I pray that thou It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
wilt forgive me for all the sorrow that I have made from rebellion and despair, Prove
and with thy forgiveness may I receive patience and cheerful courage. Amen.
50 CENTS NEWSSTAND • BALDWYN, MISSISSIPPI • VOL. 86, NO. 23 • 1 SECTION, 6 PAGES ////////////////////////////////////////// AN HPI PUBLICATION © 2022
The loveliest village in the hills
Hills region, wouldn’t you think? Shown here is one block of downtown, all decked out for Christmas just prior to the annual Christmas parade. NEWS PHOTO/JASON COLLUM
INSIDE THIS WEEK GOVERNMENT
 H PHOTO SERIES Photos from the Dec. 21, 2022 joint funeral of fallen Bay St. Louis police officers Branden
Estorfee and Sgt. Steven Robin, killed in the line of duty while responding to a welfare call at
Motel 6. Photos by Hannah Ruhoff/Sun Herald

CLASS A
1st Place
Sun Herald
Hannah Ruhoff
Funeral for fallen Bay
St. Louis police officers
These photos capture heartfelt sadness. They
tell the story all on their own.

2nd Place
Daily Journal
Adam Robison
Soggy Bottom

3rd Place
Mississippi Today
Vickie King
How one diver hand feeds fish at Jackson’s
natural science museum

CLASS B
1st Place
Daily Corinthian
Randy J. Williams
This is the best team I have ever coached
Outstanding collection! Emotion and ‘color’ A12 • Daily Corinthian Sports Friday, March 4, 2022

leap off the pages. Every frame tells a story.

Sports potojournalism master class! 
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 2022
Neighbors THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS | 5A

2nd Place
Enterprise-Journal
Matt Williamson
Picking out pumpkins

3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Andy Lo Biggersville players storm the floor at the Mississippi Coliseum in Jackson on Thursday to begin the celebration of their state 1A title.
Photo by Randy J. Williams

Que is back; Que on the Yazoo ReturnofWhistleStopworththewait

‘This is the best team
CLASS C I have ever coached’
Biggersville boys
lead from start to
1st Place
finish for the 1A
state championship
“Everyone was wanting us
to do it again. It didn’t feel
like pressure,” said Brand,
whose assist last year to Cam
Smith’s shot sealed the deal.
Dylan Rowsey opened the
game with a layup less than a
Byers scored the last five
points of the period, field
goals from Michael James
and Cedric Watson.
They cut the Lions lead to
26-23 with 7:25 left to play.
From there, Biggersville

Grenada Star
minute into the contest.
By MARK BOEHLER Byers scored for the game’s
editor@dailycorinthian.com only tie less than a minute
later.
reeled off eight straight
points to push its lead to 34-
23.
Byers cut the Lions lead

Mandy Ayers
JACKSON – There were no
last minute heroics this time.
No game-winning shot was
necessary.
From there, the Lions went to four on two separate oc-
on a 14-4 run, capped by a casions, the last time at 37-
Jathan Hatch layup off a Di- 33 on a Watson layup off a
etrich Shugars assist to give Devin Moore assist with 1:34

Dream Painting
This time, the Biggersville
Lions led from start to fin-
ish in a 45-37 win over H.W.
Byers for its second straight
Biggersville a 16-6 lead with left to play.
4:24 left in the first half. “We knew we had to keep
The Lions led 23-14 at half- our composure,” Rowsey
time. said of the late Byers run.

Lovely photos in dark lighting!

1A state championship.
“This is the best team I’ve
ever coached,” Biggersville
head coach Cliff Little said.
It took a game-winning
shot against Ingomar for the
Lions to win the state title a
year ago.
Lions guard Brooks Brand
Biggersville held long pos-
sessions during the third
quarter.
“They were in a zone,” said
Lions guard Zae Davis. “We
were making them come out
so we could attack.”
Biggersville opened the
second half with a Dylan
“We practiced every scenar-
io. We never lost our heads
when they got back in the
game. We got the ball down
the court and made them foul
us.”
Biggersville finishes the
season 29-2. They won 26
straight games to end one of

2nd Place
said team experience was
the big difference this time
around.
“After last year, everyone
Rowsey jump shot off a the best season’s in school
Brooks Brand assist. history.
A Brand free throw with And in the own words of
5:51 left in the third gave the their coach, perhaps one of

The Sea Coast Echo

LIFE&STYLE
Photo by Randy J. Williams expected us (to win the state Lions their longest lead at the best teams ever to put on
Biggersville players celebrate their 2022 1A state championship, their second straight. championship),” he said. 26-14. the maroon and white jersey.

Geoff Belcher
St. Patrick’s photo (662) 226-2571
greatergrenada.com/chamber
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
www.grenadastar.com

3rd Place
The Pine Belt News
Cayla Burns

LIFELIFE &STYLE
Greens Creek overflow floods several dozen
homes in Petal

&STYLE

Honorable Mention (662) 226-2571
Tate Record greatergrenada.com/chamber
Photo by Randy J. Williams
Joyous Biggersville players accept the 2022 boys basketball state championship trophy in Jackson on Thursday.

(662) 226-2571
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
www.grenadastar.com
At left, watercolor painter Wyatt Waters adds the

Stephanie Cunningham Wednesday, April 27, 2022

greatergrenada.com/chamber final touches to the commissioned piece entitled
“The Offering” last Thursday evening. Above,
www.grenadastar.com Waters pencils in stained-glass designs.

Blue Christmas for kids

Photos by Mandy Ayers

CLASS D
DREAM PAINTING
Watercolor painter Wyatt Waters captures stained-glass history
1st Place By MANDY AYERS church’s sanctuary is the “project of my

W
Staff Reporter dreams.”
“I have wanted to sit in a quiet, still

The Wayne County News yatt Waters unfolds the legs

on his handmade wooden
easel and sits down in an
church for as long as I can remember and
just paint a beautiful, heavenly scene of an
old, original set of stained-glass windows.

Paul Keane
empty church sanctuary and This may be for the Smiths, but they have
prepares to paint his dream. gifted me with my dream project.”
The Wardlaw family for many years held Waters painted the 184-year-old stained-
a permanent spot in a pew on the far right- glass windows lit by natural sunlight that

Return of Whistle Stop worth the wait hand side of the First Presbyterian Church
located in Downtown Grenada. You could
find them always sitting on the third row
beamed in from the windows. As the sun
slowly set, Waters brought out his light to
finish his masterpiece.

Even though the photos are black and white, during each Sunday morning service.
Cole Smith, who also attended the church,
and his wife, Julie Wardlaw Smith, both
former residents of Grenada, have many
“When you work harder, you do a better
job,” he concluded, speaking to his wife,
who made the trip from Clinton to Grenada
with him. “I think I am done, Honey.”

the skillful use of contrast really brings the memories throughout their early lives wor-
shipping in this sanctuary.
“I have so many memories of my life in
Kristi, who remained in the pew in front
of him from the first stroke, then stood up
and gazed at the finished painting.

page to life. Best BW photography of all the that sanctuary,” Julie said. “I remember
sitting on that third row pew and would
just look over at the three stained-glass
At left, watercolorwindows
painter Wyatt
to my left andWaters
just stare.adds
They arethe
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “They are going
to love this, Honey.”
Waters later named the painting “The
Offering.”
entries. final touches to the
“The Offering” last
commissioned
so beautiful. I knew I had to
Thursday
painting for a memory.”
Waters, who only works
Waters pencils in stained-glass
piece entitled
have this
evening. Above,
in a

on location, was
designs.
Kristi said that she knew just from the
first look how pleased the Smiths would be
with the finished painting. She pulled out
recently commissioned by the
Photos by Smiths to
Mandy Ayers her cell phone and sent Julie a snapshot.

DREAM PAINTING
paint a vibrant watercolor painting of their “When she sent me that photo tonight,
childhood church. When the light was right all I could do was cry,” Smith said via cell

2nd Place
and the moment hit, Waters opened his phone Thursday night. “I relived so many
easel last Thursday afternoon with paper, special memories from this one painting.
paints and water prepared and ready to
make his dream a reality.
At left, watercolor painter Wyatt Waters adds the
I will treasure this painting for years to
come.”

Clarke County Tribune “Anything can be a painting, you just

have to see it,” Waters said as he brushed
strokes on the paper. “I don’t just wake up
final touches to the commissioned piece entitled
The Waters recently purchased a travel
trailer and used Wyatt’s watercolor paint-
“The Offering” last Thursday evening. Above,
ings to document their travels of the
Waters pencils in stained-glass designs.
Belinda Allen wanting to paint. I like to enjoy my morn- Southeast.

Watercolor painter Wyatt Waters captures stained-glass history

ing coffee in my favorite chair with my Waters new book, “The Watercolor Road”
is set to Photos byinMandy Ayers

DREAM PAINTING
beautiful wife, Kristi.” hit shelves early Fall 2022.
Waters admitted as he sat quietly with Wyatt Waters concentrates on his watercolor painting of the First Presbyterian You can pre-order his book now at www.

Southern Comfort By MANDY AYERS

his art that painting the historic Grenada Church’s sanctuary last Thursday evening in Downtown Grenada.

church’s sanctuary is the “project of my

wyattwaters.com

W
Staff Reporter dreams.”
“I have wanted to sit in a quiet, still
yatt Waters unfolds the legs church for as long as I can remember and
3rd Place on his handmade wooden
easel and sits down in an
just paint a beautiful, heavenly scene of an
old, original set of stained-glass windows.
empty church sanctuary and This may be for the Smiths, but they have
The Yazoo Herald prepares to paint his dream. gifted me with my dream project.”

Watercolor painter Wyatt Waters captures stained-glass history

The Wardlaw family for many years held Waters painted the 184-year-old stained-

Jason Patterson a permanent spot in a pew on the far right-

hand side of the First Presbyterian Church
located in Downtown Grenada. You could
glass windows lit by natural sunlight that
beamed in from the windows. As the sun
slowly set, Waters brought out his light to

Hometown hero gives back to Yazoo find them always sitting on the third row
during each Sunday morning service. By MANDY AYERS
finish his masterpiece.
“When you work harder, you do a better church’s sanctuary is the “project of my

Cole Smith, who also attended the church,
and his wife, Julie Wardlaw Smith, both
former residents of Grenada, have many
memories throughout their early lives wor-
Honorable Mention shipping in this sanctuary.
“I have so many memories of my life in
The Baldwyn News that sanctuary,” Julie said. “I remember
sitting on that third row pew and would
just look over at the three stained-glass
Jason Collum windows to my left and just stare. They are
so beautiful. I knew I had to have this in a
painting for a memory.”
At Rest at Last Waters, who only works on location, was
recently commissioned by the Smiths to
paint a vibrant watercolor painting of their
childhood church. When the light was right
and the moment hit, Waters opened his
easel last Thursday afternoon with paper,
paints and water prepared and ready to
make his dream a reality.
“Anything can be a painting, you just
have to see it,” Waters said as he brushed
strokes on the paper. “I don’t just wake up
wanting to paint. I like to enjoy my morn-
ing coffee in my favorite chair with my
beautiful wife, Kristi.”
Waters admitted as he sat quietly with
Wyatt sanctuary,”
his art that painting the historic Grenada
Church’s on that third
W
job,” he concluded, speaking to his wife,
Staff Reporter dreams.”
who made the trip from Clinton to Grenada
with him. “I think I am done, Honey.” “I have wanted to sit in a quiet, still
yatt Waters unfolds the legs Kristi, who remained in the pew in front church for as long as I can remember and
on his handmade wooden
of him from the first stroke, then stood up
and gazed at the finished painting. just paint a beautiful, heavenly scene of an
easel and sits down in an old, original set of stained-glass windows.
empty church sanctuary and
“It’s beautiful,” she said. “They are going
to love this, Honey.”
Waters later named the painting “The
This may be for the Smiths, but they have
prepares to paint his dream. gifted me with my dream project.”
The Wardlaw family for many years held
Offering.”
Kristi said that she knew just from the Waters painted the 184-year-old stained-
a permanent spot in a pew on the far right- first look how pleased the Smiths would be glass windows lit by natural sunlight that
hand side of the First Presbyterian Church
with the finished painting. She pulled out
her cell phone and sent Julie a snapshot. beamed in from the windows. As the sun
located in Downtown Grenada. You could “When she sent me that photo tonight, At left, slowly set, Waters
“The Offering” brought
was completed aroundout
7:30his
p.m.light to
after four
find them always sitting on the third row all I could do was cry,” Smith said via cell finish his masterpiece.
hours of work. Above, Waters’ easel and paints glow under the light.
phone Thursday night. “I relived so many
during each Sunday morning service. special memories from this one painting. “When you work harder, you do a better
Cole Smith, who also attended the church, I will treasure this painting for years to job,” he concluded, speaking to his wife,
and his wife, Julie Wardlaw Smith, both come.” who made the trip from Clinton to Grenada
The Waters recently purchased a travel
former residents of Grenada, have many trailer and used Wyatt’s watercolor paint- with him. “I think I am done, Honey.”
memories throughout their early lives wor- ings to document their travels of the Kristi, who remained in the pew in front
shipping in this sanctuary. Southeast. of him from the first stroke, then stood up
Waters new book, “The Watercolor Road”
“I have so many memories of my life in is set to hit shelves in early Fall 2022. and gazed at the finished painting.
that Waters
Julieonsaid.
concentrates “I remember
his watercolor painting of the First Presbyterian You can pre-order his book now at www. “It’s beautiful,” she said. “They are going
sitting sanctuary
row pew
last Thursday and in
evening would
Downtown Grenada. wyattwaters.com to love this, Honey.”
just look over at the three stained-glass Waters later named the painting “The
 Meridian Star
Saturday, June 18, 2022 Since 1898 $2.00 Your Star, Your World
H NEWS PACKAGE
OFFICER KENNIS CROOM 1991-2022

‘We’ll
CLASS A
1st Place

take it
Sun Herald
Margaret Baker & Hannah Ruhoff
Jacob Blair Scott Trial
Crisp, clear, compelling court coverage of
the trial of a sex offender. Descriptive without from here’
being lurid. That’s a fine line, artfully straddled. Law enforcement
Good court photos as well.
pays final respects
2nd Place to MPD officer
Daily Journal By D’Courtland Christian
Danny McArthur & Adam Robison dchristian@themeridianstar.com

Patrick Kirby remembers Kennis Croom as a joyful

Something for our Culture and kind person who loved to laugh.
“It hurts me deep down, because I honestly never
thought I would be here for one of my own,” said
Kirby, a retired MPD training officer who joined other
3rd Place law enforcement personnel at a memorial for Croom
at Meridian High School Thursday. “Hopefully with

Daily Journal this memorial, people will

understand that we care, Photos by Thomas Howard/The Meridian
and to Croom, you can rest
Caleb McCluskey & Adam Robison easy now, we’re gonna take
it from here.”
Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers practice the presentation of the colors prior to a memorial service for
Meridian Police Department Officer Kennis Croom at Meridian High School on Thursday. Croom was killed
Officials considering massive fixes to Officer Croom was shot
to death during a domestic
during a domestic disturbance call on June 9.

dangerous Tupelo interchange disturbance call on June 9.

He was 30 years old.
In addition to working
in Meridian, Ofc. Croom

CLASS B served as an officer in Tus-

caloosa, Ala., the Hinds
County Sheriff’s Office,
Brookhaven, the Lauderdale
1st Place County Sheriff’s Office and
Jackson.
Croom 

The Meridian Star “It was never a dull

We’ll take it from here for the Jackson Police Department who worked with
Lovely, moving tribute to a fallen officer. The
layout and photos give the reader a real
sense of what it felt like to attend this funeral.
Excellent work.
moment with Croom,” said Daniel Rushing, a corporal
Ofc. Croom. “He was super nice and was just fun to be
around.”
Rushing described Croom as a family man who truly
loved his children and his job. The only disagreement he
remembered between the two was Croom’s love for Ala-
bama football and Rushing’s love for Ole Miss.
Rushing also remembered his friend as a dedicated
officer who believed that the true work of an officer takes
place in the community.
“Each community that he worked in, Croom took that
community as if it was his own,” Rushing emphasized.
“It didn’t matter where he landed, he always cared for the
citizens. He will be truly missed.”

2nd Place Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie agreed.

“He was an outstanding young man,” said Sollie. “He
Law enforcement from across Mississippi gather in the Meridian High School gymnasium for a memorial ser-
Enterprise-Journal See CROOM, page A2 vice for Meridian Police Department Officer Kennis Croom on Thursday.
Wednesday, May 25, 2022 | Your LOCAL News Source Since 1892

Matt Williamson and Josh Troy Hancock County, MISSISSIPPI | www.seacoastecho.com | $1

Senseless
By Cheryl Owens
‘A kind soul’
3rd Place cowens@themeridianstar.com
had a big heart, and was always there to
help.
“She lit up the nursing home at night,
The Meridian Star A week after Brittany Jones died trag-
ically, her family, friends and co-workers
and we always had the best nights working
with her,” Dowdy said. “If Brittany noticed
Thomas Howard gathered at North Pointe Healthcare and
Rehabilitation in Meridian Thursday to
something was bothering you, she would
always point it out and ask if you were
He was a true hero remember her.
Ms. Jones, 31, was shot to death during
going to be okay.”
Melton remembers her friend, who
a domestic disturbance in Meridian on worked as a certified nursing assistant, for
June 9. The shooting also claimed the life of her strong work ethic.
Meridian Police Officer Kennis Croom. 
CLASS C
“Brittany would leave here, go home,
“She was so sweet with such a kind take a nap, then come back to work,
soul,” recalled co-worker Elizabeth Dowdy. working 16 hour shifts,” Melton said. “It
“She would come in to work with a happy was always ‘hands on deck’ with her. If we
1st Place attitude. She was so funny, always making
everyone laugh.”
ever needed anything, she would help us
and was eager to do it.”
“Brittany would do anything for any- “Brittany worked multiple jobs, but
The Sea Coast Echo body, and was so down to earth,” said
Taylor Melton, who often worked the night
no matter how tired she was she always
came to work with a great personality,” she
Geoff Belcher shift with Ms. Jones. “If you ever had a bad
night where something happened you could
added. “She had the biggest heart – the unit
won’t ever be the same without her.”
Days of Plunder always go and talk to her and she would
cheer you up. She was always making jokes,
Chaplain Zachary Operton, the bereave-
ment coordinator at North Point, remem- Family members and coworkers of Brittney Jones gathered at North Pointe
Bill Graham / The Meridian Star

Love the headline, photos, the way it is she was so funny.”

