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Tuesday | April 21, 2020

Man charged with murder in Monday shooting

Suspect allegedly shot victim after argument
BY ISABELLE ALTMAN
ialtman@cdispatch.com
One person has died and
another is in custody follow-
ing a Monday shooting in
South Columbus.
Tyler Blair Blackwell,
18, of Columbus has been
charged with the murder of
Xavier Johnson, 20, also of
Columbus, according to Co-
lumbus Police Chief Fred
Shelton.
Officers with Columbus
Police Department respond-
ed to a call of shots fired in
the 500 block of 16th Avenue
South shortly after 1 p.m.
There, first responders found
Johnson in the street and at-
tempted to perform life-sav-
ing procedures. However,
Lowndes County Coroner
Greg Merchant later pro-
nounced Johnson dead at the
scene.
Shelton said at a virtual
press conference Monday
that police had a person of
interest in custody, but Black-
well was not formally arrest-
ed until this morning.
Johnson and Blackwell
knew each other and got into
an argument shortly before
the shooting occurred, Shel-
ton said during Monday’s
press conference.
He added the shooting
appears to be an isolated in-
cident.
Merchant said Johnson’s
body has been sent to the
State Medical Examiner’s Of-
fice in Pearl for autopsy.
Isabelle Altman/Dispatch Staff
Blackwell’s bond has not
Law enforcement investigate the scene of a fatal shooting on 16th Ave-
been set. Authorities did not nue South in Columbus Monday afternoon. Columbus Police Chief Fred
release Blackwell’s mugshot Shelton said the victim was shot following an argument with the suspect,
by press time. who is currently in custody.

Peasant:
REOPEN OR STAY CLOSED?
Leading
City day cares caught in dilemma under
SOCSD during stringent restrictions and risk of infection
a pandemic
takes ‘good
common sense’
District superintendent
focuses on keeping
district academically,
emotionally stable
during unprecedented
crisis
BY TESS VRBIN
tvrbin@cdispatch.com

Eddie Peasant
worked for the Gulf-
port School District
in 2005 when Hurri-
cane Katrina struck
the Gulf Coast. The
district returned to
school a few days lat-
er, he said. Peasant
“We started working, and we
didn’t think about anything else
except work, and getting our stu-
dents back in school and getting
our buildings going and opening
our community up,” Peasant told
the Starkville Rotary Club at its
virtual meeting on Monday. “We
went full speed ahead, and about
three to four months after doing
that, we hit a brick wall. And it was
very challenging for us emotionally
and physically. Our mental health
suffered a lot because of that ap-
proach.”
As the superintendent of the
Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated
School District, Peasant said he
has made it his mission to ensure
SOCSD did not end up in the same
boat as GSD while dealing with the
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
He regularly tells district faculty to
pace themselves and reminds them
that they are learning as they go, he
said.
“In leadership, there’s no hand-
book, guidebook or any kind of
guidance for dealing with a situa-
tion like this,” Peasant said. “It’s
See PEASANT, 6A
Yue Stella Yu/Dispatch Staff
ABOVE: Emma Shaw, 4, drives her toy truck around in her front yard in Columbus Monday afternoon. Bridget
Shaw, her mother, sent her to the child care center at First Baptist Church before the day care shut down in late
March amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaw said even if the centers reopen now, she would not send Emma due
to fear of contraction of the virus. BELOW: Naomi Edmonds, director at First United Methodist Church’s Early
Learning Center, stands in front of the day care Monday afternoon and talks about the concerns for her to reopen
the facility. Edmonds said the center would face financial challenges if it were to reopen for business, because
parents may drop out of the program due to fear of the COVID-19 pandemic.
BY YUE STELLA YU members, tries to take care
syu@cdispatch.com of her whenever possible.
The day care, like all oth-
Sitting in her pink toy ers in Columbus, was first
truck, 4-year-old Emma Shaw ordered by the city on March
giggled. 21 to shut down. But those fa-
Her mother, Bridget Shaw, cilities, later deemed “essen-
had just given the truck a tial businesses” by Gov. Tate
firm push as they played in Reeves, are now allowed to
their front yard Monday af- reopen as long as they follow
ternoon. The toddler, who strict regulations set out in a
was previously stranded in city resolution passed April 7.
the lawn, continued to charge Day cares are now re-
toward the house. quired to take reasonable
If not for the COVID-19 measures to prevent children
pandemic, such family time from touching their mouths,
would not be the norm for noses and eyes and keep
Shaw, who works as a surgi- them six feet apart. Employ-
cal nurse at Baptist Memorial ees should also wear masks
Hospital-Golden Triangle. and other protection equip-
But with Emma’s day care ment when within six feet of
closed amid the pandemic, a child.
Yue Stella Yu/Dispatch Staff Shaw, along with other family See DAY CARES, 3A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS A NOTE LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

1 What country stands in for Middle Earth ON NEWS MEETINGS
in the “Lord of the Rings” movies? ■ Many Today: Starkville
2 With help from Ludacris and Lil Jon, what COVID-19 corona- Board of Aldermen
pop star and dancer released one of the virus related sto-
iconic hits of the ‘00s with “Yeah” in 2004? meeting, 5:30 p.m.,
ries are changing
3 What iconic TV comedian would have extremely quick-
City Hall
turned 90 on August 6, 2001, the day the May 1: Starkville
U.S. Postal Service honored her with a ly, sometimes
Sophia Heinkel as soon as we Board of Aldermen
stamp?
Fifth grade, Annunciation publish a print
4 What 19th-century poet penned “Paul work session, 10

78 Low 51
Revere’s Ride” and “A Psalm of Life”? edition of the a.m., City Hall
High 5 A 2009 infestation of which insect, known paper. We want
as “Cimex lectularius,” was so rampant that May 4: Oktibbeha
Sunny to assure our
a summit was held in Chicago to stop the readers that we County Board of Su-
Full forecast on invasion?
page 3A. Answers, 6B are making every pervisors meeting,
attempt to print Chancery Court-
accurate, timely house, 9 a.m.
news. Online sto-
INSIDE ries are updated
May 5: Starkville
Board of Aldermen
Classifieds 6B Dear Abby 3B throughout the
Comics 3B Obituaries 4B day at cdispatch. Detrick Wells is a San Francisco 49ers meeting, 5:30 p.m.,
Crossword 2B Opinions 4A com. fan and a lifelong Brooksville resident. City Hall

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

‘Political game’? Governors push

back on Trump virus charge
Hospitals, labs and state health departments report
scouring the globe to secure virus testing supplies
BY ALAN SUDERMAN, JOHN
HANNA AND JILL COLVIN
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — A chorus
of governors from both parties
pushed back hard Monday after
President Donald Trump accused
Democrats of playing “a very dan-
gerous political game” by insisting
there is a shortage of tests for coro-
navirus. The governors countered
that the White House must do
more to help states do the testing
that’s needed before they can ease
up on stay-at-home orders.
Kansas’ Democratic Gov. Laura
Kelly said the current federal effort
“really is not good enough if we’re
going to be able to start to open our
economy. We cannot do that safely
without the tests in place.”
Supply shortages have stymied
U.S. testing for weeks. The needs
range from basic supplies like
swabs and protective gear to high-
ly specialized laboratory chemicals
needed to analyze patient results.
Hospitals, laboratories and state
health departments report scour-
ing the globe to secure orders,
competing against each other and
their peers abroad.
The governors’ plea for stepped-
up coordination came on the latest
day when the Trump administra-
tion provided discordant messag-
ing: Trump blasted state leaders on
Twitter for being too dependent on
federal government and said later
that some governors just didn’t un-
derstand what they had, while Vice
President Mike Pence assured gov-
ernors the government was work-
ing around-the-clock to help them
ramp up testing.
Pence sought to soften the ad-
ministration’s message amid grow-
ing clamor from both parties for
a national testing strategy to help
secure testing swabs, chemical re-
agents and other crucial supplies.
“When it comes to testing, we’re
here to help,” Pence told governors
during a video conference from the
headquarters of the Federal Emer-
gency Management Agency. The
Associated Press obtained audio of
the call.
Pence said the administration
sent each state a detailed list Mon-
day of testing capacity. But Mary-
land’s Republican Gov. Larry Ho-
gan said much of the unused lab
machinery listed for his state was
in federal labs the state does not
have access to. Pence said the ad-
ministration has agreed to open up
federal labs to help states.
Hogan announced Monday that
the state had received 500,000
tests from South Korea — a
“game-changing” deal negotiated
by his wife, Yumi Hogan, who grew
up outside Seoul.
“They want the states to take
the lead, and we have to go out and
do it ourselves, and so that’s exact-
ly what we did,” Hogan said.
Trump didn’t take that lying
down. In his daily briefing, he said
some governors have “more capac-
ity than they understand.”
“The governor of Maryland
could have called Mike Pence,
could have saved a lot of money,”
Trump said. “I don’t think he need-
ed to go to South Korea. He needed
to get a little knowledge.”
In Ohio, Republican Gov. Mike
DeWine said his state is working
with another federal agency, the
Food and Drug Administration, to
find a source of reagent, the chem-
ical used to analyze test results. “A
lot of good things are going on, but
we’re not there yet,” DeWine said.

Some US producers, states reopening amid political pressure

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp announced
plans to restart the state’s economy
before the end of the week
BY COLLEEN LONG, GENE
JOHNSON AND MIKE
CORDER
The Associated Press
SEAT TLE — Boeing
and at least one other U.S.
heavy-equipment man-
ufacturer resumed pro-
duction and some states
rolled out aggressive re-
opening plans Monday,
despite nationwide con-
cerns there is not enough
testing yet to keep the
coronavirus from re-
bounding.
In one of the most
forceful moves yet, Geor-
gia Gov. Brian Kemp an-
nounced plans to restart
the state’s economy be-
fore the end of the week.
Kemp said gyms, hair
salons, bowling alleys
and tattoo parlors could
reopen Friday, as long
as owners followed strict
social distancing and hy-
giene requirements.
Boeing said it was put-
ting about 27,000 people
back to work this week
building passenger jets
at its Seattle-area plants,
with virus-slowing pre-
cautions in place, in-
cluding face masks and
staggered shifts. Doosan
Bobcat, a farm equipment
maker and North Dako-
ta’s largest manufacturer,
announced the return of
about 2,200 workers at
three factories around
the state.
The reopenings came
amid economic gloom,
as oil futures plunged
below zero on Monday
and stocks and Treasury
yields also dropped on
Wall Street. The cost
to have a barrel of U.S.
crude delivered in May
plummeted to negative
$37.63. It was at rough-
ly $60 at the start of the
year.
Elsewhere around the
world, step-by-step re-
openings were underway
in Europe, where the cri-
sis has begun to ebb in
places such as Italy, Spain
and Germany. Parts of
the continent are perhaps
weeks ahead of the U.S.
on the infection curve of
the virus, which has killed
more than 170,300 people
worldwide, according to a
tally kept by Johns Hop-
kins University.
Businesses that start
operating again in the
U.S. are likely to engen-
der good will with the
Trump administration
at a time when it is dol-
ing out billions in relief
to companies. But the
reopenings being an-
nounced are a drop in the
bucket compared with
the more than 22 million
Americans thrown out of
work by the crisis.
In several states —
most of them Republi-
can-led — governors said
they had seen signs that
the coronavirus curve
was flattening, making it
possible to start reopen-
ing businesses and public
spaces.

Conspiracy theorists burn 5G towers claiming link to coronavirus

BY KELVIN CHAN,
BEATRICE DUPUY
AND ARIJETA LA JK A
The Associated Press
LONDON — The
CCTV footage from a
Dutch business park
shows a man in a black
cap pouring the contents
of a white container at the
base of a cellular radio
tower. Flames burst out
as the man jogs back to
his Toyota to flee into the
evening.
It’s a scene that’s been
repeated dozens of times
in recent weeks in Eu-
rope, where conspiracy
theories linking new 5G
mobile networks and the
coronavirus pandemic
are fueling arson attacks
on cell towers.
Popular beliefs and
conspiracy theories that
wireless communications
pose a threat have long
been around, but the glob-
al spread of the virus at
the same time that coun-
tries were rolling out fifth
generation wireless tech-
nology has seen some of
those false narratives am-
plified.
Officials in Europe
and the U.S. are watching
the situation closely and
pushing back, concerned
that attacks will under-
mine vital telecommu-
nications links at a time
they’re most needed to
deal with the pandemic.
“I’m absolutely out-
raged, absolutely disgust-
ed, that people would be
taking action against the
very infrastructure that
we need to respond to
this health emergency,”
Stephen Powis, medical
director of the National
Health Service in En-
gland, said in early April.
Some 50 fires target-
ing cell towers and oth-
er equipment have been
reported in Britain this
month, leading to three
arrests. Telecom engi-
neers have been abused
on the job 80 times, ac-
cording to trade group
Mobile UK, making the
U.K. the nucleus of the
attacks.

