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Parade

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F URRIEST

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4 • APRIL 2026

FROM OUR

CONSULTING

EDITOR

As spring settles into Starkville, there’s a renewed sense of energy in the air—

longer days, blooming landscapes, and a perfect excuse to get outside and

connect with our community.

In this April issue of Hometown Starkville Magazine, we’re thrilled

to celebrate something close to many of our hearts: our beloved

pets. This special pet issue highlights the many ways animals enrich

our lives and the people who dedicate themselves to their care.

You’ll meet some of Starkville’s compassionate veterinarians who

work tirelessly to keep our furry family members healthy and thriving.

We also shine a light on incredible volunteer organizations that go

above and beyond—rescuing animals, finding them loving homes,

and even transporting them to new communities where they have a

better chance at adoption.

Of course, April also brings one of Starkville’s most anticipated

and unique events: the Starkville Derby, happening April 25th. Set in

the historic Cotton District, the Derby is a celebration of creativity,

community spirit, and a little friendly canine competition. In this

issue, we explore the rich history of the Cotton District and how it

has become such an iconic backdrop for this cherished tradition.

Whether you’re a pet lover, a Derby enthusiast, or simply someone

who appreciates the charm of Starkville, we hope this issue inspires

you to celebrate what makes this town so special.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Tahya Dobbs

HOMETOWN STAFF

CFO

Kevin Dobbs

CONSULTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Kirby

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Amy Forsyth

IN THIS ISSUE

Reader Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The Way We Were . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Hometown Family . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Pet Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

The Fast & The Furriest . . . . . . . . . 28

For The Love of Pets . . . . . . . . . . 34

The Older Brother . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Mamas, Messes & Miracles . . . . . . 48

A Vision That Changed Starkville . . . 54

A Community of Compassion . . . . . . 60

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Barbie Bassett

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE

Christy Maulding

ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT

Susan Wolgamott

ADVERTISING

& CONTENT

Amanda Livingston

...see you around town.

LAYOUT DESIGN

Daniel Thomas

3dt

STAFF WRITER/

PHOTOGRAPHER

Karley Woods

STAFF

ASSISTANT

Debby Francis

MARKETING

MANAGER

Emma Allen

www.facebook.com/hometownstarkvillemagazine. For subscription information visit www.htmags.com or contact us at info@HTMags.com / 601.706.4059 / 200 Felicity Street / Brandon, MS 39042

All rights reserved. No portion of Hometown Starkville may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The management of Hometown Starkville is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors.

Hometown Starkville maintains the unrestricted right to edit or refuse all submitted material. All advertisements are subject to approval by the publisher. The production of Hometown Starkville is funded by advertising.

Hometown STARKVILLE • 5

6 • APRIL 2026


READER

SPOTLIGHT

Santee

EZELL

Why did you decide to make Starkville

your home, and what do you love about

living here?

I’m originally from Calhoun City. Starkville

has been my home away from home for

almost 15 years. What started as a stop on my

public health career quickly became a place of

belonging. I love the small-town feel, paired

with the big-hearted energy people show by

showing up for one another here. Starkville

has a way of rooting for you and growing

with you.

Tell us about your occupation.

What first sparked your passion for

community and civic involvement?

I’m a public health practitioner, and there’s

no typical day. Some of my past and current

work includes program evaluation, building

partnerships, public speaking, peer education,

philanthropy, project management, and

strategic planning. While I was focused on

my dream job, I am now more focused on

dream partnerships and programs that will

uplift our community. One of my dream

projects is an actual Youth Development

Center that would accommodate over 300

children for after-school and summer

programming. I love working with youth

and community-based organizations that

support youth.

My passion was sparked early. I was involved

with Mississippi HOBY, the Northeast MS

Youth Foundation, student government, and

more, getting involved in my community at a

young age. That spirit of service stayed with

me as I went to college, where I was involved

in student government, IDEAL Women, the

African-American Student Association, Alpha

Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, Eta Sigma

Gamma Honor Society, and served as an

Eagle Ambassador. Since then, my involvement

has continued locally, statewide, and

nationally. As I pursue my PhD, I hope to

contribute to the social sciences with a focus

on youth development.

What advice would you give someone

who wants to start serving but doesn’t

know where to begin?

Start where your heart already is, and pay

attention to the spaces you already occupy.

Think about your neighborhood, workplace,

school, or faith community, and ask how you

can make them better than you found them.

Service doesn’t always start with a title or an

organization; it starts with showing up, listening,

and consistently contributing. Small acts,

done with care and purpose, have a way of

creating lasting change. Remember, you don’t

have to do everything; just do something

consistently.

What’s your favorite hobby, weekend

activity, or place to spend time in and

around Starkville?

There’s something special about cheering

from the stands, giving back alongside

neighbors, brunching with friends, visiting

the Farmer’s Market, and then pressing pause

to rest and recharge together.

8 • APRIL 2026

You’re involved in several organizations.

What draws you to the causes you

support?

I’m drawn to causes that center people, honor

lived experience, and create real pathways for

growth. I care deeply about work that

supports youth and families, strengthens

communities, and helps systems become

more humane and accessible. If an organization

is committed to service, integrity, and

leaving people better than it found them,

that’s where I feel called to show up.

Hometown Starkville is all about

celebrating local life — what do you think

makes our community unique or special?

Starkville has a rare blend of heart, history,

and hope. It’s a college town, yes, but it’s also a

community where relationships matter, ideas

are nurtured, and people are willing to invest

in each other.

What’s a fun fact about you that might

surprise people?

Some of my favorite childhood memories

are watching my dad train horses, and if life

ever allowed it, I’d happily choose a stable

over a desk.

What are three things on your bucket list?

I am now working on completing my 40

Things Before 40 list. Take an annual

mission trip. Visit all seven continents and

all 50 states.

Where are your three favorite places to

eat in Starkville?

Arepa’s Coffee & Bar, Little Dooey’s and

Bulldog Burger.

Who is someone you admire and why?

This question is hard because I have been

influenced by so many who have poured into

me, mentored, and advised me. They taught

me the value of hard work, humility, and

leaving every space better than I found it.

To name a few: my mom, Anita Ezell; my

school teacher, Mrs. Ada Armstrong; and

my mentor, Dr. Shawnte Elbert.

Give us one encouraging quote:

“There are two ways of spreading light: to

be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

- Edith Wharton.


Barbara & Eddie Coats

Christy Maulding

Some love stories begin with a spark. Others begin quietly, long before

either person realizes what is unfolding. For Barbara and Eddie, the first

chapter started in a school band room. Barbara remembers first noticing

Eddie when she was in sixth-grade band at what is now the Greensboro

Center. Eddie was a seventh-grade trumpet player, memorable mostly

because a friend of hers had a crush on him.

“We never spoke until two years later when we were in junior high band

together and shared a study hall,” Barbara said. “He loved picking on my

friends but was always nicer to me. There was still no spark, though.”

The moment that truly stands out came during the first away football

game of Barbara’s sophomore year of high school. Band students were

boarding the bus and choosing seats when Eddie, then a confident

eleventh grader, made a declaration.

“He turned to me and said, ‘Runnels! You’re sitting with me!’”

Barbara recalled with a laugh. Runnels was her maiden name. “That was

September 5, 1980. I was 15, and he was 16.”

Eddie remembers their beginning a little differently. “I have little to no

recollection of our first encounter,” he admitted. “We met in junior high

and maintained a friendship, then a relationship, through high school.”

Like many young couples, they did not have a perfectly straight path.

During the first year or two of college, the two took what Eddie jokingly

calls a “sabbatical” from one another. Eventually, though, their paths led

back together, and they married on May 25, 1985.

The early years of their marriage came quickly and intensely. Within

weeks of their wedding, they discovered they were expecting their first

child. “Seven weeks into marriage, we found out we were four weeks

pregnant,” Barbara said. “That was not what we had planned.” At the

time, Barbara was finishing her sophomore year at Mississippi State

University while working part-time, and Eddie was working full-time.

Soon after, he added paramedic school to his schedule, commuting

several nights a week to Tuscaloosa. Money was tight, schedules were

hectic, and life moved fast. But when their first son, Preston, arrived—

a ten-pound baby who immediately stole their hearts—everything

changed. “Man… did we fall in love with that baby,” Barbara said.

Life continued at that same whirlwind pace. Less than two years later,

their second son, Jason, was on the way just as Barbara was graduating

from MSU. Around that time, Eddie accepted a paramedic position in

Baton Rouge, and the young family moved away from Starkville.

That season proved to be one of the most challenging chapters of their

marriage. Jason was born with serious health complications and spent

much of the first two months of his life in the hospital. Five hours from

home, the young couple faced an overwhelming situation: a hospitalized

newborn who could not be left alone and a 20-month-old toddler who

could not be at the hospital.

10 • APRIL 2026

“If your partner

isn’t your best friend

and confidant, you’re

missing a big part

of marriage.”

Barbara still remembers the generosity of family during that difficult

time. Her sisters loaded up their own children and spent the Christmas

holiday in Baton Rouge, caring for Preston so she could stay at the

hospital with Jason. “That’s the kind of family we come from and the

kind we aspire to be,” she said. Less than two years later, the family

moved again when Eddie accepted a position in the Jackson area.

Eventually, the pull of home brought them back to Starkville so Eddie

could pursue his nursing degree at Mississippi University for Women,

and the couple could raise their children near family. Their third son,

Kenny, arrived six years after the first two.

“It felt like starting over,” Eddie said. “But our family at five really began

to thrive.” Still, like many long marriages, theirs faced seasons of struggle.

After more than two decades together, Barbara and Eddie divorced and

spent five years apart. During that time, both say they grew individually

and gained perspective about what truly mattered. Eventually, they

began seeing each other again, especially as their children began building

families of their own. The arrival of their first grandchild helped them

see their story with new clarity. “We knew we had made a mistake,”

Eddie said. The two remarried on March 16, 2019.

Today, nearly four decades after their first wedding—and seven years

into their second marriage—the foundation of their relationship is

rooted in laughter, gratitude, and family.

