Broken water line disrupts school day - Matchbin

The Columbia Police 

Department was dispatched to 

Friendship City Park Friday about 

6:45 p.m. with a call about possible 

shots fired. 

“Three juveniles, two black 

males and one white male, were 

shooting pellet guns at people 

walking the track at city park,” said 

CPD investigator Chris Brumfield. 

The gun used was a small caliber 

air-pumped pellet gun. 

Brumfield said the youths fled 

the park when the police arrived. 

“They all ran and were 

apprehended a short time later. It 

took about 20 minutes,” Brumfield 

said. “One made it to the fence by 

the ticket booth on the north side of 

the football field, where he was 

caught and handcuffed to the 

fence, another ran behind the 

football field to Pearl Street, and 

was later caught near the 

intersection of Broad Street and 

Sumrall Road. Another was caught 

in the park. 

Two people were walking on the 

track in the park at the time of the 

shooting, and one was hit in the 

back of the leg. They said they 

heard the shot, but the pellet didn’t 

do any harm. 

One of the walkers said it was 

dark, and the lighting in the park 

was dim. 

At the time of the shooting, the 

Columbia Junior High baseball 

team was practicing. Parents, 

players and coaches were told to 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29, 2009 

INSIDE 

Bruno shows JA how to 

cook healthier. 

See page 7A 

SPORTS 

CHS dominates on the 

hardwood floor. 

See page 1B 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face 

trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing 

of your faith develops perseverance.” — James 1:2-3 

VOLUME 107 • NUMBER 9 75 ESTABLISHED 1882 

¢ 

Teenagers terrorize town 

Juveniles arrested in a shooting at city 

park and auto burglaries in Columbia 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

THIS EDITION: 

JAIL DOCKET: 

Page 3A 

EDITORIAL: 

Page 4A 

OBITUARIES: 

Page 12A 

• Dr. Jack Sidney 

Wilkinson 

• Ida Mae Rowley 

Copelin 

• Ella Wee Allen 

• Kathleen Randall 

• Emma Lou Mullins 

• Sadee Joey Grace 

Helton 

• Bernard “Bun” Nye 

• Elaine Scarborough 

Smith 

• Lee Henry Smith 

• Ray Morgan 

FOOD: 

Page 14A 

CALENDAR: 

Page 5B 

SPORTS: 

Page 1-4B 

LEGALS/ 

CLASSIFIEDS: 

Page 10-15B 

UPCOMING 

WEATHER 

FRIDAY 

54 / 29 

SATURDAY 

58 / 35 

SUNDAY 

61 / 37 

MONDAY 

56 / 35 

TUESDAY 

60 / 32 

WEDNESDAY 

53 / 39 

THURSDAY 

59 / 41 

JMS LEARNING AT SCIENCE FAIR 

Marion County Sheriff Berkley Hall 

recognized two of his deputies for going above 

and beyond the call of duty on New Year’s Day, 

as they helped put out a kitchen fire, preventing a 

major catastrophe at the Dan Stepney 

Apartments. 

Deputy Sheriffs Brandon McKenzie and Pete 

Williams were the first to respond to a house fire 

reported at 49 Harrison Jefferson Drive. After 

finding out everybody was out of the building and 

safe, McKenzie and Williams took turns with fire 

extinguishers and prevented the fire from getting 

too large. They borrowed fire extinguishers from 

neighbors, taking turns in going in and out of the 

kitchen until the fire department came. 

“They didn’t have to do that,” said Marion 

County Sheriff Berkley Hall. “But they did and 

saved a lot of damage to that apartment and to the 

duplex next to it.” 

Zachary Kendricks was sleeping in the 

residence when the fire started. He suffered cuts 

from glass when he jumped through the bedroom 

window to escape the fire. 

Kendricks neighbor, April Mikell, lived in the 

duplex next door. That apartment was spared 

from serious damage, only suffering smoke 

damage. 

Appreciation is not shown to these officers 

enough,” Hall said. “I would like to thanks 

Brandon and Pete for a job well done.” 

get into the dugout, where they 

remained for about 20 minutes. 

“It was really scary,” said one 

parent, who did not want to be 

identified. “Police came from 

everywhere.” 

Marion County Sheriff Berkley 

Hall heard shots were fired at city 

park, and he, three MCSO deputies 

and two Pearl River Basin 

Narcotics Task Force officers 

responded. “At first we thought a 

police officer was hit, and we 

responded to help Columbia out.” 

The juveniles, whose ages are 

from 12 to 16-years old, have been 

charged with aggravated assault 

Lee and David Walker, center, use bowling balls to demonstrate Newton’s Laws of Motion at 

Science Day at JMS. Sixth graders Kaice Lumpkins and Alex Huther assist with the 

experiment. photos by Vicki Boone 

Students stage hands on activities 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

Science took center stage in 

sixth grade activities at Jefferson 

Middle School last week. On 

Monday the students unveiled 

their projects for the JMS Science 

Fair when judges from the 

University of Southern 

Mississippi critiqued the displays. 

On Wednesday, the students 

participated in Science Day, 

focusing their attention on many 

types of energy. Parents and 

friends viewed the Science Fair 

on Thursday evening. 

Science Day consisted of 10 

sessions or stations. The students 

rotated through each session in 

groups throughout the day. 

Clay Dyess leads a group of sixth graders at the rocket 

launcher station on Science Day at JMS. Students firing the 

rocket are Michael Russell and Luke Stewart. 

In one station, special guests, 

Lee and David Walker, cofounders 

of Partnership for 

Learning.com, a teacher support 

organization that joins with 

teachers and parents in the 

development and use of 

challenging learning 

opportunities, used hands-on 

Sheriff deputies soar above 

and beyond in the line of duty 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

See ‘Students,’ Page 15A 

and having a firearm on school 

property. 

Several cars burglarized 

The Columbia Police 

Department continues to 

investigate car burglaries that took 

place between Jan. 22 and Jan. 25 

in the city. 

One 16-year-old juvenile was 

arrested carrying some of the 

stolen items early Sunday morning. 

He and another youth were 

discovered after a police officer, on 

his way to work, talked to one of 

them because of some sodas that 

had spilled into the street. 

See ‘Terrorize,’ Page 11A 

Broken 

water line 

disrupts 

school day 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

A broken water main in Foxworth 

caused many difficulties and much 

unpleasantness for the West Marion schools 

Thursday. Cafeteria workers discovered 

that the water was not working at the 

primary school when they arrived around 

6:30 a.m. By late afternoon the water lines 

had been repaired, a boil water alert had 

been issued for Foxworth and the janitorial 

staffs were cleaning up from the school day. 

“The cafeteria supervisor called me to 

tell me about the situation,” said Marion 

County School Superintendent Ronald 

Fortenberry. “The whole Foxworth area 

was without water so all our schools were 

affected. We already had children on their 

way to school,” he said. “Buses were 

already running so we had to try to find the 

best solutions we could for the problem.” 

“We supplied drinking water for the 

students and brought some other water in,” 

Fortenberry said. “The food staffs were 

able to get some food together for breakfast 

and lunch, then we dismissed. We couldn’t 

have stayed any longer than that but many 

of our kids depend on us for those meals,” 

he said. 

Students at the schools were asked to 

make limited use of the restroom facilities 

and were provided with hand sanitizer as a 

See ‘Water,’ Page 11A 

Deputy sheriffs Brandon McKenzie, left, and Pete 

Williams were honored by the Marion County 

Sheriff’s Office for their heroic act on New Year’s 

Day. photo by Don Hill

2A 

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Marion County Sheriff’s 

deputies responded to a call 

received early Saturday 

morning to 2269 Highway 13 

South after they were told 

someone was shot. 

When deputy sheriffs 

arrived, they found out Vandell 

Willison, 21, of that address, 

was taken by a private vehicle to 

Marion General Hospital. 

“We found out the shooting 

actually took place at the 

intersection of Old Highway 13 

South and Game Reserve 

Road,” said Marion County 

Sheriff Berkley Hall. 

Willison was struck one time 

in the left shoulder and later 

transferred to Forrest General 

Hospital. 

“Last we heard he was 

stable,” Hall said. “He was shot 

in the road, drove back to his 

house, and was found lying on 

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the ground by his car.” 

Hall said the best they can 

determine right now, Willison 

had a confrontation with another 

black male. 

“We don’t know what 

brought it to that point, but we 

are still trying to find what 

happened.” 

Hall said Willison is not 

offering any information to help 

the investigation, but MCSO is 

looking for a suspect in 

connection with the shooting. 

Hall said the shooting could be 

over relationship with female 

“We recovered two 9 mm 

shells at the scene that showed 

there was gunfire,” Hall said. 

“We also recovered glass from 

the driver’s side window of 

Willison’s car.” 

A weapon, possibly a 9 mm 

caliber handgun, has not been 

recovered. 

Drug dealer arrested for 

selling soap 

The Marion County Sheriff’s 

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Office continued its ongoing 

drug sweep, as Tabarrus J. 

Medious, 22, of 519 Walker 

Street, was arrested for the sale 

of a controlled substance within 

1,500 feet of a church. 

Medious was actually selling 

soap to undercover agent with 

the Pearl River Basin Drug Task 

Force, as he cut the soap to 

represent crack-cocaine. 

“He represented it as drugs, 

we bought it as drugs, and he is 

being charge as if he was selling 

drugs,” said Marion County 

Sheriff Berkley Hall. 

Louisiana man injured 

while fleeing from PRBNTF 

Jarod Harris, 18, of 9304 

Sidney Drive of Merrers, La., 

was caught at a traffic stop 

initiated by the Pearl River 

Basin Narcotics Task Force 

early Saturday morning on 

Turnage Chapel Road. Harris 

fled the scene and officers 

chased him a short distance 

down the road. He left the car 

and started to jump fences, but 

didn’t clear the last fence and 

THURSDAY 

January 29, 2009 

Shooter running from Sheriff’s Office 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

Daniel Winters, shown here in a Jan. 13 photo, was 

re-arrested by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. 

photo by Don Hill 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

Reginald Hierrezuela, 

known to most people around 

Columbia as “Rocking 

Chair,” was shot Friday night 

at the Big K “Kangaroo” 

Store on Highway 98. 

Arrested and charged with 

aggravated assault is James 

McGowan, 23, of 71 

Manning Crossing Road in 

Kokomo. 

“Based on the information 

we have so far, it appeared 

that the drug deal went bad,” 

said Columbia Police 

Department detective Chris 

Brumfield. “Rocking Chair 

went into the bathroom, shut 

the door and was holding the 

door to keep McGowan from 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

Just before he was to take 

his case to trial, a Tylertown 

man pled guilty to 

manslaughter before Judge 

Prentiss Harrell on Friday in 

Marion County. 

Roderick Foriest, 33, pled 

guilty to manslaughter for the 

April 25, 2006 death of 

Kelvin Magee, age 34. Magee 

was found shot twice in his 

car in Southwest Marion 

County near the Walthall 

County line at the intersection 

of Knoxo Columbia Road 

and Turnage Chapel Road. 

A couple of weeks later, 

Foriest was picked up in 

was caught. 

Harris, who suffered from 

cuts while trying to negotiate 

barbed wire, was taken to 

Marion General Hospital, 

treated and later released into the 

custody of the sheriff’s 

department. He was charged 

with felony possession of a 

controlled substance and 

resisting arrest. 

