Professional Documents
Culture Documents
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
at's when I had most of my fun, back high high high high there em summer days, those summer days--- Sly and the Family Stone
Summer is here. e weather is hot and we have all settled in for a calm, enjoyable summertime of love - a place and time where all is good and wonderful and the children play together nicely. Not!! In Lowndes County, it is business as usual, and that means that craziness prevails at every turn. No matter which way you look, a firestorm has broken out. It becomes so predictable that a writer could feel bad about repeating the same story; the fact is, the narrative has to be told. It is the media's job. e media is not, and repeat is not, the government's public relations firm. e media is there to report facts, editorialize on situations and educate the public. If it makes the government mad, so be it. If the government entities don't want to be seen as being silly, then stop being silly. It is just that simple! Nowhere does insanity reign supreme as much as it does at the Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau. Like master painters, they illustrate their ignorance with Salvador Dali-like skill. Mired somewhere between the sublime and fantastical, the CCVB takes pride in making the term "political jackass" come to life at every meeting. Tennessee Williams, the master playwright, could not create a better set of tormented characters, if he was alive. Every meeting is a scene straight from a tragic comedy. Complete with antagonists, fools and sinister subplots, the meetings play out with surrealistic precision. e only problem is that there is no hero waiting in the wings to save the day. So, the play continues, with no end in sight. Even when the board gets it right, they do it wrong. e Legends Concert does not meet the funding requirements as a festival, so the Legends' Committee was told to request the money through a "Special Projects" grant. Sound simple enough? Well, not here on Planet CCVB. When the committee members showed up at the CCVB Board meeting, they found out that they don't qualify for that, either. What the $%#&? And what is worse, several sources in the audience felt that the Legends Committee, and especially Roger Short of the Columbus/Lowndes County Recreation Authority and WCBI's Steve Rogers both of whom attended the CCVB Board meeting were treated very disrespectfully. Regardless of whether someone gets a dime from the CCVB, they should be respected. e CCVB is a public relations nightmare unto themselves. Alienating people by being rude and overly ocious, only accelerates their demise in the community. Only Tennessee Williams could appreciate the tragedy that the community calls the CCVB. In other news from the CCVB, Bernard Buckhalter is up for re-appointment to the board. His tales of woe and confusion have been chronicled regularly in e Real Story. Now, it's time for the City to put up or shut up. According to sources, two councilmen, Kabir Karriem and Joseph Mickens, favor re-appointing Buckhalter. Two others, Councilmen Bill Gavin and Charlie Box, are opposed. at leaves Gene Taylor and Fred Stewart as the swing votes. And, in one of the most humorous and disingenuous statements of all time, Mayor Smith has reportedly told people that he does not have a vote in the matter, which is kind of true. He has two votes. Unless, a person has been in a Captain America-type coma, that is common knowledge. So, here you go, boys and girls, Robert Smith holds the keys to re-appointing the most dysfunctional member of the CCVB Board. Let's see if he has the intestinal fortitude to make the correct decision or if he will hide behind the half-truth that he does not have a vote. Only time will tell. And last but not least, let's be blunt: It is
JEREMIAH SHORT
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RON PARLATO
FEATURE COLUMNISTS
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INVINO VERITAS MEAGAN M. ONAN CANDI VEZINA MELINDA DUFFIE CLARE MALLORY MOLLY MURPHREE JOYCE SHAW WHITE TORI HAWKINS WHIT HARRINGTON PAIGE CANIDA-GREENE EMILY GAITHER SMITH ABIGAIL HATHORN RYAN MUNSON
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time for the CCVB to handle Nancy Carpenter's use of the CCVB-mobile. It is in bad taste that her husband is driving it and if it's not illegal or unethical, it should be. is shows a complete lack of understanding of proper protocol and should not be tolerated. Let's see if anyone is willing to take the challenge and put an end to this practice. In other news from C-Town, Superintendent Dr. Liddell has sent the following quote in regard to the two newly-assigned principals in the Columbus Municipal School District: Jill Savely has been a dedicated administrator for Columbus Schools for many years. She goes above and beyond the call of duty in giving teachers, students and parents at Columbus High School respect and guidance. One of the most frequent comments I hear from CHS students is that Mrs. Savely not only cares about their education progress, but she also cares about them as individuals. Teachers at CHS have a new leader who has taught alongside them and understands the concerns they have about improving student achievement. Columbus Schools is fortunate to have her at the helm at Columbus High School. Mrs. Dismukes, in my opinion, can be best described as a relentless advocate for children. She puts the needs of students first and has a balanced combination of tenacity and sincerity. For the past three years, Mrs. Dismukes has worked diligently with many youth programs at Columbus Middle School including Project LACE Up and Stop the Violence leadership programs. I am impressed with her commitment to community service. She builds positive relationships with teachers and parents. We are looking forward as a district to continuing the successful innovations underway at CMS under Mrs. Dismukes leadership. Here is wishing Ms. Savely and Ms. Dismukes all the luck in the world. Now, let's hope that the CMSD will work on getting themselves focused on the task at hand teaching the children!
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An extra note of artistic rumor: It is believed Dali created e Persistence of Memory while waiting for the CCVB to make sense...it is just a rumor..I guess.
NEWS/COMMENTARY
e other day, I ran across a post on Facebook that was written by an old friend, and it made me think about the state of language in this country and how it shapes our decisions. More specifically, he shared a quote, purportedly from Alexis de Tocqueville, about which I had my doubts, as well as a quote by H.L. Mencken, a writer and critic known for his sharp wit and pen that cut like a razor to the heart of issues. Vilified by fellow southerners aer his scathing indictment of the post-Civil War south, in which he called the region the Sahara of the Bozart, he was known for his use of hyperbole to make a point.