Barbara works as a financial advisor for Modern Woodmen of

America, while Eddie serves as a certified flight-registered nurse on a

medical helicopter. Barbara shares that the reality of his job brings its

own perspective. “I literally start each morning thanking God for the

hardworking, smart, funny man that I love,” Barbara said. “If he’s at work

when I wake up, my first motion is to pick up my phone and check his

location to see that he’s safe.” Eddie, for his part, says there is one small

gesture that still makes him smile. “She’ll text a kissing emoji out of the

blue,” he said. “It lets me know she’s thinking about me.”

Together they have raised three sons and now delight in their growing

group of grandchildren. Watching Eddie with those grandchildren is

one of Barbara’s favorite sights. “I fall in love with him again every single

time,” she said. “He’s putty in their hands.” When asked what advice

they would give young couples today, their answers reflect the wisdom

of years lived fully. Barbara encourages patience and preparation. “Don’t

rush into it,” she said. “And be financially sound before you commit to a

lifetime.” Eddie puts it simply. “Marriage is a partnership,” he said.

“There’s give and take. If your partner isn’t your best friend and

confidant, you’re missing a big part of marriage.”

Their story—like many real love stories—did not follow a perfect

line. It bent, paused, and found its way back again.But in the end,

Barbara and Eddie discovered what time sometimes teaches best: they

were far better together than apart.


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14 • APRIL 2026

The McLemores

Tell us about your family.

Sam (42) Enjoys spending time with family,

kayaking and traveling. Has kayaked the

Colorado River at the Grand Canyon and

hiked the Appalachian Trail.

Isabel (42) Enjoys baking, reading, spending

time with friends, traveling, and spending time

as a family.

RJ (9) Enjoys baseball, basketball, tennis,

soccer, and playing games with friends.

How did you and your spouse meet,

and how long have you been married?

We met as freshmen at MSU through a RUF

Bible study. I asked him to my sorority date

party in November of 2002, and we have been

together since then. We’ve been married 18 years.


Tell us a little about the farm, and for readers who may

be new to the concept, how would you describe

community supported agriculture in your own words?

Community supported agriculture is how our farm got started.

Sam started gardening in our backyard. We had 10 families in

Starkville that supported and bought the first season of the CSA.

CSA members take on some of the risk with the farmer by

prepaying for a season of vegetables. The members get what is

ready to be harvested. Some weeks may have more produce, some

have less -variables like weather affect it, and they understand that.

It also helps us, as farmers, plan how much to grow, knowing how

many families will be getting food that season. We slowly grew to be

able to have more families as members, we sold at the farmer’s

market, and to local restaurants.

We started the farm in 2011. Starkville was very supportive of our

idea and dream. We outgrew our backyard garden, so we moved to

another location to garden on Whitfield Street. We needed some

more space and moved to South Montgomery for a time to garden.

In 2016, we moved to Pat Station Road and are still there. We have

about two acres in production. We find it important to follow

organic practices in farming. We’ve grown many varieties of crops

over the years, and we are refining which we can grow well and

specializing in certain things like microgreens, salad greens, and

red-hot peppers. We currently grow red peppers for Restaurant

Tyler’s Mississippi Red pepper sauce.

What inspired your family to start a farm centered on

community supported agriculture?

The idea originated from conversations on the Appalachian Trail

with a CSA farmer. We liked the idea of the community buy-in

and a way for us to connect with our community.

Isabell, tell us about your role as a teacher and what

it means to you.

I’ve been teaching for 19 years, and it allows me not only to get

the chance to impact children’s lives but also to be plugged into

the community and meet so many families. Living in a town like

Starkville, I still get the opportunity to see the students around

town and see their accomplishments along the way. Having parents

trust me as a teacher and be a part of their child’s life is a great

privilege. I have had the opportunity to teach siblings over the

years, and that is a special opportunity to continue to work and

get to know a family through multiple kids. I love teaching, and

I always have. When I became a mom, I loved it in a whole new

way, allowing me to have time off with my son.

What are some special things you do as a family?

We like to travel and take road trips. We’ve gone to national parks

out west. Our son loves to play sports, so we’re currently at the

stage of life where we do a lot of rec sports watching as parents.

We like to be outdoors and ride bikes. We have holiday traditions

we do that are special, like driving around looking at Christmas

lights, or dyeing Easter eggs in the spring. We like to be together,

and it usually involves an activity. We like downtime, but that is

not common for us.

What brings you both the greatest joy as a parent?

The greatest joy is in the little moments when RJ does something

funny or creative. Watching him grow and become more independent

is bittersweet; it is what we are working towards, and we’re

proud of him, but we also know it means he is getting older.

When he discovers something new or points out a beautiful

sunset, it brings joy to us.

How do you see your work roles shaping your family time

and traditions?

Finding a balance for work and family is something we must work

at and are always looking to balance. As a teacher, there is always

something more I can do, and the same is true at the farm–there’s

always something that needs to be done. Realizing that and that

we have limited time with RJ at home has helped us to give our all

at work but also prioritize. We are very community-minded,

supporting local business and people is something we try to be

intentional about, which I think shapes the way we spend time

and money together—participating in local events as traditions

that our family appreciates. We always like to go to the Cotton

District Arts Festival or the International Fiesta, sporting

events, Downtown at Sundown concerts, things that are unique to

our community, and bring out the best in our community.

What’s a favorite “farm day” meal your family loves to

share?

A farm meal is something that changes seasonally for sure. In the

spring, we love fresh salads and strawberry desserts when lettuce

and strawberries are in season. In the summer, we all love pesto

pasta from basil. In the fall, we do a lot of roasted root vegetables.

The joy of eating in season is getting excited to have fresh produce

to eat with your meals. Isabel always feels like summer is right

around the corner when the basil starts to bloom, and you can

smell it. Teaching customers and community members about

eating in season is important to us. Helping educate people about

what to grow when and what is available is part of what we do at

the market and through the CSA. Educating people in general

about growing and eating in season is something we try to do.

16 • APRIL 2026

Describe your perfect Starkville weekend.

A perfect spring weekend in Starkville would be a Friday night at

Dudy Noble, a Saturday morning at the Starkville Community

Market where we sell out, a local restaurant for a meal, followed by

a fire in the backyard with some music playing on the speaker.

RJ, what’s your favorite fun thing to do?

Going to Playtopia to play. Playing sports or pickleball with friends

is another thing I really like to do.

And what’s your favorite food?

My favorite treat is Bop’s. I also love for Dad’s tomatoes to be

turned into red marinara sauce.

If you could encourage more families to connect with

local agriculture, what would you tell them?

Get to know your farmer, ask questions about how they grow and

what goes into it. Seek out local produce providers, meat providers,

and buy local when you can. It is making a huge impact on that

family when you are supporting them. That local provider is

supporting your community too, so it is just giving back. Plant a

raised backyard garden and grow some of your own produce.

We follow organic practices. Our goal is to feed our community

with what we do, but we also love to see community members grow

for their families, too. Starkville has a good market on Saturday

mornings to meet people who are honing their craft and working

hard at doing it.

Follow us on Facebook, Bountiful Harvest Farms,

or @McLemoresam on Instagram


Our roots. Our home.

Committed

to Starkville.

At BankPlus, every decision we make is driven

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over 100 years. Learn more at bankplus.net.

© Copyright 2023 BankPlus.

Member FDIC.

18 • APRIL 2026


Pet

Parade

amanda livingston

Andy Steals

the Show

Andy, a 7-year-old dachshund,

has officially been named

Hometown Starkville’s 2026

Pet Photo Contest Winner,

and it’s easy to see why.

With a personality described as dramatic,

sassy, and clever, Andy is much more than

a cute face — he’s a constant companion

and an emotional support animal for his

owner Ariel.

Andy

20 • APRIL 2026

Andy first came into Ariel’s life in June

2019 after she spotted the “cutest puppy”

posted for sale in a Facebook group. At the

time, she was working a minimum wage job,

and the $350 she paid for him was most of

her savings. But from the moment they met

the two have become inseparable.

Unlike many puppies, Andy was never wild

or destructive. He was calm, laid-back, and

seemed to have an instinct for exactly what

Ariel needed. Over the years, he has become

her steady source of comfort through the

uncertainties and challenges of early

adulthood. From renting her first place alone

to enduring heartbreak and celebrating

milestones like landing her first “big girl job,”

Andy has remained by her side through it all.

What makes Andy especially meaningful

is the way he seems to sense emotions.

When Ariel is upset or overwhelmed, he will

crawl onto her chest and gently pat her as if

reminding her to breathe. Every night, he

nestles between her and her body pillow until

she falls asleep — a small but powerful ritual

that speaks to the deep bond they share.

One of the most touching moments in

their story came during Andy’s first week at

home. Before Andy, Ariel had a beloved dog

named Lilo, a stray who had a unique

habit of covering her bones with dirt using

her nose. When Andy was given a peanut

butter bone for the first time, he climbed onto

the couch, laid the bone down, and began

covering it with a blanket using his nose in

the same way. In that moment, Ariel felt

certain Andy had been sent just for her.

Today, Andy is part of nearly every aspect

of daily life. He follows his owner as she gets

ready for work, enjoys his “cartoons” and a

peanut butter bone while she’s away, and is

always ready for the next adventure once the

workday ends. Whether he’s headed to visit

family, spending time with friends, or tagging

along on a fishing trip with his dad, Andy is

happiest when he’s on the go with his people.

He’s also full of unforgettable quirks.

Thanks to plenty of fast-food runs in his

younger years, Andy now knows exactly what

happens at a drive-thru. He goes quiet at the

speaker like he’s studying the menu and

stares down the cashier at the window until

his owner pays the “Andy tax” with a snack.

He also has a favorite destination: his Paw-

Maw’s house. The moment the car turns

onto her road, he starts whining with

excitement, then jumps out and runs to the

door, greeting them with a joyful little dance.

In Starkville, Andy has become something

of a local celebrity. After running in the city’s

first Pet Mayor election in 2023 and later

participating in the Starkville Derby, he gained

a loyal fan base. Ariel says people regularly

ask how her “little doggy” is doing, proving

that Andy has become a true part of her

everyday life.

