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A Columbus native
More than just journeys to one of
a summer camp. the most dangerous
Photo story, page 4A places on Earth.
Lifestyles, page 1B

Established 1879 | Columbus, Mississippi

CDISPATCH.COM FREE!
Sunday | August 2, 2020

Ex-SPD officer convicted of child exploitation

Charles BY TESS VRBIN came from asking her to “meet with
Jordan, tvrbin@cdispatch.com him for the purpose of engaging in
second from sexually explicit conduct,” according
left, and A former Starkville police officer to circuit court documents.
his defense was convicted Friday on five counts The Starkville board of aldermen
attorney C. of exploitation of a child after a three- voted in June 2017 to suspend Jordan
Marty Haug, day trial in which he testified in his
third from from the police force without pay af-
own defense. ter the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s
left, await
the verdict The jury deliberated for two hours Office began investigating the inap-
Friday in Jor- before convicting Jordan after hear- propriate texts he sent. Jordan later
dan’s trial on ing testimony from the female victim, resigned.
five counts now 20, her mother and multiple law Jordan’s defense attorney, C. Mar-
of exploita- enforcement officers. ty Haug, and Assistant District At-
tion of a Jordan claimed Thursday on the torney Trina Davidson-Brooks ques-
child. Jordan witness stand that he believed the
was found tioned Jordan for several hours on
guilty on all victim was 19 at the time — she was Thursday under the supervision of
five counts actually 16 and he was 32 — when he Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens.
and will be sent her sexually explicit photos and Haug asserted in his closing argu-
sentenced videos in February 2017 and asked ment to the jury on Friday that there
Aug. 18. her four times to send some in re- was no solid proof, only speculation,
Tess Vrbin/Dispatch Staff turn. The fifth exploitation charge See TRIAL, 3A

SOCSD delays EQUALITY AND JUSTICE MARCH

student start
date to Aug. 24
Peasant: More time needed
to prep teachers for online
learning demand
BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com

Classes will start Aug. 24

in the Starkville-Oktibbeha
Consolidated School Dis-
trict, Superintendent Eddie
Peasant announced Friday,
instead of Aug. 6 as originally
planned, in order to prepare
teachers for an unexpectedly Peasant
high number of students who
will learn through the district’s virtual op-
tion.
About 2,000 students had signed up for
either fully virtual or “hybrid” learning —
where students would split time between
in-person and virtual learning — before
Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff
July 21, and the district has received more
Local activist Johnny Hampton leads chants during the Equality and Justice March on Saturday in Columbus. The march
than 1,000 more requests since then from was organized by the Columbus-Lowndes NAACP and other community activists. About 60 marched in the event, many
parents wanting to switch their children to of whom continued the public call for District 1 Lowndes County Supervisor Harry Sanders to resign for telling a Dispatch
those models, Peasant said in a press re- reporter in June that Black people had remained “dependent” since slavery ended and had not “assimilated” to society
See SOCSD, 7A like other races and ethnicities.

Retesting delays employees from returning to work

CDC: Virus can stay in system for up to 90 days
BY SLIM SMITH
ssmith@cdispatch.com
By now, employers know
what to do when a worker re-
ports symptoms of COVID-19.
Those guidelines haven ‘t
changed: The employee is sent
for testing and required to
self-quarantine.
It’s how — and when — to
bring those employees back to
work that has been an evolving
discussion.
“A lot of employers have
been requiring that the em-
ployee be retested,” said Amy
Bogue, executive director of
Allegro Clinic in Columbus.
“That’s particularly true for
the large companies that have
multiple operations in several
states.”
Bogue said “One of the newest things fashion — it can take up to
that about 20 he shared from the CDC is that two weeks to get the results
percent of those if you have tested positive, it — Bogue hopes employers
tested at Allegro can stay in your system for up will reconsider policies that re-
Clinic are com- to 90 days,” Bogue said. “Giv- quire retesting.
pany-required re- en that, there’s no real reason “I don’t think it’s a question
tests. to get retested. What it does of safety,” Bogue said. “Every-
Based on a is prevent people from going one wants their employees and
Bogue briefing earlier back to work longer than is customers to be safe. But as
this week from necessary. People need to get we get more information, we’re
Dr. Thomas Dobbs, the state’s back to work, and I know com- having a better understanding
health director, Bogue said re- panies want that too.” of what that means.”
tests may do more harm than With private labs struggling Bogue said the CDC has
good. to process tests in a timely See RETESTS, 7A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

1 Name two of the four countries that MEETINGS
border Italy. Aug. 3: Oktibbe-
2 What band supplied the theme ha County Board
songs for “CSI,” “CSI: Miami” and of Supervisors
“CSI: NY”? meeting, Chan-
3 When did Whole Foods open its first
store —1980, 1990 or 2000? cery Court-
4 What creature reveals the hidden house, 9 a.m.
Elly Townsend
garden key to Mary in “The Secret Aug. 4:
Second grade, Heritage
Garden”? Starkville Board

86 Low 67
5 What’s the more common term for of Aldermen
High syncope?
meeting, 5:30
Rain and storms Answers, 5B p.m., City Hall
Full forecast on Aug. 11:
page 3A.
Starkville-Oktib-
beha Consoli-
INSIDE dated School
Classifieds 5B Lifestyles 1B District Board of
Comics 7,8B Obituaries 3B Trustees meet-
Crossword 8A Opinions 6A Ash Martin lives in Starkville and is ing, 6 p.m., 401
Dear Abby 2B Sports 8A an art major at MSU. Greensboro St.

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020
I
n early
August
1813, hos-
tilities with
the Creek
Indian Nation
were rapidly
escalating.
John
Pitchlynn’s
residence at
Plymouth
Bluff was the
Rufus Ward
closest Choc-
taw settle-
ment to the Creeks, and
in response he fortified
his residence. It became
known as Fort Smith.
Few people are aware
of the significance of
this historic site, which
is only about four miles
northwest of present-day
downtown Columbus. It
is, however, the only Mis-
sissippi site listed in the
2007 National Park Ser-
vice “Report to Congress
on the Historic Preserva-
tion of Revolutionary War
and War of 1812 Sites in
the United States” as a
preservation priority site
needing further study.
John Pitchlynn was
appointed U.S. interpreter driven south and no lon-
for the Choctaw Nation by ger a threat to Pitchlynn’s, of the United States.
President George Wash-
ington. He also served as
Choctaw Subagent and
often as acting Choctaw
Agent. He had moved his
residence from the Nox-
ubee River, near present
day Macon, to Plymouth
Bluff at the mouth of Tib-
bee Creek in 1810 to help
facilitate the movement
of U.S. goods down the
Tombigbee River.
In 1810, Mobile was
still under Spanish control ing a company of
and the Spanish there
were restricting the
movement of U.S. military main assault that
supplies the up the Tom-
bigbee River past Mobile.
Between 1810 and 1814,
four major shipments
of U.S. goods that had
originated in Pittsburgh
passed down the Ohio and Pushmataha
Tennessee rivers, then
overland to Pitchlynn’s,
and then by river to the
U.S. Choctaw Factor at
St. Stephens on the lower
Tombigbee.
The fort was probably
named after Capt. George to stop at Pitchlynn’s
Smith of the Tennessee
Militia (he was married
to a niece of Andrew
Jackson) who in the fall
of 1813 had accompa-
nied Col. John McKee to
Pitchlynn’s. Col. McKee
credited Pitchlynn with
securing a U.S.-Choc-
taw alliance against the
Creeks in the fall of 1813.
Pitchlynn’s home was
referred to in the Creek
Indian War correspon-
dence of Andrew Jackson,
Gen. John Coffee, Col.
John McKee and Choctaw early 1815 when Pitchlynn four years older than
Factor George Gaines as
a U.S. supply depot and
meeting place for U.S.
officers and Choctaw lead- and Pitchlynn then com-
ers, as well as one of the
assembly points for the
marshaling of Choctaws
and Chickasaws prior to
their January 1813 inva-
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
ASK RUFUS
The Lost Fort of Plymouth Bluff
sion of the Pitchlynn’s became a defending the Fort. ...The
Creek Nation post office 1819. However past how they crowd upon
in support of the post office moved to my mind, and how vivid
U.S. military Columbus in 1820. The are the recollections of
operations. Town of Plymouth was my youth. I can without
Peter established there in 1832, the least mental effort
Pitchlynn, lat- but by the mid-1850s it see the old homestead as
er a governor was all but abandoned. she appeared during the
of the Choc- Today its site is on the war, ... and the war fires
taw Nation, west bank of the Stennis blazing on her hills. The
recalled two (Columbus) Lock and war dance, the war talks
occasions Dam. The MUW Plym- and many a brave and na
when the outh Bluff Center, which humma, long dead now
fort was contains excellent cultural rise up in my mind. What Courtesy Photo
approached and natural history exhib- brave noble fellows they John Pitchlynn’s log blockhouse near his residence
at Plymouth Bluff was known as Fort Smith in 1813.
by Creek war parties its, is located just south of were. They had come to
Drawing by John Dunaway courtesy of Carolyn Kaye.
who withdrew upon the fort site. the protection of my fa-
finding it well defended. What was it like at ther, and family, and they time. The last record of its only to explode announc-
The fort consisted of a Plymouth Bluff during would have fallen & died location was in the 1930s. ing peace with England
two-story log blockhouse that time of war? In a around our little fort ere Around 1920, surveyor in 1815. This column is
surrounded by a wooden Sept. 23, 1846 letter, Peter they would have allowed C.L. Wood found at the based on research by
palisade and containing at Pitchlynn recalled his a Muskoke reaching us site of the old fort the Jack Elliott, the late Sam
least one cannon. At the childhood at his father’s with their Tomma hawks broken end of a cannon Kaye and me. A detailed
request of Andrew Jack- fort during the Creek among those who figured that fired a 3-inch diame- account of the fort was
son, there was a guard War: in those scenes how few ter shell. Cannons firing published by Jack in the
composed of U.S. troops “… None were more are living.” a 3-inch shell were in use Winter 2000 Journal of
stationed there. Those exposed than we were to The exact location of during the War of 1812. Mississippi History.
troops were in addition the tommahawk & scalp- Pitchlynn’s fort is lost to It was a busted cannon as Rufus Ward is a local
to 20 Choctaw warriors ing knife of the Creek In- had protected Fort Smith historian.
already sent there for dians [being] then the far-
protection by Mushulatub- thest settlement towards
bee, the principal Choc- the Creek nation who
taw Chief of the Northeast you know had espoused
District of the Choctaw the cause of England —
Nation. which brought them in
As the Creeks were conflict with the Choc-
taws as well as the people
John Pitchlynn served Twice had they come to
with the U.S. forces in the attack us, but finding we
West Florida campaigns, were Forted and probably
including Andrew Jack- from a belief we were very
son’s capture
of Pensacola in
November 1814.
Pitchlynn served
as adjutant and
interpreter for
Major Uriah
Blue of the 39th
U.S. Regiment.
The 39th, includ-
Choctaws, had
taken part in the
took Pensacola.
Major Blue’s
regiment with
Pitchlynn and its
company of 53
Choctaws under
Courtesy Phot
Peter Pitchlynn, whose 1846 letter
then defeated
described his father’s fort at Plym-
and captured outh Bluff during the Creek War
most of the re- 1813-1814. This 1842 engraving is
maining hostile from his 1834 portrait painted by
Creeks ending George Catlin.
the Creek War.
Among the notables strong in numbers they
retired without making an
for supplies was David attack upon us. I recol-
Crockett in October lect how often we were
1814. In one of those little alarmed by news reaching
told incidents of history, us that signs of the enemy
Crockett, as a member of were about us. One time
Major Russell’s “company Mother fled with us/the
of spies,” arrived at Pitch- children to Yakmittubbe’s
lynn’s looking for Gen. about ten miles off. The
Coffee’s Second Division alarm was great, brother
of Tennessee Volunteers James came up in full
for whom they were to speed (father was not at
have been serving as home) with news that he
scouts. Coffee had passed had heard the war hoop
through a week earlier. of the Creek Indians.
The last military activ- Brother Joseph remained
ity at the fort occurred in in the fort, being some
fired the fort’s cannon to myself. He said that if he
celebrate the end of the was not able to fight he
war. The cannon exploded could run bullits for those
that could fight. Mother
mented, “Well we have no cryed when she left him,
further use for her — she but not without encourag-
has served us through the ing him to be brave upon
war and busted in telling which Joseph painted his
us the news of peace.” face and said he would die
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 3A