Both Dowdy and Melton agreed that
bers Jones as a caring and compassionate
See JONES, page A2
Healthcare and Rehabilitation in Meridian Thursday to remember her legacy. Ms.
Jones was killed in a domestic disturbance on June 9 that also claimed the life of
Jones will be remembered as someone who MPD Officer Kennis Croom.
presented on the page and the story. Great

3 things to do today
Photo by Geoff Belcher | Sea Coast Echo

Thank
The Mystic Krewe of the Sea Horse hosted the seventh annual Pirate Day in the Bay this past weekend in Bay St. Louis.

presentation, great reporting. Weather Forecast Index

7th annual ‘Pirate Day in the Bay’ draws record crowd
Today Tonight Classified ........ B7, B8 National News ....... A5

You!
High: 98º Low: 66º “We were very pleased
BY GEOFF BELCHER

Comics.................. B6 Opinion ................. A7 GENERAL MANAGER with it. The turn-out was

2nd Place www.meridianstar.com Deaths .................. A5 Records ................ A6

• Opinion 5 • Farmer’s
thunderMarket
held out at for
Esco
fabulous. The people really
The forecast for rain and embraced the pirate spir-
twoPark,
it — 9098 Eastside
they wore Dr. in
their out-

The Pine Belt News Vol. 124 • No. 73 Copyright 2022 Business ............... A8
• Obituaries Newton,
Religion ................. B4
• Puzzle
7 8days
a.m.-12 p.m.
of fun and plunder as fits and just bedazzled the
the Mystic Krewe of the Sea town.”
8 • Juneteenth Heritage
Horse hosted Festival
its seventh an- on City Hall lawn, 2-4 p.m.
The festival kicked off
RICHARD
RICKLES
Andrew Abadie, Jesse Johnson Local News ...... A1-A4 Sports ........... A9,•A10Service Concert, 5-10
Directory 16 • Sunday
p.m.Day in the Bay” on Friday afternoon, with
nual “Pirate
this -past
Juneteenth
weekend. Celebration
hundreds Parade
of peopledowntown
“It turned out to be a ing up to the krewe’s “Pi-
show- for being a loyal and
valued subscriber to
Meridian at 5 p.m. - Gospel Playrate“Freedom Day” at the Temple
& Crystal Gordon Follow us on
Facebook and Twitter
facebook.com/meridianstar
@meridianstar
Volume 130
No. 19
great
Theatre, 6bell
p.m.
weekend,” Ginny Ca- Central” tent at Beach
— one of the Mystic Boulevard and Court Street
Krewe’s organizers — said. to line up for the pub crawl
The Meridian Star

Feeling super ONE SECTION

16 PAGES
“I thought it was a record and scavenger hunt through
turn-out and we’re so grate- local stores, galleries and
ful … for the community,
that they come out and sup- • See PLUNDER Photo by Geoff Belcher | Sea Coast Echo
port our events. The Mystic Krewe of the Sea Horse leads the Pirate Day
Page 4 parade.

3rd Place
The Enterprise-Tocsin Waveland aldermen Bay okays construction of new PD
Jyesha Johnson greenlight medical
cannabis plan
Sunday bloodshed BY CASSANDRA FAVRE announced his plans to
STAFF WRITER convert the former bank
building into a medical
Last week, the Wave- cannabis dispensary.

Honorable Mention
land Board of Mayor and Newman said the at-
Aldermen on approved tached community cen-
ZenLabs Inc.’s condi- ter will be converted to a
tional use request for the
Grenada Star
processing center, which Photo submitted
establishment of a medi- will include a commer- Artist’s conception of the new police department.
cal marijuana processing cial kitchen and an ex-
and extracting facility BY GEOFF BELCHER Dan Hensarling, Inc., which presented

Adam Prestridge
traction facility for cul-
at 529 Hwy. 90, the for- tivators around the state
GENERAL MANAGER the lowest bid of $4,193,000 for the
mer location of Hancock to bring raw materials to project.
Whitney Bank. The Bay St. Louis City Council on

Tool Time Back in March, John

Newman with the Col-
• See CANNABIS
Page 6
Tuesday awarded the construction bid
for the long-awaited Bay St. Louis Pub-
lic Safety Complex to Gulfport-based
• See PD
Page 4

rn
orado based ZenLabs

CLASS D
Southe
1st Place Comfort
Clarke County Tribune
Belinda Allen & Brittney Mangum Wr i t t e n b y : B r i tt n ey M an g um P h o t o g r a p h y b y : B e l in da A l l en

Nothing beats some good old fashioned southern cooking. Thatʼs one of the

Southern Comfort things that brought Jordel Phillips to start up his amazing business, J-Phillʼs
Catering Services.
While he started out in 2013, he has recently expanded his business to have

Nice clean layout and design. Excellent use a physical location.

“As of late, I finally invested in a restaurant,” stated Jordel. “I have a couple
pieces of professional equipment. I plan to open around January. Iʼll do a soft

of photos even though all of the same subject

opening and then a grand opening.”
His food is a unique mixture of traditional southern and Cajun cuisine.
“I specialize in southern cuisine and making everything from scratch and
baking—just cooking like Grandma used to do,” explained Jordel. “We love

and content. southern foods, so we try to keep that alive. I also spent some time in Louisiana,
so I try to bring in some of that Cajun cooking and mix it with my southern

cooking here. I create new recipes, and I like to try a lot of different stuff.

2nd Place
J-Phillʼs offers a variety of services to its customers.
“The things weʼre able to offer is a private chef that would come to the home
and do some private dinners,” informed Jordel. “Weʼll do catering for any
event.”

The Baldwyn News J-Phillʼs Catering Services is located at 52 County Road 678 in Quitman and
can be reached by contacting 769-256-9873. Check out what all he has to offer
on his social media pages: Facebook - J-Phillʼs Catering Service, Instagram -

Jason Collum jphills_catering_service, and TikTok - jphills_catering_service.

Baldwyn contests
Guntown Annexation

3rd Place
Tishomingo County News
Pamela McRae Fa l l

Iuka Tornado One Year Later

 H PERSONALITY PORTRAIT

CLASS A
1st Place
Daily Journal
Thomas Wells
Haunted house
Photographer did a great job capturing mood and character of the
subject with the way the photo was lit and the way the subject was
posed. The photo stood out among the others and was informative on
what the subject was about.

2nd Place
Daily Journal
Thomas Wells
Top Corner

3rd Place
Daily Journal
Adam Robison
Female Army Pilot

Honorable Mention
Daily Journal
Adam Robison
World Traveler

CLASS B
1st Place
Enterprise-Journal
Matt Williamson
Bringing Africa to the runway
This photo is very striking. The lighting is impeccable.

2nd Place
Enterprise-Journal
Matt Williamson
Educational programming

3rd Place
The Commercial Dispatch
Deanna Robinson

Deer Creek Pilot

Time waits for no man

Honorable Mention
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Johnny Jennings
Expose the woes

CLASS C
1st Place
Guiding the South Delta for 145 years
The
VOLUME 146Pine Belt News
NUMBER 2 ROLLING FORK, MS JANUARY 13, 2022 $1.00
Rob Walker
Bartender Darian Madison

Two indicted
No distractions stand between the viewer and the challenge in this
woman’s eyes and her knowing smirk. The photographer makes
that expression the central message, through well placed focus, well End of an era
in Issaquena
selected depth of field and a setting that tells us what she does without
competing with her for attention.

MAYERSVILLE—Issaquena
handed down
2nd Place
The indictments
Pine Belt on
County’s Grand Jury
two individuals Monday in its
News
approaches
January term.
Kevin Abigail
Jones wasSmith indicted on two counts—attempted AMY GEORGE
grand larceny Mikeand burglary
Lopintoofata Adwelling—stemming
Diamond Affair from a Deer Creek Pilot
November 30, 2021 incident for which Jones is charged with
attempting to steal a 2007 Dodge 3500 truck and attached Doug Moore has gone through
trailer from3rdPaul Place
Barlow. Jones is also accused of breaking three barber chairs in his 50 years of
and enteringGrenada Star at 2138 Delta Wildlife Road cutting
Barlow’s dwelling men’s hair in Rolling Fork.
The one he’s got now will be his last.
in Valley Park with “intent to create fear by simple assault/
Adam
physical menace.” Prestridge Moore is retiring at the end of Feb-
In a caseWilltheWhite
likes of which has become routine in the ruary.
county due to its regional correctional facility, the jury also “The last day of February will be
indicted Vashie Smith on two counts of possession of a con- my last day, no matter what day of the
CLASS
trolled substance in a Dcorrectional facility. Smith is charged week it is,” said Moore.
with taking both marijuana and methamphetamine inside the Moore, 73, has been barbering
1st Place
Issaquena County Correctional Facility on July 8th last year. in Rolling Fork since October 1970,
In its report, the Grand
The Deer JuryPilot
Creek again suggested several rou- when he bought his shop from the
tine repairsAmysuch as replacing lights and their covers in the widow of the previous barber, Robert
George
county’s courtroom and cleaning HVAC vents. Jurors also Rochelle. There’s no telling how ma-
suggested, as Endhave an Erabefore it, that a portion of the law ny haircuts he has given in that time.
ofseveral
enforcementCaptures
budget bethe transferred to building
environment andand mainte-
personality “Probably
of subjectininthethis
thousands,” he said.
single shot!
nance for the courthouse and county roads “due to limited “I cut as many as 250 heads a week
Great use of chair and mirror in photo.
felony arrests.” sometimes. Of course, that was back
in the day when haircuts were $1.50
2nd Place a head. Most of the time it was about
100 a week.”
City ratifies
Clarke County Tribune
Belinda Allen
JPhill
Moore, who learned to barber at
Hinds Junior College, had a very prac-
tical reason for choosing barbering as

mask mandate
ROLLING 3rd Place FORK— ees will now have ten COV-
a profession. “My favorite thing about
cutting hair is that I work in an air-
conditioned place,” he said laughing.
“I worked as a kid hoeing cotton. Let
The city’s TheBoard of Alder-News
Baldwyn ID sick days of leave time “in me tell you, cutting hair is a whole lot
men ratifiedJason
its COVID mask
Collum the bank”, but any additional better.”
mandate in its first-of-the- days missed would be deduct- He has also enjoyed getting to
month meeting Thelast
Bee’s Kneesed from regular sick days.
Tuesday. know his clients. “Meeting so many
Held via Zoom call due The board was also in re- people was nice,” said Moore. “Most
to COVID, aldermen partic- ceipt of two quotes for repairs of the time they talked about hunt- Longtime Rolling Fork barber Doug Moore is hanging up his clippers for the last
ipated in little discussion on to the ball fields in the city’s ing…deer, turkey rabbit. Most every- time at the end of February, ending a 40-plus year career.
the mandate during the meet- municipal park on Highway one who came to the barbershop, that’s
ing but did clarify that the 61. The lowest of the two, re- all they done was farm and hunt.” ride by and look in the window and if ing to Holmes County,” he said. “I’ve
midnight closure portion of ceived from Battle Lawn Ser-
 H FRONT PAGE

SPORTS >> A9
Deer Creek Pilot Guiding the South Delta for 145 years
VOLUME 146 NUMBER 7 ROLLING FORK, MS FEBRUARY 17, 2022 $1.00

Issaquena Co. mourns death of sheriff

16 51 Saturday, April 30, 2022 MAYERSVILLE—Issaquena Issaquena County since 1970, “We are sad to hear of the Sheriff’s Office. Rest in peace

CHOPPING
County Sheriff Richard Jones died working his way through the passing of Issaquena Sheriff Sheriff Richard Jones, we have the
last Thursday after a long battle ranks from sanitation worker to Richard Jones. Please be in prayer watch from here.”
with cancer. road district employee to sheriff’s for his family and department,” “I lost a brother sheriff…the

Story on Page A9
Jones, 73, had served as the deputy, before being elected sheriff wrote the Jasper County Sheriff’s other 81 sheriffs are like family,
county’s sheriff for 18 years, in 2003. Department. “RIP Sheriff Jones, and it hurts when we lose one.

Cross to Seattle
we will take it from here.” RIP Sir,” Sheriff Greg Pollan of
“This is definitely a hard one Calhoun County said.
“I lost a brother sheriff...the other 81 on our sheriff and staff in Rolling A candlelight vigil and balloon
Starherald.net >> Attala County, MS >> THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2022 << VOL. 156 • NO. 46 << 1 DOLLAR- sheriffs are like family, and it hurts when
we lose one.”
Fork,” a spokesman for the Sharkey
County Sheriff’s Department
release will be held on Friday,
February 18 at 6 p.m. No location
wrote. “As we all know Sheriff was announced.

Thompson elected
— GREG POLLAN, CALHOUN COUNTY SHERIFF Jones was a well-respected man not Walker Funeral Home in

BLOCK
just in Issaquena but everywhere Rolling Fork will host a visitation
he went. His smile, wisdom and and viewing on Saturday, February
taking the helm after his mentor, After news broke of his death dedication to law enforcement will 19 from 2-4 p.m. Jones’ funeral

Attala circuit clerk

Arthur “Bubba” Lawler retired. He last week, condolences poured in be greatly missed.” will be held at the South Delta High
spent more than 40 years in law on social media from other law The Chickasaw County School auditorium on Sunday,

Honoring
enforcement and was a farmer. enforcement agencies across the Sheriff’s Department posted, February 20, followed by burial in
Jones had worked for state. “Praying for Issaquena County Mt. Sinai cemetery in Mayersville.

Circuit judge runoff to be held Nov. 29

Windham appointed interim sheriff
Kendra Shaffer
Ruthie Robison

Lula Thompson will continue to serve as Attala County’s circuit

clerk.
veterans MAYERSVILLE—Issaquena County has named
former deputy Waye Windham as the interim sheriff, filling
the vacancy left after the death of longtime sheriff, Richard
Though the Mississippi Code of 1972 does not
specifically give a time frame for supervisors to make an
appointment to fill a vacancy, a 2007 opinion by Attorney

Corrections officer’s career cut short after Ocean Springs rooster killed Charles Cross and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
She was elected last week after winning by
62 votes.
Jones.
In what was a highly-debated decision amid heated
pleas by citizens and Jones’ family members, supervisors
General Jim Hood finds those appointments should be
“made without undue delay.”
Williams urged his fellow board members to “do the right
“I want to thank the voters of Attala agreed to Windham’s appointment in a 3-2 vote Monday thing,” contending that Peterson took on his responsibility
Lineman is first from Laurel County,” said Thompson. morning. as deputy chief and did his job, and overlooking Peterson
District 3 Supervisor Stallard Williams made a motion for someone who “quit his job” with the department would
to be drafted in first round Thompson had 2,620 votes, and her oppo- PHOTOS BY MIRANDA BURCHFIELD
The United Veterans of Attala County presented to name Chief Deputy Willie Peterson to fill the vacancy at not be right. “Honor that man,” Williams said. “Honor the
nent, Tim Pinkard, a longtime member of the the beginning of the special meeting, called to declare the sheriff’s decision.”
Attala County Board of Supervisors, had the annual Veterans Day “Aisle of Honor” cere- sheriff’s position vacant, appoint an interim successor and Windham had served for a number of years as a deputy

Singin’ the blues

THOMPSON 2,558. mony at Parkway Cemetery Nov. 11. The guest order a special election to be held. His motion received a sheriff but unsuccessfully ran against Jones in 2019. He
The circuit clerk race was a special election. second by District 4 Supervisor James McFarland, but the subsequently resigned from the department.
speaker was 1st Lt. Ryan Lindsay, below right. He three remaining members of the board dissented when the Peterson openly said Monday he has no interest in
Thompson was appointed to serve as circuit clerk in September presented a speech about “Five Lessons We Can motion was called for a vote. running for office. “I am not interested in being sheriff
Eddie Hatcher, the supervisor for District 1, subsequently beyond the term,” he said, adding, however, that he would
See Election, Page A2 Learn from our Veterans.” The event began with motioned to appoint Windham to the position. His motion like to see the board respect Jones’ wishes and appoint him
Long-running Mother's Day music fest putting up U.S. flags at the cemetery earlier that received a second by District 2 Supervisor Jerry Britton.
Before the motion was called to a vote, former
to the position until the special election.
Windham, when asked, told the crowd he would accept

Grammy nominee
morning.
at Fairgrounds moves to Hattiesburg supervisor Willie Bunton asked to be recognized to speak.
“We have never had this situation before in this county,”
the position if offered, but refused to engage in the back-
and-forth debate. He did, however, reiterate that he had
Bunton said. “I ask you, gentlemen, not to make a decision worked with Jones for a number of years and the contention
after charges increased by nearly $20K today.” in the room was not reflective of the man’s character.

By Cam Bonelli
reporter@leader-call.com
and rental of the venue, but because
of a new policy, the price increased
to perform at Bunton went on to plead with the board to let Peterson
“do what he’s been doing” and run the sheriff’s department
in Jones’ absence. He went on to ask the board to defer the
appointment and allow the decision of the next sheriff to be
“You see what it’s going to do,” Williams said. “You’re
causing turmoil…it’s not worth it…causing so much divide.
Let the people of Issaquena County make the decision. Just
keep the peace.”

