RSP 030712

2
EditorsNote
by Joseph B. St. John

Editor-in-Chief
FROM THE EDITOR
EDITORIAL
stjohnjb@realstorypublishing.com
J.B. ST. JOHN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The CCVB: What to Do About the Madness
March 7, 2012
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e CCVB Board could easily be dismissed as a joke, but, unfortunately, the joke is on us, the taxpayers. Time and time again, their meetings break down into a tragic folly, trapped somewhere between Shakespeare and e ree Stooges. Anyone viewing the meeting for the first time, could easily mistake it as a bad Saturday Night Live skit about local bumpkins trying to act like business professionals. But, this is not a skit. It is reality. As bad as e Real Story blog and paper have made it sound, the truth is, we have been kind. To put it bluntly, even though the nine members of the Board are volunteering, they are grossly overpaid. It is never "ok" to look and act like juveniles, behaving badly, just because you are a volunteer. As a matter of fact, it would probably be best for the community, if many of the board members volunteered somewhere else. It is time for the City Council and the Board of Supervisors to grab the bull by the horns" and address this critical situation. Unfortunately, they have their hands tied because many of them are dependent on this same organization that they appoint, to fund their festivals and bonehead mistakes. How does Mayor Smith go and ask anyone on the Board to correct their mistakes, when this same organization pays for his
"Catfish for Unity" party and pays a third of the expense for one of the craziest, shortsighted mistakes in the history of Ctown? Yep, campers, the ever popular "Bridge to Nowhere" project. Number of tourists likely to visit the project? Zero. Not everyone on the Board is guilty of high shenanigans, but the situation has deteriorated to the point that it can only be judged as a single entity. And, as a board, they have become a complete failure. Make no mistake; they are dangerous to themselves and to the community. ey sit on an approximately $1.5M budget, and act as if they could not spell budget with a dictionary. Here is a hint to the board members and Ms. Carpenter about when the CCVB needs a lawyer: every time one of the participants in this fiasco begins to speak. at would be a good start. en, the Board President needs to buy each member of the Board a copy of "Robert's Rules of Order" and read it, and that includes George. And, the next time someone shows up late and destroys the continuity of the meeting, someone would have the "walking sense" to stop it. During any given CCVB Board meeting, you can hear accusations of misappropriation of funds, credit card fraud, lies and cover ups. Maybe, Whirllie Byrd is right. It is time for an independent organization,
THE REAL STORY

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with no Lowndes County connections, to review the books. And, if anyone is guilty of any of the accusations that have been made, punish the guilty parties. at's right, ole gang of mine; you don't have to be an oen-arrested dude at the "Lavender Coliseum row Down," to be held responsible. Even, "nice folks" have laws and rules. Now, all together class, can you say ethics violations?" And, if no one is guilty of all these rumored acts of high treason, the clamoring can be put to rest. is, however, is not going to happen until the taxpayers get o their dus and demand that the Board be held accountable. Sorry, don't look for any help from City Hall. We already know that the Mayor cast the deciding vote to kill a motion by Charlie Box, asking for mandatory training for City Board appointees. He, obviously, believes there is no problem. Plus, he has a "mistake" to build, and soon. No, it is the community's responsibility. Demand an independent audit of the books, free of C-town influence, and last but not least, hold your elected ocials responsible. ey work for the citizens. Period. But, until the problem is resolved, the CCVB Board needs to look long and hard at themselves. Do you really need to talk so much? Do you have to argue every single point of the meeting? Do meetings really have to take three hours? If that doesn't work, each member should reflect on their own dignity, because if an outsider was watching, each member's professional reputation could be injured beyond repair. e silliness is damaging to everyone. And, no one on the Board leaves the meetings without their reputations unscathed. But, the best advice is to be quiet. Be calm and listen. Never forget that somewhere, some place, Dave omas is rolling over in his grave. Joseph B. St. John A/K/A Mr. MoJo Rising
City Approves Free Paving for Private Business

Just when you thought the City of Columbus could not get any more insane, they have reached another level. It has been reported by several people that, recently, the City had extra asphalt aer a project and, instead of using the remaining product to fill one of the million pot holes in your neighborhood, they paved the private property of a business on Gardner Boulevard, Von's Exotic Hair Salon. e Real Story has confirmed what was originally learned from word on the street, indicating that it was approved by Mayor Robert Smith and that the city workers did the work. An area in front of the business and a makeshi driveway were completed, using City resources (aka City tax dollars). So, there you go. is is our tax dollars at work. Maybe, we have a new free paving project. It appears so. Hopefully, every business in Columbus will receive this perk. I wonder if any Councilman will have the nerve to approach the Mayor about this new Paving Program. Pictures are worth a thousand words! We will all stand by. Mojo
FROM THE EDITOR
March 7, 2012
CCVB Meeting Goes Insane

Most Everyone Changed Seats, But the Craziness Remained the Same
is le some Board members stunned, as this was the first they had heard of the plan to spend the $50,000 on the bridge. is is a recurring theme in which many Board members do not see what is being presented at the CCVB meeting until meeting time. True to form, Mr. Buckhalter was not impressed and stated so in about 5,000 words. As the torture continued, the "Great Credit Card Debate of 2011-12 waged on in its next chapter of ineptness. For those of you who just moved to Lowndes County, many members of the community believe that the holders of these cards, over the past several years, have had the discipline of a drunken hobo digging through a trash can. On cue, the raging of alarms went o, and excitement filled the room. Somewhere, some place, at some time, audits have been done and, it appears, during the past couple of years, over $20,000 has been charged, in one month, on the credit card, for a variety of reasons. Now, it is hard to get a straight answer, because the meeting breaks down to personal grudge matches, where people who obviously hate each others "guts" lose their minds, as well as their dignity. And, make no mistake about it; right, wrong or indierent, the table is set with Whirllie Byrd and Bernard Buckhalter on one side; Bart Wise, Mark Castleberry and Rissa Lawrence on the other side; and all of the other board members just wishing they could go home. rough all of this confusion and psychosis, here are some of the highlights: See MEETING Pg. 4
Monday's (February 27, 2012) Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCVB) Board meeting started o with a chance for redemption, but only for a moment. In a peculiar situation, almost everyone on the board had changed seats around the board table, in order for some odd "psychic voodoo" to take eect. Clearly an attempt to change the "vibe" of the meeting, the feel-good newness only lasted for a few minutes. Before peace, harmony and love could settle in, the sticky problem of the City's "Bridge to Nowhere" reared its ugly head. e fiasco ocially known as the "Old Highway 82 Bridge Restoration Project is the bad idea that will not go away. is time it introduced itself as the Monster at Ate the $50,000 Windfall from the Taxpayers (e extra greenbacks were the result of higher-than-expected receipts from the restaurant tax.). Overall, the CCVB will "fork over" $133,000 to the bridge project. Bart Wise, Treasurer of the CCVB, advised that this money would be needed to help pay for the structure that should draw tourists from as far away as Caledonia to see its marvel. Much to the surprise of Bernard Buckhalter, the CCVB had not budgeted any money for the project, this fiscal year. However, Mr. Wise felt the CCVB was obligated to ensure they had the money to pay their fair share of this Mayor-driven project.
FROM THE EDITOR
CMSD Board Votes to Approve RIF, Extend Superintendent Search

ursday's night special called meeting of the Columbus Municipal School District (CMSD) Board was a move to undo actions taken at the last school board meeting, held on February 13. Most of the action was expected, with the Board quickly getting to the main point of the meeting. e Approve Sta/Personnel Item was brought back before the Board to allow the emergency RIF to take place. is has been the flashpoint of many discussions, over the past few months, in our community. Next up, Dr. Liddell advised the Board that the Administrative Sta of CMSD, which had lost 10 days of leave, two years ago, would lose an additional five days, this coming year. is was done as a cost-saving measure for the school district. In addition, she reiterated that all RIFed employees did have two years or less of service. Board Member Bruce Hanson asked if everyone on the list had met the criteria, and was concerned that some employees on the list were not eligible to be released. Board Attorney David Dunn spoke up, in regard to Dr. Liddell's comments that everyone on the present list qualified to be released. She is absolutely right. Only employees who do not have EAPL rights - employees with less than two years of service - are on the list. Employees with no EAPL rights cannot contest their release from employment. Mr. Dunn went on to explain that the RIF list met the criteria of the district and numerous Attorney General Opinions from the State of Mississippi. Aer a brief discussion, the motion to accept the RIF list being brought back before the Board was approved. Before approving the actual list, Mr. Hanson had several important questions, the most vital being, If there was no shortfall, if we had the all the Mr. Hanson stated that he believed that there are sucient funds to keep the teachers and that that money should be placed in the budget. However, Dr. Liddell and others were See RIF Pg. 5
March 7, 2012
funds, would we have to RIF anyone? Dr. Liddell stated, in detail, that the eected personnel had to be notified of the School's decision by the 15th of April, and school administrators had to receive notice by March 1. at is the law. So, the RIF had to take eect, even if some personnel could be rehired. She also repeated that the district hoped to rehire many of the employees who had to be released.
MEETING cont. from pg. 3

