Simpson and Smith County MSU Alumni invited local incoming students and their parents to a Send-off Party, Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church in Magee.

A large crowd was on hand for the recognizing of the future Bulldogs!

Send-off Parties give incoming freshmen and transfer students a chance to meet others in their area who are MSU bound, while allowing alumni and friends the opportunity to congratulate and welcome new Bulldogs to the maroon and white family. It’s also a great opportunity for prospective students and their parents to learn more about the Mississippi State family.

Each incoming student was recognized and received the official Send-off Party t-shirt along with a cowbell from the local chapter.

Simpson Chapter participates in send off parties each year.

Nicholas Broadhead, current student and Terrance Norwood, Alumni, spoke to the future bulldogs about MSU and what to expect.

President, Sue Ann Hubbard along with other officers does an amazing job with the local chapter.

Simpson County Chapter allots scholarships for students from the area attending MSU.  If you are an alumni or friend, please donate to the chapter to help keep these scholarships going.

Students pictured are as follows:  Mac Anderson, Bayleigh Prather, Scout Algee, Abby Caughman, Andrew Kennedy, Jaycob Beasely, Price Broadhead, Garrett Anglin, Joshua Ross, Meagan Brown and Lauren Bartran.

Phillus Kay Fortenberry passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at her residence surrounded by her loved ones.  She was born on October 8, 1952, to the late Charles K. and Kathleen (Bynum) Hawkins.

She was a devoted and loving pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister.

She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Brother James E. Fortenberry; a son, Christopher L. Fortenberry (Patricia); two daughters, Jamie Lynn Little (David), Lea Craft (David); seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Phillie R Hawkins.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be on Monday, August 6, 2018,  at Tutor Funeral Home in Magee, MS, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Services will be Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at Tutor Funeral Home Chapel, Magee, MS, at 10:00 a.m., with Brother Raymond Jeffcoat and Brother Michael Giles officiating.   Interment will follow in Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery in Magee, MS.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Magee, MS.

Simpson County will now be offering buyers the opportunity to purchase tax sale properties online through GovEase after the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the system during their regular Monday, August 7, 2018, meeting.

Mr. Ron Matthews, a representative with GovEase.com, met with the Simpson County Board of Supervisors to discuss what GovEase does and how it can help the county to save money.

Charles Baldwin, Tax Assessor, advised the online program would lessens in-house work by staff to prepare for the tax sale saving  his office time, stress, and money. GovEase started two years ago after petitioning the state for rights to publish these tax properties on line. The first two counties on board were Lee and Madison two years ago. Seventeen additional counties were added in 2017. GovEase projects approximately 50 counties to participate in 2018. The first year GovEase had 19 sales and 42 are projected this year.

Matthews’ documentation provided for the supervisors stated that based upon his figures, the county in 2017 generated $33,158 in overbid revenues, this is the amount of money bid over the amount owed on taxes for tax liens placed on properties. This amounts to an 6.6% percent overbid rate.

Mathews estimated that Simpson County could generate $60,237 in overbid revenues, a 12 percent overbid rate, if they used GovEase The documentation showed an estimated $135,396 in increased revenue to the county over a five-year period if the county used GovEase’s resources.
With GovEase, one can purchase Tax Liens with a click of a button. In the past, most tax lien auctions were time-consuming and intensive processes. Bidders had to either take off from work or have some type of representation at each auction. GovEase has created a unique setup that alleviates this laborious process by allowing bidders to bid for tax liens online. Bidders can watch each auction or upload a list that auto bids with present amounts on liens of interest. GovEase is bringing the auctions to the bidders’ fingertips.

For more information click on http://www.govease.com

Patricia Ann McClellan, 74, of Mize, Mississippi, passed away Monday at her home in Mize, Mississippi. She was born Wednesday, February 9, 1944.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Magee.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home Magee. The Burial will follow in Waco Fairmont Cemetery. Bro. Larry Hart will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements. (601) 849-5031.

