Progress 2008

PROGRESS
2008
2008 PROGRESS EDITION
For the ones
you’re close to,
so are we.
THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH

Nationally Recognized...
Not long after moving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Columbus, Karen Jonason was diagnosed with cancer. Ranked 10th among Southern public master’s
universities by U.S.News & World Report
Immediately, she started making plans to return to Charleston for treatment. But one visit to the Hematology and Oncology
Associates’ Columbus office changed her mind. With an unsurpassed dedication to patients and a commitment to the Named 54 of 100 top colleges in America by
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine
latest treatment and technology, their team is leading the way in the fight against cancer. And the best part—you’ll find it
all right here at home. “This place got me through many dark days. I highly recommend it to anyone facing cancer.” Ranked 8th among the top 50 best values for public
colleges and universities by Consumer Digest
HEMATOLOGY AND Highly Personalized...

ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES Private college experience at a public cost
AT COLUMBUS
UI4USFFU/PSUI $PMVNCVT .JTTJTTJQQJt 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Charles W. Montgomery, M.D.tJulian B. Hill, M.D.tAndrew H. Kellum, M.D.tChristopher C. Croot, M.D.tBrian N. Walker, D.O.tDavid G. Morris, M.D.
Outstanding faculty who know you by your name
Formerly North Mississippi Hematology and Oncology Associates
clinics also located in:

5VQFMP .JTTJTTJQQJt4PVUI(MPTUFSt$PSJOUI .JTTJTTJQQJt"MDPSO%SJWFt
1-877-462-8439 Choose from more than 50 academic programs.
www.muw.edu Online classes in business administration and
management offer flexible scheduling.
A Distinctive Destination
Come see why historic Columbus has been named

one of the 2008 Dozen Distinctive Destinations by
the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Here in
\RXURZQEDFN\DUG\RX·OOÀQGDEHY\RIEHDXWLIXO
antebellum homes, quaint shops and restaurants
to savor, the birthplace of Tennessee Williams,
)ULHQGVKLS&HPHWHU\WKHÀUVWSODFHLQ$PHULFD
where Decoration Day honoring soldiers from the
North and the South was ever held, and much more.
Explore your Columbus today and see why it is 800-327-2686
so distinctive! www.columbus-ms.org
www.columbus-ms.org
Come see us for daily home tours.
800-327-2686
Burke’s Outlet,
JCPenney,
Sears, and
over 30
specialty
stores
The place to shop... 328-0333
Columbus Accounting & Tax Service

“We Solve Tax Problems!”
Tax Preparation
• Individual Farm, Clergy, Truck Driver, Law Enforcement
• Business Corporation, LLC, Partnership, Sole Proprietor
Tax Representation
Sherry Oswalt, EA • Helen Grissett, EA, MGFC AUTHORIZED
Shirley Delk • Sharon Hendrick • Taxpayer Advocate IRS
IRS Exemplary Electronic Filer Award PROVIDER
Master’s in Tax Representation from the National Tax Practice Institute

Graduate Fellow from the National Tax Practice Institute
Six Time National Association of Tax Professionals Achievement Award Winner
Former Instructor for the National Tax Practice Institute
Open year-round
111 9th Street (Behind BankFirst on Main Street) Downtown Columbus

662-329-4080 • www.taxproblempro.com
4 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008
“Programming is the key to the
future,” Dr. Del Phillips, superintend-
ent for CMSD schools, said in August
2007 when he first presented the idea
of magnet schools to the district’s
Board of Trustees.
“Individualized education is the
way to go,” he continued. “The reason
it is so successful is because it raises
student achievement and it keeps stu-
dents interested in school.”
Providing Mental Health, “Everybody is talented at some-
thing. Everyone is interested in some-
Alcohol & Drug Services, and thing. If you can match the right child
Employee Assistance Programs with the right things, wonderful things
can happen,” Donald Waldrip,
to the Golden Triangle for Over 30 Years founder of Magnet Schools of
America, assured board members.
COMMUNITY COUNSELING SERVICES “You build it, you promote it, they will
come.”
If Waldrip’s prediction holds true,
Lowndes County Office: Services Also In: the fall of 2008 should see an influx of
Starkville 323-9318
1001 Main Street West Point 494-7060 excited students as the doors open to
Macon 726-5042 Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet
Columbus, MS 39701 Louisville 773-9377 School, Stokes Beard Elementary
328-9225 Ackerman 285-6225

Eupora 258-8147
Technology and Communication
Magnet School, Fairview Elementary
Aerospace and Science Magnet
School, Franklin Elementary Medical
Columbus Light & Water... Sciences and Wellness Magnet School
and Sale Elementary International
making your life Studies Magnet School.
“It keeps students engaged in
flow brighter. school. It matches their instruction
with what the overall theme of the
school is,” Phillips said.
CMSD will have a true magnet
school concept, with every elementary
school in the district planning instruc-
tion around one of five themes.
‘True choice’
“I think the biggest thing with mag-
net schools is the ability to have
choice across the system,” Phillips
offered.
Many school systems operating
with the magnet concept have one or
two schools with themes. With all
CMSD elementary schools offering a
unique theme, parents and children
will have what Tommy Prude, CMSD
Board of Trustees vice president has
662.328.7192 called “true choice.”
www.columbuslw.com Prude has long been a proponent
Progress 2008
Quality Matters
A publication of The Commercial Dispatch
Editor and General Manager

Birney Imes For All Your
Managing Editor
Relaxation Needs
Rachel Eide Massages
Associate Editors Body Treatments

Garthia Elena Burnett
Body Waxing
Leigh Yarborough
Manicures
Design Editor
Adrian Bohannon Pedicures
Writers Facials
Melanie Crownover Microdermabrasion
Skip Descant
Kristin Mamrack Full Line of OPI Products™
Vicky Newman
Danny P. Smith
Columbus’ Finest Full Line of Glo-Minerals™
Makeup Products
Workout Facility
June C. Straight
Justin Sutton
Jan Swoope
Full Line of Guinot™
Joey Vaughan
Facial Care Products
Neal Wagner 327-6348 144 B
Brickerton
i k t St
St.•
•CColumbus,
Columbus
l b MS
Towne Square Center
Townes Center | Columbus, MS M 9-1, T-Th 9-6, F 9-5, S 8-1
Photographers
www.fitnessfactor.net
Call for appointment - 244-7100
Kelly Tippett brickertondayspa.com
Joe Ray Roberson
Matthew West
Advertising Director
Hye Coleman GRANITE
Advertising Assistants
Felicia Bowen
COUNTERTOPS
Kitchens • Bathrooms • Commercial
Adrian Fields
Linda Massey
Advertising Sales
The Granite
Evie Funk
Steven Short
Guys
Celsie Staggers
Mandy Wells Specializing in the custom
Samantha Williamson
fabrication and installation of
Advertising Design granite, marble, and quartz.
Jackie Taylor
Anthony Minter Please Visit Our Showroom at:
Barbara Pate 1421 Highway 69 South, Columbus
Production
Jeff Lipsey
For an Estimate,
Tina Perry please call:
Michelle Lee
Circulation Manager (662)329-8687

Bobby Tingle New Construction/Remodeling
The Commercial Dispatch
P.O. Box 511
We Move Mountains for
Columbus, MS 39703-0511 your Countertops!
(662) 328-2424
PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 7
“The next generation of any endeavor
usually rests on the shoulders of those
who went before,” believes founder
Gildea. “Our success includes parents,
good teachers and the philosophy of Dr.
Suzuki that teaches us that any child can
learn if nurtured in the right environ-
ment.”
YMCA art and drama

The YMCA offers more than fitness
and sports these days. The national
YMCA and Columbus’ Frank P. Phillips Y
view the arts and humanities as tools to
build communities and strengthen fami-
lies.
“We’ve always been big in youth
sports,” said local YMCA executive Nathan Parker, 8, paints during YMCA art class.
director, Charlie Box. “I suppose the
reality hit us several years ago that not
everyone is a jock that likes to play collage, printmaking and sculpture. That is the power of art!”
sports. It was then we started offering “Many children think they can’t draw Drama has also become a popular
art.” and feel unsure of their artistic abilities,” YMCA-sponsored endeavor.
The Y’s Young Artists Program offers observed Mutch. “I love to see their Under Terri Gillis’ guidance, produc-
five classes at its downtown location — faces when they see that they can create tions including “Annie,” “Back to
two preschool art classes, homeschool beautiful art. This confidence carries Mayberry” and “Pollyanna” have enter-
art, after-school art and intermediate art over into other areas of their lives and tained local audiences and infected
with focus areas in drawing, painting, helps them feel good about themselves. young thespians, as well as their parents,
CLRA... Get the results you deserve.

Specializing In Surgery & Diseases Of The Eye
•Soccer
- Recreation Leagues
- Certified Coaches
- Division II Teams
Cataracts
•Baseball LASIK-Free Consultation
•Softball Glaucoma
•Football Retina and Macular Diseases
Diabetic Eye Exams and Treatment
Medical Eye Exams
Cosmetic Lid Surgery “Excellence In Vision Care”
Pediatric Ophthalmology Care Est. 1950
Columbus Eye Clinic William Gillespie, M.D.
& Scott Bradley, M.D.
Laser Surgery Center Fellows of
327-4935
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Doctors Park • 425 Hospital Drive, Suite 8 • Columbus Board Certified by

American Board of Ophthalmology
328-2061
www.clra.net
growing up
arts
with the
Local groups bringing along a

new generation of artists, one
paintbrush and violin at a time
text by JAN SWOOPE
Art instructor Cynthia Mutch points to three containers
of vivid paints.
“Does anyone know what these are?” she asks the
group of 5- to 9-year-olds in an art class at the Frank P.
Phillips YMCA in downtown Columbus.
Young Claire immediately stretches her hand high.
“The primaries!” she eagerly answers.
A 6-year-old seeing the rich red, yellow and blue pri-
mary colors through the eyes of a burgeoning artist is just
one of the small artistic milestones celebrated each week
in art centers, classrooms and studios throughout the city.
The arts are the universal language, transcending all
ages and cultures. They educate, enrich and entertain. And
it’s no secret that a community vibrant with visual arts,
music and theater has an advantage when prospective
businesses and professionals come calling.
So just how is Columbus going about the creative busi-
ness of developing its next generation of artists, actors,
photographs by KELLY TIPPETT musicians and art patrons?
Much of it is under way within organizations like the
Columbus Arts Council, Suzuki String Program and the
YMCA.
And Columbus Municipal School District parents will
The world on a
International cuisine brings an exotic
taste to the Golden Triangle
Manicotti is a stuffed-pasta favorite at The Green Olive.

“You see a lot of boating on the river,” said Miller. “It is
one of the best places for bass fishing in the state, and there
are several fishing tournaments on the river each year.”
And despite its popularity, the river hasn’t gotten too
crowded to enjoy.
In fact, Miller believes the good boating practices
observed by most who use the river keep it safe and acces-
sible.
“The river is well monitored, and great care is taken to
make sure everyone is safe,” Miller, who is a member of a
boating group called the Stump Jumpers, said.
“We practice safe boating and because of this, the num-
ber of accidents have been down over the last few years,”
she added.
And the Stump Jumpers do more than just enjoy the Allison Caldwell Floyd and Shane Floyd celebrate their wedding
water. They work to help others enjoy it as well, staging ski on the banks of the Tombigbee.
shows and helping teach children how to ski. “Many people go into town during the off season that have
The Tenn-Tom also serves as a major attraction, bringing traveled down the waterway from the North.”
many different people to the city of Columbus. While the river provides her with great recreational
It’s not uncommon to see people from northern states opportunities, Miller said the memories provided by the
enjoying their time on the river around Columbus, Miller river are just as important.
noted. The river is dear to her heart.
Places such as the Columbus Marina on Columbus Lake “My child was on the river from the time he was born,”
near the Lock and Dam, and the people who operate them, said Miller. “It is a great way to raise your children because
act as some of the best ambassadors for the city. it is a family atmosphere.”
“The Marina is a great example of a place where you are In addition to creating a good time for a family, the river
able to dock, get gas and go out into town,” Miller said. also allows friends to get together.
That was then... Locati

New
on!
THIS IS NOW!
In 6 months
She Lost
45 lbs. & 60”
Call Tiffany today
for your FREE
CONSULTATION!
3600 Bluecutt Road • Columbus, MS

Trustmark Bank Building, 3rd Floor
328-3711
other places.” the world with the other wives in the
“I guess it’s just a lot easier for visi- group and with people we meet in
tors from other countries to fit into a the town.”
new place when the people who live Whether it’s a plate of sushi or the
in that place are so patient and will- finest Thai cuisine, the wives are defi-
ing to help them with whatever they nitely excited about sharing their
need,” added Padar, who moved to hometown — or rather home-country
Michigan when she was about 13 — delicacies with anyone they can.
years old. “We always bring food to all our
them the cultures and — possibly (International Spouses Group) meet-
International offerings most importantly — the food from ings,” said Japanese-native Mayumi
As much as the international wives their native countries. Yoshida. “It’s good to share Japanese
and their husbands enjoy living here, “Every country has a different food and eat food from other places I
it might actually be Columbus that is taste,” said Padar. “Columbus doesn’t don’t usually have.”
getting the better end of the deal. really have that many different tastes, “This is my first experience in the
International guests bring with but we are sharing foods from all over South,” said Giacobbi. “I love to talk

Fourth of July, Labor Day and
Memorial Day are just a few of the
days calling the Stump Jumpers to the
Tombigbee and their pavilion there.
We care
“We get together and eat on the big about
holidays,” Miller said. “We have even
had a wedding out there.” your health
Even for those choosing to stay on
land, the river still can provide some
naturally!
Dr. David J. Saum Dr. Shana Sullivan
entertaining opportunities.
The Riverwalk and Jazz Fest along
with other outdoor activities tied to Providing
the river help provide a good time for Stress
those who prefer to stay dry. Headaches Chiropractic
Often, the activities on the banks of Health Care
the river also are enjoyed off shore as Fatigue
well. for 37 years
“During the Columbus Jazz Fest, Neck Pain
there were several people in their Shoulder Pain
boats hanging out and enjoying the
music,” remembered Miller. Back Pain
“People would kill to have a river (acute & chronic)
running downtown in their city,”
added Miller. Auto Injuries
“The river has been a part of the
community forever. So often, we just
Work Injuries 105D Alabama Street • Columbus
take for granted the fact that it runs
through our community.” ■
(662) 327-6586
Hwy. 45 North Columbus, MS

ments for a long time, adding crappie “If these two tournaments go as well
Your Bridge Over to the catch two years ago and catfish
in 2007.
as we’re hoping, we expect to get the
national field trials next year and the
Life’s Troubled Waters An official announcement was set Region 6 Bird Dog Field Trials in
for March by the American Bass December,” said Tsismanakis. “These
• Prearranged Funeralrals Anglers verifying booking of the Grand hunters and fishermen who come in for
Slam Championship in Columbus. events here really make an impact on
• Life Insurance
And Columbus has the 2009 our economy, but it’s an almost invisi-
• Acceptance of all burial/life Crappie Classic national, too. ble source of tourism unless you’re
insurance policies “We have a Southeast and involved.”
• 24-hour free consultation Southwest division, and this is where
• The most caring and
they’ll meet up for nationals. Since Funding the fun
Mississippi didn’t have a single event, The CVB’s entire mission is about
dependable professionals we knew it would be a fair spot all drawing events to the area, and big
in the Golden Triangle across the board, and we knew we fun takes funding.
• Modern, updated facilities wanted to have it in Columbus because That capital comes from a 2-per-
we’ve had our eye on it for a while,” cent restaurant tax collected on busi-
• State-of-the-art chapel,
seating 200 said Deborah Talley, ABA national mar- nesses that make more than
keting director. $325,000 per year in food sales.
Although the group has about eight
Pattman
“That’s our seed money to bring in
divisions per state in the region, festivals and other events,”
Mississippi only has one. That’s some- Tsismanakis said. “This year we had
thing they’re looking to change in the a $135,000 grant budget and
FUNERAL DIRECTORS near future, and the city could benefit.
$130,000 for sports events — and
This Grand Slam should bring
that’s not counting the advertising,
250 Lehmberg Rd. • Columbus around 200 boats to the area with one
trade shows and public relations.”
pro-angler and an accompanying non-
329-9969 fisherman per rig.
That grant budget, which exceeds
last year’s numbers by more than
The official tournament lasts one
$30,000, is split between local
week, but Talley said many participants
Sand & Gravel events to help foot the bill of bring-
come in two weeks beforehand for
ing tourists to town.
Products practice. Hosting the event also makes
It goes out in trickles: $15,000 to
Columbus eligible to bid on three other
the Tennessee Williams Tribute and
ABA national tournaments, which
Furnishing sand and could mean rotating a different one in Tour of Victorian Homes, $10,000 to
the new Jazz & Blues Festival,
gravel for a growing each year.
$4,000 for Roast-n-Boast.
Mississippi Sniffing out the new Additionally, it costs about $2,000
Fox hunting and bird dog trials are to bring the celebs for the Braves
another couple of major attractions. camp, $6,000 for Dizzy Dean,
Since the first American fox hunt $25,000 for the Grand Slam
was held at Waverley, the chase has Championship and a whopping
been a local tradition. $90,000 for the Crappie Classic.
The local chapter of the National Sometimes there are sponsors to
Fox Hunt Association held about 20 help absorb the expense.
events at the Black Prairie Preserve dur- They also reap the benefits of the
ing the past season. added tourism dollars.
And the CVB secured both the That yield comes in the form of
BACCO
National Derby Dog Field Trials hotel room fees, gas profits, travel
Championships and the Black Prairie necessities and dining out.
Bird Dog Field Trials Championship for Tourism officials estimate that for
Materials this spring.
Although the number of teams per
every $1 a city spends on tourism, it
receives $8 in return.
(662) 434-0171 tournament varied, each one consisted And the more the CVB can help
of about five handlers who stayed in bring in, the more money they have
1033 Fellows Road town with their animals for the two- to from taxes to make the next year
Columbus, MS five-day event. even better. ■
years. Shaherazad’s is open for lunch Toro on Highway 45 North, Garibaldi 328-8656
and dinner every day except Monday. Mexican Restaurant on Military Road
and La Fiesta and Mexican Kitchen on
Mexican restaurants Alabama Street. In Starkville, El
It’s easy to find Mexican food Sombrero is on Eckford Drive and
establishments in the Golden Triangle, Mexico Tipico, Mi Hacienda and La
including some that serve authentic Magnolia are all on Highway 12.
Mexican dishes, along with fast-food Southern cooking is great, but why
and chain restaurants. not treat your taste buds to the flavors
In Columbus, a few include Mi of the globe? ■
• Pregnancy - Normal or
High Risk
• Infertility Relax. We are available for
• Free 3D Sonogram you 24 hours a day.
• Adolescent Gynecology
• Weight Control
• PMS
• General & Surgical
Gynecology
• Gynecological Infectious
Disease
• Gynecological Urology
• Laser Treatments
Hair Removal
Vericose Veins
Pigmented Skin Lesions
Board Certified
Obstetrics & Gynecology
JAMES L. HOLZHAUER, M.D.

MARK L. BURTMAN, M.D.
505 Willowbrook Road • Columbus
Appointments 662-329-9191 • If no answer Call 244-1000
www.holzhauerburtmanmsd.com
sushi bar, where customers can watch
the preparation.
A new thing
Pang made it his mission to entice
Columbus area residents to try some-
thing entirely new. It took awhile, but he
counts his effort a success.
“When we first started, about 10 per-
cent customers eat sushi, and 90 percent
order from kitchen,” said Pang, who
believes most people who do not like
sushi simply haven’t tried it. “After so
many years, the local customers try it,
now 90 percent eat sushi, and maybe 10
percent order from kitchen.”
Pang is assisted by his wife, Yen,
whom he brought to Columbus soon
after he arrived here. The Pangs now
have two young children.
“We’re so happy here. Every year, we
have a lot of good, loyal customers. A lot
of people from the base, when they
leave, leave a paper on the table, saying
‘Thank you for the good food.’ They
never forget us.” Customers can watch as Kenny Pang, owner of Little Tokyo, prepares their sushi and
Pang has opened another small sashimi. Opposite: Lisa Dakhlalla, who owns Starkville’s Shaherazad’s along with her
restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but plans husband, Oda Dakhlalla, prepares food at the restaurant.
to remain a Columbus resident. “People getting wider.
here so nice. Like family, like best Middle Eastern cuisine
friend.” In Starkville’s Cotton District, the
For Italian mood switches to the Middle East where
Little Tokyo is open Tuesday through The latest, and perhaps most authen- student life mixes with baba ghanouj, (a
Saturday for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 tic, Italian restaurant in the area is smooth dip-like sauce made from roast-
p.m. Dinner is served from 4:30 p.m. to Mario’s Italian Restaurant at The Abbey ed eggplant,) and other Ottoman delica-
9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and in Starkville. cies like stuffed grape leaves and falafels
4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and “We have an all-new menu and in the tiny Shaherazad’s on Maxwell
Saturday. cheaper prices,” owner Mario Perez said Street.
of the downtown Starkville eatery. Operated by Oda Dakhlalla, his wife,
Chinese cuisine With dishes like Penne al Forno Lisa Dakhlalla, along with their three
Whether you’re looking for Mandarin, ($7.50 at lunch) or portobello mush-
sons and a little help from students at
Szechuan, Hunan or Cantonese, there rooms and shrimp stuffed into ravioli Starkville High School and Mississippi
are restaurants to satisfy a craving for ($8.95) along with the red-checkered State University, Shaherazad’s brings fla-
Chinese cuisine, too. tablecloths and candles dripping down vors and the ambiance of the Arab world
To mention a few, in Columbus, old Chianti bottles, this Main Street to Starkville.
there’s A Gold Star Chinese Restaurant bistro transports you directly to Little Italy “I wanted people to see a little about
on Highway 45 North, China House on or better yet, Rome itself. Muslim life, that what you don’t see on
Alabama Street, China Royal, Peking Mario’s has no shortage of pasta rang- TV,” is the way Lisa Dakhlalla described
Chinese Restaurant and Buffet City, on ing from rigatoni to gnocchi and sauces her restaurant.
Highway 45 North. In West Point, there’s stretching from marinara to clam, or sim- Oda Dakhlalla grew up in Bethlehem,
China Buffet on Highway 45 Alternate ply — meatballs. just outside of Jerusalem, and many of
If Japanese or Asian-inspired cuisine Mario’s serves lunch and dinner, and the dishes are traditional foods found in
doesn’t appeal to your tastes, don’t is closed on Monday. Middle Eastern countries.
despair. Eating out in the Golden Triangle In Columbus, diners can find Italian Lisa Dakhlalla is American by birth,
keeps getting easier as the choices keep fare at The Green Olive owned by chef and grew up in New Jersey. The family
getting more plentiful. And it’s partly Sarah Labensky. has lived in Starkville for about 26
because the international table keeps

Fine Arts Magnet
Five new magnet themes are set to debut in city elementary
schools in August.
While all schools will teach the same core curriculum,
each will have a specific magnet theme — fine arts, technolo-
gy and communication, medical sciences and wellness, aero-
space and science or international studies.
“I think exposure to the arts allows children to express
themselves, develop confidence in their abilities to be creative
and recognize beauty through the diversity displayed in art,”
Columbus Superintendent of Education Dr. Del Phillips com-
mented. “And an appreciation for performing and visual arts
develops a well-rounded child prepared to think more critical-
ly about the world around them.”
The fine arts magnet school, which is planned for Cook
Elementary School, will benefit from partnering with the
Joy Fan, practices violin with fellow Suzuki Strings members. In Columbus Arts Council.
the foreground is Daniel Jones. “The new fine arts magnet school will be a great equalizer
in our community. No longer will students be able to take art,
dance, strings, music and drama only if their parents can
with the acting bug. afford it,” Rowland said. “And really, isn’t that what ‘No Child
“We look for plays or musicals with a positive message of Left Behind’ is all about?”
inspiration or hope,” said Gillis, who has also worked closely The Spanish cubist painter and sculptor Pablo Picasso once
with Fairview Baptist Church’s drama team. “I really think that said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain
what this theater program is about is reaching out to young an artist once he grows up.”
people who need to be inspired, who want to connect. It can Thanks to a dedicated cadre of teachers, mentors and
bring people from the place of being unsure of themselves to visionaries, many children in and around Columbus are being
realizing how truly valuable they are.” allowed the chance to do just that. ■
Nephrology
Attorneys at Law
215 Fifth Street N., Columbus,MS 39701
662-328-2316
www.mitchellmcnutt.com
Associates, P.C.
Additional Offices:
Tupelo, Corinth, Oxford, MS and Memphis, TN
Dr. Jason Dunn Dr. Chris LeBrun Kala W. Phillips, CFNP

~ Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Research ~
John E. Reed, Jr. M.D. and Catherine Pace, Pharm. D. For more than a half century, we have been an integral
• Chronic Kidney Disease • Acute Kidney Disease part in the molding of Columbus into one of the finest
• Hemodialysis • Peritoneal Dialysis communities in our nation. We eagerly anticipate that
• Hypertension • Kidney Transplant Management we will be equally involved in Columbus’ exciting future
• Anemia Management • Metabolic Disorders - not only in legal matters but also through our contin-
• Home Hemodialysis • Kidney Stones ued support of community groups such as United Way,
2104 5th Street North • Columbus, MS 39705 Habitat for Humanity, Main Street and The Link in
662.329.3838 Columbus that are the heart of this, our home.
Starkville Dialysis Columbus Dialysis Macon Dialysis Louisville Dialysis Aberdeen Dialysis
104 West Garrard Road 92 Brookmore Drive 703 N. Washington St. 562-A E. Main St. 308 Highway 8 West A Contributor to Columbus’ Past,
Starkville, MS 39759 Columbus MS 39705 Macon, MS 39341 Louisville, MS 39339 Aberdeen, MS 39730
Focused on Columbus’ Future
“We’re so happy here. Every year,
we have a lot of good, loyal
customers. A lot of people ... when
they leave, leave a paper on the
table, saying ‘Thank you for the
good food.’ They never forget us.”
— Kenny Pang
platter
text by VICKY NEWMAN and SKIP DESCANT
photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
In an age of air travel at supersonic speeds, it’s not

inconceivable for jet setters to fly to a distant continent for
an authentic international meal at the drop of a hat. Or,
with easy access to inexpensive cruises, it would be entirely
possible to cruise down south of the border for real
Mexican food.
But for those who prefer to remain closer to home,
opportunities are ample in the Golden Triangle to sample
some flavors of the greater world.
Got a taste for sushi? Forget jetting to Japan. In
Columbus, Little Tokyo offers sushi (cooked fish) and sashi-
mi (raw fish), as well as tempura, steaks and more.
Vietnamese immigrant Kenny Pang brought Japanese
sushi to town in 2003, when he opened Little Tokyo on
Highway 45 North. After immigrating to the United States
in the early 1990s, he had worked in Jackson at a Chinese
restaurant, and for a while operated a Chinese restaurant.
When he decided to pursue his own restaurant business,
Pang says he was looking for something different to offer
customers, as well as a different location.
Through a friend, Pang discovered sushi, and decided to
learn how to prepare it. Then, by accident, he discovered
Columbus in 2002.
“I said, ‘What town is this? It is a pretty good town.’ I
found The W and Columbus Air Force Base. I decided to try
to stay here.”
Pang opened Little Tokyo and introduced sushi to the
area. Pang personally makes different kinds of sushi at the
Top row from left, rainbow rolls and Columbus rolls from Little
Tokyo add colorful variety to traditional sashimi; eel sauce
and fish eggs accent the flavor of this Little Tokyo sushi, pic-
tured with tempura; sweet and sour chicken are served with
an egg roll from Peking Chinese Restaurant.

