On Tuesday, August 7th, the Magee Board of Alderman approved the minutes and claims docket and discussed the following issues:

Mayor Berry appointed an Insurance Committee composed of David Dunn, Lane Yearby, Lane Steele, Angel Brister & Patrick Brown.

The Golf Cart ordinance was discussed. If carts are street legal (blinkers, brake lights, lights, seat belts) and tagged, the carts are legal on the streets of Magee. Side by Sides are not legal under state law on any streets. Police Chief Randy Crawford was instructed to follow these guide lines.

Aldermen Whitney Baker and Matthew Hickman presented information and ideas about perhaps using the old YMCA building as a Senior Citizens building. According to Alderman Baker, upgrading of the building and adding a few outside activities would not be extremely costly. Hickman explained that the building is in good condition just needs an update. Both aldermen expressed an interest in having a director at the building at some point in the future. Alderman Patrick Brown has information he will share concerning investigation he did several years ago on a Senior Citizen building. Money for this project would be included in the next year’s budget if available.

Skip Russell appeared before the board to encourage the board to consider tax abatement for anyone who invest in the downtown area.

“It is my request that the city offer a development incentive to anyone who makes a major renovation to an existing old building on Main Street Magee or builds a new building on Main Street. The incentive would be at least a 7-year city tax abatement,” stated Russell.

Skip explained how he as a businessman checked any downtown area of a city he was considering for a Popeyes. “Most cities that have a vibrant and busy downtown have more businesses interested in coming to that city in general,” said Skip.

Skip owns the vacant lot on Main Street and plans to begin construction on the property in a few months. He will be moving his corporate office to the building along with 2 rental apartments located above the building. (See attached sheet). The building will cost approximately $400,000.
He also stated plans to possibly open a coffee and bagel shop in the vacant building next to Buffington Law Office. Skip also owns the old Gay’s Department Store building.

Alderman Patrick Brown stated he did not feel the tax incentives should just be available to downtown. He explained that creating a district similar to the medical zone would encourage rebuilding of the downtown.

The board is taking the information under advisement with plans to pursue some type of incentive for a designated area.

Mayor Berry reported that the owner of the shopping center where Auto Zone is located has signed papers with the police department to remove any cars that are for sale or 18 wheelers from the parking lot. The problem of cars and trucks being left in this area was discussed several months ago. Without the owners signature, the police could not enforce the ordinance. The shopping center is located on private not city property. Chief Randy Crawford reported that several cars have already been towed.

The Mayor reported that the airport is looking good. He thanked Ashley Steele for the work she has done at the airport.

Charlie Valadie, Fire Marshall, reported  there are 7 critical areas in the city that do not have working fire hydrants. These hydrants have been damaged or destroyed. Due to a lack of city man power, Valadie has suggested that money budgeted for the fire department be used for an outside source to repair the hydrants. After Charlie gets bids, the board will vote to proceed.

Two men were approved for part-time hire with the city: Tarance Funchess and Dismond Sims.

The Mayor and board will meet Monday, August 13th at 6 PM to begin work on the budget.

Meeting was adjourned.

State and local law enforcement officers arrested 13 drug suspects Tuesday in Mendenhall, Magee, D’Lo and other areas of Simpson County. And more than a half-dozen other suspects were being sought, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics Director John Dowdy said Wednesday.

The arrests culminate an 18-month investigation of street-level drug sales conducted by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, with assistance from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Magee and Mendenhall police departments.

Those arrested along with their charges were:

Steven Magee, 32, of 345 Woodrow Barnes Rd., D’Lo, sale of methamphetamine;

Stanley Purser, 38, of 922 Railroad St., Florence, sale of methamphetamine;

James Corr, 32, of 414 South Main St., Mendenhall, three counts of sale of methamphetamine;

John T. Dampier, 35, of 1671 St. John Rd., Braxton, sale of methamphetamine;

Brian M. Price, 30, of 503 13th St. NE, Magee, three counts of sale of methamphetamine;

Calvin J. Hobbs Jr., 30, of 267 Ella Walker Rd., Magee, two counts of sale of methamphetamine;

Jason T. Smith, 31, of 120 Cabinet Shop Rd., Magee, sale of methamphetamine, two counts of sale of marijuana;

Michael S. Dutton, 44, of 864 Simpson Hwy. 149, Magee, sale of methamphetamine;

Ashlee M. Boyles, 23, of 437 Macedonia Rd., Mendenhall, sale of methamphetamine;

Billy A. Guest, 34, of 980 Seminary-Williamsburg Rd., Collins, two counts of sale of methamphetamine;

Thomas E. Warren, 60, of 932 Dry Creek Rd., Magee, three counts of sale of marijuana;

Joan Sanders Pearson, 55, of 878 Simpson Hwy. 149, Magee, sale of methamphetamine;

Cassy N. Martin, 36, of 374 Waters Rd., Mt. Olive, sale of methamphetamine.