Winters returns to jail 

Daniel Winters was arrested 

Tuesday, Jan. 13 for selling 

controlled substances to 

undercover narcotics officers. 

Thursday, Jan. 22, he was back 

in jail. 

“He bonded out, then started 

calling our confidential 

informant and threatened his 

life,” said Columbia Police 

Department’s Chris Brumfield. 

“He is a state witness, and you 

can’t do that.” 

Winters was charged with 

intimidating a state witness and 

obstruction of justice by the 

Mississippi Bureau of 

Narcotics. 

‘Rocking Chair’ shot 

over alleged drug deal 

getting to him. McGowan 

shot through the door and hit 

(Hierrezuela) in the 

abdomen.” 

Brumfield said the shooter 

used a .38 caliber pistol, and 

it was a “through and 

through” shot, as the bullet 

went in and out of 

Hierruzuela, who was sent to 

Forrest General where he 

underwent emergency 

surgery. The last report CPD 

received said Rocking Chair 

was in stable condition. 

Brumfield said 

Hierruzuela does not have a 

past history of dealing drugs. 

“According to witnesses, 

the drugs were fake, they 

were not real,” Brumfield 

said. “It was supposed to 

have been a piece of rock 

crack.”. 

Foriest pleads guilty 

to manslaughter 

Ridgeland when he was 

arrested on other charges. 

Foriest waived his right to 

have a pre-sentence 

investigation conducted and 

was sentenced immediately 

following his guilty plea, 

according to Fifteenth Circuit 

Court District Attorney Hal 

Kittrell. 

Harrell sentenced Foriest 

as a habitual offender to a 

mandatory 20-year term in 

the custody of the Mississippi 

Department of Corrections. 

Because Foriest is a habitual 

offender, which means he has 

at least two prior felony 

convictions, he will serve the 

sentence day for day without 

the possibility of parole or 

any type of early release.

THURSDAY 

January 29, 2009 www.columbianprogress.com 3A 

JAIL DOCKET 

(Editor’s Note: Information printed in the “Jail Docket” column 

is solely the responsibility of the Marion County Sheriff’s 

Department, the Columbia Police Department and other law 

enforcement agencies listed below. Please report any errors to the 

arresting agency, which will provide any corrections needed to 

The Columbian-Progress.) 

Michael McLeod, 30, 834 Ranch Rd., Foxworth, 

arrested by MCSO, charged with warrant-disturbing the 

peace, warrant-malicious mischief. 

Tanya Barnes, 45, 408 Mary St., arrested by CPD, 

charged with DUI 1st other, careless driving. 

John Peak, 29, 933 Morgantown Rd., arrested by CPD, 

charged with DUI 1st, speeding. 

David Pittman, 52, 38 Pine Tree Dr., arrested by 

MDOC, charged with post release violation. 

Rebecca Emler, 32, 815 West Ave., arrested by MCSO, 

charged with commercial burglary. 

Pamela Johnson, 43, 27 Toxie Davis Ln., arrested by 

MCSO, charged with DUI 1st. 

James Ferguson, 55, 12 Kudzue Ln., Natchez, arrested 

by CPD, charged with DUI 1st, careless driving. 

Charles Wayne Kemp, 34, 219 Nathise Dr., arrested by 

CPD, charged with domestic simple assault. 

Chad Lawrence, 30, P.O. Box 92, Beaumont, arrested 

by MCSO, charges unknown. 

Daniel Winters, 37, 33 Columbia Purvis Rd., Lot # 30, 

arrested by MBN, charged with intimidating a state 

witness, obstruction of justice. 

Willie Sims, 21, 10 TC Lane, arrested by MCSO, 

charged with contempt, possession of a controlled 

substance while in possession of a firearm. 

George Batimon, 37, 3241 Hwy 44, arrested by 

MCSO, charged with contempt x10, public profanity. 

Dustin Patterson, 21, 264 Crawley Rd., arrested by 

MCSO, charged with felony taking away a motor 

vehicle, felony fleeing and eluding. 

Corey Payton, 27, 2081 Hwy 35 S., Foxworth, arrested 

by CPD, charged with domestic violence, simple 

assault. 

Anthony Devon Newell, 29, 242 Jones Rd., arrested by 

CPD, charged with DUS, DUI 1st. 

Jeff Lott, 43, 188 West Black Creek Rd., arrested by 

MCSO, charged with hunting from a vehicle, hunting 

from a public road, head lighting deer. 

Jerry Lott, 35, 66 Jerry Lott Rd., arrested by MWFD, 

charged with hunting from a public road, head lighting 

deer, hunting from a vehicle. 

Michael W. Patterson, 58, 360 North Black Creek Rd., 

arrested by MWFD, charged with head lighting deer, 

hunting from a motor vehicle, hunting from a public 

road. 

James Davis, 27, 107 Old Sumrall Rd., Collins, arrested 

by CPD, charged with public drunk. 

Kelvin Knisley, 20, address unknown, arrested by CPD, 

charged with public drunk. 

Lisa Morgan, 31, 195 Hwy 27 N., arrested by WCSO, 

charged with felony possession of a controlled 

substance. 

James McGowan, 23, 71 Manning Crossing Rd, 

Jayess, arrested by CPD, charged with aggravated 

assault. 

Benjamin Lewis Holmes, 52, 1707 North Main St., 

arrested by MCSO, charged with GJI-bad check. 

Jack L. Walker, 61, 542 D St., arrested by CPD, 

charged with criminal contempt of court x3. 

Calvin Guy, 20, 264 A. Pittman Rd., Sandy Hook, 

arrested by PRBNTF/MCSO, charged with careless 

driving, resisting arrest. 

Jonathan D. Walker, 18, 31 Van Holmes Rd., 

Tylertown, arrested by CPD, charged with simple 

domestic warrant. 

Robbie Wood, 39, 1107 Martin Luther King, Apt. B11, 

arrested by CPD, charged with public drunk, disorderly 

conduct, public profanity. 

Jarod Harris, 18, 9304 Sidney Dr., Marrero, La., 

arrested by PRBNTF, charged with felony possession of 

a controlled substance, resisting arrest. 

Carlos D. Averett, 30, 1211 MLK, arrested by CPD, 

charged with DUI 2nd RIT. 

Veronica Patton, 34, 336 

Lily Rose, Oak Vale, 

arrested by CPD, charged 

with simple assault 

warrant. 

Tabarrus J. Medious, 22, 

519 Walker St., arrested by 

MCSO, charged with sale 

or transfer of a controlled 

substance. 

John Wade Peirce, 45, 

463 Pierce Rd., arrested by 

MHP, charged with DUI 

1st. 

Jason Allen Raynes, 28, 

160 Hwy 587, Lot #24, 

arrested by MCSO, 

charged with domestic 

simple assault. 

Chassidy E. Sullivan, 29, 

112 Stuckey Rd., arrested 

by MCSO, charged with 

GJI-bad check, contempt 

x2. 

Walter T. Neal, 29, 315 

South Main St., 25 315 

South Main St., arrested by 

MCSO, charged with 

contempt. 

Inaugural Celebration held 

at Hope Center 

An Inaugural Celebration was held 

January 18, at Hope Center in Columbia. 

This celebration was to celebrate the 

observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

holiday, one of his famous speeches, “I Have 

a Dream” and to celebrate the 44th President 

of the 

United States, President Barack Obama, 

who is living the dream. The keynote speaker 

Pictured are Dorothy Lewis and Gennett Daniels. 

was Gennett Daniels, who brought a message 

on Black history of Marion Countians, after 

the speaker Mrs. Mary Frelix offered three 

toasts, one for President Obama’s two 

daughters and mother in-law-one, one for 

Michele and one for our 44th President of the 

United States, President Barack Obama, the 

celebration was enjoyed by all. 

Submitted Photo 

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AT LARGE 

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4A 


THURSDAY 


OPINION & EDITORIAL 

So our children can fly 

In the days before Barack Obama became the nation’s 44th president, a 

sign in a Washington shop repeated a slogan that circulated during his 

campaign: 

“Rosa sat so Martin could walk; Martin walked so Obama could run; 

Obama is running so our children can fly!” 

The slogan refers to Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., two of many 

people whose actions during the 1950s and 1960s paved the way for 

Obama’s election, not to mention the election of dozens of other minorities 

to offices great and small. 

The slogan is a catchy sentence that sums up the mood of many people 

as a man with a funny name who looks nothing like the men pictured on our 

money — those are Obama’s own words — becomes the commander in 

chief. 

Today the country is caught up in Obama’s inauguration. Tomorrow the 

hard work begins. 

In Mississippi, one task is obvious: We need to teach more children to 

fly. Mississippi has too many kids who are left behind — trapped by poverty, 

lack of parenting, lack of interest in school, lack of interest in their future. 

A recent report put the state at the top of the national teenage pregnancy list, 

which is one more aspect of the problem: There are too many children 

trying to raise children. 

Government money cannot solve these problems. If it could, the amount 

invested in programs aimed at correcting these deficiencies would have 

fixed them many times over. 

Now, federal money can help. State government can help by retooling 

public education to help steer more teenagers toward a productive 

adulthood — which does not necessarily have to include college, by the 

way. 

But in the end, it will be communities, schools and parents that improve 

individual lives. 

We need schools that are intolerant of misbehavior. Too many teachers 

feel like they have no control over their classrooms, and this needs to 

change. They can’t teach if they are babysitting. 

We need schools that are intolerant of social promotion. Public schools 

may believe that a high percentage of students who are not passed to the 

next grade is a poor reflection of their work. Perhaps it is time to look at 

these figures as a reflection of the commitment of a student and his family. 

Those unwilling to try will fail. 

Nothing is worse than promoting a child who can’t master the tasks of 

his age group. It only delays the inevitable. There have to be better solutions 

than this. 

But mostly, we need more parents to get serious. It’s a tough world out 

there, and a parent’s primary mission is to help their kid do better. To teach 

them to fly. 

Mississippi is an awesome place to live. Great weather, great people, 

great potential. But our potential is limited until we demand more of our 

children. 

Look at Barack Obama. What an amazing story. His parents divorced 

when he was a child, but his grandparents gave him the love and the home 

that he needed to make history. 

Children in Mississippi can achieve amazing things, too. We must insist 

that they try. 

Customers don’t like 

talking to machines 

Of the 22 points in the “Ratepayer’s Bill of Rights” proposed by 

Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley, No. 18 may not 

be the most important. There are, however, plenty of consumers who can 

relate to its intent. 

The provision reads, “Ratepayers shall have the option to speak with a 

live company representative, during the company’s normal business hours, 

rather than using the automated system.” 

Utility companies aren’t the only offenders in this regard. Lots of 

businesses have made it almost impossible to talk to a real person. They put 

you through a maze of automated responses and button-punching menus 

that throw even the kindest hearted into a foul mood before the ordeal is 

over. 

Automated answering is done in pursuit of cost-cutting and efficiency, 

but it’s impersonal and unfriendly to the customer. We suspect it’s bad for 

business, too. 

If the utility companies showed a more human face, for instance, a bill 

of rights for ratepayers might be superfluous. 

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Gaining a new respect for teachers 

Over the past week or so, I’ve had the privilege of 

talking with and seeing some of our area teachers in 

action and I have come away with much respect and 

admiration. 

Granted, I do not agree with every theory and practice 

of our modern educational system. I know there are 

improvements and changes that need to be made and 

that our litigious society and breakdowns in some of 

society’s institutions have wreaked havoc on the ability 

of our schools to meet some students’ needs. 

