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EditorsNote
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may be For my unconnquearable soul In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud, Under the bludgeoning of chance My head bloody, but unbowed Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul. Invictus , William Ernest Henley As e Real Story moves into its fourth month in print and our seventh month of existence, it is time to give thanks to the people who matter most---our readers. Without the people who buy the paper and support us through purchasing ads, there is NO Real Story. While I attended Market Street Festival, this weekend, I was overwhelmed by the love and support that I felt from the people who approached me. And, aer this weekend, I truly felt that the transformation from former police chief to "newspaper man" is complete. e encouragement I have received from the community has always been amazing. I don't always understand it, but I am glad I have it. During my "Dark Journey of the Soul," I was oen asked what I was going to do and whether I was going to move. A couple of well-meaning friends even said I would have to move. "What would the ex-chief do in Columbus, if he wasn't chief?" they asked. And, even when I didn't know the answer to that question, I knew this: I was not moving! Columbus is my home. My experiences, over this past weekend only reinforce this de-
cision. I love C-town. I love Lowndes County. And, now I can say without a doubt, "I am a Mississippian and I am proud to be from Columbus." A really smart guy, who is the Star of his own book, but never wrote a word of it, once said, In patience, you shall win your soul." ese words ring true for all of us, and should be our governing concept in life. To win is to fight and to overcome adversity. It is the glue that keeps everyone on focus. e words, "Even when failure seems certain, cling to your ideals and principles" are words I will never forget. ey have been brought to my attention, most emphatically, over the past few days. I didn't know much about the author, beforehand, but I understand his words meaning. And, that is the important part understanding. e most common admonition that I have heard, since the inception of the paper, has been for e Real Story to keep it real. And, that is what we plan to do. We will endeavor to keep it real for as long as e Real Story exists. Its the only way to get things done. e support I have received, over the past 10 months, will never be forgotten; nor will the commitment I have to the community. e Real Story will be there and, yes, will even stir things up, when necessary. We want to be "the communitys newspaper. We want to be the publication that you can send to anyone, anywhere in America and be proud of the content, the layout, the photos, the writing, and the ads; in short, we want you, the reader, to be proud of everything we do. From the onset, the paper has said, we will be the "government watchdog." at concept should be every papers true agenda. It is not acceptable for a legitimate media outlet to prey on the unfortunate, the wreck victim, the one-time, minor oender, while "Rome burns and Nero fiddles." It is not only sloppy journalism - it is a disservice to the community. Its that plain and simple, and if you're in the media and have to look up either
"Rome" or "Nero" that is also a problem. , So, for all the people who approached me this past weekend and told me to keep giving the man hell - rest assured that we will never stop. e Real Story is dedicated to being a community watch dog. And, I promise that we will never hunt rabbits and squirrels, while there is big game in town. at is a waste of your time and mine. It is a sophomoric attempt to be important, in a troubled world. Using your power to promote silliness and irrelevance is never truly journalism. In closing - because 2,700 words are 1,700 words too much, two quotes resonate with me, as I come to the climax of the article: Meet failure and disappointment with courage. Rise superior to the trials of life, and never give in to hopelessness or despair. In danger, in adversity, cling to your principles and ideals. - Dr. William Osler ink oen of how swily all things pass away and are no more - the works of Nature and the works of man. e substance of the Universe, matter, is like unto a river that flows on, forever. All things are not only in a constant state of change, but they are the cause of constant and infinite change in other things. Upon a narrow ledge thou standest! Behind thee, the bottomless abyss of the Past! In front of thee, the Future, that will swallow up all things that are now. Over what things, then, in this present life wilt thou, O foolish man, be disquieted or exalted - making thyself wretched; seeing that they can vex thee only for a time - a brief, brief time! - Marcus Aurelius ese are words we can all live by!
May 9, 2012
JEREMIAH SHORT
SPORTS WRITER
jshort@realstorypublishing.com
rparlato@realstorypublishing.com
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fandresen@realstorypublishing.com kate@realstorypublishing.com
FRAN ANDRESEN
RON PARLATO
FEATURE COLUMNISTS
ashaw@realstorypublishing.com
INVINO VERITAS MEAGAN M. ONAN CANDI VEZINA MELINDA DUFFIE CLARE MALLORY MOLLY MURPHREE ASHLEY EVERETT JOYCE SHAW WHITE TORI HAWKINS
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DICK MAHONEY
AIMEE SHAW
PHOTOGRAPHERS
JASMINE CARUTHERS
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Caledonia Commits to Parks and Recreation; Robertsons Situation Sent to the AGs Oce
e May 1, 2012, meeting of the Caledonia Board of Aldermen packed noticeably less punch than past meetings. Proceeding smoothly through the mundane aairs of town government, very little excitement permeated the room. With the exception of a brief flair-up between Michelle Cox and Mayor Gerhart, over Easter eggs and the logo on the Easter Egg Hunt fliers, all appeared calm. e most important agenda item of the night was Alderman Mike Savages announcement that the Town was going to continue its search for a full-time Park and Recreation director. Claiming that, at one time, it was his "dream job," Savage went on to explain that that time had passed and someone else needed to fill the role. When asked about the situation by phone, Savage added the points, "It's just mostly for convenience. We already have the ball park and the citizens use it." He also went on to explain that with the cost of gas, in today's market, it only made sense to have the ball field and the programs located within the town. Add to this the fact that Caledonia is fiercely independent and the situation is a no-brainer. If the town can agree on the job description and the rate of pay, the municipality will be getting its own stand-alone Parks and Recreation department. When questioned about the fact that the city and the county already have the Columbus-Lowndes County Parks Department, the citizens who have chosen to speak out about it are committed to Caledonia conducting its own programs. Right or wrong, Caledonians have a strong desire to control their own destiny. is would be no exception. In other news, it was quietly pointed out that the situation between the Town and the Robertsons has been sent to be the Mississippi AG's Oce, for review. A copy of the letter that was sent by Town Attorney Je Smith accompanies this article. It will only be a matter of time before this issue is played out again, as the situation stumbles toward a resolution.
clynch@realstorypublishing.com
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e May 1 meeting of the Columbus City Council was, on the surface, refreshingly boring. Of course, the Council plodded through the mundane minutiae of city government, with approval of various items and little or no discussion.