ENGLISH
OPTIONAL
Golden Triangle enriched by influx
of international residents
text by NEAL WAGNER
From Thailand to Ecuador,

Columbus Air Force Base draws an
international contingent of pilots,
instructors and trainees every year.
And they don’t travel alone.
More than 20 pilots’ wives from
every corner of the earth have banded
together to share the cultures of their
native countries, talk about their trav-
els across the globe and, well, just
have a good time while they’re here in
the South.
While some may view Mississippi
as having a homogenous society, these
women couldn’t disagree more.
And, in fact, they are bringing new
cultures to the area by the truckload —
KELLY TIPPETT
whether they realize it or not.
“My husband (Tech. Sgt. Robert
down here is kind and nice to me. If you ever have a
Padar) was stationed in Hawaii before we moved here,”
problem, it’s like every single person wants to help you,”
said Jerry Padar, who is originally from Thailand. “Believe
it or not, I actually like it here more.” Giacobbi said.
Padar and a few other members of the International Even international wives who lived in America before
Spouses Group at CAFB said they believe it is hard to find coming to CAFB agree that Columbus — and the South
another culture as unique as Mississippi. — is unlike any other part of the world.
“Sure it’s a small place, but I love it, and all the other “I went to college in Utah, so I’m a little more natu-
wives seem to like it as well,” said Karolina Giacobbi, a ralized than some of the other out-of-country wives
Beirut native and head of the International Spouses here,” said Ecuador native Angela Adamson. “But still,
Group. Mississippi is totally different from the West and definite-
“I don’t know how to explain it, but everything here ly very different from Ecuador. Everyone here is just so
and all the people here just look happy. Everybody I meet much more outgoing and friendly than they are in those

Domtar Core Value:
COMMITMENT
Paper Is Our Product, Safety Is Our Job, And
Environmental Stewardship Is Our Mission.
The Coated Groundwood Mill has been part of this community for over
25 years. Our name has changed but our commitment remains. We are
committed to our Community, Environment and our Team Members
and their families.
PO BOX 8093
9620 Old Macon Road
Columbus, MS
www.domtar.com
We are Domtar... with a proud history and a growing future.
TELLING OUR
STORY
Convention and Visitors Bureau
talks up the Friendly City
text by MELANIE CROWNOVER photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Tell a native about the wonders of Knocking one out celebration.

Columbus and you’re probably preach- out of the park “The Red Barber event was huge for
ing to the choir; show an outsider and Gov. Haley Barbour recently told Columbus, and we’re hoping to get a
you may have met your new neighbor. the Mississippi Tourism Association the museum in here later on, but it’s not
That’s a truth the Columbus state needs to focus on outdoor the only major baseball event we have
Convention and Visitors Bureau deals tourism because it’s a virtually here,” said James Tsismanakis, CVB
in every day. untapped gold mine. executive director.
Sunrise to sunset, the crew labors to And there’s no outdoor pastime big- The Kent Willis Straight Path
get out the gospel that The Friendly City ger than baseball. Baseball Camp concluded its fourth
of Possum Town is the place to be. That’s one market where Columbus season in January. Willis, a minor
Unlike some of their counterparts in league pitching coordinator for the
has hit a home run.
other towns, though, these gurus of Atlanta Braves, brought some of the
The city got national attention from
making it look good start with some team down each year to train future
The New York Times and Washington
pretty promising material.
Post for the February celebration of the area all stars ages 7-14. The talent this
Everyone knows the basics:
late sportscaster Red Barber’s centenary. year included pitcher Kyle Davies, out-
Tennessee Williams, Market Street fielder Jeff Francouer and catcher Brian
Barber, who was born and lived in
Festival, Pilgrimage and Friendship
Columbus until age 10, earned the first- McCann.
Cemetery.
ever Ford C. Frick award from the The CVB also knocked one out of
But now the CVB is making the city
Baseball Hall of Fame and induction the park in 2007 by winning a second
a premiere sports destination just in
into the Radio Hall of Fame. three-year contract to host the Dizzy
time for an influx of new people from
the introduction of companies like The Columbus tribute included dedi- Dean Baseball World Series. That event
cation of a historic marker near brought about 500 participants and
SeverCorr and Paccar into the Golden
Triangle. Barber’s childhood home, video trib- their supporters to the city fields last
utes from sports greats like Tommy year for a four-day playoff in July.
Lasorda and lectures from former
National Public Radio host Bob Hooking the big ones
James Tsismanakis, executive Edwards and “Voices of the Game” The bureau likewise had success uti-
director of the Columbus author Curt Smith. lizing the community’s Tennessee-
Convention and Visitors
Bureau, displays some
The CVB donated cash to the cause Tombigbee Waterway access as a
literature about and helped the Remembering Red tourism booster.
The Friendly City. Barber Committee promote the sold- The CVB has brought in bass tourna-

Index of
Advertisers
4 County EPA .................................................................71 Homeplace of Columbus................................................91
with the other people here about our
45 Package Store ........................................................115 Immanuel Center for Christian Education ......................51
Alarm One .....................................................................30 Johnson Carpet Center ...................................................87 different cultures and share foods
Ability Works .................................................................86 Junior Auxiliary of Columbus ...........................................7 with them.”
American Eurocopter ....................................................25 Kudoz ..........................................................................109
Annunciation Catholic School ........................................68 Kwik Kopy Printing ..........................................................3 “It’s very important that you try to
At Home with Bassett .....................................................23 Le Gourmet Cheese & Gift Shoppe..................................81 take a part of your country with you
Bacco Materials ...........................................................102 Leigh Mall........................................................................4
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle....................13 Lighting Plus ..................................................................59 when you move somewhere new,”
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle...... Back Cover Lighting Unlimited .........................................................17 Giacobbi added. “Food is an easy
Beans & Cream ..............................................................17 Lowndes County Board of Supervisors ...........................16 way to do that and everyone always
Bella Interiors ...............................................................55 Lowndes Funeral Home & Crematory.............................98
Beltone .........................................................................97 Lowndes County Radial Tire ...........................................64 likes trying something new.”
Bennett Ophthalmology .................................................84 Main Street Columbus....................................................39
Brickerton Day Spa..........................................................7
Cable One ......................................................................93
Malachi Financial Group................................................98
McConnell Brothers Transfer & Storage .........................75
Language barrier
Caledonia Natural Gas....................................................99 Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory ...........................50 Just as would be the case if a
Cash & Carry Building Supply ........................................46 Merchant Law Firm, PLLC ..............................................98 Columbus native moved to a far-off
Ceco Building Systems ...................................................24 Metso Paper ..................................................................92
Century 21-Doris Hardy & Associates, LLC .....................15 Microtek Medical ..........................................................40 nation, assimilation into Southern
CFC Transportation ........................................................66 Mid-South Signs.............................................................47 culture has been difficult for a few of
Children’s House of Montessori .....................................54 Mississippi Industrial Waste Development ............... 60-61 CAFB’s international residents.
CHS Insuragroup ...........................................................74 Mississippi University for Women ..........Inside Back Cover
City of Caledonia ............................................................45 Mitchell, McNutt & Sams..............................................108 And almost every international
Coldwell Banker-West Realty..........................................69 Neel-Schaffer, Inc. .........................................................86 wife summed up their hardships with
Columbus - Lowndes Development LINK ........................65 Nephrology Associates .................................................108
Columbus Accounting and Tax Service .............................4 New Chateaux/Holly Hills Apartments ..........................109 one word: language.
Columbus Bank Association...........................................68 Newell Paper Company ..................................................28 “I’ve been living in Mississippi for
Columbus Brick Company .............................................11 Newman Oil Company....................................................69 almost two years now,” said
Columbus Cardiovascular Care ......................................70 Nichols, Crowell, Gillis, Cooper & Amos, PLLC ...............22
Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau ......................1 North MS Hematology & Oncology Associates .................... Giacobbi. “Sometimes I still get lost
Columbus Eye Clinic ....................................................107 ............................................................. Inside Front Cover when people are talking to me
Columbus Historic Foundation ......................................58 Novus Auto Glass ...........................................................74
Columbus Light and Water Department..........................10 Noxubee County.............................................................34
because I’m not totally used to the
Columbus Lowndes Recreation Authority .....................107 OCH, Center for Breast Health & Imaging ......................67 language yet.”
Columbus Lung Physicians, PLLC ...................................89 OCH, Center for Sleep Medicine.....................................19 “We came to Mississippi in 2006
Columbus Municipal School District ................................5 Ole Country Bakery........................................................33
Columbus Ob-Gyn Specialty Center, PLLC .......................59 Party & Paper ..................................................................3 and language has been the hardest
Columbus Orthopaedic Clinic ........................................39 Pattman Funeral Directors ...........................................102 part of living here since then,” said
Commercial Dispatch ..................................................109 Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Curtis, DMD, P.A. .......................46
Community Counseling Services.....................................10 Phillips Contracting Company ........................................30
Yoshida.
Conn Construction .........................................................64 Physicians & Surgeons Clinic .......................................106 Although language is an obstacle
Covenant Presbyterian Church .......................................45 Physicians Weight Loss ...............................................114 many of the foreign visitors must
CPI Group......................................................................18 Pinnacle Hunt - The Landings ........................................54
Crye Leike Properties Unlimited.....................................29 Plantation Pointe Retirement Community .......................23 overcome, it might also be what
Domtar, Inc. ................................................................120 Ratliff Air Service ...........................................................50 brings them together.
Drs. Holzhauer & Burtman ..........................................119 Re/Max Partners, Tiffany Harrison .................................91 “I love being a part of the group,”
East End Baptist Church.................................................18 Rehab at Work...............................................................33
Eye & Laser Center of Starkville .....................................20 Rex Rentals....................................................................81 said Adamson. “Even though I don’t
First United Methodist Church .......................................39 Sanders Oil Company.....................................................22 have as much trouble speaking
Fitness Factor ..................................................................7 Saum Chiropractic Clinic .............................................115
Friendly City Mini Warehouses .......................................17 Scott K. Perkins, CPA .....................................................41 English as I used to, I can definitely
Front Door/Back Door ..................................................97 Shelter Insurance, John Longmire .................................51 relate to what some of them are
Galloway Chandler McKinney Insurance ........................20 Shelter Insurance, Priscilla G. King ................................51 going through. We all try to help
General Nutrition Centers ..............................................84 Smith Landscaping.........................................................87
Gilmore Memorial Hospital .........................................103 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church............................................81 each other with the language barrier.”
Global Pharmaceutical Corporation ...............................66 St. Paul’s Episcopal School ............................................58 “When you are so far away from
Golden Triangle Neurology ............................................86 State Farm Insurance .....................................................35
Goose Hollow Furniture.................................................99 Steve Wallace, PLLC .......................................................74
family, your country and everything
Granite Guys ....................................................................7 Susan’s Hallmark ...........................................................89 you know, it’s nice to be a part of this
Grassmasters .................................................................68 T.E. Lott & Company ......................................................31 family group because it gives you
Green Olive....................................................................97 United Way ....................................................................12
Gumdrop Fabrics...........................................................38 WAG ...............................................................................97 comfort talking with other people
Gunter & Peel Funeral Home .........................................78 Woody’s on the Water ..................................................115 who are in the same situation you
Harveys/Sweet Peppers Deli/Jackson Square Grill ........119 Yarns Downtown ...........................................................78 are,” said Giacobbi. ■
Heritage Academy ..........................................................38 YMCA.............................................................................75

“There is a lot of history with the river. It has always been a part
of Columbus, and it will continue to be a part of Columbus.”
— Jan Miller
Barefooting Bobby Miller, 79, is one of the three founders of the Tombigbee Stump Jumpers Ski Club.
A
Some of the world’s oldest known
civilizations developed near rivers.
river
The Egyptians looked to the Nile as
the giver of life. Others speak of the
“cleansing” offered by the Ganges in
runs
India.
“There is just something about the Columbus
river that draws you to it,” said Jan residents
Miller, a Columbus river buff. enjoy a love
through The Tombigbee River runs through
Columbus, offering people a chance
affair with
the Tombigbee
text by JUSTIN SUTTON
it
to water ski, boat and grill on the
water. The old river also connects to
the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
and its series of man-made lakes.

soon have the option of sending their
children to a fine arts magnet school,
one of five magnet themes being offered
this fall for the elementary grades.
At the Columbus
Arts Council
Some of our youngest artists-in-train-
ing are nurtured by a bustling variety of
year-round classes and summer camps
offered at the Rosenzweig Arts Center.
“Classes have begun as early as birth
with our Music Together class for chil-
dren, birth to 5 years, and a parent or
caregiver,” said CAC Executive Director
Heather Rowland.
Other budding Rembrandts or
Oliviers — ranging from toddlers to
teens — learn to express themselves in
preschool fine arts, drama, drawing, oil
painting, sculpture, pottery and even
drum. Some teens find their creative out-
let through related pursuits like video
production or digital photography.
Rus Blackwell, an actor and acting
coach, joined the Arts Council team to
teach acting for television this past year.
“He had just finished filming ‘The
Curious Case of Benjamin Britton’ with
Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, due in the-
aters this fall,” noted Rowland.
Summer camps in dance, drama,
music, art and clay for children ages 5 to
13, meld learning and laughter in the
RAC’s studios and theater.
The arts council’s outreach extends far
beyond the physical walls of the center.
“Through the Young People’s Artist
Series, more than 5,000 children and
teachers from public, private and home
schools in Northeast Mississippi and
Northwest Alabama are exposed to the-
ater, music and dance each year,”
explained Rowland.
The CAC also partners with Mitchell
Elementary School to integrate fine arts
Above: Claire Guill, 6, holds her painting completed in a YMCA art class. Opposite:
teaching methods into core subjects and Scott Sandifer, a member of Suzuki Strings, practices the cello at his Caledonia home.
works with Lee Middle School students
after school and in summer sessions
through the Crossroads Program. benefit from CAC grants and resource County Juvenile Detention Center.
The CAC also provides grants to local support. The CAC, which is assisting with Columbus Suzuki Program
schools for art supplies, including a the new fine arts magnet school, also For almost three decades, little hands
recent $1,000 award to Franklin takes the restorative power of art to in Columbus have begun their musical
Academy Elementary School for its Art young people who may least expect it, journey with variations of “Twinkle,
Encounters program. conducting weekly sessions for Twinkle Little Star,” learned on diminu-
Other organizations such as Suzuki Community Counseling’s Adolescent tive violins. The rhythms and theme in
Strings, Girlchoir and Arts in Artesia also Offenders Program and the Lowndes the familiar strains are found in all music
and form the building blocks of the
Suzuki teaching program.
In 1980, violinist and arts advocate
Trudy Gildea founded the local string
program based on Dr. Shinichi Suzuki’s
methods, with support from the
Columbus Arts Council, Mississippi Arts
Commission and Friends of Chamber
Music.
She continues to teach today and
assists instructor and program director
Diane Ford and instructor Denise
Burcham with the more advanced
Suzuki Orchestra and Ensemble.
“Trudy has put her heart and soul into
the arts in Columbus,” stressed Ford.
Young musicians ages 4 to 18 come
from not only Columbus, but Starkville,
West Point, Amory and Smithville as
well, to learn violin, viola and cello
through a combination of private instruc- MATTHEW WEST
tion and monthly group lessons con- Suzuki Strings players practice during an October workshop
ducted at Taylor Hall on the Mississippi at First United Methodist Church in this 2007 file photo.
University for Women campus.
“Although we teach all ages, we strive
to begin teaching the young student process instills readiness, memorization, Ford advises interested families to
through the parent-teacher-child rela- performance confidence, technique observe group or private lessons first to
tionship,” Diane Ford explained. “This mastery and more.” learn more about the program.
choices It’s what women want.

From shoes to careers to medical care.
As a patient with Physicians & Surgeons Obstetrics & Gynecology,
you’ll choose from seven different physicians, each offering professional,
personal care. Our doctors are on staff for both
Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and Gilmore Memorial Hospital,
so you have even more options for your healthcare.
And women know - choices are just what you need

to find a perfect fit.
900 Earl Frye Blvd. 255 Baptist Blvd.

Suite A Suite 405
Amory, MS 38821 Columbus, MS 39705
662.256.9331 662.328.9331
J. Patrick Chaney, MD, FACOG • S. Kam Otey, MD, FACOG

R. Edward Betcher, MD, FACOG • Duke J. Wood, DO, FACOG
R
Pam Lacy, MD • Cassie Hill, MD

Life should be easy.
Mmm.c...ious!
Deli
241-1941
Towne Square Center Columbus, MS
Hunting For
A New Pad?
We’ve Got The Perfect One For You!
Chateaux
Holly Hills
A PA RT M E N T S
102 Newbell Road

Columbus, MS
Getting everything you need
(662) 328-8254
Swimming Pool with Sundeck • Tennis Court
Central Heat & Air Conditioning
from your newspaper is.
Acoustically Designed
For Added Privacy
Where Coming Home Is The

Best Part Of The Day
Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00
Saturday 9:00-12:00
In print or online, The Dispatch has
news, advertising, opinions and more.
Rivergate
A PA R T M E N T S
“Quiet Country Living”
300 Holly Hills Road
Columbus, MS
662-327-6333
Saturday 9:00-12:00
1&2 Bedrooms • Individual Climate Control
Studio & Corporate Units
Sparkling Pool with Sundeck
www.cdispatch.com
“When Bobby Blue Bland came last year,
he said he remembered staying in the
hotel during Jim Crow days.”
— Kabir Karriem
“The Cornerstone of
Your Financial Plan.” only “colored” businesses. In its hey- century. After numerous attempts
Endorsed Local Provider day, Seventh Avenue’s Queen City over several years to save the historic
Hotel hosted entertainers such as structure, it was torn down.
Malachi Financial Group provides a Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Fats “My heart fell to my shoes when
complete platform of services for our Domino, B.B. King and Little Richard. they tore it down,” Karriem said.
clients which include: Initially begun 25 years ago, the “We were trying to make a last-ditch
Insurance • Investments Seventh Avenue Heritage Festival
Estate Planning effort to save it, but it was in such
Retirement and College Planning was dormant for several years, but bad shape. When Bobby Blue Bland
Asset Management was reinstituted successfully in 2004
Budgeting & Debt Counseling came last year, he said he remem-
by Kabir Karriem.
Mutual Funds bered staying in the hotel during Jim
Karriem said, “Last year’s festival
Jason Spears • Dennis Conerly
was our biggest to date, with nation- Crow days. There was that connec-
John Mitchell • Ronnie Good
al entertainers like Bobby Blue Bland tion to the past, the history.”
662-329-9777 and Jurnee Smallett, the actor.” Another African-American her-
114 4th Street South This year’s festival will be tinged itage celebration is the Columbus
on historic Catfish Alley with sadness, Karriem said. Recently, festival known as Juneteenth. It fea-
in downtown Columbus. the remnants of the Queen City tures everything from barbecue and
Securities offered through Mutual Service Corporation. Mutual Service Corporation and LPL Financial are Hotel were removed from the lot arts and crafts vendors to entertain-
affiliated companies and are members FINRA/SIPC. Malachi Financial Group and Dave Ramsey are not
affiliated with Mutual Service Corporation or LPL Financial Services. where the building stood for nearly a ment and sports. ■
When Caring Counts...
The Firm Offers Services in:

• Commercial & Residential
Real Estate Loan Closings
• Divorce/Child Custody/Contempt
Lowndes County’s • Wills/Power of Attorney/
Only On-Site Crematory Health Care Directives/Probate Matters
• Personal Injury
• Pre-Arranged Funeral Planning • Business Law/LLC Formation
• Pre-Arranged Funeral Transfer Plan
• Full Service At Need Funerals
FUNERAL HOME JASON K. MERCHANT
• Modern, Spacious Facilities
& CREMATORY Attorney
• Unmatched Professional Staff ANITA HEATH
Available 24 Hours Legal Assistant
SARAH LYBRAND
We Welcome Existing Burial & Real Estate Specialist
Pre-Arranged Funeral Plans Tim Pounders Shay Dodson Leland Gilmore
MATT HARRIS
Owner, Licensed Funeral Licensed Funeral Licensed
From Other Funeral Homes Director/Embalmer Director/Embalmer Funeral Director Real Estate Assistant
Trustmark Financial Center,

662-328-1808 3600 Bluecutt Rd.
Columbus, Mississippi
1131 N. Lehmberg Rd. • Columbus, Mississippi
Tom Linn Thornton Tarvin Caleb Pounders
241-9800
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net Funeral Service
Assistant
Funeral Service
Assistant
Funeral Service
Assistant
www.merchantlawfirmpllc.com

“An Elegant Look “We Are Meeting
At An Aϋordable Price” Everyone’s Furniture Needs”
Lori Smother, Kelly Jordan, Cristy Stuart, Chuck Strickland Standing are Steve Williamson and Bo Harrison.
Sea
Seated are Karen Gann, Brian Mann and April Slate.
Goose Hollow
Furniture
Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours:
rs: Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
20011 Hwy 45 N (JACKSON SQUARE) • Columbus • 328-4887 1539 H
Hwy 45 N.
N • Columbus
C l b • 240-1603
240 16
Electric
Gas & Oil

Water
Sewer
Remember!
If you smell natural gas or an odor you can not identify,
you need to take the proper precautions. Here are steps to
Telephone Temporary ensure your safety:
Optional:
• Call our emergency number, 662-356-4250 and report the problem.
Proposed Excavation • If you have called from the area of the odor then lay the phone down,
do not hang it up. It may be an ignition source.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG • Go to a safe distance away to make the call. Never call from the area
where you smelled the odor.
Make sure you call Mississippi’s One Call System at least two days before you • Do not turn any switches on or off,
plan to dig, drill or blast. Mississippi One Call System will contact its member they may be an ignition source.
utilities to locate their underground utility pipe, wire and cables.
• Do not light matches.
You should contact your mechanical contractor, plumber, electrician or heating • After evacuation, locate to a Don’t wait and hope
contractor for assistance in locating all piping and wiring downstream of your safe distance away from the it goes away!
meters. effected structure.
You will avoid hitting any and all underground utilities and prevent any unsafe Don’t be a hero!
situation or interruption to the utility services. Any digging near buried gas
piping should be performed by hand. Mississippi One Call can be reached toll
free at 1-800-227-6477. Call the experts, they have detection
equipment and the experience to
Caledonia eliminate the problem.
Natural Gas
662-356-4250 The Life Saved May Be Your Own.
Furnished by Caledonia Natural Gas. We care about your safety.
T h i s p u b l i c n o t i f i c a t i o n i s p r o v i d e d b y C a l e d o n i a N a t u r a l G a s f o r t h e c o n s u m e r ’’s e d u c a t i o n .

