A Southern Fried Love Story

North Meets South

By Andy Knef

The tale of how this Yankee writer arrived in Simpson County and Magee, Mississippi is a straight-forward love story. When I asked my new friend Sue, “The Prez,” for 1,500 words to introduce myself to her dynamic, growing online audience, I figured I could kill two birds and share something romantic with y’all for Valentine’s Day.

OK, killing birds may not strike you as romantic at first blush, but turkey hunters I’ve met down here beg to differ. Also, you may have guessed I didn’t always address my readers as “y’all”. I grew up mostly in the Northeast, the oldest son of a Naval aviator, which any carrier jockey will tell you counts as a much higher calling than being a mere “pilot.” Went to high school in Rhode Island and college in Boston and Vermont. I studied journalism in school, but I didn’t really learn the essentials of effective communication until I joined the Air Force in 1981. Those guys may be only pilots, but they do a great job teaching young men and women how to write, take photos, produce videos and interact with the news media.

This is nice, you think, but where’s the love story? Maybe that part is not so straight forward. I promise I’ll get there. I served as an NCO in Air Force public affairs for eight years on active duty and another 14 in the Air National Guard based in St. Louis. During more than two decades in the Gateway City, I practiced my trade as a PR professional for one of the top healthcare organizations in the nation.

Which brings me to 2013, when my life headed south—literally. I was coming out of a tough divorce (aren’t they all?) and struggling professionally with the corporately correct blues. “Come to Mississippi,” beckoned my eldest son from his comfortable Oxford home. “It’ll be a simpler life, the folks down here are galactically gracious, the women are gorgeous and you can probably find a job at Ole Miss.” Yes, pretty women is what we writers call foreshadowing. Here comes my love story.

But first—all great love stories require a bit of delayed gratification. I moved from St. Louis with everything I owned in the back of my old red Ford Ranger. Found an apartment a few miles away from my son, daughter-in-law and three (have 11 total) precious grandchildren. Taught a writing class in the Ole Miss journalism school for three semesters while editing a news website called Hottytoddy.com and writing magazine articles for the nation’s leading trade publication for the pizzeria industry. Who knew Oxford was the center of the pizza universe!

And then one blindingly bright crisp Saturday afternoon in 2014 I was covering an Ole Miss football game for my website when the earth shifted under my feet. Actually, Ground Zero was the famous green grass and lush trees of The Grove on the Ole Miss campus. I was investigating the colorful histories of families who have operated tents in this party park Mecca for decades. As I snapped photos, I spotted a sleek, black lab with a pretty college-age blonde sporting a vintage Ole Miss number-86 football jersey. We chatted about the significance of Number 86 for a moment, and I was thrilled to learn this very jersey belonged to Wesley Sullivan, left end and kicker on the Rebels storied football teams of 1959-1962. The 1959, 1960 and 1962 squads were the last Ole Miss teams to win national championships. “For the complete story, you’ll have to follow me to my mother’s tent,” the young woman advised me.

As I approached the sea of red tents located on the Walk of Champions at the Mangum Way Corner (Named for All-American Kris Mangum of Magee), my distracted glance fixed on a striking woman of indiscriminate age. She had the same smooth, flawless skin of the girl I instantly recognized as her daughter. As we blandly traded niceties, I drank in everything about her in high-definition, bracing clarity: clear oval-shaped brown eyes, softly meandering blonde hair flowing elegantly about her shoulders. To say that I thought she was beautiful fails to capture the sense of sweet recognition that rose instantly from deep inside my soul. I knew that we had never met, but her familiar, reassuring presence captured, in my heart, the essence of coming home. Her warm, disarming smile caused me to lose my train of thought and mumble my questions incoherently at times. Am I describing love at first sight? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to elevate those first lightning bolt moments to the same level of devotion that has bloomed steadily over our more than five years together. I know, it took a while to get to the good part and now I’m sprinting ahead of myself.

Back then, at The Grove in the fall of 2014, Wesla Sullivan told me that she was an attorney from Jackson. A mother of three, she added that she maintained this sacred Grove spot with her best friend attorney Helen Hall Kenwright of Grenada. Their purpose was to honor a family tradition that was inspired, originally, by the women’s daddies, now both passed. Wesley Sullivan, who died in 2007, was revered by his community and family, not just as an Ole Miss football star, but as a uniquely charismatic and respected father and businessman. He and his wife, Aleita, a trail-blazing attorney in her own right and former Mississippi State lead drum major, worked and raised their two daughters in Magee and Mendenhall. The Sullivan’s legacy of service made them larger-than-life Simpson County leaders.

