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Thursday | March 11, 2021

Pharmacies join effort to administer COVID vaccine

As the COVID-19
vaccine becomes One-dose Johnson & Johnson ly Pharmacy No. 1 on Lehmberg Road and
Southern Drugs on Main Street offer the
increasingly avail-
able, several clinics shot becoming more widely Moderna vaccine and are about to start
administering the Johnson & Johnson/
and pharmacies in
the Golden Triangle available in Golden Triangle Janssen shot. Family Pharmacy No. 2 on
area are offering Highway 49 Frontage Road offers the Pfiz-
BY TYLER B. JONES
the vaccine to er-BioNTech and the Johnson & Johnson
tjones@cdispatch.com
eligible residents. vaccines.
Family Pharmacy As the COVID-19 vaccine becomes in- Those pharmacies will allow walk-in
No. 2 on Highway and drive-through patients with no appoint-
creasingly available, several clinics and
45 Frontage Road ment, but they must show they qualify.
in Columbus is
pharmacies in the Golden Triangle area are
offering the vaccine to eligible residents. “We’ve been seeing a lot of people come
administering the
Family Pharmacy No. 1, Family Phar- in for the vaccine ever since we got it,”
Pfizer-BioNTech and
Johnson & Johnson/ macy No. 2 and Southern Drugs are a few pharmacist Min Yung Sung of Family Phar-
Janssen vaccines. pharmacies in Columbus currently offering macy No. 2 said.
Tyler B. Jones/Dispatch Staff different types of the vaccine. Both Fami- See PHARMACIES, 3A

PLANTING AZALEAS Lowe’s assistant

manager
accused of
embezzlement
Corporate office reached
out to investigators
after finding several
irregularities at Military
Road store over past year
DISPATCH STAFF REPORT

An assistant man-
ager at Lowe’s Home
Improvement in Co-
lumbus has been ar-
rested for embezzle-
ment.
Columbus police
arrested Adam Wil-
liston, 31, of Colum- Williston
bus, on Tuesday. Police Chief Fred
Shelton confirmed Williston is an
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff assistant manager at the Military
Jasper Drouillard-Wagner, 3, helps his parents, Jill Drouillard and James Wagner clear out the flower bed at their home in Road store.
Columbus Monday afternoon. “We are putting down mulch and planting Azaleas,” Jill said. Officials at Lowe’s corporate of-
fice reached out to investigators af-
ter conducting an audit of the store
See EMBEZZLEMENT, 6A

Design plans for $12M Highway 182

project unveiled at open house
Revitalization will include landscaped
medians, enhanced pedestrian access
BY ZACK PLAIR
zplair@cdispatch.com
S TA R K-
V I L L E
— Henry
Vaughn has
lived near
Highway 182
all his life.
As a child, Vaughn
he said, he
and his friends would sit
by the highway and count
the cars that drove by.
By 2024, there will be a
lot more than passing cars
to count there if the city
has its way.
“It’s going to look a lot
different,” said Vaughn,
who serves as Ward 7 al-
derman. “Hopefully, we’ll
bring a lot more business
to this side of town.”
The city unveiled pre-
liminary design plans to
revitalize the segment
of the highway between
Long Street and Old West
Point Road at a pair of open
house events Wednesday
in the mayor’s confer-
ence room at City Hall.
Starkville has secured a
U.S. Department of Trans-
portation grant to pay for
80 percent of the estimat-
ed $12.66 million project
aiming to draw economic
development and increase
pedestrian access along
the corridor.
See HIGHWAY 182, 6A
CFR searching for new
safety educator to
raise public awareness
about fire safety
Position has been vacant
since November 2019
BY ISABELLE ALTMAN
ialtman@cdispatch.com
After nearly a year
and a half, Columbus
Fire and Rescue is
hiring a new public
fire and life safety ed-
ucator.
The position, for-
Zack Plair/Dispatch Staff merly held by CFR Andrews
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill explains to Rick Welch how a Public Information
rendering of a proposed revitalization project for the Highway Officer Anthony Colom who re-
182 corridor will impact Welch’s business, Rick’s Cafe. The city
tired in November 2019, is one of
unveiled the proposed design at an open house Wednesday at
City Hall. The $12.66 million project, 80 percent of which will the public faces for the fire depart-
come from a federal grant, should begin construction some time ment and oversees training and ed-
next year. See CFR, 6A

INSIDE FIVE QUESTIONS CALENDAR COMING SUNDAY PUBLIC

Business 5B 1 What 6’2” chef had her
Thursday, The Spring MEETINGS
Classifieds 6B kitchen countertops built two edition of Today: Colum-
Comics 4B
Crossword 6B
inches higher than the standard
height so she could work more
March 25 Progress
bus Municipal
■ Candidate fo- magazine
Dear Abby 4B comfortably? documents School Board, 4
rum: Hear Columbus
Obituaries 5A 2 What is an optometrist life inside
Opinions 4A concerned with — ears, eyes or municipal candidates p.m., Brandon
nose? at the 2021 Candidate a hospital Central Services
3 Who is not featured in the Forum at the Lyceum at during the
pandemic, March 12:
sculpture carved into Mount
WEATHER Rushmore — George Wash-
Lee (former Lee High
School). The event is features Lowndes County
ington, Benjamin Franklin or three inspired
76 Low 55 co-sponsored by The School District
Theodore Roosevelt? people and
High 4 In the film “Avatar,” what Dispatch and WCBI and
much more. Board, 12:30
Increasing clouds color are the beings in the Na’vi will follow a Q&A format
Find it in p.m., District
Full forecast on tribe, who populate the planet with a moderator. COVID
page 3A. Sunday’s Office
Pandora? precautions will be
5 On which Mediterranean island paper.
taken for a limited live March 15:
was Napoleon, Bonaparte born audience and the event
— Corsica, Sardinia or Corfu? Lowndes County
will be livestreamed
Supervisors, 9
Answers, 6B online by WCBI. Reserve
free tickets online at a.m., Court-
141st Year, No. 308 cdispatch.com/forum house

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Biden’s speech goals: Mourn

loss, urge caution, offer hope
President will ‘talk
about what we’ve been
through as a nation this
past year’ in his first
Congress approves $1.9 trillion virus
relief bill in win for Biden, Democrats
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

prime-time address
since taking office
BY ZEKE MILLER
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Marking a
year of loss and disruption, Pres-
ident Joe Biden will use his first
prime-time address since taking of-
fice to steer the nation toward a hun-
gered-for sentiment — hope — in
the “next phase” of the fight against
the pandemic that has killed more
than 529,000 Americans.
Previewing his remarks, Biden
said he would “talk about what
we’ve been through as a nation this
past year, but more importantly,
I’m going to talk about what comes
next.”
Biden’s challenge Thursday
night will be to honor the sacri-
fices made by Americans over the
last year while encouraging them
to remain vigilant despite “virus
fatigue” and growing impatience
to resume normal activities given
the tantalizing promise of vaccines.
Speaking on the one-year anniver-
sary of the World Health Organi-
zation’s declaration of a pandemic,
he’ll mourn the dead, but also proj-
ect optimism about the future.
“This is a chance for him to really
beam into everybody’s living rooms
WASHINGTON — A Congress riven along party lines has approved
the landmark $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, as President Joe Biden
and Democrats claimed a major triumph on legislation marshaling the
government’s spending might against twin pandemic and economic cri-
ses that have upended a nation.
The House gave final congressional approval Wednesday to the
sweeping package by a near party line 220-211 vote precisely seven
weeks after Biden entered the White House and four days after the Sen-
ate passed the bill. Republicans in both chambers opposed the legisla-
tion unanimously, characterizing it as bloated, crammed with liberal
policies and heedless of signs the crises are easing.
“Help is here,” Biden tweeted moments after the roll call, which end-
ed with applause from Democratic lawmakers. Biden said he’d sign the
measure Friday.
and to be both the mourner in chief Disease Control and Prevention re-
and to explain how he’s leading the leased initial guidance for how vac-
country out of this,” said presiden- cinated people can resume some
tial historian and Rice University normal activities. On Wednesday,
professor Douglas Brinkley.
Congress approved the president’s
“This is a big moment,” Brin- $1.9 trillion “American Rescue
kley added. “He’s got to win over
Plan,” aimed at easing the econom-
hearts and minds for people to stay ic impact of the virus on tens of
masked and get vaccinated, but
millions of people. And the nation
also recognize that after the last
was on pace to administer its 100
year, the federal government hasn’t
millionth dose of vaccine as soon as
forgotten you.”
Biden’s evening remarks in the Thursday.
East Room are central to a pivotal Biden said he would focus his
week for the president as he ad- remarks on what his administra-
dresses the defining challenge of tion plans to deliver in the coming
his term: shepherding the nation months, but also reiterate his call
through the twin public health and for Americans to continue to prac-
economic storms brought about by tice social distancing and wear face
the virus. coverings to hasten the end of the
On Monday, the Centers for pandemic.

Senate confirms Merrick Garland to be US attorney general

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Garland will now inher- Trump’s presidency, At- the department’s probe
it a Justice Department torney General William into his campaign’s ties
WASHINGTON — The embattled by a turbulent Barr resigned after refut- to Russia, prompted abun-
Senate confirmed Merrick era under Trump, who ing Trump’s false claims dant criticism from Dem-
Garland on Wednesday to insisted that the attorney that widespread electoral ocrats over what they saw
be the next U.S. attorney general and the depart- fraud had led to his defeat. as the politicizing of the
general with a strong bi- ment must be loyal to Trump’s pressure on nation’s top law enforce-
partisan vote, placing the him personally, battering officials, particularly on ment agencies.
widely-respected, veteran the department’s reputa- Barr and former Attorney
judge in the post as Pres- tion. In the last month of General Jeff Sessions over
ident Joe Biden has vowed
to restore the Justice De-
partment’s reputation for
independence.
Democrats have
praised Garland, a federal
appeals court judge who
was snubbed by Repub-
licans for a seat on the
Supreme Court in 2016,
as a highly qualified and
honorable jurist who is
uniquely qualified to lead
the department after a tu-
multuous four years under
former President Donald
Trump. Many Republi-
cans praised him as well,
saying he has the right
record and temperament
for the moment. He was
confirmed 70-30.

Jury selection
resumes as Chauvin
faces possible
new charge
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

MINNEAPOLIS —
Potential jurors in Derek
Chauvin’s murder trial
return Thursday to con-
tinue a selection process
moving more quickly than
expected. Meanwhile, the
former policeman charged
in George Floyd’s death
faced the prospect of an
additional third-degree
murder charge.
Five jurors have been
seated after just two days
of screening by attorneys
and Judge Peter Cahill,
who had set aside at least
three weeks to fill the pan-
el.
Cahill was expected to
start Thursday’s proceed-
ing by discussing next
steps in the state’s effort
to add a third-degree mur-
der charge. Cahill rejected
the charge twice before
an appellate ruling in an
unrelated case provided
new grounds for it right
before the trial began. On
Wednesday, the state’s
Supreme Court rejected
Chauvin’s effort to block
the charge.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 3A

