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Articles by Bryan Davis Publisher
Mississippi State Health Officer says he hasn’t pushed for statewide mask mandates “in a long, long time”
“We haven’t really pushed for statewide public mask mandates in a long, long time,” Dobbs said. “It made sense to do stuff early on before we had other options but there are other things that are far more important than that.” Below is a political analysis column by Frank Corder: Media, Left have excoriated Governor Tate Reeves for not mandating masks amid COVID spike.
A practical approach
I have a suggestion of a type of plant most likely to hold up in our gardens this time of year. Heads up: You might be dismayed. Keep in mind that I just returned from my second home in northern England, during which I reported on the brand-new Royal Horticultural Society garden named Bridgenorth, and wandered through countless villages and home gardens chock full of plants that love... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Tigers welcome Rams
Thomas Edwards looks to rebound from loss at Port Gibson It is not just another night of high school football. For this Friday night, the Thomas Edwards High Tigers and the Gentry High Rams will once again compete to see who owns this season’s Sunflower County bragging rights. Following a year’s absence, the kickoff for the 54th meeting between these two schools will occur on the R... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Weathering the storms
Sometimes storms come in the form of Category 4 hurricanes, like the one that slammed into southeast Louisiana this past Sunday and into Monday. And there are times when life’s storms come in the form of things like a serious illness. My best friend Ben Terry has experienced both over the past year. When Hurricane Ida seemed to be on track to whip up the Mississippi River and into ... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
MDCC athletics visits Rosser kids
On Wednesday, Aug. 18, several coaches and student-athletes from Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) visited Rosser Early Learning Center in Moorhead to drop off donations and speak with the children. Leading up to and during MDCC's fall 2021 convocation, MDCC's student-athletes held a back-to-school drive on the Moorhead campus to collect school supplies for the pre-kindergar... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Letter: Preserving Till’s legacy through national park important
To the Editor: August 28, 2021 will be the 66th anniversary of Emmett Till’s gruesome murder in the Mississippi Delta. He would have turned 80 years old this year—just two years older than the current President of the United States. It is time for our region, state and country to finally honor Emmett Till and his courageous mother with the creation of an Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mo... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Mississippi Covid-19 Update : August 24, 2021
Listed below is the daily COVID-19 update for the state of Mississippi. New cases of COVID-19: 3,291 Positive test results reported to MSDH as of 6 p.m. yesterday. Tests may have been made during the past week, and represent individuals who became ill a week ago or more. Repeated tests for the same individual are counted only once. New COVID-19 related deaths: 111 Forty-one deaths occurred between August 19 and August 23.
It was good to get away
I’m not sure if I’m going to get to go to Atlanta this year to see my beloved and streaking Braves team play, but I did get to see the next best thing this past Saturday. There was a lot on my plate this weekend in terms of newspaper duties, but I needed a breather, if not for just a few hours. With storms looming on the radar, I told Callie I was willing to risk driving to Pearl to... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Delta State Athletics Announces Responsible Alcohol Service Policy
Delta State University Athletics has announced its responsible alcohol service policy for the upcoming 2021-2022 athletics season. Delta State University is committed to providing a supportive and welcoming environment for all academic, cultural, athletic, and social events to students, employees, and visitors. The Athletic department has developed materials intended to promote responsible conduct and reduce dangerous behavior regarding the consumption of Alcohol.
A shot in the arm for vaccination
It is hoped that full government approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine will overcome the hesitation or resistance of many of the unvaccinated to voluntarily get the shots. That’s unlikely, though. The leery or the conspiracy-minded are not going to accept the word of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration any more than they accepted the word of medical experts, who for months have pl... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Study: As COVID hit, 50% of Mississippi households already could not afford basics
JACKSON – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, 50% of Mississippi households were already unable to afford household basics, never having recovered from the Great Recession, according to the ALICE Report, released Aug. 24 by the Mississippi United Ways Association, in partnership with United For ALICE and with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The ALICE Report for Mississippi reveals the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to be inaccurate and inadequate in measuring financial hardship.