I had the facts for my story, but I wasn’t ready to leave The Grove that fateful afternoon without the one piece of crucial information I wanted more than anything else. “Listen,” I said. “I can’t finish this story without a bit more information. Can I get your phone number to follow up on some of these facts?” Wesla’s endearing innocence led her to respond kindly, as always, without the slightest realization that this strange reporter was actually asking her for a date.

I called her on my iPhone less than one minute after leaving the Sullivan Grove site. “Helen, I think that reporter is asking me out,” she said, to her friend, turning momentarily from her conversation with me as they walked to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for the game. My ulterior motive had broken like a wave on Gulf Shores Beach. Instead of advising her best friend, “tell him to get lost,” wonderful Helen smiled knowingly at Wesla, “It’s just a date. What can it hurt?”

We had our first date that night. I picked her up in my ridiculous old Ford Ranger and we went for steaks and the slightly awkward conversation that seasons most first dates. We tested our long-distance relationship for more than a year. The pressures of separation and of our widely incongruent backgrounds threatened to tear us apart. But I was determined. The Yankee, Roman Catholic, deli sandwich eating, former hippie, multiple married father of five never stopped fighting for his Simpson County Angus Queen, Ole Miss sorority sister, Presbyterian, butter bean loving, legal eagle soul mate.

Yes I said it! This is the culmination of our love story. Wesla is my soul mate, even if it took a lot longer and a lot more heartbreak than I expected for the Lord to bring her into my life. That’s why the Rascal Flatts song “Bless the Broken Road” is “Our (unofficial) Song.”

“This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you”

I called myself a Yankee, but that’s only half true. Wesla and I were raised in different places, but we have a vital piece of family history working in our favor. My Dad, the Naval Aviator, Catholic and lunch-meat enthusiast, learned how to fly in Pensacola, Florida. Sixty six years ago he met my Prichard, Alabama-born Mom, the Baptist beauty queen, on Gulf Shores Beach, just three hours from the town we live in as I write this. We often talk about the God-driven similarities in the two love stories that always make us smile. My parents continue to smile together and cherish each other in their Lakewood, New Jersey home.

Today, any place Wesla lives seems like the beach, or Paris, to me. I moved to Jackson in 2017. We got married in the living room of our Jackson home surrounded by a wonderful preacher, four close friends and our only currently home-residing children—four dogs and two cats. With her Mama retired and living in Holly Springs, Wesla advances Aleita’s and Wesley’s legacy through her work as the practicing attorney of Sullivan Law in Mendenhall and School Board Attorney for Simpson County Schools. She also serves proudly as a Municipal Judge in Mendenhall and as a Youth Court Referee for Jefferson Davis County, where she routinely makes a difference in the lives of children and families in dire need of justice and compassion.

As for me, at age 60 I earned my teaching license in 2017. The last two years I taught at Murrah High School in Jackson and Magee Middle School. In November, 2019, we moved to the Paris of Mississippi: Magee. I’m having a ball writing for The MageeNews.com and substitute teaching at Simpson Academy. I wish all you love birds (Turkeys too) the most romantic Valentine’s Day possible, and I look forward to talking to you again through these online pages.