Mississippi House nixes change to tourism promotion

Gov. Reeves scheduled to sign bill banning transgender
athletes from competing in girls’ or women’s sports teams
in schools, community colleges and universities today
BY EMILY
WAGSTER PET TUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — The Mis-
sissippi House has killed
a bill that would have cre-
ated a state Department
of Tourism. Republican
Lt. Gov. Delbert Hose-
mann and the Senate had
proposed taking tourism
promotion duties away
from Mississippi Develop-
ment Authority, the state
agency that works on job
creation.
The tourism bill was
among the proposals that
died under the latest leg-
islative deadline.
Wednesday was the
last day for Mississippi
House and Senate to con-
sider general bills and
constitutional amend-
ments that had already
passed the other cham-
ber. Some bills will go
to the governor. Bills
that were amended and
passed will return to their
original chamber, which
could either accept the
amendments or seek final
negotiations. There are
later deadlines for budget
and revenue bills.
Here is the status of
some general bills:
Gone to the governor
TR A NSGENDER
ATHLETES — Senate
Bill 2536 would ban trans-
gender athletes from
competing in girls’ or
women’s sports teams in
Mississippi schools, com-
munity colleges and uni-
versities. Republican Gov.
Tate Reeves is scheduled
to sign it Thursday.
Alive
ALCOHOL — House
Bill 1135 and Senate Bill
2804 would allow home
delivery of beer, wine and
liquor.
COLLEGE ATH-
LETES — Senate Bill
2313 would allow college
athletes to be compensat-
ed for their own name, im-
age and likeness.
COMPUTER SCI-
ENCE — House Bill 633
would require the state
Department of Education
to set a computer sci-
ence curriculum for K-12
schools.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
— House Bill 525 and Sen-
ate Bill 2795 would revise
some rules for parole.
ELECTRIC BICY-
CLES — Senate Bill 2483
says electric bicycles
would not be regulated as
motor vehicles.
GUNS — Senate Bill
2107 would prevent cities
and counties from having
contracts or rental agree-
ments that restrict pos-
session, sale or transport
of firearms or ammuni-
tion. It also would prevent
many state agencies from
putting restrictions on
guns; exceptions would
be allowed for courts, uni-
versities, community col-
leges and schools. House
Bill 634 is similar.
HIGHWAY PATROL
— Senate Bill 2788
would give the Highway
Patrol more authority
to respond to speeding,
blocked highways or oth-
er emergencies. The bill
would remove the cur-
rent ban on the Highway
Patrol’s use of radar to
detect speeding in cities
with a population of at
least 15,000.
OUTDOORS — House
Bill 1231 would create
the Mississippi Outdoor
Stewardship Trust Fund
to pay for conservation
projects.
PECANS — Senate
Bill 2072 would create a
committee to study “to
maximize the benefits”
of pecan harvesting. This
is a change from the orig-
inal version of the bill,
which proposed stricter
penalties for stealing pe-
cans.
POLICE — Senate Bill
2434 would make Capitol
Police a part of the De-
partment of Public Safety,
giving the state more po-
lice power inside parts of
the city of Jackson where
state government build-
ings are located.
REVENGE PORN —
Senate Bill 2121 would
set penalties for people
who share intimate visual
material of another per-
son without that person’s
permission and with the
intent to cause harm.
TEACHER PAY —
The Senate amended
House Bill 852 to give
most teachers a $1,000
pay raise. Newer teachers
would get $1,100. The bill
returns to the House.
TRIBAL IDENTIFI-
CATION — House Bill
277 would add tribal iden-
tification, with photo, to
the list of legally accept-
able IDs for many trans-
actions in the state.
Dead
BIRTH CERTIFI-
CATE — Senate Bill 2205
would have allowed any
adopted person to obtain
a certified copy of his or
her original birth cer-
tificate at least 18 years
after the certificate is is-
sued.
HISTORY BOARD —
Senate Bill 2727 would
have changed the nomi-
nation process state De-
partment of Archives and
History board members.
Historians criticized the
proposal, saying that hav-
ing nominations from the
governor and lieutenant
governor could politicize
the board. Under the cur-
rent system, the board’s
members nominate new
members.
TOURISM — Senate
Bill 2820 would have cre-
ated a state Department
of Tourism.

Music? Yes. Dancing? No, as New Orleans eases virus rules

New rules take effect Friday morning
BY KEVIN MCGILL
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS —
Live indoor music can
resume in New Orleans
beginning this weekend,
city officials announced
Wednesday, but dancing
will remain prohibited,
while venues, performers
and audiences will be un-
der strict requirements to
employ measures to con-
trol the spread of the coro-
navirus.
The new rules take ef-
fect Friday morning, in re-
sponse to a decline of new
coronavirus cases and
hospitalizations in the city.
It was not immediately
clear how many bars and
other live music venues
will be able to meet them
and begin hosting live en-
tertainment again in a city
where music is ingrained
in cultural history and vi-
tal to tourism.
Brian Greenberg, gen-
eral manager of Tipitina’s,
said he thinks the historic
music club and bar may be
able to pull it off, although
not right away. “We have
a floor plan that we’ve al-
ready mapped out,” he said
Wednesday afternoon.
“We’re a big room, so we
have that advantage.”
Greenberg added that
he and the bar’s owners
and staff still need to re-
view the extensive regu-
lations, which are based
on guidelines already in
effect statewide. They re-
quire mask wearing, social
distancing, proper ven-
tilation and also include
details on when singers
are required to wear face
coverings and how trum-
pet players should empty
their spit valves.

Pharmacies
Continued from Page 1A
While the vaccine is
not available to the gener-
al public right now, those
who do qualify include
teachers, first respond-
ers, adults ages 50 or
older, anyone 16-49 with
certain underlying health
conditions, long-term
care facility residents
and staff and health care
workers. Sung said the
vaccine is gradually be-
coming available for the
public and soon every-
body will be able to get it.
“It started at age 65
and now it’s 50,” Sung
said. “Eventually, it’ll be
everybody.”
The Pfizer and Moder-
na vaccines require two
doses with the Pfizer vac-
cines being three to six
weeks apart and Moderna
four to six weeks apart.
The Johnson & Johnson
vaccine requires only one
dose.
The Johnson & John-
son vaccine became avail-
able only a few weeks ago,
and people have been
questioning its efficacy
compared to the other
two vaccines, Pharma-
cist Bo Burton of Family
Pharmacy No. 1 said. He
said he believes any of the
three vaccines are effec-
tive, but all have their own
strengths.
“The other vaccines
have a higher efficacy,
but the Johnson & John-
son one is the only one
that is compared to newer
strains,” Burton said. “All
of them are good, and any
coverage is good cover-
age.”
The Johnson & John-
son vaccination is the
easiest option for some
people, Burton said, be-
cause they do not have to
worry about scheduling
an appointment for their
second dose. He said he
has seen many business-
es utilizing this option.
“We got the Johnson
& Johnson shot so that if
employers want to send
their employees up here,
they just send them one
time and don’t have to
worry about everybody
being up here again af-
ter that 28 days,” Burton
said. “It will make it easier
on companies.”
The side effects from
the vaccines vary by per-
son, he said. Some people
may endure headaches,
chills, fever or other
symptoms, while others
may not experience any
side effects. The Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention website has
a list of potential side ef-
fects for each kind of vac-
cine.
People can refer to the
Mississippi Department
of Health website and find
out which locations are
administering the vac-
cination in each county.
Eligible Mississippi res-
idents can be vaccinated
at MSDH drive-through
sites and selected clinics
and pharmacies.
Burton said he and
Family Pharmacy No. 1
are administering this
vaccine because they
want to bring COVID-19
to an end and believe that
anyone who is eligible
should get the vaccine.
“It is something that
we feel like we need to
be doing,” Burton said.
“We’re just trying to help
the elderly, the first re-
sponders, anybody that
feels like it will help them
feel safe.”

BUILDING PERMITS
City of Columbus
March 1-5, 2021
■ CRIBS LLC; 116 Crestwood
Drive; repair soffit/fascia
boards; YR Construction
■ William Greenlaw; 220 Union
Drive; move mobile home;
Chester McNairy
■ Lee and Peter Tortorici;
1219 3rd Avenue North; sec-
ond floor addition; same
■ Bank of Vernon; 420 Ala-
bama Street; signs; Mid-South
Signs
■ Boyce and Donna Adams;
2005 Seminole Road; Addition;
Harrell General Contractors
■ Ustor Inside LLC; 304 5th
Street South; Fire sprinkler
Mark Thompson Electric
■ Lee and Peter Tortorici;
1219 3rd Avenue North; me-
chanical; same
■ Patricia L. Winters; 101
Waverly Road; plumbing; P & H
Plumbing
■ Hugh Edmonds Motel Inc et
al; 2051 Highway 45 North;
plumbing; A & H Electrical &
Refrigeration LLC
■ Jimmy Stephenson; 2324
5th Avenue South; plumbing; P
& H Plumbing
■ Ross Whitman and Holleen
Krogh; 201 3rd Avenue South;
plumbing; Truesdale Plumbing
Lowndes County
■ Amber Cooke; 4678 Highway
69 S.; move mobile home;
Alan’s Mobile Home
■ Chad and Amber Bradley;
Lot 186 New Hope Park; con-
struct s/f residence; McNees
Construction
■ Jami Harvey Dodd; 3594
Highway 373; remodel s/f
residence; Renovation of
Mississippi
■ George Mounce; 1485 main
St.; construct storage/shop;
owner
■ Elija Jameson; 49 Sweden-
burg Road; construct storage/
shop; owner
■ Terry Taylor; 7057 highway
12 E; enclose pole barn; owner
■ Keith and Chrissy Heard;
SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates

installation; P&M Auto Fire March 10, 2021 1822 Stinson Creek Road;
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Thurs. Fri.
Major — 12:34a
Protection Inc. ■ Willie Brewer; 725 Porter construct pool house and pool; Minor 7:10a 7:43a
■ Cassandra Roberts; 124 Road; set up mobile home; Precision Pools and Construc- Major 12:10p 12:56p
Minor 6:15p 7:13p
Airline Road; electrical; Mark owner tion Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Thompson Electric ■ Willie Brewer; 725 Porter ■ Jay Gallop; 425 Herchel

■ Bobby Stewart; 203 McHall
Drive; electrical; same
■ Donald Staats; 2206 Bluec-
utt Road; electrical; Weathers
Electric Inc.
■ David Gatewood; 209 17th
Street South; electrical; Mark
Thompson Electric
■ MCD Properties LLC; 34,
Glenwood Drive; electrical;
Road; move mobile home; Mills
Home Center
■ Kaylee Bush; Williams Road;
set up mobile home; owner
■ Kaylee Bush; Williams Road;
move mobile home; Mills
Home Center
■ Amber Cooke; 4678 Highway
69 S.; set up mobile home;
Pounder’s Electric
Gallop Road; construct s/f
residence; owner
■ Fernando Phillips; Hwy 45 N.
Alt.; construct s/f residence;
owner
■ Demorris McCoy; 37
Constable Lane; construct s/f
residence; David Malone
■ Marty Dees; Dodson Road;
construct s/f residence; owner
The Dispatch
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Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
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Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
Opinion
4A THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
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

For the mayor, we wish for a speedy recovery and for more clarity
W
ednesday morning,
Columbus May-
or Robert Smith
released a statement on his
health.
It turned out to be a lot
like ordering a meal at a bad
restaurant: It arrived late and
there wasn’t much to it when it
got there.
We acknowledge the sen-
sitive nature of this matter.
Americans, even when they
are public officials, have an
expectation of privacy, espe-
cially when it relates to health
matters. There are few rights
guarded more rigidly in our
society than the privacy of a
person’s medical information.
Elected officials do not forfeit
those rights.
Yet, because these officials
perform the public’s work,
we believe it is important for
them to share more informa-
tion than might be expected of
a private citizen. Citizens need
to know if the people they
have entrusted to do the pub-
lic’s bidding are capable of the
task at hand or can reasonably
be expected to perform those
duties in the future and, if so,
when. This goes well beyond
morbid curiosity.
The mayor’s statement did
little to enlighten us on those
relevant questions.
On Feb. 21, the mayor was
admitted into Baptist Memo-
rial Hospital-Golden Triangle,
where he was treated for
12 hours. Vice mayor Bill
Gavin has assumed mayoral
duties since shortly after
that time. Although Smith
has issued brief responses to
questions about news items,
until Wednesday, he had not
addressed his health.
Seventeen days after being
admitted to the hospital, the
mayor released a tree-sen-
tence statement. It read:
“I continue to recover at
home from health-related
issues until further notice.
I am still under the care of
my doctor. My family and I
are most appreciative for the
prayers and well wishes we
have received during this
time.”
Unfortunately, the state-
ment shed no light on the
prospect of him being able to
resume his duties or -- per-
haps as important -- whether
he intends to continue his
campaign for reelection.
There has also been spec-
ulation the mayor suffered a
stroke or heart attack, though
Gavin has said publicly he
doesn’t believe Smith is recov-
ering from either.
A more forthright state-
ment would have done much
to set the record straight on
those matters.
Wednesday’s statement
does nothing to end those
rumors, a situation that bene-
fits neither the mayor nor his
constituents.
No doubt, the mayor has
the thoughts, prayer and
well-wishes of all citizens for a
quick and full recovery.
In the meantime, we en-
courage the mayor to keep the
public informed on his status
for the benefit of a concerned
community.

