FOCAL POINT Saturday night at The Mag, See page 2A

Established 1879 | Columbus, Mississippi

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Friday | June 26, 2020

Legislators hope for flag vote this weekend

Ole Miss
men’s House, Senate would have the effort would draw out the votes both
the House and Senate will need to vote on
basketball
coach Ker- to suspend rule mandating a bill removing the Confederate battle em-
blem emblazoned on the state flag.
mit Davis
was among no new bills introduced “The question I had with one of the
House members today is
the college
athletic this session when the story is written
department 10, 20, 30, 40 years from
BY BEN PORTNOY
officials
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
now, wouldn’t you want to
who lobbied be on the right side of his-
the Missis- tory?” Rep. Cheikh Taylor
sippi Leg- JACKSON — The tide is turning in the
Mississippi Legislature. (D-Starkville) told The Dis-
islature to
change the As athletic department officials from patch. “But that’s my opin-
Taylor
state flag in Ole Miss, Mississippi State and other Mag- ion. His is that ‘I am on the
Jackson on nolia State institutions, along with various right side of history by preserving (the)
Thursday. lobbyists, descended on the state Capitol heritage.’”
Ben Portnoy/Dispatch Staff in Jackson on Thursday, lawmakers hoped See FLAG, 6A

West Point
proposes budget Area hospitals say they’re ready
with no layoffs, for possible COVID-19 surge
tax increase
Planned budget slashes
$368K from city
departments
BY GARRICK HODGE
ghodge@cdispatch.com

WEST POINT —
Despite a projected
decrease in revenue
of $391,026 from Fis-
cal Year 2019-2020,
West Point Mayor
Robbie Robinson has
proposed a city bud-
get that includes no Robinson
layoffs or furloughs
of city employees.
Under the pro-
posed 2020-2021
budget, which will be
discussed at a public
hearing at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday at City Hall,
total expenses will McBrayer
be reduced by a combined $368,625
from various departments. The bud- Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

get surplus from the 2019-2020 fis-
cal year came out to $40,888, while
the 2020-2021 surplus is projected
at $18,487.
“A lot of work went into this,”
Ward 4 Selectman Keith McBrayer
said.
The city has asked department
heads to cut 10 percent of their
budgets for Fiscal Year 2021, which
starts July 1 (In Columbus and
See BUDGET, 3A
Kane McCool wheels a bag with fluids to a patient who is suspected to have COVID-19 on Thursday at OCH Re-
gional Medical Center in Starkville. The hospital has a unit for COVID-19 patients on the second floor. One section
of the floor is for patients who are suspected to be carrying the virus, and further back there is a section for
patients who are confirmed positive.
State Health Director: Virus trending
upward as Mississippians try to
embrace ‘unsafe normal’
BY SLIM SMITH
ssmith@cdispatch.com

A day after the state health director

warned that Mississippi’s health care
system could be overwhelmed by the ef-
Clay supervisors end fects of COVID-19 in the fall, local hospi-
tal officials said they are equipped for a
curfew in 4-1 vote surge in their communities.
On Tuesday, when the state reported
Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff
Debra Fair McCarter asks George Bennett if he has any
BY GARRICK HODGE its highest number of new cases (611) Dobbs COVID-19 symptoms before he enters the hospital on
ghdoge@cdispatch.com and current hospitalizations (523) since Thursday at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville.
the pandemic began, State Health Director Dr. Thom- McCarter also used a touchless thermometer to take
Bennett’s temperature.
WEST POINT as Dobbs told the Associated Press the recent trends,
— The Clay County if unchecked, “is the biggest public health threat in a said. “We’re really going to end up paying the price for
Board of Supervisors century.” it.”
voted to suspend the The number of new cases ballooned Wednesday to Officials at both Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden
county-wide curfew 1,092, which only served to amplify Dobbs’ concerns. Triangle in Columbus and OCH Regional Medical Cen-
during its regular “We’ve been seeing this trend evolving over weeks. ter in Starkville said that while their hospitals aren’t
meeting Thursday. As people have tried to embrace normal, but unsafe experiencing the increased number of patients seen in
Under the curfew, normal, it is permitting the virus to spread, “Dobbs See HOSPITALS, 6A
Deanes
Clay County resi-
dents were mandated to limit them-
See CURFEW, 3A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

Preston Dimino
Second grade, Annunciation
1 Which film’s 40th anniversary celebration MEETINGS
included a screening where viewers could July 6: Oktibbeha Coun-
watch the film from the relative comfort of a ty Board of Supervisors
floating inner tube? meeting, Chancery
2 Which U.S. government department issues
Courthouse, 9 a.m.
passports?
3 Norman Mailer called which journalist “the July 7: Starkville Board
most perfect writer of my generation”? of Aldermen meeting,
4 Real roadrunners can fly to escape chasing 5:30 p.m., City Hall
coyotes. True or false? July 17: Starkville Board

78 Low 70
5 The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders landed
of Aldermen work ses-
High their own reality show on which cable net-
work? sion, 10 a.m., City Hall
Chance t-storm July 21: Starkville Board
Full forecast on Answers, 6B of Aldermen meeting,
page 3A.
5:30 p.m., City Hall
July 21: Starkville-Ok-
INSIDE tibbeha Consolidated
School District Board
Classifieds 6B Obituaries 4B
Comics 3B Opinions 4A of Trustees meeting, 6
Crossword 5B Religion 5B p.m., 401 Greensboro
Dear Abby 3B James McCarter lives in Sturgis. St.

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

A photo exploration of life

FOCAL POINT inside the Golden Triangle

RIGHT: Jimmy Owens

makes a turn during the
General Tire Clash at the Saturday night
at the races
Mag on June 20 at Mag-
nolia Motor Speedway in
Columbus. Owens won
first place in the 100-lap
main event of the week-
Photos and captions by Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff
end, claiming $15,000 as
his prize. BELOW: Confet-

H
ti scatters the ground as
Owens celebrates taking undreds of people filled the stands for the General
first place, his eighth Tire Clash at the Mag last weekend, Magnolia Motor
overall win in 2020. Speedway’s biggest event of the year. People came
from all over the country for three days of racing. Racers
represented West Virginia, Texas, Florida, New Mexico
and New York, to name a few. Engines revved from the
track and dust filled the air, forming a cloud that could be
seen from the highway. It was a large gathering celebrating
life and racing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Magnolia
Motor Speedway posted on its website that masks were
encouraged but not required, and most people opted not to
wear them.
Even when the stands aren’t filled to the brim, when
it’s not the biggest night of the year, many regulars gather
to spend Saturday nights at The Mag throughout the
summer. On any event night, families cluster around the
track. Some lean on fences, others set up lawn chairs in the
stands, others sit atop their RVs or trucks. One thing is for
sure: going to the racetrack on Saturday is a whole family
affair. Between each race kids run down to the stretch of
grass that separates the audience from the track. They
throw footballs, play tag, wave flags, and watch the winners
as they celebrate in victory lane. When the next race is
about to begin, the announcer tells everyone to back away
from the fence and all the kids scatter, returning to their
families in the stands.

MIDDLE OF PAGE: People

sit in the crowd and kids
play on the grass during
the General Tire Clash.
When the next race began,
all the kids returned to their
seats to watch with their
families. ABOVE LEFT:
From left, Tammy Nowland,
Sierra Knight, 12, Raeleigh
Nowland, 12, and Lyam
Nowland, 7, cluster outside
the pay-out window while
Daneen Carroll works on
June 6. Tammy has been
running the gate at the
track for the last 10 years,
and she’s been bringing her
daughter Raeleigh since
Raeleigh was 2. ABOVE
RIGHT: A man walks
through a cloud of dust in
the parking lot on June 6.
The next event at The Mag
is the United Sprint Car Se-
ries on July 4. RIGHT: Katie
Jane Jones, 5, lies down on
a blanket on June 20. This
was Katie Jane’s first time
at the racetrack, and she
said it was kind of boring,
but she entertained herself
by waving her flag around.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 3A

Budget Lowndes County man

Continued from Page 1A
Starkville, fiscal years begin Oct. 1).
There are no plans to raise taxes
either, Robinson said. The general
city millage rate sits at 29.4 mills,
while debt service sits at 6.4 mills.
While Robinson is optimistic
West Point can execute a stable bud-
get without furloughing or laying
off any of the city’s approximately
80 employees, he said changes may
be necessary if the city’s revenue
doesn’t meet projections.
“We can do that,” Robinson said
of proposing a budget without cut-
ting jobs. “Unless, these are project-
ed revenues just like any other bud-
get, if they come in under that, we’re
going to have to address that issue.
We don’t think that we will as long
as we can maintain these resources
of revenue.”
“The things we don’t know about,
we have to plan as best we can ex-
pecting a shortfall on the revenue
side with all the shutdowns and re-
strictions,” McBrayer said.
Robinson said no official hiring
freeze is in place, but he’s encour-
aging departments to hold off on
new hires. Part of the optimism of
getting through the year layoff-free
stems from the city’s tourism tax
numbers. While the tourism tax, a
1-percent sales tax at restaurants
and hotels, was down roughly 30
percent for March and April, sales
tax revenue in April 2020 was up
cy where any purchase more than
$500 by the mayor’s office must be
reviewed by the board. He added
the city is budgeting a 10-percent
decrease in sales tax revenue for
Fiscal Year 2021, looking forward to
a “conservatively good” year, though
not a strong one.
Attrition has factored into pro-
jected savings, as several employ-
ees have retired and those vacan-
cies have not been filled.
“We’re going to try and get along
without replacing them,” Robinson
said.
Attrition has trickled into a large
chuck of street department funding,
with a reduction of approximate-
ly $66,789 in salaries included in
the proposed budget. That’s been
countered by an increase of $60,320
in seasonal salaries from last year,
though.
“Those seasonal salaries will ob-
viously be for seasonal work,” Rob-
inson said. “We’ll hire a few people
to cut grass and clean the streets.”
Inmate labor made up $33,000
of expenses in the 2019-2020 fiscal
year. In 2020-2021, West Point plans
to eliminate that cost entirely.
“We’re not going to utilize inmate
labor,” Robinson said. “I don’t think
it will make a substantial difference,
but it will make a little difference in
the street department and public
works.”
ing $16,989 on the vehicle this year,
netting a savings of approximately
$50,000.
Gap policy rates have decreased
from Blue Cross Blue Shield, lead-
ing to some projected savings on
group health insurance. But Rob-
inson said insurance figures could
change in 2021.
“Our health insurance policy
with Blue Cross Blue Shield doesn’t
come into effect until January 1,”
Robinson said. “So we’ll be looking
into that in December. We’re not
sure what kind of changes there will
be there. We’ll have to address that.”
Around the Golden Triangle
Columbus and Starkville have
not had the same luxury of making
cuts without implementing layoffs
or furloughs.
In late April, the Columbus City
Council enacted a series of cost-sav-
ing measures that included work
hour reduction, pay cuts and a hir-
ing freeze, which are expected to
save the city at least $1.56 million,
according to Mayor Robert Smith.
The policies were prompted by a pro-
jected 40-percent drop of the city’s
sales tax revenue as the COVID-19
pandemic rocks local businesses.
In Starkville, Aldermen fur-
loughed 47 of the city’s 306 employ-
ees in late April as a measure to
cover nearly $1.3 million that Mayor
accused of kidnapping
two siblings
BY ISABELLE ALTMAN
ialtman@cdispatch.com
A man already listed on the Mis-
sissippi Sex Offender Registry has
been charged with kidnapping two
children and taking them to Me-
ridian, investigators with Lowndes
County Sheriff’s Office say.
Edward Kidd, 35, of Lee Stokes
Road, was arrested at his home on
Monday, according to an LCSO Kidd
press release. The release said investigators de-
termined Kidd took two underage children to
Meridian without permission on April 28. The
children’s father reported the incident to deputies
on Sunday.
Lt. Darrell Nabors, who is head of LCSO’s crim-
inal investigations, said the victims were both un-
der 16 at the time of the alleged incident. They are
now back with their parents, LCSO Chief Deputy
Brent Swan confirmed to The Dispatch Thursday.
Kidd was convicted of statutory rape in 2016,
according to the Mississippi Sex Offender Regis-
try website. He was sentenced to 10 years in Mis-
sissippi Department of Corrections, with 10 years
suspended and five years probation, circuit court
records show.
He has been released from Lowndes County
Adult Detention Center on $10,000 bond.

Log on.
27.9 percent compared to April 2019. In the 2019-2020 fiscal year, the Lynn Spruill estimated the city will
Earlier this week, Robinson told city paid off $67,958 on a street lose in sales tax revenue this fiscal
The Dispatch he instituted a poli- sweeper and will pay off the remain- year.

