JACKSON – The Mississippi Senate will not consider a proposal to tax Internet sales because the measure violates the U.S Constitution, Senate leadership said today.
House Bill 480, which mandates a tax on Internet sales, is in the Senate Finance Committee where Chairman Joey Fillingane, R-Sumrall, and Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves each said the bill will not survive Tuesday’s deadline for committee action.
“Because the Supreme Court made it clear 25 years ago that states do not have the authority to tax Internet sales, this bill is unconstitutional and any promised new revenue is simply fake money,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided in 1992 that only sales from companies with a physical presence in a state can be subject to state sales or use taxes.  Ultimately, Congress must act to allow states to collects sales taxes from online purchases.
“While this bill is well intentioned, it does not accomplish what it sets out to fix,” Sen. Fillingane said. “Also, the Senate Finance Committee generally looks for ways to lower taxes and grow our economy, not raise taxes.”
According to the Department of Revenue, about $40 million is paid by Mississippians as a use tax for online purchases under current law. House Bill 480 could reduce General Fund collections by as much as $40 million in Fiscal 2018.

Winners in the District MCTM Junior High Math Contest held recently on Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Wesson campus are eighth grade standing from left, Spencer Maxwell of West Lincoln Attendance Center, fifth place; Larson Lewis of Wesson Attendance Center and Kimberly Holifield of Simpson Central, fourth place tie; Dionte Thomas of Robert Lewis Magnet School, third place; Kayci Beth Wallace of Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, second place; and Ryan Skates of Cathedral Middle School, first place.

WESSON – Jack Bull of Topeka Tilton Attendance Center and Ryan Skates of Cathedral Middle School captured first place in the seventh and eighth grade divisions respectively, in the District Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics Junior High Math Contest held recently on Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Wesson Campus.
Other seventh grade winners included Brady Ratcliff of West Lincoln Attendance Center, second place; Averi Paden of West Lincoln Attendance Center and Rashawn McGee of New Hebron Attendance Center, third place tie; Larissa Brown of Topeka Tilton Attendance Center, fourth place; Evan Sutton of Rod Paige Middle School and Timothy Blalock of Robert Lewis Magnet School, fifth place tie.
Other eighth grade winners were Kayci Beth Wallace of Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, second place; Dionte Thomas of Robert Lewis Magnet School, third place; Larson Lewis of Wesson Attendance Center and Kimberly Holifield of Simpson Central, fourth place tie; Spencer Maxwell of West Lincoln Attendance Center, fifth place.
Over 55 students from 14 junior high schools in the Co-Lin district attended the contest. Schools participating included, Copiah Academy, New Hebron Attendance Center, Cathedral Middle School, Loyd Star Attendance Center, Bogue Chitto Attendance Center, Simpson Central, Robert Lewis Magnet School, Rod Paige Middle School, Topeka Tilton Attendance Center, Wesson Attendance Center, West Lincoln Attendance Center, Magee Middle School, Mendenhall Junior High School, and Enterprise Attendance Center.
First and second place district winners will represent Co-Lin in the state level contest at Mississippi College. The Copiah-Lincoln Community College Math Division coordinates the annual event.

Participating in the District Mississippi Council of Teachers of Mathematics Junior High Math Contest held recently on the Wesson Campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College from Mendenhall Junior High School were seated from left, Ryker Hays, ReKyia Lott, John Warren, William Holbrook; standing is John James, sponsor. Fourteen teams of seventh and eighth graders in the Co-Lin district participated in the annual event.