I know that many in our communities can find things 

about which to complain concerning our school systems 

and that many of those complaints are sincere and 

justified. 

I also know that there are teachers that are in the 

classroom as a last resort or because they could not settle 

on some other career. They have plenty of intelligence 

and capability but are not really happy in their career and 

therefore, may not do as good a job as is really needed. 

They may be in a similar situation to one I was in, quite 

a few years ago. 

I have a bachelors degree in French. When I was a 

young woman, and foreign languages were first required 

for high school graduates, the headmistress at Columbia 

Academy asked me to consider teaching the foreign 

language courses there. I readily accepted and truly 

enjoyed the experience for about two years. After those 

two years, my experience began to change and I soon 

realized that although I had achieved some success with 

some students, I did not have the “calling” of a teacher. 

I realized that I was not preparing the students as well as 

someone who was meant to be a teacher could have 

done. 

Through that experience I gained a new and deep 

respect for dedicated teachers who take the success of 

their students to heart. These are the kinds of teachers we 

all remember from our school days as the special ones 

who brought out the best in us. These are the kind of 

teachers I had the privilege of interviewing this week. 

Each one of the teachers I spoke with expressed a 

personal desire to teach each student. I could see the 

concern and passion in their eyes as they spoke about the 

reasons they became a teacher and what their goals were 

for their students. 

Through the years that my child has been a student in 

the city school district, I’ve had the occasion to interact 

with many teachers and I believe that most of them have 

House Appropriations Committee works on budget 

Business of the state continued to move along, but 

the inauguration of the nation’s 44th President, 

Barack Obama, overshadowed events of the third 

week of the 2009 legislative session. 

House members, staff and young pages watched in 

the chamber as large screens that were set up for the 

occasion allowed us to view the swearing-in and 

other activities surrounding the inauguration. 

At our own capitol, committees of the House of 

Representatives continued to press forward with the 

consideration of about 1,500 bills that were 

introduced by our members for the session. Our 

committees have only until Feb. 3 to “report,” 

meaning pass or defeat, these measures to the full 

House. 

The House Appropriations Committee has been 

busier than most as that panel tries to craft a budget 

for fiscal 2010 in the midst of the worst economic 

times this state and nation have seen in decades. 

Many of the items that Appropriations has reviewed 

are related to the current 2009 fiscal year. One such 

bill handled this week was HB 865 to cover the 

transportation costs for about 500 end-stage renal 

disease patients across the state who must travel to 

receive dialysis services. 

The federal Medicare program pays for the dialysis 

services, but not transportation. Backers of the bill, 

which passed the House floor overwhelmingly, said 

many of the patients would die without the state’s 

help on travel costs. The state will spend $1.3 million 

on the project from the Rainy Day Fund. 

Also, the Appropriations panel and full House 

approved taking $68 million of the money that would 

be raised from an increase in tobacco taxes and apply 

it to cash-strapped public school districts. The 

districts have suffered budget cuts for the current ‘09 

fiscal year and these funds would restore a major 

portion of those reductions. While the House passed a 

cigarette tax increase, the Senate has not yet acted. 

Some districts are beginning to feel the pinch of the 

cuts and may have trouble meeting payroll. 

Appropriations also heard from state mental health 

officials who are facing massive budget cuts by Gov. 

Barbour. The officials said cuts will affect alcohol and 

drug treatment services, providing wheelchairs and 

walkers, early intervention programs and a juvenile 

rehab site. Already, the agency has had to shut down 

a 35-bed nursing home unit at the State Hospital at 

Whitfield. 

The budget-setting committee also heard from the 

presidents of the eight state universities, mainly about 

tuition increases. One said, “The truth is, tuition 

(increases) is our only way to offset budget cuts. Or, 

we could do nothing and settle for mediocrity.” The 

officials seemed against an effort to cap tuition, with 

one leader saying that would put them at the risk of 

losing professor quality and quantity. 

The key House Ways and Means Committee was 

asked to act post-haste on a proposal to save 1,200 

jobs at the Cooper Tire plant in Tupelo. A bill would 

GUEST COLUMN 

been this kind of teacher. 

This year, due to my 

position as a reporter here 

at the CP, I’ve met more 

teachers in the county 

schools as well. They, too, 

have shown their 

enthusiasm for imparting 

knowledge to their students 

and a true concern for the 

individual young person. 

I know that even good 

LORI WATTS 

students and great teachers 

can have difficult moments 

over a year in the classroom due to personality clashes 

or bad days. But I’ve seen an underlying attitude of care 

and determination to reach each student where they are 

and to bring them to a higher level of achievement. 

When I was a teacher, I learned how much time 

lesson plans, grading papers, paperwork, overtime duty, 

preparing for classes and sponsoring extracurricular 

activities took in addition to class time. When I’ve 

substituted for teachers in the years since, I’ve 

discovered just how exhausted teachers are after a full 

day in the classroom. 

In light of all this, I wanted to express thanks and 

gratitude to these teachers of our children and to 

encourage others to do the same. 

One of the questions I heard several teachers answer 

recently is “What is your biggest challenge? Or what is 

the biggest problem or weakness in the system that you 

experience? To the teacher, they answered, “Parental 

involvement.” 

They each expressed the regret that there are not 

more parents really involved in the educational life of 

their children. They voiced concerns about the interest in 

day-to-day activities that is lacking from many parents 

and how few of the parents of their children are 

supportive of the efforts of the students to attain success 

and achieve their goals. 

Perhaps the problems some of us see or perceive 

could be alleviated best by enlisting the involvement of 

parents. I’m sure it’s not the answer to all the difficulties 

in our educational system but I found it interesting that 

when teachers were asked an open-ended question about 

their greatest need for improving their situations, they 

each called for more support from parents. 

HOUSEKEEPING — A WEEKLY SUMMARY by Rep. Ken Morgan 

be considered soon that 

would float $13 million in 

bonds to upgrade the plant 

and add another facility. 

Cooper pays an average 

salary of $54,000 annually 

to 1,500 workers in 

Tupelo, which survived a 

plant-closing round with 

an Albany, GA plant. The 

Tupelo plant makes aftermarket 

tires, which 

KEN MORGAN provides more profit than 

tires for new vehicles. 

The House Public Utilities Committee and the full 

House approved HB 1090 to place the Public Utilities 

Staff, a state agency, under the direct supervision of 

the Public Service Commission. The primary 

functions of the public utilities staff would be 

investigative and advisory in nature, and its director 

would be appointed by the three-member elected 

PSC. Mississippi utility companies have been under 

close scrutiny in recent months of both the PSC and 

the state attorney general, who has sued one utility 

firm. The PSC and the utilities staff were separated in 

the early 1990s and “that’s bad business,” said one 

leader of the legislation. 

The House Conservation Committee discussed 

allowing the Department of Environmental Quality to 

charge for their environmental permitting fees. We 

are the only southern state not to do so. Based on 

what DEQ might propose, the fees we would charge 

are far less than those charged by Alabama, 

Tennessee, and Arkansas. These permits are issued 

for everything ranging from air quality to water 

quality, landfills to wastewater discharge. One permit 

request from Chevron on the Coast is over 1,000 

pages long and has required the time of five engineers 

to review and meet with the EPA. These people 

prevent you from having to abandon your homes in 

the event of a spill, discharge, or disaster. Today, with 

DEQ on the state level and EPA at the national level, 

we do have some modicum of reassurance that the 

water you drink, the air you breathe, and the land you 

build your home on are safe. 

The House Poverty Committee took up the issue 

of teen motherhood and its effects on the state. The 

group heard about a McComb High School program 

that seeks to keep students in school, as part of the 

program to help the state reduce its high dropout rate 

and reduce our highest-in-the-U.S. poverty rate. 

Passing after much debate was HC 25 which 

started out as a bill to honor workers who have died 

on the job. An amendment was successfully added 

that supports secret unionization votes. 

Citizens who would like to contact us at the State 

Capitol can do so at 601-359-3770. Floor action of 

the debates is being webcast live at www. 

ls.state.ms.us, and click “House” or “Senate.”

THURSDAY 


FBLA tours Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport 

On Thursday, November 13, 2008 the Future Business 

Leaders of America (FBLA) members from the Carl Loftin 

Career & Technology Center who participated in raising 

money for the March of Dimes community service project 

traveled to Gulfport to attend a tour of Gulfport-Biloxi 

International Airport. Ms. Kristi Bennett, Manager of 

Marketing & Communications and former Carl Loftin Career 

and Technology Center FBLA member, gave a tour of the 

facilities and an overview of career opportunities available in 

the aviation industry requiring the technology skills the 

students are learning in class. In addition to a walk-through 

of the newly expanded terminal, the tour included an 

overview of all the capital projects occurring on Airport 

premises and the technology involved in developing, 

operating, and marketing these projects. Also, with the 

assistance of the Federal Aviation Administration, the 

students were able to view the logistics involved in safely 

guiding multiple aircraft by viewing the Air Traffic Control 

Tower. 

EASY AS 1! 2! 3! 

Got a wedding announcement, anniversary, birth, birthday, or 

other special event you want in the paper? Three ways to send 

us your stories and pictures: 

1.) Stop by our office at 318 Second Street in Columbia, 

2.)Mail it to P. O. Box 1171, Columbia 

3.) Submit your photo and write-up electronically 

- Email us at production@columbianprogress.com 

Goss Baptist Church Children’s Choir presents Christmas musical 

FBLA Members pictured (front row left to right): Rae Pullum, Mrs. Stephanie Buhrer, FBLA Sponsor, La'Rena 

Peters, Megan McDaniel, Andrea Clay, Tabitha Magee, Danielle Moore, Corneshia Hicks, Ashlea Pounds, Jacy 

Tremper, Devin Williams, Derek Smith, Stephen Foxworth, Jimmy Pierce Mrs. Amy Baughman, FBLA Sponsor, 

Kristi Bennett, Manager of Marketing and Communications, Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. (Back row 

left to right): Tyler Belk, Ashley Perry, Shaquille Expose, Delisha Griffin, Hannah Rutland, and Kenny Wayne 

Sistrunk. FBLA is sponsored by Mrs. Amy Baughman, Business Computer Technology Instructor, and Ms. 

Stephanie Buhrer, Computer Graphics Instructor. 

Goss Baptist Church’s 

Children's Choir presented 

the Christmas musical 

“An Island Christmas,” 

Sunday, December 14, 

2008. Choir members are: 

Front row left to right: 

Kami Purvis, Braylon 

Boyles, Landon 

Robertson, Emily Doane, 

Abby Doane, Austin 

Thornhill, Maggie 

Townsend, and Sean 

Butler. Second row: Jay 

Townsend, Aiden Butler, 

Madison Robertson, and 

Gabi Rayborn, Back row: 

Wiley Cleland Kate 

Lowery, Madelyne Ard, 

Callie Robertson, and 

Anna Kate Rayborn. 

Pastor is Bro. Mark 

McArthur. 

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THURSDAY 


6A 


CA junior varsity cheerleaders wrap up successful year 

Front Row: Lauren Welch, co-captain, Jordan Welch, captain. Second row: 

Landon Drennan, Sissy Price, LeAnne Scarborough. Third row: Lauren Pope, 

Drew Smith, Katie Terry, Autumn Kroner. Back row: Emily Williams, Conner 

Sears, Kayla Gibson, Reese Johnson, Annessya Culpepper and Greta Carley. 