AROUND THE STATE

Mississippi topples daily record with 52 new COVID deaths

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON — The state of
Mississippi reported its high-
est-ever single-day increase of
coronavirus fatalities on Fri-
day, with 52 deaths. The record
comes as Gov. Tate Reeves has
expanded mask requirements
to eight new counties, set to go
into effect on Monday.
People are already required
to wear masks in public in 29 of
the 82 counties of Mississippi,
covering more than half of the
state’s population. Republican
Reeves has resisted ordering a
statewide mask mandate, say-
ing he thinks targeted restric-
tions are more effective.
With most students are
headed to begin the school year
in the next couple of weeks, dis-
trict officials have expressed
concern about returning stu-
dents to the classroom. Corinth
School District reported its first
positive case of COVID-19 on
Friday after returning to in-per-
son classes at the start of the
week, according to a post on
the district’s Facebook page.
The individual who tested pos-
itive had been at Corinth High
School during the week. Offi-
cials did not say whether or not
that person is a student.
Reeves planned to spend the
weekend reviewing plans sent
in by districts this week for how
officials will approach educat-
ing students amid rising cases
of coronavirus. Most are pro-
posing a mix of in-person and
online instruction.
At least 3,570 cases of the
virus have been confirmed in
long-term care facilities such as
nursing homes, with at least 744
virus-related deaths in those fa-
cilities, the Health Department
said.
The true number of virus
infections is thought to be far
higher because many people
have not been tested and stud-
ies suggest people can be infect-
ed without feeling sick. While
most people who contract the
coronavirus recover after suf-
fering only mild to moderate
symptoms, it can be deadly for
older patients and those with
other health problems.

No new trial for Mississippi man convicted of killing 8

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BROOKHAVEN — A
Mississippi man convict-
ed this year in the 2017
killings of eight people
appeared in court this
week and asked for a new
trial. A judge denied the
request, saying he will is-
sue a written ruling later.
Willie Cory Godbolt,
now 38, was convicted in
February of four counts
of murder and four
counts of capital murder.
He received a sentence
of life in prison for each
murder conviction and a
death sentence for each
capital murder convic-
tion. Mississippi defines
capital murder as a kill-
ing committed along with
another felony.
On Wednesday, Lin-
coln County Circuit Judge
David Strong heard ar-
guments from Godbolt,
his attorneys and prose-
cutors about whether to
grant a new trial, the Dai-
ly Leader reported.
Investigators said that
on May 27, 2017, Godbolt
went to his in-laws’ home
and argued with his es-
tranged wife about their
children. A Lincoln Coun-
ty deputy sheriff, God-
bolt’s mother-in-law and
two other people were
killed there. In the ear-
ly hours of the next day,
two young people were
killed in a second house
and a married couple was
killed in a third house.
Just before he was
sentenced on Feb. 27,
Godbolt spoke in court
and blamed the devil for
his actions on the night
he killed eight people
in the south Mississippi
towns of Brookhaven and
Bogue Chitto.
Godbolt is on death
row at the Mississip-
pi State Penitentiary
at Parchman, and he
was taken from there
to Brookhaven for the
Wednesday hearing.
One of Godbolt’s at-
torneys, Alison Steiner,
argued Wednesday that
the judge “erroneously”
allowed the trial’s origi-
nal schedule to proceed,
even though the defense
team had several chang-
es that made it difficult to
provide an adequate de-
fense. Assistant District
Attorney Brendon Adams
argued there was time to
prepare, and the judge
agreed.
Steiner also argued
that Godbolt should not
have had a single trial
that combined all the
charges. Strong respond-
ed that the evidence over-
lapped and that all the
crimes were committed
in one sequence of as-
saults punctuated only
by armed robbery and
Godbolt riding around
talking.
“The physical evi-
dence, circumstantial
evidence and direct evi-
dence was so overwhelm-
ing that severance was
not appropriate,” Strong
said.
Godbolt himself spoke
for 15 minutes Wednes-
day, arguing that jurors
should not have been al-
lowed to see video of an
interview that a reporter
did with him as he was
being arrested. He also
argued that his wife
should not have been al-
lowed to testify against
him during his trial,
when their divorce was
not yet complete.
Strong said that based
on oral arguments, he
would deny the request
for a new trial. He said he
would review documents
before issuing a written
ruling.

Trial
Continued from Page 1A

that Jordan knew the vic-
tim was a minor.
Davidson-Brooks said
the testimony against Jor-
dan proved he did know
she was a minor and the
text messages proved his
behavior was exploitative.
She called Jordan “a wolf
in sheep’s clothing.”
“As you saw the evi-
dence and the witnesses
who testified, you (can)
see how the wool on the
sheep began to fall off,”
she said.
Jordan will be sen-
tenced Aug. 18 in Clay
County Circuit Court,
where Kitchens said he
has a prior commitment
that day. He faces up to 40
years in prison.
Background of the case
Jordan was one of two
officers that responded
to a call from the victim’s
mother in November
2016 saying that her two
daughters had run away
from home.
Both the mother and
the other responding of-
ficer, Colby Huffman, tes-
tified Wednesday that she
told the two officers that
her children were both
under the age of 18. Jor-
dan claimed the mother
never said that, but Huff-
man repeated his testi-
mony Thursday at David-
son-Brooks’ request.
The mother told the
officers that her daugh-
ters were at their grand-
mother’s home, where
Jordan met the victim in
person for the first and
only time. Jordan claimed
that she told him she was
19, which lined up with
the birth date on what
he thought was her Face-
book profile. However,
she testified Wednesday
that she did not create the
Facebook page Jordan ref-
erenced.
The page included her
cell phone number, and
Jordan initiated their text
conversations in Febru-
ary 2017. Between Feb.
15 and March 10, he sent
her several pictures of
his genitals and bragged
about his sexual prowess
in both text messages and
audio clips, all presented
as evidence during the
trial. He also asked at one
point when he could meet
her and implied he want-
ed to have sex with her.
Jordan consistently de-
nied knowing she was un-
derage until March 2017,
at which point he stopped
texting her. He knew she
was in school, but he said
he believed she attended photos, and he also ad- stand Wednesday, and matured enough to un-
Mississippi State Univer- mitted he lied to OCSO Haug during closing ar- derstand that what was
sity when she actually Capt. Brett Watson at the guments alleged her cry- going on wasn’t right.”
attended Starkville High start of the investigation. ing was fake and called At the end of the trial,
School. He first told Watson he it “despicable.” David-
the victim cried again
had never met the victim, son-Brooks disagreed.
upon hearing the jury’s
‘We knew and he later said he knew “She was 16 at the time
and she’s now 20,” David- unanimous guilty ver-
she attended SHS, not
what he meant’ MSU. son-Brooks said. “She’s dict.
Jordan debated the
She never sent Jordan
semantics of his text
the explicit photos he re-
messages while David-
quested and never agreed
son-Brooks was question-
to meet with him, accord-
ing him, claiming his re-
ing to the evidence.
quests for “pics” were just
Davidson-Brooks
that since he did not spe-
pointed out that Jordan
cifically ask the victim for
initiated almost every
nude photos.
conversation with the vic-
Davidson-Brooks
tim, including when he
countered that asking for
asserted that she “forgot
any kind of photos imme-
about” him after she did
diately after sending pic-
not text him for several
tures of his genitals had a
days in March 2017.
clear implication.
Haug, who is also
“We’re adults, we knew
what he was texting, we
District 3 Justice Court
Judge in Oktibbeha
knew what he meant,”
County, countered by
she said in her closing ar-
pointing out that the vic-
gument. “He wasn’t ask-
tim responded to almost
ing for a school picture.
every text and appeared
It was quid pro quo. He
to be enthusiastic about
sent her sexual pictures
some of his more explicit
of himself... and what did
comments.
he want in return? He
The victim became
wanted the same thing.
tearful on the witness
He wanted nude pics.”
Jordan later admitted
that some of his texts
were requests for explicit

Today is Sunday, Aug. 2,

the 215th day of 2020. There
are 151 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlight
in History:
On August 2, 1776,
members of the Second
Continental Congress
began attaching their sig-
natures to the Declaration
of Independence.

On this date:
In 1610, during his
fourth voyage to the West-
ern Hemisphere, English
explorer Henry Hudson
sailed into what is now SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
known as Hudson Bay. peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Sun. Mon.
In 1862, the Ambu- Major 12:03a 12:57a
8:13p
Minor —
lance Corps for the Army Major 12:31p 1:23p
of the Potomac was created Minor 5:43a 6:43a
Courtesy of Mississippi Department

at the order of Maj. Gen.

of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

The Dispatch
George McClellan during
the Civil War.
In 1922, Alexander
Graham Bell, generally The Commercial Dispatch (USPS 142-320)
Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
regarded as the inventor of
Shelter for the animals
Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
the telephone, died in Nova Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
To help, call 327-3107
POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
Scotia, Canada, at age 75. The Commercial Dispatch, P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703 Website: cdispatch.com/help
Published by Commercial Dispatch Publishing Company Inc.,
516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
SOURCE: AP

Get promoted? Win an award? Send us your business brief.

news@cdispatch.com
subject: Business brief
4A SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 5A

A photo exploration of life

FOCAL POINT inside the Golden Triangle

More than just

a summer camp
Photographed and written by Claire Hassler/Dispatch Staff

W
hen kids walked into Ms. Smith’s Academic Summer camp in early
June, some of them dragged their feet and complained about go-
ing. But on the final day of camp last week, Tonya Davis, co-direc-
tor of the camp, said those same kids didn’t want to leave.
“Their parents have to pry them out of here,” Davis said, “We have to
kick kids out!”
Niya Smith, also co-director of camp, attributes the kids’ attitude change
to them finding a place where they belong and a place where they can be
leaders.
Ms. Smith’s Educational Services has been an education resource
center for the Starkville community since 2009. Kids enroll in the summer
camp, which is every weekday from 8 a.m. until after 5 p.m., for a variety of
reasons — some need academic help, some need a place to go while their
parents work, some come to learn behavior management, and others come
because it’s just fun.
Camp operates like a small village or family unit. Kids are assigned
duties that they’re responsible for keeping track of. The middle and high
school students take the younger ones, as little as 4, under their wings by
helping them with peer tutoring and supervising them during transitions
and bathroom breaks. This structure supports one of Smith and Davis’s
main goals, which is to create the next generation’s leaders.
“They have to replace us,” Smith said.
Besides functioning as a family unit, camp is brimming with love that
feels familial. Davis said most of the kids think of her and Smith as extend-
ed family.
“We get a chance to really show the kids that people can love you who
don’t have to, and you all can be each other’s brother’s keeper and sister’s
keeper,” Smith said.

ABOVE: Cherries Bibbs

hugs her son Cameron
Bibbs, 7, after he
performed a praise
dance on the last day of
Ms. Smith’s Academic
Summer Camp on July 24
at the Needmore Center
in Starkville. After a week
of sanitizing the facility
and preparing for the
school year, Ms. Smith’s
Educational Services will
begin programming again
on Monday. They will have
some homeschooled
students, some students
doing virtual school, and
some students who come
after school. RIGHT:
From left, Allyson Henley,
10, Alhyson Jett, 9, and
Kylah Neely, 10, comfort
each other and wait for
prayers to conclude during
Ms. Smith’s Academic
Summer Camp on July 23
at the Needmore Center.
Community leaders led
a prayer circle for the
campers and then offered
to pray for with the kids
individually about anything
that was on their minds.
Allyson, Alhyson and Kylah
each received prayers and
then sat down together
while the rest of their peers
were prayed over.