Just under $20,000 of credit card charges that were originally characterized as undocumented and unsubstantiated are now being referred to as an accounting error. Over a protracted time, the CCVB paid its bills online, with no receipts or records kept. is includes insurance premiums and credit card bills. And some how, some way, $35,000 was paid to three employees for doing some type of cleaning and moving. And, guess what? Its unclear as to whether proper payroll records were maintained for these employees. ey hunted two of them down to sort out the mess, but the other one refused to give his social security number. e CCVB is perplexed as to what to do now. Can anyone say insanity? But, its alright boys and girls. Bart Wise reported that the auditors said the CCVB is doing much better now. Of course, he forgot to mention that the only way you could do worse is...oh, sorry; there is no way to do worse. Meanwhile, Nancy Carpenter made the obligatory "just cut up the credit card" speech and Bart seconded the argumentbut then lamented that the CCVB could not do business without one. is all occurred while Mr. Buckhalter repeated that he did not want to see the credit cards abused again, at least 93 times. Aer much weeping and gnashing of teeth, the board agreed to limit spending to $1,000 per purchase without board approval. So that means you could buy 20 items, at $999.99 each, and run the bill up again. But, why spoil the party with a little simple math? And, just when you thought the bowels of hell could not get darker, they did. ey hired a lawyer. Or tried to do so. is part of the meeting can be summed up in 17 words. Does anyone on the CCVB Board have a clue as to what time of day it is? First, Mr. Buckhalter wanted to give the contract to the lowest bidder, like the CCVB was building a spaceship. Second, Mr. Castleberry questioned Wil Coloms credentials to serve as the CCVB attorney. Note to Mark: Go ask the "W" for their opinion of his credentials. I am sure he would get a begrudging "A+."
Also, during this discussion, Rissa Lawrence brought up Nadia Dales relationship with Scott Colom. Because of this complaint, Dale recused herself from the vote. No word yet on how Rissa Lawrence feels about the Mayor and a certain bail bondsperson. I am sure she will mention it to him, when the CCVB gives him the check for the bridge. Last, but not least, the winner was Chris Latimer, a partner of the Mitchell, McNutt and Sams law firm. Whirllie Byrd thought this was a conflict, since there was litigation against the law firm over money paid to David Sanders in 2011. Nancy Carpenter wanted to hire Mr. Latimer because he would be receptive to her needs. Not that she had ever worked with him, but it's okay - Mark Castleberry had. Surely Nancy and Mark never talked about it. e subject of race now became a concern. Nadia Dale stated she believed it was a good opportunity to hire a minority; Mr. Buckhalter echoed that sentiment, but to no availthe goose was cooked. Mr. Latimer is the new CCVB attorney. But, its okay. He won't be at meetingsjust when they need him. No one could make this stu up. Its scary, but true! Now, the party really "got to" rocking...it was money time. e two water-boarding victims, on Monday, were Amber Brislin and Leroy Brooks. In a bizarre twist, e CCVB and sta decided to cut Market Street Festivals grant allocation from the $20,000 they received last year, to just over $11,000 this year. Citing the usual "we don't have any money theme (except for special projects and bridge debacles), they slashed the event. But, wait - it gets better. Stand by for this logic. Rissa Lawrence was adamant that, since the Market Street Festival had been fiscally responsible over the years and had saved, "seed money" of just over 13,000 dollars for this year's event, they did not need to be funded at the level requested. at's right, campers; in "Rissa's World" you should be punished for being fiscally responsible. Dewitt Hicks hit the nail on the head when he said, "If we don't fund this festival, we will look like we dont know what we are doing." Several votes were taken, with George Swales finally switching his vote and
the Market Street Festival did receive $15,000. As Ms. Brislin stated, "Giving Market Street only $11,000 would be a disgrace to the tax payers." e Board did save some face by giving $15,000. But, just when you thought the board couldn't look any more impotent, they did. Harvey Myrick joined the fray, at the last moment, and announced he would not vote, since he was late. However, he then anointed himself as "de facto" President of the Board, by saying he would vote only if there was a tie, and then he eventually voted.
Reader Comments
Susan Shelton Foster says: February 29, 2012 at 11:58 am is all makes my brain spin and then, when I regain my balance, I just want to slap sense into all of them.
Note: Ms. Byrd asked for a State Audit of the CCVBs finances. She could not even muster a second to the motion. Hmmmmmm...Wonder why?
Yep, and George and the board did nothing. ey let it happen. And, guess what - Leroy Brooks and the Juneteenth organizers got $14,000 for their festival. Earlier in the evening, Leroy Brooks had stated that if his organization could only get $9,400 dollars that the board proposed, he would not take the money. His event would be cancelled. When voting time came, he received $14,000. And why? Because Mr. Myrick was the deciding vote. If Myrick had been at the meeting, from the beginning, would the CCVB have another attorney? Would Market Street have received all 20,000 dollars? We don't know, but we should know this: if a member misses the vast majority of the meeting, he should not be allowed to vote. It was wrong and it was insane, or as you know by now, it was business as usual. Once again, it was a night of which the board should be ashamed, but they are not. ey le the meeting, acting as if they had accomplished something other than tomfoolery, and they are wrong. e only real question to ask now is, "How long does the community allow this absurdity to continue?" e answer is, "It should have been over months ago!" Watch for the next installment of "It Came from the Planet CCVB." Joseph B. St. John MR. MoJo Rising
Sam says: February 29, 2012 at 12:42 pm Cant yall see that its the City against the County? Harvey is a loose cannon! e Link is trying to control and call the shots. Leroy is out to get his fair cut. Market Street is the only true festival. All the other crap is just that, CRAP. e bridge to nowhere is a total waste of time and money. MDOT gave 1 mil, the City, County and CVB gave another mil. at is all that should be spend on the stupid bridge. Two million dollars on a bridge to nowhere. Get real. We are driving on streets that are way beyond their time, a school system that is broke, and a city that is hanging by threads. e CVB is a total disgrace and should be redone or dismantled. Look at who is on this board. Someone has said it was set up to fail. I think they are right on!
David says: February 29, 2012 at 8:25 pm Yall should have let Leroy walk out. To give him as much money as Main Street is crazy. Where is all the money the CCVB used to have? I agree that there should be an audit. e credit card should have a $100 limit. I bet there will be more $200 meals put on it. Someone should have said that no spouse can eat free. I also agree that there are 3 or 4 board members that should not be on any board. It does look like it is a stacked deck. Too many jokers. Also, why is Mr. Buckhalter taking over? I thought Mr. Swales was the chairman. If it had 3 rings, it would be a real circus. What a shame. anks, Joe, for letting us know what is going on with our money.
Robert says: March 1, 2012 at 6:45 pm anks to the mismanagement by the CCVB Board, there will never be any more add-on taxes, like this. If it was sent to Jackson for approval anytime soon, it would not pass. I was told this by the Senator from Lowndes County. is was a good idea, but the wrong board members running it. is board will never get it together like the City Council. Eat at home and save your tax money. A shame.
RIF cont. from pg. 4

(preference points for teaching and/or administrative experience within and outside the district). 1 point awarded for each year of experience in a non-certified position (preference points for teaching and/or administrative experience within and outside the district).
5
Area 4: Executive ability. 10 points for demonstrated * executive ability. (Must attach written documentation of his or her choosing to support.). e operational definition of * executive
ability is defined as the ability to lead and guide to aect a positive change process leading to improvement and/ or innovation.
FROM THE EDITOR
adamant about the situation and moved forward with the RIF plan. e motion passed, with only Mr. Hanson voting no. In other business, the board voted 41, with only Currie Fisher voting no, to extend the search for School Superintendent an additional two weeks. Two candidates have dropped out, recently, and Tommy Prude stated that he had been disappointed with the list and wished to gather more candidates.
TOTAL SCORE: __________ In her closing statements during our interview yesterday, Dr. Liddell stated she wanted to be open and fair, and she repeated that she was hoping to rehire as many aected teachers as possible. e next several months should be interesting for the CMSD. Stand by! By the way...still no Robert or Del sightings!!! And, they say they always return to the scene of the crime!!!! Joseph B. St. John A/K/A MoJo
SCORE: ______ Area 3: Quality of performance including the proven ability to accomplish the educational mission of the school district. 15 points awarded if last evaluation resulted in a recommendation for renewal
(includes a Signed Intent to Renew Form, Formal Evaluation results of 3 or higher per indicator, and/or a successful TI F Evaluation)
SCORE: ______ Area 5: Employee attendance and discipline history. 10 points will be added for any employee who has not exceeded the allocated leave. 10 points will also be awarded for any employee who had not been placed on an improvement plan within the past 5 academic years. SCORE: ______
March 7, 2012
Many teachers have expressed concerns over the lack of specifics about the criteria that would be used to rehire the teachers who had been RIFed. In a follow-up interview, Dr. Liddell shared the following plan and written statement: e Columbus School District continues to focus on our core mission, which is to provide a quality education for every child. With the challenges with the district's budget and Charter Schools on the horizon, Columbus Schools has to be extremely cautious with appropriately allocating resources and its finances over the next few years. Even so, we are focused on protecting instruction in every classroom, the safety of our students, and rehiring as many Reduction in Force (RIF) aected sta back for next school year as our funding will allow. RIF-impacted teachers and administrators will receive top priority in filling positions that the district will need back for next school year. To ensure that building principals have a guide to use that is district and board-approved, a Columbus Schools Hiring Rubric has been developed with input of central oce sta and principals. All decisions regarding the RIF were made in a fair and consistent manner, to address the financial crisis the school district is in. Columbus Schools values its teachers and all sta members, and will do everything possible to ensure a quality school system for all our students. e following is the Hiring Rubric that will be used in returning the district to pre-RIF levels: Columbus Municipal School District Hiring Rubric for Policy GBKA Reduction in Force Columbus Municipal School District Implementation Policy for re-hiring and/or hiring certified sta following a Reduction in Force for Policy GBKA:
(for use by CMSD Principals and/or Interview Teams)
SCORE: ______
Area 1: Criticality of the position to the mission, goals, and objectives of the school district. Subject area(s) and advanced degrees by certification. 5 points for A certification 10 points for AA certification 15 points for AAA certification 20 points for AAAA certification 10 points for Certification in Secondary Math, Secondary Science, or Special Education SCORE: ______
Area 2: Experience, professional training, length of service within the district and work assignment. 15 points added if impacted by Reduction in Force (preference
points for RIF aected employees)
10 points added for familiarity, training and/or certification in the school of application Magnet eme, IB Program, AP Program and/or Gied Education Program. 5 points awarded for each year of experience in a certified position
FROM (and TO) THE EDITOR
The Problem with Sherman