Carl the Rooster is perched on a railing in front of a downtown Ocean Springs business. (Facebook)
35-year-old to appear in Ocean Springs court on Wednesday
By Mark Thornton
editor@leader-call.com
The career of a woman who used
to wear a badge in Jones County
was placed on the chopping block
after she was charged in the dis-
appearance and death of beloved
downtown Ocean Springs rooster
Carl.
Kendra Shaffer, a 35-year-old media and traditional media.
juvenile corrections officer, refused Her punishment with her employ-
to stop and answer questions as she
stormed out of the Jones County
Sheriff’s Department after being ple to a higher standard, on of off a visit to the Delta last
fired on Thursday afternoon.
She will have to answer for the
charge of animal cruelty, though,
after being issued a post-arrest
citation for the misdemeanor and
ordered to appear in Ocean Springs
Municipal Court at 4 p.m. on
Wednesday. There, she will likely JCSD spokesman Lance Chancellor Day Blues Festival will be in Hatties-
face a mob of people who have been
outraged by the death of Carl, which including The Washington Post and
has caused a firestorm on social Newsweek — about the incident, it in Laurel,” Reid said. “This is my the services rendered through them.
er was immediate.
Sheriff Joe Berlin “holds his peo-
duty,” Chief Deputy Mitch Sumrall Thursday.
Skipworth center
to a $25,000 initial cost that includes Waye Windham (center) was sworn-in Monday as Issaquena
For the first time since 1987, an all services needed to host the event. made by voters and not the supervisors. County’s interim sheriff after the death of Sheriff Richard Hatcher said he believed he was doing what the people
annual festival that brings thousands JTR productions usually pays for
“You don’t want to get into turmoil…let the voters Jones. Windham is pictured with his wife, Katie (left), and of the county wanted. “I was elected to represent the people
make the choice,” he said, citing race as a factor in the mother, Angeline Windham. of District 1,” he said, adding that the phone calls he received
to Jones County will be hosted in outside security through the Laurel board’s position. “It’s not about who is right, it’s about what from constituents since Jones’ death were overwhelmingly
Hattiesburg. Police Department or the Jones is right…the voters eliminate the problem.” State law requires a special election to be called within in favor of Windham. “I am doing what the people in my
The Mother’s Day Blues Festival, County Sheriff’s Department, am- Miranda Burchfield Jones’ family members at the meeting also asked 10 days of the vacancy of a county office, and the county’s district asked me to do.”
which has become a tradition at the bulance services, parking attendants supervisors to wait to make a decision on who would board of supervisors to fill the vacancy by appointment until Britton mirrored that sentiment, saying residents who
Magnolia Center in Laurel, will move and other services, but the new con- Musician, singer, and songwriter Dave Barnes will be perform- step into Jones’ position. “It is very disrespectful to this that special election can be held during the next regular called him over the weekend did so in support of Windham.
community and to my father to do this right now before he’s election cycle—in this case, the Tuesday after the first After more than an hour of debate, the motion to appoint
to the Forrest County Multipurpose
Center because the price at the previ-
tract includes these services and the
price of security from a contracted
ing in Kosciusko at the Skipworth Perform-
laid to rest,” Jones’ son, Richard Williams, said. Monday in November. Windham passed.
ing Arts Center on Nov. 19 starting at 7 p.m.
said. “He’s been real consistent with ous venue tripled, the organizer said. security company through the South
He has released eight studio albums and
that. The integrity and respect of the
public matters.”
John Reid, owner of JTR Produc-
tions, said the festival would have
Mississippi Fair Commission.
The South Mississippi Fair Com- wrote the song “God Gave Me You” for
which he was nominated for a Grammy in
Architecture students tour Delta, meet with flood victims
The crime has captured nation- been a $1 million weekend for Jones mission Executive Director Carrie
al attention. Between Thursday County economically. But instead of Byrd said that the new contract 2012. He won a Dove award in 2018 for his AMY GEORGE
afternoon and Friday morning, the Magnolia Center, the Mother’s comes after the South Mississippi song “Washed By the Water.” Attendants can Deer Creek Pilot
Fair Commission Board passed a
expect a fun performance with lots of songs,
had fielded 42 media inquiries — burg. new policy and approved a new ROLLING FORK—
“I’m devastated that I can’t host contract with the promoter to have BARNES stories and laughs. It will be a show that any- Guy Nordenson, a world-
one can enjoy. renowned architect
Shaffer and the sheriff’s decision. home. The Mother’s Day Blues Fes- “In this case, there is always a Barnes was a Kosciusko resident for 10 years and attended from New York City,
Questions about the incident were tival has become synonymous with potential for a refund if some of the school in Kosciusko from first through 10th grade. “It was great. accompanied a group of
referred to the Ocean Springs Police Laurel.” services are not used that we are pro- 54 students and six faculty
members from Georgia
Department, but Berlin’s decision The festival is usually hosted at
the Magnolia Center, which charges
viding through the contract,” Byrd
See Barnes, Page A3 Technical University on
See CARL on A8 a fee of around $8,000 for a deposit See BLUES on A8
Nordenson, who is

inside opinion • a5 news • a8 deaths • a3 KPD: Pills containing lethal amounts of fentanyl may have reached Central Mississippi a professor of structural
engineering and architecture
at Princeton University and a
Obituaries .................................. A3 Jim Cegielski visiting professor at Georgia
Opinion .................................A4, A5
Laurel police promotions • Lucinda Marie Cooley amounts of fentanyl could have
reached the Central Mississippi area,
tain fentanyl have a potentially lethal
dose. It is very dangerous,” warns
everyone to be aware of what they are
taking. One pill can kill.”
Tech, has a particular
Anderson, Miranda Burchfield interest in climate adaptation Students and faculty from Georgia Tech’s School of Architecture (above) visited the Delta last
Sports .................................A9, A10
The Evans • Luvenia Gaddis Jordan according to the Kosciusko Police KPD Investigator Greg Collins. “Our Anyone interested in learning and flood research. His
connection to the Delta
week to learn about the impact of flooding on the community. The group was treated to a
catfish lunch catered by Von and BJ’s at Rolling Fork’s Civic Center before listening to flood
Lifestyles....................B1-B3, B7-B8 Counterfeit Oxycodone M30 pills Department. biggest concern is the safety of our more about the counterfeit pills can
Buck promoted containing potentially lethal came in a roundabout way victims like Anderson Jones of Fitler (left) share their stories.
Puzzles/Comics ....................B4, B5 “Four out of every 10 pills that con- children and the public. We want visit www.dea.gov/onepill. through a woman who grew
Naked is, how is climate change Super-visors Eddie Hatcher Garland said. “The days
Classifieds/Legals ...................... B6 to up here. April Grayson is impacting the community, and Stallard Williams in the when it would rain, we’d
interviews criminal the director of Community and what sort of measures morning. Afterward, they worry and wonder how do
and Capacity Building for might we employ that might traveled to the Rolling Fork we prepare for this? We just
investigations The Alluvial Collective be able to mitigate the Civic Center, where they felt so helpless. Sometimes
(formerly The William impact,” said Nordenson. were welcomed by Mayor it made me want to sit in the
Winter Institute for Racial “A lot of federal funding Eldridge Walker and treated house and cry.”
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Quis Reconciliation, which was
part of the University of
is slowly trickling down to a catfish lunch catered Garland also pointed out
told him a little more about to do is community-driven to deal with these issues. by Von and BJs. Then the the financial impact of the
ipsum suspendisse ultrices gravida. Risus commodo viverra maecenas accumsan lacus vel facilisis. Mississippi.) She is also the the Delta. architecture. Their hope What can we do to help students gathered in a circle flood on area farmers. “No

Gut telling you to give us a call?

daughter of former Rolling
Fork School Superintendent
Ryan Grayson. The work of
the William Winter Institute
was mentioned in a book
that Nordenson had read.
LAUREL | COLUMBIA | ELLISVILLE | HATTIESBURG | PICAYUNE | WIGGINS He called Grayson and she
(601) 268-5680
PROUDLY SERVING THESE LOCATIONS:
“They reached out to us
because they had no contacts
here,” said Grayson, who
with the assistance of
Sharkey County resident
Deborah Williams, set up
the tour. “What they want
is to help identify from
local people the way that
architectural engineers
can help bring change,
particularly around the
issue of flooding.”
“What we want to know
communities adapt?”
Nordenson, the
students and Georgia Tech
faculty toured Eagle Lake,
visited Mayersville and
spoke with Mayor Linda
Short and Issaquena County
and listened while flood
survivors Victoria Darden
Garland, Peggy Sellars and
Anderson Jones told their
stories.
“It was a constant
emotional rollercoaster,”
one else has had a seven-
month flood that covered a
half million acres,” Garland
told the students. “You have
See Tour on Page 2

Kevin B. Barker, MD | Kevin P. Blanchard, MD | Sean D. Fink, MD | Porter H. Glover, MD | Michael A. Goebel, MD | Gregory R. Owens, MD
Joseph P. Phillips, MD | Susan Oglesbee, FNP | Anna L. Williamson, FNP www.hattiesburgclinic.com/gastro Inside This Week Profundity Weather
Anguilla UMC to host revival. “Violence does even justice unjustly.” Local averages for the week of Feb. 9 - Feb. 15
—Page 3 —Thomas Carlyle Temperature (°F) High 65° Low 37°
SIA varsity boys are runners-up at district. Precipitation 0.01 (inches)
—Page 5 Source: www.weather.com

ALL MULTI-DAY 3rd Place

The Columbian Progress
1st Place
Laurel Leader-Call
Honorable Mention
Sean Murphy
The Clarksdale Press-Register
I don’t what is going on in Laurel but these front pages make me want
Floyd Ingram
to read all about it. A little old-timey and down-home looking, a little
sensational in the headline writing — pass me the newspaper.
CLASS D
2nd Place 1st Place
Clarion Ledger The Deer Creek Pilot
Natalie Perkins & Amy George
3rd Place I really like your format, and the overall look of your front page
Enterprise-Journal
Matt Williamson 2nd Place
Clarke County Tribune
CLASS C Belinda Allen
1st Place
3rd Place
The Star-Herald
The Wayne County News
Ruthie Robison
Paul Keane
Excellent use of art and graphics to draw the eye! Each piece of the
design is well defined and stands out on its on. All three designs are eye
Honorable Mention
catching and easy to follow. Good use of color and variety in fonts and
The Newton County Appeal
style.
Brent Maze and Robbie Robertson
2nd Place
The Pine Belt News

Concerned about a story

or advertisement before
or after publication?

Contact the MPA Legal Hotline for a fast

consultation covered by your membership.
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 H EDITORIAL PAGE

ALL MULTI-DAY Viewpoints

8A, DAILY JOURNAL SAtURDAY/SUNDAY • JULY 2-3, 2022

The opinions presented here » OUR OPINION » LETTERS TO 4A 

Caldwell’s protest wastes valuable time

| THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022
do not necessarily reflect THE EDITOR

1st Place
those of the Daily Journal.
They are designed to help
facilitate debate, challenge
Daily Journal
assumptions and create
constructive conversations.
t
here is no good excuse for Northern Dis-
trict Transportation Commissioner John
Caldwell to have held up $100 million in
federal infrastructure spending across the
state – including $32.4 million in north Mississip-
pi.
Caldwell was the lone “no” vote Tuesday on
statement. We understand there is tension be-
tween Caldwell and some staff at the Mississip-
pi Department of Transportation, perhaps even
with other commissioners. However, playing
politics like this hurts our communities and the
people who will be doing these jobs.
Politics being at play is further substantiated by
Response to Nichols-Buckley
Watching Sausage
Ms. Amber Nichols-Buckley stated in
her June 26 column that Gov. Tate Reeves
was wrong when he stated that overturning
Roe v. Wade would make children safer. It
Being Made
seems fundamental that if children are not
murdered in the womb they will be safer.
She stated that the mortality rate of There is an old saying that you never want to watch sausage being made.
children is high in Mississippi. I can assure It especially applies when talking politics and government. There are some
her that the mortality rate in the womb is things best left unseen.

Sam R. Hall
spending the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair the fact that Caldwell did not give any notice prior

OPINION
funds. Because of state law, which still governs
how these particular federal funds are spent, the
three-member transportation commission must
unanimously approve the projects before the
to the vote that he needed more time.
“The results of that scoring process were pro-
vided to the three commissioners, the advisory
council and others a week ago,” MDOT Executive
much higher with Roe than without it.
She stated that more children in our
population will result in more poverty. It
doesn’t have to be so. the availability of
children to be adopted is so scarce that
Over the past few weeks, what had been private negotiations with an
industrial prospect have played out on the pages of this newspaper. Nor-
mally, this isn't how things play out.
In normal negotiations, things are done in executive
session, or closed session. Some people will say this

Nice use of art and graphics. Use of drop

funds can be spent.
Caldwell received the plans a week before the
vote, but he said he needed more time to consider
them. He also made some handwaving statement
about “internal communications issues” but re-
Director Brad White said. “And Commissioner
Caldwell was the only one who expressed a need
for more time – and he didn’t do that to me until
today.”
Caldwell said he will likely vote to approve the
many people have to adopt from foreign
countries. Without Roe, it stands to reason
that there will be a greater opportunity for
adoption in this country.
smells a lot like good, old-fashioned "back door deals,"
but it is allowed under state law.
Governmental agencies can go into closed session —
and then into executive session if deemed necessary
— for a very narrow set of reasons. One is to discuss

caps adds to the design drawing the eye to

fused to explain what that meant. We are not sure
how the other two commissioners could have
been prepared to vote, but Caldwell could not.
Perhaps there were extenuating circumstances
projects at the next commission meeting.
“I don’t expect too much of a delay,” Caldwell
said.
Bu with inflation and supply chain issues, even
She states there is a “constitutional
right” to an abortion. There is nothing in
the U.S. Constitution that would allow the
federal government to force states to allow
abortion, but that is what they have been
personnel, another is to discuss ongoing or pending liti-
gation, another is to discuss good name and character
PAUL of a person and the final one is to discuss land transac-
KEANE tions (purchases or sells) and economic development
prospects.

each individual component. Well organized,

for which anyone could sympathize.
However, when your vote is crucial to $100 mil-
lion worth of projects getting started across the
state, there really are no excuses for an elected
official to not be prepared.
a two-week delay can be costly for these projects.
In fact, the new list of projects is a lot smaller
than the original list because of how prices have
changed over just a few months.
We expect better from our elected officials. This
doing for the last 50 years under Roe. Roe
was unconstitutional.
I am an old man, and I suspect Ms. Nich-
ols-Buckley is much younger than myself.
I am old enough to remember when teen
The good name and character and personnel are no-
brainers. To discuss negotiations of land transactions or economic devel-
opment prospects is to keep prices being driven up or to allow for negotia-
tions to go on in the hopes that a good deal can be agreed upon.
There is a catch, though, one that protects the public in a way. If a deci-

clean designs. Page header down the left side

The more prominent reason, however, seems
to be that Caldwell was trying to make a political
kind of petty politics hurts the people he serves. It
should not happen again.
pregnancy was quite rare. I would suggest
that in an earlier era, abstinence was con-
sidered wise and pregnancy was something
that should be delayed until marriage. It
is not just an old-fashioned idea. It is just
sion is made in an executive session, then the board must come out of
closed session and make the decision in open session. In other words, no
votes can be made in a closed session. Instead, votes on decisions must be
made in the public eye.
Such was the case with the county negotiating things with Howard

is a great effect!
Industries — that is until roughly a month ago. In a public meeting, the
plain common sense. matter was discussed in depth. We have reported on it since it all became
public.
Bill Thurman It's not been pretty, and the Board of Supervisors now find themselves in
New Albany a little bit of a pickle that was not of their own making.
Howard has stuck to its guns, so to speak, when it comes to what it wants Can Federal Threats Make Men Give Birth?
Thank God for abortion ruling in a lease package. It would require the county to carry all insurance on
the facility along with paying utility bills for the entirety of the lease. That Jeremiah 30:5-6, “For thus says the purely political policies. To help stabilize the government
When our president says “it is a sad day would be money that would come out of taxpayers pockets. Lord, ‘I have heard a sound of terror, On the other hand, the usual during turbulent partisan times,
for America” when we vote to stop killing Offering incentives and other inticements is not unusual. In the highly of dread, and there is no peace. Ask suspects on the left were shocked at they divided governance into three
our babies, what can we expect next? competitive world of economic development, you have to offer industries now, and see, if such reactions from the right, and equal and separate branches and

2nd Place
Has he ever held a precious newborn
baby in his arms and realized what a
miracle he is holding?
When this nation stands before the Lord,
we will answer for killing 6 million-plus
the right things in order for them to bring jobs to your area. a male can give warned that “violent rhetoric” from created checks and balances be-
This package, though, might be a little bit more than the county can birth. Why do I the right could spawn widespread tween the branches.
chew. You can read all the details in the story that begins on Page 1A. That see every man organized gun violence against In spite of all the social and politi-
doesn't mean the Supervisors should just summarily reject it. with his hands revered federal law enforcement cal issues consuming our interests
Instead, the Board made a counter offer and were working as hard as on his loins, agents who are just doing their jobs and dividing us today, America real-

Delta Democrat Times

babies in the last 49 years.
Thank God for this new ruling. Maybe
now a baby will be safe in his mother’s
womb.
Dorothy Howell
possible to make the deal work. Those five men are in between a rock and a as a woman in to protect us. ly has only one consentient obstacle
hard place — they want to provide jobs but they don't want to decimate the childbirth? And These opposing perspectives may to resolving our differences: Donald
county bank accounts to do it. why have all faces very well be symptomatic of the J. Trump. The left sees Trump and
It's a tough situation, and it's one that we all should hope will work out by turned pale?’” question of whether a male can give his supporters as the incarnation of
bringing 100-200 jobs to the county. Either way, know the Supervisors have DANIEL L Last week, more birth, a historically rhetorical ques- all that is evil, bad, wrong and rot-

Jon Alverson
Potts Camp
Gun laws should be stricter
The state of Mississippi is about to put
a very strict abortion law into effect with
almost no exceptions. AK-15s and guns
DAILY like them are legal, presumably for use in
hunting wild boars, deer and raccoons, and
available to almost anybody 18 years of
done the best they could in making this batch of sausage. GARDNER than two dozen
armed FBI agents
raided former
] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [ President Donald Trump’s home
in Mar-A-Lago in a nine-plus-hour
Right Is Right search for “documents.” Agents
would not allow Trump’s lawyers
nor other staff to observe the search
Dear Editor, even when agents were rummag-
As a concerned citizen, I have been observing a lot of events taking place ing through the former First Lady’s
tion typically answered with “No”
for the past 6,000 years or so. Never-
theless, many on the left confidently
affirm males can give birth.
Of course, the left also continually
tries to make the case that the “radi-
cal MAGA right” is the most dan-
gerous domestic terrorist threat to
America. Parents of school children
have been described as domestic
ten. The right sees Trump as a leader
who can clear out generations of cor-
ruption at the highest levels inside
the federal establishment.
Conservatives have warned for de-
cades that the left will socialize and
politicize power at the federal level.
Americans have seen the FBI, DOJ,
CIA, NSA and IRS attacking con-
servatives and their organizations