Columbia Academy’s DECA chapter has been very active 

during the 2008-2009 school year. The chapter has focused 

on community services, including the semi-annual blood 

drive for United Blood Services during National DECA week 

and a public relations campaign for breast cancer awareness. 

The group also donated shoe boxes to the Christian 

Performing Arts “Operation Christmas Child” drive and toys 

for the Key Clubs “Christmas for Kids.” 

On Jan. 15, 2009 the group participated in DECA district 

competitions. Blythe Dunaway ran for District IV Vice- 

President and became the first state officer to attend a 

Mississippi Private School Association school. 

Almost 20 students medaled at the district competitions. 

First place winners were Olivia Ryals and D’Anna Broom in 

Financial Analysis, Jon Bullock in Hotel and Lodging 

Management and Ryan Morris in Sports and Entertainment. 

Third place winners were Kelsey Cooper and Shelbey 

Rowell in Hospitality Services, Javan Porter in Market 

Management and Kayla Berry in Restaurant Food. Winning 

fourth place medals were Robert Williamson and Ty Stogner 

in Business, Brittnay Fortenberry and Ashton Scarborough in 

Sports and Entertainment, Jessica Ashley and Tee Jay Rainey 

in Buying and Merchandising, Michelle Stogner and Hannah 

Pierce in Internet Marketing and Lauren Williamson and 

Blythe Dunaway in Travel and Tourism. Blake Dunaway 

won sixth place in Accounting. 

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The junior varsity cheerleaders at Columbia Academy are finishing up their 2008-2009 

season. They started the year by attending the National Cheerleaders Association camp, held 

at Millsaps College in Jackson. The camp attracted some 180 cheerleaders from the 

surrounding states. During the camp the squad received superior ribbons and the spirit stick, 

an award given to the squad showing the most spirit, each night. They also received a Jump 

Award. 

On the last day of camp, they obtained a National Championship Bid. This is awarded to 

the team exemplifying the best technical skills and cheerleading techniques. The bid is 

extended as an invitation to compete at the NCA national Championship or the NCAAll-Star 

National Championship, both held in Dallas. 

The JV squad accomplished a first for the CA JV team. They earned two top awards, the 

Performance Top Team Winner and the Chant Champions. These awards were earned by 

performing a cheer and a chant that the group had learned during the week. The judges rated 

the team’s overall technical skills and its ability to lead the crowd in each category. The CA 

team won both categories. 

The NCA camp instructors also chose five of the squad members as All-American 

nominees. These are cheerleaders that, in the instructors opinions, displayed superior 

techniques in any of the categories of jumps, tumbling, stunting, motion, technique, 

leadership and dance. CA nominees were Jordan Welch, Lauren Welch, Lauren Pope, Drew 

Smith and Greta Carley. Lauren Pope and Greta Carley were selected as All-American 

cheerleaders. 

Jordan Welch served as the captain of the squad this year with Lauren Welch as co-captain. 

The squad has shown outstanding leadership qualities throughout football season and 

basketball season. The entire group has done an excellent job of cheering an supporting both 

the football players and basketball players. 

CA’s DECA chapter has busy school year 

focusing on community services 

Columbia Academy’s DECA members show off their medals. 

Submitted Photos 

West Marion Primary School students 

enjoy field trip and celebration 

Ms. Donna Walker’s 1st grade class from West Marion Primary School enjoyed a 

field trip to the Franklinton Fair. 

Mrs. Donna Walker’s 1st grade class from West Marion Primary School 

celebrated Johnny Appleseed’s birthday. 

Submitted Photo

THURSDAY 


Junior Auxiliary holds annual Women’s Health Luncheon 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

Nearly 100 women gathered in the large dining hall 

flanked by walls of windows in the new National Guard 

armory Saturday for the annual Junior Auxiliary Women's 

Health Luncheon. Chef Luis Bruno, executive chef to Gov. 

Haley Barbour presented a cooking demonstration while 

telling his motivating story of healthy living. 

In 2005, a 400-pound Bruno turned his life around with a 

physician-administered liquid diet. He was facing dialysis, 

severe diabetes and other serious health issues at the time. 

Now he is 200 pounds lighter, an avid runner, has none of the 

health problems he was experiencing, is diabetes free and 

spends much of his time spreading his story to encourage 

healthy living. 

Bruno gave instructions on preparing a quick egg noodle, 

chicken and vegetable dish, in a wok, and explained how 

many dishes can be prepared with alternative low-fat or lowsugar 

substitutes. He had his latest book, "Don't Feel Guilty, 

Eat It!" on hand, in which he shares more than 100 recipes of 

favorite desserts, sauces and cream-filled dishes that are 

usually "off-base" for a healthy diet. The book contains 

information of how to cook modified, healthier versions of 

the rich dishes. 

Bruno's presentation was lively and witty and accented 

with the question "Does anybody need a hug?" At first he had 

only one taker, Wendy Bracey, Columbia Elementary School 

principal, but before the lunch was over several hugs were 

served up. 

Every Person’s Biography 

By JIMMY W. COX 

Your biography will have no more than four pages. 

Some will have even fewer. The first page is white, 

denoting purity; the condition of a soul at his or her physical 

birth. “...Unless you are converted and become as little 

children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of 

heaven.” Matt. 18:3. If a child dies before being able to 

make a decision about right or wrong, he is “safe”-never 

lost. His biography has one page. 

The second page is black, because of sin. Each person 

who has lived long enough to make decisions, will commit 

sin. (Rom. 3:23). “The wages of sin is death,” (Rom. 6:23). 

Sin is doing things right that are wrong. (I John 3:4) or 

neglecting to do what is right. (Jas. 4:17). Far too many 

people will continue to sin and will remain “lost in sin,” 

with a black page and will go to the great judgement with 

just two pages in his life. 

The third page is red. The only reason we can have a 

“red page” is because God loved us enough to send His Son 

to be a “sin offering” for us. (John 3:16). “But God 

demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we 

were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8). The 

blood of Jesus was shed for everyone; only those who have 

enough faith in Christ to obey Him will be saved. To get a 

“red page,” we must: Believe in Jesus Christ, John 8:24; 

Repent of sins, Acts 2:38; Confess Christ, Matt. 10:32; Be 

baptized into Christ, Rom. 6:3-5. We’re baptized “into His 

death,” where He shed His blood. We become children and 

heirs of God. Rom. 8:17 and Eph 1:7. No sin is too great or 

too black for the blood of Jesus to wash away. (I Tim. 1:15- 

16). 

Those who become Christians receive Page 4-a new 

white page, representing purity. We must try our very 

best to live a Christian life. But, if we “are overtaken in a 

trespass,” and soil our page, we can restore it- “If we 

confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our 

sins.” I John 1:9. But, if we turn our back on Christ and 

start living a sinful life, we will blacken our page and be 

lost. (Heb. 10:25-26). So be very sure to live a Christian 

life-be an example to those still in darkness. “Let your light 

so shine before men...” Matt. 5:16. 

Columbia Church of Christ 

1120 Broad Street - Columbia - P. O. Box 427 

Jimmy W. Cox – Preacher – Phone (601) 736-0900 

Bruno also served tastes of the egg noodle dish he prepared 

with many in the audience. "I don't have enough for 

everybody, so y'all don't get mad. I'm going to let these ladies 

decide who gets to taste so you can't be mad at me," he 

laughed. 

Columbia High School student Molly Longo was one of 

those who received a taste of the dish. "I thought the chef was 

very motivating and I really enjoyed the noodles. They were 

very good and so quick and easy to prepare," she said. 

Joy Broughton, luncheon chairperson, said that she thought 

the drizzling rain may have kept many of the others who 

purchased the nearly 200 tickets for the luncheon away but 

that she was generally pleased with the turnout. 

Broughton said that she thought Bruno's program was 

great. "Bruno is an up and coming Mississippi star," she said. 

"He has an amazing story, an inspiring personality and you 

can tell he loves people. And, JA wants to share in spreading 

his message of healthy living." 

National Guard chaplain enlists civilian help 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

Last week, Chaplain Toby Loftin of the Mississippi 

National Guard met with several civic, religious and city 

government leaders concerning the formation of a Marion 

County military support organization to undergird the 

families of the servicemen from Marion County while they 

are away from home. 

On April 13, E Company of the 155th unit in Columbia 

will mobilize for deployment to Iraq. The group will spend 

three weeks at Camp Shelby for training. They will continue 

to train in other locations before they actually head to Iraq in 

June. 

Loftin said that the June departure date is tentative. "We 

have to be flexible, as anyone in the military will tell you," 

he said. 

Loftin said that there are about 80 soldiers assigned to E 

Company and that about half of them are from Columbia and 

the Marion County area. "So that makes about 35 to 40 

families in this area that will be affected," he said. "We need 

community support on board for sustaining these troops and 

their families, especially when they are deployed," he said. 

"We are soldiers," Loftin said. "We can do a lot of things, 

like go without food, sleep in the cold and get shot at. We are 

trained to do those things. But let us get word from home 

about our families having trouble, even day to day things like 

a car or air conditioner in need of repair, and a soldier can be 

rendered ineffective," he said. 

Loftin said that there are many kinds of support the 

community can give while the troops are away. "But don't 

wait until the troops are gone, you can start praying today," 

he said. 

"Beyond that we want to organize one group under which 

everyone in the community can operate," Loftin said. "Often 

several groups do things individually but resources get thin 

when we work separately. When we gather and work 

collectively we can do more," he said. 

The local unit has a Family Readiness Group whose 

primary task is to relay information about what is happening 

overseas to the family. This group can work closely with the 

civic organization and local governments to notify them of 

needs in families and to let the community know what is 

going on with the local troops. 

According to Loftin, the support organization would do 

more than send cookies and letters to the troops. "Although 

we love to get cookies and letters," he said. The support 

group would work to help families take care of broken 

appliances, illness or other inconveniences that interrupt our 

lives normally but that can become overwhelming when the 

family has a loved one away on the battlefield. The group can 

help alleviate the added stress of the family and the soldier. 

Loftin told those in attendance that Pike County presently 

has the lead support organization in the state and that he is 

working with them to assemble a blueprint for other groups 

to use to when structuring their efforts. The group requested 

that he provide the blueprint to the Marion County group at 

the next organizational meeting if at all possible. 

Loftin also said that a "sending off" ceremony is already 

being planned for the April departure date and that the 

organization could contribute significantly to it. 

Judy Griffith, Main Street Columbia Director, said that she 

would facilitate the next meeting which will be on Tuesday, 

Feb. 3 at 9:30 a.m. at the Church on Main. Church leaders, 

civic organization officers, governmental officials, business 

owners or anyone interested in volunteering or learning more 

about the Marion County Military Support group should 

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8A 

Columbia Kiwanis Club sponsors annual Mardi Gras parade 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

The Columbia Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the annual 

Mardi Gras parade on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. The theme 

will be "Love is in the Air" since the parade also falls on 

Valentine's Day. 

The parade had its beginnings in 1991 at the Myrtles 

nursing home. Martha McKenzie, activity director at the 

Myrtles, came up with the idea of having a Mardi Gras parade 

for the residents, in the halls of the home. Any of the residents 

who felt like walking through the halls in the Fat Tuesday 

celebration were encouraged and assisted to do so. 

After one or two years, the parade was expanded into the 

parking lot around the nursing home. Participants in wheel 

chairs and with walkers made a lap around the building. Over 

the next few years, the processional moved into the 

surrounding neighborhood and residential subdivision. 