Curfew
Continued from Page 1A
selves to essential travel their own curfews imple- ning, Mississippi State a man making a dollar?”

from 10 p.m.-6 a.m. The
curfew has been in place
since March 26.
The motion passed 4-1,
with District 4 Supervisor
Shelton L. Deanes being
the lone member to vote
no. With Clay County lift-
ing the restrictions, there
is no county in the Gold-
en Triangle enforcing a
curfew, as supervisors in
Lowndes and Oktibbeha
counties already lifted
mented in March.
Before the vote was
held, local musician Joey
Morgan spoke to the
board pleading for the
curfew to be lifted.
“The numbers are just
not adding up to the re-
strictions, that’s my opin-
ion,” said Morgan, citing
Clay County’s then 222
confirmed cases and sev-
en deaths.
As of Wednesday eve-
www.cdispatch.com
Department of Health Deanes said. “We need to
reported there have now be doing something dif-
been 229 confirmed cas- ferent than we’re doing.”
es in Clay County.
Later in the meeting,
Deanes raised concerns
that the statewide num-
bers are trending upward.
On Wednesday, MSDH
reported 1,092 new cases
throughout the state.
“When are we going
to make a stand that life
is more important than

Starkville readvertises open parks director job

BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com
The city of Starkville is
renewing its search for a
new Parks and Recreation
executive director after
the board of aldermen’s
first choice declined the
position, Mayor Lynn
Spruill told The Dispatch.
The board unanimous-
ly chose Craig Dolan, the
director of recreation in
Tarpon Springs, Florida,
at its June 16 meeting.
Dolan was one of two fi-
nalists in a pool of 21 ap-
plicants.
The city started re-ad-
vertising for the posi-
tion Monday after Dolan
turned down the offer on
June 19, Spruill said.
Gerry Logan, the previ-
ous parks director, left at
the end of March to take
a position as Mississippi
sales representative with
MUSCO Sports Lighting.
David D’Aquilla, a mem-
ber of the design team
for Cornerstone Park, has
been serving as part-time
interim director since
March 30.

AREA ARRESTS

Baucom Cole Hendrix Porter McDill Alexander

Mosley Carter Hardin Walden Pernell Drake

The following arrests n Mon-
were made by Lowndes tel Alexan-
County Sheriff’s Office: der, 25, was
n Adrian Baucom, 27, charged
was charged with hinder- with pos-
ing prosecution. session of a
n Dustin Cole, 33, wascont rolled
charged with aggravated subst a nce
assault with a weapon or and posses- Ferguson Turnipseed Blair
other means to produce sion of mar- license and no insurance.
death and possession of a ijuana. n Steven Walden, 59,
weapon by a felon. n Chelsea Mosley, was charged with DUI 4th
n Darrius Hendrix, 28, was charged with offense.
21, was charged with two burglary of a residence, n Marvin Pernell, 46,
counts arson. assault on an officer, re- was charged with a bench
n Demarco Porter, 40, sisting arrest, two counts warrant. SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
was charged with posses- trespassing and domestic n William Drake, 41, peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Fri. Sat.
sion of methamphetamine violence. was charged with DUI 4th Major 5:36a 6:28a
Minor 11:47a 12:55p
and possession of stolen n William Carter, 36, offense. Major 6:02p 6:54p
property. was charged with posses- n Justin Ferguson, 23, Minor 12:30a 1:07a
Courtesy of Mississippi Department

n Dustin McDill, 27, sion of a weapon by a fel-

of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
was charged with posses-

The Dispatch
was charged with shop- on, possession of marijua- sion of marijuana, no seat-
lifting 3rd offense or more
na more than 30 grams, belt and improper equip-
than $250 and possession possession of cocaine and ment.
The Commercial Dispatch (USPS 142-320)
of paraphernalia. possession of a stolen fire- n Jeffery Turnipseed, Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
arm. 28, possession of marijua- Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
The following arrests n Kevin Hardin, 27, Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
na more than 30 grams. POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
were made by the Oktib- was charged with kidnap- n Dewanda Blair, 27, The Commercial Dispatch, P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703 Website: cdispatch.com/help
beha County Sheriff’s Of- ping, no seatbelt, expired was charged with mali- Published by Commercial Dispatch Publishing Company Inc.,
516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
fice: tag, driving on suspended cious mischief.
Opinion
4A FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020
PETER BIRNEY IMES Editor/Publisher
BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher 1998-2018
BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003

Dispatch
The
BIRNEY IMES SR. Editor/Publisher 1922-1947

ZACK PLAIR, Managing Editor

BETH PROFFITT Advertising Director
MICHAEL FLOYD Circulation/Production Manager
MARY ANN HARDY Controller

Voice of the people

Personal story gives context
to what Floyd’s killing represents
Editor’s note: The following letter is an
edited version of a Facebook post made by
Andrea Murray McMillan, who grew up
in Columbus. The letter is printed here
with her permission.
Since the killing of George Floyd, I
have seen social media posts and com-
ments that seem to suggest he somehow
deserved to die because of crimes he
was accused of committing. These peo-
ple are missing the point.
George Floyd represents a history
of mistreating people of color whether
they committed a crime or not. I don’t
need the media to give me a narrative.
African Americans know the history
and what we have experienced.
No one said he was perfect. What we
said is we are tired of the racism in our
country.
You ask why I have something to say
about this. You say, “But you haven’t
experienced racism.” You are wrong!
When I was 11, I remember our
house being broken into three times.
On the fourth time the criminal took
my mom’s purse out of her bedroom
while she was sleeping and put it on
the car and wrote a note. The note said,
“Get the F*** Out of Our Neighbored
N*****s.” My mom was a single parent
of five and worked two jobs while going
to college to try to move us in a house
in a nice Columbus neighborhood. Not
being wanted in an area because I was
Black has stuck with me and continued
in other neighborhoods.
I have been followed by law enforce-
ment. My car has been searched with
flashlights while officers looked for
drugs or something to arrest me for. I
was questioned numerous times until
I showed my military spouse ID. My
daughter and mom were in the car. I
have never been so scared. I didn’t have
drugs and have never used drugs in my
life.
I know the reason I was questioned
is because I fit the “profile” at that
minute. I was pulled over not because I
was doing anything wrong but because
it looked liked I was following a car too
closely.
I have even seen someone I respect-
ed say recently: “Rioters and protesting
have hijacked my black sisters and
brothers movement and I won’t let that
happen. I am going to call out evil.”
If you are referring to the looters and
rioters, nobody supports people getting
hurt or their property being destroyed.
It is terrible and I won’t support that.
But let’s not get it twisted. This
movement has not been hijacked by acts
that don’t represent the change African
Americans are seeking. I know you are
outraged about property, but how about
showing your outrage for the thousands
of lives that have been taken with or
without a video to prove it.
I know where I stand on this issue.
And I am determined to speak out on
injustice, systemic racism, and covert
racism.
Andrea Murray McMillan
Doesn’t believe drug laws
target African Americans
So! Mr. Gilmore in his letter on the
23rd of June stated that all the racial
problem started from the “The Harrison
Narcotics Tax Act of 1914”. I think the
southern air has clouded his thinking.
I do agree that if all illegal drugs were
taxed we would have more money for
the politicians to spend. To state that the
use of illegal drugs is a racial thing re-
ally is a stretch. Didn’t Mr. Gilmore also
want all us gun carrying “Red Necks” to
turn our guns in? So, let me understand,
making cocaine, marijuana and opium a
controlled substances, that made the Af-
rican American citizen getting addicted
to drugs. I’m a graduate of Lee High and
went to Scooba Tech, and I think that
assumption is insane. But then I’m not
educated beyond my intelligence. Being
a liberal from up there, he is spewing
racism 101 and using the blame game
scenario. Not unlike NASCAR using a
looped garage door rope and calling it a
noose. Does Smollett ring a bell? When
did we get this way?
Locally, if you criticize the city gov-
ernment, you are called a racist. Do you
think changing the flag and moving or
tearing down monuments will change
people’s heart? I don’t think so. If it will,
do it then, and I’m all for changing the
flag and removing the statue. History
cannot be rewritten or changed. What
we should learn from history is not
repeat the parts that are bad. There is
a segment of our society like the BLM
movement and ANTIFA that want
anarchy, lawlessness and the overthrow
of the government. I even think Planned
Parenthood has a shady past if you will
check their founder’s platform.
A little research into some of these
groups speaking hate and discord
might enlighten some of you baiters out
there. A little love for our fellowman will
go along way out there. “Blessed are
the peace makers.” I am reminded of
several quotes to close with. Golda Meir
said, “One cannot and must not erase
the past merely because it does not fit
the present.” George Orwell said, “The
most effective way to destroy a people is
to deny and obliterate their own under-
standing of history.” Finally Warren
Wiersbe said, “The past is not an anchor
to drag us back, but a rudder to help
guide us into the future.”
Think about it my friends. God bless
America.
Lee Roy Lollar
Columbus
Editor’s note: We believe it is import-
ant to distinguish between the destructive
and sometimes violent protests shown
on national news and the overwhelm-
ingly peaceful protests seen throughout
the Golden Triangle and in many other
communities worldwide. While we give
letter-writers a lot of latitude to share
their opinions, accurate local context is
crucial during this charged period.
Feels Sanders’ apology was
insincere; calls for resignation
Mr. Sanders,
Your apology in The Dispatch was
trite and insincere. Also, it came only
after the backlash you received over
the last week. However, the words that
you spoke on that memorable day were
given a tremendous amount of thought.
Those words came from your heart
and cannot be taken back, even if you
desired to do so. Matthew 15:18 says
“But those things which proceed out of
the mouth came forth from the heart;
and they defile the man.” You stated
what was in your heart. Columbus and
Lowndes County, however, do not need
a public official espousing racist views
about the people he serves. This com-
munity deserves better.
Yes, you have placed Columbus,
Lowndes County, the Golden Triangle
and the state of Mississippi in a negative
light — an added negative that is not
needed. Therefore, you do not deserve
to remain in office. By you refusing to
resign, how can you expect other public
servants, especially blacks, to work
cooperatively, effectively and efficiently
with you, after seeing the “true” Harry
Sanders?
Your presence will thwart the posi-
tive growth of our county and city. You
need to allow the healing process and
the positive work to move forward in a
much improved working atmosphere.
That can only be achieved if you resign.
Your effectiveness in this community
no longer exist. Therefore, step aside
and clear the path for progress. Resign
now !!
Glodie Turner-Smith
Columbus
Appreciates apology
but calls for resignation
Mr. Sanders,
I would like to thank you for that
letter. It shows that you are aware of
your actions. Those ill-spoken words
betrayed the trust beyond repair. Your
words of sorrow are not suffice. For 20
years you have held this bitterness and
hatred in your heart toward a people
whom you have misrepresented. Luke
6:45 sums it up “ A good man out of the
good treasure of his heart bringeth
forth that which is good; and an evil
man out of the evil treasure of his heart
bringeth forth that which is evil: for of
the abundance of the heart his mouth
speaketh.” Truly the divisive impact of
your comments cannot simply be dis-
missed or overlooked. That is why we
demand your resignation. Because you
so deeply regret putting the city, county
and state in such a negative light, we of-
fer you redemption by way of resigning.
You express your heartfelt desire
for residents to focus on the present.
That present is now with the Protest
against injustice across the U.S. We are
living it everyday with the Black Lives
Matter movement. When we see what
is happening today in the debate over
the state’s Confederate flag and the
monuments throughout the state, how
is it that someone could have the gall or
the audacity to say such things? Your
speech reveals your character and it is
not a pretty sight. Please step aside for
the sake of righteousness. Do what is
right for the city, county and state which
you care for so dearly. Resign!
John Henry Smith
Columbus
A letter to the editor is an excellent
way to participate in your community. We
request the tone of your letters be con-
structive and respectful and the length be
limited to 450 words. We reserve the right
to edit letters for clarity, grammar and
length. While commentary on national
issues is always welcome, we limit candi-
date endorsements to one per letter-writer.
We welcome all letters emailed to voice@
cdispatch.com or mailed to The Dispatch,
Attn: Letters to the Editor, PO Box 511,
Columbus, MS 39703-0511.