3rd Place
in the city as well as the county. wardrobe and intimate apparel. terrorists, as have veterans, hunters with much more vigor since Trump
djournal.com age or over to kill students from the age of Let me start with the city. The curfew now being enforced was one of the There is no American precedent for and gun enthusiasts, pro-life advo- was elected president. Many have
5 through college. What is wrong with this most needed elements to make Waynesboro a much safer and peaceful raiding a former president’s home. cates and all those who stand for the put their hands on their loins when
1242 S. Green St. picture? place to live. If kept in place, it will send a clear message to the residents of So stunning was this unan- national anthem and proudly wave they’ve felt helpless against unjust
P.O. Box 909 Waynesboro and the surrounding areas. nounced raid that Americans on the American flags. Sadly, leadership at federal oppression.
Tupelo, MS 38802 Emilee Leathers I guess what I am waiting for is to see if the curfew will remain in place right expressed terror and dread, the DOJ, FBI and other federal law Weaponizing federal agencies

Clarion Ledger
Fulton or was it put there just to get the streets paved? I will be watching. saying there could be no peace if the enforcement agencies and bureaus against political opponents may not

Notes from Brain Drain forum

Office Hours: Another thing that I have been watching is the abuse of power by a city left can raid the home of a political have enacted policies to target all of make a male give birth, but it will
Monday - Friday Don’t drink and drive this 4th official. There is a growing concern about several privately owned vehicles opponent with impunity. Make no these groups. make people fight back.
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. being allowed to park on a city street, impeding the flow of traffic while mistake, DOJ and FBI leadership are Our founding fathers knew for sure Daniel L. Gardner is a syndicated
As fireworks light the night sky this personal business is being conducted. firmly rooted in the political left. that the federal government they columnist who lives in Starkville. You

t
William Bronson, CEO & Publisher
Sam R. Hall, Executive Editor
George McLean, Publisher
Fourth of July, friends, families and com- Every tire of vehicles are on the pavement of the street. Many residents Rank-and-file agents are not the established would likely deteriorate can contact him at PJandMe2@gmail.
he Brain Drain panel life is imperative for success in munities will gather together to celebrate have witnessed this. It takes place on the cut-through street that runs from problem. Many of them detest these into a tyrannical partisan quagmire. com.
discussion Thursday battling brain drain. our independence and toast to our nation’s the blanket factory to Highway 63.
night was lively and – Growing up in Tupelo, I re- birthday. When we, as a people, allow public officials to abuse their power for
oddly enough – refresh- member thinking that I wanted Wherever you’re raising a glass this personal gain, we must use our power when election time comes. There is First Amendment

ALL WEEKLY
1934-1983 ing. Yes, talking policy can be
Anna Keirsey McLean, Chairman refreshing, particularly when
1983-1998 you have smart people in po-
sitions of influence who aren’t
afraid to speak hard truths and
CIRCULATION call out long-held notions.
To subscribe or to report
The smart people on the pan-
to live somewhere bigger be- weekend, if your plans involve alcohol, power in a vote.
Sam R. cause there just wasn’t much to Mitchell Distributing reminds you to “Decide Speaking of voting, the city needs to take a long look at why local busi- Congress shall make no law repecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or
to Ride” and plan ahead for a safe ride to
Hall do here. Coming back, there is
so much more. Tupelo has done
and from your holiday celebrations to help
ness owners cannot vote in city elections if they live outside the city limits.
Even though a business owner lives outside the city limits, they have large
abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to peti-
tion the Government for a redress of grievances.
keep our community safe. Drunk driving is businesses and pay a very large amount of city tax. It is their tax dollars
three. There are countless areas a tremendous job in that area.
on which we need to focus. But But, as Hairston made clear,
100% preventable, so whether you choose that help the city operate.
Right is right and wrong is wrong. People that own businesses in the city
to ride with Uber, public transportation or a
if you divide these different anyone who thinks Tupelo has

1st Place
non-drinking designated driver, if you drink, limits should be allowed to vote in city elections.
delivery issues call: el were David Fernandes, presi- ideas into the biggest categories done enough is fooling them- Some will say it can’t be done. There are only two things that can’t be
don’t drive.
(662) 842-2613 dent of Toyota Mississippi; Scott possible, you’d come up with selves. It’s hard to tell people For over 35 years, Anheuser-Busch and its done. Those are the things you don’t want to do and those things you don’t
1-800-270-2613 Waller, CEO of the Mississippi something like this: who have done so much that know how to do.
network of independent wholesalers nation- For a believer, with Christ all things are possible. I am a believer.
Economic Council; and Rob Education. We absolutely there is even more to do, but wide have invested more than $1 billion in Raymel Everett

The Wayne County News

Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sat. Closed
Sun. 7 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Call Customer Services by 10 a.m.
Hairston, projects director for
the Community Development
Foundation. It was my honor to
moderate this discussion, which
was heightened by an engaged
must continue to realign our ed- that’s the truth that needs to be
ucation system to produce stu-
dents who are prepared to enter
the workforce at all levels. That
includes high schools focusing
told.
And quality of life does not
mean just in the community.
Fernandes told the story of how
initiatives and community-based programs to
prevent underage-drinking, impaired driving
and other harmful uses of alcohol.
In our communities, Mitchell Distributing
Paving Badly Needed
is proud to work alongside Anheuser-Busch, Dear Editor,

Paul Keane
for REDELIVERY in Tupelo. audience that asked some good
questions and followed up with
interesting conversations after
SPECIAL NOTICE the event concluded.
EFFECTIVE 07/01/22 Here are some of the high-
lights from the forum, which
DAILY JOURNAL I hope will spur continued
EZ PAY RATE conversations.
$17.50
on career readiness as much as
(if not more than) college prep.
And it means understanding
that the idea of college has to
be expanded to include any
post-secondary education or
certification.
Business. Businesses must
be flexible to meet the grow-
Toyota started listening to what
their workers wanted out of
shift work and made changes to
allow workers more flexibility
with shifts so they could spend
longer stretches at home with
family or friends. Sometimes
it’s not about pay – or just about
pay – it’s about the little things,
Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Uber to
encourage everyone to “Decide to Ride” this
Fourth of July weekend. Because you can’t
drive drunk if you don’t drive there.
From all of us at Mitchell Distributing, we
wish you a happy and safe Independence
Day.
Adam Mitchell
CEO of Mitchell Distributing
If you have been to Waynesboro lately, you would have noticed that a lot
of road work has been and is still going on. However, the main city part has
not been replaced since buggy and wagons! Trying to go shopping to some
of the boutiques, feed mills, vet, part stores, fast food and hair salons is like
“hold on to your teeth,” “hope the shocks don’t break” kind of roads.
We encourage everyone to shop local, so why not make local nice and
attractive so that people will want to go shopping here! I have made the
comment “if the road wasn’t so rough I’d shop there more,” and I’m sure
many others have too.
Let’s do something about our main roads!

2nd Place
Listen to what people want
If there was a single thread
that ran throughout the eve-
NEWS ning, it would be this: Listen
Phone: (662) 842-2612
and adapt.
ing demands of our workers. like freedom and flexibility. Shannon Kayla Freeman
Not only must we recruit new, Convincing more employers to
good-paying jobs, we have to shift paradigms on what work Abortion ruling ends suffering ] CLARIFICATION [
do so in specific industries like looks like is going to be key. After 49 years under legal abortions, the
In a letter to the editor in last week’s edition, it was stated that a tree was
energy and technology that overturning of Roe vs. Wade has millions

The Northside Sun

info.news@journalinc.com down on power lines along Highway 184.
Listen to what younger gener- are becoming more and more So much more... of us rejoicing. But there are some who Dixie Electric contacted this newspaper to point out that the utility lines,
RETAIL ADVERTISING ations are telling us they want. in demand. And we must do There is no way in to cover feel women should have that choice, not in fact, are AT&T and cable lines and do not belong to Dixie Electric. Of-
Phone: (662) 842-2622 Listen to what workers truly a far better job at highlighting in this column everything we knowing the harms it can cause. ficials with the cooperative said they have received numerous calls about
ads@journalinc.com desire. And once you’ve heard these kinds of jobs that already discussed – much less those Many young women have chosen the lines but are unable to do anything since the lines do not belong to the
abortion because they were misinformed or cooperative.

Wyatt Emmerich
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING
Phone: (662) 842-2622
classifieds@journalinc.com
Send letters to the editor to:
P.O. Box 909, Tupelo, MS 38802
them, take action to adapt
current situations to meet these
growing needs.
Waller, more than once, said
that those in older generations
– he would say as he pointed to
his graying hair – have to learn
to change their perceptions to
better understand and relate to
exist in other fields. For exam- important aspects of this issue
ple, Toyota is a manufacturing we didn’t. But there are a lot of deceived, or they felt helpless to provide for We are happy to set the record straight at this time and regret any incon-
a baby, and it seems like an easy way out. venience it may have caused.
plant, and Northeast Mississippi people who continue to work
What they didn’t know was that there
Medical Center is a health care on this issue, from MEC on the might be after-effects, which can show up
facility, but both have incredible state level to school districts, even years later. What has been termed
technology positions that pay businesses, CDF and the CRE- “Post-Abortion Syndrome” can include LETTERSTOEDITORPOLICY SUBSCRIPTIONS ABOUTUS
good money and are in high ATE Foundation on the local guilt, anxiety, depression, anger, flashbacks, The Wayne County News welcomes letters Wayne and surrounding counties: $50 a The Wayne County News is published
demand. level. substance abuse or other self-punishing to the editor. Letters should be brief (400 year; elsewhere in the U.S.: $65 a year. Thursdays in Waynesboro, Miss., the
Quality of life. People will Everyone should be a part of behavior. Any of these can also affect men words or less), and submitted no later than Wayne County seat.
Publisher and Editor Paul Keane WCNPUBLISHERS Senior citizens discounts available.
The Wayne County News

3rd Place
Email: info.letters@djournal.com
All letters must be signed and include
the address, phone number of the writer.
Letters may be edited for space and/or
content, 350-word limit.
the generations that are coming
up and starting to fill roles in
our communities, businesses
and organizations.
“Those who can adapt will
not stay here if they don’t enjoy this conversation because there who have forced an abortion. Another pos- noon on Mondays. Letters can be edited All subscriptions are paid in advance.
living, playing and raising a is no one solution. This is a sible after-effect is the inability to conceive Advertising Doris Keane W Harvey Hurt 1921-1969 for space. Each letter must be signed, list (USPS No. 670440)
W Harvey Hurt Jr 1969-1989 Checks, money orders, credit cards and 716 South Street | P.O. Box 509
family here. They can find jobs complicated, all-encompassing again. Thankfully there are post-abortion Business Manager Anna V Dearmon Jeff Mosley an address and a daytime telephone for
1989-2000 cash accepted. Waynesboro, Miss. 39367
anywhere. What they want is a issue that will require solutions ministries to help those affected to find verification. Send letters to: Phone 601-735-4341 | Fax: 601-735-1111
place that is home to them. big and small. Everyone has a healing and forgiveness. Digital Director Kelly Taylor Tracey Smith 2000-2001 Rates are relative to delivery area, not of-
P.O. Box 509, Waynesboro, MS 39367 www.thewaynecountynews.com

The Pine Belt News

Call for information on mail delivery rates
Periodical postage paid
at Tupelo, MS 38801.
Postmaster: Send address change
to Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal,
P.O. Box 909, Tupelo, MS 38802-0909
ISSN 0744-54312,
Published by Journal Publishing Company,
a division of Journal Inc.,
survive,” Waller said, leaving
unsaid the reality that “those
who can’t adapt will not.” That
goes not only for businesses but
for our communities and our
state as a whole.
Three areas of focus
OK. There are more than
Quality of life matters most
Hairston continued to ham-
mer this point over and over,
and he’s absolutely right. People Then let’s get to adapting.
want things to do, events they
can attend and places they can
go to meet people and enjoy
themselves. A strong social
role to play, and everyone has
something to say on how we
can improve.
So let’s start by listening.
SAM R. HALL is executive editor of the Daily
Journal. Contact him at sam.hall@djournal.
com or follow @samrhall on Twitter.
I’m thankful for crisis pregnancy centers, Scott Bourns 2002-2003 ficial residence of subscriber.
Distribution Faye Taylor Member:
which have always provided the help Ruth Bryant 2003-2004 The Publisher reserves the right to reject any Online subscriptions also available for Mississippi Press Association
women need. I commend House Speaker and Darryl L Stewart Paul Keane 2004-Present advertisement, article or photo for any reason. web-delivered editions.
Philip Gunn for his plan to seek legislation
to provide more available and affordable
adoption, more effective child protection
and foster care, and child support enforce-
ment to hold fathers accountable.
Lois Wise
Tupelo

Honorable Mention
1242 S. Green St., Tupelo, MS 38804

The Clarksdale Press-Register

Floyd Ingram
-
Page 4 THE CLARKSDALE PRESS REGISTER Wednesda

H EDITORIALS OPINION
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Sam R. Hall this year and as with most good law, it has
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Topics of local and statewide concern, but tackled with reason and stood the test of time.
That means the Clarksdale Board of May-
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excellent writing. Come, let us reason together. And his/her approach or and Commissioners need to be lawful in
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works. other issues in a request for executive ses-
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3rd Place The courts have said “The Open Meeting
legislation is no intrusion into the decision-
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Tim Kalich
ings Act was enacted for the benefit of the
public and is to be construed liberally in
favor of the public.”
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Letters to the Editor

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Carnegie Library Board so quick to go into
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1st Place executive session?
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find out.
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It’s easy to think
The Clarksdale Press-Register ing the public trust and conducting business
in public?
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our Lettersbäáò~ÄÉíÜ=qÜçã~ë=ëÜ~êÉÇ=íÜÉáê=Ñêìëíê~íáçåë=ïáíÜ=íÜÉ=
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to the Editor than our obituar- rules.
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– in their decision.
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wide selection of letters from people
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world – your neighbo
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the public. Not afraid to mention names. Nice to see an editorial staff
voicing their concerns on issues in your The policy of this
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over 50 and they ranged in topic to city this business – tell the truth and
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meet Letter to the Editor? á
2nd Place today’s Clarksdale Press Register, you will
see where the public, specifically downtown
and school issues to crime and deadlines. Just because you say it,ëÅÜççä=ï~ë=mK=bK==f=åÉîÉê=
pay raises ÄÉ=ÇçåÉ=êáÖÜí=Äó=éÉçéäÉ=ïÜç=âåçï=ÜçïK==
cleaning up Clarksdale.
doesn’t So sit down the nï
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mean it is true. You can tell a lie on Face- gets heavy – or happyá
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The Gazebo Gazette business men and women, spoke up to help
our Clarksdale Board of Mayor and Com-
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watch a Letter to the Editor Come up with Press Register.
missioner with the sticky issue of resort sta- more than ãçìåíáåÖ=çå=íçé=çå=ïÜ~í=ï~ë=~ÇÇêÉëëÉÇ=áå=OMOMK==
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tus. qÜÉ=Éñéä~å~íáçå=íÜ~í=åçï=íÜÉ=Äç~êÇ=åÉÉÇë=íç=ãçîÉ=
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public board. cçê=åçïI=ïÉ=ÅçåíáåìÉ=íç=ï~áíK=iÉíÛë=ëÉÉ=ïÜ~í=íÉêã=
The Northside Sun We don’t want to just pick on the city, so
want you reading your Clarksdale Press lish your phone number.
Register. ïáää=ÄÉ=ÄêçìÖÜí=íç=íÜÉ=í~ÄäÉ=~Ö~áå=ãçåíÜë=Ñêçã=åçïK=
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your Clarksdale Press Register will say it tÉ=Å~å=çåäó=ÜçéÉ=íÜ~í=íÜÉ=Äç~êÇ=ïçåÛí=ÄÉ=~ééêçîáåÖ= äçëáåÖK==fíÛ
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even our library board: Public business must tion. We also encourage you to ask others floyd@pressregister.có
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your offices in downtown Có
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real live letter at 1í
CLASS D
past couple of months and while I don’t concern.

ThePlace Clarksdale Press Register

THE WORD
want to get into the details of any issues • Letters should be brief: Many news- Clarksdale, MS 3861
and ideas expressed, let me say they have papers limit letters to 300 words. We
iÉííÉêë=íç=íÜÉ=
1st Place 2nd (Clarksdale, Miss.)
generated a lot of interest.
Congressmen have told me that one
don’t. Write to your heart’s content and
`êÉ~íÉ=áå=ãÉ=~=ÅäÉ~å=ÜÉ~êíI=l=dçÇK=oÉåÉï=~=
send it to us. If it is too long, we’ll call and Submissi
äçó~ä=ëéáêáí=ïáíÜáå=ãÉKÒ ======
The Deer • (USPSCreek 115-960) •Pilot iççâáåÖ=Ä~
letter to their office mean more to them say it needs to be shortened. We also have The views expres
më~äã=RNWNM==
The Yazoo Herald Founded 1865 than 1,000 phone calls and 10,000 an Editor who can help you say some- are those of the
nists and letter wr

Jamie Patterson Natalie cäçóÇ=fåÖê~ãI=éìÄäáëÜÉêLÉÇáíçê=

Perkins
ÑäçóÇ]éêÉëëêÉÖáëíÉêKÅçã
Emails. Their point is when someone sits thing well with fewer words. That’s what
down and takes the time to pen a letter Editors do. The Clarksdale Pre
aÉ~ê=bÇáíçêI=

j~êó=g~åÉ=_ìêåëI ~ÇîÉêíáëáåÖ=ã~å~ÖÉê=
they must have something pretty impor- qÜÉ=v~òçç=eÉê~äÇ
• We may not run it: If you curse,
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Local, local, local editorial writing with a punch. Sometimes biting. ãÄìêåë]éêÉëëêÉÖáëíÉêKÅçã
tant to say.
I’ve found that concept also g~ãáÉ=m~ííÉêëçå=
works on I’m sorry, it won’t run in your Clarksdale áë=ÅçåëáÇÉê~Ääó=Ñ~ëíÉê=íÜ~å
Send direct opin

Local leaders will have to watch what they do with a watchdog like this. 3rd Place qê~ÅÉó=e~åâáåë=oáäÉóI=Öê~éÜáÅ=ÇÉëáÖåÉê
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Valentine’s Day, our wedding anniversary Press Register. With over 25 years
and Her birthday! bÇáíçê=~åÇ=mìÄäáëÜÉêbusiness I am proud to say I have
tçêÇë=íÜ~í=ëç~â=áåíç=óçìê=
in this letters to the p
óÉääÉÇK=jÉ~ååÉëë=ÇçåÛí=àìë
never Ingram, at: publis =
Yazoo City can be proud of this staff. The Wayne County News
gìÇó=påóÇÉêI=çÑÑáÅÉ=ã~å~ÖÉê
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Paul Keane ~êÉK=vçì=Å~åÛí=ìåë~ó=~=ÅêìÉ

deliver a tweet, =qÉäÉéÜçåÉ=SSOJTQSJQVNN=√√√=c~ñ=SSOJTQSJQVNR==
the carefully chosen Clarksdale, MS, 38
mìÄäáëÜÉÇ=tÉÇåÉëÇ~ó=Äó=aÉäí~=mêÉëë=mìÄäáëÜáåÖ=fåÅKI=NOU=b~ëí=OåÇ words from our heart mean so much Your turn
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qç= ëìÄëÅêáÄÉI= Å~ää= SSOJSOTJOOMNI= Ñ~ñ= íç= SSOJSOQJRNOR= çê= ÉJã~áä= íç And when båíÉêÉÇ=~ë=éÉêáçÇáÅ~äë=ã~ííÉê=~åÇ=éÉêáçÇáÅ~äë=éçëí~ÖÉ=é~áÇ=~í=
they appear in your Clarks- Editor. éêÉ~ÅÜÉÇK=açåÛí=àìÇÖÉ=Ñçäâ
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number.
dale Press Register they are read by your It’s easy to sit at the coffee shop
éìÄäáëÜÉÇ=çå=tÉÇåÉëÇ~óëK=pìÄëÅêáéíáçå=ê~íÉë=Äó=ã~áä=áå=v~òçç= and
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too. world’s problems. Write a letter to ëçãÉíáãÉë=íÜÉ=ÄÉëí=~åëïÉ
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j^pqboW=pbka=^aaobpp=`e^kdbp=ql=qeb=v^wll=eboJ
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 H SPORTS PAGE

Sports
ALL MULTI-DAY DAILY
DISCOUNTS
& SAVINGS ...
C1 The Bolivar Bullet
TODAY IN 1934:
Jimmie Foxx hits 1st HR in
Comiskey Park (Chicago)

1st Place
Bolivar County’s center field bleachers
PAGE 4A weekly source
MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2022 | CLARIONLEDGER.COM PART OF THE USA TODAY NETWORK for community news.