e arrest of Sherman Smith is a prime example of when crime and politics collide. Sherman Smith is Columbus Mayor Robert Smith's son, and his arrest on February 26, 2012 has raised as many questions as it answered. e arrest could have been a simple incarceration, but it has now turned into a much larger problem. e Real Story has taken the editorial stance that local politics will be our major focus and that individual crimes would be covered on an as-needed basis. e Sherman Smith case is a perfect example of when crime becomes politics. In ursday's issue of the Columbus Packet, Sherman Smith was the cover story for the publication. He had been arrested at the scene of a shooting, with a firearm. ough not charged in the shooting, it was not a flattering story. is revelation caught many people by surprise. Earlier in the week, the Commercial Dispatch had written a story about the shooting, with no mention of the arrest of Smith. ey just reported information about the victim. Last Sunday's (March 4, 2012) Dispatch column, Roses and orns, gave Chief McQueen a thorn for withholding the information. Stopping just short of calling him a liar, the Dispatch made it known that they were not amused about not being told of the arrest. And, for good reason. ey had interviewed McQueen about the situation and he did not mention the Smith arrest. is was an inexcusable folly. McQueen had an opportunity to come clean with the Dispatch, when they called, but, instead, remained silent. is is enough to make one wonder what else is happening on at the CPD that is not being exposed. If an individual or organization will hide something of this magnitude from the media and the citizens, there is nothing else they would not hide. Kudos to the Packet for getting the story, but it is not their responsibility to share the information with other media outlets. ey held the information until their next issue and released it at the first possible moment that they could put it in print. at is their job. It is McQueen's job to answer questions honestly. And, apparently this is becoming a dicult stance for him. He has misled his troops and the media about the promotional process, and even the Mayor was caught in a lie about this matter. Now, McQueen has been caught in another compromising position, in regards to the Mayor's son. In an ironic twist, e Real Story was grappling with how to cover this story and still be true to our original calling. e reality is, this case is larger because the Mayor's son is involved. Sherman is an adult, but his father holds the most important job in the City. But, now the question lies with why McQueen just did not say that Sherman Smith was arrested at the scene. He did not have to list him as a suspect. If he was not sure who the "Shooter" was, just say it. But, don't fail to mention that you just happened to arrest the Mayor's son with a gun, at the same location. Even if you never mentioned the words, "Mayor's son." ere is a reality that the Police Department cannot always release all of the information that they have in their possession. Sometimes, due to the criminal na-
ture of the cases or its involvement with personnel issues, the information cannot and should not be released. Also, it is vital that the police never make an accusation they cannot prove. Never! In this case, however, Smith had been arrested on the scene, and it should have been reported when McQueen was questioned. Period. No further questions asked. In addition, early on Sunday morning, aer the orn" was issued, McQueen released the press release that can be found in the article, below. In a feeble attempt to sound positive, he talks about all of the success the CPD is having. e truth is that McQueen is having a dicult transition from Police Lieutenant to Police Chief. Sunday's article must have been an eye opener for him. As it should be. He is in a dicult position. Since his elevation to Chief, crime has skyrocketed, he has lost the faith of many of the men and women on the department, and he works for an overbearing Mayor. And, no one on the City Council has the nerve to challenge the Mayor regarding his brutal management style. No one.
March 7, 2012
McQueen would be wise to re-read the press release he distributed on Sunday morning. He should reflect on the words and their intent, all the while remembering the Bible verse, "Physician heal thyself." A really smart guy once said that!
Joseph B. St. John a/k/a Mr. MoJo Rising
CPD Seeks to Improve...

Editors Note: e following is a press release that was distributed by Police Chief Selvain McQueen on Sunday, March 4, and which was referenced in the article entitled e Problem with Sherman, which appears above. A vital measure of the health of a law enforcement agency is its capacity to learn lessons from previous events, good or bad, and feed these into continuous improvements in service delivery. ere is a great deal of work under way. e Columbus Police Department is looking afresh at the overall structures and objectives. e department has been reorganized and decentralized by moving key personnel to new shis and locations. I question everybody from patrol ocers to the assistant chief about whats working and whats not. I show up at police calls, ride along with ocers on patrol and make myself easily available to the media. I have met with politicians, business leaders, neighborhood groups and residents, and have drawn upon my contacts across the country to strengthen our department. I have created community forums and am currently working on the concept of a Chiefs advisory board. My oce door is open to the public. Surveys are being sent out to determine citizen priorities and expectations, with surprisingly good results. Mystery shoppers have been utilized to ensure that we are providing service in a timely and ecient manner. It is absolutely vital that all this activity achieves a synergy rather than duplicating eort, pulling in dierent directions or leaving gaps in delivery. A new sense of purpose is being brought to the Columbus Police Department that will reward excellence. I demand that everyone work hard. e top to the bottom has been reinvigorated. e bar has been subject to forces of change both internally and externally. We all want to improve public confidence in the Columbus Police Department. If the public wants a higher quality of police ocer then there must be an understanding that it comes with a price. Across the nation, the poor quality of recruits has contributed to problems ranging from badly written incident reports to repeated cases of police brutality. Raising the bar means that we must look at an individuals qualifications, not seniority. e importance of strong and active senior leadership, personal engagement, eective oversight and support cannot be overstated. If you want to feel secure within your home, properties, and person, assist me in raising the bar by accentuating the positive. Selvain McQueen Chief of Police
LettertotheEditor
Dear Editor: Aer reviewing numerous media outlets, I have several questions to ask our local leaders, since they do not seem to be available to address the concerns of our community, openly. In regards to an article written in the February 6, 2012 Commercial Dispatch entitled, "Tupelo Bans Droopy Pants, I wonder if Mayor Smith and the City Council have ever taken the time to consider such a law. We need someone in City government to wise up and smell the roses. Someone needs to, at least, address the issue in the media, instead of always being silent. In e Real Story article dated February 8, 2012, and entitled "Come on Columbus/Lowndes County - Get it Together," it appears as if several attorneys and JUDGES need to be brought before the ethics committee of the Mississippi Bar Association. e allegations, if correct, are ridiculous! In the case of Wilbanks' murder case, what new information was found, or is this just the same case it has been for over a decade? What piece of the "puzzle" did Bowen, Williams and McQueen see that was not seen before? If they missed it the first time and it is so clear now, how did these guys ever get promoted? I will wait for the conviction before I make a final judgment on the greatness of this arrest. Just a few questions; I am not the only one who has these concerns.
Jim Dierking
The Humane Society Needs Your Help

spoke about their current needs, as well as long-term goals. ey have performed site preparation for a new shelter building, and are currently raising funds to begin construction. Other CLHS representatives who attended the meeting were: Brenda Comer, Phyllis Fulgham and Ruth Berry. Following is a Wish List of items the CLHS needs, as well as where you can send a general donation to help the pets.
Charlotte Hardy
Congratulations ShiAnne!
COMMUNITY
and Cat Toys, Flea Shampoo, Rubbermaid storage containers

(6x12 to be used for cat litter)
Oce Needs Copier Paper, Post-It Notes, Pens Fun Stu Volunteers to walk and bathe dogs, Dog toys, Cat toys, Rawhide chews, Dog and cat treats, Kuranda dog beds Donated items can be delivered to the Shelter at 13 Airline Road in Columbus. Monetary donations can be made via their website, www.clhumanesociety.org.
March 7, 2012
On ursday, March 1st, the Exchange Club held their monthly meeting, and their guest speaker was Charlotte Hardy, from e Columbus Lowndes Humane Society (CLHS). Charlotte gave an informative presentation about the Humane Society, including its positive impact on the community. She also
Everyday Needs Paper Towels, Anti-bacterial Dish Soap, Large Bath Towels, Small Rugs, New Heating Pads, Bleach, Laundry Detergent (with bleach), Mr. Clean, Pine Sol Animal Needs Pedigree Dog and Puppy Food, Purina Cat and Kitten Chow, Pedigree Canned Dog Food, 9 Lives Canned Cat Food (Bite Size, not Shredded), Dog Biscuits
Christy Tracey
ctracey@realstorypublishing.com Christy is a wife and mother of four children and wants to capture Columbus one photo at a time.
Courtesy Photo
ShiAnne Bailey won the crown of Little Miss Magnolia for the Golden Triangle this past Saturday at the Miss Magnolia State Preliminary Pageant held at the Columbus Holiday Inn. She is five years old, and is the daughter of Lesley and Greg Bailey; this was her first pageant.
A Place at the Table...Back Door Succeeds Again

Courses one and two were Spicy Steamed Mussels & Shrimp soup followed by Organic Greens (from the prairie) with spiced pecans, bleu cheese and creamy vinaigrette dressing. While the Laughing Skull Amber Ale, itself, was not used in the preparation of the dishes, it made a very interesting pairing of flavors, with the spiciness of the seafood and the sweetness of the salad. e third course was Barley and Ale Crepes (prepared with the Laughing Skull Amber Ale) stued with creamed wild mushrooms, and paired with the Red Brick Blonde Ale. is made for a unique transition from the first course, by including the first beer in the preparation of the second dish, and the cream/mushroom filling in the crepes was perfect with the Blonde. is dish seemed both light and hearty at the same time. Course number four was my absolute favorite tonight ... Spicy AleMarinated Beef Tenderloin with Orzo and Fresh Asparagus ... the beef was marinated in the ale along with various spices, and was cooked to perfection ... I would swear to you that it was tender enough to cut with a toothpick. e final pairing was the Brick Mason Wee Heavy Scotch Ale paired with a Chocolate Whiskey Torte with Vanilla Sauce ... what can one say about a beer aged in former whiskey barrels, mixed and re-mixed between barrels ... paired with anything chocolate, much less Chef Sarah's tort. What a way to wrap up the evening. Our tablemates were a couple from CAFB who are originally from parts north of here and are accustomed to a variety of beers we do not yet enjoy in this area. We had a lot of fun conversing with them, learning more about other parts of the country, as well as sharing a few things they might enjoy experiencing, during their time here in Columbus. If you are interested in future special dinners at the Back Door, search for their page on Facebook and click "like" to be included on announcements for other events, as they are scheduled. Please be courteous though, and do not take my place at the table. In the words of the radio newsman I heard each morning as a kid (originally a quote attributed to the Persian scholar Omar Khayyam, around the year 1100) ... "e Moving Finger Writes, And Having Writ, Moves On ...I'm, CRB" .
On ursday evening (March 1, 2012), we attended the second in a series of cra beer/ five-course dinner pairings held at the Back Door Restaurant. Aer the success of the first event, this one sold out almost immediately. e night's sponsor was the Red Brick Brewing Company based in Atlanta, whose wares you may have seen here, in Columbus, including Laughing Skull Amber Ale, Red Brick Blonde Ale, and the Red Brick Brown Ale, along with the Brick Mason Wee Heavy Scotch Ale, which is not "yet" available here in Mississippi. is particular brew was aged in oak barrels to the point that it cannot currently be sold "o the shelf " in this state. Chef Sarah, as you all would expect, prepared dishes to accompany these libations with considerable skill and finesse.
Charles Baker
Special to e Real Story
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COMMUNITY
State Historical Society Recounts War of 1812

