Established 1879 | Columbus, Mississippi

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Sunday | January 3, 2021

Home sales increase in Columbus during 2020

As prices increase in Starkville, low in Columbus increased by 6.6
percent over 2019 while the me-
because developers just aren’t
building. It’s simple economics:
interest rates, supply contribute dian sales price of homes grew
$20,100, up by 14.4 percent,
Demand versus supply. But if
you’re asking if the market in
to affordability of Columbus houses slightly higher than in Lowndes
County and Starkville.
Columbus is doing better, the
answer is yes.”
BY SLIM SMITH wants to buy a home in Colum- Hardy, who has been in the In 2020, there were 644
ssmith@cdispatch bus, I have to push back a little local real estate business for 32 homes sold in the county com-
bit,” said Colin Krieger, a Real- years, is careful not to suggest pared to 533 in Columbus. The
Commonly-held beliefs: Tur- Hardy Krieger
tor with RE/Max Partners in there is a boom in real estate median sale price in the county,
key makes you sleepy. Swim- Columbus. happened over the past couple sales in Columbus, but does feel at $170,000, is $10,000 higher
ming soon after eating causes “It’s an issue of perception of years is an affordability issue the reality is probably better than in Columbus.
cramps. Sitting too close to the versus reality,” said Doris Har- that has emerged. What Co- than the perception. But the gap, if not the percep-
TV damages your eyesight. dy, owner of Century 21 Doris lumbus has going for it is that “The market everywhere is tion, appears to be slowly nar-
Local Realtors will add anoth- Hardy and Associates. “There you can get more bang for your still going strong,” Hardy said. rowing.
er myth to that list. are some factors that hurt home buck.” “Interest rates are still low, and When Dennis and Ali Flor-
“When people say nobody sales in Columbus, but what has In 2020, residential sales we have an incredibly low supply See HOME SALES, 3A

Golden Triangle
cities see Coroners, funeral directors report
climbing death rate in 2020
minimal blows
to tax revenue
during pandemic
Likely reasons included less
travel, more support for
local businesses
BY TESS VRBIN
[email protected]

When the COVID-19

pandemic forced busi-
nesses to close or restrict
their services in March
and April 2020, all three
cities in the Golden Trian-
gle braced for a potentially
crippling financial blow.
“We thought we’d have Robinson
to hunker down for prob-
ably a good six months, if
not more,” Starkville May-
or Lynn Spruill said.
Non-essential busi- Isabelle Altman/Dispatch Staff
nesses statewide closed in Dawn Pounders, one of the owners of Lowndes Funeral Home in Columbus, places a sign-in book for guests
April via an executive or- outside the chapel of the Columbus funeral home on Thursday. Due to COVID-19 restrictions in place, Pound-
der from Gov. Tate Reeves, ers said, indoor services are limited to 10 people maximum, including funeral home staff. Lowndes Funeral
which also required Mis- Spruill Home also handled arrangements for 40 funerals in December alone, the highest the funeral home has seen
sissippians to “shelter in in one month since it opened 23 years ago.
place.” But after Reeves al-
all deaths, Merchant and Clay
lowed businesses to grad-
ually reopen in May, over-
Lowndes Funeral Home director: ‘Everybody’s County Coroner Alvin Carter said
all sales tax collections in
Columbus, Starkville and
just busy, and it’s not slowing down’ they thought COVID-19 played a
major part in the numbers being
West Point returned to BY ISABELLE ALTMAN the COVID-19 pan- so much higher in 2020.
numbers comparable with [email protected] demic first gripped “I don’t think some of these
previous years and even Carpenter the nation in March. people would have passed if it

I
exceeded 2019 revenue at n 2019, Lowndes County “From my wasn’t for (COVID-19),” Carter
some points in 2020, according to data Coroner Greg Merchant and talking with other said. “I am seeing some effects of
from the state Department of Revenue his deputies responded to 705 funeral directors — it in the county and in the city.”
and from the cities of West Point and calls — a fairly typical year, he my brother’s also Merchant said he thinks some
Starkville. said. in a funeral-related deferred medical treatment for
The 2-percent hotel/motel and restau- In 2020, as of mid-day on Dec. Merchant
industry down in other conditions due to fear of
rant tax revenue in all three cities also 31, he had responded to nearly Jackson — he said catching the virus at hospitals,
took an inevitable hit. Hotel/motel rev- 950. him talking to allowing their medical conditions
enue has remained low as travel contin- “There’s been days when we’ve funeral director’s all to become worse. Another part of
ues to be inadvisable, but restaurant tax had nine or 10 calls in the day,” he the higher call volume specifically
over the state ... ev-
revenue has bounced back with similar said. “That’s very unusual.” in Lowndes is that many people
erybody’s just busy,
momentum to the overall sales tax col- Merchant, who has been cor- from out of town came to Baptist
and it’s not slowing
lections, according to data provided by oner for more than a decade and Memorial Hospital-Golden Trian-
down,” said Caleb
all three cities. also worked as a funeral director Pounders, funeral Carter gle when hospitals in their own
Based on past years’ data, Colum-
for 40 years before becoming director at Lowndes hometowns became overrun.
bus usually brings in between $700,000
full-time coroner two years ago, Funeral Home in Columbus. “It’s “Typically they’d be able to get
and $900,000 in overall sales tax reve-
said Lowndes County is not alone. the whole trend all over the state medical care at their home, but
nue per month. Starkville brings in be-
tween $550,000 and $650,000, and West Coroners, funeral directors and right now.” because of the pandemic, their
Point brings in between $180,000 and others who deal with death in While COVID-19 and compli- hospitals are overloaded,” Mer-
$210,000. their day-to-day work have seen cations related to it make up a chant said. “So they’re having to
Columbus and Starkville each lost a sharp uptick in workload since very small fraction of the over- See FUNERAL HOMES, 6A
roughly $150,000 between March and
See TAX REVENUE, 3A

INSIDE FIVE QUESTIONS CALENDAR LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC MEETINGS

Classifieds 5B 1 Which snack-food company Jan. 4: Oktibbeha County Board
Comics 7,8B deployed 176 all-electric delivery Tuesday through of Supervisors meeting, 9 a.m.,
Crossword 3B
Dear Abby 4B
trucks in 2011, saving 500,000
gallons of fuel per year — Fri-
Sunday, Dec. Chancery Courthouse

Obituaries 2,5A to-Lay, Nabisco or Planters? 22-27 Jan. 5: Starkville Board of

Aldermen meeting, 5:30 p.m.,
Opinions 4A 2 What baseball city offered the ■ “It’s a Wonderful
City Hall
“burgerizza” menu item in their Life: The Radio Play”:
Jan. 12: Starkville-Oktibbeha
last year at Turner Field? Starkville Community
3 What was the first U.S. state Consolidated School District
Theatre presents this
WEATHER to ban single-use plastic bags in online radio perfor-
Board of Trustees meeting, 6
most grocery and retail stores? p.m., 401 Greensboro St.

53 Low 33
mance via stream,
4 For what TV series did Melissa Jan. 14: Starkville-Oktibbeha
High McCarthy win an Emmy, causing available for $5 at Consolidated School District
Afternoon sun Tina Fey and other nominees to https://www.show- Board of Trustees meeting, 6
Full forecast on celebrate her with a mock beau- tix4u.com/event-de- p.m., 401 Greensboro St.
page 3A. ty pageant? tails/44118 to support
5 Who taught Malia Obama how SCT. Video is available
to drive while she was living in from 12:15 a.m.
the White House? Tuesday through 11:45
Answers, 5B p.m. Sunday. Rental of
stream allows access
on-demand for up to Jesse Daughtry, of Starkville, likes
48 hours of time. taking his lab and yorkie to the lake.

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

AREA OBITUARIES
Charles Hill al Home of Starkville West Memorial Funeral arrangements.
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — is in charge of arrange- Home of Starkville was Mr. Tucker was born
Charles R. Hill, 69, ments. entrusted with arrange- Sept. 8, 2006, in Me-
passed away. Mr. Lott was born ments. ridian, to April Fulton
Services will be at 2 Oct. 6, 1942, to the late She is survived by Tucker and Matthew
p.m. Sunday, at Mt. Ma- Berry Monroe Lott her children, Steven Tucker. He attended
riah Methodist Church and Evora Brewer Lott. Stallings and Pamela Clarkdale Attendance
Cemetery, in Macon. He was a graduate of F. Grant; and siblings, Center. He attended
Visitation will be from Magee High School Mattie Thomas, Hat- Pleasant Hill United
4-6 p.m. Saturday at and Mississippi State tie Jordan, Greenella Methodist Church.
Kimberly Lewis Profes- University. Fox, Aretha Chandler, Pallbearers were
sional Memorial Ser- He is survived by his Annie Mary Williams, David Bonner, Brett
vice. Kimberly Lewis wife, Rita Halford Lott; Shirley Williams, Willie Bonner, Cody Bonner,
Professional Memorial children, Berry Dan- B. Townesl, Alfonzia Hayden Bonner, Troy
Service of Shuqualak is iel Lott Jr. and Robert Townsel and Edward Dukes and Chuck
entrusted with arrange- Brian Lott; and five Townsel. Brown.
ments. grandchildren. Memorials may be
Mr. Hill was born April Tucker made to Brooksville
Aug. 20, 1951, in St. Marchania Harris MERIDIAN — April Cemetery Fund, Mel-
Louis, Missouri, to STARKVILLE — Marie Fulton Tucker, anie Hines, 586 Hines
Eddie Miller and Addie Marchania Harris, 84, 39, died Dec. 22, 2020, Road, Brooksville,
Victoria Hill. He was a died Dec. 24, 2020, in at her residence. MS, 39739 or Pleasant
graduate of B.F. Liddell Southaven. A private graveside Hill United Methodist
High School and was a Graveside services service was held Friday Church, Becky Holmes,
veteran of the United were at 2 p.m. Saturday at Brooksville Ceme- 330 A Jeffery Acres
States Army. He was at Rest Haven Cem- tery with Trevor Gore Road, Meridian, MS,
formerly employed as etery. Visitation was officiating. Cockrell 39301.
an automobile mechan- from 4-6 p.m. Friday at Funeral Home of Ma- See OBITS, 5A
ic and attended Mount West Memorial Funeral con was entrusted with
Mariah Methodist Home. West Memo- arrangements.
Church. rial Funeral Home of Mrs. Tucker was
He is survived by his Starkville was in charge born July 6, 1981, in
children, Jeremy Hill, of arrangements. Columbus, to Robert
Cordarris Hill, Corvie She is survived by Fulton and the late
Hill and Bria Gillespie; her children, Deborah Beverly Fulton. She
siblings, Vernell White, Clay, Cynthia Monroe, attended Central Acad-
Gwendolyn Owens, Vernita Winn, Patricia emy and was a graduate
Mona Borders, Edward Scott and Brenda Wil- of Starkville Academy
Miller, Gwendolyn liams; siblings, Berry and Meridian Commu-
Dixon, Wanda Askew, Martin, Delois Harris, nity College. She was
Larry Askew and Bar- Lucille Thomas and formerly employed
bara McKinney. John Harris. with IQOR. She was
a member of Pleasant
Sheila Gray Barbie McDowell Hill United Methodist
JACKSON — Sheila STARKVILLE — Church.
Norine Gray, 16, died Barbie Lynn McDowell, In addition to her
Dec. 29, 2020, at Uni- 55, died Dec. 22, 2020. mother, she was pre-
versity Medical Center Graveside services ceded in death by her
of Jackson. were Saturday at Josey son, Bryce Fisher
No services are Creek Cemetery. Visi- Tucker.
scheduled at this time. tation was from noon-6 Pallbearers were
Lowndes Funeral p.m. Friday at West Me- David Bonner, Brett
Home of Columbus is in morial Funeral Home. Bonner, Cody Bonner,
charge of services. West Memorial Funeral Hayden Bonner, Troy
Ms. Gray was born Home of Starkville was Dukes and Chuck
Nov. 5, 2004, to Valerie entrusted with arrange- Brown.
Bishop Allred and Ma- ments. Memorials may be
son Lee Gray. She is survived by made to Brooksville
She was preceded in her husband, Joseph; Cemetery Fund, Mel-
death by her brother, children, Tremechie, anie Hines, 586 Hines
Austin Black. Geojuan, Joseph, Cam- Road, Brooksville,
In addition to her eron, Tiffany, Terceira MS, 39739 or Pleasant
parents, she is survived and Leviticus; siblings, Hill United Methodist
by her step-father, Eddie Mae Sillimon, Church, Becky Holmes,
Charles Odom; and Jackie Randle, Lakie- 330 A Jeffery Acres
sister, Angel Black. sha Hicks and Calvin Road, Meridian, MS,
Memorials may be Hicks. 39301.
made to the American
Heart Association, P.O. Emma Stallings Bryce Tucker
Boc 16808, Jackson, STARKVILLE — MERIDIAN —
MS, 39236. Emma Mae Townsel Bryce Fisher Tucker,
Stallings, 71, died Dec. 14, died Dec. 22, 2020,
Berry Lott Sr. 24, 2020. at his residence.
STARKVILLE — Graveside services A private graveside
Berry “Buddy” Daniel were at 11 a.m. Sat- service was held Friday
Lott Sr., 78, died Dec. urday at Mt. Peiler at Brooksville Ceme-
29, 2020. Cemetery No. 1. Visita- tery with Trevor Gore
A private graveside tion was from 2-6 p.m. officiating. Cockrell
service will be held at a Friday at West Memo- Funeral Home of Ma-
later date. Welch Funer- rial Funeral Home. con was entrusted with

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 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 3A

TODAY IN HISTORY NEW YEARS BABY

Today is Sunday, Jan. 3, the third day of
2021. There are 362 days left in the year.
Today’s Highlight in History:
On Jan. 3, 1977, Apple Computer was
incorporated in Cupertino, California, by
Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Mike Mark-
kula (MAHR’-kuh-luh) Jr.

On this date:
In 1777, Gen. George Washington’s
army routed the British in the Battle of
Princeton, New Jersey.
In 1833, Britain seized control of the
Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. (Al-
most 150 years later, Argentina seized the
islands from the British, but Britain took
them back after a 74-day war.)
In 1870, groundbreaking took place
for the Brooklyn Bridge.
In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state
as President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed
a proclamation.
In 1961, President Dwight D. Eisen-
hower announced the United States was
formally terminating diplomatic and con-
sular relations with Cuba.
In 1967, Jack Ruby, the man who shot
and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused
Courtesy photo
assassin of President John F. Kennedy,
Schway Alexander Miller was the first baby of the year born at OCH Regional Medical Center in Starkville. Born at 8:58
died in a Dallas hospital. a.m. on Friday, a day before his due date, he is seven pounds and three ounces and 19.5 inches long. He is the son
SOURCE: AP of Jermaine Miller and Felecia Wells of Starkville.