SLIMANTICS
You should be wearing a mask
W
hen I was
kid, back
when di-
nosaurs still roamed
the earth, I never
wore a seatbelt.
Nobody I knew
wore a seatbelt. In
fact, the seatbelts
in my mom’s 1964
Plymouth Valiant
or my dad’s 1962
Chevy pick-up Slim Smith
truck had slipped
beneath the seats,
and you would have had to fish
them out if you wanted them. It often spread among younger,
never occurred to any of us to
do this.
When seatbelt laws were
implemented, we generally —
if not consistently — complied.
It took a while to develop that
habit, I’ll admit. We would of-
ten be halfway to wherever we
were going before somebody
suddenly said, “Seatbelt.” We
would fish around for the ends
of the seatbelt and click in. No-
body got all emotional about it.
I do not remember much
protest about having to wear
seatbelts. My dad, a conser-
vative, certainly didn’t believe
that the government was
trying to take his freedoms and would immediately implement
liberties away. I think this was
because he was a rational adult to wear masks when in public
and recognized that wearing a
seatbelt was common sense.
I wish more people were ra-
tional adults when it comes to
wearing face masks during the
current pandemic, which has
now taken more U.S. lives than thing we can and should do to
two Vietnams in four months.
In Mississippi, we’re just
now getting a real
glimpse of just
how serious the
pandemic can be.
On Tuesday and
Wednesday alone,
there have been
1,703 new cases
reported. While
the death totals
are still relatively
low (16 over those
two days), that’s
probably mis-
leading. What we
know is that COVID-19 cases
healthy people who remain
asymptomatic and ultimately
suffer only mild symptoms. But
those asymptomatic carriers
spread the virus throughout
the broader population until,
at some point, the vulnerable
population is infected. Those
1,703 new cases will ultimately
result in more deaths. These
numbers do not account for the
lag time. Deaths and coming,
perhaps a lot of deaths. people who don’t think that people of my father’s genera- behavior. Take it from a master
Given this robust increase way anymore. tion, you would be laughed at procrastinator: Being remind-
in cases, a response is neces- That’s obvious. When you and dismissed as a crank. ed of something repeatedly
sary. If our state had effective are out in public there are So, if you are among those ultimately does the trick.
leadership — and it’s obvious as many people not wearing who refuse to wear a mask, I’ll When it dawns on you that
we don’t — the Governor masks as there are people who assume you are misguided, wearing a mask can save lives,
do. self-absorbed or ignorant. all the arguments for not wear-
an order requiring all citizens I’ve heard every possible I am going to start politely ing a mask fade into insignifi-
excuse for not wearing a mask. telling people to wear masks cance.
places. But I’ve yet to hear a good when I see they aren’t. I don’t So, please, wear a face
I know how my dad and reason. intend to be confrontational. I mask.
people of his generation would If our government requires won’t be drawn into an argu- Oh, and while you’re at it, be
have responded. us to wear masks, it isn’t some ment, either. I’m just going to sure to buckle up on the way
They would have said, “OK. socialist/communist/Antifa/ say, “You should be wearing home.
This is reasonable. It’s some- Democratic Party conspiracy a mask,” and leave it at that. Slim Smith is a columnist
to rob people of their rights. Who knows, if they hear it of- and feature writer for The
help people stay safe.” To believe that is silly. And ten enough, the weight of those Dispatch. His email address is
But there are far too many if you had suggested that to suggestions may alter their ssmith@cdispatch.com.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 5A

Lobbying grows against

Mississippi’s rebel-themed flag
Former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday
advocated a state flag design that would eliminate
the Confederate battle emblem
BY EMILY WAGSTER PET TUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — University coaches
and Christian ministers filled the
Mississippi Capitol on Thursday,
urging legislators to seize the mo-
ment and remove the Confederate
battle emblem from the state flag
while Americans are reckoning
with difficult discussions about
race and history.
“It doesn’t take courage. It takes
conscience,” said the Rev. Reginald
M. Buckley, senior pastor of Jack-
son’s Cade Chapel Missionary Bap-
tist Church.
Mississippi is the last state with
a flag that includes the emblem that
many see as racist.
Confederate monuments and
other symbols are being removed in
parts of the U.S. amid widespread
protests over racial injustice after
the videotaped killings of Black
people, sometimes by police.
Former Mississippi Gov. Phil
Bryant on Thursday advocated a
state flag design that would elim-
inate the Confederate battle em-
blem — a red field topped by a blue
X with 13 white stars.
“I was proud as Governor to add
‘In God We Trust’ to the State Seal,”
Republican Bryant wrote on Twit-
ter. “It will make a great Mississippi
State Flag.”
Bryant left office in January af-
ter eight years as governor and four
before that as lieutenant governor,
and he never pushed the politically
volatile issue of changing the flag
during his time in office.
White supremacists in the Mis-
sissippi Legislature put the Con-
federate emblem on the upper left
corner of state flag in 1894, during
backlash to the political power that
African Americans gained after the
Civil War.
Mississippi voters chose to keep
the flag in a 2001 statewide elec-
tion, but the design has remained
contentious.
The state’s annual legislative
session is almost over, and it takes
a two-thirds majority of the House
and Senate to consider a bill after
the normal deadlines have passed.
Legislative leaders continued work-
ing Thursday to build a bipartisan
coalition to reach that margin to
bring a flag bill up for debate in the
next few days.
Current Republican Gov. Tate
Reeves said Wednesday, for the
first time, that “a veto would be
pointless” if legislators attain a
two-thirds majority. That’s same
margin needed to overturn a veto.
Reeves said, though, that he prefers
having a statewide election to let
voters choose a flag design.
Legislative Black Caucus mem-
bers say lawmakers should tackle
the issue because another state-
wide flag vote would be divisive.
Republican state Sen. Mela-
nie Sojourner of Natchez said she
wants to keep the flag. Like Reeves,
she said she thinks people should
vote on the issue.
“So many people when I talk to
them, I ask them what do they find
offensive? And I certainly realize
some people do,” Sojourner said.
“They always go back to, ‘Well, it’s
racist’ because of the way it was
used in the 1960s. Well, the Klan
used the Stars and Stripes more
than it used the battle flag. It used
the Christian cross. I mean, they
use other symbols. So, where do we
draw the line?”

House passes sweeping police overhaul after Floyd’s death

Collapse of a Senate Republican bill filled streets across the
nation. It has almost zero
have different philoso-
phies.”
leaves final legislation in doubt chance of becoming law.
On the eve of the
Congress is now at a
familiar impasse despite
BY LISA MASCARO She said the Senate Thursday vote, President protests outside their door
AP Congressional Correspondent faces a choice “to honor Donald Trump’s admin- and polling that shows
George Floyd’s life or to istration said he would Americans overwhelm-
WASHINGTON — do nothing.” veto the bill. And Senate ingly want changes after
The House has approved The George Floyd Majority Leader Mitch the deaths of Floyd, Bre-
a far-reaching police Justice in Policing Act McConnell has also said onna Taylor and others in
overhaul from Demo- is perhaps the most am- it would not pass the Re- interactions with law en-
crats in a vote heavy with bitious set of proposed publican-held chamber. forcement. The two par-
emotion and symbolism changes to police proce- After the GOP polic- ties are instead appealing
as a divided Congress dures and accountability ing bill stalled this week, to voters ahead of the fall
struggles to address the in decades. Backed by blocked by Democrats, election, which will deter-
global outcry over the the nation’s leading civ- Trump shrugged. mine control of the House,
deaths of George Floyd il rights groups, it aims “If nothing happens Senate and White House.
and other Black Ameri- to match the moment with it, it’s one of those
cans. of demonstrations that things,” Trump said. “We
House Speaker Nan-
cy Pelosi gathered with
members of the Con-
gressional Black Cau-
cus on the Capitol steps,
challenging opponents
not to allow the deaths
to have been in vain or
the outpouring of public
support for changes to
go unmatched. But the
collapse of a Senate Re-
publican bill leaves final
legislation in doubt.
“Exactly one month
ago, George Floyd spoke
his final words — ‘I can’t
breathe’ — and changed
the course of history,”
Pelosi said.

Pandemic takes
a bite, Chuck E.
Cheese files
for bankruptcy
BY DEE-ANN DURBIN
AP Business Writer

Chuck E. Cheese -
where kids could be kids
while parents nursed
headaches — is filing for
bankruptcy protection.
The 43-year-old chain,
which drew kids with
pizza, video games and
a singing mouse mas-
cot, was struggling even
before the coronavirus
pandemic. But it said the
prolonged closure of many
outlets due to coronavirus
restrictions led to Thurs-
day’s Chapter 11 filing.
CEC Entertainment
Inc. has reopened 266 of
its 555 company-operat-
ed Chuck E. Cheese and
Peter Piper Pizza restau-
rants as restrictions ease,
but it’s unclear how will-
ing parents will be to host
birthday parties and other
gatherings. The Irving,
Texas-based company said
it will continue to reopen
locations and offer carry-
out and delivery while it
negotiates with debt and
lease holders.
6A FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020
Flag
Continued from Page 1A
The athletic officials
and others — including,
in recent days the Mis-
sissippi Baptist Associa-
tion and other ministers
— have all called for leg-
islators to support a flag
without the Confederate
battle emblem, saying it’s
offensive to Mississippi’s
Black citizens and divi-
sive for the entire state.
Those wanting to keep
the current flag say its
symbolism is part of Mis-
sissippi’s heritage.
“I know firsthand what
it feels like
to see a
Confeder-
ate flag and
pretend that
it doesn’t
have a rac-
ist, biased,
violent or McCray-
op p re s s i ve Penson
overtone,” said MSU
women’s basketball coach
Nikki McCray-Penson,
who visited the state Cap-
itol Thursday along with
other coaches like MSU
head football coach Mike
Leach and Ole Miss head
football coach Lane Kif-
fin. “It screams hate and it
hurts me to my core.”
While no bill has been
introduced to change the
state flag — which has
come under scrutiny from
multiple national organi-
zations, including both
Hospitals
Continued from Page 1A
other parts of the state,
they are bracing for the
expected surge Dobbs
predicted Tuesday.
“Our numbers here
had been up for the last
two or three
weeks, but
are start-
ing to trend
down now,”
said Bap-
tist Golden
Tr i a n g l e ’s
Chief Med- Martin
ical Officer
Dr. Jamie Martin. “We’re
heading in the right direc-
tion.”
OCH CEO Jim Jackson
said demand for ICU beds
remains below capacity.
“Our capacity right
now is 15 beds,” Jackson
said in an
emailed
st atement
to The Dis-
patch. “Our
daily aver-
age census
for positive
COVID pa- Jackson
tients fluctu-
ates between 8 and 12 per
day.”
Although neither
hospital has seen a sig-
nificant increase in
COVID-19 patients so far,
both said they are plan-
ning for the major surge
Dobbs predicted and had
plans in place to meet the
challenges.
“If you will remember,
we were expecting the
surge to come in April,”
Martin said. “We had a
surge plan put in place
to address that surge,
but as you know, it didn’t
happen. Our surge plan
is still in place and I think
in a lot of ways we’re bet-
ter prepared now than we
were back in the spring
because we’ve had the ex-
perience of dealing with
coronavirus patients for
all these months. We feel
like our surge plan will be
more than adequate.”
Jackson said OCH
should have the facili-
ties capacity to meet the
surge.
Cheap thrills.
Go for a walk.
the NCAA and South-
eastern Conference last
week — steps are being
taken to do so. The NCAA
announced on June 19 no
institutions in the state
would be able to hold
postseason events until
the Confederate battle
emblem is removed.
The Mississippi Legis-
lature is past its deadline
to introduce new legisla-
tion, but there’s growing
optimism amongst law-
makers that they can sus-
pend the rules and allow
a bill on the state flag to
come to the floor.
For this to happen,
both houses will need a
two-thirds majority vote
to introduce new legisla-
tion. Should that occur,
it’s expected Republican
lawmakers — who would
be tasked with drafting
the bill — would propose
legislation calling for the
lowering of the current
state banner and replac-
ing it with one that no
longer boasts Confeder-
ate battle flag, though the
exact process could fluc-
tuate.
Once the bill is intro-
duced in either the House
or Senate, a three-fourths
majority would be needed
in both houses to pass the
legislation.
Golden Triangle rep-
resentatives on Thursday
Cameron Huxford works on a computer on Thursday in
the ICU of OCH Regional Medical Center. The ICU on
the third floor, which is separate from the COVID-19
unit, has six rooms and two of them were occupied by
COVID-19 patients on Thursday.
“Our capacity con-
straint is not the facility,”
Jackson said. “In fact, we
have the whole third floor
available. The limiting
factor is staffing, which
can change/flex on a dai-
ly basis, just like all the
hospitals in the state.”
Both Martin and Jack-
son said there are con-
tingencies in place to
transfer patients to other
hospitals should case-
loads reach the point of
overwhelming their abili-
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
largely sup-
ported that
plan.
“I’m for
suspending
the rules
and replac-
ing our
state flag,” Younger
Sen. Chuck Younger
(R-Columbus) said in a
text message to a Dis-
patch reporter. “We need
to get this behind us.”
While Democratic law-
makers are continuing
to wrangle the final few
votes they’d need to bring
forth a suspension of the
rules regarding the intro-
duction of new legislation,
there’s growing belief
amongst decision makers
in the state Capitol that
the most recent push to
change the state flag will
be successful.
Having introduced
widespread bipartisan
support to replace or
change the flag, Speaker
Philip Gunn (R-Jackson)
offered a resounding
endorsement of moving
forward with legislation
during a press confer-
ence on the second floor
of the Capitol building on
Thursday.
Despite not originally
planning to speak, Gunn
took the podium before
a mass of athletic depart-
ment officials.
Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff
ty to treat patients.
“We’re a part of a big
hospital system, with 22
hospitals,” Martin said.
“That not only gives us
the ability to transfer pa-
tients to other facilities as
needed, but it also helps
in terms of supplies and
equipment. We’re not con-
cerned about being short
of PPEs (personal protec-
tive equipment) or even
ventilators.”
Jackson said his hospi-
tal also has a plan should
“This is an issue that expected to be in Jackson Roberson (R-Starkville)
needs to be resolved and into the weekend. told The Dispatch. “ Pro-
resolved quickly,” Gunn “You have to have a cess-wise, it just happened
said. “The longer it goes couple of days for the bill within the next three, four
the more it festers and to make it through the days, if we technically
the harder it is going to be process and both cham- looked at it and wanted it
later on. The image of our bers take it up,” Rep. Rob to be that way.”
state is at stake here, la-
dies and gentlemen. The
nation is watching. They
want to know what we as
a state stand for.”
Rep. Kabir Karriem
said he is particularly
pleased the move has bi-
partisan support.
“Our country is at
a cross-
roads ,”
said Kar-
riem, who
supports
a change
to the flag.
“And to see
the biparti- Karriem
san support
— which is
not a com-
mon prac-
tice all the
time here at
the Capitol
— but to see
that kind Roberson
of support,
folks reaching across the
aisle here at the Capitol is
a good thing.”
Karriem and Taylor
both noted that a vote
on suspending the rules
would likely happen this
weekend. Younger also
demand for care exceed
its ability to provide it.
“Should we reach max-
imum capacity, we would
be on diversion and work
with other area hospitals
to transfer patients that
require an admission,”
Jackson said. “We have
recently agreed to receive
a COVID patient from an-
other hospital that had
reached their maximum
capacity and/or lacked
staff. Nursing administra-
tion is doing all they can
to recruit, train and retain
nursing staff to meet our
anticipated patient de-
mand, both COVID and
non-COVID.”
Both Martin and Jack-
son stressed that the ma-
jority of cases do not re-
quire hospitalization.
Sports
MSU, OLE MISS ADMINISTRATORS LOBBY TO CHANGE STATE FLAG
Mississippi State men’s basketball coach Ben Howland, left, and football coach Mike Leach walk into the state Capitol on Thursday in Jackson. The two coaches were part of an
MSU contingent that lobbied the Mississippi Legislature to remove the Confederate emblem from the state flag.
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — Mis-
sissippi State women’s
basketball coach Nikki
McCray-Penson can still
picture the Black woman
clambering up the flag-
pole outside the South
Carolina statehouse to
remove the Confederate
battle emblem.
Recalling a moment
that helped spark remov-
al of the rebel flag from
South Carolina govern-
mental buildings, Mc-
Cray-Penson was again
thrust into the forefront of
the Confederate flag de-
bate, this time before the
Mississippi Legislature.
McCray-Penson — patch of her experienc-
West Lowndes girls basketball star Marvaysha Seals signs to MUW
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
The T-shirt said it all.
West Lowndes 2020
graduate Marvaysha
Seals, a star on the Pan-
thers’ girls basketball
team, is typically quiet
off the court. She’d even
kept private her choice of
college, knowing for more
than two months where
she wanted to continue
her basketball career but
waiting for the right mo-
ment to announce it.
That was Thursday
morning, when Seals
strode into the West Lown-
des gym wearing a dark
blue T-shirt with a stately
white “W” imprinted on
it. As she picked a chair
at a table featuring her
home and away jerseys, a
See PANTHERS, 2B
joined by MSU Athletic
Director John Cohen, foot-
ball coach Mike Leach,
baseball coach Chris Le-
monis, men’s basketball
coach Ben Howland and
softball coach Samantha
Ricketts, among other
athletic department offi-
cials from schools across
the state — spent three
hours weaving through
the chambers of legisla-
tors throughout the capi-
tol building, lobbying for
the removal of the Con-
federate iconography on
the Mississippi state flag.
“I know for me per-
sonally, it just warmed
my heart because South
Carolina was moving for-
ward,” she told The Dis-
West Lowndes graduate Marvaysha Seals celebrates her signing to the
Mississippi University for Women on Thursday morning. Seals averaged 16.2
points per game and helped lead the Panthers to the MHSAA Class 1A semifinals
this season.
MISSISSIPPI STATE ATHLETICS
es in Columbia. “And it now is the time for an edit.
changed the landscape of “I had a meeting with
our team and the players our team the other day,
that we were able to re- and I could feel the hurt-
cruit. As you know, we be- fulness in our locker
came national champions. room, confusion in our
South Carolina became locker room because they
more attractive.” want change,” Davis said
As MSU’s newest prior to the joint press
coach offered words of conference. “They’re
support for the change, getting outside pressure
Ole Miss men’s basket- from peers. It’s the right
ball coach Kermit Davis thing to do. Mississippi
spoke from his experi- needs to have a flag that
ences as a native Missis- is great for all the citizens
sippian. Offering insight in our state. Mississippi
into the recent NCAA an- needs to have a flag that is
nouncement that schools right for all our students
in Mississippi would not in state and all of our out-
be allowed to host post- of-state students and stu-
season events of any kind dent-athletes when they
until the Confederate flag come on our campus.”
is removed from the state In one of the more
banner, he explained why lighthearted moments of
Courtesy of Stefanie Jones
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020
B
SECTION
Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics
the day, Leach snapped question on Hill’s status.
new Ole Miss head coach “I applaud that, and I
Lane Kiffin’s protective think their opinion should
mask against his face to be respected. I think ev-
a chorus of laughs. Be- erybody should. In this
yond the comic relief, the country nowadays, every-
pair of first-year football body wants to assign ev-
coaches also offered ma- erybody what their opin-
jor name recognition to ion has to be. I don’t agree
those athletic department with that. I think people
officials in attendance. should express freely and
For Leach, the day of- certainly be respected
fered a chance to speak on when they do.”
senior running back and As of Thursday, the de-
Columbus native Kylin bate to change the state
Hill’s stance that he will flag remains an ongoing
not play this season until dialogue in Jackson. Giv-
the state flag removes the en the deadline to intro-
Confederate banner in its duce new legislation has
top left corner. passed, a vote to suspend
“I think everybody rules — which requires
should be allowed to ex- a two-thirds majority in
press their opinion,” he both houses — must hap-
said in reference to a See MSU, 2B
College athletes using
platform to address issues
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS two-time Pro Bowl se-
lection with the New Or-
Deuce McAllister leans Saints — was part
grew up in Mississippi of the Rebels program
and was well aware of the in 1997 when a group
racial history of Ole Miss of student-athletes and
when he decided to play coaches brought their
football there in the late concerns about the Con-
1990s. Even so, he never federate flag to school
got used to seeing the administrators. Those
conversations were part
Confederate battle em-
of the reason the school
blem on game day.
banned sticks, which
“I’m playing with
my brothers, my team- largely stopped people
mates,” said McAllister, from waving the flag at
who is Black. “You look games.
up in the stands, you More than 20 years
hear the cheers and the later, McAllister embrac-
yells, but that’s what you es how college athletes
see. across the country are
“Inside, that doesn’t actively using their voice
make you feel very and platforms to advo-
good.” cate for social change.
The former running They have a powerful av-
back — who was also a See ATHLETES, 2B
2B FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Athletes
Continued from Page 1B