So what makes winning this contest so

special? For Ariel, it’s about much more than

a title. It’s a reminder to celebrate the little

wins, even in hard seasons.

That sentiment may be exactly why Andy

resonated with so many people. He’s

adorable, yes—but it’s his spirit, his loyalty,

and his larger-than-life personality that truly

makes him unforgettable. Andy is getting the

recognition he has so clearly earned: not just

for being cute, but for being a best friend, a

comfort, and a bright light in the lives of

everyone lucky enough to know him.


Aries

Hannah Baxter

Jessie

Belle

Jamie Mixon

miso

Cambrie Rogers

Marshall

Chloe Peterson

Spuddy

Katrina

McClelland

22 • APRIL 2026

ww

Hans

Dewey

Nina Gault

Sara Funderburk

Natty

John Packer

BLUE

Annaka Dorroh


Louis

Callie Teubert

Lake

Grace Dulion

MAZDA

Millie Drewa

Tank

Elizabeth Drewa

24 • APRIL 2026


SALUTE

to First Responders

Why did you decide to be a policeman?

Throughout my earlier life, I always felt compelled to protect those who

couldn’t protect themselves. I would rightfully get into trouble, but the fights

I got into at school were to protect others who were being bullied. I did not

grow up thinking that I would be in law enforcement; however, I did like to

be a part of noble causes. This sense of service started and evolved with

scouting and continued with my services within the military. Protecting the

most vulnerable people and, above all else, saving lives, are some of the most

honorable causes I can accomplish.

How long have you been an officer?

I’ve been an officer since 1994. I graduated from the police academy in

June 1995, and I began my career with the Starkville Police Department in

November 1996.

Tell us about your family.

My family is my foundation. Anyone who experiences success, if married,

will have a supportive spouse. My case is a classic example of this. Heather

is my wife of 25 years. We were married in September of 2000 and decided

to make Starkville our permanent home. We have three amazing children;

Evan, Farrah, and Reagan.

What is the toughest thing you have experienced in your job?

Nothing is tougher than losing life at a precious age of innocence. When the

death of a child occurs, it rocks me to my core because of my protective

instincts as a father. These emotionally challenging cases are, fortunately, rare.

Chief

Mark

BALLARD

STARKVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Share some things you enjoy doing in your spare time.

I enjoy the benefits of hiking in our surrounding areas. Hiking is a mental

break for me. The peacefulness in hiking reminds me of my days of being an

Eagle Scout. My favorite hiking areas are in the Tombigbee National Forrest

in the Noxubee Trails area. These trails are close to where I live and the paths

are amazing.

What are three things on your bucket list?

I would love to “successfully” sail the Atlantic Ocean, celebrate a birthday in

Europe, and experience a wilderness adventure in Alaska.

Who is someone you admire and why?

Simon Sinek. Anyone in a leadership role should slow down and study his

concepts. His leadership principles are inspiring, and I admire his unique

ways of influencing high performance teams.

26 • APRIL 2026

What advice would you give to a young person?

Take time. Make decisions based on good research of facts and a good

feeling from the heart. That combination provides the right choice. Too

often in the past, I have made decisions on emotions alone. Mistakes

are likely when decisions are made from reactions rather than planning.

What is your favorite thing about the city of Starkville?

Being in a university community, I love the idea of future thinking.

This is a smaller town. We know each other. My favorite thing about

this city is that many of our residents have a core commitment to

learning, intellectual curiosity, and critical thinking which encourages

unique ways of addressing issues. These influences inspire me to be a

better chief. Our police department has been a major part of so many

research projects through the years. These projects expand the way in

which solutions are sought for challenges within our profession. It is

exciting to be a part of the processes that are deeply impacting the

future of law enforcement. This, for me, is what makes this community

and our police department a very special place.


28 • APRIL 2026

THE

KARLEY WOODS

F

F AST&

URRIEST

The Starkville Derby

THE

The idea that would become the

world’s largest wiener dog race

began, fittingly, as a daydream.

Alden Thornhill was sitting on a balcony with

friends, reminiscing about the dachshund races

he had seen in New Orleans, when someone

tossed out an idea that sounded more absurd

than actionable: What if they shut down

a street and raced wiener dogs?

“It’d be really funny to shut down

the street and race wiener dogs,”

Thornhill recalled thinking.

At the time, it was little more than a laugh

shared among friends. Starkville didn’t have a major

spring festival. There was no turf track. No sponsors.

No crowds. Just a creative spark and a group of

friends willing to entertain it. “It took a little while

to warm up to it,” Thornhill said. But the idea

lingered.

Thornhill, who works full time in medical sales,

said the more he considered it, the more it made

sense. People love dogs. Starkville needed a

signature spring event. And the hospitality

community could use the boost. If done right,

the race could also raise money for shelter pets

through the Oktibbeha County Humane Society.

The group decided to try. The first major hurdle

was convincing others the concept was serious.

“Trying to get a turf track to race wiener dogs

down the street – it was a strange ask,” Thornhill

said. They found partners willing to take a chance.

A committee formed. Plans were drafted. The

concept expanded beyond a race into something

larger – an event that blended competition,

festival atmosphere and philanthropy.

In 2023, the Starkville Derby was officially born.


What started as a local novelty quickly grew

beyond anything its founders anticipated. The

inaugural race drew competitors from outside

Mississippi. Word spread online. Videos went viral,

garnering millions of views. Dachshund owners

shared posts within breed communities across

the country.

Now entering its fourth year, the Starkville Derby

attracts more than 250 racers from 24 states and

crowds in the tens of thousands. Champions have

traveled from Georgia and Texas. This year’s field

includes racers from as far away as Rhode Island

and Washington. “It’s grown and growing every

year,” Thornhill said. The race itself has become

a carefully orchestrated production. Organizers

schedule heats for up to 256 dogs, build tournamentstyle

brackets and coordinate a multi-camera HD

livestream that resembles a sporting broadcast.

“Scheduling heats, 256 dogs, coming up with

brackets – there’s a lot more going into it than

people realize,” Thornhill said. But the Derby is no

longer just about the race. Alongside the competition

is the Boardtown Pizza and Pints Arts Festival,

now one of the largest arts festivals in the Southeast.

Nearly 200 food and art vendors line the streets.

The event features live music, flyovers, a children’s

zone, signature “Mutt Juleps,” the Old Dominick

Call to Post and even appearances by the Oscar

Mayer Wienermobile.

The Derby has earned recognition as the

Mississippi Tourism Association’s Best Large

Festival, the Mississippi Main Street Association’s

Best Creative Large Event and one of the Southeast

Tourism Society’s Top 20 Signature Events.

Despite its rapid growth, Thornhill maintains that

the event’s core remains unchanged: celebrating

dogs, community and giving back. Since its

founding, the Derby has raised more than $150,000

for shelter pets. “It’s the greatest show on turf,”

Thornhill said. “There’s no losers here.” He credits

the town of Starkville, volunteers and his support

system for helping sustain the event alongside his

demanding travel schedule.

“Shoot your shot,” Thornhill said when asked

what advice he would give someone sitting on a

wild idea. “The worst somebody can say is no. Trust

your ability. Five years ago, I wouldn’t have thought

I’d be here.”

On April 25, as dachshunds sprint down a

temporary turf track in the heart of Starkville and

thousands cheer them on, the scene will feel

anything but accidental.

What began as a balcony daydream among

friends has become a defining event for the city –

one that helped brand Starkville as the “wiener

dog capital of the world.” And it all started with

a simple question: What if?

30 • APRIL 2026

The

Starkville Derby

April 25 / 11:30am

Starkville, Mississippi

For more information,

visit thestarkvillederby.com

Sponsored by Mama Justice Law Firm


Spring is Here

32 • APRIL 2026

Have you prepared your

home and yard to welcome it?

Are you excited about the return of warmer weather? Now’s a great time to

do some spring-cleaning tasks around you home and yard to make the most

of this season and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Air Conditioner

Test your air conditioner to ensure it’s in good working

order and will keep you cool when a heatwave hits your

area. Replace or clean filters and evaporator coils by

following the manufacturer’s instructions. This will

help optimize the efficiency of your appliance.

Windows & Screens

Check the state of your window screens and replace them

if they have been damaged over the winter. This will help

you better regulate the temperature and humidity in your

home on hot days. You should make sure your windows

open and close properly.

Attic & Ceiling

Look for signs of water damage to your attic or ceiling,

including stains, peeling paint, and mold. You should also

check for signs of an animal infestation, such as nest, and

take the necessary measures to remove them.

Roof

Examine your roof for any damage sustained over the

winter, such as missing or broken shingles, pooling water,

and thinning or unevenly distributed gravel. Plan the

necessary repairs accordingly.

Foundation

Check for cracks in your home’s foundation and seal fine

and hairline ones with an appropriate product. Hire an

expert to evaluate crack that are more than a quarter to

a half an inch wide.

Gutters

Remove debris from your gutters and make sure water

is draining away from your home’s foundation. You can

also take this opportunity to ensure there aren’t any

cracks or leaks in your gutters that could compromise

their efficiency.

Faucets

Turn on your outdoor faucets to check if the cold weather

damaged your pipes. You can do this by covering the

spout with your thumb. If you can stop the flow, there

may be a hidden leak.

Gardening Equipment

Sharpen the blades and check the oil levels in your lawn

mower, chainsaw, and hedge trimmers. Take inventory

of your gardening tools and clean them as needed.

Vegetation

Collect broken branches and trim greenery that has

grown too close to your home. Overgrown trees and

bushes can damage your siding and give pests access to

your home. Additionally, trim your perennials, especially

if you forgot to do so last fall.

On the count of three, roll up your sleeves

and schedule an appointment with the

maintenance professionals in your area

to get ready to welcome spring!


Love

FOR THE

Pets

OF

What started as an opportunity

at the first Starkville Derby to

donate to the local animal

shelter turned into a fun day

interacting with pet owners

and future clients.

BONNIE COBLENTZ

34 • APRIL 2026

Dr. Daniel Shy is owner of Starkville Veterinary Hospital,

and the official veterinarian of the 2026 Starkville Derby. He and

his staff will be out enjoying the races, the pets, and their owners

on derby day, April 25.