Tax revenue
Continued from Page 1A
May 2020, compared to said. “We’re not flush business from sit-down on vacation, they were tax millage rate when the from August to Decem-
the same time period in with a surplus by any dining to carry-out and staying at home, and city approved its FY 2021 ber because Mississippi
2019, but exceeded the means, but we’re meeting delivery service. even if they were picking budget in September. State University rented
previous year’s monthly our numbers and keeping Spruill said she also up a restaurant order, Meanwhile, also in them to house students
totals from July to Octo- our head above water.” thinks people’s decisions you still get the 2-percent September, Starkville in quarantine due to
ber. Columbus brought Restaurant sales tax not to travel or to dine tax,” Carpenter said. aldermen approved a COVID-19 exposure.
in more than $8.2 million collections all returned in at restaurants led to The CVB’s robust tour- 2-mill hike in its FY 2021 It remains to be seen
from January to October to monthly amounts com- an increase in grocery ism advertising efforts budget in order to offset how much the recent in-
in both 2019 and 2020, parable to 2019 after the sales that contributed to throughout the pandemic a predicted $1.1 million crease in COVID-19 cas-
with $18,000 more in initial impact of the first Starkville’s overall tax probably also contribut- shortfall. Sales tax rev- es locally and statewide
2019. few months of the pan- collections. ed to solid tax revenues enue collection reports will discourage people
Starkville’s cumulative demic, though the net after the initial decrease, lag two months behind, from spending money in
sales tax revenue of more revenue between 2019 she said. so Starkville officials de- the community, Spruill
than $6.12 million from and 2020 varied from city
Predictions and Predictions for how cided to be cautious while said. Positive cases in
January to October 2020 to city. Starkville gar- precautions the ongoing pandemic formulating the budget, Lowndes, Oktibbeha
was more than $12,000 nered $178,000 more in The Columbus-Lown- might affect the local Spruill said. and Clay counties all in-
higher than the amount restaurant tax revenue des Convention and Visi- economy were reflected “We were never quite creased weekly for most
from the same time peri- by October 2019 than by tors Bureau did not collect in the Fiscal Year 2021 sure as we were prepar- of November and Decem-
od in 2019, which exceed- October 2020, according restaurant tax revenue budgets in all three cit- ing for the 2021 budget ber.
ed $6.11 million. to city data, and the city during the 2018-2019 fis- ies. Starkville and Co- that the rebound was go- “Starkville has always
West Point garnered lost almost that much cal year after the city and lumbus’ fiscal years start ing to continue and that had an incremental in-
more sales tax revenue from March to June 2020 county governments did Oct. 1 and end Sept. 30, it was going to sustain crease in sales tax num-
for each month of 2020 before sales returned to not reach an agreement while West Point’s fiscal itself,” she said. bers over the years,”
compared to 2019 despite normal. in 2018 to renew the tax year starts July 1 and Hotel/motel tax rev- Spruill said. “That’s one
the pandemic, according Officials in all three collection. Therefore Co- ends June 30. enue in both Starkville of the things we’ve been
to city and state data, for cities attribute the re- lumbus’ restaurant tax In June, Robinson and Columbus hovered at successful in counting
a total of $2.01 million bound to a variety of be- collection during the first proposed a Fiscal Year about half of 2019 month- on. I don’t know if we’ll be
from January to October haviors — people staying five months of 2020 is not 2021 budget that did not ly amounts from March seeing that (in the com-
2020, more than $290,000 in town instead of travel- comparable to 2019, but increase West Point resi- 2020 onward. Two hotels ing months), but I’ll be
above the amount for the ing, a widespread push CVB director Nancy Car- dents’ property taxes but in Starkville, the Comfort fascinated to know if we
same time in 2019. for people to support penter said revenue still asked department heads Suites on Russell Street continue to show some
“We’re meeting bud- locally-owned business- came in stronger than ex- to cut 10 percent of their and the Hampton Inn on level of growth. These
get numbers,” West Point es and restaurants suc- pected throughout 2020. budgets. Columbus also Blackjack Road, were not days, I’m almost happy if
Mayor Robbie Robinson cessfully shifting their “People were not going chose not to increase its available to the public we just hold our own.”

Home sales
Continued from Page 1A
then it’s picked back up.” s u m me r, Morgan said. “So when
2020 RESIDENTIAL SALES COMPARED TO 2019 Hardy agreed. the impact games were canceled and
Area Homes sold Listings Median sales price “I’d say it had a minimal of COVID they couldn’t bring in big
effect overall,” she said. still per- crowds, we felt it. People
Columbus +33 (up 6.6%) -27 (down 3.9%) $160,000 (up 14.4%)
“At the start, there were a sists, said who bought homes so
Lowndes Co. +59 (up 10.1%) -10 (down 1.2%) $170,000 (up 14.1%) few people who decided to Nat alie they could have a place
hold off, but that didn’t last Morgan, a to stay during game days,
Starkville +29 (up 5.7%) +18 (up 2.6%) $243,000 (up 12.1%)
too long.” Realtor with Morgan that really fell off. Basical-
In Starkville, however, St ark v ille ly, it’s the second-home
ence arrived at Columbus trict continues to work on des County. The median COVID-19 has had a lin- Properties. market. The market here
Air Force Base two months improving its rating, the sales price in Starkville gering effect. “(Mississippi State) is still pretty strong, but
ago from Tucson, Arizona, Lowndes County School is $243,000, compared Although sales did sports play a big role it has changed. It’s been a
(Dennis is an instructor District achieved an “A” to $170,000 in Lowndes pick up beginning in the in the market here,” strange year.”
pilot at CAFB), they asked rating in 2019, a powerful County and $160,000 in
around the base for recom- draw for families with chil- Columbus.
mendations on where they dren. “We are seeing some
should buy a home. While Krieger acknowl- Starkville to Columbus
“Everybody was say- edged the appeal of the movement,” Hardy said.
ing, ‘You’ve got to live in county’s school district, Krieger said Columbus
Caledonia,’” Ali Florence he said there are a couple and Lowndes County are
said. “So we drove around of factors that might lure also competing for em-
and blinked and almost homebuyers who have ployees who work at the in-
missed it. I think we de- children to the city. dustries in West Lowndes
cided that day that we just “With COVID-19, there County as well as Missis-
aren’t country people. So are a lot more people who sippi State professors.
we looked around Colum- are homeschooling,” he “A lot of those execu-
bus and really liked down- said. “Another thing to tives and college profes-
town. We really haven’t think about is if you can sors are moving in from
looked at a lot of proper- get a home that is priced 20 places where a 20-30 min-
ties yet. We’re still getting ute commute is nothing,”
percent lower, you might
settled. But I could see us Krieger said. “That opens
be able to send your child
winding up somewhere in up the entire market.”
to a private school and not
the downtown area.”
really see the cost, when
The Florences don’t
have children, which elim-
all things are considered.” COVID-19 and the
inates one of the factors housing market
that has hampered home A three-way competition When COVID-19 first
sales in Columbus for the For homeowners, it’s hit the area in March,
past 20 years or so. The not just a Columbus versus home sales in the area hit
city’s school district has Lowndes County equation. the skids.
had a D rating from Mis- In recent years, home pric- “But it turned out to be
sissippi Department of es in Starkville have risen a temporary thing,” Krieg-
Education for the last sev- dramatically in relation er said. “It slowed down in
eral years. While the dis- to Columbus and Lown- April and May, but since SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Sun. Mon.
Major 4:42a 5:33a
Minor 10:13p 11:19p
Major 5:07p 5:58p
Minor 12:00p 12:35p
CORRECTION Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

The Dispatch
In Thursday’s edition, The Dispatch incorrectly spelled the name of an organiza-
tion that filed a notice of appeal with several other plaintiffs objecting to the Colum-
bus City Council granting a permitted land use variance to Magnolia Enterprises
The Commercial Dispatch (USPS 142-320)
and local bar/restaurant Yo’ Bar. The Leigh Foundation is one of the plaintiffs in the Published daily except Saturday. Answers to common questions:
case. We regret the error. Entered at the post office at Columbus, Mississippi.
Periodicals postage paid at Columbus, MS Phone: 662-328-2424
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Opinion
4A SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 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

PARTIAL TO HOME
More conversations, better understanding
T
his first morning of viral video, and a reckon- hundreds of angry responses from incoming student.
the new year begins in ing,” NY Times, Dec. 26) angry alumni, students and public, No one emerges from this virtual
a corner of the back- The slur, which wasn’t strongly discouraged the girl’s enroll- melee unscarred.
yard in a weathered wooden directed at anyone in par- ment. The more than 1,600 readers who
chair of cypress made by a ticular — “I can drive [slur] Wonder how this might have played commented on the story offer a wide
long-gone friend. The coffee — circulated among some out had the offender been a star quar- and thoughtful cross-section of re-
is good and the air washed students at her high school, terback? sponses.
fresh by last night’s rain. Heritage High School, with- The student who published the One of them, Roger from the UK,
I miss Boy Cat who out causing much of a stir at video justified his actions as a response wrote:
passed last year and normal- the time. to the prevailing racist attitude at the “Strange behaviour all round, in my
ly would, after a night of tom A bi-racial classmate saw high school. view. Ms Groves should have realised
catting, be harassing me for the video last year when he “If I never posted that video, nothing how grossly offensive she was being,
attention. The vinca at my Birney Imes and the girl who posted it would have ever happened,” he said. while Mr. Galligan should have tried to
feet, impatient for spring, is were seniors. “I’m going to remind myself, you start- deal with the matter on a personal level
starting to show its purple By then the girl was head ed something. You taught someone a first, rather than following the craven
blooms. cheerleader at their high school and lesson.” route of social media. Nobody comes
The day, like the year ahead looks had been accepted by the University of The girl is now enrolled in a nearby out of this with their humanity intact.”
full of promise as moments of sunlight Tennessee to be on its cheer team. community college, the boy in a private Seems to me, understanding in
break through, then disappear. In the wake of the George Floyd kill- Christian-based college in California. difficult situations is better served by
I’m sending new year’s greetings to ing, the girl, in a public Instagram post, In this story we have a thought-pro- conversations, as uncomfortable as
friends via texts, something 15 years urged people to protest violence against voking morality tale about the times we they might be. Too often, instead, they
ago would have been science fiction. African Americans and get involved in live in. erupt in social-media feeding frenzies,
Now it’s so routine we hardly think some way. A young girl’s dreams go up in a puff which spawn more hate than under-
about it. At this point the biracial classmate, of smoke over an ill-advised, sever- standing and tolerance, commodities
A story The New York Times pub- who had been holding the video, put it al-years-old internet post. A classmate which seem to be in ever short supply.
lished last week has stayed on my mind. on line. It quickly went viral. exploits her indiscretion to punish his Might we resolve then in 2021, in
It concerns a Leesburg, Virginia, The University of Tennessee’s ath- classmate and highlight racist attitudes the interests of civility, to talk more,
teenager, who four years ago upon letic department immediately withdrew and practices at their former high Tweet and SnapChat less. We and our
getting her learner’s permit sent a its offer of a slot on the cheer team school. A major university reacting society will be healthier for it.
Snapchat video message to a friend that and eventually admission officials at in part to the resulting social-media Birney Imes ([email protected])
included a racial slur. (“A racial slur, a the school, who said they had received firestorm revokes its commitment to an is the former publisher of The Dispatch.

OUR VIEW ASK RUFUS

Roses and thorns
A rose to
the Jay Fisher,
Lowndes County
Administrator
for his foresight
in address-
ing changes to the county’s
COVID-19 policy. On Monday,
Fisher apprised the board of
supervisors of a change in a fed-
eral COVID relief program that
could affect county employees
and urged supervisors to adjust
its policy. Under the program,
employees who contracted the
coronavirus or were required to
quarantine after exposure to the
virus were provided 80 hours of
paid time-off. That part of the
program was not renewed in the
bill signed by the President on
Dec. 27. Fisher suggested the
county provide those 80 hours of Courtesy photo
time off, something approved by A ca. 1905 postcard shows the 204-year-old Military Road at its intersection with Third Avenue North in Columbus. The miniature
the state Legislature in March. triangular blocks on north side and the dog-leg streets on south side are evidence of roads that predated Columbus’ 1821 street
grid.
Supervisors will explore that
option, as well as other possibil-
ities and adjust their police on
Monday. We encourage other
Columbus becomes Mississippi
T
local governments — as well as oday is the 200th anni- the Military Road’s Tombig- The offset at the south end of down-
private employers — to act as versary of the town of bee ferry location that became town that dog-legs around the Light and
well to cover any gaps created Columbus, Alabama, the site of Columbus. Water Department Building results not
by the new federal COVID relief being officially recognized as Military Road still follows from an old street but from a mismatched
program. part of the state of Mississippi its original roadbed into Co- survey. The original city limits on South-
and not Alabama. On Jan. 3, lumbus until its intersection side passed along Fourth Street at the
A thorn to 1821, Mississippi Gov. George with Third Avenue North. Light and Water building, but the street
2020, which Poindexter announced that There it cut through the block grid of Barry’s 1830 addition did not
with only a few “a considerable population on where First Baptist Church match the existing street grid at Fourth
exceptions, was the waters of the Tombigbee is located, angling southwest Avenue and Fifth Street South. Thus, we
a low-down, mis- formerly attached to Alabama toward the intersection of now have that dog-leg.
erable year. The fall within the limits of this Seventh Street and Second The February 1821 legislative act cre-
year will be remembered as the state.” On Feb. 10, 1821, the Rufus Ward Avenue North. Military then ating Columbus, Mississippi, appointed
year of a pandemic which con- Mississippi Legislature char- turned west and proceeded commissioners who were to meet on June
tinues to sicken, kill and disrupt tered the Town of Columbus, down present day Second 1 and lay out the town. Though Columbus
our lives, livelihoods, education, Mississippi. Avenue North to the Tombigbee. Second had been established more than a year
recreation, even how we practice The Cedars c.1818 is the only building Avenue was originally named Military earlier, no survey or plat of the town had
our religion. As if that weren’t that has survived from that early date. Street. It is the old road slicing through been made.
enough, ugly incidents of racial Though in the city limits now, it was locat- city blocks that creates the series of small At the June 1 meeting the commission-
hatred opened the fault lines ed on the Military Road about two miles triangular blocks that one encounters ers, William Cocke, Silas McBee, David
of racial injustice that will be a north of town in 1821. However, other driving along Military on Northside. Kincaid, William Leech, John Deck,
challenge for our nation. The remnants of the original town do survive. The Columbus post office was estab- Thomas Townsend and Gideon Lincecum,
Presidential election only aggra- We see those remnants every day lished on March 6,1820, and by January elected William Cocke as their president,
vated the deep divisions in our without realizing we are looking at the 1821, there were two post roads into Co-
nation while natural disasters — authorized the purchase of “four hundred
footprints of Columbus from more than lumbus. These were the roads designated
wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes stakes suitable for corner posts to the
200 years ago. They are the offset streets by Congress upon which mail was carried
— brought pain and suffering lots” and appointed Joshua McBee to
and city blocks across Southside and and were the principal highways of the
from coast to coast. The best survey the town, receiving $1 for each lot
along Military Road and Waterworks on time. The two were the Military Road
thing we can say about 2020 is surveyed.
Northside. They are the paths of roads and what became known as the Upper
that it’s over. Good riddance. On July 13,1821, “Mr. McBee present-
that predate the city’s 1821 street grid. Tuscaloosa Road.
When Columbus was established as The Upper Tuscaloosa Road went from ed a plat of the Town agreeably to the
A rose to a town in 1819, there were few roads in Marion Courthouse through Colum- order of the Commissioners of said town
all who have the area. The principal highways were bus to Tuscaloosa. Marion Courthouse a survey of two hundred and eleven lots
reached out to the Military Road, the Upper Tuscaloosa was the county seat of Marion County, containing sixty six feet in front and one
those in need Road, the Marion Court House Road (Old Alabama, and was the location of resi- hundred and forty five feet back — Main
during the Aberdeen Road) and the Pickensville dence of Henry Greer. It is now the site street running north seventy three de-
difficult year and or Lower Tuscaloosa Road. These roads of Columbus Air Force Base. Shortly grees East is the Meridian line of said plat
a call for further action. While predated the street grid that was laid out after the organization of Monroe County, which contains three parallel streets to
local charities saw the demands on top of them in July 1821. That overlay Mississippi, there in 1821, the settlement be called and known as follows: the first,
caused by COVID-19 increase, resulted in streets that cut across or dog- moved across the Buttahatchie and was Broad Street; the first north from Broad
many reported lower-than-nor- legged around city blocks. Those early named Hamilton. The Upper Tuscaloosa Street, Military Street & the first South
mal donations, much of it due to roads were the city streets until a survey Road survives as Highway 50 East and from Broad Street, Washington Street —
an inability to hold fund-raising creating lots and blocks with streets was Waterworks Road and the road to Henry The cross streets shall be called & known
events that accounted for much completed in the summer of 1821. Greer’s is Third Street North and Old as West, Center, and East streets.” Broad
of their budget. As we enter The Military Road construction began Aberdeen Road. Street is now Main Street and Center
the new year, we encourage all in 1817 and was completed in 1820. It is In 1823, the post road to Tuscaloosa Street is Market or Fifth Street.
citizens to keep supporting our the oldest road within Columbus. Across was changed to the Pickensville or Lower The next time you drive down a
local charities through dona- the Tombigbee, it tied into the St. Ste- Tuscaloosa Road. The route of that road Columbus street and see a miniature
tions. The needs have rarely phens Trace, which by 1813 was a wagon across present-day Southside Columbus triangular block or a weird dog-leg street,
been higher nor the resources in road connecting Chickasaw villages at is evidenced by the offset streets between remember the triangular blocks and dog-
lower supply. Let’s step up and present day Tupelo, through John Pitch- the river and MUW where the street grid legs that you are looking at are footprints
bridge the gap by donating what lynn’s at Plymouth Bluff with St. Stephens was adjusted to account for the existing from Columbus’ earliest days.
we can, when we can. on the Tombigbee north of Mobile. It was road, thereby leaving offset city blocks. Rufus Ward is a local historian.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 5A