enue that McAllister and
his peers didn’t: Social
media.
Mississippi State’s
All-Southeastern Confer-
ence running back Kylin
Hill recently took to Twit-
ter to make his feelings
known about the current
Mississippi state flag,
which has the Confeder-
ate battle emblem in the
top left corner.
“Either change the
flag or I won’t be repre-
senting this State any-
more. ... & I meant that
.. I’m tired,” Hill tweeted
this week. Multiple oth-
er players — and even
rapper Ice Cube — sent
out messages supporting
Hill’s stance.
It was another exam-
ple of college athletes
using their influence to
push for social change.
Athletes at several
schools, including Okla-
homa State,Texas and
Clemson, have spoken
out about racial injustice
and police brutality af-
ter the death of George
Floyd, a Black man who
died while being detained
by police in Minneapolis.
In some cases, college
athletes have led demon-
strations and marches.
In others, they’ve called
for the renaming of build-
ings and removal of Con-
federate images.
— At West Virginia,
defensive coordinator
Vic Koenning was put
on administrative leave
after a player alleged
on social media that the
coach had made insensi-
tive remarks. Koenning
has apologized and said
he’s cooperating with a
school investigation into
his comments.
— At Iowa, dozens
of former players came
forward with messages
on social media that de-
tailed the mistreatment
of Black football players
in the Hawkeyes’ pro-
gram. The school eventu-
ally cut ties with strength
and conditioning coach
Chris Doyle.
McAllister, 41, has no
doubt social media is the
biggest reason for the
added influence. He said
having such an open plat-
form can bring good or
bad consequences, but
when used effectively, it’s
a huge equalizer.
“It gives those players
truly a voice,” McAllister
said. “It’s an opportunity
to connect with people
quicker.”
NA ACP President
Derrick Johnson praised
college athletes for com-
ing forward with their
concerns. He said they’re
among a select few peo-
ple who can quickly push
the national conversation
forward.
“It’s not just athletes
— it’s individuals with
platforms and follow-
ings,” Johnson said.
“They have the potential
to be role models, to be
trendsetters. They have a
captive audience in many
cases that they can speak
to. In this case, many ath-
letes have audiences that
are listening to them.”
Richard Lapchick, the
director of The Institute
for Diversity and Eth-
ics and Sport (TIDES)
at Central Florida, said
calls for social justice
sometimes come and
go in waves with little
change actually occur-
ring, but this trend feels
different.
“There are several
things at play,” Lapchick
said. “I think Generation
Z and millennials are
more passionate about
social justice than pre-
vious generations. They
have the technology and
smartphones to capture
something that can’t be
denied, because there it
is in front of you. Social
media allows people to
communicate rapidly
across the country and
the globe.
“And then the last
thing that’s making a
difference is athletes are
active. Their voices are
being heard.”
Sylvester Croom —
who became the first
Black head football coach
in SEC history when he
was hired by Mississip-
pi State in 2004 — said
the NCA A’s recent trend
toward making it easier
for athletes to transfer
schools and gain immedi-
ate eligibility has helped
them find their voice.
Instead of worrying
about playing time if a
coach doesn’t like what
they have to say, ath-
letes have more options.
Croom spent much of
his career as an assistant
coach in the NFL and
said college players often
had concerns that were
never addressed.
“A lot of college head
coaches haven’t been lis-
tening to their players,
that’s the bottom line,”
Croom said. “Now this
gives them a voice where
the coaches have to sit
down and listen. I would
have players come into
the NFL and one of the
things I’d do, I’d ask play-
ers about their college
experience. A lot of them
didn’t speak up because
they were afraid.”
Croom inherited a
challenging situation
when he became foot-
ball coach at Mississippi
State, rebuilding a roster
amid NCA A sanctions for
rules violations under the
previous coaching staff.
He said Mississippi’s
flag made the job even
tougher.
“Even being a Black
head coach I ran into
that problem extensively,
particularly recruiting in
Florida or up north,” said
Croom, who coached the
Bulldogs for five seasons.
“Even when players were
interested, if a family
member opposed a kid
coming to Mississippi,
that was quite often a
death blow.”
With so many players
taking an active role,
change is happening
around the country, and
that might include Mis-
sissippi changing a flag
that’s flown since 1894.
McAllister said it’s
been far too long, but
“it’s never too late” for
change.

MSU
Continued from Page 1B
pen before any bill is al-
lowed to be introduced.
Should that occur, Re-
publicans are expected
to author a bill that would
replace the current flag
with a newer model that
does not bear the Con-
federate battle emblem,
which would then need
a three-fourths majority
in both houses to pass.
Speaking with the
Dispatch on Thurs-
day, Rep. Kabir Kar-
Panthers
Continued from Page 1B
basketball and — once
coach Takeea Bozeman
fetched it from her office
— this year’s district
championship trophy,
Seals didn’t have to say
a word.
She’d chosen to play
for the Mississippi Uni-
versity for Women, pick-
ing the Owls over Mis-
sissippi State and East
Mississippi, Itawamba
and Northwest Missis-
sippi community col-
leges.
“Me going off to an-
other level and starting
my new journey means
so much to me,” Seals
said.
riem (D-Columbus)
and Rep. Cheikh Taylor
(D-Starkville) both not-
ed that a vote on sus-
pending the rules could
occur as soon as Thurs-
day, but was more likely
to be headed toward the
weekend. Sen. Chuck
Younger (R-Columbus)
also told The Dispatch
via text message he ex-
pected to be in Jackson
into the weekend.
And while the MSU,
As Seals gained ex-
perience, she began
receiving interest from
colleges. But of her op-
tions, The W appealed
to her because of a close
relationship with head
coach Drew Johnson and
the school’s excellent
nursing program.
Bozeman said she’s
happy her former star
will still be around so
the two can stay as close
as they’ve been for the
past four years.
“I’m grateful that
she’s going to be in the
area so I can still catch
some games and be kind
of a mentor to her as she
Ole Miss and other re-
spective university ath-
letic departments from
across the state lob-
bied the Legislature in
unity Thursday, Davis
quipped there will be
no love lost when they
appear on the court,
field or diamond when
allowed.
“When we leave this
place, we’ll want to beat
each other’s tails for
sure,” he said through
a laugh. “But I promise
you this: We’re all unit-
ed in this. Every uni-
versity, every college,
every coach is all united
for this. We know how
important that it is.”
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Providing Our Clients Expertise With

The 5 -foot-5 combo travels through college,”
Over 50+ Years Of Combined Experience
guard averaged 16.2 Bozeman said.
points, 4.2 rebounds,
2.1 assists and even 3.1
steals per game this sea-
son as the Panthers took
an undefeated record
into the MHSA A Class
1A semifinals. There,
West Lowndes lost to
eventual champion Pine
Grove at the Mississip-
pi Coliseum in Jackson,
but that didn’t take away
from the special season
the Panthers had.
“It was absolutely
amazing,” Seals said.
The standout cam-
paign was a marked im-
provement from an 11-20
record in Seals’ fresh-
man year and roughly
.500 marks the next two
seasons. Bozeman, who
coached Seals and her
fellow seniors since that
freshman year, said she
got to watch Seals grow
while maturing as a
coach herself.
“It was a learning op-
portunity for (us) both
at the beginning,” Boz-
eman said. “We start-
ed trusting each other
more. We became fami-
ly.”