Some things already clear on taxes
Studying Mississippi’s tax structure is a good idea as long as lawmakers don’t have a preconceived idea of what the end product should look like. It’s clear that House Speaker Philip Gunn does. He got his chamber several months back to hurriedly pass a 317-page overhaul of the state’s tax code that undoubtedly few House members read. It was a complicated proposal that included phasi... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Benefits too big to ignore
If you can get past the fact that the federal government wants to borrow yet another $1 trillion — and that is hard to do — there’s no doubt that this money would work wonders on Mississippi’s infrastructure. Michael B. Arnemann, executive director of the Mississippi Asphalt Pavement Association, sent out a press release this week that said Mississippi’s share of the $1 trillion spen... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Q&A with SCCSD superintendent
Students in Sunflower County have been back in school for a little over a week. This is the first fall first day of school since 2019, and with COVID-19 numbers surging throughout the state, there will likely be at least several weeks of managing positive cases among students, teachers and administrators. All that being said, the first week or so has gone smoothly, according to Sunf... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Rushing: The lavender mystery
Am I the only one whose lavender is still alive after three years, in a climate known for being mean towards all things Mediterranean? Not that I’m bragging, because I expect every day to walk out and find its gray-green foliage burnt to a crisp, like what usually experienced by ninety-nine out of a hundred gardeners who have tried before me. Lavenders, native to dry climates, are g... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
Emmerich: Sports HOF ceremony was a highlight
I recently attended the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame event at Jackson’s downtown convention center. I knew two of the nominees: Dave Randall, the pro at my tennis club, River Hills, and Randy Watkins, the owner of my golf courses, Lake Caroline, Whisper Lake and Patrick Farms. It was a super hot Saturday, 110 heat index, and Ginny and I had no dinner plans, so we went to check it... --- The content you're trying to view is available for Premium Content Subscribers only.
A sculpted purpose: Lawson King’s path from Indianola to the Mississippi Invitational was carved by tragedy, resilience and redemption
Indianola native and artist Lawson King was one of 42 accepted into the 2021 Mississippi Invitational at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The exhibition starts Aug. 14. Photo by Rory Doyle Art had always been a part of Lawson King’s life. His grandmother, Marcella Small, was a longtime ceramics instructor at Delta State University, and even as a young child moving through the Indianola public schools, he found a deep connection with the arts.
Delta variant now responsible for all new COVID cases, Dobbs says
State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs speaks on the state’s position regarding the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines during a press conference at the Woolfolk Building in Jackson on Jan. 4, 2021. Credit: Vickie D.
Edward Tyrone Wade
Edward Tyrone Wade Graveside services for Edward Tyrone Wade of Indianola will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Riverside Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Terry Cobbs Sr. officiating. Mr. Wade, 51, died Sunday, July 11, 2021. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, Indianola, which is in charge of arrangements.
Vernell Sanders
Vernell Sanders Funeral services for Vernell Sanders of Indianola will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Redmon Funeral Home, followed by interment at Indianola Memorial Gardens. Mr. Sanders, 24, died Saturday, June 24, 2021 at South Sunflower County Hospital. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Survivors include his parents, Chiquita Sanders and Vernell Rule. ‹ PreviousNext ›
Esaw Price Jr.
Funeral services for Esaw Price Jr. of Indianola will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Gentry High School followed by interment at Indianola Memorial Gardens. Mr. Price, 45, died Saturday, July 17, 2021. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at Redmon Funeral Home, Indianola.
Reginald Nelson
Reginald Nelson Graveside services for Reginald Nelson of Moorhead will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Swan Lake Church Cemetery, Moorhead. Mr. Nelson, 35, died Monday, August 2, 2021. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. The Rev. Clinton Simpson will officiate at the services.