Obits
Continued from Page 2A

Ozzie Banks Jr. Mary Duett igan, Debbie Hughes Memorials may be
WEST POINT — PANAMA CITY, Fla. of Millport and Norma made to Stanley Wil-
Ozzie Lee “Red” Banks — Mary “Suzie” Duett, Johnson of Springhill, liams Memorial Fund
Jr., 66, died Dec. 17, 62, died Dec. 29, 2020, Tennessee; son, Russell C/O Lowndes Funeral
2020, at North Missis- at her residence. Hughes of Columbus; Home 1131 N. Lehm-
sippi Medical Center of A memorial service brother, Bruce Havens berg Road, Columbus,
West Point. will be planned at a of Louisville, Kentucky; MS 39702.
Graveside services later date. Faith Chapel special friend, Jimmy
were at 11 a.m. Saturday Funeral Home North in Barham; nine grandchil- James Huffman
at New Hope Woodland Cantonment, Florida, is dren, 15 great-grandchil- NETTLETON —
M.B. Church Cemetery entrusted with arrange- dren with two more on James L. Huffman, 72,
in Woodland with Fred- ments. the way and one great- died Jan. 1, 2021, in
erick Carter officiating. Ms. Duett was born great-grandchild with North Mississippi Medi-
Visitation was from Sept. 23, 1958, in Ver- another one on the way. cal Center.
10:30-11 a.m. prior to non, Alabama, to the Memorials may be Arrangements are
services at the ceme- late John H. and Lor- made to American Can- incomplete and will be
tery. Carter’s Mortuary raine Pennington. She cer Society, 1380 Living- announced by Lowndes
Services of West Point was formerly employed ston Lane, Jackson, MS Funeral Home in Colum-
was entrusted with as a talented chef and 39213. bus.
arrangements. worked many years at
Mr. Banks was born local restaurants, Cajun Dorothy Moon Steven Asselt
March 10, 1954, in Inn and The Front WEST POINT — COLUMBUS — Ste-
Starkville, to Tinnie Porch. Dorothy E. “Dot” Moon, ven Lee Van Asselt, 68,
Banks and the late In addition to her 69, died Dec. 31, 2020, died Dec. 30, 2020, at
Ozzie Lee Banks Sr. He parents, she was pre- at North Mississippi Baptist Memorial Hospi-
was formerly employed ceded in death by her Medical Center in West tal-Golden Triangle.
as an insurance agent. sisters, Pat Pennington Point. A memorial service
In addition to his and Margaret Adair; Graveside memorial will be held at a later
mother, he is survived and her brother, Aaron services will be sched- date. Memorial Gunter
by his wife, Calene Pennington. uled at a later date. Peel Funeral Home

Monique Spohn
Grice Banks; children, She is survived by Calvert Funeral Home and Crematory, Col-
Marcus Banks, Derrick her children, Jeff Duett of West Point is entrust- lege Street location, is
Grice, Kelvin Burch- of Southaven, Chris ed with arrangements. entrusted with arrange-
field, Okanda Cooper- Duett and Darion Adair, Mrs. Moon was ments. Monique Denay Spohn, 30, died Dec. 11, 2020,
wood and Resheca both of Panama City; born on Aug. 8, 1951, Memorials may be in Aberdeen, Mississippi.
Brown-Taylor; siblings, sister, Joyce Smith; and in Starkville, to the late made to Annunciation A private service was held at Lowndes Funeral
Wilson Banks, Kenny five grandchildren. Noel and Julia Cummins Catholic Church, 823 Home on Dec. 15, 2020.
Banks, Alfred Banks, Memorials may be Edmonds. She attended College Street, Colum- Monique became a LPN in July and worked in
Don Bell, Melvin made to Keep PCB school in Starkville and bus, MS, 39701. the emergency room at Monroe County Hospital.
Banks, Oscar Banks, Beautiful, P.O. Box graduated from West Monique was born to Michelle and Terry Spohn
Point High School. She
Calvin Banks, Wendall 9654, Panama City
graduated and received Brandon Sesser on Nov. 25, 1990, in California.
Banks, Jackie Banks, Beach, FL, 32417. STARKVILLE — An- In addition to her parents, Monique is survived
Christopher Banks, her degrees from East by her sons, Jaylen Williams, 10, and Kash
Mississippi Community drew Brandon Sesser,
Diane Sherrod, Ber- Barbara Vail College, Mississippi 40, died Dec. 20, 2020, Mandel, 4; her stepfather, Jonathan Parnell; aunt,
tha Banks, Roemessa MILLPORT, Ala. at Oktibbeha County Donna; uncle, Jim; and cousin, Tuesday Hays of
Banks, Annette Banks, University for Women Virginia.
— Barbara Ann Vail, and Mississippi State Hospital.
Linda Banks, Brenda 66, died Dec. 31, 2020, A graveside memorial Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s
Banks, Rita Banks and University. She was Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis,
at Northwest Medical formerly employed as service will be 2 p.m.
Gendena Stevenson; 19 Center in Winfield, Tuesday at Friendship TN 38105.
an attendance officer for
grandchildren and 13 Alabama. Cemetery. Memorial Paid Obituary
great-grandchildren. Clay County.
There will be a In addition to her par- Gunter Peel Funeral
private family viewing ents, she was preceded Home and Crematory,
Robert Pennington today at Dowdle Funeral in death by her step- College Street loca-
MILLPORT, Ala. — Home in Millport, Ala- father, Si Thompson; tion, is entrusted with
Robert Clifton Penning- bama, with Donald Park- brothers, John Edmonds arrangements.
ton, 75, died Dec. 31, er officiating. Graveside and Larry Edmonds.
2020, at DCH Medical service for family and She is survived by Loraine Smith
Center of Tuscaloosa, friends will be at 2 p.m. her husband, William COLUMBUS —
Alabama. today at Springhill Bap- Roy Moon of West Point; Elma Loraine Smith,
Dowdle Funeral tist Church Cemetery in daughter, Melony Palm- 87, died Jan. 1, 2021, at
Home of Millport is Millport. er of West Point; son, Si Windsor Place.
in charge of arrange- Mrs. Vail was born on Moon of Lindale, Texas; Arrangements are
ments. Oct. 5, 1954, in Colum- five grandchildren and incomplete and will be
Mr. Pennington was bus. one great-grandchild. announced by Memorial
born to Sir Clinton and She was preceded Memorials may be Gunter Peel Funeral
Lula Pennington. He in death by her father, made in lieu of flowers Home and Crematory,
was formerly employed Floyd Pickens. to the Church of God, Second Avenue North
with State Line Marine, She is survived 1330 North Eshman location.
West Construction and by her mother, Doris Avenue, West Point, MS
Weyerhaeuser. He was Loper; husband, Jimmy
a member of Macedo- Vail; daughter, Melissa
39773. Leonard Ware
STARKVILLE —
nia Free Will Baptist Tate; sons, Douglas
Church. Murphree and Chris
Stanley Williams Leonard Ware, 66, died
COLUMBUS — Stan- Dec. 28, 2020.
In addition to his Murphree; sister, ley Bob Williams, 63, Services are noon
parents, he was pre- Claudia Boone; brother, died Dec. 29, 2020, at today at Sixteenth
ceded in death by one Wayne Pickens; five his residence. Section M.B. Church
grandchild. grandchildren and three A graveside service in Starkville. Burial
He is survived by his great-grandchildren. was held Saturday at will follow at Sixteenth
wife, Adine “Tootise” Pallbearers are Community Baptist Section Cemetery in
Atkins Pennington; Eric Tate, Bailey Tate, Church Cemetery in Starkville. West Memo-
children, Tammy Fields, Hunter Tate, Noah Dis- Columbus with Jaron rial Funeral Home in
Kristy Humber and mukes, Danny Boone Andrews officiating. Starkville is entrusted
Tonya Richards all of and Danny Boone II. Lowndes Funeral with arrangements.
Millport; five grand-

Elsa Davis
Home in Columbus was Mr. Ware is survived
children and three Beverly Moore entrusted with arrange- by his wife, Roxine
great-grandchildren. MILLPORT, Ala. — ments. Ware; daughters, Jes-
Beverly Jeanette Havens Mr. Williams was sica Ware and Santrice
Arthur Chandler Moore, 83, died Dec. 30, born Nov. 10, 1957, in Brown; siblings, Lamar
Elsa Eubanks Davis went to be with her Lord
STARKVILLE — Ar- 2020, at her residence. Columbus to the late on Thursday, December 31, 2020. She was born
Ware, Thomas Ware,
thur Lee Chandler, 66, Graveside services Henrietta Williams and June 9, 1927, to Wiley E. Eubanks and Olline
Ella Lindsey, Myrtle Kilmer Eubanks, in Columbus, Mississippi. She
died Dec. 28, 2020. were Saturday at Bobby Williams. He Hampton, Anna Man-
Graveside services Friendship Cemetery in was formerly employed graduated from Columbus Lee High School
ning, Shyrl Tillman, in 1945 and was salutatorian of her class, and
and interment are 2 Millport, Alabama, with as a painter and was a Arelene Simmons and
p.m. today at Sessums Jammie Turner officiat- member of Community in 1949, graduated from Mississippi State
Rita Robinson. College for Women (MUW). She worked for the
Community Cemetery ing. Lowndes Funeral Baptist Church.
in Sessums. Visitation Home in Columbus was In addition to his par- Mississippi State Tax Commission in Columbus,
was Saturday at West entrusted with arrange- ents, he was preceded after graduation from the “W”.
Memorial Funeral ments. in death by his brother, Elsa lived her entire life in Mississippi, except
Home in Starkville. Mrs. Moore was Robert Wyers. for two short stays in Louisiana and Tennessee,
He is survived by born March 13, 1937, in He is survived by his due to her husband Earl’s career. She and Earl
his children, Yolanda White Lake Township, wife, Nancy Joanne Lu- lived in Meridian for 19 years, and she always
Gillespie, Yvette Gilles- Michigan, to the late cas Williams of Colum- said it was the best place to live. She had many
pie, Yabrina Chandler, Perry James and Doro- bus; son, Shawn Verdin; friends there and enjoyed her bridge clubs.
Yabril Chandler, Keyun- thy Sue Jewell Havens. daughters, Crystal Eas- Western Auto brought them to Jackson, where
na Chandler and Alfred She was a member of ley and Joanna Franks; Elsa was employed by the Physical Therapy
Gillespie; siblings, Asbury Community brothers, Buddy Wyers School, at the University Med Center. Retiring
Annie Chandler, Mary Church in Millport, and Paul Williams; six from there, she and Earl moved to Columbus to
L. Chandler, Mary Alabama. She was grandchildren and four live in the old Eubanks home place, where they
Ann Chandler, Darlene formerly employed as great-grandchildren. enjoyed many happy years. A highlight each year
Bush, Amy Jo Chandler, a seamstress at Vernon Pallbearers are Dylan was when their two grandchildren came to visit
Jessie Lucious, Clottie Garment Plant. Pounders, Chad Price, in the summer.
Harrington, Jimmy She is survived by Tony Williams, Jr., Elsa was a lifelong Methodist and taught
Chandler and Willie B. her daughters, Cindy Adam Lucas, AJ Hicks Sunday school and circle in Meridian, Jackson,
Chandler. Yee of Roseville, Mich- and Cole Verdin. Steven Vanasselt and Columbus. She was a member of the Pioneer
Incomplete Club in Columbus.
College St. Location Elsa was predeceased by her husband, Earl
and is survived by her son, Earl G. Davis, Jr.
(Janet); her grandchildren, Gate Davis (Sarah)
of Boerne, Texas, and Amy Rutherford (Way)
of Waco, Texas; and five great-grandchildren,
Eleanor and Wiley Davis and Miles, Davis and
Lucy Rutherford.
A family graveside service will be held at
Friendship Cemetery, in Columbus, on Monday,
memorialgunterpeel.com January 4, 2021.
Paid Obituary - Wright & Ferguson
Funeral Home
6A SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Funeral homes
Continued from Page 1A
come here.” friends love before they
The numbers in Clay pass away.
County are up too, Carter “I don’t want to sound
said. His office responded sappy or cliche, but
to 165 calls as of Wednes- take advantage of every
day, compared to 119 in moment you have with
2019. your loved ones,” he said.
In Lowndes County, “Why wait until the very
Merchant said, the death end to say what that per-
rate had been creeping up son really means to you?
every year. It was already Just make that a habit of
up somewhat in January telling that person how
and February, but it “real- much you love them, how
ly picked up” starting in much you appreciate
March. them, because the way
“We’ve grown every we die or pass, we’re not
year, but this year it’s, you going to always have fam-
know, five times (the pre- ily around us to say what
vious growth),” he said. needs to be said.”
Oktibbeha County Cor- Hairston added anoth-
oner Michael Hunt did not er piece of advice: wear
return calls and messages masks and social distance
from The Dispatch asking to help save lives.
about the number of “We as a whole, as
Oktibbeha County deaths people in our cities,
by press time. However, people in our country,
Bennie Hairston, who we should do everything
co-owns Hairston and we can to make sure that
Hairston Funeral Homes the person next to you
which has a Starkville is safe,” he said. “And
office, said the numbers how you do that is by
Tess Vrbin/Dispatch Staff
have increased there as wearing your mask, and
Bennie Hairston, co-owner of Hairston and Hairston Funeral Homes, sprays a coffin with casket spray at the
well. He estimated his funeral home’s Starkville location on Thursday. Hairston and other funeral home directors and owners throughout I feel that people need to
business handled ar- the area said they all arranged more funeral services in 2020 than in previous years after the COVID-19 pandem- understand that you’re
rangements for nearly 100 ic contributed to a higher-than-average death rate. wearing your mask not
deaths in 2020, compared only just for your safety
to 75 or 80 in 2019. director of pastoral care with, they said. that everyone on his staff he worries about his three and your health, but also
Other funeral homes at Baptist Memorial Hos- “This year we have has also lost someone this deputies, who are not as for the person next to you.
are feeling the burden of pital. “I’ve seen nurses buried some pretty year. In normal circum- used to death as he is. If we all could just do that
increasing deaths as well. with tears in their eyes well-known people that stances, he said, friends “We deal with people for ... a whole full year, it
Pounders said in De- because their patient was (in) a normal year, they would have stopped by on the very worst day of will definitely make a big
cember alone, Lowndes dying alone. It hits them, probably would have had with food or shaken their life,” he said. “It’s impact.”
Funeral Home handled it hits the nurses, it hits hundreds of people attend hands and given hugs hard seeing all these Merchant agreed that
arrangements for 40 our doctors pretty hard. their funeral,” Pounders even before the funeral. people in that situation. COVID is a fact of life for
services — the highest They have families of said. “Whereas this year “We’re pretty much We try giving encourag- the time being, and that,
the funeral home has had their own and they under- when they passed away, left now with just ... phone ing words, but death is combined with the large
in one month since it first stand what it’s like to lose there was maybe 50. … calls or prayers, but not among us.” baby boomer generation
opened its doors 23 years someone.” Some people, especially that arm around that Blackburn credited the getting older, means the
ago. At Baptist, immediate older individuals or peo- family,” he said. family-like bond between death rate will probably
At Carter’s Funeral family have been at the ple that have pre-existing The high numbers staff at Baptist with help- continue to stay high for
Services in Columbus, bedside of those dying conditions and things like have also been hard on ing everyone cope with some time.
owner and funeral of COVID only after that, … they’re not going funeral staff, hospital the pandemic and deaths “COVID’s not going to
director Johnathan West donning full personal pro- to a funeral.” staff, coroners’ deputies it’s caused. He also said it mysteriously go away,”
estimated his business tective equipment. Other West said he knows and everyone else who should be a wake-up call he said. “... It’s going to
has seen a 35 percent family members have of families that have lost deals with death as part of to everyone to remem- take a while to just work
uptick in the number of talked to their loved ones multiple loved ones, and their job. Merchant said ber to show family and through that.”
funeral arrangements it through FaceTime.
handled. “That’s been the
“We have truly seen a hard thing for us, just to
large volume of death,” witness and be a part of,”
Hairston said. “It’s much Blackburn said. “I can
higher, ever since ... right see it with our staff too.
before March.” They’re experiencing a
degree of the heaviness
Saying goodbye that the family members
In a year when the are of someone that’s
living have had to don dying alone.”
masks and keep six feet Hairston, West and
away from those not in Pounders all said their
their immediate family funeral homes have
in hopes of curbing the dramatically increased
spread of COVID-19, the number of graveside
death has been extremely services rather than tradi-
hard for the loved ones tional indoor services. An
left behind. Families miss executive order by Gov.
the support of out-of-town Tate Reeves has limited
visitors who can’t travel indoor gatherings in
due to the pandemic, Mississippi to 10 people
funeral directors have or fewer, which would in-
to force families to keep clude funeral staff, while
indoor services to a mere outdoor gatherings —
handful of guests and where it’s easier to social
hospital staff have turned distance — can include
away cousins, distant up to 50 people. Funeral
relatives and close friends staff all said most families
from the bedsides of have been disappointed
those dying of COVID-19. by the restrictions, but
“We had no idea we understand why they’re
were going to deal with in place.
this long,” said Jonathan Even still, it’s a hard
Blackburn, chaplain and thing for families to deal