cdispatch.com

Antsy big leaguers embrace impending end of extra down time
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Randy Dobnak had fin-
ished making his morn-
ing omelette one day last
week when his wife, Ae-
rial, asked the Minneso-
ta Twins pitcher to keep
the eggs out so she could
make a sandwich.
For the base she used a
hot dog bun, an ingredient
so bewildering to her hus-
band that he took it as the
latest sign that baseball’s
pandemic-induced hiatus
had dragged on too long
amid strained negotiations
between owners and play-
ers over adjusted pay.
“It’s time to get back to
work,” Dobnak tweeted.
“Tell us when and where!”
Finally, major leaguers
have their answer. Teams
can start training together
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
again next week, with the
truncated 60-game season
slated to open on July 23 or
24.
“We’re all ready to get
back, because baseball’s
literally been our lives for
our whole entire lives,”
Dobnak said in an inter-
view from Hedgesville,
West Virginia, where he
and his wife have been liv-
ing with her parents. “To
have the last three months
now not playing baseball,
it’s definitely weird.”
Twins teammate Taylor
Rogers, after arriving at
home in the Denver area
when spring training was
canceled in mid-March,
quickly found himself in
the same strange state of
mind that the thousands of
pro ballplayers have expe-
rienced in recent months.
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
“I was asking my par-
ents, ‘What’s the weather
here this time of year? I
don’t even remember,’”
Rogers said this week, de-
scribing his mild case of
cabin fever that lingered
into the summer. “I’ve had
those days where I didn’t
feel like I was in the right
place. I thought I had to
be somewhere else, even
though there’s nowhere
else to be.”
Dobnak has a small
group of college and high
school players in his area
he can throw batting prac-
tice to, but there are only
so many hours in a day the
body can handle working
out. Video games, often
against teammates in other
parts of the country, have
been a familiar pastime.
So has hiking in the moun-
tains with his wife and dog.
He’s had more opportunity
for outreach, checking in
on and raising funds for
patients at St. Jude’s chil-
dren’s hospital, a favorite
charity of the couple.
There’s always a proj-
ect to be found around the
house, of course, and never
a shortage of ways to turn
a chore into a competition.
“I want to be the best at
it,” Dobnak said, “and that
translates well into sports,
I guess.”
One activity Dobnak
has not taken up this year?
Uber driving. He still lists
his 4.99 rating on his Twit-
ter bio, but such a gig, even
pre-pandemic, isn’t much
in demand in rural Appala-
chia. His Uber days were in
Pittsburgh, his hometown.
Life for San Francisco
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
I recently
started
dating again after
ending a very dif-
ficult marriage. To
say I am guarding
my heart for fear of
getting hurt would
be an understate-
ment.
I have met
someone that I can
see having a future
with, but some
things concern me.
He has been hospi-
talized for mental Dear Abby
health reasons in
the past. He’s constantly saying,
“I’m sorry I’m so screwed up” or
remarking about being “crazy.”
He mentions his depression
almost daily, and he hates being,
as he puts it, “messed up in the
head.” He just can’t seem to
move past his issues.
I feel like he doesn’t want to
move forward and start living
his life again. I have lived with
depression for most of my life,
but it doesn’t define who I am. If I who is stronger.
don’t respond to his calls or mes-
sages right away, he gets hurt
and assumes I’m mad at him.
My question is, am I being
overly cautious based on not
wanting to get hurt again, or
should I take a step back? I
would like to see a future with
him, but I’m not sure he is ready
to see any kind of a future with
anyone. — GUARDED HEART
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (June
26). You’re a born leader. You’ll
rise above the expectations of
you and gracefully manage the
responsibilities that befall you
this year. Ultimately, the power
you gain will be leveraged to do
good in the world. Just keep an-
swering the call and know that
things will be better because
you are humbly, and kindly
in charge. Leo and Capricorn
adore you. Your lucky numbers
are: 24, 3, 20, 13 and 7.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
Of all the things you could wish
for, an easy route won’t be one
of them. It wouldn’t be wrong
so much as just off-brand. You
welcome the opportunity to get
stronger and smarter through
Giants shortstop Brandon
Crawford has been, like
many dads around the
game, “a little crazy with
the kids not having any-
where to go.” He has tried
to make the most of the
unexpected and unique
amount of quality time the
pandemic has provided his
family.
In a word? Legos.
His 7-year-old daughter,
Braylyn, helped him re-
build a childhood passion.
“I always loved build-
ing them as a kid and had
plenty to put together, but
only got one or two of the
bigger sets,” Crawford
said. “Since Braylyn start-
ed getting into them this
past year, she got a couple
bigger sets for Christmas.
We put those together
and ordered more during
DEAR GUARD-
ED HEART: You are
not being overly
cautious. You are
asking yourself in-
telligent, insightful
questions about
someone who
appears not as
far along on the
path to mental
wellness as you
are. Is this man
still being treated
for his issues? If
not, he should be
encouraged to talk
with a licensed
mental health
professional not only about his
depression, but also his glaring
lack of self-esteem.
From your description, I
would have to say he needs a
friend now more than a romance,
so take plenty of time if you
proceed in this relationship. If
he makes progress, see where
things lead. If not, then in light
of your own history, it might be
better for you to find someone
DEAR ABBY: I have been in
a six-year relationship. About
two years into it, I found out that
“Wayne” was separated, but
not divorced, from his wife of
20 years. The fact that they are
separated is not the issue. They
live together and do things as
a married couple. The wife and
I have met each other several
times, and I have gone to his
challenging work.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
You’re not afraid to answer the
call of duty and, in fact, the best
things you’ve experienced have
happened because you both
answered and went above and
beyond such a call.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
The social aspects of life will
be the highlight, even if they
are happening virtually. Your
soul will be satisfied by what
you share and learn, especially
when you are connecting with
people you don’t yet know well.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Let no one, not even you, offer
a limiting idea of what you’re
capable of. You don’t know
what you can accomplish until
FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 3B
this time. We’ve ended up
building quite a few now.
The kids always seem to
help for the first bag or
two, but I end up putting
the rest of it together. It’s
been a fun and relaxing ac-
tivity to do with them.”
Los Angeles Dodgers
pitcher Ross Stripling has
had more time for his other
job as a financial adviser.
He manages about $10 mil-
lion in assets, with a couple
of his teammates among
his 10 accounts with B. Ri-
ley Wealth Management.
He’s had this part-time job
since 2014, when Tommy
John elbow surgery forced
him to consider alterna-
tives to baseball and a
connection made by his
grandfather helped him
land an interview with the
Houston firm.
children’s graduation parties and
family weddings.
He has told me every year
that this is the year he will file
for divorce, but it still hasn’t
happened. I don’t know why he
is holding on because I do not
believe they are intimate. Their
children are adults, so there is
nothing keeping them together.
He tells me he can’t live without
me, but his actions have proven
otherwise. Do you think they are
in an open marriage? Is there
any hope for our future together?
— WASTING TIME IN MASSACHU-
SETTS
DEAR WASTING TIME:
Not at the rate you are going.
I suspect the reason Wayne
hasn’t followed through and filed
for divorce may be financial. He
and his wife may also like things
just the way they are because
they can maintain their social
life, he’s comfortable at home
and he has you to sleep with,
which may be a relief to her. You
have my sympathy, but I think
you have invested enough time.
What’s going on is unfair to you.
This romance was based on
dishonesty on his part, and you
deserve more than you have
been getting.
Dear Abby is written by
Abigail Van Buren, also known
as Jeanne Phillips, and was
founded by her mother, Pauline
Phillips. Contact Dear Abby
at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.
Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA
90069.
you accomplish it. Your tenacity
knows no bounds.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22).
Ignoring a thing on purpose can
be an effective tactic. Neglect
can be a useful state when ap-
plied to unwanted things. Some
problems fade from neglect;
others resolve themselves.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
You have paid your dues and
done your time. You showed up
how they wanted, so you know
what that’s like. Now, you’re
inclined to do it your own way,
to show up how you see fit. It
works.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
Stay aware, head on a swivel,
as you make your way to the
crossroads. Transitions are
always a little more dangerous.
The intersections of life hold
potential for much good and bad
fortune.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). As the bees get nectar,
they accidentally spread pollen.
Do they know they are the
reason the flowers bloom? Like
the bees, you will unknowingly
cause beauty just by doing what
comes naturally.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). You’ll apply your talent
rather mindlessly, floating above
yourself in many ways. And
when you come back down to
earth, you’ll find that you and
your muses have co-created
something remarkable.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). You’ve already done the
“dance like no one is watching”
thing and now you’re into the re-
finement of movement assumed
by consummate professionals.
Because if all goes well, some-
one will be watching.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). The thing you didn’t think
you had time for will now be
taking up many hours of your
day. But if it weren’t good for
your personal development, you
wouldn’t feel so compelled to
manage it.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Your name comes with
associations. Some of these
associations (like promptness,
honesty, kindness) you have
and will continue to cultivate
rather purposefully by maintain-
ing a high standard of character.
Quick on the draw
SOLUTION:
4B FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