“One of our strongest suits is the relationships we develop with

our clients and the patients,” Shy said of his veterinary hospital and

staff. “We’re family oriented. We’re available to everybody in the

Starkville community and those around us. We’re here to help.”

After a small sponsorship in 2024, the clinic realized they had

the opportunity to be involved in the derby in a bigger way with a

tent and give-aways for visitors. This year will be even better.

“It has organically grown into something we weren’t expecting,”

Shy said. “We don’t have many events that help showcase who we

are and let us be a part of something that everybody seems to like.

That’s why we’re involved in the Starkville Derby.”


36 • APRIL 2026

Shy said the event is also an opportunity to raise awareness of

responsible pet ownership. “That’s a key phrase in the line of work

that we do. Not only do we want to provide good health for pets,

but we see it as an educational opportunity to talk to the owners

about what is good, responsible pet ownership,” he said.

Shy said pets cost money, even when they come from the shelter

with low adoption fees that covers the pet’s spay or neuter and first

set of vaccines.

“Our job is to develop a relationship with the

patient and the client so that when something

does happen — and it will — we’re there to take

care of them. They know us and trust us,” Shy said.

Dr. Grace Dewberry works with Shy at Starkville Veterinary

Hospital. She echoed the opportunity the Starkville Derby allows

the veterinarians to interact with the community.

“Last year, I had a lot of really in-depth conversations with

people who were pet owners, and we talked about what is best for

dachshunds or what is best for their breed,” Dewberry said.

“People care a lot more about their pets than they have in the past.”

While the Derby celebrates pets each year, the local veterinarians

support them year-round. “We’ve really seen a paradigm shift since

I grew up until now,” Dewberry said. “Animals went from being

working animals or dogs and cats being outside animals to this

shift over time of pets being part of the family. We see that played

out every single day in what we do.”

She said veterinarians are an important part of keeping these

pets in the best shape, from preventing problems to curing issues

that arise. “When people care that much and view their cat or dog as

a true member of the family, they’re willing to do the work to make

sure their pets are healthy or to get them healthy again,” she said.

Dewberry and her husband, Dalton, and their daughter, Eliza,

have Jack, a black lab, and Pal, a golden retriever who are part of

their family.

Shy and his wife, Amanda, along with daughter, Marin, and son,

Miller, have Waylon, an English cocker spaniel who comes to work

with Shy every day.

Visit Shy or Dewberry at

Starkville Veterinary Hospital

1400 Louisville Street


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38 • APRIL 2026


PHOTOS Micah Green

40 • APRIL 2026

KARLEY WOODS

The Older

Brother

When Two Brothers Smoked Meats

opened in 2014 in Starkville’s Cotton

District, Barton Dinkins was 24 years

old and unsure how long the venture

would last.

“I thought it was going to be a little Cotton District

bar with some food that would be here for two years,

and then I’d go do something else,” Dinkins said.

Instead, the restaurant — founded by Dinkins, Terry

Powell, Jim Moore, Aubrey Corley and Daniel Alexander

— became a staple in the college town. Ten years later,

Dinkins is still there. But in May 2024, he and longtime

friend Joe Bullock added something new a few doors

down: The Older Brother.

The Older Brother is a New Orleans-style French bistro

featuring po’ boys, croque madames, collard green melts,

fried crab claws and beignets. The idea, however, dates

back far before the opening.

Dinkins and Bullock were neighbors years ago, often

decompressing after long shifts by talking about food from

their respective patios. At the time, Dinkins was building

Two Brothers. Bullock, who has worked in kitchens for

more than two decades, was refining his culinary approach

through experience in Colorado, Mississippi, and

North Carolina, and formal training in French technique.

“We always talked about elevating our food here in

Starkville,” Dinkins said. “Particularly the sandwich scene.”

What began as the idea of a sandwich shop evolved

into a full bistro. Still, sandwiches remain central. A

muffaletta on the menu reflects the pair’s connection to

New Orleans, where both have family ties and formative

food memories.


42 • APRIL 2026

“The first time I had that muffaletta, it was the first time

I had a beer with my dad in a restaurant,” Dinkins said.

“Food connects us to all that.”

Bullock said his culinary foundation was shaped early

by Southern food traditions. His grandparents farmed,

butchered their own meat and maintained a smokehouse.

Later, culinary school in Atlanta and years working under

experienced chefs, including a French chef in North Carolina,

sharpened his technique.

“I cook food that I want to eat,” Bullock said. “If we’re

cooking food that we would enjoy, it’s fun to pass it along

to other people.”

At The Older Brother, attention to detail is evident in

dishes that require days of preparation. A bone-in pork

chop, one of Dinkins’ favorites, is brined for 72 hours with

juniper berries, then served with white bean cassoulet,

collard greens and tomato jam. The beans and greens

cook for hours. The tomato jam simmers separately.

“All four of those by themselves in a spoonful are absolutely

delicious,” Dinkins said. “Then you put them all together.”

Even a kale salad reflects that precision. Thinly chiffonaded

to soften its texture, it is tossed with olive oil, lemon,

garlic, Parmesan and breadcrumbs. It is labor-intensive,

Bullock said, but worth it.

“That’s what makes that salad so good,” he said.

The menu also includes personal nods. A dish called

“shrimp on crackers” draws from a Southern cookbook

familiar to many Mississippi families. The “veranda chip”

references a former Starkville restaurant where Dinkins

once ordered the appetizer during college.

The thoughtfulness extends behind the bar. Kolten

Bullock, the restaurant’s bar manager, began at Two Brothers

before becoming The Older Brother’s first full-time server.

When the new restaurant secured its liquor license, he

stepped into the bar role despite having never touched a

cocktail shaker before.

“It was learn or fail,” he said.

A food science major at Mississippi State University,

Kolten approached drinks methodically. He studied cocktail

books, tested recipes and focused on understanding why

each ingredient mattered. The cocktail menu rotates

seasonally, shifting in spring, summer, fall and winter.

Some drinks return. Others disappear, sometimes to the

dismay of regulars.

“We’ve had people get angry over us getting rid of

drinks,” he said with a laugh. “But it’s unfair to serve the

same thing over and over.”

“Good restaurants

are a big part of why

people want to move

and live here.”

One standout, “Feel the Breeze,” became last

summer’s best seller. Made with Cathead honeysuckle

vodka, blood orange hibiscus cordial, lime, mint and

cucumber, it began after Joe suggested the team create

a nonalcoholic option since they had not yet developed

one. Staff members loved the original version. Kolten later

added vodka, and it quickly became one of the bar’s most

popular cocktails. The name is a playful nod to Joe being

bald. “Any chance we get to make fun of each other, we

take it,” Kolten said.

That balance of intention and humor defines the

space. The decor, a mix of thrifted frames and personal

photographs, gives the bistro a timeless European feel

that contrasts with the college-bar atmosphere long

associated with the district.

As Starkville grows, Dinkins said he hopes the culinary

scene grows with it. “Good restaurants are a big part of

why people want to move and live here,” he said. “It’s an

asset a town can offer.” Two Brothers, he said, has settled

into its identity over the past decade. It remains a place

where the atmosphere is just as important as the food.

“That’s a good place to take friends,” Dinkins said. “You

want to be able to eat food over there where it’s not weird

if a group of college kids next to you has a tower of

mimosas.”

For Dinkins, who once imagined leaving Starkville after

a short stint in the Cotton District, the evolution feels fitting.

Two Brothers laid the foundation. The Older Brother

allows room to experiment, refine and push further.

“Satisfaction is probably something that will always be

elusive,” Dinkins said. “Nothing’s ever there that can’t

become better.”


44 • APRIL 2026


Staff Favorite Easter Sides

Grape Salad

Emma

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

• 2 lbs. green seedless grapes

• 2 lbs. red seedless grapes

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ½ cup chopped pecans

In a large bowl, mix cream cheese,

sour cream, vanilla, and white sugar.

Fold in rinsed and dried grapes.

Move into a serving dish. Mix brown

sugar and pecans and sprinkle

on top. Serve chilled.

Mac & Cheese

Debby

• ½ lb. uncooked elbow macaroni

• 3 Tbsp. butter

• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp. salt

• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

• 1½ cups milk

• ¾ cup half and half

• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 325 and lightly

grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Cook the macaroni, according to

package. Drain and set aside. Melt

butter in a medium saucepan over

medium heat. Blend in flour, salt, and

pepper. Cook 2 minutes. Slowly add

the milk and half and half, stirring

constantly, and cook over mediumlow

heat for a few minutes until the

mixture has thickened like the

consistency of gravy, about 5-7

minutes. Remove from heat and stir

in 1 cup shredded cheese, stirring just

until melted. Combine the cooked

macaroni noodles with the sauce and

toss to coat. Pour half of the pasta

mixture into the prepared baking

dish. Sprinkle ½ cup cheese over the

top. Add remaining pasta and sprinkle

with remaining cheese. Bake for

15-20 minutes or until cheese is

melted on top.

Baked Dip

Amy

• 8 oz. package cream cheese

• 2 Tbsp. milk

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2½ oz. package sliced beef

• 2 Tbsp. green pepper,

finely chopped

• 1/8 tsp. black pepper

• 2 Tbsp. minced onion

• ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Cut beef into small pieces and mix

with cream cheese, milk, and sour

cream. Add remaining ingredients,

mix again, and put in baking dish

or pie plate. Sprinkle with walnuts.

Bake at 350 for 15 minutes. Serve

with small crackers.

Blueberry Pie

Christy

• 1 graham cracker crust

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 11/2 cups powdered sugar

• 1 cup Cool Whip

• 1 large can blueberry pie filling

Mix cream cheese and sugar and

spread on top of crust. Spread filling

on top then top with Cool Whip.

Refrigerate and serve.

