Miss Hospitality Presents Dixie National Parade Awards to Participants from Covington, Hinds, Madison, Smith, and Scott Counties

JACKSON, Miss. — Today, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and the First Lady of Agriculture Leslie Gipson led the 2020 Dixie National Parade through Downtown Jackson. Immediately following, Mississippi’s own Miss Hospitality, Kasey Pearson from Monroe County, presented parade awards to the winning participants at the Mississippi Farmers Market.

“The Dixie National Rodeo Parade is a fun-filled family event that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce looks forward to bringing to the public each year,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This would not be possible without the participation of groups from all over the state. I want to thank all those that made it a success and congratulate all of our winners.”

Selected judges chosen by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce determine the best participating groups representing each of five categories: marching, motorized, floats, riding and wagon trains, as well as the overall champion who wins the Commissioner’s Award.

For best marching group, Mendenhall High School Band won first place, and Hinds Community College Hi-Steppers won second place. For best motorized club, Central MS Antique Tractor Association from Morton won first place, and Deep South Military Vehicle Club from Jackson won second place. For best float in the 2020 Dixie National Parade, Natchez Trace Stables, LLC from Canton was awarded first place, and the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum was awarded second place. For best riding club, Dixie National Queens and Sweethearts was awarded first place, and Devonshire Farm from Flora was awarded second place.

The Mississippi Wagon Trains, which famously march at the end of the procession, were also presented awards by Miss Hospitality Kasey Pearson. First place went to the Wesson Ride, second place went to the Smith County Ride, and third place went to the Mount Olive Ride.

The Commissioner’s Award was presented last. This annual award is given to the best overall participating parade group from the entire line-up. The winner of the 2020 Dixie National Parade Commissioner’s Award was Wesson Ride.

Events of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo continue through Sunday, February 16. Tickets to the rodeo, which runs through Wednesday, February 12, can be purchased at the Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

Mississippi’s Miss Hospitality Kasey Pearson presented the Third Place Award for Best Wagon Train to Jack Underwood representing the Mt. Olive Ride.

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By: Van Arnold

Lifelong Hattiesburg resident Mike Essary will serve as grand marshal for the 35^th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo to be held Feb. 14-15 at the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center on U.S. Highway 49 South in Hattiesburg.

Essary attended Forrest County A.H.S., and The University of Southern Mississippi before graduating from Mississippi State University in 1988 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He has worked at Neel-Schaffer for 24 years and currently serves as the firm’s Pine Belt Operations Manager, responsible for managing work performed by Neel-Schaffer’s Hattiesburg and Laurel offices.

Essary notes that his passion is to work with local leaders to develop projects and implement changes that improve Pine Belt communities and make them a better place to work, play and worship.

He has served on the Optimist Park Board, The Oak Grove Warrior Club, and the Heritage UMC Trustees.

His wife, Layla, well known for her previous role as a WDAM-TV anchor, currently works as a travel consultant for local restaurateur Robert St. John.

Mike and Layla have two children. Their son, Alex, is a junior at Southern Miss in the College of Business and Economic Development, and their daughter, Olivia, is a senior at Madison Central High School where she plans to attend Mississippi State University in the fall.

Comedian Lecile Harris, four-time professional rodeo Clown of the Year, and riding sensation Dusti Crane Dickerson will serve as special guest rodeo entertainers.

Tickets are on sale at Boot Country on U.S. Highway 49 and Hub City West Farm and Garden on Pioneer Road in Hattiesburg. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 after Feb. 13. Starting Feb. 14, tickets will be sold at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose Center beginning at 8 a.m. All seats are chair back and reserved.

The rodeo is also sponsored by Southern Beverage, Comcast, B-95, Pine Belt Motors, Papa John’s, Keith’s Super Stores, Hattiesburg Clinic Sports Medicine, Forrest General Hospital, Copy Cats Printing, The Hattiesburg American, Neel-Schaffer, Service Master, Eagle Dining, Southern Miss Campus Recreation and F45 Fitness Studio.