The market is open from the last “When you cut out packaging,
Saturday in April to the last Saturday you cut out travel and you cut out
in October, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. the middle man, (what you are left
on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from with is) flavor,” said Imes. “It’s won-
7 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturdays at derful to know, actually, who is
Second Avenue and Second Street growing your food and to see a face
North. Information about the market behind who grew your tomato. To
can be found at its Web site, me, that’s important. And there’s a
www.hitchinglotfarmersmarket.com. Authentic European Cheeses
difference in the taste!”
The cost to rent a stall or booth “I think the market is an asset to Fine Imported & American Cheeses
to sell items is $5 for a day and the community in several ways,” Smoked Meats & Seafood
$100 for an entire season.
said Freeze. “First of all, it’s encour- Gourmet Foods, Teas, Coffees,
“You’re not going to be able to
aging local people to respect local Chocolates & More
set up a shop or business with less
foods and local growers. The grow- Unique Gift Items & Wine Accessories
overhead than that,” Lehner said,
ers who were there last year had Customized Gift Baskets
referring to new growers. “You can
such success; they never dreamed For All Occasions
afford to learn (gardening) lessons
the first few weeks.” they were going to have the success We Now Carry Pre de Provence
“We certainly don’t want to lose they did.
Bath & Body Products
our local growers and farmers,” “Since it’s gotten to be such a
stressed Imes. “A farmers’ market gathering (place) on Saturdays, it’s a Non-Smoking Facility
enables a grower to have an outlet wonderful place to bring your kids,”
for what he’s producing.” she added. “And we’re exposing 513 Main Street
entrepreneurs and giving them a Columbus, MS 39701
Benefits for the chance to show their wares.” (662) 328-2021
consumer Only locally grown items and
It certainly has benefits for the locally made crafts are sold at the
consumer, as well. market. ■
REX’S The Episcopal Church

Welcomes You!
RENTALS St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
318 College Street • Columbus, MS • 328-6673
www.stpaulscolumbus.com
SUNDAY
8:OO am Holy Eucharist
9:00 am Church School
10:30 am Holy Eucharist
Tents
Tables
Chairs WEDNESDAY
Linens 6:30 pm Parish Choir
Silver
Glassware
Call for other program times.
China
Flatware DAILY
Candelabras
Champagne Fountains
8:00 am Morning Prayer
Chafing Dishes 5:00 pm Evening Prayer
Coffee Makers
And Much More! Come Grow With
32 2 M ai n Street The Episcopal Church.
C olumbus • 328- 4416
Columbus’ Riverwalk is a mainstay
for walkers, bikers and family outings.
T rail mix
Area walking trails create pathways to community
text by NEAL WAGNER photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Community. community,” said Irby. “I’ve never been

It’s an abstract concept. walking on the trail when I didn’t see at
Few can describe it, but you know least 20 friendly people.”
when it’s there. For residents of the Plans are already in the works to
Golden Triangle, one look at a city park extend the Riverwalk by almost a mile
or trail will prove community is alive to give neighbors a little more room to
and well. socialize.
“We do what we do to make our city “The Riverwalk is like a dream ful-
a community — not just a collection of filled for Columbus,” said Irby. “I am
neighbors,” said Devon Brenner, presi- really looking forward to its future as a
dent of walking and cycling trail activist community-strengthening tool.”
group Starkville in Motion.
Each of the Golden Triangle’s three Starkville is in motion
cities has its own approach to strength- It started with some paint. It will end
ening neighborly ties through park and with a new kind of city.
trail programs. In August 2005, a local activist group
known as Starkville in Motion con-
West Point’s vinced the Starkville Board of Aldermen
wandering trails to paint a bike lane along the edge of
Situated in the middle of downtown University Drive.
West Point, Sally Kate Winters Park pro- By now, Starkville cyclists and jog-
vides residents a beautiful location to gers have known about and used the
walk, talk and even enjoy live music. University Drive bike lane for almost
Meandering through the streets and two years.
woods of the city on top of what used Amber Smith, director of community In October 2007, a SIM survey
development for the West Point/Clay
to be railroad tracks, the Kitty Bryan Dill County Growth Alliance is pictured on the showed almost 500 bikers and more
Parkway has been giving West Point walking trail in Sally Kate Winters Park. than 200 walkers used the bike path in
locals almost four miles of walking and a single day.
biking trails for nearly 20 years. and into a great social environment.”
But few of them are aware of the
“The park and the trails get a lot of Since 2005, Columbus residents from
all walks of life have been biking and large-scale projects currently in the
use,” said Amber Smith, director of works as a result of the success of the
community development for the West walking through the woods near the
Tombigbee River along the 1.25-mile bike lane.
Point/Clay County Community Growth
“The (University Drive) bike lane was
Alliance. “The city keeps them perfectly Riverwalk trail.
“When someone talks about what a major early victory for us,” said
clean and landscaped all the time and
they are really beautiful. It’s no wonder Columbus has, they will name things Mississippi State University associate
so many people use them.” like Mississippi University for Women, research professor and SIM member
Throughout the year, neighbors catch Columbus Air Force Base and the Ron Cossman. “After we realized we
up at events such as the Prairie Arts Riverwalk,” said Columbus’ Director of could actually make a project like that
Festival; bikers share paths with joggers, Federal Programs George Irby. “It’s a happen, we began looking toward big-
and local musicians delight families jewel of downtown that meanders ger projects.”
with their home-grown talents. through the woods.” Those bigger projects came quickly.
“Our park system provides a social, Chances are, if you take a stroll or
community-building road for West bike ride on the Riverwalk you will find Grants secured
Point,” said Smith. “You can meet some- children riding bikes with their families, Between July 2006 and December
one you didn’t even know lived next to joggers keeping in shape and soon-to-be 2007 SIM secured two grants worth
you while you’re at the park. friends meeting for the first time. almost $1.8 million from the
“It gets people out of their houses “It really helps give that sense of Mississippi Department of

Transportation on behalf of Starkville.
“We decided to become the solution to the lack of biking and jogging
paths in the city,” said Cossman.
Pending final MDOT approval, the grants will be used to fund two major
path projects.
The Lynn Lane path project will provide a multi-use path that stretches
from R.L. Jones Drive near MSU, down Locksley Way and along the entire
length of Lynn Lane. The path will also be separated from the main road by a
median.
“The path will run past two schools, a Boys and Girls Club and through
McKee Park,” said Brenner. “A lot of kids will be using the path, so we want-
ed to make sure it was completely separated from automobile traffic.”
The second project, named Safe Routes to School, will build or improve
sidewalks and biking trails in the nearly five-mile area between the Rolling
Hills and Green Oaks subdivisions. The trails will provide a safe route for
Ward-Stewart Elementary, Henderson Intermediate and Armstrong Middle
School students to walk or bike to school each day.
“Studies show that less than 2 percent of school-age children walk or bike
to school in Starkville,” said Cossman. “We think if we build paths and make
them safe, then many more children — and people in general — will make
use of them.”
Whether you bike along University Drive in Starkville, walk along the
river banks in Columbus or talk with neighbors on old railroad trails in West
Point, Golden Triangle residents are taking to the trails to keep community
spirit alive.
For more information, visit www.columbusmainstreet.com/riverwalk for
the Columbus Riverwalk, www.wpnet.org for West Point parks and trails and
Charlotte Fuquay rides along Starkville’s bike path. www.starkvilleinmotion.org for Starkville trail projects. ■
Laws Eye Clinic with over 30 years

of excellence in eye care is now
Medicare
Assignment
Accepted
Diseases & Surgery

of the Eye
Cataracts
Implants
Jo Ann M. Walker - Ferguson, Franchisee/ Owner
No-Stitch Surgery Howard Ferguson, Owner
Glaucoma
SAVE 20%
Diabetes During GNC “Gold Card Days”
1st thru 7th Each Month
Retinal Diseases
COLUMBUS
Macular Diseases Leigh Mall
328-4450
Laser Surgery Mon. Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
J. Dan Bennett, M.D. Eyelid Surgery
Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology
STARKVILLE-SMOOTHIE
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
ReSTOR® Lens 911 Hwy 12 W. • Ste 206 B
323-4919
328-1254 Mon. - Sat. 9:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
2475 Fifth Street North Sun. 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Columbus, MS 39705
“This is my home and I want it
to continue for future generations.” Susan's
— Pat Wheeler Hallmark
by Main Street to enlarge the groupings Construction donated equipment and
of plants,” Boswell said. labor; and electrical services were
And the Design Committee has done donated by Gordon Via and Twin River
much more. Maintenance. The Crossing • 1217 Hwy. 45 N.
Columbus • 241-4412
“To celebrate fall in the South, we Additionally, 18 Columbus Fire
added a display of native hay bales, Department firefighters donated labor, Custom Imprinting
pumpkins, corn stalks, gourds, cotton including Earnest Ross, Mark Connors,
and other fall items on most corners,” Doug Cox, Derek Lowery, John
Baby & Bridal Registry
Boswell said. “Comments were made by Grantham, Frank Upton, James Avery, Collegiate
many how this display set the mood for Shannon Murphy, Derrick Parnell, Scott When you care enough
fall and enhanced our downtown.” Swain, Jeff Edmonson, Dale Ballard,
Additionally, the group enhanced Richard McBride, Tony Massey, Robert
to send the very best.
Leadership Park, at the corner of Fifth Bobo, Michael Miller, Lance Godfrey
Street South and College Street by and Wes Mims.
installing a sprinkler system, new sod,
concrete planters and the hanging bas- More helpers
kets in the arbor; fresh plants are added “One thing I would like people in the
seasonally. community to see is that it takes not
They painted traffic light poles and only one Main Street and one organiza-
lights downtown, placed signs designat- tion, it takes all these business people,”
ing the historical district, wrought iron Boswell said. “I hope business people
benches were installed by the mayor’s see, in an effort to do anything, it’s going
office and the Lowndes County to take a lot.
Courthouse and trash receptacles were “We need more business people and
added to the downtown area. individuals to come forth and offer to
help with projects,” she continued. Columbus Lung
Other projects “It takes a community,” agreed Physicians,
The Main Street Design Committee Wheeler.
also is responsible for the “Welcome to “It’s never going to be one entity,” PLLC
Historic Columbus” sign painted on the Boswell repeated, thanking Columbus
concrete wall of the Magnolia Bowl and Mayor Robert Smith for his support of
for adding sod and shrubbery on the the group and Federal Programs and For the practice
property. Building Inspection Director George Irby
The group also purchased Christmas for helping with his summer youth pro-
of Pulmonary
wreaths for the corners of Main Street gram participants. and Critical
and Fifth Street, complementing the “If this mayor did not help and listen Care Medicine.
large native cedar tree placed annually to suggestions, much of what we do
as the city’s Christmas tree. would not get accomplished,” she said.
Last year, the group changed the “It just takes a lot of people and a lot
plants in the corner pots twice and total- of time,” Boswell added, noting those
ly renovated the outside of the existing interested in helping should contact the To schedule
building at the Old Hitching Lot, where Main Street Columbus office at (662) appointments
the Farmers’ Market takes place, with 328-6305. with
donations from local businessmen. The Main Street Design Committee’s Susan G. Taylor,
For that project, bricks were donated future projects include adding more cor- M.D., FCCP
by Al Puckett and Columbus Brick Co.; ner pots, adding more iron trash recepta- Call 327.8455
lumber was donated by Jack Chilcutt cles, a plan to “enhance, with native or 1.877.327.8415
and New Home Building Store; a metal plants, areas along the Riverwalk,” and a
roof was donated by Roger Burlingame “plan to encourage more store owners
and CECO Building Systems; Mike to add the correct size pots or planters 3495 Bluecutt Rd.
Bogue and APAC Mississippi Inc. donat- to enhance their store fronts,” said Columbus, MS 39705
ed asphalt; Doug Phillips and Falcon Boswell. ■
Where history lives
Exploring the past through the arts
text by MELANIE CROWNOVER photographs by JOE RAY ROBERSON
For many, history is a dingy school-

book filled with outdated concepts and
the names of those long dead.
It’s the embodiment of the clichés,
“hindsight is 20/20” and “ignorance is
bliss,” all in one.
But not in Columbus.
Here, history is more than some
abstract vision of the past.
It’s a tangible presence in the commu-
nity’s present and a foundation for its
future.
Columbus is where history gets a
breath of life.
Rewriting history
One step into the local Welcome
Center and there’s no doubt who
Columbus’ prodigal son is.
Come back during the Tennessee
Williams Tribute in September and you’ll
almost hear the footsteps of a wee writer-
in-training tottering through the ginger-
bread Victorian that was once his home
and now welcomes visitors to Columbus.
“There’s only four places in the world
that honor his literary mark on the world,
and Columbus is the place it all began
because this is where he was born and
raised until he was 9,” said tribute
founder Brenda Caradine.
The other spots — Clarksdale; New
Orleans; and Provicetown, Mass. — were
associated with Williams’ later life.
“He changed theater history with his
emphasis on realism, but he’s significant
to Columbus not only because of the visi-
bility of this place in his writing but also because he brings tions and scholarly lectures, film screenings, an art exhibit,
people from all over the world here each year to experience afterparty and tours including the church where Williams was
his hometown firsthand,” she continued. baptized.
People from as many as 18 states and five countries attend The 2007 tribute added performances by professional
the annual celebration of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play- actors and the donation of a sketch of the playwright by a
wright. friend to the Williams memorabilia collection, which is now
And it just keeps growing. too large for display in one showing.
What began as little more than one play and a book sign- The tribute also passed a landmark when Williams’ home-
ing in 2001 blossomed into a weekend of multiple produc- turned-welcome center was officially deeded to the city in
January. and fellowship.
Do you need help
The upcoming bill touts two perform- More than 10,000 people filled the
ances by Richard Thomas, who played streets last October for the Seventh
finding your dream home?
John Boy on the television series, “The Avenue Heritage Festival when 78-year-
Waltons.” old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bobby
Do you dream of owning
“Blue” Bland returned for the first time a home & telling your
The sounds of the past in decades to play the final show in front landlord goodbye?
Seventh Avenue was the cultural hub of the crumbling hotel.
of the African-American community “It was amazing to think he stayed at Does getting your home
before desegregation. the Queen City so long ago during Jim sold seem to be only
When Jim Crow was status quo and Crow and see him playing in front of it happening in your dreams?
“whites only” establishments were off- just weeks before they brought it down
limits, artists like B.B. King, Billie
Holiday, James Brown and Cab
for good,” said festival coordinator Kabir
Karriem.
Let me help turn your
Calloway filled the rooms of the Queen
City Hotel after playing Catfish Alley or
The demolition was a major blow for
the community, but there is talk of erect-
dreams into realty!
local juke joints. ing some kind of memorial on the site.
Now the magic that once filled the Aside from one monumental perform- Tiffany Hughes Harrison
avenue with music makes its way back ance, the 2007 Heritage Fest made his- Realtor, ABR
annually for what residents proudly call tory another way by adding outreach to
Licensed in Alabama
Cell: 662-549-2595
“Mississippi’s biggest block party” — a the agenda. Office: 662-327-7705
free weekend of blues and gospel, food Officials secured actress Jurnee tiffany.harrison@remax.net
Smollett, who recently played in “The www.tcharrison.remax-mississippi.com
Great Debaters” with Denzel
Washington, to address students from
kindergarten through college on AIDS
awareness, being drug and alcohol free Partners
and staying in school.
“I don’t know what will happen with
the old building site now or how we’ll
follow up a show like Bland’s this year,
but we’ll continue to honor our heritage
and give this community a taste of what
it once was and a look at what it could
be if we come together,” said Karriem.
“It’s all about building on our future
from our past, and reaching out to our “A place to call Home”
students now is just another way to do
• Dementia Memory Care Program
that.”
• 24 Hour personal assistance
• Nutritional meals and snacks
Blazing new trails • Medication monitoring
Seventh Avenue isn’t the only place • Licensed nurse
in Columbus with a music heritage. • Daily Activities
The part of Fourth Avenue South • Scheduled transportation
known as Catfish Alley received a mark- • Adult day care
er as part of the Mississippi Blues Trail • Laundry and housekeeping daily
• Private and semi-private rooms
back in August, and two more are on
Discover the finest in personal
their way to Lowndes County in the next
care and assisted living care
year.
Above: Richard Ramsey, founder of West
Point’s Howlin’ Wolf Museum holds a Catfish Alley was one of the first 20 Homeplace
Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival sites to receive the honor, as well as the Yvonne Fortner, 662-329-2772
poster in this August 2005 Dispatch file Howlin’ Wolf site in West Point. Another 2082 Yorkville Rd. E.
photo. Left: Brook Hanneman plays marker unveiling is set for the fall in Columbus, MS
Maggie in a scene from “Cat on a Hot Tin Crawford, and Mississippi Blues
Roof,” while Lyle Tate, playing Brick, watch- Tansley Mason, 662-869-7009
es, in this July 2007 photo taken on the
Commission officials are considering 200 Knight Drive
porch on the Tennessee Williams another marker for Seventh Avenue. Saltillo, MS
Welcome Center. “The possibility of having three blues
PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
91
trail markers in Columbus and Lowndes
County is a major coup because some of
the counties in the Delta, which is con-
sidered the heart of Mississippi blues
country, don’t have that many. And we
have three more within an hour’s drive.
There’s a good chance we could end up
with a separate Prairie Blues Trail here
that ties in with the larger one,” said
James Tsismanakis, executive director of
the Columbus Convention and Visitors
Bureau. The Mississippi Blues Trail fea-
tures 120 markers.
The city also got official word in
January it’s one of five state stops on the
Southern Literary Trail.
The collaboration — which honors
prominent 20th century American authors
in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia — Gov. Haley Barbour and Barbara Marks, Chester “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett’s daughter,
kicks off with a month of coordinated admire the Blues Trail Marker unveiled in West Point in August 2007.
events in March 2009.
Columbus was included because of Eudora Welty’s two- influenced them to get a better understanding of their writing,”
year stint as a Mississippi University for Women student and said SLT state representative Dr. Bridget Pieschel, director of
because the city is Williams’ birthplace. William Faulkner also the Southern Women’s Institute at MUW.
visited in Columbus frequently. “Then if they come for the trail it’s likely they’ll come back
State events for the Literary Trail are in the planning, includ- for other events like Welty Weekend at MUW or the Williams
ing scholarly lectures and exhibits. Tribute,” Pieschel said. MUW hosts the Welty Weekend and
“The names of these authors are recognized by people all the Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium in honor of the school’s
over the earth, and now people can go to the landmarks that famous alumna each fall. ■
Columbus Service Center Overview

Metso - Service Center is located on Yorkville Road off Highway 69 South in Columbus, Mississippi. The modern
153,000 square foot manufacturing facility offers a complete line of rubber, composite and polyurethane products
which Metso supplies to the paper industry.
Our complete roll repair capabilities combined with the technical expertise of the Metso global organization make
us truly A ONE-STOP roll repair facility.
The employees work as a team to offer a quick, economical, and efficient facility to recover and/or recondition
the rolls of our many valued customers. This plant operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week to permit
“Round-the-Clock” roll service coverage to our paper mill customers. Our customer base is worldwide through our
additional import/export customers.
“We will use videos or
movie clips. We will use
anything to make the
Best Selection of
service relevant.” Shrubs & Trees
— Bo Jeffares You’ll find
ANYWHERE!
Reasonable Prices
A knowledgeable
staff willing to
help you with your
Bo Jeffares, lead minister at Hope Community Church leads Sunday service. gardening &
Opposite: Gathered together chatting before the day’s sermon are, in center,
from left, LeAnn Mathis, Teara Parker, Nena Loughrin and Holly Gannett. landscaping needs.
Come See Us!
talk and hang out,” said Jeffares. “We Vernon, Ala.
decided that we would put a break The church has come a long way
between the music and the message so from being a congregation that met in 604 18th Ave. N. • Columbus, MS
people can check on their children, an office and later at Heritage Ph: (662) 327-6664
mingle, find a seat or refill their coffee.” Academy. Now located on Highway 45 Fax: (662) 329-9311
Jeffares strives to give the truth dur- South, the church has experienced
ing his messages. “I don’t sugarcoat it, great growth in recent years.
but I try to make it understandable for “We have had over 100 percent
the common person.” Jeffares, who did growth in the last year and a half,” said
not receive a traditional training in the- Jeffares. He believes the rather conser-
ology, said the church will take advan- vative, Bible-based teachings of the
tage of several things to make the serv- church and the attitudes of those who
ice more relevant. attend have helped the church grow.
“We will use videos or movie clips,” “We don’t wear ties on Sunday,”
he says. “We will use anything to make Jeffares said. “We try to be transparent
the service relevant.” To this end, the and authentic. If people come to us
church used a Tom Petty song during with problems, we say ‘Welcome to
the service before the Super Bowl. the club.’”
While Hope has a Sunday morning Jeffares said he invites anyone look-
service, there is no service Sunday or ing for a church home to check out
Wednesday evenings. Instead, the their “club.”
Carpet
church has developed a variety of “You have to come, see and find out
small groups to meet the needs of the for yourself,” said Jeffares. He added Wall Covering
church. that if someone could not attend the Wood
“We offer small groups that are church, the services are available as a
organized geographically,” said Jeffares. podcast online. Vinyl
“These groups meet at different times “If someone doesn’t stick with us, Window Treatment
during the week, and they do different that’s fine,” said Jeffares. “We want Ceramic
Bible studies.” Jeffares said the small them to find a church somewhere that
groups benefit the congregation makes sense to them and where God Interior Design
because many people come from a speaks to them.” Carpet Cleaning
variety of places to attend the service. For Jeffares and the hundreds from
The congregation contains worshippers the Golden Triangle who attend his 1825 Main Street • Columbus
from all parts of the Golden Triangle, church, that place is Hope Community
Mississippi State University and even Church. ■
328-1522
DESIGNING
WOMEN
Volunteers join forces to
beautify their downtown
text by KRISTIN MAMRACK photograph by KELLY TIPPETT
People refer to them as the “garden club ladies,” but this give you that overall look, it does show you care about your
determined group of women is a big part of the reason downtown.
town Columbus is such a beautiful place. “We just care enough about our town that we’ll spend the
For visitors to the downtown area, evidence of the hard time, if it helps to improve (it),” she added.
work of the all-volunteer Main Street Design Committee —
comprised of Tjajuan Boswell, Betty Dill, Barbara Hodges, Pat The beginning
Wheeler, Mona Sanders, Kay Neese, Judy McLain, Betty Clyde Initially, the group worked in conjunction with the former
Jones, Janice Mauck, Doris Ebner, Sue Hatcher, Charlotte city planner, Gregg Mims, and the Garden Club Council presi-
Stripling and Ann Lindquist — is everywhere. dent to “decorate the corners” of downtown, said Boswell.
“I’ve lived here almost all my life,” said Wheeler, explaining It was agreed Main Street Columbus Inc. would purchase
her motivation for putting in many volunteer hours in beautifi- concrete pots and trees, the Garden Club Council would pay
cation efforts. “This is my home and I want it to continue for for and install annual plantings in the spring and fall and the
future generations.” city would water the plants on a consistent basis.
A beautiful downtown means growth, she added, noting, “I “Since the first pots were installed, others have been added
do like seeing things nice and neat and fresh plants and flow-
ers.”
“They say it’s a proven fact,” she continued. “when a new
industry comes to town, businesses want to see how vital your
downtown is.” Above: From left, Pat Wheeler, Tjajuan
Boswell, Charlotte Stripling, Betty Dill, Ann
“We’ve had companies come into town that make com- Lindquist, Janice Mauck, Kay Neese, and
ments, ‘Your town looks so good; it looks like you care,’” said Doris Ebner are pictured on Main Street with
Boswell, chairwoman of the committee. “Those details that the tools of their trade.
DAVID CHILDS/Courtesy Photo
Festival time
Area festivals offer opportunities for merrymaking and commerce
text by VICKY NEWMAN
What’s your interest? Your hobby? thing for everyone. Columbus is a

Your pleasure? Your favorite food? diverse community.”
Music genre? Over the last couple decades, most
Wherever people live, opportunities Mississippi communities have recog-
exist for frequent festivals. The formula nized that arts and cultural festivals
is simple: Festivals are gatherings fea- are an important tool in community
turing food, fun and entertainment, as development and have established
well as opportunities to socialize. events to welcome visitors. Some have
In the Golden Triangle, festivals of been around for years, however.
all kinds are organized to entertain,
attract and promote the interests of For the arts
special groups. Many, however, have This year is the 30th for the Prairie
grown into megafestivals that attempt Arts Festival, held in downtown West
to offer something for everyone. Point on the Saturday before Labor
Columbus greets the approach of Day. This festival features fine art
summer with its annual Market Street exhibits and a juried fine arts competi-
Festival. Repeatedly named one of the tion, crafts, down-home Southern
top 20 events by the Southeastern cooking, four stages of live music,
MATTHEW WEST
classic cars, Kidsville and more than
Tourism Society, it has been sponsored
Top: Bluesman Willie E. King performs 600 exhibits. As one of the largest arts
by Main Street Columbus on the first
during the August 2007 Howlin’ Wolf and crafts festivals in the country,
weekend in May for 13 years. Last
Memorial Blues Festival in West Point. Prairie Arts routinely attracts crowds of
Above: James Duncan shows Sandy year, the event drew an estimated
more than 40,000, and has been rec-
Sullivan his hand-crafted wooden boxes 40,000 people into the Columbus
ognized repeatedly by tourism agen-
during the Prairie Arts Festival. Sullivan downtown area.
traveled to the Golden Triangle from Bay cies as a top event.
“Market Street is definitely growing
City, Texas for the September 2007 Another local festival leaning heavi-
every year,” said Amber Murphree,
festival. Left: Posters from some ly toward the arts is Starkville’s Cotton
Main Street Columbus manager. “We
2007 area festivals District Arts Festival, sponsored by
try to keep it very diverse, with some-
PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
95
Building
Hope
text by JUSTIN SUTTON photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Community church focuses
on relevance in today’s world
A scene featuring driving rock Church. Of course, the biggest differ- way Bo Jeffares, the lead minister for
music, people sitting with their drinks ence is at Hope the drink is coffee and the church, sees it, if members of a
at their seats and lower lights might not someone’s favorite libation. congregation drink coffee every morn-
make some people think about an The focus on making church more ing and listen to rock music every day,
evening at a Fat Daddy’s. However, this relevant to the lives of those who the service they attend on Sunday
scene is one that can be observed most attend serves as one of the driving shouldn’t be that different.
Sunday mornings at Hope Community goals of Hope Community Church. The The story of Hope Church began
Above: A congregation member raises

a hand in praise during Hope Community
Church’s Sunday worship service. Left:
From left, Brian Ferguson and Drew
Bickmann perform during worship service.

