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Articles by Austin Bishop
Women’s Basketball: Lobos earn first win of the season over New Mexico Highlands
A rainy night in Albuquerque did little to keep basketball fans away from The Pit as the New Mexico Lobos prepared for a matchup against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls. Coming off a tough season-opening loss to the Seattle Redhawks, the Lobos looked to bounce back and build momentum early in the season. New Mexico relied on strong defensive plays and an effective attack around the rim to keep the Cowgirls trailing throughout the game.
Lobos sweep Spartans at home, extend home winning streak to six
The New Mexico Lobos volleyball team took care of business at home against San José State on Oct. 23, earning a 3-1 victory behind a strong opening set and a dominant finish in the fourth. The Lobos controlled much of the match, using their front-row defense and consistent offense to keep the Spartans from finding their rhythm. New Mexico started the first set strong, quickly building momentum and putting San José State on the defensive.
Volleyball: Lobos earn first win of the season after defeating Northern Colorado
On Friday, Sept. 4, the New Mexico Lobos volleyball team hit the road, heading north looking to earn their first win of the season after facing a difficult stretch of matches to open the year. The Lobos entered their matchup against the Northern Colorado Bears determined to turn their early-season struggles around and put a win in the column. The first set began with the Lobos serving and quickly taking control, opening with a 6-0 lead.
OPINION: Bobbleheads of the Week
Where there’s a victor, there’s a loser, and sometimes, certain athletes contribute to their team’s shortcomings. These athletes are favorably called bobbleheads. Green Bay Packers - Running Back Josh Jacobs Last season, Packers running back Josh Jacobs rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games, and it looked as though he was ready for another great season, until offseason legal issues came up. Jacobs was arrested initially on five charges, including felony strangulation, on May 26. On Aug.
OPINION: How the Diamondbacks could steal the NL West
Just two weeks after the All-Star break, the 2026 Major League Baseball season has been unpredictable, especially in the National League West. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres have dominated much of the conversation, but the Arizona Diamondbacks have quietly positioned themselves as a legitimate threat to both teams. Across Major League Baseball, even the best teams have struggled with inconsistency, proving that no team is unbeatable.
OPINION: How Argentina can beat Spain for the World Cup crown
Spain may be the reigning European champions, but international football is not decided on paper. Argentina has built its recent legacy by defeating the world’s best teams on the biggest stages, proving that experience can overcome any opponent. On Sunday, July 19, the two giants of international football will meet in the World Cup Final, with Spain’s technical dominance facing an Argentina side that has already mastered the pressure of championship moments.
Forgetting previous victories make your giants’ larger
One of the most common, and unfortunately effective, weapons the enemy uses against us in spiritual warfare is causing us to minimize, or forget, what God has done for us. Austin Bishop has been a professional journalist for more than 45 years and is an ordained Assemblies of God minister.
Belle Fourche heavy equipment students dig into real-world experience
BELLE FOURCHE — On Thursday, March 26 the Belle Fourche High School Heavy Equipment Operation (HEO) second semester students were able to showcase their heavy equipment operation skills on an actual worksite. Our industry partnerships with local companies site works specialist and Scull Construction service provided the opportunity for our second annual worksite field day.
Make “taking it to the streets” your personal evangelism model
Our journey from salvation to Heaven allows us to cross paths with many souls along the way. Matthew 28:18-20 makes it abundantly clear that our relationship with Jesus is a precious jewel that MUST be shared with others. Austin Bishop has been a professional journalist for more than 45 years and is an ordained Assemblies of God minister.
Historic night in Las Vegas: Lobo men’s basketball blows out Rebels
The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team walked into Las Vegas and dismantled their Mountain West rival, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 89-61. This marks the largest UNM victory over the Rebels in the history of the rivalry and rounded off one of UNM’s most complete performances this season, with the Lobos controlling the game from start to finish. UNM set the tone immediately, starting the game on a 4-0 run and forcing UNLV to use an early timeout.