e Mississippi Historical Society held its annual meeting in Columbus this year, March 1-3. e theme of the meeting was e Bicentennial of the War of 1812. e meeting featured speakers from Mississippi and regional universities, who presented papers on the battle for the southern frontier, Mississippis American Indians, the Natchez Trace, and local history projects. It was inaugurated by Aubrey K. Lucas, President, and a welcome was given by James B. Borsig, President of Mississippi University for Women (MUW), which hosted the event. President Borsig also hosted a reception for the conferees. A Columbus historical tour, scheduled for Friday, was cancelled, due to inclement weather. A public reception was held on ursday, followed by a banquet at which author Robert B. Haynes gave the address Some Dark Mysterious Business: Aaron Burr in the Mississippi Territory. Haynes book, e Mississippi Territory and the Southwest Frontier, won the Societys McLemore Prize for Book of e Year in 2010. One of the most compelling presentations was that of native Mississippian, Daniel P. Jordan, President Emeritus of the omas Jeerson Foundation. e title of Mr. Jordans talk was Our History Matters, and in it he gave a ringing and impassioned argument for the study of history. Aer 9/11, Jordan said, the country has been at war, and our enemies want to take away our liberties; and if they threaten our freedom, they threaten our history. Our history is worth fighting for, he said, for as a historian who understands our past, he knows that who we are today is because of those historical figures, like Andrew Jackson, the hero of the War of 1812. He and speakers on the role of the Natchez Trace in the War of 1812 talked of the importance of place, the actual, physical sites of history. ese, they said, are not only monuments to the greatness of the past, but palpable reminders of the importance of history to us, today. In another vein, Mr. Jordan spoke of the importance of the study of history as it was, not as we would like it to be. As a Jeerson scholar, he said that he is oen asked why, in recent years, historians have delved into the more unsavory aspects of the Presidents life, including his reported relationship with Sally Hemmings. Because it is there, he said. e War of 1812 is a relatively unknown war, one vastly overshadowed by the Civil War; and yet, it was an important conflict, which defined American history. Benjamin Franklin once said, when asked about the War of Independence, e War of 1776 was the Revolutionary War. e War of Independence has yet to be fought. Many of the speakers stressed the fact that it was not until the American victory in the War of 1812 that we really were a nation, rather than a country of disparate states and territories, clans and tribes. It was Andrew Jackson, they said, who organized an army of militias, Indians, free blacks, and regular soldiers, and molded them into what the British considered to be a ragtag army, but was, actually, a determined, well-trained fighting force. Jacksons troops were vastly outnumbered by what was considered the strongest, best-equipped, and best trained army in Europe, and yet, not only won the battle of New Orleans, but lost very few men. e story of American Indians in the War of 1812 was one of the most interesting recounted during the conference. First, although American forces eventually beat and virtually destroyed the Creeks, the Americans considered them to be a well-organized, ruthless, and viciously brutal fighting force, and respected them for it. e Creeks saw the progressive invasion of their lands by the Europeans and the Americans, and chose war to fight and expel them. e American government, since 1789, had tried to civilize the Creeks, by showing them the advantages of European ways, thus assuring their allegiance to American causes in time of war, but to no avail; and by Jeersons time the policy had been changed to removal of the Indians, not accommodation with them. e Chickasaws and Choctaws, on the other hand, chose accommodation with them; and, in the War, provided inestimable assistance to Jacksons troops, as he made his way down the Natchez Trace to the Gulf Coast. e Chickasaws and Choctaws, by the time of the War, had adopted the ways of the white settlers, and archeological remains have shown that their lives were very similar. Tecumseh had tried to unite all of the Indian tribes in the area, but the dierences between the tribes and within them made this impossible. ter cold, living o the land, and supporting them as he could. He gained the loyalty and tribute of his troops and the nation, aer he marched the victorious troops back to Tennessee.
American victory in the War of 1812 resulted in the removal of Indian tribes to the West of the Mississippi; the facilitation of immigration of white settlers and the introduction of slavery; the securing of the Southwest in American hands the war to end all wars and the real beginning of the United States; and the rise to national prominence of Andrew Jackson. e conference also featured two sessions on local institutions and their history. Bridget Pieschel provided a detailed, wide-ranging, and colorful account of the long history of MUW; and Lillian Wade, President of the Columbus and Lowndes County Historical Society, talked about preserving local history. Awards for meritorious contributions to Mississippi history were given by the Society to four Columbus residents Chuck Yarborough, Mona Vance, Bridget Pieschel, and Sam Kaye.
March 7, 2012
e story of Jacksons march down the Natchez Trace, from Tennessee to Natchez, is a fascinating one. A modern historian asked a representative of the Department of Defense what it would be like to have a troop of 1,000 Ron Parlato men march the almost 500 miles rparlato@realstorypublishing.com along the Trace. Impossible was the reply. e most arduous training Ron Parlato is a writer march is only 200 miles, stretching the living in Washington, DC. limit of soldiers endurance. Beyond He has close ties with that, even with the most modern supColumbus which he visits port facilities, they would succumb to frequently. His writings on disease and infection; not to mention literature, politics and culture, the almost insurmountable logistical travel, and cooking can be found on his own blog, eort behind such a march. Jackson uncleguidosfacts.com. was able to move his troops in the bit-
Intimidation in the Friendly City: Lets Frighten Them, Boys!

ursday morning (March 1, 2012), I visited Caf Aromas to savor a cup of coee and to check my e-mail. Several acquaintances and friends ventured in, and I got to spend some time catching up on the local news. Some of that news was not so good. I didnt want to believe what I was hearing, but at the same time, none of it really surprised me. First of all, it seems that there are dark forces operating in Columbus that emanate from negative, misinformed people. ey can be venomous, hateful, and vengeful. ey thrive on manipulation. One doesnt have to look too closely to realize that Columbus is no longer the Friendly City, and, instead should be renamed something such as Gestapo-ville e last time I checked, Columbus was still part of the United States, and its citizens hadnt lost most of their rights and freedoms. We are not subject to dictatorship, and were still free to express our opinions within the confines of the established law. Nor should we fear retaliation when we do so. at is what happened to Brenda Caradine, recently. She received a phone call, a couple of weeks ago, urging her to remove a particular political sign from her yard. She tried to explain to the caller, to no avail, that the sign was actually in the yard next-door, and had been placed there by her husband. In addition, there was an exchange of viewpoints in the comment section of e Real Storys website (February 24) about this matter. en, last ursday, she received a phone call, indicating that there was a delivery at her side door. When she went to check, she found a bouquet of dead roses, which had been spray-painted black. e matter is now under police scrutiny. As most of you probably know, Brenda is a proponent and supporter of anything that has to do with Columbusborn Tennessee Williams. Whether you like one of the most prolific playwrights or not, he draws international attention to our town. Night of the Iguana, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Streetcar Named Desire, Orpheus Descending (which, by the way was NOT about an interracial aair), e Glass Menagerie, and Sweet Bird of Youth are some of Williams bestknown plays. Perhaps you enjoyed Summer and Smoke? ere seems to have been a dierence of opinion in the Columbus community, lately, when Orpheus Descending made its debut by a troupe from New York City. It seems that there were citizens who didnt want the play to be presented in certain venues due to some See INTIMIDATION Pg. 19
ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO
CONSUMER CORNER / CULTURALLY SPEAKING
by Mo & No-Mo
If you have a local business or establishment you would like us to consider for review, please e-mail us at: consumercorner@realstorypublishing.com. You will get our honest opinion of the business, their personal customer service, and the services oered. We strive for fair, unbiased reporting, so we hope to hear from you.
Observation:
e "Underground Grapevine" is working overtime these days. Aer hearing whispers about one of the most important requirements for our Columbus Police Department (CPD), I was shocked to learn that, according to McQueen, it is vitally important for "his" ocers to "look good." We have gone back and re-read his comments in the papers and reviewed clips and pictures spanning the last several months and, guess what - he has repeatedly stated that it is important that "His" ocers look good. All pictures and footage show McQueen in starched and pressed clothes, with never a wrinkle. Folks, police work is dirty work how can you solve crimes, knock on doors, investigate crime scenes and deal with criminals, without getting mussed up and dirty? At least a wrinkle!!! Again, it seems that the leadership of the CPD has lost focus. I admit that it is important for our police ocers to look good but at no point in time should looking good replace the most important mission for our ocers - to protect and serve. Again McQueen, you are working to demoralize and put down our dedicated and loyal ocers.
Several weeks back, we had planned on writing this review, then we heard that Cattleman's was going to incorporate Kountry Kitchen. We opted to take the wait-and-see approach, to see if they were going to be able to maintain the impeccable reputation for an outstanding lunch that Kountry Kitchen had earned over the years, while still being able to serve some of the best steaks and fish during the evenings. Walking in the door, you are greeted by some of the friendliest waitsta in town. If you frequent Cattleman's, they know you by name and they know where you prefer to sit. Not only that, they know what you like to eat, how you like it prepared and can make you a cup of coee just the way you like it. It's been a long time since I visited a restaurant with such a loving atmosphere, and we visit a lot of businesses, especially restaurants. We loved the little bowl of black-eyed peas with hush puppies, as an appetizer. ose of us at our table who ordered steak
Cattlemans lives up to Kountry Kitchen standards.
March 7, 2012
raved on and on about how tender, moist and delicious their meat was. Some ordered fish and had nothing but good things to say, in between stung their mouths. How refreshing it was to get a fresh baked potato that was so, hot and swimming in butter YUM!
Clean, friendly and some of the best food in town - you just can't get any better than that. Be it lunch or dinner, they satisfy all of your culinary needs, for a meal that pleases with a down-home feel. Go on down to Cattleman's Restaurant, on Tuscaloosa Road, and enjoy.
Photography and Paintings and a Letterpress, Oh My!