46 • APRIL 2026

Easter Trifle

Amanda

• 2 boxes white cake mix

• Red, blue, green, and yellow

food coloring

• 8 oz. whipped cream cheese

• 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk

• 12 oz. Cool Whip

Prepare cake mixes according to

directions. Split batter evenly into

4 bowls. In the first (to create the

purple layer) add 6 red drops and 5

blue drops. In second (to create the

yellow layer) add 5 yellow drops. In

the third bowl (to create the pink

layer) add 6 drops of red and 1 blue.

In the fourth (the blue layer) add 4

blue and 2 green. Bake each layer in

an 8-inch round cake pan for 23-25

minutes. Allow to cool. In a medium

bowl, mix whipped cream cheese,

sweetened condensed milk and Cool

Whip until well combined. Crumble

each cake, setting aside a ¼ cup of

each color for topping. To assemble

trifle, alternate each color of cake with

a layer of cream. To finish, sprinkle

remaining crumbs on top.

Oven Baked

Hash Brown Casserole

Barbie

• Cooking spray

• 30 oz. package of frozen shredded

hash browns, thawed

• 2½ cups shredded Colby cheese

• 10.5 oz. can cream of chicken soup

• 8 oz. sour cream

• 2/3 cup finely chopped onion

• ¼ cup salted butter, melted

• 1 large egg, beaten

• ½ tsp. garlic powder

• ½ tsp. salt

• ½ tsp. freshly ground pepper

• Chopped parsley for garnish

(optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13

casserole dish with cooking spray.

Drain hash browns and combine

with 2 cups cheese, soup, sour cream,

onion, butter, egg, garlic powder, salt

and pepper in a large bowl. Spoon

into casserole dish and sprinkle the

remaining cheese over the top. Bake

until cheese is melted and starts to

brown, 45-55 minutes. Garnish with

chopped parsley and serve hot.

Vintage Lemon

Apricot Nectar Cake

Mary Ann

• 1 (15.25 oz) lemon cake mix

• ½ cup sugar

• 1 cup apricot nectar

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

Preheat oven to 325 and grease and

flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan. Using

a mixer, combine cake mix, sugar,

apricot nectar, oil and eggs on low

then switch to medium and mix for

two minutes. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes or until golden

brown and a toothpick inserted in the

middle of the cake comes out clean.

Allow to cool for about 10 minutes

then place a serving platter over the

cake and invert it onto the platter

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 to 4 Tbsp. lemon juice

In a small bowl, combine powdered

sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle over

warm cake.

Red Potato Salad

Daniel

• 1½ pounds red potatoes,

cut into cubes (about 4 cups)

• 12 ounce package bacon,

cut into 1-inch pieces

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 4 hard-boiled eggs,

peeled and chopped

Boil potatoes until fork tender and

drain. Cook bacon over medium-low

heat until crisp. Remove and drain all

but two tablespoons of the drippings

and remove the pan from heat. Add

mayo, mustard, salt and pepper, and

whisk to combine. In a large bowl,

combine potatoes and eggs, pour the

dressing over and gently stir to evenly

coat. Stir in the bacon. Cover and

refrigerate before serving.

You can substitute Yukon gold

potatoes and all or part of the mayo

with sour cream or plain Greek

yogurt. Diced celery or green onion

and can also be added as desired.

Baked Asparagus

with Garlic & Parm

Susan

• 2 bunches of asparagus, trimmed

to remove the woody ends

• 2 tsp. olive oil

• ½ to 1 tsp. garlic powder or

2 to 4 cloves minced garlic

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425. Cover a large

baking sheet with foil or parchment.

Place asparagus on sheet, drizzle with

olive oil, toss to coat. Then, sprinkle

with salt, pepper, and garlic. Bake for

10-12 minutes. Remove from the

oven and sprinkle with Parmesan

cheese. Return to the oven and bake

for an additional 2 to 4 minutes.


CHRISTY MAULDING

Mamas, Messes, & Miracles

Blessings

are Blooming

If there’s one thing I know for certain after more than fifty years of living,

loving, raising babies, building a career, and praying through more than a few

surprises, it’s this – life does not stay in one season for long.

There have been seasons in my life that

felt like pure summertime. Everything was

blooming. The kids were getting along.

Married life felt sweet and steady. My work

felt meaningful. I’d wake up grateful and go

to bed content. Even stepping on the scale

didn’t make me want to crawl back under

the covers. Life felt light. Easy. Full.

And then, just like that, the weather

would change.

A storm I didn’t see coming. No warning.

No forecast. Just one hard conversation, one

unexpected turn, one season shifting quietly

beneath my feet. And suddenly that

overflowing joy felt replaced by worry,

sadness, or uncertainty.

If you’ve lived long enough, you know

what I mean.

Some seasons are filled with sunshine.

Others feel like winter — cold, still, and

stripped down to the bone. This time of year

always makes me think about that.

At my house, I have a walking trail that

winds through the woods. It’s my favorite

place to be alone with my thoughts and with

the Lord. In the summer, those woods are

lush and green. In the fall, they show off

with colors that look like something out of

a painting. But right now? They look bare.

The branches are exposed. The canopy that

once gave shade and beauty is gone.

To be honest, winter woods aren’t

especially pretty. But if I slow down and

pay attention, I start to notice something

beautiful.

Tiny buds are forming at the tips of

branches. Small hints of green pushing

through what looked lifeless. Quiet signs

that something is happening beneath the

surface.

And every year, without fail, those

woods remind me of this truth: winter is

not wasted.

Life feels so much like that trail. We all

have seasons when everything feels aligned

— prayers answered, doors opening, joy

overflowing. And then we have seasons

when we feel pruned. When we feel exposed.

When we’re asking God questions we never

thought we’d have to ask.

Faith is easy in spring. It’s easy when

blessings are obvious and the path feels

clear. But winter? Winter is where faith

gets tested.

I’ll tell you something I had to learn

the long way around: faith in winter looks

different. It’s quieter. It’s steadier. It’s

choosing to trust God even when you don’t

feel Him the way you once did. It’s opening

your Bible when your heart feels heavy.

It’s praying when you don’t have the right

words.

48 • APRIL 2026

It’s getting up and doing the next right thing

even when you’d rather pull the covers

back over your head.

For years, I prayed for God to remove

the hard seasons. Now I understand He was

using them. Those winter seasons grew me in

ways summer never could. They deepened

my roots. They strengthened my resilience.

They softened places in my heart that

needed softening. They prepared me for

opportunities I didn’t even know were

coming.

Looking back, I can see how certain

disappointments protected me from things

that weren’t meant for me. How certain

closed doors redirected me to better ones.

How certain hard days gave me compassion

for other women walking their own winter

trails. And that’s the part we don’t always

see while we’re in it.

Just like those trees outside my window,

growth is happening long before it’s visible.

Beneath the surface, roots are stretching

deeper. Strength is building quietly.

If you’re in a winter season right now,

hear me on this: bare branches are not dead

branches. They’re preparing.

The prayers you whisper when no one

else is around matter. The tears you cry in

the quiet are seen. The waiting is not wasted

time. God is shaping you in ways you’ll only

fully understand later.

Scripture is full of ordinary people who

endured long winters. They waited. They

trusted. They walked through disappointment

and uncertainty. And because they kept

their faith, their stories still encourage us

generations later.

Your story is being written too.

Spring may not come on your timeline.

It rarely does. But it will come. Because God

is faithful in every season — not just the

sunny ones.

And here’s what I’ve learned after all

these years: when spring finally does arrive,

it feels sweeter because of the winter that

came before it.

The blooms are brighter. The gratitude

runs deeper. The faith feels stronger.

So keep walking your trail. Keep trusting

the Lord who designed seasons in the first

place. Keep believing that what feels

stripped down right now is simply being

prepared for renewal.

There is life in those branches.

And one day, sweet friend, you’ll look

back at this winter and realize — it wasn’t

the end of your story.

It was the season that grew you.


THE 5TH ANNUAL

the

Grape

gatsby

FUNDRAISER

50 • APRIL 2026

KARLEY WOODS

The Starkville-Oktibbeha County Public Library

System will transform its normally quiet halls

into a scene from the Roaring 20s when it

hosts the Grape Gatsby on May 16 at 6:30pm.

The prohibition speakeasy-themed fundraiser will

take place inside the Starkville Public Library and will

feature wine, food from local restaurants and live music.

Organizers will clear space for dancing, inviting guests

to fully embrace the 1920s atmosphere.

While the event promises an evening of entertainment,

its purpose is rooted in service. Grape Gatsby raises

money for projects that cannot be covered by the

library’s general operating budget. In past years, funds

from the event have helped purchase ZenBooth quiet

spaces, a new book drop and are currently being used

toward the purchase of a library vehicle. Library leaders

say those additions were made possible because of

strong community support.

This year’s proceeds could help supplement the library

collection, purchase furniture, provide programming

materials, fund additional staff training or acquire needed

equipment.

Admission is $35 in advance and $45 at the door and

includes two drink tickets. Additional drink tickets will

be available while supplies last. Soda and beer options

will also be offered for guests who prefer alternatives

to wine. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be provided

by local restaurants and cooks.

Community members and local businesses can

participate through several sponsorship tiers, each

offering event tickets and public recognition, including

acknowledgment at the event and year-round visibility

inside the library and on its website.

Organizers hope this year’s event will be the largest

yet, continuing a tradition that pairs celebration with

community investment.

For one evening, the library will become a gathering

space not just for readers, but for neighbors committed

to sustaining and expanding the services that benefit

Starkville and Oktibbeha County.

PHOTOS Elyse Hunt


A New Leash on Life

CHRISTY MAULDING

On any given Saturday morning in

Starkville, something remarkable

may be happening quietly behind

the scenes.

While many residents are starting their

weekend with errands or coffee, a group of

veterinary students, volunteers, and animal

advocates are working together to change the

lives of animals—one transport at a time. It is

the kind of work most people never see, yet its

impact stretches far beyond the city limits of

our college town.

The Homeward Bound Project of Mississippi

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has

been operating in Starkville since 2007. Run

entirely by volunteers, most of whom are

students or staff affiliated with the College of

Veterinary Medicine, the program exists for one

simple but powerful purpose: giving animals a

second chance. What began as a small idea from

three veterinary students has grown into a

life-changing effort that connects communities

across the country while shaping the next

generation of veterinarians.