May 9, 2012
Seasoned observers of Friendly City politics could, however, detect the early signs of a once-every-four-years phenomenon known as Election Season. Yes, and the signs were evident, early in the meeting. During the portion of the agenda devoted to comments by the Mayor and City Council, Mayor Robert
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cumstance/ landscape condition prior to the installation of the utility lines. The landowners are not satisfied with two (2) quotes which were approximately $5,500.00 and had obtained a quote for approximately $10,600.00 from another professional landscaping service. The Town is in a quandary of whether attempting to pay the professional service (landscaping company) or accept one of the quotes from one of the two lower contractors in exchange for a valid easement from the landowners. The landowners refused to accept anything other than the quote they have obtained because they know of his quality work. I have advised the Board they would have to use the quote, since they have been obtained, which is the lowest and best. I would like some guidance from the Attorney General's Oce as to the route which would appear to be the most logical under the law (31-7-13) of Mississippi Code of 1972. Thank you for all of your help in this matter.
NEWS/COMMENTARY
May 9, 2012
Molly Murphree
molly@realstorypublishing.com
Molly is a resident of Columbus, who enjoys reading, cooking, cake decorating, and spending time with her family. She is a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
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Hey - if you make some, bring one to me (I wont tell my Mama...Im on a diet). Whoever heard of a pig on a diet, anyway?!
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Snow read the names of those who lost their lives, that tragic day. "e ones we lost are looking down upon us, as we rebuild our town. On Easter Sunday, we all went to church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, we come together to celebrate the resurrection of Smithville. In just one year, remarkable progress has been made. Aer total devastation, the clean-up of debris, and lives lost, eight businesses are back in operation and a large percentage of families have returned, to rebuild their homes. Amidst all of the trials and tribulations, we see nothing but bright beautiful skies, ahead, for the town of Smithville.
May 9, 2012
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Molly Murphree
molly@realstorypublishing.com
Molly is a resident of Columbus, who enjoys reading, cooking, cake decorating, and spending time with her family. She is a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
As Amazing Grace touched the ears of the audience, balloons were released into the air, and Vice-Mayor Johnny
The crowd listens to Amazing Grace as balloons are released into the air.
Special Budget Message and Legislative Updates for Columbus Schools Sta
Editors Note: e following is a copy of a letter that was recently sent to all Columbus Municipal School District sta by Dr. Martha Liddell, CMSD interim superintendent. enrollment numbers and class loads, to make the best decisions possible. We are committed to keeping as many quality teachers as we can possibly aord, in Columbus classrooms. With the state budget complete, I am now able to give principals the green light to begin interviewing and re-hiring RIF-impacted teachers. e Board of Trustees will meet as many times as needed, this month, to approve personnel recommendations. We anticipate having 35-40 RIF-impacted teachers hired back and contracts out, before the end of the school year. I want to personally thank all of our principals, teachers and support sta for the honorable way you've remained focused on our students' best interests, in light of a very tough budget year. Each of you is a "Champion", in my eyes, and you are deeply appreciated. Our state tests are coming up, soon, and the focus on achievement that I continue to see in our schools is outstanding. As Robert Schuler once said, "Tough times never last, tough people do!" anks for all you do, Dr. Martha Liddell, Interim Superintendent Columbus School District Special Note: Because I believe educators need to know about the legislation that passed this year that aects their profession, I have provided a detailed list, below, of the Education Bills you need to know about. e Charter Bill did not pass, this legislative session; however, we are told it will be back. e Bills that passed, during this session, were: HB 707, which aects the start date of school. is bill says that school may not begin before the third Monday in August. Because a minimum of 180 instructional days are required, it is possible that school holidays will be reduced or that students will go to school into June. It is also possible that first semester exams will be given aer the Christmas holiday. e change will take eect beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. SB 2776, which requires that schools and school districts be assigned ratings of "A," "B," "C," "D," or "F", based upon their accountability ratings. School and school district ratings will be assigned based on the following: "Star" will become "A" "High Performing" will become "B" "Successful" will become "C" "Academic Watch" will become "D" "Low Performing," "At Risk of Failing," and "Failing" will become "F" SB 2760, which consolidated the six school districts in Bolivar County into three: the Cleveland Municipal School District, the North Bolivar School District (combines North Bolivar and Mound Bayou), and the West Bolivar School District (combines West Bolivar, Shaw and Benoit). e superintendents will be appointed by their local school boards. SB 2330, which consolidated the three school districts in Sunflower County into one. e superintendent will be appointed by the local school board. SB 2737, which allows parents of students in school districts that lose accreditation to request a legal transfer to an accredited district, with the funding to follow the child. is will help to move us closer to our goal of ensuring that every Mississippi child has access to an excellent public school. SB 2792 will allow students to be duallyenrolled in high school completion courses and in a community college credential certificate or degree program, a move that we hope will improve Mississippi's graduation rate and ensure that more students graduate from high school workplace-ready.
I want to keep everyone informed, as we move toward the conclusion of another school year in Columbus Schools. I have returned, today, from a very informative legislative update meeting sponsored by MS School Boards Association. I am pleased that we had the opportunity to hear from legislators, state ocials and Jim Keith, who covered many legal aspects that are facing school districts, today.
I also want to inform you that the state budget is in its final stage and will be heading to the Governor, soon, for his signature. is is good news for school districts, like ours, who are working every day to stretch our budget dollars as far as they can possibly go. e state budget did not come in as strong as I had hoped; however, being proactive, this year, the budget team and I have planned a budget for the coming year based on "level funding." Fortunately, we didn't count our chickens before they hatched and reduced expenses, this year and for the coming year, in order for CMSD to gain good financial footing, again.