“Serving Columbus &
The Golden Triangle Area For 11 Years!”
Treatment for Neurological Non-Surgical Diseases:

• Stroke • Headache • Alzheimer’s
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease • Back & Neck Pain
• Numbness/Tingling of Arms/Legs
• Sleep Disorders
Baptist &
Physicians
Reynolds P. Healthlink
nearly 10 years ago with the goal of a
small number of believers, according
said Jeffares. “We couldn’t find being a
member of a church in the Scripture.”
MPCN to Jeffares. He said this number, who Jeffares said he views another pas-
McCain, M.D. Other Major
Insurances
wanted to make a church service more sage of Scripture as an important part
relevant, has expanded to an atten- of the church’s mission. “Paul used
dance that averages more than 300 everything he could to win people to
516-B Lincoln Road • Columbus, MS 39705 worshipers each week. However, peo- Christ,” said Jeffares.
ple may be surprised to know the “That is kind of our mentality.”
Columbus Amory Starkville church membership is much smaller Jeffares added that there are more than
662.327.2700 662.257.9106 662.338.9106 than that figure. six billion people in the world, and the
“We got rid of our membership,” church needs to find a way to reach
them.
To this end, Jeffares said Hope per-
forms a variety of services to meet the
Solutions you can build upon
needs of the community.
“We are the regional contact for the
Professional Services Angel Food program,” Jeffares said. “It
for the Built Environment is not a handout, and it is not free, but
JACKSON (601) 948-3071 it helps people who are on a tight
budget. Tons of people use this pro-
HATTIESBURG (601) 545-1565
gram, and they may never step foot
LAUREL (601) 649-1840 into our church. However, we still get
BILOXI (228) 374-1211 to help them.”
In addition to the program, which
WIGGINS (601) 928-0080
provides food at a reduced cost,
COLUMBUS (662) 328-4460 Jeffares said the church also has groups
SOUTHAVEN (662) 890-6404 for people recovering from addictions
and for mothers of young children.
MCCOMB (601) 684-4564
When it comes to church services, a
MADISON (601) 898-8118 service at Hope may seem slightly dif-
MERIDIAN (601) 482-5989 ferent from what one might expect. The
service starts with about 20 minutes of
BAY ST. LOUIS (228) 466-5155 worship, which may include playing
PASCAGOULA (228) 712-9997 instruments such as the electric guitar
RIDGELAND (601) 898-3358 and drums. After the worship time, the
members of the church have an oppor-
Mississippi’s Largest Full-Service tunity for fellowship.
“We noticed that people were com-
Engineering and Planning Firm ing to church early or staying late to
Starkville Area Arts Council and held
on the fourth Saturday of April.
Upriver, uptracks
If the lonesome train whistle sound
sends shivers up your spine, there’s a
festival especially for you. A few miles
northeast, in Amory, the Amory
Railroad Festival attracts more than
40,000 visitors each year and is cited
by the Southeast Tourism Society as
one of the Region’s Top 20 Events. The
four-day festival is held during the
fourth weekend in April.
Not far from Amory, Aberdeen’s
Blue Bluff Festival takes place the sec- MATTHEW WEST
ond weekend in October on the

Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.
Music and more

Music is often a festival feature, and
occasionally it’s the main reason for a
festival.
In the mid-1990s, West Point
launched the Howlin’ Wolf
Memorial Blues Festival, honoring
native son, blues legend Chester
Arthur “Howlin’ Wolf” Burnett. This
year will be the 13th annual event.
Organizers say interest has grown
in the blues fest each year. Last year,
the Point City Fest, at nearby Waverly
Waters, also was staged Labor Day
weekend, offering opportunities for
blues and barbecue.
Blues are a requisite for many MATTHEW WEST
Mississippi festivals and are the

Top: Suzuki Strings players perform at Market Street Festival in May 2007.
greater part of Willie King’s Freedom Above: The Seventh Avenue Heritage Festival drew more than 10,000 people for its
Creek Festival in West Alabama. King 21st annual celebration of local African-American heritage in October 2007.
began his festival at Old Memphis,
Ala. (near Aliceville), a dozen years Columbus,” Miller said. “I was walk- American history through tours of
ago. This year’s event is scheduled ing on the Riverwalk one day, and I historic sites each February.
for May 30-31. had an idea of how it would be a
Other music genres are represent- perfect place to celebrate my her- Forgiving the man
ed by festival organizers, as well. In itage and show I am grateful to this Last Nov. 2-3, the late, great “Man
2007, three new events stirred inter- community.” in Black,” Johnny Cash, was posthu-
est and brought throngs of visitors to The two-day event takes place this mously pardoned for his long-ago
the area. The Columbus Jazz & Blues year Sept. 26-27. wrongdoing in Starkville — picking
Fest was staged this past fall along Music isn’t the only focus for fes- flowers well past curfew in the 1960s.
the Columbus Riverwalk. tivities around the region. Columbus The Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’
The driving force behind the Fest and Aberdeen both draw visitors to Festival in Starkville was billed as
was New Orleans blues musician town each spring with annual pil- “Three Days Celebrating One Night In
Brice Miller, a Hurricane Katrina grimages of antebellum homes. The Starkville.” This year, the festival takes
evacuee who sought refuge, then res- Columbus Pilgrimage, held this year place Oct. 17-19.
idency, in Columbus. March 24-April 5, is sponsored by Organizer Robbie Ward said he
“It was important for me to pro- the Historic Columbus Foundation, had moved to Starkville from South
vide cultural enrichment for which also promotes African Carolina on the anniversary of Cash’s
death, and he learned the story about a mainstay for smaller communities
the singer’s night in the drunk tank of and even in neighborhoods.
the city jail. “I thought we should be In West Alabama, Aliceville holds
connecting with Johnny Cash’s color- the Dogwood Festival each spring and
ful history with Starkville, and the idea Vernon stages the Scarecrow Festival
of redemption,” Ward said. each fall.
Also last year, The Charles H. Back on this side of the state line,
Templeton Sr. Ragtime Music Festival Caledonia started the Caledonia Day
was launched. The festival this year Festival a few years ago, and the town
will be held in March at Mitchell of Artesia holds its Artesia Day
Memorial Library on the campus of Festival.
Mississippi State University. All-day Several area churches hold gospel
events will be held in the library, music festivals.
where the Charles H. Templeton For 22 years, Macon has held the
Helping the world hear better
Music Museum is located, and con- Dancing Rabbit Festival each fall to
certs will be held in the evening at celebrate Noxubee County’s heritage. CUSTOM FIT VIRTUALLY
Lee Hall Auditorium. Festivities range from arts and crafts INVISIBLE HEARING AIDS
Not all festivals are about music. vendors to talent contests, sports
Call today to schedule your
Other media claim a share. In 1997, demonstrations, music performances free consultation
the Magnolia Independent Film and various other events.
Festival was begun in West Point by In Columbus, the Seventh Avenue 662-328-8002
the late Ron Tibbett, as a way to pro- Heritage Festival takes place in the
vide screening opportunities for inde- area around the site of the old Queen
pendent filmmakers. City Hotel. It celebrates the African-
Today, the event is sponsored by American business community that Clint Dean, BC-HIS
the Starkville Arts Council. developed in the area during the Dispenser
Festivals are not staged only in the South’s Jim Crow days, when laws 414 Main Street
larger towns of the area. They also are forced people of color to frequent Columbus, MS 39703
Now Open at 8 am
for Everybody Great Food
goes with an
Italian Flare!
to
Specialty Coffee
Cappuccino • Espresso
Fruit Smoothies • Frappes
Wag...
Serving Lunch
Monday - Saturday
11 am - 2 pm
Sunday Brunch
Lunch
Monday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm
10 am - 2 pm
Dinner
Monday - Saturday 5 pm - 9 pm
408 Main Street
B A C K D O O R
Columbus, MS 441 Wilkins-Wise Road
Columbus - Just off Hwy. 45 N.
329.1094
400 Main Street • 329-3693
Downtown Columbus www.wagforpets.com 241-6611
MARCH 24 - APRIL 5, 2008 dents for college for more two decades so many more friends and family.”
now. Trist agreed.
“We were created by the Legislature Being at MSMS is “like a whole
in 1987 to provide an educational ’nother family,” she echoed.
opportunity to the gifted student popula- “It’s a different experience being in
tion in the state, especially in the areas the dorms. You bond more,” Jeremy
of mathematics, science and technolo- Porta, a senior at MSMS and son of
gy,” said Charles Brown, interim director Laura Reynold of McComb, noted.
for school advancement, who was direc-
tor of academic affairs in the early ’90s, Wide impact
when MSMS saw its first class of gradu- And the students are impacting much
ates. “Arts and humanities are also a part more than each other while at the
of our mission.” advanced school.
“Every public school in the state has “The interface with the community,
that group of highly motivated students when you think about it, it’s local, but it’s
that maybe just doesn’t fit in the regular also statewide,” said Dr. Bill Odom, a
classroom or needs something more science instructor at MSMS.
challenging than you can do in a regular The school partners with schools all
high school setting,” continued Brown, over the state including Mississippi State
who was on the selection committee for University, University of Mississippi,
the first class of MSMS students. He also Jackson State University and University of
was a principal at a school in Yazoo City. Southern Mississippi.
“I had kids in my sophomore class Through the partnerships, students are
with a 30 on the ACT,” recalled Brown. able to perform original research.
For more information: “Even with my advanced offerings, it was “It introduces them to the true world
COLUMBUS
HISTORIC apparent to me that they needed some- of sciences ...” Odom commented.
FOUNDATION
662-329-3533
SOUTHEAST
TOURISM SOCIETY thing more challenging than I had to One graduate is on the verge of find-
www.historic-columbus.org offer.” ing a cure for psuedomonas infection
And to make the grade at MSMS, his with research begun at MSMS.
students had to go through three selec- The same research won the recent
tion committees — an application MSMS grad, Madhavi Gavini of
review committee, campus interview Starkville, more than $70,000 in scholar-
St. Paul’s Episcopal School committee and final selection commit- ships and Best of Fair at the annual Intel
tee. International Science and Engineering
Christian Environment Fair.
Weekly Chapel Early years MSMS students also have been pub-
Academic Curriculum The first class had an enrollment of lished in national and regional maga-
Excellent Staff/Pupil Ratio about 150, the number of beds the zines for their research efforts — Siemens
Staff CPR & First Aid Cert. school had to offer. National, Mississippi Academic and
Member of the National “In the early years, many of the Science Journal and Cerebral Cortex, to
Association of Episcopal Columbus families served as host fami- name a few.
Schools lies because 20 years ago, the idea of And the science-savvy students show
boarding high schoolers was a real off their knowledge of physics, chemistry
Serving Ages 6 weeks through Pre-K change for the state of Mississippi,” and biology to thousands of local ele-
7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Brown said. “Those host families really mentary school students at an annual sci-
helped kids to adjust to being away from ence fair held at the Trotter Convention
home and also helped those parents Center.
who were concerned about sending But science is just the tip of the ice-
“...Feed my their high school junior off to school berg when it comes to MSMS student
Lambs.” hundreds of miles away.” projects and community involvement.
John 21:15
Now, enrollment is about 240 juniors “History interfaces with the Columbus
and seniors. And the students rely on Library for Tales from the Crypt and City
each other and their teachers to help Blocks,” Odom said.
them adjust. For the Tales from the Crypt project,
318 College St. “It’s like a big family,” said Caves. “I students research a person buried in the
Columbus, MS 39701 think it’s been worth it to leave my historic Friendship Cemetery and create a
662.328.6801 friends and family because I have gained monologue based on his or her life. They
then perform the monologue in evening
performances during the annual
Columbus Pilgrimage.
Historic Blocks, another innovative
history project, sends students on a trip
to the Columbus-Lowndes Public
Library’s archives to study people, places
and the environment of times past. Those
students also perform a dramatic recre-
ation of the lives of people researched,
standing on the “historic blocks” in
Columbus where they may have worked
or lived.
After hours of intense history assign-
ments, Virginia Harris, senior MSMS stu-
dent from Benton, likes to wind down
with art class.
“I just had two hours of analytical his-
tory,” she said as she took her brush to
the canvas. “This is very relaxing.”
Benton is the daughter of Scott and
Liz Harris.
“And when you think of people who
423 Wilkins-Wise Road
are good at math and science, you don’t in the old Goose Hollow building
really think of people who are artistic,” Columbus • (662) 328-1188
admitted Trist. But the potential mathe- Monday-Friday • 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
maticians and scientists at MSMS defy Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
the odds. Painting, sculpting, impression-
ism and figure drawing are also under
their belts by the time they leave MSMS.
• Specializing in Obstetrical Services,
including High Risk Pregnancy
Well-rounded • 3-D Ultrasound
“It gives me a well-roundedness,” said
• Infertility Studies
Wrijoya Roy, a senior. Roy is the daugh-
• Gynecological Outpatient
ter of Dr. Diben and Rita Roy of Surgery
Columbus. • Laparoscopic Surgery,
“I moved from West Virginia, and it including Laparoscopic
Hysterectomy
was a big change,” recalled Roy. “And
Dr. Gregory W. Childrey, FACOG • Laser Surgery
the only thing I’d been looking forward
to is going to this school because of the • Outpatient Sterilization-
Tubal Ligation
academics, and that’s a huge advantage
for me,” said Roy, as she put the finishing • Colposcopy
touches on a painting. • Gyn Ultrasound
And it’s not unusual at MSMS to see • Urogynecological
the same students performing in an Procedures, including
Incontinence Surgery
orchestra as would be elbows deep in
• Pelvic Support Problems
competitive science projects or molding
• Endometrial Ablation
clay. Dr. Theresa Murch, FACOOG
“You’re faced with so many different • Robotic Surgery
people and different ethnicities and cul- Board Certified in Obstetrics & Gynecology
tures and religions,” said Caves.
And along with those differences Columbus Ob-Gyn Specialty Center, PLLC.
comes the desire to expand their breadth
of knowledge and broaden their hori- 425 Hospital Dr. Suite 5 • Columbus, MS
zons. PHONE NUMBER: 662-240-0095 • Fax 662-240-0096
“The difficulty,” Odom admitted, “is
choosing what they are going to do.” ■ Accepting New Patients • Office Hours by Appointment
“With the motor
home hookups and
tailgate parking
around the track, it
gives a different
atmosphere around
the race.” Mortgage rates down. Home selection up.
— Chuck Cook Window of opportunity open.
With low mortgage rates and plenty of homes for sale, things can’t get much better for buyers. So
if you’re looking to get into the market, the best place to start is www.westrealtycompany.com.
ownership interest in the track in
You’ll find homes of every description, and knowledgeable Sales Associates who can help you
late January.
make the most of your purchasing power. Yes, it’s a great time for buyers, and Coldwell Banker
“We have the inflatable jumpers
WEST REALTY COMPANY can help you make the most of it.
for the kids, so the parents can turn
them loose and pick them up when
they’re worn out around 10:30 or Local Office
Call Coldwell Banker®
so. We’re known for our cleanliness 2500 Military Road, Suite 1
and family atmosphere. You can WEST REALTY COMPANY Columbus, MS 39705
(662) 328-7500 OFFICE
bring your lawn chairs and spread at 662-328-7500 today. WEST REALTY www.westrealtycompany.com
out. There’s not a bad seat in the COMPANY
house. They feel at home here is © 2008 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker
what people tell me.” Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity .. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.
Cook raced motocross bikes,

karts and drag racers from 1970-78
before getting involved with race
promotion. Bobtail Delivery
Two of Magnolia’s anchor races
are the annual Governor’s Cup and Transport Delivery
the Cotton Pickin’ 100. Payouts in
super late model division range Gasoline•Diesel Fuel
from $5,000 to $15,000, Cook said,
and the track can hold 3,800-4,000
Farm • Construction • Retail • Industrial
fans for a big race.
Like Columbus Speedway,
Magnolia has both grandstand seat-
ing and space available in the pit
area.
“We do sell alcohol, but we’ve
had no problems whatsoever,” Cook
said. “We have restricted areas for
that.”
Tailgate area Call for Price Quote

Cook says Magnolia is unique
because of its tailgate arrangement
where cars can park right up at the
We’ll do the job! 662-328-6341
fence and watch the race.
“With the motor home hookups
and tailgate parking around the
We keep you moving!
track, it gives a different atmosphere
around the race,” Cook said. “We
always do fireworks and little extras
to make it a big event.”
In addition to racing, Magnolia
hosts a barbecue cook-off and a car
show throughout the year, and the
track’s new ownership group hopes
to expand on the offerings on weeks
where there is no race scheduled.
“Last year one of our big draws
was the car-eating dragon,” Cook
said. “We’re going to bring in a
monster truck to give kids rides, and
there are a couple of extreme shows
planned for this year, crazy things
we’ve not been able to do in the
past. We just keep getting better.”
Cook says preconceptions people
might have about dirt track racing
don’t apply, and people should give KELLY TIPPETT
it a shot.
“I encourage people to come out From left, J.M. Bruton of Moulten, Ala.,
because this track is so different Hershel “Papa” Perry of Columbus; and
from anything else in dirt racing,” Bobby Putt of Macon look on as the 2008
Cook said. Carl Hogan Honda Winter Classic begins
“Give us a try. People get the at Columbus Speedway Feb. 2.
image of old beat-up cars kicking up
a bunch of dust. But we’re always
clean and neat. We have great food
and a lot of activities for kids.” ■
We Care For Your Heart

• Comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation
• Cardiovascular risk evaluation
• Peripheral artery evaluation
• EKG testing
• Echocardiogram
• Stress testing
• Outpatient EKG monitoring
• Cardiac catheterization
• Treatment of chronic heart and vascular diseases
• Prevention of chronic heart and vascular diseases
• Cholesterol evaluation, treatment and monitoring
• Anticoagulation monitoring
Columbus Cardiovascular Care

Michael J. Boland, MD, FACC
General Invasive Cardiology
255 Baptist Blvd, Suite 402 • Baptist Outpatient Pavillion • Columbus, MS 39705
Toll Free (800) 709-3059 • T (662) 240-1412 • F (662) 240-1949
Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. By appointment only. Referral is not required.

To us, “Service First” is the way we
conduct our business. We strive to provide
the best service possible to each 4-County
SERVICE
first!
Owned
customer. by Those
We Serve.
Tim Adkins Sue Blankenship Arnell Brown
Check out some of our service conveniences:
•Payment Options
Budget Billing
Bank Draft
Golden Priority Club
Check Daneen Carroll Bob Caruthers Justin Frasier James K. Hall
Cash
Credit Card
•Marketing Programs
Water Heater
Heat Pump
PowerPlus Homes
Fred Harris Clarice Herron Jessie James Albert Jethrow
•Energy Audits
•Security Lighting
•Surge Protectors
•Electric Smokers
Elsie Johnson J.J. Johnson Glen Ledbetter Brent Lochala
328-4821
2000 Sixth Street North
Anthony Miller
District Manager
Keith Monahan Justin White Andy Williamson
The
Croom
MSU’s Sylvester
Croom has built
a winner the old
principle
fashion way — by
insisting on
hard work and
solid values
text by DANNY P. SMITH
Quality has always been a priority for

Mississippi State University head football
coach Sylvester Croom.
Granted, quality of performance is
important to Croom, but character has
always mattered more.
When he became the coach of the
Bulldogs on Dec. 1, 2003, Croom not
only broke a barrier in becoming the
first African-American head football
coach in the Southeastern Conference,
he began to shape and mold a program
back to respectability.
Mississippi State athletic director
Larry Templeton said Croom’s reputation MANSEL GUERRY/MSU Media Relations
was something that kept coming to the
and other media outlets as the SEC
Coach of the Year and was a finalist for
the Paul “Bear” Bryant National Coach of
the Year.
“It’s very rewarding and more for him
than for us,” Templeton said. “Good
things happen for good people.”
Croom was flattered with the honors
sent his way and appreciates Templeton,
Mississippi State president Robert “Doc”
Foglesong and the rest of the administra-
tion for staying behind him.
“It’s an affirmation, first of all, of the
commitment to diversity that our univer-
sity has, a commitment to building a
program the right way,” Croom said.
“This has not been an overnight kind of
deal. It’s been a gradual building
process. The changes in the program first
were not seen on the outside, but we
could always see them on the inside.”
Laying a foundation
Before Croom could build, he knew
he had to lay a foundation.
“I came here with the idea that we
were going to build a brand new pro-
gram,” he said. “We basically had to
start all over because it has been my
experience that when you are in a losing
program and you need to get it out,
you’ve got to clean it all out and start
over.”
In Croom’s first season of 2004, the
Bulldogs had a five-game losing streak,
but recorded a 38-31 upset of 20th-
ranked Florida to end the skid. After also
beating Kentucky, Mississippi State lost
its last three games of the season to fin-
KELLY TIPPETT ish 3-8.
The Bulldogs also ended 2005 with a
MSU head football coach Sylvester Croom, middle, appreciates the commitment that 3-8 record and had a seven-game losing
players like Royce Blackledge, left, and Jason Husband, right, have made to the streak. The bright moment of that season
program. Opposite page: Croom has overseen a positive change in the Bulldogs was beating in-state rival Ole Miss 35-14
on and off the field.
at home in the final game.
forefront as the school was searching for A season to remember One more game was added to the
its 31st football coach. Croom and the Bulldogs reaped the regular season for the first time in 2006,
“In the process of selecting the coach but Mississippi State still struggled. The
benefits from four years of building with
we wanted to go after, everyone I talked Bulldogs were only able to win three
a season to remember in 2007.
to asked if we had talked with Sylvester games and suffered nine losses, but did
The Bulldogs had their first winning
Croom,” Templeton said. “The thing they manage to beat Alabama 24-16 on the
said was ‘you are not going to find a bet- season under Croom’s leadership at 8-5, road.
ter person.’ He has not only provided the which included a 10-3 victory against The win against Florida in 2004, the
leadership, he has carried that character- the Central Florida Knights at the victory against Ole Miss in 2005 and the
istic over to the young guys on our team AutoZone Liberty Bowl. triumph against Alabama in 2006 gave
and in our program.” Along the way, Croom was recog- Mississippi State reason to hope.
nized by his peers, The Associated Press Croom continued to have the backing
Mississipppi
Industrial
Waste Disposal
Locally Owned Since 1971
1600 12th Avenue South

Columbus, MS
662-328-5528
www.msindwaste.com
Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer among women. In recognition of
this fact, Oktibbeha County Hospital LVSOHDVHGWRRIIHU\RXWKHEHQHÀWV
of our new freestanding breast health center.
The Center for Breast Health & Imaging offers digital mammography, a
special diagnostic tool that has been found to be more accurate in detecting
breast cancer earlier in women who are under 50, have dense breasts or
are premenopausal. This advanced technology isn’t available at any other
facility in this area.
,Q DGGLWLRQ WKH &HQWHU LV GLUHFWHG E\ D ERDUGFHUWLÀHG VXUJHRQ ZKR LV
a breast health specialist with years of training and experience. We are
committed to providing women high-quality, compassionate care. We
understand that until there’s a cure, the battle against breast cancer is won
one screening--- one woman--- at a time.
,()@GKHAL9DJG9<KL9JCNADD=$EK+1/-1..*&.)-&+0((

Columbus Bank
Association
®
Member FDIC
KELLY TIPPETT
Competitors warm up before this year’s Winter Classic at Columbus Speedway.
“We get Air Force folks; we get different.

some traveling people coming Magnolia hosts only eight races a
through town,” Stokes said. year, forgoing a weekly series to
concentrate on its bigger races.
Magnolia Motor Magnolia is also chasing the family
Speedway fun angle hard.
The approach at Magnolia Motor “Here at Magnolia, our big draw
Speedway, which calls itself “The is the family atmosphere,” said track
South’s Premiere Dirt Track,” is a bit manager Chuck Cook, who sold his
Discover GRASSMASTERS
the Difference...
For all your
Landscape:
• Maintenance
(Monthly Payment Plans)
N
N
N
PreK-4 through 6th
All Faith Traditions Welcomed
• Installations
NN Only area non-public school accredited by
the Mississippi Department of Education • Sod
NN Accredited by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools C al l
N
N All Faculty certified
Derek Lower y
NN After school care
For more information contact

To d a y !
574-3683
Terri Heath
662-328-4479
or visit our website annunciationcatholicschool.org

Local dirt tracks are the place
to be on summer Saturday nights
text by JOEY VAUGHAN photographs by KELLY TIPPETT and JOE RAY ROBERSON
Every weekend throughout much of the year, hundreds of thousands of auto racing fans
show up at NASCAR tracks around the country and millions more tune in on television
to take part in the country’s biggest spectator sport — stock car racing.
Left: Johnny Stokes, Columbus

Speedway promoter and driver,
is pictured at the speedway.
Above: Magnolia Motor Speedway
manager Chuck Cook stands near
the race track entrance.

“It’s real exciting. You’ve got cars
CONN
CONSTRUCTION going 100 miles per hour side
by side sliding on dirt.”
— Johnny Stokes
Licensed
Contractors for:
• Commercial
• Community
• Education
• Residential
Building on Over
50 Years of Honesty,
Integrity & Excellence!
708 Alabama St. • Columbus, MS
(662) 328-1313
www.connconstruction.com
LOWNDES COUNTY
RADIAL TIRE
“Get the World’s Best Selling Tires
at Great Prices”
We’ve Been
Selling Michelin®
For 35+ Years!
Put Our Experience To Work For You!
Michelin brand tires are

engineered to give you and
those around you the freedom
to drive with confidence.
WWW.MICHELINMAN.COM
Whether you’re on the street,

track or off-road, BF Goodrich tires
are designed for the driver who
puts high performance first.
WWW.BFGOODRICHTIRES.COM KELLY TIPPETT
1512 Highway 45 N. Above: Car No. 33 takes a practice run around Columbus Speedway before a Feb. 2
race. Opposite: Car No. 58 joins the parade of drivers making runs at Columbus
(662) 327-3311 Speedway.
Providing Service to Both
Commercial & Industrial
Customers
Servicing:
Columbus • Starkville
Ackerman • West Point
Monroe County • Noxubee County
Webster County • Pickens County, Alabama
Local Reputation For

Service Excellence
S P E E D
MERCHANTS
KELLY TIPPETT
KELLY TIPPETT
Lucy, left, and Laura Sandifer play violin at the farmers’ market
in this June 2007 photo. Their parents are Ricky and Denise
Sandifer of Caledonia.
“I felt like something was wrong with the way it was said. “Everything happened so quickly last year, we did-
being operated,” Imes said. “(But) I was just a one-man n’t have enough hours in the day to get our ideas going.
band at the time. This was just my preliminary thinking.” But we do want to encourage new growers and to edu-
Fittingly, it was over many of the things bought and cate people in how to have a small, backyard garden.
sold at the market that the rest came together. I’m hoping we can just educate people on how to have
“At a Super Bowl party, I met Anne Freeze,” Imes a garden again, how to compost, how to save seeds.”
remembered, referring to one of the three women who
helped her revitalize the market. Good for children
“Of course, standing in the kitchen, we were talking “It is a wonderful, wonderful activity for a parent to
about food. She was very much involved with and inter- do with a child,” said Lehner, who noted farmers’ mar-
ested in local food and good food. I asked her to help kets encourage a “healthy lifestyle.”
me with the farmers’ market, and she agreed. “My boys sold lemonade at a market last season, and
“Right after that, I met Jennifer Lehner, at a dinner I just think it would be such a great thing, from begin-
party, over food,” she continued. “Before the evening ning to end, for a parent to plant a small garden for their
was over, she said she would (help).” child to sell (the results) at a market.
Jennifer Brady soon joined the group. “It’s about commerce,” Lehner continued. “It’s about
“I didn’t know these women, but we all had a love of science and marketing. It could be a really great project.
good food and knew the importance of (supporting) (And) this would be the ideal project for the person who
local things,” Imes said. “(The issue was) we were losing is retired or has free time on a Saturday to enhance their
growers, so how do we encourage growers?” income by learning something new, like gardening. Or
By raising money, adding locally made crafts to the what if someone were to raise a couple of goats and
offerings and lining up more growers, Imes, Freeze, learn to make goat cheese?”
Lehner and Brady again have brought glory days to the Some in-demand items include arugula, watercress
market. The Saturday markets, with their live music and “and more exotic ingredients than what we can typically
children’s art workshops, take on the air of an outdoor find in this area,” Lehner noted.
festival. “There’s a huge demand for these types of things, and
But they still want to do more. if somebody wants to try it out, we welcome new grow-
“This year, we’re wanting to add workshops,” Imes ers,” she added.
But racing fans don’t even have to
leave Lowndes County to get a taste
of the action. Two local tracks lie
waiting to provide all the thrills and
spills of a good car race but on a
smaller, dirt-track scale.
Columbus Speedway in New
Hope and Magnolia Motor
Speedway at the intersection of
Highway 82 and Highway 45
Alternate each give race fans plenty
of opportunities to see grassroots
racing.
In the summer, with college and
high school sports off and no Major
KELLY TIPPETT
League Baseball team closer than
Atlanta, dirt track racing is one of
the best sporting events going on half or four hours. It’s real exciting. ing there in 1970. The Bullring hosts
locally. Plus, it’s something the You’ve got cars going 100 miles per about 25 races a year, starting with a
whole family can get into. Kids love hour side by side sliding on dirt. It is winter race in January and continu-
cars. the No. 1 spectator sport in the ing each Saturday night from March
“For the money, you get more world. Columbus Speedway is a to September.
entertainment than about anything good family-owned racetrack.” About 3,000 spectators can sit in
else you can do around here,” said Columbus Speedway, located at the grandstand surrounding the
Columbus Speedway promoter and 574 Lacy Road, bills itself as “The three-tenths of a mile dirt oval. The
race car driver Johnny Stokes. Baddest Bullring in the South.” It’s pit area can hold another 3,000 peo-
“For the weekly races, $12 gets been in operation since 1965, ple, Stokes says.
you in and it lasts about three and a according to Stokes, who began rac- People come out from all over on
COLUMBUS-LOWNDES DEVELOPMENT LINK