If you happened to be driving through downtown Columbus, last ursday night (March 1st), you probably noticed a sizeable group of people milling about, near the intersection of Main and 5th. Did you wonder about what was going on? one thing it should definitely be called is impressive. Across the street from the RAC, at Renee Reedy Studio, an overflow crowd was enjoying the opening of Phonetography 2.0, an exhibit of photographs taken with cell phone cameras. e exhibit, which included over 150 photos, taken by fieen dierent photographers, ran the gamut from nature scenes, to religious symbolism, to humorous images of roadside signs. e diverse crowd obviously embraced the vibe at the underground gallery, which, in addition to the exciting photographs, featured sumptuous food, stimulating libations, and even a photo booth, where visitors could don boas, hats and masks before having their picture taken. is is definitely not a stuy, intimidating art gallery! Phonetography 2.0, is part of the Art in Columbus series, which is a joint project of Renee Reedy Studio and Random Acts of Culture, a local arts organization. is partnership, which is relatively new to the arts scene in Columbus, has been receiving a considerable amount of buzz among art lovers from throughout the community. e Southern Letterpress, just down the block from the Phonetography show, oered guests the opportunity to participate in a hands-on printing experience, using a vintage printing press. Participants were invited to welcome the transition from winter to spring, as they applied ink to paper. is activity, which will be oered monthly, is something that should not be missed. Capping o the evening, the Omnova eatre, on the second floor of the RAC, served as the setting for the latest incarnation in the Columbus Arts See CULTURE Pg. 12
Well, culture was happening! e Columbus Arts Council, at its Rosenzweig Arts Center (RAC) home, was hosting the opening of a show of work by artist Penny Nichols. e elegant crowd clearly enjoyed the organic, oen layered works by Nichols. Her paintings, which were full of texture, employed geometric shapes and vibrant colors to create a stunning eect. Nichols, who considers herself to be an abstract expressionist, was heavily influenced by the genre of art known as Experimental Art (also known as Accidental Art), which she was first exposed to in the late 1980s. Even now, more than twenty years later, she says that she begins a new work with no preconceived image, but lets the image unfold before her. Whether you call Nichols work abstract expressionism or experimental art,
12
REVIEW & COMMUNITY
New to DVD: In Time Denies Political Reality

Although it takes place in the future, In Time is about current economic inequality in the United States. Unfortunately, the film suggests that revolution can justify criminal activity of any sort, ignoring the use of political power in a democratic republic. Director/writer Andrew Niccol creates a fascinating world where time is both money and ones lifeblood. Every person, starting at age 25, stops aging but starts losing time from a genetically engineered clock in the le arm (perhaps an allusion to the Mark of the Beast). When the time runs out, you die. is idea of people being 25 until they die results in a strange moment when protagonist Justin Timberlake first talks to his 50-year-old mother Olivia Wilde, who looks more like Timberlakes 25year-old girlfriend, of course. But their mother-son relationship is ultimately as flimsy as paper. Wilde serves no purpose other than to die and inspire Timberlakes war against the system. At the same time (its dicult to write about this movie without a pun), the film has great pacing. Within 10 minutes, Timberlake is on the run. Before you know it, hes been granted a century of time by a 105-year-old man who is
March 7, 2012
cupy Wall Street movement. In the United States, robbing the rich is a hysterical idea. Not only does it overlook methods of gaining political power (voting, assemblies, striking, etc.), but it forgets our laws are enforced by authorities much more eective than Timekeepers. One could say Im taking an actionpacked movie too seriously. e truth is that In Time takes itself too seriously. e dialogue has more puns than I thought possible, but the movie is rarely light-hearted. As far as the action goes, there are good car chases. Other than that, In Time is serviceable, rather than exhilarating like Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried are wanted in In Time.
Courtesy Photo
tired of living. e old mans line We want to die. We need to. is probably the films most interesting idea, but its wasted, given that In Time becomes a Bonnie and Clyde-meets-Robin Hood fantasy. With his new fortune, Timberlake attempts to fit in with the time-rich crowd and woo an overprotected daughter (Amanda Seyfried), but his sociological lesson and love plans are interrupted by
authorities called Timekeepers, led by Cillian Murphy. Timberlake then uses a gun to take Seyfried hostage and escape; Seyfried goes through Stockholm Syndrome and falls in love with Timberlake, and the two become bank robbers, to give back to the poor.
Even though In Time is kind of stupid, its premise is attention-grabbing. e film can be enjoyed as an absurd response to hard times, and the only dancing from Timberlake is, thankfully, unforced. However, this movie inspires complacency, rather than political action.
Jed Pressgrove
jpressgrove@realstorypublishing.com In Time is basically an Eat the Rich rant. Niccols story ignores aspects like government and citizenship Timber- Jed Pressgrove is a technical writer and masters lakes hero is a nutty parallel to the Oc- student in sociology at Mississippi State University.
e Frank P. Phillips YMCA kicked o its 2012 Annual Community Impact Campaign on Monday, February 27. e non-profit organizations fundraising campaign will continue through March 26. e purpose of the campaign is to ensure that the local Ys can continue to oer programs for their three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Local YMCA Works to Raise Funds

long, where one can live the values that guide and unite our members..caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. e YMCA provides a special opportunity for kids and adults to join life-changing and life-saving programs, daily. YMCA volunteers will contact potential donors, over the next four weeks, to see if they can contribute to this years campaign. If you would like to make a contribution to the Annual Community Impact Campaign, please contact Andy Boyd at 662328-7696. Gis of any size are welcome and are tax deductible e focus of the Y is to nurture the potential of our kids, to promote healthy living for young and old alike, and to foster a sense of social and community responsibility, says Andy Boyd, Executive Director of the Y. ats a tall order, but with the help
of the community, we are confident these goals can be met.
e Y is one of the nations leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children regardless of age, income or background to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nations health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.
At the heart of community life in Lowndes County, the mission-driven YMCA is a place to be-
Special to e Real Story
CULTURE cont. from pg. 9

Councils Partial to Home music series. On this night, local musician and actor Shane Tubbs, along with Rufus Mason, wowed those in attendance with their musical prowess. In light of all of the activities that took
place last ursday, as well as events that are planned for the coming weeks and months, it is clear that downtown Columbus is developing into the arts destination for the area. at is a welcome sign, indeed! Coming Up, is Week: An open mic night, called Words & Music: An Evening of Spoken Word and Songs,
will be held this Friday, March 9th, at Caf Aromas (404 Main Street | Columbus), beginning at 7pm. e event is FREE (both to listen and perform) and open to the public. For more information, or to sign-up to per-
form, call 662.368.8181 or visit www.randomactsofculture.biz.
Go out and get your culture on! e Real Story Sta Report
ANSWERS FROM THE FEB. 29, 2012 CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Making Sense of ACTA
13
OPINION
Oentimes, we get distracted by the things that hit close to home or otherwise are local to our own country. But, occasionally, we are reminded that we are part of a larger, global framework. I like to think of the world as a collection of concentric circles marking the towns and cities, countries and provinces around the world, sort of like the dimples on a golf ball. Probably nothing illustrates this as well as the idea of jurisdiction. In the United States, we have ordinances that are only relevant within a single town. At the next level, our county ordinances take precedence over town ordinances. State laws trump county law, and federal law holds jurisdiction over state law (on the whole). But, there's a dierent level that we oen forget, a higher jurisdiction, if you will. at is, of course, international jurisdiction. Recent events in our own country have been marked by the unification of the people against tyrannical legislation bent upon destroying basic rights and freedoms in our own country. is is evidenced by the recent opposition to bills such as SOPA and PIPA. ese bills were heavily backed not only by politicians, but by corporate agendas and money. Senators and Representatives are generally confined to their own spheres of influence, and thus are subject to the criticisms and the occasional distemper of the people that they are elected to serve. It's really a simple law of moral transaction - at least in theory. e corporations and organizations who lobby to our politicians, however, aren't bound to the people in the same manner. Having been beaten away from oppressive agenda-backed legislation, the fight has been taken to the international jurisdictions in the form of e AntiCounterfeiting Agreement (ACTA). Now, an important note about ACTA is that it has been around since 2006, but it was brought to public light only by the graces of chance releases by individuals and organizations, such as WikiLeaks. e general idea with ACTA is to protect the interests of copyright, trademark, and rights owners with a unified theory and enforcement, by outlawing the trade and transaction of counterfeit goods. I agree, it seems like something that might have been created here at home, but in fact, it was first developed by
ACTA
Japan. In the beginning, seven countries signed the agreement. Eventually, 21 of the 27 countries that make up the European Union (EU) also signed the agreement.
News Corporation, Sony Pictures, Time Warner, and Verizon. Other than the fact that each of these companies own patents and trademarks, what is a common thread between these companies? ey were all given dras of the treaty upon signing a non-disclosure agreement, prior to 2010. Despite the omission of counsel and voices of the opposition, the battle against ACTA continues throughout Europe. For some reason, reports of these activities have not reached the shores of our own country with as much fervor as nations such as Great Britain. Scores of protests dot the landscape of countries such as Germany, France, Spain, and Italy, among others. Meanwhile, our own shoreline seems shielded from the anti-ACTA outcries of the other nations and peoples of the earth. e leaders of the countries involved in ACTA's process have made attempts to keep their proceedings outside of the view and inof civil liberty volvement organizations, changing the schedule in a precarious manner so as to deter, discourage, and make ACTA hearings unreasonably unavailable and otherwise out of reach. It's the same old song, from a dierent device: corporations paying politicians to create laws and See ACTA Pg. 19
March 7, 2012
e treaty is not without its opposition, though. On February 17th, e Warsaw Business Journal reported that the Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, withdrew his support of ACTA and was sending a letter to the EU, urging them to do the same. "I was wrong," Tusk said, explaining that "the agreement does not correspond to the reality of the 21st century. e battle for the right to property should also respect the right to freedom. As a result, Tusk held a seven-hour session with the Internet users of his country, in a discussion about ACTA and the concerns of the rights-holders of intellectual property. But, Tusk and Poland are by no means the first cries of outrage from this side of ACTA's opposition. From the beginning, the rights of the people were in question, when Chief Investigator Kadif Arif, of the European Parliament (EP) resigned shortly aer the EU signed on to ACTA. As a news publication, e Guardian, points out, Arif said that ACTA "goes too far" in eorts to reduce the freedoms of individuals on the Internet and blocking potentially lifesaving medications.
Like all repugnant forms of law and legislation, ACTA is not without its vile list of backers. Spearheading support for ACTA are the familiar foes of the people, the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) and e Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Together, these two demonic institutions have burned a path of radioactive plague behind the scenes of such bills as SOPA and PIPA, waging war against civil liberties and the rights and freedoms of people. A third supporter, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PRMA) represents the interests of the pharmaceutical industry. Recently disclosed supporters include a few surprising names and a few not-so-surprising names: Google, eBay, Intel, Dell,
TM
14
SAFETY TIPS & AREA NEWS
Safety Tips
From the National Crime Prevention Council

What to consider when preparing your family for a disaster or other emergency
What Kinds of Emergencies?