ABOVE: Tomarkus Gray,

12, watches his peers
as they skate on July
21 at Skate Odyssey in
Starkville. Ms. Smith’s
Academic Summer
Camp visits the skate
center every week for a
field trip. Besides doing
schoolwork, campers
this summer visited with
guest speakers from the
community, practiced a
praise dance and played
basketball outside.
LEFT: Community
leaders, from left,
Jackie Rogers, Tammie
Tubbs and Jarvis Boyd
stand in the middle of
a prayer circle during
Ms. Smith’s Academic
Summer Camp on July
23 at the Needmore
ABOVE: Niya Smith talks with Kylin Boyd, 12, while students get up for a bathroom break Center. Before praying,
during Ms. Smith’s Academic Summer Camp on July 16 at the Needmore Center. Kids the three led a panel
who enroll in Ms. Smith’s summer camp or after school program usually use the edu- discussion about how
cational services for five to nine years. “It’s really awesome to watch these kids grow,” to be your best self and
Niya Smith said of how she gets to be part of their lives beyond camp. RIGHT: An older have confidence.
student helps Khloe Neely, 8, adjust her mask during camp on July 21 at the Needmore
Center. As precautions for COVID-19, everyone wore masks throughout the day, except
during lunch time, and people received hand sanitizer and got their temperature checked
as they entered the building each morning.
Opinion
6A SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 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

OUR VIEW
Roses and thorns
A rose to
Trooper First
Class Steven
Jones, who was
honored as the
recipient of the
Columbus Exchange Club’s
“Trooper of the Year” award.
In addition to his five years
with The Mississippi Highway
Patrol, Jones has been a volun-
teer firefighter, served in the
Mississippi National Guard
and worked for the Starkville
Police Department. His back-
ground clearly demonstrates
his commitment to public
safety. We applaud Jones, as
well as the Exchange Club for
acknowledging the important
work of the Highway Patrol
through this annual award.
A rose to
Atmos Energy,
which with
the support
of Mississippi
State Uni-
versity and the Mississippi
Public Service Commission
announced Thursday a nearly
$500,000 expansion that will
provide access for up to 250
home sites and other busi-
nesses in the area just south of
the Starkville city limits. It’s
not often that we commend a
private business, for what pri-
vate businesses alway seek to
do — expand their customer
base. Yet in this instance, it’s
more about providing a ser-
vice than a product. Providing
access to natural gas gives
home and business owners
another option to consider.
Over the past 10 years, natural
gas has often proved to be a
less-expensive energy source
than electricity. While not
dismissing the electric power
option, the arrival of natural
gas will allow customers a real
choice. What’s not to like?
A rose to
Nic Parish
of Colum-
bus, who
was named
to the State
Workforce Investment Board.
Parrish is vice president of
operations at Burns Dirt
Construction and has held the
company’s contract license
since 2015. He brings practi-
cal experience to the board,
which focuses on expanding
workforce training in the
state to make sure Missis-
sippians are equipped for the
ever-changing workplace. Lt.
Gov. Delbert Hosmann made
the appointment after being
impressed with Parish’s work
as a founding member of
FORGE, a group of construc-
tion-related businesses in
Lowndes County that focuses
on helping promote skilled
trades to K-12 students. Parish
appears to be a perfect fit for
this important role.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Voice of the people
Election tactics
I read that the emergent tactic of
the GOP is to claim that Joe Biden is
suffering “obvious cognitive decline.”
“Sleepy Joe” now lacks the clear
mind needed to run our country. His
“visibly diminished mental capaci-
ties” would prevent him from coping
with the challenges we face today.
I wondered at this tactic. George
W. Bush proved that a great mind, or
even a good mind, was not needed if
the President had effective advisors.
Why attack Mr. Biden’s cognition?
The answer came swiftly. If your can-
didate has a problem that might hurt
his chances in an election, accuse
your opponent of having it worse.
So far, the accusation against
Mr. Biden is phrased with terms like
“visibly diminished” or “transparent
deterioration.” No actual examples
are offered. No clinical results are
cited. Saying it makes it true.
Now let us examine President
Trump. At the beginning of his pres-
idency, he would never have suggest-
ed that people take cleaning products
internally. He would never have quot-
ed a woman in a news conference
who had claimed that gynecological
problems are caused by sex with
demons in dreams. After more than
three years in office, for the first time
I can recall, President Trump has
given in to his advisors and declared
mask wearing to be a good thing. To PARTIAL TO HOME
me, this shows declining confidence
in his own views, something he had
previously shown to be near absolute.
This is a sign of cognitive decline.
Alan Smith’s quiet good works
W
If we cared enough about Presi- hen Alan Smith midable team, navigating I were walking in our backyard. It was
dent Trump’s adultery for it to threat- passed from this the complexities of family, mid-summer and my chaotic garden
en his election, perhaps we would be world Sunday business and, ultimately, was in all its glory.
reading about “Don Joe”, as in Don evening, he was in his his care. At the time he was teaching a con-
Giovanni, the famous womanizer. home surrounded by an Alan’s love of horti- tinuing education course on gardening
Bill Gillmore adoring family, who had culture began with a job at The W and in the week ahead he
Columbus been remembering him at a Hattiesburg nursery would be taking his students on a
with stories. There was during high school. After walking tour of Southside gardens.
Believes city should cut expenses little doubt how the evening college he took a job as He looked around. “I’m afraid you’re
The city needs to be cutting would play out. A long bout custodian of what would not going to make the cut,” he said.
spending and saving as much money with cancer would soon be become Mynelle Gardens You could have your feelings hurt or
as it can because of its financial over. in Jackson. His working find his bluntness funny, typical Alan,
Liberated by this Birney Imes life was consumed with unedited and to the point.
crisis.
I’ve often wondered why the inevitably, the mood was selling, planting and caring Alan was an elder in First Presby-
Riverwalk is lit twenty-four hours a one of contemplative joy. This is a for plants. His love of growing things terian Church on Bluecutt Road and
day. I doubt anyone would be foolish close family and not the first time its never waned. for many years a star soloist in the
enough to go out there after dark. members had gathered at the bed of For more than 30 years he and Su- choir. He led the church’s efforts in
The walk should only be open during its patriarch. san operated Smith Landscaping and a ministry that provides clean water
daylight hours and the lights should After all, there was nothing the sub- Greenhouse. The first location was at to communities in Central America
be turned-off. ject of these tales enjoyed more than the intersection of Sixth Street and and locally, a school lunch backpack
I also wonder why Councilwoman the recounting of his foibles. 18th Avenue North where a Burger program.
Ethel Stewart does not list any con- It was a fitting departure for a man King sits today. Several years ago they He often spoke in glowing terms
tact information on the city’s official who treasured family above all else, a rehabbed the vacant Barnhill’s build- about Tom Richardson’s Sunday
website. man who took it as his life’s mission to ing at the corner of 18th Avenue and school class of which he was part of for
Bob Raymond help others. Seventh Street, converting a potential more than 20 years. Richardson, who
Columbus As B.J. Chain, the young pastor of eyesore into a lovely retail nursery. was not able to attend Wednesday’s
First Presbyterian Church, said at a A visit to The Greenhouse was al- service, sent a letter read by Pastor
A letter to the editor is an excellent memorial service Wednesday morn- ways a delight. The staff, as well as the Chain during the service. Here is an
way to participate in your community. ing: “Alan Smith was a man who did inventory, was eclectic. The place — excerpt.
We request the tone of your letters be not leave much good undone.” especially the one at the Burger King
constructive and respectful and the If you knew Alan, you know this location — felt like a small, whimsical The most lasting lesson in all these
length be limited to 450 words. We re- was not a lazy platitude. Through his botanical garden. years of Sunday School, I think, came
serve the right to edit letters for clarity, church, his business and his family, Erin Coggins worked at both loca- not from the teacher or our theologians
grammar and length. While commen- Alan used the fruits of a lifetime of tions, first with a landscaping crew or our writers, but from Alan Smith—a
tary on national issues is always wel- hard work to quietly help others, often and then in retail. lesson worthy of one of Jesus’s parables.
come, we limit candidate endorsements in surprising and unconventional “There was so much good about He compared the questions of faith to
to one per letter-writer. We welcome ways. Alan,” Coggins said. “He believed in a living shrub, which can withstand the
all letters emailed to voice@cdispatch. To his marriage with Susan Bowen, giving a person a second chance,” bends and buffeting of the elements. A
com or mailed to The Dispatch, Attn: Alan brought three children. With she said in reference to his practice of rigid faith that has ceased growing, on
Letters to the Editor, PO Box 511, Susan’s three, who were about the hiring ex-felons. the other hand, is like a dead plant. And
Columbus, MS 39703-0511. same ages, you had what resembled a One afternoon Coggins told Alan what happens when you bend a dead
50s sit-com. she was taking her children to the fair branch? It breaks.
In time these six, their partners when she got off work. Alan’s faith was a living faith. Alan
and offspring would take their sepa- “He told me the fair was a waste of asked questions, perhaps he sometimes
rate paths. Even so, they remained a money, then he gave me $100 to spend over-analyzed his faith, and perhaps
Our View: Local Editorials source of amusement and boundless on my children.” he sometimes worried (probably unnec-
Local editorials appearing in this space joy for Alan and Susan, who continued Alan could be blunt with customers, essarily) about whether he was doing
represent the opinion of the newspa- to be a safe harbor for them during famously so. enough for other people.
per’s editorial board: Peter Imes, editor
the inevitable difficult spells that beset “I wish one day I could run a busi- But I don’t think Alan’s faith ever
and publisher; Zack Plair, managing
editor; Slim Smith and senior newsroom young people. ness like you,” Coggins once told him, stopped growing, and he never stopped
staff. To inquire about a meeting with Alan called Susan his soulmate. “cut a customer off, and they would living what he believed in.
the board, please contact Peter Imes That was plain to see. They were come back.
at 662-328-2424, or e-mail voice@ inseparable and utterly supportive of That bluntness wasn’t limited to Birney Imes (birney@cdispatch.com)
cdispatch.com. each other. Together they were a for- demanding customers. Once Alan and is the former publisher of The Dispatch.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 7A