For those who may be wondering, hyperbole is a fancy way of saying exaggeration, the dierence being that hyperbole is not as closely related to lying as is exaggeration. It is a perfectly acceptable tool, available to the satirist and sage alike. Its purpose is to highly exaggerate a description in order for the thing being described to be more fully understood; to the educated reader, it is recognized as such. Allow me to cite a couple of examples with which you may be familiar: It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. - Mark 10:25
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Now, no one expects to see a camel navigate the actual eye of a needle. at is obviously impossible. And those who generally believe in heaven certainly would not be surprised to see some rich people walking the streets of gold. However, what Jesus, or the author of the Gospel, was doing here was using hyperbole to illustrate his point - that the things that come with being rich make it very
An allegation about possible police fraud involving the citys noise ordinance was brought to the City Councils attention at the June 21, 2012, council meeting. Billy Perkins of Columbus gave a stern lecture on the issue. Weve got a problem with loud noises going on in this town, whether it is music, loud tailpipes, jake brakes on trucks or loud motorcycles. e problem I have is, I believe we no longer issue citations for loud music, and if the ocer does so, they simply throw it out in court, said Perkins. He continued with, If this is true, then we need to think about some things. Is there fraud going on in this department? Perkins then asked Chief of Police Selvain McQueen, If I file an adavit for a vehicle tag, will a ticket be issued? McQueen responded, Mr. Perkins, you cannot sign an adavit on a tag. It has to be on a person. Mayor Robert Smith asked, You stated that citations have been thrown out. Do you have any facts? Perkins ended with, No sir, its just hearsay. If you cant get somebody to investigate this, Ill tell you a man you can call, and thats the attorney general in Jackson, Mississippi. Another concerned citizen commented that a Columbus law enforcement ocer had said that noise violations werent being taken seriously and that if a citation was issued, it has, in fact, been ignored by the court.
City Engineer Kevin Staord had the task of determining the low bidder
NEWS/COMMENTARY
In regards to a query by Byrd about the use of advertising agencies that are based outside of Lowndes County the CCVB uses marketing/PR firms in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, as well as in Jackson and Tupelo Carpenter replied, "We use companies that I feel are best for the CCVB.
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e last bit of excitement for the night occurred in regards to a motion by Byrd to limit the use of the CCVB vehicle to ocial CCVB business and to prohibit its use by non-CCVB employees. Aer a vigorous discussion during which Carpenter sought to defend both her use of the vehicle as well as the fact that it had been driven by her husband (who is not a CCVB employee), the board voted down the proposal, with Byrd, Buckhalter and Dale voting in favor of the motion and Swales, Castleberry, Wise, Myrick and Lawrence voting against (board member Dewitt Hicks was absent from the meeting).
Aer all of the fireworks were spent, it became clear that the CCVB Board had, once again, expended far more time and eort fighting among themselves than they had in advancing the cause of tourism in Columbus and Lowndes County. e citizens of this county should expect more.
Multiple concerns about the Caledonia Water Department were addressed at the June 21, 2012, Caledonia Town Hall meeting.
NEWS/COMMENTARY
A grievance submitted by Trey Robertson, a water department employee, had been passed over on the citys agenda since it was first brought to the table at the beginning of May. e issue was finally considered during an executive session lasting approximately one-hour-and-forty-minutes. Caledonia citizen Doug McConaha also lodged a complaint against the water department during the regular session, which itself lasted only about 20 minutes.
Robertson took a test for water operator certification in May 2011, the successful completion of which would have entitled him to a raise in salary. When I took the test last year, I scored very high. I took time away from home to take the test, and Im seeing no reward, insisted Robertson. Benny Coleman, head of the Caledonia Water Department, was the only person who could give final approval for Robertsons raise. Benny refused to sign o on the certificate, without giving me any explanation. Hes the only person standing between me and a raise in salary, said Robertson. According to Robertson, the next logical step was to file a grievance against Coleman with the towns board of aldermen. When I brought the grievance to Mr. Coleman, he refused to sign it, in addition to not signing the initial certificate. He told me he would write a response to the board instead of filing the grievance letter, said Robertson. I only want what Ive earned. Colemans response letter was not brought to the council until last ursday, June 21, 2012. e grievance letter and the response from Coleman were both reviewed during the prolonged executive session. e council was unable to reach a decision but mandated a 60-day time frame for a final decision. Benny Coleman responded, No
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Whit Harrington
whit@realstorypublishing.com
Whit Harrington is a Marine Corps veteran, who has a B.A. in English (creative writing) from Texas State University. He enjoys reading, and has been a working drummer for the past eight years.
Ryan Munson
Ryan is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. E-mail reaches him at ryan.munson@edwardjones.com
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NEWS/COMMENTARY
Aer a new CEO took over, Exxon modified its stance, backed o from its most radical statements and deferred to the growing evidence of climate alteration. However, even with their vast wealth, they chose not to get into the alternative fuel business a choice which would have eventually paid o and given them the politically correct veneer that they had always sought, asserts McKibben: If Exxon had decided that it wanted to be an energy company, not an oil and gas company, and if it had spent the $100 million a day it now spends searching for more hydrocarbons on pursuing renewable breakthroughs, it might have been one of the great catalysts for solving climate change. Instead, it decided to rest easy. is is not surprising. Great American corporations such as General Motors rested easy for decades, refusing to acknowledge the worldwide demand for smaller, fuel-ecient cars because the profits on Cadillacs were so incredibly high. Top executives came and went, and quick, short-term profits were the rule. e story of Exxon Mobil is a fascinating one. e United States was built on Standard Oil and General Motors, and this look into one of our most durable and powerful corporations is a look inside America at our limitless strengths and our predictable weaknesses.