Day cares
Continued from Page 1A
But even with the shut-
down order lifted, day
care administrators in
Columbus are reluctant
to reopen for business.
Directors say they un-
derstand the demand for
child care from parents
and from their employees
in need of income. How-
ever, deterred by the risk
of infection and the city’s
regulations, most, if not
all, child care facilities in
the city remain closed.
But Shaw said she
would not send Emma
back to her day care even
if it reopens.
“We would be con-
cerned regardless of the
standards,” she said.
“Kids are kids. They
sneeze on their hands,
they touch door knobs,
they’ll sneeze right into
your face with no warn-
ing whatsoever.”
The need remains
Taking care of Emma
while working as a front-
line worker is challeng-
ing, Shaw said.
Shaw said she’s fortu-
nate to have several fam-
ily members, including
Shaw’s father and moth-
er-in-law, pitch in to take
care of Emma.
But some of her co-
workers, she said, have
felt the burden of child
care more strongly than
her family.
“It’s really impacted a
lot of my coworkers,” she
said. “They don’t have
that backup like I have.”
Naomi Edmonds, di-
rector at the First United
Methodist Church Early
Learning Center, shared
the concern.
“Most people have
someone on the back
burner, but they don’t
Reeves: Mississippi reaching ‘plateau’ in virus cases
Governor says social-distancing measures will remain in
place even after more businesses start reopening
BY EMILY
WAGSTER PETTUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — Missis-
sippi Gov. Tate Reeves
said Monday that he be-
lieves the state is reaching
a “plateau” in the increase
of new coronavirus cases,
and he will consider in
coming days how the state
should ease into reopen-
ing parts of its economy.
“We are confident ...
that our health care sys-
tem is not going to be
overwhelmed,” Reeves
said during a news confer-
ence, joined by the state
health officer.
Reeves’s statewide
stay-at-home order began
the evening of April 3
and remains in place until
April 27. Many business-
es deemed “nonessential”
have been closed, and
claims for unemployment
benefits have skyrocketed
in Mississippi, as in other
states.
Republican Reeves an-
nounced late last week
that starting Monday,
some of those closed busi-
nesses, including clothing
stores and florists, could
sell items for delivery or
curbside pickup. Some
smaller businesses had
said they were losing mon-
ey to big chain stores that
have remained open. The
chain stores are selling
groceries and other items,
including clothes.
The state health officer,
AROUND THE STATE
Inmate dies in hospital at
Mississippi’s Parchman prison
JACKSON — An autopsy will be done
on an inmate who died Saturday in the
hospital at the Mississippi State Peniten-
tiary at Parchman.
Richard Rimmer, 51, had been in pris-
on since July on a 10-year sentence for a
felony DUI conviction in DeSoto County.
Sunflower County Coroner Heather
Burton said Rimmer had been terminal-
have somebody (there)
every day,” she said.
Through talking to
sister child care centers
around the county, Ed-
monds said some facili-
ties are faced with higher
demands due to a large
portion of essential work-
er parents who cannot af-
ford taking care of their
children at home.
Day care closures have
not only added to par-
ents’ burden. Employees
at day cares, especially
nonprofits, do not qualify
for unemployment bene-
fits because they do not
pay into unemployment
insurance, said Patricia
Lemmermann, co-direc-
tor at the First Presbyte-
rian Child Development
Program.
The facility has applied
for the Paycheck Protec-
tion Program (PPP), a
U.S. Small Business Ad-
ministration loan helping
businesses keep their
employees on payroll
through the COVID-19
pandemic, Lemmermann
said. The total $350 bil-
lion dispensed to small
businesses nationwide,
however, dried up after
merely days of applica-
tions, according to multi-
ple news outlets. Another
$250 billion, which awaits
congressional approval, is
still in the works.
The bank approved
First Presbyterian’s re-
quest, Lemmermann
said, but money has yet to
arrive. For now, the facili-
ty is still struggling with
salary payments.
“We won’t be able to
pay salaries for April,
May … unless this PPP
loan is approved,” she
said. “When we are no
longer able to provide
Dr. Thomas Dobbs, said
Monday: “Big box stores
are still pretty crowded. It
makes me very nervous.
And I’m not seeing a lot
of folks wearing masks in
the community, necessar-
ily.”
Mississippi lakes and
beaches have the gov-
ernor’s permission to
reopen, with decisions
made by local authorities.
Reeves has said people
should not gather in large
groups, and they should
maintain distance from
each other. One of the
coastal counties has re-
opened beaches. Dozens
of people were fishing
Monday at the Ross Bar-
nett Reservoir near Jack-
son.
Reeves on Monday
cautioned that health offi-
cials must remain vigilant
about the potential for
virus outbreaks among
vulnerable people, partic-
ularly in long-term care
facilities. And, he said so-
cial-distancing measures
will remain in place even
after more businesses
start reopening.
The state Health De-
partment said Monday
that Mississippi had at
least 4,512 confirmed cas-
es and 169 deaths from the
coronavirus as of Sunday
evening. That was an in-
crease of 238 cases and 10
deaths from the previous
day. The state’s population
is about 3 million.
The department said
ly ill, according to a news release from
the state Department of Corrections.
Rimmer’s death happened a week
after another Parchman inmate died at
Delta Regional Medical Center in Green-
ville. Earl Lee Dycus, 66, was serving a
life sentence on a capital murder convic-
tion from 1983 in Hinds County. He had
also received a 10-year sentence from a
1975 rape conviction in Yazoo County.
An autopsy was also being done on Dy-
cus.
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
that service, then we are
no longer able to draw
that income.”
Jody Gurley, leading
pastor at the First Assem-
bly of God in Columbus,
shares a similar situation
as the center waits for
federal funds to keep em-
ployees on their payroll.
The center is unable to
pay full salaries for their
employees, he said, but
has been giving them par-
tial payments.
“I feel bad for parents
that don’t have a place for
their kids to go,” he said,
“but I also feel terrible for
my employees because
this is their income.”
In the meantime, all
three day cares have halt-
ed operations, waiting
at least for the shelter in
place order to lift.
Risk of infection
and violating city
regulations
But even with the pain
felt among parents and
day care employees, child
care facility directors in
Columbus are hesitant to
resume operations.
One of the primary
concerns, Edmonds said,
is the risk of children
contracting the virus and
bringing it home to their
extended families.
“We have 67 children.
That’s 120 parents, 20
staff,” she said. “That’s
a lot of people in contact
with other people all day
long.”
Additionally, many
child care directors feel
it’s hard to meet the city
regulations, which went
into effect following an
early April council vote.
Violators could face a
$1,000 fine or up to 90
Monday that coronavirus
cases had been confirmed
in at least 77 long-term
care facilities such as
nursing homes.
For most people, the
coronavirus causes mild
or moderate symptoms,
such as fever and cough.
But for others, especial-
ly older adults and peo-
ple with existing health
problems, the highly con-
tagious virus can cause
severe symptoms and be
fatal.
The Health Depart-
ment said 51,434 coronavi-
rus tests had been done in
the state as of Sunday.
Dobbs said Monday
that he thinks public and
private labs have done a
“Herculean task” for test-
ing. In response to ques-
tions, Dobbs said he wants
the state to double its test-
ing capacity. He also said
he wants same-day test
results. Some results are
now taking days.
The chief of the Mis-
sissippi Band of Choctaw
Indians, Cyrus Ben, said
Saturday that he has test-
ed positive for COVID-19,
and he is urging people
to follow advice of health
professionals to try to slow
the spread of the highly
contagious virus.
Ben said in a video post-
ed to the tribe’s Facebook
page that he had not ex-
perienced any symptoms.
He said he is quarantined
with his family and is con-
tinuing to work remotely.
days in jail.
Some child care facili-
ty directors believe those
regulations are unachiev-
able.
“There are just certain
things you can’t expect
a 2-year-old to do,” Lem-
mermann said.
Gurley said he believes
the policies are in place to
deter the day cares from
opening.
“It’s virtually impossi-
ble,” Gurley said of follow-
ing the city restrictions.
Ward 4 Councilman
Pierre Beard, who agrees
with the
strict regu-
lations, said
he wants
them to be a
“protection,
not hin-
drance.” Re-
a l ist ic a l ly, Beard
though, he
admits they
might be
the latter.
“To fol-
low those
reg ula -
tions,” he
said, “you Box
would have
to be a perfect person.”
Other council mem-
bers — specifically Char-
lie Box of Ward 3 and Bill
Gavin of Ward 6 — be-
lieve the safest thing is
for child cares to remain
closed during the crisis.
“I didn’t really think
they should reopen in
the first place,” Box said.
“You got to try to protect
those children.”
Challenges to reopen
Despite the fear of
infection, however, Ed-
monds and Gurley said
they plan to reopen their
businesses once the gov-
“It only takes one per-
son who has been ex-
posed to the virus to go
out in public and expose
everyone that they could
come in contact with,”
Ben said. “That includes
their families, their
friends. And that is why
we say take precaution,
be vigilant.”
The Choctaws have
11,000 members in 10 of
Mississippi’s 82 counties.
The tribe’s Pearl River Re-
sort in central Mississip-
pi’s Neshoba County has
two casinos and hotels.
The resort is closed in-
definitely because of the
coronavirus pandemic,
and the tribe announced
Friday that it was putting
most of the resort employ-
ees on unpaid furlough.
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ernor’s shelter in place
order, which went into ef-
fect April 3, is lifted.
“We have to stay
afloat,” Edmonds said.
To comply with state
guidelines, Edmonds
said, she plans to keep up
to two teachers and eight
children in the same
room. Bathroom stalls
will be divided and des-
ignated to children from
the same room to slow
the spread of the virus,
she said, and parents will
be limited to the hallway.
Gurley said the First
Assembly of God could re-
sume parts of its business
as soon as the first week
of May with a “systemat-
ic” plan in place to mini-
mize the risk of infection
within the day care.
But the day cares
could see fewer children
and therefore less reve-
nue, they said.
Edmonds said some
parents may drop out of
the program to avoid pay-
ing fees to the day care to
keep a spot. The center
will also have to use rel-
atively more staff to keep
fewer children, she said.
“It’s going to cost us
more money,” she said.
“It’s costing us from both
ends.”
Help is on the way
As day cares in Co-
lumbus remain closed,
front-line worker parents
in need of child care may
soon see some help.
Launched last week,
the state Department of
Tell your child a bedtime story.
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Answers to common questions:
Phone: 662-328-2424
Website: cdispatch.com/help
Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 3A
Human Service (MDHS)
is now setting up child
care sites for emergency
workers. Licensed child
care providers, as well as
organizations without a
license, can apply to be-
come an emergency site
and receive training be-
forehand.
As of now, no site has
been set up in The Gold-
en Triangle, but “any
interested parties are
welcome to apply,” said
Danny Blanton, chief
communication officer at
the MDHS.
Aside from child care
assistance, the state will
also provide Pandemic
Unemployment Assis-
tance (PUA) to day cares
who have maxed out on
their unemployment ben-
efits or nonprofits who
do not qualify for regular
benefits.
The PUA program,
established under the $2
trillion federal stimulus
package signed into law
as the CARES Act, will
be in place in Mississip-
pi starting Friday, said
Dianne Bell, communica-
tions director at the Mis-
sissippi Department of
Employment Security.
Working employees
with cut-back hours, she
said, may also qualify for
partial PUA benefits.
Mississippians are en-
couraged to apply online
at www.mdes.ms.gov. For
information on emergen-
cy child care sites, visit
mdhs.ms.gov/ccair.
SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Major
Minor
Tue.
—
6:26a
Wed.
12:30a
6:54a
Major 12:10p 12:51p
—
Minor 6:58p
Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks
Opinion
4A TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020
PETER BIRNEY IMES Editor/Publisher
BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher 1998-2018
BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003

Dispatch
The
BIRNEY IMES SR. Editor/Publisher 1922-1947

ZACK PLAIR, Managing Editor

BETH PROFFITT Advertising Director
MICHAEL FLOYD Circulation/Production Manager
MARY ANN HARDY Controller

OUR VIEW

Starkville leaders have an opportunity to reduce furloughs

D
uring Friday’s work session, the
Starkville board of aldermen
discussed possible cuts to its
operating expenses in anticipation of a
projected $1.3 loss in sales tax revenue
attributed to COVID-19.
The aldermen have earmarked
$737,000 in savings through all city
departments. A significant percentage
of those savings come from furloughing
47 employees, which is a little more
than 15 percent of the city’s workforce.
It is likely that most of those em-
ployees furloughed will be low-wage
earners under the theory that pay is
commiserate to relative value. That
means the people most dependent on
that pay, those most likely to live pay-
check-to-paycheck, are the most likely
to be furloughed.
The mayor and aldermen, sensitive
to the economic hardship it is certain
to create for those employees, have
suggested their pay be reduced by 20
percent as long as the furloughs are in
effect. Mayor Lynn Spruill, a full-time
city employee will forfeit $1,250 month-
ly from her annual $75,000 salary. The
city’s seven aldermen, who are each
paid a $20,000 annual stipend and are
essentially part-time employees, would
forfeit $333 monthly.
Combined, that 20-percent cut would
save the city $3,581 monthly which is
roughly equivalent to the pay of two
entry-level city employees.
The proposed sacrifices of the mayor
and board are meaningful. They show
the city leaders are willing to suffer
alongside city employees. We humbly
believe the elected leaders could do
more, though.
If the aldermen really want to make
a sacrifice, one that reflects the severity
those furloughs represent, they should
consider forfeiting the entirety of their
pay until the furlough has ended.
If you’re doing the math, that would
save the city $11,666 monthly, enough
to cover the salary of about five en-
try-level employees.
Remember, the aldermen are essen-
tially part-time employees, and all have
other primary sources of income.
If the aldermen wish to share the
suffering of those soon-to-be fur-
loughed workers in the most mean-
ingful way, forfeiting their $1,666 in
monthly pay would make the strongest
possible case.
We understand it’s easy for us to
make this suggestion when we have
no skin in the game. Because of that,
we’re offering this only as a proposal to
consider when the topic comes up for
discussion in tonight’s board meeting.
But we do believe the move would be
a real and symbolic gesture. It would be
an heroic one as well.
This could be their finest hour, one
that city employees and citizens (vot-
ers) aren’t likely to forget.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR CARTOONIST VIEW

