- May 19, 2012 - ECCC Softball Players Honored - Sports Desk
- May 18, 2012 - Mississippi Craft Show Coming in August - Markeith Selmon
- May 18, 2012 - Voter ID Bill Signed- Awaits Feds Scrutiny - Dave Ingram
- May 18, 2012 - A New CEO At Pearl River Resort - Dave Ingram
- May 17, 2012 - MDWFP Memorial Service - Dave Ingram
- May 17, 2012 - Carthage Square Affair Lineup - Dave Ingram
- May 16, 2012 - Walnut Grove Elects Jones-Johnson - Dave Ingram
- May 16, 2012 - MAEC to honor Bandy And McAnally - Dave Ingram
- May 15, 2012 - Bryant names new MDA Chief - Dave Ingram
- May 14, 2012 - Sentencing In Scott Co. Pot Case - Dave Ingram
- May 14, 2012 - ECCC Junior High Girls Basketball Camp - Dave Ingram
- May 13, 2012 - Training grant awarded in Meridian - Dave Ingram
ECCC Softball Players Honored - Sports Desk May 19, 2012

East Central Community College fast-pitch softball players Tenna Patterson and Haelie Allen received honors following the Lady Diamond Warriors’ successful 2012 campaign. Patterson was named All-Region 23 and both players were selected to the MACJC All-State squad.Patterson, a freshman hurler from Lexington, Ala., went 16-9 on the mound and posted a 2.68 earned run average. She fanned 117 batters. Patterson also received the Lady Diamond Warriors’ most valuable player and most valuable pitcher awards. She is a product of Lexington (Ala.) High School. Allen, a sophomore infielder from Lena, led the team in batting with a .421 average. She collected 51 singles and was credited with 24 RBIs. She also received the team’s Lady Warrior Award. Allen is a product of Leake Academy. The Lady Diamond Warriors finished third in the MACJC South Division with a 15-9 record and advanced to the MACJC State Softball Tournament held at Itawamba Community College in Fulton. EC dropped a 4-3 decision to Northwest Mississippi Community College in first-round action and completed season action at 31-15 record under head coach Scott Hill and assistant Kristin Chaney.
Mississippi Craft Show Coming in August - Markeith Selmon May 18, 2012
Showcasing 100 talented exhibitors, craft demonstrations, and live regional musical entertainment. For two days in August the Trademart in Jackson, MS will come alive with exciting quality arts and crafts, musicians, and more. Mississippi craftspeople will be displaying and selling their works of clay, leather, glass, fiber, metal, mixed media, wood, paper, jewelry and one-of-a-kind items. Developed to promote the quality and range of handmade items available in Mississippi, the Mississippi Craft Show is dedicated to maintaining a 100% handmade show. Mississippi Handmade means created by the hands of a Mississippi artisan – this event is ZERO PERCENT Flea Market. Unlike any other Show in the state, the Mississippi Craft Show is specifically designed to highlight the talent and innovation of Mississippi's home-grown craftspeople, having first been accepted into the Show through a jury process designed to ensure quality and variety of the event. For more information on the Show, visit http://mscraftshow.com/.Voter ID Bill Signed- Awaits Feds Scrutiny - Dave Ingram May 18, 2012
Gov. Phil Bryant on Thursday signed a bill requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls, but it's unclear whether it will become law. Because of Mississippi's history of racial discrimination, the state is required to get federal approval for any change in election laws or procedures. The U.S. Justice Department has rejected voter ID laws from Texas and South Carolina in recent months. Mississippi Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann says he wants to bypass the Justice Department and ask federal judges in Washington to approve this state's law. However, Attorney General Jim Hood, the only Democrat in statewide office says it's his duty, not Hosemann’s, to submit election laws for federal scrutiny. Hood says he is taking the voter ID measure to the Justice Department.A New CEO At Pearl River Resort - Dave Ingram May 18, 2012
Photo from WTOK TV
MDWFP Memorial Service - Dave Ingram May 17, 2012
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) hosted the Fallen Officers Dedication & Memorial Service today at the Jackson Office. The service acknowledged the sacrifices made by the agency’s 10 conservation officers who died in service to the agency, dating back to 1948. It also served as the official dedication of a memorial erected in 2007. Dignitaries and invited guests included families of the officers and Governor Phil Bryant, who delivered the keynote address and along with Mrs. Bryant, participated in the Laying of the Wreath. “As a former law enforcement officer, I have a very special place in my heart for the individuals that made the ultimate sacrifice,” Gov. Bryant said. “I’m proud to be a part of this ceremony.” The event coincided with 2012 National Police Week.