Emergencies are events - natural or human-generated - that disrupt daily life to a high degree. ey may have already resulted in death and damage or they may threaten death, injury, and damage. At the family level, most emergency preparation is similar, regardless of the cause of the emergency. ink about past emergencies in your area. Hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes suggest the kinds of disruptions communities and families may face. Hazardous material spills may present dierent challenges. Terrorist attacks can take many forms. e idea is to know what's likely and what's not. By making your plan based on your specific risks, your family can be better prepared. What kinds of events are common in your area? If you are not sure, check with the local Red Cross or your city or county emergency management or emergency preparedness oce or with firefighters and police ocers in your area. So how do you plan? First, think about your goals. For most people, the prime goal is knowing that all family members are safe and as secure against harm as possible. Most families want to be together, if that is at all possible. e second goal is having what you need to make it through the immediate disaster period. e "Making Sure You Have What It Takes" checklist can help with that. A third goal might be communicating with out-of-town family about your family's safety. What other goals should your family's plan address? Talk with other adults in the family. Talk with teens and children. Find out their concerns and help ensure that your disaster preparations address those concerns, where possible. Remind everyone that you're being preventive and prepared -not running scared. Second, develop a plan with these goals and the following outline in mind. Your family's plan is probably going to have some unique features. But there are some basics. Who: Who is included in this plan? Relatives across town? Close friends? Just immediate family members? What about family pets? Where: Home is where the heart is, and it's probably going to be the center of your family plan. But what are the back-up locations? It might be the nearby house of worship, the closest elementary school, or a close friend's home. e point is to decide on the back-ups and make sure everyone knows what and where they are. What: What will trigger the emergency plan? An ocial announcement? Notification from authorities to people in your immediate area? A call from one of the adults to all the others involved? A call from a child's school? Remember to think about how other family members will be notified. When: What time frames help shape your plan? Does everyone work or go to school within a few miles? en, people should be at home fairly quickly. If some people have a long commute, they may be held up by emergency conditions. How do you cope if the emergency is projected to last several days? Why: Family members should understand, to the best of their ability, why the plan includes certain provisions. Why must children stay at school under certain circumstances, for example? Why might a parent stay out of town if on travel during an emergency? How: is gets down to the steps of the plan. ink through key points. Who will take what responsibilities? Where will emergency supplies be kept? How will supplies be updated? What about the Family Link-Up Plan--how will it be updated? What dierent steps are involved in a "shelter in place" situation versus an evacuation order? What if there is no information from authorities? What training do family members need? How oen will the family review its plan? Strategies and Tactics to Consider Some strategies and tactics to consider in developing a plan include the following: Make sure everyone has basic family phone contact numbers and business or school addresses. Remember that email may work when phone circuits are overloaded. Identify places to meet, both near the house and farther away. Set a priority order about which place to go to, why, and when. Establish an out-of-town contact that everyone can call and report to. Make sure the contact agrees, and make sure everyone knows how to dial that long-distance number. Consider prepaid calling cards, for everyone's convenience. Keep vehicles in good working order and keep the gas tank at least half full, at all times. Remember, if power fails, gas pumps won't work! Stockpile a disaster kit, in advance, and refresh supplies at least every six months. Consider seasonal changes in your family's needs. For example, you might want to have more blankets available in the fall and winter season. Know how to safely turn o the water, electricity, and gas that serve your home. "What if?" your plan. What if a major roadway is blocked? What if power is out and the car is low on gas? What if mass transit is unavailable? Where will these family members go? How will they communicate that they are safe? What local situations in your neighborhood or community might result in evacuation? How should family members pack for this situation? What about care for pets in cases where they cannot be in shelters? Find out about plans that link with yours. What plans do children's schools have in place? What plans are in place where you and other adults work? Make sure school and workplace have updated contact information for all members of your family. What are local authorities' plans for your area? How might your family work together with neighbors to prepare and survive an emergency? Are there neighbors with special needs? Who could help them? Talk together; share the skills and equipment you could make available to each other. Devise ways you could help each other's families, if the need arises. ird, revisit your plan. Review the plan, as a group, every few months. Consider holding family rehearsals or drills if you live in areas where there might be little warning of an emergency. Don't forget to update the plan to account for new schools children attend, changes in job locations or employers, and the like.
March is National Red Cross Awareness Month
e American Red Cross and Food Giant have teamed up to raise funds for the emergency assistance agency, during the month of March.
March 7, 2012
Terry Brownlee, Manager of Food Giant and Perneatha Evans, Oce Coordinator of the Columbus Chapter of the American Red Cross.
On ursday, March 1st, Perneatha Evans presented Terry Brownlee, Manager of Food Giant in Columbus, with badges, to start o a new campaign, called e Round Up Program.
is program allows the customer to choose to round up their grocery bill to the next dollar, and that extra money goes to the American Red Cross. All proceeds will go to the Northeast Mississippi Chapter, to help support their mission of assisting disaster victims, military Johnny Hughes, Manager of Southern members and Family Market, presents Perneatha Evans their families with a check on Tuesday, February 28th along with to assist in the mission. other services. We solely rely on donations from our community to help us to continue to help others in the Northeast Mississippi area said Perneatha Evans, Oce Coordinator.
Christy Tracey
15
LOCAL ARTIST
Handmade bowls
Handmade Bois darc Flutes
Flutes by George
Far back in the east side of Columbus, I discovered one of the citys finest artists, George Dyson Jr. George makes handcraed flutes from River Cane, which he gets from an area called Plum Nelly. Some of his flutes are embellished with Turquoise in the cracks. It normally takes him a day and a half to make one of his Drone Flutes. ey are an amazing site to see. He also hand makes bowls. One of the bowls that he showed me had been craed out of cherry. is bowl was very special to him, because he made it for his dad, George Dyson Sr., and
A reworked and releaded stained glass piece
Frog Bottom Creations

presented it to him on Fathers Day, a few years ago. Another item that he produces are Camp Chairs. ey are handcraed from cypress and cedar and are so very comfortable to sit in. Contact dysonjrgeorge@gmail.com or (662) 386-5521 for more information or to place an order.
A bowl made from cherry wood
March 7, 2012
Christy Tracey
George Lee Dyson Jr.
Burning keeps the wood from cracking.
Dyson applies turquoise to a crack in a flute.
Handmade camping chairs
Porkchop enjoys an outing on his five-week birthday Sunday.
16
SportsTalk
by Jeremiah Short
SPORTS
Ryland Flourishing in New Role

e Noxubee County High School coaching sta was looking to replace star Middle Linebacker Corey Williams, following the 2010 season. ey decided to move Antonio Ryland, the teams starting fullback, to the position. Ryland flourished in the role, helping lead the Tigers to an 11-3 record. It wasnt a slam dunk, though, that Ryland would become a good Middle Linebacker. He was coming o of a torn A.C.L., an injury that sometimes takes up to two years to recover from. It was a whole lot of work on my own time. It wasnt no coming home, just sitting around. Aer I got out of football practice, I had to come home and jog. Doing physical therapy, they tell you that you have to do extra stu. Its up to you how fast you come back. So, I just came home and worked hard every day at it, said Ryland, on recovering from a torn A.C.L. e explosive linebacker was able to overcome the injury and record 84 tackles and six sacks on the season. e 84 tackles was third-best on the team. Its an experience; it wasnt anything like Fullback. I ran and kept myself up; I was coming o that
SEE SUDOKU ANSWERS ON PAGE 18
March 7, 2012
Ryland has had to become one of the leaders of the defense and the team, aer the move to middle linebacker.
Coach stresses to me, every day that I need to set an example for the younger players. Whatever we do; [like] if we play around in the field house, they are going to look at us to set the example, Ryland said, on being a leader.
Antonio Ryland
Sta Photo
e versatile linebacker hasnt earned any oers, yet, although he is receiving interest from Missouri, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, USM, and UAB. Ryland is planning on working hard to earn an oer. I need to work on my speed, and I want to understand the oense better. Schools are coming in recruiting me for Fullback or Linebacker. I want to just understand my role more, said Ryland.
A.C.L. surgery. I knew I had a tough spot to come in and fill up. I jogged every day. I came home and did weights, said Ryland. I worked hard at Middle Linebacker because I felt that I was a Middle Linebacker more than I was a Fullback. I just listened to my coaches. ey coached me up and motivated me. I have the body frame. [ere are] a lot of colleges recruiting me; Im just working hard and trying to take it serious. Its dierent than fullbackinstead of getting hits; I am giving hits.
Antonio Ryland will definitely be a name to watch over the next couple of months, as the recruiting process heats up - especially considering it will be his second year at Middle Linebacker. e 215pound Linebacker feels that he has all the tools to be a Division-One football player.
If they get me, I will represent whatever school I go to, stay out of trouble, and keep my grades up. Whatever position they put me inIm going to get the job done.
Jeremiah Short
Jeremiah Short covers Mississippi State University football and basketball. Follow him on Twitter, @JeremiahShort26; or join his Facebook blog, Real Story Sports: J.Shorts Blog.
Eric Butler Still Has Love for the Game

