Established 1879 | Columbus, Mississippi
CDISPATCH.COM
COVID vaccine to be available for all Mississippi residents
People can get vaccinated at state-run drive-thru sites, at private
clinics and community health centers and some pharmacies
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
JACKSON — All Mississippi
residents will be eligible for the
coronavirus vaccine starting
Tuesday, Gov. Tate Reeves said.
“Starting tomorrow, ALL
new appointments will be open
County
supervisors
implement mask
policy they admit
has no teeth
Hairston: ‘It’s mostly
a recommendation
anyway. It’s not
enforced’
BY SLIM SMITH
ssmith@cdispatch.com
Lowndes County
residents will be re-
quired to wear a face
mask in public set-
tings through the end
of April, the Lown-
des County Board of
Supervisors decided
during its regular Hairston
meeting Monday.
Or will they?
One sticking point: the county
hasn’t had a mask mandate since its
previous mandate expired Dec. 15,
2020, which means the board has
approved the extension of an ordi-
nance that doesn’t exist.
Asked to address that point,
county officials didn’t appear to be
See SUPES, 3A
Mother-in-law
of murdered New
Hope man to stand
trial today
Martinez charged with
first-degree murder in
Vasquez case
DISPATCH STAFF REPORT
The trial of a wom-
an accused of helping
kill her son-in-law in
New Hope nearly six
years ago is slated to
begin today in Oktib-
beha County.
Lydia Martinez,
Martinez
61, is one of two peo-
ple arrested and eventually indicted
for the 2015 murder of New Hope
resident and San Antonio, Texas,
See MARTINEZ, 6A
INSIDE
Classifieds 5,6B
Comics 4B
Crossword 6B
Dear Abby 4B
Health 6A
Obituaries 5A
Opinions 4A
WEATHER
High 74 Low 62
Cloudy with rain
Full forecast on
page 3A.
141st Year, No. 312
Tuesday | March 16, 2021
to ALL Mississippians,” Reeves health care workers and those
tweeted Monday. “Get your who are at least 16 and have
shot friends — and let’s get health conditions that might
back to normal!” make them more vulnerable to
Vaccinations in Mississip- the virus.
pi are currently available for Reeves urged those in the 50
anyone ages 50 or over, staff at and up age group to make ap-
K-12 schools, first responders, pointments Monday before eli-
DANCE BREAK
Maliyah Hairston, 8, takes a break from posing to dance in her yard in Columbus. She is a brand representative for small
shops on Facebook. Her mother had been taking photos of her when she stopped to dance for a bit. “My mom made my tutu.
She used fur to make the seeds,” Maliyah said. She is the daughter of Puneshia Hairston.
New sculpture of local civil rights
activists coming to Unity Park
$8,600 project to be paid for with
Mississippi Arts Commission grant
BY TYLER B. JONES inch raised
tjones@cdispatch.com base. He hopes
the sculptures
STARKVILLE — Super-
will be an-
visors approved a proposal
other way to
Monday for the addition of
celebrate the
small figurine structures to
Unity Park on Douglas L. diversity and
Conner Drive to symbolize uniqueness of Karges
social justice. the county res-
This project, “Onward,” is idents, he said.
led by local Mississippi art- “The idea is to pull the
ist and archaeologist, Dylan focus back to the history
and the legacy of the park,”
Karges. He plans to install
six- to 12-inch iron sculp- Karges said. “Each piece
tures with different faces would be unique to repre-
of people from Oktibbeha sent all of the individuals in
County into a four- to five- the community just for their
FIVE QUESTIONS CALENDAR LOCAL FOLKS
1 Your appendix is on the right
side of your body. True or false? Thursday,
2 What name is given to the
fourth runner on a relay team —
March 25
■ Candidate forum:
anchor, bridge or sail?
Hear Columbus mu-
3 What is the smallest state
in the land area of the United nicipal candidates at
States of America? the 2021 Candidate
4 What long-running comic is the Forum at the Lyceum at
basis for the TV show “River-
dale”?
Lee (former Lee High
School). The event is
5 What ancient civilization built
the Pyramids of Giza?
Answers, 6B
co-sponsored by The
Dispatch and WCBI and
will follow a Q&A format
with a moderator. COVID
precautions will be
taken for a limited live
audience and the event
will be livestreamed
online by WCBI. Reserve Caron Byrd enjoys being involved
free tickets online at with her children, watching them play
cdispatch.com/forum ball and volunteering at their school.
DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471
gibility expands
to the entire
state.
“ A l m o s t
10,000 appoint-
ments available
statewide over
next 3 weeks,”
Reeves
he said. “If you’re
over 50, lock them down TO-
DAY!”
People can get vaccinated
role. Everybody has a stake
in bringing the community
together, so each one will be
different.”
The board of supervisors
created Unity Park in 2013
after concerned citizens
believed there should be
something honoring those
who fought for civil rights
in Oktibbeha County and
the state of Mississippi. The
supervisors named the area
“Unity Park,” where the
Oktibbeha County School
System Office Building
was once located, and built
a wall commemorating six
civil rights activists: A. Phil-
ip Randolph, President John
F. Kennedy, Martin Luther
75 ¢ Newsstand | 40 ¢ Home Delivery
at state-run drive-thru sites in
counties across the state, at
private clinics and community
health centers and some phar-
macies, like Walmart and Wal-
greens.
People eligible to receive the
coronavirus vaccine can make
an appointment at COVIDvac-
cine.umc.edu or by calling the
COVID-19 call center at 1-877-
978-6453.
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff
King, Jr. and Gov. William
Winter. County residents
have added local names to
the wall each year with the
two most recent being the
late George W. Evans and
the late Fenton Peters.
“I just felt like it was great
symbolism to still come to-
gether with all those faces of
the figures pointing towards
the wall that acknowledges
the history and the ongoing
efforts of the community to
work towards bringing the
community together,” Karg-
es said.
The cost of this project
will be $8,600 with half the
funding coming from a Mis-
See UNITY PARK, 3A
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Today: Columbus City Coun-
cil, 5 p.m., livestreamed
on City of Columbus, MS
— Mayor’s Office Facebook
page
April 5: Lowndes County
Supervisors, 9 a.m., Court-
house
April 6: Columbus City
Council, 5 p.m., lives-
treamed on City of Colum-
bus, MS — Mayor’s Office
Facebook page
April 12: Columbus Munic-
ipal School District Board,
6 p.m., Brandon Central
Services
April 15: Lowndes County
Supervisors, 9 a.m., Court-
house
2A TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

‘I don’t need the vaccine’: GOP worries threaten virus fight

Poll: 42 percent of Republicans say they probably or definitely will
not get the shot, compared with 17 percent of Democrats
BY JILL COLVIN AND
HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH
The Associated Press
FRONT ROYAL, Va. — In
this rural swath of Virginia’s
Shenandoah Valley, former
President Donald Trump re-
mains deeply admired, with
lawn signs and campaign flags
still dotting the landscape. The
vaccines aimed at taming the
coronavirus, however, aren’t so
popular.
Laura Biggs, a 56-year-old
who has already recovered
from the virus, is wary of tak-
ing the vaccine. Reassurances
from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention and the
Food and Drug Administration
have done little to ease her
alarm that the vaccine could
lead to death.
“The way I feel about it is: I
don’t need the vaccine at this
point,” she said. “And I’m not
going to get the vaccine until it
is well established.”
That sentiment demon-
strates the challenge ahead for
public health officials as the
U.S. intensifies its efforts for
widespread vaccinations that
could put an end to a devastat-
ing pandemic that has left more
than 530,000 dead. The cam-
paign could falter if it becomes
another litmus test in Ameri-
ca’s raging culture wars, just
as mandates for mask-wearing
were a point of polarization at
the onset of the virus.
While polls have found vac-
cine hesitancy falling overall,
opposition among Republicans
remains stubbornly strong.
A new poll from The Associ-
ated Press-NORC Center for
Public Affairs Research found
that 42 percent of Republicans
say they probably or definitely
will not get the shot, compared
with 17 percent of Democrats
— a 25-point split.
While demand for vacci-
nations still far outstrips the
available supply in most parts
of the country, there are al-
ready signs in some places of
slowing registration. And the
impact is expected to grow
when supply begins to surpass
demand by late April or early
May, said Ashish Jha, dean of
the Brown University School of
Public Health.
“This is going to be the big
issue,” he said. “And if we get
stuck at 60 or 65 percent vacci-
nated, we are going to contin-
ue to see significant outbreaks
and real challenges in our
country, and it’s going to be
much, much harder to get back
to what we think is normal un-
less we can get that number
higher.”

Push to prevent next meat shortage hits big obstacle
Due to consolidation in the meat spreading among workers.
industry, 80 percent or more of meat
“Even a significant in-
crease in processing ca-
pacity in those small and
is slaughtered by just a few companies mid-size processors, that’s
a small amount in the
There’s little doubt
the grants will help small
processors and in turn
provide sorely needed
rural jobs, but the eco-
nomics of meat now cen-
Haaland OK’d at
Interior, first Native
American Cabinet head
BY MAT THEW DALY
The Associated Press

BY SCOTT MCFETRIDGE
The Associated Press
MAXWELL, Iowa —
Sudden meat shortages
last year because of the
coronavirus led to millions
of dollars in federal grants
to help small meat proces-
sors expand so the nation
could lessen its reliance
on giant slaughterhouses
to supply grocery stores
and restaurants.
Like shortages of pro-
tective clothing for health
care workers, hospital
equipment and even toilet
paper, the reality of emp-
ty meat counters was a
shock to many Americans
unaccustomed to scarci-
ties. But where most oth-
er supply gaps are being
addressed by changing
how the U.S. acquires key
items, the money flowing
to small slaughterhouses
shows no sign of solving
the meat problem.
The meat industry
has been consolidating
for decades, and 80 per-
cent or more of meat is
slaughtered by just a few
companies, whose oper-
ations were crippled last
year when the virus began
grand scheme of things,”
Iowa Agriculture Secre-
tary Mike Naig said. “Yes,
it provided some relief but
no, it’s not at the level that
will rival the big proces-
sors.”
Or as Terry Houser, a
meat processing expert at
Iowa State University, put
it, “Small plants cannot re-
place the big plants when
they go down.”
The problem illustrates
the difficulty of creating
more sources of supply in
an industry that is trend-
ing in the opposite direc-
tion.
ters on large, highly ef-
ficient slaughterhouses,
not smaller plants whose
numbers have been de-
creasing sharply.
The number of smaller
operations that meet local
demand plunged by 42
percent to 1,910 between
1990 and 2016, according
to the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
When the coronavirus
sickened thousands of
workers at the big slaugh-
terhouses, forcing some
to close temporarily, out-
put dropped to 60 percent
of normal.
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Monday
confirmed New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as
interior secretary, making her the first Native
American to lead a Cabinet department and the
first to lead the federal agency that has wielded
influence over the nation’s tribes for nearly two
centuries.
Haaland was confirmed by a 51-40 vote, the
narrowest margin yet for a Cabinet nomination
by President Joe Biden. Four Republicans voted
yes: Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska,
Susan Collins of Maine and Lindsey Graham of
South Carolina.
Democrats and tribal groups hailed Haaland’s
confirmation as historic, saying her selection
means that Indigenous people — who lived in
North America before the United States was
created — will for the first time see a Native
American lead the powerful department where
decisions on relations with the nearly 600 fed-
erally recognized tribes are made. Interior also
oversees a host of other issues, including energy
development on public lands and waters, national

LGBTQ Catholics stung by Vatican rebuff of same-sex unions
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Vatican’s declara-
tion that same-sex unions
are a sin the Roman
Catholic Church cannot
bless was no surprise for
LGBTQ Catholics in the
United States — yet it
stung deeply nonetheless.
Marianne Dud-
dy-Burke, executive direc-
tor of DignityUSA, said
her organization’s mem-
bership includes same-sex
couples who have been to-
gether for decades, perse-
vering in their love for one
another in the face of bias
and family rejection.
“The fact that our
church at its highest lev-
els cannot recognize the
grace in that and cannot
extend any sort of bless-
ing to these couples is just
tragic,” she said.
She was responding to
a formal statement Mon-
day from the Vatican’s
orthodoxy office, the Con-
gregation for the Doctrine
of the Faith, saying Roman
Catholic clergy may not
bless such unions since
God “cannot bless sin.”
It was approved by Pope
Francis.
“Having sin be ex-
plicitly included in this
statement kind of brings
us back to zero,” said
Ross Murray, who over-
sees religious issues for
the LGBTQ rights group
GLAAD.
He expressed dismay
that “the ability for us to
live out our lives fully and
freely is still seen as an
affront to the church or,
worse yet, an affront to
God, who created us and
knows us and loves us.”
Francis DeBernardo,
parks and endangered species.
“Rep. Haaland’s confirmation represents a
gigantic step forward in creating a government
executive director of New outreach to the gay and that represents the full richness and diversity of
Ways Ministry, which lesbian community “will this country,’’ said Senate Majority Leader Chuck
advocates for greater continue to do so, except Schumer, D-N.Y.
LGBTQ acceptance in the that it will be even more “Native Americans for far too long have been
church, said that if those under the table ... than it neglected at the Cabinet level and in so many oth-
priests who have already was before.” er places,’’ Schumer said.
been blessing same-sex
unions now stop doing
so, lay Catholics could be
moved take their place.
“If priests and pastoral
ministers no longer feel
they can perform such a
blessing, the Catholic laity
will step in and perform
their own rituals,” DeBer-
nardo said. “The tooth-
paste is out of the tube,
and it can’t be put back
inside.”
The Rev. Bryan Mass-
ingale, an openly gay
Catholic priest and profes-
sor of theology and social
ethics at Fordham Uni-
versity, said priests who
want to engage in pastoral

2 charged in assault of Capitol officer who died after riot

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON — other offenses. The idea
U.S. officials have arrest-
ed and charged two men
with assaulting U.S. Cap-
itol Police officer Brian
Sicknick with bear spray
during the Jan. 6 riot,
but they do not know yet
whether it caused the of-
ficer’s death.
George Tanios, 39, of
Morgantown, West Vir-
ginia, and Julian Khater,
32, of Pennsylvania, were
arrested Sunday on an
array of charges, includ-
ing assaulting a federal
officer with a dangerous
weapon, conspiracy and
that Sicknick died after
being sprayed by a chem-
ical irritant has emerged
in recent weeks as a new
theory in the case.
The arrests are the
closest federal prosecu-
tors have come to iden-
tifying and charging
anyone associated with
the deaths that happened
during and after the riot.
Five people died, includ-
ing a woman who was
shot by a police officer
inside the Capitol. But
many rioters are facing
charges of injuring po-
lice officers, who were at-
tacked with bats, sprayed
with irritants, punched
and kicked, and rammed
with metal gates meant
to keep the insurrection-
ists from the Capitol.
Investigators initially
believed that Sicknick
was hit in the head with
a fire extinguisher, based
on statements collected
early in the investigation,
according to two people
familiar with the case.

Defense in ex-cop’s trial fears impact of $27M settlement

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS his previously unsuccess-
ful motion to move Derek
MINNEAPOLIS — Chauvin’s trial to another
An attorney for a former city.
Minneapolis police offi- “I am gravely con-
cer charged in George cerned with the news that
Floyd’s death asked the broke on Friday,” Nelson
judge Monday to delay said, adding that the an-
the trial, saying the an- nouncement “has incred-
nouncement of a $27 mil- ible potential to taint the
lion settlement for Floyd’s jury pool.”
family could make a fair Nelson also noted that
trial impossible. Minnesota Attorney Gen-
Defense attorney Eric eral Keith Ellison’s son
Nelson also raised the Jeremiah sits on the City
possibility of renewing Council that unanimously
approved the settlement,
and questioned the tim-
ing, though he said he
was not making accusa-
tions. Keith Ellison heads
the prosecution team and
often has been present in
the courtroom.
During a break in jury
selection, Keith Ellison
stopped at Nelson’s table
and said: “Is there any-
thing else anyone would
like to not accuse me of?”
Nelson looked at Ellison
but did not reply.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 3A

Mississippi tax overhaul appears headed to doom in Senate

‘I cannot find any votes the way it’s currently
written. ... I haven’t found any support.’
Mississippi Senate president pro tempore Dean Kirby of Pearl
BY EMILY WAGSTER PET TUS
The Associated Press
JACKSON — A bill to over-
haul Mississippi’s tax structure
faces a critical deadline Tues-
day in the state Senate, but it
appears unlikely to survive de-
spite a push from Republican
Gov. Tate Reeves.
The Senate president pro
tempore, Republican Dean Kir-
by of Pearl, said in response to
reporters’ questions Monday: “I
cannot find any votes the way
it’s currently written. ... I hav-
en’t found any support.”
House Bill 1439 would phase
out Mississippi’s income tax
and cut the 7 percent state gro-
cery tax in half. It also would
increase the sales tax on most
items from 7 percent to 9.5 per-
cent and would increase taxes
on other items, including tobac-
co, alcohol, farm implements
and manufacturing equipment.
“Eliminating the income tax
is the single most important
item for future and sustained
long term economic growth,”
Reeves wrote Monday on Twit-
ter. He has not taken a position
on other parts of the bill.
Republican House Speaker
Philip Gunn and his allies in-
troduced the bill Feb. 22, and
it zipped through the House
Ways and Means Committee
that day. It passed the Republi-
can-controlled House the next
day on an 85-34 vote that was
largely along party lines, with
only a few Democrats support-
ing it and only one Republican
opposing it.
Passing a tax bill requires a
three-fifths majority. Although
Republicans hold that margin in
the Senate, many senators say
they want more time to evaluate
it. The bill will die if senators
don’t pass it by the Tuesday
deadline, either with or without
amendments.
The Senate Finance Com-
mittee met Monday but did
not bring the bill up for discus-
sion. The committee chairman,
Republican Josh Harkins of
Flowood, told reporters after-
ward that the bill, which runs
more than 300 pages, is “in-
triguing,” but he wants to see
a thorough evaluation of how
Mississippi legislators chop pecan bill from to-do list
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS as proposals to increase penalties for stealing
pecans. The House bill died Feb. 11.
JACKSON — Critics had said it was nutty The Senate bill became a shell of the origi-
for Mississippi legislators to consider pecan nal proposal. It was changed to simply create a
harvesting bills during a year with big issues study committee about pecan harvesting.
that required urgent attention — things like The House passed the updated version of the
responding to the coronavirus pandemic or in- Senate bill on Tuesday — but then bill was held
creasing teacher pay. for the possibility of more debate.
Now, the last surviving pecan bill is dead. The bill died because House failed to have
House Bill 284 and Senate Bill 2072 started that second debate before a Friday deadline.
it would affect businesses and originated weeks before the reduce taxes in this state,” Mc-
others. federal legislation was signed. Daniel said.
“The most important thing “Our tax policy needs to be Gunn and other supporters
for us to do is to do something formulated on what’s best for of the bill say it could help Mis-
responsibly that puts our state Mississippi, not ... as the winds sissippi compete with states
in the best position to be com- blow from D.C.,” Harkins said that already don’t have a per-
petitive — competitive for Monday. sonal income tax, including
growth, competitive for pros- Republican Sen. Chris Mc- Texas and Florida.
perity, competitive for success,” Daniel of Ellisville told The Public policy groups have
Harkins said. Associated Press on Monday lined up for and against Mis-
Harkins said the Finance that he wants to try to amend sissippi tax cut proposals. Em-
Committee will meet on the tax the House bill to simplify it. His power Mississippi is among the
bill Tuesday only “if we have the idea is to eliminate the 4 percent conservative groups that have
votes to bring something up.” income tax bracket in 2022 and said phasing out the income
Mississippi legislators have then phase out the 5 percent in- tax would reward productivi-
not discussed how a federal come tax bracket over 10 years. ty. The left-leaning Center on
coronavirus relief package He said the 5 percent bracket Budget and Policy Priorities
might affect their tax proposal. would phase out only if the state has said four of the five states
The package signed by Presi- economy grows and that would that made deep cuts to personal
dent Joe Biden last week pro- enable state government to pay income taxes in the first half of
hibits states from using federal for essential services. the 2010s later lagged behind
relief money to pay for tax cuts. “We’re killing one of the best national averages in job growth
But the Mississippi tax cut plan opportunities we’ve ever had to and personal income.

Supes
Continued from Page 1A
particularly concerned
with the handling of the
matter.
“Yes, it probably need-
ed to be an ordinance
instead of an extension,”
Board Attorney Tim Hud-
son said.
Board President Trip
Hairston concurred, al-
though he didn’t appear
overly-concerned about
the procedural faux pas.
“The thing is, it’s most-
ly a recommendation any-
way,” Hairston said. “It’s
not enforced.”
District 5 Supervisor
Leroy Brooks raised the
mask discussion near the
end of Monday’s meeting.
“The governor says
we’re ready to rock and roll
and everything is open,”
Brooks said, noting Gov.
Tate Reeves’ ending the
state-wide mask mandate
and rolling back capacity
restrictions for buildings
on March 2. “But the
(COV ID)
numbers are
rising again,
so the only
stipulation I
would make
is for peo-
ple to wear
a mask. I Brooks
think we should extend
the mask mandate until
the end of April, then we
can come back and reeval-
uate it at that time. That’s
my motion.”
With only District 1 Su-
pervisor Harry Sanders
voting against the propos-
al, the measure passed,
4-1.
The board’s attitude to-
ward mask requirements
was emphasized just after
the mask vote when Parks
Director Roger Short ap-
proached the board to
recommend the county’s
eight community centers
be reopened after being
closed because of COVID
restrictions since last the psychological notions
March. attached to wearing a
“I don’t know where mask,” Brooks said. “The
to go with people who don’t want to
this recom- wear a mask will not wear
mendation,” it. But I think the stipu-
Short said.” lations you have in this
If we have a recommendation, includ-
mask man- ing the masks, are fine. If
date, I don’t somebody rents a commu-
know how nity center for a birthday
we could en- Short or a family reunion and
force that. somebody comes in and
I think we doesn’t want to wear a
might have mask, the lessee can deal
to table it.” with it.”
“ W hy? ” The board voted 5-0
Sanders to re-open the county’s
asked. “It’s eight community centers
the same sit- — Anderson Grove, Ar-
uation with Sanders tesia, Caledonia, Charles
the county. Chambry, Concord, Craw-
The county doesn’t really ford, New Hope and Plum
have any way to enforce it, Grove. Those using the
either.” community center are re-
Brooks said lack of en- quired to wear masks and
forcement doesn’t mean to arrange for tables and
the mask mandate doesn’t seating to allow six feet of
have value. social distancing between
“At this juncture, it’s them.

Unity Park
Continued from Page 1A
sissippi Arts Commission
grant and the rest com-
ing from the county.
Karges presented a
prototype of one of these
figures at the meeting
Monday. He said although
he has been making sculp-
tures like these in clay for
20 years, the figures will
be cast in iron for durabil-
ity.
Karges told The Dis-
patch after the meeting
that the sculpture should
be completed by the end
of May.
District 4 Supervisor
Bricklee Miller said the
project will be something
to spark the interest of the
community.
“I think that’s a neat
concept,” Miller said. “I
think that will make peo-
ple be like, ‘What are they
looking at?’ I think it’s
something else to draw at-
tention to.”
She did express con-
cern about people poten- be unique,” Howard said.
tially demolishing these “Also, it’s going to be di-
sculptures or tearing them verse, and that has always
down. Karges said the fig- been the original concept
ures will contain a rod and of Unity Park, to have a
be bolted down as a per- diverse group of people
manent installation. come together to create Cheap thrills.
District 3 Supervisor
Marvell Howard echoed
unity in Oktibbeha Coun- Go for a walk.
ty.”
Miller’s approval, pointing
out the project represents
the original objective of
the park.
“I like the fact that it
seems like it’s going to

Ackerman man dies in Monday morning car crash

BY TYLER B. JONES
tjones@cdispatch.com
An Ackerman man has died after a car
crash on Highway 12 and Smith Road in
Oktibbeha County Monday morning.
Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael
Hunt identified the victim as Robert An-
drew Vick, 52.
Mississippi Highway Patrol respond-
ed to the crash at 6:24 a.m., according
to an MHP press release issued Monday.
Public Information Officer Sgt. Der-
rick M. Beckom said Vick was heading
eastbound in a Toyota Tacoma when he
drove off the right side of the highway
and overturned. He was unrestrained
when authorities found him.
Beckom said the incident remains un-
der investigation.

Storms taking aim at South could bring strong tornadoes

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Center is forecasting. Birmingham, Alabama; SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
On Wednesday, sev- and Jackson, Mississippi. peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Tues. Wed.
ATLANTA — Severe eral tornadoes will be “Some of the tornadoes Major 3:20a 4:03a
Minor 9:36a 10:05a
weather will bring the possible in a region that could become strong,” the Major 3:42p 4:23p
potential for flash flood- includes large parts of National Weather Service Minor 9:59p 12:53p
Courtesy of Mississippi Department

ing and tornadoes across Arkansas, Mississippi, in Jackson, Mississippi

of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

a large part of the South,
stretching from Texas to
Georgia, forecasters say.
On Tuesday, storms
could bring large hail
and possible tornadoes
to Texas, Oklahoma and
Gulf Coast states, the na-
tional Storm Prediction
Alabama and parts of
Louisiana and Tennessee,
forecasters said.
The area at enhanced
risk for severe storms
Wednesday is home to
more than 9 million peo-
ple and includes the cities
of Memphis, Tennessee;
warned in its outlook for
Wednesday’s storms.
In Alabama, strong
tornadoes, golf ball-sized
hail and winds of up to 60
mph will be possible on
Wednesday, the weather
service’s Birmingham of-
fice said.
The Dispatch
The Commercial Dispatch (USPS 142-320)
Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
POSTMASTER, Send address changes to:
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Published by Commercial Dispatch Publishing Company Inc., Report a news tip: news@cdispatch.com
516 Main St., Columbus, MS 39703
Opinion
4A TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
PETER BIRNEY IMES Editor/Publisher
BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher 1998-2018
BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003

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

ZACK PLAIR, Managing Editor

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

LOCAL VOICES CARTOONIST VIEW

Caledonia’s new water
rates need reconsideration
BY GRANT MITCHELL

T
he Mississippi Public Service Commission
(MSPSC) has pressured the Town of Caledo-
nia (Town) into surrendering to an undesir-
able water rate structure to increase a needed cash
flow for operations.
The original petition (September, 2020) was to
increase the existing $7.25 per 1,000 gallons flat rate
to $10.25 per 1,000 gallons flat rate (42% increase for
all users). This was met with opposition and denied
by the MSPSC.
With the last rate increase seven years ago, the
MSPSC approved a $7.25 per 1,000 gallons flat rate
(or level term water rate) but has insisted on going
back to a $16.00 minimum for the first 1,000 gallons
and then $6.50 per 1,000 gallons thereafter with this
rate increase.
This newly adopted MSPSC rate structure means
a 55% increase to users with low usage (that may be
on a fixed income or have a vacant dwelling) and a
varying percent of decreases for users using over
15,000 gallons. “Unfair.”
Meter services with multiple users (such as
apartment complexes, trailer parks, etc.) are being
charged an additional $16.00 (allowing an additional
1,000 gallons accordingly) for every extra user as a
minimum before the $6.50 per 1,000 gallons there-
after. “Ouch.”
Contrary to the MSPSC opinion, a “flat rate” is
fair to everyone (when you only pay for water that
passes through the meter at an equal rate).
In comparing a suggested revised $8.75 per
1,000 gallon “flat rate” (one-half of the original
proposed increase) with the “unfair” MSPSC rate
of $16.00 minimum per 1,000 gallons (per user) and
$6.50 per 1,000 gallons thereafter, both rates would
generate the same needed revenue based on the
same gallons sold.
It has been seven years since water rates have
been increased. If the suggested revised $8.75
per 1,000 gallons flat rate had been adopted, a 22%
percent increase would have been applied equally to
every user. An increase annually of 3% over 7 years
would not be unreasonable to maintain a sustainable
water supply.
No hearing was held in Caledonia by the MSPSC
to consider this revised option of a flat rate struc-
ture.
The MSPSC regulates utility rates only for users
over one mile outside the Town limits that make
up approximately 80% of the total water users. The
elected officials of the Town determine the rates of
all users and have made all rates the same.
The legal requirements of the MSPSC to obtain
a rate increase requires a laborious and expensive
process which makes it impractical to have smaller
increases regularly.
Caledonia is a growing community that required
upsizing its facilities to continue growth. Additional
funds were needed to maintain the depreciating
infrastructure properly.
I am proud of the improved water quality and
service from the Town of Caledonia and I support a
fair increase in water rates. I am disappointed in the
MSPSC insisting on the Town reverting back to an
unfair rate system where low-end users subsidize
high-end users and penalize extra users served by
one meter.
Grant Mitchell is a Caledonia citizen and general
manager of East Lowndes Water Association.

THE NATION
Car collisions with big rigs don’t have to be so deadly
A
nytime I’m the horrific death of deaths in such accidents. The underside of the trailer plans to cover those already
driving a celebrity to bring Among them is Marianne slices through the windshield on the road. After-market side
down the better ones into Karth, who lost two daughters of the car before smashing the guards would cost less than
highway behind a operation. when their car was knocked heads of the test dummies. $3,000, and building them into
semitruck, I look for Mansfield’s under a semitrailer. She and Air bags and seat belts are new trailers would undoubtedly
the horizontal metal accident spurred Lois Durso-Hawkins, whose no help. In the crashes with reduce that figure. Keep in
bar that spans the federal highway daughter died in another trucks equipped with guards, mind that a new rig typically
space underneath officials to propose underride accident, founded by contrast, the passenger goes for between $125,000 and
the trailer. It makes a new require- STOP Underrides, which is compartment and its occupants $175,000.
me feel a bit safer. ment. But trucking part of a coalition of safety remain intact. As for the alleged practical
And it reminds me interests managed groups lobbying Congress to Federal data shows between drawbacks, side underride
of Jayne Mansfield. to block action, enhance protections. 1994 and 2018, more than guards have long been re-
She was a Steve Chapman arguing that it was The STOP Underrides Act, 6,000 car occupants died in quired in European Union
well-known film “fundamentally sponsored by Sens. Kirsten underride accidents with large countries, without noticeably
actress who died in unfair to place all of Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and Marco trucks. Additional guards could hampering the trucking indus-
a traffic accident in Louisiana the onus on the innocent party, Rubio, R-Fla., would require mean the difference between try. The Globalist magazine
in 1967. Her car rear-ended the truck, to protect the driver underride guards on the side life and death, or between reports that trucks carry a larg-
an 18-wheeler and slid under- of the impacting vehicle.” A and front of new tractor-trailers serious injury and none, for er share of freight in Europe
neath the trailer. The top of the new mandate had to wait until and other large trucks. These hundreds each year. than they do here — but have a
car was demolished, killing 1996. Since then, these bars devices would address what So, who could oppose the lower rate of fatal accidents.
Mansfield and the driver. The have become a ubiquitous fea- the National Highway Traffic idea? The American Trucking Anytime a car and a 40-
coroner reported that the ture of the highway landscape, Safety Administration refers to Associations. Dan Horvath, ton semi collide, the car will
upper portion of her skull “was a mundane innovation that has as the “geometrical mismatch” vice president for safety policy, inevitably get the worst of the
severed,” though it was widely saved many lives. between tractor-trailers and told me that the guards would exchange. That’s a physical
believed she had been decapi- But similar accidents and lower-slung passenger vehi- be an expensive burden that reality. But deaths from under-
tated. deaths continue to happen. cles. The bill would also stiffen would divert investment from rides happen even though they
The wreck had another no- That’s because the underride standards on rear guards. better safety improvements are easily preventable. That’s a
table consequence: those bars guards are required only in the The Insurance Institute for and possibly cause trucks to political failure.
on truck trailers, known as rear — and in many crashes, Highway Safety (IIHS) has get hung up at railroad cross- Steve Chapman blogs at
underride guards. Most drivers cars slide underneath the side carried out test crashes that ings. http://www.chicagotribune.com/
probably take them for grant- or front of these trailers. dramatize the danger. Those But the advocates have news/opinion/chapman. Follow
ed, if they notice them at all. A group of families of people in which a car slams into the made a huge concession on him on Twitter @SteveCha-
Those used in 1967, though, killed hopes to spare other side of an 18-wheeler without a the cost issue by limiting the pman13 or at https://www.
were not much use, and it took Americans from unnecessary side guard are hard to watch. rule to new vehicles, dropping facebook.com/stevechapman13.