Dr. Tom Burnham, State Superintendent, who has spent many long hours meeting with legislators, this year, told Superintendents and Board Members, yesterday, at the meeting, that it's not the best budget, but it certainly could have been a lot worse. He advised that although the state budget seems level (when compared to last year's state budget), it is still under-funded by $250 million dollars, and the increases in the retirement system will be passed on to school districts, as well, to pay.
RIF-Impacted Sta - I am pleased to report that budget meetings will be held, beginning this week, with building principals. e budget team and I will review, with principals, their school-by-school
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May 9, 2012 Downtown Columbus, Mississippi has ocially had its socks rocked o. is past weekend, at the 17th Annual Market Street Festival, is where said sock-rocking occurred. Two phenomenal bands kicked o the arts festival, and all in attendance were blown away! e night began with Austin, Texasbased soul and funk group Mingo Fishtrap. is amazing band is a total throwback to the swinging 60s, with their soulful harmonies, groovy percussion, and jazzy horn section. Lead singer and guitarist Roger Blevins Jr. and his band are veterans of the live music scene, and it shows. In their touring career, Mingo Fishtrap has performed with such legendary musicians as Blues Traveler, George Clinton and P Funk, and Sting. e bands musical experience definitely showed in their energetic ninety-minute set. Folks were quite literally dancing in the streets. e second act of the evening was Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real. e band, lead by Willie Nelson ospring Lukas Nelson, have already appeared on late night talk shows e Late Show with David Letterman and e Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Seeing them live, it is easy to comprehend this California and Hawaii-based bands growing popularity. Nelson and the rest of the band performed songs from their new album Wasted, along with covers of some favorites. e entire crowd was feeding o of the bands infectious energy. A particularly memorable moment for all in attendance was when Nelson played a
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Big Name Bands Headline Cars 17th Annual Market Street Shine Festival Opening Night at Market Street
guitar solo - with his tongue! I feel safe in saying that we will be hearing much more from this up-and-coming band, and all of us in attendance can say we knew them when. All in all, the opening night of the 17th Annual Market Street Festival was an enormous success. All of us should definitely appreciate the wonderful Main Street team, including the Market Street Festival Committee, who work so hard to provide us with fun-filled entertainment for the whole family. e entire night was a one-of-a-kind musical experience that this town will surely be talking about for years to come. When asked what he thought of the evening, one festival attendee summed it up: Dude, it rocked!
Tori Hawkins
NEWS/COMMENTARY
While there is a strong consensus that phoning and texting while driving causes accidents, enforcing the use of hands-free devices as a principal measure of reducing risk has been only partially eective. A recent white paper published by the National Safety Council has shown that the real problem is talking on the phone, regardless of how it is done: Studies have shown that hands-free phones oer no safety benefit when driving. Conversation occurs on both handheld and hands-free phones. e cognitive distraction from paying attention to conversation from listening and responding to a disembodied voice contributes to numerous driving impairments. Estimates indicate that drivers using cell phones look but fail to see up to 50 percent of the information in their driving environment. Drivers suering from this inattention blindness are looking out the windshield, but they do not process everything in the roadway environment that they must know to eectively monitor their surroundings, seek and identify potential hazards, and respond to unexpected situations. Anyone who has talked on the phone, while driving, has experienced this spacey feeling. You cannot recall what you saw in the last ten miles. You dont remember much about the drive, once it is over, but assume that some deeper, lowerlevel you had seen the road, without really seeing it or remembering it. e white paper suggests that the creation of a third reality one in between driving and talking is because of our inability to multi-task: e brain not only tries to juggle tasks, it also juggles focus and attention. When people attempt to perform two cognitively complex tasks,
May 9, 2012
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Ron Parlato
rparlato@realstorypublishing.com Ron Parlato is a writer living in Washington, DC. He has close ties with Columbus which he visits frequently. His writings on literature, politics and culture, travel, and cooking can be found on his own blog, uncleguidosfacts.com.
It's strange to think that, at one time in this country, women had few rights. From one perspective, that's half the population of adult human beings that make up this country. In the beginning, whether for political or religious reasons, people of all walks of life came to this land to escape persecution and oppression. America was a symbol of freedom, but America wasn't so much a place, as it was an idea - a concept realized by many, in response to the thought that there had to be something more, something greater, and something better. Unfortunately, these sort of things tend to come with their own forms of baggage, dragging with it bits and pieces of the old world into the new. Wherever people travel, they bring parts of themselves along for the ride.
When we talk about what makes this country great, we think of things like the Bill of Rights and e Revolutionary War. We romanticize the battles for freedom fought by such names as George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and Israel Putnam. We exalt statesmen with names like omas Jeerson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams. Finally, in 1783, the war had ended and America won its independence, thus cementing its recognition as a separate nation, able and willing to create for itself its own laws, based upon its own ideas, and to govern itself without foreign influence and interference. But,
NEWS/COMMENTARY
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May 9, 2012
When Brent sings, you know she means what she says. at, alone, is worth the price of the CD. A real Mississippi child, singing about Mississippi, with the raw emotions of Mississippi. What else needs to be said?