Lobo men’s basketball pushes San Diego State to the brink in narrow defeat
The University of New Mexico Lobos men’s basketball team seemed up for the challenge against the San Diego State University Aztecs, in what could be the Lobos last trip to Viejas Arena, with the Aztecs moving to the Pac-12 next year. The game came down to the wire, with SDSU guard BJ Davis making a last-second shot, leading to an 83-79 win on Saturday, Jan. 17. With the Aztecs having a slim lead early over the Lobos, guard Luke Haupt made a crucial three-pointer to put the Lobos up.
OPINION: Kyle Lowry’s case for the Hall of Fame
Hall of Fame greatness comes in many forms, and Kyle Lowry’s story is one of metamorphosis. He transformed an overlooked city into a championship contender, becoming the heartbeat of the Toronto Raptors. During that period, Lowry averaged 18 points per game while anchoring the team as a leader.
Lobo volleyball show resilience in loss to Wyoming
The Lobos, still finding their rhythm after some difficult conference matchups, were outmatched in a 3-1 loss. In a match charged with energy from the first serve, the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team met the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 4. Set one started off strong for the Lobos with setter Madeleine Miller earning the Lobos an ace for the first point. The Lobos went on a five point run from there, setting an early, hopeful tone.
Former Lobo Jacory Croskey-Merritt takes on the NFL
In New Mexico, Jacory Croskey-Merritt turned critics into believers. That same grit is fueling his NFL dream with the Washington Commanders. A rookie running back some believe will make noise this season, Croskey-Merritt is coming off a breakout season in 2023 at the University of New Mexico, where he rushed for 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns in his only season with the Lobos. Croskey-Merritt became the first Lobo to rush over 200 yards in back-to-back games, cementing his legacy.
Lobo Volleyball wins exhibition match vs New Mexico Highlands
The University of New Mexico’s Lobo Women’s Volleyball went against the New Mexico Highlands Cowgirls in an exhibition match on Saturday, Aug. 23, marking their first match of the season. The exhibition hit off with a bang, with the first point of the match being a kill by outside hitter Naomi Chankoumi. The Lobos kept up the pressure, serving strong and sharp. Setter and outside hitter Addison France made the second kill in the first set leading 2-0.
OPINION: Will James Harden be a Hall of Famer?
When basketball fans talk about three point shooters, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Larry Bird usually dominate the conversation. However, over a sixteen year career, James Harden has proven that he belongs in the conversation with the best. Even though his stats are impressive, Harden has no ring and several playoff disappointments, a challenge to his Hall of Famer candidacy.
Lobo volleyball sweeps invitational, starts season 3-0
The Lobos won their first match of the Lobo Invitational, sweeping the Manhattan Jaspers in three sets. The Lobos faced Northern Arizona University next in the invitational, where it came down to the wire. The final match against Houston Christian University, ending with another three-set sweep from the Lobos. The invitational took place at Johnson Gym, Aug. 29-30. In the first set versus NAU, the Lobos went back and forth competitively, with a tough start to the first set which tied 16-16.
Belle Fourche SkillsUSA students take classroom skills to the job site
BELLE FOURCHE — Three students from the Belle Fourche High School SkillsUSA chapter recently took their education to new heights by showcasing their heavy equipment operation skills on a live worksite. Thanks to a partnership with local companies Site Works Specialist and Scull Construction Service, these students had the unique opportunity to operate real machinery outside the classroom. kAm%96 DEF56?ED[ 2== 6?C@==65 :?
OPINION: Is Tony Romo a Hall-of-Famer?
Say what you want about Tony Romo, but it's undeniable Tony Romo is a Hall of Famer. Once you look into his tape, statistics and impact on the National Football League, it’s easy to say he’s possibly one of the most overlooked candidates of his generation. Ask an average football fan if Tony Romo belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, they will probably tell you that “He choked in the playoffs” or some other negatives.
OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week — UFC Fight Night edition
Where there’s a victor, there’s a loser, and sometimes certain athletes contribute to their team’s or their own shortcomings. These athletes are favorably called bobbleheads. This week in the UFC, we had firework fights and lackluster fights. Here are some athletes who fell off. Drew Dober (27-15-0) Drew Dober has had a good fighting career, but has recently been struggling. Dober is currently on a three-fight losing streak. During his first fight in 2025 in UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs.
Isotopes take out the Bees again
On Saturday, April 5 the Albuquerque Isotopes saw a different story with the same outcome as Friday’s game when they played the Salt Lake Bees for the fifth game of the series. It was Mariachi Night, and the Isotopes certainly put on a show themselves, securing a 14-3 victory over the Bees. The Isotopes started the game off strong, clocking in a run in the first inning. In the second inning, the Bees returned fire with a run of their own, tying the game at 1-1.
BISHOP: The fire of adversity can strengthen you spiritually - The Selma Times‑Journal
Published 7:59 pm Saturday, March 29, 2025 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
AUSTIN BISHOP: The fire of adversity can strengthen you spiritually - The Selma Times‑Journal
Published 9:13 am Sunday, March 2, 2025 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. 18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God?
To Win the Next War, America Must Build Again
Unipolarity is dead. America ceased to be alone on top of the world the moment her ruling class forgot a simple truth: wars are won on the factory floor. In the first few months of the war in Ukraine, the global cognoscenti declared the lesson of the conflict to be about Russian aggression and Ukrainian resolve. By the end of the first year, it was about the future of drone warfare. Today, we see the old has been made new: it is about production. Assembly lines. Factory floors.
BISHOP: There is great power in truly believing that God is with you - The Selma Times‑Journal
Published 10:34 am Sunday, February 9, 2025 20 Then Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were confined. And he was there in the prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.
BISHOP: King David shows us the way to restoration, renewal - The Selma Times‑Journal
Published 3:32 pm Sunday, August 18, 2024 By Austin Bishop Guest Columnist Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right[ spirit within me. — Psalm 51:10 ESV Spiritual and moral failures can be devastating to both those who fail and those affected by that failure. How thankful we should be for the salvation provided to us through the blood of Jesus Christ, but also the willingness for God to not only forgive us, but to provide redemption and restoration.
Industrialization 3.0 - How Technology, Wall Street, And The Government Can Help The US Win In A World Of Re-Industrialization
Written by Prince Ghosh (Forbes Contributor) and Austin Bishop - GP at Tamarack Global, an early-mid stage venture fund focused on investing in macro shifts and technologies that intersect the world of bits and atoms. Austin previously co-founded Atomic Industries, a Y-Combinator and Point72 backed manufacturing startup that uses AI to make the design and fabrication of tooling for mass manufacturing 10x better/cheaper.
KA celebrates Homecoming Week
It’s been a big week for all the students at Kemper Academy this week, with four days of Homecoming Week activities culminating with the crowning of the 2022 Homecoming Queen and the playing of the Homecoming Game on Friday. The Homecoming Court consists of nine maids, one each from grades seventh through 11th, and four from the senior class.
EMEPA technician killed in work accident
A Kemper County man was killed early Monday morning by a falling tree limb in a work-related accident approximately two miles North of Preston. Michael Burton, a 49-year-old right-of-way technician for East Mississippi Electrical Power Association, was struck in the head at around 8:45 a.m. as the crew he worked with was clearing the right of way on Highway 397 according to Kemper County Coroner Terry Bostick.
First Things First: Fun page provides opportunity to mentor
By Austin Bishop Children need a lot of things, that’s for sure. But one of their biggest needs is positive attention and direction from adults. When my wife Barbara and I published our very first issue of the Kemper County Messenger in October of 2021, it included a Kid’s Page. One of the thoughts behind that was it would draw younger people to the newspaper and give them a positive way to learn and be creative.