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JACKSON, Miss. — In preparation for the predicted flooding of the Pearl River in Jackson this weekend, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) recommends area residents in flood warning zones take the following safety precautions: Plan a flood evacuation route with your family. Ask an out-of-state relative or friend or someone in an unaffected part of the state to be the “family contact” in case your family is separated during a flood. Make sure everyone in your family knows the name, address and phone number of this contact person. Identify potential home hazards and know how to secure or protect them before the flood strikes. Be prepared to turn off electrical power if there are fallen power lines or standing water, or before you evacuate. If you are under a flood watch or warning: Gather emergency supplies and stay tuned to local radio or television stations for updates. Locate your main power switch and main gas and water valves so they can be quickly turned off in case of evacuation. If you are remaining in your home, fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic soda bottles with clean water. Sanitize the sinks and tubs first by using bleach. Rinse and fill with clean water. Bring outdoor possessions such as lawn furniture, grills and trash cans inside or tie them down securely. Prepare at least a 60-day supply of any essential medications to take with you. If you are ordered to evacuate: You should never ignore an evacuation order. If a flood warning is issued for your area or you are directed by authorities to evacuate: Take only essential items with you. Take at least a 60-day supply of all your essential medications with you. If you have time, turn off the gas, electricity and water. Disconnect appliances to prevent electrical shock when power is restored. Follow the designated evacuation routes and expect heavy traffic. Do not attempt to drive or walk across creeks or flooded roads. Home emergency supplies: You should stock your home with supplies that may be needed during the emergency period. At a minimum, these supplies should include: Several clean containers for water, large enough for a three- to five-day supply of water (about five gallons for each person). A three- to five-day supply of non-perishable food and a non-electric can opener. A first aid kit, prescription medicines, and special medical supplies. A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries. Sleeping bags or extra blankets. Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach. Baby food and prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies. Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available. Personal hygiene supplies, such as soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins,etc. An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, sleeping bags, etc. Rubber boots, sturdy shoes and waterproof gloves. Immunizations information for individuals impacted by flood waters: Tetanus vaccination is recommended if it’s been 10 years or more since the last tetanus vaccination (Tdap is the recommended vaccine). In the event of a puncture wound or wound contaminated with flood waters, individuals should consult with a healthcare provider. Press Contact: MSDH Office of Communications, (601) 576-7667 Note to media: After hours or during emergencies, call 601-576-7400. STAY CONNECTED:         Manage Preferences  |  Unsubscribe  |  Help This email was sent to suehonea@bellsouth.net using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Mississippi State Department of Health · 570 East Woodrow Wilson Drive · Jackson, MS 39216

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Friday, February 14, 2020

Jackson Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison Under Project EJECT for Illegally Possessing and Discharging a Firearm During Waffle House Robbery

Jackson, Miss. – Nicholas Thames, 22, of Jackson, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Daniel P. Jordan III to 120 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm after he had been previously convicted of felony crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst and Michelle A. Sutphin, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Thames was also ordered to pay a $1,500 fine.

“Project EJECT was created to expel this exact type of criminal from our communities – those who violently threaten and terrorize our fellow citizens. Because of the work by the Jackson Police Department and the FBI, this criminal was quickly apprehend and prosecuted before he was able to harm anyone else. For at least the next decade, this criminal will not be able to hurt any more innocent civilians,” said U.S. Attorney Hurst.

On October 27, 2017, Thames entered a Waffle House restaurant on Beasley Road in Jackson, armed with a .45 caliber handgun.  Thames covered his face with a red bandana in an attempt to conceal his identity.  However, Thames was recognized by several witnesses because he had eaten at the restaurant just an hour earlier. Thames fired one shot from his pistol into the ceiling of the business, then pointed the gun at an employee, demanding money.  The employee emptied the register, giving the contents to Thames. After receiving the cash, Thames fled on foot.  In all, Thames got away with approximately $400.00.

Officers with the Jackson Police Department responded to the scene immediately.  An officer spotted Thames walking in an apartment complex wearing clothing that matched the description given by the Waffle House employees. Thames was arrested and officers found a large sum of money and a black handgun on his person. Officers also found several other items that the defendant admitted taking from a vehicle that he had broken into in the area.

This case is part of Project EJECT, 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) and Project Guardian. EJECT is a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to fighting and reducing violent crime through prosecution, prevention, re-entry and awareness. EJECT stands for “Empower Justice Expel Crime Together.” PSN is bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Charles W. Kirkham.

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Commissioner Brent Bailey attends first NARUC Winter Policy Summit of his term

JACKSON— Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey announces his attendance at the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Winter Policy Summit as a newly elected Commissioner.

Commissioner Bailey joined his colleagues and fellow Mississippi commissioners in Washington, D.C., this week along with a collection of more than 1,700 attendees and speakers from state and federal agencies, industry, advocacy organizations and more.

NARUC holds three membership-wide meetings each year, where members gather to set policy, share best practices and discuss crucial industry issues. The committee meetings and general sessions at the Winter Policy Summit provided the latest policy updates related to utility regulation and also key resolutions were discussed and approved by the board of directors at the conclusion of the meeting.