Voice of the people
In response to Governor’s task force
Reeves says the task force does not need
any representation for workers.
With the Republicans in charge, they never
have and never will have someone to repre-
sent workers because they believe in keeping
worker’s wages depressed, same as voting
rights.
With this “roaring economy” under Trump
until the “hoax flu” hit it, worker’s wages
nation-wide have stagnated, or in most cases,
failed to keep up with the rising cost of goods
needed to raise a family.
Where possible, if companies would put
the needs of their workers ahead of profits,
there would be a turn around in our state’s
economy.
Another big help would be Medicare for
all.
Of the over $2 trillion stimulus package, 82
percent of it goes to the wealthy.
Kerry Blalock states he pays $19,400 for
insurance, all healthcare I suppose, This is
more than the annual salary of over 25 per-
cent of the people working in our state.
My CableOne bill just recently increased
to $215 from $200. The high for their stock
(CABO) this year was $1,830 per share. Their
latest earnings report for the quarter showed
$10.12 per share net.
No way they can justify my increase, other
than greed.
Gas here is $1.73 for a gallon of regular.
In Jackson, below $1.30. In Tuscaloosa and
Tupelo, below $1.50.
The price of a barrel of oil has fallen from
$64 to under $20, almost as much in dollars
as a gallon of gas has in pennies.
Boeing Corp. says they need $17 billion MUSINGS
of the stimulus money. In the last nine years,
they have spent $43 billion buying back their
stock. In 2019, they paid almost $4 billion in
dividends, and have a debt of $40 billion.
Mail-order dreams
A
This is just one of many companies who s a working-class the bare minimum of when everyone’s job is shaky and
have done the same. man who shrewd- service for the highest companies dispense their services
I say all of that to say this: Capitalism is ly avoided work possible price. It’ll be like a king handing out small coins
only working for the rich. by becoming a writer, like letting the cable to the beggars running along
Make the workers pay checks bigger, or the United States Post company deliver the beside his horse.
Joe Biden may give the rich a dose of Demo- Office means three mail. I come from a free market fami-
cratic socialism. things to me. Any pretense of ly. My grandparents worked in cot-
James Hodges The first is that post- competition among ton mills for $1 a day, 16 hours, and
Columbus al jobs are good jobs. the various new postal a line at the factory gate composed
Union. Seniority. Secu- services will vanish, of people who would take your job
Calls for more frequent yard debris rity. Benefits. Pension. as it has with the cable for half what you made. My grand-
pickups Veterans’ preference. company that enjoys a mother, a tiny, fierce, non-English
All working-class peo- Marc Dion winked-at monopoly in speaker, once complained to a
Due to the recent quarantine I’ve been do-
ing a lot of yard cleanup, as have many people ple know those things. many places. boss that the drinking water in her
in our friendly city. Because of this, there is The second is that the mail It is possible to believe some- work floor’s communal bucket was
debris on the curbs all over town. I’ve called comes every day, no matter how thing so hard that no evidence can covered with the floating corpses
multiple times to the action line about debris good or bad your neighborhood. lead you to the truth. of dead cockroaches. He told her
needing picked up on my avenue. I’ve had The third is that the stuff I buy A great number of American to shut up and go back to work.
no results in one month, however I continue online or from a catalog comes to people have that kind of rock solid, She hit him with the dipper used
to see city workers planting flowers in the me by mail, and I love ordering stew-thick belief in either “privat- to drink the water, and he fired her
medians all about the city. I know these are things and dreaming of the day ization” or “deregulation,” terms on the spot. She got her next mill
difficult times, however our streets need to be they will arrive. I’m waiting for that are neither interchangeable job under a different name because
cleaned up before flowers are planted. I really a tweed sport coat right now. It’s nor synonyms. word had gotten around about her
think picking up debris on the curbs should coming from England, and the As a solid, tax-paying donkey being “a troublemaker.”
come before planting flowers. whole world is coughing right now, with a mortgage and a terrible “It was easy,” she told me. “The
Lee J. Hackett so it may take a while. tiredness at the end of the day, I bosses couldn’t tell us apart, so
Columbus But in some way, I don’t under- can tell you that every service I you just gave them any name you
stand, the dear, clunky old Post have ever seen deregulated or pri- wanted.”
A letter to the editor is an excellent way to Office has offended the Republican vatized ended up as a big corporate Of course, things like that can’t
participate in your community. We request the Party and its punchline president, disaster delivering high prices, happen in the “new” free market
tone of your letters be constructive and respect- Donald J. Trump. The offense, worse service and less reliable America. They’ve fixed it so you
ful and the length be limited to 450 words. no doubt, has something to do jobs. can’t just give them another name,
While commentary on national issues is always with that getting rid of the Postal Still, what I’ve lived through, and a camera records you hitting
welcome, we limit candidate endorsements to Service will allow private “job seen or paid for can be easily the boss. Progress never sleeps.
one per letter-writer. We welcome all letters creators” to take over mail deliv- dismissed as “anecdotal evidence,” Marc Dion, a nationally syndi-
emailed to voice@cdispatch.com or mailed to ery. This means no union, lousy by people who practice what I call cated columnist, is a reporter and
The Dispatch, Attn: Letters to the Editor, PO benefits and, probably, no veterans’ “theoretical economics,” which is columnist for The Herald News, the
Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703-0511. preference in hiring. There will the science of separating real con- daily newspaper of his hometown,
be a lot of money in private postal sequences from the dreamy ideal Fall River, Massachusetts. For more
delivery, particularly if it’s run of what the blessed “free market” on Dion, go to go to www.creators.
by abusive slobs who will provide will deliver in some hazy future com.

A MOMENT OF CALM
Social distancing is affecting us all in different ways. We want to
I learned there are troubles hear how you’re doing. The Dispatch has set up a voicemail so our
of more than one kind. Some readers can share their thoughts and feelings during this unique
come from ahead, others come time. If you want to share, please call 662-328-2424 and dial
from behind. But I’ve bought a extension 101. You can leave a message 24 hours a day. Certain
big bat. I’m all ready, you see. Now my trou- messages will be selected to print in the paper. Even if we don’t
bles are going to have trouble with me. select yours, know that someone is out there listening and you’re
­— Dr. Seuss not alone. We’re all in this together.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 5A

Congressional Black Caucus PAC backs Biden’s White House bid

‘Joe Biden has proven that he has the ability to get things done and
that he has a vision to bring us together and have an agenda
of significant importance for the black community’
BY KAT STAFFORD
The Associated Press
DETROIT — The Congres-
sional Black Caucus PAC en-
dorsed Joe Biden’s presidential
bid on Monday, further cement-
ing his support among the na-
tion’s influential black political
leadership.
The political action commit-
tee’s unanimous endorsement
came on the heels of several key
nods of support among caucus
leadership and members, includ-
ing civil rights icon Rep. John
CBC PAC Chairman Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York
Lewis of Georgia and caucus
Chairwoman Rep. Karen Bass of
California. The PAC is the cau-
cus’s separate campaign arm.
“There’s no question that Joe
Biden is badly needed by this
country,” CBC PAC Chairman
Rep. Gregory Meeks of New
York said in an interview with
The Associated Press. “His lead-
ership, his experience, his un-
derstanding on how to get things
done and his ability to work and
pull people together is needed
now more than ever. We need
someone that is a healer and not
a divider, and that’s Joe Biden.”
Biden, who is on the cusp of
clinching the Democratic presi-
dential nomination, had already
scored key endorsements from
38 of the 54 members of the
group, which is composed of
most African American mem-
bers of Congress.
Black voters have long an-
chored the former vice presi-
dent’s White House bid with
overwhelming support in South
Carolina, on Super Tuesday and
in Midwestern states like Mich-
igan. But that was before the
coronavirus pandemic disrupt-
ed the presidential race, forcing
several states with significant
black populations, like Georgia,
to postpone their primaries.
African Americans have been
disproportionately impacted by
COVID-19, the disease caused
by the virus.
An AP analysis last week
found nearly one-third of those
who have died are African
American, with black people
representing just 14 percent of
the population in the areas cov-
ered in the analysis.
Earlier this month, Biden
joined a growing call for the re-
lease of comprehensive racial
data on the coronavirus pandem-
ic, which he said has put a spot-
light on inequity and the impact
of “structural racism.”
Meeks said he believes Biden
is well-suited to address the last-
ing impact of the pandemic and
he’d like to see an agenda from
him that specifically addresses
racial disparities that have long
plagued black Americans. Many
of the nation’s front-line workers,
who are among the most at risk,
are black Americans and other
people of color.
“There’s no question in my
mind that there needs to be an
agenda that pushes forward
black America,” Meeks said.
“Joe Biden has proven that he
has the ability to get things done
and that he has a vision to bring
us together and have an agenda
of significant importance for the
black community.”

Feds to track, share information

on nursing home outbreaks
Info could help spot trends, early signs
the virus is spreading in communities
BY CANDICE CHOI
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Calling
nursing homes ground
zero of the coronavirus
crisis, federal officials said
Monday they plan to start
tracking and publicly shar-
ing information on infec-
tions and deaths in such fa-
cilities to help spot trends
and early signs the virus is
spreading in communities.
The move comes as
critics, industry officials
and local leaders have
called for more aggres-
sive actions by the federal
government to track infec-
tions in homes and contain
outbreaks by helping them
get greater access to test-
ing and masks, especially
given the vulnerability of
elderly residents.
“It’s our intention to
make that information
public,” Seema Verma,
head of the Centers for
Medicare & Medicaid
Services, said during a
call with reporters, adding
that details were still be-
ing worked out on when or
how the information would
be distributed.
Because the feder-
al government has not
been releasing a count of
its own, The Associated
Press has been keeping
its own tally from media
reports and state health
departments, finding at
least 8,496 deaths linked
to coronavirus outbreaks
in nursing homes and
long-term care facilities
nationwide.
But the true toll of the
mostly frail and elderly
people who live in such
facilities is likely much
higher, experts say, be-
cause many homes have
not reported their deaths
and state counts may not
include those who died
without ever being tested.
For the federal tracking
of infections, Verma said
homes could start report-
ing by the end of this week
and that questionnaires
from the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Pre-
vention will collect infor-
mation on deaths as well
as confirmed and suspect-
ed cases, including among
workers. She also said
nursing homes will also
be required to tell patients
and family members with-
in 12 hours of a confirmed
infection.
Verma noted that fed-
eral surveillance of out-
breaks at nursing homes
will be important for
re-opening the country
since infections in the
homes could be early pre-
dictors of spread in com-
munities.