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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.
From the Citizen is a column that appears, periodically, in the print edition of e Real Story, and will feature commentary from members of the community, and from both ends of the political spectrum. Individuals who are interested in submitting commentary for this column should write to stjohnjb@realstorypublishing.com.
e public may be unaware of the fact that when a public school district falls below Mississippi States Accountability Model for public schools, the student then can go to any other school that he/she selects (for example, a private school such as Heritage Academy, Immanuel Center for Christian Education or Victory Christian Academy - or even a charter school, once they are legally permitted in our state) and that the state and federal funds follow the child to the chosen school. is allocation of funds is mandated by the No Child Le Behind legislation that was passed during the Bush administration. However, it only applies in the cases of substandard public school situations. What does this mean for our public school system here in Columbus?
public school system, the result is that about $1.2 million is gone from the public schools yearly operating budget. erefore, the private schools in Columbus would appear to be pulling millions of dollars from the Columbus public school systems budget each year. is fact can help us to better understand the urgency that Dr. Liddell places upon improving our schools in Columbus. Without improvement, we will see further decreases in the operating budget of our public schools in Columbus. is situation could become devastating in the event that the inevitable permission for charter schools in our state and/or the implementation of the voucher system begins, whereby parents who send their children to a private or charter school can do so without any out-of-pocket cost. All of these facts raise a question, in my mind, as to the motivation of some members of our community, and certainly the owners and managers of the private schools in our city/county, to assist in the strengthening of the Columbus Municipal School District. Why is Dr. Liddell so vigorously attacked, politically, for trivial situations? Lets be honest with ourselves and face reality. Dr. Liddell inherited a mess made by the past administration when she took over as interim superintendent. Among the problems are: (1) All of the reserve accounts were basically depleted; (2) the system is characterized by low student achievement, based upon the states accountability model, and is on academic watch by the state; and (3) due to the lack of funds to pay their salaries, good teach-
ers had to be terminated. I understand why the last person who had the superintendents job cut and ran from the mess. I had heard, through the grapevine, that he did not receive a significant pay raise, if any, at his new job. Dr. Liddell was astute enough to preface her public interview for the position of superintendent and boldly report the mess in which the CMSD is mired. In addition, she was confident enough in her ability to face the school board and the public in her job interview and say, I will fix it. e buck stops here. Give me the opportunity and strength to make it happen. Because of my experience and education, I know what to do, and, in addition, the good education of my own children depends upon it. I did not hear any other candidate for that job outline the problems of our schools and promise to take personal responsibility to fix them as Dr. Liddell has done. Since that interview, all that I have seen in the media are stones thrown at her for trivial reasons. Could there be ulterior motives for these attacks? Is there a good reason not to try and improve the public school system in Columbus? In reality, it may be in the economic best interest of certain parties in our city if the Columbus School District remains in a failing situation. Aer all, approximately $1.2 million for every 100 students attending alternative schools is not small money. us, some folks may not wish to fix the public school system in our city. To develop our community, we need a successful public school system. Companies with an interest in setting up opera-
tions here look at the quality of the public schools as a major factor in their decision-making process. Good public schools equate to attractive communities is the axiom of corporate executives seeking new locations. In addition, I and many other people in our community are products of the Columbus/Lowndes County school system, and we would not be where we are today without it. erefore, I say quit looking for ways to attack Dr. Liddell but find ways to help her fix our public school system. en hold her accountable by looking at the improvements of test scores, lower drop-out rates and all other such publically available data that will show her progress without a political bias. e methods and techniques for the education of young people are a known science and technology. People such as Dr. Liddell earn PhDs doing research and study on the topics in this discipline. Please take the politics out of the superintendents job and let her do the job that she has already outlined as needing to be done. If we do that, I firmly believe that we will see a very good result. People will then look at Columbus not just for the number of old houses that we have, or the number of great places to fish and hunt, or the money that they can save not paying taxes but, more importantly, by the quality of our school system and the economic development possibilities enjoyed by a well-educated public. Claude Simpson
Claude Simpson is a retired entrepreneur who is passionate about the success of Columbus.
e Columbus Municipal District is in a substandard position at this time and has been since around 2008. erefore, the state is required to pay alternative institutions approximately $6,000, and the federal government also pays about $ 6,000, totaling approximately $12,000 per student, per year, enrolled in these institutions, instead of funds remaining in the public school systems operating budget. is action removes approximately $12,000 per student from the public schools operating budget each year for each student not attending the public school system. If 100 students leave the
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LetterstotheEditor
Dear Editor: Dear Editor: ere's something happening here ey weren't thinking exactly clear e wall's just a little cocky-eyed Will make our guests ... all run and hide Hey now, what's that sound ... everybody look what's going down! CRB Editors Note: Portions of the above letter were borrowed from Bualo Springfields For What Its Worth. (See accompanying photo)
I attended the Monday (6/18/2012) session of the municipal court and was really surprised that the session is held in secret in open view. e people could view the proceedings but could not hear 99% of what was said. e prosecuting attorney for the city must have been in side bar with the judge constantly, since the only words heard by anyone from her were the calling of the name of the next case. e defendants, attorneys and even a police ocer stood directly in front of the judge at the bar such that their voices were so low the microphones could not pick them up to amplify the sound. Most of the time, the judge spoke soly or mumbled; as a result, her rulings could not be understood. e citizens of Columbus, who profess that they want change, must start attending these sessions and demand change.