Make Your Voice Heard

Write The Dispatch: voice@cdispatch.com
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 5A

COMMERCIAL DISPATCH
OBITUARY POLICY
Obituaries with basic informa-
tion including visitation and
service times, are provided
free of charge. Extended
obituaries with a photograph,
detailed biographical informa-
tion and other details families
may wish to include, are avail-
able for a fee. Obituaries must
be submitted through funeral
homes unless the deceased’s
body has been donated to
science. If the deceased’s
body was donated to science,
the family must provide official
proof of death. Please submit
all obituaries on the form pro-
vided by The Commercial Dis-
patch. Free notices must be
submitted to the newspaper
no later than 3 p.m. the day
prior for publication Tuesday
through Friday; no later than 4
p.m. Saturday for the Sunday
edition; and no later than 7:30
a.m. for the Monday edition.
Incomplete notices must be re-
ceived no later than 7:30 a.m.
dle Funeral Home of
Millport is in charge of
arrangements.
Mr. Moore was
born Dec. 12, 1931, in
Columbus, to the late
Aurthur Milton Moore
and Euda Mae (Gilm-
ore) Moore.
He is survived by his
wife, Shirley Moore;
children, Billie Sue
Glenn, Sharee M. Karg
both of Columbus,
Paula Rose of New-
bern, Tennessee and
David Shaw of Millport,
Alabama; sister, Brenda
Moore Jewel of Ethel-
ville, Alabama; eight
grandchildren; and 13
great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be
Allan Glenn, Robby
McAdams, Walker
McAdams, Drake
AREA OBITUARIES
arrangements. Nolen Arnold Jr. Harris of Prairie and Oklahoma City, Oklaho-
She was preceded in Lenora Mae Moore of ma; four grandchildren;
SULLIGENT, Ala. —
death by her parents; Nolen L. Arnold Jr., 75, Amory; step-son, Eric two step-grandchildren;
husband, Thomas Low- died March 12, 2021, at Smith of Addison, Ala- and one great-grand-
ell White; son, Danny his residence. bama; siblings, Eugene child.
Lowell White; and Terrell of Smithville, Pallbearers will be
A private family
brother, Jerry Baswell. Bobby Terrell of Guin, Ryan Williams, Solon
graveside service will
She is survived by Alabama, Teresa Mar- Williams, Marvin
be held at the Gilmer
her children, Kathy shall of Amory, Eunice Thompson, Terry True-
Addition of Sulligent
Trull, Rita Fortner Lynn Crump of Tupelo love, Clifton Terrell and
and Wanda Cunning- City Cemetery. Otts Fu- and Grace Terrell of Donnie Adkinson.
ham; siblings, Mary neral Home of Sulligent
Ann Blanton and is in charge of arrange-
James Baswell; five ments.
grandchildren; and 14 Mr. Arnold was born
great-grandchildren. Sept. 6, 1945, in Hugo,
Pallbearers will be Oklahoma, to the late
Nolen L. Arnold Sr. and
Tommy Cunningham,
Chris Cunningham, Patsy Nunn. He was
Anthony Fortner, a graduate of Booker
Brad Johnson, Brent T. Washington High
Mitchell, Hunter Cun- School. He was former-
ningham, Tyler Cun- ly employed with Mur-
ningham and Jonathan phy T.V., McCoy MFG
Cunningham. and United Furniture.
He attended Allman

for the Monday through Friday
editions. Paid notices must be
finalized by 3 p.m. for inclusion
the next day Monday through
Thursday; and on Friday by 3
p.m. for Sunday and Monday
publication. For more informa-
tion, call 662-328-2471.
Billy Moore
MILLPORT, Ala. —
Billy Moore, 89, died
March 13, 2021, at his
residence.
Funeral services
are at 11 a.m. today, at
Dowdle Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at
Springhill Cemetery.
Visitation is one hour
prior to services at the
funeral home. Dow-
Yo-Yo Ma serenades newly-
vaccinated at inoculation clinic
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
PIT TSFIELD, Mass.
— Newly vaccinated Mas-
sachusetts residents were
treated to a mini concert
over the weekend when
famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma
brought out his instru-
ment after getting his sec-
ond coronavirus shot.
A masked-up Ma took a
McAdams, Kyle Shaw,
Tim Rose and Kolt
McAdams.
JoAnn White
MILLPORT, Ala. —
JoAnn White, 82, died
March 15, 2021, at her
residence.
Funeral services will
be at 11 a.m. Thursday,
at Dowdle Funeral
Home, with Gary Seay
officiating. Burial will
follow at Ebenezer
Cemetery. Visitation
will be one hour prior
to services at the funer-
al home. Dowdle Fu-
neral Home of Millport,
Alabama is in charge of
gle quoted Richard Hall of
the Berkshire COVID-19
Vaccine Collaborative as
saying.
The quick concert
came exactly one year af-
ter Ma started posting re-
cordings of himself using
the hashtag #SongsOf-
Comfort on social media
in an effort to ease anxi-
ety throughout the early
Stanley Gray
Millissia Beatty Chapel CME.
COLUMBUS — Mil- In addition to his par-
lissia Denise Beatty, 59, ents, he was preceded
died March 15, 2021, at in death by his siblings, Stanley R. Gray passed away
her residence. Linda Adkinson and on Friday, March 12, 2021, at
Arrangements are Addie Course. the age of 88. Stanley passed
incomplete and will be He is survived by his peacefully with his beloved wife
announced by Lown- wife, Faye Carol Ar- of 65 years, Margaret, and his
des Funeral Home of nold; children, Melody children and other loved ones
Columbus. by his side.
Stanley was born March 8,
Wayne Parker 1933, and was the youngest of
COLUMBUS — the ten children born to Thomas
Wayne Parker, 61, died Carroll Gray and Fannie Dell Gray, née Edwards,
March 15, 2021, at his in Crawford, Mississippi. Stanley joined the
residence. National Guard immediately after graduating
Arrangements are from high school and remained active for thirteen
incomplete and will be years. His decision to join the National Guard
announced by Lown- was due to the guidance of Coach Bull Sullivan,
des Funeral Home of his football coach at East Mississippi Community
Columbus. College (EMCC) and his platoon sergeant in the
National Guard. Stanley credits Coach Sullivan
with inspiring his love for football, teamwork,
Nancy Weathers discipline, and determination to succeed. In
Visitation: 2007, Stanley was chosen as a Distinguished
Football Fellow at EMCC.
Tuesday, March 16 • 12:30-1:30 PM
2nd Ave. N. Location In 1956, Stanley married Margaret Ewing of
Graveside Services:
Tuesday, March 16 • 2 PM Brooksville, Mississippi, and soon after opened
Pleasant Hill Baptist
Church Cemetery
Burial
Dixie Farm Supply in the same town. In 1962,
Stanley installed and operated the first bulk
Pleasant Hill Baptist feed elevator in Mississippi, and throughout his
for essential workers and Church Cemetery
2nd Ave. N. Location
career Stanley won numerous sales awards and
first-responders.
recognitions in the farm supply industry. During
Massachusetts state
the 1960’s and 1970’s, his was the largest feed
Rep. William Pignatel-
and fertilizer dealer in the state of Mississippi.
li responded to a video
Stanley gave credit for his success to God, his
posted on social media
of the surprise show and
wife, Coach Sullivan, and Mississippi State
praised Ma for bringing memorialgunterpeel.com University (MSU). One of his favorite mottos
people “hope and opti-
was, “You can do anything if you put your mind
mism through his beauti- to it.”
One of Stanley’s greatest joys was flying his
ful music.”
Cessna 182 Skylane aircraft. As a private pilot

Mary Ann Cole

seat along the wall of the
observation area Satur-
day at Berkshire Commu-
nity College in Pittsfield
and played for about 15
minutes to applause from
the other attendees.
The renowned musi-
cian, who lives part-time
in the area, said he “want-
ed to give something
back,” The Berkshire Ea-
days of the pandemic.
“I wanted to find a way
to continue to share some
of the music that gives me
comfort,” the cellist wrote
on Twitter on March 13,
2020.
Since then, Ma has
also played surprise pop-
up concerts and live-
streamed virtual concerts
for over fifty years, he introduced many of his
friends and family to the excitement of aviation.
Both of his sons, Stanley R. “Randy” Gray, Jr. and
Mary Ann Cole ended a truly William “Billy” Charles Gray, are private pilots.
Stanley was a charter member of the local chapter
faithful life in this world and
passed into the arms of her of the Experimental Aircraft Association, which
Savior on March 11, 2021, at is still active today, and a member of the Aircraft
Trinity Healthcare. In heaven, Owners and Pilots Association. Stanley loved
she joins her parents, Dave Colorado and snow skiing, and proudly claims
and Ila Moore; her husband, he introduced this sport to many flat terrain
Bennie; her brothers, JT and Mississippians.
Charles Moore; and her sister, Stanley resided at his home in Brooksville with
his wife Margaret until they retired to Trinity

Nancy Weathers
Nancy Todd Weathers, age 82, of Hueytown,
AL, formerly of Columbus, MS, passed away
March 15, 2021, at Self Healthcare & Rehab of
Hueytown.
Graveside services will be Tuesday, March 16,
2021, at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church
Cemetery with Rev. Joel Frederick officiating.
Visitation will be from 12:30 PM until 1:30
PM at Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home &
Crematory 716 2nd Ave. North location.
Mrs. Weathers was born January 18, 1939, in
Vernon, AL, to the late A. L. “Billy” and Hazel
Barnes Todd. She was a graduate of Hueytown
High School in 1957 before moving to Columbus
where she was a former member of Pleasant Hill
Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded
in death by her husband, Luther D. Weathers, Jr.;
and grandson, T. J. Weathers.
Survivors include her sons, Timothy David
Weathers and his wife Mimi of South Dakota,
and Luther David Weathers, III, of Columbus,
MS; brothers, Donald Todd and his wife Debra
of Hueytown, AL, Wayne Todd and his wife Alice
of Hueytown, AL, David Todd and his wife Janet
of Shannon, AL and Lynn Todd of Woodstock,
AL; sisters, Bettie Vernon of Bessemer, AL and
Mary Stinson of Woodstock, AL; grandchildren,
Jacob Weathers, Sabrina Weathers, Jonathan
Weathers, Christopher Weathers and his wife
Faith and Alex Weathers; and great grandchild,
C. J. Weathers.
Pallbearers will be family & friends.
Memorials may be made to charity of the
donor’s choice.
Sign the online guest book at
www.memorialgunterpeel.com
716 Second Avenue North • Columbus, MS
cdispatch.com
Rama Roberts.
There will be a graveside service at Friendship
Cemetery in Columbus on Thursday, March
18, 2021, at 11:00 AM with Bro. Earl McAnally
officiating and Lowndes Funeral Home,
Columbus, MS directing. A visitation will follow
the service.
Mary Ann was born Mary Ann Moore in 1933,
in the Flint Hill Community near Caledonia,
Mississippi. Raised in a loving home, she
graduated from Caledonia School in 1950 and
moved to Columbus. It was there that she married
her husband, Bennie, in 1954. They were married
55 years before his untimely death in 2009.
She worked a variety of jobs before bringing
into the world her children, Vickie (Fred) Keogh,
currently of Ft. Atkinson, WI and David (Gina)
Cole, currently of Starkville, MS. She both worked
and stayed at home with her children until finding
her life’s calling – working with children. She
and her partner, Dot Vaughn, taught a generation
of children at Knee High School, where she was
known as Miss Mary Ann. After closing Knee
High, she taught another generation of children
at Sale Elementary School, where she was known
as Mrs. Cole.
Before moving to Trinity Healthcare, she was
an active member of Wesley United Methodist
Church, where she participated in Sunday
School, Bible Study, United Methodist Women,
and other ministries.
Mary Ann leaves behind her two children, five
grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, who
know her affectionately as Mamaw, as well as ten
nieces and nephews whom she also loved dearly.
She also leaves behind a life of faithfulness, of
love, of compassion, and of service.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Trinity
Healthcare for excellent, compassionate care of
our mother and Mamaw during these last three
years.
Out of respect for the family, friends are asked
to wear masks. In lieu of flowers, the family asks
that you remember Mary Ann with a gift in her
memory to Loaves and Fishes, P.O. Box 441,
Columbus, MS 39703. Lowndes Funeral Home is
in charge of arrangements.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
Place Retirement Community in Columbus,
Mississippi, in 2020. They were members of
McLeod Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in Macon. For almost sixty years, Stanley
was active as a teacher, elder, treasurer, and
superintendent in the Brooksville Cumberland
Presbyterian Church until it closed in 2014.
Stanley was a 1955 graduate of MSU and
received the Distinguished Fellow Award
from the MSU College of Agriculture and Life
Sciences in 2019. He was proud that two of his
children and one grandchild graduated from
MSU. He was a founding member of the MSU
Bulldog Club and had a life-long love of athletics
and everything Bulldog!
Stanley is survived by his wife of sixty-five
years, Margaret, and three children, Randy Gray
(Debby), an engineer in Columbus, Melinda
Lucas (Alan), a dentist in Hattiesburg and Billy,
a dentist in Starkville. He has four grandchildren
Brandy Gray Lewis, Carrie Gray Shaw, Meredith
Lucas Parker and Elizabeth Anne Lucas and two
great-granddaughters, Seeley Margaret Lewis
and Azalea Gray Lewis. All his grandchildren
lovingly referred to him as “DiDi.”
Stanley was the youngest of ten children and
is survived by James “Jimmy” Moore Gray, who
resides in West Point, Mississippi, and Fran Gray
Laufer, who resides in Annandale, Virginia.
Stanley was preceeded in death by his siblings,
William Guy (Bud) Gray, Julia Gray Self, T.C.
Gray, Jr., Sam Fitzgearld Gray, John Franklin
Gray, Howard Frederick Gray and Robert Lee
Gray.
Stanley, a life-long supporter of science,
donated his body to the University of Mississippi
Medical Center. As a result, and due to the
COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no visitation
for Stanley.
In lieu of flowers, people wishing to honor
Stanley are asked to contribute to the Stanley
and Margaret Gray
Endowed Scholarship, Fund #501696.
Memorial donations may be given online at
msufoundation.com or by sending checks to:
MSU Foundation, PO Box 6149, Mississippi
State, MS, 39762, with a memo in the check for
Fund #501696.
Paid Obituary - Cockrell Funeral Home
6A TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Health
HEALTH TIP
n Sweat every day: Aim to sweat in some way each
day—whether that’s via running, biking, dancing, hot
yoga, or any other physical activity you enjoy.
Source: https://fourwellness.co

Health tips from Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen

COVID-19 symptoms: Seven
signs you should get a test
The madness of King George
is well known — but it wasn’t until
2005 that researchers discovered
his symptoms of a rare inherited
metabolic disorder were aggravat-
ed by arsenic in medication he was
taking.
Knowing what symptoms are
associated with a disease is essen-
tial so you can know if you should
see a doctor — and for a doc, it’s
essential for making an accurate
diagnosis. That’s just as true for
COVID-19 as for a rare disease.
Most folks think fever, loss of
taste and coughing or breathing
issues are the warning signs that
should send them for a COVID-19
test. But a new study out of En-
gland found that 31 percent of
people with COVID-19 don’t have
those three symptoms early on
when they’re most infectious.
The researchers want everyone
to know that fatigue, sore throat,
headache and diarrhea are also
symptoms. Writing in the Journal
of Infection, they say if folks were
tested for COVID-19 when they
had any of those seven symptoms,
well, those tests would catch 96
percent of symptomatic cases!
The Centers for Disease Con-
trol and Prevention and Federal
Emergency Management Agency’s
advice is similar. They say people
with a cough or shortness of breath
or difficulty breathing should be
tested. Ditto if a person has at least
two of the following symptoms:
fever, chills, repeated shaking with
chills, muscle or body aches, head-
ache, sore throat, new loss of taste
or smell, conges-
tion or runny nose,
nausea or vomiting,
and diarrhea.
The bottom line:
If you have these
symptoms, get test-
ed pronto. Google
“Community-Based
Testing Sites for
COVID-19” to find
a nearby testing
Drs. Oz and Roizen
location.
Allergy news:
Handling early sneezes and
wheezes
Sneezing can be funny. Come-
dian Henny Youngman thought
so: “When God sneezed, I didn’t
know what to say.” But whatever
you think about your sneezing
and wheezing, as allergy season
blooms, one thing’s for sure — it’s
arriving sooner and lingering lon-
ger with more intensity than ever
before.
A new study in the Proceedings
of the National Academy of Scienc-
es reveals that the North American
pollen season is up to 20 days
longer than it was three decades
ago. To make matters worse, the
concentration of pollen in the air
has increased 21 percent. Texas
and the Midwest are the hardest
hit.
Why is this happening? The
study cites lab experiments indicat-
ing elevated temperatures and car-
bon dioxide concentrations from
climate change have increased
pollen production. It’s also because land Clinic. To live your healthiest,
of related changes in weather pat-
terns, say researchers from Ger-
many. Wind is now
transporting pollen
from far-flung plac-
es, making allergy
season arrive ear-
lier and delivering
new pollen types to
tickle your nose.
This pol-
len-palooza has
far-reaching
effects: It ups the
number of emer-
gency room visits
for asthma sufferers and increases
susceptibility to viral infections be-
cause of respiratory inflammation
and a weakened immune response.
The American College of Allergy,
Asthma and Immunology 2021
guidelines for managing allergies
advise:
■ Use only second-generation
antihistamines such as cetirizine
(Zyrtec), levocetirizine (Xyzal),
fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine
(Claritin) or desloratadine (Clar-
inex). Think twice, they say, before
using Benadryl or Chlor-Trimeton.
■ Use intranasal corticoste-
roids (fluticasone, mometasone,
budesonide, triamcinolone) for
persistent allergy symptoms,
including eye allergies.
■ Find an allergist in your area
by going to acaai.org/locate-an-al-
lergist.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The
Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen,
M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and
Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleve-
tune into “The Dr. Oz Show” or visit
www.sharecare.com.