Opinion: War on Drugs has been a failure
Opinion: War on Drugs has been a failure Fifty years ago, on June 17, 1971, President Richard Nixon held a press conference in the White House Briefing Room to officially declare a “War on Drugs.” President Nixon stated, “In order to fight and defeat this enemy, it is necessary to wage a new, all-out offensive.” Since that press conference, our country followed the President’s directive and launched a decades long crackdown on people who use drugs.
Bob Moses’ two achievements
premium content for subscribers Bob Moses’ two achievements Sunday’s death of Bob Moses, who in the early 1960s played a key role in the civil rights movement in Pike and Amite counties, was a reminder of just how difficult one of Mississippi’s worst times really were. Though it has been six decades since Moses started coming to the state as the Mississippi field director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, some of the bitternes...
Rain ruins most of Mississippi's watermelon crop
Rain ruins most of Mississippi's watermelon crop One month ago, watermelon production in southeast Mississippi was on track. Now, growers there have lost much of their crop to the summer’s wet weather. “The weather and what it would do was my one concern this year,” said Heath Steede, Mississippi State University Extension agent in George County.
With federal eviction moratorium ending Saturday, Mississippi has spent 6.2% of federal rental assistance funds
Volunteers assist tenants with submitting applications to the RAMP program at the Rental Assistance Fair at the Trade Mart Center on July 23, 2021. Credit: Julia James/Mississippi Today With federal eviction moratorium ending Saturday, Mississippi has spent 6.2% of federal rental assistance funds With the federal eviction moratorium ending on Saturday, concern is growing around the rental debt in the state of Mississippi.
Slightly Cooler; Less Humid
Slightly Cooler; Less Humid The cooler, drier air has filtered in for your Wednesday, with highs topping out in the upper 80’s. Overnight lows will be in the middle 60’s across the Delta. By Thursday we begin to build back into the 90’s, middle 90’s by the weekend into next week with humid conditions returning. We should remain mostly dry for the next several days, but a spot shower or storm can’t be ruled out…God bless -Josh Correro ‹ PreviousNext ›
Malcolm Jamal Johnson
Malcolm Jamal Johnson Graveside services for Malcolm Jamal Johnson, 29, of Tchula, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Marzella Church Cemetery, 1010 Hwy. 12, Tchula with Elder Elijah Walker officiating. Malcolm died Friday, July 23, 2021 at Specialty Hospital in Jackson. Public visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Smith Funeral Home, Belzoni. Survivors include his father, Jimmie Johnson Jr. ‹ PreviousNext ›
Indianola Back Under Mask Mandate
The City of Indianola decided to place its citizens back under a mask mandate, which had been lifted only weeks ago. Indianola Back Under Mask Mandate As of Thursday night, the city of Indianola is once again under a facemask mandate. The five-member panel of the Indianola Board of Aldermen voted 4-1 to reinstate the declaration as part of the city's emergency ordinance, but not change any of the other provisions.
Extension hosts Jr. Chef summer course
premium content for subscribers Extension hosts Jr. Chef summer course The Sunflower County Extension office recently hosted another fun-packed class for the area youth. Jr. Chef was led by the Extension’s Family & Consumer Science/4-H Agent, Ann Twiner. In Jr. Chef, the participants learn a variety of skills, including kitchen safety, using proper measuring utensils and how to measure properly, etiquette, how to set the table, how to read and fol...
Reeves promises teacher pay raises in Neshoba stump speech
Reeves promises teacher pay raises in Neshoba stump speech Gov. Tate Reeves in his Neshoba County Fair speech on Thursday proposed “an immediate $1,300 across-the-board” pay raise for teachers followed by $1,000 raises for the following two years – all of which would require legislative approval.