Berry Hinds
Columbus
"In the first place, God made idiots. That was for practice. Then he made school boards." - Mark Twain
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It is not every day that Columbus, Mississippi is privileged enough to play host to a world-renowned symphony orchestra. It is even less oen that an orchestra sets up camp on a 195-foot barge on the banks of the Tombigbee. But that is exactly what we happened on Saturday, June 24, 2012, as our fair city welcomed e Whit Harrington American Wind Symphony Orcheswhit@realstorypublishing.com tra.
e AWSO was founded in 1957 by Maestro Robert Austin Boudreau, who still leads the orchestra today and for the past 55 years has been traveling all over the world performing for adoring crowds. e AWSO has played all over the United States, the Caribbean and northern Europe, traveling to each new port in their floating arts center. e orchestra, which is made up of musicians all under the age of 30, performs their concert on a stage built atop an enormous barge; the interior of the vessel houses an art gallery and small theatre. So it is no surprise that this past Saturday evening, the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam area was packed full of lawn chairs and picnic blankets, as well as music lovers from throughout the area. e setting could not have been more serene for listening to the soothing sounds of the orchestra. e crickets and frogs seemed to chime in with the melodic sounds of the horns and the strings as
they masterfully played each piece. Children danced, couples held hands and friends chatted as all around them the beautiful music filled the air. e heat, in a way, seemed to make the music even that much sweeter, as if the notes got hung up in the humid air and were able to envelop the entire crowd. e attendees were le feeling as if they had just witnessed something very important, something that they would not soon forget.
Without a doubt, e American Wind Symphony Orchestra is a oneof-a-kind experience. Maestro Boudreau definitely knows what he is doing when it comes to music and art in general. e orchestra, on the whole, is so very talented; each member brings something unique to the ensemble. ey will continue to travel the world, performing their art for the masses. But maybe they will return. If and when that happens, I hope you can be there.
Tori Hawkins
tori@realstorypublishing.com
Tori is a native of Columbus, who studied communications at MS State University.
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LIFESTYLES
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1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease two 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 inch jelly-roll pans with cooking spray. 2. In food processor with knife blade attached, process walnuts with 1/4 cup bread crumbs until walnuts are finely ground. In medium bowl, combine nut mixture, salt, ground red pepper and remaining 3/4 cup bread crumbs; stir until wellmixed. In pie plate, beat eggs. 3. Cut each chicken breast half crosswise into two pieces. One at a time, dip breast pieces and drumsticks in beaten egg, then into walnut mixture to coat evenly, pressing firmly so mixture adheres. Arrange chicken in jelly-roll pans; lightly coat chicken with cooking spray. 4. Bake chicken until golden brown and juices run clear when thickest part of chicken is pierced with tip of knife, 30 to 35 minutes, rotating pans between upper and lower oven racks halfway through baking. 5. Serve chicken hot, or cool slightly, cover and refrigerate to serve cold later. Makes 12 main-dish servings.
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LIFESTYLES
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Members of the American Wind Symphony Orchestra performed for the Exchange Club.
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LIFESTYLES
e sounds of sweet music filled the air around downtown Columbus this past ursday night, when Swingshi took the stage at Sounds of Summer. All ages and all walks of life were present to soak up the music, food and scenery at this lovely Columbus tradition. Folks mingled with old friends and maybe even made some new ones down by the TennesseeTombigbee River. Good times were had by all.
Around 6:30 p.m. every other ursday night, the excited throngs of people begin to arrive at the Riverwalk. Many come equipped with lawn chairs, baby strollers and bug spray, all the necessities for enjoying an evening underneath the stars in the muggy Mississippi heat. When they first arrive, you will definitely hear the obligatory, It is so hot, yall," but by the time the band takes the stage and begins to serenade, temperatures seem to miraculously drop! Ok, they really dont, but you are having such a good time by then you dont even mind that you are sweating profusely in front of most of the town.
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is past ursday, the musical entertainment was provided by the band Swingshi. You are probably already familiar with Swingshi," as they have been a staple on the local music scene for years. ey play the good stu from back when people really knew how to write songs - exactly the kind of music that makes you want to get up and dance! My personal favorite was when they played ese Arms of Mine by Otis Redding. But even if you arent into the oldies, Swingshi
Tori Hawkins
tori@realstorypublishing.com
Tori is a native of Columbus, who studied communications at MS State University.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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A few weeks ago, it began to get hot enough to jump into a swimming pool, and I had several opportunities to do so. Many people seem to build their summer lives around water, including in-ground pools. Now that the June heat is with us, along with our famous Gulf humidity, it's likely that warmer temperatures will be here until well into September. Until the sunlight begins to arrive in Mississippi at a slight slant, you need to round up your swimsuit, flippers, mask and water noodles.
Seasonal business...
My friends who work with catfish ponds have busy seasons that fluctuate with weather. e same is true with almost anyone who works outside (with the exception of mail carriers). Oen, these individuals whose jobs depend on the weather have to find supplemental employment for their o-season. e pool business is a prime example. Since the pool business is so seasonal, I needed something to do for the rest of the year. at's how I got hooked up with Mike McElhenney, who has his own construction company here in New Hope." What I heard Breitigan describing was a team approach in the business world. "Mike's specialty is dirt movement clearing lots, hauling dirt, bull-dozing and related things. My specialty is, of course, pools and hot tubs, but we work together to build some heavily customized homes."
New subdivision...
One of the newest subdivisions in the New Hope area is Sleepy Fawn Park, which is located o of Casey Lane, not far from New Hope School. Somewhat isolated, Sleepy Fawn Park has about 60 completed and developing homes. "Let me walk you through a few of these homes," said Breitigan. "You'll see just how much work is customized."
Pool house at the home of Mike and Kim McElhenney, built by Sunrise Pool and Construction.