Around 2000, McKenzie said that she could not pinpoint 

the year, she had a resident make the comment that she had 

not been out to downtown Columbia since her 11-year stay at 

the home had begun. McKenzie began to try to think of a way 

to take the residents, who were able and wanted to go, out for 

an excursion downtown. 

It occurred to her that she could take the Mardi Gras parade 

to Main Street and the annual event was born. 

Throughout the years, more and more groups and 

individuals wanted to participate in the parade. Around 2005, 

there were 58 different entries in the celebration and 

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McKenzie knew it was getting too big for her to handle all the 

organization alone. 

About that time, the Kiwanis approached McKenzie and 

offered to sponsor the parade and handle all the entries and 

organizing. She took them up on the offer and began 

preparing to be sure that any of her residents that wanted to 

ride on the Myrtles' float could be accommodated. 

"My heart is with these people. They love to take part so we 

provide them with the beads and things to throw and masks 

and such if they want them," McKenzie said. "We have some 

people who donate beads and things to help us with that," she 

said. 

"The residents here love to go out and have the interaction 

with all the people at the parade," said McKenzie. "We always 

hope the weather is beautiful so more of our folks can go." 

This year's parade will line up at First Baptist Church. It 

will travel down Dale Street to Main Street, then to the 

Courthouse and up Broad Street to City Park where it will 

disperse. 

In 2007, the Kiwanis began choosing a King and Queen of 

the parade. They also choose a Jester of Kindness from among 

nominations submitted by the members of the community. 

The deadline to submit nominations for the Jester of Kindness 

for this year's parade is Thursday, Jan. 29. 

The 2009 Mardi Gras Grand Marshall will be John Wayne 

Tolar and the Princess will be Marion County Jr. Miss Anna 

Morris. 

There is a $15 entry fee for each float and businesses or 

organizations wishing participate in the parade should preregister 

by calling Al Johansen at 601-736-3237. 

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THURSDAY 


Kiwanis members Rhonda Brasseal, Ray Mathews, 

Billy Douglas, Al Johanson and John Wayne Tolar, 

Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshall ready the supplies 

and float materials in preparation for the parade on 

Feb. 14. 

No Name-Calling Week at 

Columbia High Schoool 

By Lori Watts 

Staff Writer 

The week of January 26-30 is No Name-Calling Week in 

schools across the nation. A diverse group of Columbia High 

School students are volunteering to help bring its message of 

"no bullying" to the local community. 

According to nonamecallingweek.org, the No Name- 

Calling Week Coalition, funded in large part in 2008 by 

Cisco Systems, seeks to focus attention on the problems of 

bullying and harassment, or name-calling, in schools, and to 

provide students and teachers with tools and inspiration to 

open a dialogue about ways to eliminate the problem in their 

communities. 

Students made posters to promote the week and each 

morning different facts and information will be shared with 

the student body during morning announcements. Students 

will be encouraged to take a survey through the school's 

ANCOM system, an anonymous communication tool 

integrated into the schools internet system which allows 

students to notify the administration about their concerns 

without their identities being known. 

The survey will ask students about their own experiences 

with bullying and about the environment at the school and in 

the community. After the week of emphasis, the results of the 

survey can be tallied and shared with administration and 

officials to determine if any action needs to be taken. The 

students who answer the survey questions will remain 

completely anonymous. 

CHS teacher Frances Robertson helped organize the 

students' efforts. She said that Bailey Montgomery, Darryl 

McMorris, Sydney Riley, Kalin McNabb and Anna Morris 

readily volunteered when they learned about the special 

emphasis. 

Robertson said that she is glad to see emphasis placed on 

this age-old problem. She said that the efforts of the students 

are excellent but that parents and school staff must also be 

made aware of signs of victimization in their children and 

students. 

According to an article on education.com, "How Do You 

Know When Your Student Or Child Is Being Victimized and 

How Can You Help," students who are harassed or bullied 

may experience symptoms such as depression, anxiety, 

aggression, academic issues, low self-esteem and substance 

abuse, among others. Several perpetrators of nationally 

known school shootings have been identified as victims of 

bullying. 

The article identifies eight possible warning signs of 

school victimization: numerous lost belongings, frequent 

injuries or damage to clothes or property, spending time 

primarily with younger students, avoiding recess before 

and/or after school, arriving to school late or just at the 

starting bell, appearing to be alone most of the time at school, 

excessive or insufficient amounts of sleep and somatic 

complaints (headaches, stomachaches, etc.) 

“We are doing this to bring awareness to this nation-wide 

problem and to open up discussion in our community to 

determine if victimization is wide-spread in our schools as 

well,”Robertson said. 

More information about No Name-Calling Week is 

available at nonamecallinweek.org. More information about 

signs of victimization, go to education.com and search 

“bullying and teasing.” 

CHS students Terri Cain, Alicia Martin and Chelsey 

McLendon display their "No Name-Calling" posters 

during No Name-Calling Week. 

Photo by Lori Watts

THURSDAY 


CPS encourages children to learn through fun and educational activities 

Ashlee Montgomery shares with her second grade 

class some of her adventures in Greece when she 

participated in an Earthwatch expedition. Ashlee is 

the third teacher at CPS to receive an Earthwatch 

grant. 

Dal Murray’s first grade class participated in 

Scholastic’s Classroom Cares promotion and read 473 

books. 

Reading Fair winners to compete in regional competition 

The Reading Fair affords students an opportunity to 

showcase a favorite book. Winners in each category 

will progress to a regional competition. 

New emphasis at the state level on physical education 

prompted the hiring of a new PE teacher, Chris 

Maul, and the students are having a great time exercising. 

Each week a student is named from each classroom 

as a SuperKid, which may indicate excellence or 

progress in academics or behavior. They receive a 

special shirt to wear on Friday of the featured week. 

Construction has dominated the landscape at 

Columbia Primary School this year as new offices are 

added. 

You’ll get all of the latest news, sports and 

events when you subscribe to the 

Columbian-Progress! 

601-736-2611 

Visit us online at 


By Don Hill 

Editor 

By Don Hill 

Editor 

RIF (Reading is Fundamental) funds a grant to distribute 

books to students three times during the school 

year. The CHS wildcat helped with the distribution 

where each child chooses a book to keep. 

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The children at CES wanted to help children who are ill 

with cancer, so students and staff at Columbia Elementary 

participated in the their first “Hats on Day” in conjunction 

with National Hat Day, January 15, 2009. Each student gave 

a donation to wear a hat on this day. Funds generated from 

this event were donated to Pediatric Children’s Cancer 

Foundation. The message of hope and compassion for 

children with cancer has truly touched the students of CES. 

What a fun way to raise money for such a special cause! 

Posing for a picture with Mrs. Bracey are Anna 

Caitlyn Johnson, left and Carley Burns, right. 

THURSDAY 


Columbia Elementary School challenges 

students with creative learning 

Wearing hats helps other children Weather man for all seasons 

Believe, Achieve, 

Succeed! Yes we can! 

At Columbia Elementary School, students and staff viewed 

the Inauguration live from their classrooms. The cafeteria 

staff prepared boxed lunches for students and staff to enjoy 

as they viewed the program. At the closing of the program, 

students had an open forum to discuss, question, and reflect 

upon the Inaugural ceremony. Mrs. Summer Smith’s class 

shows their enthusiasm as they wave their flags! 

Fourth-grade students sat patiently in the cafetorium 

awaiting the arrival of a special guest speaker Wednesday at 

Columbia Elementary. Then, after WDAM Meteorologist 

Rex Thompson walked to the front of the Cafetorium, all 

eyes were glued to him as he took his place. During an hourlong 

presentation, 148 fourth-grade students learned about 

Rex’s job and the various components of weather systems. 

Teacher Julie Long said the students have been studying 

the weather unit and having Rex speak gave them a 

connection with an actual career. “This will give them reallife 

experience,” Long said. Before his presentation, Rex 

explained what inspired him to be a meteorologist. He said. 

“When you guys get older and pick a career, pick something 

you really enjoy. 

Students learned many additional facts about weather. “He 

spoke about thunderstorms, lightning, hail, wind, rain, 

thunder and tornadoes. 

Stephen Cotton and Tanner Cox said they learned a lot. 

Harley Ford said, “I’ve never seen a meteorologist in 

person.” Kimberly Anderson said, “All my life I’ve thought 

those screens were right behind the weather man. I found it 

fascinating to know that the screens are in front of and to the 

side to the meteorologist. 

Many students were inspired by Mr. Thompson’s 

presentation. One student even expressed that he might be 

interested in changing his career goal from game design artist 

to meteorologist. 

Students research famous 

Mississippians 

Fourth grade students in Mrs. Tibby Johnson, Mrs. Melissa 

Herring, and Mrs. Andrea Brown’s classrooms researched 

famous Mississippians. Students created posters with 

timelines of the major events of their famous Mississippians’ 

lives. Students dressed in character and made presentations 

to their classmates. 

Pictured from left to right are: Clara McCance (LeAnn Rimes), Kolby Fountain 

(Leontyne Price), Callie Robbins (Faith Hill), Lonnie Bass (B. B. King) and CJ 

Swayze (Elvis Presley). 

Book of the month program excites students 

CES is so excited about their Book of the Month program! Each month the Book of the 

Month Committee: Mrs. Tibby Johnson, Mrs. Linda Ramshur, and Mrs. Kathy Houston 

select a book to be read to the entire student body. Mrs. Bracey reads the selected book to 

students in the cafetorium. The book’s focal point is centered around the character trait of 

the month. Students are selected each month through the PBS program to act out the book 

as Mrs. Bracey reads it. The Book of the Month provides a perfect opportunity to encourage 

students to think about the text of the book and how it relates to their own experiences, their 

world, and to other books they have read. Teachers also work with students to make the text 

come to life in the classrooms. 

January’s Book of the Month is The Hat by Jan Brett, and the feature character trait is selfesteem. 

The book was chosen to coordinate with National Hat Day. The students selected 

for book of the month in January are: Kameron Eiler, Kemauriyonne Abram, Lonnie Bass, 

Jackson Deal, Kimberly Anderson, KilIyah Blankenship, Michael Clark, Destiny Hartwell, 

Austin Fountain, Jasheri Allen, Brittany Mosley, and Yasmine Davis. These students did a 

great job.

THURSDAY 


Terrorize 

The youths had the drinks 

out of the 12-pack containers 

because they put stolen items 

in the 12-pack soda cases. 

Included in the stolen items 

were two long guns. 

“The officer followed his 

instinct, and thought it was 

too early for them to be out,” 

said Captain Pearlie 

Hendricks. “That is when 

they started running.” 

The two ran, throwing 

stolen items as they went. 

One juvenile was captured, 

the other one is still at large. 

The 16-year old was charged 

with receiving stolen property. 

Brumfield said most of 

the burglarized cars were 

unlocked. 

“They were getting 

around on bikes,” Hendricks 

said. “They were going 

around and checking cars to 

see they were unlocked.” 

So far, police have recovered 

GPS devices, Ipods, cell 

phones, change and cash, 

portable DVD players, and 

canned soft drinks. 

“We have recovered two 

long guns and we can’t find 

the owners of them,” 

Brumfield said. “Either they 

don’t know they are missing 

continued from Page 1A 

or have not filed a report. 

One is a .280 caliber rifle.” 

