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Friday | April 3, 2020

Columbus Lowe’s reopens after brief COVID-19 closure

Mayor ordered store closed Wednesday night
after employee tested positive for coronavirus
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
Lowe’s Home Improvement
off Military Road in Columbus
reopened at 6 a.m. today after an
employee tested positive earlier
this week for COVID-19, the dis-
ease caused by the novel corona-
virus.
Columbus Mayor Robert
Smith had ordered the store
closed Wednesday after a Lowe’s
manager confirmed an employee
sippi State Department of Health
and the Mississippi Emergency
A sign inside
Lowe’s Home Im-
Management Agency.
Lowe’s said it had hired a third
provement this
morning asks
customers to
at the store had tested positive for party to perform a deep-cleaning
stay six or more
the disease Tuesday. of the store, and at 1 p.m. Thurs- feet apart while
The employee has been day, 15 employees entered the shopping and in
self-quarantining at home, Smith store along with management to checkout lines in
confirmed to The Dispatch clean the store further. accordance with
during a virtual press conference According to the Centers for social distancing
Thursday afternoon. Disease Control and Prevention, guidelines. The
On Thursday morning, Smith, steps for cleaning a facility where store reopened
Chief Operations Officer David someone has been sick include at 6 a.m. Friday
closing off areas used by the sick after an em-
Armstrong and City Attorney Jeff
ployee tested
Turnage met with local and dis- person, cleaning them with soap positive for
trict managers of Lowe’s to make and water and disinfecting them. COVID-19 on
sure the store would comply with “We just want to protect the Tuesday.
protocol laid out by the Missis- See LOWE’S, 3A Theo DeRosa/Dispatch Staff

Mayor cuts city

STUCK AT HOME
employees’
Area’s small towns turn inward hours until
to weather coronavirus crisis further notice
Though Smith has
authority, some council
members think they
should have had input
BY YUE STELLA YU
syu@cdispatch.com

Columbus Mayor
Robert Smith has re-
duced work hours for
most city employees,
an executive decision
that became effective
Wednesday morning
and is expected to last
Smith
at least through next
week, said the city’s Chief Adminis-
trative Officer David Armstrong.
Instead of working between 7
a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through
Thursday, employees at most city
departments will now work from 9
Slim Smith/Dispatch Staff
a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days, Arm-
Caledonia Shop and Save store manager Tristan Davis marks off six-foot “social distancing” sections at the strong said. The police and fire de-
checkout lane at the Caledonia grocery store. The store is one of the few businesses in town that still allow cus- partments, which count as first re-
tomers inside its building. See EMPLOYEES, 3A
BY SLIM SMITH AND TESS VRBIN
ssmith@cdispatch.com, tvrbin@cdispatch.com

T
emperature aside, it would
be easy enough to imagine
it as another languid sum-
mer afternoon in Caledonia. The
LCSO: Victim of fatal
school parking lots are empty, but
there are a dozen or so kids at Ola
officer-involved
J. Pickett Park, riding their bikes
and scooters or frolicking on the
shooting was armed
playground.
There’s not much traffic, but
New press release
there’s nothing unusual about that,
either: Caledonia, with a population
says Hines stole law
of just more than 1,000, has a small enforcement vehicle
business presence, but it’s mostly a
commuter town to the much larger Tess Vrbin/Dispatch Staff
Patrick Hopkins, right, buys lunch from cashier Brianna Giesbrecht at Ole
when shooting occurred
Columbus about 15 minutes away.
Country Bakery in Brooksville on Wednesday. Bakery co-owner Sheila Decker DISPATCH STAFF REPORT
As COVID-19 becomes more and
has had to lay off some employees as business has decreased due to the
more a local story, you have to look COVID-19 pandemic, and the bakery is “taking it one day at a time,” she said.
carefully for the telltale signs here. Authorities re-
A few establishments are shut- leased more details
located next to the community “Basically, we’re doing two levels
tered — the YMCA, for example in an officer-involved
center, tells would-be patients to call of triage,” Fondren said. “We ask
— but apart from that, the town has shooting in North
first and when they do, the clinic’s them to call first. If it’s something
Columbus Wednes-
become Curbside Caledonia. owners, nurse practitioners Amanda we can do over the phone, we do
day, including allega-
Nowhere is that more visible than Fondren and Jordan Hudson, meet what’s called a telemedicine visit. If
tions the victim had
at the town’s only medical clinic. them at their car to screen and there’s no way we can do that over
pointed a weapon at
A sign on the door of the clinic, diagnose them. See SMALL TOWNS, 6A a Lowndes County Hines
deputy and stole an unmarked law
See SHOOTING, 3A

WEATHER FIVE QUESTIONS A NOTE LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

1 Against what crusading U.S. Senator does Edward ON NEWS MEETINGS
R. Murrow wage a war of words in the 2005 film “Good ■ Many April 6: Oktibbe-
Night, and Good Luck”? COVID-19 corona- ha County Board
2 Which prescription antihistamine became an over- virus related sto- of Supervisors
the-counter drug in 2002, allowing a lot more allergy ries are changing
sufferers to live “clear” of sneezing and scratchy eyes? meeting, Chancery
extremely quick-
3 What kind of ice cream is made up of three separate Courthouse, 9
sections of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry? ly, sometimes
Cami Harris as soon as we a.m.
4 In which U.S. state in 2009 did a young child,
Fifth grade, Annunciation publish a print April 7: Starkville
dubbed “Balloon Boy” supposedly float up, up and

76 Low 52
away in an inflatable shaped like a mini UFO? edition of the Board of Aldermen
High 5 On what TV series, based on a Steve Martin film, paper. We want meeting, 5:30
Partly sunny
did Dax Shepard play Crosby Braverman from 2010 to to assure our p.m., City Hall
2015? readers that we
Full forecast on Answers, 6B April 14:
page 3A. are making every Starkville-Oktibbe-
attempt to print
ha Consolidated
accurate, timely
INSIDE news. Online sto-
School District
Board of Trustees
Classifieds 6B Obituaries 5A ries are updated
throughout the meeting, 6 p.m.,
Comics 3B Opinions 4A
Crossword 4B Religion 4B day at cdispatch. Janice Harlan works for the Macon 401 Greensboro
Dear Abby 3B com. Electric and Water Department. St.

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

DRIVE-BY VISITATION FOR JOHN ACKER FAMILY US sheds 701,000 jobs, ending
a record-long hiring streak
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON — A record-long streak of U.S.

job growth ended suddenly in March after nearly
a decade as employers cut 701,000 jobs because of
the viral outbreak that’s all but shut down the U.S.
economy. The unemployment rate jumped to 4.4
percent from a 50-year low of 3.5 percent.
Last month’s actual job loss was likely even
larger because the government surveyed em-
ployers before the heaviest layoffs hit in the past
two week. Nearly 10 million Americans applied
for unemployment benefits in the last two weeks
of March, far exceeding the figure for any corre-
sponding period on record.
Virus-induced shutdowns have forced wide-
spread layoffs throughout the economy, from ho-
tels, restaurants and movie theaters to auto facto-
ries, department stores and administrative offices.
One sign of how painfully deep the job loss-
es will likely prove to be: During its nearly de-
cade-long hiring streak, the U.S. economy added
22.8 million jobs. Economists expect the April jobs
report being released in early May to show that all
those jobs will have been lost.

ABOVE: The Acker

family watches as
more than 100 vehi-
cles filled with friends
and community mem-
bers show their love for
the family. John Acker
passed away Tuesday
at age 48 due to a
sudden medical issue
while driving. Standing
left to right are Eli, dog
Callie, Mary and Anna
Acker. The drive-by
visitation for the local
State Farm agent was
conducted to comply
with local, state and
federal guidelines
for social distancing
during the COVID-19
coronavirus pandemic.
RIGHT: One of the
signs made to show
support for the Acker
family is pictured. —
Photos by Deanna Rob-
inson/Dispatch Staff

Dems delay nominating convention

amid coronavirus concerns
Milwaukee will still host convention,
now scheduled for the week of Aug. 17
BY BILL BARROW “Ultimately, the health
The Associated Press and safety of our conven-
tion attendees and the peo-
Democrats announced ple of Milwaukee is our top
Thursday that they were priority,” Democratic Na-
postponing their presiden- tional Committee Chair-
tial nominating convention man Tom Perez said.
until August, an unprec- Biden began suggest-
edented move that shows ing this week that changes
how the coronavirus is re- were likely. Appearing on
shaping the battle for the Jimmy Fallon’s late-night
White House. NBC program on Wednes-
The party had hoped day, Biden said he doubted
that a mid-July convention “whether the Democrat-
would give them more ic convention is going to
time to rally behind a be able to be held” on its
nominee and unify against original July 13-16 dates. “I
President Donald Trump. think it’s going to have to
But concerns that large move into August,” Biden
crowds will spread the vi- said.
rus prompted Democrats, The announcement on
including prospective nom- Thursday didn’t specify
inee Joe Biden, to press for whether the convention
alternatives. will remain a traditional
“In our current climate four-night affair or wheth-
of uncertainty, we believe er all aspects will be held cdispatch.com
the smartest approach is in-person.
to take additional time to
monitor how this situation
unfolds so we can best po-
sition our party for a safe
and successful conven-
tion,” said Democratic con-
vention CEO Joe Solmo-
nese.
Milwaukee will still
host the convention, which
is now scheduled for the
week of Aug. 17. Republi-
cans are sticking with their
plan to meet in Charlotte,
North Carolina, a week lat-
er to renominate Trump.
The social distancing
required to combat the
coronavirus has already
prompted multiple states
to delay their presidential
primaries from April and
May into June. But the
postponement of the con-
vention is the most signif-
icant change to the presi-
dential section process to
date.
Outside circumstances
have affected conventions
in the past, including hurri-
canes that forced relatively
minor scheduling changes
to Republican gatherings
in 2008 and 2012. Still, the
major political parties have
always pressed forward
with their conventions,
even during times of crisis
as severe as the Civil War.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 3A

Mississippi withholds some health prep info about virus

State health officer: Numbers for ventilators
that are available are ‘such a dynamic
number that we don’t publish it’
BY EMILY WAGSTER PET TUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — Mississippi
residents are unlikely to find
out how many ventilators are
available in the state to respond
to the coronavirus pandemic
because the Health Depart-
ment is withholding that infor-
mation.
The state health officer, Dr.
Thomas Dobbs, said this week
that Mississippi has plenty of
ventilators available, but offi-
cials are concerned about the
demand increasing in coming
weeks as more people test pos-
itive for the highly contagious
virus. He said the numbers for
ventilators that are available or
are in use can change quickly.
“People would freak out if
they were looking and seeing,
oh, it’s gone up 10 percent or
down 10 percent. So, it’s such a
dynamic number that we don’t
publish it,” Dobbs said Wednes-
day.
During another news con-
ference Thursday, Dobbs said
some ventilators are more pow-
erful than others, and he does
not want to release numbers of
machines because that could
be “misleading.”
The state Health Depart-
ment on Thursday updated
Mississippi’s confirmed coro-
navirus caseload to at least
1,177 people and 26 deaths.
Gov. Tate Reeves said more
than 16,600 coronavirus tests
have been done in Mississip-
pi, a state with a population of
about 3 million.
Many people moving around
their communities may not
know they have contracted the
virus until well after they’ve
infected others. Most infected
people experience mild or mod-
erate symptoms, such as fever
and cough that clear up in two
to three weeks, but a fraction
suffering more severe illnesses
can require ventilators to sur-
vive, and as the caseload rapid-
ly grows, hospitals are bracing
for a wave of patients.
Reeves said people at Mis-
sissippi State University are
converting 500 battery-operat-
ed ventilators so the machines
can be plugged into an elec-
trical socket to have a steadi-
er source of power, and those
should be available next week.
The Health Department said
the virus has been found in at
least 22 nursing homes, but it
is not releasing the names of
the homes. Dobbs said people
who work in the homes or have
loved ones there are being no-
tified.
The Associated Press sub-
mitted a public records request
to the Mississippi Emergency
Management Agency on March
25, seeking information about
coronavirus testing kits or test-
ing supplies and all medical
supplies, including personal
protection equipment, ordered
by the state, including names of
vendors and prices paid.