...the
...the right style for your business.
Being a member of The LINK
can make your business grow. Whether you are a small business or large corporation...
We have so much to offer you. Whether you are a newly started business or a business that has been here since
your grandfather was the owner...
By being a member of Whether you own a small tractor store or a large accounting firm...
The LINK you will:
The LINK is the right style for you and your business.
• Gain new clients or customers for
your business. The Columbus-Lowndes Development LINK is an association of business people
• Gain knowledge from informative concerned about improving the area in which they do business:
meetings, newsletters and other the area in which they live; the area in which they have
business owners within The LINK
LINK.. made their greatest investments.
• Become aware of what is happening
in our community.
• Be part of many important projects Please give us a call at (662) 328-8390 or visit
Ple
that enhance our business and
community. ou website at www.cldlink.org if you and your
our
business are interested in joining The LINK today.
busi
KELLY TIPPETT
Drivers make practice runs

around Columbus Speedway
before a Feb. 2 race.
warm Saturday nights to hear the

roar of the engines, watch the cars
slide around corners and occasion-
CFC Transportation, Inc.

ally trade a little paint.
“They wreck quite often,” Stokes
said. “People come for the wrecks
too.”
Columbus Speedway hosted the
first nationally televised dirt track
race in the state of Mississippi last
year when the Lucas Oil Series
came to town. The race was shown
on the Speed Network. Columbus
Speedway’s signature race, the
Magnolia State 100, featured a huge
$25,000 payout to the winner in
2007.
“That’s the biggest race that’s ever
been in the state of Mississippi,”
Stokes said.
The weekly races feature a cast of
characters from mostly the sur-
rounding areas, but the bigger races
Providing Your Link to the Golden Triangle and Beyond draw drivers from all over the coun-
try.
Our goal is to provide the industries in the Golden Triangle with “Everywhere,” Stokes said. “For
quality service, on-time delivery and customer satisfaction. the Lucas Oil race, we had about 21
states represented.”
2601 Cleda Drive • Columbus, MS • 662-329-0019 Columbus Speedway does not
Thomas “Bubba” Comer, President • Donna Burmaster, General Manager
sell beer, but spectators can bring
their own coolers and lawn chairs.
From left, MUW students Cody
Hammack, a junior from Berry,
Ala.; Tim Steele, a junior from
Gulfport; Michael Sipp, a junior
from Pascagoula; Aaron Chu, a
sophomore from Pascagoula; and
Josh Graham, a senior from
Fulton, chat outside
of Reneau Hall.
A few
SMART
women
Creating a new definition
of the ‘W’ student
text by MELANIE CROWNOVER photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Campus life has changed a lot since senior nursing major white. That’s one reason it’s unique, though — it was a place
Mike Dodson first came to Mississippi University for Women set aside to give middle- to working-class women a leg up
in 1986. on being independent,” said Dr. Bridget Pieschel, director of
Just four years after the Supreme Court forced The W to MUW’s Southern Women’s Institute.
admit its first male student, Dodson was a business manage- Training advanced over time from vocational to colle-
ment student who transferred to MSU after two years giate, including the top-of-the-line nursing program that
because he didn’t want his diploma to come from a brought Joe Hogan’s noticeably masculine foot in the door in
“women’s college.” 1982.
Newspapers were filled with stories of animosity for the The W offered the local nurse a chance to take classes on
male newcomers by students, alumnae and some staff — audit status, but Hogan sued on grounds of discrimination
just as repeated squabbles over changing the university after he was denied full admission.
name to include the entire student body in recent years have Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled The W nursing
further fueled the idea that men are still somehow second- school’s admissions policies violated the Equal Protection
class students at their alma mater. Clause of the 14th Amendment. And that decision applied to
Were all that true, Dodson said, he would never have all programs at the university.
returned to MUW for another degree.
What’s good for the gander
Women, take up your arms The Hogan suit opened the door for scores of men like
In the beginning, there was no state-supported higher Dodson who’ve broadened the definition of a “W” student,
education system designated for women. who were once only known as “W girls.”
Then the Mississippi Legislature created the Industrial But fate added a tinge of irony for those who opposed the
Institute and College, the first public women’s college in the move as a strike against women’s lib.
country in 1884. It actually did just the opposite.
That educational groundbreaker later became Mississippi “It really set the standard for how and when to deal with
State College for Women, and in 1974, Mississippi gender-based discrimination. There was only one other
University for Women. women’s college at the time that could be affected by the
“Our state decided after the Civil War that it was an eco- verdict, so the primary effect was gaining women entrance
nomic investment to make women both educated and self- to all-male institutions,” said Wil Colom, Hogan’s lawyer,
supporting to help bring Mississippi out of a depression. It during the 1982 case.
wasn’t for the elite, although segregation meant it was all It later became a legal precedent in high-profile cases

of Templeton even after three years. had were answered.”
“We’ve had some very special The Bulldogs shook off the LSU loss
moments,” Templeton said. “I think you and won the next three games against
find out who your friends are when Tulane 38-17, Auburn 19-14 and
times aren’t as good as they are now. Gardner-Webb 31-15 to match the victo-
“When we weren’t having much suc- ry total of the previous three seasons.
cess on the field, we both could see After a 38-21 road loss at South
there was progress being made. When Carolina, Mississippi State defeated
AUTO • SR-22 • HOME • LIFE • HEALTH he needed someone to talk to, fortunate- University of Alabama–Birmingham 30-
BUSINESS • BONDS • MEDICAL SUPL ly I was there and quite frankly, when I 13 at home to achieve four wins in a
FARM • CONTRACTORS
needed someone to talk to, he was season for the first time under Croom.
FOUR IN ONE. IT’S A WINNING COMBINATION. there.” With a rugged schedule left against
Going into his fourth season in 2007, several ranked teams, there were some
COLUMBUS INSURANCE SERVICES Croom knew that attitude, work ethic who felt the UAB victory would be the
2610 MAIN ST. and talent level had improved, but the last of the season and were satisfied with
327-0777 Bulldogs still had not showed they could that.
win consistently on the field.
HOPKINS INSURANCE AGENCY
109 5TH ST. NORTH After Mississippi State took a 45-0 Fighting back
328-4911 beating at the hands of the eventual But, the Bulldogs showed they had
national champion LSU, some fans ques- more fight left in them.
SWOOPE INSURANCE AGENCY tioned if success would ever come.
2203 HIGHWAY 45 NORTH Mississippi State lost its next two
Not Croom.
328-1855 games against Tennessee 33-21 and
“The loss does not change my mind
West Virginia 38-13, but earned what
BANKFIRST INSURANCE SERVICES about those players in that locker room,”
could have been the most important vic-
101 N. JEFFERSON • MACON Croom said after the LSU game. “After
tory of the season — a 31-14 decision
726-2583 the game, I feel even stronger now about
against then 14th-ranked Kentucky on
the possibility of us being a very good
COLUMBUS, MS football team because some questions I the road.
That spring-boarded the Bulldogs to a
strong finish with wins against Alabama
STEVEN C. 17-12 and Ole Miss 17-14 at home with

one hiccup at Arkansas 45-31 to finish
WALLACE, PLLC
the regular season with a 7-5 record.
5) &3 & 1"* 3' * 3 453 & 1 -"$ &8 ) & /
5)&3&1"*3'*3453&1-"$&8)&/ “I’m very pleased with the attitude of
this football team and have been all sea-
/ & $ & 44"3:$ 0 . 1"/:
/&$&44"3:$0.1"/: son with their work ethic and team-
$POWFOJFOU.PCJMF4FSWJDF work,” Croom said during the last
/BUJPOXJEF.POFZ#BDL(VBSBOUFF stretch of the season. “They have elevat-
ed the standards and made a clear iden-
'BDUPSZ5SBJOFE5FDIOJDJBOT tity.”
8F1SPDFTT"MM*OTVSBODF$MBJNT Mississippi State showed it could be
-PDBMMZ0XOFEBOE0QFSBUFE a team that could come back from a
deficit to come out on top. The Bulldogs
4&37*/(5)&(0-%&/53*"/(-&"3&" trailed Ole Miss 14-0 before winning
ATTORNEY AT LAW and fell behind Central Florida 3-0
$BMM'PS'SFF&TUJNBUF before rallying to claim the Liberty
F il • Criminal
Family Ci i l
Bowl.
“I am extremely thankful for our
Divorce • Construction

team, our coaches and our support
staff,” Croom said after Mississippi State
Last Will & Testament 07&3.JMMJPO4BUJTGJFE$VTUPNFST won the Liberty Bowl.
“We’ve got a lot of good people in
501 7th St. North, Suite 2
P.O. Box 843 • Columbus, MS 39703 XXXOPWVTHMBTTDPN this program. I think their character,
Office: 662-244-6000 their ability to overcome adversity, their
Fax: 662-244-6021 teamwork and their spirit of oneness,
Email: swallace1@bellsouth.net #OMBINATION 3TARBREAK "ULLSEYE #RACKS they have shown through all year.”
“They could have quit on us a long time ago, but we’ve put
some fight, some character and some class into this program.”
— Sylvester Croom
The players have become fond of the field issues last season, but when rumors “Every day I hear him address the
man they have come to know as Coach surfaced that Croom might be contacted team after practice and I am so
Croom. by professional teams, Dixon made his impressed with what he has to say. As
Defensive end Titus Brown developed true feelings known. a parent, I would want my son to hear
into one of the SEC’s most dominant pass “He’s a tough one to play for, but the things he’s got to say.”
rushers during his time under Croom’s none of us want to see him go because Croom now believes he has the
watch. he loves us and fights for us,” Dixon Bulldogs in a position to where they
Brown participated in the Senior Bowl said. can at least compete for an SEC
on Jan. 26 and is expected to be taken According to Mississippi State strength Championship.
somewhere in the National Football coach Ben Pollard, Croom has a unique Being able to pursue that goal with
League draft. He credits Croom and way of getting his point across to the quality players on and off the field
Mississippi State for helping him get into players. gives Croom peace about the direction
this position. “I’ve never been around a head coach Mississippi State is headed.
“If I hadn’t been at Mississippi State who always says the right things to the “At the end of the day, I can live
where these guys worked so hard to players and we’re not talking about foot- with the way we’re doing it,” Croom
have a winning season, I wouldn’t be in ball things,” Pollard said. “If the charac- said. “I’m very proud of this football
the spot where I am now,” Brown said. “I ter things and the true heart issues are in team and what they have done. They
urge the guys behind me to press for- order, the football will take care of itself. could have quit on us a long time ago,
ward and do the right things to get If a kid is working hard, going to school, but we’ve put some fight, some char-
where I am today.” taking advantage of his opportunities and acter and some class into this pro-
Sophomore running back Anthony being the right kind of citizen, then foot- gram. Now we’ve got to build on
Dixon and Croom had some minor off- ball is easy. that.” ■
Join One The right move. www.mayflower.com

YMCA
Use Them All!
• We can handle all your moving needs
• Local and long distance moving
• Household and commercial moving And counting...
• Full replacement value protection available
• Ask about our guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
• Expert packing and unpacking services
• Containerized storage
Free estimates - No Obligation
Agent for Mayflower Transit, Inc.
2406 Highway 69 South

Columbus, Mississippi
www.mcconnellbrothers.com
www.columbus-ymca.com 662-328-2731
800-424-2731
Downtown New Hope s r r TM
328-7696 328-0212
Caledonia
356-9622
Wellness
243-1162 Now and down the road.®_
“ ... I knew the education I would get here and was old enough
to look beyond that women’s school tag of that diploma. I came
because I knew this is where I needed to be.”
— Mike Dodson
against both The Citadel and Virginia situation was too tough to deal with fall with children Taylor, 9, and John
Military Institute, the country’s only every day after how he got in, but he Curtis, 4, in the background.
state-funded, all-male military colleges, went on to get his degree in Louisiana His wife, Missy, holds both a bache-
during the 1990s. and was practicing in New Orleans the lor’s and master’s from the same pro-
Although the ladies broke into the last thing I heard. And because of Joe, gram.
gentlemen’s clubs with the law on their the son of the judge who ruled against “I was actually more worried about
side, few of them at first made it to us in district court got to leave Ole Miss that when I went into nursing because
graduation at their chosen schools, to finish school at MUW.” the national average is less than 10 per-
much like Hogan — who attended cent male, and the percentage of males
MUW, but never even made it through Then and now is already so small here, but both times
core curriculum requirements to enter Back in the 1980s, Dodson was con- I’ve been here I’ve never felt treated less
the nursing program. sidered part of a minority at MUW than anyone else.”
But Colom said the battle was still because of his gender; now he says his The W’s male nursing stats are actu-
worthwhile on a personal level for his ally a little higher than the national
status as a non-traditional student sets
client. average, with six of Dodson’s 54 class-
him apart.
“It’s not unusual for a trailblazer not mates men.
“At the time there were already sev-
to get the rewards of their struggles — But it’s the opportunities for men to
eral guys in my math and science class-
Moses didn’t make it to the Promised get involved beyond the classroom that
es I took for my major, so I didn’t really
Land, you know,” Colom said. have really changed in the past 26
feel like the only one here,” the 39- years.
“I think he (Hogan) left because the year-old said as he studied for finals last More than 80 organizations now
make up the campus roster of extracur-
Children's riculars — the majority of which have
had males in leadership roles.
House Dodson is currently head of the
local Student Nurses Association.
“Proudly Serving Our Active Duty Service Members”
Montessori
Big brothers
Homes Available
NOW School After a new addition last semester,
Established 1976 there are four nationally recognized fra-
ternities.
Individualized Most of The W’s eight tradition-
steeped women’s social clubs have
Instruction The Montessori
Curriculum is opened up participation to the male
designed specifically population by way of big brother pro-
PRESCHOOL to enhance your grams in the past decade as well.
KINDERGARTEN child’s intellectual, And men transferred from Goen,
2, 3, 4 & 5 social, and emotional which was regularly regarded as one of
ELEMENTARY development.
the least desirable dorms on campus, to
Bedroom
oom H Homes
better housing a couple of years ago.
Montessori Certified Teachers Now first-year men room at co-ed
Private Homes
Pri
P es C
Close to the BXX Directress: Allison Lamar Kincannon Hall and higher classifica-
W
Walk ork
rkk
to work P
Pri ds
Private yards Owner: Rosemary Lamar tions have the option of refurbished
Columbus Hall.
Monday-Friday “I think when men first started com-
7:30 am - 5:30 pm ing here it was mainly for the nursing
Calll for
f ddetails
t
program or out of convenience, but this
662-434-8213 327-3913
923 6th Avenue N. Columbus school has changed pretty dramatically
www.columbusfamilyhousing.com
lumbusfamilyhousing.com over the past 30 years,” said Bucky
From left, Cody Hammack, a junior from Berry, Ala.; Aaron Chu, a sophomore from Pascagoula; Tim Steele,
a junior from Gulfport; Tomeka Reynolds, a sophomore from Biloxi; and Ashton Dillard, a junior from Saltillo,
thumb through a magazine in an MUW classroom.
Wesley, vice president of student serv-

ices.
determine the makeup of that portion
of the population. The student body has From Dream
“Now they’re drawn here because of
the whole life of the campus and our
hovered at about 15 percent male for
several years, even when the more than to Reality...
academic reputation, and our alums 2,000 student total enrollment tradi-
and students see now how much these tionally drops in the spring.
men contribute to what The W is Wesley said W recruitment is “main-
becoming,” he continued. stream-based” to present to as many
Not all changes are monumental, people as possible a picture of a uni-
though. versity in transition with a world of pos-
One prime example is the way the sibilities ahead. Beneath those possibili-
school reaches out to prospective male ties lies the question of how to fully
students. engage an entire student body and Home Design & Drawing
The attachment of the phrase “and build on tradition when history and Interior Consultation
smart men, too” to the university name mission are so steeped in the better- Furniture, Rugs,
Bella
on marketing pieces is probably the ment of women. Fabric & Accessories
biggest strategy specifically to draw But change is one thing The W has
men over the past two decades. taught well from the start.
However, there are no scholarships “I know a lot of men don’t come
set aside solely for males, though many here because they don’t realize they INTERIORS
S
are on scholarship. can, but that’s just a matter of
Designers: Terri McKissack,
research,” said Dodson. “I came here Nikki Wiygul, Penny Bowen &
‘Face of the ‘W’ man’ the first time because it was close to Sally Evans
No study has pinpointed the “face of home and came back because I knew
the ‘W’ man” to aim recruitment to tar- the education I would get here and was Monday-Friday 8-5
get specific ages, majors, races or old enough to look beyond that or by appointment
locales. women’s school tag of that diploma. I 515 College Street X Columbus
Instead, university-sponsored studies came because I knew this is where I 241-7017
focus on specific types of students to needed to be.” ■
with their opinions, which helps them And “Ms. Helen” still keeps a hand in
feel that their voice makes a difference.” the eatery. “Mother says she’s technically
Daily radio duties fall in the middle of retired, but she’s here a lot to make sure
what are often 18-hour workdays for the everything tastes just right,” the matri-
Columbus native, who now owns Helen’s arch’s youngest son shares with a smile.
Kitchen, the family’s landmark restaurant The family’s deep roots in the city’s
on 15th Street North, locally known for Seventh Avenue historic district have
mouth-watering soul and comfort food. helped inspire Karriem’s commitment to
community.
Fourth generation As chairman of the annual Seventh
“Helen’s Kitchen, named for my moth- Avenue Heritage Festival, he shares his
er, represents a fourth generation of
passion for the preservation of the dis-
restaurant owners in our family in
trict’s rich history. “I think this area is like
Lowndes County,” he relays with pride.
Columbus’ hidden treasure. It was the
The lively eatery — where Karriem
business and entertainment district. For a
grew up helping out before and after
Superior brands long time, it was all that the African-
school, and on lunch breaks, too — is a
Relaxing atmosphere popular hub where many of the talk American community had,” he says.
Meeting area for show’s topics percolate daily among din- “The festival ... shows what can be
knitting groups ers. accomplished when we all really work
“I have to go to the radio station to together,” Karriem reflects. It just might be
Classes & workshops
for all levels rest,” he jokes. “Our catering in particular that the cornerstone of Kabir Karriem’s
has increased tremendously since my philosophy can be found in the sign-off
327-7322 brother, Hussein, returned to Columbus he leaves listeners with each weekday at
120 Fifth Street South last year. He’s a chef, graduated from the the end of the show: “Start where you
Downtown Columbus Cooking and Hospitality Institute of are. Work with what you’ve got. Do the
Thursday - Saturday
Chicago and can do fantastic things with best you can, and, I promise you, God
10:00 am-5:00 pm
food.” will take care of the rest.” ■
Pe e l
Gu
nt er &
Funeral Home
Our Family Serving
Since 1893 Your Family
Gunter & Peel Funeral Home

has been a cornerstone of
trust and tradition
in Columbus, MS
and its surrounding
communities since 1893.
College at 9th St. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-2354

www.gunterandpeel.com
MARKET DAYSLocal women revitalize Columbus farmers’ market
text by KRISTIN MAMRACK photograph by JOE RAY ROBERSON
Those who visited the Old doing anything.”

Hitching Lot Farmers Market in Early last year, she decided to
Columbus last year experienced a take action.
vibrant, thriving market where “I decided, not knowing any-
craftsmen displayed their wares; thing about it, I would step for-
fresh, locally grown produce was ward, learn fast and try to do some-
bought and sold; children partici- thing,” she recalled. “I was trying to
pated in special activities and musi- figure out how to get more growers.
cians performed for the crowds. You need more growers, before you
But it wasn’t always that way. can expect more customers to
In 1976, the Columbus Farmers MATTHEW WEST
come.
Market was established by a group “I kept asking myself, why don’t
of local farmers and “growers,” Zachary Lehner, 4, accepts a payment from cus- I go regularly?” she continued.
tomer Rufus Ward as his brother Jake, 6, mans the
including Lacy Freeman. “The thing that popped into my
cash register at the farmers’ market, in this May
But recently, a longtime patron, 2007 photo. Above: From left are Anne Freeze, head, No. 1, was if I realize it’s
Beth Imes, noticed the market was Jennifer Lehner, Jennifer Brady and Beth Imes, market day and it’s 7 o’clock in the
dying. who’ve each done their part to breathe new life into morning, I would think everything’s
“I started going less frequently the local farmers’ market. all gone. (I would think) it would
each year,” she explained. “But all be picked over and gone, so
each time I would go, Lacy Freeman would just shake why bother?”
his head with worry, saying, ‘We need new growers.’ It People she spoke with agreed. Newcomers said they
would just kind of eat at me, but I never thought about couldn’t even find the market.
COMMUNITY
RADIO
Kabir Karriem hosts “Karriem & Company” on WTWG-AM 1050.
“If you want to know what’s
going on ... just listen in.”
— Kabir Karriem
Talk show host offers

locals a public forum
text by JAN SWOOPE
Kabir Karriem does not consider himself a radio per-

sonality. He simply sees his role as host of WTWG-AM
1050’s noontime talk show, “Karriem & Company,” as a
community service.
“We don’t communicate enough,” the 34-year-old
businessman believes. “This news talk show deals with
our entire community, and particularly with issues that
affect the African-American community.”
The hour-long show, which airs live Monday through
Friday, has become a town square on the airwaves. “It’s a
way for people to voice their opinion on everything from
economics, religion, politics, entertainment — anything
that is in the news,” explains Karriem.
“If you want to know what’s going on,” he adds with a
chuckle, “just listen in.”
The calls Karriem and his on-air guests welcome every
day reflect the public pulse. A recent program ran the
gamut from the much-publicized Columbus school bond
referendum to appreciating city workers and the critical
importance of better parenting.
And sometimes the show helps reveal relevant hot
spots. “Like an addict,” Karriem asserts, “until you admit
there is a problem, you can’t work on it. This gives us all
a tool to vent, to talk, to debate if we need to.”
“Karriem & Company” first aired on WTWG on Aug.
13, 2007. “When I was younger, I used to hang around
the radio station all the time, hearing men like James
Hull, Tony Dean and my brother, Kamal, on the air,” the
Mississippi State University graduate remembers.
“When a time slot came open, I thought I had some-
thing to offer. I didn’t have on-air experience, but I
thought the show could be a conduit to keep the com-
munity informed.”
The station’s owners, state Sen. Bennie Turner and his
wife, Edna Turner, think so, too.
“Kabir is doing a fantastic job bringing issues of local
interest to be discussed on the air,” Edna Turner offers.
“He’d never been on radio, but he is handling it like a
pro.
“Local talk is vital to the community,” she adds. “It
gives citizens an opportunity to learn what is going on in
surrounding areas. Listeners are encouraged to call in

The
best and the
brightest
MSMS prepares state’s top students
for the world beyond high school
text by GARTHIA ELENA BURNETT photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
The name is a little deceptive. learned so much more than academics,”

Because peppered among the math said Rachel Trist, a senior at the school.
and science courses are sections on Trist is the daughter of Sheri and Eddie
sculpture, literature, architecture and Trist of Hernando.
music. From time management to responsi-
Artists, lawyers and teachers, as well bility and the challenge of college-level
as mathematicians and engineers, have classes and professors, students say
earned diplomas from Mississippi School MSMS has offered them valuable lessons
for Mathematics and Science. they’ll take with them for the rest of their
And students with their sights set on lives.
careers in political science, microbiology “I don’t think you can compare the
and history, to name a few, today grace kinds of relationships with people,
the halls of MSMS buildings. friends, faculty and staff. I cherish that so
Housed on the campus of Mississippi much more than anything I learned in a
University for Women, MSMS is not just classroom,” said Katie Caves, also a sen-
a school for math and science — it’s a ior.
school for challenge, a school for com- Caves is the daughter of James and
munity, a school for creativity, a school Lori Caves of Brookhaven. Charles Brown, interim director for school
for opportunity. “I am so much more prepared than I advancement at Mississippi School for
And the opportunities afforded at the was at my old school. It prepared me a Mathematics and Science, stands in the
school are far from lost on the teenage lot more for college,” she added. foyer of Hooper Hall. Opposite: Senior
MSMS students Dutch Vogle, from
students. Gulfport, and Rhett Dixon, from Oxford,
“I think MSMS is one of the greatest Two decades look over an architectural display in
experiences I’ve ever been through. I’ve And MSMS has been preparing stu- Chuck Yarborough’s history classroom.
the library throughout the day would
notice that a variety of users visit the
library for different reasons. Local
business owners take advantage of
Immanuel Center for
the atmosphere and wireless Internet
to complete work. Others come to
read magazines or newspapers.
Christian Education
6405 Military Road (intersection of Military Road and Highway 12 East)
Petersen said some adults currently
use the library to teach themselves
how to read. Petersen said these are
Mississippi’s only PreK4-12 school
but a few of the examples of how the with all three accreditations:
library helps the community. “Over SACS (Southern Association of Colleges & Schools)
the course of the day, you see all the MPSA (Mississippi Private School Association)
different user groups come through ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)
the door,” he said. “Where else can
you go and look up whatever you
need?”
While Petersen said the library
serves a variety of important func-
tions, he worries it will face chal-
lenges in the future without proper
funding. “If we don’t see increased
funding, we risk degrading the quali- Call 662-328-7888
ty of the library,” he said.
To request an information packet or schedule a tour
Petersen said the library, which
had more than 230,000 visits last www.immanuelschool.net
year, is too important for the commu- Offering quality education with strong Christian emphasis.
nity to accept that risk. “We don’t
necessarily come up with the projects
and ideas of our community, but we
do serve a resource to make the proj-
ects and ideas of our community bet-
ter,” he said.
While the library may afford these
opportunities to the area, Petersen
believes work must still be done to
make the library a place that ade-
quately serves everyone. According
to Petersen, the lack of night hours
has hurt the library and working WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
patrons. “We need night hours,” he
said. “We had an immediate drop in F O R L I F E.
our door count and circulation when When it rains it pours, and the storms of life are too much to handle without
we cut back our hours.” proper life insurance. Whether you need Term Insurance or Whole Life –
Petersen said many people who We really do have you covered.
move to Columbus are shocked when
they learn the library does not stay
Priscilla King, LUTCF John Longmire, LUTCF
open past 6 p.m. “It is a quality-of- 610 Alabama Street
940 Tuscaloosa Rd.
life issue. Many people move here Columbus, MS Columbus, MS
from other cities, and they feel that 662-328-9988 662-328-4959
they can’t use the library because it is
closed when they finish working.”
“We need increased funding for
night hours and staff pay,” said
Petersen. “This community needs
those hours back,” he said. ■
Shelter Life Insurance Company
Columbia, MO
www.shelterinsurance.com

Seek Shelter Today!