Clarion Ledger WEDNESDAY, MAY 18, 2022

REGION BOUND
COLLEGE WORLD SERIES
Very nice sports sections! Excellent use of art OLE MISS 4, OKLAHOMA 2

and graphics. Well organized and balanced.

Good sports coverage and variety of
sports. Nice, clean pages with well defined
CHAMPIONS!
OLE MISS FINISHES AMAZING RUN FROM
DSU earns No. 6 seed in
South Region 2 Tournament

separation for each component. Great job! LAST TEAM PICKED TO FIRST CWS TITLE

2nd Place
Daily Journal

3rd Place
Hattiesburg American The Delta State University Statesmen, seeded sixth, will be heading to a NCAA Division II Baseball Regional for the 35th
time in team history as they will travel to St. Leo, Fla. to compete in the South Region 2 Tournament. They will play third
seeded Rollins on Thursday (May 19) at 5:00 p.m.

ALL WEEKLY BY ANDY COLLIER

Sports Editor, The Bolivar Bullet

On Sunday (May 15), the Delta State University

NCAA DIVISION II SOUTH
REGION 2 TOURNAMENT
Statesmen heard the news they’ve been wanting to hear
(May 19-22, St. Leo, Fla.)

1st Place
as they earned a berth into the NCAA Division II South
Region 2 Tournament.
The Statesmen are seeded sixth and will take on the THURSDAY, MAY 19
third seeded Rollins College Tars (35-15) in the first Game 1: St. Leo (35-15, No. 2 seed) vs.
round of the region tournament on Thursday (May 19) at Lee (31-22, No. 7 seed), 1:00 p.m.

The Bolivar Bullet

Thomas B. Southard Stadium in St. Leo, Fla. Game time
is set for 5:00 p.m. In other action in the South Region 2
Tournament, the second seeded St. Leo University Lions
(35-15) will take on the Lee University Flames (31-22).
Game 2: Rollins (35-15,No. 3 seed) vs.
Delta State (32-15, No. 6 seed), 5:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 20
Game 3: Loser 1 vs. Loser 2, 1:00 p.m.

Andy Collier & Maggi Mosco

at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday (May 19). Lee won the GSC
Tournament, and DSU first in the GSC during the regular
season and went 2-2 in the conference tournament. St.
Leo finished third in the Sunshine State Conference, while
Rollins finished fourth.
Game 4: Winner 1 vs. Winner 2, 5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, MAY 21
Game 5: Winner 3 vs. Loser 4, 1:00 p.m.
Game 6: Winner 4 vs. Winner 5, 5:00 p.m.

Great photos! Your layout and format are

This year’s berth to the regional is the second in Rodney
Batts’ three-year tenure with the team. The regional
appearance marked the 35th time that the Statesmen have SUNDAY, MAY 22
made the NCAA Division II Baseball Tournament. *Game 7: Winner 5 vs. Loser 6, 1:00 p.m.
*If necessary. Delta State University shortstop Carson Clowers has been

nice. The content was good also.

DSU BASEBALL continued, PAGE C4 one of the top guys in the line-up for the Statesmen this year.

CCHS Baseball Standout Signs with Tougaloo

Carter excited about the chance to play on the collegiate level
2nd Place BY ANDY COLLIER
Sports Editor, The Bolivar Bullet
to play on the next level.
“All the glory belongs to God,” said Carter. “It’s been
a blessing to play baseball since the age of five. Starting

Grenada Star
Cleveland Central High School senior standout Caleb
Carter will be continuing his baseball career on the next
level as he signed to play at Tougaloo College on Friday
(May 13).
Carter, who was an infielder and pitcher, has played a
vital role in the Wolves advancing to the second round
of the Mississippi High School Activities Association 5A
State Playoffs the last two years. Carter will be going to
Tougaloo as a pitcher. As a pitcher, Carter has been the
with teams in the park commission to travel baseball with
the Delta Bucks, I have gained a tremendous amount of
experience on this journey. I am grateful and humbled
that Tougaloo College has afforded me the opportunity
to continue my baseball career on the next level.”
There is a famous quote that says, “It takes a village to
raise a child.”
Carter was appreciative of the people in his life.
“Without God, my parents, coaches, teammates,

Honorable Mention
Wolves’ ace over the last two seasons.
He was also a standout basketball player for CCHS as
he played a key role in the Wolves winning the Region
2-5A Championship and advancing to the third round of
the 5A State Boys Basketball Playoffs this year. He was
classmates and my entire village, I would not have been
able to seize this opportunity,” said Carter. “All of these
people motivate and inspire me to continue to learn and
refine my game to become a more efficient and effective
player. I hope that I’m able to make them proud.”

Monroe Journal
the MVP of the region in basketball. Cleveland Central High School baseball standout Caleb
CCHS Head Baseball Coach Alex Fletcher said Carter
The 18-year-old said baseball has been a sport he has Carter will continue his career on the collegiate level as
he signed to play baseball with Tougaloo College on Friday
enjoyed his entire life, and he is grateful for the chance CARTER SIGNS continued, PAGE C2
(May 13).

Deon Blanchard & Melissa Meador

Ole Miss players dogpile after beating Oklahoma to win the College World Series on Sunday. Coverage in Sports, Page 1B. DYLAN WIDGER/USA TODAY SPORTS

There she is! Weather Volume 178 | No. 104

QEAJAB-09806v
Home delivery pricing inside.
Marching with urgency: People New Miss Mississippi High 86° ❚ Low 70° Subscribe 877-850-5343.
participate in LGBTQ pride parades in crowned in Saturday night Shower and heavier thunderstorm. ©2022 $3.49
wake of recent Supreme Court rulings. 3A finale in Vicksburg. 4A Forecast, 2A

H LIFESTYLES PAGE

ALL MULTI-DAY
1st Place
Clarion Ledger
Excellent use of art, graphics and color. Very
eye-appealing designs. Clean and well
organized.

2nd Place
Hattiesburg American

3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Dan Marsh & Ruthie Robison

ALL WEEKLY
1st Place
The Sun-Sentinel
Krista McFerrin
Great color photos

2nd Place
The Pine Belt News

3rd Place
Grenada Star
 H SPECIAL SECTION
Page 8B — Tallahatchie County, Mississippi Thursday, July 21, 2022

PROGRESS

PROGRESS
A SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE N SPRING 2022

THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH

F ROM M A I N ST R E ET
TO SE SA M E ST R E ET
Starkville startup Glo goes 662-647-8000
SPRING 2022

global with light-up toys

BUSINESS N HEALTH N EDUCATION N CULTURE

A Daily Journal special section commemorating the Rebels’ historic NCAA title | Saturday, July 9, 2022

CLASS A 2nd Place 3rd Place

The Commercial Dispatch The Pine Belt News
1st Place
Profiles in Courage 2022 Petal Life
Daily Journal
Hot Toddy
3rd Place CLASS D
This is a big WOW! Complete coverage.
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Excellent photos. 1st Place
Profile 2022
The Sun-Sentinel

2nd Place Clay and Krista McFerrin
Honorable Mention
Daily Journal Back to School
The Oxford Eagle
Brad Locke A good section with lots of value for readers,
Jake Davis, Stacy Graning & Allison Dale
High School Football Preview which should result in lots of value for the
2022 National Championship
advertisers.

3rd Place
CLASS C
Clarion Ledger 2nd Place
Perfect Ending 1st Place Stone County Enterprise
The Pine Belt News Stone County Today 2022
CLASS B Here’s Hattiesburg
3rd Place
1st Place
2nd Place Franklin Advocate
The Commercial Dispatch
Grenada Star Sean Dunlap
Spring Progress 2022
Profile 2022: 24 Hours in Grenada County Top Dawgs
Both progress editions were excellent and

show a tremendous amount of hard work.
Honorable Mention
Clarke County Tribune
Profile

H MAGAZINE PERIODICAL

ALL MULTI-DAY
LIVE MUSIC, UP-AND-COMING OXFORD ARTIST, OUT AND ABOUT

1st Place
The Oxford Eagle
Rebecca Alexander & Amelia Miller Ott
Oxford Magazine
Extremely well done, with interesting content
and good photography and layout.

2nd Place
The Vicksburg Post 5 QUESTIONS WITH
RHEA TANNEHILL
Terri Cowart Frazier
Vicksburg Living 2022

3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth
Best of
OXFORD
Leflore Illustrated Fall 2022

Honorable Mention
2022
JULY/AUGUST 2022
OxfordMag.com
Volume 6 | Issue 4

Daily Corinthian
$4.95

Crossroads Magazine

ALL WEEKLY
1st Place
The Pine Belt News
Signature Magazine
Your February issue was outstanding!