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The Simpson County Disaster Relief Volunteers are making a difference in Simpson County following the recent tornado in the Martinville area.

These men work very hard helping the victims.    Composed of men from all over Simpson County, these men are examples of what Christ intended in helping others.

Some of the men who helped:  Anthony Sanders, David Jager, Mick Weathersby, Wade Hayes, Don Sullivan, Vondall Yates, H Bynum, Glenn Yates.  (Not all names of the Volunteers was available).

Thanks to John Kilpatrick for sharing the pictures and information.

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WHO’S WHO- Twenty-nine outstanding sophomores on Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Simpson County Center were selected to Who’s Who at Copiah-Lincoln Community College for 2019-2020. Selection is based upon leadership, scholarship, character, and the potential for success upon graduation.

Students selected to Who’s Who are seated from left, Lindsey Amason, Brandy Meadows, and Chloe White, all of Magee; Dayra Gutierrez of Mount Olive; McKenzie Chestnut and Madison Maddox, both of Magee; Bailey Rayborn of Mendenhall; Madison Jones of Magee; Bailey Allen of Braxton; Destiny Booth of Mendenhall; and Maleah McCulloch of Florence; standing from left, Kadaisha Barnes, Jaeshia Turner, and Dalton Lucas, all of Magee; DJ Duckworth of Mount Olive; Evan Purser of Magee; Lainey Wallace of Mount Olive; Destiny Horn of Mize; Adrianna Holman of Mendenhall; Julia Davis and Stephanie Gentry, both of Magee. Not pictured is Danny Chung of Mendenhall; Jasmine Dickens of Brandon; Melita Hamilton of Morton; Kawanzza Johnson of Magee; Eric Martin of Silver Creek; Grycen Scott and Jacquelyn Shows, both of Mendenhall; Lundon Warren of Magee; and Jason Wooten of Florence.

Students enrolled full-time in two-year programs are eligible for consideration. A committee composed of administrators, staff, and faculty made the final recommendations for Who’s Who.

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Contributing Author: Joe Ann Floyd

Did you know February is National Heart Health Month? The American Heart Association saw a need to bring awareness of the prevalence of heart disease in women. In 2004 the AHA began Go Red for Women which is social initiative designed to empower women to take charge of their heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. This year makes the second year SCTC students in Health Informatics & Health Science classes participated in the American Heart Association’s signature women’s initiative, Go Red for Women.  This is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. It’s no longer just about wearing red; it’s no longer just about sharing heart health facts. It’s about all women making a commitment to stand together with Go Red and taking charge of their own heart health as well as the health of those they can’t bear to live without. 

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Contributing Author: Joe Ann Floyd

Simpson County Technical Center is featuring its polymer science program.  The program includes materials sciences, recycling, polymer synthesis, and a section on ceramics and metals for an artistic take on the science. SCTCs program is one of only 10 statewide. You can often find students in the lab working on projects under the supervision of Instructor, Crystal Smith. Polymer Science is a multidisciplinary field that combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, engineering, and biochemistry. Polymers enable many advanced technologies and everyday items we use, including flat screen TV’s, light weight aircraft panels and engines, medical devices, coatings and paints, and more.

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            JACKSON, Mississippi – Copiah-Lincoln Community College President Dr. Jane G. Hulon is one of 28 college presidents that will receive the Paragon Award for New Presidents during Phi Theta Kappa’s Catalyst 2020, the society’s annual convention, April 2-4 in the Greater Dallas Area in Texas.

            The awards are given to new college presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service among high-achieving student at their college. Recipients were nominated for the award by the students on their campus.

            PTK students have a 91 percent student success rate, and research has shown that strong presidential leadership and support of PTK increases member success and the depth of their college experience.

            More than 500 college presidents were eligible to receive this award. Dr. Hulon began her tenure as Co-Lin’s first female president on July 1, 2018.

            Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.

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Saturday was a monumental day at Simpson Academy.  The girls and boys teams were named District 3AAAA Champs!  The high energy group of young people never stopped in their quest for the gold!