Florida teen arrested as mastermind of Twitter hack

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MIAMI — A Florida
teen was identified Fri-
day as the mastermind
of a scheme earlier this
month that comman-
deered Twitter accounts
of prominent politi-
cians, celebrities and
technology moguls and
scammed people around
the globe out of more
than $100,000 in Bitcoin.
Two other men were also
charged in the case.
Graham Ivan Clark,
17, was arrested Friday in
Tampa, where the Hills-
borough State Attorney’s
Office will prosecute him
as an adult. He faces 30
felony charges, accord-
ing to a news release.
Two men accused of
benefiting from the hack
— Mason Sheppard, 19,
of Bognor Regis, U.K.,
and Nima Fazeli, 22, of
Orlando — were charged
separately in California
federal court.
In one of the most
high-profile securi-
ty breaches in recent
years, bogus tweets were
sent out on July 15 from
the accounts of Barack
Obama, Joe Biden, Mike
Bloomberg and a num-
ber of tech billionaires
including Amazon CEO
Jeff Bezos, Microsoft
co-founder Bill Gates
and Tesla CEO Elon
Musk. Celebrities Kanye
West and his wife, Kim
Kardashian West, were
also hacked.
The tweets offered
to send $2,000 for every
$1,000 sent to an anon-
ymous Bitcoin address.
The hack alarmed se-
curity experts because
of the grave potential of
such an intrusion for cre-
ating geopolitical may-
hem with disinformation.
Court papers in the
California cases say Faze-
li and Sheppard brokered
the sale of Twitter ac-
counts stolen by a hacker
who identified himself as
“Kirk” and said he could
“reset, swap and control
any Twitter account at
will” in exchange for cy-
bercurrency payments,
claiming to be a Twitter
employee.
The documents do not
specify Kirk’s real iden-
tity but say he is a teen
being prosecuted in the
Tampa area.
Twitter has said the
hacker gained access to
a company dashboard
that manages accounts
by using social engineer-
ing and spear-phishing
smartphones to obtain
credentials from “a small
number” of Twitter em-
ployees “to gain access
to our internal systems.”
Spear-phishing uses
email or other messag-
ing to deceive people
into sharing access cre-
dentials.
“There is a false be-
lief within the criminal
hacker community that
attacks like the Twitter
hack can be perpetrated
anonymously and with-
out consequence,” U.S.
Attorney David L. An-
derson for the Northern
District of California said
in a news release.
The evidence sug-
gests, however, that those
responsible did a poor
job indeed of covering
their tracks. The court
documents released Fri-
day show how federal
agents tracked down the
hackers through Bitcoin
transactions and by ob-
taining records of their
online chats.
Although the case was
investigated by the FBI
and the U.S. Department
of Justice, Hillsborough
State Attorney Andrew
Warren said his office
is prosecuting Clark in
state court because Flor-
ida law allows minors to
be charged as adults in fi-
nancial fraud cases when
appropriate. He called
Clark the leader of the around. It did not appear
hacking scam. they used any services
“This defendant lives that make cryptocur-
here in Tampa, he com- rency difficult to trace
mitted the crime here, by “tumbling” transac-
and he’ll be prosecuted tions of multiple users, a
here,” Warren said. technique akin to money
Security experts were
laundering, he said.
not surprised that the
He also said he was
alleged mastermind is
a 17-year-old, given the conflicted about whether
relatively amateurish Clark should be charged
nature of both the opera- as an adult.
tion and how participants “He definitely de-
discussed it with New serves to pay (for jump-
York Times reporters af- ing on the opportunity)
terward. but potentially serving
“This is a great case decades in prison doesn’t
study showing how tech- seem like justice in this
nology democratizes the case,” Williams said.
ability to commit serious The hack targeted
criminal acts,” said Jake 130 accounts with tweets
Williams, founder of the
being sent from 45 ac-
cybersecurity firm Ren-
counts, obtained access
dition Infosec. “There
wasn’t a ton of develop- to the direct message
ment that went into this inboxes of 36, and down-
attack.” loaded Twitter data from
Williams said the seven. Dutch anti-Islam
hackers were “extreme- lawmaker Geert Wilders
ly sloppy” in how they has said his inbox was
moved the Bitcoin among those accessed.

SOCSD
Continued from Page 1A
lease. Some students have
also requested to switch
from virtual or hybrid
learning back to tradition-
al, and as of Friday, more
than 40 percent of stu-
dents will be in all virtual
or hybrid learning envi-
ronments, district spokes-
woman Nicole Thomas
said.
The district had only
been prepared to accom-
modate 25 percent of
students as virtual learn-
ers due to the ongoing
COVID-19 pandemic,
Peasant said.
“Our schools need the
additional time to pre-
pare,” he said in the press
release. “We do not have
the capacity to offer live
or recorded virtual in-
struction to 40-plus per-
cent of our students.”
The district an-
nounced in July that fami-
lies could choose whether
to sign their children up
for virtual or in-person
learning, with grades
8-12 having the option of a
hybrid environment. Hy-
brid learning was initially
an option for only grades
10-12, but the district re-
cently decided to allow it
also for grades 8 and 9,
Thomas said.
Teachers will return to
their classrooms on Aug.
17, and the district will
spend the next two weeks
training “a core group of
teachers who will build
instructional learning
modules to share with
their colleagues.”
Some teachers will
conduct all their instruc-
tion virtually, Peasant
said.
Even with the increase
in virtual learning re-
quests, the district is find-
ing it difficult to create
distances of even three
feet in some classrooms,
he added. to meet the 180-day aca-
Open house events demic year requirement,
and schedule distribution unless the Mississippi
at SOCSD schools will be Department of Education
delayed two weeks. grants his request for a
SOCSD is the second waiver.
area district to postpone
“This is a difficult time
its start date. The Lown-
for all of us, and it will
des County School Dis-
trict board voted Monday only become more diffi-
to move its start date to cult if we fail our teach-
Sept. 1. ers, staff, students and
Peasant said the families with a premature
school year might extend return to the classroom,”
into June 2021 in order Peasant said.

Retests
Continued from Page 1A
changed other back-to-work recommendations, as
well.
“Now, the recommendation is that before an em-
ployee can safely return to work, it must be 10 days
since the symptoms first appeared, with 24 hours of
no fever or symptoms without taking medication. The
recommendation has gone down from 14 days.”
Robert Maner, general manager at Columbus Brick
Company, said the company’s corporate policy re-
quires a retest before an employee diagnosed with
COVID-19 can return to work.
“We have had our experiences with this,” Maner
said. “At this point, we continue to require a negative
test result before allowing those employees to come
back to work. We’ve had one, maybe two, employees
who did test positive (on the retests) and did have to
sit out longer.”
Maner said he has discussed the latest recommen-
dations with Bogue and had forwarded that informa-
tion to the company’s headquarters in Johnson City,
Tennessee.
“I have communicated that we may need to rethink
this a little bit as the thoughts of the medical commu-
nity change,” Maner said. “As responsible employers,
we want to stay abreast of the latest developments.
Whether it’s the CDC or state guidelines, we want to
align our policies with their thoughts. At this point, I
don’t know if we have a comfort level on this new in-
formation about retests yet, but it’s accurate to say it’s
something we will consider.”

A club for boys and girls

Boys and Girls Club of Columbus
662-244-7090
Sports
FORMER MSU ASSISTANT LOONEY DIES AT 31
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — For-
mer Mississippi State
offensive lineman and
graduate
assistant
D.J. Looney
has died of
an appar-
ent heart
attack. He
was 31. Looney
L ooney,
who was serving as the of-
fensive line coach at Lou-
isiana, suffered a heart
attack during a team
workout at Cajun Field on
Heritage Academy softball opens season with loss;
fans observe minimal social distancing in stadium
Heritage Academy’s Hannah Oswalt hits a single during the second inning of Friday’s season opener against
Kemper Academy in Columbus. The Patriots lost the game 23-11 after falling behind by as many as nine runs.
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
On a night where thun-
derstorms threatened
throughout coupled with
an 11-run, 32-minute first
inning, the Heritage Acad-
emy softball team’s 23-11
loss to Kemper Academy
on Friday night offered a
look at some of the diffi-
culties local schools will
face in their attempts to
play sports this fall.
Prior to the contest,
athletic director Sean
Harrison emailed parents
with a string of measures
the school had put in
place to protect against
the spread of COVID-19.
Among them, Harrison
asked that all fans be so-
cially distanced while at
events on campus and
warned that masks would
be required if that was not
possible. Fans were also
encouraged to sit in fami-
ly units while viewing the
game, and those working
concessions were told
they’d be required to wear
masks.
Friday, social distanc-
ing was minimal as fans
Another postponement rattles MLB
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The coronavirus
forced baseball’s 17th
postponement in 10 days
on Saturday, prompting at
least two more players to
opt out and casting doubt
the league can complete a
truncated 2020 season.
A Cardinals-Brewers
game in Milwaukee was
postponed for the second
straight day after one
Saturday, according to a
news release.
A Birmingham, Ala-
bama, native, he previous-
ly spent time in varying
roles at East Mississippi
Community College, Cen-
tral Arkansas and Geor-
gia.
During his time at
MSU, Looney was a three-
year letter-winner under
Mullen and was a part of
bowl-winning teams in
2007 and 2010.
“The entire Mississip-
pi State Family is deeply
saddened and heartbro-
ken by the loss of one of
our very own in D.J. Loo-
looked on from lawn
chairs placed shoulder to
shoulder, although sev-
eral signs encouraging
social distancing were
displayed at the ballpark.
Few masks were within
sight, let alone worn — in-
cluding by those manning
the concessions booth be-
hind home plate.
COVID-19 issues
aside, Friday’s on-field ac-
tion earned a late jolt fol-
lowing a tedious opening
few frames.
“It was just so much fun
being out here,” Heritage
Academy head coach Hei-
di Matthews said. “Just
being able to play, be on
the field — if this hasn’t
taught us anything, it’s to
never take a moment for
granted. And that’s what
we tell the girls every day:
Any moment it could be
taken away again.”
As can be expected in
any early-season contest,
the Patriots’ season-open-
ing defeat was marred by
the usual growing pains of
a late July night. Bloopers
found holes. A few more
grounders than Matthews
would’ve liked sputtered
more player and several
staff members with St.
Louis tested positive for
the coronavirus in rapid
samples, Major League
Baseball said. The staff
total of positives was
three, a person familiar
with the situation told
The Associated Press.
MLB said results of saliva
tests will not be available
until later Saturday.
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 n 8A
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
ney,” Mississippi State ident Mark E. Keenum
Athletic Director John mourned the passing of
Cohen said in a statement Looney, whom he called a
from MSU. “D.J. was an “tremendous young man
outstanding student-ath- with a limitless future” in
lete and coach and an a statement Saturday.
even better person. He “We had a special re-
had such a positive per- lationship with him and
sonality, attitude and al- eagerly followed his suc-
ways a smile on his face. cesses. His loved ones
D.J. will be remembered and friends will remain
and missed by all who in our prayers,” Keenum
knew and loved him. Our said.
thoughts and prayers are The Louisiana Athletic
with D.J., his family, his Department asked “fans, Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
friends, his former team- friends and acquaintanc-
mates, the University of es of Coach Looney (to) Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
Louisiana at Lafayette, keep his family and the Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis a several
with num- 7 5 9 2 8 6 3 4 1
and Mississippi State.” football program in their ber-placing
given numbers.puzzle
The object 4 2 3 1 9 7 6 8 5
2020 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
Mississippi State Pres- thoughts and prayers.” based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 8 6 1 4 3 5 7 9 2
grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 3 7 8 5 6 4 1 2 9
given
so that numbers. The
each row, each 1 4 5 7 2 9 8 3 6
object
column is andtoeach
place
3x3 the
box 2 9 6 8 1 3 4 5 7
numbers
contains the1sameto 9 number
in
the empty spaces so 6 3 2 9 7 8 5 1 4
only once. The difficulty 5 1 7 3 4 2 9 6 8
that each row, each
level increases from
column and each 9 8 4 6 5 1 2 7 3
Monday
3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 7/31
the same number only once. The difficulty level
increases from Monday to Sunday.
Antranik Tavitian/ Dispatch Staff
into the outfield. eight-run first inning and ACROSS
But as Kemper Acade- shouldering the pitching 1 Scheme
my’s lead ballooned to as load throughout the rest 5 Puts on ice
many as nine runs — one of the night. 10 Ancient
short of a run-rule victory “That was huge from Greek colony
— the Patriots respond- her,” Matthews said. “We 12 Let on
ed. Senior Carley Martin really didn’t expect her 13 Scale
roped a two-run, inside- to go more than three 14 Note from the
the-park home run down or four innings, honest- boss
the first-base line, tuck- ly. But that right there 15 Kipling book
ing the ball into the right- showed that she had the 16 Mamie’s mate
field corner. fight. She wasn’t going to 18 Gloss target
Eighth-grader Jeo- roll over. She was going to 19 Horse house
reia Henry added to the fight for her team.” 21 “West Side
Story” gang
late-inning fireworks as With Heritage Acade-
22 Night prowl-
Heritage Academy des- my’s next contest sched-
ers
perately clawed back with uled for Monday at Oak 24 Black cattle
2 Nabokov novel 25 Illinois city
a mammoth home run Hill Academy, it remains breed 3 Zoo resident 26 Atom centers
over the fence in left cen- to be seen whether any 25 Unlikely 4 Takeaway 27 Demi Moore
ter field. further measures will be winners game movie
Sending her team- put in place or enforced in 29 Factual 5 Wine buy 28 Kitchen
mates into a frenzy as regard to the COVID-19 30 Set afire 6 Horace cre- fixtures
they greeted her at home pandemic. 32 Jackson 5 hit ation 29 Bulletin board
plate, Henry’s homer was Beginning Monday, it’s 33 Clumsy one 7 Brunch choice items
the final tally in the Pa- expected social distanc- 34 Position 8 Bounds 31 Reviewer
triots’ total being record- ing and mask wearing 35 Placates 9 Flight makeup Roger
ed on the red and white will be cracked down on 37 Head out 11 Chisholm Trail 33 Aide: Abbr.
scoreboard in center field. by local law enforcement 39 Places for end 36 Gents
“I just saw the ball in as Gov. Tate Reeves add- pads 17 Movie set 38 Put away
my zone; I took it where ed Lowndes County to 40 Less loony worker
it was pitched; I hit it in a the list of counties that 41 Virtuous one 20 Sword part
42 Try out 21 Argo skipper
good spot, and it just car- will limit outdoor gather-
DOWN 23 Blackjack’s
ried on,” Henry said. ings to a maximum of 20 1 Chooses cousins
On the mound, senior participants while also
starter McKenzie Rhett requiring masks and six
pitched all seven innings, feet of social distancing at
settling down from an sports complexes.
Milwaukee then an- lies, meanwhile, were per-
nounced that center field- mitted to access Citizens
er Lorenzo Cain will not Bank Park for staggered
participate in the rest of workouts beginning in
the 2020 season. the afternoon.
The Miami Marlins re- MLB said no Phillies
ceived no new positive re- players have tested posi-
sults in their latest round tive for COVID-19 in the
of coronavirus testing, past week and while three
MLB said, but second staff members have test-
baseman Isan Díaz also ed positive, it appeared
opted out. two were attributable to
The Philadelphia Phil- false positives.
Lifestyles LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Jan Swoope: 328-2471
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020
B
SECTION