MoJo
we denigrate and otherwise find reason their bodies. Women should have the for prejudice and discrimination against right to voice their opinions and beliefs one segment of the population, we tar- in both formal and informal arenas. In nish and destroy a part of the foundation other words, women have the same basic of that original idea, that concept, and human rights as men; in all facets of the that reason for being. e promise and word equal, without respect to naturallythe dream becomes a farce, a great lie occurring physical dierences. is war staining us all, like a gargantuan on women serves only to divide, dissect, melanoma on the face of freedom. To and destroy us all. With this, I assert: we make sure we're on the same page, we are not merely men and women, we are aren't talking about free in the context of Americans. It's time to start acting like it. economies and financial transaction, but rather free as in fundamental human rights and prerogatives without penalty. Invino Veritas When we set that precedent upon ouriveritas@realstorypublishing.com selves, we form the foundations of our own moral code, our own standards as a Attempting to make sense of people, nation, and society. e universal Invino Veritas bubbles outward his universe, from the chaos, truth of reciprocity as a moral compass is sometimes submitting to its infinite whirl, and as telltale as the rising of the sun to mark other times raging against its disregard for its own the beginning of the day. Guys, women elements. His writings incorporate multiple styles and energies which can be found on his own blog should be able to choose for themselves, of random things at individually, what is best for them and http://musingsfortheinsane.blogspot.com/
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May 9, 2012
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O.k. I will come right out and admit it I am a fan of Sarah Oswalts artwork. My appreciation of Sarahs artwork stems from the fact that, despite her having received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Mississippi University for Women in 2004, her works possesses many of the characteristics of a selftaught or folk artist, a style of painting that I have been drawn to (no pun intended) for a number of years.
Fran Andresen
fandresen@realstorypublishing.com Fran is a homemaker who enjoys experimenting and creating tasteful diabetic and kidneydisease-friendly recipes. She is married to John Andresen and likes to crochet in her free time.
Oswalt, who has been painting since 1994, used to work in both oil and acrylic paints, but has worked exclusively in acrylic, for some years, now.
When asked which artist has influenced her the most, she cited the late American painter, Richard Diebenkorn. I like the way he uses colors and textures, says Oswalt. When viewing the works of each, one cant help but see the eect Diebenkorn had on Oswalts style. is is particularly evident in Hillwood a piece that was included in the recent Emergence show at Renee Reedy Studio, which consists of the rough image of a young boy, from the waist up. Interestingly, it is painted on an
display, locally, a viewing of her works can be arranged by calling the Renee Reedy Gallery at 662.368.8181. Dont be dismayed, if you missed seeing Oswalts work in Emergence; I have a feeling that we will be seeing more of her work, in the not-too-distant future!
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LIFESTYLES
Sweet Porkchop
Aer all of the excitement of last weeks Relay for Life, Porkchop has had plenty of time to chill and heal this week. By heal, I mean that he has been on a serious diet. He ate enough banana chips, grapes, and cucumber pieces, during Relay, to last him for the next few months; and,
much to his dismay, his food portions have been pretty limited, since then. Now, he only gets rationed amounts of pot-bellied pig food, and an occasional handful of carrots. Well, of course, he does get a handful of popcorn every night - but not buttered! He is a very unhappy camper - which is why Ive le him at home this past week, and not taken him to work with me. It is too hard to resist his cute face and his Im HUNGRY! grunts, when hes right behind me. Plus the little piggie tantrums that he can throw, arent too easy to deal with! He is becoming a master of the piggie-tantrum. ese hissy fits come late at night, while we are asleep, when
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Porkchop decides that he is hungry. eyre not the kind of fits that you can overlook, either. e more you ignore him, the louder and more demanding he gets. He cant see very well, but he has one heck of a nose, and can tell if you are in the bed, even if you try to hide. Weve been rudely awakened in the middle of the night, several times this past week, and the only solution is to get up, put a tiny handful of feed in his bowl, fill up his water bowl, and try to go back to sleep. I know - we shouldnt give in, but aer a 15-minute fit, something has to give! Well, I did say the only solution, but, sometimes a good belly rub works, too. One thing my husband, Kenneth, and I talk about, oen, is the fact that Porkchop is hard of hearing. We laugh, because every time we talk to him, he grunts back with a small Huh? It is so funny. Porkchop will come in the bedroom, at night, get settled in his area, and when we say something to him, he answers back,
Huh? (Of course, hes not really saying HUH, but thats our story, and were sticking to it!) One benefit of Porkchops diet, this week, is that he can now jump up the front step of the house. We let him and the dogs out in the side yard, when we get home, and they have a grand time running around and playing. Sometimes, well leave them out for a while, and when we go out to bring them back in, they are all standing side-by-side, waiting for the gate to open. Im not sure if Porkchop thinks he is a pit bulldog, or if they think they are pigs!
May 9, 2012
For all the Porkchop photos, updates, and videos you can stand, visit Porkchop on Facebook: http://www. facebook.com/PorkchopsPigTales Aimee Shaw
ashaw@realstorypublishing.com Aimee is the Oce Manager at Malone Electric Company, Inc. and also has her own freelance graphic design business. She is married to Kenneth Shaw of Columbus.
Paul Brady
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May 9, 2012
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e Good News
e Children's Online Privacy Protection Act oers one line of defense in helping protect your children's privacy. What it does is prevent websites from collecting a child's personal information, without a parent's consent. e act also mandates that sites display their privacy policy for parents to review, so they can decide whether the policies are acceptable. It's also a good idea to check with your Internet service provider, to see what parental control features it oers. Many oer programs and filters that can block objectionable content from your computer.
Be Involved
Set up your computer in a common area of your home, so that it's in view when your children are using it. Allowing a child to access the Internet in his/her own room, behind closed doors, is not recommended. If your child wants e-mail privileges, then create a shared e-mail account, so that you're privy to the password and correspondence. Don't forget about other places, outside of the home, where your child has access to the Internet and you're not there to monitor his/her activity. You need to be aware of what level of protection your child will have at school, the library and friends' homes.
Chat Rooms
Although chat rooms can oer a pleasant venue for people with similar interests to congregate and socialize, they can be dangerous places for children. e problem is that they aord people anonymity, so neither you nor your children have any way of knowing whether the person they're chatting with really is another child or an adult, posing as a child. It's a sad fact that many sex oenders prowl chat rooms, looking for children to victimize, and children can easily be fooled into giving away personal details that could put them in danger. Chat room exchanges must be closely monitored by an adult in your home, so that any questionable comments can be handled by an adult, rather than the child.
Courtesy Photo
Two southern girls with a vintage flair, indulging in fashion through chic jewelry, fabulous accessories, and aordable stylish clothing. Deep South Pout is located at 517 Main Street in Columbus.