2nd Place
The Pine Belt News
Pine Belt Sports: The Magazine

3rd Place
The Sea Coast Echo
Geoff Belcher and Jason Platz
Welcome to series
 H MAGAZINE FEATURE
CLASS A
1st Place
reflecting
Daily Journal
Ginna Parsons
Reflecting the Light
By GINNA PARSONS
Photos KYLA USHER
Amazing use of words, art and design. Very impressed overall.
2nd Place
Daily Journal
Ginna Parsons
Welcome to Laurel
3rd Place
Daily Journal
2022_04_15_TRN_A_01_BU.indd 27
Blake Alsup
Modern Day Cowboy
mìääÉó= ÄêçíÜÉêë
Honorable Mention
Daily Journal
Blake Alsup
Still Poppin
CLASS B
1st Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth
David Monroe
A musical duo from birth
A delightful tale of brothers, twins, whose musical skills make them
essential to the spiritual life of their home town. hÉäîáå=mìääÉóI=äÉÑíI=~åÇ=Üáë=íïáå=ÄêçíÜÉêI=hÉååÉíÜI=Ü~îÉ=ÄÉÉå=éÉêÑçêãáåÖ=íçÖÉíÜÉê=ëáåÅÉ=ÉäÉãÉåí~êó=ëÅÜççäI=~åÇ=çåÉ=îÉêó=ëÉäÇçã=éÉêÑçêãë=ïáíÜJ
çìí=íÜÉ=çíÜÉêK
2nd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth A musical duo from birth
a
êK=hÉååÉíÜ=
Kevin Edwards
mìääÉó=ë~óë=
State’s ‘most unique store’ ÜÉ=~åÇ=Üáë=
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3rd Place hÉäîáåI=çÑíÉå=~êÉ=~ëâÉÇ=
The Greenwood Commonwealth ~Äçìí=íÜÉáê=ëáãáä~êáíáÉë=
Susan Montgomery ~åÇ=ÇáÑÑÉêÉåÅÉëK
eÉ=éçáåíë=íç=çåÉ=íÜáåÖ=íÜ~í=Ü~ë=ÄçìåÇ=
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CLASS C íÜÉ=ÇÉéìíó=ëìéÉêáåíÉåÇÉåí=Ñçê=íÜÉ=
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1st Place Ü~ë=~äï~óë=ÄÉÉå=~å=áãéçêí~åí=é~êí=çÑ=íÜÉáê=
The Pine Belt News S / Winter 2022=ibcilob=Illustrated
Sandra Massey Buckley
Rosie’s Ice Cream
Great use of color and art. Rosie ,s Ice Cream
Very well done! A LEAP OF FAITH,S SWEET REWARD
2nd Place by Sandra Massey Buckley
The Pine Belt News A new year often serves as a new start,
and for Carrie Creel of Hattiesburg,
January 1, 2018, was a date she will
Andrew Abadie always remember. The day before, December
31, 2017, was, after all, her last day working as a
full-time nurse.
Ready for a change, Creel took a giant leap
Chasing redemption and changing lives of faith and spent the next few months
researching and preparing for a new profes-
sional adventure – one that would allow her
the flexibility to spend time with her kids and
be a part of bringing joy to communities
across the Pine Belt.
That leap of faith turned into a successful
3rd Place startup – Rosie’s Ice Cream truck. Complete
with a colorful food truck, nostalgic music,
sweet treats, and a cute mascot, she can be
found at local festivals, parties, events, and
The Pine Belt News business settings year-round. “It has been so
much fun sharing in these special times with
Pine Belt families,” Creel added. “I have some
Sandra Massey Buckley
really wonderful customers.”
While the main attraction is the menu
selection, the business’s namesake, Rosie the
dog, may be considered the star of the show.
Twin Forks Wine & Provisions “Rosie is a rescue,” Creel shared. “She was
living on the streets in Sumrall. I was driving
through town and saw her walking in the
middle of the road. I stopped to check on her,
and she jumped right in my car! I found out
she was a stray who had been roaming
around for a couple of weeks. When no one
Honorable Mention
claimed her, we named her Rosie, and she
joined the family! She is a very sweet, caring
dog with a ‘rosy’ disposition.”
Between the reminiscent charm of the ice
The Pine Belt News cream truck and Rosie riding shotgun in the
passenger’s seat, it is a joyful sight that will
Sandra Massey Buckley
fivetwentyfive – A modern retail experience Family, football intertwine for Hankins family
BY PAUL KEANE
THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS
C
oaching your own child is never easy, even
CLASS D
in the best of times. When that situation
involves the head coach and the starting
quarterback, things get a little trickier.
For Jack and Carter Hankins, that’s been the case
for a long time. Now, it culminates in Carter’s senior
campaign this year for the WCHS War Eagles. Some-
1st Place times finding herself in the middle is mother and
wife Denita Hankins.
Jack has been coaching his son since Carter was
The Wayne County News
playing on Little League and Pee Wee teams, some-
time around the age of 7 or 8.
“I didn’t want to coach him at first but then (De-
nita) asked me if I was going to coach everyone’s
Paul Keane
kid but my own. That kind of hit home so I started
coaching my two boys then and have been doing it
ever since.”
Momma suddenly realized having
Family, football intertwine for Hankins both coach and player under the same
roof was going to be a little different.
“I have felt like he was a lit bit harder
Nice look behind the scenes of a coach and his football- first family.
on my children but now I look back on
it and realize it was a good thing,” she
said. “They are good athletes. I know
I’m the Momma but they really are
good athletes.
“I also know that you have to watch
it and know that people are watching
you, especially when they are younger.
2nd Place They know how the coach is playing,
what position your child plays and
how long they play. Jack has always
Clarke County Tribune
said he is going to play the best player
for the position now matter who it is,
what grade they are in or whatever. He
is going to play the beset player at the
Brittney Mangum
position no matter whose son you are.
It doesn’t matter.
“I knew that going in and had heard
him say that many times, even way
Finding your past before we had kids so I knew.”
The quarterback said it’s been a
special time.
“It’s fun,” Carter said. “I like to tell
people that it has its ups and downs.
I say that he’s there every step of the (Left to right) Jack Hankins, Carter Hankins and Denita Hankins.
way, but he’s also there every step of
3rd Place
the way. Overall, it’s fun.”
The son and coach often spend time before games,
at home and during many waking moments draw-
ing up plays, making adjustments and working on
The Wayne County News schemes.
“It’s 24-7,” Carter said. “Coach (Kerry) Coston came singling out kids, it’s hard. I’ve never said anything
over for dinner one night and he said it was a 24-7
Paul Keane
coaching clinic. We’re sitting there eating and have a nitely done that before.”
white board with us drawing stuff up.
“It’s constant football, constant. He’ll come home
after the game around midnight or later and wake
Perfect Timing
me up and say, ‘Hey, next week we’ve got to do this.’”
“It’s a balance though,” the Mom said. “They will
get off it every once in a while and talk about some-
thing else. It’s a good balance.”
The Head Coach disagreed slightly.
“I don’t know if we ever turn it off,” Jack said.
14 • GRIDIRON 2022
the light
M &M 27
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definitely catch your attention. “You wouldn't
believe the attention the truck gets,” she said.
“People honking at us to say hi is the norm.
People rolling down their windows at red
lights and talking to Rosie is also quite
common! When we arrive at parties, usually
the kids run out to the truck screaming with
delight. It is a blast!”
To add a little flair to any event, Rosie
oftentimes dresses for the occasion. “Rosie has
a large wardrobe!” Creel said. “It is so much fun
finding dresses, costumes, and accessories for
her to wear. When I tell her, ‘Rosie, it's time to
go in the truck,’ she runs to her ‘closet’ ready for
me to dress her up. It's a riot. My good friend
has two daughters, and when they outgrew
wearing hair bows, she gave them all to Rosie!
34 July 2022
SIGNATURE MAGAZINE | July |2022
SIGNATURE MAGAZINE
“That’s what we do and who we are. I walked in at
lunch today and he had a notebook full of things that Carter countered.
we did good in workouts and things that we didn’t
do well.
“I don’t think we ever turn it off. I’m not sure if
that’s good or bad, but it’s just the way we are and
how we are wired.”
When Denita hears criticism of her two men, it’s
often harder to take it when it involves her son.
“The son is definitely harder,” she said. “Jack
chose to do this and is an adult. When the boys
were with me in diapers in the bleachers, we would continuing to coach his team. The mother in the
hear things. Jack had a guy come up to him after a
game and apologize for the things he had said. Jack
told him he never heard any of it, but that the man
definitely needed to apologize to the wives in the
stands because they where the ones who heard it
all.
“Home games are not bad because all the wives
PAUL KEANE | THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS
sit together. You learn the people and you scan the
crowd to see where to sit. I’ve been known to get up
and move during a game. It’s definitely harder with
the kids. I know that people are going to fuss and say We’re close knit and do things together.
things, but when they start mentioning names and
but it is hard. I have gotten up and moved. I’ve defi-
Then come times when both player and coach
come home and there is tension from the field that
carries over into the home.
“My philosophy is that if things get intense, then
they need to leave it as school,” Denita said. “If they
bring it home, they just need to stop.”
“She tries to side with (Carter) but it doesn’t work
because I have the final say,” Jack pointed out.
“When he comes home and wakes me up, it’s usu-
W
hen Morgan Fyfe Powell was a little girl living in Oxford, she tried
all kinds of sports, but wasn't particularly good at any of them.
“I was the kid on the soccer field with a bow in my hair, picking wildflow-
ers," said Powell, 27.
When she was in fourth grade, she began taking art lessons after school
from Taylor Ricketts.
“I was creative as a kid, but I didn't think I'd ever be an artist," she said.
She was wrong.
Today, art is Powell's full-time job. She works out of a studio in the home
she and her husband, Jesse, share in Seattle. But she hasn't abandoned her
roots and will be bringing her talent to two art festivals in Northeast Mis-
sissippi this spring.
She'll be at the Double Decker Arts Festival in Oxford on April 23, and at
the Gumtree Art and Wine Festival in Tupelo May 6-8.
“I'm so excited to do shows again, to meet people and show my work and
get to learn other artists' stories," she said.
Powell's journey from art student to artist was winding. She took some art
classes in high school and found them to be a welcome challenge.
“I felt I was getting better, and I was encouraged by teachers, but art was
just a hobby," Powell said.
In high school, she had created several paintings for her parents, Lea and
Richard Fyfe of Oxford. Someone saw one and asked Powell if she'd paint
something for them while she was a student at Ole Miss.
“I always had a little studio in my room in college," she said. "It was a
healthy outlet for me. It let me be creative."
She accepted that commission. And then someone else saw that painting
and asked her to do six pieces for an investment property.
“They were divine encounters," Powell said. "And it was a way for me to
fund things in college that were fun without having to ask my parents for
money."
Powell majored in social work, and after graduation, she moved to Seattle
to take a job in marketing.
“I moved here for a boy, but I wouldn't admit that until after Jesse and I
married," she said. "I used to say I moved here for work."
In Seattle, she continued to do artwork on the side as she worked full
time.
“At the end of 2019, I was working some pretty long hours and weekends,
and I realized I didn't love marketing," she said. "I knew I didn't want to
do that for the long haul."
With some good advice and guidance, Powell quit her job and become a
full-time artist at the beginning of 2020.
“It was an interesting journey," she said. "You build yourself up and are
so excited for the transition. But then there's this pressure to create really
good work something I could be proud of."
So Powell began creating work without pressure. She just started showing
up in her studio every day. If she created something she liked, wonderful. If
she created something she didn't like, at least she'd showed up.
Her artwork soon took on a different look. She would begin a painting
with a full layer of gold and silver leaf, then use heavy body acrylics over
the gold.
Opeing Page: “Gold Plains" landscape is 18x24 inches. This spread,
clockwise from left: Morgan Fyfe Powell puts finishing touches on a
landscape in her studio in Seattle.; “Morning Grove" landscape is 24x30
inches.; Morgan Fyfe Powell works on a landscape in her studio in
Seattle.; “Cheers to Here" abstract is 48x48 inches.
M&M 29
2022_04_15_TRN_A_01_BU.indd 29 3/31/22 12:42 PM
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I clip them to her collar or harness. It's precious!”
No matter the theme or holiday, Rosie is ready to take
center stage. “Her newest outfit is a Minnie Mouse dress,
straight from Disney World,” Creel said. “She also has a
banana split costume that gets lots of comments. Over the
years for Halloween events, she has been a hula dancer,
an astronaut, a princess, and most importantly (to her,)
she was a UPS truck driver! She has a ‘thing’ for UPS
trucks – she always goes crazy! The prettiest outfit she
has is her wedding gown and veil, which she wears for
bridal showers and wedding receptions.”
While customers relish their time with Rosie, they can
enjoy a variety of quality, pre-packaged, novelty frozen
desserts, typically with seven to nine options. “I only sell
items that are delicious!” Creel noted. “I am picky about
that. I also have a low sugar option and a couple of dairy
free options. Very simple and easy.”
And, in honor of Rosie and her kindred furry friends,
ice cream for dogs is on the menu too. “No salt or sugar in
these,” Creel said. “This has been a super popular draw,
because everyone dotes on their doggies!”
Rosie’s Ice Cream frequently makes appearances at
local businesses also, brightening the day for so many.
From law enforcement agencies and medical facilities to
veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and anything in
between, an ice cream treat simply can’t be beat.
“Business visits are just so great,” Creel said. “When we
ride up with the music playing and start offering ice
33  hubcityspokes.com
ally ‘You didn’t do this’ rather than ‘We can do this,’”
“If it gets too intense at home, I’ll say let’s wait
until tomorrow,” Denita said. “A good word for what
I try to do is be the arbitrator. I think that first. Most
of the time, though, is I side with Carter. I think Jack
wants him to be tough. He’s not a baby, but he’s still
mine and it’s tough.”
The action on the field can be rough as well. When
Carter takes a big hit or tackle and gets up slowly,
the father is normally keeping one eye on him while
stands, though, has a different take.
“I just make sure he gets up,” Denita said. “That’s
the first thing I do. It’s not easy and he’s had some
big hits. You do a lot of silent praying up there at
times, too.”
Now that it’s the quarterback’s senior campaign
— and he is the final Hankins to be coached by a
Hankins — all three said things will
be OK once the 2022 campaign draws
to a close.
“Like everything, it has its ups and
downs and we know that we’ll be
moving to something new after this
school year,” Carter said. “He’s been
telling me that if I go play junior col-
col
lege, I will be playing on Thursday
night so I will be coming back on Fri-
Fri
days to help him out. He wants to put
me up in the box or something.
“It’s going to come to an end but not
really. I’m still going to be here and be
around. Maybe more than I want to,
but I will still be around.”
“He’s prepared for it,” Jack said.
“I’m excited for him. He should have a
great senior year and he’s ready for it.
Even though we do football, it doesn’t
define us. We’ll still be following him
in his next chapter.
“It’s not like he’s going to Siberia or
something, although at times I’d like
to send him to Siberia. We’re a close
knit family so that doesn’t faze us.”
The Mother said while it hasn’t sunk
in yet, she feels her son will be fine.
“I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet,”
Denita said. “We’ve had a busy time
getting settled over here after 25 years
in Thomasville. I know with Cooper, our oldest,
when his last game happened I knew we had Carter
coming up. Since this is our last one, it will be tough.
“He’s a good kid. I don’t worry about him. He’s had
great teachers here. That was one thing I was wor-
ried about when we moved here — that he would be
the new kid and what kind of teachers he would have
— but it’s been great. He’s ready; there is no doubt in
my mind.”
The trio also knows exactly who will be going
where should father and son be playing on the same
night at different places.
“I will be going to see Carter, but I’m proud of both
of them,” Denita said.
“I’m on the back burner in that situation, and I
know it,” Jack said.
 H DESIGN
TUPELO, MS • 75 CENTS
K’Niylah Bowdry, 5, of Tupelo, plays on the swing set at Gumtree Park in Tupelo on windy Wednesday afternoon on April 13, 2022. Upgrading
the park is one of the key priorities for Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis, currently in her sixth term. She believes quality of life upgrades
and more affordable housing are critical to attracting more people to her ward.
Councilwoman wants more
homes, park upgrades for Ward 4
By CALEB MCCLUSKEY
Daily Journal
TUPELO • As the longest-serving
member of the Tupelo City Coun-
cil, Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie
Davis understands the important
roles patience and perseverance
play in achieving her goals.
Now in her sixth term of office,
Davis wants to see the continued
growth of her community through
housing development, infrastruc-
ture updates and recreational up-
grades. Davis said her goal for this
term was to bring in more young
people and build up Black-owned
businesses in her ward.
CREATE Foundation announces staff changes, new member
Daily Journal reports
TUPELO • The CREATE Foun-
dation has announced a series
of staffing changes that will help
the community foundation fur-
ther its goal of improving life for
Northeast Mississippians.
Mike Clayborne, President of
the CREATE Foundation, an-
nounced the staff changes on
April 13.
Effective July 1, CREATE Se-
nior Vice President Lewis Whit-
field will assume a new role as
senior consultant.
In his new role, Whitfield will
continue to work in regional
community development by
»
BUSINESS 6A
» »
6 05282 89922 1 OBITUARIES 4A
ALL MULTI-DAY
1st Place Scott Burden & Monroe Journal staff
Daily Journal
Great creativity at work here.
2nd Place Ruthie Robison & Austin Hutchinson
Enterprise-Journal
3rd Place
The Oxford Eagle
Stacy Graning & Allison Dale
CLASS C
1st Place 2nd Place
Grenada Star
Excellent use of art and graphics, really draws the eye. Headlines are
precise and clear with enough variation to make sure each stands
out announcing each separate piece of the page. Well organized
throughout making it easy for a reader to follow. Very clean and tidy
design, makes it easier on the eye for the reader.
H HEADLINES
CLASS A
1st Place Joshua Campbell
Daily Journal
Adam Armour
Gobblers and the Gospel
Clever headline that made me very curious to
see what it meant. Well done.
2nd Place History Uprooted
Daily Journal
Blake Alsup
Entrepooneur
3rd Place
Daily Journal
Blake Alsup
Feline Defender
CLASS B Joshua Campbell
1st Place
Laurel Leader-Call 3rd Place
Sean Murphy & Mark Thornton
Heart and soles
This is an extremely strong category. Lots
» Q&A Visit Oxford director talks Double
Decker’s 25th anniversary. SCENE, 8A
[ DJOURNAL.COM ]
I have some areas in
my ward that need new
housing to recruit young
professionals. They have
some nice projects with
beautiful housing, but
they are still not coming
up with housing that
first-time buyers would
be interested in.
Nettie Davis
Ward 4 councilwoman
providing support
to the Commis-
sion on the Future
of Northeast Mis-
sissippi and other
initiatives at CRE-
ATE.
Whitfield Whitfield has
played a key role
in accomplishing many of the
major regional initiatives at
CREATE over the past 17 years
as senior vice president. Some
initiatives have included tui-
tion guarantee to community
college, districts of innovation
legislation, high school dropout
prevention and recovery sum-
mits, broadband access sup-
»
CLASSIFIEDS 6B CROSSWORD 4B»
» »
SPORTS 1B TV GRID 5B
a LOCaLLy OWNEd NEWSPaPEr dEdiCaTEd TO ThE SErViCE OF GOd aNd MaNKiNd.
ADAM ROBISON | DAILY JOURNAL
To do that, Davis believes build-
ing affordable housing to attract
first-time buyers is essential.
“I have some areas in my ward
that need new housing to recruit
young professionals,” she said.
“They have some nice projects
with beautiful housing, but they
are still not coming up with hous-
ing that first-time buyers would be
interested in.”
While she wants to see housing
tackled sooner rather than later,
Davis did not offer specifics on
what measures she wanted the city
to employ other than recruiting
TURN TO WARD 4, 2A
port, communi-
ty forums, and
more recently, the
school account-
ability program.
Prior to becom-
ing a CREATE
Luse senior vice pres-
ident, Whitfield
served as chairman of CREATE
and was a board member for 16
years.
“Lewis and I have been dis-
cussing the future over the past
year, and he asked to have a
reduced workload,” Clayborne
said in a press release. “Lewis
has been and will continue to be
a key part of the CREATE staff.
»
OPINION 7A » Visit djournal.com for more stories, photos and videos. Follow the Daily Journal
WEATHER 2A on social media @djournalnow to see the latest news about Northeast Mississippi.
RESTOCKED DAILY
Thursday 4-7 • Friday 10-6 • Saturday 10-4
549 COLEY ROAD, TUPELO • NEXT TO SNAP FITNESS
ThUrSday, aPriL 14, 2022
Gov. Reeves signs
bill creating
new broadband
development office
By TAYLOR VANCE
Daily Journal
JACKSON • Gov. Tate
Reeves on Wednesday
signed a bill into law
that will create a new
statewide office for
broadband internet de-
velopment.
“One’s ZIP code
should not determine
their access to these
technologies,” Reeves
said at a bill signing cer-
emony.
House Bill 1029 estab-
lishes the Broadband
Expansion and Acces-
sibility of Mississippi
office (BEAM), which
would be tasked with
managing hundreds of
Several federal and state officials watch as Republican Gov. Tate
Reeves, seated, signs a bill into law that establishes a new state-
wide broadband office. The governor has appointed former state
Sen. Sally Doty to run the office.
We are thankful
to have his expe-
education engagement.
Clayborne said Luse has
rience and leader- proved herself suited for her ad-
ship.” ditional responsibilities.
Whitfield isn’t “Kristy has done a phenom-
the only CREATE enal job leading the work of
staff member tak- the Toyota Wellspring Fund,”
McCullough ing on a new role: he said. “Her expanded role at
Kristy Luse, vice CREATE will help ensure the
president for the Toyota Well- work we are doing regionally is
spring Fund at CREATE, will as- as effective as possible.”
sume additional responsibilities Finally, the CREATE Foun-
as the coordinating staff mem- dation has also hired GT Mc-
ber for Regional Impact, one of Cullough as director of Regional
the three pillars in CREATE’s Impact, effective May 2.
strategic plan. McCullough will be the lead
One of Luse’s key roles will be staff member for the Com-
the coordination of the founda-
tion’s work in community and TURN TO CREATE, 2A
80% OFF
original retail price
millions of federal dol-
lars from the American
Rescue Plan Act and the
Infrastructure Invest-
ments and Jobs Act.
Reeves has appointed
former state Sen. Sally
Doty to run the office.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wick-
er, R-Tupelo, attended
the bill signing ceremo-
ny and called the state
legislation a “quantum
leap” that would con-
nect more Mississippi-
ans to quality internet
service. Wicker voted
against the ARPA bill in
Congress but voted in
favor of the infrastruc-
ture bill.
TURN TO BROADBAND, 2A
TAYLOR VANCE I DAILY JOURNAL
Thursday, April 14, 2022
VOLUME 149 | ISSUE 14
Expanding your Community Banking Experience!
Our ITMs and Customer Success Call Center are now open M – F from 7 am – 7 pm.
Saturday ITM Hours: 9 am – 12 pm
100 Black Men talk
Grenada St
voter registration
Serving Grenada County & Surrounding Areas Since 1854
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
AirCare takes off from Elliott last
Friday transporting John Allen
Smith from a work-related accident.
1 injured
Photo by Marsha Engle
in work
accident
last week
By CHUCK HATHCOCK
Sports Editor
The Grenada County Sheriff’s Office
confirmed Monday morning a medical call
that required multiple agencies at the 400
block of East Nat G. Troutt Rd., in Elliott
last Friday afternoon.
Officials with the GCSO said John Allen
Smith of Carrollton was injured in a work-
related accident after a metal pole stuck in
his chest. When deputies arrived, the metal
pole had not entered Smith’s chest, but had
caused significant blunt force trauma to his
chest. EMS tended to Smith, who was air-
lifted to a Memphis, Tenn., area hospital.
As of Monday afternoon, family member
Robin Sproles Rose said that Smith had
a broken sternum and was able to com-
municate through writing messages. He
also suffered broken ribs, a bruised lung,
bruised heart and tear in his spleen.
The accident remains under investigation.
The cross outside of First Presbyterian Church in Grenada was decorated for Holy Week and Easter.
Churches celebrate Holy Week
By MANDY AYERS
Staff Reporter
Fifty years ago, the Rev. Dr. T. Russell
Nunan, a Presbyterian church minister,
began what is now celebrated as Holy
Week. It was 1972.
Nunan served as minister at numer-
of excellent entries. This one gets the nod
because the headlines were clever, reflected
the story and didn’t cross the line into bad
taste.
2nd Place
Laurel Leader-Call 3rd Place
Sean Murphy
Protect and swerve Adam Prestridge
3rd Place
Enterprise-Journal
Matt Williamson
Medicine Jettison
CLASS C
1st Place
The Columbian Progress
Bet you can’t eat just one: Man attempts to
smuggle drugs in chip bag
Very clever!
KA Raiders sweep
Oak Hill in district
See page 3
168th Year • Number 16
New to the ‘block’
Grenada High School will change from traditional scheduling to block scheduling this fall.
District votes for new scheduling at GHS
By MANDY AYERS
Staff Reporter
Grenada High School will hold classes in a
new way this coming school year.
The Grenada School Board discussed and
approved a new block schedule for the
2022-23 school year during its monthly
board meeting held last Tuesday at the
Central Office Downtown.
Grenada School District Superintendent
Dr. David Daigneault said that he is eager
to see the different opportunities this new
ous Presbyterian churches in Georgia,
Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi,
finally retiring as Pastor Emeritus of
Greenville Presbyterian Church in
Greenville.
Last week, churches from all over
Mississippi, as well as the nation, par-
ticipated in the celebration of Holy
gbtonline.com
Deer Creek Pilot
Sones enjoys
helping her
See page 12
patients
See page 15 Guiding the South Delta for 145 years
r
VOLUME 146 NUMBER 42 ROLLING FORK, MS OCTOBER 20, 2022 $1.00
Great Delta Bear Affair is Saturday
ROLLING FORK—The streets of Rolling Fork will and craft vendor booths, or let their kids play on the bun- son does his uncle proud through
be buzzing this weekend as folks from all around the state
gee jump or participate in other children’s activites at his talent and love of Blues
congregate downtown for the annual Great Delta Bear Af- the Kids Zone. music. Johnson will be fol-
$1 fair. Over the past 20 years, the festival has grown into an Fun at the main stage begins at 9:30 a.m with lowed by rockers 4-Way
event that locals look forward to and which calls family and
Holt’s Hound Dog Hoopla, a chance to Stop at 4:30 p.m., a group
friends from afar to wander downtown Rolling Fork eatingshow off your favorite pup. Rolling of Mississippi musicians
good food and listening to great music. Fork’s favorite Elvis, Tim Johnson, who recently won Best
Sunny skies and comfortable temperatures are predict-
will take the stage at 10:15 followed Rock Duo/Group Song
ed, making it a perfect day for the 5K Run/Walk/Ride that
by the Crescent Circus at 10:45. The at the 2022 Josie Mu-
starts at 9 a.m., or for those who just want to peruse the arts
Crescent Circus is a husband-wife sic Awards in Pigeon
duo, Nathan Kepner and Morgan
Tsu-Raun, who fuse their expertise in
magic and circus arts respectively
Forge, Tenn.
Them Dirty Ros-
es will cap the day’s fes-
to deliver a one-of-a-kind experi-
ence on stage. Beginning in New
Orleans, The Crescent City, the
two have entertained audiences
tivities with a show at 6
p.m., followed by fire-
works at 7:30 p.m.
Terry Vandeventer, the
across the country and even over-
seas. Their original stage work has
earned them six international ti-
tles, performances at London’s pres-
Snake Man, will present his fi-
nal show to Great Bear Affair au-
diences in front of the Sharkey Is-
saquena County Library at 1:30 p.m.
tigious Magic Circle Theater and an
appearance on The Tonight Show.
At 11:45, some of the areas
And for those who love history, two
fascinating tours of the area’s an-
cient Indian mounds will be offered
most daring eaters will compete at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., led by ar-
for $100 and a unique trophy in the chaeologist Sam Brookes.
annual Chuckburger Eating Con- As always, there will be chain-
test, a tip of the hat to the city’s saw woodcarving throughout the
oldest eatery. day, as another bear in honor of
Live music will begin at 12:15 Teddy Roosevelt’s famous bear
with two up and coming Country mu- hunt will be added to the town’s
sic stars, Kaitlin Butts, followed by collection.
Walker Wilson at 1:30 p.m. Wilson has “It’s going to be a great day
local roots. His parents grew up in An- of music in downtown Rolling
guilla and his grandmother still lives Fork and we can Bearly wait!”
here. said Meg Cooper, director of
The Blues will be front and cen- Lower Delta Partnership, one of
Brothers James and Frank Ford along with their hometown ter at 3 p.m. with Keith Johnson, Husband-wife duo, Nathan Kepner and Morgan the GDBA’s main organizers.
friends Andrew Davis and Ben Crain make up the Southern the Prince of the Delta Blues, and For more information about
Rock band known as Them Dirty Roses, this year’s GDBA his Big Muddy Band. The great- Affair Tsu-Raun, will bring their Crescent Circus to the Bear the 2022 GDBA, visit greatdelt-
headlining act. nephew of Muddy Waters, John- stage Saturday. abearaffair.org.
Sharkey board starts
on generous note
ROLLING FORK—The Sharkey County Board of Su-
Photo by Mandy Ayers
pervisors started the new fiscal year off on a generous note.
At their meeting Monday, the board voted to donate
$2,500 to the Alumni Association of Sharkey-Issaquena
County, and $1,500 each to Legacy Village and Serenity on
the Bayou.
“They are all helping the kids,” said Supervisor Leroy
schedule system will have for the year.” Smith. “It’s important.”
for the students. With the new schedule set in place, stu- The board also approved the use of the courthouse park-
“On a normal schedule, dents will be attending each class for a lon- ing lot for the county’s Halloween Trunk or Treat Festival
you have seven periods ger period of time. beginning at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 31.
The rest of the meeting was routine, with supervisors
during the school day and “One of the advantages of having this
signing off on a report from MDOT that work on Lower Wa-
students will take seven block schedule is that students will be in a
classes over the school classroom for around 95 minutes, so instead ter Bridge, Sandy Bayou and Spanish Fort roads is effective-
ly complete.
Daigneault year, and these courses go of changing classes six or seven times a day,
all year long,” Daigneault The board also listened to Allyson Denson from the
they will only change classes four times and South Delta Planning and Development Commission as she
explained. “On a block
that means less downtime for the students,” explained the process for helping the Truelight Water Asso-
schedule, you can take four classes first Daigneault said.
semester and four classes second semester, ciation obtain an MDEQ matching grant for improvements
to their water/waste water system. Denson explained that the
and that gives you a total of eight classes See GHS, Page 3
board needed to apply for the grant on behalf of Truelight,
rather than the water association applying for the grant. This
would result in Truelight possibly receiving a 2 to 1 match-
ing grant, rather than a dollar for dollar grant. Sharkey Coun-
ty has committed to providing $100,000 in ARPA funds for
Truelight’s water/waste water grant application.
The board will meet again on November 7 at 9 a.m.
Homecoming
2022
Both Sharkey-Issaquena
Academy and the South
Delta School District celebrat-
ed Homecoming last Friday
with parades and crowning
of their respective queens.
SIA’s Homecoming Queen is
Katie Davis, pictured above
with her father, Eddie. SDHS
Principal Sam Matthews Jr. (at
right) is pictured with maids
(from left) Taneika Bell, Jaqe-
riah Gibbs, Miss SDHS Kaylyn
Davis and Homecoming
Queen Camille Morris.
Photo by Mandy Ayers
Week.
The Rolling Fork Police Department made eight arrests after
confiscating these firearms, marijuana and some $4,500 in
cash during traffic stops last weekend. The individuals arrest-
Beverly Thompson, member of First
Presbyterian Church, was honored to
be a part of last week’s event.
ed were scheduled to make their initial appearances before
Municipal Judge Tonya Franklin Tuesday.
“It was such a rewarding experi-
ence to get to be a part of Holy Week
Inside This Week Profundity
“Never, ever underestimate the
Weather
Peoples Campaign holds rally. Local averages for the week of Oct. 12 - Oct. 18
See CHURCHES, Page 3 —Page 2 importance of having fun.” Temperature (°F) High 79° Low 50°
Bulldogs win Homecoming game. —Randy Pausch Precipitation 0.45 (inches)
—Page 5 Source: www.weather.com
2nd Place
Monroe Journal
3rd Place
The Star-Herald
CLASS D
1st Place
The Deer Creek Pilot
Natalie Perkins
Nice clean layout. Everything is sharp and looks great.
The Wayne County News
Paul Keane
3rd Place
The Baldwyn News
Jason Collum
2nd Place
The Columbian Progress
‘Shell’ shocked: Man drives car through gas
station, loots store
Grenada Star
CLASS D
1st Place
The Wayne County News
Paul Keane
Very Clever
2nd Place
Franklin Advocate
Sean Dunlap
Clarke County Tribune
Brittney Mangum
5 years wet
 H LEDE