In honor of Fat Tuesday,I am sharing my delicious and easy Red Beans and Rice recipe. Red Beans and Rice is a true Louisiana dish. I have read that Monday’s were always “wash day”,so a pot of beans with Sunday’s leftover hambone could be slow simmered while laundry was attended to. The beans were served over rice with bread and today is very popular dish!!
I use dried pinto beans instead of kidney beans because Ted’s grandmother used these. I have tweaked this recipe to our taste and it is always delicious. One seasoning I always use is Goya Concentrated ham seasoning. This is a great seasoning for any vegetable.
My first taste of Red Beans and Rice was at George Street Grocery in Downtown Jackson in 1980. They served it with a green onion stalk and sliced white bread. Good food and fun times.
Red Beans and Rice

1-lb dried Pinto      beans,rinsed and soaked overnight
2-3 cups water
3-4 packs Goya ham seasonings
1-t garlic powder
1-t onion powder
1/2-t celery seed
1-bay leaf
2-T Worcestershire sauce
1/2-cup ketchup
Salt and pepper
1-ham bone with meat
1-pkg smoked sausage

Directions…
Add beans and all ingredients except sausage,to a large Dutch oven. Bring to a slow boil,then cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until beans are tender. Add water as needed. About 1 hour before done, remove hambone,pull excess meat from bone and add to beans. Cut sausage in slices,add to beans. Cook 45 minutes to 1-hour on low.
Serve with cooked rice, chopped onions,and buttered French bread.
Ted’s grandfather, L.D. Tedford,always topped his beans with ketchup and Tabasco!
*chopped onion,garlic,celery(the Trinity)can be used instead of the powders

Enjoy and always Cook from the Heart!
Melinda Hart
Sassi Southern Catering
601-382-6079

Mendenhall Elementary students recently collected canned goods for the victims of the recent tornado in the Hattiesburg /Petal area.  Students talked about Caring and friendship during guidance lessons and generously donated boxes of items to be shared with our neighbors in the south.  Pictured here from left to right are: Madelynn Johnson, Jaxson, Elmore, Harlee Drennan and Asher Abel.  These students are fourth graders at Mendenhall Elementary.

Christian Life Church has opened a clothes closet as an outreach ministry of their church.

Anyone needing clothes, may contact Tammy @ 601-382-2536.  Please give Tammy the needed sizes and she will schedule a meeting time.

The church also accepts donations.  If you have good used clothing and would like to donate your clothing, call Tammy.

I think Grace Closet is a wonderful ministry…an asset to the community and surrounding areas.

Christian Life Church pastor is JR Mcentyre

Start that spring cleaning and get those clothes ready to share!

Rosemary Smith, 86, of Magee, passed from this life Monday, February 27, 2017 at Hospice Ministers in Ridgeland. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 2, 2017 at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee. Rev. Timothy Pace and Rev. Mike Ahlburg will officiate. Burial will be at Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements, (601)849-5031.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee.
Mrs. Rosemary is survived by her Husband- Billy B Smith of Magee; Daughter- Sharon Pace (Tim) of Flowood; Sons – Billy Y Smith (Debra) of Magee and Alex Smith (Americo) of Zimmerman, Minnesota; Sisters Alba Marie Garner of Mize and Texine Gregory of Tennessee; Brothers – James Yelverton (Kathryn) of Magee and David Yelverton (Norma), Magee; 6 grandchildren; 4 great- grandchildren; A host of nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Rosemary is preceded in death by her Parents- James Albert and Nanny Marie Yelverton; Sister – Reba Lou Yelverton.
Memorials may be made to Sharon Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

The 44th Annual Gospel Singing Jubilee is Saturday, March 11, 2017, beginning at 6:30 at South Shady Grove Church of God.

The event will feature The Singing Echoes, Nashville recording artist, Terry Joe Terrell, Tim Firth & Gospel Echoes of Brandon, Revelations of Florence, and Carolyn Norris of Collins.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Artist Circle tickets are available for $14 (reserved). Tickets for children between the age of 7-12 are $5, and children under 6 are free. To order tickets call (601)906-0677 or (601) 720-8870.

Tickets can also be purchased at many local businesses in the Magee area. See the flyer below for more details.

Jimmy Dale Phillips, 66, of Braxton, passed away on February 26, 2017 at his residence.  He was born on June 25, 1950, to his parents, the late James Phillips and Beatrice (Shorter).
Mr. Phillips was retired as a Railroad Conductor with Illinois Central.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa (Barlow) Phillips; one sister, Audrey Posey; stepson, Allen Eady; stepdaughters, Angela Christine Saranthas, Carrie Decker, Amanda Livingston and eleven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Harrisville United Methodist Church, MS 469, Harrisville, MS.  Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 2, at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with an hour of visitation prior to the service. Reverend Dexter Ware and Reverend Larry Sappington will officiate.  Interment will follow in Harrisville Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted with Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall.

U.S. SENATE PASSES BIPARTISAN BLACK HISTORY MONTH RESOLUTION

Cochran & Wicker Key Sponsors of Measure Celebrating African American Achievements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate late Monday approved a bipartisan resolution cosponsored by Mississippi Senators Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker to commemorate Black History Month.

S.Res.69 recognizes the contributions of African Americans to the development of the nation, particularly in the areas of education, politics, arts, sports, literature, science, and technology. Approved by unanimous consent, the legislation’s primary sponsors are Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Cochran. Wicker is original cosponsor of the measure.

“This resolution represents Senate commemoration of the significant contributions of African Americans to the growth of our nation. We honor not only past history, but the great expectation of future achievements that will make the United States stronger,” Cochran said. “I commend the Mississippians who have played important roles in enriching our nation and our state through their bravery, creativity and sheer willpower.”

“This resolution highlights the countless ways that African Americans have shaped U.S. history since its founding,” Wicker said. “A number of notable Mississippians are among the pioneers, leaders, and luminaries that are recognized. I am pleased that Congress has continued the tradition of celebrating Black History Month and the extraordinary heritage it honors. I am delighted that Jackson will be home to the first state-sponsored civil rights museum in the country, set to open later this year.”

Medgar Evers, B.B. King, Aaron Shirley, Walter Peyton, Blanche Bruce, Holt Collier, and Hiram Revels are among the notable African Americans from Mississippi who are cited in the resolution.

The Black History Month resolution states in part that “all people of the United States are the recipients of the wealth of history provided by Black culture” and that the Senate “recognizes the importance of Black History Month as an opportunity to reflect on the complex history of the United States, while remaining hopeful and confident about the path ahead.”

S.Res.69 is available here: http://bit.ly/2lQkNZ1

Out-of-State Education at In-State Tuition Rates

Here’s a tricky scenario many rising college students face: The degree program they want to pursue is not available in their state, and out-of-state tuition is not affordable. Many are seeking postsecondary options with lower tuition.

SREB’s Academic Common Market helps students pursue out-of-state college degrees at in-state tuition rates from more than 1,900 undergrad and grad degree programs in 15 states. And SREB has been doing this for over 35 years.

Most rising students are narrowing their college choices now with the fall semester just around the corner. Many may not know that lower-tuition degree options are just a click away with ACM.

Charles Felix Guynes, 91, passed away at Simpson General Hospital on February 27, 2017.  Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements.
Services will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at Mendenhall United Methodist Church in Mendenhall at 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., prior to the service.  Interment will follow in Mendenhall City Cemetery. Reverend Jeff Tollison and Reverend Sonny Adkins will officiate.
Charlie was the son of Andy Martin and Anna Guynes of Copiah County and was the youngest of nine children, all who have preceded him in death.
Charlie was a WWII Navy veteran and also served in the South Pacific. He was a graduate of CoLin Jr. College and Delta State University. After graduation in 1950, he married Edna Earle Lane and they made their first home in Raymond, MS., where he taught and coached at the junior high school. After moving to Hazlehurst, he taught and coached basketball.  In 1959, they moved to Mendenhall, where he later completed his Master’s Degree in Education from MS College. He was asked to be the first headmaster at Simpson County Academy, where he served for two years.  Later he joined the MS Employee’s Retirement System as Field Representative for South MS, where he served for twenty years.
He was a faithful member of  Mendenhall United Methodist Church, where he chaired most every committee and taught Sunday School. He will be lovingly remembered as “Coach Guynes” by so many young players whose lives he touched in such a positive way.
He is survived by his wife, Edna Earle Guynes; two daughters, Gale Guynes and Patti Neely (Randall); grandson, Ryan Neely (Angie) and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorials to be sent to The Baddour Center, P. O. Box 97, Senatobia, MS 38668 or Mendenhall United Methodist Church.

Matthew Hickman, is excited to announce that with prayerful consideration and encouragement, has entered the race for Alderman Ward 2 in this year’s City Election. Hickman, a twenty-five year resident of Magee, is married to Jessica Moore Hickman, formerly of Canton, Miss. and is the son of Joe and Nona Lee of Magee. Hickman is the outside sales associate over the South Mississippi territory for Mississippi Serum Distributors, where he has been employed fourteen years and services many dealers and agriculture producers; many of whom are here in Magee and Simpson County. Matthew attended Magee Middle School, Simpson County Academy High School, Jones County Junior College and Mississippi State University. Once, when asked why he chose to return to Magee, Matthew simply replied, “It’s home.” Hickman considers it a great honor to have served his community in many areas such as former board member and Vice-President of the Magee Chamber of Commerce, member of the Simpson County Republican Executive Committee and many other church committees. “I believe if one cares for their community, they should get involved somewhere,” says Hickman. “This is one of my reasons in running for Alderman Ward 2. I Love Magee, I love the people and I believe Magee has some great years ahead of them. I want to be part of that greatness!” Matthew wants Magee to be a town that flourishes economically, grows and adapts to an ever-changing world and invites people to locate both their businesses and their families here. “We can improve where we are weak, build on our strengths, grow and adapt with an eye to the future yet retain the small-town feel of Magee that we all know and love,” says Hickman. Election Primary is May 2nd and General Election is June 6, 2017.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement regarding President Trump’s first address to a joint session of Congress:

“I appreciate President Trump for his enthusiasm and energy to lead our nation.  He has presented an ambitious agenda to keep our country safe, to improve the economy, and to make the federal government work more efficiently for its citizens.  There will be significant challenges to achieving these goals, but I am optimistic that Congress can, and will, work with the administration to move our great nation forward and make it stronger.”

I, Paul Arnold, am announcing my candidacy for election as Alderman-at-Large for the City of Magee.  I respectfully ask for your vote so I can represent you on the Board of Alderman for the next four years.

As a businessman, family man and youth sports volunteer, I possess all of the qualities needed to help grow our city in the future.  My initial goal is to build on the growth and progress spearheaded by Mayor Jimmy Clyde, who has done an exceptional job in leading our city for many years.

My roots in Magee extend over four decades. I moved with my parents, C.D. and Fern Arnold, to Magee at the age of 7. I attended Magee Schools, graduating from Magee High in 1980. I chose to stay in Magee and raise a family that includes my wife, Kay, who has had a 42-year career at Magee General Hospital, and children Josh Arnold, Keshia Coulter, Wesley and Jamie McInnis. After graduating from MHS, I attended Belhaven College, and then returned home to work for Ambulatory Equipment Services for 33 years. I am committed to working hard to bringing even more businesses to Magee so that more residents can work here instead of commuting to other areas.

In addition to my career, I have always considered it my duty and pleasure to give back to my community. I served as assistant high school baseball coach at Simpson County Academy; have been an active member of Magee Touchdown Club for 30 years, eight which were spent as president; volunteered as a youth leader at Coat Baptist Church, where my family and I are members, and served as a youth baseball coach.

To say that I am invested in my hometown and dedicated to insuring that the best interests of you, my fellow citizens, continues to be considered at City Hall, is an understatement. I believe my deep love for Magee is evident to others; I was fortunate enough to receive the prestigious Spirit of Magee Award in 2016 from the Magee Chamber of Commerce. I can truthfully say that receiving this award was one of the highlights of my life.

I respectfully ask for your vote on May 2, 22017.  If elected , I promise to work diligently for the City of Magee and make the tough decisions that will be in the best interests of each of you and take our city to greater heights.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Student Voices Leadership Team recently met with state officials and legislators while visiting the Capitol to represent Co-Lin. Pictured from left, Alex Hamilton of Florence, Dorothy McBride of Meadville, Senator District 35 Chris Caughman, Madeline Beasley of Wesson, and Trent Lewis of Mendenhall.

Copiah-Lincoln Community College Student Voices Leadership Team recently met with state officials and legislators while visiting the Capitol to represent Co-Lin. Pictured from left, Trent Lewis of Mendenhall, Dorothy McBride of Meadville, Senator District 39 Sally Doty, Madeline Beasley of Wesson, and Alex Hamilton of Florence.

SBA Mississippi will host
Mississippi Meet the Lenders in the Pine Belt
“A Small Business Borrower/Lender Match-Making Event”
Jackson, MS – The U.S. Small Business Administration Mississippi District Office (SBA) will host Mississippi Meet the Lenders in the Pine Belt: “A Small Business Borrower/Lender Match-Making Event”. This event will provide small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Banks, Certified Development Companies, Microlenders, Alternative Lenders and SBA to discuss the availability of SBA loans and other loan products in the marketplace. “In addition to our lending partners, another value of this event is that we will have on hand resource partner organizations to provide various forms of counseling and technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs who register for this event,” says Janita R. Stewart, District Director for the SBA in Mississippi. “We have 20 different lending institutions that are making plans to participate and 10 different resource organizations that will be present under this one roof to provide face-to-face, one-on-one assistance and guidance to the attendees. We strongly encourage you to not miss out on this unique opportunity.”

Tuesday, April 4, 2017
9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sign-In 9:00 a.m.
Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center
220 West Front Street
Hattiesburg, MS 39401

A one-stop forum for business owners and entrepreneurs to:

Pitch financing needs to top small business lenders in one-on-one meetings
Learn what lenders look for in a winning loan proposal
Understand the loan application process
Come prepared with multiple copies of your business plan for distribution. SBA has a “Build a Business Plan” online tool that guides small business owners through the process of creating a basic, downloadable business plan. To locate your nearest counselor for assistance in preparing your business plan, please contact the following resources: Mississippi SBDC Network 1-800-725-7232, SCORE 769-208-3593, Women’s Business Center (WBC) – 601-376-9895 or the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) 662-325-4990. SBA’s Learning Center hosts a variety of self-paced online training courses to help entrepreneurs explore and learn about the many aspects of business ownership.

The event is Free. To Pre-Register online, go to http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mississippi-meet-the-lenders-in-the-pinebelt-tickets-32270266235.

If you have questions please, email Rosetta Harris at rosetta.harris@sba.gov or Deborah Dean at deborah.dean@sba.gov.

Offensive Line Raises $2,000 for Make-A-Wish

ENTERING THE KINGDOM

Countries around the world have different rulers. Some of the are Queens, Zoros and Kings. To enter these places everyone has to make appointments. Today I want to tell you about a kingdom that you can live in forever !

Our devotion today comes from  JOHN 3:5.  Jesus answered verily verily I say unto thee except a man be born of the water and of the spirit. He cannot enter into the kingdom of GOD.

Jesus tells Nicademus and us we must be born again! The birth of Jesus is talking about us coming to him humbly, repenting, being filled with the Holy Spirit, taking up our cross, following him, and then serve him 100%. We must hear Jesus say unto us enter into the joys of the Lord! Have a great week.

Rev. Richard Kight

Magee, MS