HEALTH BRIEF
Baptist, local doctors
offering free colon
cancer awareness
consultations
COLUMBUS — Bap-
tist Memorial Hospital—
Golden Triangle and two
local physicians’ groups
are teaming up to offer
free colon cancer aware-
ness consultations for the
public later this month
in recognition of colon
cancer awareness month
in March.
Physicians with
BMG—Golden Triangle
General and Vascular
Surgery and Gastroenter-
ology Associates of Co-
lumbus will be available
at the hospital’s Outpa-
tient Pavilion from 8:00 to
noon on Saturday, March
20 and Saturday, March
27, to discuss all aspects
of colon health, including
risk factors, testing and
treatment options for
colorectal cancer.
Due to social distanc-
ing and privacy require-
ments, appointments
are required by calling
662-244-2979 or 800-544-
8762, ext. 2979.
Colorectal cancer is
the second leading cause
of death in the United
Stated, according to the
National Institutes of
Health. There’s no sure
way to prevent colorectal
cancer. But there are
things a person can do
to help lower their risk,
such as changing the risk
factors that can be
controlled such as being
overweight; lack of phys-
ical activity; a diet that is
high in red meats; a low
vitamin D level; smoking;
and moderate to heavy
alcohol use.
When colorectal
cancer is found at an
early stage before it has
spread, the 5-year relative
survival rate is about 90
percent. But only about
four out of 10 colorectal
cancers are found at this
early stage. When cancer
has spread outside the
colon or rectum, survival
rates are lower, according
to the National Cancer
Society.
“We are excited that
these physicians are
giving up their personal
time to make themselves
available to the public to
answer questions about
colon health. Studies
show that the earlier
cancer is diagnosed, the
better the outcome for
the patient,” said Ash-
leigh Guyton, Baptist
Golden Triangle commu-
nity relations coordinator
“National surveys
show that about half of
the public say they have
skipped or postponed
medical screenings such
as colonoscopies, be-
cause of COVID. We may
not know for years what
the long-term effects
these delays will have
on the number of people
diagnosed with cancer in
the later stages when it
is more difficult to treat,”
she added. “We highly
encourage the public to
take advantage of this
opportunity for this free
consultation time with
a physician to get their
questions answered and
to learn more about this
disease.”
Everyone is required
to wear a mask. There
will be free gifts for
everyone who attends
and refreshments will be
available both Saturdays.
For more information,
call Guyton at 244-1132 or
800-544-8762, ext. 1132.
With 315 beds, Baptist
Golden Triangle is one
of the largest regional
hospital affiliated with
the Memphis, Tenn.-
based Baptist Memorial
Health Care system. With
physicians and surgeons
representing almost
every medical specialty
practicing at the hospital,
Baptist Golden Triangle
offers a wide range of
comprehensive medical
care to patients of all
ages.
The hospital offers a
variety of services to the
community, including the
Baptist Cancer Center,
Baptist Behavioral Health
Care for those with
behavioral and mental
health problems, an
emergency room with 24-
hour ambulance service,
an extensive rehabili-
tation department, and
educational programs.
Baptist Golden Triangle
employs more than 1,000
health care professionals.
For more information,
please call 662-244-1000
or visit http://goldentri-
angle.baptistonline.org or
follow us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/Bap-
tistgoldentriangle

Martinez
Continued from Page 1A
businessman Manuel
Vasquez. Lowndes Coun-
ty authorities discovered
Vasquez’s remains at his
Windchase Drive home
in July 2015 and arrested
both Martinez and her
daughter and Vasquez’s
wife, Christina Martinez,
for murder.
Attorneys in the case
spent Monday choosing
a jury and are expected
to begin opening argu-
ments today.
Lydia Martinez’s role
in the murder has been
unclear since her ini-
tial arrest. Though she
was arrested for mur-
der, a grand jury initially
charged her only with
accessory after the fact
— in stark contrast to
charges leveled against
Christina Martinez, who
faced first-degree mur-
der and felony domestic
violence for allegedly
forcing Lydia Martinez to
drink antifreeze the day
after authorities found
Vasquez’s remains. Lyd-
ia claimed to both law
enforcement and local
media that Christina shot
Vasquez before forcing
Lydia to help dispose of
his body by threatening
to kill her and Vasquez’s
three children.
Lydia Martinez was re-
leased from jail on bond
and spent several years
living with her sister in
Colorado until Novem-
ber 2019, when another
grand jury indicted her
for “unlawfully, willfully,
and feloniously, with the
deliberate design to ef-
fect his death, ... kill(ing)
and murder(ing) Manuel
Vasquez ….”
At the time of Lydia
Martinez’s second indict-
ment, District Attorney
Scott Colom said pros-
ecutors gathered new
evidence — even travel-
ing at one point to San
Antonio, where Vasquez
and his wife owned an
HVAC business together
— that suggested Mar-
tinez was a more “active
participant” in Vasquez’s
murder than authorities
believed in 2015.
Christina Martinez
pleaded guilty to sec-
ond-degree murder in
2019, months before Lyd-
ia Martinez’s indictment
was made public. She has
not been sentenced.
If convicted of murder,
Lydia Martinez could
face up to life in prison.

Get promoted? Win an award? Send us your business brief.

news@cdispatch.com subject: Business brief
Sports
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n TUESDAY, MARCH1 16, 2021
B
SECTION

MSU softball run-ruled by Ole Miss as Rebels sweep opening SEC series
BY THEO DEROSA glove of Rebels sopho- nings for an 8-0 run-
tderosa@cdispatch.com more Nyomi Jones just rule victory in Monday’s
shy of the blue right- Southeastern Confer-
OXFORD — Fa Lei- field fence. Leilua head- ence finale. Ole Miss
lua tossed the bat aside ed back to the first-base (18-7, 3-0 SEC) finished
with a practiced motion. dugout, senior catcher off a sweep of the Bull-
The Mississippi State Mia Davidson scram- dogs (15-8, 0 -3) in Mis-
graduate first baseman bled back to the bag at sissippi State’s first SEC
knew she had made first base and junior left series since May 3-4,
solid contact when she fielder Chloe Malau’ulu 2019.
drove a 3-2 pitch from tagged up and returned “I don’t think we
Ole Miss junior start- to third. played to our potential,”
er Savannah Diederich Leilua had come up Mississippi State coach
deep to the opposite short. Samantha Ricketts said.
field with two runners So had Mississippi “We’ve got to hit a little
on base and nobody out State. better, pitch better, de-
in the fourth inning of The Bulldogs strand- fense — just kind of ev-
Monday’s game in Ox- ed both runners in the erything that you need
ford. Leilua discard- fourth, left the bases to be working.”
ed her bat and headed loaded in the top of the The Bulldogs man- Austin Perryman/Mississippi State athletics
down the first-base line. fifth and watched the aged just one run in Fa Leilua and the Bulldogs had just two hits in Monday’s SEC series finale at Ole
Then the ball settled Rebels score six more the entirety of the se- Miss in Oxford. Mississippi State (15-8, 0-3 SEC) lost 8-0 and suffered a sweep at
into the outstretched runs in those two in- See SOFTBALL, 3B the hands of the Rebels.

MSU women MISSISSIPPI STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ANALYSIS

miss NCAA
tournament
for first
A requiem for the 2020-21 Mississippi
time since
2013-14
State women’s basketball season
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com

STARK VILLE —
Mississippi State wom-
en’s basketball will
miss the NCA A Tour-
nament for the first
time since 2013-14.
MSU was not one of
the 64 teams announced
during ESPN’s bracket
reveal show Monday
night. The Bulldogs
were also left out of the
four COVID-related re-
placement teams that
would stand in should
pandemic issues ren-
der a squad unable to
play.
The Bulldogs con-
cluded Nikki Mc-
Cray-Penson’s first
regular season in
Starkville 10 -9 (5 -7
SEC) with a loss to L SU
in the first round of the

See WBB, 3B

PREP ROUND UP
Starkville
baseball Mississippi State women’s basketball will miss the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.
Mississippi State athletics

edges New
Hope
in extras
BY THEO DEROSA
tderosa@cdispatch.com
STARK VILLE — will remain in their box in
The Starkville High
School baseball team
eked out a 9-8 win over
New Hope in eight in-
nings on Monday in
Starkville.
After the Yellow
Jackets (6 -5) went up
7-0, the Trojans scored
seven straight to tie the
game and pulled ahead
8-7 in the top of the sev-
enth. Starkville tied it
up to send the game to
extras, and Hayes Da-
vis drove in the winning
run with two out in the
eighth.
Next up, New Hope
will face Madison Cen-
tral at 6 p.m. Wednes-
day in the East Central
Community College
Tournament.
Starkville will play
Evangelical Christian
School (Tenn.) at Briar-
crest Christian School
(Tenn.) at 4 p.m. Thurs-
day in Eads, Tennessee.
See PREP, 3B
BY BEN PORTNOY
bportnoy@cdispatch.com
STARK VILLE — During
a time of year when dancing
has become an ever-present
part of the season, Mississip-
pi State’s maroon suede shoes
2021.
There’s no foxtrot to be
had. No cha cha looming. Per-
haps a slow waltz in honor of
the slog of a season that final-
ly found its end is due.
Speaking of waltzes, Lou-
isville coach Jeff Walz has the
Cardinals as a No. 2 seed in
the NCA A tournament. Re-
member him from last offsea-
son’s coaching search?
The lack of dancing around
Starkville this spring isn’t due
to some Footloose-ian town
ordinance or anything of the
like, though. Rather, it’s born
out of pure basketball-based
ineptitude.
Monday, MSU was left out
of the 64-team NCA A tourna-
ment field for the first time
since the 2013-14 season and,
in all reality, it wasn’t that
close. ESPN bracketologist
Charlie Creme had the Bull-
dogs listed as the first team
out ahead of the selection
show. When the slate was fi-
nally revealed, MSU not only
wasn’t the first team out, it
wasn’t even one of four poten-
tial replacement teams should
any COVID-19 related issues
prevent a previously selected
squad from playing.
Monday night marked the
start of an offseason that will
swirl with questions, ten-
sion and, presumably, some
changeover. But, for now, let’s
look back on the year that
was.
Call the 2020 -21 season
what it was: disappointing,
sad, underwhelming. Most
variations of the word “bad”
work fine. In short, Mc-
Cray-Penson’s first season
taking over for Vic Schaefer
was a disaster.
There are, of course, ca-
veats to the problems, sure.
The lineup returned just four
players who played more than
14 minutes per game a season
ago. The nucleus of this year’s
squad — sophomore Rickea
Jackson, junior Myah Taylor
and classmate Jessika Carter
— were still green in major
roles themselves after heavy
minutes last year.
Through no fault of its own,
MSU also missed seven games
this season due to varying
COVID-19-related issues with
its opponents. Two of those
games — at Ole Miss and
home against Tennessee —
presumably would’ve helped
the Bulldogs’ tournament re-
sume had they won. So too
would have an early-season
tournament against eventual
No. 1 overall seed UConn.
Yet therein lies the prob-
lem. MSU had chances at pad-
ding its resume taken away,
but it also failed wildly in the
opportunities it was actually
presented.
The Bulldogs lost seven of
their last nine games — the
lone wins coming over an Au-
burn team that finished win-
less in the conference and just
fired its coach and an LSU
squad that was just 9-13 on the
year. It trailed by double-dig-
its in all of those contests. Ev-
ery. Single. One.
In games against South
Carolina and Texas A&M,
MSU was lifeless despite
spending the past nine sea-
sons working ever so hard to
match the SEC’s elite over the
past decade.
Even Alabama, a squad
MSU lost to just four times
since 2011, ran the Bulldogs
off the floor in Tuscaloosa in
a contest McCray-Penson’s
bunch desperately needed to
keep its tournament hopes
alive.
Need more evidence at this
year’s downturn? Take a look
at the stats. The 2020 -21 team
saw its marks dip in points
per game, field goal percent-
age, field goals per game, free
throw percentage and steals.
The Bulldogs increased in
turnovers.
MSU’s opponents, by con-
trast, saw a boost in points per
game (60.6 to 67.6 this year),
rebounds (35 to 38 per game)
and assists (10.8 to 11.9 per
contest).
For months, McCray-Pen-
son harped that MSU would
find its stride later in the
year, presumably February.
It would happen, she said, the
Bulldogs just needed games.
Now through January, Feb-
ruary and into March, MSU
played its games. Nearly 50
percent of the time, the Bull-
dogs lost.
Monday, the NCA A wom-
en’s basketball tournament
field was revealed and for
the first time in five years,
MSU wasn’t a part of it. A
source with knowledge of the
situation confirmed to The
Dispatch the Bulldogs had
also declined an invite to the
WNIT days ago.
In fairness, both journal-
istically and as a human be-
ing, one season under a head
coach shouldn’t be a complete
indictment on that person.
McCray-Penson’s teams dra-
matically improved year-to-
See MSU, 3B
2B TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Back-up plan: NCAA tourney standbys not expecting a call

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS have all those negative
tests in a row, so we’ll
LOUISVILLE, Ky. be ready. I don’t see that
— Louisville Cardinals happening by (Tuesday)
coach Chris Mack isn’t night. There has to be a
holding his breath wait- team that doesn’t have
ing for the call for his five players able to play,
team to replace anoth- so I just I don’t see that
er unable to play in the happening.”
NCA A Tournament be- Meanwhile, fellow
cause of COVID issues. potential replacement
Mindful that a squads Colorado State,
school simply needs Saint Louis and Missis-
five healthy players
sippi are preparing to
to remain eligible for
play in the 16 -team NIT
the 68 -team field, the
that begins Wednes-
third-year coach didn’t
day in the Dallas-Fort
see one having a worst-
Worth area. Like Lou-
case scenario and pull-
ing out suddenly by the isville, CSU has no real
Tuesday night deadline. thoughts toward claim-
Although the Cardinals ing a last-minute NCA A
(13-7) are the first alter- berth and just wants to
nate to fill an open spot move forward from the
and undergoing testing sting of being among
protocols, Mack and his among the so-called
program are resigned “First Four Out.”
to being on the outside “I don’t know that
looking in on March there’s a manual to do-
Madness and the NIT ing that,” said coach
— which Louisville de- Niko Medved, whose
clined to participate in. Rams (18 -6) will remain
“I mean, we’ll be in Las Vegas following
ready,” Mack said Mon- the Mountain West Tour-
day during a virtual news nament until Wednesday
conference call. “The before leaving for Texas.
prerequisite is that you “You just try to be real
with them about where large bid to the NCA A are working out indi- heads into its second
you’re at and what’s in Tournament, or receive vidually in the interim. postseason in three
front of you. a last-minute invite to “We had days where we years under Kermit Da-
“Again, as the time the Big Dance, they’ll be were practicing with vis having won eight of
keeps going by and you heading to Indiana. seven and eight play- 13 games.
keep starting to look at Louisville’s second ers. And when you go Saint Louis (14-6)
not what didn’t happen, interruption wiped out on two COVID pauses, had won three in a row
but start to really focus four late Atlantic Coast lose your captain (Malik before losing to eventual
on the opportunity you Conference contests and Williams to a foot inju- Atlantic 10 Conference
have in front of you and left little room for error ry), you have guys that champion St. Bonaven-
how lucky you really are upon returning. The Car- are injured, it wasn’t the ture. The Billikens will
to do that, I think you’ll dinals dropped three of right decision for this make their 19th NIT
go and attack it.” their final five games in- team to play in the end. appearance, the Rams
Mack said he and cluding a second-round “It’s been a long and their 10th and first since
Louisville athletic di- ACC Tournament loss to challenging season for a 2017.
rector Vince Tyra had Duke, which ended its lot of reasons.” Granted, these
discussed appearing in season the following day Louisville likely schools will play on a
the NIT, which the Car- following a positive test would have been a No. much smaller stage
dinals last participat- within the Blue Devils’ 1 seed in the NIT along compared to the Big
ed just before Mack’s program. with CSU, Saint Louis Dance they dreamed of.
hiring in March 2018. The disappointing de- and Ole Miss, whose But they’re still playing
When talking about the feat effectively quashed consolation for missing in a season that was no
decision of passing on Louisville’s hopes for the NCA A are being the lock to start with.
the NIT, among the fac- the NCA A appearance it teams to beat in the low- CSU forward Adam
tors Mack mentioned in- desperately sought just er-profile yet still presti- Thistlewood believes
cluded potential health up I-65 in Indianapolis, gious tournament. his team will be able
risks for a program that as opposed to traveling Ole Miss (16 -11) went to turn the NCA A snub
endured two lengthy to north Texas, a state 3-0 against Top-25 teams into extra motivation
COVID-related pauses where many COVID re- this season, joining top- and added that they’re
this season, including strictions have been lift- ranked and NCA A over- “super excited to get
a 19-day stretch last ed. all No. 1 seed Gonzaga back out there and prove
month during which he “The health of our and No. 13 Florida State to a lot of people that we
tested positive with mild team this year just to have at least three deserve to play not only
symptoms. wasn’t very good, even ranked wins without in the NIT, but that we
Though if the Cardi- down the stretch,” add- a loss. The Southeast- should’ve been in the
nals had received an at- ed Mack, whose players ern Conference school tournament.”