The project started when three veterinary

students noticed a striking imbalance in the

world of animal adoption. Shelters across the

South were overflowing with healthy, adoptable

dogs, while in many parts of the Northeast

families were often placed on waiting lists to

adopt. Determined to help bridge that gap,

the students created the first successful animal

transport program developed, maintained,

and operated by students at a veterinary school.

Their mission was to take adoptable puppies and

young adult dogs from overcrowded shelters in

the South and transport them to adoptionguaranteed

shelters in the Northeast, where

there is a high demand for adoptable dogs.

Nearly two decades later, the program

continues to thrive. Today, the Homeward

Bound Project is still run by veterinary students

who coordinate every step of the process–from

medical care and fostering to transportation

and adoption partnerships. The program helps

animals that need homes and the people who

adopt them, while also helping veterinary

students develop into better veterinarians

through hands-on experience and service

to the community.

The project works with shelters and rescue

organizations within roughly a two-and-a-halfhour

radius of Starkville, though animals from

farther away are included when space allows.

Through these partnerships, the program

identifies adoptable dogs that would benefit

from the opportunity to travel north, where

families are actively searching for pets to adopt.

Before any dog begins the journey, students

and volunteers carefully prepare them for their

new start. Animals receive medical evaluations,

vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered when

needed. Many spend two to six weeks in foster

homes, where volunteers help them adjust to

life in a home environment before transport

day. Students serve in roles such as foster

coordinators, treatment coordinators, adoption

coordinators, and transportation organizers.

Treatment coordinators work closely with

veterinarians to ensure the animals receive the

care they need, while foster coordinators recruit

volunteers willing to open their homes

temporarily to puppies and dogs. Other students

manage medical records, coordinate with

adoption partners, and organize the logistics

of transport days.

52 • APRIL 2026

Homeward Bound Project

Today, the program transports between 150

and 200 dogs each year. Behind each of those

numbers is a story—a frightened stray that

becomes a beloved companion, a family that finds

the perfect addition to their home, or a student

who discovers the deeper purpose behind their

future profession.

Transport days happen approximately every

six to eight weeks. On those mornings, dozens of

dogs are carefully loaded into specially arranged

transport vans before beginning the long journey

north. The animals typically travel to receiving

shelters in New York, where adoption demand

is significantly higher. Within days—and often

within hours—many of them meet families eager

to welcome a new companion into their lives.

For Terri Snead, a veterinary technician at the

College of Veterinary Medicine and the Homeward

Bound Project’s director of operations,

the work has always been about those transformations.

Early in her involvement with the

program, Snead and her roommate helped nurse

a puppy back to health after it had been rescued

from a heartbreaking situation. The dog arrived

malnourished, frightened, and in poor condition.

For weeks, they cared for the puppy, slowly

bringing it back to strength and trust.

When the dog was finally healthy enough, it

was transported north through the Homeward

Bound program. Two months later, Snead

received an email that would stay with her

forever. Attached was a photo of the same dog—

healthy, happy, and wearing a large red bow. The

once-forlorn puppy had become an anniversary

present from a wife to her husband and was now

living a joyful life with a loving family. In that

moment, Snead knew she could continue doing

the work. Experiencing this wonderful outcome

reaffirmed why this effort mattered.

Experiences like that shape the veterinary

students who volunteer with the program, time

and time again. Working with live animals serves

as a reminder of the why behind the seemingly

endless lectures, flashcards, and tests. Some of

the daily duties are less than glamorous, but as

with any service-learning organization, volunteers

quickly learn that you get out what you put

in. Nothing is more rewarding than playing a

role in a stray dog becoming a pet by helping it

find its forever home.

The lessons learned through the Homeward

Bound Project extend far beyond veterinary

medicine. The work teaches compassion, patience,

realism, dedication, and resilience.

In many ways, the program represents

something larger than animal rescue. It is a

reminder that extraordinary things are happening

quietly in our community every day. Students

balancing demanding academic schedules still

make time to care for animals in need. Volunteers

open their homes to foster puppies. Drivers

travel hundreds of miles to deliver animals safely

to their next chapter.

Most Starkville residents may never see these

transports happen. Yet thanks to the dedication

of those involved, countless animals are given

the chance to start over. Sometimes the most

meaningful work in a community happens

without fanfare, carried forward by people

who simply believe that every life

deserves a second chance.


THE COTTON DISTRICT

A Vision That

Changed Starkville

Christy Maulding

In every city, there are places that

quietly shape the identity of the

community around them.

In Starkville, that place

is the Cotton District.

Walk down one of its narrow streets, and you’ll find tall columned

homes rising above brick walkways, balconies shaded by crepe myrtles,

and front porches where neighbors linger long after the sun begins to

set. Tucked between Mississippi State University and downtown

Starkville, the Cotton District feels both historic and alive: a neighborhood

where architecture, community, and everyday life unfold just

steps apart. What many people may not realize is that this vibrant

neighborhood began as the vision of one man who looked at a declining

corner of Starkville and imagined something entirely different.

Dan Camp had a way of seeing possibilities others overlooked.

Trained in industrial arts and deeply interested in architecture and design,

he returned to Starkville after graduating from Mississippi State and

briefly teaching in Vicksburg. Over time, his curiosity about how

communities are built and how they can be rebuilt began to shape an

idea that would ultimately transform part of the city.

Long before it became the Cotton District, the area carried a very

different identity. In 1926, the Sanders family constructed a cotton

mill just west of Mississippi State University. Around it grew a small

neighborhood of modest tenant houses built for mill workers and their

families. The homes were simple, often narrow, one-room-wide

structures set on small lots, but the neighborhood functioned as its

own small community. Schools, churches, shops, and rail connections

supported daily life while the mill remained in operation.

54 • APRIL 2026

By the early 1960s, however, demand for the mill’s signature Sanders

chambray fabric had declined, and the mill closed in 1964. Without the

industry that had sustained it, the surrounding neighborhood slowly fell

into disrepair. When Starkville adopted urban renewal policies in 1967,

much of the aging mill housing was considered blighted and slated for

demolition. But not all of it disappeared.

A small section of the old mill neighborhood, including portions of

Lummus Drive and nearby streets, remained outside the redevelopment

boundaries. It was here that Dan Camp began to see possibility.

In 1969, Camp began to purchase property in the neglected neighborhood

with plans to develop a small group of townhouses designed for

student housing. At the time, many residents questioned the wisdom

of investing in what was widely considered a rundown area. Yet Camp

believed the location, sitting between Mississippi State and downtown

Starkville, held enormous potential.

Drawing inspiration from travels to places like Charleston, South

Carolina; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Alexandria, Virginia, Camp

began designing homes that blended traditional Southern architectural

styles with creative urban design. Greek Revival columns, Victorian

influences, balconies, courtyards, and narrow streets began to appear

where deteriorating mill houses once stood. Over time, those early

townhomes on Lummus Drive became the foundation for something

much larger.


Urban planners would later recognize the Cotton District as an early

example of what is now called Traditional Neighborhood Development,

often associated with the broader planning movement known as New

Urbanism. According to the Congress for the New Urbanism, the Cotton

District represents one of the earliest examples of this style of development

in the United States, a community intentionally designed to be walkable,

mixed-use, and centered on human interaction rather than automobiles.

Camp himself often explained that his goal was to build a neighborhood

where daily life could unfold within walking distance. In a Mississippi Public

Broadcasting episode of Mississippi Roads, he described the Cotton District

as “a neighborhood built to human scale,” where homes, gathering spaces, and

businesses exist side by side.

As the development grew, the district evolved beyond housing.

Restaurants, shops, and gathering spaces began to take root along its

streets, helping create the vibrant atmosphere that defines the area today.

Local favorites such as Bin 612, Two Brothers Smoked Meats, The Little

Dooey, Arepas Coffee & Bar, and The Landing have become staples of

the district, drawing students, residents, and visitors alike. The mix of

dining, entertainment, and distinctive architecture has made the Cotton

District one of Starkville’s most recognizable destinations.

Today, the neighborhood contains hundreds of residential units,

cottages, duplexes, townhomes, and apartments, many occupied by

Mississippi State students, young professionals, and longtime Starkville

residents. The architecture, brick walkways, balconies, and courtyard

spaces create a setting that feels both historic and vibrant.

The Cotton District has also become one of Starkville’s most popular

gathering places for major events. The Cotton District Arts Festival,

taking place on April 18, draws an estimated 40,000 visitors each spring,

filling the neighborhood with artists, musicians, and food vendors. The

Starkville Derby, taking place on April 25 and in conjunction with Super

Bulldog Weekend, has also grown into a major community celebration,

bringing thousands of people together in support of local organizations

and causes.

56 • APRIL 2026

Camp’s influence on Starkville extended beyond the neighborhood he created.

In 2005, he was elected mayor of Starkville and served until 2009. Even in public

office, he remained committed to strengthening the relationship between the

university and the city while preserving the character that makes Starkville unique.

Following his passing in 2020, many community members reflected on the

impact of his work. Historians and residents alike have often described Camp as

someone who could see opportunity where others saw decline. His redevelopment

of the Cotton District transformed what had once been a deteriorating mill

neighborhood into one of Starkville’s most distinctive and beloved places.

Today, that legacy continues through his sons, Robert and Bonn Camp, who

manage properties in the Cotton District through Camp Brothers Real Estate

while also investing in redevelopment projects throughout Starkville. Like their

father, they remain committed to preserving the character of the city’s historic

neighborhoods while helping them grow for future generations.

More than fifty years after Dan Camp first began purchasing property along

Lummus Drive, the Cotton District stands as a testament to the power of vision

and persistence. What began as an ambitious idea in a forgotten corner of Starkville

has become one of the city’s defining places, a neighborhood where architecture,

history, and community continue to meet every day.