The Lady Cougars defeated Hartfield Academy 53-47.  The team completed the season with a 29-4 record.

The girls will play Tuesday at 4:00 PM at Oak Forrest Academy against Adams Christian.

The boys defeated Hillcrest 63-49 and completed the season 27-6.

The Cougars meet Cathedral Tuesday night at 5:15 at Oak Forrest Academy in Louisiana.

Championship games will be Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Oak Forrest.  The girls will play at 1 and 2:15.  The boys will play at 4 & 5:15.

Head Coach for the Lady Cougars is Linda Dear.  Head Coach for the Cougars is James Crain.

Photos by Karen Moore

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Saturday was a monumental day at Simpson Academy.  The girls and boys teams were named District 3AAAA Champs!  The high energy group of young people never stopped in their quest for the gold!

The boys defeated Hillcrest 63-49 and completed the season 27-6.

The Cougars meet Cathedral Tuesday night at 5:15 at Oak Forrest Academy in Louisiana.

The Lady Cougars defeated Hartfield Academy 53-47.  The team completed the season with a 29-4 record.

The girls will play Tuesday at 4:00 PM at Oak Forrest Academy against Adams Christian.

Championship games will be Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Oak Forrest.  The girls will play at 1 and 2:15.  The boys will play at 4 & 5:15.

Head Coach for the Lady Cougars is Linda Dear.  Head Coach for the Cougars is James Crain.

Photos by Karen Moore

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MSDH Monitoring Coronavirus 2019-nCoV

The Mississippi State Department of Health and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to monitor the current outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel (new) coronavirus 2019-nCoV first reported in Wuhan, China. This virus has spread rapidly from person to person within China as well as internationally, and is responsible for hundred of deaths worldwide. The CDC is cautioning against non-essential travel to China. While several cases of coronavirus infection have been confirmed in the U.S., they are all among returning travelers or their close contacts. Mississippians are not currently considered at risk from this virus unless they have recently traveled to China or have been in close contact with someone who has confirmed infection with 2019-nCoV, or who is under investigation for infection. No cases of coronavirus 2019-nCoV have been identified in Mississippi, and there are no persons being investigated as possible cases. MSDH has prepared guidances for healthcare facilities on identifying, reporting and safely handling possible cases of 2019-nCoV infection that may occur in Mississippi.

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Several members of the legislature raised $9,000 to purchase a steer during the Sale of Junior Champions at Dixie Nationals.  The group purchased the Reserved Grand Champion Steer from Ayden and Paxton Wolken from Mendenhall for $10,000.

The steer was then donated to the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association for their annual steer raffle.

Left to right 

Representative Brady Williamson 

Representative Vince Mangold 

Representative Bubba Carpenter 

Representative Bill Piggott 

Joe Magee

Representative Price Wallace

Ayden Wolken 

Candice Wolken 

Owen Wolken 

Mark Wolken 

Paxton Wolken 

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Poppy Petal Florist and Gifts located in Magee held a ribbon cutting Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

Owner’s Amanda and Jacob Blakeney were present with many family, friends, and business leaders taking part in the celebration.

Magee Chamber of Commerce Vice-President Julian Harper welcomed the new business and presented the owner’s with a certificate of membership being the newest members of the chamber.

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Keith and Christy King of Magee announce the engagement and approaching marriage of their daughter Christin King to Kyle Curlee son of Chris and Jenny Curlee of Magee.

Christin is the granddaughter of Jack King and the late Billie Faye King of Mount Olive, MS,  and the late Richard Lee of Enterprise, MS and his wife Barbara Lee.

Christin is a 2015 graduate of Simpson County Academy. Christin graduated from Mississippi College in 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Christin is presently employed with Mississippi College as a Transfer Admissions Counselor.

Kyle is the grandson of Jack and Linda Curlee of Magee and the late Frank and Pat Gurley of Denham Springs, LA.

Kyle is a 2016 graduate of Magee High School where he graduated as class Valedictorian. Kyle will graduate in May from Mississippi College with a Bachelors Degree in Biology Pre-Med. After Graduation, Kyle will apply for Medical School and continue his education in pursuit of his PHD.  Kyle is a member of the Air National Guard serving as Senior Airman. Kyle is employed with AMR as an Emergency Medical Technician.