Bonds are pending initial appearances in Simpson County Justice Court.

No mug shots were available at this time

Doris Cody Berry,  passed away on Tuesday, August 7, 2018, at the age of 89, in Hazelhurst, MS.  She was born on February 17, 1929,  to the late Mack and Violet Baines Cody, in Shivers, MS.

She enjoyed working at her Farmers Market in Pearl, MS.  She loved seeing old friends and meeting new ones.   She and her late husband made the Farmers Market their way of life, and she continued the business even after his passing.  She loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother,  sister and daughter.

She is survived by three sons, John Berry (Brenda), Mack Berry (Rhonda),  Mickey Berry (Debbie): daughters, Regina Whittington (Whit), Marcie Bullock (Billy); grandchildren, Brent Berry, Kate Channel, Nick Berry, Seth Berry, Cody Berry; great-grandchildren, Preston Berry, Maci Berry, Rider Berry, Walker Berry, Slate Burleson, Jack Channel, Parker Berry, Maylin Berry.

She was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, A. D. Berry;  brothers, Jack Cody, Marcell Cody, Billy Cody and Caroll “Muff” Cody.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 9, 2018,  from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., at Tutor Funeral Home of Mendenhall, MS.  Services will be on Friday, August 10, 2018, at 10:00 a.m., at Tutor Funeral Home Chapel, Mendenhall, MS.  Interment will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery, Shivers, MS.

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

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!

Simpson County Board of Supervisors met Monday, August 6, 2018.

During the meeting, the board approved payment of $8,320.00 for the July 31, 2018 runoff election to pay poll workers.

Travel was approved for Joyce Ann Hicks, Justice Court Clerk, to attend the 2018 Justice Court Clerks Conference to be held September 4-7, 2018, in Vicksburg, MS.

Approval was given to renew the maintenance agreement for the jailer time clock keeping wand with Timekeeping Systems for three years in the amount of $795.00.

Approval was granted to Trustmark National Bank for a 48-month lease for the new garbage truck chassis at 3.08% with a monthly payment of $2,287.39.

The board approved the appointment of RD Nelson for District 2 Park Commissioner to fill the remaining term through January 4, 2020, resulting from the vacancy due to Mr. Marvin Lee’s death.

In Sherriff’s business, approval was granted for moving Alex Turner from non-certified to certified detention officer. Approval was granted for hiring part-time detention officers: Cornelius Rawls and Lavallin Skiffer. Approval was granted for paying leads online renewal bill of $1,668.00.

Stan Alford with AMR Ambulance Service met before the board to give update and time line of helicopter that is being supplied for the county. Projected date was October but appears service might begin earlier. The work is being done at Magee General hospital where the chopper will be housed. A landing pad and housing for pilots and workers is being constructed at this time.

Road manger received approval to bury a dead horse and cut a dead tree at Gary Shows, Dale Herrington, and Marie McDonald”s property.

Mayor Dale Berry met before the board to state concerned citizens were petitioning to get signatures to allow a county vote  for citizens to determine if they approved or disapproved of liquor sales within the county. If enough signatures are acquired, the referendum would appear on the November 6th ballot.

The board will begin the budget hearings Monday, August 13, 2018.

WESSON – The results of the American Heart Association 2018 Workplace Health Achievement Index were announced and Copiah-Lincoln Community College achieved Bronze level recognition for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. This is the second recognition for Co-Lin in a month having received the 2018 Healthiest Workplaces in Mississippi first place award by the Mississippi Business Journal.

The American Heart Association created the Index with its CEO Roundtable members, a leadership collaborative of more than 40 CEOs from some of America’s largest companies who are committed to applying evidence-based approaches to improve their employees’ overall health. The Index uses science-based best practices to evaluate the overall quality and comprehensiveness of their workplace health programs. A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score for employees of participating companies that securely submit aggregate health data.

More than 1,000 companies completed the Index assessment this year and, of those companies, 75 percent received either Gold, Silver, or Bronze recognition. Companies receive benchmarking reports, which allow them to identify potential areas of improvement so that they can advance their annual performance and recognition in the Index and help their workforce move toward ideal heart health.