We were good friends. We really didnt care who was in the game. It kind of just worked out that way. Coach had certain situations were one of us went in. Jason was a pass-catcher; he wasnt going in on a power play. Dezmond was the blocker, so, he wasnt going to run a vertical route up the middle. I could do a little bit of both, said Butler. e Bulldogs struggled throughout most of Butlers career, but they finally put it together in 2007. It was like the turning point in our lives. We got so accustomed to losing. Even though we went out there and tried, some of players were, like, why cant we win? Talent-wise, we were better my sophomore and junior years, than we were our senior year. We did what we had to do, but the year before, we had Deljuan Robinson, Andrew Powell, Antonio Johnson, and Jeramie Johnson. One day we got to talking basically Tony was like, we got to put it together. We started to believe, Butler said. Butler had finished his career on a high note. He got ready for the NFL, like every other graduating senior. e former Bulldog was able to secure a practice squad spot with the New York Giants in 2008. He was cut by the Giants in 2008, but landed with the St. Louis Rams the next season. He spent a full season with the Rams and went through training camp, the following season. Butler was reunited with Coach Croom, while with the Rams. Croom, in Butlers opinion, was more relaxed in the NFL, than in college. When I got to St. Louis, he was the coolest guy you would ever want to See BUTLER Pg. 18
17
SPORTS
e Mississippi State oense was known for being unproductive during the Sylvester Croom Era, but one oensive position that produced was Tight End. e Bulldogs had a three-headed monster of Eric Butler, Dezmond Sherrod, and Jason Husband. Butler was the player listed as the starter out of the three. He put together a solid career, with 50 catches and 635 yards, to go along with eight touchdowns. e Moss Point, Mississippi native went on to play with two teams in his pro career - the New York Giants and St. Louis Rams. I had a chance to speak with Butler, to discuss his almost choosing baseball over football, rotating Sherrod and Husband, and giving up football.
March 7, 2012
Butler, as I mentioned above, almost chose baseball over football, aer getting draed in the 54th round of the MLB dra. I came in with that as part of the deal. I was trying to go to a school where I could play both. I was thinking about playing baseball, straight out, since I got draed out of high school. My parents wanted me to get a college education, said Butler, on choosing football. He, naturally, chose football, and it paid o for him. Butler became a starter in the SEC as a redshirt freshman. It was a little nerve-wracking. Me and Dezmond [Sherrod] were out there together. We were two people in the same shoes. It was a big challenge for us, not having anyone to teach us, stated Butler, on starting as a freshman. Butler originally rotated with Dezmond Sherrod at tight end, but Jason Husband was added to the mix aer the 2004 season. He talked about rotating with Sherrod and Husband.
Eric Butler played for the St. Louis Rams.
Courtesy Photo
CROSSWORD
Across
1: Jack Horners Fruit 5: Snaky swimmers 9: Skid causer 12: Tarzans mate 13: Racetrack fence 14: In no way 15: Name for a Dalmation 16: Singer Vallee 17: Grooms reply (2 wds.) 18: Table protectors 20: Consumed 22: Meadow 24: Writer Ephron 26: Acress Sothern 27: Director Kazan 29: Luau entertainment 33: News tidbit 35: Play section 36: Hit first feetfirst 37: Traveled on horseback 38: Engage gears 40: Writer Clancy 41: ___-do-well 43: Unfastens 45: ___, aim, fire! 48: Singe 49: City trains 50: Pressing device 53: Share gossip 56: Mouse-spotters cry 57: Padres son 58: Strong cord 59: Guitarist Paul 60: Chew at 61: Notable periods
ANSWERS IN OUR NEXT ISSUE
03.07.2012
mater 19: 50s initials 21: Fireworks watchers cries 22: State ____ 23: Division direction 24: Pleasanter 25: Quaker grains 28: Limping 30: ____ motive 31: Circus animal 32: Fleet commanders (abbr.) 34: ____ fences (reconcile) 39: Gardening implement 42: Ogling 44: Madres mate 45: Film spool 46: Robert ___ (2 wds.) 47: Makes a request 48: Skiers surface 51: ___ Tin Tin 52: Stop ____ dime (2 wds.) 54: Mineral spring 55: ____ So Fine
Down
1: Slumber party garb 2: Drink like Kitty 3: Still sealed 4: Copper, e.g. 5: Goes wrong 6: Water (Fr.) 7: Lash location 8: More cunning 9: Names first letter (abbr.) 10: System of rules 11: Prince Harrys alma
18
BUTLER cont. from pg. 17

meet. Everybody loved him - all the players. I had never seen that side of Croom. He was in the NFL and was out of that head coaching job, said Butler. Butler decided to give up the game aer going almost a year without a team. I sat out of work for a whole year, basically doing nothing waiting for a phone call. You cant live your whole life, trying to live out a dream. Its the real world; you got to get out there and do something with yourself. I ended up just giving it up, with no regrets. If someone gave me a call; I would stop what Im doing and give it another shot, thats how much I love it, Butler said. Eric Butler made the tough decision to give up the game of football, although he still loves the game. I still love football, even to this day. I would love to go out there and playdo it all. I look at it as a blessing, because not everyone gets the opportunity. I got a chance to do it for three years. Its something I never planned on doing with my life it just ended up working that way for me, said Butler.
Mississippi State Spring Practice Preview: Oense

Initial Spring Outlook Dan Mullen is entering his fourth Spring as Mississippi States Head Coach. He has had a solid start to his tenure as the Bulldog head man. e intense coach is still searching for answers on the oensive side of the ball, though. e oense was expected, under the leadership of Quarterback Chris Relf, to take o in 2011, but that never happened. Tyler Russell took over for Relf, at midseason, and had mixed results. Inconsistent quarterback play scarred the 2011 season, and Mullen is looking for a Quarterback, during the Spring, that can take his oense to the next level. ere are other questions that need to be answered, along with the Quarterback position, and there will be several holes that need to be filled. e Mississippi State 2012 Spring Practice could answer those questions and fill the holes. H-Back (MSUs Slot Receiver) Candidates Chad Bumphis, 511, 200; (Sr) Jameon Lewis, 59, 185; Redshirt (S) Brandon Heavens, 511, 175; (Sr) Devin Fosselman, 59, 195; Redshirt (F) Le and Right Tackle Candidates Blaine Clausell, 67, 305; Redshirt (S) Charles Siddoway, 67, 300; Redshirt (J) Damien Robinson, 68, 310; Redshirt (S) Center Candidates Dillon Day, 62, 300; Redshirt (S) Dylan Holley, 62, 295; (J)
Courtesy Photo
March 7, 2012
SPORTS
Dan Mullen
Key Spring Oensive Battles ere are several positions that will be up for grabs during Spring Practice. Here is a quick breakdown of the positions up for grabs and the players competing for the spots. I will have a full breakdown of the position battles on e Real Story website, www.realstorypublishing.com. Quarterback Candidates Tyler Russell, 65, 225; Redshirt (J) Dak Prescott, 63, 225; Redshirt (F) Running Back Candidates Ladarius Perkins, 58, 190; Redshirt (J) Nick Grin, 511, 225; Redshirt (S) Josh Robinson, 58, 225; Redshirt (F) Derrick Milton, 62, 195; Redshirt (F)
Five Burning Pre-Spring Questions

1. Will MSU learn the No-Huddle? 2. Will Prescott challenge Russell? 3. Will a feature Back emerge? 4. Will Morrow emerge as the Number One Receiver? 5. Will Malcolm Johnson take the next step?
SEE SUDOKU PUZZLE ON PG 16
Final Spring Outlook e 2012 Mississippi State Spring Practice will certainly be exciting. It will be crucial in setting up the Bulldogs 2012 season. Look out for my Mississippi State Spring Practice Preview: Defense, in the March 14th issue. I will also be breaking down the position battles on the defensive side of the ball.
Jeremiah Short
jshort@realstorypublishing.com Jeremiah Short covers Mississippi State University football and basketball. Follow him on Twitter, @JeremiahShort26; or join his Facebook blog, Real Story Sports: J.Shorts Blog.
Jeremiah Short
Fisherman Clay Dyer speaks at Feast
19
SPORTS
On ursday, March 1st, Fairview Baptist Church hosted their 15th Annual Wild Game Feast, with Professional Bass Fisherman Clay Dyer as their guest speaker. e activities started at 6:00 p.m., with a feast of Wild Hog, Catfish, Deer Tenderloin, and Rabbit Stew. While the attendees enjoyed all of the delicious food that was provided, I had a chance to sit down and interview Clay Dyer. I was truly amazed by the man who sat before me. He was born with no legs and only one partial arm. I asked him how he had the strength to fish the tournaments like he does, and he explained to me that, ever since he was a child, he had always had a strong will. He played sports and was determined to be the best that he could be. He accepted Christ into his life and become saved, at the age of eighteen. He expressed to me his passion and his reason for giving 100%. God has allowed me to witness at the weigh-in and on the boats of fellow competitors for over twenty years, now. When asked how he was so self-sucient, he replied e only thing that I cant do by myself is
March 7, 2012
Clay Dyer
Courtesy Photo
Bo Harris fries up some deer tenderloin for the feast.
launch the boat. Within a year, I hope to have the modifications made so that I can be 100% on my own. When asked if he could tell the young people of today something to inspire them, he replied that they need to never give up and that anything is possible with determination. Clay wanted to thank everyone for supporting him and his sponsors: Strike King Lures, Performance
Marine, Ranger Boats, Mercy Marine, Motor Guide, Abu Garcia, Berkley Reels, Navionics, and Hydro Wave. For more information, visit www.claydyer.net
Christy Tracey
ACTA cont. from pg. 13