“The summit afforded me the opportunity to gather with other members of NARUC on a state, national and international level with a packed agenda,” Commissioner Bailey said. “The summit included a significant time for an array of networking with my fellow state Commissioners and industry representatives. I was thrilled to see so many utility regulators from across the country who are also working to address our energy and utility priorities through the four days of committee meetings and general sessions.”

As the current President of NARUC, Mississippi Commissioner Brandon Presley of the Northern District gave a welcoming at the New Commissioner Forum. “The forum provided an excellent opportunity for me to learn more about NARUC and its programs and I thank Commissioner Presley for welcoming us new commissioners. I also commend his dedication and achievements as Commissioner in expanding broadband opportunities to rural areas of Mississippi.” Commissioner Bailey said.

As a newly elected Commissioner, NARUC paired Commissioner Bailey with a tenured Commissioner as his NARUC 2020 Ambassador – Idaho Public Utilities Commissioner Paul Kjellander. Commissioner Bailey said, “During my time with Commissioner Kjellander, who is in line to serve as the next President of NARUC, he shared invaluable information in relation to his experiences and wisdom collected throughout his service at the IPUC. Commissioner Kjellander will be a great fit for the president position as we share the same commitments to consumers and I look forward to building a constructive cross-country partnership with him.”

Before the Monday morning general session, Commissioner Bailey joined Mississippi Commissioners Presley and Dane Maxwell in having the pleasure to visit with NARUC’s special guest speaker, Mississippi’s own U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.

“We have a shared vision to expand broadband services in Mississippi and I look forward to working with Congress, the public and private sectors, and my fellow Commissioners Presley and Maxwell to do so,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Furthermore, the knowledge gained and ideas shared at the summit will make a difference in our work moving forward. I appreciate the opportunities and longstanding collaborations and partnerships of my colleagues as it was an honor attending the summit as a newly elected Commissioner for the Central District of Mississippi.”

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JACKSON, MISS.—Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews continue to monitor and repair the impacts of ongoing flooding in multiple areas on state highways.

In Holmes County, crews are closely monitoring State Route 14 as water is beginning to slowly cross the roadway at Byrd Street.  MDOT will close the roadway if it is determined the road has become potentially unsafe to travel.

Crews are currently making repairs to State Route 16 just east of Yazoo City by sealing damage the roadway suffered earlier in the week.

Download video of SR 14 conditions at Byrd Street in Holmes County AND MDOT crews sealing SR 16 damage in Yazoo County HERE.

In Leake County, floodwaters receded enough for MDOT to safely reopen State Route 488 between State Route 35 and Whit Alford Road. Crews will continue monitoring conditions here and remain on standby to respond immediately should additional flooding occur.

Current closures (as of noon on February 14):

• State Route 427 at State Route 16 in Leake County
• U.S. Highway 80 at Mount Alban Road in Warren County

“Motorists should check road conditions prior to traveling this holiday weekend,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT crews will continue monitoring conditions and respond as needed. Please drive slow, stay alert for roadside crews and be aware of your surroundings.”

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.

MDOT also has many helpful safety tips for driving in severe weather and avoiding flooding at GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

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Simpson County School Board approved making Magee Elementary a K-5 beginning with school year 2020 at their regular schedule board meeting Thursday, February 13, 2020. All fourth graders attending Magee now will stay an additional year with the new school year.

The board amended a previous motion of the facility needs assessments that will be presented by The Bailey Group at community meeting to include option 5.0. The Bailey Group has 60 days to have community meetings and present these options.

February 3-7 was National School Counseling week and the some of the Counselors from each school met before the board and gave an overview of what is happening in each school.

A motion was presented to the board to move public comments from the end of the meetings to the beginning the meetings. On a two to two vote, Boykin and Cowart for and Herrin and Bulger against.  The motion died and no action was taken.

The board voted to move the March 12, 2020 meeting to March 19^th due to Spring Break falling during the week of the 12^th.

The following consent agenda was approved:

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Recalled E-Z-GO: Express S4-Gas; Tracker Off Road: Tracker LX4-Gas

Name of product:

Gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles

Hazard:

The starter generator wire can be improperly secured, allowing it to come into contact with the vehicle’s exhaust, posing a fire hazard.