Lockdowns coincide with rise in poisonings from cleaners

BY MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer
NEW YORK — One
toddler became dizzy,
fell and hit her head af-
ter drinking from a large
bottle of hand sanitizer. A
woman had a scary cough-
ing and wheezing fit while
soaking her produce in a
sink containing bleach,
vinegar and hot water.
Reports of accidental
poisonings from cleaners
and disinfectants are up
this year, and researchers
believe it’s related to the
coronavirus epidemic.
Such poisonings were
up about 20 percent in
the first three months of
this year, compared with
the same period in 2018
and 2019, according to a
report Monday from the
Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention.
The authors said they
can’t prove coronavirus
drove the increase, but
said it seems likely the
two are linked, given the
number of stay-at-home
orders and guidance to
clean hands and dirty
surfaces. They warned
against using more clean-
er than directed, mixing
multiple products togeth-
er or using them in poorly
ventilated areas.
The report was based
on more than 45,000 re-
cent calls to 55 poison
control centers across the
country involving expo-
sures to cleaning chemi-
cals or disinfectants.
The same period in
2019 saw 38,000 such
calls, while 2018 had
39,000.
Roughly 40 percent of
calls this year were about
poisonings in children age
5 or younger, but increas-
es were seen in all age
groups. Bleach accounted
for the largest share of the
increase overall, but for
young children the rise
was mainly in mishaps
involving nonalcohol dis-
infectants and hand sani-
tizers, the CDC reported.
6A TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Health
HEALTH TIP
n Junk food can be addictive: Food engineers have
found ways to make food so rewarding that your brain
gets flooded with dopamine. Many studies examining
this phenomenon have found similarities between
processed junk foods and commonly abused drugs.
Source: healthline.com

Health tips from Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen

Immune-strengthening tip:
avoid excess salt
The Great Salt Lake on the
Utah-Nevada border registers
30 percent salinity in the north-
ern reaches and 6 percent to 27
percent in the southern areas.
Only brine shrimp and some algae
thrive. The Dead Sea is so salty
that it doesn’t feel like water —
some say it’s more like olive oil
mixed with sand. Its only inhabi-
tants are minuscule quantities of
bacteria and microbial fungi.
These natural wonders are a
testimony to how hard excess salt
can be on plants and animals. And
a new study in the journal Science
Translational Medicine offers
more evidence. The researchers
found that people who took in an
extra 6 grams of salt (that’s 1 tea-
spoon daily) showed pronounced
immune deficiencies.
The Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention recommends adults
limit sodium intake to a total of 2.3
g (the same as 2,300 mg) daily, but
the average American takes in 3.4 g
(3,400 mg) — and many people eat
far more.
But hold on! Sodium levels are
listed on nutrition labels (70 percent
of the sodium you consume is from
packaged, prepared and restaurant
foods). Is that the same as salt?
Nope: The recommendation of
2,300 mg sodium daily comes out to
about a third of a teaspoon of salt!
So, along with making sure
you get 30 min- A third group tried
utes of physical standard care,
activity daily, eat a which included life-
plant-centric diet, style adjustments.
take a multivitamin After the eight
and get seven to weeks of treatment,
eight hours of qual- the researchers
ity sleep nightly, followed the partic-
reducing excess ipants for 12 more
salt intake is one weeks. People
more way to keep who received real
your immune sys- acupuncture had
tem strong. That’s Drs. Oz and Roizen 1.4 fewer migraine
something you days in weeks 13
want to do as you to 16, and 2.1 fewer
protect yourself and others from migraine days in weeks 17 to 20.
the spread of COVID-19. That’s a lot of relief. And it’s
not surprising, since acupuncture
Acupuncture for migraine is often used to ease chronic pain
Pop singer Gwen Stefani was conditions, including lower back
plagued with debilitating mi- and joint pain, and to alleviate
graines during each of her preg- stress and manage depression.
nancies. The mother of three want- If you’re a frequent migraine
ed to avoid medications, and so she sufferer (more than 1 billion people
gave the time-honored Chinese in the world are!), then ask your
medicine treatment acupuncture a doctor about trying this therapy,
try, often daily. which may be covered by health
It turns out Stefani was onto insurance, especially if the prac-
something. A new study published titioner works out of a physician’s
in BMJ suggests acupuncture can office. In combination with med-
reduce migraines. The researchers ications that prevent migraine or
looked at 147 people, average age ease symptoms, you may find you
37, who had two to eight migraines are able to reduce the frequency
(without auras) a month and had significantly.
never had acupuncture. One Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The
group underwent 20 sessions of Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen,
30-minute manual acupuncture M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and
at real acupuncture points over Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleve-
eight weeks; another had the same land Clinic. To live your healthiest,
number of sessions over eight tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit
weeks, but with sham acupuncture. www.sharecare.com.

Mississippi lottery revenue dips in March amid pandemic

State has collected more than $37.5M
since lottery began in November
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON — State
revenue from the Missis-
sippi Lottery decreased in
March as people began fac-
ing restrictions because of
the coronavirus pandemic.
The Mississippi Lot-
tery Corporation said it
deposited $9.9 million into
the state treasury — the
net proceeds from lot-
tery games played during
March.
Mississippi has collect-
ed more than $37.5 million
from the lottery since it
started operating in No-
vember.
The state collected
$11.6 million from lottery
games played in February,
$8.4 million during Janu-
ary and $7.6 million in De-
cember.
Mississippi Lottery
Corporation president
Tom Shaheen said in a
news release Friday that
he expects lottery ticket
sales will keep declining
during the pandemic.
“May and June trans-
fers may also decline, as a
result,” Shaheen said. He
said the corporation has
structure needs. After the
$80 million benchmark is
suspended its TV and radio
advertising indefinitely.
hit, the rest goes to educa-
tion.
Mississippi legislators
voted in 2018 to create the
games of chance as a way
to generate money for in-
frastructure. Mississippi
was one of six states with-
out a lottery, but people
from the state were driving
to Arkansas, Louisiana and
Tennessee to buy tickets.
Hiring staff, vetting re-
tailers and starting games
in Mississippi took more
than a year.
For the first 10 years,
the first $80 million a year
from Mississippi lottery
revenue will go to infra-

Peasant
Continued from Page 1A
about using good common sense, using
experience and just making decisions
based on what’s best for people, which
involves using your heart a lot of the
time.”
The district set two goals since the
pandemic forced schools to close, and
the first and more important one is
“protecting the physical and emotional
health of our students, employees and
families,” Peasant said.
The first week that schools were
closed in mid-March, SOCSD started de-
livering meals to students every day via
its regular bus routes and also had them
available for pickup at three schools. Af-
ter two weeks, the district was distrib-
uting an average of about 2,200 lunches
per day and the same amount of break-
fasts for the next day, since both meals
were packaged together.
Daily distribution “was very labor-in-
tensive” and became unsustainable as
the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention tightened its recommended
restrictions on person-to-person contact
as the pandemic escalated, Peasant said.
The district cut down its distribution
days to Monday, Wednesday and Friday
at the end of March and now distributes
only on Mondays and Wednesdays but
provides two days’ worth of lunches and
breakfasts in each package, he said.
Donors from Starkville SEW Strong,
a group that sews face masks and other
personal protective equipment for health
care workers in Oktibbeha County, do-
nated masks to SOCSD for its transpor-
tation and food service employees. So far
no one who works for SOCSD has tested
positive for COVID-19, Peasant said.
SOCSD’s second goal has been to
maintain a “flexible” online learning sys-
tem and the relationships between stu-
dents and teachers, and the district aims
to do so equitably without overwhelming
anyone, Peasant said.
“There’s a wide range (of needs) in
our community, from one end of the
spectrum to the other, so it’s been a chal-
lenge for us to make sure we’re address-
ing all of them,” he said.
Access to technology and high-speed
internet varies countywide, and the dis-
trict has provided paper packets with
learning materials for students with less
access. Even so, no amount of distance
learning can replace the in-person class-
room setting, Peasant said, and both
teachers and students have been “miss-
ing that human connection they’ve culti-
vated in their classrooms.”
Some teachers are implementing
lessons for younger students that their
parents can be involved with, such as
guided book studies, show-and-tell,
scavenger hunts and writing letters, so
“students are learning without even re-
alizing they’re learning because they’re
doing fun things around the house,”
Peasant said.
Teachers are required to set aside a
two-hour block of time three days a week
when students and families can contact
them, but most are available more often
than that, he said.
Meanwhile, construction of the Part-
nership School at Mississippi State Uni-
versity resumed Thursday after it was
briefly halted due to the pandemic. Peas-
ant said construction crews are adher-
ing to social distancing guidelines and
hope to be finished in four to five weeks.
Opening the campus for grades 6-7 in
August as planned is “still up in the air,”
he said.
The district hopes to start the 2020-
21 school year on Aug. 1 if there is “some
kind of control of this virus” by then,
Peasant said.
Sports
WHAT COULD THE 2020 HIGH SCHOOL
FOOTBALL SEASON LOOK LIKE?
Starkville running back Amariyon Howard (23) breaks off a long run for a crucial scoring drive during a high school football game in November.
The status of high school football is up in the air for the 2020 season.
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
Starkville High School
football coach Chris
Jones was supposed to be
getting a first look at the
best offense the Yellow
Jackets have had in his
four years at the helm.
Monday was supposed
to be Starkville’s first
spring practice of the
season, allowing Jones
his first real chance to
watch the 2020 edition of
the Jackets take the field.
But Starkville’s home
stadium is empty, and
it won’t be full for some
time. The high school is
closed for the rest of the
year due to the COVID-19
McCray-Penson looking for guard depth in 2021 recruiting class
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — Nik-
ki McCray-Penson is hit-
ting the recruiting trail.
Virtually, that is.
With the COVID-19
pandemic leaving coach-
es in a holding pattern in
terms of on-campus visits,
McCray-Penson has spent
her first week as the head
coach at Mississippi State
monitoring potential op-
tions for the Bulldogs both
for next year and in the
years to come.
Most notably, the for-
mer Old Dominion head
coach handed out her
first few offers in the 2021
class to Whitehaven (Ten-
nessee) guard Se’Quoia
Allmond and Texas guard
Jasmine Shavers.
“For me, the 2021 class
is going to be huge,” Mc-
Cray-Penson told The Dis-
patch Monday. “I do think
that we have some pieces
Whitehaven (Tennessee) guard Se’Quoia Allmond is a big target for the Mississippi State women’s basketball
See DEPTH, 2B 2021 recruiting class.
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020
Thompson
B
SECTION
enters
transfer
portal
BY DISPATCH STAFF
STARKVILLE — Mis-
sissippi State’s quarter-
back room is set to be a
little less crowded.
A source with immedi-
ate knowl-
edge of the
situation
confirmed
to The Dis-
patch Mon-
day that
redshirt ju-
nior Keyta- Thompson
on Thomp-
son has
entered the transfer por-
tal as a graduate student.
He will have two years of
eligibility remaining.
AL.com’s Matt Zenitz
was first to report the
news.
This marks the second
time in less than a year
that Thompson has en-
tered the transfer portal.
He previously did so after
losing out on the starting
job to Penn State import
Tommy Stevens in August
but he decided to return to
MSU and redshirted last
season.
Thompson had also
been passed on the depth
chart by rising-sophomore
Garrett Shrader last sea-
son.
While he could theoret-
ically return to MSU, his
potential departure comes
with little surprise as the
Bulldogs were slated to
head into the fall with five
Austin Frayser/Dispatch file photo
scholarship quarterbacks
and Vanderbilt transfer
Allan Walters — who is
coronavirus pandemic, optimistic and say that with practice time as far fewer than 10 players into expected to be put on
and when Jones’ players we’re gonna play this as when two-a-days can the school’s weight room scholarship down the line.
can crowd the turf again year,” Jones said. “I think start,” Heritage Acade- in accordance with social MSU also boasts two quar-
remains unknown. America needs it. I think my coach Sean Harrison distancing guidelines terback commitments in
but ultimately decided the 2021 class in four-star
“It sucks, man,” Jones the economy needs it. We said. “I’m much more
against it. passer Sawyer Robertson
told The Dispatch on need something to get us concerned with the con-
“If we can’t have and three-star recruit
Thursday. “I wish we motivated again.” ditioning and heat accli-
Daniel Greek.
could be playing, but I He knows, however, mation and all of that. In school, I find it to be
A former four-star pros-
understand, of course. that a prompt and nor- a perfect world, we’d be maybe a little inappropri-
pect out of New Orleans,
You don’t want to rush mal return to play isn’t back tomorrow, but obvi- ate to continue athletics
Thompson completed
and get out there and get easy. Myriad obstacles ously, that’s not going to when we can’t continue
50-of-105 career passes
everybody infected.” face high school football happen.” our academics on cam-
for 846 yards and eight
Jones said he and oth- teams around the Golden The Patriots would pus,” Harrison said.
touchdowns to just three
er high school coaches Triangle as they hope for usually be working with West Point coach
have been calling each a full 2020 season. assistant coach Tony Chris Chambless said interceptions in 17 career
other out of boredom, Of those problems, Phinisey at present, but the inability to have play- games.
curious as to their opin- having adequate time to instead, Heritage Acad- ers train — and bond — He also becomes the
ions on playing this fall practice, condition and emy coaches have been in the weight room has third MSU player to enter
as scheduled. So far, the acclimate before the start sending their players hurt team chemistry and the transfer portal this
Jackets’ coach is staying of the regular season is workouts to do at home. fitness, especially when month after rising-soph-
positive. perhaps the biggest. Harrison said the team some athletes don’t have omore defensive lineman
“I’m gonna be real “I’m not concerned discussed bringing in See FOOTBALL, 2B Fabien Lovett and redshirt
freshman offensive line-
man Brevyn Jones did so
in recent weeks. Lovett
announced his commit-
ment to Florida State via
Twitter on April 13, while
Jones has yet to publicly
disclose his next destina-
tion.
Metcalf signs
with Southern
University
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
In late February, East
Mississippi Communi-
ty College sophomore
guard Tye Metcalf had a
week to remember.
EMCC women’s bas-
ketball coach Sharon
Thompson hasn’t forgot-
ten the schools the Lions
beat to claim the MACJC
championship on back-
to-back-to-back days
from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27.
Mississippi Gulf
Coast. Southwest Missis-
sippi. Jones College.
The characteris-
tics Metcalf showed as
EMCC won its 17th, 18th
Courtesy photo
and 19th consecutive
See METCALF, 2B
2B TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Metcalf
Continued from Page 1B
games and the state title
remain in Thompson’s
mind, too.
Offense. Defense.
Leadership.
“She was just solid,”
Thompson said. “She was
a big key to us pulling that
state tournament off and
winning it.”
On Wednesday, Metcalf
-- a two-year starter for the
Lions -- made a pledge to
bring her scoring, play-
making and team-leading
skills to the next level. She
has signed with NCAA Di-
Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

vision I program Southern

University, a Southwest-
Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis witha several
num- 3 4 2 8 5 6 7 9 1
ern Athletic Conference
member located in Baton ber-placing
given numbers.puzzleThe object 6 8 9 7 1 4 2 5 3