Breitigan operates as the supervisor, facilitating and coordinating work oen at three or four sites at the same time. He spends a lot of his time orchestrating and directing, making sure that all workers are on-task and that there are as few problems as possible. "About 40 percent of my time is being spent on pool work and the other 60 percent in home construction," he said. Economic upturn? Based on the general activity and there was a lot of it that I observed in Sleepy Fawn Park, I asked for confirmation that we have begun to climb out of the economic sinkhole. Two of my trucker buddies have recently told me that the truck trac has picked up significantly, indicating that a turnaround is likely. Breitigan agrees. "I don't think that we will be out of the hole this year," he said, "but in 2013 for sure. Breitigan does not have a degree in economics, but he sees what's going on in our area, and it certainly is an improvement, at least in his line of work.
on the phone, something like 3,600 minutes in a month!" I walked through two of the homes which Breitigan's crew has built, and I observed a trend of using old-fashioned fixtures and brick and mortar that seemed more solid - definitely not a pre-fabricated type of construction. Breitigan's homes are highly customized, satisfying the client's specific needs.
At one home, the pool house alone could have sold the property. ere was an in-concrete hot tub, a customized cedar bar with drawers, Mexican tile, a fireplace and outdoor furniture that complemented the rustic style well. And, just feet away, was that perfect pool, ready for the 90-degree-plus days that are inevitably part of our lives. Since Breitigan has minimized his overhead by working out of his home, you will need to contact him by phone at 662.242.6926. No doubt he has a wonderful cell phone plan!
John Dorroh
John Dorroh is a Columbus resident who presently works and lives part-time in the St. Louis area. He works as an educational consultant, traveling in the Midwest and Southeast. He writes short stories, essays, and cheesy poetry about people he has met along the way.
Work day...
A typical work day for Breitigan, in warmer weather, lasts 14 hours. "I leave my house about sunrise and get back at dusk," he admitted. "I'm a pivot man, more or less, and spend my time coordinating work on several sites. It's not easy...Oh," he added, "I spend a lot of time
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ComicsandPuzzles
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TENNESSEE WILLIAMS
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Courtesy Photo
moved with his family to join his father in the urban environment of St. Louis, Mo. It was Courtesy Photo at this time A handsome, young Tennessee Williams. Because of that his fathers ocWilliams cupation as a began to focus more inwardly, and to traveling shoe salesman, Williams spent write, mainly because he said that he the majority of his formative years living found life unsatisfactory. with his grandparents in various cities in Williams distress while living in St. Mississippi and Tennessee. At the age of 7, he was struck with diphtheria, an Louis, coupled with his determination to
follow his dream, led him to flee the city of pollution to seek solace in his writing in a city that didnt sleep - New Orleans. His struggle with depression and an unresolved understanding of his place in the world would lead him into unhealthy territory that, at times, would jeopardize his life and, in the end, claim it in 1983. He revealed in Memoirs, I live like a gypsy; I am a fugitive. No place seems tenable to me for long, anymore, not even my own skin. Williams muse would come from his early life experiences in the South, as well as from an ingenious imagination. Despite Williams struggles, he was a genius and produced works that will always have a place in American theater. irty years aer his death, scholars are still critiquing his works, which establish this dramatist as a literary pioneer who helped change theater into the experience we know
today.
His mother, Edwina, wrote, Murder, cannibalism, castration, madness, incest, rape, adultery, nymphomania, and homosexuality. ere exists no savage act about which my son has not written. Yet, his plays are filled with beauty. And they oer truth, truth that many of us do not like to face.
Stay tuned, as Williams accomplishments and anecdotes of his life will be featured in future editions of e Real Story.
Paige Canida-Greene
paige@realstorypublishing.com
Paige Canida-Greene is a senior communication major (theatre minor) at Mississippi University for Women, and lives in Columbus.
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When you first meet Bryan Roberts, and you find out that he is a musician, you just might say to yourself, Yeah, I can see that. is is of those you cant judge a book by its cover situations, because Roberts has other talents, ones that you might be able to deduce, at first glance. He is an art lover. A vegetarian. A killer chef, who specializes in Korean cuisine. Roberts was practically raised as a musician, since he started playing the drums when he was three and he hung out backstage in the juke joints and clubs where his father, Pete Roberts played, such as e Broken Spoke, near Caledonia. Later, Bryan was in his high school band, and majored in music at Mississippi University for Women. In addition to this formal music training, Roberts also experimented with various instruments on his own, and now can play the guitar and bass, as well as the drums, which is his main instrument. Roberts is the leader of the band Atomic Toast, which he founded in 2003. e bands current incarnation, which has been in place for a year, consists of: Cole Little bass and vocals; Hayden Allen drums and vocals; and Roberts guitar and vocals. e band plays in the style of college rock and alt country, with a mixture of covers and original tunes. Roberts stated that their covers generally run along the lines of original takes on classic hits from bands like the Beastie Boys and Rage Against the Machine. When asked about how he came up with name Atomic Toast, he would only say that he wanted a name that would be memorable. Beyond that, there is no significance. Although Roberts isnt able to name a favorite musician, because he has been influenced by so many, he named Ty Segal, who is on the cutting edge of the San Francisco punk scene, as someone who has inspired him. Roberts cites Segals ability to create music that is not mainstream, but is still a reachable sound, and notes that Segals music arises from the garage band movement of the 1960s. Atomic Toast plays mostly club gigs in the area, but has traveled as far away as Florence, Alabama for a performance. e band has about 10 original songs in the can and hopes to record an album, eventually. Roberts indicated that when they do, it will be pressed to vinyl, rather than being duplicated in compact disk format.
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Roberts is always exploring potential gigs throughout the Golden Triangle, and posts that info on the bands Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ pages/AtomicToast/119602238156013. If you want to hear Roberts music, live, you had better do so, soon, as he and his girlfriend Leslie plan to relocate to Austin, Texas, in August. Columbus loss is Austins gain.