“It is a good policy to lock 

your cars,” Brumfield said. 

“If you see anybody on bicycles 

out of the ordinary in 

your neighborhood, or anybody 

that is walking who is 

not ordinarily seen in your 

neighborhood call the 

police.” 

“We received a call early 

Friday night as an elderly 

lady said there were two 

black males in the same area 

the car was burglarized,” 

Hendrick said. 

Brumfield said they are 

looking for at least one more 

juvenile. 

“We think there are several 

others involved,” said 

Brumfield, several items 

have been reported stolen 

that have not been recovered. 

One is a handgun, which 

could lead to a dangerous situation, 

according to Hendrix. 

“Sometimes juveniles do 

not realize the consequences 

of their actions when they 

use a gun,” Hendrick said. 

“Instead of going to juvenile 

hall, they can be charged as 

an adult.” 

Anyone missing a bike? 

The Columbia Police Department has collected several 

bicycles, most found at an abandoned apartment 

building at 1201 Park Avenue. Bikes are normally 

stolen by young offenders, used to help commit a 

crime, then discarded. “No one has claimed them,” 

Brumfield said. “Burglary is one of the hardest cases 

to solve. A lot of people do not report stolen items 

because they think it is hopeless and the items will 

not be recovered.” Brumfield said when they find 

stolen or apparently stolen items, it is hard to make 

the connection to burglaries because the items have 

not been reported stolen. 

photo by Don Hill 

Water 

At the primary school, restroom 

use was restricted to 

the restrooms in the halls, 

which amounted to eight toilet 

facilities for over 500 

kindergarten through third 

grade students. 

“Principals made the decisions 

about bathroom use,” 

Fortenberry said. “At the primary 

school we knew we 

couldn’t allow the use of the 

facilities that are inside each 

classroom and the decision 

was made to limit their use to 

the separate hall restrooms.” 

Fortenberry said that after 

the students were dismissed 

at 11:45 a.m. the teachers 

were required to finish out 

the workday. “The teachers 

could leave and get some 

lunch and go to a restroom, 

then they had to come back 

for the rest of the day,” he 

said. 

Rusty Rutland, West 

Marion high school principal, 

said that the students 

worked within the confines 

of the day really well, considering 

the inconvenience. 

He said that he found out 

about the situation when he 

arrived at school about 6:15 

a.m., students were already 

in route and the water association 

workers did not have 

an assessment for when they 

would have things repaired 

at that time. 

“We couldn’t just send 

the students away once they 

were here. We had to notify 

parents and guardians and 

make contact so that families 


could make arrangements,” 

Rutland said. “We have an 

obligation for the students’ 

safety not to just send them 

home, away from campus 

without parental notification. 

This was especially true in 

the lower grades,” he said. 

Foxworth Water 

Association representatives 

said that they found out 

about the water main leak the 

evening before about 9:30. 

“We had to wait until the gas 

company could come mark 

their lines before we could 

really assess the situation,” 

she said. About 7:30 a.m. the 

gas company representative 

arrived and gave the water 

workers the information they 

needed. 

Rutland said once they 

found out from the water 

association that the repairs 

would probably take until at 

least lunchtime, they knew 

they would have to dismiss 

school early. 

Thursday morning the 

water was flowing again but 

the schools still had to supply 

bottled drinking water 

for the students because of 

the boil water notice. 

The water association will 

have to send two samples to 

be tested before they can lift 

the notice. Results from the 

tests should be available 

sometime Monday or 

Tuesday. 

EMAIL THE STAFF OF THE COLUMBIAN PROGRESS: 

Publisher: juliejohnson@columbianprogress.com 

News: news@columbianprogress.com 

Sports: sports@columbianprogress.com 

Advertising: kimgingell@columbianprogress.com 

Classifieds/Legals: legals@columbianprogress.com 

Society/Calendar: production@columbianprogress.com

12A 

DR. JACK SIDNEY WILKINSON 

Funeral services for Dr. Jack Sidney Wilkinson, 80, were 

held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, at the chapel of 

Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home. Reverend Benton Preston 

officiated at the services. Dr. Wilkinson died at the Lacombe 

Nursing Center in Lacombe, La. on Saturday, January 18. 

Dr. Wilkinson is survived by one son, Michael Wilkinson 

of Madisonville, Ala.; one daughter, Michele Wilkinson of 

Covington, La.; one sister-in-law, Peggy Wilkinson of 

Tylertown; and two grandchildren. 

Visitation was held on Sunday, January 25, at the funeral 

home, from 1 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. 

Hartman-Hughes Funeral Home was in charge of 

arrangements. 

IDA MAE ROWLEY COPELIN 

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 6, at 1 p.m. 

for Mrs. Ida Mae Rowley Copelin, 88, of Vicksburg, who 

died January 3, at Region Medical Center. Services were 

held at the Chapel of Colonial Funeral Home with interment 

in Darbun Cemetery. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 

p.m. 

Mrs. Copelin was preceded in death by her parents, John 

T. and Josephine F. Rowley; husband, Hollis Edwin Copelin; 

son, Clyde Leroy Copelin; sister, Oviezine Rowley Morgan; 

and two brothers, John Carroll Rowley and Hugh Rowley. 

She is survived by her sons, Larry Douglas Copelin and 

Timothy Roscoe Copelin; brothers, Carroll Rowley, Sedgie 

Rowley and Doyle Rowley; one great-great-grandchild and 

a number of nieces, nephews, friends and family. 

Colonial Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

ELLA WEE ALLEN 

Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 20, at 11 a.m. 

for Ella Wee Allen, 77, of Foxworth, who died Thursday, 

January 15, at Wesley Medical Center. Services were held at 

Christian Hill Baptist Church with interment at Pleasant 

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OBITUARIES 

Valley Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday, January 19, 

from noon to 7 p.m. and Tuesday, January 20, from 10 to 11 

a.m. 

Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

EMMA LOU MULLINS 

Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 21, at 2 

p.m., for Ms. Emma Lou Mullins, 74, of Kokomo, who 

died Monday, January 19, at Marion General Hospital. 

Services were held at Shiloh Baptist Church with 

interment in Shiloh Cemetery. Visitation was held 

Tuesday, January 20, at Shiloh Baptist Church. 

Hathorn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

SADEE JOEY GRACE HELTON 

Private graveside services were held Saturday, January 

17, at 4 p.m. for Sadee Joey Grace Helton, the infant 

daughter of Emilee Robyn Cooper Helton of Hattiesburg, 

who died Thursday, January 15, at Arkansas Children's 

Hospital in Little Rock, AR. 

Hulett-Winstead Funeral Home was in charge of 

arrangements. 

BERNARD “BUN” NYE 

Bernard “Bun” Nye, 94 of Alliance, Neb. died Tuesday, 

January 20, 2009 at his home. He was born July 17, 1914 

at Lakeside, Neb. to Harry and Lenna Bell (Hooper) Nye. 

On November 29, 1935 he was united in marriage to 

Mildred Garrett. 

He leaves a legacy of love to his many children, 

grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-greatgrandchildren 

and other family members. He is survived 

by his wife, Mildred Nye of Alliance, Neb.; daughters Pat 

Atkins of Aurora, Neb. and Bonnie Jean Langston of 

Columbia. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 25 

great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He 

was preceded in death by his children Laverne Bud, Betty 

Prelle, and Billie Dean Nye, his grandchildren Vicki 

Atkins and Connie Langston, 4 brothers and 1 sister. 

The family is hosting a luncheon Saturday, January 24, 

at 12:00 noon, at the First Christian Church followed by a 

graveside service at the Alliance Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. 

The Reverend Walter Cline and Marvin Bauer will 

officiate. 

The family prefers memorials be given to the Nebraska 

Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 639, Alliance, NE 69301. Online 

condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com with 

Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. 

ELAINE SCARBOROUGH SMITH 

Beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother 

has returned home to her Father in heaven and to our Lord 

Jesus Christ. Elaine Scarborough Smith, 87, passed away 

quietly Thursday, January 22, in the company of her only 

child, Robert and his wife Pamela at the St. Joseph Village 

in Manhattan, Kan. 

Mrs. Smith, the only daughter of Daniel Winston and 

Ophelia (Terry) Scarborough, was born February 14, 1921 

in Foxworth. Mrs. Smith lived with her parents and her 

brother, Felder Leroy (Bill) Scarborough at the family 

home. She graduated from Columbia High School, 

Columbia. She later married Robert Lamar Smith in 

October of 1938. 

Mrs. Smith was employed during World War Two as a 

seamstress for Reliance Manufacturing Company (later 

known as Pioneer Aerospace) sewing parachutes for 

soldiers, pilots and later for astronauts. She was a proud 

member of The Amalgamated Cotton Garment Workers 

Union. She worked there for the rest of her life, retiring in 

1986. 

Elaine was a true and loving disciple of Christ, and a 

lifelong member of Terry's Chapel Congregational 

Methodist Church, of Foxworth. She and her husband 

moved to Kansas to be nearer to family in 1987, first 

moving to Buhler, Kan. Her husband, Lamar, passed away 

in November 1993, after more than 50 years of marriage. 

Mrs. Smith then followed her son, moving to Manhattan in 

1998 upon his retirement. She enjoyed bible study, 

gardening, traveling and visiting with family and friends. 

Most essential to her life was her faith in God. She lived 

her life in such a way as to make her Lord proud, serving 

Him first in all things and passing her deep and abiding 

faith to her child, 

grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. 

Mrs. Smith was preceded 

in death by her parents, her 

THURSDAY 


brother and her husband. 

Survivors include her son Robert Winston Smith and his 

wife Pamela; four grandchildren, Anne Elizabeth Smith, 

Catherine Elaine Smith Childs, Stephanie Marie Stein and 

Chadwick John Stein. Also surviving are eight greatgrandchildren, 

Daniel, Katie, Matthew, Tabitha, Kylie, 

Brandon, Kerry and Stacy. 

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 

7:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday evening at the Yorgensen- 

Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home. 

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, 

January 27, 2009, at the Yorgensen-Meloan-Londeen 

Funeral Chapel with The Reverend Thomas D. Miles 

officiating. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. 

Tuesday at the Buhler Municipal Cemetery in Buhler, 

Kan. 

On-line condolences may be left at 

www.ymlfuneralhome.com. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be 

made to the St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Manhattan. 

Contributions may be left in care of the Yorgensen- 

Meloan-Londeen Funeral Home, 1616 Poyntz Avenue, 

Manhattan, Kansas 66502. 

BRO. LEE HENRY SMITH 

Funeral services were held Saturday, January 17, at 1 

p.m. for Bro. Lee Henry Smith, 81, of Columbia, who 

passed away Friday, January 9, at Forrest General 

Hospital. Visitation was on Friday, January 16, from 4 to 6 

p.m. at Smith Funeral Home and on Saturday, January 17, 

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Mark Church. The funeral 

was held at Saint Mark M.B. Church with interment in 

Foxworth Cemetery. 

Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

KATHLEEN "KAY" HISCOCK 

RANDALL 

Services were held at 11 a.m., January 20, at Hathorn 

Funeral Home in Columbia for Kathleen Randall, 84, of 

Columbia, who died January 18 at Forrest General 

Hospital. Burial was in the Randall Cemetery in Marion 

County. Eld. Trent Tolar and Eld. Douglas Barber 

officiated at the service. 

Mrs. Randall was a member of Church of England. She 

was born in the village of 

Oare, Wiltshire, England. 