AREA OBITUARIES
Charles Young In addition to her Shirley Turnipseed father, he was preceded In addition to her al Gunter Peel Funeral
COLUMBUS — parents, she was STARKVILLE — in death by his brother, parents, she was pre- Home and Crematory
Charles David Young, preceded in death by Shirley Jean Turnip- William McCoy. ceded in death by her College Street location.
died April 30, 2020, at her husband, Charles seed, 67, died June 20, In addition to his husband, Charlie Hub-
Williams; and children, mother, he is survived bert; and siblings, Sam
his residence.
Florence Burr, Curtis
2020, in Starkville;
by his fiancé Alexis Brewer, Beverly Robin-
Kenneth Klieber
A memorial service Graveside services COLUMBUS — Ken-
will be held at 3 p.m. Williams, Stephen will be Saturday, in Kidd; children, Aushi- son Sr., Aaron Brewer,
Laura Ann Brewer and neth P. Klieber, 85, died
Sunday, at Sovereign Williams and Lloyd Sixteenth Section anna Hill, Zaria Thomp-
Izola Brewer-Vaughn. June 25, 2020, at her
Faith Baptist Church, Williams. Cemetery. Visitation is son, Alaylen McCoy,
She is survived by residence.
with Ben Yarber and She is survived by from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Kristen McCoy; and
her children, Gregory her children, Eric D. Arrangements are
Russell Mord offici- West Memorial Funeral siblings, Michael
Williams of Houston, Brewer, Mary Brewer, incomplete and will be
ating. Visitation will Home. West Memo- McCoy, Jessie McCoy,
Texas, Charles E. Kimilie Brewer and Pa- announced by Memori-
be one hour prior to rial Funeral Home of Daniel McCoy, Lorry
Williams, Sherman Triplett, Henry Shank- mela Brewer; siblings, al Gunter Peel Funeral
services at the church. Starkville is in charge Home and Crematory
Memorial Gunter Peel Williams both of of arrangements. lin, James McCoy and Estella “BJ” Keaton,
Chicago, Illinois, Ervin Travis McCoy. Myona Brewer-Cock- Second Avenue loca-
Funeral Home and Cre- She is survived by tion.
matory Second Avenue Williams of Atlanta, her children, Lawrence rell, William “Fellow”
North is in charge of Georgia, Montgomery Cook, Jeffery Turnip- Luther Grant Brewer Jr. and Lewis
arrangements. Williams of Jackson, seed, Tamika Nurse COLUMBUS — Lu- Ray Brewer; and 11
Frances Russell of and Shirika Turnip- ther Antwan Grant, 31, grandchildren.
Columbus, Erma
DeAndre Henderson Stephens of Crestview,
seed. died June 24, 2020, at
JACKSON — De-
Florida and Hazel
his residence. Monique Moore
Andre “Dre” Cleshon
Stephens of Smyra,
Castella Taylor Arrangements are CALEDONIA —
Henderson, 22, died WEST POINT — incomplete and will be Monique L. Moore, 37,
Georgia; 23 grandchil- announced by Carter’s died June 25, 2020, at
June 23, 2020, at UM- Castella Taylor, 95, died
dren; 30 great-grand- June 16, 2020, at North Funeral Services of Baptist Memorial Hos-
MC-Batson’s Children’s
children; and nine Mississippi Medical Columbus. pital-Golden Triangle.
Hospital.
great-great-grandchil- Center of Tupelo. Arrangements are
Graveside services
dren.
will be at 11 a.m. Satur- Graveside services Bertha Foote incomplete and will be
Brad Lamar
day, at Rancher Place are at 11 a.m. today, in MACON — Bertha. announced by Carter’s Visitation:
Family Cemetery of Gei- Celeste Fenton Shady Grove Abbott L. Foot, 89, died June Funeral Services of Sunday, June 28 • 1 PM
ger, Alabama, with Tom- COLUMBUS — Ce- Cemetery, with the 25, 2020. Columbus. 2nd Ave. North Location
Memorial Services:
mie Wilson officiating. leste Fenton, 87, died Rev. Gregory Wright Arrangements are Sunday, June 28 • 2 PM
June 17, 2nd Ave. North Location
Visitation is from 2-5
2020, in
and Henry Shelton incomplete and will be Wayne Logan
p.m. today, at Carter’s officiating. A private announced by Carter’s COLUMBUS — Les-
Funeral Services. Car- Caledonia. family visitation will be Funeral Services of Charles D. Young
lie Wayne Logan, 80, Memorial Services:
ter’s Funeral Services A held at Carter’s Mortu- Macon. Sunday, June 28 • 2 PM
died June 25, 2020, at
of Macon is in charge of graveside ary Services. Carter’s Sovereign Grace Baptist Church
Baptist Memorial Hos- 2nd Ave. North Location
arrangements. service will Mortuary Services of
be at 1 p.m.
Janell Bishop pital-Golden Triangle.
Mr. Henderson was West Point is in charge COLUMBUS — Arrangements are Wayne Logan
born Jan. 26, 1998, in Saturday, of arrangements. incomplete and will be Incomplete
Fenton Janell C. Bishop, 69,
Scooba, to Cleveland in Union Mrs. Taylor was announced by Memori- College St. Location
died June
and Dianne Henderson. Cemetery, born April 9, 1925, in
with the Rev. Leroy
22, 2020. al Gunter Peel Funeral Marjorie Beasley
He was a graduate of Clay County, to the late Grave- Home and Crematory Incomplete
Kemper County High Jones officiating. Visi- Will Ryland and Marie College Street location. College St. Location
tation is from 2-5 p.m. side
School and a member Ivy Ryland. services
of Soul Chapel United today, at Carter’s Fu- In addition to her Kenneth Klieber
neral Service. Carter’s will be Marjorie Beasley Incomplete
Methodist Church. parents, she was pre- at 2 p.m. COLUMBUS — 2nd Ave. North Location
In addition to his Funeral Service’s of ceded in death by her
Columbus is in charge Sunday, at Marjorie Eudy Beasley,
parents, he is survived husband, John Taylor; Memorial Bishop
by his sister, Dianesha of arrangements. children, Louis Taylor 104, died June 25, 2020
Ms. Fenton was born Garden at her residence.
A. Henderson. and Martha Koonce; Cemetery of Starkville. memorialgunterpeel.com
Feb. 25, 1933, in Colum- siblings, Jimmie Arrangements are
bus, to the late King Visitation will be from incomplete and will be
Linda Patrick Lee “Gint” Ryland,
and Mary Fenton. She 3-6 p.m. Saturday, at announced by Memori-
SULLIGENT, Ala. — Will “Book” Ryland,
was formerly employed West Memorial Funeral
Linda Sue Patrick, 65, R.L. “Muff” Ryland,
as a cook with MUW Home. West Memo-
died June 19, 2020, at Climmel “Buddy”
and was a member of El rial Funeral Home of
North Mississippi Medi- Ryland, Esau, Jacob
Bethel M.B. Church. Starkville is in charge
cal Center of Hamilton. Ryland and Mary Sue
In addition to her of arrangements.
No services will Hopkins; and one
parents, she was She is survived by
be held. Otts Funeral grandchild.
preceded in death by her children, Janette
Home of Sulligent was Elise Bishop, Melvin
in charge of arrange- her children, Arthur Mary Holt
Lee Fenton and Paul James Barnes and
ments. GRUBB SPRINGS — Clifton Boyd Bishop
Mrs. Patrick was Fenton; and siblings, Mary Agnes Holt, 89,
Lucy Collins, Annie Jr.; and siblings, Judith
born May 8, 1955, in died June 24, 2020, at E. Lee, Jennifer F.
Millport, to the late Smith, Dan Fenton Sr., North Mississippi Med-
Emma Fenton and King Jordan Morris, Juanda
Braxton Cunningham ical Center of Tupelo. Lynn Crittenden, Huell
and Lois Ellen Crowel. Fenton Jr. Services will be

Paul Fromm Sr.

She is survived by L. Collier, Hiram C.
She was formerly em- at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jordan and Howard
ployed with an Okolona her children, Robert at Tisdale-Lann Me-
Fenton, Rosie Fen- Charles Jordan.
nursing home and was morial Chapel, with
a member of Living Wa- ton-Johnson, Denise Phillip Lindsey and Paul Fromm, Sr of Dallas Tx,
ters Assembly of God. Fenton all of Columbus, Glen Hughes officiat- Felicity Hughes a native of Columbus MS passed
Linda Fenton, Eliza- ing. Burial will follow COLUMBUS — Fe- away suddenly at the age of 81.
In addition to her par-
beth Fenton-Walker in Pleasant Ridge licity A. Hughes, 47, Mr. Fromm and his wife, Peggy,
ents, she was preceded
both of Muskegon, Cemetery. Visitation died June 21, 2020, in recently moved to Bham to be
in death by her siblings,
Michigan and Angelia is from 5-8 p.m. today, Jackson. closer to family.
Mary Arends, Betty
Thompson of Douglas- at the funeral home. Graveside services The family will have a small
Harrison, Robbie Cun-
ville, Georgia; siblings, Tisdale-Lann Memo- will be Sunday in gathering at the farm of Steve
ningham and Phillip
Edith Martin, Ann rial Funeral Home of Spring Valley Cemetery and Marsha Ward, Mr. Fromm’s
Cunningham.
Treadwell, Freddie Aberdeen is in charge of Mathiston. Visitation brother and sister in law,
She is survived by
Denton all of Colum- of arrangements. will be from noon-2 instead of funeral or graveside
her husband, Mike
bus, Sallie Knight of Mrs. Holt was p.m. Saturday, at West services, date and time to be determined at a
Patrick of Sulligent;
Chicago, Illinois; 14 born June 19, 1931, in Memorial Funeral later date. Lowndes Funeral Home in charge of
children, Christina
grandchildren; and 20 Monroe County, to the Home. West Memo- arrangements.
White of Sulligent, Eliz-
abeth Hollis of Steens great-grandchildren. late Kirby Smith and rial Funeral Home of Mr. Fromm began his career with AAFES at
and Amanda Otts of Nettie Boyd Smith. Starkville is in charge the early age of 18 while still in high school. Over
Gattman; siblings, Rozyln Zuber She was a graduate of of arrangements. the next 36 years, he worked in nearly every area
Charles Cunningham, JACKSON — Rozyln Greenwood Springs She is survived by of the AAFES organization, from an hourly paid
Earl Cunningham, Anne Zuber, 49, died School and formerly her parents, Shirley clerk to the highest-ranking civilian in a workforce
Bobby Cunningham, June 16, 2020. employed with Mon- Hughes Ellis and Na- of 71,000 people. His first job was as a stockroom
Martha Dean Robertson Funeral services will roe County Schools. thaniel Ellis; children, clerk at Columbus Air Force Base, MS. Then he
and Margie White; 11 be at 11 a.m. Saturday, She was a member of Lathan T. Hughes, served as stockroom manager, and eventually
grandchildren; and two at Beth-el M.B. Church Bartahatchie Baptist Kaneka R. L. Hughes; as the retail store manager, preparing him for
great-grandchildren. of Starkville. Burial Church. Job’kenzey L. R. leadership roles for the remainder of his career
will follow in St. Paul She is survived by Hughes and Mahalen V. in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service. In
Cemetery. West Memo- her husband, Hubert Hughes; and siblings, 1985 Mr. Fromm was selected for COO, one of
Hazel Williams Denver Holt; and Mary P. Sykes, Nadirah the youngest to achieve this position. He retired
COLUMBUS — Ha- rial Funeral Home of
Starkville is in charge children, Renelda Holt Bush, Nathaniel Pruitt, at a special rate Grade UA-16 which is equivalent
zel Walls Williams, 93, Jonathan Ellis, Oscie L.
of arrangements. Goode and Darryl Holt. to a 3 Star General. He was recognized by the US
died June Pruitt Jr. and Montrey
She is survived Congress and an American flag was flown over
22, 2020, Collins.
by her father, Walter our nation’s capital in his honor.
at her resi-
Zuber Sr; and siblings,
Earnest McCoy During Mr. Fromm’s time with AAFES, the
dence. MACON — Earnest
Cicely Zuber, Brandi Maggie Brewer-Hubbert family lived all over the southeast/midwest
Grave- Terrell McCoy, 41, died
Zuber and Juliette COLUMBUS — region and the island of Guam in the South
side June 13,
Zuber-Tate. Maggie Will Brew- Pacific.
services 2020, in
er-Hub- Mr. Fromm is survived by his wife of 61 years,
will be at Columbus. Peggy; three children, Pam Aldridge, Paul
11 a.m. Williams Gwendolyn Roberts Grave- bert, 72,
Fromm, Jr, Barbara Caylor; his sister, Barbara
Saturday, STARKVILLE — side passed
away. McManus; nine grandchildren, Billy Holman,
in Union Cemetery, with Gwendolyn D. Roberts, services
Funeral Jake Fromm, Peyton Aldridge, Zack Gardner,
the Rev. Joe L. Peoples 58, died June 17, 2020, will be
services Kadie Aldridge, Anna Fromm, Anna Fromm,
officiating. Visitation is in Pensacola, Florida. at 1 p.m.
will be Sat- Michael Caylor, Faith Snider and C.J. Snider; five
from 2-5 p.m. today, at Graveside services Saturday, McCoy
urday, in great-grandchildren, Braxten Aldridge, Cooper
Carter’s Funeral Ser- will be at 2 p.m. Sat- in St. Paul Brewer- Bailey, Wakley Aldridge, Larson Aldridge and
vices. Carter’s Funeral urday, in New Hope UM Cemetery, with Sandfield Hubbert
Emersyn Gardner.
Services of Columbus Cemetery. Visitation Sammie Lyons officiat- Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to
is in charge of arrange- is from noon-2 p.m. at ing. Visitation is from Visitation is from 1-6
Alzheimer Association at ALZ.org.
ments. West Memorial Funeral noon-5 p.m. today, at p.m. today, at Lee-
Mrs. Williams was Home. West Memo- Lee-Sykes Funeral Sykes Funeral Home Compliments of
born Oct. 18, 1926, in rial Funeral Home of Home. Lee-Sykes Fu- Chapel. Lee-Sykes Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
Carroll County, to the Starkville is in charge neral Home of Macon Funeral Home of Co-
late Jack Walls and of arrangements. is in charge of arrange- lumbus is in charge of
Letha Ann Crawford. She is survived by ments. arrangements.
She was formerly her children, Victoria Mr. McCoy was born Mrs. Brewer-Hub-
employed as a CO-OP and Ashley Roberts; Nov. 13, 1978, in Noxu- bert was born Jan. 7, Send in your church event!
Extension Coordinator and siblings, Mary bee County, to Eva Mae 1948, in Columbus, to Email editorialassistant@cdispatch.com
and was a member of Christy, Jim, Ricky, Shanklin and the late the late William Mitch- Subject: Religious brief
Stephen Chapel M.B. William Gene Roberts James McCoy. ell Brewer Sr. and Izola
Church. and Sharon Roberts. In addition to his Bell Brewer.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 5B

Mississippi State
School Ministry
Mississippi State School
of Ministry will be taking ap-
plications for enrollment into
their online degree granting
program. Earn your Certifica-
tion, Associates, Bachelor,
Master and Doctoral Degree
in Religious Studies. We are
an accreditation School of
Ministry authorized through
State of Mississippi and Fed-
eral Government. Our degrees
are for ecclesiastical purpos-
es only. We accept transcripts
and your life experience also
can also be used for degree
RELIGIOUS BRIEFS
1102 12th Ave. S., invites the
public to join its Community
Gospel Book Club from 6-7
p.m., on the fourth Friday of
each month, to study and
share views of the Holy Bible.
Open to all ages and ethnic-
ities. For more information,
call Barbara Mattison or Lillian
Murray, 662-570-5595.
Grief Support Group
The Oil of Joy for Grief
and Mourning offers a grief
support group at 6 p.m. every
second Thursday of the month
at United Christian Baptist
Church, 232 Yorkville Road
contact Jesse Slater, 662-
328-4979.
Radio Program
Apostles Patrick Perkins
invites the public to tune in to
WTWG, radio 1050 AM for Per-
fecting the Saints Broadcast,
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.
Women Prayer,
Worship Service
Church of the Eternal
Word, 106 22nd St. S., holds
a prayer and worship service
every Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
Call Marie Nabors, 662-549-
holds prayer service Thurs-
day nights 5-6 p.m. Contact
Marie Nabors, 662-549-4322.
Church service times: Sunday
school 10 a.m.; Sunday
worship 11:15 a.m.; Tuesday
Bible study 7 p.m. For informa-
tion, call Pastor District Elder
Lou Nabors, 662-329-1234.
Fitness
Transformations
The Transformational
Church, 2301 Jess Lyons
Road, hosts boxing lessons
Mondays and Wednesday
from 5-7 p.m., weight-loss
boot camp Tuesdays and
Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