Journey to

Antarctica

Columbus native and lifelong sailor documented his three-

week trip to one of the world’s most inhospitable places
BY SID IMES
Special to The Dispatch

T
he wind is blowing steady, 65 knots
and gusting higher. Waves are in the
25- to 30-foot range and the rain is
blowing sideways. The spray is stinging any
skin that might be exposed — which is very
little as the temperatures are now below
freezing. Everyone on deck is wearing full
foul weather gear and ski goggles to protect
the eyes. Under my rain suit I have on five
layers of wool, two wool hats, knee-length
snow boots and heavy ski gloves. I have
been on watch for only 30 minutes and the
cold is seeping through to my skin. The cold
is uncomfortable, but the sound of the wind
shrieking through the rigging on a sailing
vessel at just below hurricane strength is
horrifying. The sound reminds me of a
symphony written and performed by the
devil himself. Along with the pitching and
rolling of the boat there is a foot of water
rushing across the decks every 30 seconds
or so after another mountainous wave slams
into the side of the barque. We are just south
of Cape Horn in the Drake passage, the
Courtesy photos/Sid Imes
body of water between Antarctica and South
ABOVE: Sid Imes, second from left, stands with two members of the team stationed at the Ukrainian
America, one of the stormiest ocean passag- Vernadsky Research Base. Team members spend six to eight months at a time at the base, which also
es on the planet. I am wondering what in the contains a small bar. TOP PHOTO: Europa’s decks are awash as the ship and its crew travel in a storm in
world have I gotten myself into this time. February 2018. This photo was taken approximately halfway between Ushuaia, Argentina and Antarctica
See ANTARCTICA, 2B when Columbus native Sid Imes came on deck for his turn to steer the ship.
2B SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Antarctica
Continued from Page 1B
■■■

Starting in high school, I

read every book I could find on
the explorers, the adventurers,
the long-distance sailors, the
mountain climbers. But the
polar explorers fascinated me
most.
Once I was in Oslo, Nor-
way, and visited the maritime
museum. In one building was
the Fram, the sailboat that
took Amundsen, his crew and
dogs to the South Pole. I spent
hours on board studying every
feature of the boat, marveling
at the size of the timbers that
went in to the building of the
boat designed to withstand the
pressures of being frozen for
a winter in the ice. That day I
knew that at some point that I
would sail to Antarctica.
I spent several years sailing
around the world. While in
New Zealand I met a fellow
sailor that sailed his boat to
Antarctica and later wrote a
book about his adventures. I
never got to sail my own boat
there. There were too many
ways to die doing it on my own.
Antarctica is one the most
inhospitable places on earth.
I found a boat called Europa,
a 150-foot barkentine built in
Germany in 1911, that started
life as a lighthouse ship but
was converted into a passen-
ger ship for trips of up to six
weeks. Every year this large
sailing ship makes three-week
trips to Antarctica, leaving
from Ushuaia, Argentina. The
journey includes five days
sailing there, then nine days at
the Antarctic peninsula before
sailing back.
I arrived in Ushuaia on Feb.
5, 2018, a day before the Euro-
pa was scheduled to depart. I
threw my bags on board and
was shown to my cabin, a small
room with six bunks. My four
roommates included a Russian,
two Europeans and a guy from
Australia. The room was tiny,
with a bathroom and shower.
The next day we motored
away from Ushuaia, and for
nine hours we were in the calm
waters of the Beagle Channel
which leads to the Atlantic
Ocean. We were given a safety
briefing on lifeboats and man
overboard instructions in case
anyone went over the side.
Being told that if we fell in we
would likely only last a few sec-
onds due to the freezing water
got everyone’s attention. We
were split into three groups of
nine people. Each group took
rotations steering and watch-
ing for icebergs.
■■■
Europa cleared land and
headed due south. Later that
night, we cleared Cape Horn,
that feared landmark where
hundreds of sailors for cen-
turies had lost their lives due
to stormy weather and poor
navigation.
For the first two days, wind
and currents were favorable
and the sailing was comfort-
Europa’s passengers and crew visited penguin colonies that numbered in the thousands while in Antarctica.
Courtesy photo/Sid Imes
An old, weathered whaling boat sits at Whalers Bay near Decep-
tion Island in Antarctica. Beginning in the early 1900s, the bay
was used by whaling, mapping and scientific expeditions.
were all given safety harnesses
to wear at all times while on
deck. When moving about, you
would clip onto anything stable
to keep you from falling over-
board when the ship heeled
over after getting hit by waves
or a sudden gust of wind.
Wind and waves steadily
increased to 50 knots, just shy
of hurricane force. The waves
were mountainous, 20 to 30
feet. The decks were awash,
completely covered with water.
The old ship would groan and
creak, and the sails would spill
their wind. Mast swaying, she
would slowly rise, shaking the
Courtesy photo/Sid Imes
water off only to be met with
Sailors on the Europa to Ant- another monster wave. I was
arctica were divided into crews, steering through the worst
taking rotations to steer and of the storm, frightened for
watch for icebergs. the ship and my life. I looked
at the captain and crew, who
able; we made good time. Occa- were busy tending to the sails,
sionally we would be visited by checking ropes. I was looking
seabirds, including wandering for fear or any sign in their
albatross, with wingspans of up faces that we were in danger,
to 11 feet. but there was none.
On day three we were The young crew, in their
told that a deep low-pressure old woolen sweaters and thin
system was moving in and the sea coats, were quietly going
weather would worsen. We about doing their business as
if this was just another day on
the sea. From that point on, I
hung on, took my watches and
tried to enjoy the ride as much
as I could before getting off
duty and having a steaming
cup of tea, then curling up in
my bunk with most of my wool
clothes and sleeping.
For those that were not too
seasick to eat, food was served
three times a day, cooked by an
old thin woman from the Neth-
erlands with a cigarette dan-
gling from her lips constantly,
and her crew of two. No matter
how rough the seas, there was
always a steaming hot meal
and fresh baked bread, salads
or fruit. To get to the galley
you had to walk down a narrow
hallway, which at times listed
45 degrees. They would look at
your face and try to determine
how sick you were and give you
proportions accordingly. The
only way to keep your balance
and hold on to your plate was
to wedge yourself against the
walls.
After a couple more days,
I woke up and the boat was
not rocking. There were no
crashing sounds from the
deck, only the sound of water
gently gurgling along the hull
as Europa silently sailed into
a peaceful harbor. We were, at
last, in Antarctica.
■■■
For the next nine days we
sailed to new harbors every
day. After the anchors were
down, the small boats would
be lowered to the water, and
we would visit penguin colo-
nies, which at times contained
thousands. We saw old aban-
doned whaler huts which were
still intact, as if the inhabitants
were in a hurry and just left
suddenly one day. Cabins were
Courtesy photo/Sid Imes
still stocked with food on the
shelves. Small whaling boats
and all the tools for processing
the unfortunate whales they
captured were scattered about.
We visited Argentinian,
English and Russian research
stations. The men who manned
these spent three months in
the summer, gathering infor-
mation on the environment
and climate change. There was
even a small British museum
with seven British females
living on a rock the size of two
big swimming pools.
Other times we would an-
chor near icebergs which were
the size of buildings. Occasion-
ally pieces would break off,
making loud crashing noises
and creating big waves in the
harbor. Sailing from harbor
to harbor, we would bang into
smaller icebergs which were
unavoidable but caused no
damage to the ship’s hull. The
icebergs were amazing and
had different shades of blue
and green and, of course, a lot
of white. Curious blue whales
and seals would swim near the
boat for a look, but slowly swim
away after getting bored.
All too soon, our time on the
“Ice,” was over and we started
our sail back to South Ameri-
ca. This leg of the voyage was
not nearly as rough as the trip
down, and after six days we
were tied up to the wharf in
Ushuaia.
As I write this, Europa is
on the way back to her home
port in the Netherlands, having
canceled its remaining voyages
for the year due to the corona-
virus. They have been sailing
61 days nonstop out of South
America, with a few hundred
miles and an uncertain future
in front of them.
Editor’s note: Sid Imes is
uncle to Dispatch publisher

Dear Abby

D
EAR ABBY: We live next
door to an 89-year-old
woman, “Estelle.” She’s a
“snowbird,” meaning she is our
neighbor for only part of the year.
She has a devoted caretaker,
“Iris,” who visits her almost daily.
Iris shops for her, brings in her
mail, and helps her with laundry,
bathing and many other intimate
tasks.
Estelle has given us a key to
her house for emergencies. The
issue is that once Estelle leaves
for the summer, Iris arrives
almost daily for what appear to
be afternoon trysts with a man,
not her husband. They stay in the
house for two to three hours and then leave,
always in separate cars.
After several weeks of seeing this, my hus-
band went over to Estelle’s house to check on
things. The bed in the master bedroom was ob-
viously used. The air conditioning
was on high, and the house was in
general disorder; not anything like
how Estelle would have left things.
Our dilemma is, we know Es-
telle depends upon Iris. She trusts
and adores her. Do we turn a blind
eye to what’s going on? It really
isn’t our business except that we
hate seeing someone taken ad-
vantage of. Last year we reported
our observations to Estelle’s son
as he was bringing his mother
here for the winter. He wasn’t sure
what to do because, as I said
Dear Abby before, she’s quite dependent on
her caretaker. Advice? — SEEING
TOO MUCH IN FLORIDA
DEAR SEEING: This is Estelle’s home and
Estelle’s employee. If this were happening
on your property, wouldn’t YOU want to know
about it? I see nothing to be gained by keeping
Estelle in the dark. Tell her what has been
going on, that your husband went to check the
place and found it in disarray. Then leave the
ball in her court.
DEAR ABBY: For a handful of years, I have
been dealing with anxiety and mild depression.
But over the last 18 months or so, I have been
experiencing both the highest highs and the
lowest lows. These periods can last for up to
a week and affect my productivity levels. My
ability to function as a normal human being
isn’t noticeably diminished, though.
Because I’m a teenager, a lot of emotional
turmoil is happening. But I can’t help feeling
that maybe what I’m experiencing isn’t normal
for people my age. How do I know the differ-
ence between routine mood swings and a
mental disorder like bipolar? There is a history
of bipolar in my family, but I don’t know if it
has transferred to me. I want to know if I need
to start talking about that aspect of things
with my therapist or if what I’m going through
doesn’t need to be bothered with. — ­ TEEN IN
TOUCH IN WASHINGTON
DEAR TEEN: You are obviously very bright.
Because of the history of bipolar disorder in
your family, your mood swings are something
you should be paying attention to. I am glad
you are seeing a therapist, and you should AB-
SOLUTELY be discussing your concerns — all
of them — with that person. In psychotherapy,
honesty is always the best policy. If it turns out
that your worries are needless -- fine. However,
if they are not, it would be to your advantage to
know it so you can be treated for it.
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren,
also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was found-
ed by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear
Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440,
Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For an excellent guide to becoming a better
conversationalist and a more sociable person,
order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name
and mailing address, plus check or money or-
der for $8 (U.S. funds) to: Dear Abby, Popularity

Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Aug. 2).
Make plans, and then offer them up
to the rains of felicity. Though your
strategies and intentions get an
extra dose of cosmic love, it is what
you do with the “now” that makes
this year sing. Your capacity to
absorb, join, celebrate and improve
upon the moment is at the root of
wondrous relationships and uncanny
luck. Libra and Capricorn adore you.
Your lucky numbers are: 4, 40, 27,
19 and 5.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
Though you take no pleasure in the
suffering of others, sometimes the
tragic television show or troubled
friend makes you glad for your own
position. It isn’t perfect by any
stretch, but you’re better off than
many.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). You
can take your time evaluating the
trade, but more time won’t give you
the answer. This is a matter of ac-
cepting what you know in an instant
and can be summed up like this: If
it’s too good to be true, it isn’t.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21). The
unbalanced thing will be set right.
With a little communication, the
one who has extra will flow some
resources to the one who doesn’t
have enough, and equilibrium will be
established.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Even if you feel you have no news
to share, make an effort to connect
with friends and family. You’ll be
surprised what fortuitous information
comes up when there’s no particular
agenda to the conversation.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). What you
desire will not come about through
direct means. There is no pushing,
buying or persuasion involved, only
attraction. The most attractive mode
is modesty and moderation.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). If a
person does not respond to you in
the way you want, do not try for a
different outcome. You are better
off moving along to the next person,
where you will get an entirely differ-
ent response.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The
wise choices are easier to make
when you know what you care about.
When you don’t know yet, don’t
worry about being wise. Anything you
choose will teach you more about
what you care about.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).
Social status is one of those things
you don’t really feel like you care
too much about until you’re in a po-
sition to gain or lose it and become
surprised by your behavior. You are,
after all, only human.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21).
Today’s problem isn’t so tough. Ask
a few people, do a thorough internet
search, read an article or two and
you’ll know enough to make an
informed decision.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19).
Though you are typically highly
responsible and able to make deci-
sions that are best for the long-term,
right now you’ll feel inclined to move
based on the potential for fun.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).
The occasional slip-up might not
matter too much, but you still feel
an urgency to correct mistakes and
figure out how to prevent the same
ones from repeatedly occurring,
which will be the cornerstone of
today’s success.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20).
It will be important to check off all
of the daily habits you hold so dear
today because it is only after these
rituals are complete that you feel you
have the space to share freely.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 3B

‘Williams Tribute, ‘Stella’ contest to go virtual

Pandemic moves “We
were very
Pieschel.
“Steve is one of our
the city of his birth.
The virtual fest will
annual event close to just
canceling
past scholars, and he’s
going to do a short talk
also present a poetry
tribute, with 10 Southern
to social media altogether on Tennessee Williams poets reading some of
because we under the shadow of the Williams’ works, as well
Sept. 12 just didn’t ‘lost cause’ culture,” said as their own.
know (what Gaskin, noting there are “And actors that
BY JAN SWOOPE Gaskin
conditions correlations to America’s always support us from
jswoope@cdispatch.com
will be), current national discus- New Orleans are filming

W
but this is our 19th year, sion. something from there,”
ith six weeks to
and we really hated to “This is a historical Gaskin added.
go before the
planned 19th an- break that line of having time in our country, and Not to be overlooked, a
nual Tennessee Williams something every year,” I’m really excited about major announcement will
Tribute in Columbus, or- said board member Keith Steve’s talk.”
Dispatch file photo be made on Facebook
ganizers have decided to Gaskin. Tenth Annual Stella Shouting Contest first place A filmed original short Live Sept. 12 about a new
make it a virtual celebra- Once the decision was winner Robby Kishaba shouts in this 2019 file photo. play by local actor and ed-
Submit Stella Shouting Contest videos via email by collaboration for 2021
tion. The festival, found- made, participants enthu- ucator Spence Andrews
Aug. 22 to compete. between the Tennessee
ed by Brenda Caradine, siastically got behind it. features
“We got Williams Tribute and
traditionally explores all Andrews,
excited best “Stella” before spec- gift package together,” Mississippi University for
things Tennessee. The tators downtown. as Tennes-
about it,” added Porter. Women, said Gaskin.
late two-time Pulitzer “We’re still going to see, and
said co-or- Some of the shouts In the face of the pan-
Prize-winning playwright have the contest this Edwina
ganizer will be shared during the demic, the 19th annual
and poet was born in year — but virtually,” Williams
Mathalie Sept. 12 virtual fest. tribute is adapting.
Columbus March 26, said Porter. “It will be a (Mother
Porter. “All Goose) as “This is an important
1911. His first home, now little different, but it will
at 300 Main St., serves as the people
be fun.”
More highlights his mother Andrews event for Columbus. ...
that we usu- Porter Board member (who was Tennessee Williams is an
the city’s welcome center. Video entries are
ally work Christopher Blank and actually named Edwina international figure, and
Not knowing what due by Aug. 22 to co-
with have 2020 Tennessee Williams Williams). there are a lot of towns
COVID-19 guidelines for lumbusmstwt@gmail.
in-person gatherings will been just super.” Tribute Scholar T.K. Andrews’ “Blue that would pay to be able
com. Two categories, for
look like by Sept. 10-13, Lee will host a Facebook Mountain Memories” to say it’s his birthplace,”
adults and for children
the tribute’s original “Steellaaa” 12 and under, are avail- experience that includes draws from Tennessee’s remarked Gaskin. “We’re
dates, the TWT board of A popular highlight of able. Shouters are judged a visit from “Tennessee” “The Glass Menagerie.” committed to keeping it
directors are instead de- the tribute is the Holly- on loudness, dramatic himself, in the form of This year marks that going and hope to gain
veloping an informative, hocks Stella Shouting ability and costume, if actor Brent Davis. The play’s 75th anniversary. even more (fans) through
entertaining condensed Contest. Shouters are one is worn. The winner, social media event will Andrews diligently re- this virtual event.”
fest that will begin at 10 traditionally invited to announced during the also include a scene by searched the playwright Follow tribute plans
a.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 channel Williams’ char- Facebook Live event, will area acting talents Daniel for this project that at facebook.com/TWT-
on Facebook Live. At acter Stanley Kowalski have his or her name add- Talley and Laura Beth incorporates references COLUMBUS/ or at the
present, it is expected to from “A Streetcar Named ed to a perpetual plaque. Berry, said Porter, as well to Columbus, including website tennesseewil-
last about two hours. Desire” and yell their “And we’re putting a as a presentation by Steve Tennessee’s 1950s visit to liamstribute.org

AREA OBITUARIES
Thomas Lee Jr. Charles Courtney wireless sales and was service will be held. with the Athletic De- Rogers of Madison,
STARKVILLE — STARKVILLE a member of North Welch Funeral Home of partment at Mississippi Alabama.
Thomas Edward Lee — Charles Mendell Greenwood Baptist Starkville is in charge State University and as Memorials may be
Courtney, 64, died July Church. of arrangements. service coordinator for made to the Oktibbe-
Jr., 53, died July 29,
29, 2020. In addition to his Mrs. Langston was Humphrey Coliseum. ha County Humane
2020.
A private graveside parents, he was preced- born Aug. 6, 1957, in In addition to her Society P.O. Box 297;
Services will be at ed in death by his sister Starkville, MS 39760
service is today, in Birmingham, to Esther
4 p.m. Sunday, at ‘The mother she is survived
Memorial Garden Park. Eloise Couch. H. Rogers and the late or Kindred Hospice of
Poor House’ venue. He is survived by his Otis Van Rogers. She by her husband, Cory; Starkville 403 Hospital
Welch Funeral Home of Welch Funeral Home of and siblings, Elton
Starkville is in charge wife, Kay Makamson was a graduate of the Road; Starkville, MS
Starkville is in charge Courtney; children, University of Alabama rogers of Waukegan, 39759.
of arrangements. of arrangements.
Mr. Courtney was Jason Courtney of and was formerly em- Illinois and Byron See OBITS, 4B
Mr. Lee was born Brandon and Janna ployed as the medical

Sarah Edwards
born Oct. 17, 1955,
April 17, 1967, in Plant in Greenwood, to the Sanford of Starkville; records administrator
City, Florida, to Thom- late S.M. Courtney sister, Barbara Schil- for a nursing home, as
as Edward Lee and and Jane Courtney. ling of Magnolia; and a registered record ad-
Ellen Ruth Hill. He four grandchildren. ministrator for Oktib- Mrs. Sarah Emma Pullen Edwards, 68, retired
He was a graduate of
attended Plant City beha County Hospital, Sales Associate with Sears, died July 29, 2020, at
Pillow Academy and
North MS Medical Center in Tupelo, MS.
High School and was attended Mississippi Gail Langston Funeral Services were held 2:00PM Saturday
a veteran of the U.S. State University. He STARKVILLE —
Army. He was formerly August 1, 2020, at Oliver Funeral Home Chapel
was formerly employed Gail Rogers Langston,
with burial in Edward Springs Cemetery in
employed with Fire and in radio broadcasting, 62, died July 31, 2020.
Webster County. Bro. Terry Wills officiated.
Life Safety Division insurance sales and A private graveside
Pallbearers were Eric Edwards, Bo Edwards,
at Mississippi State Richard McBride, David Thompson, Patrick
University. Quillen, Chris Wittke, Curt Foster, George Gregg
In addition to his and Douglas Edwards. Oliver Funeral Home of
parents, he is survived Eupora was in charge of all arrangements.
by his wife, Tracy Lee; She was a member of Community Baptist
children, Carina Lee, Church in Columbus. She was very active in
Taryn Lee and Trevor Veterans Organizations. She was a member of
Lee; step-father, Johnny American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 65 and
Hill; brother, Richard Member of the VFW. Mrs.
Lee; step-sisters, Angie Sarah is survived by her husband of 49 years,
Klein and Kerry Beth James “Jimmy” Edwards, Columbus, MS;
Jones; and two grand- daughter, Teresa Ann (Chris) Wittke, Columbus,
children. Lindell Ezell MS; son, James “Bo” Edwards, Columbus, MS;
Incomplete first cousin; Newton Van Tabor, Missouri City, TX;
2nd Ave. North Location
seven grandchildren, Eric (Amy) Edwards, Sara
Edwards, Douglas Edwards, Patrick (Courtney)
Quillen, Chelsea Teague, Ryker Wittke and Lexi
Wittke; three great-grandchildren, E. J. Edwards,
Symone Kimbrel and Elijah Edwards.
The family asks memorials be made to Edward
Springs Cemetery Fund C/O Betty Wills, 782
Center Rd., Eupora, MS. 39744. You may go
online and sign our guest register or leave a
memorialgunterpeel.com message of condolence for the family at www.
ofheupora.com
Paid Obituary - Oliver Funeral Home
4B SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