Disaster declared officials have anxiously

awaited. Alabama counties
in Mississippi after received a federal disas-
Hurricane Zeta ter declaration Dec. 10 for
JACKSON — The Zeta damage.
Trump administration has Reeves thanked the
approved Gov. Tate Reeves’ president, saying, “Home-
request for federal help fol- owners, local govern-
lowing Hurricane Zeta. ments, and business
President Donald owners in the declared
Trump declared the di- counties can start the new
saster on New Year’s Eve, year rebuilding from this
ordering federal aid to storm.”
help South Mississippi Hurricane Zeta made
counties recover from the landfall Oct. 28 with 8 feet
worst hurricane to hit the (2.4 meters) of storm surge
area since Katrina in Au- and wind gusts of up to 100
gust 2005. The declaration
mph (160.1 kilometers per
covers George, Greene,
hour), impacting parts of
Hancock, Harrison, Jack-
Southeast Mississippi. The
son and Stone counties,
Mississippi Emergency
allowing federal funds for
repairs and low-interest Management Agency, by
loans for residents and Nov. 25, had documented
business owners. $10 million in damage to
In George, Greene, Han- individual homes and $79
cock, Harrison, Jackson, million in damage to public
Perry, Stone, and Wayne infrastructure.
counties, officials also can Available assistance will
tap into public assistance include temporary housing
to help cover emergency and home-repair grants,
work and repairs or re- loans for uninsured prop-
placement of public facil- erty losses, and other pro-
ities the storm damaged, grams for individuals and
the White House said in a business owners. More re-
news release. lief may be provided if war-
Reeves tweeted New ranted as the result of fu-
Year’s morning about the ture damage assessments,
disaster declaration, which the news release said.
residents and government SOURCE: AP
Lifestyles LIFESTYLES EDITOR
Jan Swoope: 328-2471
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 n 7A

Call for submissions

out for SAAC arts
and culture cookbook
SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

D
evelopment for the Starkville Area
Arts Council (SAAC) 25th Anniver-
sary Arts & Culture Cookbook is
underway. SAAC is looking for submissions
of title and cover art for the cookbook.
The theme is simple: what represents
Starkville’s arts and culture?
All submissions must be made via SAAC’s
online portal. To access, visit starkvillearts.
net and click on the “Submissions” button
for all of our active applications. The submis-
sion deadline is Jan. 30, 2021. Submissions
do not have to be a finished product and can
be photographs, art, murals, architecture,
etc. as long as it represents Starkville or
Oktibbeha County.
SAAC is still accepting submissions
for stories, history, and recipes. Share on
SAAC’s website, starkvillearts.net/25th-
anniversary. The submission deadline for
stories, recipes, and photos is Jan. 15, 2021.
Funds from the sale of this book will
support art and art education outreach in
Oktibbeha County, including grants to other
arts organizations and projects here in
Starkville. Help memorialize and celebrate
Courtesy photo our artistic heritage. Volunteers are needed,
Don Ryvcko — real name, Joseph Houston — is a 20-year-old Mississippi State University student recently and the community at large is invited to
signed to the No Apologies Latin Urban label in Orlando. Ryvcko, born in Honduras, is bilingual and blends Latin participate through submissions and recipe
and American music. testing. Contact SAAC for further details at
[email protected].

Starkville artist finds his beat with record label

BY JAN SWOOPE
[email protected]
influences of his parents. Life took
a 180 when his family moved to
instruments.”
“I love music so much because Pets may help us
keep those new
L
Starkville when he was in fifth it’s just a way of being able to
ike many students at Missis- grade, to be near other relatives. express myself,” he said. “I can’t
sippi State University, Don “It was a big culture shock think of anything else that has
Ryvcko juggles class hours,
school work and a part-time job.
Unlike most of his classmates,
when I moved here to Mississippi,”
Ryvcko said. “It’s a completely
allowed me to express myself so
freely.” year’s resolutions
different culture.” By age 18, the then-teen was SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH
though, the 20-year-old commu- He assimilated, attending Arm- taking his calling more seriously,

I
nications major is also writing strong and Starkville High School. investing in recording equipment,
lyrics, planning recording ses- t’s that time of year again when many of
He chose to go to MSU, electing to learning how to mix and master us are making New Year’s resolutions.
sions and building musical bridges study communications, with a con- his own music and putting some of
between Latin and American After a tumultuous 2020, it may be more
centration in public relations. And his tunes out there. imperative than ever to strive for physical,
culture. Ryvcko — real name he listened to music, developing “I started to develop a small fan mental, and emotional balance.
Joseph Houston — signed with No his own style and soon creating base, but you’ve gotta start some- The good news is that there is someone
Apologies Music on Dec. 9, and strictly Latin Urban music, mixing where, and from there started who might be able to help you reach those
pursuit of his career just entered a Spanish and English together making connections.” goals who’s closer than you think: your dog
more intense phase. No Apologies’ while representing his home coun- When Drums heard Ryvcko’s or cat. That’s right, Fido and Fluffy can
Latin Urban record label located try of Honduras. singles in June 2019 — “El Coche” provide you with the motivation to get 2021
in Orlando was co-founded by “I was kind of born into a and “Te Lo Juro” — he became in- started on the right track.
Dove Award-winning producer musical family. Both of my parents terested in this young artist. After Best Friends Animal Society, a leading
Cardec Drums. He has produced throughout high school and a recording session together in the animal welfare organization focused on
for notable artists in the Christian college, they had some bands,” Reach Records studio, a record making America a no-kill nation by 2025,
rap genre, including three-time Ryvcko said. “My mom played label founded by Lecrae, Ryvcko offers five ways your pets can be the best
Grammy winner Lecrae. clarinet in high school; my dad and Cardec continued to build resolution buddies. (Keeping in mind masks,
Raised in Honduras, Ryvcko played piano and guitar in some of their relationship while working leash laws, and social distancing should be
spent half his life there, speaking the local worship bands.” Ryvcko on more music, Ryvcko said. observed whenever you’re in public. It’s also
Spanish, immersed in the musical and his brothers all “picked up See RYVCKO, 8A wise to research hours of operation for any
destination before you visit.)
See PETS, 8A

IN THE GARDEN WITH FELDER

W’s Jumpstart breaks record
A bit of hindsight with Read for the Record event
and review MUW UNIVERSITY RELATIONS

T M
he adage that ississippi University for
“hindsight is Women’s Jumpstart Pro-
2020” is usu- gram recently joined more
ally pretty apropos; than 2.24 million readers across the
but, looking back, United States to promote early child-
how about chang- hood development, education and
ing it to “let’s put literacy as part of the Jumpstart’s 15th
2020 in hindsight” annual Read for the Record.
and say g’bye to a The annual program engaged 2.24
weird year? million readers, distributed 116, 715
This is my 40th books to children and gathered 12.4
annual year-end million social media impressions.
summary, in which Felder Rushing
As part of the event, W President
I customarily admit Nora Miller read “Evelyn Del Rey
some of my failures and foibles — of which is Moving Away” by Meg Medina to
Courtesy photo

there are plenty — and offer hopes for a Mississippi University for Women President Nora Miller reads to Child &
students of The W’s Child & Parent Parent Development Center students for Jumpstart’s 15th annual Read for
better next year. Development Center and recorded a the Record.
Wasn’t all bad, of course. I certainly can’t virtual reading. The video is featured
complain, what with so many frustrated and on the university’s YouTube channel “The W’s Jumpstart program providing an individualized learn-
hurting people suffering terrible pains and at https://youtu.be/4Ij51VzhKrI. Each makes high-quality children’s books ing experience to local 3-5 year-old
losses. All I lost, other than a dearly loved year, Jumpstart selects a children’s accessible for the children by mak- children. Local program partnerships
horticulture and travel friend who passed book for the campaign and partners ing sure every child has a storybook have been established with West
away last month, was a few dozen canceled with the publisher to develop a special to take home. We provide support, Lowndes Elementary School Pre-K,
lectures around the country, along with all edition of the book. The selected book resources and materials that fos- The Assembly Kids Academy and the
the international flower shows that I usually is read on the designated campaign ter language and social-emotional MUW Child & Parent Development
report on. And 11 months apart from my day by adults and children (PreK development. Jumpstart’s Read for Center.
sweetheart who’s been cooped up in our through second grade), both in-per- the Record is a powerful way to come The W’s Jumpstart has served
home in England. son and virtually, in homes, schools, together for the power of reading. It approximately 250 young children
On the upside, I became a grandfather for libraries and museums across the is truly an opportunity to rally The throughout Lowndes county. These
the first time — welcome, little Alice Jeanne, globe as well as celebrated in thou- W and our Columbus community partnerships have reduced the
a 12th-generation American Rushing! I sands of community-led events. around the importance of high-qual- student-to-adult ratio to 3:1 in almost
rescued and rehabbed some baby possums, Jumpstart is a national early educa- ity early learning experiences,” said every classroom served, enabling
and, after years of serious lobbying, man- tion organization equipping children Rose Ford, Jumpstart program site children to develop nurturing rela-
aged to get the approving attention of the in America to enter kindergarten pre- manager. tionships with caring adults while en-
flag commission members who thoughtfully pared to succeed. Jumpstart delivers The W was the second university gaging in high-quality learning. Upon
winnowed thousands of wonderful proposals a research-based and cost-effective in the state to partner with Jumpstart program completion, W Jumpstart
to finally select a proud new pennant that program by training college students in 2015. Within five years, 65 W Corps members receive the Segal
includes our beautiful state flower! and community volunteers to serve students have completed high-quality Education Award. More than $78,000
On the garden side, after over a decade preschool-age children in low-income training, served over 19,000 hours has been awarded to W Jumpstart
See FELDER, 8A neighborhoods. within the Columbus community Corps members.
8A SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

SCHOOL NEWS
Zarandona. le,Smith Graham,David nell,Abigail Pettus and Tucker
Ryvcko
Annunciation Catholic 4th grade: April Moore Princi- Johnston,Amelia Jones,Mark Vollor.
Continued from Page 7A
School pal’s List: Audrey Abrams,Ow- Leonard,Sara Leyva,Jaxon nnn
Annunciation Cath- en Baucom,Miles Brignac,Amy McCallum,Isabella Nguyen,Gar-
Honor Roll List: Bradley
Cancellare,Nicholas Corhern,- rison Reedy,Hayden Torres and
olic School announced Butler Then, enter COVID-19. As it did with so much
Jackson Frye,Nadia Heinkel,- Isaac Zaranadona.
its Principal’s List and 6th grade — Principal’s List:
3rd grade honor roll: Julie music production throughout the world, the
Josalyn Lee, Cooper Lyon and
Honor Roll students for Jackie Baumbach,Tristan
Krieger, Nolan Langston. pandemic slowed down everything for Ryvcko.
Jackson Robertson. 4th grade Honor Roll: Timur
the first quarter of the Fulton,Sophia Heinkel,Katie But, it also led to his placement on the Reach Re-
Gabitov, Brooklyn Dillard,
2020-2021 school year. Krieger,Hank Baucom,James cords and No Apologies collaborative album “Sin
Honor Roll List: Bradley Briley Pyle.
Cancellare,Lani Carter,Hutch Verguenza,” out in October. It contains the MSU
Butler Clemons,Campbell Davis,Hol- 5th Honor Roll List: Mya Robin-
Principal’s List 4th grade — Jenni Browning son, Wesley Caroline Shelton
student’s single “Como Fue.” Then, in Decem-
lis Fenstermacher,,Cami Harris
3rd grade: Cindy Prewitt Prin- Principal’s List: Ruby Beck,Will and Savanna Smith. ber, after a year and a half working towards the
and Day Ivy.
cipal’s List: Audrey Barranco, Borer,Max Bourgeois,,Jack 7th grade — Pringcipal’s List: 6th Honor Roll List: Aaliyah signing, the artist was added to the No Apologies
Annabelle Brislin, Collins Clemons,Liana Cotman,Ken- Brandon Doumit, Maddox Sanders,Campbell Calla- roster.
Davis, Jack Domino, Preston nedy Regimbal and Amelia House and Isabel Keith. way,Karson Hughes and While listeners will readily identify Ryvcko’s
Domino, Genevieve Hanes, Sullivan. 8th grade Principal’s List: Jayden Lee. rap and hip-hop vibe, they may not immediately
Henry Jones, Riley Lasseigne, 5th grade — Morgan Bergeron Gaby Baumbach,Maria 7th Honor Roll List: Gavin Elliot realize the music centers around positive messag-
Robert MaKofski, Angelina Principal’s List: Liam Barran- Keith,Allison Krieger,Armando and Leah Jeremiah. ing.
Nyguen, Ben Sherertz, Owen co,Swayze Callaway,Anna Leyva,Caroline Luccasen,Aven 8th Honor Roll List: Cole Little-
When asked about genre, he said, “It’s a lot of
Stovall, Lucia Tofts and Silas Kinsley Cline,Ava Dowd- Matthews,Kaitlyn McCon- john and Emily Nguyen.
different styles that I’ve been able to experiment
with. I really can’t label my music. It might be