CLASS A Clever, funny and reflective of the story. Nice Honorable Mention
work. The Star-Herald
1st Place
Laurence Hilliard
Daily Journal
2nd Place Bulldogs defeat Whippets 57-37
Blake Alsup
Laurel Leader-Call
Feline defender
Mark Thornton CLASS D
The lede and beginning paragraphs of this
Hooked
story were well-written, descriptive, and 1st Place
memorable. The reporter painted a vivid The Sun-Sentinel
3rd Place
picture of Bandit the cat thwarting a robbery Clay McFerrin
Laurel Leader-Call
that brought a smile to my face and will be Clarksdale escapes Charleston with 16-6 win
Mark Thornton
hard to forget. Clever lede that draws the reader into the
Verizon Villain
story to see how despite a solid win the team
2nd Place with the high score may not have played their
CLASS C
Clarion Ledger best game.
Wicker Perlis 1st Place
Activists have spent their lives outside The Star-Herald 2nd Place
Mississippi’s last abortion clinic, what’s next? Robbie Robertson Franklin Advocate
‘Mr. Versatility’ Lee Wade prepared for a Sean Dunlap
3rd Place strong senior season Dawgs batter Bears
Mississippi Today I love the “Married with Children” reference
Alex Rozier 3rd Place
Avenging his cattle’s death, Mississippi farmer 2nd Place Stone County Enterprise
discovers a pollution loophole Grenada Star Lyndy Berryhill
Adam Prestridge Late inaccurate budget reports keep city
CLASS B Turning the page aldermen spending blind
1st Place
3rd Place
Laurel Leader-Call
Grenada Star
Mark Thornton
Adam Prestridge
Scattered smothered
History Uprooted

H WEBSITE

ALL MULTI-DAY ALL WEEKLY

1st Place 1st Place
Sun Herald The Wayne County News
www.sunherald.com Paul Keane
Nice layout with easy to use side menu thewaynecountynews.com
including up-to-date categories in news, Good layout. Ads don’t distract. Categories
sports, living and entertainment as well as links are up to date. Stories are well written and
to all platforms of social media that are up to to the point. Seems to be something for all
date as well. ALL links worked with interesting interests. Links I tried all worked and loaded
content. With more state-wide coverage of quickly. Well done.
high school and collegiate scores or news this
would be the perfect website. Its as close as 2nd Place
I’ve seen in a long time! The Gazebo Gazette
Hunter Dawkins
2nd Place thegazebogazette.com
Daily Journal
djournal.com 3rd Place
Grenada Star
3rd Place grenadastar.com
Hattiesburg American
hattiesburgamerican.com

H VIDEO

ALL PUBLICATIONS
1st Place
Sun Herald
Hannah Ruhoff
Ms. Audrey’s owner reflects on cooking and soul food
Wonderful video, she is adorable!

2nd Place
Grenada Star
Adam Prestridge
Blaze destroys iconic Catfish Corner eatery

3rd Place
Hattiesburg American
Lici Beveridge
Group rallies for higher wages at Southern Miss

Honorable Mention
Clarion Ledger
Barbara Gauntt and Hannah Mattix
Water testing video
 H USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA

ALL DAILIES ALL WEEKLIES

1st Place 1st Place
Sun Herald The Wayne County News
Justin Mitchell, Hannah Ruhoff & Emily Broyles Doris Keane, Kelly Taylor & Matt Hall
Bay St. Louis police shooting: Instagram and Varsity Football Broadcasts
Facebook Very nice. Good picture, sound is good,
The coverage from start to finish of this tragedy Announcer is professional. Would like to see
was well done. To be able to grab a phone camera person widen view a bit to lessen
and find out what is going on in the moment is camera movement and stabilize frame. Very
such a comforting thing for the community. good production overall!

2nd Place 2nd Place

Daily Journal The Wayne County News
Dennis Seid Kelly Taylor & Paul Keane
Biz Buzz WCHS Graduation

3rd Place 3rd Place

Sun Herald Grenada Star
Orizo Hajigurban Staff
Trying Mississippi pot roast recipe: Instagram Grenada City Council Meetings

H SILVER DOLLAR IDEA

ALL MULTI-DAY ALL WEEKLY

1st Place 1st Place
Enterprise-Journal Clarke County Tribune
Adventure Special Section 2022 Back to School Calendar
Great cover art, clean, consistent layout. I like the layout of the ads and the actual calendar pages, it all looks
really clean and aesthetically pleasing.
2nd Place
Amelia Miller Ott & Rebecca Alexander 2nd Place
The Oxford Eagle Pontotoc Progress
20 Under 40 Contest, Event Graduation 2022

3rd Place 3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth Pontotoc Progress
People’s Choice Awards Visitor’s Guide 2022

H AD OF THE YEAR H ADVERTISING EXCELLENCE

ALL MULTI-DAY
1st Place

2nd Place TIE 2nd Place TIE

Enterprise-Journal Laurel Leader-Call

3rd Place
The Greenwood Commonwealth

CLASS C
1st Place
Meet the Pine Belt area high schools’ graduating
seniors in our Class of 2022 Graduation special! • 1B

PineBeltNEWS
THE

PROUD TO BE THE HUB FOR NEWS IN FORREST AND LAMAR COUNTIES • HUBCITYSPOKES.COM Thursday, May 19, 2022

2nd Place
PETAL MAN INPontotoc
CUSTODY FOR SEX
Progress
CRIME, FACING LIFE SENTENCE
Petal native Shane Coats arrested for sexual battery of minor under the age of 14
3rd Place
The Northside Sun Petal and Sumrall
softball teams to
play for State
Championships
— See 11A

CLASS D OBITUARIES
VIEWPOINTS
2A
5A
SPORTS 11A

1st Place CLASSIFIEDS

At left, Shane Coats is transported to the Forrest County Correctional Facility. At right, Lieutenant Sammy Ray of the Petal Police Department answers questions about Coats’ charge.
By HASKEL BURNS
A Petal native is facing the pos-
sibility of 40 years to life in prison
for the charge of sexual battery of
a minor under the age of 14.
Shane Coats, 32, was taken into
custody by officers of the Petal
Police Department on the morn-
divulged at this time.
Coats’ initial appearance was
held May 18 at Petal Municipal
Court.
“Obviously (the crime happened
in Petal), because we are the ar-
resting agency on those charges,”
said Lieutenant Sammy Ray of the
Petal Police Department. “At one
PUZZLES
GRADUATION
19A
23A
1B
Photos by Cayla Burns
PETAL HIGH’S RITCHIE
ual battery if he or she engages in viduals have commented about
sexual penetration with: another Coats’ alleged crimes against men, YANG NAMED 2022 U.S.
person without his or her consent;
a mentally defective mentally in-
women and children. Those alle-
gations include child abuse, rape,
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
capacitated or physically helpless theft and public masturbation. By HASKEL BURNS
person; a child at least 14 years of His mother, Hope Coats, also
age, if the person is 36 or more has come forward to confirm sev- When Petal
months older than the child; or a eral of those allegations, along High School
child under the age of 14, if the with several others of which she is

ALL NEWSPAPERS
senior Ritchie
ing of May 17, and was trans- time, (Coats) did reside in Petal, person is 24 or more months aware. Yang – who
ported to the Forrest County but his address is now (not exactly older than the child. “This page is to let victims of recently grad-

2nd Place
Correctional Facility that after- known).” Earlier this month, a “Victims of Shane Coats be able to tell their uated at the
noon. The details and circum- According to Mississippi Code Shane Coats” Facebook page was school’s com-
stances of his arrest are not being 97-3-95, a person is guilty of sex- created, on which dozens of indi- See COATS, Page 4A mencement
ceremony – YANG

Crystal Gordon Pontotoc

Hattiesburg PD seeking Progress
was notified that he’d been
named as one of the school’s
two STAR Students for the

help for Duncan Lake, 2021-2022 school year, he

The Pine Belt News Willis Street homicides

had his doubts that he would
even be a semifinalist from
the pool of more than 5,000
of students who were identi-

By HASKEL BURNS
Officials from the Hattiesburg
Police Department are asking for
the public’s help with solving two
3rd Place
burg resident Lashaun Collins, fied as candidates for the pro-
also known as Shaun. Collins’ gram.
body was discovered just before Nevertheless, Yang was re-
noon on May 24, 2021, behind the cently named as one two Mis-
lake.

The Northside Sun

unsolved homicides that oc-
curred in the Hub City over the
past year: a woman who was
found deceased at Duncan Lake
and a 6-year-old child who was
killed on Willis Street during a
drive-by shooting.
The matters were addressed at
a May 17 news conference at the
HPD facility on Klondyke Street,
which was attended by Mayor
Toby Barker and members of the
department’s command staff.
The first homicide discussed
was that of 37-year-old Hatties-
After a preliminary autopsy at
the Mississippi State Crime Lab,
Collins’ death was ruled a homi-
cide. However, due to the nature
of the ongoing investigation, the
cause of has not been released.
“(Collins) was a resident of the
North Main Street area, and
would sometimes be seen walk-
ing in the Main Street area,” said
Major Shannon Weaver-Harris of
the HPD. “She was a daughter,
she was a sister, she was an aunt
and a member of our commu-
nity.”The second unsolved case
sissippi scholars – along with
Dia Chawla of Pillow Academy
in Greenwood – by U.S. Sec-
retary of Education Miguel
Cardona as part of the 58th
Photo from Hattiesburg Police Department
HPD officials are searching for this dark blue sedan in connection with class of U.S. Presidential
the Feb. 27 shooting on Willis Avenue that left a 6-year-old boy dead. Scholars. The award – which
this year was given to 161 high
discussed was in regards to a the 300 block of Willis Avenue.
shooting on Willis Street that When officers arrived, they See YANG, Page 4A
claimed the life of a 6-year-old found three people suffering
boy and left two other victims in from gunshot wounds: the 6-
critical condition. In that in- year-old male, a 5-year-old fe-
stance, police responded at ap- male and a 20-year-old male. All
proximately 10:15 p.m. on Feb. 27,
2022 to a report of a shooting in See HPD, Page 3A
 H DAN PHILLIPS FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AWARD

ALL PUBLICATIONS
1st Place
Clarion Ledger
Jackson water crisis flows from a century of
poverty, neglect and racism
The Clarion Ledger team’s exhaustive research into
decades of negative circumstances that lead to the
utter failure of the Jackson Mississippi public water
system provides citizens with an eye opening look
at the crisis.

2nd Place
Daily Journal
Caleb Bedillion
You should have transparency

3rd Place
Sun Herald
Margaret Baker
Deputy records

H COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

ALL MULTI-DAY
1st Place
Clarion Ledger
Community Service award entry
Excellent work!

2nd Place
The Vicksburg Post
Anna Guizerix
Faces of the Floods

3rd Place
The Commercial Dispatch
Mississippi Spelling Bee

ALL WEEKLY
1st Place
Grenada Star
How Much CAN You Save?
Wonderful community project to feed the needy!