Cooler Air Finally Here
Cooler Air Finally Here Cooler, drier air will filter in behind the front tonight. Highs will be in the upper 70’s and lower 80’s today thanks to showers and cloud cover. Sunshine returns for Tuesday through the end of the week with highs in the 80’s through Wednesday, climbing back into the lower and middle 90’s by the end of the week and weekend. Enjoy the cooler weather while it lasts!…God bless -Josh Correro ‹ Previous
SEC expansion is not all good
SEC expansion is not all good Fans of Mississippi’s two Southeastern Conference schools should not get too excited about the likely prospect that the conference will add the universities of Texas and Oklahoma by the year 2025. It will probably produce a mixed bag for Ole Miss and Mississippi State. The two Mississippi schools will certainly get richer, as both Texas and Oklahoma will add considerably to the revenues, especially the TV rights, that the conference members divide up.
Mississippi does not have to change law to make voting hard. It already is.
Voters filled every available space inside the community room of The Mark Apartments in Ridgeland. Credit: Vickie D. King/Mississippi Today Mississippi does not have to change law to make voting hard. It already is. Below is a political opinion column from Bobby Harrison: States like Texas, Georgia and Florida that have been in the national news recently for efforts that many say will make it more difficult for their citizens to vote still have a long way to go to catch Mississippi.
Mississippi sees massive increases in tax collections as economy awakens, stimulus funds flow
Mississippi sees massive increases in tax collections as economy awakens, stimulus funds flow State tax collections increased by $924 million, or nearly 16%, year-over-year for the fiscal 2021 year that ended in June, a state report released Tuesday showed, as Mississippi’s economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and percolates from billions in federal government spending. The largest increase for fiscal year 2021 was in corporate income taxes, up $296 million or 54% year over year.
After labeling critics “anti-science Nazis” and “excuse monkeys,” MSDH Dobbs apologizes for lack of decorum
After labeling critics “anti-science Nazis” and “excuse monkeys,” MSDH Dobbs apologizes for lack of decorum State Rep. Hopkins, who called for Dobbs’ resignation, questions apology. Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs raised the ire of many Mississippians last week when he called critics on social media “anti-science Nazis” and “excuse monkeys” in a Department of Health press conference. “You know, the anti-science Nazis on social media try to find anything to make an excuse, right?
Mississippi Covid-19 Update : August 10, 2021
Mississippi Covid-19 Update : August 10, 2021 Listed below is the daily COVID-19 update for the state of Mississippi. New cases of COVID-19: 3,488 Positive test results reported to MSDH as of 6 p.m. yesterday. Tests may have been made during the past week, and represent individuals who became ill a week ago or more. Repeated tests for the same individual are counted only once. New COVID-19 related deaths: 36 Twenty-two deaths occurred between August 2 and August 8.
Juvenile Shot Sunday In Indianola, Airlifted To Jackson Hospital
Juvenile Shot Sunday In Indianola, Airlifted To Jackson Hospital The Indianola Police Department has confirmed that a shooting took place on Sunday night, although details are scarce at this time. IPD Chief Markricus Hibbler Told The Enterprise-Tocsin a juvenile was shot on Curtis Street, although no details surrounding the shooting were released, as police were still working the scene.
Cedric Ward Sr.
Cedric Ward Sr. Services for Cedric Ward Sr. of Indianola will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Indianola. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Gardens. Mr. Ward, 42, died Monday, July 12, 2021. Visitation will be from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, Indianola, which is in charge of arrangements. The Rev. Terry Cobbs Sr. will officiate at the services.
Essie Warren
Essie Warren Services for Essie Warren of Greenville will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Ms. Warren, 67, died Friday, July 16, 2021 at her home. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, Greenville, which is in charge of arrangements. Ms. Warren is survived by: three sons, Yancey Griffin of Nashville, Fernelle Warren of Montgomery, Ala.