Felder
Christian rap, or just rap, but my faith is evident
through my music. That’s something that’s defi-
nite. As long as the message gets through, you
Continued from Page 7A can call it what you want.”
of planting summer crops I planted this fall He’s eager to work on music that crosses
gardens and then aban- got devastated twice by boundaries and speaks to everyone.
doning them to months of night raiding rodents, “Latin music is starting to cross over a lot,”
traveling overseas, 2020 costing me not just the he remarked. In the new year, he’s expecting to
provided a perfect op- money for the plants, but release several songs and video content. Finding
portunity to try my hand the time it would take to the balance between school and artistry will be a
at actually maintaining get more planted before priority.
summer and fall plant- winter. And dashed “When I started out college, my freshman year
ings. Some of it worked, hopes. was really a struggle for me, but I knew music
some not so well, a stark Luckily for me, I was the career I wanted to do,” he said. “It was
reminder that I’m a better understand the problems just a stressful year, but after that year I talked it
horticultural expert than and why I couldn’t or over with my family; they gave me advice which
actual gardener. wouldn’t do much about was helpful. I really felt God speak to me, to just
In my eagerness I set them; but for the count- be patient. His promises are always fulfilled. I just
out way too many flower less newbies around needed to trust in that process and be patient.”
and vegetable plants the state who set out School has been a “good thing,” he said. “I’ve
which, other than jalape- little gardens for the very learned managing my time, knowing what to
nos and burgundy okra, first time this year the prioritize, being more disciplined. It’s taught me
produced poorly. Too learning curve was steep. just to improve my work effort.”
much fertilizer, judging I stopped on my walks He knows 2021 will be demanding, but he is
from the massive sweet to chat with many of the ready to tackle it.
potato vines with nothing dozens in my own neigh- “This new year is going to be honestly a new
but skinny little orange borhood, offering advice experience for me, but at the same time the main
strings underground. I and hoping they didn’t thing is being able to plan ahead and being able
managed to make some notice my own miserable Felder Rushing/Courtesy photo to manage my time, not getting caught up and
passable fried green lack of results. So long, 2020. We’re ready to move ahead and look distracted.”
tomatoes before the bugs A few accomplish- forward to a new year. Ryvcko is unapologetic about channeling his
and blights and squir- ments include building faith into his music.
enough fig preserves to survived an abysmal year.
rels got the rest. And I a new raised bed, recon- “We’re doing this for God,” he said, “and we’re
harvested some decent figuring my compost get me and mine through Buh-bye, 2020, no love
a year or two. glorifying him.”
birdhouse gourds. pile, adding a triangular lost! Here’s hoping for
Oh, and wrapped up Editor’s note: Listen to Don Ryvcko’s music on
The giant zinnias, porch to my cabin with better next year.
“Maverick Gardeners,” Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
from seed simply scat- a three-level bird condo, Felder Rushing is
ted atop bare dirt, were fashioned an above- my latest book, about
the outlier DIGrs (De- a Mississippi author,
magnificent all summer ground water garden
termined Independent columnist, and host of
and fall; I covered them a from a galvanized horse
couple of cold nights last water trough, made a con- Gardeners) with whom the Gestalt Gardener on ■ For more Lifestyles content, including
month to get another few crete bird bath, designed I’ve had the pleasures MPB Think Radio. Email Southern Gardening go to cdispatch.com.
weeks of big cut flowers a corner English cottage of meeting and sharing gardening questions to
for my little cabin. garden, made Christmas plants. Out in a couple of [email protected].
The cabbage, broccoli, decorations from garden months.
kale, and other coled- materials, and put up So ... my garden and I

Pets
Continued from Page 7A

Start moving spending quality time which foods are appro-

Do you have an active with pets can lessen priate for your particular
dog? Then you have a anxiety, lower blood pet.
free personal trainer. pressure, and bolster
Dogs love to get exer- your immune system — Venture out
cise and do it with such health benefits many of If you’ve been stuck at
enthusiasm, they’re sure us can use. home and can’t take one
to make you smile as you How can you can more day staring at four
head out the door. Walk- make the most of this walls, leash up your dog
ing at a vigorous pace natural stress relief? (or a travel loving cat, if
for just 30 minutes, five A daily fifteen-minute you’ve got one) and hit
times a week can provide break with your cat or the road for a day trip.
the moderately intensive dog to meditate is a great Many beaches, state
cardiovascular exercise start. Sit with your pet parks, and local land-
most physicians recom- in a quiet, comfortable marks are still open for
mend. (If you and your place, focus on being sightseeing, so find a spot
dog aren’t quite ready present, breathing deep- that’s sure to boost you
to hit that goal at the ly, and stroking your and your pet’s spirits.
moment, try a 10 minute pet’s fur. Another option
is to break out a yoga
walk at your own pace
mat and do some poses
Be social
and boost your time by Socializing may seem
five-minute increments with your cat or dog,
oxymoronic during
each week). which will not only ease
COVID-19, but there
Some cats even like stress, but also provides
is a way to be amongst
to go for walks on a a gentle workout.
others safely. Get outside
leash and harness or in a with your dog! They
stroller. If you’re not sure Eat better are natural ice breakers
how your kitty would feel Did your eating habits and you’re sure to meet
about it, do some re- change in 2020? This like-minded people who
search online to find the year, swap out fatty, sweet want to share about their
safest ways to introduce or salty treats and start own pets. A game of fetch
walking or strolling into sharing some good-for- or frisbee at the local
your routine. you snacks with your pet. park can also be a fun,
And if you really want Dogs can eat raw sun- socially distant activity
to make those steps flower or pumpkin seeds, to enjoy with friends and
count, download Best plus produce like wa- family.
Friends’ ResQWalk app. termelon, blackberries, Wait ... what? You don’t
Sponsored by Front of cranberries, blueberries, have a pet?
the Pack, ResQWalk not bananas, apple slices, Well, there’s no better
only tracks your mile- and baby carrots (but no time than the new year to
age, it allows people to grapes or raisins, which adopt a new best friend.
raise money for animal can be toxic). Cats can By adopting, not only will
rescues and shelters in get in on the fun, too. Fe- you be saving a life, you’ll
the U.S. every time they lines are able to enjoy fish get a great deal, as most
go walking. like salmon or mackerel, pets are also fixed, vacci-
meats like plain boiled nated, micro-chipped and
Ease stress chicken, and even a bit of ready to go home for just
Of course, pets are cheese or egg. one low fee.
adorable to look at and Just keep in mind that To get started, visit
fun to hang out with... only 10 percent of a pet’s bestfriends.org and find
it turns out they’re daily calories should a local shelter or rescue
also good for you! As come from treats. Your where your perfect pet is
research has shown, veterinarian can confirm waiting.

CALENDAR
Thursday, Jan. 7
Exhibit reception — The Columbus Arts Council hosts a free reception, 5:30-7 p.m., opening
“Southern Expressions,” a show by Leslie Peebles in the main gallery. Work by Kelsey Cockrell will
be displayed in Artist Alley. Stop by the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Columbus. 662-
328-2787 or columbus-arts.org.
Sports
MISSISSIPPI STATE FOOTBALL
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021
B
SECTION

MSU, Tulsa partake in massive brawl after Dawgs’ bowl win

BY BEN PORTNOY field product as it was Speaking with re-
[email protected] the benches-clearing porters postgame, nei-
brawl after the fact. ther Mississippi State
Thursday should “I’m not going to com- coach Mike Leach nor
have been reason for cel- ment a whole lot about any of the MSU players
ebration. it,” Tulsa head coach queried about the brawl
After an up-and-down Philip Montgomery had an explanation as
regular season coupled added. “The one thing to why the fight began,
with the hellish condi- I’ll say is our program, but as videos of the
tions 2020 presented our guys, we’re a team brawl spread across the
society by way of the that’s going to stand internet like wildfire,
COVID-19 pandemic, up for each other and the postgame skirmish
Mississippi State’s 28- we’re going to battle. We dominated the conver-
26 win over No. 24 Tul- talk about faith, family, sation.
sa was a chance to look football. Family’s going Not the first incident
toward the future in a to take care of family. in a chippy game, Thurs-
game that salvaged an, We’re a team that has day’s contest began with
at times, forgettable sea- battled all year long. what Leach referenced
son. We battled again today. as a number of Tulsa
But rather than con- From that standpoint players circling around
fetti and field celebra- our guys are going to his guys during pre-
tions, Thursday’s win continue to protect each game warmups. Players Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports
was less about the on- Mississippi State and Tulsa fight after Thursday’s Armed Forces Bowl at Amon G.
other.” See BRAWL, 4B Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

Bulldogs MISSISSIPPI STATE 28, NO. 24 TULSA 26

can’t close
as Kentucky Parting shots: Bulldogs down Golden
escapes with
double-OT win
BY THEO DEROSA
Hurricane in chippy Armed Forces Bowl
[email protected]

STARKVILLE — Af-
ter his deep two-point
jump shot banked hard
off the glass and dropped
through the rim, Don-
taie Allen smiled and
shrugged.
The Kentucky red-
shirt freshman’s body
language was crystal
clear: Why not?
At the other end of the
floor, Mississippi State
seemed to shrug its col-
lective shoulders, too.
The Bulldogs, after all,
had the same question to
ask themselves.
Even inside Humphrey
Coliseum, even against
an uncharacteristical-
ly struggling Kentucky
team, even with a nine-
point lead with as many
minutes to go … why not?
Why couldn’t Mississippi
State manage to beat the

See MBB, 4B

Alabama beats Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports

Notre Dame in Quarterback Will Rogers (2) helped Mississippi State to its first bowl victory since 2017 in the Bulldogs’ 28-26 win over No. 24 Tulsa on
Thursday in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas. Rogers finished 19 of 30 passing and had rushing and passing touchdowns.
Rose Bowl BY BEN PORTNOY ter Stadium and fog creeped and 44 penalty yards of its own. kick.
[email protected] over its outer walls, both offens- Following Rogers’ John- “Obviously, it was slippery
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
es came to a freezing standstill ny Manziel-esque touchdown as heck,” Williams conceded
Will Rogers siphoned with temperatures dropping scamper in his maroon, No. postgame. “(The ball) slipped
ARLINGTON, Texas through his reads quicker than
— A truly untraditional throughout the afternoon. Rog- 2-stitched jersey, it was fellow a little bit, definitely should’ve
a lawman at the O.K. Corral. ers, who had passed for at least first-year phenom Emmanuel caught it on the first one, but I
Rose Bowl setting, a very But rather than unleash his
common result for Ala- 221 yards in each of his last five Forbes who notched third pick- had some great blocking by the
six-shooter, or, in this case, his
bama in the College Foot- games, mustered a meager 67 six and fifth interception of the guys up front on the line to give
right arm, Mississippi State’s
ball Playoff. yards through the air on 9 of year when he jumped a Zach me a chance to get it back.”
baby-faced signal-caller stepped
With Heisman Tro- 15 passing in the first half and Smith throw before racing 90 In a game that pitted two
up into the pocket and scam-
phy finalists DeVonta failed to eclipse the 200-yard yards to pay dirt. teams that had never once
pered 13 yards into the end
Smith and Mac Jones, plateau in a start for the first Channeling the same rhythm squared off against one another,
zone to give Mississippi State
the top-ranked Crim- time in his career. and second half offensive ability Thursday’s contest also mas-
an eight-point lead it wouldn’t
son Tide rolled into its With the passing game that gave it a 99-point advantage queraded as a meeting of rivals
relinquish in Thursday’s 28-
fifth CFP championship stalled, MSU turned to the in second halves this season, with a chippinness and genuine
26 Armed Forces Bowl victory
game in six seasons. freshman running back tandem Smith and the Tulsa offense intensity the vast majority of the
over No. 24 Tulsa in Fort Worth,
Smith caught three of Jo’quavious Marks and Dillon barked back. Senior running 2020 bowl slate had lacked.
Texas.
of Jones’ four touch- Johnson through Thursday’s back Corey Taylor II, one of Teams gathered near mid-
down passes and Najee Donning a ten-gallon hat
and bandana wrapped across slog of a first half. In return, Tulsa’s three capable tailbacks field in warmups, trading barbs
Harris ran for 125 yards Marks notched his longest run who were held to 132 yards on and jabs before members of
with a high-hurdling his mouth as he left the foot-
ball facility in Starkville earlier of the season by way of a 28- 29 touches, brought the Golden each coaching staff separated
highlight in a 31-14 vic- yard touchdown scamper on the Hurricane within a two-point the effervescent undergrads.
tory over No. 4 Notre this week, it was Rogers, ev-
er-the-outlaw head coach Mike game’s first drive, while he and conversion of knotting things up MSU receiver Malik Heath and
Dame in a CFP semifi- Johnson combined for 8.6 yards on a 5-yard touchdown run, but offensive lineman Kameron
nal Rose Bowl played Leach and a balanced offensive
attack that stormed into the per touch on their first eight Smith’s pass sailed through his Jones were pulled away from a
inside about 1,400 miles
Lone Star State on New Year’s carries. receivers hands and slammed brief dustup midway through
from Pasadena, Califor-
Eve and added one final chapter “I just saw good numbers, into the wet grass on the try. the second quarter as both sides
nia.
to a year and season filled with good run boxes,” Rogers ex- After Tulsa’s ensuing kick off debated who jumped first on a
“I don’t think there’s
absurdity. plained of why MSU audibled narrowly skipped out of bounds, snap.
anything quite like the
Rose Bowl, the tradi- “I think it’s huge to get a win to run the ball as much as it did. Rogers guided the Bulldogs on Tensions finally broke after
tion, the setting, the against a really great opponent,” “And if we can take five (yards) a 11-play, 65-yard drive capped the final snap as players from
mountains. It’s just a Rogers said in his first media on first down in the run game off by a 12-yard touchdown pass both teams devolved into a
phenomenal experi- session since fall camp. “Tough we’re definitely going to do to classmate Lideatrick “Tulu” benches-clearing brawl. In a
ence,” coach Nick Sa- weather conditions all game, that.” Griffin, who also notched 138 season that’s included every-
ban said. “Wish our we knew that coming in, And I And then there were the pen- kick return yards, in the back thing from a global pandem-
players had gotten that think it says a lot about our pro- alties. Entering Thursday as the right corner of the end zone. ic to bizarre college football
opportunity.” gram, a lot about the guys, espe- second-most penalized team in The Golden Hurricane came scheduling, MSU closed the
But Saban and the cially just to come in here know- college football, Tulsa secured an onside kick away from one year not only trading parting
Tide (12-0, No. 1 CFP) ing it’s going to be cold, rainy, three unsportsmanlike conduct final chance after a 15-yard shots but slugging its way off
will take yet another going to be a gross game. Just fouls in the opening 30 minutes. Keylon Stokes touchdown re- the playing surface at Amon
got to find a way to win.” MSU added to the flag-filled ception, before junior receiver G. Carter Stadium with its
See ALABAMA, 4B As rain coated Amon G. Car- first half with seven penalties Austin Williams fell on the loose first bowl victory since 2017.
2B SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

MISSISSIPPI STATE WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Bulldogs beat Georgia for first SEC win under McCray-Penson

BY THEO DEROSA court. Both strategies
[email protected] worked as MSU commit-
ted just one turnover in
Nikki McCray-Penson the period and Carter
never sent the text. wreaked havoc inside
On Wednesday night, a with a pair of free throws
day prior to the Bulldogs’ and two straight jumpers.
Southeastern Confer- “We knew Jess was
ence opener at Georgia, going to be fresh, so we
the first-year Mississippi wanted to go right to her,”
State women’s basketball McCray-Penson said. “I
coach — who texts her thought we had an advan-
players often — planned tage right there, especial-
to send a brief message ly when you’ve got a post
to freshman Madison player who can knock
Hayes. But McCray-Pen- down shots.”
son never got around to it. But despite Mississippi
Instead, when the State’s big third quarter,
coach ran into Hayes on the host Bulldogs hung
Thursday morning, she around. Georgia cut the
delivered the message to lead to nine with 6:53 to
the five-star guard in per- go in the fourth quarter
son. before four MSU players
“Just have fun today,” combined to make five
the coach reminded throws, then got as close
Hayes. “Enjoy the mo- as six points away with
ment.” 88 seconds remaining.
Hayes did a lot more Coach Joni Taylor’s team
than that in a 69-62 Mis- took advantage of nine
sissippi State victory Photo by Tony Walsh MSU turnovers in the
Thursday in Athens, Nikki McCray-Penson picked up her first SEC win as Mississippi State’s head coach Thursday at Georgia. Missis- quarter and nearly pulled
Georgia. sippi State improved to 6-1 on the season with the 69-62 victory. the comeback.
She tied for the team bounds, an assist and a for us.” Cooks both fouled out. the second quarter and “Georgia is a team
lead with 13 points, in- season-high 13 points on But it wasn’t just “We had to give up slowly began to stretch it that’s experienced,”
cluding an important five- 4-of-5 shooting, including Hayes’ standout perfor- some stuff to take away out. Carter, who sat most McCray-Penson said.
point stretch in the third “They’re playing well.
two 3-pointers and a 3-for- mance that led Mississip- what they really like to of the first half with two
quarter, to help the Bull- We were just fortunate to
3 performance at the foul pi State to a win Thurs- do,” McCray-Penson said. fouls, had eight straight
dogs (6-1, 1-0 SEC) earn come away with the win.”
line — as a significant day. McCray-Penson said Still, the Bulldogs kept points for the Bulldogs;
its first conference win Mississippi State will
under McCray-Penson reason. the Bulldogs honed their Georgia off the board Hayes hit an and-one
have a tough test in its
and hand Georgia (8-1, “She’s a player who is transition defense in or- both in transition and layup to cap a streak of second conference game,
0-1) its first loss. very intangible for us, and der to weather Georgia’s inside. Mississippi State five points and punctuat- set for noon today at Hum-
“I’m really thankful she’s just really listening excellent offense in that set a goal of scoring more ed the bucket with a yell phrey Coliseum. The
that we were able to finish and growing as our team area. It worked as Missis- points in the paint than its of exultation. Bulldogs were originally
our year off with a win go- is listening and growing,” sippi State kept its oppo- opponent and managed to McCray-Penson said scheduled to play Van-
ing into the new season,” McCray-Penson said. “It nent to just six points in do so, beating the Bull- Mississippi State tried derbilt but will face No.
McCray-Penson said as was really good for her to transition, though it came dogs 26-22 in that statis- to cut down on turnovers 13 Kentucky instead after
2020’s final hours ticked just step into this environ- at a cost: MSU committed tic. in the third quarter after the Commodores backed
away. ment and really be calm 23 fouls and allowed 19 MSU took the lead 10 in the first half and out because of COVID-19
She pointed to Hayes’ and hit some big shots for points off free throws, and for good on an Aliyah fully deploy a well-rested contact tracing guide-
career night — three re- us and rebound the ball Jessika Carter and Sidney Matharu layup early in Carter on Georgia’s front- lines.