Free agent round up: Bucs keeping title gang together

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tom Brady doesn’t
merely lead teams to
Super Bowl wins on the
field. He also helps keep
together championship
teams that have salary
cap issues.
So sackmaster Shaq
Barrett, fellow standout
linebacker Lavonte Da-
vid and old buddy Rob
Gronkowski will remain
in Tampa Bay.
Just as he had done
several times in New En-
gland, Brady reworked
his big-ticket contract
last week to free up mon-
ey in free agency. The
Buccaneers used it to
keep David, and on Mon-
day, the first day of “le-
gal tampering” before
the NFL’s business year
begins on Wednesday,
the 28 -year-old Barrett
agreed to a four-year,
$72 million contract with
$36 million guaranteed,
agent Drew Rosenhaus
confirmed.
Later in the day,
Gronk agreed to return
for his 11th season with
Brady on a one-year, $10
million deal — up from
the $9.25 million he
earned in 2020.
Meanwhile, back in
Brady’s former stomp-
ing grounds, the Patriots
were spending wildly in
an attempt to recapture
the glory he produced
before heading south
last season.
New England opened
its vaults wider than
any other team on Mon-
day, something unusual
for a club that normally
avoids chasing the most
expensive free agents. problems on offense, but
Of course, the Patriots anyone who saw their
went 7-9 without Brady line fall apart in the Su-
in 2020. per Bowl recognizes the
Joining them are value of adding Thuney.
linebacker/edge rush- The other three AFC
er Matthew Judon from West teams were busy as
Baltimore; tight end Jon- well.
nu Smith from Tennes- The Raiders, who
see; nose tackle Davon have suffered defensive-
Godchaux from Miami; ly since trading Khalil
and defensive back Jalen Mack in 2018, agreed to
Mills from Philadelphia. a two-year contract with
Judon, 28, will get a edge rusher Yannick
four-year, $56 million Ngakoue. They are last
pact with $32 million in the NFL with 66 sacks
guaranteed, a person and 357 pressures, ac-
with knowledge of the cording to SportRadar,
contract told The Asso- since the trade.
ciated Press. Smith, 25, Ngakoue has the
will be paid $50 million 12th-most sacks (45
over four years to try 1/2), third-most strip
to fill the void created sacks (15), sixth-most
when Gronkowski re- quarterback pressures
tired after the 2018 sea- (190) and second-most
son — only to return forced fumbles (18) in
last year to reunite with his five pro seasons,
Brady in Tampa Bay. though he has slumped
The 26 -year-old God- the last two years.
chaux gets $16 million The Chargers went
for two years, with $9 with an offensive line
million guaranteed. upgrade, center Corey
Mills, soon to turn 27, Linsley, an All-Pro with
comes in at four years Green Bay last sea-
for $29 million, also son. Linsley allowed a
guaranteed $9 million. league-low four pres-
Clearly, the salary cap sures last season among
that decreased by about centers who played 13 or
$16 million this year due more games, while L A’s
to lost revenues because Dan Feeney was tied for
of the coronavirus pan- the most at 33. Linsley,
demic hasn’t prevented 29, spent seven seasons
New England from div- with the Packers.
ing headfirst into the Los Angeles has also
free agency waters. agreed to re-sign cor-
But they let perhaps nerback Michael Davis
the best offensive line- for three years.
man in this crop get away, Denver defensive end
as 28 -year-old guard Joe Shelby Harris agreed to
Thuney agreed to a five- a three-year, $27 million
year, $80 million con- deal. The 29-year-old
tract with Kansas City. Harris played on a one-
It might seem a stretch year deal last year after
to think the Chiefs have finding no suitors in free
agency despite setting Okwara, who had a ca-
personal highs with 49 reer-high 10 sacks last
tackles, six sacks and season in his third year
nine passes defensed in with the Lions and fifth
2019. in the NFL. He has been
Elsewhere: a rare steady performer
n The Rams agreed on a weak defense in De-
with pass rusher Leon- troit and got a three-year
ard Floyd on a four-year deal.
deal. Floyd, who is com- n Arizona re-signed
ing off the best season linebacker Markus
of his five-year NFL ca- Golden for two-years.
reer, signed last April The 30 -year-old Golden
after the Bears released has spent most of his ca-
him. The outside line- reer with the Cardinals
backer finished 10th in after being selected in
the league with 10 1/2 the second round of the
sacks while racking up 2015 draft. He played
55 tackles and 19 quar- with Arizona from 2015 -
terback hits. He also 18 before signing with
excelled against the the New York Giants
run while starting all 16 and was traded back to
games. the Cardinals midway
n Cleveland might through the 2020 season
have found a gem in and played well in Arizo-
Rams safety John John- na.
son III. The 25 -year-old n Baltimore agreed
playmaker is a strong with guard Kevin Zeitler,
run defender who had 31, on a three-year, $22
four interceptions in million contract. The
2018 and has eight over Ravens have needed
a career spanning 48 help at the position since
starts. His three-year perennial All-Pro Mar-
deal with the Browns shal Yanda retired after
reportedly is valued at the 2019 season. Zeitler,
$33.75 million, with $24 a nine-year veteran, was
million guaranteed. released by the New
n San Francisco re- York Giants last week.
signed 29-year-old cor- n Jacksonville added
nerback Jason Verrett Bears defensive lineman
for one year. He has Roy Robertson-Har-
been plagued by inju- ris with a three-year,
ries throughout his ca- $24.4 million deal that
reer but stayed healthy includes $14 million
in 2020 and excelled for guaranteed. The Jag-
the 49ers. Verrett start- uars also grabbed safety
ed 13 games with two Rudy Ford and receiver
interceptions and seven Jamal Agnew, both spe-
passes defensed and was cial teamers, as well as
one of the top-graded receiver Phillip Dorsett
cornerbacks in cover- and running back Carlos
age. Hyde. Defensive line-
n Detroit brought man Dawuane Smoot
back 25 -year-old Romeo was retained.
n The Jets, with as
much money to spend as
almost any team, went
for Bengals defensive
end Carl Lawson, Titans
wide receiver Corey Da-
vis and linebacker Jar-
rad Davis.
The 25 -year-old Law-
son got a three-year con-
tract. He has 20 sacks in
four seasons with weak
Cincinnati and joins a
promising defensive
line in New York that in-
cludes defensive tackle
Quinnen Williams.
Corey Davis, 26,
could become the Jets’
No. 1 wideout. His deal
is worth $37.5 million
over three years, $27.5
million guaranteed. Jar-
rad David had fallen out
of favor in Detroit. The
price tag reportedly is
$7 million for one year.
n Carolina addressed
offensive line issues by
agreeing to terms with
Pat Elflein and Cameron
Erving. Elflein received
a three-year, $13.5 mil-
lion deal with $6 million
guaranteed, while Erv-
ing agreed to a two-year,
$10 million contract with
$8 million guaranteed.
n The Cowboys are
set to bring back de-
fensive tackle Antwaun
Woods and a pair of
receivers lower on the
depth chart in Cedrick
Wilson and Noah Brown.
The team reported on its
website that Woods and
Wilson were expected
to be offered tenders as
restricted free agents
while Brown had agreed
to a one-year contract
as an unrestricted free
agent.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 3B

Indiana snapshot: Basketball temples take center stage

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
INDI A NA POLIS
— George McGinnis
remembers every de-
tail from that night he
listened to the Indiana
state basketball champi-
onship in the parking lot
of Hinkle Fieldhouse.
It was 1966, and he
and his Indianapolis
Washington teammates
sat in awe as the crowd
roared inside the big,
brick basketball tem-
ple. Like thousands of
teenagers across the
state, McGinnis and his
friends dreamed about
playing inside Hinkle,
where champions were
crowned, hardwood
dreams became reality
and folk heroes were
born.
Even today, at age 70
and after a Hall of Fame
career, it’s one of McGin-
nis’ fondest memories
because it helped spur
Washington to return to
Hinkle three years later
and complete a perfect
season, just like Oscar
Robertson did in 1956.
“It was just packed,”
McGinnis recalled.
“There wasn’t really
a place to park, so we
parked illegally and lis-
tened to the game on
the radio but you could
hear the crowd after ev-
ery basket. We said to
ourselves ‘That’s going
to be us one day, that’s
going to be us.’’”
It’s one of many yarns
that define Indiana bas-
ketball and the arenas
that helped create its
legacy. Six will go on full
display when the NCA A
Tournament tips off lat-
er this week.
The meccas only
start with Hinkle’s sun-
lit court, which will host
its first tourney games
since 1940 — 14 years
prior to Bobby Plump
of tiny Milan High mak-
ing the real shot that in-
spired “Hoosiers.”
Five national cham-
pionship banners hang
from the rafters inside
Assembly Hall, home
of the Indiana Hoo-
siers. Three of those
titles came under for-
mer coach Bob Knight,
including the 1975-76
team — the last unde-
feated Division I men’s
champion.
“The hair on the back
of your neck stood up
when you ran out on the
floor to the roar of Hoo-
sier Nation,” said Kent
Benson, a starter on that
title team. “It shook the
building. It was abso-
lutely deafening it was
so loud.”
At Purdue’s Mack-
ey Arena, fans will find
the banner honoring
John Wooden — the first
three-time All-Ameri-
can. And when the are-
na is full, the decibels
resound off the metallic,
domed roof, making life
as difficult for musicians
as Boilermakers oppo-
nents.
The other three are
just a short drive from
Hinkle: Indiana Farmers
Coliseum, which opened
on the state fairgrounds
in 1939 and played host
to the Indiana Pacers’
three ABA titles; Lucas
Oil Stadium, home of the
NFL’s Colts and where
Gordon Hayward’s half-
court heave came within
inches of giving Butler
the 2010 national cham-
pionship; and Bankers
Life Fieldhouse, which
hosted three games
during the 2000 NBA Fi-
nals — the first of Kobe
Bryant’s five title runs.
And the history of
these venues stretches
well beyond basketball.
The coliseum was
built as part of President
Franklin Roosevelt’s “New
Deal” legislation and
hosted Indiana’s basket-
ball state championships
briefly in the 1940s when
Hinkle served as a World
War II military barracks.
The Beatles performed
at the coliseum in 1964
and it’s where McGinnis
watched his first pro game
and made his pro debut in
1971.
“The fans were right
on top of you and there
was just an air about it
— the way the fans were
yakking. And there was
no room for diving in for a
loose ball. If you did, you’d
kill somebody,” said Mc-
Ginnis, who returned for
the 2014 reopening after a
$53 million renovation. “It
looks nice. The seats are
great.”
Assembly Hall has host-
ed many big acts ranging
from Elvis Presley to Bob
Dylan and Bob Hope to
Johnny Cash. The Jackson
Five played there, too, and
President Barack Obama
and Bill Gates both spoke
inside the Hoosiers home
arena, which served as the
site of the U.S. Olympic
men’s basketball tryouts
in 1984 and later became
the scene of Knight’s infa-
mous chair toss.
Mackey Arena opened
in 1967 by pitting Wooden,
Lew Alcindor and mighty
UCLA against Rick
Mount, the 1966 Mr. Bas-
ketball winner and Sports
Illustrated coverboy in his
college debut. President
Reagan spoke there in
1987.
Lucas Oil Stadium and
Bankers Life Fieldhouse,
meanwhile, have hosted
dozens of major concerts
and events but are best-
known for their sports ties.
The retractable-roof
stadium will host its third
national championship
game April 5. It served
as the Super Bowl site in
February 2012 and college
football’s title game will be
played there in January.
Bankers Life, home
of the Pacers has hosted
everything from hockey
games to professional bull
riding to the 2011 NCAA
women’s title game. Mi-
chael Phelps even swam
in a temporary pool there,
constructed for the 2004
FINA World Champion-
ships.
But talk to most people
around the state and one
place still rules: Hinkle,
the beloved old barn built
in 1928 that got a $36 mil-
lion overhaul in 2014. Left
alone were those signa-
ture windows high above
the court.
“We’d drive there in
the summer, just sit in
the parking lot, thinking
and each one of us would
be like (broadcaster)
Tom Carnegie calling the
game: ‘He takes the shot
... ,’” said Steve Downing,
a high school and college
teammate of McGinnis
who is now the athletic
director at nearby Mari-
an University. “We would
just go play basketball out
at Speedway or wherev-
er and on the way home,
we would drive by Hinkle
Fieldhouse and just sit in
that parking lot and day-
dream about basketball.”
Indiana fires Miller,
raises private money to
cover buyout
Archie Miller’s $10.3
million buyout was one of
college basketball’s prici-
est.
Indiana athletic direc-
tor Scott Dolson decided
keeping Miller would
prove even more costly.
Dolson fired Miller
on Monday, armed with
enough cash from private
donations to cover the
buyout and ready to an-
swer a fan base angered
by four straight mediocre
seasons.
“It’s a results-oriented
business and I didn’t feel
like we had made enough
progress,” Dolson said
on a late afternoon Zoom
call. “I thought we needed
a new voice and a new di-
rection.”
The Hoosiers were
already headed in the
wrong direction before
Miller arrived in March
2017 and four years lat-
er, the groans only grew
louder.
Indiana hasn’t been to
the NCAA Tournament
since 2016, hasn’t reached
a Final Four since 2002
and hasn’t won a national
championship since 1987
— the longest drought in
school history. It has won
just three Big Ten titles
since 1993 and now has
five consecutive non-win-
ning seasons in Big Ten
play for the first time
since 1911-19.
Miller was 67-58 with
the Hoosiers. He never
made the NCAA Tourna-
ment during his time at
the school though many
believed Indiana would
have received a bid last
year had the tourney not
been canceled because of
the COVID-19 pandemic.

Softball
Continued from Page 1B
ries, and it came in Sunday’s 4-1 loss.
Against Diederich on Monday, the
Bulldogs got just two hits — sopho-
more second baseman Paige Cook’s
leadoff single and senior third base-
man Montana Davidson’s double off
the top of the center-field fence. Both
came back to back in the top of the
fifth inning as the Bulldogs, trailing
3-0, threatened to tie the game or take
the lead.
But Ole Miss brought in the pitch-
er who had been a thorn in Mississip-
pi State’s side twice already on the
weekend and baffled the Bulldogs
once again Monday. Ace senior Anna
Borgen entered in relief of Diederich
and got straight to work, inducing
a ground ball to shortstop that the
Rebels threw home to cut down Cook
at the plate. Junior Jackie McKenna
struck out in a pinch-hitting appear-
ance, and after Malau’ulu was hit by
an 0 -2 pitch, Mia Davidson grounded
into a forceout to end the inning with-
out a single run coming across.
It was Borgen’s second save of the
series after she closed out the Bull-
dogs on Sunday. The native Texan
tossed a complete-game, two-hit shut-
out Saturday in the opening game of
the series.
“I thought she really did a great job
just mixing different quadrants and
mixing speeds as well — just attack-
ing,” Ricketts said. “It felt like we were
behind 0 -2 just about every time.”
And while Mississippi State missed
its chance, the Rebels took advan-
tage of theirs. They didn’t give the
Bulldogs another chance to score
any runs, tagging senior starter Em-
ily Williams and sophomore reliever
Aspen Wesley for five in the inning.
Senior first baseman Sydney Gutier-
rez brought home a run on an infield
single off Wesley, and senior catcher
Autumn Gillespie followed by lashing
a triple over the head of Leilua at first
and into the right-field corner. The
three-bagger brought home two runs
to make it a 6 -0 ballgame, and junior
shortstop Mikayla Allee soon brought
home Gillespie with a single.
Williams returned to the circle af-
ter Allee’s base hit but fared little bet-
ter than Wesley. She followed a pop-
up for the second out with a walk, and
after a wild pitch moved both runners
up, freshman second baseman Blaise
Biringer reached on an infield hit to
end the game on the run rule with Ole
Miss up eight.
“Ole Miss played a great game,”
Ricketts said. “I thought they were re-
ally good in the box and on the mound,
so a lot of credit to them.”
Gillespie brought home the Rebels’
first run with a solo homer off a light
pole in left center field in the second
inning, and Tate Whitley followed
with an RBI double to center. Whitley
had a sac fly in the fourth as Ole Miss
extended its lead.
The Bulldogs didn’t have a single
baserunner Monday until Malau’ulu
was hit by a pitch, the first of two such
instances, leading off the fourth in-
ning. The plunking extended her on-
base streak to 28 consecutive games,
though it was little consolation when
Leilua, senior designated player Car-
ter Spexarth and junior right fielder
Anna Kate Segars all flied out after
Davidson drew a walk.
“That’s the name of the game:
You’ve got to capitalize on opportuni-
ties when you have them, especially
with the heart of our order,” Ricketts
said. I think it’s kind of the story of
the weekend: not being able to capital-
ize and execute.
“Bottom line is, we have to execute
better,” she added. It doesn’t have to
be a home run; we can take a sac fly or
just something a little bit more small-
ball and play situationally to try to ex-
ecute a little bit more when we’ve got
opportunities on the bases for us.”
The Bulldogs will be back in action
for a midweek game at Samford (9-12)
at 6 p.m. Wednesday in Birmingham,
Alabama. After that, Mississippi State
will host No. 6 Florida (17-2, 2-1 SEC)
at Nusz Park for a three-game confer-
ence series from Friday to Sunday.

Prep
Continued from Page 1B

Other scores
Prep Softball
Orange Beach (Ala.) 5, New Hope 1, four innings
New Hope lost to Orange Beach (Alabama) in a
four-inning game Monday at the Gulf Coast Classic
in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Kensley Woolbright pitched all four innings for
the Trojans (4-6) with two strikeouts.
New Hope had four hits in the contest.
The Trojans will play Jo Byrns (Tenn.) and host
Gulf Shores (Ala.) at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday in
Gulf Shores.
Northside (Ala.) 6, New Hope 2, five innings
The Trojans also fell in their first game Monday,
losing 6 -2 to Northside (Alabama) in the five-inning
contest.
Northside scored four runs in the first inning
and two in the second. New Hope responded with
two runs in the third.
Lailah Henderson had the lone hit for the Tro-
jans. Adi Dueitt had one strikeout in three innings
pitched, and Kensley Woolbright pitched one in-
ning.
Prep Baseball
Caledonia 8, Mendenhall 0
Josh Pitts and Zack Gorum combined on a shut-
out as Caledonia blanked Mendenhall 8-0 on Mon-
day at the East Central Community College Tour-
nament.
Pitts had a two-run single for the Cavaliers in the
first inning. Carson Elliott drove in two runs with a
single in the fifth.
Caledonia will play at 4 p.m. Tuesday at Fayette
(Alabama).
Oak Hill Academy 8, Newton County Academy 2
Brian Buchanan pitched a complete game as Oak
Hill Academy beat Newton County Academy in the
Raiders’ second game Monday in Decatur.
Buchanan struck out four and allowed just three
hits and one earned run in Oak Hill’s 8-2 win.
Cameron Dill hit a two-run triple in the first in-
ning, and the Raiders added a run in the second.
Dill and Carson Taylor had doubles in the fourth
to put Oak Hill up 4-1, and Colin Boyd hit a two-out
RBI double in the sixth. The Raiders scored three
more runs in the seventh.
Winston Academy 10, Oak Hill Academy 0, five in-
nings
The Raiders were run-ruled 10 -0 by Winston
Academy in their first game in Monday’s tourna-
ment.
Winston scored two runs in the first inning, three
in the second, three in the fourth and two more in
the fifth.
Oak Hill will continue play in the tournament at
3:30 p.m. Wednesday against Leake Academy.