“We care about the health and well-being of our employees and are dedicated to making our wellness program a priority,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon.

The Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index allows companies to measure the effectiveness of their workplace health programs as well as the overall heart health of their employees. Unlike other existing organizational scorecards, the Index also scores companies on the heart health of their employees based on Life’s Simple 7^® – the Association’s scientifically validated definition of ideal heart health. The American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index assessment is grounded in data-driven science and a quality improvement framework. According to the Nielsen 2016 Employee Health Survey, robust and comprehensive strategies for well being are associated with positive impacts on employees’ health.

Judge Jeff Weill will be in Magee from 11-1 on Tuesday, August 14th.  I would like for anyone to come by my house and meet Jeff.  He is running for the MS Court of Appeals District 4 which includes the counties of Adams, Amite, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Hinds, Jefferson Davis, Jones. Lawrence, Lincoln, Marion, Pike, Simpson, Walthall and Wilkinson.

Click here for additional information about Jeff and his family.

Please email me if you will be attending (Sue@mageenews.com)

Simpson County Academy began their 2018-2019 school year on August 8 with their traditional ride through and high school orientation.

The school welcomed their 7th-12th grade students in the morning from 7:55 to 11:30 and had an open house for elementary students in the afternoon.

Simpson Academy is excited to start the new year and hopes it brings success in both academics and athletics.

Zach Holbrook

Nationwide Compound Pharmacy Fraud Scheme Involved Almost a Quarter of a Billion Dollars

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Thomas Edward Spell, Jr., 50, of Ridgeland, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to a Criminal Information outlining his role in a more than $240 million dollar scheme to defraud TRICARE, the health care benefit program serving our nation’s military, veterans, and their respective family members, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Freeze, IRS-Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Holloman, III, and Special Agent in Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Southeast Field Office.

Spell’s case is part of the largest health care fraud scheme ever investigated and prosecuted in the State of Mississippi. The investigation is ongoing and prosecutions are continuing nationwide, including in states such as California, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Connecticut. Spell will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on January October 16, 2018 at 10:30 a.m.

“Ripping off our veterans and members of the military is despicable, and that is exactly what this defendant and others have done by defrauding TRICARE and the American taxpayer. Rest assured that we will hunt down all those who commit this type of fraud and we will not stop until such criminals are brought to justice. I want to thank the agents, AUSAs, DOJ trial attorneys, and our other law enforcement partners for their tireless work on this far-reaching scheme. This fraudulent activity has gone on for far too long, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to enforce our federal laws and clean up crime and corruption throughout our state,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

“Spell’s guilty plea today proves that the scheme to defraud TRICARE, and the taxpayers who fund its services, operated throughout the highest professional levels in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. Without the participation of those individuals in executive and decision-making positions, these schemes would often not materialize and/or profit those involved,” stated Thomas J. Holloman, III, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS – CI. “Thomas Spell was a leader and organizer in this far-reaching fraud and his guilty plea today is a win for all taxpayers. The special agents of IRS – Criminal Investigation will continue to seek justice on behalf of this nation’s taxpayers, and will pursue the prosecution of wrong doers at the highest levels of these criminal organizations.”
“This guilty plea, resulting from the aggressive and tireless efforts of DCIS special agents, was part of a complex and widespread investigation with other law enforcement partners that brought to justice numerous defendants who believed they could get away with scheming to fleece the Department of Defense of hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in

Charge John F. Khin of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. “Fraud and corruption in TRICARE, the Pentagon’s health care program, especially involving deceptive practices with prescription medications is far from a‘victimless’ crime. As a pharmacist who was entrusted with providing safe, effective medications, this defendant selfishly put greed and personal gain before the safety and well-being of our military members, combat veterans, and retirees, who deserve the best medications and care available.”

From approximately August 2014 through January 2016, Spell owned and operated a pharmacy in Madison County, Mississippi, and several other pharmacies across the United States. During this time, Spell and other co-conspirators marketed compounded medications at his pharmacies. Rather than formulating compounded medications based on the individualized needs of patients, formulas were selected to maximize profit based upon reimbursements from TRICARE and other health care benefit programs.