Employees Inmate dies after fight in

Continued from Page 1A
sponders, will follow their
original schedule, he said.
The city’s public works
department and the ga-
rage will operate at a
different set of hours, ac-
cording to a copy of the
revised schedule obtained
by The Dispatch. Both de-
partments will work from
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday
through Thursday next
week, Armstrong said.
Whether the schedule
will stay in place past next
week, he said, is not clear.
“(The situation) is
changing every day,” Arm-
strong said. “To say that
we were going to put this
out for x number of weeks
just (isn’t) really relevant
right now.”
Smith made the de-
cision Tuesday as the
number of confirmed
cases in Mississippi shot
up amid the pandemic
of COVID-19, a disease
caused by the novel coro-
navirus.
The new schedule re-
mains unchanged after
Gov. Tate Reeves signed a
shelter in place order that
goes into effect this eve-
ning, restricting nones-
sential activities and urg-
ing Mississippians to limit
travels and stay indoors.
But the revised sched-
ule came as a surprise to
some council members,
Armstrong Mickens
even though they had
discussed with the mayor
about the possibilities of
cutting back city employ-
ee hours.
Ward 2 Councilman Jo-
seph Mickens said he was
informed of the decision
through an email. How-
ever, he said, the mayor
should have discussed
with council members
about the details of how
the reduced schedule
would work.
“We should have been
informed,” Mickens said.
“We are the council. We
are here to do a job.”
Mickens said he did not
know if the cutback meant
the employees would re-
ceive a smaller paycheck;
nor did he know how
long the revised schedule
would last. Apart from
questions about the de-
tails, he said he also was
not sure if the mayor has
the authority to pare down
city employees’ schedules
without consulting the
council.
“It’s not a one man
Jones Box
show,” Mickens said.
Armstrong said city
employees would still get
paid full time, even with a
lesser schedule.
The mayor’s decision,
he said, was warranted un-
der law.
“He has full authority
to do that as the chief ex-
ecutive officer of the city,”
Armstrong said. “We let
all the council members
know as a courtesy, but
that’s a decision for the
mayor to make. That’s not
a legislative decision by
the council.”
Still, Ward 5 Council-
man Stephen Jones said
he wasn’t aware of how the
decision was made, but
wished the council would
have been informed in ad-
vance.
“If he had that authori-
ty I guess he could make
(the decision),” Jones said.
“But I guess we should
have some input.”
Not all council mem-
bers share Mickens’ and
Jones’ views, however.
“(The mayor is) the
managing authority,”
privately run Mississippi prison
Ward 3 Councilman Char- THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
lie Box said. “Even if we
WOODVILLE — A Mississippi inmate has
had not talked about it,
died after a fight with his cellmate in a privately
he would have had the run prison.
authority to do that, espe-
David Young died Wednesday in a Jackson
cially under the emergen- hospital after being flown there from the Wilkin-
cy guidelines that we are son County Correctional Facility in Woodville,
operating on right now.” according to a news release Thursday from Man-
Smith could not be agement & Training Corporation, which runs the
reached for comment for prison.
this report. The company said the other inmate is being
As of press time, Mis- treated at a hospital near the prison. His name
sissippi has seen more was not released, and the fight is being investi-
than 1,100 confirmed cas- gated.
es of the coronavirus dis- An autopsy will be done on 42-year-old Young,
who was serving a life sentence for a murder con-
ease, with 26 deaths state-
viction and two 20-year sentences for aggravated
wide. Cases have been
assault. He was sentenced in Hinds County in De-
confirmed in Oktibbeha cember 1998.
(20), Lowndes (10), Clay
Mississippi’s prison system is under investi-
(7) and Noxubee (4) coun- gation by the U.S. Justice Department because
ties. One of the 20 cases in several inmates died during outbursts of violence
Oktibbeha County was a late last year and early this year. Young was at
resident at a nursing home least the 31st Mississippi inmate to die since late
in Starkville. December.

Shooting
Continued from Page 1A
enforcement vehicle during the incident.
Area law enforcement officers shot
and killed Austin Hines, 19, of Colum-
bus at about 8 a.m. near the intersection
of Strawberry Street and 22nd Avenue
North after leading officers on a pursuit
from Ridge Road just north of Columbus.
Authorities said Hines was driving a
pickup that had been reported stolen in
the city and refused to yield to a Lown-
des County deputy who attempted to
pull him over on Ridge Road. According
to the press release, deputies chased
Hines into the city limits, where Colum-
bus police became involved in the pur-
suit. Hines continued to the area of Wa-
terworks Road, hitting multiple vehicles,
including a law enforcement vehicle. He
lost control of the truck and crashed on
a stretch of railroad tracks near Water-
works Road and Seventh Avenue and ran
from the vehicle.
The press release said he left a
15-year-old passenger in the car, though
Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton pre-
viously told media there had been two
passengers in the vehicle.
LCSO’s press release said Hines en-
countered a deputy on Plum Street and
pointed a weapon at him, after which
“shots were fired.” Hines then got into
an unmarked patrol truck parked nearby
and “ran among numerous law enforce-
ment officers in the stolen deputies’
truck which resulted in gunfire,” the re-
lease said.
Lowndes County Coroner Greg Mer-
chant pronounced Hines dead at the
scene. Hines’ body has been sent to the
State Crime Lab in Pearl for autopsy. No
other civilians or officers were harmed
in the chase or the shooting.
Though authorities have not said
whether it was Columbus police, coun-
ty deputies or both who shot Hines, the
press release said three Lowndes Coun-
ty deputies have been put on paid admin-
istrative leave for the incident, which is
normal protocol in an officer-involved
shooting. Shelton said Wednesday one
police officer is on paid administrative
leave.
Mississippi Bureau of Investigation
will handle the case.

Lowe’s
Continued from Page 1A
employees of the store and
protect the citizens, and
the only way that we can
do that is to follow up and
make sure that the busi-
nesses are following the
CDC guidelines,” Smith
said in the press confer-
ence.
Smith said Lowe’s had
video camera footage that
could determine who came
the sick employee. After a
store manager confirmed
the positive test had been
brought to a supervisor’s
attention Tuesday, Smith
directed the store to close
until further notice.
“Lowe’s is a great cor-
porate member of our
community,” Smith said
in a statement Thursday
morning. “We look for-
morning urged customers
to remain at least six feet
apart while shopping and
in checkout lines.
“Lowe’s has been total-
ly cooperative and forth-
coming with us during
this time,” Smith said in
a press release today. “I
want to thank them for
their cooperation and will-
ingness to work with the SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates

in contact with the sick ward to the store reopen- City of Columbus during
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Fri. Sat.
Major 8:55p 9:51p
employee but store lead- ing Friday, and I greatly these challenging times.” Minor 3:12p 4:19p
ership had not reviewed appreciate the cooperation The Dispatch could not Major 9:23a 10:19a
5:22a
Minor 4:37a
the footage as of Thursday of the corporate manage- reach the store’s manag- Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

morning’s meeting. ment.” er or district manager by

The mayor said he di-
rected Police Chief Fred
Shelton to send someone
to the store around 7:15
p.m. Wednesday after
receiving an anonymous
call from a close relative
of another Lowe’s employ-
ee, who gave the name of
Smith also said Thurs-
day he has requested a
“social distancing moni-
tor” to break up groups of
10 or more people six or
fewer feet apart inside and
outside the store until the
pandemic is over. Signs
inside the store Friday
press time.
Hardware stores are
among the businesses
Gov. Tate Reeves deemed
essential and therefore not
subject to closure through
the shelter in place order
that will begin at 5 p.m.
today.
The Dispatch
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Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
Opinion
4A FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020
SLIMANTICS
Sticking your head
out in the middle
of a tornado
There has long been an
unwritten rule that colum-
nists don’t use their columns
to take shots at what other
columnists have written.
That’s a position I have
always embraced, but there
are exceptions.
Wyatt Emmerich’s col-
umn, published in Monday’s
edition of The Dispatch is
one of those.
Here’s the thing: I gener- Slim Smith
ally admire Wyatt’s columns,
even though I disagree with them about as often as I
agree. His columns are almost always thoughtful and
information-driven. He does his homework. I respect
that.
Monday’s column fall well short of that standard.
Columnists can — and do— sometime arrive at
the wrong conclusions. It’s just one person’s opinion,
after all.
But on the important issues, being wrong matters
to the point where it begs for correction.
That’s the case with Monday’s column on
COVID-19.
If he were simply wrong, it would pass without
comment. But in this case, Wyatt isn’t simply wrong.
If he were to say 2+2=Fish, that would be more
accurate than his view on this subject. He is not just
particularly wrong: He is dangerously wrong.
In establishing his premise, Wyatt cited the
numbers of people who die in various ways — car
wrecks, falling off ladders, etc. — as if that were in
an way relevant. His logic appears to be that since
murder is worse than robbery, we shouldn’t worry
about robbery. So he trots out all the things that are
more likely to kill you than COVID-19, as if that’s in
any way illuminating.
Putting aside Wyatt’s “100 Ways to Die” fixa-
tion, here’s something that is actually pertinent.
The University of Washington’s Health Metric and
Evaluation used modeling to predict when COVID-19
would peak in each state — in other words, when the
number of cases would first begin to decline.
According to that model, COVID-19 will peak in
Mississippi during the week of April 27-May 4.
That means for a solid month the number of cases
and deaths in Mississippi will rise and, perhaps rise
exponentially, based on what we’ve seen in other
areas of the country.
It is against this backdrop, that Wyatt suggests
that sheltering in place has become an overreac-
tion, that at some point we have to remember that a
prolonged halt in economic activity produces its own
share of misery.
That’s not an invalid point. Where he misses the
mark is that you can’t have a healthy economy with-
out a healthy population.
Yeah, maybe, but it ain’t so bad, he says.
Yet to have arrived so early at this conclusion is
like adding a column of numbers, stopping halfway
through and shouting out the answer. Until we know
what we are dealing with, we had better cool our jets.
Wyatt’s having none of that, though. He opines
that by not resuming normal activity, we are giving
in to fear. He appears to suggest we should all go out
there, if for no other reason than to prove “we ain’t
skeered.”
What sort of juvenile bravado is that?
As far a I am concerned, whatever emotion moti-
vates you to use good, sound judgment is what you
should do. If that means you wind up cowering in the
corner in a fetal position, I’ll send over a blankie and
a binkie and sing you lullabies over the phone to ease
your suffering. Whatever keeps you safer — and by
extension, the rest of us safer — I’m all for it.
One thing’s for sure: I would not want to be stuck
in a tornado shelter with Wyatt. He’d be throwing the
doors open every few seconds to see how the barn’s
holding up. I’ll wait until the storm passes. Then,
we’ll see how the barn made out.
Every reputable source is telling us to hunker
down and let the storm pass before we try to get on
with our business.
As of Wednesday, there were 1,073 COVID-19
cases and 22 deaths in Mississippi. Both numbers
are going to go up probably by a lot. How much they
go up will rely on our ability to follow the precautions
our health officials recommend. What we do individ-
ually impacts us as a whole. That’s why Wyatt’s view
is dangerous.
Listen instead to the health experts and do as
they said. In the meantime, you can be as scared or
frustrated or angry or bored as you choose to be.
But it’s a foolish thing to poke your head out in the
middle of a storm just to prove a point.
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for
The Dispatch. His email address is ssmith@cdispatch.
com.
A MOMENT OF CALM
“Listen to the mustn’ts, child. Listen
to the don’ts. Listen to the shouldn’ts,
the impossibles, the won’ts. Listen to
the never haves, then listen close to
me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be.”
— Shel Silverstein
Dispatch
The
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Voice of the people
The power of prayer
The words “Coronavirus or COVID19” invoke
different emotions. Those whose jobs have been
terminated, or hours cut worry about feeding their
families. That is dependent on whether or not they
can find food to buy. Fear strikes those who have el-
derly loved ones who would probably not survive the
effects of the virus. Anger at China for not disclos-
ing the facts about COVID19 sooner is in the hearts
of many Americans.
This invisible enemy is raging war on our very
way of life. Our economic system is at risk. Busi-
nesses have closed, while some continue online
shopping only. Grocery stores are struggling to
keep shelves stocked because of the rush to stock
up on food for the duration of this war. Restaurants
are either closed or conducting business through
curb side or drive-through only. Athletic events,
proms and graduations are being canceled. Sadly,
our children are completing the school year with
online instruction. What about those who do not
have access to computers and internet?
In my opinion, worry, fear and anger are normal
for what we are enduring. However, what good are
these emotions going to do to help us survive this
war? Our greatest line of defense is prayer!
“God knows what is happening and is just waiting
for us to humble ourselves and call on his name. He
will take away the worry and fear. Anger is a waste of
energy. At this point, is knowing whom to blame for
this spread of this horrible disease important? Surviv-
al should be the goal that we set for ourselves and our
loved ones. Following safety protocols, keeping check
by phone or text on loved ones and neighbors, sending
cards to brighten someone’s day, and sharing your
resources with those less prepared should be our daily
routine. Perhaps God would like for us to “Be Still and
Know That I Am God” for longer than five minutes.
Faith in Him will help you put a positive spin on every
inconvenience incurred by this destructive enemy.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble. —Psalm 46:1
Mitzie Younger
Steens
One world with one humanity
Whenever we watch movies, we see an adver-
tisement, smoking is injurious to health, it causes
cancer and cancer kills.
Yes, for the last few decades, cancer has been a
proven deadly disease. However, cancer can’t kill
instantly. There is a time line, which the doctors in
most cases can predict. Relatives, friends can come
with flowers and get-well cards to see and wish good
luck.
This year, 2020, started with a system glitch.
No body knows how to fix it. Initially it was a virus,
then named COVID-19. The whole world, including
Beijing, was watching the Chinese city of Wuhan for
Social distancing is affecting us all in different ways. We want to hear how
you’re doing. The Dispatch has set up a voicemail so our readers can share
their thoughts and feelings during this unique time. If you want to share,
please call 662-328-2424 and dial extension 101. You can leave a message
24 hours a day. Certain messages will be selected to print in the paper. Even
if we don’t select yours, know that someone is out there listening and you’re
not alone. We’re all in this together.
THE STAFF OF THE DISPATCH
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a month.
Within a couple of months, the killing spree
of the virus brought the whole world under one
umbrella – one world. What a miserable death. In
most cases, no funeral. No relatives around. No pro-
tection except home quarantine. According to Dr.
Fauci, the virus is the only one making time line.
These viruses didn’t care whether someone is
theist, atheist or agnostic. Viruses treat equally to
different religious sects, political parties, wealth
statuses or country of origin, though age is a factor.
Have we learned something? Nature doesn’t
discriminate. So then why will humans discriminate
against another human? Do we need to fight each
other because of race, color, faith or political belief?
Do we need to make weapons to kill?
It has now become one world. One humanity.
Why not live, love laugh.
Jiben Roy
Columbus
In response to the most recent letter by
Raymond Gross
In his letter, Mr. Gross states he would put all his
support behind Trump/Pence all the way to Nov. 3
in which I would gladly vote for them to keep Ameri-
ca great way beyond 2020.
I personally would not vote for a Republican or a
Democrat who is a pathological liar like Trump.
I would not give Trump the opportunity to insult
what intelligence I have for him to think I would
believe the lies that he tells the American people on
a daily basis.
If my wife lied to me like Trump does, I would
kick her out of the house. And she would want me
to! Just recently, I read this article in which the writ-
er said he believed the conservative party is a cult
because of their loyalty to Trump.
In the coronavirus pandemic, Trump’s allies say
they are ready to die for the economy to get Trump
re­elected.
FOX News Brit Hume: It’s entirely reasonable the
elderly would want to die to save the economy.
It’s getting to be really insane for the Republi-
cans.
Personally, Brit, I believe they will have to die
two or three times to save this economy.
James E. Hodge
Steens
A letter to the editor is an excellent way to par-
ticipate in your community. We request the tone of
your letters be constructive and respectful and the
length be limited to 450 words. While commentary on
national issues is always welcome, we limit candidate
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letters emailed to voice@cdispatch.com or mailed to
The Dispatch, Attn: Letters to the Editor, PO Box 511,
Columbus, MS 39703-0511.
Jeffrey Gore
NEWS Katrina Guyton
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MAILROOM
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 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 5A