MISSISSIPPI STATE FOOTBALL

Bulldog Bullets: Freshmen carry MSU to Armed Forces Bowl victory
BY GARRICK HODGE season. This year was un- — Didn’t get to see any peal of drawing Tulsa in a are we living in? but that meant Forbes’
[email protected] like anything we’ve ever of the postgame brawl in bowl game was getting to n MSU’s offensive touchdown stood so all’s
seen, and in some sem- person, only what was see linebacker Zaven Col- line allowed two sacks well that ends well, I sup-
Call it the Tulu Griffin blance I’m thankful we shown on television, but lins. Collins, a likely fu- when the opposition was pose.
game. were able to cover 11 foot- regardless of how it start- ture first round NFL draft rushing three defenders. n I tried to put Tucker
From electrifying kick- ball games. Even though ed, what a damn shame pick, opted out of the bowl While that unit got better Day’s 0-yard punt (yes,
off returns to catching the the losses outweighed the the story nationally in this to prepare for his profes- as the year progressed, you read that correct-
game-sealing touchdown, wins, I hope you enjoyed game will be a fight after sional career. Can’t help it’s going to need to be ly), into proper context
the true freshman did it watching the season as the final snap instead of but think Tulsa missed much better in 2021.
all in Mississippi State’s with words at least three
much as we enjoyed cov- highlights on the field. him Thursday. Also n Normally, MSU
28-26 Armed Forces Bowl times before publication
ering it, even if most of Between a Tulsa player worth mentioning Tulsa passes more than 80 per-
victory over Tulsa on of this article, and failed.
you weren’t allowed into having to be helped off was missing its starting cent of the time offen-
Thursday. Did he slip? Was it the
Davis Wade Stadium. the field and Malik Heath right tackle. sively, which is of course
This officially puts a OK moving on to the literally kicking some- n Interesting stat the highest run-pass dis- poor weather conditions?
bow on MSU’s first season Bulldog Bullets: one while he’s down, it’s from Yahoo! Sports: the parity by far in the FBS. Did he accidentally kick
under Mike Leach, that n Have to lead with a terrible look for both 2020 Mississippi State I think the balance the the ground? Did he just
began with uncertainty how awesome Tulu Grif- schools, period. Bulldogs will join Mike Bulldogs showed against naturally have a terrible
it would even be played fin was on kickoff return n Because of the low Leach’s 2012 Washington Missouri (38 passes, 28 punt? Who knows. You
in the summer, kicked off Thursday. On one hand, number of available play- State Cougars as the only runs) and Tulsa (30 pass- just have to search for it
with a bang after upset- holy cow does MSU have ers for the latter half of Leach-coached teams es, 30 runs) really worked on YouTube and guess for
ting LSU, saw a lot of opt a rising star in the mak- the season, the Bulldogs’ to finish outside the top toward their advantage. yourself.
outs and subpar play for ing. On the other, Tulsa’s defense has often had to 100 in points scored per Will be interesting to see n One key narrative
five weeks, then finished special teams coordinator rely on unsung heroes. game. if Leach’s run-pass dispar- for 2021 worth watching
with a stretch that leaves has some explaining to do Jay Jimison and Sherman n Jo’quavious Marks ity changes at all in 2021. starting in spring ball is
plenty of room for opti- why his team gave Griffin Timbs, both of whom taking his first carry 28 n Let’s just say Shawn how much of a strangle-
mism if you’re a fan of the chance after chance so saved touchdowns, got to yards for a rushing touch- Preston did not have his hold Will Rogers has on
maroon and white. he doesn’t get a pink slip. play that role Thursday. down, just like we all ex- best day defensively. I the starting gig. Sawyer
Every touchdown The electric freshman set The fact that MSU keeps pected. A rare rushing don’t know if players have Robertson and Jack Abra-
MSU scored in the bowl up MSU’s opening drive plugging in guys defen- touchdown aside, that to do film study on the last ham are going to make
was from a true fresh- touchdown with a big re- sively with success says 28-yard carry was the lon- game of the season or not, the quarterback room
man. Factoring in that de- turn to midfield, had two a lot about its depth, and gest run Marks had this but his tackling will not very interesting.
tail, it’s easier to see why other returns past mid- a lot about defensive co- season. have a very high grade.
Leach and his staff are
n As grateful as I am
field later and would have ordinator Zach Arnett’s n Counting Thursday, n Cornerback Em-
optimistic about 2021 and that we got a football sea-
had a fourth on the day if scheme. Tulsa had been outscored manuel Forbes capped
beyond. But the margin a holding penalty didn’t n The first half was 63-12 by opponents in off a hell of a freshman son in, I really hope we’ve
for forgiveness for grow- wipe it out. Griffin has just the epitome of MSU’s first quarters. season with his fifth inter- made enough progress
ing pains will be much looked flat out dynamic defense. Bend, don’t n First two drives ception and third pick-six by next August to have
thinner. when he’s been given the break, allow big chunks of for MSU defense: three (a MSU record for most 62,000 screaming fans al-
As a quick aside, I ball this year. Heck, he yardage at times but not a sacks. returned interceptions for lowed at Davis Wade Sta-
want to thank all of you even caught a touchdown backbreaking play. It’s n The Bulldogs had a touchdown in a season). dium. The sport just isn’t
for following along with as a receiver Thursday. why the Bulldogs led 7-6 twice as many rushing Although, it’s not very of- the same without that at-
Bulldog Bullets, however It’ll be interesting to see if at halftime despite being yards as they did passing ten you see an official flip mosphere.
many times you read, in his role as a wide receiver outgained 229-129. yards in the first quarter. flop which team a penalty n Cheers to 2021; we
this wild, wacky football expands next season. n Part of the initial ap- What alternate universe is called on a minute later, survived 2020, y’all.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Texas fires football coach Tom Herman after four seasons

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS soon be on its fourth head In a statement Sat- the University of Texas to eliminated from the Big just rebuilt his staff with
coach in a decade. Texas urday, the school said move in a different direc- 12 title game with a 23-20 seven new assistants, in-
AUSTIN, Texas — last won the Big 12 title in while the team has made tion,” Del Conte said. home loss to Iowa State cluding new offensive and
Texas got tired of waiting 2009 under Mack Brown. “measured progress,” it Herman’s best season with two games left. defensive coordinators,
for Tom Herman to deliv- Herman was supposed was time to change. The was 2018, the only time Frustrated by the after the 2019 season.
er a Big 12 title and turn to end that drought. He decision came just a few the Longhorn won the stagnation, Texas saw Those expenses come
the Longhorns back into was college football’s hot- weeks after athletic direc- Big 12 title game while he ominous signs. Several a few months after the
a national championship test young coach when tor Chris Del Conte said was there. They finished of the state’s top recruits athletic department an-
contenders. Texas brought him from Herman would remain that season with a domi- have either pulled back nounced dozens of layoffs
Next. Houston to replace Char- the coach. nating win over Georgia from early commitments and salary cuts because of
Texas fired Herman on lie Strong in 2016. But The statement said in the Sugar Bowl that to the Longhorns or have
the heavy economic dam-
Saturday after four sea- Herman’s results never that after a review of the prompted quarterback already announced plans
sons that produced four age from the pandemic.
matched his swagger: He program, Del Conte rec- Sam Ehlinger’s now-in- to head elsewhere.
bowl wins but just one Herman, 45, seemed to
never had a losing season ommended to school lead- famous “We’re ba-aack!” Texas had given Her-
appearance in the league and won four bowl games ership that Herman be statement to a national man a two-year contract be the sure-fire candidate
championship game and at Texas, including last fired. television audience. extension after the 2018 to match results with the
routinely fell frustratingly week’s Alamo Bowl. But “After much deliber- Texas instead sunk season and the parting high expectations after
short of expectations. he couldn’t return the ation and a great deal of back to the middle of the means Texas owes him two successful seasons at
Herman still had three Longhorns to consistent thought, as I looked back pack in the Big 12. The a buyout in excess of Houston. Yet there were
seasons left on a guaran- league or national title at the totality of where our Longhorns reached as $15 million, and several moments that suggested
teed contract that was due contenders. He was just football program is and in high as No. 8 early in the million more to assis- he wasn’t ready for the
to pay him more than $6 1-4 against the archrival discussing its future, it pandemic-stricken 2020 tant coaches who had Texas job when he got
million per year. Firing Oklahoma and leaves became apparent that it season before quickly fad- multiyear guaranteed it and then struggled to
him means Texas will Texas 32-18 overall. was in the best interest of ing. They were, in effect, contracts. Herman had grow into it.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 3B

COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Fields’ day: No. 3 Ohio State routs No. 2 Clemson
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Buckeyes to endure the
rollercoaster season and
NEW ORLEANS — still reach their goal.
Numbers have fueled “It’s been an emotional
Ohio State all year. season,” Day said, “and
There was 29-23, the to come back and have a
score of last season’s pain- chance to play Clemson
ful playoff loss to Clem- and then win the way we
son. did — unbelievable.”
Six, the number of Clemson took a 14-7
games the Buckeyes lead in the first quarter
played in this pandem- with Lawrence and Tra-
ic-altered season, which a vis Etienne running for
lot of people thought was
too few for them to de- Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports
scores.
From there it was all
Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

serve a return trip to the

College Football Playoff.
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (1) celebrates
after defeating Clemson on Friday at Mercedes-Benz
Buckeyes. Fields threw Sudoku
Sudoku is a number-
placing puzzle based on
Yesterday’s answer
touchdown passes to tight 4 1 7 8 9 3 6 2 5
Then there was No. Superdome in New Orleans. Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis witha several
num-
ends Luke Farrell and Jer- ber-placing
11, where Clemson coach given numbers.puzzleThe object 8 3 5 2 7 6 9 1 4

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

game,” Day said. “Be- a national title when he emy Ruckert to give Ohio based onthe a 9x9
Dabo Swinney placed is to place numbers 6 9 2 4 1 5 7 8 3
cause we want to go on was a freshman. State a 21-14 lead early in grid
Ohio State on his ballot in to win the national cham- The third meeting the second. 1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 9 4 3 7 5 8 2 6 1
the final regular-season given
so that numbers.
each row, eachThe 7 8 6 1 3 2 5 4 9
pionship. But there was a between Clemson and Operating without object
coaches’ poll. lot of tough days, a lot of Ohio State in the playoff, offensive coordinator column and each 3x3 the
is to place box 2 5 1 9 6 4 3 7 8
In a rematch with numbers
contains the1same to 9 number
in
tough days over the last and fourth bowl matchup Tony Elliott, who did not the empty spaces so 3 7 4 5 2 1 8 9 6
Swinney’s Tigers in the six months.” since the 2013 season — only once. The difficulty
make the trip while in that each row, each 1 6 9 3 8 7 4 5 2
Sugar Bowl, Justin Fields In a matchup of quar- all Clemson wins — was level increases from
COVID-19 protocol, the column and each 5 2 8 6 4 9 1 3 7
and the Buckeyes had Monday
Clemson’s number.
terback prodigies from a game the Buckeyes had Clemson offense couldn’t 3x3 boxtocontains
Sunday. Difficulty Level 1/01

Georgia, Fields might been pointing toward ever respond. The Buck- the same number only once. The difficulty level
Fields threw six touch- have given the Jackson- since that 29-23 loss in
down passes to outshine eyes kept rolling behind increases from Monday to Sunday.
ville Jaguars something the Fiesta Bowl last year. Fields, though not with-
Trevor Lawrence, and to think about with that That score was ev-
No. 3 Ohio State buried out a major scare.
first pick in the NFL erywhere the Buckeyes Fields scrambled on a
the second-ranked Tigers draft. Lawrence is the turned in the Woody
49-28 in the Sugar Bowl third-and-long and took a
presumptive No. 1, but Hayes Athletic Center in hard shot to the right side
semifinal Friday night. Fields outplayed him on Columbus the past year.
“Everybody doubting from Clemson linebacker
this night, going 22 of 28 A chance for revenge
us just pushed us a little James Skalski that put the
for 385 yards. He set a was nearly derailed when
more,” Fields said. Buckeyes star into a fetal
Sugar Bowl record for TD the Big Ten canceled fall
The Buckeyes (7-0) position before rolling
passes and did it playing football in August because
head to the CFP title game over onto his back in ob-
more than half the game of the pandemic. An ab-
for the first time since the after taking a vicious shot breviated Big Ten season vious pain.
inaugural playoff to face to the side that forced him caused more headaches, The play was reviewed
No. 1 Alabama on Jan. 11 to miss a play and spend with the Buckeyes hav- for a targeting foul that
at Hard Rock Stadium in time in the medical tent. ing three games canceled resulted in Clemson’s top
South Florida. Ohio State Lawrence was 33 of 48 because of COVID-19 is- linebacker being ejected
beat the Crimson Tide in for 400 yards and three sues, including their own and a first-and-goal for
the semifinals on the way total touchdowns in what outbreak. the Buckeyes.
to the 2014 national cham- is expected to be the ju- The playoff commit- Fields came out for one
pionship. nior’s final college game. tee still liked Ohio State play and returned to im-
Buckeyes coach Ryan “We were confident enough to put the Buck- mediately throw a 9-yard
Day called it a statement and prepared,” he said. eyes in the final four, de- touchdown pass to Chris
game for the program. ”This was just one of spite much griping from Olave that made it 28-14.
“I think this perfor- those nights.” various parts of the coun- “My body’s pretty beat
mance, not only by Justin, Lawrence’s final pass try, including Clemson. up, but I’m happy,” Fields
but this team, hopefully was intercepted, but Day talked all week said. “I know I’m going
will go down in Ohio State Clemson (10-2) finished about what a remarkable to be feeling it tomorrow,
history as a landmark 34-2 in his starts and won story it would be for the but it was worth it.”