The exchanging of vows will take place Saturday, July 18, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Magee. A reception will follow immediately at the McAlpin House located in Magee.

The couple will enjoy a honeymoon in Hawaii.

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Watch out folks!  I just encountered another scam this time with Amazon.com.  I received a notice my Prime membership was set for renewal and my payment method was out dated.  I clicked on the link.  Immediately, my computer notified me that this was an unsecured site.  I didn’t think to much of it and started to type in my password.  A sign popped up saying change your password not secure.  When this happened, I realized something was wrong!

I went to the main Amazon site and checked the renewal date of my Prime membership.  The date is not until April.

Folks, beware!  Scams are everywhere!

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JACKSON, MISS.—Following heavy rainfall across the central part of the state, Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) first responders were on the scene late into the night to ensure Mississippi highways were safe and open for travel.

“MDOT maintenance forces worked through the night to safely reopen a portion of State Route 16 after a damaged culvert forced its closure in Leake County,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “With more severe weather on the way, I am proud to have such dedicated district crews serving Mississippi motorists.”

The damaged culvert was located on SR 16 one mile east of the Yockanookany River in Leake County. After staging message boards to alert motorists of the closure, crews were able to safely repair the culvert by 2 a.m. on February 11.

Hours later, SR 16 flooded between East Franklin Street and Midway Road in Leake County, resulting in a complete shutdown in both directions. The roadway remains closed as crews monitor conditions and assess damage. Motorists are advised to avoid this stretch of SR 16 until further notice. MDOT will update the public as information becomes available.

Once the waters recede, work such as debris removal, cross-drain inspections and other necessary repairs must take place before crews safely open a roadway that has been flooded. Saturated pavements and embankments will also need sufficient time for the water to properly drain, allowing it to hold the necessary amount of traffic.

In Warren County, U.S. Highway 80 saw significant damage at Mount Alban Road. Heavy rainfall resulted in the loss of a significant portion of the soil supporting the asphalt under a section of Highway 80, forcing crews to shutdown both directions of Highway 80 until further notice. MDOT crews have been on the scene since the early morning hours assessing the extent of the damage.

“MDOT crews will continue to monitor the potential for flooding to ensure the safety of motorists on our state highways,” said McGrath. “I ask for your patience to allow our crews to properly evaluate the damage to both Highway 80 and SR 16.”

MDOT has many helpful safety tips for driving in severe weather and avoiding flooding at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms. Stay updated on current road conditions at MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Motorists can also stay updated on closures and traffic information by following @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

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Winners in the Welding competition of the annual Skills USA Region 4 Competition hosted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career and Technical Division are from left, Eli Thomas of Simpson County Vo-Tech Complex, fourth place; Zimmerman Casey of Franklin County Career and Technical Center, second place; and Logan Willey of North Pike Career Technical Center, first place. Not pictured is Collin Dunlavy of Walthall County Career & Technology Center, third place.

Winners in the Related Technical Math competition of the annual SkillsUSA Region 4 Competition hosted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career and Technical Division included from left, Vontrel Johnson of Simpson County Vo-Tech Complex, second place; and Vidhi Patel of McComb Business & Tech Complex, first place.

Second place winners in the Team Works competition of the annual Skills USA Region 4 Competition hosted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career and Technical Division are Ian Batton, Macy Gray, Dane Griffin, and Kaston McCarty, all of Simpson County Vo-Tech Complex in Mendenhall.

Winners in the Prepared Speech competition of the annual SkillsUSA Region 4 Competition hosted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career and Technical Division included Troy Brock of Simpson County Vo-Tech Complex, first place.

Winners in the Job Interview competition of the annual SkillsUSA Region 4 Competition hosted by Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Career and Technical Division are from left, Myeshia Harris of Simpson County Vo-Tech Complex, second place; and Mackalyn Jones of Canton Career Center, first place.

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