Coronavirus survivor: ‘In my blood, there may be answers’

‘Convalescent serum’ was most famously
used during the 1918 flu pandemic
BY LAURAN NEERGAARD
AND MARSHALL RITZEL
The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Tiffany Pinck-
ney remembers the fear when
COVID-19 stole her breath. So
when she recovered, the New
York City mother became one
of the country’s first survivors
to donate her blood to help treat
other seriously ill patients.
“It is definitely overwhelming
to know that in my blood, there
may be answers,” Pinckney told
The Associated Press.
Doctors around the world are
dusting off a century-old treat-
ment for infections: Infusions of
blood plasma teeming with im-
mune molecules that helped sur-
vivors beat the new coronavirus.
There’s no proof it will work. But
former patients in Houston and
New York were early donors, and
now hospitals and blood centers
are getting ready for potentially
hundreds of survivors to follow.
“There’s a tremendous call
to action,” said Dr. David Reich,
president of New York’s Mount
Sinai Hospital, which declared
Pinckney recovered and raced
to collect her blood. “People feel
very helpless in the face of this
disease. And this is one thing
that people can do to help their
fellow human beings.”
As treatments get underway,
“we just hope it works,” he said.
What the history books call
“convalescent serum” was most
famously used during the 1918
flu pandemic, and also against
measles, bacterial pneumonia
and numerous other infections
before modern medicine came
along. Why? When infection
strikes, the body starts making
proteins called antibodies spe-
cially designed to target that
germ. Those antibodies float in
survivors’ blood — specifical-
ly plasma, the yellowish liquid
part of blood — for months, even
years.
When new diseases erupt
and scientists are scrambling for
vaccines or drugs, it’s “a stopgap
measure that we can put into
place quickly,” said Dr. Jeffrey
Henderson of Washington Uni-
versity School of Medicine in St.
Louis, who is helping to develop
a nationwide study.
This “is not a cure per se, but
rather it is a way to reduce the
severity of illness,” Henderson
said.
Doctors don’t know how long
survivors’ antibodies against
COVID-19 will persist.
But for now, “they’re the saf-
est ones on the street,” said Dr.
Rebecca Haley of Bloodworks
Northwest in Seattle, which is
working to identify donors. “We
would not be making a dent in
their antibody supply for them-
selves.”
Last week, the Food and
Drug Administration told hos-
pitals how to seek case-by-
case emergency permission to
use convalescent plasma, and
Houston Methodist Hospital
and Mount Sinai jumped at the
chance.

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328-2471.
Arther Ingram
STARKVILLE —
Arther “Bully” Ingram,
69, died March 26,
2020.
Visitation is from
noon-2 p.m. today, at
West Memorial Funeral
Home. West Memo-
rial Funeral Home of
Starkville is in charge
of arrangements.
He is survived by
his wife, Geraldine
Ingram; children, Greg-
ory Ingram and Karen
Rowe; siblings, Hannah
Dell Ingram, Joyce
Phelps, Shirley Stall-
worth, Alfred Ingram
and John Ingram.
AREA OBITUARIES
both of Macon, Sam Visitation is from 1-5
Brewer of Brooksville, p.m. today at Lee-Sykes
Annie James Brewer of Funeral Home. Lee-
Crawford and Charlie Sykes Funeral Home of
Brewer of Colum- Columbus is in charge
bus; sister, Lucinda of arrangements.
Dowd of Brooksville; Mr. Cox was born
67 grandchildren; July 30, 1972, in Colum-
70 great-grandchil- bus, to Charlie Cox Jr.
dren; and 10 and Doris Taylor Cox.
great-great-grandchil- He was a 1990 gradu-
dren. ate of Caldwell High
School. He was former-
Roger Lindsey ly employed as a glass
MILLPORT, Ala. — seamer for Coral Glass
Roger Alan Lindsey, and was a member of
57, died True Missions Minis-
March tries.
30, 2020, He was preceded in
at DCH death by his siblings,
Regional Lisa Jones and Devon
Medical Washington.
Center. In addition to his
Private parents, he is survived
Lindsey
services by his wife, Shak-
will be ina Wheeler-Cox;
held. Dowdle Funeral step-mother, Belinda
Home of Millport is Cox; siblings, Loretta
Cox, Christopher D.
in charge of arrange-
ments. Cox, Kevin Brown,
Bradley Keel and Jason
Mr. Lindsey was
born Jan. 13, 1963, in Keel; and step-siblings,
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, B.J. Howard and Bray-
onna Howard.
to Mary Verzino and
the late C.B. Lindsey.
In addition to his Quanisha Davis
mother, he is survived COLUMBUS —
by his children, Carson Quanisha Monay Davis,
Lindsey, Grayson Lind- 25, died
sey and Anna Grace March 29,
Lindsey, and sister, Jac- 2020, at
quelene Lindsey Lee. her resi-
dence.
Mattie Porter A
COLUMBUS — Mat- private
graveside
tie Lee Porer, 73, died
service Davis
March 26, 2020, at her
will be
residence.
at 2 p.m. Saturday, at
A private family only
Sandfield Cemetery,
graveside service will
with Robert Hamilton
be at 11 a.m. Saturday,
officiating. A private
at Memorial Gardens
Cemetery, with John visitation is from 2-5
Sanders officiating. p.m. today, at Carter’s
Family only visitation Funeral Services.
is from 2-5 p.m. today, Carter’s Funeral
at Carter’s Funeral Ser- Services of Columbus
Paulette Weston can, John David Duncan
IV, Rodney Duncan, Ve-
COLUMBUS — Pau-
lette Weston, 65, passed ronica Duncan-Bunkley,
away. Tonetta Duncan-Theus,
Services Lilly-Ann Duncan and
will be at LaVenia Duncan.
1 p.m. Sat-
urday, at Leon Hines
Lee-Sykes ARTESIA — Leon
Funeral Hines, 63, died April 2,
Home 2020, at Baptist Memo-
Chapel.
Weston rial Hospital-Golden
Burial will Triangle.
follow in Friendship Arrangements are
Cemetery. Visitation is incomplete and will be
from noon-5 p.m. today announced by Carter’s Margie Maynard
Funeral Services of Incomplete
at the funeral home. 2nd Ave. North Location
Columbus.
Lee-Sykes Funeral
Home of Columbus is
William Lockhard
in charge of arrange-
COLUMBUS — Wil-
ments.
liam “Bill” Lockhard,
Mr. Weston was
78, died April 3, 2020, at
born May 3, 1954, in
Baptist Memorial Hospi-
Columbus, to the Clara
tal-Golden Triangle.
L. Weston and Henry
Arrangements are memorialgunterpeel.com
Weston.
incomplete and will be
In addition to his
announced by Lown-
parents, he is survived
by his children, Sonja des Funeral Home of
Columbus.
Weston, Zemmiko
Weston and Jamarcus
Weston; siblings, Ella Harry Strickland
Davis, Barbara Weston COLUMBUS — Har-
El-Amin, Linda Weston, ry Strickland, 69, died
Gwendolyn Weston April 2, 2020, at UAB
Craig and Joanne Medical Center of Tus- cdispatch.com
White. caloosa, Alabama.
Arrangements are
Margie Maynard incomplete and will be
COLUMBUS — Mar- announced by Lown-
des Funeral Home of
gie Ann Maynard, 91,
Columbus.
died April 2, 2020, at
Brookdale Senior Living
in Tallahassee, Florida.
Arrangements are
incomplete and will be
announced by Memori-
al Gunter Peel Funeral
Home and Crematory
Second Avenue North
Location.
Valerie Williams
STURGIS — Valerie
Beatrice Williams, 57,
died March 26, 2020.