OTHER EDITORS CARTOONIST VIEW

Ruling could endanger
campus speech restrictions
The dubious principles be-
hind campus speech restrictions
have rapidly proliferated outside
the university in recent times as
part of the new fashionable woke
authoritarianism. Ironically,
such limits on free expression
may soon be eradicated on cam-
pus even as they further infest
American culture at large.
On Monday, the U.S. Supreme
Court issued a ruling in a Geor-
gia case that potentially grants
standing to thousands of college
students to challenge the con-
stitutionality of campus speech
rules. That, in turn, could force
universities to rethink such
policies or risk an increasing
number of lawsuits and addition-
al financial liability.
The case involved Chike
Uzuegbunam, who in 2016 was
a student at Georgia Gwinnett
College when school officials
designated two small locations
as “free speech expression
areas.” The designated spots
— which amounted to less
than two-tenths of 1 percent
of the school’s total property,
his lawyers calculated — were
available “only on weekdays and
only for four hours on most days
and two on Fridays,” The New
York Times reported. “Students
could reserve them once every
30 days.”
Mr. Uzuegbunam sought to
secure one of the locations to THE NATION
preach to students about his
evangelical faith. But … wait for
it … some students complained
about even this minor concession
Cultural outrage
T
to the First Amendment, and the oday, we live in a with hip hop of the most are next in the long line of things to be
police eventually told him he was society where we rank order. canceled by the progressive left, as ap-
allowed only to hand out liter- seem to sprint from If you aren’t sure what parently six of them will no longer be
ature or talk to others one-on- one manufactured cultural I’m talking about, I’m re- published due to “insensitive imagery.”
one. As the Times put it, “Public outrage to the next. The ferring to a “song” dubbed Are you kidding me?
speaking in a free speech zone, goal posts seem to keep “WAP” by Cardi B and Singing about sexual acts of the
the officer said, amounted to moving regarding what’s Megan Thee Stallion. I highest raunch factor is considered
disorderly conduct.” appropriate and what’s won’t elaborate on what the artistic expression and yet a children’s
You can’t make this stuff up. not, and frankly, it’s quite acronym stands for because book that has served up timeless sto-
Mr. Uzuegbunam sued. The exhausting. kids might read this as well ries that have been read to hundreds of
college gave a half-hearted de- But that’s what the left as adults. If you haven’t thousands of children is now verboten?
fense of its hostility to the Bill of wants: a numbing of tradi- listened to the “song,” don’t On what grounds? Let’s not forget that
Rights, actually arguing, accord- tional virtues and the de- Armstrong Williams bother, seriously. It is gar- some of Dr. Seuss’ books have been
ing to the Times, that promoting grading of the conservative bage of the lowest form and converted into movies such as “Dr.
Christianity on campus could
violate the “fighting words” doc-
values that used to define
who we are so that the pro-
The breakdown to call it music is absolutely
embarrassing. Yet somehow
Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christ-
mas,” which have made the liberals of
trine. But the school eventually
relented and dropped the policy,
gressives can continue their
march toward situational
and dismissing this salacious “song” has re-
ceived accolades across the
Hollywood millions of dollars. It would
actually be pretty comical to watch
arguing that this made the ethics. If it feels right, thenof well- music spectrum, reaching the hypocrisy if it weren’t so sad to
student’s lawsuit moot. A federal do it; if it offends even one recognition not unlike that see what it’s doing to the fabric of this
appeals court agreed, but the person it must be canceled established which the song of the year beautiful and diverse nation.
Supreme Court held that even a and excommunicated from might achieve. Further- Let’s hypothesize for a second that
request for nominal damages in society. What’s worse? Fail- cultural norms more, this song is readily the canceling of these six books is
a case involving a core constitu- ure to jump on the cancel accessible to children of all actually driven by an underlying racist
tional right is enough to allow culture band wagon could is exactly how ages as it is aired on FM innuendo. Well, what’s more racist
the controversy to be adjudicated be detrimental to you, your radio and satellite radio than a song that wantonly flings the
as long as the plaintiff meets a career, your business or institutions across the nation. To put N-word around and that talks about the
handful of other conditions. your family. how ridiculous this is in per- forced submission of Black women?
“That should have colleges The breakdown and dis- break down spective, let’s keep in mind It literally does not make sense, and I
missing of well-established that the progressive left haven’t seen one person successfully
and universities very, very
worried — and might be the cultural norms is exactly and how demanded that the Christ- rationalize supporting the song “WAP”
first real set of consequences
for academia after decades of
how institutions break
down and how countries
countries mas classic “Baby, It’s Cold
Outside” be taken off the air
while also supporting the canceling of
Dr. Seuss. I really don’t get it and you
forcing speech codes and silence
on their students,” noted blogger
collapse. The path that we
are snowballing down needs
collapse. as it was deemed sexist.
Most recently, the de-
shouldn’t either. But, perhaps this is
what the twisted entertainment guild
Ed Morrissey on hotair.com. to be arrested if America is to continue ranged left-wing mob has set their eyes wants: for decent families to be so
“Just the added risk of ending to exist. Most reasonable Americans, on the incredible Dr. Seuss. Yes, you exasperated that they just throw their
up in federal court might be whether on the left or the right of the read that correctly, one of the most im- hands up and tune out. But I would ar-
enough of an incentive to force political spectrum, certainly see how pactful childhood authors of all time. gue that’s the first step toward license
these universities and colleges to outrageous the progressive movement So iconic that both former first lady for this infectious disease to continue
recalculate risk and reward.” is becoming. How can they not? Take, Michelle Obama and former President festering and spreading.
The practical effect of Mon- for example, the latest manifestation of Barack Obama could be seen reading Armstrong Williams is an American
day’s ruling will be to bolster this cultural slide toward Gomorrah, his texts to children from the White political commentator, entrepreneur,
the First Amendment and other which contrasts the iconic Dr. Seuss House. Now it looks like these books author, and talk show host.
constitutional protections. Let’s
hope that becomes a pattern as

Make Your Voice Heard

the justices roll out more deci-
sions before recessing in June.
Las Vegas Review-Journal
(March 8) Write The Dispatch: voice@cdispatch.com
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 5A

COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
OBITUARY POLICY
Obituaries with basic informa-
tion including visitation and
service times, are provided
free of charge. Extended
obituaries with a photograph,
detailed biographical informa-
tion and other details families
may wish to include, are avail-
able for a fee. Obituaries must
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publication. For more informa-
tion, call 662-328-2471.
Sharon Cooper
MACON — Sharon
Taylor Cooper, 79, died
March 8, 2021, at Nox-
ubee County Nursing
Home.
Graveside services
will be at 11 a.m. Sat-
urday, at Oddfellows
Cemetery, with Andy
Pearson officiating.
Cockrell Funeral Home
of Macon is in charge
of arrangements.
Mrs. Cooper was
born Oct. 28, 1941, to
the late Lillian Faye
Stroh Taylor and Verne
L. “V.L.” Taylor. She
attended Noxubee
County Schools and
was formerly employed
at Fun Fashion. She
was a member of First
United Methodist
Church.
In addition to her
parents, she was
preceded in death by
her husband, Larry
Cooper.
She is survived by
AREA OBITUARIES
her children, Melinda
Pimentel of Mariet-
ta, Georgia, Melanie
Dinsmore of Macon,
Marisa Ward of Katy,
Texas and Mike Coo-
per of Macon; sister,
Linda Taylor of Mesa,
Arizona; eight grand-
children; and eight
great-grandchildren.
Sallie Oglesby
STURGIS — Sal-
lie Mae Scarbrough
Oglesby, 80, died
March 8, 2021.
Funeral services
will be at 11 a.m.
Friday, at Friendship
Baptist Church, with
Junior Davis, Jeremy
McCory and Tri Nason
officiating. Burial will
follow at Craig Springs
Cemetery. Visitation
will be one hour prior
to services at the
church. Welch Funeral
Home of Starkville is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mrs. Oglesby was
born July 21, 1940, in
Ocala, Florida, to the
late Charlie and Lode-
an Scarbrough. She
was a graduate of St-
urgis High School and
was formerly employed
in retail, as owner of L
& S Grocery and as a
seamstress. She was a
member of Friendship
Baptist Church.
In addition to her
parents, she was pre-
ceded in death by her
siblings, Johnny Scar-
brough, Wylie Scar-
brough, Sylvia Jean
and an infant brother.
She is survived by
her husband, Lavern
Oglesby; children,
Jackie Nason, Benny
Oglesby and Marie
McClendon all of
Sturgis; 10 grandchil-
dren; siblings, Billy
Scarbrough, Charles
Scarbrough both of
Starkville and Irene
Ray of Sturgis; and 14
great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be
Ben Oglesby, Lane Mc-
Clendon, Josh Crocker,
Trace Kinard, Tyler
Fulgham, Brad and
Wayne Scarbrough,
Daniel and Heath Ray.
Memorials may be
made to St. Jude Hospi-
tal, 262 Danny Thomas
Place, Memphis, TN
38105.
Lawrence Hill
STARKVILLE —
Lawrence “Larry” J.
Hill, 83, died March 5,
2021.
No services are
planned at this time.
Welch Funeral Home of
Starkville is in charge
of arrangements.
Mr. Hill was a
graduate of Mississippi
State University and
was formerly employed
in the Engineering De-
partment as Assistant
Dean at MSU.
He is survived by his
sister, Linda Grott.
Memorial may be
made to the Hope
Lodge at 1104 Ireland
Way, Birmingham, AL
35205-7001.
Eva Minor
STARKVILLE —
Eva Mae Minor, 84,
died March 4, 2021.
Graveside services
will be at 1 p.m. Friday,
at Ebenezer Cemetery.
Visitation is from 1-6
p.m. today, at West
Memorial Chapel. West
Memorial Funeral
Home of Starkville is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Helen Willis
Graveside Services:
Saturday, March 13 • 1 PM
Blaylock Cemetery
College St. Location

AP-NORC poll: 1 in 5 in US lost someone close in pandemic Henry Weiss

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Associated Press-NORC
Center for Public Affairs
WASHINGTON — Research illustrates how
About 1 in 5 Americans the stage is set for a two-
say they lost a relative or tiered recovery. The pub-
close friend to the corona- lic’s worry about the virus
virus, highlighting the di- has dropped to its lowest
vision between heartache
point since the fall, before
and hope as the country the holidays brought sky-
itches to get back to nor- rocketing cases into the
mal a year into the pan- new year.
demic. But people still in
A new poll from The mourning express frus-
tration at the continued
struggle to stay safe.
“We didn’t have a
chance to grieve. It’s al-
most like it happened
yesterday for us. It’s still
fresh,” said Nettie Parks
of Volusia County, Flor-
ida, whose only brother
died of COVID-19 last
April. Because of travel
restrictions, Parks and
her five sisters have yet to
hold a memorial.
Parks, 60, said she re-
tired from her customer
service job last year in part
because of worry about
workplace exposure, and
now she is watching with
dread as more states and
cities relax health rules.
Only about 3 in 10
Americans are very wor-
ried about themselves or
a family member being
Graveside Services:
Thursday, March 11 • 11 AM
Friendship Cemetery
infected with the virus, 2nd Ave. N. Location
down from about 4 in 10
in recent months. Still, a Kathy Smith
majority are at least some- Private Memorial Services:
what worried. Held at a Later Date.
2nd Ave. N. Location
“They’re letting their
guard down and they
shouldn’t,” Parks said.
“People are going to have memorialgunterpeel.com
to realize this thing is not
going anywhere. It’s not
over.”