Brief Reprieve from the Heat
Brief Reprieve from the Heat Lower humidity along with highs in the upper 80’s and sunshine will be the call for today as a cold front has moved to our south. Overnight lows will be in the 60’s. Wednesday will feature highs in the upper 80’s with lows in the 60’s and sunshine. We begin to climb back towards 90 degrees by Thursday, and lower and middle 90’s return Friday through the weekend. As the Heat and humidity return, isolated afternoon and evening showers and storms return as well.
Mollye Francis Watkins Lester
Mollye Francis Watkins Lester Mollye Francis Watkins Lester, born March 3, 1937, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 27, 2021, surrounded by her family. She was born in Greenwood to Joseph Wesley “Snooks” Watkins and Mary Alice “Baby” Catlette. During her childhood she enjoyed many summers of playing on the Sunflower River outside of Baird with her family and friends.
NSA fast-pitch team young, but getting seasoned
The NSA softball team is ready for 2021. Pictured kneeling are Lexi Bowen, Kendra Womack, Samantha Barham and Penelope Patterson. Second row are Avie Pinion, Jade Beach, Hollie Clem, Meridyth Scallion, Adriana Hollingsworth and Leslee Wooten. In back are Coach George Roberson, Paisley Gresham, Maggie Barrett, Sterlyn Luna, Carson Scallion, Baylee Hewitt, Elizabeth Head and Asst. Coach Makaylen Clem. Not pictured is Kaitlyn Smither.
Michael Tinsley
Michael Tinsley Services for Michael Tinsley of Greenville are pending at Byas Funeral Home, Greenville. Mr. Tinsley, 61, died Thursday, July 15, 2021. ‹ Previous
Amos Junior Moore
Amos Junior Moore Graveside services for Amos Junior Moore of Indianola will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Riverside Memorial Gardens with Brother Timothy Johnson officiating. Mr. Moore, 70, died Thursday, July 15, 2021. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, Indianola, which is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Moore is survived by: his wife, Mary Monroe-Moore; three sons, Amos Moore (Kachina), Marvin Webb and Michael Webb; two daughters, Amy M.
COVID Vaccine Site Announced for Friday at Mt. Beulah
COVID Vaccine Site Announced for Friday at Mt. Beulah As reported by the Associated Press, the state’s top public health official noted that Mississippi is experiencing a 4th wave of COVID-19 and that there has been a significant increase in cases.
Back to masking: CDC recommends even the vaccinated should wear masks in public indoor spaces
Masks are worn as hand sanitizer is distributed at Corner Market on Fortification Street in Jackson, Miss., Wednesday, April 8, 2020. Credit: Eric J. Shelton/Mississippi Today Back to masking: CDC recommends even the vaccinated should wear masks in public indoor spaces The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance on Tuesday, sayingthat people vaccinated against COVID-19 should wear masks in public indoor spaces in areas experiencing surging caseloads.
Earnest Tate
Earnest Tate Graveside services for Earnest Tate of Moorhead will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Riverside Memorial Gardens. Mr. Tate, 66, died Sunday, July 18, 2021. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Byas Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Tate is survived by: one daughter, Betty Tate; five brothers, Robert, Clinton, Riley, Amos and Lawrance Tate; two sisters, Helen Spellman and Lula M.
Yearly Audit of Federal Money in Mississippi Released by State Auditor
Yearly Audit of Federal Money in Mississippi Released by State Auditor Below is a press release from the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor: State Auditor Shad White announced the release of the yearly Single Audit of federal funds flowing through Mississippi state agencies this week. While many of the audit findings repeat previous findings from years of audits past, they also provide additional details about spending at some agencies, like the Mississippi Division of Medicaid.
William Howard McMorrough
William Howard McMorrough William Howard McMorrough passed into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, July 29, 2021, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, with acute respiratory failure. Billy was a member of First Baptist Church, Jackson and the faith he publicly affirmed as a young boy has now been made perfect in the presence of God. Billy was born June 16, 1941, to William Alex and Ida Mae McMorrough of Durant. Billy’s father was a row-crop farmer and his mother was a homemaker.
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