SOURCES Mississippi Public Broadcasting (Mississippi Roads),

Congress for the New Urbanism, Mississippi Business Journal,

The Reflector (Mississippi State University), Starkville Daily News,

and Cotton District historical materials

PHOTO CREDITS Mississippi Public Broadcasting (Mississippi Roads),

Cotton District social media accounts, Facebook, Instagram,

and publicly available online sources.

www.cottondistrictms.com/history-of-cd/


Starkville/MSU

Symphony

Association

2026 Mardi Gras Celebration

February 28 • The Gathering

Photos: ZLR Images

58 • APRIL 2026


A Community

of COMPASSION

THE WORK OF THE

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY

HUMANE SOCIETY

Christy Maulding

In a place like Starkville, neighbors tend to look out for one another.

It’s part of what makes this community special. That same spirit of care and

compassion extends to the animals who share our homes and our front

porches. For decades, the Oktibbeha County Humane Society has been

working quietly behind the scenes to make sure pets and the people who

love them have the support they need.

The mission of the OCHS is to serve as a resource in reducing pet

overpopulation through affordable and accessible spay-and-neuter services

and by caring for and promoting the adoption of thousands of homeless and

neglected dogs that come through their doors each year. Guided by the belief

that all animals deserve to be safe, loved, and cared for, the organization

works every day to give animals in need a chance at a better life.

60 • APRIL 2026

Each year, OCHS helps more than 6,000 animals through several key programs,

including management of the Starkville Animal Shelter, animal relocation efforts, and

the OCHS Spay and Neuter Clinic. Behind those numbers are thousands of individual

stories, animals that arrive frightened, injured, or simply unwanted and leave with the

opportunity to begin again.

The Oktibbeha County Humane Society is an independent nonprofit organization

that contracts with the City of Starkville and Oktibbeha County to manage the

Starkville Animal Shelter. While the city and county provide funding for shelter

operations, those funds cover only about three-quarters of the shelter’s annual

expenses. To ensure the shelter can continue providing care for animals in need,

OCHS board members and volunteers work throughout the year to raise the remaining

funds needed to support shelter operations. Those efforts also make it possible to

operate additional programs that serve animals across the region.

One of the most impactful of those programs is OCHS Express, a regional

transport initiative that relocates adoptable pets from Mississippi shelters to partner

shelters in the Northeast and Midwest, where families are actively searching for

animals to adopt. What began with just twelve animals transported in the program’s

first year has grown into a remarkable collaboration with the American Society for the

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals that has relocated more than 30,000 dogs and cats.

For many animals, that transport represents the turning point in their story, the

moment when a future that once seemed uncertain opens into a new possibility. By

partnering with shelters and rescues across North Central Mississippi, OCHS helps

animals move more quickly into loving homes while also supporting communities that

have fewer resources for animal welfare.

One example of this partnership can be seen in the work of Small Mercies Animal

Rescue (SMAR), a nonprofit organization founded in 2015 that works closely with

OCHS to help save animals in some of Mississippi’s most underserved communities.

SMAR is a 501(c)(3) rescue dedicated to finding homes for animals facing extreme

risk, neglect, or injury. Their volunteers often step in where there are few resources

available, focusing on communities that have very limited or sometimes no animal

welfare support at all. Through a network of foster homes, volunteers provide medical

care, rehabilitation, and the time animals need to recover.

The work does not stop with basic care. Volunteers also focus on socialization,

behavior support, and helping animals learn basic commands so they are ready to thrive

in a home environment. Once the animals are healthy and behaviorally ready, SMAR

submits a transport list to OCHS, which serves as a regional hub connecting animals

with more than ten partner shelters where adoptive families are waiting.

According to Andrea Spain, a representative for SMAR, this small group of unpaid

volunteers alone saves between 300 and 350 dogs each year. Their belief is simple but

powerful: every day, small acts of kindness—those everyday “small mercies”—can help

ease the suffering caused by pet overpopulation and neglect across the state of

Mississippi. Partnerships like this illustrate how collaboration between rescues, shelters,

and volunteers can expand the reach of animal welfare efforts and create new opportunities

for animals who might otherwise have nowhere to go.

While relocation programs provide an immediate lifeline for animals already

in shelters, OCHS also focuses on addressing one of the root causes of shelter

overcrowding: pet overpopulation. Through grants and donations, the OCHS Spay

and Neuter Clinic offers additional subsidies to income-qualified families to help

them care responsibly for their pets while preventing unwanted litters.


62 • APRIL 2026

For those who want to become part of the mission,

there are many ways to help. Donations, volunteer

service, fostering animals, and simply spreading the word

about adoption opportunities all make a difference.

In November 2024, the organization celebrated an important milestone with the

opening of the OCHS Spay and Neuter Clinic, made possible through a grant from

the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). The clinic

now offers affordable spay and neuter surgeries along with basic wellness and sick-care

services for pets across the region. By expanding access to veterinary care, the clinic

helps address one of the biggest challenges facing animal shelters throughout the

South.

Education also plays an important role in the Humane Society’s work. Through

humane education efforts, OCHS helps promote responsible pet ownership and

encourages community members to understand the lifelong commitment that comes

with caring for an animal.

Caring for animals who arrive at the shelter remains at the heart of the organization’s

mission. Many animals enter the shelter with medical conditions or injuries that

must be treated before they are ready for adoption. Through donations to the Second

Chance Fund, OCHS can provide critical veterinary care and rehabilitation so that

animals have the opportunity to heal and eventually find homes of their own. The

organization also recognizes that sometimes the best rescue is helping pets stay with

the families who already love them. Through the Community Second Chance Fund,

OCHS assists families whose pets have urgent medical needs but whose owners may

not otherwise be able to afford treatment.

Despite the progress that has been made, challenges remain. Across much of the

South, communities continue to face high numbers of unaltered pets, limited access

to affordable veterinary care, and fewer animal welfare resources, particularly in rural

areas. Animal intake has continued to outpace local adoption in recent years,

especially for larger dogs that often remain in shelters longer while waiting for the

right family. Meeting those needs requires not only compassion but also partnership.

Support from local donors, volunteers, city and county leaders, and community

partners makes the Humane Society’s work possible.

“One of the most meaningful examples of partnerships can be seen in the

Starkville Derby, one of the organization’s largest fundraisers each year. OCHS is

deeply grateful to the Derby committee members, volunteers, and sponsors whose

generosity of time, talent, and resources helps make the event such a success,” said

Michele Anderson, executive director of OCHS.

At its core, the Oktibbeha County Humane Society is guided by a simple but

powerful belief: compassion for animals reflects the very best of a community.

By helping pets and the people who care for them, OCHS continues to create a

healthier, safer, and more caring place for everyone who calls Starkville home.

And for thousands of animals each year, that compassion means something truly

life-changing: the chance to begin again.

Donate online at ochsms.org, send support through

Venmo at @OCHSGIVE, or mail donations to OCHS,

P.O. Box 287, Starkville, MS 39759. For planned giving,

corporate partnerships, or other ways to support the

organization’s work, individuals may contact

president@ochsms.org.


64 • APRIL 2026

Christy Maulding

A TRADITION OF

AGRICULTURE & COMMUNITY

Trader Days

at the

Oktibbeha County Co-Op

For nearly a century, the Oktibbeha County Co-Op has

been a familiar stop for families across Starkville and

the surrounding area.

Founded in 1937 by Farm Bureau leaders and county agricultural agents,

the Co-Op was originally established to supply fertilizer to local farmers and

support the agricultural backbone of Oktibbeha County. Over the decades,

it has grown alongside the community, expanding its products and services

while continuing to serve those who depend on agriculture and rural living.

Today, the Co-Op offers a wide range of products for farmers, gardeners,

and outdoor enthusiasts. Customers can find power equipment, livestock feed,

farm supplies, plants and nursery items, hardware and tools, boots and apparel,

tack, hunting supplies, pet products, and animal health supplies. In February

2019, the Co-Op further expanded its offerings when it became a dealer for

Massey Ferguson® equipment, providing additional options for tractors and

farm machinery. While the store continues to serve as a trusted supplier, it has

also become a place where neighbors gather, exchange advice, and stay

connected to the region’s agricultural traditions.

That spirit of community helped inspire the creation of Trader Days, a

seasonal event hosted at the Co-Op that brings together local residents and

vendors. Beginning each April, Trader Days takes place one Saturday morning

a month throughout the summer from 9am to noon, transforming the Co-Op

grounds into a lively open-air market.

On those mornings, visitors can stroll through rows of vendor booths

featuring a wide variety of locally produced goods. Shoppers may find farm

animals, freshly harvested produce, homemade baked goods, jars of local

honey, handmade crafts, artwork, and other unique items created by local

makers and growers. The event also provides an opportunity for small farms

and home-based businesses to share their products with the community.

Trader Days offers more than just shopping—it provides a chance for

neighbors to slow down and connect. Families often bring children to see

animals up close, gardeners swap tips about what is growing well in the

Mississippi soil, and vendors enjoy visiting with customers and fellow producers.

Some events have even included special activities such as gardening demonstrations,

community competitions, and opportunities for local groups to

participate.

Events like Trader Days highlight the agricultural heritage that continues to

shape Oktibbeha County. Nearly ninety years after its founding, the Oktibbeha

County Co-Op remains more than a place to buy supplies—it is a gathering

place where agriculture, tradition, and community come together.


A NEW ERA AT THE

CARNEGIE HALL OF

COLLEGE BASEBALL

“Mississippi State has a great

baseball history… it’s the excitement

of that, the challenge of that.”

~ Brian O’Connor, Head Baseball Coach

Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution.

HAIL STATE

MSSTATE.EDU

66 • APRIL 2026

ADVERTISER SPOTLIGHT

Level III Trauma Center

and Primary Pediatric Center

Designation in Our Hometown

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Oktibbeha

County has regained its Level III trauma

center and primary pediatric center

designation. The hospital last held the

official designation in 2024.

“This is an exciting achievement for Baptist

Oktibbeha County and Starkville,” said Mac Flynt,

CEO and administrator of Baptist Oktibbeha

County. “Our staff has worked diligently to meet

stringent criteria to regain this designation, and

I appreciate their dedication. We are committed

to meeting the highest standards and providing

extraordinary care for patients of different levels

in this community.”