2020 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

Rouge, Louisiana. based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 7 1 5 3 9 2 8 6 4
“I’m very excited and grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 4 6 3 5 8 9 1 7 2
very blessed,” Metcalf given
so that numbers.
each row, eachThe 2 9 7 6 3 1 4 8 5
said. “This is a dream object
column and each 3x3 the
is to place box
numbers 8 5 1 4 2 7 6 3 9
come true.” contains the1same to 9 number
in
1 2 8 9 6 5 3 4 7
She told The Dispatch
Jason Clark/EMCC Athletics the empty spaces so
EMCC guard Tye Metcalf dribbles against a Jones College defender. Metcalf signed to only once. The difficulty 5 3 4 2 7 8 9 1 6
on Monday that she want- that each row, each
Southern University of the Southwestern Athletic Conference on Wednesday. level increases from
ed to play Division I bas- column and each 9 7 6 1 4 3 5 2 8
Monday
3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 4/20

ketball since she started
playing the sport, and as
of next season, she’ll have
that chance. Metcalf said
she chose the Jaguars over
fellow SWAC schools Prai-
rie View A&M, Mississip-
pi Valley State and Arkan-
sas-Pine Bluff. Division II
schools Arkansas-Monti-
cello and Arkansas Tech
also offered scholarships.
But ultimately, Metcalf
chose to play for South-
ern, partially because the
school offered the chance
to live in a larger city. She
is from Southaven, near
Memphis, and liked that
aspect of Southern.
“I feel like it was a great
fit for me,” Metcalf said.
With the NJCAA’s cur-
rent recruiting dead peri-
od, Metcalf had to make
her choice before ever be-
ing able to set foot in Baton
Rouge, let alone the SU
campus. The school sent
her a video for a virtual
tour, allowing Metcalf to
learn about her potential
future home that way.
“It felt very family ori-
ented,” she said. “That’s
what I liked the most about
it.”
Metcalf said she devel-
oped close relationships
with the coaching staff at
Southern, which Thomp-
son said was on her soph-
omore guard “off the bat,”
along with Prairie View
A&M.
The longtime Lions
coach and first-year ath-
letic director said she is
happy for Metcalf and oth-
er players who have devel-
oped their skills in Scooba
and gone on to play for Di-
vision I programs.
“I really, really appre-
ciate from the bottom of
my heart kids who choose
to attend East Mississip-
pi Community College,”
Thompson said.
Discussing Metcalf’s
signing with The Dispatch
on Monday, Thompson
mentioned a quote from
boxer Muhammad Ali: “A
man who views the world
the same at 50 as he did at
20 has wasted 30 years of
his life.”
The coach said she has
adapted the saying for her
players, telling them that
their mentality by the time
they reach their sopho-
more seasons should be
much improved from their
mindset as freshmen.
Metcalf, Thompson the same number only once. The difficulty level
said, embodied that im- increases from Monday to Sunday.
provement. After making
the all-MACJC first team
as a freshman, the guard
made the NJCAA all-re-
gion team this season and
won national player of the
week for her efforts in the
state tournament.
Thompson said Met-
calf’s signing is a “bitter-
sweet situation”: The coach
will miss Metcalf and the
talent and leadership skills
the guard brought to Scoo-
ba, but she’s happy for her
player’s opportunity at the
next level.
“We’re sad to see her
go, but at the same time,
we’re glad she’s able to
embark on a new chapter
in her career,” Thompson
said.

Football
Continued from Page 1B
weights or gym access
outside of school.
“Nothing’s as good as
the real thing: getting
in the weight room with
everybody,” Chambless
said.
In the interim, Cham-
bless has instructed the
Green Wave to practice
core workouts, some-
thing they typically do
outside anyway. Weights
are just an “added bonus,”
he said.
Breaking even while
schools are closed and
practices forbidden —
through at least June 1
and until further notice
— is all local coaches can
hope for.
“If we can come out
of this deal in as good a
shape as we were when
we went into it, then I’ll
be happy, but I’m not ex-
pecting any gains,” Harri-
son said.
Weight training is one
of the things local coach-
es use to avoid heatstroke,
exhaustion and cramps
in Mississippi’s extreme
heat. Columbus coach
Joshua Pulphus had his
Falcons running and lift-
ing weights in March be-
fore schools were closed,
hoping to acclimate his
players to the summer
temperatures.
“I do think injuries
could come, but I believe
coaches in the state will
do a good job of monitor-
ing kids,” he said.
Pulphus said having
enough time to prepare
is important in that goal,
saying a hypothetical July
1 start to practices would
cause the Mississippi
High School Activities
Association to push the
start of the regular sea-
son back from mid-Au-
gust.
Harrison espoused a
similar view should the
Midsouth Association of
Independent Schools or
local guidelines not allow
practices for much of the
summer.
“I don’t think we can
give kids home workouts
to do and expect to show
up on Aug. 1 and say ‘Al-
right, boys, let’s go prac-
tice and let’s go play the
21st,’” Harrison said. “I
don’t think that’s feasible
for the safety of our kids.”
What alternatives
could Mississippi schools
take to alleviate coach-
es’ concerns? Jones
mentioned starting the
season after Labor Day,
buying thermometers to
routinely test players for
possible symptoms of the
virus, cutting out non-di-
vision games and even
playing without a crowd.
“We’re just gonna pray
that doesn’t happen,”
Harrison said of hosting
games without fans. “To
me, the high school and
college athletes, they’re
not being paid. This isn’t
their job. I personally
would hate to get into that
situation.”
Harrison said the next
few weeks will be critical ACROSS
in shaping the 2020 sea- 1 Wonderland
son — if there ultimately visitor
is a season at all. 6 Extra
For now, anyway, local 11 Did a yard job
coaches will hold onto 12 Grottos
hope that they’ll be back 13 Stamp
on the field whenever collector
they can. 15 — Vegas
“Any football is better 16 — Salvador
than no football,” Jones 17 One — time
said. “A lot of stuff is 18 Make better
being put on the table. 20 Young one
Hopefully we can get 21 Horse doctor
back to going.” 22 Had on

Depth
Continued from Page 1B
that we could fill this year and that’s
something we’re figuring out every
single day.”
While Shavers was a re-up of an
offer McCray-Penson handed out
while she was still coaching in Nor-
folk, Allmond represents a return to
her previous roots. A West Tennes-
see native herself, McCray-Penson
was enshrined in the National High
School Hall of Fame after a deco-
rated career at Collierville High
School just outside of Memphis.
For Allmond, the local connec-
tion is one that has landed MSU
among her primary suitors and
a school she believes should find
itself in her top three whenever
she decides to cut down her offers
list — one that includes Louisville,
Kentucky, Ole Miss and Memphis.
“It was kind of shocking because
I was like, ‘Dang, she just got here
and I was one of the first people for
her to offer,’” Allmond recalled ex-
citedly. “It was shocking but it was a
good feeling because we’ve been in
quarantine and I’ve been thinking
‘Oh man, I’m not going to get any
more offers since we can’t play.’”
Allmond is also friends with
MSU standout Rickea Jackson after
the pair played against one anoth-
er in the Overtime Takeover 3-on-
3 event in Brooklyn last May. Just
a sophomore at the time, Allmond
was joined at the showcase by South
23 Madrid mister
26 Radials, e.g.
27 Rowing team
28 Ravine “Mean Girls” 23 Compress
29 Unrefined 3 “Wouldn’t that 24 Sign of error
Carolina’s Zia Cooke, Auburn’s Lau- and possesses top-flight vision for 30 Made fresh be great!” 25 Cronkite, for
ren Hansen and Tennessee’s Jordan her age. 34 Battleship 4 Animation one
Horston, among others. As for Shavers, she’s received letters frame 26 Stein’s kin
“It was a great feeling, it was a ample attention nationally with of- 35 Annoy 5 “Lou Grant” 28 Start of an
confidence booster,” she said of fers from North Carolina, Syracuse, 36 In the style star idea
playing in the event. “I think that Tennessee, Northwestern, Ken- 37 Coin collector 6 Play part 30 Fraught with
I could kind of play with them. I’ve tucky and Arizona and ranks as the 40 Old car part 7 Buddy peril
got little stuff to work on but I’m do- No. 19 guard in the class according 41 TV’s O’Don- 8 Ace, e.g. 31 Jeans mea-
ing something right because I was to ESPN. At 5-foot-10, she’s longer nell 9 Do museum sure
able to hang with them and keep up than Allmond and likely has a high- 42 Comic Young- work 32 Cow of com-
with them in the game.” er offensive upside. man 10 Manor mercials
As for the on-court fit, Allmond “I think point guard is key for 43 Was overly settings 33 Out of style
and Shavers’ offers represent a any team that’s winning a national fond 14 Diplomatic 38 Travel stop
need for MSU heading into next championship,” McCray-Penson skill 39 Overly
year’s class. Speaking with The said. “It’s a huge piece, because DOWN 19 State frankly
Dispatch Monday, McCray-Penson they’re an extension of your head 1 Plentiful 22 Use a sponge
wouldn’t put a number on how many coach, your staff, and that has to be 2 Lindsay of on
players she’ll take in her inaugural portrayed on the court.”
recruiting cycle, but the Bulldogs It remains to be seen when Shav-
could have as many as five scholar- ers or Allmond will announce any
ships open with a pressing need at kind of decision given the uncer-
point guard. tain state of affairs in high school
Forecasting the 2021 roster, and college athletics. That said, All-
stalwart Myah Taylor would be en- mond said she’s excitedly awaiting
tering her senior year while rising a chance to enjoy an in-person sign-
sophomore JaMya Mingo-Young ing day should she get the chance.
would be a junior. And though both “Things are changing,” Mc-
are plenty capable of running the Cray-Penson said of the recruiting
point down the line, MSU needs a landscape during the COVID-19
ball handler of the future. pandemic. “The transfer portal is
Allmond — who was previously real. Kids are committing left and
recruited by Vic Schaefer’s staff be- right. (We) may not have a summer
fore he departed for Texas — would AAU basketball. So, the dynamics
give MSU a player in the vein of Tay- of recruiting are changing. For us,
lor. A pass-first athlete who can get yes we have scholarships, but we
to the rim when needed, the 5-foot- want to make sure we got the right
6 junior is speedy in the open court pieces that can help us win.”

If you don’t read The Dispatch, how are you gonna know?