Remedy:

Repair

Recall date:

February 13, 2020

Units:

About 20,573

Consumer Contact:

Textron Specialized Vehicles toll-free at 888-525-6040 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, email at jcook03@textron.com or online (for E-Z-Go) at https://ezgo.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, (for Cushman) at https://cushman.txtsv.com, click on Owners, then Recall Information, and (for Tracker) at www.trackeroffroad.com and click on Recalls at the bottom of the page.

Recall Details

Description:

This recall involves gas-powered E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker brand off-road vehicles manufactured from November 2018 through June 2019 with certain non-sequential serial numbers ranging from 3377720 to 3440924.  The serial number is located on the kick panel below the driver side seat.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled off-road vehicles and contact Textron Specialized Vehicles for a free repair.  Textron Specialized Vehicles is contacting all known purchasers directly.

Incidents/Injuries:

Textron Specialized Vehicles has received 13 reports of melted and/or burned wires and electrical components and loss of vehicle function in some cases, including one report of fire.  No injuries have been reported.

Sold At:

E-Z-GO, Cushman and Tracker off road dealerships nationwide from November 2018 through October 2019 for between $6,300 and $13,400.

Manufacturer(s):

Textron Specialized Vehicles, of Augusta, Ga

Manufactured In:

United States

Recall number:

20-073

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Week of February 10, 2020

By Representative Price Wallace

This was the sixth week of the 2020 Legislative Session.  House members had a busy week full of committee meetings and hearings.  The deadline for the introduction of general bills and constitutional amendments is Monday, February 17, so members will remain busy over the next few weeks deciding which drafted bills will make it onto the House floor.

On Tuesday, Speaker Philip Gunn was presented the Angel Award by the Mississippi Center for Violence Prevention and was recognized for his commitment to fight human trafficking.  In October 2018, Speaker Gunn’s Commission on Public Policy hosted a Human Trafficking Summit, and last session, the House passed House Bill 571 which made it illegal for a person under the age of 18 to be charged with prostitution.

After being held on a motion to reconsider at the end of last week, House Bill 95 came before the House again.  The bill would provide that the Commissioner of Insurance shall resolve certain disputes between provider and the insured regarding billing.  Amendment 1 to HB 95 was introduced and passed on a voice vote. The bill passed as amended and has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

House Bill 756 was the source of much debate during session on Thursday.  The bill would require the Department of Finance and Administration to ascertain cost estimates of repairs at the Walnut Grove Correctional Facility.  The correctional facility has been closed since the fall of 2016. The bill passed 91-22, and it has been held on a motion to reconsider.

Two Representatives presented bills for the first time before the House.  Representative Price Wallace (R – Simpson) presented House Bill 687, which would extend the date of the repealer on the provision of law that requires the Mississippi Boll Weevil Management Corporation to submit the annual audit of its accounts to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce by November 15.  The bill passed 117-2.  Representative Lee Yancey (R- Rankin) presented House Bill 408, which would provide requirements for credit for reinsurance.  The bill passed 115-4.

Although several resolutions were passed by the House this week, one concurrent resolution in particular stood out. House Concurrent Resolution 13 honors the life of Mr. William J. “Billy” McCoy, who passed away in November 2019.  Speaker McCoy was a member of the House from 1980 to 2012, serving as Speaker of the House from 2004 to 2012. During his time in the House, he also served as Chairman of Ways and Means, Chairman of Education and Vice-Chairman of Highways and Highway Financing (now Transportation), among his other committee appointments.  HC 13 was passed unanimously by the members.

During session on Thursday, the House was visited by Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer.  She addressed the House and spoke of her platform to increase the number of registered organ donors across the state.

Other visitors at the Capitol this week included Teen Pact Leadership Schools; the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks; the Mississippi Court Reporters Association; Mississippi Public Broadcasting; and the Mississippi Academy of Family Physicians.

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Sheriff Paul Mullins visited MageeNews.com to share his vision and plans for 2020.  As a first year Simpson County Sheriff, Paul brings excellent training to the table having worked for years in the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.

Goals for 2020:

School (police) officers in every school

Working with juveniles

Making it harder to do drug business in Simpson County

Take time to listen to Sheriff Mullins and his plans.

One thing Paul has is plans….He has plans to make our county and its citizens safer.

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The Lady Cougars were defeated 62-50 by Hartfield Academy Saturday in the South State 4 AAAA play off.  The Cougars will advance to the State playoff which will be held at Hatfield Academy Friday, February 21, 2020 at 6:30.