Level III trauma hospitals can provide prompt

assessment, resuscitation, emergency operations

and stabilization, as well as arrange for

transfer to a facility that can provide definitive

trauma care when needed. Level III trauma

centers also provide continuous general

surgical coverage.

“This is a significant achievement for our

hospital and community. It was important to me

and our medical team that we be recognized

for providing this superior level of care for

Oktibbeha County,” said Dr. J. Travis Methvin,

director of trauma for Baptist Oktibbeha County.

“Our medical staff has worked together for

months so we could achieve this designation

and provide care our community can trust.”

Baptist Oktibbeha County will maintain the

Level III trauma designation for three years.

The 96-bed hospital offers 21 medical specialties

to families in a seven-county area surrounding

Starkville. More than 13 clinics and medical

practices are associated with the hospital, from

family medicine to medical specialties that

include breast health, cardiology, orthopedics,

sleep medicine, surgery, pain management,

wound care and more.

For more

information visit

och.org or follow

on Facebook

OCH Regional

Medical Center


68 • APRIL 2026

Your BOC Starkville Local

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Starkville

Oktibbeha

THEATRE SETS RECORD FOR SUPERIOR AWARDS

Starkville High School Theatre earned a record-breaking

21 Superior awards for “Thespy” submissions at the

2026 Mississippi Thespian Conference in February.

The awards were presented for student technical work,

dance pieces, and individual, duet, and group musical

and acting performances. This year’s results mark a

record number of Superiors received in a single year

since the Thespian Troupe 1180 was chartered in 1977.

“Our students work so hard all year to lay it on the

stage,” said SHS Theatre Director Trisha Jordan.

“They represent Starkville High School and prepare

to be adjudicated both for their own improvement as

performers from year to year and to receive recognition

for their achievement.”

In addition to the 21 Superior ratings, four students

earned accolades as top-three in the state. Maggie

Montgomery ranked 1st place overall in stage management.

Tori Parson and Sophie Haug earned 2nd place in

stage management and scenic design. Kylin Ellis

received a 3rd place overall for contrasting monologue

performance. Troupe member Dezmond Williams also

earned MS Thespian Hall of Fame. Three students will

represent Starkville High in the state organization for

the upcoming 2026-2027 school year: Darianna Sims,

state thespian apprentice; Myrto Sergi and Kylin Ellis,

state thespian officers.

SENIORS EARN NATIONAL VISUAL ARTS HONORS

Seniors Sachiko Clay and Willie McGee have earned

national honors in the visual arts for their photography.

Sachiko Clay has been recognized as a 2026 Young Art

Award Winner with Distinction in Visual Arts through the

YoungArts program for 15 to 18-year-olds. In addition,

Willie McGee has been named a 2025 National

Scholastic Gold Medalist through the scholastic art and

writing awards program. Both seniors have earned

multiple regional, national and international awards

during their high school career and are active participants

in the SHS Visual Arts program under the instruction of

award-winning teacher, Andrew Lark.

Arts education in the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated

School District is available to students beginning in PreK,

and students may enroll in arts electives beginning in

6th grade. Advanced instruction in visual arts, drawing,

photography, and ceramics is available to students

beginning in 9th grade, and the Starkville High visual

arts program, yearly, produces statewide, national, and

international award-winners.

70 • APRIL 2026

Congratulations, jackets!

STARKVILLE YELLOW JACKETS

STATE

CHAMPIONS

x2


Starkville Academy

WE’RE STAYING BUSY ON ACADEMY ROAD!

In January, we enjoyed our elementary talent show

sponsored by our junior high student council with

winners being- 1st place Lillian Forrester, 3rd grade,

2nd place Tatum Berkery, 2nd grade, 3rd place Reagan

Purcell, 3rd grade, and Judges Favorite: Emma Ai,

2nd grade. We enjoyed the night with many more

performances from our youngest Vols.

Closing out January, we celebrated 100 days of school,

and February really kicked it up for the Vols! Avi Anthony

was named DAR good citizen; Max Fuller (5th Grade)

was the DAR essay winner and the state essay winner,

and Luke Vowell (6th Grade) was also a DAR essay

winner. We also hosted our annual daddy-daughter

dance sponsored by our Anchor Club and our annual

food drive sponsored by our junior high and high school

student council. This year, we teamed up with Oak Hill

Academy for the food drive. Together, we collected

nearly 10,000 items for Oktibbeha and Clay County.

February also brought coaching awards. Coach Tate

Fischer traveled to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to accept his

Mississippi High School Broyles Award, and he will be

back in action in Coralville, Iowa, in July to accept his

NHSACA Assistant Coach of the Year Award! Continuing

on with athletic acknowledgements, we had another

senior sign his commitment to continue his academic

and athletic soccer career! Nathan Miller will be

attending Copiah-Lincoln Community College in the fall.

Nathan also represented SA in the 2025-2026 MAIS

Boys’ Soccer All-Star game in February, and Kate

Couvillion and Sil Santucci represented SA in the

2025-2026 Futures basketball game. Under the

leadership of Coach Tony Minor, our 7th grade boys

basketball team was undefeated this season with

a record of 9-0 and became the Class 4A, District 2

champions!

February closed with two of our favorite events-our annual

trivia night fundraiser and our mother-son dodgeball

tournament! March brought about many student

academic achievements! Senior Mary Holland Nicholas

was named a National Merit Finalist, STAR Student, and

received the prestigious Mississippi Honors Scholar

Scholarship, and senior Avi Anthony was named a

Mississippi State Presidential Scholar! We also had two

of our students finish in 1st and 2nd place overall at the

MAIS Overall Spelling Bee. Keira Moss, 4th grader,

earned 2nd place overall and 1st place for 4th grade and

Evan McClelland, 8th grader, won 1st place overall and

1st place for 8th grade.

We’re incredibly proud of our Volunteer family and

cannot wait to see what the rest of this school year

brings! #ChooseSA

72 • APRIL 2026

Starkville

Christian School

Starkville Christian School is celebrating its 30th

year of providing Christian education in the Starkville

area. To commemorate, SCS hosted alumni and held

several events that reminded the alumni and current

students of how the Lord has been incredibly faithful

to the school. The halls were filled with pictures,

memorabilia, and an acrylic-patchwork quilt made

by our 10th-grade art class. The quilt was a nod to a

memory, core value, or favorite thing about SCS.

One of the charter teachers and board members,

Mrs. Lanell Shields and Betty Sanchez, led the alumni

parade and captivated the students and faculty as they

shared stories of the first days of SCS. Shortly after,

attendees enjoyed a food-truck dinner and spent the

evening in a night of worship led by current students

and alumni.

After a good night’s rest, Coach Rye hosted an alumni

vs. current-athletes basketball tournament. With the aid

of Tylenol and the wisdom that comes with age, the

alumni came out on top. The weekend was wrapped up

by hearing from the founding and current administrators

as they reflected on the past 30 years and shared

highlights and significant moments of our history.

It was impossible to miss the resounding theme;

Starkville Christian School began out of a calling from

the Lord, and it will continue to be a school joyfully

moved by, provided for, and here for His purposes.

NEW LOGO, SAME MISSION:

“To assist parents in fulfilling their

responsibility to bring up their children

in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”


TheTime COIN

Camille Anding

“Go call her one more time,” I said to our kids.

Our beloved Lab, Belle, wasn’t in her usual lounging place outside our back door. “Was she with y’all

when you were playing in the woods today?“ I continued with a bit more concern in my voice. It wasn’t like

her to be away from home when the day was closing out. She was a steady, faithful friend and watchdog.

During the family evening meal, we discussed our missing Lab and promised the kids that we would

extend our search for Belle. In the meantime, we would pray that our lost Lab would be found, and we

would keep up our search until we did find her.

The search went through a second day with no Lab or word of anyone seeing a jet black Lab. Neighbors

had been notified, but Belle remained on the missing list. Worry pushed concern aside and took over the

family’s thoughts. No one wanted to think about Belle not being a part of the kids’ hiking in the woods,

nor did we want to think about not being able to watch Belle fetch sticks that the kids tossed in my

grandparent’s lake.

There were puppy days in her past that stretched my patience when she looked for moles in

my flower beds or chose to take her naps atop some freshly planted flowers. She had no respect

for any transplants in my flower garden or any of the kids’ tennis shoes that they left at the

back door. Gnawing and chewing for Belle were never solely associated with eating.

She participated in everything we did outside, including several Easter egg hunts. There

was never a problem for her to sniff out any of the hiding places, and if we couldn’t find the

last missing egg, we would make Belle open her mouth. There it rested, cradled gently and

concealed. Her manners were impeccable. Even though Belle’s puppy days were rife with

flower bed destruction and missing shoes, she chewed an entrance into our hearts with her

unconditional love and unwavering commitment to our family.

On the third morning of her disappearance we got a call from a neighbor that he had rescued a

black Lab from a beaver trap. She sounded like the match to our canine companion, so we told our

neighbor that we were on our way. There was no doubt of ownership when we saw her limping toward us.

Even with a bruised paw, she did every dance in her dog moves. Our reunion was an authentic expression

of human/canine love.

Belle was wounded by the trap, hungry, and thirsty. Her survival had been challenging, but the attention

and love she got on the way home was healing. I hustled up some hot cornbread and soaked it in milk.

Our prisoner had been set free and was back with her family, enjoying the bounty of her owners.

Our endearing Lab lived the “good life” for a dog’s usual lifespan. Her jet black hair around her face

turned gray, and her naps on our back porch in the sun became her routine pastime. None of the family

disturbed those restful days. Her faithfulness and unconditional love had earned them all.

74 • APRIL 2026

Happy

Semiquincentennial,

Y’all!

Join us for a celebration that’s as big and wonderful

as the word “Semiquincentennial,” itself. Mississippi’s

commemoration of our nation’s 250th birthday promises

a year filled with events, exhibits, programs, and more

celebrating our state’s contributions to America’s story

through culture, storytelling, the arts, and our shared

history. Get plugged in at America250.ms.

Elvis Presley Homecoming Statue, Tupelo

Starkville

and Baptist

Are Now

Connected

by Care.

Starkville426web (3)

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