Personal Information
Let your children know, from the beginning, that the sharing of personal photographs and information, such as addresses, phone numbers, school or hometown is absolutely forbidden. Have them use screen names, instead of their real names, when accessing message boards or e-mail accounts, and let them know that any transgression will result in the loss of computer privileges for a set period of time. Be firm on this, so that the behavior becomes ingrained.
Report Cyber-Bullying
Take the time to talk openly with your children about the concerns you have, and let them know that they should let you know about any on-line activity that scares them or makes them feel uncomfortable. Make sure that if they do come to you with any such information, that you report it to your Internet service provider. If the situation is more serious and your children are ever approached on-line by an adult, or if they receive pornographic material, via e-mail, you should immediately contact the police.
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May 9, 2012
Yes, we know that we have said (or is it, written) this, before; but, the past week has been brimming with cultural opportunities. monthly camping trips and conducted an Eagle project providing community service to the District 3 Volunteer Fire Department. Lets begin with Postcards to Columbus, the latest installment in the Art in Columbus series of monthly art exhibits being held at Renee Reedy Studio. is show, which features postcard-sized works of art, in a variety of media, opened with a reception, this past ursday, May 3rd. e exhibit consists of 323 pieces of art, each measuring 4 x 6, which were created by local artists, including area high school art students. e usual overflow crowd that attended the reception was treated to works in acrylic paint, photography, watercolor, collage, quiltwork, mixed media, and much more. At the unbelievable rate of just $25 each, the works were practically flying o the wall. However, many fantastic pieces are still available. Get yours, before the show closes on May 31st. Call the gallery, at 662.368.8181, as hours vary. Music lovers, this was your weekend! If you didnt get your fill of musical enjoyment, shame on you! e 17th Annual Market Street Festival kicked o, Friday night, with incredible performances by Mingo Fishtrap (who were just phenomenal!) and headliners Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real. Mingo, hailing from Austin the
When you hear Boy Scouts, what do you think of? A group of young men sitting around a campfire? Merit badges? Popcorn? If you answered yes to any or all of those questions, you would be absolutely correct! ese things, however, are only what lie on the surface of Scouting. Hard work and determination are the underlying foundation of every Boy Scouts journey. For Columbus resident Bradley Briggs, the journey has lasted 9 long years. Starting as a Cub Scout, at the age of 9, Bradley - now age 18 - has done everything from hiking, to backpacking in Colorado, to paddling a canoe for 80 miles, just to name a few. Who would have thought that, one day, all of that would lead him to receive the highest honor in Scouting: attaining the rank of Eagle Scout? In addition to all of his other accomplishments, Bradley has also attended weekly troop meetings,
In speaking with Bradley he stated "If you don't put forth the eort, you won't get anywhere. It was all definitely worth it." A senior at New Hope High School, this year, Bradley plans to attend East Mississippi Community College aer graduation, with an eye towards a career in mechanics; he would also like to, one day, become a scoutmaster. Bradley is the son of Je and Bobbye Chism and James E. Briggs.
Molly Murphree
molly@realstorypublishing.com
Molly is a resident of Columbus, who enjoys reading, cooking, cake decorating, and spending time with her family. She is a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church.
music Mecca of the southwest wowed the crowd with their combination of blues, rock, country, and funk. For those of you who noticed something familiar about Lukas voice, but didnt make the connection yes, he IS the son of legendary Willie Nelson. His performance, as well as that of his band, epitomized the old saying of the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. As if that wasnt enough, Saturday was filled with bands spanning a variety of genres. Sprinkled with local favorites, like Katie Burchfield and Paul Brady, a plethora of acts provided a wonderful experience for festivalgoers. e musical extravaganza was capped o, Saturday night, by a series of incredibly-talented performers, including the amazing songstress, Eden Brent. Oh yeah, and Market Street attendees were also treated to the works of local and regional artists and artisans, at the festivals Arts & Cras exhibits. Woo-wee! I better stop; I believe that I am experiencing sensory overload, just from recounting the past weeks bounty! Remember, there is always something going on, in Columbus, so
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LIFESTYLES
says something negative about someone. Whatever you do, don't respond with a quivering anger in your voice; no one responds well to that. Since you already know what to expect from your boss, perhaps you can prepare yourself, mentally, for the next moment. If you don't feel like you can respond "in the moment" (which is how I am), ask your boss for a meeting to chat. You can tell your boss that you are most eective and focused when everyone is positive and supportive. Tell her that you are uncomfortable when people are talked about in a negative way, because it distracts from the purpose of your work and it brings you down. If you are clear that you don't want that kind of negativity around you, then you have every right to ask those around you not to talk about others while you are around. ings will be uncomfortable at first, and maybe a little awkward for a while, but they will come around. Plus, you will, at least, get to go home at night feeling good about yourself. Eventually, if things don't change in your work environment, and you feel that you have done everything in your power, then you can explore other opportunities. You are never stuck. All in all, I believe that people are good, and we all want to do good in the world. If we get caught up in negativity, it becomes contagious, until someone gently reminds us who we are and who we can become. It is dicult to be the person that does the reminding to support one another, but you can do it in a loving, respectful manner, so that you feel good about you. I have no doubt you are doing the best you can, and I admire you for reaching out. Best of luck!
My boss can be an extremely bigoted person and I oen wonder if my approach is correct. Normally, I just say nothing in return, or if it is political/news-related, I just say, I havent had time to read up on all that stu.
Sometimes, I feel like my saying nothing is an acknowledgement that what they are saying is ok. But, if I openly disagree, then I risk alienating my boss. I feel like I am in a no-win situation. My employer supplied a carpool, which a few of us used, so that we could save money on gas. I had to stop using the carpool, aer a few months, because I couldnt handle hearing all of the hateful things she was saying.