At the direction of Spell and his co-conspirators, Spell’s pharmacies submitted fraudulent claims to TRICARE and other health care benefit programs. The result was that TRICARE reimbursed Spell’s pharmacies on these fraudulent claims totaling over $243 million.
In order to further their scheme, Spell and his co-conspirators waived TRICARE’s requirement that a beneficiary make a copayment to receive medicine. Instead, Spell and his co- conspirators had their employees purchase prepaid debit cards and money orders to use towards a copayment for a beneficiary, with Spell and his co-conspirators reimbursing their employees. Additionally, Spell and his co-conspirators paid kickbacks and bribes to marketers in order to obtain prescriptions for compounded medications from prescribers for beneficiaries who were covered by the most lucrative health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, irrespective of whether the compounded medications were medically necessary for the treatment of beneficiaries.

As a result of this fraudulent activity, Spell personally obtained over $29 million in proceeds from the illegal scheme. Spell used these proceeds to fund bank accounts and investment accounts in his name, in the name of family members, and in the name of various business entities. Spell also used these proceeds to lend money and to purchase vehicles, boats, and property. The United States is seeking forfeiture of these assets listed in the Information.

This case has been designated as a related prosecution to cases charged earlier this year in the Southern District of Mississippi. Silas K. Richmond, II, a licensed pharmacist and marketer, pled guilty on July 18, 2018, to conspiracy to commit health care fraud regarding a scheme to defraud health care benefit programs, including TRICARE, of more than $545,000. To date, a total of 11 people have been charged and 8 convicted in the compounding pharmacy scheme in the Southern District of Mississippi.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Helen Wall and U.S. Department of Justice trial attorneys Katherine Payerle and Sean Welsh.

Is God your leader? Do you allow Him to lead you each day?

A lot of times, people set out in his/her own direction with finances, relationships, career or family. We make decisions and then “look around” to see where God is.

We shouldn’t try to fit Him into our schedule. He should be in charge of our schedules.

Stop right now and ask God to lead your day, your week and your life so that you are doing HIS will and not your own!

Sharon Womack

JACKSON – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2019 Mississippi Small Business Person of the Year and Small Business Champion Awards.
Do you or someone you know have what it takes to win one of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) business awards?  “If so, the SBA Mississippi District Office wants to hear from you”, said Janita R. Stewart, SBA Mississippi District Director.  The SBA Mississippi District Office works with small businesses daily to help develop and grow their businesses, which in turn strengthens the state and national economy.  “This is an opportunity to nominate a deserving small business or someone who champions small business for recognition in one or more of the nomination categories, said Stewart.”
Since 1963, Small Business Week Awards has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small business for their contributions to their local communities, and to our nation’s economy. The National Small Business Week celebrations will occur during the week of May 5 -11, 2019.

“You can be part of this celebration by nominating an outstanding small business owner or small business champion in your community for one of these awards,” said Stewart.  “In past years, we’ve had the pleasure of recognizing some outstanding small business owners and champions throughout our state that represented Mississippi well.  We know there are many others out there deserving of this recognition; we just need to receive nominations in order for them to be considered.  Self-nominations are also acceptable.”

The Mississippi SBA Small Business Person of the Year will be invited to attend the national celebration in Washington, DC to compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year award against winners from across the country.

Small Business Champions of the Year award categories are for those who promote small business, including volunteering time and services to small business interests and groups. Champions may or may not be small business owners.

SBA Awards given in celebration of Small Business Week include the following categories:

·         Small Business Person of the Year
·         Small Business Exporter
·         Young Entrepreneur
·         Generational Family-Owned Small Business
·         Minority Small Business Champion
·         Women in Business Champion
·         Veteran Small Business Champion
·         Home-Based Business Champion
·         Financial Services Champion
·         Entrepreneurial Success Award
·         Small Business Journalist
• Phoenix Awards (recognizing outstanding accomplishments during disaster recovery)

All nomination packages must be submitted to the SBA-Mississippi Gulfport Branch Office.  Nomination packages must be hand delivered or mailed to SBA Mississippi-Gulfport Branch Office 2510 14th Street, Suite 103, Gulfport, MS  39501 no later than 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2019.

The dedicated website www.sba.gov/nsbw  provides forms, criteria and guidelines for submitting a nomination. Businesses and business persons can self-nominate themselves.

For nomination guidelines and additional information regarding the awards, visit the SBA Mississippi web site at www.sba.gov/ms  or contact the SBA Mississippi District Office at (601) 965-4378 or Gulfport Branch Office at (228) 863-4449.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

First Day of 2018- 2019 has come and gone for Magee high School! The traditions live on for the Trojans’ Senior Parade and Kickoff Pep Rally. The “I Believe challenge” was made to everyone during the school wide assembly by Coach Teddy Dyess. Coach Dyess motivated the student body and faculty with a passionate and inspiring rallying cry. We believe that Magee can be the best academically, and athletically.