Fans feeling unsafe without vaccine plays into revenue
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
With the distinct pos-
sibility of pro sports re-
suming in empty venues,
a recent poll suggests
a majority of U.S. fans
wouldn’t feel safe attend-
ing games anyway without
a COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the Se-
ton Hall Sports Poll, 72%
of Americans said they
would not feel safe attend-
ing games without a vac-
cine, though the number
dropped to 61% among
people who identified
themselves as sports fans.
Nearly half the respon-
dents in the poll, which
had a margin of error of
plus or minus 3.6 per-
centage points, said they
either didn’t follow sports
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
closely or didn’t follow
sports at all.
So even if fans are al-
lowed back in stadiums
or arenas, many may not
come. And the financial
losses in such a scenario
will be significant without
the revenue that comes
from tickets, concessions
and merchandise, among
other things — even if
money is flowing from lu-
crative media rights deals.
If the NBA and NHL
have to cancel the rest of
their seasons and Major
League Baseball and Ma-
jor League Soccer play
only half their regular
schedules, the losses in
fan-related revenue could
reach $3 billion, according
to Patrick Rishe, director
of the sports business pro-
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
gram at Washington Uni-
versity in St. Louis.
“Those losses that I
mentioned, both in ticket
revenue and game day-re-
lated spending at the ven-
ues on food, beverage,
parking, merchandise,
you name it, that’s money
that’s gone,” Rishe said.
“Even if money on tickets
is credited to next season,
it’s still an opportunity
lost. So it’s pretty sizable.”
David Carter, a profes-
sor in the sports business
school at Southern Cali-
fornia, said there is a dif-
ference between a sports
fan and a sports consum-
er. The latter is more like-
ly to return whenever fans
are allowed into venues.
“I can’t imagine that
the sports consumers, or
you might call them the
committed fans or the
hardcore fans, they’re
not going to stay away
for a year,” Carter said.
“They’re champing at the
bit right now.”
Baseball’s TV deal av-
erages about $1.5 billion
annually and runs through
next year, and the NBA is
roughly halfway through
a nine-year deal that pays
about $2.6 billion each
year. The NHL’s rights
deal is just $2 billion total
for 10 years — an average
of $200 million per season.
Carter wondered if
owners and league of-
ficials are weighing TV
money that comes with
resuming play against the
lost revenue of empty sta-
diums and arenas.
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY: I
really could
use some
outside advice. I
am a stepmoth-
er who raised
my husband’s
18-year-old son,
“Todd.” We have
given him a loving
home. Todd’s
abusive mother
abandoned him
at 16, and he has
lived with us ever
since.
I have been
a caring and
Dear Abby
generous mother
to him since he was 6. I have
always gone out of my way to
make sure he feels comfort-
able, loved, fed, etc. So I
couldn’t help but feel slapped
in the face when he told me
he doesn’t want to have his
graduation party at our home.
He said he is having it at his
friend’s parents’ house. This
is the same couple who disap-
proved of their son spending
time in our home while the
boys grew up because we’re
not their religion.
I don’t know how to handle
this gracefully without feeling
hurt or refusing to be a part
of it. I know this may seem
childish, but it’s how I feel
on the inside. Can you help
me? — DISAPPOINTED IN THE
MIDWEST
DEAR DISAPPOINTED: It
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April
21). You travel lighter this year,
both emotionally and physically!
Life illuminates the essentials,
and you’ll have the courage to
throw out what you don’t need.
As your energy rises, you’ll uplift
those close to you and attract a
crew of fans and supporters. A
fresh chapter begins in August,
and you’ll be teaching as well
as amassing skills. Cancer and
Scorpio adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 8, 39, 2, 22 and
40.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
The habit you’ve been trying to
change has served you well for
a very long time. You’re probably
feeling a little sentimental about
“Right now, are the
media dollars at perma-
nent risk or they just at
risk of being deferred?”
Carter asked. “And I
would argue that because
these teams and leagues
are working with their
media partners as that, as
partners, it’s more likely
that they’ll come up with
a workaround that might
not be ideal, but might be
better than the optics of
having to move forward
with fans in the building
and protecting the turn-
stile revenue that they
would have otherwise
made.”
College football is fac-
ing its own set of ques-
tions, including whether
students will be allowed
back on campuses and
might help to
realize this isn’t
a personal slap
in the face.
His friend’s
parents may
have something
special planned
that Todd doesn’t
want to miss. It
has nothing to do
with your parent-
ing and plenty to
do with his level
of immaturity and
perhaps the ap-
peal of the other
house. (Ask him.)
Please be smart
and refrain from making this
about you, because it isn’t.
DEAR ABBY: My husband
has reconnected with an
ex-wife from more than 50
years ago. He found her on
Facebook. They chat every day,
several times a day. Before he
reconnected with her, he would
talk about her, how she was his
first love and he would always
have a special place for her
in his heart, even though she
cheated on him and left him.
Now he has begun calling her
a pet name he used to call me.
Is this cheating, or am I overre-
acting? — BETRAYED IN OHIO
DEAR BETRAYED: You are
not overreacting. Your husband
is involved in an emotional
affair. For the sake of your
marriage, it needs to stop. If
he won’t accept it from you,
it now. Perhaps it shouldn’t be
tossed away but gently coaxed
out of your life instead.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
You’ll be focused on attracting
the sort of people who are a
good fit for you, a key com-
ponent of compatibility being
their ability to pay the price you
charge, which encompasses
more currencies than one.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
There are some things that
people don’t see naturally. They
have to learn to see them, or
maybe they have to unlearn
ignoring them. You’ll become
informed, and things will look
different to you.
CANCER (June 22-
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 3B
when. The sport is critical
to nearly all athletic de-
partment budgets and of-
ficials are bracing for sig-
nificant dips in revenue
even if games are played.
“If public health offi-
cials say it’s safe to return
large events, I don’t think
it’s realistic that every-
body is going to feel good
about coming to games,”
Baylor athletic director
Mack Rhoades said. “And
then, because of the econ-
omy, people are going
to be impacted and not
everybody is going to be
able to afford a ticket.”
Among other findings
in the poll, most fans
thought U.S. pro sports
leagues acted at the right
time to suspend their
seasons.
perhaps he will listen to his
religious adviser, a marriage
counselor or your lawyer. Do
not try to fight this alone; you
may need their help along the
way.
DEAR ABBY: My husband of
63 years died three years ago.
He was sexually abused by a
family friend when he was very
young and never disclosed it.
He shared it with me some 20
years after our marriage and
asked me not to tell our four
children.
At some point, I shared it
with my grown daughter, but
not my three grown sons. Was I
wrong to do this? My daughter
feels I should tell them, and I
sort of agree. Their relationship
with their father was loving,
but also strained. Should I tell
them now or let it be? — UN-
SURE IN MICHIGAN
DEAR UNSURE: I agree with
your daughter. Because the
sexual abuse your husband
suffered may have affected the
relationship he had with your
sons, it might be helpful if they
understand the reason why it
was the way it was. Sunshine
on dark places can yield posi-
tive outcomes.
Dear Abby is written by
Abigail Van Buren, also known
as Jeanne Phillips, and was
founded by her mother, Pauline
Phillips. Contact Dear Abby
at www.DearAbby.com or P.O.
Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA
90069.
July 22). In an oxymoronic
statement, Henry Ford wisely
suggested, “A business that
makes nothing but money is a
poor business.” Indeed, you’re
looking for a demonstration of
heart.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Frus-
tration is caused by unrealistic
expectations. Lower the bar
a little and see if things don’t
get a more manageable. Small
steps will take you the same
distance as hops and stretches.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
You’ll create possibilities for the
next person. This is how a leg-
acy is built, with keys made for
doors that exist in future realms
beyond what you or anyone
around you can see.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
People have various ways of
demonstrating status and
power. When they can’t throw
a party or call a meeting or
assemble a group to witness
their work, a different kind of
creativity comes out.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). Perhaps the high-mainte-
nance person in your life lacks
a fundamental understanding of
the value you provide. It’s better
to surround yourself with people
you don’t have to work so hard
to please.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). Change your environment.
Distance yourself from a prob-
lem you don’t feel ready to take
on. Give yourself time to think
and build a strategy.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). Your confidence reads
loud and clear. You’ve earned
this, and yet you’re not entirely
content with it. This is nowhere
near your resting place. You’ll
continue to flex your skills and
improve.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). What things are physically
is not as important as what
they mean. An object has value
because of what it represents
in the world, or because of the
story you’ve personally attached
to it.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). The ocean is made in
drops. Perhaps you can’t see
your contribution today, but the
more people you involve, the
better your chances of watching
this thing rise.
Make a monkey out of him
SOLUTION:
4B TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020
COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
OBITUARY POLICY
Obituaries with basic informa-
tion including visitation and
service times, are provided
free of charge. Extended
obituaries with a photograph,
detailed biographical informa-
tion and other details families
may wish to include, are avail-
able for a fee. Obituaries must
be submitted through funeral
homes unless the deceased’s
body has been donated to
science. If the deceased’s
body was donated to science,
the family must provide official
proof of death. Please submit
all obituaries on the form
provided by The Commercial
Dispatch. Free notices must be
submitted to the newspaper
no later than 3 p.m. the day
prior for publication Tuesday
through Friday; no later than 4
p.m. Saturday for the Sunday
edition; and no later than 7:30
a.m. for the Monday edition.
Incomplete notices must be re-
ceived no later than 7:30 a.m.
for the Monday through Friday
editions. Paid notices must be
finalized by 3 p.m. for inclusion
the next day Monday through
Thursday; and on Friday by 3
p.m. for Sunday and Monday
publication. For more informa-
tion, call 662-328-2471.
Sue Peacock
STARKVILLE —
Sue Hamilton Peacock,
71, died April 17, 2020.
A private graveside
service was held Mon-
day, at Spring Valley
Cemetery of Mathiston,
with the Rev. Tommy
Temple officiating.
Welch Funeral Home of
Starkville was in charge
of arrangements.
Mrs. Peacock was
born Jan. 26, 1949, in
Starkville, to Gladys
Hamilton and the late
Travis Hamilton. She
was a graduate of Ma-
ben High School and
was formerly employed
as the office manager
with Collegiate Heights
Apartments. She was
a member of Center
Grove Baptist Church.
In addition to her fa-
ther, she was preceded
in death by her brother,
Stan Hamilton.
In addition to her
mother, she is survived
by her husband David
Peacock of Mathis-
ton; daughter, Shelly
Brown Huddleston of
Maben; step-children,
Janie Riggleman,
Mack Peacock, Tay-
lor Peacock and Tony
Cooper; sister, Barbara
Warren of Madison;
grandchildren; and 14
step-grandchildren.
Faye Millican
STEENS — Faye S.
Millican, 93, died April
20, 2020, at her resi-
dence.
Arrangements are
incomplete and will be
announced by Memori-
al Gunter Peel Funeral
Home and Crematory
Second Avenue North
Columbus.
Emanuel Dale
MACON — Emanuel
Dale, 20, died April 15,
2020.
Arrangements are
incomplete and will be
announced by Carter’s
Funeral Service of
Macon.
Jeremy Montford
COLUMBUS — El-
der Jeremy D. Mont-
ford, 50, died April 11,
2020, at Anderson Re-
gional Medical Center
of Meridian.
Services will be held
at a later date. Centu-
ry Hairston Funeral
Home of Columbus is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mr. Montford was
born Aug. 14, 1969,
in Birmingham, Ala-
bama, to the late Albert
Boykin and Josephine
Montford. He was
formerly employed as
a sanitation worker
for Pickens County
Landfill of Carrollton,
Alabama and as an
assistant minister with
Macedonia P.B.C. of
Meridian.
He is survived by his
wife, April Penny Mont-
ford of Columbus; chil-
dren, Diamond Johnson
of Fayette, Alabama
and Joshua Montford of
Columbus; and broth-
er, Brian Montford of
Fayette, Alabama.
James West
GAT TMAN —
James Dudley West, 85,
died April 19, 2020, at
North Mississippi Med-
ical Center of Amory.
A private family
graveside service will
be held, with John
Cole Burks officiating.
Burial will follow in
Roberts Cemetery.
Tisdale-Lann Memorial
Service is in charge of
arrangements.
Mr. West was born
July 31, 1934, in Mon-
roe County, to the late
Dewey Hopson West
and Maggie Gray West.
He was formerly em-
ployed as a mechanic
for Walker Manufactur-
ing and was a veteran
of the Korean Conflict.
He was a member of
Sulphur Springs Primi-
tive Baptist Church.
In addition to his
parents, he was preced-
ed in death by his wife,
Edna McKay West; four
sisters; and one grand-
child.
He is survived by his
children, Susan West
Burks, Jerry West both
of Gattman and Stan
West of West Point;
siblings, Brenda West
Seymore and Doyle
Hopson West; and
three grandchildren.
Eddie Harris
MACON — Eddie
Earl Harris, 53, died
April 18, 2020.
Arrangements are
incomplete and will be
announced by Carter’s
Funeral Service of
Macon.
Minnee Rupert
MACON — Minnee
Eloise Rupert, 62, died
April 18, 2020.
Arrangements are
incomplete and will be
announced by Carter’s
Funeral Service of
Macon.
Peggy Hattaway
HAMILTON, Ala.
— Peggy Sue Colvin
Hattaway, 61, died April
17, 2020, at Gilmore
Memorial Regional
Medical Center of
Amory.
A memorial service
will be held at a later
date. Chandler Funeral
Home of Vernon is in
charge of arrange-
ments.
Ms. Hattaway was
born July 11, 1958, in
Mount Holly, New Jer-
sey, to the late Hunter
Betty Courtney
A private burial will be held.
Beershea Cemetery
College St. Location
Raymond Lowe
A private family graveside
service will be held.
2nd Ave. North Location
Ruth Pigué
Incomplete
2nd Ave. North Location
Faye Millican
Incomplete
2nd Ave. North Location
James Campbell
Incomplete
2nd Ave. North Location
memorialgunterpeel.com
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
AREA OBITUARIES
Lee “Jim” and Edna with Leroy
Colvin. She was former- Horne
ly employed as a nurse officiating.
and in the advertising Visitation
department with The is from
Commercial Dispatch. 1-5 p.m.
In addition to her today, at
parents, she was pre- Lee-Sykes Seabrum
ceded in death by her Funeral
brother, Harold Colvin. Home. Lee-Sykes Fu-
She is survived by neral Home of Macon
her son Drew Hattaway is in charge of arrange-
of Fayette, Alabama; ments.
brother, Mike Colvin of Mrs. Seabrum was
Vernon, Alabama; and
born Aug. 11, 1954, in
three grandchildren. Shuqualak, to the late
Mamie Oates Brandy
Shirley Seabrum and Charlie Thomas.
SHUQUALAK — She was a member of
Shirley Kay Oates New Jerusalem Church.
Seabrum, 65, died April In addition to her
15, 2020, at Baptist Me- parents, she was
morial Hospital-Golden preceded in death by
Triangle. her siblings, Wilbert L.
Graveside services Oates, Charles Oates,
will be at 11 a.m. LeDan Matthews
and Mary Jane Oates
Wednesday, at New
Jerusalem Cemetery, Lewis.
Marie Hollis
Marie R. Hollis, 96, of Steens, MS passed
quietly on Friday, April 17, 2020, at her home.
A family graveside service will be Tuesday,
April 21, 2020, at 1:00 PM at Asbury Cemetery,
Vernon, AL with Lowndes Funeral Home
directing. Friends may view the service online
at www.lowndesfuneralhome.net the next day.
Ms. Hollis was born on October 5, 1923, in the
Melbourne Community in Lamar County, AL,
to the late Ben and Sula (Beasley) Ridgeway.
She was raised in Lamar County and married
William Cranford Hollis in 1942. They lived
briefly in the Steens community before moving
to Columbus, MS, where Ms. Hollis was
employed with Seminole for many years before
leaving to pursue the greatest of all professions,
the raising of her two children. Following the
death of her husband, Ms. Hollis moved back to
Steens where she was a fixture in the community
known for her graciousness, her kindness, and
her generosity. She was a member of Asbury
Methodist Church, was steadfast in her faith,
and her belief in a better world. She was the
Matriarch of her family, dispensing her wisdom
to those who sought it. She could be boisterous,
laughing and taking pleasure in the moment. She
could sit calmly, watching the world around her,
displaying grace and dignity as only one who has
faced adversity can do. She was a peacemaker,
she was a giver, she was a server of her family
and community. She never sought the spotlight.
In her 96 years, Ms. Hollis touched many lives
and many hearts. She will be greatly missed.
Ms. Hollis is preceded in death by her husband,
two brothers, two sisters, and one grandson.
She is survived by her two children, Roy
Hollis and Melissa Jordan (Ed); her brother,
Jack Ridgeway; one grandson; and five great-
grandchildren.
The family would like to extend a special
thanks to those individuals and the Baptist
Hospice Golden Triangle who looked after her,
who gave back to her, who cherished her, who
comforted her in her final years.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
Michael Bounds
Michael Maurice Bounds, 66
of Columbus, MS passed away
Friday, April 17, 2020, at Baptist
Memorial Hospital–Golden
Triangle, Columbus, MS.
A private family graveside
service was Saturday, April 18,
2020, at 4:00 PM at Community
Baptist Church Cemetery,
Columbus, MS with Lowndes
Funeral Home directing.
Mr. Bounds was born September 27, 1953, to
Annette Shempert Bounds and the late Maurice
Elmo Bounds in Houston, MS and moved to
Columbus 24 years ago from Glen Rose, Ark. He
was a member of Community Baptist Church,
Columbus, MS. Mike was strong in his faith and
loved his Lord and Savior. Mr. Bounds retired in
2014 as Director of Operations with Associated
Wholesale Grocers and worked in the grocery
field all his life. He attended Mississippi State and
was an avid MSU sports fan. He enjoyed racing
cars and doing carpentry work while tinkering in
his shop. Mr. Bounds was a family man and loved
spending time with his family above all else.
Mr. Bounds is survived by his wife, Trish
Bounds, Columbus, MS; mother, Annette
Bounds, Houston, MS; daughters, Rebecca
(Allen) Davis, Columbus, MS and Carrie Anne
Bounds, Columbus, MS; son, Matthew (Sam)
Bounds, Moselle, MS; sister, Suzanne Bounds,
Sale Creek, TN; brother, Mickey (Debra)
Bounds, Forkville, MS and grandchild, Saylor
Grace Bounds.
Pallbearers were Larry Taylor, Edward
Rhinewalt, Danny Sherman, Larry Richardson,
Matthew Bounds, Allen Davis, Max McKee and
Steve Barrett. Honorary pallbearers were Mark
Gore, Scott Shempert, Ricky Shempert, Jeff
Shempert, Mickey Bounds, Debra Rhinewalt and
all beloved nephews.
Memorials may be made to Community
Baptist Church, 2490 Yorkville Rd E, Columbus,
MS 39702.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
She is survived by Michigan, Pasty Sheild
her children, Charles of Shuqualak, Johnny
Oates, Derrick Oates Oates, Derone Mosley
and Louann Oates and Robert Stevenson; to
Wansley; siblings, Bon- grandchildren; and three
nie Peoples of Detroit, great-grandchildren.
Larry Atkins Sr.
Larry Joseph Atkins,Sr., 50
of Columbus, MS passed away
Friday, April 17th, 2020, at
his residence, surrounded by
his family, after a hard-fought
battle with cancer.
A graveside service for
family will be held Tuesday,
April 21st, 2020, at 10:00 AM,
at Mt. Carmel Cemetery,
Millport, AL, with Lowndes Funeral Home
directing. Friends may view the service online at
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net the following day.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date
for family and friends.
Mr. Atkins was born September 27th, 1969,
to the late Jack and Myrtie May Wooten Atkins,
Sr., in Columbus, MS. He served his city proudly
as an employee of Columbus Light and Water
Department for 30 years and currently held the
position of lead foreman over the wastewater
division. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed
hunting and fishing. He loved his family and
enjoyed spending as much time as possible
with them. He especially enjoyed keeping his
grandchildren. Above all, he was a faithful
Christian man and served as a dedicated member
and deacon of Union Chapel Baptist Church,
Ethelsville, AL. Even through his illness, he
took every opportunity to praise our Savior and
enjoyed preaching the gospel whenever provided
with the opportunity.
He is survived by his children, Lindsey
Atkins, Northport, AL, Larry (Laura) Atkins,
Jr., Columbus, MS and Lance Atkins, Columbus,
MS; sisters, Christine (Paul) Taylor, Steens, MS,
Brenda (David) Acks, Marietta, GA and Theresa
(Kenneth) Pate, Columbus, MS; brothers, Jack
Atkins, Jr., Steens, MS and Tony Atkins, Steens,
MS; grandchildren, Larry Atkins III, Hallie
Atkins and Carson Atkins; and a number of
nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s
Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,
TN 38105.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
Raymond Lowe
Raymond G. Lowe, 93 of
Columbus, MS was called home
to be with his heavenly Father
on April 16, 2020, after a brief
illness.
Mr. Lowe was born
December 19, 1926, to the
late Carl and Edna Lowe in
Columbia, MS. At the early
age of 17, he joined the United
States Navy, and served on the USS Natoma
Bay in the South Pacific. After the victory, he
returned home to complete high school, earn
his degree from Mississippi Southern, marry
his sweetheart, Rachel Robertson, and joined
the United States Air Force. Along the way, they
were blessed with three children who took the
journey with them to Alabama, Florida, Puerto
Rico, Greece, and Mississippi. After 22 years of
service, he retired at Columbus Air Force Base,
and made Columbus home. After retirement, Mr.
Lowe spent time drinking coffee with his coffee
buddies, worked at John Wright’s Testing Lab,
Weyerhaeuser, and made deliveries for Napa
Auto Parts.
Raymond was a strong man of faith and a
devoted member of Antioch Baptist Church,
Columbus, MS, until a few years ago. He served
the Lord faithfully there as a deacon, usher,
Sunday School teacher, and choir member for
over 50 years!
He lost his precious wife, Rachel after 70 years
of marriage, but leaves behind his Christian
example to be forever cherished by his children,
Ralph (Sandy) Lowe of Magnolia Springs,
AL, Marsha (Dewayne) Burns of Columbus,
MS and Janet (Joe) Dillon of Columbus, MS;
grandchildren, Jeremy (Erin) Burns, Jessica
(Reed) Long, Jonathan (Jessica) Burns, Cassie
(Gray) Griffin, and Rebecca Dillon; great-
grandchildren, Leslie Burns, Nathan Burns,
Caitlyn Long, Tyler Long, Holden Burns, Briley
Kate Burns, River Griffin and Joanna Griffin.
Mr. Lowe was a proud veteran, wonderful
father, grandfather, and great grandfather, who
dearly loved his family, and was loved by all!
Sign the online guest book at
www.memorialgunterpeel.com
716 Second Avenue North • Columbus, MS
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 5B