She was preceded in death by husband, James McClellan; parents, Alcus Hart and Ruth Hart.

Survivors include her sons, Junior McClellan, Eddie McClellan (Connie) ,and Joey McClellan; grandchildren, Jamie McClellan (Chelsea), Megan Cole (Joseph), Alec McClellan, Cameron McClellan, Logan McClellan, Dylan McClellan, and JW McClellan; great- grandchildren, Mollie Kate Cole, Kendall Rae McClellan, Bracklin Wilson, and Will Cole; brother, Larry Hart; sisters, Betty Hamilton, Ruby Wiltshire, and Judy Tebo; a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Jamie McClellan, Alec McClellan, Logan McClellan, Dylan McClellan, Joseph Cole,  and Jeff Speir.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com

The Copiah-Lincoln Blue Wave Show Band Colettes came away with several awards in the 2018 Universal Dance Association Camp at the University of Alabama. The Colettes and the Co-Lin Cheerleaders teamed up and receive a Superior Rating for their Game Time Sideline Routine. The Colettes also scored a Superior Rating for their Game Day Spirit and received the Most Improved Dance Line at the Camp. Members of the 2018 Colettes are Kayla Wisner, Head Colette, Kasidy Griffin, Anaston Hearn, Tori Titus, Caroline Pace, Brianna Hynum, Bailey Smith, Madison Stokes, and Laina Thames.
The Colettes are under the direction of Stephen C. Pounders, Band Auxiliary Coordinator/Woodwinds Instructor and Kennedy Moore, Colette Instructor.

STARKVILLE, Miss.—Mississippi State University and the Mississippi National Guard announced a new program Tuesday [Aug. 7] that will ensure free tuition for Mississippi National Guard service members enrolled full-time at MSU.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Maj. Gen. Janson D. “Durr” Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi, both signed a memorandum of agreement establishing the Bulldog Free Tuition program during a ceremony at MSU’s G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at Nusz Hall. The Bulldog Free Tuition Program builds on current National Guard education benefits to create a unique opportunity for eligible Mississippi Air and Army National Guard service members.

“Readiness is our force’s top priority and this tuition program will help to attract personnel who will staff our future state and federal missions,” Boyles said. “The students receiving this tuition benefit will contribute tremendously towards our preparedness and be among those ready to answer the call during state emergencies and overseas contingency operations.”

“We have a long, proud history as one of the nation’s most military-friendly college campuses,” Keenum said. “Among our alumni are the late U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis, father of the modern nuclear Navy, and the late U.S. Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, author of the modern G.I. Bill. This innovative tuition program we launch today with the Mississippi National Guard continues MSU’s pro-soldier legacy and directly invests in those brave, bright men and women who serve and protect our great nation.”

Over 12,000 service members are in the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard’s ranks. For the Guard, higher education is a critical component of efforts to improve service members’ ability to solve complex problems at home and abroad. While the National Guard has a beneficial tuition program for eligible service members at all Mississippi colleges and universities, MSU support through the Bulldog Free Tuition program will make MSU the only state university where Mississippi National Guard soldiers can attend college without paying tuition.

To be eligible for the Bulldog Free Tuition program, service members must be full-time undergraduate students, in good standing with their unit and cannot be within a year of their expiration of term of service.

Through its Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans and university faculty and staff, MSU supports National Guard service members as they navigate classes, basic training, drill and deployments. Approximately 650 U.S. Armed Forces veterans and service members attend MSU, a population that increases to more than 2,600 when including dependents.

MSU is nationally recognized for its support of veterans, service members and their dependents. In 2015, MSU was designated as a “Purple Heart University” by the Military Order of the Purple Heart for its support of the military community. For more on MSU’s services available to veterans, service members and their dependents, visit www.veterans.msstate.edu.