Annie Brewer
NOXUBEE — Annie
D. Brewer, 85, died
March 27, 2020, at her
residence.
A family only ser-
vice will be at 11 a.m.
Saturday, at Pilgrim
Rest M.B.C., with Sam-
mie Lyons officiating.
Burial will follow in the
church cemetery. A
family only visitation is
from 2-5 p.m. today, at
Carter’s Funeral Ser-
vice. Carter’s Funeral
Service of Macon is
in charge of arrange-
ments.
Mrs. Brewer was
born July 3, 1934, in
Noxubee County, to
the late Albert and
Clara Dowd. She was
a member of Pilgrim
Rest M.B.C
In addition to her
parents, she was
preceded in death by
her husband, Charlie
Brewer Sr.; and chil-
dren, Tom Brewer, Cla-
bon Brewer and Mary
Brewer.
She is survived by
her children, James
Brewer of West Point,
Annie Ruth Brewer
Kennedy Brewer,
James C. Brewer,
Martha Brewer, Ruby
Brewer, Josephine
Green, Pem Brewer all
of Brooksville, Carzell
Brewer, Willie Brewer
John Acker
vices Chapel. Carter’s is in charge of arrange- Visitation will be
Funeral Services of ments. from noon-2 p.m. Satur-
Columbus is in charge Ms. Davis was born day, at West Memorial
of arrangements. Sept. 3, 1994, in Colum- Funeral Home. West John Dwain Acker, 48 of
Mrs. Porter was bus, to Anthony Scott Memorial Funeral Columbus, MS passed away
born Sept. 16, 1946, in Webber and Cassandra Home of Starkville is Tuesday, March 31, 2020.
Columbus, to the late Lynn Davis. in charge of arrange- A private family graveside
James Porter and Lucy In addition to her ments. service will be Friday, April
Lang Porter. She was parents, she is survived She is survived by 3, 2020, at 1:30 PM at Oxford
formerly employed as a by her siblings, Janya her father, John David Memorial Gardens, Oxford,
custodian with Colum- Webber, Jaylen Young Duncan; husband, MS, with Pastor Jason Delgado
bus City Schools. and Tyrin Johnson all Felton Williams; and officiating and Lowndes
In addition to her of Columbus. siblings, Stephanie Dun- Funeral Home directing.
parents, she was Friends may view service at
preceded in death by www.lowndesfuneralhome.net the following day.
her siblings, Thomas Mr. Acker was born February 18, 1972, to
Porter, James Porter Jr. Dwain and Jo Murray Acker in Columbus, MS.
and Ada Mae Jenkins. He was a 1990 graduate of Oxford High School
She is survived by where he was a 3 sport letterman and a 1995
her children, Donnie graduate of Mississippi College where he lettered
Ray Porter of Water in football. Mr. Acker served as chairman of the
Valley, Debbie Porter, Redevelopment authority of Columbus. He was a
Clarence Porter, Kim- State Farm Insurance Agent for 25 years, he was
berly Porter, Tondela a member of the President’s Club and Chairman’s
Morgan and Chesika Council. Mr. Acker was an avid supporter
Porter all of Columbus; of Heritage Academy. He coached softball,
16 grandchildren; and basketball, baseball, football, soccer and golf
eight great-grandchil- with Columbus Lowndes Recreation Authority.
dren. He enjoyed running marathons, triathlons,
hunting and fishing. Mr. Acker loved his faithful
dog, Callie. He was a member of Vibrant Church,
DeAngelo Cox Columbus, MS.
COLUMBUS — Mr. Acker is survived by his daughters, Anna
DeAngelo Marquette Acker and Mary Acker; son, Eli Acker; mother,
Cox, died Jo Murray Acker; father, Dwain Acker; sister,
March 23, Suzanne Ryals; nephew, Beau Ryals and nieces,
2020. Emory Ryals and Morgan (Bob) Poole.
Services Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Summers,
will be at Jamie Ballard and Kevin Flurry.
11 a.m. Sat- Memorials may be made to Habitat for
urday, at Humanity, 1110 Gardner Blvd, Columbus, MS
Lee-Sykes 39703.
Cox
Funeral
Home Compliments of
Chapel. Burial will fol- Lowndes Funeral Home
low in Cox Cemetery. www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
6A FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020
Small towns
Continued from Page 1A
the phone, we’ll have a car
visit. We bring in as few
patients to the clinic as
possible.”
At Caledonia Phar-
macy on Main Street,
customers are limited to
the pharmacy’s drive-
through, something that’s
been in place for years.
“It’s been pretty
normal,” said pharma-
cist Justin Clark. “I do
think maybe people are
trying to stay closer to
home. We’ve had some
people transfer their
prescriptions to us that
they used to have filled
in Columbus. People are
asking questions about
(the virus), but the feeling
I get is that everybody’s
chipping in and doing
what they’ve been asked
to do.
“I had one lady who
has COPD, and she was
bragging on the grocery
store about how she called
them and they got her
groceries together and
brought them out to the
car,” he added.
That grocery store,
Caledonia Shop and Save,
is an exception in town for
two reasons. First, along
with the town’s Dollar
General and convenience
stores, it’s one of the few
places where customers
can enter the building.
Second, business has
really picked up.
“It’s been good,
steady even since this
all started,” said owner
Alex Christian. “It’s not
as crazy as it was at the
start, where people were
just loading up on things,
especially toilet paper
and hand sanitizer. But
I do think we’re seeing
customers now that may-
be shopped in Columbus
before.”
The store, the first
local grocer to establish a
“seniors only” period al-
lowing older residents and
those with compromised
respiratory systems to
shop an hour before regu-
lar opening time, is taking
all the precautions it can.
On Tuesday afternoon,
store manager Tristan
Davis was busy taping
off six-foot sections at the
check-out lanes with blue
tape, one of the social
distance recommenda-
tions from the Centers
of Disease Control and
Prevention.
“The thing I’ve noticed
is that people are start-
ing to shop for different
things now,” Davis said.
“It’s a lot of canned goods,
packaged rice, pasta,
things that have a shelf
life. I think people are re-
alizing they may be stuck
at home at some point.”
Staying connected
Being stuck at home
could have implications
for New Salem Baptist
Church, which for the
past two weeks has been
holding drive-in Sunday
services.
On Wednesday, Gov.
Tate Reeves issued a state-
wide “shelter in place”
order. New Salem pastor
Mel Howton said he’s not
certain if that order will
bring an end to his drive-
in church services.
“We’re going to need
some clarification on
whether or not the gover-
nor’s order applies to what
we are doing,” Howton
said. “If we can’t continue,
we’ll find another way.”
Howton’s two Sunday
Amy Fondren, nurse practitioner and co-owner of Caledo-
nia Community Clinic, assesses a patient in the clinic’s
parking lot. The clinic asks patients to call first, followed
by an assessment in the parking lot. “We’re allowing as
few people into the clinic as possible,” Fondren said.
The marquee at New Salem Baptist Church near Cale-
donia announces its Sunday drive-in services. Pastor
Mel Howton has been delivering Sunday services
from atop a flat-bed truck for the past two Sundays,
attracting about 150 cars over the two weeks. Howton
said he’s unsure if Gov. Tate Reeves’ shelter in place
order Wednesday will mean the end of the services.
“We hope to continue, but if we can’t we’ll find another
way,” Howton said.
services usually attract
about 300 people, and
while he has no real head
count, he said he’s been
pleased with the response
to the drive-in services.
“We just count the
cars,” said Howton, who
along with the church’s
worship leader and a cou-
ple of musicians, perform
an abbreviated 40-minute
service from atop a flat-
bed truck. “We don’t know
how many people are in
the cars. The first week,
we had 60 cars. Last
week, it was about 90.”
He’s not surprised
by the response, he was
quick to note.
“People want to stay
connected,” he said.
“They are used to wor-
shiping together and
they look to the church
for guidance, especially
in difficult times. It’s
comforting, It’s encourag-
ing to realize that you’re
not the only one facing
it. Really, that’s what the
church is all about. I hope
we can continue it, but if
we can’t, we’ll find anoth-
er way.”
That willingness to
comply with the new rules
of staying home and social
distancing when having
to go out is something
Caledonia Mayor Mitch
Wiggins has noticed.
“Everybody seems to
be doing what they are
supposed to do,” Wiggins
said. “We are under the
rules the county put in
place and everybody
seemed to follow those
rules. That’s why the
board (of aldermen) chose
not to put our own rules
in place. What we have
under the county seems to
be working.”
Wiggins said it’s too
early to know what effect
those rules have on the
town’s finances.
“We won’t really have
that information until
next month,” he said. “But
from what I’ve seen a lot
of the sales tax revenue
we will lose from some
of the businesses being
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
Slim Smith/Dispatch Staff
Slim Smith/Dispatch Staff
closed will be made up by
Dollar General, Shop and
Save and the convenience
stores. They’re all doing
more business. We’ll see
in a few weeks what our
sales tax looks like, but
I’m pretty optimistic.”
Other small
communities ‘taking it
one day at a time’
Other small towns
across the area are show-
ing varying effects from
the pandemic.
The typically social
atmosphere at Ole Coun-
try Bakery in Brooksville
has faded over the last
couple weeks, and not
just because it has seen
fewer customers, whether
they are locals or passing
through, co-owner Sheila
Decker said.
“They come in and get
what they need and quick-
ly leave, and (there’s) not
a lot of interacting and ca-
maraderie that we usually
see here,” she said.
The locally-owned
bakery and coffee shop
just off Mississippi High-
way 45 has become more
of a grab-and-go eating
establishment, even
for its regular and local
customer base, Decker
said. Noxubee County has
three confirmed cases
of COVID-19 as of press
time today.
“We’re just taking it
one day at a time,” she
said. “I check the bottom
line every day and then
decide what we’re going to
do for tomorrow.”
The usually busy
Breazy’s, a quick-stop
restaurant in the center
of Maben in Oktibbeha
County, has also seen
a lot less activity in the
past couple weeks, owner
Jennifer Breazeale said.
All five employees have
worked fewer hours, she
said.
“There are people
moving (in the) early
morning and midday, the
working people that are
still out and about, but
pretty much around 2
or 2:30 p.m., we’ve been
shutting down,” she said.
“There’s no movement, no
vehicles going down the
road. It’s like you cut the
light switch out.”
Meanwhile, just across
the street, Springer’s
Dry Goods has seen little
change. The store might
have actually had more
business because the
locals are not driving into
Starkville to shop, owner
Corey Springer said.
Springer said he is
unsure of how the two-
week statewide “shelter
in place” order starting
at 5 p.m. today will affect
his business, since retail
clothing stores are consid-
ered nonessential,
“I’m not a boutique
(owner). I sell work
clothes, so whatever is es-
sential, I may or may not
have to be open. I don’t
know,” he said.
Senter’s Hardware
and Gifts in Macon, the
Noxubee County seat, has
also seen no shortage in
overall business, owner
Alan Senter said. Furni-
ture and home decor have
not sold well in the past
couple weeks, but electri-
cal, plumbing and other
home improvement sales
have been strong, he said.
“I think (people are)
catching up on home
projects because they
need something to do and
they’re taking advantage
of their time,” Senter said.
Health care establish-
ments like the City Drug
Store in downtown Macon
will stay open, and phar-
macy employees wearing
medical masks brought
customers’ medications to
the front door on Wednes-
day. Customers had to
stay outside in order
to keep a safe distance
between themselves and
the pharmacy employees,
manager Bill Bell said.
Maben’s population
is less than 1,000, and
Springer said the people’s
primary concern about
COVID-19 is the effect
on the local economy.
Breazeale said the people
passing through Breazy’s
seem optimistic that the
pandemic will be over
soon or are generally not
afraid of catching the
virus.
“Most people that I’ve
come in contact with are
pretty much like, ‘If we
get it, we get it and we
can’t run from it,’” she
said.
Members of a commu-
nity as small as Maben
reach out to each other
during times of uncertain-
ty and need, said Booter
Fulgham, a member of
Maben’s First Baptist
Church.
“One of my friends
called (Tuesday) and said,
‘Hey, I haven’t talked to
you in several weeks. Are
you good? Have you got
plenty to eat?’” Fulgham
said. “That’s what we
do. We look out for one
another.”
Sports
WINNERS AND LOSERS OF A SHORTENED MLB DRAFT
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — Fol-
lowing reported changes
to the 2020 MLB First-
Year Player Draft, Com-
missioner Rob Manfred’s
decisions figure to have a
major impact on Missis-
sippi State this summer.
As the MLB tinkered
with potential formats
over the past few weeks,
ESPN’s Jeff Passan and
Kiley McDaniel report-
ed that the draft will be
shortened to as few as
five rounds and could be
bumped back as far as
July 20.
And while the final de-
tails continue to be ironed
out, it’s worth looking at
how the decision affects
the Bulldogs.
Winners
The junior class
While MSU hoped its
third-year players would
lead them to a return trip
to Omaha in 2020, it ap-
pears they may have to
wait a season.
First baseman Josh
Hatcher, middle infield-
ers Jordan Westburg and
Justin Foscue and out-
fielders Rowdey Jordan
and Tanner Allen could
all theoretically return to
Starkville next season.
The most likely candi-
dates to leave are West-
burg and Foscue — the
No. 43 and No. 58 players
in MLB.com’s top 100
draft prospect rankings
— as both should be se-
lected in the first two or
three rounds.
That said, if either
slides or doesn’t get the
slot value they’d hope for,
they still maintain two
years of eligibility and an-
other year of bargaining
power should they return
EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE
EMCC basketball coaches navigating a ‘holding Leach apologizes
pattern’ in recruiting due to COVID-19 outbreak for controversial
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
East Mississippi Com-
munity College men’s
basketball coach Billy
Begley should be busier
right now.
Typically, April — af-
ter spring break and
after the end of the bas-
ketball season — is one
of the most jam-packed
periods on the recruiting
calendar. NCAA coach-
es should be traipsing
through Keyes T. Currie
Coliseum. Begley’s Lions
players should be field-
ing offers and preparing
to make their selections.
High school seniors
should be picking EMCC
as their college choice.
But in the midst of
a recruiting dead peri-
od brought on by the
COVID-19 coronavirus
pandemic, not much is
happening this year. In-
stead, Begley is in his
office, where he’s already
rewatched every single
game his team played
this season as he finds
himself with a lot more
time on his hands.
“Everything’s just
kind of in a holding pat-
tern right now,” Begley
said.
EMCC women’s bas-
ketball coach and athletic
director Sharon Thomp-
son pointed out that un-
like at a four-year college,
NJCAA schools must nav-
JT Ginn, who made just one start this season, could benefit from a shortened draft. An NCAA ruling Monday
means he will retain his eligibility as a sophomore, which means he stands to gain more leverage come the draft.
to MSU.
Sophomore pitcher
JT Ginn
It’s about time fans
received some positive
news on the front of soph-
omore ace JT Ginn. A for-
mer first-round pick by
the Los Angeles Dodgers
out of high school, Ginn
was slated to go as high
as the top 10 picks before
an arm injury ended his
season after a single start
against Wright State.
The potential for Ginn
to return is slightly high-
er now given he will main-
tain his eligibility as a
sophomore, giving him
three years worth of bar-
EMCC women’s basketball coach Sharon Thompson
said the current recruiting restrictions due to the
COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic have “hurt bad.”
igate setting up their own
players with bigger pro-
grams as well as convinc-
ing high school recruits
to join the program.
That’s not always easy,
but Begley has tried to
expedite that process by
making highlight reels
for the Lions’ sopho-
mores on both the men’s
and women’s teams. He
got the hang of editing
Synergy Sports Technol-
ogy film after watching
a short tutorial made
by another coach, and
on Wednesday he sent
Thompson the videos he
made on his Mac for each
of her six sophomores.
“She has some girls
that can really play —
girls that know how to
play and girls that can
just flat out put the ball
MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL
gaining power.
Ginn left a slot value
of $2,275,800 on the table
out of high school, and
given his issues with arm
soreness, it’d be hard to
fault the Brandon native
for taking the money this
go-around. But should
he return, he’d likely be
among the top five pitch-
ers in college baseball
next year, if he’s healthy
— and that’s a big ‘if.’
MSU’s weekend
rotation
While Ginn was side-
lined after opening week-
end, the rest of MSU’s
starting rotation shined
in his absence.
Courtesy of EMCC Athletics
in the hole,” Begley, who
had never before watched
film of women’s basket-
ball, said of Thompson’s
MACJC title-winning
team.
Sophomore guard Tye
Metcalf, who helped the
Lions to a 24-3 record on
the season, has received
the most recruiting in-
terest, including offers
from mid- and low-major
NCAA Division I schools.
Thompson expressed
hope all six of her soph-
omores would be able to
play at the four-year level,
whether it’s in Division I,
Division II, Division III or
the NAIA.
On the men’s side,
guard Donte Powers and
guard/forward KJ Riley
have earned looks, with
Powers receiving Divi-
Redshirt freshman
Christian MacLeod —
who missed all of the 2019
season due to an undis-
closed illness — boasted
a dazzling 0.86 ERA in 21
innings pitched over four
starts. Long billed as a
first-round talent by head
coach Chris Lemonis
and the rest of the MSU
coaching staff, MacLeod
looked the part, albeit in a
shortened season.
Eric Cerantola was
similarly impressive as
he bounced back from an
up-and-down freshman
campaign. A 6-foot-5-inch
righty, the hard-throwing
Canadian struggled with
control a season ago. And
sion I interest and Riley
being recruited by Divi-
sion II schools.
“I know they’re kinda
getting antsy, and I’m get-
ting antsy for them a little
bit,” Begley said.
While EMCC focus-
es on getting its current
players to the next level,
the Lions of course have
not lost sight of bringing
in talent for the seasons
to come. A current mor-
atorium on in-person re-
cruiting visits and other
restrictions have “hurt
bad,” Thompson said, but
she knows the rules are
affecting all programs
equally.
“The good thing is — I
always try to look for the
positive in a negative situ-
ation — everybody’s abid-
ing by the same rules,”
Thompson said. “It’s not
like one coach or team or
school has an advantage
over another one.”
During typical visits,
recruits see the Lions’
Scooba campus, tour
facilities and meet with
current players — whom
Thompson has told not
to “sugarcoat” things so
she can keep a clear con-
science.
That goes back to her
father Jack’s insistenc-
es for her when she was
highly recruited out of
high school and visited
colleges. (Thompson
eventually signed with
See EMCC, 2B
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020
Jim Lytle/Dispatch file photo
while he wasn’t perfect
this year, he found ways
to get out of jams that oth-
erwise cost him in 2019.
With MacLeod and
Cerantola keeping their
class standing next sea-
son, the MSU rotation
stands to be as talented
as ever over the next two
seasons should both stay
in school that long.
Losers
The old guys
When David Dunlavey
(Furman) and Carlisle
Koestler (Southeastern
Louisiana) arrived in
Starkville as graduate
transfers, they hoped to
MISSISSIPPI STATE FOOTBALL
tweet with noose
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARKVILLE — Mis-
sissippi State coach Mike
Leach’s Twitter activity
found him in hot water
again this week.
After Leach’s account
posted an image poking
fun at a wife sewing a
noose for her husband
Wednesday night, the
first-year head coach
was maligned for the
supposed
meme.
He lat-
er deleted
the image
and issued
an apology
Thursday. Leach
“I sin-
cerely re-
gret if my choice of im-
ages in my tweets were
found offensive,” Leach
wrote Thursday after-
noon. “I had no intention
of offending anyone.”
MSU sophomore de-
fensive lineman Fabien
Lovett responded to the
image with “Wtf.”
Senior defensive line-
man and Starkville na-
tive Kobe Jones added,
“Facts. He tripping.”
Leach previously
found himself in trouble
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
B
SECTION
parlay their seasons into
opportunities at the next
level.
Instead, the outbreak
of COVID-19 ended their
years and leaves the el-
dest players on MSU’s
rosters with major deci-
sions to make.
It’s unlikely either
Dunlavey or Koestler is
selected in the first five
rounds of the MLB draft
should it be shortened to
that length. And while
signing as an undrafted
free agent has its bene-
fits — though there ar-
en’t many — it’s unclear
whether either would
want to return for what
would be their sixth and
seventh years in college
baseball, respectively.
MSU’s incoming
recruits
Before the extra year
of eligibility was officially
extended to spring sport
athletes by the NCAA on
Monday, The Dispatch
spoke with a number of
MSU baseball recruits
about the potential for
overcrowded rosters.
And while there was
some trepidation, most
weren’t concerned —
citing that they’re com-
petitive players and that
you’re always going to
have to outwork others.
Despite their inclina-
tions, the new legislation
does mean, at minimum,
that there will be little
playing time available for
freshmen and junior col-
lege imports in 2021 and
beyond.
It also remains to be
seen how MSU will han-
dle its scholarship allot-
ment. Though there is
flexibility under the new
rules, it’s still a tricky
puzzle for Lemonis and
his staff to solve.
on Twitter in February
when he posted a string
of tweets denigrating
Utah senator Mitt Rom-
ney after Romney was the
lone Republican to vote
against President Donald
Trump in his impeach-
ment trial.
MSU will play Tennes-
see State in 2021
Mississippi State has
found its pre-2021 Egg
Bowl opponent.
Tennessee State — an
FCS school in Nashville,
Tennessee — has agreed
to a Nov. 20, 2021, meet-
ing in Starkville, accord-
ing to a news release.
TSU becomes the final
chip to fall in MSU’s non-
conference schedule for
the 2021 season, as the
Bulldogs previously add-
ed home games against
Louisiana Tech and North
Carolina State in addition
to a road contest versus
Memphis.
MSU previously sched-
uled a home game against
Eastern Illinois for Oct.
2, but that has been can-
celed and will now be an
open date.
The rest of the sched-
ule will comprise eight
Southeastern Conference
games.
2B FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Survey: Athletic directors bracing for financial crisis