Looking Back: 80 Years Ago: Messenger begins 11th year
Here are a few items of interest from issues of The Kemper County Messenger from one, five, 10, 25, 50 and 80 years ago. ONE YEAR AGO (SEPT. 2, 2021) — The Kemper County Wildcats opened their 2021 football season with a 47-20 victory over Leake Central Friday night on the East Mississippi Community College campus in Scooba. — What was Category 4 Hurricane Ida passed over Kemper County Monday night dumping rain but leaving only minor damage.
Fun, education, encouragement
Seniors at Kemper County High School took part in a PACES kick-off rally on Friday morning, learning what the student support group has to offer. PACES, which stands for Parents and Community Equals Educational Success, is under the direction of Bernard “Joe” Hulin and has been in operation for 12 years. Among the activities set for PACES members this year are: college campus visits; business and industry education visits; community support activities; career mentoring; and incentive programs.
Looking Back: 50 Years Ago: Supes sign contract with Kaul Glove
Here are a few items of interest from issues of The Kemper County Messenger from one, five, 10, 25, 50 and 80 years ago. ONE YEAR AGO (SEPT. 16, 2021) — The town of Scooba has a new alderman. Thenesha Hopson was appointed to the position by the mayor and board. She was the only candidate to qualify to fill the unexpired term of Chris Collins, who resigned earlier this year. A special election had been scheduled for Tuesday, but it was canceled after Hopson was the only candidate to qualify.
Kemper Elementary School bid awarded
A bid of just over $17.5M was awarded for the construction of the new Kemper County Elementary School during last Thursday afternoon’s meeting of the Kemper County Board of Education. Mac’s Construction of Hattiesburg, who won the bid, is expected to start construction no later than early October an is scheduled to be completed with the 54,520 square foot project by December of 2023. The original plan also included a Pre-K/Kindergarten win which was not part of the bid accepted last week.
KA patrons meeting set for Oct. 11
The annual meeting of the Kemper Academy patrons is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11 in the assembly room at the school. All patrons are encouraged to attend. Among the top items on the agenda for the meeting will be the election of three members to the 10-member school board. The board is broken up into five “beats” built around the districts of the Kemper County Board of Supervisors. Each district has two members on the board. This year it is Beat 2 representation that will be voted on.
Looking Back: Five Years Ago: KA softball team wins district title
Here are a few items of interest from issues of The Kemper County Messenger from five, 10, 25, 50 and 80 years ago. FIVE YEARS AGO (SEPT. 27, 2017) — The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation has awarded a grant totaling nearly $265,000 to East Mississippi Community College to enhance the Wellness Center at the Scooba campus and provide an outdoor fitness facility that will be open to the public.
Supervisors clarify local purchasing policy limits
During its regular first meeting of the month held this past Monday, the Kemper County Board of Supervisors quickly cleared up confusion on how much the county could spend monthly with local businesses. Tooney Hill, owner of Tooney’s Tire Center in DeKalb, said he was told that the county could no longer spend more than $5,000 with his business in a month and would have to take the rest of their business out of county.
Old Scooba buildings being demolished
The old buildings standing guard at the eastern entrance to downtown Scooba have long been an eyesore and something that Mayor Craig Nave has worked hard to rectify. “The buildings haven’t been kept up for years,” Nave said of the half-dozen or more buildings that line Martin Luther King Jr. Drive just across from the railroad track.
Kemper County Messenger
Given the bright outlook for PACES in its 13th year, it is one of those times that 13 can be thought of as a “Lucky Number”. The PACES Project is excited to announce that it will return to sponsoring college campus visits after a two pear COVID induced delay, and PACES will be able to observe all Kemper County High School COVID19 requirements. Each year about 30 KCHS seniors and juniors participate in the PACES Project program.