Podlesny’s FG lifts Georgia past Cincy

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS in the fourth quarter, but to use the Peach Bowl might have made the kick
its defense clamped down to gain national respect. more manageable, Smart
ATLANTA — Jack on Desmond Ridder and Coach Luke Fickell said said: “I felt comfortable
Podlesny told Georgia Cincinnati and JT Daniels the game was a measur- with where he was that
coaches before Friday’s helped rally the Bulldogs ing stick for his team. he would have the leg
Peach Bowl that he felt with his arm. Daniels, “We’re not there yet,” strength to get there.”
confident attempting field a Southern California Fickell said. “That’s what He was right.
goals from as long as 55 transfer, passed for 392 keeps motivating you, and Ridder threw a 14-yard
yards — a full 4 yards past yards while improving to I think that, you know, touchdown pass to Alec
his career best. a perfect 4-0 in four starts there’s a lot of things Pierce in the first quar-
Podlesny made good for Georgia. we’re going to take from ter and added an 11-yard ACROSS
on his claim, kicking a 53- Podlesny’s winning this that we know we can scoring pass to Josh Wyle 1 Local resident
yard field goal with three kick tied a Peach Bowl do.” late in the first half. 7 Subway
seconds remaining, and record for longest field Georgia (8-2, No. 9 “We’ve been ready to feature
No. 11 Georgia handed goal and gave Georgia a CFP) won despite run- play this game for a long 11 Pressed
No. 6 Cincinnati its only 22-21 lead. Azeez Ojulari ning for only 45 yards. time,” Ridder said. “It’s 12 “— La Douce”
loss of the season with a sacked Ridder for a safe- “I would feel much just, you know, disap- 13 Small groves
dramatic 24-21 victory in ty on the final play. It was better if we just played pointing, obviously, the 14 RBI or ERA
the Peach Bowl. Ojulari’s third sack. Geor- our best game,” Georgia way it ended.” 15 Issues
Podlesny dropped to gia tied a school record coach Kirby Smart said. Daniels overcame an 16 Pale brown
one knee following the with eight sacks. “I don’t think we played interception and a lost 17 Risqué
career-long kick as his Ridder completed 24 our best game. I want to fumble to lead the come- 18 Confines
teammates surged onto of 37 passes for 206 yards give Cincinnati credit for back. 19 Lewd look
the field. Asked what he and two touchdowns. that. They created some Georgia’s defense
21 Kitchen
was thinking while he Jerome Ford added a ca- of that.” helped fuel the rally. Rid-
invader
was kneeling, Podlesny reer-long 79-yard touch- On Georgia’s final play der fumbled on a sack by
said he wanted to “try to down run early in the before the decisive field Ojulari, and Adam Ander- 22 Casino game
remember why I’m here. second half but it wasn’t goal, Daniels attempted a son recovered at the Bear- 25 Flower visitor
... God is good and it’s enough for the Bearcats. deep pass that fell incom- cats 25. Zamir White’s 26 Spill the DOWN rhyme
amazing to be here.” Cincinnati (9-1, No. plete. Asked why he didn’t 9-yard TD run trimmed beans 1 More polite 20 Door sign
Georgia trailed 21-10 8 CFP) was motivated try a shorter pass that Cincinnati’s lead to 21-16. 27 Cavalry 2 Bakery come- 22 Place to order
soldier on scones
29 “Edward Scis- 3 Subject 23 Became wild

Ole Miss holds off Indiana in Outback Bowl

sorhands” star 4 Fashionable 24 From bygone
33 Famed fur 5 Some neck- days
tycoon lines 25 Wild parties
34 Barn section 6 Mag. workers 28 Intimidated
hours before the Rebels Southeastern Conference 35 “Pygmalion”
Corral throws for 342 yards, (4-5) — in their first sea- record for total offense in playwright
7 Out of bed
8 Skilled worker
30 Accept with-
out question
two touchdowns as Rebels win son with Kiffin as coach
— faced Indiana in the
conference games, averag-
ing 562.4 yards, and ranks
36 Rum cocktail
37 Hit the bottle
9 John Lennon
song
31 Shop tool
32 Worked, as a
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the Rebels (5-5) ahead for Outback Bowl. It is their among the top 20 national- 38 Resistant, in 10 Hidden trade
good with 4:12 remaining. first bowl appearance in ly among Bowl Subdivision a way 16 Transparent 34 Matching
TAMPA, Fla. — Even The Ole Miss defense, five seasons. teams in 10 categories. 39 Went 70
before Ole Miss took the
gem 36 Sue Grafton’s
which allowed 535.7 yards “This is an investment Those also include scor- 40 Oozed 18 Piper of “— for Malice”
field for the Outback Bowl, and 40.3 points per game in the future of Ole Miss ing offense (40.7), rushing
the Rebels felt good about during the regular sea- Football,” Vice Chancellor offense (217.7), passing
the direction they’re head- son, came through with for Intercollegiate Athlet- offense (344.8) and pass-
ed. one more stop to clinch ics Keith Carter said in ing yards per completion
Coach Lane Kiffin was the school’s first bowl win a statement. “We hired (14.99). The Rebels com-
rewarded with a new con- since beating Oklahoma Coach Kiffin with the hope pleted 71.4% of their pass-
tract despite having only State in the 2016 Sugar of revitalizing our football es and converted on third
been at the school one Bowl. program, and in just one down 50.4% of the time.
season. There also was “We talked about it all
no guarantee one of the short year, he has done In a career that has
week. We’re going to need just that. included stops at Florida
nation’s lowest-ranked that,” Kiffin said. “We
defenses would be able “His innovative offen- Atlantic, USC and Tennes-
were not going to go score sive approach has shat- see, Kiffin heads into Sat-
to slow down No. 7 Indi- 60 points. ... We knew it
ana enough to ensure the tered SEC records, and urday’s matchup against
was going to be a struggle, with a top-20 recruiting the Hoosiers (6-1) with a
team’s first non-losing re- and it was great to see the
cord since 2017. class coming in, the future career record of 65-39.
defense play like they did.” is bright under Coach Kif- “While I’m proud of
“It’s really only up from
here,” quarterback Matt fin’s leadership. We are what our team accom-
Corral said Saturday after Ole Miss rewards Kiffin committed to him and pro- plished this season, we
throwing for 342 yards and with new contract viding the resources nec- have higher aspirations
two touchdowns to pace a Ole Miss says it has essary to elevate this pro- for Ole Miss football,” Kif-
26-20 victory that ruined reached agreement in gram to greater heights.” fin said in the statement.
the finish to surprising principle with coach Lane The school says con- “This is just the start, and I
Indiana’s breakout season. Kiffin on a new contract. tract details have not been look forward to continuing
Corral’s 3-yard pass to The school made the completed. to build a championship
Dontario Drummond put announcement Saturday, Ole Miss broke the program.”
4B SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Brawl
Continued from Page 1B
barked back and forth at jumped first on a snap. ground, and mayhem hard.” the hook on this thing by for months on end. But
one another before assis- “It didn’t mar any- commenced. Thursday isn’t the any stretch,” Leach said rather than enjoy the cel-
tant coaches separated thing we did out there Heath was also seen first time Heath has when asked what hap- ebrations that come with
the teams. Tulsa also whatsoever,” MSU head throwing Tulsa safety been in hot water since pened. “We haven’t had a bowl victory, the post-
earned three unsports- coach Mike Leach said TieNeal Martin to the he arrived at MSU as the any trouble of that sort of game fight offered an
manlike penalties in the postgame. “It is done. ground, kicking him in nation’s No. 9-ranked thing all season. We hav- ugly close for a team that
first half alone, while The root of it is dumb no the facemask and then junior college player in en’t had any trouble with quite literally slugged its
MSU added another in matter what the root of sprinting away down the the class of 2020. The that. I don’t know if they way to the first bowl win
the third quarter. it was. The continuation field. After the game, former Callaway High had or not and I don’t of Leach’s tenure.
MSU receiver Malik of it was dumb. I would an Instagram video of School and Copiah-Lin- know where the basis of
“Obviously I hate that
Heath, who was visibly have it solidly in the cat- Heath surfaced in which coln Community College that was.”
to take away from the
seen kicking a Tulsa egory of dumb. Where he was celebrating kick- star was arrested in Au- Leach also noted
player on the ground the dumb started, I am ing Martin in the face. gust and charged with a during his postgame win we had, winning our
during the postgame not entirely sure.” “Yo come here (ex- DUI, speeding, improp- press conference it re- first bowl game in a cou-
fight, and Starkville na- The fight seemed to pletive),” Heath said as er equipment, no proof mained to be seen what ple years — that’s big,”
tive Kameron Jones were begin when MSU line- he watched the video on of insurance and not kind of discipline would junior receiver Austin
pulled away from a slew backer Aaron Brule got a cell phone with team- having a license before be doled out, should Williams said. “I hate
of Tulsa players during into a brief spat with a mates. “Get your little being released on $3,000 there be any. that negative publicity
a brief trading of jabs in handful of Tulsa players a-- down. Watch how I bond. Thursday, MSU took a for the team. I thought
the second quarter as along the sideline. Brule slammed him ... Watch “I haven’t seen step forward in reviving we played really hard to-
both teams argued who was then pushed to the how I slammed him. I go enough film to let us off a season that looked lost day.”

Alabama
Continued from Page 1B
win in the home of the on its first three pos- Billingsley on the next a finish for the Fighting ever for the Irish at 30-5, another Smith’s third TD
NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, sessions, including an play. Irish after winning all 10 Book completed 27 of 39 catch.
which the coach called 97-yard drive on which That came between regular-season games, passes for 229 yards and
one of college football’s Harris leaped over 6-foot drives when Smith, including a home victory only his third interception Alabama: The out-
finest venues, and ad- cornerback Nick Mc- with 16 TD catches over Clemson. But Notre in 353 attempts this sea- come wasn’t unexpected
vancing again in the Cloud just after crossing his last seven games, Dame then lost 34-10 in son. with the Tide a three-TD
playoff. the line of scrimmage, turned short passes the ACC title game to favorite, but the 31 points
The Tide earned a landed on both feet and into scores of 26 and 34 the Tigers. Perfect at Cowboys’ were its fewest since los-
spot in the Jan. 11 cham- then sprinted for a 53- yards. Smith finished “Today was about mak- ing to Clemson 41-16 in
pionship game in subur- yard gain before getting with seven catches for ing the plays. They made home the CFP title game two
ban Miami, against No. run out of bounds. 130 yards, later adding a them on the perimeter. Alabama is 5-0 at years ago — a span of
3 Ohio State, which beat “I don’t know why I’m nifty toe-tapping 7-yard- Their skill players showed AT&T Stadium, with a 25 games. The 437 total
Clemson 49-28 in the surprised every time he er in the front corner of up today as they have all pair of convincing CFP yards were the lowest
other CFP semifinal at does it. I’ve seen it for the end zone right on the year,” Irish coach Brian semifinal wins there. The since 414 against Missou-
the Sugar Bowl on Fri- three years, but still, pylon. Kelly said. “We battled. Tide beat Michigan State ri in the opener of this pan-
day night. ‘Geez!,” tight end Miller CFP officials moved I thought we did some of 38-0 in the Cotton Bowl demic-affected season.
Alabama missed the Forristall said. the Rose Bowl because the things that we want- five seasons ago. “We kind of protected
CFP last year for the “I actually try to teach of COVID-19 restric- ed to today but we sim- the lead a little bit,” Jones
only time since the four- him not to do it, and tions in California that ply didn’t make enough The takeaway said. “We have to do bet-
time playoff debuted at it didn’t work,” Saban would have kept family plays.” Notre Dame: The ter job playing the plays.”
the end of the 2014 sea- said, laughing. “Anyway, — or any fans — from Notre Dame lost 30-3 Fighting Irish have gone
son. The Buckeyes were for a big guy, it’s pretty attending the game at its to Clemson in the CFP 32 seasons since winning Up next
the initial CFP champi- amazing that he can do normal home. There was semifinal Cotton Bowl two their last national title Notre Dame goes into
ons, after beating the that. He’s kind of got a a limited capacity crowd years ago at AT&T Stadi- with a 12-0 record under another offseason still
top-seeded Tide 42-35 in great feel when a guy’s of 18,373 at AT&T Stadi- um. It was the first time Lou Holtz in 1988. The trying to figure out how
a semifinal that year. going to try to cut him. um, the home of the Dal- the Irish had played Ala- Irish were down only 21-7 to close the gap. The Irish
Notre Dame (10-2, ... When he sees that las Cowboys, just a bit bama since the Tide beat when they got the ball for play their 2021 season
No. 4 CFP), in football’s head go down, he’ll go higher than attendance them 42-14 in the BCS na- the first time in the sec- opener Sept. 5 at Florida
final four for only the over the top of them in a for the Cotton Bowl tional championship game ond half. But any chance State.
second time, has lost heartbeat.” game there two nights eight seasons ago. to get some momentum Alabama gets a chance
seven consecutive New Jones, who completed earlier when Oklaho- The Alabama defense evaporated when Book to win its sixth national
Year’s Six games since 25 of 30 passes for 297 ma beat SEC runner-up kept quarterback Ian threw an interception title in Saban’s 14 seasons
2000. yards, threw a 12-yard Florida 55-20. Book scrambling. The when under pressure, and in the CFP national cham-
Alabama scored TDs TD to tight end Jahleel It was another thud of winningest starting QB Alabama turned that into pionship game.

MBB
Continued from Page 1B
Wildcats for the first time exited via the northeast way to a win. in jumper with a dagger onds remaining, the Bull- ry that slipped from their
since Feb. 3, 2009? tunnel and Jalen Johnson That was thanks in no 3 with 2:28 to go in the dogs botched their final clutches.
It’s a question Ben sank three of his four small part to Allen, who second overtime period possession of the period. “It’s going to hurt, and
Howland and his team technical free throws, came into Saturday’s to give the Wildcats a six- Under heavy pressure, it should hurt,” Howland
will certainly be asking Mississippi State thought game with seven points point edge. Molinar dribbled around said. “It’s going to hurt
themselves after Missis- it felt things shifting its on 2-of-6 shooting all sea- Not bad for a guy who the left side and failed to all of us very much. That
sippi State’s 78-73 loss to way. son and left with seven 3s had appeared in just four launch a deep 3-pointer motivates you and push-
Kentucky (2-6, 1-0 South- The Bulldogs were and 23 more points on his of Kentucky’s first seven before the clock ran out. es you to do better. If it
eastern Conference) wrong. résumé. games and had spent a “We didn’t get a good doesn’t hurt, then it’s a
on Saturday evening in Allen made a 3-point- “He was the differ- total of 20 minutes on the shot off, and we’ve got problem.”
Starkville. er, and Kentucky added ence-maker for them of- court. to do a better job execut- However, the coach
“There’s a lot of hurt two fast-break buckets off fensively,” Howland said “What Dontaie needs ing on these situations in noted, “tomorrow is a new
right now after losing that MSU miscues to cut the of Allen. to do is stay ready so when these kinds of games,” day.”
one today with so many lead to two points in bare- The MSU coach said his opportunity comes, Howland said. The Bulldogs host
opportunities to win it,” ly more than a minute. he directed his team to bang, he takes advantage Kentucky’s Olivier No. 12 Missouri at 8 p.m.
Howland said postgame. “They weren’t just stop helping away from of it,” Calipari told report- Sarr kicked off the scor- Tuesday with a chance to
Perhaps the best of turnovers; they were turn- Allen on defense late in ers Dec. 19, according to ing in double overtime make amends. As Molinar
those chances for the overs leading to easy bas- the second half, but the Kent uck y Spor tsR adio. with a 3, and Allen’s five- put it postgame, Missis-
Bulldogs (6-4, 1-1 SEC) kets on the other end for guard continued to seize com. “We’ve had it hap- point burst followed a pair sippi State’s season is far
came when Kentucky them,” Howland said. every opportunity. pen before to guys, and of free throws by the Bull- from over, and Saturday’s
head coach John Calipa- After that, the Wild- Allen tied the game that’s what he’s got to do.” dogs’ D.J. Stewart. Less loss will only help down
ri picked up two quick cats and Bulldogs were with 1:34 left in regula- Allen took advantage than two and a half min- the line.
technical fouls and was left to duke it out on even tion, put Kentucky up of his chances Saturday. utes later, the Wildcats “It’s going to make us
ejected with 9 minutes, 4 footing, and the more tal- three with a trey in over- But Mississippi State had escaped Starkville grow as a team,” Molinar
seconds remaining in the ented team — despite its time before MSU’s Iver- struggled to do the same. with a win. said. “It’s going to unite
game. well publicized struggles son Molinar answered, With the game tied 68- They left the Bulldogs us a little bit more than
As Calipari slowly this season — fought its then followed his banked- 68 in overtime and 15 sec- feeling the pain of a victo- we are right now.”