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Athletic directors at
the nation’s biggest sports
schools are bracing for a
potential financial crisis
related to the coronavirus
pandemic.
According to a survey
released Thursday by
LEAD1, an association
of athletic directors from
130 major college foot-
ball schools, 63% forecast
a worst-case scenario
in which their revenues
decrease by at least 20%
during the 2020-21 school
year. Even an abbreviat-
ed football season could
cause schools to lose that
much.
LEAD1 and Team-
works, a company that
created an app designed
to help keep teams and
athletic departments con-
nected, conducted the
survey of more than 100
ADs from schools in Di-
vision I’s Football Bowl
Subdivision. “The State
of Athletics in the Face
of the Coronavirus” pro-
vides a sobering glimpse
of the top concerns for the
wealthiest athletic depart-
ments in the country.
The NCAA canceled
winter and spring sports
on March 12, separating
thousands of college ath-
letes from teammates and
coaches and leaving them
unable to practice and
compete.
Athletic directors sur-
veyed said their greatest
concerns about their ath-
letes over the next three
Contacting the Sports Department
If you need to report game scores or statistics, you can call us at 662-327-2424 ext. 126. If you need to reach
sports editor Garrick Hodge, email him at ghodge@cdispatch.com. If you need to reach sports writer Ben
Portnoy, email him at bportnoy@cdispatch.com or sports writer Theo DeRosa, email him at tderosa@cdispatch.
com.
months were academic
progress, mental health
and a lack of resources for
them while off campus.
And then there are the
financial concerns.
Canceling the men’s
Division I basketball tour-
nament cost the NCAA
$375 million it was sched-
uled to distribute to its
member schools.
Asked for their worst-
case scenario analysis,
65% of the athletic di-
rectors said revenue for
the 2019-20 fiscal year
would drop from 0-20%,
including 35% expecting
a decrease ranging from
0-10%.
Some schools are al-
ready taking steps to deal
with this year’s shortfalls.
Trying to make up $5
million in lost revenue
from basketball tourna-
ment cancellations, Iowa
State has announced a
one-year, temporary pay
reduction for coaches
and certain staff to save
more than $3 million. The
school will also suspend
bonuses for coaches for a
year to save an additional
$1 million.
“I’ve talked to many of
my peers and they want to
do what we just did,” Iowa
State athletic director Ja-
mie Pollard said Friday.
In the LEAD1 survey,
40% of the 95 ADs who
responded said they ap-
prove and strongly ap-
prove when asked if they
believe high earners
should voluntarily offer to
make a personal financial
Game Coverage / Results
sacrifice during the crisis;
about 15% disapproved or
strongly disapproved.
Football season is six
months away and for most
FBS schools it is by far
the biggest revenue driv-
er. Any disruption to the
football season could be
devastating to college
sports because that reve-
nue funds just about every
other athletic program.
“We often hear from
ADs and MMR (multi-me-
dia rights) sellers that
around 85% of revenue
comes from football,” said
Matt Balvanz, senior vice
president for analytics for
Navigate, a sports mar-
keting consulting firm.
He said the average
Power Five school makes
around $120 million in
revenue per year, “which
means roughly $100 mil-
lion per year from foot-
ball.”
“The thought that no
football or losing an en-
tire season is, that’s a
complete game changer.
There are so many lay-
ers.” Pollard said.
For the average Power
Five team, a home game is
worth $14 million, includ-
ing its value from a televi-
sion rights deals, which is
over 10% of average total
revenue, Balvanz said.
Playing games without
fan in the stands? Balvanz
said the average Power
Five school gets some $30
million in ticket sales. If
85% of that is from foot-
ball, that’s a loss of $25
million.
Athletic directors sur-
veyed by LEAD1 were
asked what revenue
streams were they most
concerned about. Do-
nations and ticket sales
received the most votes.
Balvanz said a typical
Power Five school brings
in around $20 million to
$30 million per year in do-
nations, which could also
take a hit in a struggling
economy.
Schools in Group of
Five conferences, which
don’t rake in hundreds of
millions yearly from their
television deals, would be
more vulnerable.
Fifty percent of G5
athletic directors in the
LEAD1 survey said lost
revenue from student fees
was among their biggest
concerns. Student fees
and campus subsidies
make up on average 30%
to 50% of revenue from
Group of Five schools,
Balvanz said.
Kansas athletic direc-
tor Jeff Long told report- Are You Ready
ers last month his staff
was already starting to to Discuss Your
project how to operate
with less. Long Term
“What would a 10%,
what would a 20% cut in
our operations look like?”
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Mention this ad when you call to get a free 30 minute
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*Background information available upon request.
© The Dispatch

High school football coaches who don’t speak to a reporter from The Dispatch are asked to email information Providing Our Clients Expertise With
to the sports department from their games. The Dispatch will include its prep football coverage in Sunday’s Over 50+ Years Of Combined Experience
edition, so we will contact coaches Friday night or Saturday to get details. Coaches, please let us know what is
the best time for us to contact you.

EMCC
Continued from Page 1B
Mississippi State.)
“‘Hey, don’t roll the red
carpet out for us,’” Jack
Thompson told coaches.
“‘I want you to tell my baby
how it’s gonna be.’”
Thompson and Begley
know EMCC’s “books and
ball” focus can turn off re-
cruits looking for the glam-
or of a JUCO in Florida or
Texas, but Begley said he
tells out-of-state players
the opportunity the school
offers is “second to none.”
“East Mississippi is not
gonna be your final stop,”
he said. “We want East
Mississippi to lead you to
another place.”
That message can be
hard to convey, though, as
the Lions’ coaches must
communicate with players
through phone calls, text
messages and FaceTime
— “I hope coaches have
unlimited calls and texts; if
not, phone bills will go sky
high,” Thompson pointed
out — rather than show
them the campus in per-
son.
“It doesn’t do it justice
sometimes as opposed to
physically being there and
saying, ‘Hey, this is what
we have to offer,’” Begley
said. “The big-times — the
Mississippi States, the Ala-
bamas — kids see that on
TV all the time, but they
don’t see East Mississippi
on TV. My guys don’t see
the schools they’re being
recruited by. They don’t
see the Arkansas-Pine
Bluffs, the Texas States on
TV, so they want to go see
it for themselves. It’s just
kind of tough right now.”
For the time being, Beg-
ley and Thompson will do
all they can do to keep their
recruiting efforts alive.
“Everybody’s trying to
figure out how to survive
this thing and keep our
head above water and just
recruit within the guide-
lines and the rules and
regulations that we have,”
Thompson said.