Carthage Square Affair Lineup - Dave Ingram May 17, 2012
This Saturday, the Square Affair on the Carthage court square begins with the annual fishing rodeo at McMillan Park. Children ages 15 and younger may begin registering at 7:30 a.m. at McMillan Park and the event begins at 8:15a.m. There is no fee to participate but all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Prizes will be awarded the children in categories from the smallest fish to the largest fish. On the Square, The Heart of MS 5K Run and Walk will begin at 8:00 a.m. with registration beginning at 7:00 a.m., ceremony at 7:45 a.m. Arts and crafts and food vendors will line Pearl St. and the Court Square and be open for business at 8:00 a.m. T.A.I.L.S. will be hosting a pet parade. Community participation is needed. The pet parade will begin at 11:00 a.m. Dogs or cats (on a leash) can be brought dressed to impress to be paraded around the square. Square Affair tee shirts (designed by Jamie Byrd) are available for sale now at the Chamber of Commerce and will be available at the Welcome booth located at the corner of Pearl Street and Main Street. Price is $15 for all sizes. A limited edition piece of Dirt Roads Pottery created for the Chamber of Commerce will be available for sale at the Leake County Chamber of Commerce office Limited availability. In The Chamber Center, the Leake County MS Volunteer Homemakers will hold a Heritage Quilt Show from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Dancing Rabbit Genealogical Historical Society will also be in the Chamber Center. Demonstrating Artists will be set up on the west side of Pearl St. “Square Affair Stars” talent contest will be taking place at 11:30 a.m. Registration will be from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Applications can be obtained from the Carthage Boys and Girls Club or from the Leake County Chamber of Commerce. A request can be sent on www.facebook.com/leakechamber or emailed to Director@leakems.com. Deadline for entries is this Friday at 5:00 p.m. There will be several age groups and a small trophy will be awarded for each division for the winners. Judges will come from out of town. The Kids Zone will take over Franklin Street at 10:00 a.m. Armbands will be sold for the Kidz Zone. In the parking lot of Carthage United Methodist Church, the Club 66 Car Show will be held. The Central MS Antique Tractor Show will be in the parking lot at the corner of Van Buren and Franklin Street near the water tower. These both begin at 10:00 a.m.
Walnut Grove Elects Jones-Johnson - Dave Ingram May 16, 2012
Over 140 cast votes in the special election Tuesday to fill two seats on the Walnut Grove Board of Aldermen. Cindy Jones and Mike Johnson were the winners of the two open seats. The official vote total including absentees and affidavits is Cindy Jones - 89, Mike Johnson - 75, Marie Collier - 48, Yasmine Gill - 26, Debbie Graham - 25, and Felicia Plummer - 14. Jones and Johnson succeed former aldermen Brian Gomillion who was elected Mayor and David Dumas who resigned following his unsuccessful bid for Mayor last month. The mayor's, all five board of aldermen's, and municipal clerk's positions will be on the general election ballot in June 2013.
MAEC to honor Bandy And McAnally - Dave Ingram May 16, 2012
The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center will honor country singer Moe Bandy and songwriter/guitarist Mac McAnally with stars on the Walk of Fame. The public unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. Bandy's hits include "I Just Started Hatin' Cheatin' Songs Today" and "It Was Always So Easy To Find An Unhappy Woman (Till I Started Lookin' For Mine)." The Meridian native opened his Moe Bandy Americana Theatre in Branson, Mo., in 1991. McAnally, a native of Belmont, Miss., has been named the Country Music Association's Musician of the Year for the past four years in a row. He lives in Nashville.Bryant names new MDA Chief - Dave Ingram May 15, 2012
Gov. Phil Bryant has named Brent Christensen as executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority. Christensen will replace interim director Jim Barksdale, the former Netscape CEO, who has served as the state's chief economic developer since January. Christensen began his career in Mississippi at the Area Development Partnership in Hattiesburg, