Mary Kate Toombs, a rising Simpson Academy Senior and tennis player, hosted a mixer at the Magee Tennis Courts to raise money for the Blair E. Batson Children’s Hospital. The fundraiser was a part of her Senior Project which focused on pediatric nursing.

Choosing the hospital as the beneficiary of the fundraiser was an easy decision. Children that she is close to have been patients of the hospital. She said the hospital and the children it serves are near and dear to her heart.

The tournament brought together over 20 local tennis players, ranging in age from 13-73 and all ages in between, both male and female. Others who couldn’t participate stopped by to make donations to this worthy cause.

Partners for each round of the mixer were drawn at random, with a short set to be played. Each match consisted of 4 games, allowing each player the opportunity to serve. All in all, the mixer consisted of 6 rounds or a total of 24 games per player. A point was awarded for each game win. The points were tallied at the end and Keith Maddox registered the win. Chris Murphy came in a very distant second.

All of those that participated enjoyed the tennis and the fellowship on a hot, humid Saturday morning in July. Mary Kate raised over $2,000 for the hospital through sponsorships and donations made by the players. Well done Mary Kate!

Coming to Simpson County on Thursday’s!!!

Dr. Todd Sullivan  of Crossgates Veterinary Clinic, will be “rolling” his traveling clinic to Mendenhall each Thursday and parking at Robby’s Small Engine Shop on Highway 49.

Dr. Sullivan and his crew can take care of your animals!

Stop by and visit the clinic on wheels!

But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?
– Psalm 56:3-4

Feeling overwhelmed, alone and scared can happen to each of us. Whether it is work problems, financial challenges or issues with family or friends, we can feel alone and helpless.

These are the times we need to stop….breathe….and turn it all over to God. He is here for each of us…every second of every day!

There is no need to feel overwhelmed, alone or afraid…Trust in Him! He’s got this!

Sharon Womack

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
– Romans 5:3-5

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength!

Sharon Womack

Jackson, Miss. – L.C. Hatfield, Jr., 43, of Jackson, pled guilty today before Chief U.S. District Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to his role in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 280 grams of cocaine base (“crack”) and more than 500 grams of a detectible amount of cocaine hydrochloride, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Assistant Special Agent in Charge J. Derryle Smith.

In October and November 2015, Hatfield was responsible for distributing cocaine and crack to individuals out of a residence located in Jackson. The case is the result of an extensive investigation, dubbed ARock Bottom,@ which began as an operation targeting illegal narcotics distribution in central Mississippi that involved the distribution of cocaine, crack and methamphetamine.

Hatfield will be sentenced by Judge Jordan on October 26, 2018 at 9:00 a.m., and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives with assistance from: Hinds County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgeland Police Department, Jackson Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Brandon Police Department, Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Mississippi Department of Corrections, Pearl Police Department, Flowood Police Department, Customs and Border Patrol, and the DEA Houston Field Division. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Wansley.

NESHOBA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS – Building a strong economic foundation through fiscally conservative tax policies and improved student achievement in classrooms will lead to a positive future for Mississippi, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said today at the Neshoba County Fair.
Joined by his wife, Elee, and his daughters, Lt. Gov. Reeves pointed to the strong results from school districts of innovation like those in Corinth and Booneville, tourism growth on the Gulf Coast, and the addition of high-skilled jobs at the Raytheon Co. facility in Forest.
He recognized members of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team, known as the “Dixie Thunder,” and wore a hat with unit’s insignia.
“There are examples of growth and innovation all over our state – but that success would not be possible without strong leaders like Governor Bryant and Speaker Gunn and sharp legislators like Neshoba County’s own Senator Branning and Representative Bounds,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “Just as President Trump’s tax cuts are reviving Obama’s lifeless economy (just last week it was announced that GDP growth was over four percent this quarter), our policies are overcoming nearly 150 years of Democrat rule in Mississippi.”
He warned that Democrats from across the nation will focus on stopping the conservative policies at work in the state.
“They would love nothing more than to take us back to a time when government would spend your money hand over fist knowing they would just come back, raise your taxes and keep on spending,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.
The state has a balanced budget with almost $350 million set aside for a rainy day. “We will end our eight-year run with less debt on the books than when we started,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.
He also praised Mississippi school administrators and teachers for their work to improve student progress. Through innovative reforms and investment in the classroom, including more than $350 million more spent on teacher pay over the past four years, the state’s educational outlook is strong.
“Meaningful education outcomes that strengthen our workforce for generations don’t come easy,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “But by building on the achievements we’re seeing today, our people will be ready for the high-tech, high-skilled jobs of tomorrow.”
He questioned why Attorney General Jim Hood has not signed onto a letter supporting President Trump’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court, Brett Kavanaugh.
“Democrats don’t like that President Trump will have the ability to appoint two Supreme Court justices – putting Mississippi even closer to our goal of being the safest place in America for an unborn child,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said.
Excerpts from his speech as prepared:
“When I first asked to be your lieutenant governor, I shared my fundamental beliefs on how to grow our economy.
“First, we must have a fiscally responsible government.  Now – we have a truly balanced budget, nearly $350 million set aside for a rainy day, and we will end our eight-year run with less debt on the books than when we started.
“No is a four-letter word at the Capitol, but I’m not afraid to use it.”
“You might have heard – I’ve made a lot of people inside the Capitol mad. For far too long, special interests have been rigging the system to get more of your taxpayer money in their pockets. I’m not their guy because I’m willing to make enemies to protect the taxpayers. The first time I stood on this stage I said I’d be a watchdog for the taxpayers, and I have held true to that every day since.
“We are going to keep draining the swamp.”
“Second, we must have a tax code that is fair, one that is flat, and one that encourages economic development – not discourages it.  So we passed the largest tax cut in Mississippi history – reducing taxes for all individuals and for job creators. Because I believe that you know how to spend your money better than any bureaucrat in Jackson ever will.
“Third, for us to see incredible economic growth in our state, we must raise the educational attainment level of our citizens. We needed to get more diplomas in the hands of our high school seniors, and high school graduation rates are up from 70.5 percent to over 82 percent.
“We needed to get literacy rates up amongst our little ones. And our early childhood initiative has been called a national model while our fourth grade NAEP scores show our kids’ 10-year growth numbers beat 48 other states.”
“Now you won’t hear about these good things if you just listen to the status-quo Democrats in Jackson. Because just as we’re making progress balancing the budget, lowering taxes and seeing real education reforms making a difference in kids lives, liberals want to let off the gas.
“They’re calling on their friends from Hollywood to Washington to help them stop our progress with the same passion they’re using to fight President Trump.
“And make no mistake, the national Democrats from both coasts are answering the call. They are pouring money into Mississippi this year and will continue to do so in 2019 to fight our conservative accomplishments.”

Over ten years ago, country singer Rodney Atkins released the feel good anthem “These Are My People.”  One of the verses that resonated deeply with the 90’s generation went like this, “Got me some discount knowledge at the junior college… It was real funny ‘til we ran out of money and they threw us out into the world.” I can certainly relate to that first line.  I not only started my post-secondary academic career at the “junior college”, but I have taught at one for almost 20 years.  In that time a lot has changed.  There may still be some element of truth to throwing you out into the world, but it is not before those college educators, administrators, and counselors have done all they can to make sure they have exhausted all avenues for the student to be successful.  Being successful has always mattered but the stakes are much higher in today’s society.

It’s no secret that bachelor’s degrees are no longer what they once were in the job market. Many undergrads fresh out of college stay on the job hunt for long periods of time and do not always find work in their field of study.  National studies consistently show an average job search time of 3 to 9 months.  One survey conducted by GradStaff reported that on average undergrads applied for 23 jobs before being hired. It’s been estimated that only 27 percent of those with an undergraduate degree actually worked in a field that corresponded with their major.  To add insult to injury, many employers are not just looking for the degree but also additional certificates of training.

There has been a subtle but persistent shift in education over the last 10 years. The educational model of the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000’s screamed bachelor’s degree in academics as the way to be successful, unfortunately to the detriment of jobs that required skilled laborers. Fast forward to today where educational institutions not only embrace a Career-Technical mindset as a very real way to be successful, but back that up with state-of-the-art relevant facilities, programs and sustaining wage employment.

Community Colleges have proven to be the best location for these programs.  Career-Technical programs are nothing new on the community college landscape.  However, there is a renewed relationship between Career-Technical programs and business and industry. The programs directors work directly with industry to make sure that skills needed in the labor force are skills that are taught.  This relationship is greatly enhanced by Workforce Development.  Workforce is the non-credit side of community colleges.  They provide training and certifications at many different times during the year.  Career-Technical and Workforce complement each other by providing a degree path and opportunities to increase employability by adding certifications that employers are seeking.

Adult Education is another arm of the community college that seeks to strengthen the labor force in our state.  They offer free assessments and classes to those seeking a High School Equivalency in the form of GED, HiSET or TASC.  The Mississippi Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (MIBEST) program is designed for someone diligently working toward a HSE to also enroll in a Career-Technical program simultaneously. Therefore, increasing their chances of employability.

Leaders in our state are always on a mission to attract business and industry.  A thriving economy is paramount to our survival as a state.  The only way we can become a desirable destination for potential companies and businesses is by proving that we have a trained, skilled labor force.  There is documentation and accountability for every Career-Technical, Workforce, MIBEST and Adult Education student that feeds into a national database.  This database is used extensively by companies and business to assess the available workforce.

At present, an estimated 60-70 percent of jobs in Mississippi are manufacturing jobs.  The supply rate for those jobs is only 35 percent.  Data from the State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB) shows that for every manufacturing job created in the state, two additional jobs are created.  Additionally, Mississippi pays 27 percent more than the national average for these jobs.  The skills necessary for these manufacturing jobs are taught in a great majority of the class offering through Career-Technical and Workforce.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics 2016-2026 projections show that 17 out of 30 of fastest growing occupations over next 10 years need only a technical certificate.  Mississippi is among the states with the highest percentage of jobs for non-degree award occupations (non-degree awards would include career technical certificates).  A 2018 report from Georgetown University ranked Mississippi second in the nation for “high-earning power jobs that require less than a 4-year college degree, with an average salary of $53,000.”

Workers are needed and can easily be trained at area community colleges. Copiah-Lincoln Community College (Co-Lin), your district community college, not only offers programs that will train students for these jobs, they are pro-active in helping students seek employment.  Kenny Goza, TAACCCT Program Coordinator at Co-Lin, estimates that 17-20 different companies have called this summer alone asking for qualified employees.

The economic benefits from training and employment are very visible as poverty levels decrease.  However, sustaining wage employment has far reaching benefits that are not always seen in economic data. Data from research in Human Development shows that sustaining wage employment plays a big role in reducing mental illness such as anxiety and depression. Marriages stabilize. The incidences of drug abuse and physical abuse decline.  Crime declines.  Children are more likely to have a better vocabulary, better health, and greater success in academic and social endeavors.  All of these visible and underlying benefits create a better life for the individual but also leads to a healthier, more desirable state.

Mississippi has 15 hidden gems located throughout the state in the form of community colleges.  Each college has specified counties that make up their college district. Our state has done an amazing job at paying attention to employment trends and needs.  The community colleges have been challenged with the task of preparing individuals for those jobs. Copiah-Lincoln Community College, your community college, has risen to that challenge with multiple, innovative ways of meeting those needs. “Co-Lin is the place to be, and we want it to stay the best place to be. We’re on a path of progress, working hard, and our plans are for continuing progress,” Dr. Jane Hulon, President of Co-Lin, said. With five thriving, distinct pathways: Academics, Career-Technical, Workforce, MIBEST, and Adult Education, Co-Lin is on the front lines of creating a new direction for our region, state, and its people.

Dr. Denver Carter, owner of Magee Family Footcare, is pleased to announce Dr. Tyler Floyd as a new member of his staff. Dr. Floyd is on stranger to Magee. He graduated from Magee High School!

Dr. Tyler C. Floyd is excited to be coming home to practice podiatry. Dr. Floyd is the son of Theresa Floyd Johnson, John Johnson, and the late Craig Floyd. Dr. Floyd is a Podiatrist who has been trained in all aspects of foot surgery including reconstruction, trauma, sports medicine, limb salvage and wound care. Dr. Floyd attended Magee High School growing up. He later attended the University of Southern Mississippi where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science. Dr. Floyd stuided at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine where he obtained his Doctorate. Dr. Floyd graduated top of his class with a cumulative 4.0 GPA from Barry University. He was then selected to a competitive Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle surgical residency where he completed three years of Podiatric Medicine and Surgical training. Dr. Floyd was a Chief Resident in his final year of residency.

Dr. Floyd is board qualified in Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery as well as Foot Surgery by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery. He is also board qualified in Podiatric Medicine by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.
Dr. Floyd is excited to be coming back to his hometown to practice. Dr. Floyd will be providing care alongside Dr. Denver Carter at Magee Family Footcare conveniently located in Magee on Highway 49. Dr. Floyd will also see patients in Forest as well as Morton. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Floyd at any location you can call the office in Magee at 601-849-0444.

(Just a side note: Happy Birthday to Magee Family Footcare which has been in business for 15 years in August)

In Mississippi, we cherish our traditions. One of these traditions is the Neshoba County Fair, Mississippi’s biggest house party.

Each year politicians travel to Neshoba to make their case to Mississippi voters, and many cases were made this year. The following spoke on Wednesday, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves, Congressional Candidate Michael Guest, Attorney General Jim Hood, and Congressional Candidate Michael Evans.

It was exciting to hear each of their speeches, and see the plan that each has to solve Mississippi’s problems. On Thursday there will also be some big name speakers such as Phil Bryant and our new Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson.

Neshoba is an exciting event and gives us a glimpse into the future of Mississippi politics.

By Zach Holbrook

ROOM AT THE CROSS

Though millions have come there is still room for you.  Our devotion today comes from Mark 8:34.  And when He called the people unto him with his disciples also He said unto them who so ever will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

Jesus says come one and all.  Put Jesus first in whatever we do.  Seek the will of Jesus in your life daily.  Jesus is our pilot not our co-pilot.  Call on Jesus when things are going good as well as when things go bad.  We can lay our cross down when we get to heaven and not before.  One day soon it will be worth it all.  Keep our faith strong now and always.  Let this week be your week of victory.

Rev. Richard Kight

Magee, MS

Sharon Womack

Just three weeks after the state’s first human case of West Nile virus infection for 2018 was confirmed, the total of human cases has risen to nine. Infected mosquitoes are now active across the state, making protection especially important. Take these steps to stay safe from mosquito bites:
• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent.
• Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs when outdoors.
• Use mosquito repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient whenever you may be exposed to mosquitoes.
Protect your home by making sure that window screens are in good repair, and by eliminating any sources of standing water near your house where mosquitoes can breed.
West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito, and usually causes only mild symptoms. In some cases, however, especially for those who are older or in poor health, infection can cause serious illness, long-lasting neurological damage or death. Last year, two Mississippians died from West Nile virus infection.

Each year I struggle with writing “the story,” the story of the death of my son. Friday, August 3, 2011, Larkin died. This year August 3rd is on a Friday. As I watch the day begin to unfold, I am nervous. I am anxious. I am sad. I never know if I should share my story, so many of you already know the story. But, if sharing will help one person cope or find peace with a loss or a situation in their life, then the pain of remembering is worth all.