Olympic delay adds workload, costs and cash flow uncertainty
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
GENEVA — Postpon-
ing the Tokyo Olympics
to 2021 will make the
event more costly for all
parties, the International
Olympic Committee ac-
knowledged on Thursday,
although it offered few de-
tails on what the final bill
might be.
Four directors of the
Olympic body held a con-
ference call three days
after Tokyo’s new dates
were finalized, with the
games pushed back to
July 23-Aug. 8 next year
because of the coronavi-
rus pandemic.
While the new dates
cleared up any uncer-
tainty about the event’s
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
future, there are still plen-
ty of question marks as
the IOC begins to work
with Tokyo organizers
and governing bodies of
33 sports in a huge task
to amend thousands of
contracts. They include
agreements for 41 ven-
ues, an Olympic village of
5,000 apartments, hotels,
transport, plus the supply
of goods and services.
“All of this now has
to be re-secured for one
year later,” said Chris-
tophe Dubi, the IOC’s
Olympic Games execu-
tive director. “There will
be costs for (Tokyo local
organizers) and the IOC
and Olympic family side.”
The estimations for
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
how much it will cost
to postpone the games
have started at $2 billion
and gone much higher.
Japanese taxpayers are
expected to meet most of
it, adding to their share of
an official budget of $12.6
billion.
The IOC was contrib-
uting $1.3 billion to To-
kyo’s original operating
budget.
Asked if the Switzer-
land-based Olympic body
would meet some of the
extra costs from its own
insurance policy or bil-
lion-dollar reserve fund,
the official line Thursday
was that it’s too early to
say.
It was also unclear how
the payments from broad-
casters will be structured.
“We’re only just get-
ting into all of this,” said
Timo Lumme, the manag-
ing director of television
and marketing.
Broadcasters includ-
ing NBC contributed 73%
of the IOC’s $5.7 billion
income from the previous
four-year cycle up to the
2016 Rio de Janeiro Olym-
pics. Of that, $540 went
to the governing bodies
of the 28 core Summer
Games sports.
That figure is expect-
ed to go up for Tokyo, but
it’s still unclear when the
governing bodies will get
IOC payments from their
share of those revenues.
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
My hus-
band has
a contentious
relationship with
our grandchildren.
He generally is a
fun, happy and in-
teresting person.
But by nature he
is not “hands on”
when it comes to
children.
Our son and
daughter have
great spouses
and five young
grandsons. He Dear
stands around
like a warden
waiting for something to hap-
pen, then just yells at them. It
is clear he doesn’t enjoy being
with them, and their mood
changes from happy to surly
when he’s around. I enjoy doing
things with them and taking
them to lots of fun places, and
I know my husband doesn’t like
to go anywhere with them.
I have had two major talks
trying to encourage him to have
a positive, interactive relation-
ship with the boys, to no avail.
He reacts as if I’m the only one
who sees this. My sister, son
and daughter-in-law have talk-
ed to me about it, but I haven’t
told my husband. Should I just
drop this issue? — DOING THE
WORK OF TWO
DEAR DOING: Your husband
may or may not be capable
of changing. However, the
next time your sister, son and
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (April
3). If you don’t really want
something, obstacles are
ever-present, overwhelming and
unsolvable. When you really
want something, you either
don’t see obstacles or you see,
solve and surmount them right
quick. Your cosmic birthday
gift is clarity as to your desire.
It changes everything. You’re
powerful — magical actually.
Pisces and Virgo adore you.
Your lucky numbers are: 20, 22,
16, 14 and 9.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
There’s a group project in the
works, and each person has
different needs. Don’t let the
conversation focus on egos
involved. Instead, keep things
The IOC has not com-
mitted to paying 25% of
that money in advance
in 2020 in 2020 to ease
the governing bodies’
cash flow. Many face ex-
tra costs for Tokyo while
also having to cancel
revenue-earning world
championships and other
international events.
“They’ll get to 2021,
but in what condition?”
said Francesco Ricci Bit-
ti, head of the group of
Summer Games sports
known as ASOIF, this
week. He told The Asso-
ciated Press that “15 to
20 are very dependent on
Olympics funding.”
One Tokyo Olympics
decision could come
daughter-in-law
talk to you about
the negative
message your
husband is
sending the
grandchildren,
please tell them
they are talking
to the wrong
person. They
should take this
up with “Grandpa
Grump,” and you
should not be
forced into the
position of being
Abby the messenger.
DEAR ABBY:
My daughter is
22 weeks pregnant. This will
be our first grandchild, and we
were excited to be hosting the
baby shower for her. Unfortu-
nately, her in-laws got involved.
We were told they were mostly
in charge and we should butt
out, and my daughter will host
her own shower. She sent us
a message stating that they
don’t want the shower to be a
“burden or financial strain on
us,” so we can come only as
guests.
We never ever said anything
about finances or anything. We
were excited about the shower
and couldn’t wait to start this
amazing journey. What do we
do? Do we still go as grandpar-
ents, as guests or stay away?
We are not allowed to help
with anything, but we were told
to contribute to the food. —
STUNNED IN SOUTH AFRICA
on track by pointing all energies
toward resolving the issues.
TAURUS (April 20-May
20). Dreams have been called
postcards from another world,
an interior landscape where a
different language is spoken.
The awake and reasonable part
of you could crack some of this
subconscious code today.
GEMINI (May 21-June 21).
It would be easy to blame cir-
cumstances for the things you
don’t have time for today, but
that goes against your sense
of responsibility. Instead, you’ll
make extra efforts to prioritize
what matters to you.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
Unfamiliar people are much eas-
ier to read after you’ve dropped
FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 3B
within two weeks, sports
director Kit McConnell
suggested. The IOC will
have talks with FIFA
about raising the age limit
in men’s soccer from 23 to
24 to account for the one-
year delay.
Hundreds of potential
Olympic athletes who
get IOC funding for their
training are getting one-
year extensions to their
scholarships.
The IOC has yet to re-
schedule its annual meet-
ing that was set for Tokyo
in July — or a presidential
election that is scheduled
for June 2021 in Athens,
Greece. That is now just
one month before the
start of the Tokyo games.
DEAR STUNNED: Contribute
what food exactly? A box of
crackers? A fruit salad? Mon-
ey? I don’t blame you for being
upset. It certainly looks like
you have been pushed aside.
Did your daughter send
you that message or did her
mother-in-law? I ask because
it is considered a breach of
etiquette for an honoree to
throw her own shower. Talk to
your daughter. However, do not
allow this to drive you away.
Attend the shower. If you don’t
attend, it may be the beginning
of an estrangement.
DEAR ABBY: Is it OK for me
to be carrying my boss’s be-
longings to his car at the end
of his workday? Is it acceptable
for me to be making his coffee
a certain way and picking up
his lunch? I was hired as a sec-
ond administrative assistant,
but I feel more like a maid/ser-
vant/slave. It’s 2020! I don’t
think women should be treated
like this anymore. Any advice?
— UNCERTAIN IN THE EAST
DEAR UNCERTAIN: Abso-
lutely. Have a chat with your
employer and review what
your duties are supposed to
be. Nowhere in your letter is
it apparent that your boss is
singling you out for these tasks
because you’re female. If you
had proof this was the case,
it would be another matter.
Because you find these tasks
demeaning, consider looking
for another job because this
may not be the place for you.
all assumptions and released
the need to rush to an assess-
ment. Ask questions instead.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22).
Though you may doubt your
path, don’t turn back. Forward
march. The scenery will get
better up ahead. The time to
change is when you’re certain.
Give yourself the leeway to toy
with ideas.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
You can occupy the present
without being there. Your inter-
nal reality is constantly reaching
into the future, back to the past
or to the realms where the opin-
ions and stories exist. Bringing
yourself to the present moment
takes effort.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
You appreciate easy, delightful
hours but you don’t expect
every moment to be a smooth
adventure. This helps you take
on challenges without the
stress and drama that comes
with thinking things should be
different.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). If you had all the money
you could possibly spend, then
would you still be doing this
work you’re doing today? If not,
what work would you still be will-
ing to do? A job you love won’t
feel like a job at all.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). What should you do with
the thoughts and actions that
run at cross-purposes with what
you want? Drop them. Decide
what to do and then tell yourself
that it’s as good as done.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). The routines of your day
are the basis for your happi-
ness. Any steps to tweak them,
even slightly, toward thinking
and feeling better will, over
time, make a huge difference.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). You’ll casually put your
proposal on the table. You may
consider letting people peek at
the deal while telling them that
it’s not available. All people
wants what they can’t have.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). There’s something in the
way you communicate with
your loved ones that cannot be
duplicated. You’re special. Know
this and expect your people to
keep coming back for what only
you can deliver.
On a wing and a prayer
SOLUTION:
4B FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

CANCELED Usher
Anniversary Program
The Usher Anniversary Program sched-
uled for April 5, 2020 at Canaan Mission-
ary Baptist Church, 2425 Bell Avenue, has
been cancelled. For more information, call
Willie Mae Phinisey, 662-549-1006.
CANCELED 46th Annual
Choir Day
The Gospel Choir of Truevine M.B.
Church, 5606 Artesia Road, canceled its
46th Annual Choir Day at 6 p.m. April 4.
Fore more information call 662-272-5888.
RELIGIOUS BRIEFS
Ave. S., invites the public to join its Com-
munity Gospel Book Club from 6-7 p.m.,
on the fourth Friday of each month, to
study and share views of the Holy Bible.
Open to all ages and ethnicities. For
more information, call Barbara Mattison
or Lillian Murray, 662-570-5595.
Grief Support Group
The Oil of Joy for Grief and Mourning
offers a grief support group at 6 p.m. ev-
ery 2nd Thursday of the month at United
Christian Baptist Church, 232 Yorkville
Road East. “Making your grieving journey
easier.” For more information, call 662-
327-0604 or e-mail unitedchristian@
coffee and a prayer community out-
reach service from 8-9 a.m. every 5th
Saturday. For information, contact Jesse
Slater, 662-328-4979.
Radio Program
Apostle Patrick Perkins invites the
public to tune in to WTWG, radio 1050
AM for Perfecting the Saints Broadcast,
Wednesdays 8:30 a.m.
Women Prayer,
Worship Service
Church of the Eternal Word, 106
22nd St. S., holds a prayer and worship

Sudoku
cableone.net. service every Thursday from 5-6 p.m.
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER
CANCELED Church Conference Call Marie Nabors, 662-549-4322 or
The Peter’s Rock Family Worship Cen- Celebrate Recovery 662-329-1234, for prayer requests.
ter COGIC canceled its church conference
The Assembly Church, 2201 Military Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
April 6-8. For more information call 662-
352-6467.
Road, and Meadowview Church, 300 Lin- Prayer Ministry Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis witha several
num- 6 4 1 9 8 2 5 3 7
den Circle in Starkville, host Celebrate New Beginning Everlasting Outreach ber-placing
given numbers.puzzleThe object 7 8 3 4 5 6 9 2 1

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

Recovery at 6 p.m. every Sunday at The Ministry invites the public to call in with based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 2 5 9 7 1 3 6 4 8
School of Ministry Enrollment Assembly Church (next to Lowe’s) and their prayer requests at 662-327-9843. grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 1 2 5 6 9 7 4 8 3
Mississippi State School of Ministry at 6 p.m. every Tuesday at Meadowview given
so that numbers.
each row, eachThe 9 6 4 8 3 1 7 5 2
is now taking applications for enrollment. Church. Get help, healing and support Prayer Service object
column and each 3x3 the
is to place box 8 3 7 5 2 4 1 9 6
Earn a certification, associates, bache- for any habit, hurt or hang-up using the Church of the Eternal Word, 106 numbers
contains the1same to 9 number
in
lor, master or doctoral degree in divinity. Christ-centered 12 steps. 22nd. St. S., Columbus, holds prayer the empty spaces so 3 7 2 1 4 5 8 6 9
only once. The difficulty 4 9 6 2 7 8 3 1 5
For more information, call Dr. Michael T. service Thursday nights 5-6 p.m. that each row, each
level increases from
Boyd, 662-425-8443. Divorce Recovery Contact Marie Nabors, 662-549-4322. column and each
Monday
5 1 8 3 6 9 2 7 4
The DivorceCare Recovery support Church service times: Sunday school 10 3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 4/02