All state households asked to submit census

BY BONNIE COBLENTZ To reach this goal, census funding for a variety of pro- now by mailing in the paper lines for the community where
MSU Extension Service takers are being hired and grams. These include roads, form, calling 844-330-2020 they work. All Mississippians

T
he laid-back way of life
in Mississippi has a
downside when it leads
to very low U.S. Census partic-
ipation: Inaccurate population
counts can cause the state to
lose money, political repre-
sentation and participation in
beneficial programs.
The U.S. Constitution re-
quires a complete count of the
U.S. population every 10 years.
trained to go door-to-door and
gather in-person information on
residents. Those who want to
avoid this inconvenience can go
online today to submit informa-
tion on their household.
Door-to-door canvassing for
nonrespondents begins Aug.
11.
According to the U.S.
Census Bureau, census data
informs many federal, state
and local decisions and impacts
health care, medical assistance,
family violence prevention,
public water systems, the Sup-
plemental Nutrition Assistance
Program, and children’s health
insurance and welfare pro-
grams.
Mississippi currently has
a 57.5 percent response rate
to the U.S. Census. There is
still time to self-report Census
information for households that
have not yet done so. Respond
or submitting data online at
2020census.gov.
Census takers are being
hired from the communities
in which they will work. They
will have identification showing
them to be working for the 2020
Census. Their goal is to ensure
a complete and accurate count
that will benefit the community
and state.
Census takers will follow
current health and safety guide-
are encouraged to cooperate
if a census taker visits their
homes.
The Mississippi State
University Extension Service
is partnering with the 2020
Census to ensure all Missis-
sippians are represented in
the final count. Learn how
to avoid scams related to the
census here: https://extension.
msstate.edu/blog/tips-for-pro-
tecting-yourself-census-scams.

Obits
Continued from Page 3B

Mildred Snider
MILLPORT, Ala.
— Mildred Snider, 91,
died July 30, 2020, at
her residence.
Funeral services
are at 2 p.m. today, at
Dowdle Funeral Home,
with the Rev. Armond
MicDill officiating.
Burial will follow in
Higdon Church of God
Cemetery of Kennedy,
Alabama. Visitation
is one hour prior to
services at the funeral
home. Dowdle Funeral
Home of Millport is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mrs. Snider was
born July 5, 1929, to the
late Tom and Victoria
Parker.
In addition to her
parents, she was pre-
ceded in death by her
husband, Claude Junior
“C.J.” Snider; children,
Robert Snider, Thomas
Snider and Junior Snid-
er; and siblings, Annie
Glasgow, Alice Nelson,
Ruby tidwell, Jessie
Fowler, Roland Parker,
James “J.D” Parker and
Monroe Parker.
She is survived by
her children, Johnny
Snider, Alvin Snider,
Terry Snider all of
Millport and Rondal
Snider of Columbus;
13 grandchildren; and
great-great-grandchil-
dren.
his son, Brian Ezell of first black supervisor Wallerville. Arrangements are formerly employed as
Aberdeen; and brother, for that district. Murry Lee-Sykes incomplete and will be store owner and man-
Neal Ezell. was a faithful member Funeral announced by Lown- ager for Dan Moreland,
of Pleasant Ridge Mis- Home is des Funeral Home of a paper courier for Ca-
sionary Baptist Church, entrusted Columbus. dence Bank and a store
Mary Lollar where he served as with ser- manager for Bulldog
COLUMBUS —
Mary Lollar, 103, died
deacon. vices. Roy Latham Superette. He served
In addition to his par- Mr. White STARKVILLE — in the U.S. Army. Roy
July 31, 2020, at Trinity ents, he was preceded Roy Lee Latham, 87, was a member of the
White was
Personal Care. in death by his siblings, the oldest deacon of died August 1, 2020. Masons, the American
Arrangements are John, Roderick and Oak Grove MB Church Services are 4 p.m. Legion and a former
incomplete and will be Vera; and son, Murry and received a plague Monday at Adaton member of Calvary
announced by Lown- Anthony Jr. on July 7, 2019. Baptist Church with Baptist Church.
des Funeral Home in He is survived by his He was preceded Hal Selby officiating. He is preceded in
Columbus. wife, Luberta Tucker in death by his wife, Burial will be at Spring death by his wife, Eliz-
Anthony; children, Sernolia White; sons, Valley Cemetery in abeth Walker Latham;
Murry Anthony Hazel Daniley, Barbara John White and James Mathiston. Visitation is son, Paul Carson
CRAWFORD — Anthony Hyman, La- White, Jr.; and daugh- Monday one hour prior Latham; brother, Jim
Murry Anthony, 88, mar Anthony, Bridgett ter, Ernestine Johnson. to service at Adaton Latham; sister, Lois
died July 28, 2020. Law and Lowonder He is survived by Baptist Church. In ac- Hester; mother, Es-
Visitation is today Moore; five sisters, one cordance with current terlene Latham; and
Roebane Enlow Rogers
brother, nine grand- CDC guidelines, masks father, W.G. “Dub”
from 1-4 p.m. at Lee- of RedHill, MS; two
children and two great will be required in the Latham.
Sykes Funeral Home in grandson, four grand-
grandchildren. church for visitation He is survived by
Columbus. daughters and other
Memorials may be and the service. Social sons, Mike Latham
Mr. An- great grandchildren and Vic Latham
made to The Prepared distancing is requested.
thony was Table Ministries, 1201 and great-great-grand- of Starkville; four
Welch Funeral Home in
born July College Street, Colum- children. Starkville is entrusted grandchildren, two
23, 1932, bus, MS 39701. with arrangements great-grandchil-
in Craw- Marie White Mr. Latham was dren and two great
ford to late James White COLUMBUS ­— Ma- born Jan. 9, 1933, great-grandchildren;
Mary Jen- Anthony “Pop” James Evan rie White, 92, Aug. 1, in Webster County. brother, Rodney
nings An- White, 104, died July 2020, Baptist Memo- He was a member of Latham of Eupora; pre-
thony and 29, 2020. rial Hospital-Golden Adaton Baptist Church vious wife, Ella Latham
Roderick Anthony Sr. Graveside services Triangle. in Starkville. He was of Starkville.
He served as District 4 are 11a.m. Monday at
supervisor and was the Oak Grove Cemetery in

Lindell Ezell
TUPELO — Lindell
Wilson Ezell, 76, died
July 31, 2020, at Sanctu-
ary Hospice in Tupelo.
Memorial Gunter
Peel Funeral Home &
Crematory, Second Ave-
nue location, is entrust-
ed with arrangements.
Mr. Ezell was born
Feb. 3, 1944, in Decatur
to the late Albert and
Mary Everette Ezell.
He was a graduate of
the University of South-
ern Mississippi and a
formerly employed as
an office manager at
Lann Chemical Supply
Company.
He is survived by