She was preceded in death 

by her husband, John Jesse 

Randall and an infant 

daughter, of Columbia; her 

parents, Joseph and Lilian 

Coleman Hiscock of Oare, 

Wiltshire, England; a 

brother, Jeffrey Hiscock of 

Salisbury, Wiltshire, 

England; and a sister, Masie 

Brinkworth of Swindon, 

Wiltshire, England. 

Survivors include two sons, Ronald Randall and wife 

Helen and Joe Randall, both of Columbia; three daughters, 

Marilyn Barber and husband Douglas and Maureen 

Breakfield and husband Kenneth, both of Columbia and 

Pauline Knight and husband Dale, of Seminary; 13 

grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and numerous 

nieces and nephews. 

Pallbearers were her grandsons, Brent Randall, Michael 

Randall, Raymond Barber, and Jonathan Barber, all of 

Columbia, Jeffrey Barber of Poplarville and grandson-inlaw 

Nathan Simmons, of Columbia. 

RAY MORGAN 

Funeral services were held Thursday, January 22, at 12 

noon, for Mr. Ray Morgan, 74, of Columbia, who died 

Tuesday, January 20, in Jackson. Services were held at 

Morgantown Church of God with interment in Woodlawn 

Cemetery. Rev. Cory Odom officiated at the service 

assisted by Rec. Lamar Davis. Visitation was held 

Thursday, January 22, from 9 a.m. until service time. 

Mr. Morgan was preceded in death by his parents, Fate 

and Lena Carney Morgan; wife, Betty Morgan; and three 

brothers, Roy, Hezzie and Sid Morgan. He is survived by 

his sons, Bryan Morgan of Columbia, Rusty Morgan, of 

Franklinton, La. and Jay Morgan, of Madison; sisters, 

Helen Butler, Bea Lowe and Emmie Beal, all of Columbia 

and Lexie Smith, of Madison; and a number of nieces, 

nephews, family and friends. 

Smith receives birthday surprise 

Dorris L. Smith, mother 

and house-mate of Kathy 

Stauffer Vines and 

Elizabeth Vines, was 

absolutely stunned when 

Moree's Florist delivered 

this giant Poinsettia plant 

just two days prior to her 

81st birthday. Sending 

the surprise plant was 

her two daughters and 

sons-in-law who live in 

Richland and Grenada. 

The following day, she 

received eighteen 

beautiful roses from her 

grandchildren living in 

Oxford and in Tupelo.

THURSDAY 


Brassealle signs book at Marion County Library 

Connie Holman gets the 

last copy of “Ten Pots,” by 

local food columnist Rhonda 

Brassealle at her book-signing 

Thursday at the Marion 

County Library. 

Brassealle said the turnout 

was very good. “I sold all the 

books I had on hand and 

signed a few that had been 

purchased at Main Street 

Frames & Gifts,” she said. 

This is Brassealle's third 

book-signing in Columbia 

since the release of the book 

in May 2008. “Ten Pots” is 

available at Main Street 

Frames & Gifts and at 

Dutherene’s Frame Shop. 

East Marion Primary School elects Student Council Members 

Members of the East Marion 

Elementary student council 

are Representatives: 4th 

Grade-Ashley Breshears, 

Joleeza Pope, Triston 

Hutton, Hayleigh Bates, 

Lorenzo Armstrong; 5th 

Grade-Taylor Tolar, Ditayshia 

Lee, Kaitlin Patton, Emily 

Bouchon, Brian Broom, 

Hailey Holland, Jessica 

Graveline, Shonta Alford; 

6th Grade-Talaijha Haynes, 

Destiny Hathorn, Morgan 

Maxwell, Adriana Rodriguez 

and Brantley Beach. 

Sponsors- (not pictured) 

Monica Alexander, Bridgette 

Cox, and Kecia Porter 

East Marion Student Council 

officers are Sergeant at 

Arms- fourth grader Quincy 

Quinn, Parliamentarianfourth 

grader Charayana 

Johnson, Vice-presidentsixth 

grader Makayla 

Sistrunk, Secretary 

Treasurer-sixth grader 

Deionshai Stepney, 

Reporter-fourth grader 

Kenneigha Barnes and 

President-sixth grader 

Gencharla Echols. These 

students had to make a 

speech before the entire EM 

Elem. Student body during 

their run for office. 

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14A 

RHONDA BRASSEAL 

Venison Chili 

On a recent snow-skiing trip 

to Colorado, my group was 

seated on a shuttle bus going 

from our condo to a restaurant 

one evening. Other people 

from other states and climes 

sat with us there. No one was 

saying anything. Someone in 

my group spoke to someone 

else in the polite quiet voice 

you use when you're in close 

quarters with strangers. 

"What's the score now?" 

"Don't know. It was 3 to 10 

when we left the room." 

A stranger directly shot a 

more audible comment across 

the bus, "No. The Steelers 

scored a touch-down just as 

we were leaving. Its 10-10 

now." 

"Yea, but they ruled that one 

out," said our group. 

Another stranger, just 

entering the bus, "They did. I 

saw it to. It's still 3-10. 

A shuffle and ruffling waved 

throughout the bus - low 

whispers turned into louder 

voices, cries of anguish over 

the Superbowl contenders' 

performance that night. 

Before we left the bus, 

everyone knew were from 

Mississippi and that they were 

from Chicago, Wisconsin, and 

Denver. The discussion had 

even switched to college 

football and who went for 

whom. 

"Those Mississippi State 

fans," said a lady from 

Wisconsin who had attended a 

game in our state, "those have 

got to be the nicest, most 

polite fans we've ever been 

around." 

Just as football is a 

universal language, so is a 

good, warm bowl of chili - 

whether you've been hitting 

the slopes all day or are just 

curling up by the fire in South 

Mississippi. This recipe 

recently took rave reviews at a 

church social I attended. 

Venison and Beef Chili 

1 cup dry black beans 

1 cup dry red kidney beans 

1 cup water 

3 cans beef consommé 

1 lb. venison back strap, 

tenderized and thinly sliced 

1 lb. venison sausage, 

processed in a food 

processor 

1 lb. lean ground beef 

1 medium white onion, 

finely chopped 

1 medium green bell 

pepper, finely chopped 

1 tablespoon minced garlic 

2 tablespoons chili powder 

3 tablespoons ground 

cumin 

1 teaspoon dry mustard 

½ teaspoon black pepper 

1 tablespoon salt 

1 tablespoon Creole 

seasoning 

3 tablespoons 

Worcestershire sauce 

1 29-oz can crushed 

tomatoes 

Pour into a large Dutch 

oven, the beans, water, and 

consommé. Bring to a rapid 

boil. Stir and reduce to a low 

boil. Cook for 2 hours, 

replacing water several cups at 

a time, as needed. 

In the meantime, place back 

strap in the bottom of a large 

cast-iron skillet. Cover with 

sausage. Crumble ground beef 

over that. Layer chopped 

vegetables and garlic on top. 

Mix dry seasonings together in 

a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly 

over vegetables. Pour 

Worcestershire sauce over 

that. Cook on medium-low 

heat, stirring occasionally, until 

vegetables are soft. Cover and 

let sit until beans are done. 

When beans are soft, add 

meat mixture and crushed 

tomatoes to pot. Stir and 

simmer until warmed through. 

If you like thicker chili, simmer 

until the right amount of water 

has evaporated. For thinner 

chili, add more water. 

For spicier chili, add 2 

tablespoons jalapeno peppers 

or pepper juice. If you are 

crazy about beans, you can up 

Now available at 

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By Jeff Houck 

MEDIA GENERAL NEWS SERVICE 

When Thomas Keller was first learning to cook as a 

teenager in the early 1970s at the Palm Beach Yacht 

Club, the United States was in a sort of culinary Dark 

Ages. 

There were no established culinary schools, as there 

are today. The restaurant industry mimicked classic 

continental cooking performed in the handful of great 

French and Italian restaurants across the country. The 

ingredients were poor compared with European 

equivalents. Customers had limited expectations for 

what would appear on their plates. Celebrity chefs were 

nonexistent. 

To Keller’s great benefit, legendary French-born chef 

Roland Henin took him under his wing and helped mold 

his view of cooking and what it means to be a chef. 

The breakthrough for Keller came in 1977, when 

Henin taught him that nurturing customers and giving 

them pleasure through their food elevates the act of 

cooking itself. 

“It wasn’t only about cooking for the guests and 

making them happy,” he says. “It’s also about us 

cooking and working together as chefs and finding 

great satisfaction in the process of cooking. The quality 

of the restaurant manifests itself in the experience that 

the staff has, both in the kitchen and in the dining 

room.” 

Three decades later, Keller commands one of the 

most well-respected and honored restaurants in the 

United States, The French Laundry in Yountville, Calif., 

as well as Per Se in New York City. He now is 


For those with a taste for life and leisure 

Photo by David Roark 

World-renowned chefs Daniel Boulud, left, and Paul Bocuse, right, met recently with country-rat-turned-chef-extraordinaire Remy of 

the Disney Pixar hit film Ratatouille at the France pavilion in Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. The chefs are prepared to toss 

exciting new ingredients into the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opening weekend, the Sept. 26-27 Bocuse d’Or USA 

semifinal cooking competition. 

attempting to pass along the legacy of what he earned 

and learned by preparing a new generation of chefs to 

compete in what amounts to the world’s culinary 

Olympics, the Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine Contest. 

Keller and chef Daniel Boulud championed the effort 

to find the country’s best young chefs to represent the 

United States against international teams in Lyon, 

France. The contest’s namesake, chef Paul Bocuse, 

recruited Keller and Boulud to create a formal program 

to select the team and train the members before the 

contest. 

Keller is building a lab next to The French Laundry 

for that purpose. 

This year’s competition to determine the final U.S. 

team took place Sept. 26–27 at the Epcot Food & Wine 

Festival in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. 

Keller spoke recently from Yountville about the 

contest and the goals of the program. 

Q: For those who are unfamiliar with Bocuse 

d’Or, can you explain a little about why the 

competition is so prestigious? 

A: Paul Bocuse is certainly an icon in the culinary 

world. He has a three-star Michelin restaurant right 

outside of Lyon, which is the capital of French 

gastronomy. He’s someone who worked with a mentor 

of mine, Ferdinand Pointe, who is an icon himself in the 

last generation of great chefs. 

Chef Bocuse began Bocuse d’Or over 20 years ago 

as a result of the need to continue to further the 

progress of cuisine by holding something like a culinary 

Olympics. Every two years, he holds an international 

THURSDAY 


Going for the Gusto: Americans get in on the competition 

competition. Every country is invited to field a team and 

then present two dishes to a group of international 

judges in Lyon. 

Q: American teams have never placed higher 

than sixth in Bocuse. Was there anything in looking 

back that was a reason for our lack of success? 

A: There never was really a collective effort to give a 

team the support and training that they needed to 

succeed. This is the first time we’ve raised enough 

funds to support the team through the training process. 

We’re actually developing a training center for the team 

here in Northern California, in Yountville, for the finalists 

to come train for the three months prior to the 

competition in Lyon. 

Q. You mentioned that you’re building a training 

lab next to the facility. Is the lab similar to what 

other teams in other countries do? 

A: I think we’re reaching to what other teams are doing. 