Forgive and Live
Forgive and Live meets from 6-7 p.m.
every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
in the downtown YMCA Board Room and
every 3rd Wednesday at Vibrant Church
Cafe. Inquire and seek information to suc-
ceed spiritually, physically and financially
and be eager to be a blessing to the com-
munity, churches and families through
the Word of God. The public is invited
to attend. For more information, call Pat
Fisher Douglas, 662-251-5899.
Fellowship Dinner, Youth Service
Pleasant Ridge Faith Center, 923
Ridge Road, hosts a fellowship dinner and
youth service every 3rd Sunday.
Gospel Book Club
Friendship M.B. Church, 1102 12th
group meets from 4:30-6 p.m. each
Sunday beginning Jan. 12-April 5 at
Meadowood Baptist Church, 1512 Hat-
ley Road in Amory. Child care provided
through 5th grade. Standalone seminar
sessions topics are “Facing My Anger”,
“Facing My Loneliness”, “New Relation-
ships”, and “Forgiveness”. For more
information, call Meadowood Baptist
Church, 662-256-5616, or email mead-
owoodamory@gmail.com.
Prayer for Youth
Every 2nd and 3rd Saturday, Pleasant
Ridge Faith Center hosts a prayer for the
youth from 2-3 p.m.
Prayer, Free Coffee
Mount Zion Missionary Baptist
Church, 2221 14th Ave. N., hosts free
a.m.; Sunday worship 11:15 a.m.; Tues- the same number only once. The difficulty level
day Bible study 7 p.m. For information, increases from Monday to Sunday.
call Pastor District Elder Lou Nabors,
662-329-1234.
Fitness Transformations
The Transformational Church, 2301
Jess Lyons Road, hosts boxing lessons
Mondays and Wednesday from 5-7
p.m., weight-loss boot camp Tuesdays
and Thursdays 5-7 p.m. and both on
Saturdays 9-11 a.m.
Youth Fellowship
The Transformational Church, 2301
Jess Lyons Road, hosts Youth Fellowship
from 7-8:30 p.m. every Tuesday. Games,
prayer, service, food, & more. Transpor-
tation available. For information, call Iris
Roberson, 662-295-7456.

Nissan recalls over 250K vehicles to replace Takata air bags

Company will turing the inflators.
Nissan will notify own-
end of last year to prove
that the inflators with the
seeking comment from a
NHTSA spokesman.
notify owners ers later this month and
dealers will replace the
drying agent were safe,
or NHTSA was to order
So far, at least 25 peo-
ple have died worldwide
later this month front driver air bag infla-
tor with one made by a
them all to be recalled.
NHTSA has not made
after being hit by shrap-
nel from Takata air bag
and dealers will different company. a decision yet. A mes- inflators, and more than
Takata had until the sage was left Thursday 300 have been injured.
replace the front
driver air bag
inflator
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT — Nissan
is recalling more than ACROSS
a quarter-million SUVs, 1 Photo collec-
trucks and vans world- tion
wide to replace potential- 6 Sign after Virgo
ly dangerous Takata air 11 Baseball’s
bag inflators. Pee Wee
The vehicles have air 12 Basketball’s
bags with volatile ammo- Shaquille
nium nitrate that can ex- 13 Enter, as data
plode with too much force 14 “The Duke”
and hurl shrapnel. But 15 Burden
they have a moisture-ab- 17 A bunch
sorbing chemical that was 18 Called up
supposed to make them 20 “Get —
safe. U.S. safety regu-
writing”
lators are to determine
whether all inflators with
22 Strange
the drying agent have to 23 Pop’s pop
be recalled. 26 Police ID DOWN 23 Bike part
The Nissan recall 28 Seafood 1 Place of refuge 24 Swimming
covers certain 2012 to garnish 2 Spike of film spot
2017 Nissan NV Cargo 29 Dubai, e.g. 3 Known to be 25 Poet Sexton
and Passenger vans, the 31 Near-eternity true 27 Takes in at the
2013 to 2015 Nissan Titan 32 Steamed 4 Putting to work box office
pickup and Armada large 33 Hay bundle 5 Bill of fare 30 Hot brew
SUV, and the 2011 and 34 Perp pursuers 6 Near the 33 Floppy cap
2012 Infiniti QX56 SUV. 36 Warring god ground 34 Scout’s base
Documents posted 38 Entertain 7 Queued up 35 Poet
Thursday by the U.S. 40 Curaçao’s 8 To a very great Khayyám
National Highway Traf- neighbor degree 37 Cheering cries
fic Safety Administration 43 Partners 9 Crazy talk 39 Snaky shape
say Takata packed in too 44 Long lunches 10 Pub pints 41 Big snake
much ammonium nitrate 45 Iron 16 Knight’s title 42 Demand
propellant while manufac- 46 Chophouse 18 Lounge attire
order 19 Genesis name
21 Account

Send in your
church event!

Email
editorialassistant@
cdispatch.com

Subject:
Religious brief
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 5B