Sudoku Yesterday’s answer

granting purposes. For further
information feel free to call
662-425-8443
East. “Making your grieving 4322 or 662-329-1234, for Sudoku is a number-
journey easier.” For more in- Thursdays 5-7 p.m. and both
prayer requests. placing puzzle based on
on Saturdays 9-11 a.m. 8 7 3 2 5 4 1 9 6
formation, call 662-327-0604 Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis a several
with num-
or e-mail unitedchristian@ ber-placing puzzle
given numbers. The object 2 1 4 8 6 9 3 5 7
Prayer Ministry

2020 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

CANCELED UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE
Forgive and Live
Forgive and Live meets
from 6-7 p.m. every second
and fourth Tuesday of each
month in the downtown YMCA
Board Room and every third
cableone.net. Youth Fellowship based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 5 6 9 3 7 1 2 8 4
New Beginning Everlasting The Transformational grid with several
1 to 9 in the empty spaces 7 4 5 6 1 8 9 2 3
Celebrate Recovery Outreach Ministry invites the Church, 2301 Jess Lyons given
so that numbers. The
each row, each 6 3 2 5 9 7 8 4 1
The Assembly Church,
public to call in with their
prayer requests at 662-327-
Road, hosts Youth Fellowship object
column isandtoeach
place
3x3 the
box 1 9 8 4 2 3 7 6 5
2201 Military Road, and from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tues- numbers
contains the1same
to 9 number
in
Meadowview Church, 300 Lin-
9843. day. Games, prayer, service, the empty spaces so 3 5 6 7 8 2 4 1 9
only once. The difficulty 4 2 1 9 3 5 6 7 8
den Circle in Starkville, host food, and more. Transporta- that each row, each
level increases from
Celebrate Recovery at 6 p.m. Prayer Service tion available. For information, column and each
Monday
9 8 7 1 4 6 5 3 2
every Sunday at The Assem- Church of the Eternal Word, call Iris Roberson, 662-295- 3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 6/25

Wednesday at Vibrant Church
Cafe. Inquire and seek infor-
mation to succeed spiritually,
physically and financially and
be eager to be a blessing to
the community, churches and
families through the Word of
God. The public is invited to
attend. For more information,
call Pat Fisher Douglas, 662-
251-5899.
Fellowship Dinner,
Youth Service
Pleasant Ridge Faith Cen-
ter, 923 Ridge Road, hosts a
fellowship dinner and youth
service every third Sunday.
Gospel Book Club
Friendship M.B. Church,
bly Church (next to Lowe’s) 106 22nd. St. S., Columbus, 7456. the same number only once. The difficulty level
and at 6 p.m. every Tuesday increases from Monday to Sunday.
at Meadowview Church. Get
help, healing and support for
any habit, hurt or hang-up
using the Christ-centered 12
steps.
Prayer for Youth
Every second and third
Saturday, Pleasant Ridge Faith
Center hosts a prayer for the
youth from 2-3 p.m.
Prayer, Free Coffee
Mount Zion Missionary
Baptist Church, 2221 14th
Ave. N., hosts free coffee and
a prayer community outreach
service from 8-9 a.m. every
fifth Saturday. For information,

Tattoo artist sees bump in

desire to erase hateful skin art
BY WILSON RING at Yale School of Medi-
The Associated Press cine. “Just think of the
recoil of a Holocaust sur-
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. vivor who sees a Nazi tat-
— A Vermont tattoo artist too.”
who has long offered free
removal or covering of
hateful skin art like swas-
tikas, SS lightning bolts or
the words “white power”
says he’s seen an uptick in
business recently follow-
ing George Floyd’s death.
Alexander Lawrence,
who runs Mountainside ACROSS
Tattoo from a storefront 1 Barn areas
in the village of Bellows 6 Crooked
Falls, Vermont, says he’s 11 Verdi creation
always offered to remove 12 Singer Ron-
hateful images or cover stadt
scars for free. But follow- 13 Laundry
ing Floyd’s death at the problem
hands of Minneapolis po- 14 Pliable
lice, which sparked glob- 15 Hoopla
al protests against police 17 Frozen treats
brutality and revived the 18 Sounds of
Black Lives Matter move- disgust
ment, Lawrence says he’s 20 Music genre
been getting so many re-
22 Sturgeon
quests he’s looking for an
eggs
office manager to sched-
ule his appointments.
23 Sees
“I think they were out 26 In a way, 2 Make a choice 23 Slam sound
there, but it wasn’t, like, in informally 3 Cleaning aid 24 Band need
the limelight, you know, 28 Sluggish 4 Small singing 25 Dance bit
until things started hap- 29 Supplement groups 27 Trattoria
pening and people are, 31 Expected 5 Beach cover dessert
like, ‘Oh, man I have this 32 Spur on 6 Politician 30 Pot fill
old tattoo. I’m not like that 33 Camel feature Landon 33 Wasteland
anymore and I don’t want 34 Try out 7 Chip material 34 Low digits
people to think that I am,’” 36 Pub choices 8 Brass item 35 Green-eyed
Lawrence said. 38 Leading that enhances a monster
Earlier this month 40 Diner patron punch 37 Not so much
Dylan Graves, 28, visited 43 Happening 9 TV’s Falco 39 School org.
Lawrence’s shop to cover 44 Funny Martin 10 Gum masses 41 Preceding
a swastika tattoo super- 45 Turkey 16 Bauxite, e.g. night
imposed over a grinning neighbor 18 — Major 42 Cardinal
skull wearing a World 46 Tatter 19 Evil fighter
War II German army hel- DOWN 21 Columbus
met he had inked on the 1 — Gatos setting
inside of his upper left
arm a decade ago.
Many tattoo artists
across the country will
cover or erase old tattoos,
especially in the after-
math of Floyd’s killing,
but Alexander said not all
do it for free.
Dr. Jeffrey Dover, a
dermatologist who is the
director of SkinCare Phy-
sicians in Chestnut Hill,
Massachusetts, said cov-
er or removing offensive
tattoos is a public service.
“It’s a pro bono service
to the community, a ser-
vice to humanity, a ser-
vice to the individual who
has the tattoo, but also to
all those who are offended
by the tattoo,” said Dover,
who is also an associate
professor of Dermatology