The condemned middle school building at Magee is scheduled for demolition in a few weeks. If you are like me, it’s about time. I’m sure the School Board has some good reason the destruction of this eye sore has taken so long. Personally, I wanted the new elementary built in that area but the “studies” said no. We’ve got a great new elementary of which everyone is proud.

I’m a person who likes history. I enjoy knowing things about our city and its people. When I learned the building was to be torn down, I called the county office with certain request. “Please save the large plaque located above the main entrance which has the pictures of Presidents Washington and Lincoln and save the Elevation plaque which is located on the left side of the front of the building.” (The elevation plaque is not visible from the road or sidewalk. You have to get up in the bushes to see the plaque. The plaque gives the elevation of the building at sea level and the coordinates).

I spoke with Jeffrey Walker who is in charge school-wise of the project. Jeffrey assured me every effort would be made to salvage the Washington/Lincoln plaque. He was unaware of the elevation plaque but would find it for safe keeping.

When we destroy old buildings, we loose history. We can salvage pieces of history if we are careful. I am all for progress and don’t have a problem with buildings being destroyed if we strive to preserve some of their character.

Here’s a little info about the old Magee Middle School. The information came from a blog called Preservation in Mississippi. (Click here)

“The Magee grammar school was completed as Public Works Administration project W1215.  The project was approved August 19, 1937 and a $10,627 grant was awarded toward the total cost of $23,615.  Designed by Mississippi’s Edgar Lucian Malvaney, construction began December 4, 1937 and was completed March 18, 1938.”

Demolition of the building may cause traffic problems, but we are experiencing history in the making. We can all tell our children we were “there” when the walls came tumbling down!

Feel free to share your stories from the “old elementary.” (sue@mageenews.com)

(I think I put the wrong old picture!  I’m working on it!)

Magee High School will start the 2018 Football season off by playing in a jamboree Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Mississippi State University!

The Trojans will participate in the New Hope Jamboree being hosted on the campus of Mississippi State University!

Magee will play Saturday starting at 11:00 am against Okolona.

A $10.00 charge for admission will be required. This admits you into the games for the whole day.

Fans are to enter gates A & F on the west side of the stadium.

Trojans have a new coaching staff that consist of Teddy Dyess – Head Coach/AD, Corey Edwards, Eric Thurman, Greg Maddox, Jarrod Millory, Josh Keys, Kiery Stribling, Glenn Smith, Gordon Dixon, and Josh Sanders.

The goal of this team is to be quick. So do not blink your eyes are you might miss something!

Show your support, take the short drive to a beautiful campus, and go watch the Trojans in action!

Hattiesburg, Miss. – Asa Jefferson Sanford, Jr., 60, of Sumrall, pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Keith Starrett to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms, and one count of possessing a firearm which was not registered to Sanford in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Special Agent in Charge Dana Nichols with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”).

On July 20, 2015, Sanford, a previously convicted felon, came in contact with law enforcement officers which resulted in the obtaining and execution of state search warrants on Sanford’s vehicle and home. State and federal agents seized numerous firearms and ammunition in Sanford’s possession, as well as a silencer that was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Sanford will be sentenced by Judge Starrett on October 16, 2018 at 9:45 a.m. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Jefferson Davis County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea Jones.

Cheering for the 2018 Football Season for the  Mendenhall Tigers are as follows:  Karli Welch, Cameron Magee, Parish Buckley, Kennedy Hanna, Kay Kay Walker, and Ravien Graves. Jenniya Milton, Taylor Johnston, Mylie Magee, Bailey Sharbrough, Anna Tindell, and LaKayla Anderson. Pictured on the back from left to right: Re’Kyia Lott, Ja’maiya Taylor, Candice McCullum, Shania Stampley, Natiya Hayes, and Chelbi Sheffield.

Kennedy Hanna was selected to serve as Captain and Parish Buckley was selected to serve as Co-Captain.

The girls attended camp at the University of Mississippi  during the summer and were very successful.

The team is ready for Friday’s with ballgames and pep rally’s.

The state’s human cases of West Nile virus infection more than doubled this week, to a total of 17 for the year. Human cases have been confirmed in 11 Mississippi counties, and mosquitoes carrying West Nile have been identified in all areas of the state. The risk of West Nile virus infection is highest now through September, and all Mississippians are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites.

• Avoid areas where mosquitoes are prevalent, wear clothing that covers the arms and legs, and 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 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.