Classifieds
LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
TATE OF BENJAMIN G. REID
SR., DECEASED
BENJAMIN G. REID JR., ADMIN-
ISTRATOR
CAUSE NO.: 2019-0164-RPF
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: All Unknown Heirs-at-Law of BLOCK 2 OF SQUARE 34
Benjamin G. Reid Sr., de-
ceased, and Any Unknown
Parties In Interest
You have been made a defend- TAX PARCEL NO.
ant in the Petition for Adjudica- 61W080008000,
tion of Heirs-at-Law filed by the 605 4TH STREET NORTH,
Administrator, Benjamin G. Re- COLUMBUS, MISSISSIPPI
id Jr., on March 25, 2020,
seeking to determine the heirs-
at-law of Benjamin G. Reid Sr., ants in a lawsuit filed in this
deceased. Other than you, the Court by the Columbus Re-
only other interested parties in development Authority to con-
this action are Benjamin G. Re- demn by eminent domain cer-
id Jr., Anita Reid Rickman and
Wanda C. Stanfield.
You are summoned to appear
and represent your interests
against said Petition before the 605
Honorable Rodney P. Faver,
Chancellor of the 14th Chan-
cery District at 9:00 a.m. on
the 27th day of May 2020, at
the Lowndes County Court-
house in Columbus, Missis-
sippi, and in case of your fail- bus, Mississippi.
ure to appear your interest in
this matter will not be con-
sidered.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
you may do so if you desire.
Issued under my hand and the County Courthouse in Colum-
seal of said Court, this the 1st bus, Mississippi, and in case
day of April 2020.
CINDY E. GOODE, CHANCERY
CLERK
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
(SEAL)
BY: /s/ Tina Fisher, D.C.
PUBLISH: 4/3, 4/10 &
4/17/2020
BID NOTICE
The Lowndes County Industrial date of the filing of the Com-
Development Authority will re-
ceive bids for the periodic
maintenance/mowing/bush-
hogging of land (“land
project”); road right of way
(“right of way project”); and
designated portion projects
(“portion project”), all located
in or near the Golden Triangle
Industrial Park in Lowndes
County, Mississippi.
All bids and work to be per-
formed shall be in accord with
the project specifications and
submitted on a bid form fur-
nished by the Lowndes County
Industrial Development Author-
ity.
A copy of the project bid form
and specifications can be
emailed to bidders by request-
ing from Meryl Fisackerly, Ad-
ministrative Assistant,
Lowndes County Industrial De-
velopment Authority at mfisack-
erly@gtrlink.org or picking up at
the pre-bid meeting scheduled
for 10:00 a.m. on April 10,
2020 at the Electrical Building
at the Waste Water Treatment
Plant, 3975 Artesia Road,
Columbus, MS 39701. THE
PRE-BID MEETING IS MANDAT-
ORY.
Bids may be emailed to Meryl
Fisackerly or delivered to the
Lowndes County Industrial De-
velopment Authority office no
later than 4:30 p.m. on April
15, 2020. Additional informa-
tion may be obtained by con-
tacting Meryl Fisackerly, Admin-
istrative Assistant, for the
Lowndes County Industrial De-
velopment Authority.
The Lowndes County Industrial cess service – throughout its
Development Authority re-
serves the right to reject any
and all bids and further re-
serves the right to accept sep- • Voice grade access to the
arate bids on the land project, public switched network;
the right of way project, and
the portion project.
Owner: Lowndes County Indus- • Emergency Services;
trial Development Authority
By: Thomas Lee
Title: President
Publish: April 3, 2020
April 8, 2020
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT cess service is provided at
TODD WALDROP, DECEASED
CAUSE NO. 2020-0027-DE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
Letters of Administration have
been granted and issued to the cluding taxes, surcharges, and
undersigned upon the Estate of fees.
Robert Todd Waldrop, de-
ceased, by the Chancery Court one copy of its annual local dir-
of Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi, on the 9th day of March, Touchtone service is available
2020. This is to give notice to at no additional charge.
all persons having claims
against said estate to probate Franklin Telephone Company,
and register same with the
Chancery Court of Lowndes
County, Mississippi, within
ninety (90) days from the first eral benefit that makes
publication of this Notice to
Creditors. A failure to so pro- service more affordable. The
bate and register said claim
will forever bar same.
This is 23rd day of March,
2020.
Brandy Waldrop
Administratrix
PUBLISH: 3/27, 4/3, 4/10, & discount to a service bundle,
4/17/2020
All notices must be vice
emailed to
classifieds@
cdispatch.com.
Legal Notices
IN THE SPECIAL COURT OF EM-
INENT DOMAIN
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
COLUMBUS REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY PLAINTIFF
VS.
VANESSA BREWER, ET AL. DE- tomers Lifeline service. Life-
FENDANTS
NO. 2020-0008-ED2
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
TO: HERBERT KING, THE UN-
KNOWN HEIRS-AT-LAW AND DE- monthly Lifeline discount to
VISEES OF JAMES KING, DE-
CEASED, AND ALL PERSONS
OR ENTITIES HAVING OR
CLAIMING A LEGAL OR EQUIT-
ABLE INTEREST IN CERTAIN
REAL PROPERTY LOCATED
NORTH OF MAIN, IN SECTION
16, TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH,
RANGE 18 WEST, LOWNDES
COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, BEING
LOCATED
You have been made Defend-
tain real property located in
Block 2, Square 34 North of
Main, Columbus, Mississippi,
and being Lowndes tax parcel
61W080008000, located at
4th Street North, Colum-
bus, Mississippi. The property
is necessary to renew and re-
development blighted condi-
tions in accordance with the
Urban Renewal Plan (Burns
Bottom) of the City of Colum-
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against
you in this action at 11:00
o’clock a. m. on the 5th day of sistance Credit. Customers
May, 2020, in the second
courtroom of the Lowndes
of your failure to appear and
defend, a judgment will be
entered against you for the
money or other things deman-
ded in the complaint or peti-
tion.
You are hereby further given
notice that not less than ten
(10) days prior to the date of
the trial on January 21, 2020,
you are required to file the
Statement of Values pursuant
to Miss. Code Ann. §11-27-7,
which shall be treated as
pleadings in this action. The
plaint herein is the 16th day of Company if you believe you
March, 2020, and the name
and address of the attorney for
the Plaintiff is Martha Bost
Stegall, P. O. Box 7120, Tu-
pelo, Mississippi 38802. Oth-
er than the Statement of Val-
ues you are not required to file
an Answer or other pleading
but you may do so if you de-
sire.
Issued under my hand and the
seal of said Court, this 31st
day of March, 2020.
TERESA BARKSDALE, CLERK
SPECIAL COURT OF EMINENT
DOMAIN,
LOWNDES COUNTY, MS
BY: Ann Marie Langford, D.C.
Publish: 4/3, 4/10 &
4/17/2020
Franklin Telephone Company,
Inc.
DID YOU KNOW
On December 16, 1997, the
Mississippi Public Service Com- tion of Heirs-at-Law of Resid-
mission designated Franklin
Telephone Company, Inc. an
"Eligible Telecommunications
Carrier" for its service area for
Universal Service Fund pur-
poses and programs. The goal
of universal service is to
provide all Mississippi citizens
access to essential telecom-
munications services.
Franklin Telephone Company,
Inc. provides the supported
services -- voice telephony ser- Peggy McDaniel and Deborah
vice and broadband Internet ac- Lynn Trussell.
designated service area. These You are summoned to appear
supported services include:
• Minutes of use for local ser-
vice provided at no additional
charge;
• Broadband Internet access
service which includes the cap- ure to appear your interest in
ability to send data to and re-
ceive data from the Internet,
but excludes dial-up service.
Voice telephone service is
provided at rates which start at you may do so if you desire.
$20.00 per month for residen-
tial customers and $25.00 per Issued under my hand and the
month for business line cus-
tomers. Broadband Internet ac- 25th day of March 2020.
rates which start at $28.39 per CINDY E. GOODE, CHANCERY
month for residential custom-
ers and $44.99 per month for
business customers. Franklin
Telephone Company, Inc. would
be pleased to provide you with (SEAL)
specific rates for voice and
broadband for your area upon
request. Use of these services PUBLISH: 3/27, 4/3, &
may result in added charges in- 4/10/2020
In addition, Franklin Tele-
Legal Notices
phone Company, Inc. provides
ectory free without charge.
Inc. also offers qualified cus-
tomers Lifeline service. Life-
line is a non-transferable, fed-
monthly voice or broadband
program is limited to one dis-
count per household. Eligible
households may apply the
monthly Lifeline discount to
either broadband service
(home or wireless) or voice ser-
vice (home or wireless) but not
both. Lifeline customers also
have the option to apply the
such as home phone and home
internet. The Lifeline voice ser-
also includes toll blocking
to qualifying customers without
charge. The current discount
provided under the Company’s
Lifeline service is $9.25 per
month for each month that the
customer qualifies.
• Broadband Internet access
service which includes the cap-
ability to send data to and re-
ceive data from the Internet,
but excludes dial-up service.
Voice telephone service is
provided at rates which start at
$20.00 per month for residen-
tial customers and $25.00 per
month for business line cus-
tomers. Broadband Internet ac-
cess service is provided at
rates which start at $28.39 per
month for residential custom-
ers and $44.99 per month for
business customers. Franklin
Telephone Company, Inc. would
be pleased to provide you with
specific rates for voice and
broadband for your area upon
Legal Notices
request. Use of these services
may result in added charges in-
cluding taxes, surcharges, and
fees. In addition, Franklin Tele-
phone Company, Inc. provides
one copy of its annual local dir-
ectory free without charge.
Touchtone service is available
at no additional charge.
Franklin Telephone Company,
Inc. also offers qualified cus-
line is a non-transferable, fed-
eral benefit that makes
monthly voice or broadband
service more affordable. The
program is limited to one dis-
count per household. Eligible
households may apply the
either broadband service
(home or wireless) or voice ser-
vice (home or wireless) but not
both. Lifeline customers also
have the option to apply the
discount to a service bundle,
such as home phone and home
internet. The Lifeline voice ser-
vice also includes toll blocking
to qualifying customers without
charge. The current discount
provided under the Company’s
AT Lifeline service is $9.25 per
month for each month that the
customer qualifies.
A household is eligible for the
Lifeline discount if the custom-
er’s annual household income
is at or below 135% of the fed-
eral poverty guidelines. You
may also qualify for the Life-
line program if a customer, a
dependent, or the customer’s
household participates in one
or more of the following pro-
grams: Medicaid, Supplement-
al Nutrition Assistance Pro-
gram (SNAP), Supplemental Se-
curity Income, Federal Public
Housing Assistance (Section
8), or Veterans and Survivors
Pension Benefit.
Other terms and conditions ap-
ply. For example, customers
must apply for Lifeline and
provide proof of eligibility be-
fore receiving the Lifeline As-
floor must also recertify their contin-
ued eligibility every year. Addi-
tionally, as long as a qualified
individual agrees to toll block-
ing, that individual is not re-
quired to pay a deposit prior to
our service being offered. A
complete set of terms for
these programs is available at
Franklin Telephone Company
Commercial offices.
Please call Franklin Telephone
Company, Inc. at 1-877-422-
1212 or write us at P. O. Box
278, Meadville, MS 39653 or
visit our web-site at
http://www.ftcweb.net for addi-
tional information or with ques-
tions. We encourage you to
contact Franklin Telephone
qualify for Lifeline.
PUBLISH: 4/3/20
THE COMMERCIAL DIS-
PATCH seeks a motivated,
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- contracted carrier for the
SIPPI Columbus area. Approxim-
ately 2-3 hours daily and
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
early Sunday mornings.
TATE OF FRANCES VIRGINIA
BROWN, formerly known as
Delivers on Sunday morn-
ing and Mon-Fri afternoons.
FRANCES VIRGINIA HARRIS,
DECEASED Must have good transporta-
tion, valid driver's license Commercial Property For Rent
CAUSE NO. 2019-0210-JNS & insurance. Apply at The
Commercial Dispatch, 516 FOR RENT LOCATED NEAR
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION
Main Street in Columbus.
No phone calls please.
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
TO: All Unknown Heirs-at-Law of
Frances Virginia Brown, also
known as Frances Virginia Har-
ris, deceased, and Any Un-
known Parties In Interest, and
You have been made a defend-
ant in the Petition for Adjudica-
uary Estate, Discharge and Oth-
er Relief [Doc. No. 14] filed
herein by Brittany Brown, Ad-
ministratrix c.t.a., on March
12, 2020, seeking to determ-
ine the heirs-at-law of the resid-
uary estate of Frances Virginia
Brown, also known as Frances
Virginia Harris, deceased, dis-
charge and other relief. Other
than you, the only other inter-
ested parties in this action are
Brittany Brown, Melissa Helton,
and represent your interests
against said Petition before the
Honorable Joseph N. Studdard,
Chancellor of the 14th Chan-
cery District at 9:00 a.m. on
the 7th day of May 2020, at
the Lowndes County Court-
house in Columbus, Missis-
sippi, and in case of your fail-
this matter will not be con-
sidered.
You are not required to file an
answer or other pleading, but
seal of said Court, this the
CLERK
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
BY: /s/ Tina Fisher, D.C.
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Legal Notices
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
TATE OF ROSIE MAE LEWIS
CLAY, DECEASED
KIMBLER GEAN DAVIS PETI-
TIONER
CAUSE NO. 44CH1:19-pr-
00212-RPF
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
COUNTY OF LOWNDES
By the Chancery Court of
Lowndes County:
Letters of Administration have
been granted and issued to the
undersigned upon the Estate of
Rosie Mae Lewis Clay, de-
ceased, by the Chancery Court
of Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi, on the 30th day of
March, 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 (90) days from the first
publication date of this Notice.
A failure to so Probate and Re-
gister said claim will forever
bar the same.
THIS the 31st day of March,
2020.
/s/Kimber Gean Davis
Administrator of the Estate of
Rosie Mae Lewis Clay, De-
ceased
BRANDI E. SOPER,
MSB#105026
WEBB SANDERS & WILLIAMS,
PLLC
P.O. Box 496
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI 38802-
0496
PH: (662) 844-2137
FAX: (662) 842-3863
Attorney for Administrator
Publication Dates: 4/3, 4/10,
4/17 & 4/24/2020
Employment
Call us: 662-328-2424
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Insurance
A
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To place ads starting at only $12,
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THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 2020 n 6B
Houses For Rent: North Furniture
Rentals
HOUSE FOR RENT Furniture 5 pc. wooden
2−3 Bedroom w/ 1.5 Bath bedroom suite $200, tan
Fenced in yard. $675. micro fabric sofa $150, lg
Ads starting at $25 662−549−9555. drum washer. used only 6
Ask for Glenn or text. months. $200, and dryer
Apts For Rent: West $125. Prices negotiable.
Houses For Rent: Other Serious inquiries only. Call
VIP
662−523−8662.
HOUSE NEAR MUW W/
General Merchandise
Rentals
APARTMENT. 323 13th St.
N. 3 Blks from MUW. LR,
DR, 2/3BR−3BA, lg den w/
WANTED FREON R12.
Apartments & Houses
fire place, kitchen, laundry, We pay CA$H.
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screened side porch & Convenient.
work room & ATTACHED Certified professionals.
2 Bedroooms APARTMENT: 1BR/1BA,
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312−291−9169
3 Bedrooms
RefrigerantFinders.com/ad
area. NO HUD. Ref req.
Dep req. $1075/mo.
Furnished & Unfurnished 662−386−7506.
WHITE POSTER
1, 2, & 3 Baths Mobile Homes for Rent BOARDS.
Lease, Deposit
24"x23"
$0.50 each
& Credit Check
RENT A CAMPER! 100 in stock
CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL!
Visit 516 Main Street
viceinvestments.com Utilities & cable included, or call 662−328−2424
327-8555
from $145/wk − $535/mo
Columbus & County School
locations. 662−242−7653
Apts For Rent: Other or 205−442−2011. Shop
1ST MONTH − RENT FREE! RV/MOBILE HOME SITE Classifieds
1−2 BR Apt: $350−435 East or West Columbus or
1−2BR TwnHm: $625−650 near CAFB, Caledonia
Lease, Dep, Credit Check. schools. 601−940−1397.
Vehicles
Coleman Realty
662−329−2323 Office Spaces For Rent
OFFICE SPACE FOR Ads starting at $12
LEASE. 1112 Main St.,
Ste. 5. 3700 sq. ft.
Plenty of private parking. Campers & RVs
662−327−9559.
2012 JAYCO EAGLE 5th
WHEEL, 39ft, 4 slide−outs.
Real Estate
2BR, 48" TV & 27" TV.
$26,500. 662−386−9605.
Motorcycles & ATVs
Ads starting at $25
1993 KAWASAKI
Houses For Sale: East VOYAGER XII Only 25,500
miles. Runs & looks good.
3BR/1BA @ 1521 No problems. $3000 OBO.
Shepherd Rd. Can be seen local.
501−545−7750.
Sold as is, needs work.
Serious inquiries only,
769−274−4110. 2 RACING GO KARTS,
extra tires & gears,
Houses For Sale: New Hope $2,500. Call between
8a−7p, 662−328−0028.
COLEMAN 16 WIDNER IN NEW HOPE
Newly remodeled. 3BR/
RENTALS 2BA home. Approx. 1,500
Community
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS sq. ft. Has 25’x30’ wired
metal shop w/ roll−up front
1 BEDROOM
& side door. $154,500.
2 BEDROOMS 662−549−9298. Ads starting at $12
3 BEDROOMS Lots & Acreage
Travel & Entertainment
LEASE,
© The Dispatch
1.75 ACRE LOTS. Good/
DEPOSIT Bad Credit Options. Good PUBLIC CATFISH POND
credit as low as 10% down,
AND $299/mo. Eaton Land,
@ 130 Hillcrest Drive.
Open Wed, Thur & Sat.
CREDIT CHECK 662−361−7711. 7am−6pm
For rates call
662-329-2323 LOT FOR SALE @ 406
Cherry Street. $5,000.
662−386−8591
Call 662−328−5063 or
662−436−6238,
leave message. Looking for
a new pet?
Garage Sales
Two free signs
Garage Sales: North
TWO FAMILY YARD SALE
1922 A Old Aberdeen Rd
Sat. 7a−until. H/h, good
clothes, pictures,
comforters & dishes.
Garage Sales: New Hope
2212 NEW HOPE RD.
Five Questions:
Fri/Sat/Sun, 6am−6pm.
1 Joseph
Coats, clothes, tools, furn,
etc. 901−293−7608.
McCarthy
Merchandise
2 Claritin
Ads starting at $12
Farm Equipment & Supplies
3 Neapolitan
JOHN DEERE MODEL M
TRACTOR. A set of one row
cultivators w/ hydraulic lift,
has been repainted, looks
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4 Colorado
Call 662−436−2037.
Furniture
5 “Parent-
LIVING ROOM SET
Loveseat & chaise for sale.
NEW!! $300.
662−242−2884. Leave a
message. hood”
Carpet & Flooring General Services General Services
A & T TREE SERVICES CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY
Bucket truck & stump $545 plus Filing Fee
removal. Free est.
Serving Columbus CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY
since 1987. Senior All Attorney Fees Through The Plan
citizen disc. Call Alvin @ Jim Arnold, Attorney
242−0324/241−4447
"We’ll go out on a limb for 662-324-1666 • 601-656-6914
you!" 104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville
DAVID’S CARPET & WORK WANTED: Licensed Lawn Care / Landscaping
UPHOLSTERY & Bonded. Carpentry, minor
CLEANING AND electrical, minor plumbing, JESSE & BEVERLY’S
DISINFECTING
insulation, painting, LAWN SERVICE
1 Room − $50 demolition, gutters Mowing, cleanup,
2 Rooms − $70
cleaned, pressure washing, landscaping, sodding,
3+ Rooms − $30 EA landscaping, cleanup work, & tree cutting.
Rugs−Must Be Seen moving help. 662−242− 662−356−6525
Car Upholstery 3608.
Cleaning Available
662−722−1758 SAM’S LAWN SERVICE
JEWELRY REPAIR No lawn too large or too
small. Mowing, trimming &
RKERS
weedeating.
PA
Read local. Call 662−243−1694
ON
J.
100 Russell St.
cdispatch.com E Starkville, MS
Got leaky pipes? Find a
W ELER
J
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