Answer
First of all, congratulate yourself for choosing not to take the carpool because of the negativity. at is, at least in my book, standing up for yourself and doing what is right for you! You identified what was making you uncomfortable and you found a solution.
e Redwing Garden Club of Columbus held its annual Kentucky Derby Party, this past ursday, May 3rd, at the home of member Mona Sanders. An exciting aspect of this years event was a hat contest, which was judged by a panel of three Columbus residents, including Real Story EditorCarolyn Long and Jane Lee in-Chief Joe St. John. All of the attendees were resplendent in their inspired chapeaus, making the judges job even more dicult. Although every entrant was a winner in her own way, special recognition went to: Mona Sanders, whose hat featured playing cards and mah jong tiles, for Most Creative; Patricia Wilson, with a dramatic black and white composition, for Most Derby Inspired; and Jane Lee, for Mona Sanders reads last weeks issue of The Real Story. Best Overall, with a tightly-woven black straw hat adorned with an abundance of flowers and peacock feathers. Prior to the judging, the members dined on a delightful selection of homemade dishes, each of which had been prepared by club members.
May 9, 2012
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ere is no right way or wrong way to deal with the issue you have presented. What I would ask yourself is, what is most important to you, at the end of the day? If it is more important to you to keep your job and not, potentially, "rock the boat", then you should remain silent - in which case, you will have to find a way to repress your emotions and make peace with yourself.
Meagan M. ONan
Meagan is a trained and experience Life Coach, awardwinning author of Creating Your Heaven on Earth, blogger, poet, and supporter of the underdog. She has a life coaching practice in Columbus, MS. (Meaganonan.org)
If it is more important to you to not have to worry about those awkward moments, then let me suggest how you can approach your boss, the next time she
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May 9, 2012
In the fall, Anthony intends to move on to Mississippi College, where shell pursue a degree in English and hopes to teach English as a second language overseas. Chandler will head to Mississippi State University, to major in marketing and learn to develop advertising campaigns.
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Quick Takes: East Mississippi Community College raised more than $7,000 for the American Cancer Society during the schools first-ever Relay For Life event Tuesday at the Scooba campus. About 500 people, including 200 students, participated in the four-hour event.
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Alex Anthony of Madison and Matthew Chandler of Columbus took first place in their respective categories at the 33rd Annual Mississippi Community College Creative Writing Association Conference and Awards Banquet, April 18-19, in Oxford. Both students currently attend East Mississippi Community College's Golden Triangle campus.
mother and great-grandmother, entitled Stu. I was surprised (Ford) chose it, said Chandler of his analysis. It wasnt something I pored over or wanted to win anything with. When she told me I won first place, it was really surprising. Anthony, a self-professed procrastinator, is even more candid about her skit. I had to submit something for class to get a grade and it happened to win first place, so that was really convenient for me, she said. Anthony isnt a traditional writer, in the sense that she doesnt write for the sake of improving her cra. However, she dabbled in acting as a child, which played a part in her decision to write a humorous monologue, based on her grandmothers
and great-grandmothers eccentric propensity to resist throwing anything away. Chandler, however, has been an author and poet since the age of 15. He drew on his experience as a writer, as he turned a critical eye to Faulkners story of a homebound debutante. I looked at it as an anti-Disney princess story, explained Chandler. e character was a princess, but everything worked against her.
EMCCs Dual Enrollment program will return in the fall. Dual Enrollment oers qualifying high school students the opportunity to simultaneously earn college and high school credit. Students interested in Dual Enrollment should talk to their high school guidance counselor or contact Cindy Johnson at (662) 243-1908 or cjohnson@eastms.edu. Prerequisites for Dual Enrollment include: the completion of 14 core high school units; a GPA of 3.0 or better; and a written recommendation from the students high school counselor or principal. Students must pay a $65 registration fee, per class. Classes are oered at EMCCs Golden Triangle campus and on-site at select high schools. On-line courses are assessed an additional $30 per class.
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East Mississippi Community College raised more than $7,000 for the American Cancer Society, during the school's first-ever Relay For Life event, Tuesday, at the Scooba campus. About 500 people, including 200 students, participated in the four-hour event. Pictured, are student Victorian Tilley of Columbus, speech instructor Marie Gordon, student Emily Bullard of Mantee and art instructor Lisa Spinks.
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LIFESTYLES
by Mo & No-Mo
May 9, 2012
OBSERVATION: With more and more violence happening in our city, it seems that our Police Department is becoming more secretive, with each passing day. Doesn't it seem to make sense that when you are transparent, the citizens feel safer and more secure, because they actually know what the CPD is doing to protect them? Secrets only cause suspicion and doubt.
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Walking into Buet City, on Saturday evening, filled me with anticipation, as the experience impacted each and every one of my senses. I love seafood, and it seems that, on this particular evening, they had shrimp in just about every way imagined, and then some. Next, there was crab - oh my. I never knew there were so many ways to prepare crab meat. Add all of this to the already full variety of dishes available, and you have a buet that satisfies even the toughest critic out there.
e restaurant is clean and roomy. e sta seems to be pleasant, but a little distant. Customer service is adequate. is is not the cozy down
home feeling of some of the restaurants in our area, but the wide variety of food more than makes up for that. If you enjoy Asian food with an American twist, give Buet City a try. If you especially like seafood, then try them on the weekend for some yummy shrimp and crab.
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ACR Express is your local and regional leader for rural and intercity transportation from Starkville, Mississippi and through the western Alabama corridor.
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May 9, 2012
LIFESTYLES
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More than 800 people, including job-seekers and employers, gathered in the Lyceum to submit and accept resumes and job applications. e East Mississippi Job Fair was held May 1st at East Mississippi Community Colleges Golden Triangle campus. Due to the quality of vendors, well-prepared job-seekers and the hard work of our job fair committee, the event was a success, said Linda Gates, EMCC district director of Job Placement. e EMCC team is looking forward to pairing more students, graduates and the general public with hiring employers at the 2013 East Mississippi
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Jamarcus O'Briant of Cedar Blu, far left, and Larry Collie of Starkville, far right, speak with Jimmy Hargrove and Shane Danovsky of Ellis Steel Company, of West Point.