The Mississippi National Guard is a relevant and ready force that stands ready to deploy for any contingency in Mississippi and overseas. Since 9/11, the force has one Silver Star recipient and approximately 1,400 Bronze Stars have been awarded to its Soldiers and Airmen. For more information, contact Col. Rodney Harris at 601-313-6215.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

MSU Photo ID: Maj. Gen. Janson D. “Durr” Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum celebrate after signing a memorandum of agreement between MSU and the Mississippi National Guard to establish the Bulldog Free Tuition Program. The new program ensures free tuition for eligible Mississippi National Guard service members enrolled full-time at MSU. (Photo by Megan Bean)

Jackson, Miss. – Marcus Shanord Reddix, 35, of Vancleave, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola, Jr. to 210 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Vancleave, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

On January 11, 2017, Reddix sold methamphetamine to a confidential source from his home on the “Hill” in Van Cleave, Mississippi. Reddix had been distributing methamphetamine and cocaine from that locale for several years and law enforcement was able to make several purchases of methamphetamine from him. His sentence was reflective of his prior criminal history and his position in the organization.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Meynardie.

Jackson, Miss. – Willie Tyrone Lott, 28, of Jackson, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Barbour to 94 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. He was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. Lott pled guilty before Judge Barbour on May 8, 2018.

The case arose when the Jackson Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Lott’s vehicle on July 6, 2017. During the stop, it was discovered that Lott had outstanding warrants and he was placed under arrest. Incident to arrest, the police discovered hydrocodone, MDMA, and an AM-15, Caliber .223 rifle. The rifle had been reported stolen to the Jackson Police Department.

As a convicted felon, Lott was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition under federal law. He was previously convicted of robbery, a state felony, in Madison County Circuit Court.

Project EJECT is an initiative by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi under the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime in Jackson through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Jackson Expel Crime Together.” PSN is program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Jackson Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

What does God want out of you? He wants you to experience the love of Christ. And the way to this is not always according to “your” plan.

Can you be patient during the process of waiting for God’s plan?

If you’re like most people, probably not. We become like children who don’t know the difference between “No” and “Not yet.” If you say, “Wait a while,” to them that is, “No.” They/We want it now.

But God is interested in maturing you. Trials and tribulation bring patience, and patience makes us mature!
#havefaith

Sharon Womack

“….I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead”…..Philippians 3:13

God wants us to focus on what lies ahead, not the past. We need to forgive those who have wronged us and forgive ourselves for mistakes we have made.

Look ahead to what God has in store for each of us! God loves us and knows what is best for us. He wants us to live our lives according to His will and His plan!

Sharon Womack

MageeNews.com offers a unique way to say “Happy Birthday” to that special someone. For $25, we will post your birthday wish on the home page of MageeNews.com and The Fernando’s and Magee General Hospital TVs. Put your wishes on the big screen!
Contact Sue@mageenews.com

Send a high resolution picture and your message. Payment may be made on the website (http://mageenews.wpengine.com/product/birthday-wishes/) or mailed (126 3rd Avenue NW Magee, MS 39111)

The bi-monthly Magee Board of Aldermen meeting was held Tuesday night, August 7^th.

Mayor Dale Berry gave the following report:

The police department completed a safety inspection of the public schools in preparation of school beginning.

Mayor Berry asked City Attorney Bruce Smith if Magee had a dress code in businesses.  Bruce reported there is no such code.

The Mayor discussed the weight limit on the city street.  Following the recent paving on our city streets, the mayor pointed out that the heavy trucks were destroying the repaved streets.  Attorney Bruce Smith is to research if our city codes have a weight limit on city streets.

The city continues to have vagrants in certain areas of the city:  McNair Spring, Tennis Court, & Hwy 28 bridge.  This issue will be discussed further at the August 21^st board meeting.

Mayor Berry announced the continued progress in applying for a city recreational grant for $150,000.  Letters of support of the Jimmy Clyde Sportscomplex are need from the business and citizens of Magee.