Bizzy B’s: A unique place full of treasures
By Austin Bishop While she doesn’t have any bear traps for sell at this moment, Virginia Vanderwalker contends you can find many other interesting items on display at Bizzy B’s, her consignment shop located in downtown DeKalb. ‘You never know what you might find,” she said. “Most of what you see belongs to someone else and I am just selling it for them.
Republican Primary set For June 7
The Republican Primary for the Third Congressional District seat in the United States House of Representatives will be held on June 7. There will be no Democratic Primary. Polls in Kemper County open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and all registered voters are eligible to vote in the primary. Incumbent Michael Guest, who has served since 2018, is being challenged by Michael Cassidy and Thomas Griffin. A run-off, if necessary, will be held on June 28.
Looking Back: 10 Years Ago: Harris named manager of Kemper Lake
Here are the a few items of interest from issues of The Kemper County Messenger from one, five, 10, 25, 50 and 80 years ago. ONE YEAR AGO (JUNE 3, 2021) — DeKalb voters will go to the polls Tuesday to select their mayor for the next four years. Incumbent Mayor Clark Adams is being challenged by former Mayor Homer Hall, who served four terms at the post. Adams is running as a Democrat and Hall is running as an independent.
First Things First: OKC much more than just place to visit
By Austin Bishop As you read this column today (Thursday) there are nearly 200 athletes, hundreds of friends and family members of those athletes, and thousands of fans gathered in Oklahoma City for the Women’s College World Series.
Remembering one who gave all
The sound of Taps wafted through the trees and across the field on the Collins family farm on Monday afternoon, as a crowd of 50-plus gathered to honor fallen veterans and to unveil a new memorial monument just outside the town of Scooba. The Memorial, created and funded by the husband and wife team of Harry and Patricia Collins, was dedicated in honor of Private First Class James Edward Cherry of Scooba, who died in November of 1968 during the Vietnam War.
New district lines plan in works
By Austin Bishop Kemper County Circuit Clerk Shirley Jackson addressed the Kemper County Board of Supervisors during its regular Monday morning meeting requesting the time line of when the new supervisors voting lines would be drawn and approved. She noted that by statute they had to be ready by December of this year, but that there was a school board election set for September, so it would be good if the lines would be ready by then.
Looking Back: 50 Years Ago: Census reveals interesting numbers for Kemper County
Posted Monday, August 29, 2022 12:00 am By Austin Bishop Here are a few items from issues of The Kemper County Messenger from one, five, 10, 25, 50 and 80 years ago. ONE YEAR AGO (MAY 20 ,2021) — The Kemper County Board of Supervisors voted to accept a resolution from the Kemper County School District concerning a $12M bond issue to build a new elementary school.
KCHS, KA graduations set for Friday
By Austin Bishop Approximately 100 students will graduate from two DeKalb-based high schools on Friday night as both Kemper County High school and Kemper Academy hold their 2022 graduation ceremonies. The Kemper County High School graduation is set to begin at 7 p.m. at the school’s high school gym, while Kemper Academy will hold its baccalaureate exercises on the schools football field at 8 p.m. Both graduating are open to anyone interested in attending.
First Things First: Encouragement is a powerful graduation gift
By Austin Bishop Do you truly want to help the “younger” generation? Then how about supporting and encouraging them. I can remember (really I can) being a teen-ager and saying “I will never not understand younger people as I get older.” I really thought I would always get it/ Here’s a n e w s flash: I q u i t e o f t e n don’t. During my lifetime and c a r e e r there have been plenty of people who didn’t believe in me, but there were always some who did.
Wildcats tune up for 2022 football season
By Austin Bishop First-year Kemper County High school football coach William Clay got a first-hand look as to how his Wildcats will react under the lights last Friday night, when KCHS traveled to Northeast Lauderdale for a Spring football scrimmage. “The kids really responded well to what we have been working on all spring,” Clay said. “We are not there yet, but we are getting there.” Each varsity team had the ball for 10 plays during the scrimmage, as did each Jayvee team.
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