If you don’t read The Dispatch, how are you gonna know?
Classifieds
LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
State of Mississippi
County of Lowndes
Notice of Sale
WHEREAS the following ten-
ants entered into a lease with
RENT A SPACE for storage
spaces in which to store per-
sonal property:
SARA HURST - 54
LESLEY BAILEY - 24
DAVID KEATING - 17
WHEREAS, default has been
made in the payment of the
rent and RENT A SPACE pursu-
ant to said lease is authorized
to sell the personal property to
satisfy the past due rent and
any other charges owed to it.
NOW THEREFORE, notice is
hereby given that RENT A
SPACE will offer for sale, and
will sell at auction to the
highest bidder and best bidder
for cash all personal property
in the storage. Said property
located at RENT A SPACE 3431
HWY 12 EAST STEENS, MS
39766 will be sold at 10:00
AM on AUGUST 21, 2020.
Title to the personal property to
be sold is believed to be good,
but at such sale, RENT A
SPACE will convey only such
title as is vested in it pursuant
to its leases and as allowed
under Mississippi Code Annot-
ated Section 85-7-121 et seq.
(Supp1988).
WITNESS MY SIGNATURE ON
AUGUST 2, 2020.
RENT A SPACE
By: MANAGER
PUBLISH: 8/2/2020
State of Mississippi
County of Lowndes
Notice of Sale
WHEREAS the following ten-
ants entered into a lease with
RENT A SPACE for storage
spaces in which to store per-
sonal property:
ZACH PHIPPS - E106
WHEREAS, default has been
made in the payment of the
rent and RENT A SPACE pursu-
ant to said lease is authorized
to sell the personal property to
satisfy the past due rent and
any other charges owed to it.
NOW THEREFORE, notice is
hereby given that RENT A
SPACE will offer for sale, and
will sell at auction to the
highest bidder and best bidder
for cash all personal property
in the storage. Said property
located at RENT A SPACE 216
LINCOLN ROAD, COLUMBUS,
MS 39705 will be sold at 9:30
AM on AUGUST 21, 2020.
Title to the personal property to
be sold is believed to be good,
but at such sale, RENT A
SPACE will convey only such
title as is vested in it pursuant
to its leases and as allowed
under Mississippi Code Annot-
ated Section 85-7-121 et seq.
(Supp1988).
WITNESS MY SIGNATURE ON
AUGUST 2, 2020.
RENT A SPACE
By: MANAGER
PUBLISH: 8/2/2020
State of Mississippi
County of Lowndes
Notice of Sale
WHEREAS the following ten-
ants entered into a lease with
RENT-A-SPACE for storage
spaces in which to store per-
sonal property:
GREG MOORE - P3003
CRAIG HOFMANN - C1010
CHARLES WILSON - F1711
CHARLES WILSON - E1607
JOHN BALLARD - F1728
WHEREAS, default has been
made in the payment of the
rent and RENT-A-SPACE pursu-
ant to said lease is authorized
to sell the personal property to
satisfy the past due rent and
any other charges owed to it.
NOW THEREFORE, notice is
hereby given that RENT-A-
SPACE will offer for sale, and
will sell at auction to the
highest bidder and best bidder
for cash all personal property
in the storage. Said property
located at RENT- A- SPACE 406
WILKINS WISE RD COLUMBUS,
MS will be sold at 9:00 AM on
AUGUST 21, 2020.
Title to the personal property to
be sold is believed to be good,
but at such sale, RENT-A-
SPACE will convey only such
title as is vested in it pursuant
to its leases and as allowed
under Mississippi Code Annot-
ated Section 85-7-121 et seq.
(Supp1988).
WITNESS MY SIGNATURE ON
AUGUST 2, 2020.
RENT-A-SPACE
By: MANAGER
PUBLISH: 8/2/2020
All notices must be
emailed to
classifieds@
cdispatch.com.
One call will bring you results.
Employment
Call us: 662-328-2424
General Help Wanted
CARPENTER NEEDED w/ at
least 4 yrs. of experience.
Ideal candidate will have an
eye for detail, be depend-
able, have good communic-
ation skills, reliable trans-
portation & basic tools. We
specialize in home remod-
els & new construction.
Call 662-312-3130 for info.
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
MOUNT TRUCKING is hir-
ing a flatbed driver in the
Columbus area. Family-
owned. Get more out your
check & more home time.
We work for you!
*Home every weekend
*50 cent a mile *1099
Tyrone Washington
901-230-4659
mounttrucking@yahoo.com
Restaurant / Hotel
SUBWAY SANDWICH is now
hiring: Walmart location
#37878: Opening Shift
7am-2pm, starting $9.50.
Evening Shift 2pm-9pm
starting $8.25.
Alabama Street #2702:
Any Shift 9:30am-10pm.
Pay rate set at interview.
Apply @ www.subway.com
or send application to
sub2000inc@gmail.com
Good help isn’t
hard to find if
you know where
to look. Start your
search here.
Medical / Dental
Medical / Dental
Rentals
Ads starting at $25
Apts For Rent: North
FOX RUN APARTMENTS
foxruncompany.com
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
Apts For Rent: Other
You’ll find the best deals
when you advertise
and shop here!
ads.cdispatch.com
Ads appear in The Commercial Dispatch,
The Starkville Dispatch and Online
To place ads starting at only $12,
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 n 5B
Apts For Rent: Other Mobile Homes for Rent Lots & Acreage
COLEMAN
RV/MOBILE HOME SITE
East or West Columbus or
LOWNDES COUNTY, MS:
36 ACRES ON GATLIN RD.
Vehicles
RENTALS near CAFB, Caledonia Excellent timber & building
Ads starting at $12
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS schools. 601−940−1397. sites. $72,000. For more
info, call 205−799−9846
1 BEDROOM or 205−695−2248. Autos For Sale
2 BEDROOMS
3 BEDROOMS Real Estate 1987 CORVETTE with
Merchandise
removable top. Runs but
needs work to restore.
LEASE, Ads starting at $25
© The Dispatch
$3,250. Cashier’s Check
DEPOSIT only. 662−327−7845.
Ads starting at $12
AND Commercial Property For Sale
Motorcycles & ATVs
CREDIT CHECK MILITARY QUICK STOP for Appliances
2005 HONDA 250 REBEL
lease or sale. High traffic
662-329-2323
CENTRAL AC UNIT. Only Black, red, and gray.
count. Busy location.
Possibly some owner used 1 day, too small for 1,428 miles. $1500.
space. Revolv brand, 2.5 662−364−0120.
2411 HWY 45 N financing. B.F. at 662−329
−3833 or 662−889−0837. btu, 208−230 voltage.
COLUMBUS, MS $900. Crawford, MS.
662−497−2754.
Community
Houses For Sale: Other
Bargain Column
Houses For Rent: North
House & 5 wooded acres in
HOUSE FOR RENT. Vernon, AL. Inside city VICTROLA AM/FM
Ads starting at $12
limits, but with the privacy 7 in 1 turn table. MP3.
56 Mason Dr. No HUD. No Bluetooth. wood cabinet.
pets. 3BR/1.5BA. Asking of living in the country.
Turner Hill Subdivision. Fish New in box. $99. Call 662− Lost & Found Pets
$760/ per month. Dep.
pond, block shop bldg, 242−1683.
$760. 662−549−9298.
storage bldg & large storm BROWN & White Pit Bull
Houses For Rent: East
shelter. 2,100 sqft. Older
home, quality construction,
XBOX console with
controllers & DVD player.
with black collar went
missing Sun. from the
1956, can easily be up− $35 Call 662−242−1683. Humane Society. Answers
3BR/2BA for rent in New dated. See North MS to the name Princess. Call
Hope School District. Craigslist, real estate, for Burial Plots 662−889−5166.
No pets, no HUD, Credit photos. No texts please!
check. $790/mo. Call for appointment to MEMORIAL GARDENS
Did you
2 plots. 2 concrete vaults.
662−386−3803. see. $139,000.
?
205−695−2146 site choice and site care.
know
For more info call
Mobile Homes for Rent 662−242−1683.
Lots & Acreage
3BR/2BA Trailer, New General Merchandise
Hope school dist. $650/ 1.75 ACRE LOTS. Good/
mo & $650 dep. No pets, Bad Credit Options. Good 4FT X 8FT utility trailer
no drugs, no partying. Call credit as low as 20% down, for sale. Great condition.
b/w 10a−9p. 662−386− $499/mo. Eaton Land, $500.
4292. NO TEXT MGS. 662−361−7711. Call 662−574−6176
Our website is the
Houses For Sale: Other most-visited news
website in the
Golden Triangle.
The
Dispatch
Five Questions:
1 Austria,
France,
Slovenia,
Switzerland
2 The Who
3 1980
4 A robin
5 Fainting
Service Directory
Promote your small business starting at only $25
Building & Remodeling General Services Lawn Care / Landscaping Tree Services
HILL’S PRESSURE JESSE & BEVERLY’S J&A TREE REMOVAL
WASHING. Commercial/ LAWN SERVICE Work from a bucket truck.
Residential. House, Mowing, cleanup, Insured/bonded.
concrete, sidewalks & landscaping, sodding, Call Jimmy Prescott for free
mobile washing. Free est. & tree cutting. estimate, 662−386−6286.
662−386−8925. 662−356−6525
Tree Services
PAINTING & SAM’S LAWN SERVICE No
CARPENTRY
lawn too large or too small. A & T TREE SERVICES
MAINTENANCE PROS Mowing, trimming & Bucket truck & stump
Specializing in: removal. Free est.
Residential Carpentry, 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE. weedeating.
Serving Columbus
Call 662−243−1694
Electrical, Painting, GREAT PRICES. since 1987. Senior
Appliance Repair & Minor Call Leslie, Painting & Papering citizen disc. Call Alvin @
Plumbing. Free estimate.
662-570-5490
242−0324/241−4447
Call 662−570−5570. QUALITY PAINTING. "We’ll go out on a limb for
you!"
Ext/Int Painting.
Carpet & Flooring 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.
Grow your
662−435−6528
business in the
DAVID’S CARPET &
UPHOLSTERY
Got leaky pipes?
service directory.
CLEANING
1 Room − $50 Find a plumber in the
2 Rooms − $70 classifieds.
3+ Rooms − $30 EA
Rugs−Must Be Seen
Car Upholstery Cleaning Automotive Services
Available
662−722−1758
General Services
WORK WANTED: Licensed
& Bonded. Carpentry, minor
electrical, minor plumbing,
insulation, painting, demo−
lition, gutters cleaned,
pressure washing, land−
scaping, cleanup work.
662−242−3608.
Are you a painter?
Advertise here!
662-328-2424
6B SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Religion
Hold on, better days are coming
I
t’s an under-
statement to
say that we are
experiencing a time
unlike any other.
The Covid-19/Coro-
navirus pandemic
has impacted and
changed lives in un-
precedented ways.
Social distancing
of six feet apart is
the new standard. Sherry Ivy
We have to stand
in line wearing a mask just to
get into a store. Hospitals are
unable to handle the influx of
coronavirus patients. During
these times, we have to hold
on and put our trust in God,
better days Are coming. “But
I trusted in thee, O Lord: I
said, Thou art my aches from the death of love “But my God shall supply all days are coming. “Be of good
God.”(Psalm 31:14) ones due to the virus. Never- your need according to his courage, and he shall strength-
K JV theless, we have to know that riches in glory by Christ Je- en your heart, all ye that hope
Because the God is right there to comfort sus.” (Philippians 4:19) K JV in the LORD.”(Psalm 31:24)
world is confined, us while we comfort others While going through this K JV
people are anxious, who are going through tough COVID-19 season, our lives So be encouraged today and
uneasy, stressed times. So, hold on, better days may seem like they’re flipped always remember: It’s only for
and loosing track of are coming. “Who comforteth upside down, and we may not a season we’re going through.
themselves be- us in all our tribulation, that know where to turn or what to So, hold on, better days are
cause familiarity is we may be able to comfort do next. During these times, coming. “To every thing there
gone. Yet, we have them which are in any trouble, we have to Look up to Jesus is a season, and a time to every
to keep praying by the comfort wherewith we for help and hold on, better purpose under the heaven.”
and hold on be- ourselves are comforted of days are coming. “I will lift (Ecclesiastes 3:1) K JV
cause better days God.”(2 Corinthians 1:4) K JV up mine eyes unto the hills, Minister Sherry Ivy is a
are coming. “Be anxious for Things are tough right from whence cometh my Minister of The New Providence
nothing, but in everything by now, due to unemploy- help. My help comes from the M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke
prayer and supplication with ment sky-rocketing to over LORD, who made heaven and Destroying Ministry) in Macon
thanksgiving let your requests three-million claims filled in earth.”(Psalm 121:1-2) K JV Mississippi, under the lead-
be made known to God.”(Phi- just one week. Whereas, we It may seem like there is no ership of her husband, Pastor
lippians 4:6) NK JV have to hold on, God is going hope in sight. In spite of this, Willie J. Ivy Sr. You can con-
Some of us are going to supply us with what we we have to hold on to our hope tact her via email at minsivy@
through sorrow and heart- need. Better days are coming. in the Lord because better yahoo.com.

For our complete church directory listing, visit us online at www.cdispatch.com/religion

Due to local restrictions, churches likely have modified service types and hours. Please contact a church before attending a service.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is F eatured C hurch

“There is Liberty”
Ke nne th Mo ntg o m ery www.memorialgunterpeel.com
Proudly serving our community 716 Second Ave. N. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-4432
for over 30 years 903 College St. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-2354

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH — 7th St. and 2nd. Ave. N. Sunday morning services with social
distancing: 8:45 a.m. downtown location (Livestreamed on Facebook Columbus FBC), 9:30 a.m.,
10:15 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. services at First Baptist Church location on Bluecutt Road. Dr. Gary
Permenter, Interim Pastor. 662-328-3915 columbusfbc.org

If you would like your church to be the featured church of the week,
submit a photo by emailing it to community@cdispatch.com.
• RECYCLING SINCE 1956 • Photos should be horizontal and high quality.
Specializing in industrial accounts The Dispatch will publish photos at no charge as space permits.
662-328-8176 973 Island Rd. 1-800-759-8570

R Free Estimates
LER OO 1721 Hwy 45 N
EE FIN Licensed
& Insured Columbus, MS
W H INC. G ®

COMMERCIAL 662.848.0919
“A Family Business Since 1946” RESIDENTIAL Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
662-328-3625 • 662-328-7612 In Style. In Reach. Sunday 1pm-5pm

When Caring Counts... SHELTON’S TOWING, INC. TRINITY PLACE

2500 Military Road Suite 1
Columbus, MS
Since 1960 RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
662-328-7500 24 Hour Towing Offering independent living apartments, personal
westrealtycompany.com
WEST REALTY COMPANY care/assisted living suites, and a skilled nursing home
Don West, Broker/Owner FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY 1024 Gardner Blvd. 300 Airline Road • Columbus, MS • 327-6716
1131 Lehmberg Rd., Columbus • 662-328-1808 328-8277 “Our Bottom Line Is People”

Hunting • Fishing
Northeast Exterminating Working Or Stepping Out — We Have A Complete
Line Of Clothing For You And Your Family
If it Jimmy Linley • Richard Linley
LLC
Oktibbeha County Co-Op
crawls, Columbus
Check Out Our Boot & Cap Section
662-323-1742
call... 662-329-9992 201 Pollard Rd., Starkville

BRISLIN, INC. Insurance Services:

Young
Sales • Service • Installation Shelton Cleaners Personal
Auto Insurance Agency
Residential • Commercial • Industrial Home GEORGE F. YOUNG
Since 1956 3189 Hwy 45 N. • 328-5421 Commercial Office-662.570.1688
www.brislininc.com Final Expense Cell-662.251.3563
1702 6th St. N. • 328-5361 gfyoung08@gmail.com
4051 Military Road • 662-328-5814 1205 Gardner Blvd.,Columbus, MS

APAC-MISSISSIPPI, INC.
Michael Bogue & Employees
Lake Norris Rd. 328-6555

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC The McBryde Family

www.hydrovaconline.com 1120 Gardner Blvd. • 328-5776

Jarrett’s Towing This ad space can be yours

Wrecker Service for only $10 per week.
5209 N. Hwy 182 E. • Columbus, MS 39702
329-2447 We unlock Telephone: 662-327-1467 Call today 328-2424
If no answer 251-2448 cars P.O. Box 1278 • 1616 7th Ave. S., Columbus, MS 39703 to schedule your ad.

If you need to change your church’s online listing or would like to add
your church information, call 328-2424 or email changes to tinap@cdispatch.com
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 7B

SSunday
unday CComics
omics
8B SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Puzzles