Gov’t relief loans to restaurant Dr. William Gates Jr.

chains draw complaints Dr. William “Bill” C. Gates,
Jr., born in 1937, passed away on
April 15, 2020, after an extended
illness. He was able to remain
Paycheck Protection Program exhausted its $350B as eligible for the loans as a neigh-
borhood restaurant or bar.
with the comforts of his home
for the majority of his illness,
in funding last week and many small businesses Karen Kerrigan, president of the
advocacy group Small Business &
but he spent the last month and
a half of his life in the good care
were unable to obtain loans they needed Entrepreneurship Council, said the
program is flawed and has obsolete
of Dugan Memorial Home in
West Point, MS. The family is
BY JOYCE M. ROSENBERG belly’s each announced last week rules.
AND DEE-ANN DURBIN “Some of these rules and provi-
eternally grateful to the extended family, friends,
they’d obtained loans worth a com-
The Associated Press sions disproportionately hurt the and healthcare providers that have provided
bined $40 million under the pro-
gram. Although the loans are with- chances of the smallest of busi- much love and support.
Some big restaurant chains have in the guidelines of the PPP, Shake nesses accessing this capital, or not Funeral arrangements have been entrusted
obtained loans from the govern- Shack said Monday it will return its getting sufficient and proportionate to Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home &
ment under a small-business relief loan to give smaller restaurants a relief to help salvage their business- Crematory. A graveside service for immediate
program, leading business groups chance to get government money. es,” she said. family was held at Friendship Cemetery on April
to call for changes to the program The New York burger chain, which The small business lending 18, 2020.
before Congress provides it with employs nearly 8,000 workers program is part of the $2.2 trillion Dr. Gates, son of W.C. and Mary Vickery Gates,
new funding. across 189 outlets, said it secured rescue package approved by Con- was born and raised in Greenville, AL. Dr. Gates
The Paycheck Protection Pro- alternate funding. gress last month. The intent of the is survived by Linda Simmons Gates, his loving
gram exhausted its $350 billion in The government program, which law may have been to encourage wife of 33 years; children Jennie Paulding (Ben),
funding last week and many small is overseen by the Treasury and ad- restaurants of all sizes to reopen Bill Gates III (Kim), Currie Webster (Mark);
businesses were unable to obtain ministered by the Small Business and bring back their laid-off work- sisters Anne Rainer (Jamie) and Kathryn
loans they desperately need to stay Administration, limits loan recipi- ers — the larger companies are Gates; grandchildren Heather, Austin, Davis,
afloat. Congress and the White ents to businesses with fewer than likely looking at their locations with Faith, Jenna; great-grandchild Emma; nieces
House say they’re close to an agree- 500 employees and revenue of less an eye to closing underperforming Gates, Mary, Becky, Amy; nephews Jay, Jimmy,
ment on that would give the pro- than $2.5 billion. But it makes an ones. When restaurants do reopen, Martin, Chris; great-nieces Emilie, Mary Kate,
gram about $300 billion in fresh exception for restaurants and other it will also restore revenue for small Maggie, Elizabeth, Molly; great-nephews Jamie,
funds. food service businesses that employ businesses that supply food, liquor Matt, Trip, Charlie and James William; and god
Restaurant chains Shake Shack, fewer than 500 people per location, and services to restaurants in their children Rex, Grant and Gracie.
Ruth’s Hospitality Group and Pot- meaning that restaurant chains are area. Dr. Gates was an honor student, artist, and
athlete. He played the piano, guitar, and alto
saxophone. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and
archery. He took great pride in attaining the
rank of Eagle Scout and the God and Country
Award, as well as being a scout master and
2 types of testing look for COVID-19 infections new and old mentoring scouts. He served as president and in
other capacities of the Pushmataha Area Council
BY MAT THEW PERRONE machines found in thou- before social distancing nation’s top infectious Boy Scouts of America. Dr. Gates was awarded
AP Health Writer sands of hospitals, clinics is dramatically eased. disease official, says it’s a the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award
and doctor’s offices. “reasonable assumption,” presented to a civilian.
WASHINGTON — There are caveats
Testing is critical to con- to these types of tests:
Testing for antibodies that if you have antibod- Since his youth he wanted to become a doctor,
The second type of ies, you will be protected and in high school he was mentored by a local
trolling the coronavirus Someone can test neg-
test won’t tell you wheth- from another infection. urologist. After graduation, he was awarded
and eventually easing ative one day and then
restrictions that have er you’re currently in- But federal researchers a Walter O. Parmer Scholarship and attended
positive the next. Much still have to answer sever- Vanderbilt University where he earned a B.A.
halted daily life for most fected with the virus, but
depends on the level of vi- al key questions: How ac- degree and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order.
Americans. But there’s whether you were infect-
rus and whether the swab curate are the tests? What As Dr. Gates would say, “I went off to make a
been confusion about picked up enough of it to ed sometime in the past.
what kinds of tests are Instead of searching antibody level is needed doctor.”
make a good sample.
available and what they for the virus itself, these for immunity? How long Throughout Dr. Gates’ busy professional
The FDA recently au-
actually measure. thorized the first genetic tests search for blood does that immunity last? life, he was known for his patient and family
There are still just two test that uses saliva, rath- proteins called antibod- By testing broad pop- care, medical skills, bedside manner, political
main types in the U.S. er than a nasal swab, but ies, which the body pro- ulations for antibodies, advocacy for patients, leadership, wit, creativity,
One tells you if you have its availability is limited duces days or weeks after researchers hope to learn athleticism, culinary arts skills, and love of
an active infection with for now. fighting an infection. The how widely the virus outdoors. He was a friend, mentor and teacher to
the coronavirus, whether While the U.S. is now same approach — usually spread and how deadly it many. He was referred to by some who knew him
you have symptoms or conducting well over 1 a finger-prick of blood on really is. Both questions well as a humble “Renaissance man.”
not. The other checks to million tests per week, a test strip — is used for remain unresolved since Dr. Gates attended the Medical College of AL,
see if you were previous- most experts say that HIV, hepatitis and many experts believe at least 25 where he served as editor of the class annual
ly infected at some point number will need to in- other infections. percent of those infected and graduated with the first class required to
and fought it off. crease at least threefold Dr. Anthony Fauci, the never show symptoms. pass national certification. After interning at
Currently, almost all Carraway Methodist Hospital, Birminham,
testing in hospitals, clin- he completed his residencies in surgery and
ics and drive-thru sites urology there and at Brooks Air Force Base, San
uses the first testing Antonio, TX. Dr. Gates served as a flight surgeon
method, to help doctors in the Alabama National Guard, earned the rank
detect and treat people of major, and was a member of the Aerospace
with active COVID-19. Medical Association.
The other method — Dr. Gates founded Columbus Urology Group in
known as antibody testing 1968 and cofounded Starkville Urology Group in
— is still getting rolling.
1993. He served on the medical staff at hospitals
But eventually experts
in Lowndes, Oktibbeha and Clay Counties. Due
predict the blood test will
to health issues, he retired in 2005 after 36 years
play a key role in allowing
many Americans to safely
in private practice.
return to work and school Dr. Gates served in numerous leadership
by identifying those who roles of national, state, and regional professional
are likely immune from organizations. He was president of American
the virus. Association of Clinical Urologists, MS State
Neither test can be Medical Association, MS Urology Society,
done at home yet. Lowndes County Medical Society, and Prairie
Medical Society. He was elected as a delegate to
Testing for infection the American Medical Association, ending his
Genetic testing is the tenure as vice chairman of the MS delegation.
best method for detecting He was also a member of the Urological,
active COVID-19 infec- Southeastern Urological, Southern and
tions and making a di- American Physician Art Medical Associations.
agnosis. The process re- As an artist, he donated paintings for auction
quires several steps and for medical student scholarships. He served in
high-tech testing equip- numerous other elected and volunteer positions
ment to detect tiny traces in the medical community, including hospital
of the virus that causes chief of staff and the physician representative to
COVID-19. the Golden Triangle Foundation which funded
First, the doctor or indigent care.
nurse gathers samples Dr. Gates was a Fellow of the American College
from a patient’s nose of Surgeons and the College of Emergency
or throat using swabs. Physicians, and a diplomat of the American
The sample is developed Board of Urology. He published medical articles
through a process called in the Mississippi, Alabama and Urology journals
polymerase chain reac- of medicine, and his practice was selected to
tion, or PCR, which is participate in several clinical research studies.
used to boost any traces Dr. Gates was a committed civic leader.
of virus until they are de- He was selected for the prestigious MS State
tectable. Medical Association Community Service Award,
The same process has which recognizes an individual physician for
long been used to diag- outstanding contributions to the betterment of
nose viruses like HIV and life in their community. He was elected President
hepatitis. of Columbus Lowndes Chamber of Commerce
The Food and Drug
and served on the Columbus Lowndes Economic
Administration has now
Development Authority and Columbus Tourism
authorized dozens of
boards. Dr. Gates supported Columbus Air Force
these types of tests that
can be run at hospitals,
Base, Lowndes County United Way, Mississippi
university laboratories University for Women, East Mississippi
and large testing chains Community College, the Leukemia Society, and
like Quest Diagnostics. numerous other organizations and causes.
The tests typically take 4 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent
to 6 hours to run and can to Pushmataha Area Council, Boy Scouts of
take a day or more to turn America, PO Box 9570, Columbus, MS 39705,
around if a sample needs Walter O. Parmer Scholarship Foundation, Inc.,
to be shipped to another PO Box 832, Greenville, AL 36037, or charity of
site for processing. choice.
Last month, several
faster options that don’t
require laboratory pro-
cessing came on the
market. The fastest is a Sign the online guest book at
15-minute test from Ab- www.memorialgunterpeel.com
bott Laboratories run on
716 Second Avenue North • Columbus, MS
small, portable electronic