Dear Abby

D
EAR ABBY: A year ago, my of us outdoors, she chastises us, doesn’t get the message, discuss with your setting myself on fire to keep this guy warm. He’s
husband and I bought our offers endless unsolicited “advice” lawyer whether sending her a letter on his/her no longer the person I started talking to a few
first home together. We love and insists we include her in all letterhead would be appropriate to discourage months ago. Would it be wrong for me to cut my
it and are excited to improve the decision-making regarding our yard. the harassment. losses and leave? — DOUBTING AND GUILTY
house and the property. We now actively avoid her. P.S. It is VERY important to get her fence DEAR DOUBTING: Have other women left him
One of our neighbors is an We would love nothing more removed from your property if it hasn’t already because of his emotional problems? Your male
elderly woman who had previously than to be left in peace and for our been done. Your lawyer can explain why. friend is exhibiting signs of severe depression.
assumed that part of our property interactions to be friendly, infre- DEAR ABBY: I started dating a man three Tell him that you are concerned about his mental
belonged to her. Without conduct- quent and brief. How do we get her months ago. He’s a great guy and very caring. state. While you’re at it, suggest he consult
ing a survey, she planted several to back off? — STRESSED IN SAN When he opened up to me recently about the another therapist, because this one doesn’t
trees on what is, in fact, our land, FRANCISCO trauma he received from his family while growing
seem to be helping, and you too are afraid the
and they have grown to block our DEAR STRESSED: You seem to up, I encouraged him to seek therapy, which he
counseling may be making him worse.
views. She also erected an unper- be a nice young couple, but it may has been doing.
mitted fence that crosses onto our not be possible to make nice with A month ago, he began acting strangely. He You did the right thing when you suggested
property. We have since pruned this neighbor who made a serious was tired all the time and wouldn’t really interact this man get help. You have only known him a
and/or removed a few of the trees. attempt to appropriate your proper- with me. He comes over but only to sleep and short time, which is why you should not assume
This neighbor constantly engag- Dear Abby ty. When she sees you outside, be stopped texting me as often. He said he is responsibility for his mental health. He appears
es us in protracted “discussions” polite but “busy.” Tell her you have severely depressed, and he thinks his therapy is to be in no position for a romance at this point,
in which she admonishes us for a lot to do and don’t have time to doing more harm than good. and this may not change for a long time. I do not
not having consulted her before making changes talk. I have been pouring love, care, attention and recommend abruptly ending the friendship, but it
to our landscape. We have shown her the If she continues to inject herself into deci- food into this guy nonstop without getting any- is time to step back. You cannot fix what’s going
property maps, and she is coming to understand sions regarding your yard, make clear that they thing back. I don’t want to be yet another woman on with him. Only he can do that with help from
the boundaries. Still, every time she sees one are yours alone to make. After that, if she still who leaves him, but I feel like I’m constantly someone who is qualified.

Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (Jan. 3). TAURUS (April 20-May 20). creativity and amazement are worthy get close. When you interact with you options. You can provide it if you
You’ll define and redefine yourself. Though you’ve experienced a certain of you. Small ugly things are not. these things, the energy goes into have it, create or find it if you don’t,
What you won’t do is let anyone else interpersonal interaction too many LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). When you, fueling your next move. or you can opt to withhold the want-
in on the process, as becoming fully times to count, you’ve only just you take action, you do it with the SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). As ed thing to drive up its value.
self-realized is an inside job. You started to catch on to the deeper im- intention of experiencing some of the director of your life, you get to AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18).
will allow others to advise, support plications. You’ll recognize a dynamic life’s best stuff, including, but not decide how many takes to do before Though a trip to the zoo can be a
and promote you though, and you’ll for the first time. limited to, radiant connections, deep you move on to the next scene. You wondrous, enlightening experience, it
have excellent care in this regard. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). satisfaction or big adventure. also get to decide which takes go comes with the bittersweet reminder
Summer endeavors ignite your sense Some consider forgiveness a divine VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). into the final cut you present to the
that there are limits to freedom. You
of adventure and alter your lifestyle. act they aspire to do easily and Strangers will get the extra-charming world.
won’t need a zoo visit to be reminded
Aries and Virgo adore you. Your lucky generously. Others are glad to hold a version of you today. You don’t want SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21).
numbers are: 4, 30, 22, 16 and 18. grudge for as long as their hands can to cheat more familiar people out of Your muse comes knocking, and you of this today.
ARIES (March 21-April 19). clasp it. Events will bring into focus your special brand of attention; it’s open the door. It’s a risk letting a PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Ev-
Whatever you’re doing together, a your thoughts on the matter. just that it’s so easy to dazzle the muse inside. You get the inspiration, ery conflict is different. Some should
good rule of thumb is to make it easy CANCER (June 22-July 22). Revel ones who haven’t experienced you but you also have to entertain her be avoided, some are obstacles in
for the other person. That will, in in the details but shun pettiness. before. with your creations, which require the way, and some are the way itself.
turn, make it easier for you. For now, Both deal in the granular, but the dif- LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). The work — worthwhile work, by the way. Don’t automatically back off. Assess
don’t worry about the score. Let your ference is easy to detect. Small mat- things you enjoy have an impulse, an CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). the situation and see if there’s any-
natural generosity prevail. ters that spark a sense of mastery, electric buzz you can feel when you Knowing what a person wants gives thing in it for you.
Classifieds
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The Starkville Dispatch and Online
To place ads starting at only $12,
call 662-328-2424 or visit ads.cdispatch.com
THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 n 5B

Medical / Dental Apts For Rent: Other

LEGALS Employment Rentals COLEMAN Merchandise

Call us: 662-328-2424 Call us: 662-328-2424 Ads starting at $25 RENTALS Ads starting at $12
TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS

Legal Notices Customer Service Apts For Rent: North 1 BEDROOM General Merchandise
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI LOCAL LAW FIRM is seek- FOX RUN APARTMENTS
2 BEDROOMS Roper Dryer, standard size,
ing Receptionist/Secretary. 1 & 2 BR near hospital. 3 BEDROOMS good condition, $200.
County of Lowndes Previous experience $595−$645 monthly. 662−312−6617.
LEASE,

© The Dispatch
To the owners of the following helpful but not necessary. Military discount, pet area,
mobile home: Computer skills a must. pet friendly, and furnished DEPOSIT
Email resume to: corporate apts.
Serial # TRA-308480, 16x80 [email protected] 24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL AND Sporting Goods
Located at 3561 Cal-Steens
Rd., Caledonia, MS
Please re-submit your re- GYM. ON SITE SECURITY. CREDIT CHECK ED SANDERS GUNSMITH
sume if sent before 12/31 ON SITE MAINTENANCE.
Open for season!
662-329-2323
ON SITE MANAGEMENT.
Unless the mobile home is re- Tue−Fri: 9−5 & Sat: 9−12
moved within 30 days, mobile Education 24−HOUR CAMERA
SURVEILLANCE. Benji & Over 50 years experience!
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OPENING FOR HEAD OF Ashleigh, 662−386−4446. 2411 HWY 45 N Repairs, cleaning, refin−
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Call 662-570-5588. SCHOOL POSITION
Columbus Christian COLUMBUS, MS zeroed, handmade knives.
PUBLISH: 12/27/20, 1/3/21 Academy is seeking a Head Apts For Rent: West Located: Hwy 45 Alt, North
& 1/10/21 of School for the 2021- of West Point, turn right on
Houses For Rent: North

VIP
Yokahama Blvd, 8mi & turn
2022 school year. Colum- left on Darracott Rd, will
bus Christian Academy is

Rentals
COLONIAL TOWNHOUSES. see sign, 2.5mi ahead
an accredited, private K-
Read local.
2 & 3 bedroom w/ 2−3 shop on left.
12 preparatory school bath townhouses. $650 to 662−494−6218.
(preschool through grade
cdispatch.com 12) serving Christian famil- Apartments & Houses
$750. 662−549−9555.
Ask for Glenn or text.
ies in the Golden Triangle
area since 1978. The can- 1 Bedrooms Houses For Rent: Caledonia
2 Bedroooms Too much
Houses For Sale: Other didate must have a strong
understanding of biblical in-

STUFF?
tegration and the Christian
school ministry. A minim-
3 Bedrooms 3BR/1.5BA, small house
for small family. NO DOGS.
um Master's degree in Edu- Furnished & Unfurnished NO HUD. Caledonia School
Dist. 8155 Hwy 12 near
cational Leadership (or
equivalent) is required. Two 1, 2, & 3 Baths Old Country Store.
Available 1/5/21. $775/
or more years of adminis-
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ferred, but not required. In- & Credit Check −1191 or 662−549−9298.
terested parties should ap-
ply online at: www.colum- viceinvestments.com Mobile Homes for Rent
buschristian.com The on-
line application can be ac-
327-8555 3BR/2BA MH in New Hope.
cessed by clicking “About” $650 dep + $650/mo. No
and clicking the “Job Open- Apts For Rent: Other pets, quiet area. Leave full
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205−712−6697.
General Help Wanted

CARPENTER NEEDED w/ at RENT A CAMPER!

least 4 yrs. of experience. CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL!
Ideal candidate will have an Utilities & cable included,
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or 601−940−1397. de-cluttering by
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Call 662-312-3130 for info.
sale ad today!
Government Real Estate
Town of Millport Ads starting at $25 Ads starting at...
Police Officer

The Town of Millport has

an opening for a police
Houses For Sale: East
1 day $10
3 day $18
officer. Applications and FSBO: 4BR/2BA. New roof,
job requirements may be new paint, fenced
picked up at the office of backyard, driveway leads

6 day $34
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within Millport Town Hall, 662−889−1443.
920 Black Street, Millport
AL 35576. All completed Lots & Acreage
applications must be Price includes 4 lines of text;
returned to Town Hall. 1.75 ACRE LOTS: Good/ $1/line after base cost.
Applications are due no Have a rental property? Bad Credit Options. Good
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List it here for fast results. credit as low as 20% down,
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Service

Service Directory
Promote your small business starting at only $25
Air Cond & Heating General Services Lawn Care / Landscaping Painting & Papering

RAPID TEMP Heating & JESSE & BEVERLY’S QUALITY PAINTING.

cooling. Home & RV. LAWN SERVICE Ext/Int Painting.
Service & install. Fall Cleanup, Tree Cutting, Sheet Rock Hang, Finish &
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Call 602−736−4880. Bush Hogging Free Estimates. Ask for
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662−242−4932.
General Services
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A & T TREE SERVICES LANDSCAPING L.L.C.
Bucket truck & stump Phone: 662−549−1878
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Automotive Services
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On the web: ads.cdispatch.com electrical, minor plumbing,

insulation, painting, demo−
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Or call: 662-328-2424 pressure washing, land−
scaping, cleanup work.
662−242−3608.
6B SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Religion
The best is yet to come
T
his is the year es and life savings. down on us. “And I will make release: every creditor who has seen all the good things that
we will see a Nevertheless, the them and the places round lent anything to his neighbor God has in store for us this
mighty move best is yet to come. about my hill a blessing; and I shall release it; he shall not year, for the best indeed is yet
of God like never God is going to will cause the shower to come require it of his neighbor or his to come. “But as it is written,
before. restore back to us down in his season; there shall brother, because it is called the Eye hath not seen, nor ear
Although we’re twice as much as be showers of blessing.” (Eze- Lord’s release.” (Deuteronomy heard, neither have entered
in the midst of a we lost like He did kiel 34:26) KJV 15:2) NKJV into the heart of man, the
pandemic, God Job. It will be bigger Some of us have been Despite all the doors that things which God hath pre-
is turning things and better than struggling for years trying to were closed in our face last
pared for them that love him.”
around for our before. “After Job pay off high interest rates on year, the best is yet to come.
(2 Corinthians 2:9) KJV
good. So keep had prayed for his loans, credit cards or student God is opening up new doors
believing, the best “HAPPY NEW YEAR”
Sherry Ivy friends, the Lord re- loans but hold on, the best is for us that will exceed beyond
is yet to come! “I stored his fortunes yet to come. This is the year our expectation. “I know all Minister Sherry Ivy is a
would have lost and gave him twice of the Lord’s release, and He’s the things you do, and I have Minister of The New Providence
heart, unless I had believed as much as he had before.” about to cancel debts that we opened a door for you that no M. B. Church (Healing & Yoke
That I would see the goodness (Job 42:10) NIV have been paying on for years. one can close. You have little Destroying Ministry) in Macon
of the LORD In the land of the We may be going through “At the end of every seventh strength, yet you obeyed my Mississippi, under the lead-
living.” (Psalm 27:13) NKJV a financial hardship right now, year you must cancel the debts word and did not deny me.” ership of her husband, Pastor
Last year was a challenging but God said “the best is yet of everyone who owes you mon- (Revelations 3:8) NLT Willie J. Ivy Sr. You can contact
year for most of us. A lot of us to come.” This is the year He’s ey.” (Deuteronomy 15:1) NLT So be encouraged today and her via email at minsivy@
lost our jobs, homes, business- going to shower His blessing “And this is the form of the always remember: We have not yahoo.com

For our complete church directory listing, visit us online at www.cdispatch.com/religion

Due to local restrictions, churches likely have modified service types and hours. Please contact a church before attending a service.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is F eatured C hurch

“There is Liberty”
Ke nne th Mo ntg o m ery www.memorialgunterpeel.com
Proudly serving our community 716 Second Ave. N. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-4432
for over 30 years 903 College St. • Columbus, MS • 662-328-2354

2500 Military Road Suite 1

Columbus, MS
662-328-7500 WEST REALTY COMPANY
westrealtycompany.com
Don West, Broker/Owner

 IRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH — 3200 Bluecutt Rd. Worship 10 a.m., Youth Group Sundays
F
11 a.m., Adult Choir Wednesdays 6 p.m., Fellowship Suppers-3rd Wednesdays 6 p.m. B.J. Chain,
Pastor.

If you would like your church to be the featured church of the week,
submit a photo by emailing it to [email protected].
Photos should be horizontal and high quality.
• RECYCLING SINCE 1956 •
Specializing in industrial accounts The Dispatch will publish photos at no charge as space permits.
662-328-8176 973 Island Rd. 1-800-759-8570

R Free Estimates
LER OO 1721 Hwy 45 N
EE FIN Licensed
& Insured Columbus, MS
W H INC. G ®

COMMERCIAL 662.848.0919
“A Family Business Since 1946” RESIDENTIAL Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm
662-328-3625 • 662-328-7612 In Style. In Reach. Sunday 1pm-5pm

Support Our Community Churches When Caring Counts... SHELTON’S TOWING, INC. TRINITY PLACE
by advertising here.
Call Beth, Mary Jane,
Since 1960 RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
or Luther to
24 Hour Towing Offering independent living apartments, personal
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schedule your ad. FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY 1024 Gardner Blvd. 300 Airline Road • Columbus, MS • 327-6716
328-2424 1131 Lehmberg Rd., Columbus • 662-328-1808 328-8277 “Our Bottom Line Is People”

Hunting • Fishing
Northeast Exterminating Working Or Stepping Out — We Have A Complete
Line Of Clothing For You And Your Family
If it Jimmy Linley • Richard Linley
LLC
Oktibbeha County Co-Op
crawls, Columbus
Check Out Our Boot & Cap Section
662-323-1742
call... 662-329-9992 201 Pollard Rd., Starkville

BRISLIN, INC. Insurance Services:

Young
Sales • Service • Installation Shelton Cleaners Personal
Auto Insurance Agency
Residential • Commercial • Industrial Home GEORGE F. YOUNG
Since 1956 3189 Hwy 45 N. • 328-5421 Commercial Office-662.570.1688
www.brislininc.com Final Expense Cell-662.251.3563
1702 6th St. N. • 328-5361 [email protected]
4051 Military Road • 662-328-5814 1205 Gardner Blvd.,Columbus, MS

APAC-MISSISSIPPI, INC.
Michael Bogue & Employees
Lake Norris Rd. 328-6555

INDUSTRIAL SERVICES, INC The McBryde Family

Hwy. 45 Alt. N., West Point n 662-494-4344
www.hydrovaconline.com Hwy. 182, Starkville n 662-546-4201 1120 Gardner Blvd. • 328-5776

Jarrett’s Towing This ad space can be yours

Wrecker Service for only $10 per week.
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If no answer 251-2448 cars P.O. Box 1278 • 1616 7th Ave. S., Columbus, MS 39703 to schedule your ad.

If you need to change your church’s online listing or would like to add
your church information, call 328-2424 or email changes to [email protected]
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 7B

SSunday
unday CComics
omics
8B SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Puzzles