Will the coronavirus ever go away?
BY CHRISTINA LARSON
AP Science Writer
WASHINGTON — demic could also offer
Will the coronavirus ever
go away?
No one knows for sure.
Scientists think the virus
that causes COVID-19
may be with us for de-
Other viruses have fol-
lowed a similar path.
The 1918 flu pan-
clues about the course of
COVID-19.
The U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Pre-
vention estimates that a
third of the world’s pop-
mutations cause more se-
vere disease or evade vac-
cines.
It’s unlikely the virus
will ever be completely
stamped out, given the
possibility that people
might be able to get re-
infected after they’ve al-
ready been sick or vacci-
nated.
The only virus that’s
ever been eradicated from
the human population is
smallpox. That’s because
people develop lasting im-
munity to that virus after
getting sick or vaccinated.
Marsha Westberry
Marsha Ann (Bellomy)
Westberry, 71, of Columbus,
MS, passed away Saturday,
March 6, 2021, at St. Vincent’s
Birmingham (Alabama).
Visitation will be Friday,
March 12, from noon to 1 PM
at Lowndes Funeral Home,
Columbus, MS. Funeral service
will be Friday, March 12, at 1
PM in the Lowndes Funeral
Home Chapel with Rev. James Black officiating.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, March

cades or longer, but that
doesn’t mean it will keep
posing the same threat.
The virus emerged in
late 2019 and it’s difficult
to predict how it will be-
have over the long term.
But many experts believe
it’s likely the disease will
eventually ease from a cri-
sis to a nuisance like the
common cold.
That would happen as
people build up immunity
over time, either through
infection or vaccination.
ulation became infected
with that virus, which
originated in birds. Even-
tually, after infected peo-
ple either died or devel-
oped immunity, the virus
stopped spreading quick-
ly. It later mutated into a
less virulent form, which
experts say continues to
circulate seasonally.
However, the emer-
gence of new COVID-19
variants could complicate
the picture if future virus
Thomas Stone
Thomas Edward Stone, 68,
of Columbus, MS passed away
Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Bap-
tist Memorial Hospital, GT.
A visitation will be Friday,
March 12, 2021, from 10:00-
11:00 AM at Lowndes Funeral
Home. A service will follow at
11:00 AM in the Chapel with
Bro. David Coleman officiating.
Interment will be in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Co-
lumbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home direct-
ing.
Mr. Stone was born on September 27, 1952,
in Henderson, KY to the late Betty Cobb Stone
and Thomas Edward Stone, Sr. He was a mem-
ber of Mt. Vernon Church. Mr. Stone worked for
Columbus Police Aux. and was known as Chief
Stone, he worked at Eurocopter as a Sr. Electrical
Tech. and worked at Clark Vending as a service
tech. for many years. He was a member of Sons of
the American Legion, The River Rats BBQ com-
petition cooking team. Mr. Stone loved going to
his grandson’s baseball games and anything they
were involved with and enjoyed playing cards
with his buddies.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Stone is preced-
ed in death by his sisters, Martha Evans and Lisa
Hall; and his step-mother, Joyce Stone.
Mr. Stone is survived by his wife, Yvonne
Bibee Stone of Columbus, MS; son, Shawn (Cal-
lie) Stone of Columbus, MS; daughter, Kimberly
(Sam Latham) Knight of Evansville, IN; grand-
children, John Thomas “JT” Stone, Thaxton
Edward “Thax” Stone, Samuel McClue “Sam”
Stone, Kendra Scott, Kevin Rutter and Kayla
Roach; nine great-grandchildren; sisters, Bar-
bara Eichen, Charlotte Heid and Dena Martin;
brother, Glenn Stone; step-brother, David Odom;
and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Sims, David
Odom, John Allen, Jay Johnson, Bruce Shaw,
Richie Price, Glenn Baldwin and Blake Parker.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. John Griffin,
Dr. John Whitecar, Dr. Amber Borden, Dr. James
Woodard, Dr. Peter Tofts, Dr. John King, Staff of
Kindred Home Health, Members of the Sons of
American Legion, Doug Hill, Kenny Sigafose,
Ed Humphreys, Johnny McDill, Jerry Gibson,
Claude Carter and Jim Parsons.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer
Society 1380 Livingston Lane Jackson, MS 39213
or American Heart Association P.O. Box 16808
Jackson, MS 39236.
13, at 2 PM at Liberty Cemetery in Scottsboro,
AL.
Mrs. Westberry was born August 25, 1949, in
Scottsboro, AL, to the late Catherine (Brandon)
and Warren Bellomy. She married Charles
Westberry on August 7, 1976, in Scottsboro,
AL. After graduating from Jacksonville State
University in Jacksonville, AL, she continued a
lifelong interest in history and political science.
She spent much of her 20s as an avid recreational
tennis player and would spend many hours on the
court each week. Later in life, hobbies included
5k races with her husband, Charles, throughout
Mississippi. She loved traveling with him for
these races, with her favorite being on the coast
in Pass Christian. Mrs. Westberry worked
several places during her career, including her
all-time favorite job as an administrative assistant
at insurance adjusting company Moody and
Associates. In addition to her career, she also
found joy in attending church. She was a member
of Covenant United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Westberry absolutely loved every moment
spent with her two granddaughters, Avery and
Sinclaire. One of her traditions was traveling to
Indiana in December to watch the girls in their
annual school Christmas program. She was a
huge animal lover and treasured her time with
her horses and beloved Balinese cat, Snow.
Though not much of a television enthusiast, Mrs.
Westberry spent many years enjoying late-night
shows hosted by Jay Leno and Jimmy Fallon and
adored Leno’s recurring “Headlines” feature.
Besides devoting much time to the Bible, books
on history and myriad other selections, she also
loved fiction by Jan Karon and Fannie Flagg.
Mrs. Westberry is survived by her daughter,
Heather (Dominik) Fuhrmann of Georgetown,
IN; and granddaughters, Avery and Sinclaire.
She was preceded in death by her husband,
Charles Westberry; parents, Catherine
(Brandon) and Warren Bellomy; and sister,
Kathy.
Pallbearers will be Dominik Fuhrmann, Doug
Hodges, Mike Kirkland, Michael Kirkland, Jr.,
Terry Sapp, Jim Sentell, Mike Soistman and
Dwayne Wilkerson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Noah
Fitzpatrick, Mike Logan and Andrew Sapp.
Memorials may be made to The College
of Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State
University, P.O. Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS
39762.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net

Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home cdispatch.com
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
6A THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
Highway 182
Continued from Page 1A
Mayor Lynn Spruill
said the project’s main
goal is to convert a “blight-
ed area” to a place that
ties well with the city’s
“downtown core.”
“All of that area is
ripe for redevelopment,”
Spruill said.
“It has so
much po-
tential, and
we want to
realize that
potential. …
Now, peo-
ple are just Spruill
simply pass-
ing through
there. We
want them
to stop and
engage.”
D e -
sign plans,
which City Kemp
Engineer
Edward Kemp said were
roughly 65-percent com-
plete, must obtain MDOT
and federal approval by
August.
From there, most
above-ground infrastruc-
ture — mostly utilities
and communications —
will move underground.
Spruill said starting
construction in 2022
could see it complete by
2024.
The design
A rendering that
stretched nearly the
length of the conference
room showed the pro-
posed changes to the
roughly mile stretch of
182, as members of the
Kimley Horn team that
designed it stood by to
speak with any business
owners or citizens who
had questions as they fil-
tered through.
CFR
Continued from Page 1A
ucation initiatives for the
public, CFR Chief Martin
Andrews said.
The fire and life safety
educator is in charge of
working with the public
on fire and public safety
initiatives, Andrews said.
The duties range from
visiting schools, business-
es and nursing homes to
teach people about fire
safety — or conduct fire
extinguisher or alarm
checks — to working with
the Red Cross and other
nonprofits to find tempo-
rary shelter or other relief
for individuals who lose
their homes to a fire. The
person also hosts CPR
classes for the public and
area first responders and
works closely with the
training officer to make
sure the department’s
firefighters know how to
install car seats, another
of the department’s du-
ties.
“It’s so many things
that they do, not just for
the community at large,”
Andrews said.
The safety educator is
also in charge of making
public statements about
fire safety during emer-
gencies, such as severely
cold weather when CFR
officials are out remind-
ing people how to avoid
fires caused by electric
heaters and ovens that
people sometimes use to
keep their homes warm
when they want to save
on electricity, Vice Mayor
Bill Gavin said.
“It’s a job that really re-
quires a person going out
... to inform the public on
what to do in emergency
situations and who to con-
tact,” Gavin said.
After Colom depart-
ed CFR, the position was
deliberately left unfilled
during a city-wide hiring
freeze as a cost-saving
measure, Gavin said. But
Embezzlement
Continued from Page 1A
and finding several irreg-
ularities, Shelton said. He
declined to answer ques-
tions about how much
money Williston allegedly
took, citing the ongoing
The design adds land-
scaped medians with
regular breaks between
Long and North Jackson
streets, as well as two
more between North
Montgomery and Old
West Point Road, which
will nullify the now wide
open turning lane.
Decorative concrete
will grace each intersec-
tion and a 12-foot walk-
ing/biking path will flank
each side of the highway
along the route and a
designated urban green
space near North Jackson
Street.
The median in front of
Henderson Ward Stewart
Elementary will break
into a short left turn lane
at the traffic light to en-
ter the campus, and a
protected circle-drive for
pickup and drop-off will
be installed in front of the
school.
Street side parking
spots will run between
School and North Jackson
streets on both sides, ac-
cording to the rendering.
Spruill said, beyond
economic development,
the city hopes to improve
the area’s aesthetics, slow
down traffic and empha-
size pedestrian access.
“We’ve been trying to
enhance our profile as a
pedestrian-friendly and
bike-friendly communi-
ty,” Spruill said. “This
project will provide a big
piece of that.”
Clark Bailey, a design-
er with Kimley Horn, said
better timing at traffic
lights should keep traffic
flow through the corridor
roughly the same as it is
now. But the design, he
said, conveys the goal of
revitalization.
Gavin Mitchell
earlier this month, the
city council unanimously
approved Andrews and
Human Resources Direc-
tor Pat Mitchell to begin
the process of advertising
for the position again.
It’s a position that’s
sorely needed in the com-
munity, Andrews said.
While some of the du-
ties — in particular train-
ing other CFR firefighters
— have been handled by
other training officials in
the department, the pub-
lic relations side of the
job has been lacking, with
fewer school visits and
training initiatives for in-
dividuals.
Some of that is because
of the COVID-19 pandem-
ic, which has limited de-
partment officials’ ability
to visit schools, nursing
homes and other facilities
where they would nor-
mally conduct fire safety
training, Andrews said.
As the pandemic ends,
Andrews said, CFR will
be able to open its facili-
ties back up to CPR train-
ing and other safety initia-
tives for the public.
“Once it’s safe and
COVID is declared over
and we can safely do it,
sure,” he said. “Not only
that, but our public fire
and life safety educator
will be able to go back to
the normal duties of going
out to schools, going out
to day cares, going out to
nursing homes and what-
ever may be needed in the
public.”
The safety educator’s
hiring will also coincide
investigation, but said the
crime happened within
the last year.
Lowe’s corporate office
did not answer an email or
call from The Dispatch by
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
ONLINE lane with medians stretch-
n PRESENTATION: See video ing from Mississippi State
presentation of design plans at University east of town to
https://youtu.be/Y5RtJELOAy4 the Walmart on the west
n RENDERINGS: See Highway
182 renderings at cdispatch. edge of the city. There, in
com many cases, traffic must
use turnarounds at inter-
“We’re creating a new sections to access busi-
life, a new identity for nesses on the opposite
182,” Bailey said. side of the street.
“I make no apologies
Public feedback for Highway 12,” Spruill
Rick Welch arrived just told The Dispatch, noting
before 4 p.m. to view the the medians had dropped
plans. For about 15 min- accident rates there by 30
utes before several more percent.
citizens arrived, he had She then addressed
Spruill all to himself and similarities the medians
peppered her with ques- present with the planned
tions. 182 revitalization.
Welch has owned “I don’t see it as re-
Rick’s Cafe for 27 years stricting access,” Spruill
and said he has “advocat- said. “I see it as a reorga-
ed for fixing this area” for nization of access. There
that entire time. What he certainly won’t be wall-to-
saw Wednesday both ex- wall entry points.
cited and concerned him. “It will be a vast im-
His sign, for one, is in provement from what’s
the Mississippi Depart- out there now,” she added.
ment of Transportation
right-of-way, which means
he will have to move it.
The plan also significant-
ly changes ease of access
to his business from the
road.
“I’m going to lose a
turn lane, which is not
ideal, but I feel like my
customers will get used to
it over time,” Welch said.
“I hope it does increase
foot traffic, but we’ll have
to wait and see.
“Overall, this project
is going to make the cor-
ridor look a lot better,” he
added.
Several people who
viewed the design also
saw the planned medians
and immediately drew
comparisons to a recent-
ly completed project on
Highway 12, which elim-
inated the open turning
with the opening of Fire
Station 4 on Airline Road,
which CFR is expected
to have ready within the
next couple of weeks and
which will house the de-
partment’s entire admin-
istrative staff.
Andrews said the po-
sition does not necessar-
ily have to be filled by a
firefighter, since the safe-
ty educator’s duties are
primarily administrative
and training. However, he
said, that doesn’t mean it
wouldn’t be filled by a fire-
fighter.
“We have opened it up
to outside people and ed-
ucators, school teachers,
ex-firefighters or people
that have a knowledge of
fire work mechanisms,”
he said. “It’s really just
no one particular that is
geared at (the position).”
He added CFR is will-
ing to give the right per-
son for the position the
training they need to do
the job.
“One of the main
things is being adaptable
to the public, being able to
speak in front of the cam-
era, and also being able
to teach and to know the
background …,” he said.
“A lot of people may not
have that experience, and
we’re willing to get them
the classes that it takes to
become the fire and life
safety educator.”
The position pays
about $43,000 and begins
advertising today, An-
drews and Mitchell said.
“This is a position that
is really needed in the fire
department,” Andrews
said. “It’s a position that
brings a lot of validation
to Columbus Fire and
Rescue, what we do and
how we do it, and to con-
tinually teach the public
and continually put things
out so that the public can
stay safe as a whole.”
press time.
Williston has been
released from Lowndes
County Adult Detention
Center after posting
$5,000 bond.
Sports
MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
B
SECTION