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CULTURALLY SPEAKING
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Every journey into the past is complicated by delusions, false memories, false namings of real events. - Adrienne Rich
CS did not take up as much room as I had space for. I put the TN Wms ad in as filler - but we can replace with whatever you want to use
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How can I get my significant other to help out when I'm working more than 80 hours per week? My significant other still expects me to do the normal cooking and cleaning, then complains when I don't spend enough time with him. What is the best way to handle this? Frazzled
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Answer
Dear Frazzled: e moment we begin to point outwards is an invitation to look inwards. Looking to change someone else is a cue for us to actually stop for a moment and consider what it is we truly want.
Taking a look at your life in a holistic manner is important whenever you are unhappy with a situation in which you find yourself. You dont have to play the blame game to get somewhere; changing your significant other may be what you think you want, but, in reality, its a reflection of something in you with which you are unhappy. Lord knows we cant change another person; rather, consider looking at what it is you can do to empower yourself and get clear on what you can actually and realistically change in your own life. In your instance, I would begin by looking at why you are putting so much on your plate. Is this something you have always done? We oen find ourselves stuck in old patterns, or busy patterns, to keep ourselves from experiencing peace of mind and happiness. Peace of mind and happiness come from within ourselves, not without, and so the way we access them is actually by looking inward and taking care of ourselves, ourselves. I am positive that there are some changes that you can make that you havent considered. You are never stuck. ere are always solutions to every problem, and you have a choice in everything you do. Sometimes it can be hard to ask for help or to see outside of your own situation, which is why finding someone you can bounce life issues o of is important. How many
Meagan M. ONan
meagan@realstorypublishing.com
Meagan is a trained and experienced Life Coach, award-winning author of Creating Your Heaven on Earth, blogger, poet, and supporter of the underdog. She has a life coaching practice in Columbus, MS.
Melinda Due is a certified personal trainer, with additional expertise in nutrition counseling and life coaching, as well as a B.A. in Business.
Melinda Due
mvpfit@yahoo.com
Ask Meagan!
E-mail reaches her at meagan@realstorypublishing.com. Personal information, such as your name, with NOT be divulged.
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I apologize for my digression; time to get back on topic! Aer all my research, I have concluded that the apparel of the 60s was indeed diverse. ere is not enough space for me to discuss this topic fully, but I am almost certain that I will return to it at a later time. Why all of this chit-chat about 1964? It all began when I discovered the most darling light pink dress at the back of my Grammys closet. I knew, at that moment, that I just had to wear it! When I tried it on and looked at myself in the mirror, I felt like a 1960s princess - no, a prom queen. is custom-made, fabricated-byhand frock (no sewing machine was harmed in the making of this dress) was worn at some relative's wedding (my Grammy told me who, but my grandparents tell me about a lot of relatives that I have never seen or heard of until random conversations come up about them). Grammys 1964 dress is based on a size14 pattern; however, the sizes were dierent back then (see tips below). I love going to my Grammys house and looking through her old sewing patterns to see how fashion and sizes have changed. It is so interesting how certain styles have come back, such as high-waisted shorts and pants! Oh, my gracious! I got the most adorable tomato-red and sky-blue high-waisted shorts at e Attic.
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well with modern accessories and shoes. Vintage brooches are fabulous investment pieces because they are so versatile. Pin one to a blazer or denim jacket; ax another to a fedora; attach another one to a ribbon to make an adorable necklace - the possibilities are endless! Dare to be dierent! Do not be afraid to go vintage for weddings and proms. Back in early spring of this year, I wore Grammys 1964 dress to an exclusive MAC makeup event located in Trussville, Ala. Of course, I did not wear it exactly as my Grammy did; I decided to spice it up a little with neon Jessica Simpson heels and bright pink accessories! e 80s meets the 60s is what I called it! Now that all of you have gotten to know me a little bit, I have decided that my next article will be an exclusive Accessories Challenge, just for the readers of e Real Story! Be sure to tune in next week for inspiration on how to accessorize this summer. You dont want to miss it! Check out my Facebook page for more information. For more outfit ideas and vintage inspiration, check out my blog: www.vintageinspiredpassionista.com. Follow me on Twitter (@Abbysauce) and Instagram (@VintagePassionista), and like me on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VintageInspiredPassionista)!
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1964
"Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby). Twist and shout (Twist and shout). C'mon, c'mon, c'mon, c'mon, baby, now (Come on baby). Come on and work it on out (Work it on out)." Woah! Hey there (how embarrassing)! Anyway, did you know that the number one song in 1964 was Twist and Shout by e Beatles? What a great song! It is definitely one of those songs for which you get your hairbrush microphone out and sing at the top of your lungs. Aer chatting with my Grammy yes, I renamed her because, as the fourth grandchild, I never got the chance to give her a name of my own (snie) - I decided to learn more about 1964. Another smashing hit (just so you know - I said that in a British accent) was Oh, Pretty
Woman by Roy Orbison. I don't remember what I was going to say because I'm so focused on jamming out to the music of 1964 that I lost my train of thought.
Stay Fabulous!
Abby Hathorn
vintage.passionista@gmail.com Abby is a sixteen year old blogger and student who enjoys shopping, traveling, and all things vintage. Check out her blog at www.vintageinspiredpassionista.com
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1. a traditional or legendary story, usually concerning some being or hero or event, with or without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation, especially one that is concerned with deities or demigods and explains some practice, rite, or phenomenon of nature. 2. stories or matter of this kind. 3. any invented story, idea, or concept. 4. an imaginary or fictitious thing or person. 5. an unproved or false collective belief that is used to justify a social institution.