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Terrell Lenoir and DaChristopher Johnson, both of West Point, and Cierra Sykes of Columbus fill out job applications at the Eat With Us booth.
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May 9, 2012
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An exhibit featuring historical photographs documenting the early days of truck farming in Mississippi will be on display at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, from May 4th to June 22nd. rough the Lens: Copiah County Truck Farming showcases the work of Luther M. Hamilton (1869-1944), a native of Crystal Springs. Hamiltons striking photographs of early 1900s truck farming capture workers in cabbage and tomato fields; trucks lined up to unload at a train depot; and scenes of downtown Crystal Springs and its residents. Truck farming growing large crops of fruits or vegetables to be shipped to distant markets originated around 1874, in Copiah County. It proved to be an eective way to diversify the states agricultural economy and lower the financial risk of the many Mississippians who had previously depended on the volatile cotton market. Its success led to many other communities in Mississippi following the lead of Copiah County and beginning their own truck farming operations. is exhibit was produced by the Museum Division of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. For more information about the exhibit, while at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, call 662-329-5300. For information about other traveling exhibits available through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, call 601576-6800.
Clockwise from top: Angela Jones and Wendy Stewart. Keith & Margie get the crowd moving. Leroy Brooks Zumba dancing. Peggy Phillips and Wendy Stewart dance to Mustang Sally .
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Correction
e article in the last issue, Students Particpate in CafeNight, was credited to Fran Andresen. However, the article was actually written by Molly Murphree. We regret the error.
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May 9, 2012 Award-winning novelist and creative writing instructor Michael F. Smith, poses for a photo with Carlos Rosales, owner of Caf Quartier Latin. Caf Night is a showcase of creative writing and English majors from Mississippi University for Women, held in the back patio of Carlos new coeehouse.
LIFESTYLES
Perry Hendrix recently celebrated his 30th anniversary with the YMCA.
Monica Pennington, Perry Hendrix, Maryanne McAdams, Melissa Parsons, and Stephanie Gibson.
CROSSWORD
Across 1: Unhappy 4: Cows ospring 8: Pinup Hayworth 12: Sense of self 13: Water jug 14: Upsets 15: Religious sister 16: Compelled 17: Tolstoy et al. 18: Dancers harnessmate 20: Visit 22: Discontinue 23: Annoy 27: Act the hostess 30: Ex-soldier 31: Stick in the ____ 32: Take it easy 33: Confused noise 34: Thin rope 35: McMahon and others 36: The Raven poet 37: Cautious 38: Less distant 40: Gift of ____ 41: Inept actor 42: Actor Welles et al. 46: The Gift of the ____ 49: Director Kazan 51: Ascot, e.g. 52: Actor Alda 53: Landlords demand 54: All ___ ___ days work (2 wds.) 55: Farm sight 56: Loses tautness 57: Become firm Down 1: E-mail command 2: Water, in Madrid 3: Rickles and Knotts 4: Ingredient of mortar 5: Academy _____ 6: Served as guide 7: Perk up 8: Annoys 9: Fury 10: Boxing result (abbr.) 11: Mules cousin
05.09.2012
19: Shoe part 21: Patronize a diner 24: Los Angeles problem 25: Bait 26: Whirlpool 27: ____ plaid 28: Went by bus 29: Movie lioness 30: Strive 33: Roof windows 34: Hacks 36: Garden vegetable 37: Forty ____ 39: Afr. animal 40: Auctioneers word 43: Singer Redding 44: Three squared 45: Pants part 46: Mothers, informally 47: The Greatest boxer 48: Guys companion 50: Grassy area SEE ANSWERS TO THIS CROSSWORD PUZZLE ON PAGE 18
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May 9, 2012 e Columbus YMCA hosted the Healthy Kids Day at the Riverwalk on Saturday, April 28th. Among the many activities, the kids participated in a friendly tug of war between Mayor Robert Smith and Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders; potato sack races; parachute tossing; and attempting to dunk Wesley Morrow in the dunking booth. ey had a great turn out, and I think some of the adults even had more fun than the kids!
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Stay Healthy!
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May 9, 2012
LIFESTYLES
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SportsTalk
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by Jeremiah Short
SPORTS
May 9, 2012
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Hank Flick
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When we attend sporting events, our focus typically goes toward the athletes competing on the field or courtwith the behind-the-scenes sta receiving minimal attention. ose unseen individuals oentimes have more to do with the success of the program than meets the eye.
Hank Flick, the former Mississippi State public address announcer (1977-2009), played a vital role in the MSU program prospering, during that time. Anyone that purchased a ticket to a basketball game, when he was on the microphone, can remember his iconic opening line: Welcome to the Hump for hoops, Mississippi State-style! Many remember him for that signature voice, but Flick is also known by his students as a beloved teacher, over the past 41 years.
Flick didnt originally plan to come to Mississippi State, aer receiving his Masters from the Memphis State University (Now, the University of Memphis). But, he found his way down to Starkville, Mississippi, aer someone else turned the job down. I was finishing up my Masters at the University of Memphis, and the job came open here. My bosses recommended someone else to come down and take the job. ey didnt like it, and they wanted to know if I wanted it. I was going to go teach at Christian Brothers College. e person that didnt take the job, down here, ended up taking the job at Christian Brothers, said Flick, about how he ended up at Mississippi State. He was a professor for six years, before being asked to take the microphone for Mississippi State games. Someone just asked me, one day, if I was interested. I said yea Im a student of communication; Ive never been on radio. I dont have that good a voice. ey said you need to be somewhere tonight, if youre interested, Flick said. I went over, that night, to an exhibition basketball game at Humphrey Coliseum. ey sat me down, and I didnt even know how to turn the microphone on. e game was going on, and I wasnt saying
Jeremiah Short
jshort@realstorypublishing.com
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May 9, 2012
SPORTS
Hughes, Bernardrick McKinney, Ferlando Bohanna, Christian Holmes, and Matt Wells. It is, possibly, the greatest collection of 2nd level defenders the Bulldogs have featured, in recent memory.