Remembering is not always painful. I find myself smiling and even laughing when I think of activities involving Larkin. I am going to write a book, one day. The book will be called “The War Daddy.” I first heard the term war daddy at Larkin’s funeral. Coach Winston Mullins was one of the speakers at his funeral. When Winston called Larkin a war daddy, I thought “oh my gosh, what has he done now.” Winston went on to explain that Larkin was the go to guy. The person who wanted and a coach wanted to be on the mound with all odds against him. Larkin wanted a full count so he could shut the player down at the plate. He would do whatever it took to win in football or baseball…he would go that extra mile for victory.

I’ve often wondered why Larkin didn’t go the extra mile to live. You see, Larkin committed suicide at the age of 22 while a senior at Ole Miss. A Chancellor scholar who attended Ole Miss on a baseball scholarship met something in his life he could not over power. We’ll never know the reason he took his own life. I often think of how much he must have been hurting. 

Each year 44,965 American die by suicide.

What about those of us who are left behind? How do we go forward.      

Often when there is a suicide in a family, I will get a call. What could I possibly tell someone to lighten their pain? I can tell them of the healing powers of Jesus Christ. I can tell them of Christ who walks with me in the darkest hours. I can tell them of the love that never leaves me through our Lord and Savior. I can pray.

When you experience the darkest times in your life, hold tightly to our Savior who loves you completely. Jesus’ love does not mean no pain. Jesus love means never being alone.

I miss my loud mouth, fun loving, drive me nuts son. Every day of my life I miss Larkin. My heart will never be the same. My life will never be the same. I became a person I did not know or want to know.  

Love your family. Love your friends. Love your city. Love your state. Love your country…in other words, love. Show kindness to others. We do not know the path someone is walking or has walked. Don’t be quick to judge. Some days, we are doing the best we can to just survive.

When faced with the death of Larkin, I knew I had to make a decision about the rest of my life. I wanted to get under the bed and never come out. I never wanted to see anyone again. But, I knew the decision of how I would live my life was up to me and would affect my other sons. I chose to live. Yes, I made the decision to go forward in life to love again to laugh again. The decision did not come easy and has not been easy…but for me, to live was the right decision.

My prayer for you ,if you are facing terrible sadness in your life, is that you will make the decision to live…and live life no matter how hard it is to the fullest. Jesus will walk with you. Your family will walk with you and many of your friends will walk with you. Lean on others and allow them to help.

Thank you for allowing me to share a little about Larkin. Thank you to the people who have never forgotten my son. Thank you to the people who have stood by me…who have walked  and or walking this path with me…you, my friends & family, are the heroes.

(The main picture is one of the last times I saw Larkin.  Larry and Martha Craft, Larkin and I attended a wedding in Atlanta.  We went to a Braves game following the wedding.  He was a happy boy!)

Each year at MS State, Emily Crace honors Larkin’s memory with a burning candle for suicide victims. 

(Larkin loved Luke Shivers!)

Peoples Bank helps Mendenhall Junior High spruce up their campus for the 2018-2019 school year. As a partner in education, the bank purchased a new landmark sign as an entrance for students and faculty.  Peoples Bank also donated $500 to go towards necessary updates to help the school achieve the best education and environment for their students at MJH.

Pictured are (L-R) Chassity Corkern, MJH Counselor; Gwynn James, MJH Lead Teacher; Janna Stringer, Peoples Bank; Kim Neely, Peoples Bank; Genise Magee, Peoples Bank; Marney Walker, Peoples Bank; Jennifer Traylor, MJH Secretary; Lisa Mahaffey, Peoples Bank; Sydney Magee, MJH Principal; Nick Lee, MJH Assistant Principal; Heather Westmoreland, MJH Data Clerk.