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In a future article, I hope to be able to share the pit bulls history as a Nanny Dog. However, for this particular article, a quick summary will have to do. If a pit bull is well socialized and raised properly, it is the perfect breed to have around children. While some can seem a little hyper due to their exuberance, they are also the best-suited to handle the rough-andtumble play a child can dish out and are the least likely to nip due to fear or pain. I should note that all children should be taught how to interact with dogs and should never be le unsupervised with any animal.
No! All dogs fight. I think it was Richard Stratton that summed it up best: All dogs fight. Wouldnt you rather have the dog that didnt get beat up? e problem is that when it involves little dogs, or fluy dogs, or pretty much any dog other than a pit bull, it is cute. ink about it - pit bulls are terriers. Terriers tend to be scrappy with other animals if
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PIG TALES
Wanna smooch?
My husband picked out a good watermelon for us last weekend, and Ive been sharing it with the dogs, cat and Porkchop. One of the things we used to talk about my grandmother (Bigmama) doing was painstakingly sitting at the table for what seemed like hours on end, picking the seeds out of a watermelon and cutting it up into pieces for whoever might come along and want some. We would always say, Who does that, and the answer was somebody that really loves you. Well, I find myself doing that for Porkchop, on a nightly basis! ere I sit, with a plate full of watermelon, picking out the seeds and feeding the pig, the dogs and the cat. Sometimes I dont even get enough watermelon for myself, it seems, to account for me going through all of that eort in cutting up a piece! But thats love - and Porkchop gets plenty of it! Porkchop is entirely too big to pick up and hold now (which I really hate, cause I love to cuddle!). So, to feel completely satisfied, I have to lie down on the floor and call him to lie down
next to me so that I can hug him and pet that big ole belly. eres nothing like some PBP love! Hes just so sweet (when he wants to be) and makes the cutest little sounds. But he can be a butthead sometimes, too - dont let him fool you. When he doesnt get his way, or he wants attention and you wont give it to him, you had better watch out! He is definitely pigheaded! Speaking of being pigheaded - that is an accurate term, but sweating like a pig isnt - and now, every time I think or say it, I think about how that isnt true (ha-ha). Useless facts you learn every day.... Weve come to the conclusion that we need to build two ramps so that Porkchop can get in and out of the front and back door. e main reason is that it is becoming increasingly difficult for him to jump down the big step from the front, and the second is the gallons upon gallons he can leave on the pee pads. It would be so much more convenient if he could just go out the doggie door (well have to get a bigger one, of course!) and do his
business. Well also have to put up a fence perimeter so he cant venture too far out, and so that nothing can get to him, when hes outside. I think well both benefit from that - he likes to go outside, but not for long, and this way he wont be waiting for us (or viceversa).
Eventually, Im going to put his newest harness on him assuming that it even fits - and try to teach him to walk (and behave) on a leash. Id love to take him places and let people see him, but hes too independent to do that right now. If I can only find the time, though!
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.
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LIFESTYLES
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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.
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You clever Ewes and Rams love nothing more than to rise to a challenge. So, by all means, if you feel sure about your facts, step right up and defend your side of the issue.
I remember thinking as a young child that being an adult must be the absolute coolest thing in the world. I imagined that it was all cocktail parties and discussions of Hemingway and Shakespeare and staying up as late as you wanted. Except for that last part, I was incredibly delusional about life aer 30. Now, I do occasionally eat candy until Im like a monkey on crack, and I can totally watch R-rated movies without my dad pre-approving them, but, for the most part, its not as much fun as I thought it would be. First of all, bills are just mean. I realize that we need cable and phones and electricity, but I wish we could go back to a barter system or pay a big flat fee once and never have to pay for that particular service again. Wouldnt that be better than trying to figure out when to pay each bill and realizing you have $27 to live on for a week? I can see it now: I would be happy to sing for our cable bill or do someones English homework as payment for the electricity bill. You dont quite realize how good you have it as a child until certain facts start to become clear to you: If you dont cook, you dont eat; gas costs money - more every day, in fact; and the house doesnt clean itself. And you cant get a maid or a cook like you deserve because your college degree - especially if its in journalism or political science - doesnt quite fund the lifestyle you envisioned while growing up. I remember watching Dierent Strokes and thinking, Now thats the life. If only a rich white man would adopt me. e worst part of growing up, though, which has knocked me flat over the past two Fathers Days, is having to say good-
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You've done some great work recently. Now it's time to reward yourself with something wonderful, perhaps a day at a spa or a night out with someone very special.
bye to the people you love. My father died in April 2010, and not a day goes by that I dont think of him, hear his laughter or see him in my minds eye. He taught me how to whistle (much to my grandmothers chagrin), taught me to appreciate movies with Cary Grant, Henry Fonda and Audrey Hepburn, and taught me how to shoot a gun. Its weird to get to the point in life where you and your friends are starting to lose parents. I know - its the circle of life, and all that stu (Elton John comes to mind right about now) but when you feel like it was just five years ago that you were pulling all-nighters in college, it seems unfair when you realize that life is not endless. For the record - and I hope this is not an imminent event - for my funeral, I want everyone to be happy. I would like everyone to get up and talk about the fun we had and how we met and the best thing we ever did together. Im not completely selfless; there had better be some tears, but only for a minute. I think that just getting through life is a major accomplishment, when you think about all the trials we go through. When I go, I want to think that I made people happier, and that when they think about me, as I do with my father, they are flooded with good, comforting thoughts that wrap around them like a cozy blanket. Tennyson put it best: Sunset and evening star, and one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning when I put out to sea.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You love to talk, but don't forget to make time to do a little more listening, otherwise you could miss out on an important message someone might be trying to send you.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your aspect indicates some uncertainty about one of your goals. Use this period of shiing attitudes to reassess what you really want and what you're ready to do to get it.
LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your social life is picking up, and you'll soon be mingling with old friends and making new ones. But 'twixt the fun times, stay on top of changing workplace conditions.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) A trusted friend oers understanding as you vent some long-pent-up feelings. Now, move on from there and start making the changes you've put o all this time.
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might well feel uneasy as you face a dicult situation involving someone
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SportsTalk
by Jeremiah Short
SPORTS
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get where we are over-teaching things. We try to get guys that are fundamentally sound, coming out of high school. Just look at the places we have gotten athletes from, like Meridian with Larry Weems and Starkville with Jamie Mitchell, said Coach Wood. Certain players are worth the wait, if the coaches are willing to be patient with them. Denico Autry, a 2011 All-American, is a prime example. Sometimes those guys sit and dont play for the first year. Denico Autry came here, sat and didnt play the first year; he sat and paid his own way to school. He was ready to play aer that. You have to get them working hard in the classroom and hard in the weight room. You just have to coach them up and get them ready. Every community college has the same problems, and every one deals with them dierently, commented Stephens. e success of the program and the talent level of the players have made Scooba, Miss., a proverbial hot-bed for major college programs. e Lions have averaged 20 players per year being sent to senior level schools under Stephens. e extra attention doesnt bother the 2011 ACCFCA coach of the year. Right now, the recruiting season is going on. We get phone calls. Its not harder; we take time, and its a part of our job. We are sought aer by the bigger schools and by the athletes. Its better being busy, but we are busy, Stephens said. He added, Its just football. We arent building a piano, we arent building a space shuttle; its just football. e excitement surrounding the program the past few years allowed the administration to be able to secure funds for a new football stadium. Construction on the new facility didnt begin until aer the second season, when we won our first state championship. ere was a lot of hype and adrenaline going with us winning the state championship in 2009. I think that excited a lot of our alumni and board. We had talked about building a new football facility. To be honest, the facility they were playing on at that time was one of the worst in the whole junior
college system in Mississippi. We knew that was something we had to do, at some point. With us winning the state championship - which at that time was the first state championship we had won in football - I think that sped it up a little bit. We started that fall, aer the state championship, Stokes said.
e football teams excellence seems to have rubbed o on the other EMCC sports programs. e mens basketball team made it to the national tournament the past three years (they had never made it before 2008). e womens basketball program has made the state tournament in each of the past four years. e golf team has even finished second in the state for the past two years. Its a far cry from where the Lions sports programs use to be.
eres a big dierence from when you got kids fussing because at the time, when the old protective list was going on, you had kids that were kind of forced to come here. Parents were always calling, complaining to the president and athletic director about wanting to get o the protected list. ey didnt want to have to come to East Mississippi. Now, we got kids calling to see how they can get on the team, said Stokes, discussing the improving athletic programs at EMCC, while also graduating 98 percent of student athletes and earning the Holbrook Award in 2011. at honor is given to the junior college with the highest graduation rate for student athletes in Mississippi
Denico Autry
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e EMCC Lions arent showing any signs that they will be slowing down anytime soon. e 2012 football roster is loaded with B.C.S. talents like Nickolas Brassell, Lauren Jackson and Justin Cox. Another national championship could be in store.
We want to put ourselves in a position where were stable on all of our sta. I want to get to a point where the program doesnt necessarily run itself but the program is the most sought aer in the state, said Stephens.
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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SPORTS
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Mississippi States moving to a more pass-friendly oense has resulted in a premium being placed on pass-catchers in the class of 2013. e coaching sta secured commitments from three receivers, Devante Scott, Brandon Wells, and B.J. Hammond. e next wide-out to cast his lot to be a Bulldog was ClayChalkville receiver DeAndre Woods. I felt like I belong there. eres a lot of opportunity, there, to come in and play as a receiver, said Woods.
sponsor four people to take part in the weight loss project, Lowndes County Losers. 662-574-7751. Active family of four needs CLEANING PERSON. House is 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, a little over 2000 sq.ft. Also, there is an indoor cat. I will purchase cleaning supplies. Interested parties should send email to theboxylady @yahoo.com with employment history and a list of excellent workrelated references. A resum with references would be nice. I need someone honest, trustworthy, reliable, and dependable. You must have your own transportation. Serious inquiries only. NO phone calls. Top $$$ for your college books! Call Slate @ 662-4974228 or stop by Cheyenne Station : 5475 Hwy E, Columbus MS 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.
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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 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! 241-6595. FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS - call Sheri Lipsey, ReMax Real Estate 327-7750 or 662-549-1354
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Salary Position Available Assistant Project Manager for Ground Maintenance Contract at Columbus Air Force Base. Job duties include, but not limited to: Safety Instruction, Heavy and Light Duty Equipment Operation, Training Employees, Managing Daily Operations, and General Maintenance. Serious inquiries only. Send resume to amgcolumbus@gmail.com. 662-434-6104
Fellow Alabama native Hammond tried to persuade Woods to commit before he actually made the pledge. e chance to play with Hammond was appealing to Woods, who met Hammond at an Auburn football camp. Oh yea, thats my dude, said Woods. We said that we are going to be good at Mississippi State. He said that he is looking forward to coming up there with me.
Woods wants to place the focus on going to school. Once he arrives at Mississippi State, he plans to get his a degree and play in the NFL. If he keeps up his physical style of play, both goals could become reality.
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Woods is expected to form a dynamic duo with Hammond at Mississippi State. He is used in a variety of roles and formations at the high school level. ey are just trying to get me the deep ball. When Im in the slot, they are trying to get the mismatch with the linebacker,
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