Classifieds
LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
Public Notice
Mississippi Environmental
Quality Permit Board
P. O. Box 2261 | Jackson, MS
39225
515 East Amite St. | Jackson,
MS 39201
Telephone No. (601) 961-5171
Public Notice Start Date: June
26, 2020 MDEQ Contact:
Sandeepa Gill
Bill Gray Inc, Wild Bills Number
4, located at 365 Highway 45
North, in Starkville, MS, (662)
489-1198, has applied to the
Mississippi Department of En-
vironmental Quality (MDEQ) for
the following permitting
action(s): Issuance of Ref. No.
MS0062588. The applicant's
operations fall within SIC Code
4952.
The applicant's operation is
the collection and treatment of
domestic wastewater. Only one
discharge to surface waters is
described within the applica-
tion.
The staff of the Permit Board
has developed this draft per-
mit based on information sub-
mitted to the Permit Board by
the applicant, appropriate
State and Federal agencies
and other interested parties.
The staff of the Permit Board is
soliciting all relative informa-
tion pertaining to the proposed
activity, including public com-
ment, to ensure that the final
staff recommendation on the
draft permit complies with all
State and Federal regulations.
Public review and comment on
the draft permit and support-
ing documentation is an import-
ant element in the staff evalu-
ation and resulting recommend-
ation to the Permit Board. The
draft permit conditions have
been developed to ensure com-
pliance with all State and Fed-
eral regulations but are sub-
ject to change based on inform-
ation received as a result of
public participation.
Persons wishing to comment
upon or object to the proposed
determinations are invited to
submit comments in writing to
Sandeepa Gill at
http://www.mdeq.ms.gov/[LAS
T-FIRST]/ or to the Permit
Board address shown above,
no later than the end of the
thirty (30) day public notice. All
comments received by this
date will be considered in the
formulation of final determina-
tions regarding the
application(s). A public hearing
will be held if the Permit Board
finds a significant degree of
public interest in the proposed
permit(s). Persons wishing to
request a public hearing may
do so by submitting that re-
quest in writing to Bradley
Crain at
http://www.mdeq.ms.gov/[LAS
T-FIRST]/ or to the Permit
Board address shown above.
The Permit Board is limited in
the scope of its analysis to en-
vironmental impact. Any com-
ments relative to zoning or eco-
nomic and social impacts are
within the jurisdiction of local
zoning and planning authorit-
ies and should be addressed
to them.
Additional details about the ap-
plication, including a copy of
the draft permit, are available
by writing or calling the Public
Records Request Officer at the
above Permit Board address
and telephone number or by
completing the form at the fol-
lowing website:
https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/ab
out-mdeq/public-records-re-
quest/public-records-request-
form/. Additionally, a copy of
the draft permit and statement
of basis may be found on the
MDEQ’s website at:
http://opc.deq.state.ms.us/pu
blicnotice.aspx . This informa-
tion is also available for review
at the office of the MDEQ at
the Permit Board address
shown above during normal
business hours. Please bring
the foregoing to the attention
of persons whom you know will
be interested.
Columbus-Lowndes Public Lib-
rary
314 North Seventh Street
Columbus, MS 39701
PUBLISH: 6/26/20
All notices must be
emailed to
classifieds@
cdispatch.com.
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Legal Notices
IN THE SPECIAL COURT OF EM-
INENT DOMAIN
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
COLUMBUS REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY PLAINTIFF
VS.
ANTHONY FRISON, ET AL. DE-
FENDANTS
NO. 2020-0010-ED2
ALIAS SUMMONS BY PUBLICA-
TION
TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW
AND DEVISEES OF GEORGE
WASHINGTON, DECEASED, UN-
KNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW AND DE-
VISEES OF MINNIE WASHING-
TON, DECEASED, UNKNOWN
HEIRS-AT-LAW AND DEVISEES
OF LESTER FRISON, DE-
CEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-
LAW AND DEVISEES OF JOHN-
NIE MORRIS MOODY FRISON,
UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW AND
DEVISEES OF MELVIN MOODY,
DECEASED, UNKNOWN HEIRS-
AT-LAW AND DEVISEES OF
RICHARD MOODY, DECEASED,
UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW AND
DEVISEES OF UNKNOWN
HEIRS-AT-LAW AND DEVISEES
OF NATHANIEL MOODY, AND
MICHAEL MOODY, DECEASED,
AND ALL OTHER PERSONS OR
ENTITIES HAVING A LEGAL OR
EQUITABLE INTEREST IN REAL
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 512
4TH STREET NORTH, COLUM-
BUS, MISSISSIPPI BEING TAX
PARCEL NO. 61W080010200
You have been made Defend-
ants in a lawsuit filed in this
Court by the Columbus Re-
development Authority to con-
demn by eminent domain cer-
tain real property located in
Block 22 North of Main, Colum- bar the same.
bus, Mississippi, and being
Lowndes tax parcel
61W080010200. The property 2020.
is necessary to renew and re-
development blighted condi-
tions in accordance with the
Urban Renewal Plan (Burns
Bottom) of the City of Colum-
bus, Mississippi.
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against IN THE CHANCERY
you in this action at 10:30
o’clock a. m. on the 17th day
of September, 2020, in the
second floor County Court
courtroom of the Lowndes
County Courthouse in Colum-
bus, Mississippi, and in case
of your failure to appear and
defend, a judgment will be
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are hereby further given
notice that not less than ten
(10) days prior to the date of
the trial on September 17,
2020, you are required to file
the Statement of Values pursu- of Lowndes County, Missis-
ant to Miss. Code Ann. §11-27- sippi, on the 13th day of
7, which shall be treated as
pleadings in this action. The
date of the filing of the Com-
plaint herein is the 13th day of to Probate and Register same
April, 2020, and the name and with the Chancery Clerk of
address of the attorney for the Lowndes County, Mississippi,
Plaintiff is Martha Bost Stegall, within ninety (90) days from the
P. O. Box 7120, Tupelo, Mis-
sissippi 38802. Other than the tice to Creditors. A failure to so WANTED: Qualified
Statement of Values you are
not required to file an Answer
or other pleading but you may
do so if you desire.
Issued under my hand and the
seal of said Court, this 10th
day of June, 2020.
TERESA BARKSDALE, CLERK
SPECIAL COURT OF EMINENT
DOMAIN,
LOWNDES COUNTY, MS
BY: Ann Marie Langford, D.C.
Publish: 6/12, 6/19 &
6/26/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
TATE OF DORIS ANN
MCGLYNN, DECEASED
JOHN MCGLYNN, EXECUTOR
NO. 2020-0120-JNS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to
John McGlynn, Executor of the
Estate of Doris Ann McGlynn,
deceased, by the Chancery
Court of Lowndes County, Mis-
sissippi, on the 23 day of June,
2020. This is to give notice to
all persons having claims
against said estate to Probate
and Register same with the
Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
ninety (90) days from the first
publication of this Notice to
Creditors. A failure to so Pro-
bate and Register said claim
will forever bar the same.
THIS the 23 day of June, 2020. cifications may be obtained by
/s/ John McGlynn
John McGlynn
OF COUNSEL:
William F. Gillis (MSB 4854)
Crowell Gillis & Cooper, PLLC http://www.eastms.edu/bids.
Post Office Box 1827
Columbus, MS 39703
General Services
PHONE: (662) 243-7329
wgillis@cgclawpllc.com
A & T TREE SERVICES
PUBLISH:
Bucket 6/26, 7/3
truck & &
stump
7/10/2020
removal. Free est.
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since 1987. Senior
citizen disc. Call Alvin @
242−0324/241−4447
"We’ll go out on a limb for 662−242−3608.
you!"
Garage Door Services
M&M Garage Door, LLC
Offering competitive prices
and quality service.
Available for all of your
garage door needs.
Call us today for your free
consultation.
662−251−4904
JOHN MCGLYNN, EXECUTOR
NO. 2020-0120-JNS
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to
John McGlynn, Executor of the
Estate of Doris Ann McGlynn,
deceased, by the Chancery
Court of Lowndes County, Mis-
sissippi, on the 23 day of June,
2020. This is to give notice to
all persons having claims
against said estate to Probate
and Register same with the
Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
ninety (90) days from the first
publication of this Notice to
Legal NoticesA failure to so Pro-
Creditors.
bate and Register said claim
will forever bar the same.
THIS the 23 day of June, 2020. contacting the Business Office
/s/ John McGlynn
John McGlynn
OF COUNSEL:
William F. Gillis (MSB 4854)
Crowell Gillis & Cooper, PLLC Bid documents and specifica-
Post Office Box 1827
Columbus, MS 39703
PHONE: (662) 243-7329
wgillis@cgclawpllc.com
PUBLISH: 6/26, 7/3 &
7/10/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
TATE OF HARRY L. RODGERS,
JR., DECEASED
CAUSE NO. 2020-0240-RPF
MARTHA M. RODGERS, PETI-
TIONER
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
Harry L. Rodgers Jr., Deceased,
by the Chancery Court of
Lowndes County, Mississippi,
on the 16th day of June 2020.
This is to give notice to all per-
sons having claims against
said estate to probate and re-
gister same with the Chancery
Clerk of Lowndes County, Mis-
sissippi, within ninety (90) days
from the first publication date
of this Notice to Creditors. A
failure to so probate and re-
gister said claim will forever
This the 17th day of June
/s/ Martha M. Rodgers
MARTHA M. RODGERS, Exec-
utrix
PUBLISH: 6/19, 6/26 &
7/3/2020
COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATIER OF THE ES-
TATE OF JUANITA RICHARD-
SON JONES, DECEASED
CAUSE NO. 2018-0089
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
LOWNDES COUNTY
Letters of Administration have
been granted and issued to the Publication Dates: June 26,
undersigned upon the Estate of 2020 and July 3, 2020
Juanita Richardson Jones, de-
ceased, by the Chancery Court
December, 2018. This is to
give notice to all persons hav-
ing claims against said estate
first publication date of this No-
Probate and Register said
claim will forever bar the same. Call for details.
This the 24th day of June,
2020.
/s/ Tamaka Leke Jones
Tamaka Leke Jones, Adminis-
tratrix
Of Counsel:
WILLIAM P. STARKS, II (MB No.
100072)
Starks Law Firm
P.O. Box 748
Columbus, MS 39703
Telephone: 662.328.4850
Facsimile: 662.798.4016
PUBLISH: 6/26, 7/3 &
7/10/2020
Advertisement for Bids
East Mississippi Community
College Board of Trustees is
now accepting sealed and elec-
tronic bids for the following:
Painting Labor & Construction
Labor
Scooba Campus:
Sealed bids will be accepted in
the Administration Building,
Scooba Campus, 1512 Kem-
per Street, P. O. Box 158,
Scooba, MS 39358 until 10:00
a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020,
at which time all properly sub-
mitted bids shall be opened.
Electronic bids will be received
until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Ju-
ly16, 2020, via electronic on-
line bid submission through
www.centralbidding.com. For
questions relating to the elec-
tronic bidding process, please
call Central Bidding at (225)
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Bidding documents and spe-
contacting the Business Office
at (662) 476-5077 or
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formation will also be made
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at which time all properly sub-
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Bidding documents and spe-
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Scooba Campus, 1512 Kem-
per Street, P. O. Box 158,
The Starkville Dispatch and Online
Scooba, MS 39358 until 10:00
a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020,
at which time all properly sub-
mitted bids shall be opened.
Electronic bids will be received
until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Ju-
ly16, 2020, via electronic on-
line bid submission through
www.centralbidding.com. For
questions relating to the elec-
tronic bidding process, please
call Central Bidding at (225)
Legal Notices
810-4814.
Bidding documents and spe-
cifications may be obtained by
at (662) 476-5077 or
thunt@eastms.edu. This in-
formation will also be made
available online by visiting our
website at
http://www.eastms.edu/bids.
tions may also be downloaded
and purchased online from
Central Bidding at www.central-
bidding.com.
Golden Triangle/Lion Hills Cam-
puses:
Sealed bids will be accepted in
the Administration Office, Stu-
dent Union Building, Golden Tri-
angle Campus, 8731 S. Front-
age Road, P.O. Box 100, May-
hew, MS 39753 until 10:00
a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020,
at which time all properly sub-
mitted bids shall be opened.
Electronic bids will be received
until 10:00 a.m., Thursday, Ju-
ly 16, 2020, via electronic on-
line bid submission through
www.centralbidding.com. For
questions relating to the elec-
tronic bidding process, please
call Central Bidding at (225)
810-4814.
Bidding documents and spe-
cifications may be obtained by
contacting Dana Mordecai at
(662) 243-1956 or dmorde-
cai@eastms.edu. This informa-
tion will also be made avail-
able online by visiting our web-
site at
http://www.eastms.edu/bids.
Bid documents and specifica-
tions may also be downloaded
and purchased online from
Central Bidding at www.central-
bidding.com.
The East Mississippi Com-
munity College Board of Trust-
ees reserves the right to reject
any or all bids and to negoti-
ate with the lowest/best bid-
der. EMCC reserves the
right to award the bid as a
whole or by individual line item.
East Mississippi Community
College is committed to assur-
ing that the College and its pro-
grams are free from discrimina-
tion and harassment based
upon race, color, ethnicity, sex,
pregnancy, religion, national
origin, disability, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, ge-
netic information, status as a
U.S. veteran, or any other
status protected by state or
federal law. The following per-
son has been designated to
handle inquiries regarding the
non-discrimination policies:
Theresa Harpole, Director of
Human Resources, P.O. Box
158, Scooba, MS 39358, Tele-
phone: (662)-476-5274, E-
mail: tharpole@eastms.edu.
Employment
Call us: 662-328-2424
General Help Wanted
Automotive Technicians
662-574-4221
AREA BUSINESS
is seeking a mature,
motivated person who
enjoys interacting with
people, being outdoors
and multitasking. Skills
related to maintaining
equipment and/or farm
work are desired but not
required. Person needs to
be flexible enough to pitch
in where ever needed but
also keep their core
responsibilities in mind.
If you enjoy a different ex-
perience on the regular,
meeting new people and
believe in customer
satisfaction this job might
be for you.
Please submit resume to:
Blind Box 675 c/o The
Commercial Dispatch
PO Box 511
Columbus, MS 39703
CALEDONIA BUSINESS
needs General Laborer.
Experienced weed-eater,
$10-12/hour. Valid driver's
license, transportation &
experience helpful. Call
Jesse & Beverly's Lawn
Service at 662-356-6525.
Read local.
cdispatch.com
Lawn Care / Landscaping
SAM’S LAWN SERVICE
No lawn too large or too
small. Mowing, trimming &
weedeating.
Call 662−243−1694
Lawn Care / Landscaping
Lawn Care
Mow, Trim, Edge and Blow.
Free Estimate.
Call 662−574−1225.
If no answer please leave
message.
Painting & Papering
QUALITY PAINTING.
Ext/Int Painting.
Sheet Rock Hang, Finish &
Repair. Pressure Washing.
Free Estimates. Ask for
specials! Larry Webber,
662−242−4932.
SULLIVAN’S PAINT
SERVICE
Special Prices.
Interior & Exterior Painting.
662−435−6528
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n FRIDAY, JUNE 26, 2020 n 6B
Medical / Dental
General Help Wanted
General Help Wanted
General Help Wanted
ORGANIST POSITION at St.
David Anglican Church in
Mayhew, MS, to provide
music for Sunday service &
occasional special ser-
vices. Knowledge/experi-
ence with Anglican Liturgy
helpful, but not necessary.
The 1928 Book of Com-
mon Pray & the 1940 Epis-
copal Hymnal are used.
(318)527-9213 for info.
THE COMMERCIAL
DISPATCH seeks a motiv-
ated, contracted carrier for
the Brooksville & Macon
area. Excellent opportunity
to earn money for college.
Must have good transporta-
tion, valid driver's license
& insurance. Delivers on
Sunday morning and Mon-
Fri afternoons. Apply at The
Commercial Dispatch, 516
Main Street in Columbus.
No phone calls please.
Rentals
Ads starting at $25
Apts For Rent: North
FOX RUN APARTMENTS
1 & 2 BR near hospital.
$595−$645 monthly.
Military discount, pet area,
pet friendly, and furnished
corporate apts.
24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL
GYM. ON SITE SECURITY.
ON SITE MAINTENANCE.
ON SITE MANAGEMENT.
24−HOUR CAMERA
SURVEILLANCE. Benji &
Ashleigh, 662−386−4446.
Apts For Rent: West
VIP
Rentals
Apartments & Houses
1 Bedrooms
2 Bedroooms
3 Bedrooms
Furnished & Unfurnished
1, 2, & 3 Baths
Lease, Deposit
& Credit Check
viceinvestments.com
327-8555
Grow your
business im 5 Country
The Dispatch Music
classifieds. Television
To place ads starting at only $12,
Real Estate
Ads starting at $25
Houses For Sale: New Hope
NEW CONSTRUCTION
NEW HOPE SCHOOLS
FOR SALE SOON
This 4 bedroom beauty is
almost ready. Take
advantage of historic low
interest rates. Hardwood,
granite, security and more.
Call P & D Builders, Inc.
@ 662−328−0770.
Builder/Broker/Owner.
Lots & Acreage
1.75 ACRE LOTS.
Good/Bad Credit Options.
Good credit as low as 10%
down, $299/mo. Eaton
Land, 662−361−7711.
Garage Sales
Two free signs
Garage Sales: East
255 PINECREST Circle.
Sat, 7:30−1. White Lex−
ington daybed with trundle,
hutch, hh, garden & misc.
DECLUTTERING Sat. 8am
212 Eastwood Dr. Baskets,
Tupperware, cups, books,
old lamps, seasonal,
men’s hats, Beannies,
music boxes & much more.
Garage Sales: New Hope
2212 New Hope Rd.
Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon, 6a−6p.
Womens/Mens/Kids
clothes. 662−370−9356.
73 CONCOURSE Rd. Sat.
7a−until. Women’s/girl’s/
men’s clothes & shoes,
home & xmas decor, party
supplies, books & more.
Merchandise
Ads starting at $12
General Merchandise
2018 40FT Gooseneck
Trailer w/ 5ft dovetail, 12
ton axles, 10−4inch straps
& tarps. $7,000.
662−251−3001.
FREE HORSE MANURE,
mixed with sawdust.
By appointment. Will load.
Apts For Rent: Other
West Lowndes.
662−364−6990.
WHITE POSTER BOARD
$0.50 each − 24"x23"
Visit 516 Main Street
or call 662−328−2424
Lawn & Garden
HAYES DAYLILIES
Open mornings. M−S.
1069 New Hope Rd. Call
662−251−6665.
Vehicles
Ads starting at $12
Autos For Sale
COLEMAN
2004 FORD T−BIRD. Two
RENTALS tops, hard & soft. Little
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS over 100k mi. Excellent
Condition. Call Holly at
1 BEDROOM Eaton Motor Company in
2 BEDROOMS Houston, 662−705−1143.
3 BEDROOMS
Community
LEASE,
© The Dispatch
DEPOSIT
AND Ads starting at $12
CREDIT CHECK
Good Things To Eat
662-329-2323 RED & GREEN TOMATOES.
Other vegetables coming
2411 HWY 45 N soon. 662−251−1000 or
COLUMBUS, MS 662−855−0085.
Houses For Rent: North Travel & Entertainment
HOUSE FOR RENT BY PUBLIC CATFISH POND
OWNER. 220 Mclemore
@ 130 Hillcrest Drive.
Road, Columbus. 1750sqft Open Tues−Sat, 7a−5p
Brick house in quiet neigh− 662−386−8591
borhood. 3 bedrooms & 2 Call for pricing.
full baths. No HUD,
Columbus City school
district. $1000/mo with
Five Questions:
1 mo deposit. Serious
inquiries only please. Call
662−574−3202 to see the
1 “Jaws”
house or make application.
HOUSE FOR RENT
2−3 Bedroom w/ 1.5 Bath
2 State
Fenced in yard. $675.
662−549−9555.
Ask for Glenn or text.
Department
Mobile Homes for Rent
RENT A CAMPER!
3 Truman
CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL!
Utilities & cable included,
Capote
from $145/wk − $535/mo
Columbus & County School
locations. 662−242−7653
or 205−442−2011.
4 True
or CMT