Classifieds
LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: ESTATE OF BESSIE WILL
BUTLER, DECEASED
JERRY O. BUTLER, EXECUTOR
CAUSE NO.: 2020-00063-RPF
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
BESSIE WILL BUTLER, De-
ceased, by the Chancery Court
of Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi, on the 1st day of April,
A.D., 2020. This is to give no-
tice to all persons having
claims against said estate to
Probate and Register same
with the Chancery Clerk of
Lowndes County, Mississippi,
within ninety (90) days from
this date. A failure to so Pro-
bate and Register said claim
will forever bar the same.
This the 1st day of April 2020.
Jerry O. Butler
JERRY O. BUTLER
PUBLISH: 4/7, 4/14, &
4/21/2020
UNITED STATES DISTRICT
COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF
ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION
IN THE MATTER OF COOPER
MARINE & TIMBERLANDS COR-
PORATION, AS OWNER PRO
HAC VICE AND OPERATOR, OF
THE BARGE BIG 505, OFFICIAL
NO. 110343, PRAYING FOR EX-
ONERATION FROM OR LIMITA-
TION OF LIABILITY
CIVIL ACTION NO. 20-170
NOTICE TO CLAIMANTS OF AC-
TION BROUGHT FOR EXONERA-
TION FROM OR LIMITATION OF
LIABILITY.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that
Cooper Marine & Timberlands
Corporation (“CMT”) as owner
pro hac vice/operator of the
Barge BIG 505 has filed a
Complaint pursuant to the pro-
visions of 46 U.S.C. §30511for
exoneration from or limitation
of liability of all claims for any
loss, destruction or damage
arising out of the alleged break-
ing away of the Barge BIG 505
on or about February 7, 2020,
as more fully described in
CMT’s Complaint.
All persons having such claims
must file their respective
claims, as provided in Rule F of
the Supplemental Rules for
Certain Admiralty and Maritime
Claims of the Federal Rules of
Civil Procedure, with the Clerk
of the United States District
Court, Southern District of
Alabama, 155 St. Joseph
Street, Mobile, AL 36602, and
must serve a copy thereof on
counsel for CMT on or before
the 5th day of June, 2020, or
be defaulted.
If any claimant desires to con-
test either the right to exonera-
tion from or the right to limita-
tion of liability, he shall file and
serve on counsel for CMT an
answer to the Complaint on or
before the aforesaid date un-
less his claim has included an
answer so designated or be de-
faulted.
Mobile, Alabama, this 9th day
of April, 2020.
CHARLES R. DIARD, JR.,
CLERK OF COURT.
By: Tammy Thornton,
Deputy Clerk
(SEAL)
Attorneys for Complainant in
Limitation, Cooper Marine &
Timberlands Corporation:
DONALD C. RADCLIFF,
Brady Radcliff & Brown, LLP,
61 Saint Joseph Street,
Mobile, AL 36602,
Telephone: 251-405-0077
Email:
dradcliff@brblawyers.com
PUBLISH: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28,
& 5/5/2020
Cellco Partnership and its con-
trolled affiliates doing busi-
ness as Verizon Wireless (Veri-
zon Wireless) proposes to build
a 211-foot self-supporting lat-
tice tower communications
tower. Anticipated lighting ap-
plication is a medium intensity
dual red/white strobes. The
Site location is 104 Antler Way,
Columbus, Lowndes County,
Mississippi, 39701, (33 28
36.31 N, 88 32 29.36 W). The
Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) Antenna Struc-
ture Registration (ASR, Form
854) filing number is
A1158182.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – In-
terested persons may review
the application by entering the
filing number
(www.fcc.gov/asr/applications)
. Environmental concerns may
be raised by filing a Request
Need fast cash?
for Environmental Review
(www.fcc.gov/asr/environment-
alrequest) and online filings are
strongly encouraged. The mail-
ing address to file a paper copy
is: FCC Requests for Environ-
mental Review, Attn: Ramon
Williams, 445 12th Street SW,
Washington, DC 20554. HIS-
TORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS ?
Public comments regarding po-
tential effects on historic prop-
erties may be submitted within
30 days from the date of this
publication to: MPH (RE: EBI
#6120001746), 6876 Susque-
hanna Trail South, York, PA
17403, (504) 458-4444,
mhouston@ebiconsulting.com.
PUBLISH: 4/21/2020
Sell your unwanted items in the classifieds today.
ness as Verizon Wireless (Veri-
zon Wireless) proposes to build
a 211-foot self-supporting lat-
tice tower communications
tower. Anticipated lighting ap-
plication is a medium intensity
dual red/white strobes. The
Site location is 104 Antler Way,
Columbus, Lowndes County,
Mississippi, 39701, (33 28
36.31 N, 88 32 29.36 W). The
Federal Communications Com-
mission (FCC) Antenna Struc-
ture Registration (ASR, Form
854) filing number is
A1158182.
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS – In- against said estate to Probate
terested persons may review
the application by entering the Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
filing number
Legal Notices
(www.fcc.gov/asr/applications)
. Environmental concerns may
be raised by filing a Request
for Environmental Review
(www.fcc.gov/asr/environment-
alrequest) and online filings are This the 17 day of April 2020.
strongly encouraged. The mail-
ing address to file a paper copy /s/ Kirstyn O’Callaghan
is: FCC Requests for Environ-
mental Review, Attn: Ramon
Williams, 445 12th Street SW, PUBLISH: 4/21, 4/28,
Washington, DC 20554. HIS-
TORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS ?
Public comments regarding po-
tential effects on historic prop-
erties may be submitted within
30 days from the date of this
publication to: MPH (RE: EBI
#6120001746), 6876 Susque-
hanna Trail South, York, PA
17403, (504) 458-4444,
mhouston@ebiconsulting.com.
PUBLISH: 4/21/2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: ESTATE OF RANONG
BROWN, DECEASED
KIRSTYN O’CALLAGHAN, EXEC-
UTRIX
CAUSE NO.: 2020-00071-RPF
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
RANONG BROWN, Deceased,
by the Chancery Court of
Lowndes County, Mississippi,
on the 16th day of April, A.D.,
2020. This is to give notice to
all persons having claims
against said estate to Probate
and Register same with the
Chancery Clerk of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
ninety (90) days from this date.
A failure to so Probate and Re-
gister said claim will forever
bar the same.
This the 17 day of April 2020.
ads.cdispatch.com
/s/ Kirstyn O’Callaghan
KIRSTYN O’CALLAGHAN
PUBLISH: 4/21, 4/28,
General Help Wanted
5/5/2020
General Help Wanted
General Help Wanted
CAUSE NO.: 2020-00071-RPF
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters Testamentary have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
RANONG BROWN, Deceased,
by the Chancery Court of
Lowndes County, Mississippi,
on the 16th day of April, A.D.,
2020. This is to give notice to
all persons having claims
and Register same with the
County, Mississippi, within
Legal Notices
ninety (90) days from this date.
A failure to so Probate and Re-
gister said claim will forever
bar the same.
KIRSTYN O’CALLAGHAN
5/5/2020
Rentals
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THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2020 n 6B
Apts For Rent: Other Houses For Sale: East Farm Equipment & Supplies Motorcycles & ATVs
JOHN DEERE MODEL M 1993 KAWASAKI
TRACTOR. A set of one row VOYAGER XII Only 25,500
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Call 662−436−2037. 501−545−7750.
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BARGAIN: 2BR/2BA in 2018 40FT Gooseneck
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ton axles, 10−4inch straps
Community
step down den. Large lot.
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Price reduced. Must sell. −3001.
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WANTED FREON R12. Ads starting at $12
Houses For Sale: New Hope We pay CA$H.
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662−386−8591
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© The Dispatch
Vehicles
2 Usher
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DEPOSIT
AND
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Ads starting at $12 3 Lucille Ball
662-329-2323 Farm Equipment & Supplies
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4 Henry Wad-
2012 JAYCO EAGLE 5th
2411 HWY 45 N JOHN DEERE MODEL M WHEEL, 39ft, 4 slide−outs.
sworth Longfellow
COLUMBUS, MS TRACTOR. A set of one row 2BR, 48" TV & 27" TV.
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has been repainted, looks
5 Bedbug
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Call 662−436−2037.
Houses For Rent: Other
HOUSE NEAR MUW W/
APARTMENT. 323 13th St.
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screened side porch &
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Even if you
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662−386−7506.
Mobile Homes for Rent don’t get out much
RV/MOBILE HOME SITE
East or West Columbus or
these days, you can
near CAFB, Caledonia
schools. 601−940−1397.
still “go shopping” in the
Classifieds. You can find exactly
Office Spaces For Rent
OFFICE SPACE FOR what you’ve been looking for.
LEASE. 1112 Main St.,
Ste. 5. 3700 sq. ft.
Plenty of private parking. Find someone to mow the lawn
•
662−327−9559.
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Find that special recliner
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Real Estate Buy a computer system
•
Ads starting at $25 Buy a used car
Houses For Sale: North •
Buy that rare coin for your collection
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FSBO: 3BR/2BA, 3304 5th
St N. Fenced back yard w/
sm shop. Great neighbor−
The CommerCial
hood. $110,000. 662−356
−4764 or 901−848−0051.
Houses For Sale: East
DispaTCh
2BR/1BA @ 1521
Shepherd Rd.
Sold as is, needs work.
Serious inquiries only,
516 Main St.
769−274−4110.
Columbus, MS 39701
662-328-2424
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Service Directory
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Building & Remodeling Carpet & Flooring General Services Lawn Care / Landscaping
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Car Upholstery 662-268-8058 Interior & Exterior Painting
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662−722−1758
CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
$545 plus Filing Fee
General Services
CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY
All Attorney Fees Through The Plan
A & T TREE SERVICES
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Serving Columbus 104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville
since 1987. Senior
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