Tim’s Nails on Main Street near 4 Sunz’s has opened.

Another medical business is looking at land near Tractor Supply and has requested a building permit from the city.

We have a new venue in Magee, Blueberry Wedding Barn located at 305 5th Avenue NW.  Owners are Thomas and Benita Brown.

Mayor Berry announced that there is a movement in Magee to get legalized liquor on the November 6^th ballot. He emphasized that the movement is not based through the city or aldermen. Berry again expressed his concern that businesses would locate elsewhere if Simpson County does not pass legalized liquor.  Dale mentioned the following business showing interest in the Magee area:  Chillies, Applebees, Lone Star, & Buffalo Wildwings.

The Mayor’s report is at the beginning of the live video if you want to see Dale in action!

At the Tuesday night, August 7th Board of Aldermen meeting, Dr. Maron Lacey assistant principal at Magee High School, presented a plan to close certain streets during school hours.
Magee High School principal Tom Duncan was unable to attend the meeting but authored the letter given to the board.

The following streets will be barricaded Monday-Friday from 7:00 AM until 3:15 PM or when buses depart campus: 1st Street NE at gymnasium and divert all public traffic to 2nd Avenue NE; 3rd Avenue NE barring entry onto 1st Street NE (this is the street in front of the auditorium); and close access to 1st Street NE at 5th Avenue SE.

Student parking would be restricted to the auditorium parking lot and adjacent parking lot across from the football field.

Teacher parking would be along 1st Street NE (if teachers arrive prior to 7:15). If teachers do not arrive by 7:15, parking would be available on Choctaw Street or the parking lots for E Building and across from the Middle School cafeteria. Middle school staff will park across from the Middle School cafeteria.

The parking plan had been discussed with the Magee Police Department who approved  the plan and emphasized the need for the street to be closed to through traffic. Crawford explained that children are walking across the street to the gym, band hall, & football field presenting a situation that could lead to bodily harm to a student or teacher.

The Magee Board of Aldermen unanimously approved the plan.

On August 7, the Simpson County Conservative Men conducted their regular meeting. I was asked to attend by Mr. Wayne Womack, who hosted the event at Phillips Lake.

Mark Baker, candidate for Attorney General, and Judge Jeff Weill, candidate for Court of Appeals, were both speakers at the event and told how they plan to better Mississippi if elected.

Also, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, Cindy Hyde-Smith’s Chief of Staff Brad White, and Representative-Elect Price Wallace were among other distinguished guest.

The group hopes to continue to grow and have other well known speakers attend their event in the future.

At the Tuesday night, August 7th Board of Aldermen meeting, Recreational & Zoning Director David Dunn appeared before the board to clarify rules on Cook-Out Fundraisers. All groups conducting a cook-out fundraiser in the city of Magee must have a permit. The permit may be obtained at City Hall. Not all organizations will be charged a fee but must have a permit. David explained the importance of who is holding the event. “If it is a church, we need a contact person,” said Dunn.

The Magee Police have been instructed to ask any organization conducting a cook-out for their permit.

Dunn reminded everyone that no one is allowed to stand in the street to collect money. (This situation happened during fundraising effort for ball teams). People may stand off the road but not on the road.

A new permit form will be prepared and presented for approval at the next board meeting.

David discussed the recreational grant the city is seeking. Click here for more details

(I just had to use the picture of one of my favorites, Michael Dunn!)

William  F. Green passed away Monday, July 30, 2018,  at the age of 59.  He was born March 19, 1959, in Monroe, Louisiana, to the late James Coleman and Omah (Batson) Green.
He was a retired mechanic and served in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by a son, William J. Green; daughter, Jenee Nicole Norman (Matt), two grandchildren, Rahferd Norman and Lucius Smith;  and sister, Martha Underwood.

He was preceded in death by his parents;  and a brother, James N. Green.

The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Tutor Funeral Home of Magee, MS