For 59-year-old Mark and 56-year-
old Marilyn Leonard, residents of one
of Richardson’s apartments above the
Paint Store on Main Street, a commit-
ment to Columbus blossomed as soon
as they moved from their house in
New Hope in 2006.
“I never realized what a neat town
Columbus is until I moved down-
town,” Mark said. “When you take
time to look around, you really find
out how much the town has to offer.”
Twenty-eight-year-old Mary Neff
Gumdrop Seabergh and her 31-year-old hus-

band, Nick, fell in love with down-
town Columbus shortly after moving
from Memphis, Tenn., to a loft above
The Suitcase on Fifth Street South,
Fabrics and Interiors more than three years ago.
“Downtown was definitely our first
6500 sq. ft. of Drapery & Upholstery Fabrics choice when we were looking to
Trims • Tassels • Hardware • Pillows move here,” said Mary Neff. “It was
Custom Draperies and Bedding • Slipcovers & More! nice to move from a big city to a
smaller one and still feel like you’re in
Tuesday-Friday 10-3 • Closed Saturday the middle of everything.”
409 Main Street • Columbus • 662.327.7771 And with restaurants, events like
the Market Street Festival and dozens
of stores all right outside their door,
the downtown residents always have
something to do.
“I am a social animal,” Mark said,
adding, “Now that we’re here, we can
go all kinds of places and take advan-
tage of different events without even
starting the car.”
• Serving Students in K4 thru 12th Grades Unique dwellings

• Laptops for Students in Grades 10-12 “This is my favorite part of the
• School Uniforms for Elementary and High School apartment,” Mark said as he gazed
• College Prep Curriculum down at College Street from his back
• Honors and AP Courses balcony. “It makes our apartment
• Tuition Assistance Available for Qualified Families unique because only a few apartments
• Average ACT for Class of 2007 - 23.4 Average down here have balconies. We use it
(Average includes all seniors)
• Random Drug Screening for grades 7-12 all the time when the weather is nice,
• Grades accessible on-line for grades 7-12 and it even gives us great seats for
• Band for grades 5-12 bands at the Market Street Festival.”
• Chorus for grades 7-12 The Seaberghs enjoy the old-time
• Christian environment
feel of their 1890s-era dwelling.
“You just can’t get this kind of
architecture anywhere else,” said
Nick. “The 16-foot ceilings and hard-
wood floors we have here are really
hard to find in houses or modern
apartment complexes.”
Every apartment in downtown has
something to set it apart from the
apartment next door.
“Adding seven to 10 businesses a
year might not be much for a big
town, but for us it’s huge. Every little
bit helps when you’re a small city
and county with limited funds
because if you don’t draw in more
businesses to broaden you tax base
you have to raise your people’s
taxes,” Boykin continued.
With $3-a-gallon gas raising prices
on everything else, either increasing
taxes or leaving residents with little
option but to drive an hour for fast
food wasn’t acceptable anymore.
The additions also meant more
KELLY TIPPETT
traffic for existing businesses.
“Now that whole area is an eye- was built along the same line of The answer was a more than
catcher for the people driving by,” thought as the bypass boom. 4,000-square-foot building across
Boykin contended. “With only one For years, residents of Macon and from Noxubee High School and
restaurant out there, you’re already Noxubee County had no option but adjacent to the Agriculture Center on
past it before you realize, and you to take events like wedding recep- Highway 45 South.
pass the city by without a thought. tions, organizational meetings and The project became reality
“Now drivers see the grouping of family reunions down the road to because county officials worked
businesses from a distance and think Columbus and over to Louisville’s together to get a $1 million grant
maybe they should stop in for a bite, Lake Tiak O’Khata. from the Appalachian Regional
and that can lead them into town to That exodus was a loss of big Commission.
check it out as well.” tourism dollars for the area and an Construction began in November
The community’s new civic center inconvenient truth for the citizens. 2006 after several years of planning
Making a
positive
difference
in your life.
For All Your Bakery Needs

Mon-Fri 6am-5pm • Sat 6am-2pm
RehabatWork CAKES • PIES • BREADS • ROLLS SERVING
The leaders in effective, personalized physical therapy.
65 Dutch Lane • Columbus, MS 39702
DELI SANDWICHES
662-241-4545
2429 5th St. North • Columbus, MS 39705 SOUPS • SALADS
662-328-4542
670 Leigh Drive • Columbus, MS 39705 Free Delivery on
662-327-4540
662-738-5795 Wedding Cakes
Hwy. 45 South • Brooksville, Mississippi
18199 Hwy. 45 • Brooksville, MS 39739
662-738-4546
8643 Highway 182 East • Columbus, MS 39702
Muscle Shoals, AL • Columbus, MS • Memphis, TN
We’re the people behind the

names you see the most!
IMAGE...
Whatever it Takes
That's what we are all about!!
S ince our beginning in 1978, promoting your image
has always been our goal. It's our people that make
the difference. With three locations in Tennesse, Alabama,
and Mississippi, you can be certain that we can handle any
project, big or small, efficiently, and to your satisfaction.
W e are a full service sign company that designs and

creates signage for banking, healthcare, universities,
casinos, entertainment, residential, commercial, shopping
centers, hotels, and every other aspect of the sign industry.
O ur leadership and customer service is second to

none, and we have a reputation in the sign industry
as a company that performs in every area of customer
satisfaction. We stand behind, and pride ourselves on our
company motto "whatever it takes." We have dedicated
ourselves to excellence in service and innovation in our
industry.
W ith almost 30 years of experience and growth, our

commitment is to our customers. You can expect
satisfaction from design to manufacturing, right down
to installation and service. Let us show you how we can
successfully promote your organization or business 24
hours a day, 7 days a week.
Mark Pridmore
President
www.mid-southsigns.com
Lofty living Upstairs apartments create a sense
of community in downtown Columbus
text by NEAL WAGNER photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Not Jackson. 130 apartments and condominium

Not Biloxi. units couldn’t imagine living anywhere
Not Meridian. else.
Columbus has more upper-level “This may be a smaller town, but
apartments than anywhere else in people still want to be in the center of
Mississippi. the action,” said Kazie Richardson,
And residents of downtown’s nearly owner of seven Main Street apart-
ments.
With homes as different as their
personalities, several loft-dwellers are
finding unique ways to carve their way
into city life.
Some moved to Columbus from the
country; some moved from a larger
city.
But they all have made a move
toward rejuvenating downtown
Columbus.
“When people move downtown
they are making a statement,” said
Richardson. “They are saying they
believe in Columbus and they believe
in the future of downtown.”
Left: Mark Leonard, 59, and his wife,

Marilyn Leonard, 56, stand on the back
balcony of their downtown apartment
above the Paint Store on Main Street,
overlooking College Street. Opposite: Nick
Seabergh, 31, and his wife, Mary Neff
Seabergh, 28, sit in the study of their loft
above The Suitcase on Fifth Street South.

“We have a lot of friends who live feel with the downtown convenience.
downtown and none of our apart- It’s not for everybody, but we think it
30 Years
ments are alike,” said Mary Neff. “A was the right decision for us.” of Excellence...
lot of the lofts have been remodeled The Seaberghs’ slightly smaller
by their owners, so even when they 1,000-square-foot apartment reflects • Orthopaedic Surgery
are in the same building, they don’t the style of a big-city downtown loft. • Joint Reconstruction
look alike.” Their one-bedroom, one-bathroom • Hand Surgery
residence provides an excellent view
• Arthroscopic Surgery
Despite being within 50 yards of
of the constant movement of cars and
• Sports Medicine
each other, the Seaberghs and the
people along Fifth Street South. The
• Foot & Ankle Surgery
Leonards don’t share much when it
comes to their apartments’ appear- interior is a unique mixture of state-
ances. of-the-art amenities with old-fash-
While both lofts sport hardwood ioned 1800’s architecture.
floors, elegant furniture and a homey “This (apartment) has the same feel
feel, each one reflects its residents’ as a loft in Memphis,” said Mary Neff. COLUMBUS
MBUS ORTHOPAE
ORTHOPAEDIC
CLINIC
lifestyles. “We tried to set everything up in here 670 Leigh Drive • Columbus
The interior of the Leonards’ 1,300- so it would have the look of a big-city 662.328.1012
square-foot apartment was hard to dis- loft.”
tinguish from a house. With two bed-
rooms, two bathrooms, dark wooden Comfortable commute
furniture and a large living room and However, there is at least one thing
kitchen, their apartment is reminiscent downtown residents are glad they COLUMBUS
UMBUS ORTHOPAE
ORTHOPAEDIC
of the home they moved from two don’t share with larger cities — traf- OUTPATIENT CENTER
years ago fic. 640 Leigh Drive • Columbus
“This place is actually about 100 “Sometimes I walk to work and 662.328.7123
square feet bigger than the first house sometimes I drive,” said Nick, who is “Proudly providing sports
we lived in in the 1970s,” Mark said. a sous-chef at Harvey’s restaurant. medicine to the Mississippi State
“Our loft kind of combines the home “It’s so close that, even when I drive, University Athletics Program”
First Embracing
United the
Methodist past...
Church
and planning
for the future.
First United Methodist Church • 602 Main Street • Columbus, Mississippi

662-328-5252 • www.columbusfumc.org
counselors and each other, the stu- too is — and there’s need at all the
dents adapted well to the situation,
going to classes in varied locations
campuses — but there is definitely a
need for a new high school at
Covenant
and navigating around the fenced-in
damaged areas.
Caledonia,” Halford continued. “Two
years ago, we added 20 new class-
Presbyterian
“People do what’s expected of
them in difficult times when they
rooms. They are all in use.”
Along with overflowing class-
Church
Part of the EPC Family of Churches
know up front what the situation rooms comes the need for more
calls for,” Putnam said. teachers; at Caledonia schools there 515 N. Lehmburg Rd.
And what stands in place of the are about 22 students to each Columbus, MS 39702
wreckage — after cleanup crews, teacher. 662-328-3882
insurance adjusters and architects “The problem is, if the board www.epc.org
have had their say — is opportunity. would give me 10 additional teach- If you are looking for friends,
“We’re going to look and see if we ers, I don’t have 10 classrooms for spiritual nourishment, and back to
can’t solve some of our problems,” them to go in,” Halford said. basics Christianity, we invite you to
said Lowndes County School District Lowndes County School District’s pay us a visit. Let’s get acquainted!
Superintendent Mike Halford. Board of Education purchased a 17-
Among the campus’ “problems” is acre parcel of land in August of last We’ve got lots of teachers and
grandparents waiting to
the need for an elementary school year for about $380,000.
love your children!
gym. The land stretches, in patches,
“It is quite old, antiquated, paint- from Confederate Drive to Unity Retirees welcome!
ed floors,” noted Halford, who has Cemetery, but as of now, the board New residents welcome!
proposed building a gym large has made no plans to put a proposed
enough to accommodate Caledonia’s new high school on the property. What do we believe?
middle and elementary school. “We’ve taken no action on that In a personal relationship with
land. We’re discussing several God through Jesus as taught in
the Bible and expressed in the
High school plans parcels of land,” said Halford with- Westminister Standards.
“Another thing we’re looking at out divulging the locations of the
Town of Caledonia
A place for family growth & development
Caledonians are proud of their town and under the supervision of Benny Coleman.
community. Caledonia is a very unique With a variety of restuarants to choose from, Frisby’s
place to live. We are very friendly and Restaurant is the newest selection-the location opened a
always willing to help our neighbors. few months ago. Mimi’s Ice Cream is a great stop for a
The Park & Recreation Authority is hot day. Caledonia Quick Stop serves breakfasts and
gearing up now for another year at Ola plate lunches as well as specialty sandwiches.
J. Pickett Park. There are lighted fields A new clinic is under construction in downtown
to accommodate all the nightly sports Caledonia by Pioneer Community
activities. The town and community are Hospital and will open sometime
very proud of the Ola J. Pickett park in April of this year.
endeavors. Also, the YMCA has been a Town Hall is open from 9:00
wonderful asset for our community. a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Monday
Caledonia has its own Court System through Friday. Mayor Bill
with Judge Peggy Phillips presiding. Lawrence & Town Clerk, Judy
There are three part-time Marshals, Whitcomb will be available
Lamar Peacock, Steve Hatcher and Larry during this time for town business.
Swearingen. Constable Willie “Hoot” West Our office number is 356-4117.
also makes himself available when needed. We attribute much of our growth
The Caledonia Water/Sewer Department in the Caledonia area to our excellent
serves about 1,700 customers. The school system. The area has grown
department is always in the process of so quickly, with new houses and
providing our customers with good service businesses and we are thankful for a
and good water. The water department is great community of wonderful people.

From the
ground
Turning the tragedy of the Caledonia
tornado into an opportunity for growth
text by GARTHIA ELENA BURNETT
Up
The wreckage could be seen as far The middle school gym was gone.
away as Main Street. The vo-tech building was gone.
Rubble. Twisted metal. Broken Mass destruction was in their place.
glass. A long mass of metal was bent, sus-
Walking along Confederate Drive pended in the foundation of the vo-
allowed a much more intimate view. tech building.
The school marquee was gone. “Blue Bird,” it read.
The band hall was gone. It was a school bus before an F3

tornado redefined it, leaving the
chassis separated from the body.
Cars lay atop each other. ...
Crushed.
Standing by the high school gym,
there was a pile of wood, metal,
glass and a deformed window air
conditioning unit.
That was the day after the
Thursday, Jan. 10, storm.
JOE RAY ROBERSON

Cleaning up
By the weekend, the scene in the
Mike Putnam, principal of Caledonia High School, stands in front of buildings damaged parking lot — broken glass and
by the Jan. 10 twister. smashed cars and buses — had
become just a vivid memory.
Weeks later, the Mona Lisa, a
County schools focusing on the future serene jungle scene and a calm pud-
Lowndes County School District is with special needs, a centrally locat- dle of water, all painted on the art
in the midst of planning a vast con- ed district office and central alterna- room walls, were also only memo-
struction project to rebuild the tive and vocational schools. ries.
Caledonia campus after an F3 torna- But with many of his campus and The colorful tempera paint came
do ripped through the school down with the building and was
district improvement projects still on
grounds. swept away with the rest of the
a wish list, Halford has spent the
But the district’s two other cam- debris.
duration of his five-year tenure with
puses — one of which is a divided The band hall — home to middle
the county schools focusing on the
campus — have not been forgotten school and high school Confederate
things he can take action on.
in the process. New Hope and West bands — also fell victim to the tor-
One of those has been to main-
Lowndes schools are also in need of nado.
tain art, physical education and
improvements. And what was left of it was
music at all three elementary
“Traffic at New Hope is a prob- cleared away with bulldozers, but
schools, an effort he has called a
lem,” Mike Halford, superintendent much of the equipment was sal-
research-proven way to improve test
of Lowndes County School District vaged.
scores and promote well-rounded-
said, noting the area is congested. “We were very fortunate in that
ness.
He also expressed a need for addi- we were able to salvage most of the
tional buildings. band instruments and uniforms.
Testing programs Some of them are damaged, but
Encouraging high performance
One site for West we’ll be able to make repairs and
from students has been a priority for
Lowndes? use them,” said Mike Putnam, princi-
the district as it’s begun using testing pal of Caledonia High School.
“And I would love to see the West
Lowndes campus all on one site,” he programs such as the Student The storm swept the campus,
continued, noting the idea of having Progress Monitoring System and EZ leaving the middle and elementary
his child attend the entirety of the Test Tracker. schools intact but the high school’s
elementary and secondary years on The initiatives have proven suc- complementary buildings and athlet-
the same campus was a major draw cessful with consistently high test ic facilities devastated.
for him. scores and state accreditation ratings. And while the twister didn’t claim
“But can we do it?” he asked. “I The focus of the district, said any lives, it took with it much more
don’t know. Does the community Halford, has returned to academia. than bricks and mortar.
want it? I don’t know.” “For too long, the focus in Student morale was also weak-
West Lowndes is the only of the Lowndes County schools has been ened after the storm.
three county school campuses with on athletics rather than academics,
its schools on separate sites. and we’re starting to see a change Hard first days
“There’s also a need for a softball where the focus is put on academics “They had a hard couple of first
field at West Lowndes,” Halford said. more than athletics,” he said. “And days,” Putnam said a week before
He also would like to see a cen- that has been a long time coming. It crews began clearing the damaged
tralized academic school for children is a welcome change.” buildings.
But with the help of teachers,
Bright Smiles. “And to me, the growth
Brighter of the school and the
futures. growth of the city go
hand in hand.”
— Mike Halford
properties.
Some considerations in finding a
place for a new school, he said, are
being respectful of the growing com-
munity and trying to keep the school
away from areas of heavy traffic.
“As a school district, we want to
be respectful of that area,” Halford
commented, noting the town has a
limited amount of land for expan-
sion.
“If you tie up the land, where else
300 Hospital Dr. ] Columbus, MS 39705 would you go for the city of
PHONE 662-327-0995
Caledonia?” he asked. “And to me,
the growth of the school and the
ONLINE www.drdkcurtis.com
growth of the city go hand in hand.”
EMAIL dkcurtis@tilc.com
Board Certified American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Assessing damage

Dental Care for infants, children, adolescents & teenagers And as insurance representatives
assess the damages to the high
school, school leaders are realizing
they may have to spend district
funds to rebuild the Caledonia cam-
pus.
“The thing that’s going to give us
Service problems is, I can’t build a new
building for what a 35-year-old
Quality building was worth. ... It’s going to

be real hard to rebuild Caledonia
with just insurance money,” Halford
Variety said.
That realization begs the question:
Where will the extra money come
from? Options include raising the
district’s millage, an unpopular solu-
Cash & Carry Building Supplies tion with the school district’s board
members who’ve adamantly kept the
Building contractors and do-it-yourself homeown- accept all major credit cards for your convenience.
ers appreciate quality merchandise, selection and Cash & Carry stands behind what it sells, and takes millage rate at about 47 mills for the
friendly service. Add expertise and more than 100 personal interest in customers, because many of past several years. Tapping into in-
years of combined experience, and it’s easy to see them are friends and neighbors. It is a locally owned lieu-of tax money from the
why Cash & Carry Building Supply at 1120 Gardner and managed business, and it is committed to this SeverCorr steel mill, which started
Blvd. is a preferred place to shop for building community.
materials. Owners Bill McBryde and Charles Shelton take materializing in February, is another
Cash & Carry stocks virtually everything needed pride in their staff, led by Manager Randall Grant, unpopular option since those mon-
to complete a home, building or remodeling job. In who has been with the company 36 years. Avery eys have already been budgeted.
fact, the staff will analyze house plans and give cost Duncan 33 years; Charles Williams, 32 years; Jim But, as Halford said, recovering
estimates on materials needed for construction and Key 32 years; Lindy McBryde, 11 years; Steve from the tornado is about more than
finishing. Known for their incredible service, Cash Lindsey 16 years; Tommy Betts, 9 years; and
& Carry has a knowledgeable staff, they deliver and bookkeepers Dorothy Tarlton and Diane Lollar. money and restoring old facilities.
“It’s also a time to be progres-
1120 Gardner Blvd. • Columbus • 328-5776 sive.” ■
connected and tied together so that
they relate and enhance each
other,” said Emison.
“And you know what ties them
together — planning,” he added
with emphasis. “The idea to say we
have a vision of what Starkville can
be, and we’re going to have a col-
laboration between the public sec-
tor and private sector to get there.”
Still out there

Building a better Starkville will
surely take vision, community
investment and mostly — courage
— say its residents. And it’s a goal
Emison summed up simply, as he
recalled the eulogy Sen. Ted
Kennedy delivered at his brother Rock Bottom Bar and Grill has joined the businesses
Bobby’s funeral nearly 40 years ago in Starkville’s Cotton District.
from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New
York City, when the younger “I’m not going to leave my Wal-Mart in Jackson to
Kennedy quoted his brother.
“He said, ‘Some men see things come to your Wal-Mart. But I will leave my weekend
as they are, and say why. He saw in Jackson to come to your Johnny Cash festival.”
things as they never were, and said,
why not.’” ■ — Phil Hardwick
• American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants
• Registered with Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board
• Member of Center for
Public Company Audit Firms
• Member of Center for Employee
Benefit Plan Audit Quality
• Member of Center for
Governmental Audit Quality
Serving The Golden Triangle Area and Beyond Since 1926
• Private Companies Practice Section
T. E. Lott, Sr. founded our firm in 1926 and his 45 years of Specialization is a must if we are to effectively serve our
• Alabama Society of professional service and his integrity served as the clients. Toward this end, we have departmentalized our
Certified Public Accountants cornerstone of the highly remarkable growth which we stockholders and managers into Auditing,Tax, Personal
• Mississippi Society of have experienced over the years. Starting from a one Financial and Estate Planning Services, Management
man practice,T. E. Lott & Company now is one of the Advisory Services, Information Technology and
Certified Public Accountants
largest CPA firms in Mississippi and Alabama, and we Employee Benefits areas. Our services are available
serve over 4,000 clients. Although we are basically a through highly trained specialized professionals who
COLUMBUS OFFICE regional firm, the geographic scope of these clients has work as a team.
221 North Seventh Street become national and international.
662-328-5387 T. E. Lott & Company is one of the few CPA firms to be a
T. E. Lott & Company offers our clients not only member of the AICPA’s Center for Public Company
professional skills, but service that is flexible...so Audit Firms, the Private Companies Practice Section,
STARKVILLE OFFICE
flexible that we serve a diverse group of clients, from the Center for Governmental Audit Quality and the
106 B South Washington Street the single entrepreneur to large corporations with Center for Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality, and
662-323-1234 multiple domestic and foreign holdings. Such also registered with the Public Company Accounting
diversity makes our task stimulating and rewarding. Oversight Board. Being a member of these
TUSCALOOSA OFFICE Over the years, one of the greatest strengths has been organizations ensures quality service and requires
2422 12th Street the ability to provide all types of services to our clients. the firm to meet the highest of standards.
205-759-4195 It is with a great deal of pride that we have assisted
many enterprises as they have expanded into
extensive corporate groups.
www.telott.com
it only takes me about a minute to get
there.”
Mary Neff and Marilyn — both
teachers in New Hope — said the
convenience of living downtown out-
weighs the 20-minute commute to
work. Mary Neff teaches art at New
Hope Middle School, and Marilyn is
a speech pathologist at New Hope
Elementary School.
“Sure, it was nice to live where I
worked,” said Marilyn, “but I would
much rather make the drive and be
able to live downtown like I do now.”
Her husband Mark, who is the gen-
eral manager of the Caledonia
Natural Gas District, said his com-
mute has gotten much shorter since
moving downtown.
“It sure is nicer driving from here Above: The Seaberghs’ living
to Caledonia than it was when I had Columbus,” Mark said. “They love
our apartment and, on a good day, room is a cozy nook overlooking Fifth
to drive from New Hope to Street South.
Caledonia,” he said. we can even walk to their houses.”
However, proximity to family and “It’s crazy; if someone would have
friends can sometimes be more told me 10 or 20 years ago that I
important than proximity to work. would be living downtown — I
“Two of our three grown children would have laughed,” he added. “So
live within two or three blocks from far, we have been really happy about
us and the other lives in East our choice to move down here.” ■

“People can come here and explore ideas, find out
information and make a connection with others.”
— Ben Petersen
“We had an excellent exhibit with ized” the way a library operates. “At vided at the library, it may be easy to
our Tennessee Williams exhibit,” said one time, we had card catalogues, forget perhaps the most basic service,
Petersen. “The library was able to host and we signed cards out of the back providing books for patrons to read.
performances of his plays during the of a book,” said Petersen. “Computers According to Petersen, the library
Tribute (week in September).” have made the process much easier.” currently has more than 100,000
In addition to hosting various In addition to using computers to items in its collection. This includes
exhibits, Petersen said the library make record keeping easier, Petersen books, books on tape, videos and
offers an excellent opportunity for said computers also have facilitated magazines. Non-fiction books make
people to learn about the history of research and are a lifeline for the up a large portion of those seen on
this area. More than 1,000 cubic feet many residents who don’t have com- the shelves of the library; however,
of space in the library has been dedi- puters at home. there are other books that few people
cated to archives of local historical “People without (computer) access ever see in the library. “Popular books
records dating back to 1820. come to the library,” he said, noting of the day make up a significant part
Petersen said one of the largest that for many Columbus residents the of our circulation,” said Petersen.
changes for libraries over the years library computers offer their only link “They go on hold, and people con-
has been the use of the Internet and to the Internet. stantly check them out.”
computers, which have “revolution- With the number of services pro- Petersen said someone observing

JOE RAY ROBERSON
Community pulls together to build civic

center, draw in new retail businesses
text by MELANIE CROWNOVER
If not evident to random passers-

N o x u b e e
CENTRAL
bys on Highway 45 South, Macon
residents have seen some major
changes on the main drag into town
over the last year.
The strip has evolved since the
city annexed the bypass area a few
years ago, and seven businesses
were added to the landscape in 2007 result of years of work. However, the Mexican Kitchen and Parade
alone. spontaneous appearance of so many Restaurant — and city officials were
The Noxubee Civic Center also businesses at once was coincidence. already in talks the last quarter of
opened there in December, and a “For a long time we were trying to 2007 with three other businesses
deal for construction on the upcom- pull in something besides our one wanting to sign on in 2008.
ing Noxubee Sportsplex was final- restaurant out there, and after a cou- Those new businesses have meant
ized about the same time. ple of more businesses signed on, it more jobs and revenue for the area.
So how did a city with only about was like the flood gates opened.
3,000 citizens go from barren to Now it’s one business after another,”
bustling in such a short time? said Macon Mayor Bob Boykin.
The key was cooperation. The solitary Kentucky Fried Above: Mayor Bob Boykin stands in
Chicken ruled the roadside until it Macon’s new retail strip. Opposite:
Little by little got company last year from a
Brian Wilson, Noxubee County
Development Alliance executive direc-
What looks like overnight success Subway, Fresh Market Cafe, Exxon, tor, stands in front of the new Noxubee
to the naked eye was actually the Fred’s Dollar Store, Secrets Garden, County Civic Center.

BOOK SMART
Local library works to meet
the needs of today’s patrons
text by JUSTIN SUTTON photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
As with most things in life, libraries have changed in the 21st century. Gone
are the days when a library was simply a place to look up information and
check out a book.
The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library has the potential to serve the residents
of Columbus in a variety of ways, said Ben Petersen, local library director.
“We serve as a meeting place for the community. People can come here and
explore ideas, find out information and make a connection with others,”
Petersen said.
The services provided by the Columbus library, in most areas, rival those
offered anywhere in the state, Petersen believes. He is especially proud of the
quality of the library’s programs and the audience they draw. “We had over
10,000 people attend the library’s programs last year,” he said. According to
Petersen, children’s programming constitutes a large part of the library’s offer-
ings, but he said the library plans events for adults as well.
Above: Mona Vance, archivist, sorts through books at the Columbus-Lowndes Public
Library. Opposite: Ben Petersen, library director, takes pride in the technology
available to local library patrons.