Harding dazzles again as No. 3 MSU outlasts Louisiana

BY BEN PORTNOY nity arises, I don’t like to
bportnoy@cdispatch.com miss.”
Following MSU’s Sat-
STARK VILLE — urday loss to Kent State,
Starting pitching prob- head coach Chris Lemo-
lems be damned. nis revealed his concern
After ringing up nine over No. 2 starter Eric
batters in a five-inning Cerantola’s inability to
outing against Southern locate. Incumbent Fri-
Mississippi last week, day starter Christian
Mississippi State mid- MacLeod’s 1.2-inning
week ace Houston Hard- outing against the Gold-
ing dialed up another en Flashes the day be-
devastating night on fore didn’t offer any fur-
the mound Wednesday ther confidence.
as the Bulldogs (10 -3) But for as much as
downed Louisiana (9-5) MSU’s top dogs have
4-0. struggled, Harding has
“We go out and we been as efficient a cus-
plan and prepare every tomer as the Bulldogs
week for that opportuni- have had off the bump.
ty,” Harding explained. Wednesday he found
“And when that opportu- the zone on 47 of his 67
pitches. Harding’s eight
strikeouts ran his two-
game total to 17 over 10
innings pitched.
Mixing his offspeed
stuff with a high-80s
to low-90s fastball, he’s
now tossed at least five
innings in two of his
three starts this spring.
Harding also currently
sits as the team’s in-
nings pitched leader
at 15.1, just a smidge
ahead of Sunday starter
Jackson Fristoe.
“He’s been giving us
some really competitive
starts lately,” Lemonis
said. “It’s fun to play be-
hind him when he pitch- Mississippi State athletics
es.” Mississippi State starter Houston Harding struck out eight in five innings as the
See BASEBALL, 3B Bulldogs downed Louisiana 4-0 Tuesday in Starkville.

Williams MISSISSIPPI STATE MEN’S BASKETBALL

strikes out
10 as
MSU softball
Mississippi State hoping for redemption against
shuts out
Memphis to
Kentucky in first round of SEC tournament
head into
SEC play
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com

STARK VILLE —
Montana Davidson bob-
bled the softball just a
little as she scooped up
the grounder and fired
it across the diamond to
first base.
The slight delay was
all it took for Mem-
phis pinch-hitter Tay-
lor Broddick to reach
base with two out in
the seventh inning of
Wednesday’s game at
Nusz Park. Instead of
recording the final out,
the Mississippi State
senior third baseman
was assessed an error
— the Bulldogs’ first of
the ballgame.
After a walk, Gracie
Morton flied out to left
field on the first pitch,
See SOFTBALL, 3B

No fans?
Some? A mix?
Odd sights,
sounds of
pandemic
sports
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sports amid the pan-
demic became a whole
different sort of spec-
tacle, especially when
it came to spectators —
often with zero, some-
times with some and,
in at least one instance
at a Grand Slam tennis
tournament, starting a
match with fans in the
seats yet finishing it
with none present.
Screams and chants,
applause and dancing,
cheering and jeering by
tens of thousands in the
stands were so custom-
ary and unremarkable
at the various athletic
endeavors in the Before
Times that they tended
to recede into the back-
ground as not much
more than white noise.
Over the past year,
though, thanks to the
contagiousness and
dangers of the corona-
virus, such sights and
sounds were replaced
at cavernous venues by
See FANS, 3B
Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Tolu Smith (35) shoots over Auburn Tigers forward Chris Moore (5) during the second half between the
Auburn Tigers and the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Auburn Arena.
BY GARRICK HODGE
ghodge@cdispatch.com
STARK VILLE — So what
does Mississippi State have to
do to extend its season?
Not much. Just beat Ken-
tucky for the first time since
2009. Take down a team that
has won 15 straight contests
over the Bulldogs. Knock off
a team that is so confident
it will secure a win over the
Bulldogs, the team’s website
already has a potential Friday
rematch with Alabama firmly
listed on its schedule (which
may just be a humorous over-
sight from the Kentucky com-
munications staff, but it’s there
nevertheless).
So yeah, no pressure.
The Bulldogs (14-13,
8-10 SEC) will try to fire the
800-pound gorilla firmly im-
planted on their back into the
sun by knocking off Kentucky
for the first time in more than
a decade, and in turn, extend
their season at least one more
day. MSU starts the postsea-
son with a contest against Ken-
tucky in the No. 8-9 matchup
in the first round of the sin-
gle-elimination SEC tourna-
ment at 11 a.m. Thursday in
Nashville.
“I think our guys will be
excited to play against the
University of Kentucky,” MSU
coach Ben Howland said.
“Who wouldn’t be? They get
to play in the SEC tournament,
which is a whole new season.”
The good news is, this
year’s version of MSU’s big-
gest boogeyman is as vulnera-
ble as it’s ever been. Like MSU,
Kentucky’s only hope of reach-
ing the NCA A tournament is
winning the conference tour-
nament. Normally a lock for a
double-bye in the SEC’s mar-
quee event, the Wildcats (9-15,
8-9) have fallen on hard times
and enter the tournament as
an eight seed. If Kentucky
doesn’t hoist the conference’s
trophy, it will miss out on hear-
ing its name called on Selec-
tion Sunday for the first time
since 2013.
“We’re in the same boat
(Kentucky) is,” Howland said
of both team’s chances of earn-
ing an at-large selection. “I
know it is a whole new season
and teams are starting over.
We’re going to bring our very
best effort we can give here
Thursday morning and I know
they will, too.”
Of course, MSU knows
how beatable Kentucky is
first hand, having chance af-
ter chance to take Kentucky
for the first time in the John
Calipari era on Jan. 2. In that
contest, the Bulldogs built a
double-digit lead, Calipari was
ejected after receiving a dou-
ble tech, and the stage was set
for an upset. But turnovers,
missed free throws, and poor
late game execution prevented
the Bulldogs from a monumen-
tal win, eventually falling 78-
73 in double overtime.
Both teams are playing rel-
atively at the same level in re-
cent weeks, as both MSU and
Kentucky have won three of
their last five games.
“They’re playing faster
now,” Howland said. “They’re
really pushing the ball hard
in transition and really trying
to get easy shots. And they’re
playing their best basketball
here late in the season ... We
know the history of the SEC
Tournament and the history of
Kentucky basketball are very
much hand-in-hand. So we’re
going to have to play incredi-
bly well to have success.”
The SEC announced no more
than 3,400 fans will be allowed
to attend a tournament game,
but considering MSU limited
its home attendance to no more
than 1,000 spectators for the
majority of the year, Thursday’s
contest may feature the most
fans the Bulldogs have played in
front of all year. If past Nashville
experiences are any indication,
Julie Bennett/USA TODAY Sports
the majority of those in atten-
dance at Bridgestone Arena will
be pulling for the Wildcats.
“There will be a lot of Ken-
tucky folk there and that will
be our mindset,” Howland said.
“We are playing a road game,
not just a game in the SEC Tour-
nament. Those people travel
and they show up.”
Matchup with Kentucky
aside, Thursday will be a histor-
ic day in its own right, marking
nearly a one-year anniversary of
the cancellation of the SEC tour-
nament due to COVID-19. While
Howland still holds on to regrets
of not being able to finish what
he started with last year’s team,
participating in a tournament
this time around will be a much
welcome change.
“I’d like to turn the clock
back one year and give our team
last year a chance to play in the
SEC Tournament. It’s amazing
how fast this year has gone by
and this is where we were a year
ago. We were a double-bye go-
ing into last year’s tournament
and didn’t have a chance to com-
pete at all.
“So we are grateful to have a
chance to compete this year. It’s
been absolutely phenomenal to
play this season.”
If MSU beats Kentucky, it
will face No. 1 seed Alabama
at noon Friday in Nashville.
2B THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
‘Healthy’ Prescott signs richest contract in Cowboys history
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Dak Prescott walked
briskly and bounced up
the couple of steps onto
the stage for the an-
nouncement of the rich-
est contract in the storied
history of the Dallas Cow-
boys for their latest star
quarterback.
It was five months al-
most to the day Wednes-
day since the gruesome
ankle injury that ended
Prescott’s 2020 season
and led to immediate
questions whether the big
payday would ever come
after a long stalemate.
The answer came two
days earlier when the
sides — two years after
they started talking —
agreed on a $160 million,
four-year contract with
the NFL’s second-highest
annual average behind
Kansas City star Patrick
Mahomes.
Now Prescott is ready
to answer the questions
about coming back from
the compound fracture
and dislocation of his
Shirts or skins? Teams need only 5 to be eligible for NCAAs
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
All a team needs to play
in this year’s NCAA Tour-
nament is five healthy play-
ers. How about a coach?
The NCAA will get back to
you on that.
The fluid nature of a
March Madness played
amid the coronavirus pan-
demic was spelled out
Wednesday, hours before
the NCAA selection com-
mittee began meeting to
hash out a 68-team bracket
that could remain in flux up
until the games tip off next
week.
In explaining a number
of contingencies that could
come into play if teams
are exposed to COVID-19,
NCAA senior VP of bas-
ketball Dan Gavitt said that
right ankle against the
New York Giants on Oct.
11.
“I thought about jog-
ging out here and jump-
ing up on the stage,” said
Prescott, who broke into a
wild smile while crossing
the stage at team head-
quarters in Frisco, north
of Dallas. “But I don’t
know if you all are ready
for that. But I’m healthy.”
Prescott wouldn’t put
a timeline on when he
would be fully cleared,
but said, “I’ll be ready
when it matters.”
For now, Prescott was
basking in the hourlong
news conference that
served as a celebration
of the fourth $100 million
contract in club history.
The first was quarterback
Tony Romo, whose back
injury in the 2016 presea-
son opened the door for
Prescott to be the starter
from the first game of his
rookie year.
Prescott’s contract in-
cluded NFL records with
a $66 million signing bo-
nus and a first-year value
as long as a team has five
healthy players, it’s good to
go. And if that team’s coach-
ing staff gets decimated by
the coronavirus?
“Honestly, it’s probably
something we should talk
about as a committee,” he
said.
For months, the NCAA
has been laying out pro-
tocols to ensure the tour-
nament will go off in
somewhat normal-look-
ing fashion. The biggest
change is that all 68 teams
will descend on Indianapo-
lis next week, and all games
over 19 days will be played
in and around the city.
Players will have their
own rooms and teams will
have their own floors at des-
ignated hotels throughout
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
of $75 million. There is a
no-trade clause, and the
Cowboys can’t use the
franchise tag after the
contract. This agreement
came a day before a dead-
line for the Cowboys to
place the tag on Prescott
for a second consecutive
season.
Most importantly for
the Cowboys as they
try to end a 25-year run
without even reaching
the NFC championship
game, Prescott’s salary
cap hit will be $22.2 mil-
lion instead of $37.7 mil-
lion under the tag. Dallas
needs help on defense
and now has some money
to spend.
“I feel great about
our future,” owner Jerry
Jones said. “I don’t mind
telling you the main rea-
son I feel great is the guy
sitting right next door to
me.”
Before the injury,
Prescott had started
every game since the
beginning of his rookie
year after Romo got hurt.
Prescott was the 2016
their stay in Indiana. Play-
ers and coaches will be sub-
ject to frequent virus test-
ing and contact tracing. To
augment that effort, when
they’re at practice and in
games, players will wear
devices that track their lo-
cation and can keep track of
people they’ve been in close
proximity with — helpful if
one of those close contacts
tests positive.
Two weeks ago, the
NCAA released its policy
about how and when teams
that make the tournament
might be replaced if they’re
struck by the virus. The
bracket comes out during
the usual reveal, on Sun-
day evening. After 6 p.m.
Tuesday, teams that make
the field cannot be re-
NFL Offensive Rookie of
the Year while leading the
Cowboys to the No. 1 seed
in the NFC, and two years
later won his first playoff
game while reaching his
second Pro Bowl.
Negotiations on a new
contract started the fol-
lowing offseason, when
Prescott was going into
the final year of a four-
year deal that paid him a
total of about $4 million as
a fourth-round pick. That
included $2 million in the
final season.
Prescott’s abbreviat-
ed 2020 season was on a
$31.4 million franchise
tag, and playing on a sec-
ond tag would have sig-
nificantly increased the
chance of the 27-year-old
QB leaving in free agency
next year.
“Never in a million
years did I imagine not
being a Cowboy once I
put on this uniform and
put on this star,” Prescott
said. “So through it all,
through the two years
I guess you can say or
more, there was never a
placed if they get sick, and
their scheduled opponents
would simply move on in
the bracket.
But Gavitt acknowl-
edged that as long as a
team has five players, it can
stick around for as long as it
keeps winning.
“We decided if they had
five players eligible and
healthy,” they could play,
he said. “We wrestled with
contingencies, and thought
it was fairest for a team that
earned its way, that even if
it was compromised, they
should have the opportu-
nity to play rather than be
replaced.”
The task of construct-
ing the bracket also has
been greatly altered by
the pandemic. Committee
slight doubt in my mind
that I wouldn’t wear the
star for the rest of my
life.”
Jones never wavered
in saying he considered
Prescott a franchise
quarterback, but ac-
knowledged the drawn-
out negotiations created
debate that took on “a life
of its own” over whether
the Cowboys believed in
the former Mississippi
State standout for the
long term.
“Don’t confuse that
with how right we think
this decision is, and how
right and how much it’s
been there from the very
beginning,” Jones said.
“This fits what I and
what I want our Cowboy
fans to think about when
we think about the Dal-
las Cowboys.”
Even before Prescott’s
injury, the Cowboys
started slowly in coach
Mike McCarthy’s first
season. But Prescott was
still leading the NFL in
yards passing for the
league’s No. 1 offense.
chairman Mitch Barnhart,
the athletic director at Ken-
tucky, said he was encour-
aged by the fact that all but
six of the top 100 ranked
teams had played at least
20 games this season. But
he also acknowledged that
very few teams’ seasons
have been “normal.”
Just one example: Mich-
igan heads into the Big
Ten Tournament as the
regular-season champion
despite having fewer wins
than an Illinois team that
played more games. Mich-
igan didn’t play over a 22-
day stretch in January and
February.
“We’re looking at player
availability,” Barnhart said.
“We’re looking at who’s
played games and missed
Those numbers plum-
meted as Dallas lost its
first four games without
Prescott, falling to 2-7 on
the way to a 6 -10 finish.
With the big contract,
Prescott becomes the
focal point of ending by
far the longest stretch in
franchise history with-
out reaching a Super
Bowl — more than twice
as long as the 10 years it
took Dallas to go from
an expansion team to its
first Super Bowl appear-
ance during the 1970
season.
Since going 13-3 as a
rookie, Prescott’s regu-
lar-season record is 29-
24. And he will be trying
to end a two-year run
of missing the playoffs,
which last happened to
the Cowboys in 2013.
“Eagerness, excite-
ment, anxiousness, to
give this organization
and the Jones family
everything they invest-
ed in,” Prescott said.
“That’s a Super Bowl,
and that’s to go win.”
games. We put another
component on our moni-
toring sheet to take into
account this unique circum-
stance.”
Even with all the uncer-
tainty, undefeated Gonzaga
all but assured itself of the
overall top seed with its
come-from-behind victory
over BYU in the West Coast
Conference final Tuesday
night.
Michigan, Baylor and
Illinois appear to have the
inside track on the other
No. 1 seeds, while Duke
and Kentucky head a lon-
ger-than-usual list of blue-
blood programs that strug-
gled this season and need
to win their conference
tournaments this week to
make March Madness.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 3B