Simpson enters the bracket as the #2 seed for the South.  Leake is the #3 seed for the North.

Hartfield Academy is located in Flowood.

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The Cougars of Simpson Academy brought home the gold Saturday night after defeating Oak Forest Academy 69-42.

The team will begin the State playoffs Wednesday night at 5:15 against Pillow Academy.  Pillow enters the tournament in the #4 seed.  Simpson enters as the #1 seed.

The games will be played at Hartfield Academy in Flowood, MS.

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Simpson County Sheriff Paul Mullins has issued a plea to the public to stay out of the Gatesville Road area in Simpson County.

Gatesville Road is in the Northeast corner near Old Pearl in Simpson County.

The high water and rapid flood waters are causing areas of concern for the county.

Take Highway 28 to Georgetown not Hopewell Road

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Kamron Williams of the Old River Road area in Harrisville, MS shared these pictures.

According to Kamron, “we’ve had tombstones floating away, trees falling down, and houses damaged by trees failing on the homes.

Above Pine Ridge Church, water is now beginning to cross the road.

Again, please do not enter the areas.  Sheriff Paul Mullins has asked the citizens of our county to stay out of the flood prone areas.

(Pictures by Kamron Williams)

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Laverne Runnels Haynes, 88, of Mendenhall, Mississippi, passed away at her home, in Mendenhall, Mississippi, on Saturday, February 15, 2020. She was born Tuesday, March 31, 1931, in Laurel, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mendenhall, Mississippi.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Mendenhall. The burial will follow in Mendenhall City Cemetery. Rev. Gene Banes and Bro. Kurt Appel will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Mendenhall is in charge of arrangements. (601) 847-4401

Mrs. Haynes was a member of Mendenhall United Methodist Church. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister.

She was preceded in death by husband, B.J. Haynes, Jr.; parents, Thomas J. and Virgie Johnson Runnels; one daughter, Gloria Haynes; two brothers, Thomas Jerry Runnels and George Earl Runnels.

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Fanning (Mark) of Mendenhall; two granddaughters, Lori Senger (Tony) of Florence and Ginie Boyette (Justin) of Washington D.C.; five great-grandchildren, Gavin Senger, Ashton Senger, Abby Senger, and Skylar Senger all of Florence, Matthew Boyette of Washington D.C.; one sister, Carlene Campbell of Pearl; and a host of other family members.

Online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com

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As of February 15, 2020, Simpson County has the two following road closures: Gatesville Rd at Old Pearl Fire Dept and Hopewell Rd. at the Pearl River Bridge. Hopewell Rd. is not at this time flooded on the Simpson County side but is heavily flood on the Copiah County side. There is water over the south lane of Old River Rd. north of Pine Ridge Church, but at this time, the road is currently open.

Remember that this event is not over for Simpson County.  The current level of the Pearl River is 34.98 feet. The Pearl River will not crest in the county until the afternoon of February 17 at 36.5 feet. Simpson County will still have the possibility to get a foot and a half of more flooding.

The Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Old Pearl Fire Dept, Road Crew, as well as County Supervisors have been and will continue to monitor this flooding event until it is over. Please remember if there is water over the road, “Turn around don’t drown”.

To see the prediction of what the flooding could possibly do, go to the link https://ags01.sec.usace.army.mil/portal/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=c5fb769845504876a440fd818cac2ebe

Keep in mind this is a planning model and not a definite of what will occur.

By John Kilpatrick, Sr.

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Magee Junior High Trojans are ready for action.  The boys will start their season March 3rd on the road at Seminary.

The team is under the direction of Head Coach Tim Jordan. Attached is a copy of the roster.

Attached is the schedule for the Trojans.

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Monday, February 17, 2020, is National Random Acts of Kindness Day.  What a wonderful day to celebrate.  If each of us would pledge to perform just one random act of kindness, think of the difference we would make!

A random act could be allowing someone to pull onto the highway.  A random act could be opening a door for someone.  A random act could be picking up someone’s mail for them.  A random act could be calling and checking on a neighbor.

Random acts don’t necessarily require money.  They require time and thoughtfulness.  Make a pledge to reach out to someone today.  Show others your love for Christ through your love for others.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and passes on kindness to someone today!

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