2nd Place
The Pine Belt News
Community forum on public education

3rd Place
The Gazebo Gazette
Hunter Dawkins
West Harrison Ranked Top High School in Mississippi

CONGRATULATIONS
TO ALL WINNERS!
HHH GENERAL EXCELLENCE
TUPELO, MS • 75 CENTS
K’Niylah Bowdry, 5, of Tupelo, plays on the swing set at Gumtree Park in Tupelo on windy Wednesday afternoon on April 13, 2022. Upgrading
the park is one of the key priorities for Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie Davis, currently in her sixth term. She believes quality of life upgrades
and more affordable housing are critical to attracting more people to her ward.
Councilwoman wants more
homes, park upgrades for Ward 4
By CALEB MCCLUSKEY
Daily Journal
TUPELO • As the longest-serving
member of the Tupelo City Coun-
cil, Ward 4 Councilwoman Nettie
Davis understands the important
roles patience and perseverance
play in achieving her goals.
Now in her sixth term of office,
Davis wants to see the continued
growth of her community through
housing development, infrastruc-
ture updates and recreational up-
grades. Davis said her goal for this
term was to bring in more young
people and build up Black-owned
businesses in her ward.
CREATE Foundation announces staff changes, new member
Daily Journal reports
TUPELO • The CREATE Foun-
dation has announced a series
of staffing changes that will help
the community foundation fur-
ther its goal of improving life for
Northeast Mississippians.
Mike Clayborne, President of
the CREATE Foundation, an-
nounced the staff changes on
April 13.
Effective July 1, CREATE Se-
nior Vice President Lewis Whit-
field will assume a new role as
senior consultant.
In his new role, Whitfield will
continue to work in regional
community development by
BUSINESS 6A
6 05282 89922 1 OBITUARIES 4A
PineBeltNEWS
PROUD TO BE THE HUB FOR NEWS IN FORREST AND LAMAR COUNTIES • HUBCITYSPOKES.COM
PETAL MAN IN CUSTODY FOR SEX
CRIME, FACING LIFE SENTENCE
Petal native Shane Coats arrested for sexual battery of minor under the age of 14
At left, Shane Coats is transported to the Forrest County Correctional Facility. At right, Lieutenant Sammy Ray of the Petal Police Department answers questions about Coats’ charge.
By HASKEL BURNS
A Petal native is facing the pos-
sibility of 40 years to life in prison
for the charge of sexual battery of
a minor under the age of 14.
Shane Coats, 32, was taken into
custody by officers of the Petal
Police Department on the morn-
ing of May 17, and was trans-
ported to the Forrest County
Correctional Facility that after-
noon. The details and circum-
stances of his arrest are not being
Hattiesburg PD seeking
help for Duncan Lake,
Willis Street homicides
By HASKEL BURNS
Officials from the Hattiesburg
Police Department are asking for
the public’s help with solving two
unsolved homicides that oc-
curred in the Hub City over the
past year: a woman who was
found deceased at Duncan Lake
and a 6-year-old child who was
killed on Willis Street during a
drive-by shooting.
The matters were addressed at
a May 17 news conference at the
HPD facility on Klondyke Street,
which was attended by Mayor
Toby Barker and members of the
department’s command staff.
The first homicide discussed
was that of 37-year-old Hatties-
» Q&A Visit Oxford director talks Double
Decker’s 25th anniversary. SCENE, 8A
I have some areas in
my ward that need new
housing to recruit young
professionals. They have
some nice projects with
beautiful housing, but
they are still not coming
up with housing that
first-time buyers would
be interested in.
Nettie Davis
Ward 4 councilwoman
providing support
to the Commis-
sion on the Future
of Northeast Mis-
sissippi and other
initiatives at CRE-
ATE.
Whitfield Whitfield has
played a key role
in accomplishing many of the
major regional initiatives at
CREATE over the past 17 years
as senior vice president. Some
initiatives have included tui-
tion guarantee to community
college, districts of innovation
legislation, high school dropout
prevention and recovery sum-
mits, broadband access sup-
»
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THE
divulged at this time.
Coats’ initial appearance was
held May 18 at Petal Municipal
Court.
“Obviously (the crime happened
in Petal), because we are the ar-
resting agency on those charges,”
said Lieutenant Sammy Ray of the
Petal Police Department. “At one
time, (Coats) did reside in Petal,
but his address is now (not exactly
known).”
According to Mississippi Code
97-3-95, a person is guilty of sex-
burg resident Lashaun Collins,
also known as Shaun. Collins’
body was discovered just before
noon on May 24, 2021, behind the
lake.
After a preliminary autopsy at
the Mississippi State Crime Lab,
Collins’ death was ruled a homi-
cide. However, due to the nature
of the ongoing investigation, the
cause of has not been released.
“(Collins) was a resident of the
North Main Street area, and
would sometimes be seen walk-
ing in the Main Street area,” said
Major Shannon Weaver-Harris of
the HPD. “She was a daughter,
she was a sister, she was an aunt
and a member of our commu-
nity.”The second unsolved case
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To do that, Davis believes build-
ing affordable housing to attract
first-time buyers is essential.
“I have some areas in my ward
that need new housing to recruit
young professionals,” she said.
“They have some nice projects
with beautiful housing, but they
are still not coming up with hous-
ing that first-time buyers would be
interested in.”
While she wants to see housing
tackled sooner rather than later,
Davis did not offer specifics on
what measures she wanted the city
to employ other than recruiting
TURN TO WARD 4, 2A
port, communi-
ty forums, and
more recently, the
school account-
ability program.
Prior to becom-
ing a CREATE
Luse senior vice pres-
ident, Whitfield
served as chairman of CREATE
and was a board member for 16
years.
“Lewis and I have been dis-
cussing the future over the past
year, and he asked to have a
reduced workload,” Clayborne
said in a press release. “Lewis
has been and will continue to be
a key part of the CREATE staff.
»
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CLASS A
ual battery if he or she engages in
sexual penetration with: another
person without his or her consent;
a mentally defective mentally in-
capacitated or physically helpless
person; a child at least 14 years of
age, if the person is 36 or more
months older than the child; or a
child under the age of 14, if the
person is 24 or more months
older than the child.
Earlier this month, a “Victims of
Shane Coats” Facebook page was
created, on which dozens of indi-
HPD officials are searching for this dark blue sedan in connection with
the Feb. 27 shooting on Willis Avenue that left a 6-year-old boy dead.
discussed was in regards to a
shooting on Willis Street that
claimed the life of a 6-year-old
boy and left two other victims in
critical condition. In that in-
stance, police responded at ap-
proximately 10:15 p.m. on Feb. 27,
2022 to a report of a shooting in
CLASS C
Gov. Reeves signs
bill creating
new broadband
development office
By TAYLOR VANCE
Daily Journal
JACKSON • Gov. Tate
Reeves on Wednesday
signed a bill into law
that will create a new
statewide office for
broadband internet de-
velopment.
“One’s ZIP code
should not determine
their access to these
technologies,” Reeves
said at a bill signing cer-
emony.
House Bill 1029 estab-
lishes the Broadband
Expansion and Acces-
sibility of Mississippi
office (BEAM), which
would be tasked with
managing hundreds of
Several federal and state officials watch as Republican Gov. Tate
Reeves, seated, signs a bill into law that establishes a new state-
wide broadband office. The governor has appointed former state
Sen. Sally Doty to run the office.
We are thankful
to have his expe-
rience and leader-
ship.”
Whitfield isn’t
the only CREATE
staff member tak-
McCullough ing on a new role:
Kristy Luse, vice
president for the Toyota Well-
spring Fund at CREATE, will as-
sume additional responsibilities
as the coordinating staff mem-
ber for Regional Impact, one of
the three pillars in CREATE’s
strategic plan.
One of Luse’s key roles will be
the coordination of the founda-
tion’s work in community and
80% OFF
original retail price
Photos by Cayla Burns
viduals have commented about
Coats’ alleged crimes against men,
women and children. Those alle-
gations include child abuse, rape,
theft and public masturbation.
His mother, Hope Coats, also
has come forward to confirm sev-
eral of those allegations, along
with several others of which she is
aware.
“This page is to let victims of
Shane Coats be able to tell their
See COATS, Page 4A
Photo from Hattiesburg Police Department
the 300 block of Willis Avenue.
When officers arrived, they
found three people suffering
from gunshot wounds: the 6-
year-old male, a 5-year-old fe-
male and a 20-year-old male. All
See HPD, Page 3A
ThUrSday, aPriL 14, 2022
millions of federal dol-
lars from the American
Rescue Plan Act and the
Infrastructure Invest-
ments and Jobs Act.
Reeves has appointed
former state Sen. Sally
Doty to run the office.
U.S. Sen. Roger Wick-
er, R-Tupelo, attended
the bill signing ceremo-
ny and called the state
legislation a “quantum
leap” that would con-
nect more Mississippi-
ans to quality internet
service. Wicker voted
against the ARPA bill in
Congress but voted in
favor of the infrastruc-
ture bill.
TURN TO BROADBAND, 2A
TAYLOR VANCE I DAILY JOURNAL
education engagement.
Clayborne said Luse has
proved herself suited for her ad-
ditional responsibilities.
“Kristy has done a phenom-
enal job leading the work of
the Toyota Wellspring Fund,”
he said. “Her expanded role at
CREATE will help ensure the
work we are doing regionally is
as effective as possible.”
Finally, the CREATE Foun-
dation has also hired GT Mc-
Cullough as director of Regional
Impact, effective May 2.
McCullough will be the lead
staff member for the Com-
TURN TO CREATE, 2A
Thursday, April 14, 2022
VOLUME 149 | ISSUE 14
Thursday, May 19, 2022
Petal and Sumrall
softball teams to
play for State
Championships
— See 11A
OBITUARIES
VIEWPOINTS
SPORTS
CLASSIFIEDS
PUZZLES
GRADUATION
PETAL HIGH’S RITCHIE
YANG NAMED 2022 U.S.
PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLAR
By HASKEL BURNS
When Petal
High School
senior Ritchie
Yang – who
recently grad-
uated at the
school’s com-
mencement
ceremony – YANG
was notified that he’d been
named as one of the school’s
two STAR Students for the
2021-2022 school year, he
had his doubts that he would
even be a semifinalist from
the pool of more than 5,000
of students who were identi-
fied as candidates for the pro-
gram.
Nevertheless, Yang was re-
cently named as one two Mis-
sissippi scholars – along with
Dia Chawla of Pillow Academy
in Greenwood – by U.S. Sec-
retary of Education Miguel
Cardona as part of the 58th
class of U.S. Presidential
Scholars. The award – which
this year was given to 161 high
See YANG, Page 4A
Thursday, November 17, 2022
Daily Corinthian
Sunny & Cold Today Tonight
0% chance of rain 45 25
75 cents Vol. 126, No. 226 • Corinth, Mississippi • 12 pages • One section
Tate Street blaze a total loss
Staff photos by Mark Boehler
Corinth firefighters attack the Tate Street fire from the front of the house.
Uninsured home-owner
loses everything in fire
By MARK BOEHLER
editor@dailycorinthian.com
Black smoke swirls high into
the cold, clear blue sky from Tate
Street Wednesday morning.
All four pumpers from the
Corinth Fire Department are on
the scene as 16 firefighters battle
an out-of-control blaze at a small
white frame house.
There are loud pops and an occa-
sional explosion. It’s ammunition
giving way to the heat.
Wooden boards with chipped
paint crackle under the bright or-
ange flames. Thick gray smoke
billows. And billows. It’s never
ending.
The curious are drawn to the epi-
center of action. The smoke sig-
nals distress. Something appears
wrong.
A man with a long, grayish beard
arrives at the scene, but he doesn’t
stand back to watch. Leaning on a
cane for balance, he inches closer
in the middle of the action.
He wears a weathered Vietnam
veteran cap.
“Oh Lord,” the man gasps, as
if out of breath. “Nobody is ever Corinth firefighters change positions to attack the fire from the rear of the house.
ready for something like this.”
Tears fill the eyes of 70-year-old Letson, a five-year military veter- They were best friends. Stonewall with him whereever he Letson’s wife Patricia had a
Ronald Letson of 1538 Tate Street. an who served in Vietnam and Ko- “He was an awesome dog,” says goes. 7:30 a.m. Tuesday appointment for
The home-owner stands help- rea. “I just couldn’t afford it. Let it the home-owner and dog lover. Not today. a procedure at Magnolia Regional
lessly in disbelief as he has a lapse about three years ago.” “They all were.” Stonewall’s owner shakes, but the Health Center.
heart-wrenching front row seat to The veteran gets emotional as he They? walking cane keeps him upright. It’s why the couple was away
witness the day he loses everything talks about the best friend he has Two other small pet dogs were “I couldn’t take him with me when the fire broke out and was
he owns. now lost. Stonewall was on a chain inside the structure. this morning,” he says as his voice
“I have no insurance,” admits and lived on the front porch. Letson says he usually takes cracks. See LOSS, page A2
PRAYER FOR TODAY A VERSE TO SHARE
O Lord, I pray that whether I may be successful in the sight of the world, or Pride brings a person low, but the lowly in spirit gain honor.
whether I may be successful in my own sacrifices, I may have the freedom of Proverbs 29:23
courage, and be master of my life. Amen.
GUN SEASON IS HERE!
2804-A HWY. 72 WEST | CORINTH, MS 38834 | 662.594.8687 • STORE HOURS: MONDAY-SATURDAY | 8 AM - 6 PM
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wayne County news
THE
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022 VOL. 133 NO. 30 • ONE DOLLAR ($1.00 )
Thrives because it serves
County,
industry
work out
Howard looking issues
BY PAUL KEANE
THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS
to bring jobs
The question of recovering costs
for unexpected work on a pad for a
medical marijuana growing facil-
ity were resolved during a Thursday
meeting of the Wayne County Board
of Supervisors.
Officials with Endless Holdings,
Inc., met with the Board again
to county
regarding the cost of increasing the
pad in Meadowlands Commerce Park
from 32,500 square feet to 50,000
square feet. In the original Memo-
randum of Understanding (MOU)
signed between the county and the
company, it was stated that the dirt
pad that was already in place was
50,000 square feet. In fact, it turned
2A out to be only 32,500.
5A
11A
Johnson presents blanket factory lease to Supervisors The company submitted invoices
totaling $207,632.83 to the county for
reimbursement. Supervisors pointed
out that a straight reimbursement
19A BY PAUL KEANE Wayne County Economic Development District now. Howard has set a deadline of Aug. 15 to would not be allowed by law. The
THE WAYNE COUNTY NEWS — said the building is currently leased out to have the agreement finalized. If you all can original agreement was to lease 20
23A Newell Industries. The facility has not been used finalize the agreement, then Howard has said acres at $1,500 a month for six years
1B Howard Industries is wanting to utilize the old and has stayed vacant most of the year. they would begin working in the building on with a balloon payment at the end of
blanket factory for a facility to produce coils for “Howard Industries sent this lease agreement Aug. 16.” the lease for the company to pur-
transformers, and Waynesboro Mayor Richard to me this morning,” Johnson said. “It is a rough Johnson said Phase 1 of the plan is to employ chase the land.
Johnson presented a plan to the Board of Super-
visors last week to make it a reality.
draft that you can make changes to and that
they can make changes to. It is the same kind of
100-200 workers, with additional jobs added
during Phase 2 and Phase 3, provided there is
It was pointed out during Thurs-
day’s meeting that the business is
The discussion came about during a meeting lease that Howard has with other counties and a sufficient workforce available. Johnson said still classified as agricultural and
of the Board on Thursday. cities around the area.
Johnson — who also serves as chairman of the “The building has been empty for four months SEE HOWARD, 5A SEE AGREE, 5A
Blakley celebrates
101st birthday
Corine Blakley celebrated her 101st birthday on Saturday with a recep-
tion at Boondock Eddie’s.
Blakley was born on July 23, 1921 in Waynesboro to the late Earnest
and Rena McDonald, Sr. She has been a resident of Wayne County all of
her life.
She was married to the late Ed Blak-
ley, and they had nine children. Those
children and their respective spouses
are Bonnie Mae Smith, Annie and Willie
Wiley, Annie Johnson, Cahterine Blakley,
Eddie Joe and Ronnie Hill, Edward
Blakley, all of Waynesboro; and the late PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYNE COUNTY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
James Blakley, the late Mary Pickens and
the late Alice Strawbridge.
All five of her siblings — Elvin McDon-
Truck Overturns
ald, Lillian Pou Frost, Earnest McDon- Emergency personnel responded to a Tuesday night accident that left a poultry truck overturned. The wreck occurred at the inter-
ald, Jr., Albert McDonald and Mary L. change of Highways 45 and 84. Minor injuries were reported and catch crews worked to catch many of the chickens that survived
Jones — are deceased. the accident.
She has 28 grandchildren, 57 great-
grandchildren, 16 great-great-grand-
children and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
A resident of the St. John community,
she lives on Matherville-Diamond Road,
where people often come to hear about
her journey in life. She is a member of PHOTO COURTESY OF WAYNE COUNTY VOLUNTEER FIRE
DEPARTMENT
Corine Blakley SEE BLAKLEY, 5A
Oil/Gas Fire
Firefighters quickly put out a fire at an
Parent meeting set oil and gas facility in Clara Thursday
afternoon. Emergency personnel were
called to the scene of a fire involving oil
storage tanks, a gas pipeline and a large
for WCHS tonight
propane tank. The facility was located
off Ivy Gene West Drive in Clara. Utilizing
foam and water, firefighters were able
An important meeting for all parents of Wayne County High School
to control the blaze quickly. Officials also
cut the flow of gas off in the early stages,
students will be conducted tonight in War Eagle Gymnasium. allowing the pressure to be relieved
Parents will meet with administrators during the following times and the gas to burn off. It also made
tonight: it easier for firefighters to battle the
• Parents of freshmen students, 6-6:30 p.m. blaze. Huge plumes of dark black smoke
• Parents of sophomore students, 6:30-7 p.m. rolled through the skies along Ivy Gene
• Parents of junior students, 7-7:30 p.m. West Drive and Clara Road, but once the
• Parents of senior students, 7:30-8 p.m. flames were put out the smoke cleared
This meeting is to discuss changes to the Student Handbook and to out extremely fast. No one was injured in
answer any questions parents may have for the 2022-2023 school year. If the incident. Officials from the Missis-
you have a child attending WCHS, you should attend this meeting. sippi Oil and Gas Board were also on the
On a related note, schedules will be given out to students on Wednes- scene. The cause of the blaze is still under
day, Aug. 3. investigation.
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