Pippen Jr., Vanderbilt beat Texas A&M 79-68 in SEC tourney

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS win in four years.
No. 12 seed Vander-
NASHVILLE, Tenn. bilt (8-15) snapped a
— Scotty Pippen Jr. went four-game skid against
15 for 15 from the free- the Aggies although
throw line and finished the teams didn’t play in
with 22 points, D.J. Har- the regular season after
vey scored 17 and Van- both scheduled match-
derbilt beat Texas A&M ups were canceled due
79-68 on Wednesday to COVID-19 concerns.
night for the Commo- Second-year coach Jerry
dores first Southeastern Stackhouse got his first
Conference tournament conference tourney win
and the Commodores’ (8-10) with 22 points on
first since beating Texas 11-of-16 shooting and
A&M 66 -41 in 2017. grabbed nine rebounds.
Pippen, a first-team The rest of the Aggies
all-SEC selection, shot combined to make 16 of
just 3-of-17 from the 50 from the field.
field but tied his career Pippen, a 6 -foot-
high for free throws 3 sophomore, hit a
made and added six as- 3-pointer, made a pair
sists, four rebounds and of free throws and then
three steals. took a steal near mid-
Emanuel Miller led court for a dunk in a
No. 13 seed Texas A&M 77-second span to spark
a 15-3 run that made it
17-7 and his three-point
play with 16:17 to play
gave the Commodores
a 45-32 lead. Texas
A&M scored the next 13
points to tie it about four
minutes later. But Myles
Stute answered with a 3
and Vanderbilt led the
rest of the way.
The Commodores,
who hit 12 3-pointers
and outscored the Ag-
gies 21-7 from the foul
line, play fifth-seeded
Florida in Thursday’s
second round.
Pippen’s dad, six-time
NBA champion Scottie
Pippen, was in atten-
dance. Bridgestone Are-
na was limited to 20%
capacity (3,400) due to
local COVID-19 restric-
tions.

Softball
Continued from Page 1B
sealing a 5-0 win over “We’re ready for that.”
Memphis (1-12) for Mis- Senior ace Emily Wil-
sissippi State (15-5) and liams certainly showed
rendering Davidson’s Wednesday that she’s
slight misplay insignif- prepared for the grind
icant. Even so, it was of SEC play. Williams
another reminder that struck out 10 Tigers in
the Bulldogs have yet six scoreless innings,
to play a pristine game mixing speeds and miss-
this season — but that ing barrels. Her ER A
they’re perfectly capa- is down to 1.47 on the
ble of winning softball season, showing con-
games regardless. siderable improvement
“When we’re looking after she allowed seven
at playing a complete runs in 4.1 innings in
game with our best the Bulldogs’ Feb. 13
pitching, offense, de- season opener against
fense and baserunning, Miami (Ohio).
I don’t know if we’ve put “It’s good to see
it all together yet,” head E-Dub out there attack-
coach Samantha Rick- ing the zone,” Ricketts
etts said. “And we’ve said. “I think they were
still found a way to go really trying to attack
15-5 through the first our defense. She didn’t
20.” even give them an op-
Ricketts and the Bull- portunity.” Mississippi State athletics

dogs know they’ll have Memphis recorded Mississippi State pitcher Emily Williams struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings as the Bulldogs beat
Memphis 5-0 on Wednesday at Nusz Park. Williams lowered her season ERA to 1.47, pitching efficiently since
to step it up when South- three hits against Wil- being tagged for seven runs in 4.1 innings in the team’s Feb. 13 season opener.
eastern Conference liams: a double in the
play begins Saturday at first inning, a triple still pounded out nine run. The next two came Sophomore Aspen with all three games
Ole Miss. The nation’s in the third and an in- hits Wednesday. Senior home in the fourth when Wesley took over the broadcasted on the SEC
premier softball confer- field single in the sixth. catcher Mia Davidson fifth-year senior out- circle in the seventh in- Network.
ence features 10 ranked Each time, the Bulldogs
and sophomore second fielder Christian Quinn ning, working around Williams said open-
teams, including six in pitcher finished out the
baseman Paige Cook led beat out an infield sin- Davidson’s error and a ing SEC play against the
a row from Nos. 17-22. inning without allowing
Mississippi State isn’t another baserunner, let the way with two apiece. gle and the throw sailed subsequent walk to pre- team’s biggest in-state
among the top 25; the alone a run. “I felt like all of our down the first-base line, serve the shutout. rival won’t change how
Bulldogs’ schedule fea- “I just tried to get a lot batters all around did a clearing the bases and It was the seventh the Bulldogs prepare to
tures six SEC opponents of soft contact and come really good job just see- putting Quinn on third. straight win for the attack their first confer-
who are. right back after giving ing the ball and hitting In the sixth, junior Bulldogs, keeping the ence series of the sea-
“We’re ready to go, up some hits,” Williams their pitching,” Cook outfielder Anna Kate momentum alive in the son, but it ups the reward
and we’re just finally said. said. Segars doubled home a third-base dugout as should Mississippi State
ready to be out there While the Bulldogs Senior designated run and Montana David- Mississippi State pre- come out on top.
competing in the con- missed plenty of op- player Carter Spexarth son poked a single into pares for this weekend’s “I think we just treat it
ference with how tough portunities on offense lashed a double to center right to score another as trip to Oxford. The se- just like every other SEC
it’s going to be week af- with 12 runners left on field to score Mia David- the Bulldogs went up by ries will be played Sat- game,” she said. “It’s just
ter week,” Ricketts said. base, Mississippi State son for the game’s first five. urday through Monday more fun to win.”

Baseball
Continued from Page 1B
Behind Harding, ju- in the eighth inning, but it remains to be Miss and Louisiana, Le- also now rung up an ab- back from what Lemo-
nior Preston Johnson Sims has now struck out seen how much he can monis has been reticent surd 27 of the 42 hitters nis called soreness in
notched his second dy- 25 of the 37 batters he’s be counted on through to move Harding out who’ve stepped into the his neck and still likely
namic relief effort of the faced — good for an av- a full SEC slate. of his current slot, but box opposite him. a few weeks away from
year. A fter striking out erage of roughly two Enter Wednesday’s he didn’t rule it out fol- “When I stepped full strength, it’s con-
all six batters he faced strikeouts per inning. trio. lowing the win over the foot on campus this fall
ceivable the Bulldogs
in last week’s win over Just two weeks away Slated for a midweek Ragin’ Cajuns. I was worried I might
could shake things up if
Southern Miss, Johnson from the start of South- role a season ago that’s Johnson, by contrast, not touch the field, I’ve
fooled a Ragin’ Cajuns eastern Conference bled into this spring, missed the first week of got to be honest,” Hard- MacLeod and Cerantola
lineup that boasted five play, the MSU week- Harding allowed just the season due to undis- ing quipped of MSU’s are ineffective against
players batting .333 or end rotation remains a two runs in 5.2 innings closed reasons, but has depth, “’cause we have Eastern Michigan this
better heading into the work in progress. Both in a win over then-No. looked the part of a re- so many guys that can coming weekend.
night. Running his fast- MacLeod and Ceranto- 4 Texas Tech last year liable reliever come the run out there. I can Harding and Sims
ball into the mid-90s, la have been average at in Biloxi. He was sim- SEC portion of MSU’s think of 10 off the top have looked the part
Johnson surrendered best, combining for a ilarly effective in his schedule having struck of my head that can hit of legitimate weekend
just one hit in two in- 7.30 ER A in 14 innings surprise start against out 10 of the 15 batters 95 -plus (miles per hour) arm material if needed,
nings pitched while pitched, while neither then-No. 10 TCU in the he’s faced in four in- and when you combine while Johnson should
striking out four. has pitched more than season-opening State nings of work. that with the great
prove a reliable reliev-
Second-year fresh- four innings this sea- Farm College Baseball And then there’s called game that (pitch-
er down the stretch.
man Landon Sims also son. Showdown. Sims. Averaging nearly ing coach Scott Foxhall)
added another absurd Fristoe was electric Faced with a mid- two strikeouts per in- does, I mean it’s so hard Wednesday, though,
chapter to his increas- in his perfect six in- week slate that includes ning this year, his ER A to hit against us.” they combined to give
ingly impressive sea- nings Sunday against perennial NCA A tour- dipped to 0.84 after his With second-year MSU its third consecu-
son. Ringing up all Kent State and has im- nament teams South- two innings of relief freshman Will Bed- tive shutout for the first
three batters he faced proved with each start, ern, Samford, Southern Wednesday. Sims has nar continuing to work time since 1976.