legislation that ignore the fundamental rights of people, oppressing the populace, and enacting tyranny, so that they can make more money. See, the Internet represents freedom. It represents an idea. But corporations and industries, like the RIAA, MPAA, and the Pharmaceutical industry can't control ideas. ey can claim ownership, but nobody actually owns an idea. You can't stick an idea in your pocket and save it for a rainy day. It's a free, intangible, abstract concept, that thing we know as an idea. Nonetheless, the companies want to own it, and if they can't own it, they will do their best to destroy it. If they can't destroy the Internet outright, they will change it in such a way as to make it something almost entirely dierent. At that point, they claim that whatever the Internet turns out to be is, well, intellectual property, or something of their own design. erefore, they claim ownership. It's a long way to Heaven, and a short fall to Hell. We've won a few battles, but the war still rages. With that, I leave you with this: Man is an imitative animal. is quality is the germ of all education in him. From his cradle to his grave, he is learning to do what he sees others do. omas Jeerson, Notes on Virginia
INTIMIDATION cont. from pg. 8

play to be performed because of Mr. Williams sexual orientation. Whatever. It just seems typical for such efforts, which are intended to attract national/international attention, to be trumped by lesser concerns. I am glad that Brenda and others did not give up, that they persisted, and that the play was performed. Brenda has spent her own money to travel to Provincetown, Massachusetts, and to New York City to attend Tennessee Williams festivals. She has been an ambassador for the city of Columbus and has done more than her share to help Columbus begin its own traditions So, it makes me wonder who put the dead bouquet on her property. Why did they do it? Was there a connection, a way to pay Brenda back for spending her time and money to convince a professional troupe to come to Columbus to put on the play? is is not the first time that I am aware that Gestapo-like tactics were used to snu out artistic endeavors in Columbus. Just a few years ago, Anne and David, owners of the Mississippi Coeehouse, asked Joe St. John and I to facilitate an Open Mic night. We did this twice, to full houses. e word that I got from the Columbus Art Council was that having too many Open Mic nights would lessen the thrill. As it turned out, that was certainly not the case. Open Mic nights in Columbus are usually well-attended. First of all, Anne and David were not trying to compete with the CAC; they merely wanted to augment what was already going on. A few weeks later, an unidentified member of the CAC paid Anne and David a visit, telling them that if they did not stop oering Open Mic nights, they would make sure that they would have to close their doors. Anne and David would not divulge who the mystery person was. is, my friends, is intimidation at its best. Its well done by the people who have money and clout here in the Friendly City. e excuse that was given to complete the Gestapo sweep was that Anne and David were violating copyright guidelines. If Anne and David had not been bullied - and frightened - to the point of closing their shop and getting the heck out of Columbus, those issues might have been resolved in a less drastic fashion. Fellow Columbians, is intimidation the way to go? Why not have a face-to-face discussion? Why not act like adults; maybe write a Letter to the Editor, rather than resorting to middle-school antics? What will they do next? Roll her yard, key her caror worse? Telling someone to remove a political sign from his or her yard is, in itself, an attempt at censoring another persons opinion. I have a feeling that this person(s) would have no qualms about censoring art or deciding who should attend their church. As I walked through the concentration camp at Dachau, I was moved to the point of tears at Hitlers methodical, evil annihilation of almost six millions Jews. I thought that this surely could never happen in the United States, but in a small way it already has, right here in good ole Columbus, the strange little city whose Special People continue to do exactly what they feel like doing, no matter the cost.
John Dorroh
jdorroh@realstorypublishing.com John Dorroh is a Columbus resident who presently works and lives part-time in the St. Louis area. He works as an educational consultant, traveling in the Midwest and Southeast. He writes short stories, essays, and cheesy poetry about people he has met along the way.
Invino Veritas
iveritas@realstorypublishing.com Attempting to make sense of his universe, Invino Veritas bubbles outward from the chaos, sometimes submitting to its infinite whirl, and other times raging against its disregard for its own elements. His writings incorporate multiple styles and energies which can be found on his own blog of random things at http://musingsfortheinsane.blogspot.com/
20
CLASSIFIEDS & CIRCULATION
FREE CLASSIFIEDS!! PLACE YOUR FREE CLASSIFIED ONLINE TODAY!

AUTOMOTIVE
Three rims w/tires to fit 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab. $50/ea., obo. 889-3732 4 tires with rims - almost new tires, came o Pontiac Sports RAV, $300. 662-7295 1992 Bayliner 2556 Cruser w/diesel engine & gen. Many extras, $14k, obo. 570-9842 Winner ski boat with Mercruiser drive (Chevy V6) and trailer. Needs interior work. $2800. 662-570-9842 9100 or 205-242- 7264. Must see! $5-$20. 662-328-6963 or 574-5624 T-Mobile pre-paid phone, X2 Nokia. Used only 1 month. $50. 662-368-1681 after 6:30pm Attention Barbers, Hair Stylists, Nail Techs, Braiders... the list goes on! Have a talent you want to display but don't have the space? Rental booths are available in our salon. Licensed Professionals Only. 242-5297 Remodeling Sale: Corner shower unit, $200; 2 toilets, $10/ea.; 2 rooms of carpet and pads, $50/$75. Cash only - you haul. 662574-2543 PROBUILT STORAGE SHEDS, CABINS, and more. Call Dennis Miller at Probuilt of Columbus. 662-2410000 or cell 662-312-
FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

Small deep freezer, good condition, $65. 662-570-9842 Wrought iron dining room table with maple wood top and 4 cushioned chairs. Never used! Paid $600, will take $300. 574-3277 Above ground swimming pool ladder, like new, holds up to 600 lbs. $125. 889-9644 Electric water cooler, hot/cold $40. West Point, 295-3537
0860. Econo-storage sheds for a low rent-toown $54.44/mo. Call today! Older model hair dryer, 6 ft. on stand w/wheels, $75. 662570-9783 Socom4 PS3 game, $15; 19 color tube tv, $50. 242-2607 Alizzy Crafts - follow us on Facebook! 5743992 assorted Womens sizes of CAZ rings, also ring sizers and mens assorted sizes of sterling silver rings. $10/ea., or take all for $100. Assorted Front Cutlery pocket knives, all still new in box, $10/ea. or all for $100. 329-5959 2 bedroom condo, sleeps 6. Escape to the Shores at Orange Beach, AL - $850 -
week of March 16-23. 494-4207 Power wheelchair, power lift for vehicle package, $2500. Power wheelcair Dalton MP3C-1 300 lb. Harmaar AL, 500 chair power lift carrier, chair cover, bought Jan. 2011. 662-328-7726 Indian black leather jacket, Mens XL, like new, retails For $1685, selling for $500. 662574-3893 Trailer axles - one with brakes, one without; plus new tires, 15, $850, obo. 549-0003
Ready after March 14th. email: karlahope@gmail.com or call 662-356-4977 for info and pics.
SERVICES PROVIDED
REAL ESTATE
MANAGERS SPECIAL: Direct to you! 3 $29,989. BR/2BA, Homes are limited. Call 205-339-5628 We will pay o your singlewide, doublewide, or land with the purchase of your new home. 205-339-5397. $5,000 GUARANTEED. Pull, push or trade for a new home. 205-3395483 FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - call Sheri Lipsey, ReMax Real Estate 327-7750 or 662-549-1354
SMALL ENGINE REPAIR - weed eaters, chain saws, riding mowers, tillers, leaf blowers, etc. 662-5491602
aGGro Guitar Academy - Guitar lessons for beginner and intermediate. My home or yours. Reasonable Rates. 662-465-7943
March 7, 2012
Need spring cleaning all year long? Call Shelia, 662-240-8979. References available.
BOATS, RVs & MOTORCYCLES

1990 Prowler camper, 8x32, new furnace (2 years old); self contained, low mileage. $2700. Contact Annette Berry, 662-327-
PETS & ANIMALS

Chinese Crestapoo pups, 4 females, $400; 2 males, $350. 3 hairy hairless, 3 with hair. CKC registered, wonderful family pet!
MISC.
E911 reflective road markers; bluebird houses; bird feeders; old car tag dust pans;
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2

by Joseph B. St. John

FROM THE EDITOR

J.B. ST. JOHN

The CCVB: What to Do About the Madness

rparlato@realstorypublishing.com fandresen@realstorypublishing.com jdorroh@realstorypublishing.com kate@realstorypublishing.com

GUEST FEATURE WRITER

ART & PRODUCTION

Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau.

CINDY LYNCH J.B. ST. JOHN

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

ads@realstorypublishing.com info@realstorypublishing.com classifieds@realstorypublishing.com subscriptions@realstorypublishing.com

THE REAL STORY

Check for daily updates online: http://realstorypublishing.com Facebook.com/rspublishing __________

Dont miss an issue!

City Approves Free Paving for Private Business

FROM THE EDITOR

CCVB Meeting Goes Insane

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

FROM THE EDITOR

CMSD Board Votes to Approve RIF, Extend Superintendent Search

MEETING cont. from pg. 3

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

RIF cont. from pg. 4

FROM THE EDITOR

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

FROM (and TO) THE EDITOR

The Problem with Sherman

Joseph B. St. John a/k/a Mr. MoJo Rising

CPD Seeks to Improve...

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

The Humane Society Needs Your Help

and Cat Toys, Flea Shampoo, Rubbermaid storage containers

A Place at the Table...Back Door Succeeds Again

Check Out Our Website for Our New Polls!

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

State Historical Society Recounts War of 1812

Intimidation in the Friendly City: Lets Frighten Them, Boys!

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO

CONSUMER CORNER / CULTURALLY SPEAKING

Cattlemans lives up to Kountry Kitchen standards.

Photography and Paintings and a Letterpress, Oh My!

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

REVIEW & COMMUNITY

New to DVD: In Time Denies Political Reality

Local YMCA Works to Raise Funds

of the community, we are confident these goals can be met.

Special to e Real Story

CULTURE cont. from pg. 9

form, call 662.368.8181 or visit www.randomactsofculture.biz.

ANSWERS FROM THE FEB. 29, 2012 CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

Making Sense of ACTA

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

SAFETY TIPS & AREA NEWS

From the National Crime Prevention Council

What Kinds of Emergencies?

March is National Red Cross Awareness Month

ALWAYS THE TRUTH...NO COMPROMISE

Handmade Bois darc Flutes

A reworked and releaded stained glass piece

Frog Bottom Creations

George Lee Dyson Jr.

Burning keeps the wood from cracking.

YOUR FREE AD COULD GO HERE!! CALL TODAY!