Scott K. Perkins
Certified Public Accountant
Strategic Planning
How To Win The Game
(left to right) Sydnee Elmore, Brandi Provias,

Ashley Jones, Scott K. Perkins, CPA,
Leigh Sandlin, CPA, Hope Moody
& Shanda Sullivan
Since Individual & Business

IIndividu
1995 T
Tax Pre
F
Preparation
Financ Planning
Financial
Scott K. Perkins, CPA Esta
E ate A
Estate And Gift Tax
Leigh B. Sandlin, CPA Plan
P
Planning
“Where you get more than

n a tax return
return.””
Trustmark Financial Center
3600 Bluecutt Road, 2nd Floor
MEMBER AICPA
Columbus, Mississippi 39705
MEMBER MSCPA Phone: 329-4444 • Fax: 329-4433
A school bus sits on top of the vo-tech
building at Caledonia High School the
afternoon of Jan. 10 after an F3 tornado
ripped through the campus, causing
major damage but only minor injuries.
The wheels and some of the bus’s frame-
work were separated from the chassis
and landed in another part of the building.

and politicking. dents or $15 to resident tax-exempt
The facility features a 3,145- non-profit organizations. The extra
square-foot main room, which can non-refundable clean-up deposit for
be divided into two sections for the kitchen was $50.
simultaneous events; a 698-square-
foot board room to accommodate Catching eyes
meetings or luncheons; and a cater- About two years ago, Noxubee
er’s kitchen. Reservations can be High School started working to get
made for the whole space or for sec- new baseball and softball fields.
tions.
“We were looking at building
Although the civic center had less
designs from architecture firms and
space, fewer available rooms and not
started taking bids on the project, but
as deluxe accommodations as its two
main competitors in neighboring they were all so high that our budget
towns, the price difference has made couldn’t take it,” said Superintendent
a big impact. of Education Dr. Kevin Jones. “We’re
“I had to turn down a few people talking $300,000 for just the dirt
for this past weekend because we work, and we’ve only set aside
were full, even for Sunday, and we $600,000 for the whole thing.”
haven’t even had our official grand Then serious talks began about
JOE RAY ROBERSON
opening yet,” said site manager entering an interlocal agreement
Coleen Stottlemire in February. Coleen Stottlemire between the school district, city and
“We started renting it out in county to build the Noxubee
November (2007) to give it a test Half of the larger room rented for Sportsplex — a set of baseball, soft-
drive and now we have bookings for $150 to county residents; non-resi- ball and soccer fields next to the
as far out as 2011. But we had peo- dents were $250. The entire space civic center to serve as home for
ple wanting to rent the space before went for $350 for residents and $600 school teams and a site for commu-
the water and sewage were finished to non-residents. The boardroom was nity sports and tournaments.
last September.” $50 for residents, $100 to non-resi-
The $1.2-million construction
price tag was split between the three
Noxubee CountY...
entities with a $50,000 city,
$100,000 county and $300,000
school district contribution each
a great place to live, work and play! year. That money was already fac-
tored into each budget beforehand to
Historic Antebellum Charm avoid related tax hikes.
and Natural Scenic Beauty “It’s something none of us could
have pulled off on our own, so we
pulled together to find a way around
it. We tried to get grants, but those
BOARD OF DIRECTORS are just hard to come by. So we each
Bill Brown, Chairman, BankFirst threw in to make it happen for all of
William Oliver, Vice-Chairman, Supervisor, Dist. 2 the people we serve,” said Boykin.
Charlie Perkins Jr., Sect./Treas., BankFirst Insurance Officials expected the construc-
Mayor Bob Boykin, City of Macon tion to take two years, with the first
Bruce Brooks, Supervisor, Dist. 5 two Phase 1 fields completed and
Janelle Good, Phillip Good Realty ready for play by 2009.
The city also agreed to maintain
Mayor Tammie Holmes, City of Brooksville
the fields for the first five years; the
NOXUBEE ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY county agreed to contribute
DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE $100,000 worth of in-kind dirt work
(662) 726-4456 for the project.
Supervisors awarded the contract
Brian Wilson, Executive Director
to Roland Koehn Construction of
Marti Kauffman, Executive Secretary Epes, Ala., in January; and work
should begin by March. ■
RAS, INC.
AVIATION SERVICES
ACCOMMODATING CORPORATE
& GENERAL AVIATION AIRCRAFT
If you or your customers, friends or

family are flying on a company aircraft
or private plane through the Golden
Triangle Area, we are here to make
that an easy, enjoyable transition.
Amanda Burns of Caledonia reads to Savannah Grissom, 2, of Northport, Ala., as they

wait for Mother Goose’s story time at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.
662-328-9312 662-615-1848 “We don’t necessarily come up with the projects

Columbus, MS Starkville, MS and ideas of our community, but we do serve a resource
Golden Triangle George M. to make the projects and ideas of our community better.”
Regional Airport Bryan Field — Ben Petersen
Columbus & Lowndes

County’s Top Funeral
Service Provider
Craig Summerford Jimmy Jordan Andrew C. Puckett Willis Puckett, II Greg Puckett
Dave Taylor Founder Funeral Director Funeral Director
Funeral Director/ Funeral Director Representative
Mortician
L.C. McGee Floyd McIntyre Pete Bowen

Representative Representative Representative
Three generations of caring

To better serve our families, we offer:
Betty Thomas Lonnie Jones
Paulette Moore
Bookkeeper Representative Set-Up Supervisor • Columbus & Lowndes County’s First Crematory
• Custom online obituary & guest book
• Pre-planning, counseling services, 24-hour consultation
Carol Carpenter Elizabeth Thomas

MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
Representative Beautician/ 716 2nd Avenue North • Columbus, Mississippi
Representative (662) 328-4432 • www.memorialfuneral.net
NEIGHBORS
ASK QUESTIONS.
GOOD NEIGHBORS
PROVIDE ANSWERS.
Understanding insurance and financial services can be tough. That’s why
we’re here to answer your questions, from auto insurance to education savings
plans. So, start by asking one of these agents about State Farm’s great prices.
Nobody can match our combination of service and low rates.
Willie J Carter Jr Miller Griffin John D Acker, CPCU

1809 7th Avenue N 202 Hospital Drive 1124 Main St
Columbus, MS 39701 Columbus, MS 39705 Columbus, MS 39703
Bus: 662-327-4022 Bus: 662-327-1671 Bus: 662-329-9444
brutus.carter.b2mj@statefarm.com miller.griffin.b2k7@statefarm.com john.acker.lo0t@statefarm.com
Denise Good Bobby Patrick Ins Agcy Inc

105 A Alabama Street Bobby Patrick
Columbus, MS 39702-2451 1301 Military Road
Bus: 662-328-5701 Columbus, MS 39703-1412
denise.good.jvl4@statefarm.com Bus: 662-327-3685
bobby.patrick.b2ld@statefarm.com
statefarm.com®
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL;
P077016 6/07 State Farm Florida Insurance Company - Winter Haven, FL; State Farm Lloyds - Dallas, TX. Consult your legal or tax advisor for specific advice.

STATUS REPORT:
Columbus/Lowndes County
text by KRISTIN MAMRACK photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Many of the changes discussed by the former Lowndes County Board of Supervisors have
yet to be taken up by the new board, which took office the first week in January.
And some projects in the city of Columbus are progressing, albeit slowly.
Old river bridge the bridge likely wouldn’t be renovat-

renovation a step closer ed this year.
Efforts to renovate the old bridge “We’ll have to take bids, find an
crossing the Tennessee-Tombigbee engineer and (do various studies),” he
River in downtown Columbus got a said, noting plans for the bridge have
big boost last year with the awarding not been set, although some have sug-
of a $250,000 Department of gested using it as a pedestrian walkway,
Transportation grant for the project. which would help “develop the other
The money will be used for a side of the (Tennessee-Tombigbee
study of the bridge’s structural integri- River).”
ty. The city likely will begin considering
But Federal Programs and Building more suggestions for the bridge once it
Inspection Director George Irby said is renovated, Irby added.
The old Tombigbee River

bridge near the Columbus
Riverwalk is targeted for
renovation as a pedestrian
walkway, with a $250,000
grant awarded to get the
project started.
MATTHEW WEST
Sanders Oil Company Annjo Lemons, Excel by 5 director, presents
West Point Mayor Scott Ross a certificate
designating the town as an Excel by 5 com-
Since 1931 munity during an “Excelebration” at Sally

Kate Winters Memorial Park Aug. 8, 2007.
A certified Excel by 5 city

In May 2007, the city became the
• Convenience stores second certified Excel by 5 city after
nearly three years of trying to meet four
• Lubricants pages worth of criteria.
Funded by Chevron Texaco and the
• Wholesale Gas and Diesel Meridian-based Phil Hardin Foundation,
this pilot program focuses on pre-
kindergarten children in West Point,
Cleveland, Pascagoula and Petal and
Columbus (662) 328-2318 indicates a community has standards for
parent training, child care, health and
(800) 844-2318 community participation.
“I would think that as people move
into the Golden Triangle area, one of
The Law Firm of the things they’re going to consider is
NICHOLS, CROWELL, GILLIS, our certification as a retirement commu-
nity. Certification as an Excel by 5 com-
COOPER & AMOS, PLLC munity means it’s a great place to raise
children — that should get someone’s
attention,” West Point Mayor Scott Ross
Aubrey E. Nichols • 243-7312
said.
anichols@nicholscrowell.com
John W. Crowell* • 243-7308

jcrowell@nicholscrowell.com
William F. Gillis • 243-7329

wgillis@nicholscrowell.com
William T. Cooper • 243-7334

wcooper@nicholscrowell.com A new East Mississippi Community
College branch will serve West Point
Marc D. Amos • 243-7332 and Clay County.
mamos@nicholscrowell.com EMCC campus in West Point
After Sara Lee’s closing, it was back
M. Jay Nichols • 243-7330 to school for many of the company’s
jnichols@nicholscrowell.com former employees.
Utilizing state-funded programs,
AmSouth/Regions Bank Building • 3rd Floor • 710 Main Street
workers could attend training classes at
P. O. Box 1827 • Columbus, MS 39703-1827
East Mississippi Community College’s
*Also admitted in Arkansas
Mayhew campus, but amid rising gas
Sidewalks like this one near a West Point
school are the target of a Safe Routes to
School grant program.
STATUS REPORT:
West Point/Clay County

text by JUNE C. STRAIGHT photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Community must look at new avenues Safe Routes to School

for growth with Sara Lee gone grant program
Sometimes setbacks can turn into plant emotionally,” Climer said. In August, the city announced
opportunities. In March 2007, West Point “Bryan provided 1,650 jobs in 2006. West Point students would be among
lost one of the city’s largest, oldest and That all went away in 2007,” he noted. several school districts in the state to
benefit from the Safe Routes to
most reliable employers when Sara Lee, But before the year’s end the commu-
School grant program awarded by the
formerly Bryan Foods, left West Point nity attracted several new employers, cre-
Mississippi Department of
after nearly a century. With more than ating more than 1,000 jobs and had
Transportation.
1,000 jobs lost and what seemed like adopted several new community enhanc-
The city was awarded a grant for
few prospects for economic developing programs. And the key to keeping the
$563,064 to initiate the program
ment, the future of West Point and Clay momentum going? which was designed to ensure stu-
County residents seemed dismal. “We believe that West Point and Clay dents have safe walking and biking
“There was a mindset that you would County has got to do everything well,” routes to use on their way to school,
go as far as you wanted to get in school Climer said. “You’ve got to recruit, you’ve said Safe Routes to School
and that you would eventually go and got to expand, you’ve got to retain and Coordinator Cookie Leffler.
get a job at Bryan. There would always you’ve got to enhance your quality of “We have a lot of young, young
be a job for you at Bryan,” said Tim life.” In the community’s mission to children walking to school so it’s
Climer, president of the West Point/Clay enhance the area, Clay County has important to us to see that they have
County Growth Alliance. “So many peo- worked to make strides in education, a safe place to walk,” West Point
ple in West Point and Clay County grew economic development and community School District Superintendent Steve
up here, so all of us were very tied to the cohesiveness to create opportunities. Montgomery said.
eral public policy changes the citi-
zens and local leadership need to
address.
“Religious fundamentalist aside,
we need Sunday beer sales,” said
Quality service at a Landrum. “It gives us a backwoods,
small town image.”
price you can afford! Quality doesn’t
come cheap
Come see our new facility! Creating options and diversity
never comes cheap. Infrastructure
projects like sidewalks, biking
lanes, better parks, underground
power cables and improved streets
take money, say citizens and elect-
ed officials. And that’s a hill which
somehow must be climbed.
1430 Gardner Blvd. “While Starkville takes some
pride in having low property taxes,
Columbus, MS • 662-327-8880 it cannot at the same time take
pride in its structures and the con-
www.givemeprotection.com dition of the city’s infrastructure,”
said resident Milo Burnham.
Locally owned and operated “As far as outside perceptions, I
hear comments about how unat-
tractive our city is. Let’s be honest
ALARMS • CAMERAS • MUSIC • TELEPHONES • HOME THEATRES • COMPUTERS with ourselves, Highway 12 and
Highway 182 are really ugly and
those are the routes most people
take coming into town,” said
Landrum, who complimented the
improvements made to downtown
PHILLIPS and MSU.
CONTRACTING Improving through
COMPANY planning
Expanding and joining
Our quality construction, Starkville’s parts to make one uni-
fied “quality place,” is where plan-
experienced workforce and ning comes in, and it’s where plan-
outstanding safety program ners like Emison begin to look to
dynamic leaders in both the public
have made us the choice
and private orbits.
of many of Mississippi’s “Starkville in Motion is doing
and Alabama’s newest what I believe is the right thing
with the idea of advocating bike
industries, as well as our
paths. But what we need in
long-term residents. Starkville is not a bike path. What
we need is a bike plan,” Emison
Kinder Morgan Barge Unloading Facility
emphasized. “We need a plan
about where you’re going to have
trails. We need a network that
works together.”
PHILLIPS CONTRACTING COMPANY, INC.
“But options like a variety of
662/328-6250 | WWW.PHILLIPSCONTRACTING.COM
recreation or transportation or even
entertainment must be somehow
the Civil Rights Era when various
options for public schools sprang up in
response to integration.
“The history of magnet schools is
tied to the 1960s protest over school
desegregation and the educational
reform model of public school choice
as a way to address educational
inequity,” according to the Magnet
Schools of America Web site.
Magnet Schools of America was
founded in Texas but now has its office
in Washington, D.C., representing
some 2,000 magnet schools nation-
wide.
CMSD is set to join those numbers.
New middle school Donald Waldrip, founder of Magnet Schools of America, touts the magnet school concept
And by 2010, CMSD will have a during a meeting in Columbus Aug. 4, 2007.
middle school designed to continue its
elementary school offerings.
“I think it gives us an opportunity to ly inefficient, in terms of dollars per
A $22-million bond issue to build a — when we design the building — to student — are set to be closed at the
new middle school garnered a 79 per- benefit the magnet school concept,” end of the school year.
cent approval rate in a Jan. 29 referen- Phillips said. But the spaces won’t go to waste.
dum. The new school — planned to
The high school has also begun its “At the end of the day, if we’re not
welcome students in August 2010 —
transition to growing with the magnet using those school sites, we want to
will be constructed in such a way as to
school concept. make sure that those buildings are
foster smaller learning communities
“In the high school, because of the being used to give back to the commu-
and drive the magnet school concept.
($1.3-million) Smaller Learning nity,” said Phillips.
When you contribute to Communities Grant, we’re in the
United Way, you help more process of starting IB,” noted Phillips. Non-profits eye
than one person or one old buildings
charity. United Way is the International A number of non-profit organiza-
collective power of all of us
Baccalaureate programs tions and tutoring programs are look-
The International Baccalaureate ing at occupying the soon-to-be-vacat-
working together.
•American Red Cross offers three programs — primary years, ed buildings, Phillips has said.
•Boy Scouts of the Pushmataha Area Council middle years and diploma — to devel- Whoever calls Union and Mitchell
•Columbus /Lowndes Boys and Girls Club op the intellectual, personal, emotional home in the fall of 2008, he said, “we
•CAFB Youth Center
•Community Resource Connection
and social skills for a rapidly globaliz- want them to be a positive impact on
•Community Volunteer Center ing world.
the community.”
•CONTACT Helpline There are more than 554,000 IB stu-
•4-H Clubs of Lowndes County CMSD’s redesign — complete with
dents at 2,094 schools in 125 coun-
•Girls Scouts of Northeast Mississippi magnet schools and a new middle
•Greater Columbus Learning Center tries. The IB diploma — the program
school, housing grades six, seven and
•Helping Hands the high school will offer — is recog-
eight — will have its own positive
•Lowndes County Council on Aging: nized throughout the world.
Dial-A-Bus impact on the area, according to com-
Home Delivered Meals IB requires a year of planning and
munity members.
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) an additional two-year waiting period
•Recovery House before a school officially can offer an Prude has called the move the
•Safe Haven and The Rape Crisis Center
IB diploma. Traditionally, IB diploma “most electric thing” to happen for
•The Salvation Army education in his lifetime.
•YMCA recipients can begin at most accredited
colleges as a sophomore. Longtime Columbus resident and
The beginning of magnet schools for Realtor Doris Hardy’s sentiments are
the district will also see the end of similar.
Mitchell and Union elementary “It is the most progressive, innova-
of Lowndes County schools’ use as classroom space for tive move that has happened in the 26
(662) 328-0943 CMSD students. The two historic years that I have lived in Columbus,”
www.unitedwaylowndescounty.org schools — the system’s most financial- she said. ■
The benefit of knowing there’s
someone you can talk to.
BAPTIST BEHAVIORAL CARE — If you or someone you know is anxious,
depressed, or has substance abuse problems, Baptist Behavioral Health
Care-Willowbrook is here for you. As part of Baptist Golden Triangle, we
can offer both inpatient and outpatient care and specialist consultations
for a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues.
525 Willowbrook Rd. • Columbus, Miss.
662.244.2161 • 800.362.7902
goldentriangle.BaptistOnline.org
STATUS REPORT: WEST POINT/CLAY
prices, many from West Point struggled EMCC President Rick Young estimat-
You’ve
to make it to the classes. ed about 1,000 students already never
To solve the problem, the West Point enrolled at EMCC could benefit from
and Clay County governments collabo- the West Point/Clay County center. bought
rated with EMCC to open the West “Our mission is very simple, and
Point and Clay County EMCC satellite that’s to bring opportunities to the peo- furniture
campus.
The government entities provided
ple so that the people can have the
resources, the tools that they need to
like this
funding and a workforce to renovate take the next step,” he said. before!
the old Tennessee Valley Authority “The very jobs and skills they’re
building while EMCC agreed to pro- going to teach here, there are jobs
vide funds for computers, classroom available for right now,” Ross said.
furnishings and welding equipment, as “There’s no question it’s going to
well as instructors and instruction increase our employment level and be
materials. a source of pride for the community.”
New jobs coming to the city

Though city and county officials
were set on improving the communi-
ty’s quality of life through advances in
community relations and education, a
primary concern has been recruiting
industry to the area. FACTORY DIRECT FURNITURE
In January 2007, International Drive a Little, Save a Lot
Military and Government, a manufac- Mayhew, MS
International Military and Government is turing plant contracted by the govern- One mile north of Hwy. 82 on 45 Alt.
bringing new jobs to West Point. 662-492-4382

STATUS REPORT: WEST POINT/CLAY
ment to build mine-resistant, ambush-protected Community-building other and discuss the issues
vehicles, employed 30 people. Today the plant has activities together.
about 900 people on its payroll, having secured To bridge gaps within the “It’s very important for the
more than $1 billion in government contracts. diverse community that is West young people to speak to the
In addition to IMG, the city has also seen the Point, a number of citizens and old people and the old people
arrival of a Hudson’s Dirt Cheap, a Wal-Mart Super organized groups have been to speak to the young people,”
Center and a CVS pharmacy in recent months, spearheading programs aimed Dale said.
bringing even more jobs. at opening a dialog between In October, the city of West
And West Point officials also are working to help members of the community. Point partnered with the
existing industries. A new way to do that is through In July, West Point native William Winter Institute for
the e-Synchronist program, a computer program Nadia Dale invited the Golden Racial Reconciliation at the
that provides a systematic means of acquiring infor- Triangle community to come University of Mississippi to
mation from existing industry. together for “A Family hold a one-hour discussion
According to Climer of the Growth Alliance, the Gathering,” a two-day event roundtable to tackle the issue
program helps the area make necessary adjustments featuring presentations, group of race relations in West Point.
to retain existing industry. sessions, education and discus- “The Welcome Table: A
“It helps us be responsive to their needs,” Climer sions focused on healing the Year of Dialogue on Race,”
said. “Our first goal is to keep and expand existing community through building led by Dr. Susan Glisson, was
industries. Beyond that we recruit.” the family. designed to create a safe envi-
Keeping with its mission to attract and retain While most of the workshop ronment for individuals to air
business, the city government is also in the process focused on exploring personal issues related to racial tension.
of improving the city’s high-speed broadband and community issues among “We’re hoping just to initi-
Internet services. peers within discussion groups, ate some dialogue to see if
In August, the city was awarded $200,000 by the it was the panel discussion, “A there’s interest in having a
Appalachian Regional Commission for this project. Conversation Among long-term process to encour-
“(This grant) prepares us for the jobs of the future Generations,” that allowed the age race relations ..., ”
and it keeps us competitive,” Ross said. generations to hear from each Glisson said. ■
Right in your backyard

There’s a company that for 60 years has been a national
leader in the design and manufacture of custom engineered
metal buildings for industry, warehousing, churches,
shopping centers, offices and municipal buildings. At the
very heart of Ceco Building Systems are Columbus and
Golden Triangle people who are true construction
professionals, who step up every day to design and
manufacture the buildings where America works, worships,
shops and plays.
THE CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS

Highway 45 North, Columbus, MS
1-800-474-CECO (2326)
cecobuildings.com/link

Helicopters and People
You Can Count On.
American Eurocopter | 1782 Airport Road | Columbus, Mississippi 39701 | 662.327.6226 | www.eurocopterusa.com
STATUS REPORT: COLUMBUS/LOWNDES COUNTY
Courthouse expansion at standstill for now City’s annexation plans
How and where to expand county administrative facilities currently housed in the center on retail area
overcrowded Lowndes County Courthouse were hot topics during the 2007 election Previously, the Columbus City
of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. Council agreed to annex property
But the new board has yet to officially discuss the matter. in a phased approach, studying
The former board decided not to make an offer to purchase Franklin Academy for six areas for annexation, although
county facilities, as suggested by Board President and District 1 Supervisor Harry final boundaries had not been
Sanders. determined.
But all current and former supervisors agreed Now, said
something must be done. the city’s chief
“We’re looking at some other pieces of proper- operations offi-
ty,” said Sanders, declining to name specific prop- cer, David
erties under consideration. Armstrong, the
“We’re going to get with the judges and see if city only is
there’s some way they can schedule the court focused on
dates, so we don’t have all three judges in Lowndes annexing one
County at the same time,” he added. “That way we area: property
can delay building or moving to a new (facility).” near the inter- Armstrong
The new supervisors likely will begin discussing section of
the matter sometime in the spring, Sanders said. Highway 82 and Highway 45
“I don’t think we’re going to discuss that issue South, where a retail develop-
until the new county administrator (Ralph ment, named University Park, is
Billingsley) gets his feet on the ground and (the expected to bring big-box retail-
new supervisors) get familiar with what they need ers, smaller shops, restaurants and
to do.” hotels.
“We’re working on what we need to do,” he Annexation would allow sales
concluded. tax from the stores to go into city
Ready to look through the

We are the window to your future. window of your dreams?
Call “The Always Ready to Assist You”
Real Estate Professionals & The Greatest Team in Town!
There is Only One Place and One Number That Will
Open Up the Window to Your Wonderful Future!
662-327-8596
DH
Never-Changing
Commitment To
Top Quality Service
In The Ever-Changing
Telephone: 662-327-8597
Toll Free: 800-844-0596
World Of Real Estate! Doris Hardy
www.dorishardy.com Broker/Owner
John and Carmen Rodgers
eat lunch in Starkville’s
Cotton District. Opposite:
Shelby Cauthen, of
Starkville, walks Panzy, her
8-month-old puppy, along
University Drive in
Starkville.
Turning potential
into reality Starkville works to create
a better community
text by SKIP DESCANT photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Cari Varner, 28, a researcher in recycling program as well as grow

Mississippi State University’s Carl the city’s bike and pedestrian routes.
Small Town Center, would like to see Julie Landrum, also a mother, as
more businesses, other than the big- well as a local real estate agent,
box retailers like Wal-Mart, open on would like better sidewalks and
Sundays in Starkville. It would give cleaner and neater entrances to
her time to do some shopping on Starkville, rather than the random
what is usually a day with little going clutter lining Highways 182 and 12.
on.
“And also, more businesses open Common chord
after 5 (p.m.),” she added. The chord each of these residents
Devon Brenner, a mom, college seems to be plucking is one of many
professor and president of Starkville tones and tempos, but the harmony
in Motion, would like to see is the same. It’s what writer Richard
Starkville put forward a curbside Florida, who wrote “The Rise of the

coffers and would provide the Comprehensive plan meetings held in New Hope,
impetus for city utilities to cross the still months away Anderson Grove, West
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, A volunteer committee of Lowndes, Crawford and at the
opening up new avenues for devel- community and business lead- Trotter Convention Center to
opment west of the river. ers met several times in 2007 form goals, objectives and poli-
“We’re in the process of waiting cies in seven areas: intergov-
right now,” Armstrong said of ernmental cooperation, eco-
annexation efforts for the property. nomic development, general
“We’ve delineated the property infrastructure, transportation
infrastructure, education, long-
with legal descriptions. The ball is
range planning and land-use
in the court of the developer. The
regulation.
mall is still in a negotiating stage
The planning consultant
with possible tenants. We’ve done
hired by the county, Chris
everything we can legally do right
Watson, of Oxford-based
now and we’re ready to proceed.”
Bridge and Watson, led the
Once the city gets word from File Photo meetings and will formulate the
the developer, the City Council will Chris Watson plan, to be approved by the
be asked to pass a resolution, Lowndes County Board of
which then will go to the Chancery — with various communities in Supervisors.
Clerk, asking for an order on the county and as a committee Once approved, the plan
annexation. — to help develop a compre- becomes policy.
“There will have to be a fire sta- hensive plan, detailing where “We’re probably still several
tion there and we have to decide, Lowndes County should be in months away from taking some-
ultimately, where that will be,” the next 20 years. thing before the Board (of
Armstrong added. “We’re waiting The committee is using com- Supervisors),” Watson recently
on the mall developer.” ments received during public said.
LOWNDES COUNTY
...leading Mississippi in Business & Industrial Development
• Crossroads Megasite
• Economic Engine for Golden
Triangle
• Full Service Port on the
Tenn-Tom Waterway
• State’s 3rd Busiest
Commercial Airport
• Educated, Strong Workforce
• Regional Medical Center LOWNDES COUNTY
• 4 Major Universities within
75 Miles
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
• Regional Trade Center District 1 - Harry Sanders
• Active Business Partners District 2 - Frank Ferguson
• Regional Transportation Hub District 3 - John Holliman
• 22 of the top 100 Retailers District 4 - Jeff Smith
• Pro-Business Climate District 5 - Leroy Brooks
• Dynamic & Responsive Administrator - Ralph Billingsley
Development Agency, The Link Chancery Clerk - Lisa Younger Neese

for individualized education plans,
beginning from elementary school and
following students all the way to their
diploma.
“I think that every child that comes
to our district, we ought to have a
plan,” Prude said during a March
2007 school board retreat. “And we
ought to follow that plan all the way
through.”
“Once this thing is all said and
done, we’re going to have a school
district that’s very different and very
unique and that nobody in the state of
Mississippi has,” Glenn Lautzenhiser,
CMSD’s board president told commu-
nity members during a January 2007
Lowndes County Republican Women’s
meeting.
And though the magnet school con-
cept is foreign to the area, it’s far from
the new kid on the block.
“This is not new. People have been
doing this for 45 years, and they’ve
been successful at it,” Phillips said. “It Cook Elementary School kindergarten students Jayden Hayden and C’Asia Granger
finger paint an Indian corn mosaic Nov. 15, 2007, in Lea Brackin’s class. Starting this
has a proven track record in districts fall, Cook will be the Columbus Municipal School District’s Fine Arts Magnet School.
all across America.” Jayden is the son of Tyrone and Shannon Hayden, and C’Asia is the daughter of
Magnet schools have their roots in Shanteasius Granger.
MISSISSIPPI’S LARGEST MANUFACTURER
COLUMBUS
BRICK COMPANY
SINCE 1890
• GENUINE PAPERCUT BRICK