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e final reason that I believe that the defense could dominate are lockdown corners Johnthan Banks and Darius Slay. Banks was expected to be getting ready for an NFL mini-camp, about this time, but his return gives the Bulldogs a terrific two-some on the outside. I personally feel that they could be the best combination at the position since Robert Bean and Fred Smoot in 1999; I have that much faith in their ability. eir presence will enable Wilson to go with a man-to-man defense for a majority of the game. e Bulldog defense will be able to blitz, more, and actually get a coverage sack.
Chris Wilson
rough the years, the Mississippi State defense has always been a strong unit. It has always given Mississippi State fans something to brag about. Innovative defensive coordinators Joe Lee Dunn, Ellis Johnson, and Manny Diaz all masterfully headed the group, at various times. e next great defensive play-caller, Chris Wilson, is poised to join that impressive list. Wilson was elevated to the signal-caller role in 2011, aer Diaz took the same position at Texas. Some members of the fan base questioned the direction of the defense, under Wilson, but he alleviated those concerns, aer some early struggles. e Mississippi State defense ended up finishing 20th, nationally, in scoring defense, allowing 19.9 points per game. Newly-hired Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin inquired about Wilson taking over his Aggie defense. Aer
is defense has only one glaring hole - depth at safety. Star safety Nickoe Whitley, recovering from an injury, is slated to be full-strength by the summer time; however, he can only do so much. e lone returning player with starter-level talent is sophomore Dee Arrington; the other players are special-teamers, at best. e remaining spots at safety might have to be filled with incoming freshmen: Will Redmond, Kivon Coman, and hard-hitting Quadry Antoine. If the newcomers arent ready for primetime, then the coaches may have to lean more on Whitley or move some players around (possibly from cornerback).
Chris Wilson is an intelligent coach and will figure out how to fill out the depth chart at safety. Once he does, the defensive unit will be quite formidable in 2012 - potentially rivaling the 1999 defense. Combined with an emerging oense, the defense should bring plenty of smiling faces and wins to Starkvegas, in 2012.
Jeremiah Short
jshort@realstorypublishing.com Jeremiah Short covers Mississippi State University football and basketball. Follow him on Twitter, @JeremiahShort26; or join his Facebook blog, Real Story Sports: J.Shorts Blog.
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AUTOMOTIVE
1998 Honda Accord, motor and 5 speed transmission, $675. 662-425-9171 after 4:30pm 2001 BMW Z3 Roadster 2.5i, automatic, 71.7k miles, $9,500. 662-327-3191 1929 Mercedes Benz Roadster, Convertible w/ removable canvas top; Tan & Brown, Customized w/ 3 speed automatic transmission, good tires, recent tuneup; $9,000. -a must see. 251-7691 Three rims w/tires to fit 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab. $50/ea., obo. 8893732 4 tires with rims - almost new tires, came o Pontiac Sports RAV, $300. 662-7295
6+10 V-nose enclosed single axle trailer, side door, double doors on back $2200.00 firm. 662-549-0484 Wooden dinette set with 6 chairs, great shape, $120; large gray/beige love seat, like new, used very little, two large cushions, $60. 329-3216 or 549-3006. Cherry wood armoire; large file cabinet; pub (tall) table and chairs (black). Peggy, 329-0146 Whirlpool natural gas dryer, white, $50. 328-2851 Need a Free Roof Estimate? Call 3647202 or 242-2825 14 roof ventilator $65; food warmer with 16 trays $375; commercial duty Riter Saw 2 1/4 hp w/bottom cabin $375; tiller for Club Cadet tractor 3ft wide $275; 1 pair tree climbers w/ belt $225, obo for each. CASH ONLY. 662570-9279 Corner shower kit, pan, 39 white fiberglass walls, 2 glass panels, glass door, grab bar. $100. 2416595.
JACKET SALE: Kids NASCAR and Cartoon Jackets - Buy one at regular price and get second one at half price. LADIES JACKETS - Betty Boop, Tweety, Diva, M&M, others, $75. OVER 200 JACKETS IN STOCK. Come see: Sibleys Collectibles, 362 Waverley Ferry Road, Ph: 329-1420. Open 6 days, 12-5.
are waterfront. Docks can be built. Location cant be beat. Waterfront lots can be bought for $50k per lot and $30k per lot across road. Call Patton Whitten with Century 21 Doris Hardy & Associates, LLC at 662.574.5196 Lots for sale! Ridge Lakes in Starkville, buy one or all, great investment! Development on a lake for retirees or college students. Call Dennis 662-242-0786 RV Park on the Lux! Camp on the river, full hookups, lots of room and private! Minutes from work or play! Call Dennis for rates and more info. Also have camper for sale or rent, 662-242-0786 House for rent: 2413 3rd Ave. S.. 3BR/2BA, $525/mo; $450/deposit. 662.425.9071 Downtown apartments for rent - Studio, 2 BR available. Furnished and unfurnished available. All appliances and laundry on site. Priced from $700$1000. 574-7176. HOUSE FOR RENT: 3BR/2 BA, 2413 3rd Ave. S. (Sandfield area). $525/mo, $450/ deposit. HUD accepted. 425-9071 Low maintenance, exceptional quality throughout, 3 BR, 2 BA, open LR, DR, kitchen, large sunroom. Private back courtyard, secure neighborhood. Plantation Pointe Estates, 2097 sq.ft. plus porch and double garage. Call for an appointment! 2416595. FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - call Sheri Lipsey, ReMax Real Estate 327-7750 or 662-549-1354
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For your best deals on topsoil, sand, gravel, clay, and crushed concrete for driveways, parking pads, etc. Call D&D Materials for a free estimate! 662-5493431. Pickup or de-
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LOTS ON THE RIVER ARE ALMOST EXTINCT! Dont miss this once in a lifetime opportunity! For sale are 9 dierent wooded lots. 6
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Ace of Spades