Fans
Continued from Page 1B
the echoes of a bounc- vision ratings across do see (them). I’m look- on whether they’ll be at about 2,000. illustrated than at the
ing ball or the squeaks the landscape, even for ing forward to it.” able to open their gates “There were some Australian Open, the
of sneakers or “Did he a juggernaut such as Athletes in individ- April 1, MLB’s opening fans heckling, which first Grand Slam tennis
really say that?” chatter the Super Bowl, seemed ual sports, so accus- day. Nearly every other was awesome,” Cur- tournament in a year to
among players, coaches to indicate not. tomed to being fueled baseball team already ry said. “And me and let in more than 1,000
and officials that sud- “It was very weird by on-site energy and has the go-ahead to al- (teammate) Draymond spectators daily.
denly was audible. at first, when the sea- support, needed to low some fans. (Green) were talking A COVID-19 out-
And, truly, the entire son started, and like adapt and rely on their That’s part of a about it. There’s no bet- break in Melbourne
essence of sports as we everything else, you inner voices. trend as vaccine distri- ter feeling, I don’t care — well, what amount-
know them changed in kind of got used to it. T V viewers couldn’t bution increases and if it’s 19,000 or 2,500 or ed to an “outbreak”
subtle, if fundamental, Which is not a good always tell the differ- COVID-19 cases and fa- whatever it is: You love in Australia, about a
ways during the past thing,” said Will Harris, ence between what talities decrease. silencing a road crowd.” dozen cases — led to a
12 months because of a relief pitcher for the was real and what was Many, although not Washington Wizards five-day lockdown that
restrictions on crowds. Washington Nationals, artifice. Broadcasters all, arenas are letting coach Scott Brooks said began in Week 1 of the
For those who were who like all teams in tried to keep viewers smaller-than-usual au- it’s hard to even notice two-week event; com-
no longer able to en- Major League Base- engaged and, ultimate- diences return for NBA when there are such
petition continued, but
joy being right there, ball, played every reg- ly, hoped to accomplish or NHL games. The sparse gatherings.
spectators were barred.
of course — how many ular-season game of a what so many of us en- NFL season culminated “But it’s better than
Because the ban took
kids missed out on shortened 2020 season deavored to do in so with about 22,000 peo- no fans. It’s baby steps,”
a chance to witness with zero spectators many ways ever since ple — roughly a third of he said. “Hopefully effect at midnight, and
a game firsthand for (the postseason “bub- the NBA began the pro- stadium capacity — at we can get everything No. 1 Novak Djokovic
the first time? — but bles” allowed limited cess of halting sports last month’s Super Bowl under control, and we happened to be play-
also for those viewing crowds). on March 11, 2020: pre- in Florida. can move forward as a ing a match right then,
from afar and even for “To be honest, it’ll tend all was normal. Two weeks ago, when league, as a country, his contest was halted
the participants them- probably be a little Telecasts featured New York City’s Madi- and get back to being for 10 minutes in the
selves. weird when the fans cardboard cutouts or son Square Garden first somewhat normal.” fourth set while ushers
If a contest happens are back in the stands, video images of fans. allowed folks back for All in all, it’s been a cleared disappointed
without anyone delight- because a lot of us have Fake sounds simulated Knicks games, Gold- time of uneasiness, un- and booing fans out of
ing in the athleticism or kind of gotten used to clapping or yelling. en State Warriors star certainty and — as with Rod Laver Arena.
praising and booing the it being the way that it Sometimes it worked. Stephen Curry got an other aspects of our So, no one was there
athletes and the out- was last year,” Harris Sometimes it didn’t. immediate reminder of day-to-day lives for the to see, celebrate or con-
comes, does the whole said. “The adrenaline Harris’ Nationals are how different the sights past 12 months — the gratulate when Djokov-
undertaking matter as might be a little higher still awaiting word from and sounds are, even utter unknown. ic wrapped up his victo-
much? Decreased tele- than normal when we the city government with attendance capped Never was that better ry about an hour later.
4B THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021
Embiid emerges as NBA MVP front-runner for East-best 76ers
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PHILADELPHIA —
Joel Embiid sank a step-
back jumper in the final
minute of the best game of
his NBA career, ran back
with his arms raised high
over his head as piped-in
“M-V-P!” “M-V-P!” chants
blared through the are-
na and beckoned with
his hands for imaginary
fans — for sure, the Phil-
adelphia 76ers’ fanatics
watching at home — to
get loud.
Embiid plays with as
much fun as any MVP
front-runner, and on
the February night he
dropped 50 points on the
Chicago Bulls, he sent a
sign to the fans they are
with him in spirit.
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
“The fans are always
there for me when I play,”
Embiid said. “I play for
the fans, I play for the city.
All my goals when I play
basketball are related to
the city of Philadelphia. I
feel like they’re here for
us even when they’re not.
I always feel their pres-
ence.”
Guess what, Joel: Six-
ers fans are allowed back
in the building on Sunday,
and if they are among the
lucky 3,100 to snag a tick-
et — lower-center tickets
can be found on StubHub
for up to $1,250 a pop —
they’ll surely show the
love worthy of 20,000
back to Embiid.
At 26, Embiid has not
only led the Sixers (24-
12) to the best record in
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
the Eastern Conference,
he’s at last blossomed into
the durable, mature and
downright dominant force
the Sixers expected when
they made him the No. 3
pick of the 2014 draft.
“I just want to destroy
everything in my path,”
Embiid said.
Let’s not raise a “Mis-
sion Accomplished” ban-
ner quite yet in the Wells
Fargo Center rafters.
But what Embiid has
done through the All-Star
break has made him the
betting +200 MVP favor-
ite (Los Angeles Lakers
forward LeBron James is
next at +225) and turned
— along with fellow All-
Star Ben Simmons and
Tobias Harris — the Six-
ers into perhaps the only
team that can give Brook-
lyn a run out of the East.
The Sixers have not won
the NBA championship
since 1983.
“It’s nice to have a big
guy in the MVP talk,”
Hall of Famer Shaquille
O’Neal told The Associ-
ated Press. “You have to
take a high-percentage
shot and take advantage
of your opponent. He’s
finally playing like that.
This is how you play. You
want to be good, you want
to be great or you want to
be the greatest? You de-
cide.”
Embiid, who missed
what would have been
his first two seasons be-
cause of injuries, still put
up strong numbers in his
first four. But he always
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
I am an
out-and-
proud lesbian
who recently
celebrated 10
years as a couple
and three years
of marriage to my
wife. I worked as
a professional
nanny for many
years, and I’m
still extremely
close to the first
family I worked
for. Although Dear Abby
we have known
each other for
years, they still ask me not to
mention my marriage when I’m
around their kids. They refer
to my wife as my “roommate.”
It’s all I can do to bite my
tongue. I have ignored this for
too long.
I recently invited them over
to see my new home. Because
of their conservative views, I
warned them in advance about worldly. When the parents
the wedding photos I have
displayed. I’m not ashamed of
my life. I am extremely proud
of myself and my wife. I am
hurt and offended by their re-
quests. I feel they only accept
certain parts of me.
I realize it’s unhealthy to
continue this way, but I’m
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March
11). Perhaps improving sleep,
fitness and nutrition is not in-
cluded on your list of ambitious
and glamourous goals. And yet,
self-discipline in this regard will
be cosmically the birthday gift
you’ll most cherish, as all you
desire will be served on the
shiny platter of good habits. An
excellent rating gets you promot-
ed in June. Aries and Aquarius
adore you. Your lucky numbers
are: 8, 10, 33, 36 and 41.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
Ever since the Big Bang, this
plane of existence has been
made up of contrasts, curves
and cycles. You wouldn’t want it
all one way. Embrace how it is
now. It’s about to change.
left hints there was so
much untapped potential
in his about 7-foot frame.
His 30.2 points are be-
hind only Washington’s
Bradley Beal and about
2½ points higher than
his previous career best.
Embiid has five games
of 40-plus points and
10-plus rebounds in 30
games — the rest of the
NBA players combined
hit that mark only four
times — highlighted by
that 50-point, 17-board
game on Feb. 17 against
the Bulls. Embiid was
the first 76er to score 50
since Allen Iverson in
2005.
He is trying to become
the first Sixer to win NBA
MVP — the fans call it
an MVBiid campaign —
terrified of losing
them. I’m usually
a straightforward
person. I feel
open communi-
cation is import-
ant with every-
one else in my
life. But I have
lost relationships
before because,
no matter how
respectful I tried
to be, honesty
can sometimes
be hard to hear.
How can I be
honest without
angering this
couple, and what’s the best
way to start this conversation?
— OUTSPOKEN NANNY
DEAR NANNY: If your for-
mer employers think they can
censor their children’s world
to omit the fact that perfectly
nice people, including one
they love, are gay, they’re
dreaming. Kids today are very
started calling your wife your
roommate, you should have
corrected them then and TOLD
them it was offensive and
hurtful.
Invite them to your home
and leave your wedding
photos displayed. Why you are
terrified that your relationship
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
You’ll fill this day with as much
affection, warmth and laughter
as you can muster, in full-knowl-
edge that people are attractive
people. You’re in the mood to
be improvisational and turn
things into a game whenever
possible.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
It really doesn’t matter how
good a person is at formulating
answers if all of the questions
are pointless. This is why you
examine your questions with the
aim of up-leveling before you
ask them.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Your water-sign instincts lend
an innate understanding of the
significance of paddling in the
since Iverson in 2001.
Moses Malone (1982-83),
Julius Erving (1980-81)
and Wilt Chamberlain
(who won three straight
from 1965-1968) all won
the NBA’s top honor.
— Embiid’s 13 career
40-10 games tie him with
Charles Barkley for sec-
ond-most in team history,
behind Chamberlain (31).
— He leads the NBA
in total free throws made
(298), free throws made
per game (9.9) and free-
throw attempts per game
(11.6).
— Embiid, Barkley and
Chamberlain are the only
three 76ers with at least
900 points and 300 re-
bounds within their first
30 games of a season.
with them will end because
you’re living your authentic
life mystifies me. If they can’t
handle the truth, you and your
wife are better off without
them.
DEAR ABBY: My husband’s
brother has two kids, both
of whom are now adults. The
older one is in their second
year of college; the younger
one will graduate from high
school this spring. We haven’t
missed a single birthday for
either one. The only time we
see them is when there’s a
birthday or it’s Christmas (with
a few exceptions, like the
occasional funeral).
I think it’s time to stop the
annual birthday gifts. We’re
not particularly close, and I’m
tired of the forced merriment
when it’s clear they are only
after the gift. How do I tell the
parents and the grandparents
there will be no more gifts for
birthdays without sounding
like a stingy old aunt? — GIFT-
ED OUT IN MICHIGAN
DEAR GIFTED OUT: Unless
you want to make a change
immediately, hang in there
until the younger child reaches
21. At that point, put the par-
ents/grandparents on notice
that because “the kids” are
now adults, you will be send-
ing cards rather than gifts.
same direction as the others in
the boat. Today’s rowers will be
all over the place until you take
charge.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You
have an extremely generous
attitude with your friends and
only need to point that inward to
get fantastic results today. What
is it that would make you smile?
Get it, do it, be it.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
You will travel through the magic
of media and dreams. Your own
fantasies provide the sweetest
escapes but much more is
possible. Learning to guide your
imagination is a skill that will
bring good fortune to hand.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
You’ll be working your mind like
it’s your job — because it is.
While feeding your brain the
facts and figures that will be
necessary, also throw in the
unnecessary stuff that makes it
all go down a little sweeter.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). Though you’re not a spy or
a member of a secret society,
and you’re not doing much today
that you shouldn’t be doing, you
still want privacy and appreciate
most those who respect yours
the best.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). You have that caring vibe
now, which is why someone in
need of comfort, protection and
nurturing will be drawn to you.
You don’t have to know the right
way to help — willingness is
enough.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). Managing relationships is
the most important business of
the day. Is it on the task list?
It belongs there, as caring for
relationships takes time and
specificity beyond what many
other “to-do” items require.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). Communicating well will
require careful articulation,
patience and a level of attention
emotional attunement that is,
quite frankly, work. Nonethe-
less, everything good comes
through good communication.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Love will feel like a kind
of completion. Matters of the
heart have great potential to re-
solve well, allowing you to trust
and give more freely and with
greater integration of different
parts of yourself.
Look down your nose
SOLUTION:
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 5B