I think the Norwegian team is up to a sponsorship of about 

$1 million a year to work with to prepare for the 

competition. We certainly haven’t reached that level yet, 

but we have reached the level of resources that we’re able 

to build this test kitchen. It’s actually a house where the 

team can live and practice there. It will give them the 

support of a coach, Roland Henin, who was my mentor at 

a very young age and who has served as a coach in 

previous years. 

Jeff Houck is a staff writer for The Tampa Tribune in 

Florida. 

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THURSDAY 


The story of Professor P.S. Bowles 

From the Museum: From the Museum: Professor P. S. Bowles: Remembering an African-American educational pioneer 

By Chris Watts 

Marion County Museum 

and Archives 

In 1830, the Presbyterian 

Church established Oakland 

College in Claiborne County, 

Mississippi and in the next 

year the very first degree was 

conferred from a Mississippi 

institution. When the Civil 

War erupted thirty-one years 

later, the college closed its 

doors as the majority of those 

enrolled left to take up arms 

in defense of the Southern 

Confederacy. When the war 

ended, the school did not 

reopen. In 1871, the vacant 

Oakland College property 

was sold to the state of 

Mississippi and renamed 

Alcorn Agricultural and 

Mechanical College, in 

honor of then Governor 

James L. Alcorn. 

Nearby, the enigmatic 

"Ruins of Windsor" supplied 

the iron staircase and 

balustrade that are now in the 

chapel at Alcorn. The famous 

ruins were featured in 1957's 

"Raintree Country," starring 

Liz Taylor and the more 

recent "Ghosts of 

Mississippi" starring Alec 

Baldwin and Whoopi 

Goldberg. 

By 1974, Alcorn A&M had 

been renamed Alcorn State 

University. Some of the 

notable alumni include 

Medgar Evers, who 

graduated in 1952. 

Acclaimed author Alex 

Haley spent time at Alcorn 

and went on to pen "Roots" 

and "The Autobiography of 

Malcolm X." In 1989, 

President George Bush spoke 

in the commencement 

exercises. 

Hiram Rhodes Revels 

(1822 - 1901), an ordained 

African Methodist Episcopal 

minister, was elected 

alderman in Natchez in 1868 

and represented Adams 

County in the state senate in 

1869. He was the first 

African-American to serve in 

the U.S. Senate, and also the 

first African-American to 

serve in the U. S. Congress, 

representing Mississippi 

from 1870 - 1871. As of 

Students 

activities and impressive 

demonstrations to bring 

Newton's Laws of Motion to 

life for the students. 

Another station reinforced 

the concepts learned about 

the laws of motion through 

experimentation with rocket 

launches. Clay Dyess and 

Lee Mock were the 

facilitators of this station. 

The rocket launches were 

built by Tom Griffith and the 

Walkers of Partnership for 

Learning .com. 

Scotty Arinder of Pearl 

River Valley Electric used a 

power line demonstration to 

teach the students about 

electrical safety. He led the 

students in their own 

exploration of series circuits 

as the students made their 

own circuits from batteries, 

wires and a flashlight bulb to 

produce light. 

At a fourth station, Tom 

Griffith exhibited an 

authentic windmill blade and 

inverter box for the students 

to observe. After learning 

about the renewable energy 

FROM THE MUSEUM 

Chris Watts 

today, Revels is one of only 

six African-Americans to 

have served in the U. S. 

Senate. In 1870, Hiram 

Revels delivered "one of the 

most impressive and 

eloquent prayers that had 

ever been delivered in the 

[Mississippi] Senate 

Chamber." He was 

appointed to be the first 

president of Alcorn 1871. 

Professor P.S. Bowles 

(1869-1966) was born in 

Claiborne County and raised 

just upriver in Warren 

County. As a student, he 

graduated from Alcorn in 

1895, remarking that most 

people did not graduate early 

from college at that time. In 

1898, he found himself 

teaching school in 

Monticello, when he was 

contacted by Marion County 

in the interests of building 

the first African-American 

high school in the county. 

Marion County 

Superintendent Dr. R. T. Burt 

contacted Professor Bowles 

to consult him as to whether 

he would consider coming to 

Marion County and help get 

the school off the ground. In 

time, he accepted the 

proposition and began work 

while the school building 

was still under construction. 

The school was located 

"seven miles south of 

Columbia on the old river 

road, about two miles below 

Little River." 

After serving in Marion 

County for a few years, 

Professor Bowles was 

eventually succeeded by G. 

W. Spiers. Bowles then spent 

available by wind, and how 

electricity can be generated, 

the students made their own 

model windmills, used a box 

fan to simulate wind, hooked 

them to a volt meter and 

recorded their success 

generating electricity. 

At a station about energy 

from motors, Carl Martin 

spoke to the students about 

how motors work. The 

students then built a simple 

motor and watched it run. 

The energy of the body 

was the subject of the station 

led by Becky Clarke, school 

nurse. Clark taught the 

students about calories and 

how to read a nutritional 

label. 

Students also took a short 

field trip on a school bus to 

three important locations in 

Columbia. The City of 

Columbia gave the students a 

tour of the Recycling Center 

located on Old Foxworth 

Road. They visited the water 

treatment center and the 

landfill. 

Finally, students 

one year at Biloxi and 

returned to Alcorn A&M, 

this time as a staff member. 

At the time, Alcorn was one 

of the few African- 

American colleges in the 

south. 

In 1945, Professor P.S. 

Bowles retired as president 

of Alcorn, after teaching in 

the college for forty years. 

In 1928, "Bowles Hall" was 

completed on the Alcorn 

campus. He and his wife 

Agatha retired to Marion 

County and decided to make 

it their permanent home 

after the six years they had 

spent here previously. 

In 1955, a reporter from 

the Columbian Progress 

interviewed Professor 

Bowles. Then eighty-six 

years old, he remarked; "If 

doctors lived off what they 

make from me they'd have to 

find some other means of 

making a living," and "I'm 

86 on September 29, within 

14 years of 100 and I plan to 

make a definite effort to live 

to that age." Professor 

Bowles remarked that his 

Christian faith was the secret 

to his longevity, as he 

remembered joining the 

Baptist Church at age 

seventeen and endeavored to 

live a Christian life from 

then on. He and his wife, 

Agatha, lived on the old 

Lampton Road, and were 

active in the Lampton 

Methodist Church. 

By the early 1960s the 

winds of social change began 

to blow. Professor Bowles, 

true to his Christian character 

and pragmatic way of 

thinking, wrote: "All of this 

simply adds up to the one 

inevitable conclusion: 

namely, that there is but one 

right way out of this much 

involved tangle; and that is 

for these two race groups 

who understand each other 

better than any one outside 

can explain either to the 

other, to meet together, and 

each prayerfully consider 

what is right for the other to 

have; and for the leaders of 

each group to graciously 

commit their respective 

groups to granting of these 

right things to the other; to 

the end that there shall, ere 

long, be written a new 


participated in an internet 

scavenger hunt about energy 

and toured the science fair. 

Almost every sixth grade 

student had an entry in the 

science fair. First, second 

and third place winners will 

attend the Regional Science 

Fair on Mar. 12 at Southern 

Miss. 

Shelley Putnam, sixth 

grade science teacher 

organizes the Science Days 

as a way to celebrate the 

passing of a unit of study and 

to prepare for the next 

subject. She began the 

practice last year with four 

such days. They are 

becoming an anticipated 

event at JMS and Putnam 

hopes they will become a 

tradition of the school. She 

has one more Science Day 

planned for this year. 

Putnam said, "It is my 

hope that our Science Days 

will inspire our students to 

seek professions in the field 

of science, as well as, spark 

their imagination and spirit 

of wonder." 

chapter in the book of race 

relations in South 

Mississippi." 

Today, Alcorn State 

University boasts of being 

"one of the leading black 

universities in the nation." It 

is fully accredited with seven 

schools and degree 

programs. The campus is 

now made up of eighty 

modern buildings with an 

estimated worth of $71 

million. This could not have 

been accomplished without 

the efforts of such men as 

Professor P.S. Bowles. Today 

he rests in John J. Jefferson 

Cemetery near the Lampton 

Community, having lived to 

be ninety-seven years old. 

The Marion County 

Historical Society Museum 

and Archives is located on 

the West end of 2nd Street, 

across from city hall in the 

old Gulf and Ship Island 

depot. We are open to the 

public daily and interested in 

collecting family histories, 

documents, photos, archival 

papers and historical 

artifacts from the region. 

School groups are always 

welcome; we ask they simply 

call ahead of time. We 

appreciate your feedback! 

Phone# 601-731-3999. 

Email address: 

Marioncountyhist@bellsouth 

.net. Please support your 

local history! 

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April Creel of Foxworth, right, received the Hollie N. 

and William M. Davis Jr. Scholarship at Pearl River 

Community College. She is shown with donor William 

M. Davis Jr. at the annual PRCC Development 

Foundation Scholarship Dinner. 

Cynthia Moses of Columbia, left, and Mark Fails of 

Bassfield, right, received the Hugh and Juanita White 

Scholarship at Pearl River Community College. They 

are shown with the Whites at the annual PRCC 

Development Foundation Scholarship Dinner. 

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Kimberly Pittman of Foxworth, center, received the 

Cary and Ann Williams Scholarship at Pearl River 

Community College. She is shown with donors Cary 

and Ann Williams at the annual PRCC Development 


Savannah Moree of Columbia received the Judge 

Vernon Broome Memorial Scholarship at Pearl River 

Community College. 

THURSDAY 


Several local students are awarded PRCC scholarships 

JANUARY 

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Sat. January 31 st 

9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

Prize Give-a-ways throughout the day. 

Refreshments will be served. 

Town Square 

Flea Market 

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Hwy 13S & Hwy 98 

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Jonathan Nolan, left, and Steven Bracey, both of 

Columbia, received the Jacobs FOSC Group Career 

and Technical Scholarship at Pearl River Community 

College. 

James Fortenberry, left, and Ben Selman, both of 

Columbia, received the Marion County Retired 

Teachers Scholarship at Pearl River Community 

College. 

Kenneth Stringer of Sandy Hook received the Marion- 

Jefferson Davis County Alumni Scholarship at Pearl 

River Community College. He is shown with donor 

representative Maude Parish at the annual PRCC 

Development Foundation Scholarship Dinner. Not 

pictured is scholarship recipient Caitlin Herring of 

Foxworth. 

Adam Ward of Foxworth received the Columbia Lions 

Club Scholarship at Pearl River Community College. 

He is shown with donor representative Mack Davis at 

the annual PRCC Development Foundation 

Scholarship Dinner. 

Kathryn Hasselvander of Columbia, left, received the 

Van and Mary Lowry Scholarship at Pearl River 

Community College and Kristen Barber of Sandy 

Hook, second from right, received the Lucy 

Robertson Memorial Scholarship. They are shown 

with donors Mary and Van Lowry at the annual PRCC 

Development Foundation Scholarship Dinner. 

Brittni Prine of Columbia, second from left, received 

the Garland Parish Memorial Scholarship at Pearl 

River Community College. She is shown with donors 

William Parish and Maude Parish and her grandson, 

Adam Albritton, at the annual PRCC Development 


Cadie Clark of Carson, right, received the LaRue and 

Mary Jean Saulters Scholarship at Pearl River 

Community College. She is shown with Mary Jean 

Saulters at the annual PRCC Development 


Damie Robbins of Columbia receives the Hestian 

Society Scholarship at Pearl River Community 

College.

THURSDAY 

January 29, 2009 www.columbianprogress.com 17A

18A 


THURSDAY 

January 29, 2009

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