WBB
Continued from Page 1B
Southeastern Conference Tournament. MSU had
lost seven of its last nine games heading into
the postseason and hadn’t beaten a team w ith a
w inning record since Dec. 31.
T he Bulldogs’ lone w in over a team in the top
25 of the NE T rankings came against Georgia in
their f irst SEC game of the season.
A source w ith knowledge of the situation con-
firmed to The Dispatch that the school turned down
an invite to the WNIT a few days ago, thus ending
the Bulldogs’ season.
The Bulldogs previously advanced to the Sweet
16 in each of the last four seasons and competed in
back-to-back national title games in 2017 and 2018.
The Bulldogs were expected to be an NCA A Tourna-
ment team in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic
canceled the tournament entirely.
Prior to Monday’s selection show, ESPN brack-
etologist Charlie Creme projected MSU as the first
team out of the f ield in his f inal update ahead of
the reveal.

MSU
Continued from Page 1B
year during her time at
Old Dominion, capping
it off with a 24-6 season
during her third year be-
fore she was hired away.
Reinforcements are
hypothetically on the
way in the form of top-
55 guard Jasmine Shav-
ers, three-star point
guard Mia Moore and
under-the-radar forward
Denae Carter as well.
KN’isha Godfrey, MSU’s
highest rated prospect in
the 2021 class, is already
on campus as a mid-year
enrollee.
It’s also expected
the Bulldogs will hit the
transfer portal hard this
offseason, whether that’s
to replace departures or
to make use of the hand-
ful of scholarships it still
has to play with.
Combine that all with
a bizarre year in which
teams soldiered through
a once-in-a-generation
pandemic, and yes, there
is reason to remain op-
timistic that 2020-21
was an outlier. That, of
course, doesn’t make
Monday’s result sting
any less.
So what is there to
take from this season?
Honestly, not a hell of
a lot. But hey, Jackson
State will represent the
Magnolia State in the
Big Dance. Let’s give
them the hand previous-
ly reserved for the state
school in Starkville. Hit
the jukebox.
4B TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
Tennessee’s NCAA run continues, Notre Dame’s ends
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
COLUMBIA, S.C. —
Tennessee’s perfect NCAA
Tournament run is intact.
The Lady Vols have
made all 39 tournaments
since the NCAA added the
women’s event in 1982. It
was a mark that looked in
jeopardy a season ago until
the coronavirus canceled
the tournament.
The time, 13th-ranked
Tennessee is a three seed
and will open play Sunday
against No. 14 seed Mid-
dle Tennessee. It’s also
the first time under coach
Kellie Harper, the former
Lady Vols point guard who
won three national champi-
onships in college.
Getting there as coach?
“That’s a big deal,” she
said. “It’s pretty cool.”
Comics & Puzzles
DILBERT
ZITS
GARFIELD
CANDORVILLE
BABY BLUES
BEETLE BAILEY
MALLARD FILLMORE
Harper and her team
would love to end a less-flat-
tering run in NCAA play
— not making a Final Four
since 2008.
Tennessee was the
sport’s juggernaut from the
start, winning eight NCAA
Tournaments and reach-
ing 18 Final Fours between
1982-2008. Things have
slowed dramatically since
with the Lady Vols missing
the round of 16 in their past
three appearances.
Harper, whose team
was beaten by South Car-
olina in the SEC Tourna-
ment semifinals last time it
played, held a workout ses-
sion outdoors during their
down time. She hoped the
change of venue and some
fresh air would clear their
heads in preparation of the
NCAAs.
FAMILY CIRCUS
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
The Lady Vols become
the fourth team Harper
has led to the NCAA Tour-
nament (Western Caroli-
na, North Carolina State,
Missouri State are the oth-
ers), just the second wom-
en’s coach to do that.
“It t means I’ve had re-
ally good players wherever
I’ve been,” she said. “There
are a lot of talented players
out there that never get to
play in the NCAA Tourna-
ment, so I don’t take that
for granted.”
D E F E N D I N G
CHAMPS: Baylor was
the last team to walk off
the court in celebration
after winning the 2019
NCAA Tournament.
Bears coach Kim Mulkey
and her team are busing
the 180 miles or so from
Waco to San Antonio,
what she said is one less
interaction for players
and coaches on the way
to the NCAA bubble that
could last several weeks.
“I get a headache think-
ing about we’re getting
ready to be in a bubble for
I don’t know how many
days. You don’t know how
long you’re going to be
there,” Mulkey said. “nd
when you’re there, you’re
not coming home to re-
group and go back. You’re
there until you lose out.”
Baylor, seeded sec-
ond in its region, opens
against No. 15 seed Jack-
son State on Sunday.
WELCOME TO THE
NCA A TOURNAMENT:
It won’t only be this year’s
freshman class that gets
its first taste of NCAA
Tournament play. Several
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY:
I have been
with the
same man for
almost 30 years.
We are not mar-
ried and have no
children together.
He is 15 years
older than I am.
We have been
living in his house
for the past sev-
en years. I feel
more like a renter
than a partner in
this relationship. Dear Abby
I give him money
every month, and
we sleep in separate rooms.
He wants to control everything
in his house, including how to
clean, cook or what we eat. I
bite my lip to avoid starting a
confrontation.
He is a lifelong bachelor,
while I have two adult children
and a couple of grandkids.
I’m not sure how much more
of this I can take. I work all
day; he doesn’t. I want to
leave, but at the same time,
I care and worry about him.
What should I do? — DISILLU-
SIONED IN ILLINOIS
DEAR DISILLUSIONED: Quit
biting your lip. Gather your
courage and start an honest
conversation with your house-
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March
16). The year features a work
advancement, but it’s relation-
ships that grow you the most.
You’ll meet people who help
you elevate your body, mind
and spirit. You will not be able
to work on one aspect without
improving the others. A quest
begins in the summer and will
last two years, culminating in
bodywork and insights. Gemini
and Virgo adore you. Your lucky
numbers are: 13, 5, 33, 28
and 10.
ARIES (March 21-April 19).
You’ll get what you want and
need because you’re willing to
let go of certain positions and
ideas about yourself. For in-
stance, you’re more than willing
to sacrifice vanity and pride at
the feet of a larger purpose.
super sophomores, like
South Carolina forward
Aliyah Boston, will join
first-year phenoms like
Paige Bueckers of UCo-
nn in playing for the first
time in the NCAAs.
Boston, the 6-foot6-5
force down low, said she
anticipates a few butter-
flies taking the court
next weekend. She was
nervous enough Monday
night waiting to see the
Gamecocks name called.
“I had my phone ready” to
record everything.
Bueckers helped the
Huskies finish No. 1 in
the AP Top 25 for the 16th
time this season.
INJURED GAME-
COCK: No. 1 seed South
Carolina will be without
its only senior in LeLe
Grissett, the 6-foot-2
mate in which
you tell him
you have been
unhappy with
the status quo
for a long time.
Then outline the
changes that
would make you
happy. If he isn’t
willing to compro-
mise, then pack
your bags and
leave because
you will know the
feelings you have
for him are not
mutual.
DEAR ABBY:
I’ve been “friends” with a
woman for 25 years. For a
time, we were best friends
and did everything together,
but we couldn’t be more differ-
ent. It caused many fights and
disagreements over the years.
She has deeply hurt and
embarrassed me countless
times. She ruined birthdays,
damaged other relationships
— even ruined my bachelor-
ette party. I don’t know why
I still bother with her. I think
because of our deep roots,
it’s hard to let go.
At the moment, we haven’t
spoken in more than two
months, and I know she’s up-
set with me yet again. Should
TAURUS (April 20-May 20).
If you are very hard on yourself,
then you might rise to superior
standards or you might quit out
of exhaustion. Self-directed
harshness eats energy. Play
the middle ground with gentle
encouragement toward improve-
ment.
GEMINI (May 21-June
21). Add your flavor to the
conversation without worrying
if others will relate. You bring
a multidimensionality that will
extend beyond its context into
other days, days in which new
understandings will be reached.
This is just the start.
CANCER (June 22-July 22).
The simplest answer is not
always the best answer. In fact,
today it’s a one-size-fits-none re-
sult. You’re safe to assume the
guard who has been a
key part of the Game-
cocks bench this season.
Grissett was hurt in the
team’s SEC Tournament
title game victory over
Georgia on March 7. The
crutches and walking
boot, though, didn’t stop
Grissett — with a little
help — from climbing up
a ladder to snip a piece
of the championship net.
South Carolina coach
Dawn Staley said Gris-
sett had a lower leg injury
and would miss the tour-
nament. The Gamecocks
had a similar situation in
2017 when starter Alaina
Coates was ruled out
of action with an injury
before the NCAAs. The
team responded with a
run to its first national
championship.
I reach out and mend the
bond? Do I use this as a step-
ping stone to start moving on?
I love her, but I know it really
is a toxic relationship. — OFF
AGAIN IN NEW JERSEY
DEAR OFF AGAIN: Please
reread the last sentence of
your letter. Do not bother
reaching out and trying to
mend the breach in your rela-
tionship. You cannot fix what’s
wrong with this old friend, but
you can move on. Her silence
is giving you the opportunity.
Take it!
DEAR ABBY: My son is
getting married in a couple of
weeks. Due to COVID-19, he
and his fiancee are having to
downsize the list of invitees.
This includes asking those
who have already RSVP’d
“yes” and/or have already
given them a wedding gift not
to attend. Should they return
the wedding gifts to those
they are disinviting to the
wedding? — WONDERING IN
THE SOUTH
DEAR WONDERING: Your
son and his fiancee should
at least OFFER to return the
gifts. Considering the reason
for the downsizing, some of
the no-longer-invited guests
may tell them to keep them
along with their good wishes,
while others will not.
problem is custom-made and to
seek a bespoke solution.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). The
weakness is a strength, though
it’s not activated until someone
applies it to a worthy purpose.
You’ve a gift for seeing the
potential of qualities (in yourself
or others) and putting them to
good use.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22).
You’ve been listening, and you
really understand the needs of
others. Your calm support will
be impactful. You will reas-
sure and speak for those who
haven’t quite found the right
words yet.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
There are certain actions you
take that you do recognize
for the rituals they are. Their
devotional qualities are hidden
to you, though today you’ll be
made quite aware of the quirkier
things you’ve made sacred.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21).
You don’t have to respond to
every notification, phone call or
question. You are the gate, the
gatekeeper and all that’s behind
the gate, too. Take the first two
responsibilities seriously and
your domain remains your own.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). No need to reward or
punish yourself. The reward is
intrinsic in an action or it’s not.
And if you didn’t make the right
move, that’s the punishment.
Your job is to keep moving in
acceptance that you’re learning
as you go.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). Should you settle for a
thing that’s working pretty well
or go for what you really want?
It’s not an “either/or” situation
right now. You can do both.
Enjoy your place while you
visualize, plan and invest in your
leap to the next level.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). You might not be aware
of how valuable your opinions
are to other people. When you
phrase your support well, it will
stick with others in a positive
way and even be a guiding light.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Well-being is for the
well-rested and well-hydrated.
Also, it helps to believe that
it’s all going down just as it
needs to, so dial up the volume
on your senses and breathe it
all in.
Pain relief
SOLUTION:

Classifieds
LEGALS
Call us: 662-328-2424
Legal Notices
IN THE SPECIAL COURT OF EM-
INENT DOMAIN
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
COLUMBUS REDEVELOPMENT
AUTHORITY PLAINTIFF
VS.
IRENE COBB, ET AL. DEFEND-
ANTS
NO. 2019-0005-ED2
ALIAS SUMMONS BY PUBLICA-
TION
TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-AT-
LAW AND DEVISEES OF THE
FOLLOWING DECEASED INDI-
VIDUALS: VIOLA SYKES, NOLA
SMITH, WALLACE GRAY, AND
ALL PERSONS OR ENTITIES
HAVING OR CLAIMING A LEGAL
OR EQUITABLE INTEREST IN
CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY LOC-
ATED IN BLOCK 22 NORTH OF
MAIN STREET, AT 311 4TH AV-
ENUE NORTH, COLUMBUS,
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
You have been made Defend-
ants in a lawsuit filed in this
Court by the Columbus Re-
development Authority to con-
demn by eminent domain cer-
tain real property located in
Block 22 North of Main at 311
4th Avenue North, Columbus,
Mississippi. The property is ne-
cessary to renew and redevel-
opment blighted conditions in
accordance with the Urban Re-
newal Plan (Burns Bottom) of
the City of Columbus, Missis-
sippi.
You are summoned to appear
and defend against the com-
plaint or petition filed against
you in this action at 9:30
o’clock a. m. on the 12th day
of April, 2021, in the second
floor courtroom of the Lowndes
County Courthouse in Colum-
bus, Mississippi, and in case
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 April 12, 2021, you
are required to file the State-
ment of Values pursuant to
Miss. Code Ann. §11-27-7,
which shall be treated as
pleadings in this action. The
date of the filing of the Com-
plaint herein is the 7th day of
October, 2019, 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 3rd day
of March, 2021.
TERESA BARKSDALE, CLERK
SPECIAL COURT OF EMINENT
DOMAIN,
LOWNDES COUNTY, MS
BY: ANN MARIE LANGFORD,
D.C.
Publish: 3/9/21, 3/16/21,
3/23/21
All notices must be
emailed to
classifieds@
cdispatch.com.
Legal Notices
Ready-Mix Concrete General
Permit Public Notice
Mississippi Environmental
Quality Permit Board
P. O. Box 2261 | Jackson, MS
39225
515 East Amite St. | Jackson,
MS 39201
Telephone No. (601) 961-5171
Public Notice Start Date:
3/19/21
MMC Materials, Inc. (Kyle
Beckman) and MMC Materials
Inc, Columbus (at the Sever-
Corr Facility) located at 1945
Airport Road in
Columbus/Lowndes County,
Mississippi, 601-898-4000,
has applied to the Mississippi
Department of Environmental
Quality (MDEQ) for coverage
and/or modification under MD- ment and Original Codicil in
EQ’s Ready-Mix Concrete Gen-
eral Permit to construct and op- ters Testamentary and Other
erate a Ready-Mix Concrete fa- Relief [Doc. No. 2] filed by
cility.
The Ready-Mix Concrete Gener- copy of a last will and testa-
al Permit has been developed
to ensure compliance with all
State and Federal regulations.
Facilities granted coverage un- Laws. Other than you, the only ing our website at
der this permit and adhering to other interested parties in this http://www.eastms.edu/bids
the conditions contained
therein should operate within
State and Federal environment- Frances Laws Lingel; Richard
al laws and standards concern- R. Laws Jr.; Rebecca Laws An- verse auction process, please
ing the construction and opera- derson; William Russell Laws;
tion of air emissions equip-
ment and the discharge of
wastewater and storm water
associated with industrial activ-
ities.
The proposed project consists
of construction and/or opera-
tion of a Ready-Mix Concrete
facility with a maximum con-
crete production rate exceed-
ing 150 cubic yards per hour.
Therefore, the facility is limited house in Columbus, Missis-
by the General Permit to an an- sippi, and in case of your fail-
nual production rate of no more ure to appear your interest in
than 1,000,000 cubic yards of this matter will not be con-
concrete. With this annual lim- sidered.
it, potential emissions will be
below the Prevention of Signi-
ficant Deterioration major
source thresholds as specified you may do so if you desire.
in the Mississippi Regulations
for the Prevention of Signific-
ant Deterioration of Air Quality, seal of said Court, this the 4th federal law. The following of-
11 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 2,
Ch. 5. Potential emissions will
also be below the Air Title V
major source thresholds as
specified in 11 Miss. Admin.
Code Pt. 2, Ch. 6.
Persons wishing to comment
upon or object to the proposed BY:/s/ Tina Fisher, D.C.
request for coverage are in-
vited to submit comments in
writing to the Water II Branch
Manager, Environmental Per-
mits Division at the Permit
Board's address shown above
or via email at
www.mdeq.ms.gov/williams-
becky no later than 30 days
from the public notice start
date. All comments received or IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
postmarked by this date will be
considered in the determina-
tion regarding coverage approv-
al. After receipt of public com-
ments and thorough considera-
tion of all comments, MDEQ
will formulate its recommenda-
tions regarding coverage ap-
proval.
Additional details about the
proposed project are available
by writing or calling the Water II Letters Testamentary have
Branch Manager, Environment- been granted and issued to the strument dated February 12,
al Permits Division at the
above Permit Board address
and telephone number. A copy the Chancery Court of Lowndes fice in Book 2020 at Page
of the Notice of Intent or Re-
coverage Form and public no-
tice are also available on the
MDEQ’s website at:
https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/en- to Probate and Register same
search/recently-received-gener- with the Chancery Clerk of
al-permit-noi/. A copy of the
Ready-Mix Concrete General
Permit is available at www.md- first publication date of this No- the terms of said deed of trust,
eq.ms.gov/rmcgp. This inform- tice to Creditors. A failure to so Regions Bank d/b/a Regions
ation is also available for re-
view during normal business
hours at the office of the MD-
EQ at the Permit Board ad-
dress shown above. Please
bring the foregoing to the atten-
tion of persons whom you know
will be interested.
PUBLISH: 3/16/2021
Just a click away!
Ads appear in The Commercial Dispatch,
The Starkville Dispatch and Online
Legal Notices Legal Notices
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF Advertisement for Reverse Auc-
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- tion
SIPPI
IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
East Mississippi Community
College Board of Trustees is re-
TATE OF RICHARD R. LAWS, ceiving un-priced solicitations
SR., DECEASED for the following: Commercial
Truck Driving Program Equip-
CAUSE NO.: 2021-0022-PDE ment
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION Solicitations will be received
until 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday,
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI April 6, 2021, at the Adminis-
tration Office, Student Union
TO: All Unknown Heirs-at-Law of Building, P.O. Box 100, May-
Richard R. Laws Sr., also hew, MS 39753 (Attn: Dana
known as Richard R. Laws and Mordecai) or by electronic sub-
Richard Reuben Laws, de- mission at www.centralauction-
ceased, and Any Unknown house.com . Submissions will
Parties In Interest be evaluated, and vendors sub-
mitting acceptable proposals
You have been made a defend- will be invited to participate in
ant in the Petition for Probate the Electronic Reverse Auction
of Copy of Last Will and Testa- to be held on Thursday, April 8,
2021, at www.centralauction-
Solemn Form, Issuance of Let- house.com .
Information about the specific
Frances R. Laws on February 3, items in the reverse auction
2021, seeking to probate a may be obtained by contacting
Courtney Taylor at (662) 243-
ment and original codicil in sol- 1929 or ctaylor@eastms.edu .
emn form and issuing letters This information will also be
testamentary to Frances R. made available online by visit-
action are Frances R. Laws; or www.centralbidding.com .
Frances L. Laws, formerly
For questions relating to the re-
contact Central Bidding at 225-
The Richard R. Laws Unified 810-4814.
Credit Trust; and the Frances
R. Laws Marital Trust. The East Mississippi Com-
munity College Board of Trust-
You are summoned to appear ees reserves the right to reject
and represent your interests any or all bids and to negoti-
against said Petition before the ate with the lowest/best bid-
Honorable Paula Drungole-Ellis, der. EMCC reserves the right to
Chancellor of the 14th Chan- award the bid as a whole or by
cery District at 9:30 a.m. on individual line item.
the 22nd day of April 2021, at
the Lowndes County Court- East Mississippi Community
College is committed to assur-
ing that the College and its pro-
grams are free from discrimina-
tion and harassment based
upon race, color, ethnicity, sex,
pregnancy, religion, national
You are not required to file an origin, disability, age, sexual
answer or other pleading, but orientation, gender identity, ge-
netic information, status as a
U.S. veteran, or any other
Issued under my hand and the status protected by state or
day of March 2021. fices have been designated to
handle inquiries regarding the
CINDY E. GOODE, CHANCERY non-discrimination policies:
CLERK Office of the Director of Hu-
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- man Resources, 1512 Kemper
SIPPI Street, Scooba, Mississippi
39358, 662.476.5274.
(SEAL)
Publication Dates: March 16,
2021 and March 23, 2020
PUBLISH: 3/9, 3/16 &
3/23/2021
SUBSTITUTED TRUSTEE'S NO-
TICE OF SALE
IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF WHEREAS, on June 19, 2017,
LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- Ryan J. Baswell and Whitney
SIPPI Baswell, husband and wife ex-
ecuted a certain deed of trust
to Denise McLaurin, Trustee for
TATE OF GEORGE Y. STEEL, DE- the benefit of Regions Bank
CEASED d/b/a Regions Mortgage which
deed of trust is of record in the
CAREY D. STEEL, EXECUTOR office of the Chancery Clerk of
Lowndes County, State of Mis-
CAUSE NO. 2021-0037-DE sissippi in Book 2017 at Page
13505 and re-recorded in Book
NOTICE TO CREDITORS 2017 at Page 14138; and
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI WHEREAS, Regions Bank
COUNTY OF LOWNDES d/b/a Regions Mortgage has
heretofore substituted Shapiro
& Brown, LLC as Trustee by in-
undersigned upon the Estate of 2020 and recorded in the
George Y. Steel, deceased, by aforesaid Chancery Clerk's Of-
County, Mississippi, on the 4th 3268; and
day of March, 2021. This is to
give notice to all persons hav- WHEREAS, default having been
ing claims against said estate made in the terms and condi-
tions of said deed of trust and
the entire debt secured thereby
Lowndes County, Mississippi, having been declared to be due
within ninety (90) days from the and payable in accordance with
Probate and Register a claim Mortgage, the legal holder of
will forever bar that claim. said indebtedness, having re-
quested the undersigned Sub-
This the 5th day of March stituted Trustee to execute the
2021. trust and sell said land and
property in accordance with the
/s/ Carey D. Steel terms of said deed of trust and
CAREY D. STEEL, Executor for the purpose of raising the
sums due thereunder, togeth-
PUBLISH: 3/9, 3/16 & er with attorney's fees,
3/23/2021 trustee's fees and expense of
sale.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Shapiro &
Brown, LLC, Substituted Trust-
ee in said deed of trust, will on
April 13, 2021 offer for sale at
public outcry and sell within
legal hours (being between the
hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m.), at the Southeast Door of
the County Courthouse of
Lowndes County, located at
505 2nd Avenue North, Colum-
bus, MS 39701, to the highest
and best bidder for cash or cer-
tified funds the following de-
scribed property situated in
The best place for personalized
Lowndes County, State of Mis-
sissippi, to-wit:
Tract I:
A lot or parcel of land located
advertising in your community.
in the Northwest Quarter
(NW1/4) of the Southeast
Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section
23, Township 18 South, Range
17 West, Lowndes County, Mis-
sissippi, and being more partic-
ularly described as follows:
ads.cdispatch.com
Beginning at the Northwest
corner of the Northwest Quarter
(NW1/4) of the Southeast
Quarter (SE1/4) of Section 23,
Township 18 South, Range 17
West, Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi; thence East 19.3 feet;
thence South parallel with the
West boundary line of said
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of
CUSTOMIZE YOUR AD:
the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4)
of Section 23, a distance of
345.0 feet to the initial point of
this description;
Featured ads $5 Sponsored ads $3
FROM SAID INITIAL POINT OF
BEGINNING, run thence East
parallel with the South bound-
Premium placement
ary line of said North west
Quarter (NW1/4) of the South-
on classifieds home page.
east Quarter (S1/4) of said
Section 23, a distance of
414.23 feet; thence South par-
Highlight $3
allel with the West boundary
line of said Northwest Quarter
(NW1/4) of the Southeast
Quarter (SE1/4) of said Sec-
Highlight your ad
tion 23, a distance of 105 feet;
thence West parallel with the
South boundary line of said
with a dash of color.
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of
the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4)
of said Section 23, a distance
of 414. 23 feet to a point on
the East right of way line of a
public road known as McDavis
Road; thence North along the
said East right of way of said
public road for 105 feet, more
or less, to the initial point of
this description and containing
1.0 acres, more or less.
Tract II:
aforesaid Chancery Clerk's Of- South boundary of said Northw-
ants at MAIN STREET MINI
fice in Book 2020 at Page est Quarter (NW1/4) of the
3268; and Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) a STORAGE, 1702 Main Street,
distance of 389.23 feet to a Columbus, MS, on March 24,
WHEREAS, default having been point; run thence South paral- 2021, at 9:00 AM.
made in the terms and condi- lel with the West boundary of
tions of said deed of trust and said Northwest Quarter Property to be sold is believed
the entire debt secured thereby (NW1/4) of the Southeast to be good, but at such sale,
having been declared to be due Quarter (SE1/4) a distance of MAIN STREET MINI STORAGE
and payable in accordance with 25.0 feet to a point; run thence will convey only such title as is
Regions Bank d/b/a Regions
To place ads starting at only $12,
the terms of said deed of trust, West parallel with the South
boundary of said Northwest
vested in it pursuant to its
lease with the following and al-
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
Mortgage, the legal holder of
said indebtedness, having re-
Quarter (NW1/4) of the South- lowed under Mississippi Code
east Quarter (SE1/4) a dis- Annotated Section 85-7-121 et
quested the undersigned Sub- tance of 389.23 feet to a seq (Supp 1988.)
stituted Trustee to execute the point; run thence North paral-
THE land
trust and sell said DISPATCH
and nlelCDISPATCH.COM
with the West boundary n TUESDAY,
of MARCH
Billups - F-3 16, 2021 n 5B
property in accordance with the said Northwest Quarter
terms of said deed of trust and (NW1/4) of the Southeast Carter - H-8
for the purpose of raising the Quarter (SE1/4) a distance of
sums due thereunder, togeth- 25.0 feet to the initial point of Hendricks - G-10
erLegal
withNotices
attorney's fees, Legal Noticescontaining 0.2
beginning, Legal Notices
Scott - E-19
trustee's fees and expense of acres, more or less.
sale.
I WILL CONVEY only such title Bradford - A-7, A-1
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Shapiro & as vested in me as Substi-
Coley - E-5
Brown, LLC, Substituted Trust- tuted Trustee.
ee in said deed of trust, will on
April 13, 2021 offer for sale at WITNESS MY SIGNATURE on Kuhn - E-16
public outcry and sell within this 22nd day of February,
legal hours (being between the 2021. Tate - H-5
hours of 11:00 a.m. and 4:00
p.m.), at the Southeast Door of Shapiro & Brown, LLC Burr - A-23-C
the County Courthouse of SUBSTITUTED TRUSTEE
Lowndes County, located at Franklin - G-2
505 2nd Avenue North, Colum- LOGS Legal Group LLP
bus, MS 39701, to the highest 1080 River Oaks Drive, Suite Prentice - A-5
and best bidder for cash or cer- B-202
tified funds the following de- Flowood, MS 39232 WITNESS MY SIGNATURE on
scribed property situated in (601) 981-9299 the February 21, 2021.
Lowndes County, State of Mis-
sissippi, to-wit: 561 Mac Davis Road Mary Tuggle, Owner
MAIN STREET MINI STORAGE
Columbus, MS 39702
Tract I: 20-025885 1702 Main Street
A lot or parcel of land located Columbus, MS 39702
1-662-241-5231
in the Northwest Quarter Publication Dates:
(NW1/4) of the Southeast March 16, March 23, March 30
Quarter (SE 1/4) of Section and April 6, 2021 PUBLISH: 3/2, 3/9 &
3/16/2021
23, Township 18 South, Range
17 West, Lowndes County, Mis- IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
sissippi, and being more partic- LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS- IN THE CHANCERY COURT OF
ularly described as follows: SIPPI LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSIS-
SIPPI
Beginning at the Northwest IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
corner of the Northwest Quarter TATE OF JOE L. JOHNSON, SR.,
(NW1/4) of the Southeast DECEASED IN THE MATTER OF THE ES-
Quarter (SE1/4) of Section 23, TATE OF TONY EWING, DE-
Township 18 South, Range 17 BY: JOE L. JOHNSON, JR., EX- CEASED
West, Lowndes County, Missis- ECUTOR
sippi; thence East 19.3 feet; RULINDA SHAE EWING PETI-
thence South parallel with the ESTATE NO. 2020-00021RPF TIONER
West boundary line of said
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of NOTICE TO CREDITORS CAUSE NO.: 2020-0241-S
the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4)
of Section 23, a distance of STATE OF MISSISSIPPI NOTICE TO CREDITORS
345.0 feet to the initial point of COUNTY OF LOWNDES
this description; NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to all
By The Chancery Court of persons having claims against
FROM SAID INITIAL POINT OF Lowndes County: the Estate of Tony Ewing, De-
BEGINNING, run thence East ceased, that Letters Testa-
parallel with the South bound- Letters Testamentary have mentary were granted to the
ary line of said North west been granted and issued to the undersigned, Rulinda Shae
Quarter (NW1/4) of the South- undersigned upon the Estate of Ewing, by the Chancery Court of
east Quarter (S1/4) of said Joe L. Johnson, Sr., deceased, said County on the 29th day of
Section 23, a distance of by the Chancery Court of December, 2020, and all per-
414.23 feet; thence South par- Lowndes County, Mississippi, sons holding claims against
allel with the West boundary on the 28th day of August, the estate are hereby notified
line of said Northwest Quarter 2018. This is to give notice to to have same probated and re-
(NW1/4) of the Southeast all persons having claims gistered according to law by
Quarter (SE1/4) of said Sec- against said estate to probate the Chancery Clerk within
tion 23, a distance of 105 feet; and Register same with the ninety (90) days from the first
thence West parallel with the Chancery Clerk of Lowndes date of publication of this no-
South boundary line of said County, Mississippi, within (90) tice; otherwise, such claim or
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of days from the first publication claims not so probated will be
the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) date of this Notice. A failure to forever barred.
of said Section 23, a distance so Probate and Register said
of 414. 23 feet to a point on claim will forever bar the same. Dated this 4th day of March,
the East right of way line of a 2021.
public road known as McDavis THIS the 24th day of February,
Road; thence North along the 2021. /s/ Rulinda Shae Ewing
said East right of way of said RULINDA SHAE EWING,
public road for 105 feet, more /s/ Joe L. Johnson, Jr., Execut- ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ES-
or less, to the initial point of or TATE OF TONY EWING, DE-
this description and containing CEASED
1.0 acres, more or less. Publish: March 16, 23, 30,
2021 Prepared by:
Tract II: J. WAYNE DOSS, JR., MSB
A tract of land located in the #100530
Northwest Quarter (NW1/4) of STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
WEBB SANDERS & WILLIAMS,
the Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) COUNTY OF LOWNDES PLLC
of Section 23, Township 18 P.O. Box 496
South, Range 17 West, NOTICE OF SALE
TUPELO, MISSISSIPPI 38802-
Lowndes County, Mississippi, 0496
and being more particularly de- WHEREAS, the following ten- PH: (662) 844-2137
scribed as follows: ants entered into leases with
MAIN STREET MINI STORAGE FAX: (662) 842-3863
wdoss@webbsanders.com
Commencing at the Northwest for storage space in which to Attorneys for Petitioner
corner of said Northwest store personal property and
Quarter (NW1/4) of the South- Publication Dates: 3/16, 3/23
east Quarter (SE') of Section WHEREAS, default has been
made in the payment of rent & 3/30/2021
23; run thence East a dis-
tance of 19.3 feet to the initial and MAIN STREET MINI STOR-
point of beginning of the prop- AGE pursuant to said Leases is SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEE’S NO-
authorized to sell personal
erty herein described: TICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
property to satisfy the past due
and any other charges owed.
FROM SAID INITIAL POINT OF WHEREAS, on November 6,
BEGINNING run thence South 2006, Samuel Lance Luckey
parallel with the West bound- NOW THEREFORE, notice is and Tammy Luckey executed a
ary of said Northwest Quarter hereby given that MAIN STREET certain deed of trust to Vinh
MINI STORAGE will offer for
(NW1/4) of the Southeast Pham, Trustee for the use and
Quarter (SE1/4) a distance of sale, and will sale at auction to benefit of Mortgage Electronic
the highest bidder for all per-
320.0 feet to a point; run Registration Systems, Inc. act-
thence East parallel with the sonal property in storage units ing solely as nominee for BNC
South boundary of said Northw- leased by the following ten- Mortgage Inc, a Delaware Cor-
est Quarter (NW1/4) of the ants at MAIN STREET MINI poration, which deed of trust is
STORAGE, 1702 Main Street,
Southeast Quarter (SE1/4) a of record in the office of the
distance of 389.23 feet to a Columbus, MS, on March 24, Chancery Clerk of Lowndes,
point; run thence South paral- 2021, at 9:00 AM. County, state of Mississippi, in
lel with the West boundary of Book 2006, Page 31982; and
said Northwest Quarter Property to be sold is believed
(NW1/4) of the Southeast to be good, but at such sale, WHEREAS, Wells Fargo Bank,
MAIN STREET MINI STORAGE
Quarter (SE1/4) a distance of National Association, as Trust-
25.0 feet to a point; run thence will convey only such title as is ee for Structured Asset Securit-
West parallel with the South vested in it pursuant to its ies Corporation Mortgage Pass-
boundary of said Northwest lease with the following and al- Through Certificates, Series
Quarter (NW1/4) of the South- lowed under Mississippi Code 2007-BC1, the current holder
east Quarter (SE1/4) a dis- Annotated Section 85-7-121 et and/or assignee, substituted
seq (Supp 1988.) Jauregui & Lindsey, LLC as
tance of 389.23 feet to a
point; run thence North paral- Trustee by instrument recor-
Billups - F-3
lel with the West boundary of ded in the Chancery Clerk’s Of-
said Northwest Quarter fice on November 5, 2018 in
(NW1/4) of the Southeast Carter - H-8 Book MORT 2018, Page
Quarter (SE1/4) a distance of 23508; and
25.0 feet to the initial point of Hendricks - G-10
beginning, containing 0.2 WHEREAS, Default having been
acres, more or less. Scott - E-19 made in the terms and condi-
tions of said deed of trust and
I WILL CONVEY only such title Bradford - A-7, A-1 the entire debt secured thereby
as vested in me as Substi- having been declared to be due
tuted Trustee. Coley - E-5 and payable in accordance with
the terms of said deed of trust,
WITNESS MY SIGNATURE on Kuhn - E-16 Wells Fargo Bank, National As-
this 22nd day of February, sociation, as Trustee for Struc-
2021. Tate - H-5 tured Asset Securities Corpora-
tion Mortgage Pass-Through
Shapiro & Brown, LLC Burr - A-23-C Certificates, Series 2007-BC1,
SUBSTITUTED TRUSTEE the legal holder of said in-
Franklin - G-2 debtedness, having requested
LOGS Legal Group LLP the undersigned Substitute
1080 River Oaks Drive, Suite Prentice - A-5 Trustee in said deed of trust,
B-202 will on April 13, 2021 offer for
Flowood, MS 39232 WITNESS MY SIGNATURE on sale at public outcry and sell
(601) 981-9299 the February 21, 2021. within legal hours (being
between the hours of 11:00
561 Mac Davis Road Mary Tuggle, Owner a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), at the
Columbus, MS 39702 MAIN STREET MINI STORAGE main front door of the County
20-025885 1702 Main Street Courthouse of Lowndes County
Columbus, MS 39702 in Columbus, Mississippi, to
Publication Dates: 1-662-241-5231 the highest and best bidder for
March 16, March 23, March 30 cash the following described
and April 6, 2021 PUBLISH: 3/2, 3/9 & property situated in Lowndes
3/16/2021 County, Mississippi, to wit:
TRACT 1:
Lot Number Twenty-Two (22) of
Myers Estates, Lowndes
County, Mississippi, as shown
by plat recorded in Plat Book 3,
page 61, in the Chancery
Clerk`s Office, Lowndes
County, Mississippi.
SUBJECT TO those restrictive
covenants and conditions con-
tained in deed from Donald F.
Myers and Sid Myers, Jr. to
John B. Dexter and wife, Cyn-
thia L. Dexter, dated Novem-
ber 5, 1978, filed for record
November 14, 1978 and ap-
pearing of record in Book 600,
page 495, of the land records
in the office of the Chancery
Clerk of Lowndes County, Mis-
Preferred placement in search sissippi; and
SUBJECT, ALSO, to the reserva-
results and highlighted online. tion or easements for utility
and drainage installation as set
Graphic $10.50
forth in said restrictive coven-
ants and as shown by said re-
corded plat.
TRACT 2:
Enhance your ad with Beginning at the Southeast
corner of Lot 22 of Myers Es-
an attention getter. tates, a residential community
ADS STARTING AT
in Lowndes County, Missis-
sippi, as shown by plat thereof
recorded in Plat Book 3 Page
$12
61 in the office of the Chan-
cery Clerk of said county (said
corner being in the centerline
of a ditch) as the POINT OF BE-
GINNING; thence North 44 de-
grees 47 minutes East along
the East side of said lot for
79.7 feet; thence South 59 de-
grees 38 minutes East for 34.6
feet; thence South 29 degrees
fice on November 5, 2018 in
6B
BookTUESDAY, March
MORT 2018, Page 16, 2021
23508; and
Legal Notices Default having been
WHEREAS,
made in the terms and condi-
tions of said deed of trust and
the entire debt secured thereby
having been declared to be due
and payable in accordance with
the terms of said deed of trust,
Wells Fargo Bank, National As-
sociation, as Trustee for Struc-
tured Asset Securities Corpora-
tion Mortgage Pass-Through
Certificates, Series 2007-BC1,
the legal holder of said in-
debtedness, having requested
General Help Wanted
THE COMMERCIAL
DISPATCH
is seeking a part time
employee for approxim-
ately 2-3 hours of work per
day. Driving required.
Must have reliable trans-
portation, valid driver's
license & auto insurance.
$9 per hour plus mileage.
The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com
Apts For Rent: Other Burial Plots
COLEMAN
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RENTALS @ Memorial Gardens of
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS Columbus, MS. Must have Visit www.cdispatch.com
cash, $7500. A savings of
for a printable copy of
1 BEDROOM $1500. Plots include burial
vaults and can be
2 BEDROOMS exchanged for any spot these puzzles.
3 BEDROOMS other than a veteran.
Call 662−386−4080 or
LEASE, 662−386−4081.