Business
BUSINESS MOVES WITH MARY

Three Sisters Pie company closing downtown

PLUS: Big Buns closing in Starkville; More will be
around in the
retail space,
which cur-
Petty’s Barbecue temporarily closes future. Sims
added she
rently has a
signed lease

A
fter four years of
operating, Three
Sisters Pie Com-
pany will close March
19 due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
The pie and coffee
shop at 422 Main St.
announced its business
decision on social media
last week.
“This pandemic has
hurt so many small busi-
nesses and we were not
immune,” the post read.
“However we are incredi-
bly thankful for our com-
munity who kept us open
for as long as we were. If
you loved our little shop
then you were part of
what made it great! We
have loved serving our
regulars, semi-regulars,
newbies, and people just
passing through town.
Thank you for letting us
be a part of your lives.”
It’s difficult for a com-
munity to continually see
area businesses closing,
especially due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.
But for downtown
Columbus, there are
actually more businesses
open now than this time
last year.
Main Street Colum-
bus Executive Director
Barbara Bigelow ran the
downtown occupancy
numbers and the results
even surprised her. In
March 2020, the occu-
pancy rate downtown
was 90.4 percent. As of
now that rate sits at 91.8
percent.
“We had new busi-
nesses come in during
COVID,” Bigelow said.
“…Our numbers didn’t
drop during COVID, I
was surprised.”
Throughout this last
year, Bigelow added she
has been impressed and
shocked with downtown
tenants and their continu-
al efforts to survive.
“They’ve had a
rough year, don’t get me
wrong,” Bigelow said.
“They were resilient.
They got busy and they
started upping their web
and social media pres-
ence. They started doing
things they might not
have done in the past to
keep their sales going.”
Likewise in Starkville,
we’re losing another
young, local business.
Big Buns & More,
332 Hwy. 12, will close
Friday.
“Being a new busi-
ness, (it) can be difficult
to become established,”
owner Julie Sims an-
nounced on social media.
“They say it usually takes
three years. We had only
been opened for a year
and a half when COVID
hit. Sales dropped and
have not come back up to
where (we could) stay in
business.”
Hopefully, Big Buns &
will update with Chipotle.
social media As you
with plans to drive by now,
continue serv- you’ll see piec-
ing cinnamon es of Petty’s
rolls “through being carried
other means off, torn down
in the future.” and removed.
“I really en- Mary Pollitz Changes are
joyed selling tough, but we
at festivals and meeting won’t be without Petty’s
new people,” she added. barbecue for long.
“I’ve truly enjoyed meet- “I’m coming back,”
ing all of the customers Petty said.
we’ve had over the last
two and half years. I hope
to see them around and
serve them again one day
soon.”
As of Tuesday, Billy
Petty served his last bar-
becue plate at his eclectic
carry-out restaurant.
Petty opened Petty’s Bar-
becue in 1986 but moved
and has maintained shop
at 103 Hwy. 12 since
1992.
But this is not the last
plate for Petty. He plans
to reopen in the new
7,800 square-foot retail
development that will
be built on the corner of
Jackson Street and High-
way 12, the lot previously
occupied by Petty’s.
The Dispatch previ-
ously reported a Georgia
developer is building the

LOCAL GAS PRICES

Source: gasbuddy.com

COLUMBUS
2.36 MURPHY USA
1913 US-45 N

2.37 SPIRIT
97 Alabama St.

2.39 KROGER
1829 US-45 N

STARKVILLE
2.35 MURPHY USA
1012 MS-12

2.37 SPRINT MART

308 Hwy 12 E

2.39 MARATHON
301 MS-12 W

Get promoted? Win an award?

Send us your business brief.
news@cdispatch.com
subject: Business brief
Classifieds
EMPLOYMENT
CALL US: 662-328-2424
General Help Wanted
DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER
needed for a senior in
Columbus area. MUST
HAVE EXPERIENCE IN
SENIOR CARE. Must have
references, reliable trans-
portation, background
check, Covid test & vac-
cine. 630-698-6049.
HELP NEEDED: Looking for
someone with a good work
ethic, a reliable source of
transportation and a posit-
ive attitude. Must be able
to work off of a ladder and
walk on a roof. Bonuses
for production output.
$12/hr. 662-574-0062.
LEGAL SECRETARY needed
for local firm. Must be able
to work dual screen
computer. Email resume
with references to:
job117@cdispatch.com
THE COMMERCIAL
DISPATCH
is seeking a part time
employee for approxim-
ately 2-3 hours of work per
day. Driving required.
Must have reliable trans-
portation, valid driver's
license & auto insurance.
$9 per hour plus mileage.
Apply at our office at 516
Main Street in Columbus COLONIAL TOWNHOUSES.
or via email to Mike Floyd 2 & 3 bedroom w/ 2−3
at mfloyd@cdispatch.com bath townhouses. $650 to CRAFTSMAS WEED EATER,
$750. 662−549−9555.
Ask for Glenn or text.
ROSES DAY SPA
Licensed Nail Tech needed Mobile Homes for Rent
for pedicures, manicures &
shellacs. Good pay. 662- 3BR/2BA MH in New Hope. titanium, 6’6" med heavy
327-7718, ask for Logan. $650 dep + $650/mo.
No pets, quiet area. Leave Used 2 times lightly, paid
THE COMMERCIAL voicemail with full name & $50ea. Ready to fish with!
DISPATCH message, 205−712−6697. $80. 662−329−1793.
seeks a motivated,
contracted carrier for the
Caledonia area. Excellent
opportunity to earn money
for college. Must have
good transportation, valid
driver's license & insur-
ance. Delivers on Sunday
morning and Mon-Fri after-
noons. Apply at The Com-
mercial Dispatch, 516
Main Street in Columbus.
No phone calls please.
Medical / Dental
The Golden Triangle Plan-
ning and Development Dis-
trict is accepting applica-
tions for part-time person-
al care attendants to work
in the Golden Triangle area.
Applicants must have a val-
id driver’s license, reliable
transportation and liability
insurance on vehicle. Male
and female applicants
needed. Contact Minnie
Lindsey at the Golden Tri-
angle Planning and Devel-
opment District, 106 Miley
Drive, P. O. Box 828, Stark-
ville, MS 39760. No tele-
phone calls please.
RENTALS
ADS STARTING AT $25
Apts For Rent: North
802 17TH ST. N.
2 bed/ 1 bath, all electric,
ceramic tiled bath, carpet,
appliances. $475/Mth.
Credit check. Call Long &
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FOX RUN APARTMENTS
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$595−$645 monthly.
Military discount, pet area,
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24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL
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Apts For Rent: West
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Rentals
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viceinvestments.com
327-8555
You’ll find the best deals
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To place ads starting at only $12,
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n THURSDAY, MARCH 11, 2021 n 6B
Apts For Rent: Other Mobile Homes for Rent Bargain Column
RENT A CAMPER! LAWNMOWER. 20 inch cut Need a new
CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL!
Utilities & cable included,
basic mower, runs good,
briggs engine. $65. companion?
from $150/wk − $555/mo 662−329−1793.
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2 BURIAL PLOTS
Located in Veteran location
REAL ESTATE
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ADS STARTING AT $25 vaults and can be
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Farms & Timberland other than a veteran.
Call 662−386−4080 or
662−386−4081.
203 ACRES
When looking
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RENTALS
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS
LAMAR COUNTY, AL: 63 Repairs, cleaning, refin−
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© The Dispatch
shop on left.
DEPOSIT 1.75 ACRE LOTS: Good/ 662−494−6218. the empty spaces so 5 2 6 7 1 4 9 3 8
only once. The difficulty 9 3 7 8 6 2 1 4 5
AND Bad Credit Options. Good that each row, each
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Sunday.
VEHICLES
$499/mo. Eaton Land,
3x3 Difficulty Level 3/10
662-329-2323
662−361−7711.
Five Questions: the same number only once. The difficulty level
increases from Monday to Sunday.
ADS STARTING AT $12
2411 HWY 45 N
COLUMBUS, MS
MERCHANDISE Motorcycles & ATVs 1 Julia Child
Houses For Rent: North ADS STARTING AT $12 ’05 HONDA REBEL 250
2 Eyes
Black, red & grey. Actual
Bargain Column miles, 1,432. $1200.
662−364−0120.
gas power, used little, runs
great. $70. 662−329−
3 Benjamin
COMMUNITY
1793.
Franklin
FISHING POLES: Rhino
ADS STARTING AT $12
rods with Zebco 733 reel.
4 Blue
Pets
REGISTERED DACHSHUND
puppies for sale.
5 Corsica
PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE ads.cdispatch.com Ready to go now!
Call 205−596−3264.
ACROSS
1 Part maker
5 Small tree
10 Lotion
additive
11 Relaxed
12 Writer Uris
13 Chinese food
veggie
14 Texas flag
symbol
16 Prominent
player
20 Marbles, so
to speak
23 Drink with a
head
24 Penned
25 Was wide- 3 Earth circler winner in 2013
open 4 Charity event 22 Seasonal
27 Longevity 5 Iron output song
SERVICE DIRECTORY
28 Comes up 6 Learns about 25 June cele-
29 Navigating aid 7 Cardi B spe- brant
32 Reward for cialty 26 Zeppelin
good schoolwork 8 GI-entertaining 28 Travel aid
36 Portugal’s grp. 30 Snowy wader
place 9 Nap location 31 Planting
PROMOTE YOUR SMALL BUSINESS STARTING AT ONLY $25 39 Swaying 11 In a fitting bases
dance way 33 Oompah
Building & Remodeling General Services General Services Painting & Papering
40 Carouses 15 Location producer
HOME REPAIRS &
BANKRUPTCY WORK WANTED: QUALITY PAINTING 41 “Yeah, right!” 17 Spigots 34 Guinness of
MAINTENANCE Licensed & Bonded. Ext/Int Painting 42 “Endymion” 18 Out of the movies
Work wanted. Carpentry, CHAPTER 7 TILL SMALL GARDENS. Sheet Rock Hang, Finish & poet
concrete, electrical & BANKRUPTCY Carpentry, minor electrical, Repair. Pressure Washing. wind 35 Assess
plumbing, shingle & metal $545 plus Filing Fee minor plumbing, insulation, Free Estimates. Ask for 43 Tempo 19 Cincinnati 36 Tick off
roofing, fascia & soffit
CHAPTER 13
painting, demolition, specials! Larry Webber, DOWN team 37 Worker, e.g.
repairs, pressure washing gutters cleaned, pressure 662−242−4932. 1 Ref’s decision 20 Trade 38 Longoria of
& mobile home repairs. BANKRUPTCY washing, landscaping, &
2 Bread spread 21 Best Picture TV
No Job Too Small. All Attorney Fees Through The Plan cleanup work. SULLIVAN’S PAINT
662−549−7031. Jim Arnold, Attorney 662−242−3608. SERVICE
General Services 662-324-1666 Lawn Care / Landscaping
Special Prices.
Interior & Exterior Painting.
104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville
JESSE & BEVERLY’S
662−435−6528
Please visit our website:
A & T TREE SERVICES jimharnold.com LAWN SERVICE
Bucket truck & stump Spring Cleanup, Tree
removal. Free est. Saturday morning appointments
Cutting, Landscaping, Are you a painter?
available for Starkville Office. Advertise here!
Serving Columbus Sodding & Bush Hogging
since 1987. Senior 662−356−6525
citizen disc. Call Alvin @
242−0324/241−4447 Automotive Services
"We’ll go out on a limb
for you!"
DUMP TRUCK HAULING.
Slag − $400
Clay Gravel − $250
Millie for Driveways − $375
Available for hauling any
materials. Filling in
swimming pools.
Columbus. Call Walter,
662−251−8664.
Got leaky pipes?
Find a plumber in the
classifieds.