• FACE BRICK • WOOD MOULDS • BRICKTILE
• FIREBRICK • ACCESSORIES • MORTAR
• PAVERS
662-328-4931 114 Brickyard Road

Columbus, MS 39705
Creative Class,” calls “quality of
place,” a somewhat more accurate
twist on that other overused cliché,
“quality of life.”
How our communities adjust to
their growing spurts brought on by
Northeast Mississippi’s robust econ-
omy and anticipated growth will
have enormous impact on what
kind of place Starkville and
Oktibbeha County becomes. And
planners say it’s not just enough to
make a community available to
people or industry. What counts
today is making a community a
place people and businesses want
to be.
And Starkville, said MSU politi-
cal science and public administra-
Dr. Jerry Emison, MSU political science and public administration professor tion professor Dr. Jerry Emison, has
the potential to be one of the nicest
small towns for a university in the
“One of the things we can learn out of this, these places, Southeast.
“But it’s a potential. It’s not a
whether it’s Austin or whether it’s Durham, N.C.,
reality. And I think the community
or wherever, they succeed when they provide choices.” ought to be frustrated, because
— Dr. Jerry Emison we’re not doing what we need to
do to realize that,” added Emison,
who also serves on the Starkville
Planning and Zoning Commission.
“You want to give people choic-
es,” is the way Emison summed up
his thinking one afternoon from his
office at MSU, noting this could
lead toward a more diverse pool of
citizens who choose to live in this
community or any community
which follows this strategy.
Choices key to success

“One of the things we can learn
out of this, these places, whether
it’s Austin or whether it’s Durham,
N.C., or wherever, they succeed
when they provide choices. They
succeed when you’ve got a public-
private partnership going,” said
Emison.
And indeed, it’s “choices” that
many residents and visitors to
Starkville point to when they begin
to qualify why they’ve chosen to
live here.
“The campus is nothing like it
was. The town is nothing like it
was,” said Coordinator of Capacity
Development at the John C. Stennis
ing them in the appraised area, bringing the County Health Department in need of revamp
acreage to 146.4, Short said, noting the apprais- The supervisors recog-
al amount — $3,044 per acre or $476,000 total nize the county’s Health
— is “a lot higher” than expected. Department facility rap-
“We were anticipating, at the most, $1,000 idly is deteriorating.
an acre,” he explained, noting CLRA then decid- Sanders believes the
ed to seek an “independent appraisal.” facility is worth renovat-
Recently, the independent appraisal came ing, but the previous
back, with the price at $1,086 an acre, or Board of Supervisors
$170,000 total for the property. decided to build a new
Now, the CLRA is in contact with the local facility instead of reno-
Corps of Engineers office, in an effort to lower vating the existing build-
the price from the Corps’ estimate. ing, located off Military Lowndes County Health Department
“(We’re going to) see what kind of response Road.
we can get and maybe get direction on what we Last year, they rejected plans to purchase 1.5 acres of proper-
can do now,” Short said. “If we can strike some ty, at the intersection of 15th Street South and College Street, to
kind of median between those two prices, we build a new Health Department, because of environmental
issues with the property.
will go to the Board of Supervisors and ask for
the money to see if we can get the support to And the new board has yet to discuss the matter, although
purchase the property.” they likely soon will begin.
Securing the property is Phase I for the proj- “I don’t know where we’re going to start with that,” said
ect. Sanders. “We’re going to have to address that issue, but we’ve
“Then, it will be crunch time putting the got some transitional, getting-to-know-you, job-type stuff.”
money together to do a soccer complex and The supervisors likely will ask District 3 Supervisor John
adult softball complex,” Short added. “I don’t Holliman, a building contractor, to examine the Health
know if we’ll have to do a bond issue or the Department facility to estimate what it would take to renovate
county will have the money to move forward.” the building, he added.
East End
Baptist Church
Inc. 500
Inc. Magazine named The CPI Group
A Church with a Passion for
God and People
Dr. Albert Wilkerson - Pastor
one of the 500 fastest growing private
companies in the nation in 2007. SSunday
Su
Sund
und
nday
ay SSch
Schedule
ched
ch edu
edule
ul
110:30
10
0:3
:300 a.m.
m aand
nd 66:000 p.
p.m.
m
m.
CPI’s ranking of 242 places the company Worship
Wors
Wo rshi
hipp
HR & Staffing Solutions in the top half of the list. They are the only 9:15 a.m.
Mississippi company who made the list.
Since 1983 Bible Study
5:00 p.m.
Adult Studies and Children & Youth Choir
Revolutionary Wednesday Schedule
6:00 p.m.
Innovative AWANA
6:30 p.m.
Successfull Prayer Service
112 5th Street North

Columbus, MS
Phone: 662.328.1042
Toll Free: 888.566.8303
380 Hwy 50 West
& Holly Hills Rd.
yea
years
Apply Online Anytime!
ww.cpi-group.com 662.328.5915
www.eastendbc.org
Sportsplex land
negotiations ongoing
A multipurpose sportsplex project,
which has been in the planning
stages for years, is closer to becoming
reality.
For about the last 15 months,
Columbus-Lowndes Recreation
Authority officials
had been waiting
for an appraisal
from the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers
on property near
the end of the
Riverwalk and the
Highway 82 bridge
over the Tennessee-
Tombigbee Short
Waterway. Lighting • Antiques • Lamps • Mirrors • Gas Logs
Initially, the CLRA wanted 93.35
acres of property and for the Corps of
Engineers to maintain “strips” of
Columbus’ Only Locally
property around the desired area, Owned Lighting Showroom
said CLRA Executive Director Roger with 22 Years of
Short.
But the Corps of Engineers did not Superior Choice and Service
want to maintain the “strips,” includ- 1116 Garder Blvd. • 329-1825 • Mon.-Fri. 8am-5:30pm • Sat. 9am-12:30pm
Need
Space?
c o f f e e Q i c e c r e a m Q b a k e r y
Columbus’ Finest Specialty Coffee Shop

FRIENDLY featuring
CITY • Seattle’s Best Coffee
Mini • Edy’s Ice Cream
Warehouses • Ole Country Mennonite Bakery
HWY 182 EAST &
HWY 45 N. @ SHONEY DR.
...more than coffee. It’s a destination.
OFFICE - 516 MAIN ST.
60 Brickerton Street • 662 328-2003
COLUMBUS, MS THE SHOPS AT BRICKERTON
662-327-4236 Mon-Thurs 6:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m. • Fri 6:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m. • Sat 7:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Free High Speed Wireless Internet

amphitheater. The basketball courts can
Area residents choose also be covered to accommodate ban-
quet seating for 350 people.
“So it’s a very flexible building that I
think is going to work well in the
future,” said Shafer.
Dr. James S. Brown, M.D. FACS
for Custom LASIK
Dr. Jim Brown and the Eye & Laser Center of Starkville staff are proud to offer
Custom LASIK... the gold standard of laser vision correction. Custom LASIK
provides a whole new level of precision and accuracy that enables Dr. Jim
Brown to measure the unique visual characteristics of your eye to customize
your LASIK treatment.
Studies have shown that Custom LASIK may provide: Property at the corner of Jefferson and
t Improved daily routine and personal safety Lafayette streets is a possible location
t Renewed self image and personal appearance for Starkville’s new municipal courthouse
t Improved confidence in job performance and police station complex.
t Greater self assurance to participate in sports and fitness
Justice complex
may see revival
The new year has given the
Starkville Board of Aldermen new
momentum to awaken once again,
Fellow of the American College of Surgeons | Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology discussion of a new municipal court-
Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology | American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery house and police station complex.
In May 2007, the board had settled
800.759.1990 or 662.320.6555 t 100 Walker Way t Starkville, MS on a block of land downtown at the
corner of Jefferson and Lafayette streets
as the location of a new “municipal
campus.” That plan seems to be the
Where will the road one the aldermen are looking to revive.
take me today?
Every day is a new challenge, a new beginning.
Be prepared for life’s challenges.

Gallowayĥ&KDQGOHrĥMcKinney RɱHUV
swift, local service and competitive prices.
Henderson Intermediate School is one
One agency for all generations. of a number of Starkville City Schools’
campuses seeing upgrades.
We’ll go the distance for you.
School improvements
Because you never know… getting under way
The Starkville Board of Aldermen has
…where the road will lead.
signed off on the master plans for added
classrooms and other buildings on the
Sudduth Elementary School, Henderson
and Armstrong Middle School campus-
es. Shelton Jones and Associates, the
Starkville architecture firm commis-
sioned to design the building improve-
$EHUGHHQĥ$PRU\ĥ&ROXPEXVĥ ments, which are set to cost up to $26.5
6WDUNYLOOHĥ:HVW3RLQWĥ million, said construction crews were
Insurance products offered by Galloway-Chandler-McKinney Insurance are not a deposit or obligation of, or guaranteed
by National Bank of Commerce, are not FDIC insured, and are not insured by any federal government agency.
expected to break ground in summer
2008.
Institute of Government Phil Uniquely Starkville
Hardwick, speaking one morning at “I’m not going to leave my Wal-
Starbucks in the new Colvard Mart in Jackson to come to your
Student Union at MSU, and point- Wal-Mart,” said Hardwick. “But I
ing out the degrees Starkville and will leave my weekend in Jackson
the university have improved in the to come to your Johnny Cash festi-
last several years. val.”
“The irony is a lot of people are
And though Starkville has made
looking for this kind of community,”
headway in giving itself a personali-
remarked Hardwick. But the choice
ty, said Emison — particularly
of whether to live in a typical sub-
through assets like MSU, the Cotton
urban home with the requisite lawn
District and downtown — these
and driveway or live in a cluster of
aren’t enough.
student apartments is not enough,
say residents. Or, for that matter, “The university and the city need
when transportation options for to figure out some kind of accept-
workers to get from home to the Courtesy Photo able bus service,” said fellow public
office don’t get much further than policy professor Dr. Bethany Stich,
Julie Landrum, who has done extensive research in
the car, this is a problem. Starkville real estate agent
Emison adds that communities areas like transportation. “Really,
with amenities like connecting side- variety of amenities — restaurants, we are the embarrassment of the
walks and bike paths or even a festivals, sports events. There are a SEC in this regard — and most
public transit network free up citi- range of housing opportunities,” major university cities,” she
zens from relying only on automo- said Emison, summing up what he remarked in a recent e-mail.
biles to get around. and other observers and planners And when asked if Starkville is
“You don’t have to solely rely on mean by “options.” perceived as a “modern communi-
the car to get around. You don’t And it’s these options which ty,” most respondents — like
have to rely solely on one kind of begin to make communities unique Hardwick, who gravely shook his
recreation opportunity. You have a and sought after. head, signaling no — point to sev-
Rick McGill Hilbert Williams Michael Anderson Keith Coleman Doris Denney Kendra Dismukes Gerry Holliman Clint Powell
Broker/Owner Broker/Owner Realtor Realtor Broker Realtor Broker Realtor
Crystal Honeycutt Kimberly Reed Carolyn Robertson Teena Dodd Andy Fowler Ken Oswalt Kim Davis Cotina Whitley
Realtor Realtor Realtor Riverhill Property Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor
Management
“A passionate commitment to unsurpassed service.”

6th Largest In The Nation
#1 In The Mid-South Yolanda Campbell Ashley Whitten Angie Whitten

Realtor Realtor Realtor
CRYE LEIKE
Offering Real Estate Services From the Beginning and Beyond. • Our Sales Professionals ARE Going To Make A Difference.
®
PROPERTIES UNLIMITED
4170 Hwy 45 N. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-1150 • www.crye-leike.com
STATUS REPORT:
Starkville/Oktibbeha
text by SKIP DESCANT photographs by KELLY TIPPETT
Even if most public projects in Oktibbeha County and Starkville seem

to be only inching along at a glacial pace, at least one is skipping ahead
and due to be complete on schedule.
Sportsplex’s new gym series of public

barreling along meetings where
When it opens in January 2009, the park users identi-
new multipurpose gymnasium at the fied needs the
Starkville sportsplex will be adding more building ought to
than 40,000 square feet of indoor bas- serve as well as
ketball courts, meeting rooms, walking the image it
tracks and performance space to a parks should present as
and recreation department already an entrance to the
regarded as one of the best in the Sportsplex.
Golden Triangle, if not Northeast “We knew we
Mississippi. wanted to create Construction was under way in February
“So get your sneakers on. It’s just a new image for on the new Starkville Sportsplex multipurpose gymnasium.
about time,” architect Gary Shafer told Lynn Lane and a
the Starkville Rotary Club in January, front to the Sportsplex,” said Shafer. and beverage tax collections, will
when he updated the group on the pro- “We really wanted this to look like a include racquetball courts, an overhead
ject’s progress. civic building when we finished.” walking track, four basketball courts, a
The design and plan for the building The $5.5-million gymnasium, paid presentation stage, administrative
began more than a year ago through a for through Starkville’s 2 percent food offices and, if funds allow, an outdoor
Asleep at the Wheel? Time for a THE CULPRITS . . .

There are a multitude of reasons for sleep disturbances
including Sleep Apnea, Stress, Breathing Problems, Restless
Leg Syndrome, Narcolepsy, Depression, Insomnia and more!
ARE YOU . . .
3Having difficulty concentrating or making decisions?
A
3Experiencing drowsiness when you drive or are engaged
in other activities?
n estimated one in three Americans has 3Keeping others awake at night with your snoring?
3Falling asleep unexpectedly during the day?
difficulty falling asleep or getting enough 3Tossing and turning for hours each night before
REM sleep. This is a big problem! The human falling asleep?
3Having difficulty staying asleep?
body needs sleep — deep sleep. And, it seems
the more you need it, the harder it is to come by. DO YOU HAVE . . .
3Diabetes? 3Stroke-Related Symptoms?
3Epilepsy? 3Tingling or Numbness?
3Chronic Pain or Cramping?
The OCH Center for Sleep Medicine can help.

Accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine,the
OCH Center for Sleep Medicine is a state-of-the-art facility
utilizing polysomnograms (sleep studies) to evaluate, diag-
nose, and manage sleep related disorders in both adults and
children. Our specialists work with you and your physician to
develop an effective care plan for your sleep problems.
CALL NOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR WAKE UP CALL!
662.323.4468
If you have sleep issues, talk with your doctor. We can help.
Overnight sleep studies, as well as daytime diagnostic testing are available.

ATTRACTION
together for better schools
text by GARTHIA ELENA BURNETT photographs by JOE RAY ROBERSON
If you build it, they will come.

Columbus Municipal School District is building a new mid-
dle school, building new programs and building a school
district unlike any other in the state — a district marked by
its drama programs, noted for its science labs, touted for its
cultivation of higher-order thinking skills, a district where
fine arts, aerospace, medical sciences, international studies
and communication are gateways to the three R’s.

From the editor
Quality matters
Market will work its way into the given to industrial growth — for
conversation. obvious reasons.
Several rows back, seven excit- We do this by making good
ed teachers from Sale Elementary schools, by developing and main-
School are on the first leg of a trip taining public spaces, by support-
to New York for the first of four ing and encouraging the arts and
seminars on the International the many festivals that bring peo-
Baccalaureate program that will ple together, by planning our
be implemented at their East growth, by preserving our archi-
Columbus school this fall. tectural treasures.
There is much to be excited That we have done a good job
about with the Columbus City with historic preservation is no
Schools. In January voters with an secret. In February the National
astounding 79-percent “yes” vote Trust for Historic Preservation
approved a $22-million bond selected Columbus as one of a
issue to build a new middle dozen “Distinctive Destinations”
school. in the country for 2008.
In Columbus, teachers and the Good communities don’t hap-
community have embraced pen by accident or on their own.
On a recent rainy afternoon, I Superintendent Del Phillips’ vision We have preached this sermon
was sitting in my van outside a for a new school system — and many times. Vibrant communities
local coffee shop having a conver- that is big news. In less than a — places that cause people like
sation with a newcomer to year, Phillips has transformed atti- my friend to blurt out “I just love
Columbus. “You know,” he said, tudes and managed to instill a this place” — are the result of
apropos of nothing we were talk- new sense of purpose among fac- informed and engaged residents.
ing about, “I just love this place.” ulty, staff, students and parents. We urge you to find your place in
In light of having to write this Much has been said and writ- the life of your community. And
introduction for our 2008 Progress ten about the recent explosion of you have a place, whether it is to
edition, I wish I had the presence economic growth in the Golden help at your children’s school,
of mind to ask him why. Triangle. With the influx of new- offer yourself for public office or
But maybe if I sit quietly and comers, who have come with that volunteer in one of the many
listen, my wife, Beth, will answer growth, we have been forced to organizations working to make
that question. I am writing this look at ourselves and our commu- this a better place.
while on a flight to Atlanta. Across nity through the eyes of others. In this issue of Progress we are
the aisle, Beth is doing a sales job And in some areas we have been highlighting and celebrating some
for Columbus with a young man found wanting. of the movements and people who
serving at Columbus Air Force In this, the 2008 edition of are enhancing the livability of our
Base. She is saying something Progress, we have taken for a region. We hope their stories will
about the library. She’s already theme, “Quality Matters.” We not only inform, but kindle action
mentioned the Arts Council, believe that we as a community on your part.
downtown and the Riverwalk. I’m need to give the same emphasis to Thank you for joining us.
sure the newly revamped Farmers’ quality-of-life issues that we have — Birney Imes

Fine Arts Magnet
Cook Elementary
Aerospace & Science Magnet

Fairview Elementary
Medical Sciences & Wellness Magnet

Franklin Elementary
International Studies Magnet

Sale Elementary
Technology & Communication Magnet

Stokes-Beard Elementary
“Whatever your child dreams,
Columbus School District has a Magnet Program for you!”
It’s a Great Day to be a Falcon!

Columbus School District
2630 McArthur Drive • Columbus, Mississippi 39705
PH: 662.241.7400
www.columbuscityschools.org
Table of Contents
Magnetic Attraction 8
Status Reports —
Columbus 14
Starkville 19
West Point 21
Turning potential 26
into reality
Noxubee Central 32
Lofty Living 36
From the Ground Up 42
Book Smart 48
About the cover

In our cover photograph, Lee Middle School children express excitement
over the prospect of a new Columbus middle school, which was approved
in a bond issue referendum earlier this year. Once it opens in fall 2010, the
new, state-of-the-art school will replace Lee and Hunt Intermediate schools,
both of which date to the 1950s. Pictured, from left, are (top row) Wymon
Mixon, son of Nicole Shirley; Jabari Edwards, son of Jabari and Jewell
Sherrod-Edwards; Willie Riley, son of Willie and Maurice Riley; (second
row) Ylan Smith, daughter of Montoya Smith; Avery Dennison, daughter of
Matt and Lisa Dennison; (third row) Shelby Hughes, daughter of Kenneth
and Rochelle Hughes; Katelyn Hicks, daughter of Dave and Jennifer Allen;
Landon Williams, son of Hilbert and Shirley Williams; (fourth row) Raven
Ponds, daughter of Stephen and Rebecca Williams; Lacy Nelson, daughter
of Paul and Betty Nelson: Tyler Blevins, son of Jeffrey and Sharon
Washington; (fifth row) Clay Harmon, son of Wesley and Nora Harmon; and
Skyler Gordon, daughter of Wade and Geraldine Gordon. The cover was
designed by Jackie Taylor, and the photograph was taken by Kelly Tippett.

MAGNETIC A community comes
“Programming is the key

to the future.”
— Dr. Del Phillips
Showing support for the Columbus Municipal School District’s bond issue
referendum at a press conference Jan. 25 on the Lowndes County
Courthouse steps are, from left, Columbus-Lowndes Development Link
CEO Joe Higgins, District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, Link Education Task
Force Chair Roger Burlingame, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith and other
local business and civic leaders. The Jan. 29 referendum passed with more
than 79 percent of the voters casting ballots in favor of the bond issue.

Celebrating 19 Great Years!
A Few Good Men 52
The Best and the 56

Brightest
Speed Merchants 62
The Croom Principle 72
Community Radio 76 Party Supplies • Stationery

Gifts • Pottery • Scrapbook Supplies
Gourmet Foods & Coffees • Children’s Gifts
Mississippi Made Products
Market Days 79
Trail Mix 82
662-328-8469
info@partyandpaper.com
*Delivery is Monday-Friday in Columbus
Building Hope 85 218 Fifth Street South

Historic Downtown Columbus
Mon.-Sat. 9:00-5:30
Designing Women 88 email: kwikkopyart@cableone.net
Where History Lives 90

23 Years of Service
Festival Time 94 to Columbus & The
Golden Triangle
• Digital Printing-
Telling Our Story 100 Full Color or Black & White
• Business Cards
• Rubber Stamps
• Letterhead & Envelopes
Growing Up 104 • Copy Service
with the Arts • Forms

• Color Copies
• Typesetting Service
• Office Supplies
English Optional 110 • Invitations
• Transparencies
• Fax Service
A River Runs 113

662-329-4873
Through It TOLL FREE 60 MILE RADIUS
Fax (662) 327-8402
World on a Platter 116 216 Fifth Street South
Historic Downtown Columbus

Nationally Recognized...
Not long after moving from Charleston, South Carolina, to Columbus, Karen Jonason was diagnosed with cancer. Ranked 10th among Southern public master’s
universities by U.S.News & World Report
Immediately, she started making plans to return to Charleston for treatment. But one visit to the Hematology and Oncology
Associates’ Columbus office changed her mind. With an unsurpassed dedication to patients and a commitment to the Named 54 of 100 top colleges in America by
Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine
latest treatment and technology, their team is leading the way in the fight against cancer. And the best part—you’ll find it
all right here at home. “This place got me through many dark days. I highly recommend it to anyone facing cancer.” Ranked 8th among the top 50 best values for public
colleges and universities by Consumer Digest
HEMATOLOGY AND Highly Personalized...

ONCOLOGY ASSOCIATES Private college experience at a public cost
AT COLUMBUS
UI4USFFU/PSUI $PMVNCVT .JTTJTTJQQJt 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Charles W. Montgomery, M.D.tJulian B. Hill, M.D.tAndrew H. Kellum, M.D.tChristopher C. Croot, M.D.tBrian N. Walker, D.O.tDavid G. Morris, M.D.
Outstanding faculty who know you by your name
Formerly North Mississippi Hematology and Oncology Associates
clinics also located in:

5VQFMP .JTTJTTJQQJt4PVUI(MPTUFSt$PSJOUI .JTTJTTJQQJt"MDPSO%SJWFt
1-877-462-8439 Choose from more than 50 academic programs.
www.muw.edu Online classes in business administration and
management offer flexible scheduling.
PROGRESS
2008
2008 PROGRESS EDITION
For the ones
you’re close to,
so are we.

Progress 2008

Încărcat de

Informații document

Descriere originală:

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Progress 2008

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

PROGRESS

THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH

HEMATOLOGY AND Highly Personalized...

clinics also located in:

Come see why historic Columbus has been named

Columbus Accounting & Tax Service

Master’s in Tax Representation from the National Tax Practice Institute

111 9th Street (Behind BankFirst on Main Street) Downtown Columbus

328-9225 Ackerman 285-6225

Editor and General Manager

Associate Editors Body Treatments

Circulation Manager (662)329-8687

YMCA art and drama

CLRA... Get the results you deserve.

Columbus Eye Clinic William Gillespie, M.D.

& Scott Bradley, M.D.

Laser Surgery Center Fellows of

Doctors Park • 425 Hospital Drive, Suite 8 • Columbus Board Certiﬁed by

Local groups bringing along a

Manicotti is a stuffed-pasta favorite at The Green Olive.

That was then... Locati

3600 Bluecutt Road • Columbus, MS

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 111

Hwy. 45 North Columbus, MS

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 115

JAMES L. HOLZHAUER, M.D.

118 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008

Dr. Jason Dunn Dr. Chris LeBrun Kala W. Phillips, CFNP

photographs by KELLY TIPPETT

In an age of air travel at supersonic speeds, it’s not

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 117

From Thailand to Ecuador,

110 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008

Tell a native about the wonders of Knocking one out celebration.

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 101

112 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 113

choices It’s what women want.

And women know - choices are just what you need

900 Earl Frye Blvd. 255 Baptist Blvd.

J. Patrick Chaney, MD, FACOG • S. Kam Otey, MD, FACOG

106 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008

102 Newbell Road

Where Coming Home Is The

When Caring Counts...

The Firm Offers Services in:

Trustmark Financial Center,

98 THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH ◆ PROGRESS 2008

Gas & Oil

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 99

REX’S The Episcopal Church

Community. community,” said Irby. “I’ve never been

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 83

Laws Eye Clinic with over 30 years

Diseases & Surgery

For many, history is a dingy school-

Columbus Service Center Overview

text by KRISTIN MAMRACK photograph by KELLY TIPPETT

What’s your interest? Your hobby? thing for everyone. Columbus is a

Above: A congregation member raises

PROGRESS 2008 ◆ THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH 85

Treatment for Neurological Non-Surgical Diseases:

ond weekend in October on the