the undersigned Substitute
Trustee in said deed of trust,
will on April 13, 2021 offer for
sale at public outcry and sell
within legal hours (being
between the hours of 11:00
a.m. and 4:00 p.m.), at the
main front door of the County
Courthouse of Lowndes County
in Columbus, Mississippi, to
the highest and best bidder for
cash the following described
property situated in Lowndes
County, Mississippi, to wit:
TRACT 1:
Lot Number Twenty-Two (22) of
Myers Estates, Lowndes
County, Mississippi, as shown
by plat recorded in Plat Book 3,
page 61, in the Chancery
Clerk`s Office, Lowndes
County, Mississippi.
SUBJECT TO those restrictive
covenants and conditions con-
tained in deed from Donald F.
Myers and Sid Myers, Jr. to
John B. Dexter and wife, Cyn-
thia L. Dexter, dated Novem-
ber 5, 1978, filed for record
© The Dispatch
Apply at our office at 516
Main Street in Columbus DEPOSIT General Merchandise
or via email to Mike Floyd
at mfloyd@cdispatch.com AND
CREDIT CHECK CAMPER FOR SALE, $150.
Need a little care.
THE COMMERCIAL
662-329-2323
Brown sofa w/ matching
DISPATCH love seat & reversible
seeks a motivated,
pillows, $550.
contracted carrier for the
Caledonia area. Excellent 2411 HWY 45 N Entertainment Center, $80.
Queen Mattress w/
opportunity to earn money COLUMBUS, MS railings, $75.
for college. Must have Call 662−549−5332.
good transportation, valid Houses For Rent: North
driver's license & insur- Sporting Goods
ance. Delivers on Sunday
2BR/1.5BA @ 8827 HWY
morning and Mon-Fri after- 45 N. CH/A, carport & in− ED SANDERS GUNSMITH
noons. Apply at The Com- door utility room. Caledonia Open for season!
mercial Dispatch, 516 Schools. $700/mo & dep Tue−Fri: 9−5 & Sat: 9−12
Main Street in Columbus. req. 205−712−5901. Over 50 years experience!
No phone calls please. Repairs, cleaning, refin−
COLONIAL TOWNHOUSES. ishing, scopes mounted &
Transportation zeroed, handmade knives.
2 & 3 bedroom w/ 2−3
bath townhouses. $650 to Located: Hwy 45 Alt, North
CLASS A CDL DRIVER with $750. 662−549−9555. of West Point, turn right on
Truck & Lowboy/Dump
Trailer experience to load,
haul, & unload heavy
Ask for Glenn or text. Yokahama Blvd, 8mi & turn
left on Darracott Rd, will
see sign, 2.5mi ahead
Sudoku
YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

Sudoku
Mobile Homes for Rent
November 14, 1978 and ap-
pearing of record in Book 600,
construction equipment/ shop on left. Sudoku is a number- Yesterday’s answer
page 495, of the land records
material. Overnight travel 3BR/2BA MH in New Hope. 662−494−6218. placing puzzle based on
in the office of the Chancery
required. Only qualified $650 dep + $650/mo. Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis a several
with num- 7 3 5 9 1 8 4 2 6
applicants with clean MVR,
Clerk of Lowndes County, Mis- No pets, quiet area. Leave ber-placing
given numbers.puzzle
The object 9 6 4 5 3 2 1 7 8
Vehicles

2021 Conceptis Puzzles, Dist. by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

sissippi; and current medical examiner’s
certificate and no
voicemail with full name &
message, 205−712−6697.
based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 2 1 8 6 4 7 3 5 9
SUBJECT, ALSO, to the reserva- accidents need apply. grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 5 7 9 4 2 1 8 6 3
tion or easements for utility Email resume to chastity@ given
so thatnumbers.
each row, each The
and drainage installation as set sitemastersms.com RENT A CAMPER! Ads starting at $12 6 2 3 7 8 9 5 1 4
forth in said restrictive coven- CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL! object
column and each 3x3 the
is to place box
numbers 8 4 1 3 5 6 2 9 7
contains the1same
to 9 number
in
ants and as shown by said re- Utilities & cable included,
corded plat. HEAVY EQUIPMENT from $150/wk − $555/mo Autos For Sale 3 9 2 8 7 5 6 4 1
OPERATORS needed for the empty spaces so
Columbus & County School only once. The difficulty 1 8 7 2 6 4 9 3 5
TRACT 2: local project. Must be able locations. 662−242−3803 2015 GMC Canyon Pickup that each row, each
Beginning at the Southeast level increases from
corner of Lot 22 of Myers Es-
to maintain & operate or 601−940−1397. white, 4 door, 4 cylinder, column and each 4 5 6 1 9 3 7 8 2
dozers and excavators. extra clean, 137,000 Monday
3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 3/15
tates, a residential community
Email resume to: chastity@ miles. $13,000.
in Lowndes County, Missis-
sitemastersms.com the same number only once. The difficulty level
Real Estate
sippi, as shown by plat thereof Call 662−312−6617.
recorded in Plat Book 3 Page increases from Monday to Sunday.
61 in the office of the Chan- Motorcycles & ATVs

cery Clerk of said county (said
corner being in the centerline
of a ditch) as the POINT OF BE-
GINNING; thence North 44 de-
grees 47 minutes East along
the East side of said lot for
79.7 feet; thence South 59 de-
grees 38 minutes East for 34.6
Rentals
Ads starting at $25 ’05 HONDA REBEL 250
Black, red & grey. Actual
miles, 1,432. $1200.
Farms & Timberland
Ads starting at $25 662−364−0120.
Apts For Rent: North 203 ACRES

feet; thence South 29 degrees
03 minutes East along the
South side of a public road
known as Sanders Lane (as
built) (20 feet from centerline)
for 67.8 feet; thence South 44
degrees 56 minutes East along
said South side of road for 57
feet; thence South 39 degrees
49 minutes West for 30 feet to
the centerline of a ditch;
thence North 59 degrees 10
minutes West along said
centerline for 163 feet to the
point of beginning, containing
0.2 acres, more or less, and ly-
ing in the Northeast Quarter of
the Southeast Quarter of Sec-
tion 8, Township 16 South,
Range 17 West, Lowndes
County, Mississippi.
I will convey only such title as
vested in me as Substituted
Trustee.
Jauregui & Lindsey, LLC
Community
PRIME TIMBERLAND
3BR/1BA GATED FACILITY $270,000
Exc deer, turkey hunting
Central Heat & Air
Appliances Good Investment
$600/mo. plus sec. dep., (615)719−8329 Ads starting at $12
No pets. No HUD.
662−327−0587 Travel & Entertainment
LAMAR COUNTY, AL: 63
FOX RUN APARTMENTS ACRES on County Road 34. CALL & GET YOUR NAME
Exc hunting, some timber, ON THE LIST for Constance
1 & 2 BR near hospital.
$595−$645 monthly. power & county water. lovely talk show. Greatest
Military discount, pet area, $1,150 per acre. 205−712 talent show in town!
pet friendly, and furnished −5606 or 205−799−9846. Singers/comedians/group
corporate apts. dancers. 310−993−9884
24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL Lots & Acreage or email kandeyessence
GYM. ON SITE SECURITY. @yahoo.com.
ON SITE MAINTENANCE. 1.75 ACRE LOTS. Good/
Bad Credit Options. Good
ON SITE MANAGEMENT.
24−HOUR CAMERA credit as low as 20% down,
SURVEILLANCE. Benji & $499/mo. Eaton Land,
Ashleigh, 662−386−4446. 662−361−7711.
Apts For Rent: West NEW HOPE AREA:
+/− 1 acre. Open land with

VIP
Substituted Trustee water & electricity nearby.
Jauregui & Lindsey, LLC
$17,900. Call or text, Let us help you. Advertise here!
244 Inverness Center Drive

Rentals
Suite 200 662−435−0401.
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 970-2233 Five Questions:
Publication dates: March 16,
2021, March 23, 2021, March
Apartments & Houses
1 Bedrooms
Merchandise
1 True
30, 2021, April 6, 2021
2 Bedroooms Ads starting at $12
3 Bedrooms
Employment Furnished & Unfurnished
Bargain Column

Earthway Garden seeder, 2 Anchor

Call us: 662-328-2424 1, 2, & 3 Baths 5 different seed plates,
used lightly 2 times, works
Lease, Deposit
3 Rhode Island
great, all aluminum. Sells
General Help Wanted
& Credit Check new for $129, asking $95.
662−329−1793.
PERSONAL CARE: Full or viceinvestments.com
327-8555
part-time position available
at small personal care
home in Columbus, MS. Sell idle items 4 Archie ACROSS
1 Trails
Must pass background
check & health screening.
Apts For Rent: Other with a quick action 6 Last Greek
5 Egyptian
Call Collegeview Personal classified ad. letter
Care 662-327-9463. 11 Underway, to
Sherlock
DEPENDABLE CAREGIVER Travel & Entertainment 12 Kick back
needed for a senior in 13 Throw a
Columbus area. MUST
HAVE EXPERIENCE IN tantrum
SENIOR CARE. Must have 15 Attempt
references, reliable trans- 16 “My word!”
portation, background 17 Homer’s
check, Covid test & vac-
cine. 630-698-6049. neighbor
18 Stylishly
LEGAL SECRETARY needed quaint
for local firm. Must be able 20 Yucatán
to work dual screen natives
computer. Email resume 23 Throw away
with references to:
job117@cdispatch.com 27 Antiquated 47 Poor answer
28 Rank above DOWN 24 Uncooked
ROSES DAY SPA viscount 1 Audition goal 25 Bible boat
Licensed Nail Tech needed 29 Private’s 2 Miles off 26 Tissue layer
for pedicures, manicures & denial 3 Theater award 30 New Testa-
shellacs. Good pay. 662- 31 Ungainly
327-7718, ask for Logan.
4 Spicy ment book
32 Des Moines 5 Rocket sections 31 Growing plot
native 6 Picks an entrée 33 Pale
Have a rental property?
Read local. List it here for fast results.
34 Presidential
nickname
7 Body of eau
8 Flair
34 Newspaper
section
cdispatch.com ads.cdispatch.com 37 Spoil 9 Donated 35 Ring match
38 Celtics’ org. 10 Sent packing 36 Beige

Service Directory
41 Bill Haley’s 14 Tennis court 38 Face feature
music need 39 Ran, as color
44 2006 Olym- 18 Arm bones 40 Friend
pics site 19 Indian, e.g. 42 Reunion
45 Stand for a 20 Chess piece group
painting 21 In the past 43 Singer Carly
Promote your small business starting at only $25 46 Amazes 22 Agreeable — Jepsen
Building & Remodeling General Services General Services Painting & Papering

HOME REPAIRS &
MAINTENANCE
Work wanted. Carpentry,
concrete, electrical &
plumbing, shingle & metal
roofing, fascia & soffit
repairs, pressure washing
DUMP TRUCK HAULING. WORK WANTED: SULLIVAN’S PAINT
Slag − $400 Licensed & Bonded. SERVICE
Clay Gravel − $250 TILL SMALL GARDENS. Special Prices.
Millie for Driveways − $375 Carpentry, minor electrical, Interior & Exterior Painting.
Available for hauling any minor plumbing, insulation, 662−435−6528
materials. Filling in painting, demolition,
swimming pools. gutters cleaned, pressure

Are you
& mobile home repairs. Columbus. Call Walter, washing, landscaping, &
No Job Too Small. 662−251−8664. cleanup work.

a painter?
662−549−7031. 662−242−3608.
General Services BANKRUPTCY Lawn Care / Landscaping
CHAPTER 7 JESSE & BEVERLY’S
A & T TREE SERVICES BANKRUPTCY LAWN SERVICE
Bucket truck & stump $545 plus Filing Fee Spring Cleanup, Tree
removal. Free est. Cutting, Landscaping,
Serving Columbus CHAPTER 13 Sodding & Bush Hogging
since 1987. Senior BANKRUPTCY 662−356−6525
citizen disc. Call Alvin @ All Attorney Fees Through The Plan
242−0324/241−4447 Painting & Papering
"We’ll go out on a limb Jim Arnold, Attorney
for you!" 662-324-1666 QUALITY PAINTING Advertise
104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville Ext/Int Painting
Please visit our website: Sheet Rock Hang, Finish & here to
Got leaky pipes? jimharnold.com Repair. Pressure Washing.
Free Estimates. Ask for grow your
Find a plumber in the Saturday morning appointments
classifieds. available for Starkville Office.
specials! Larry Webber,
662−242−4932.
business.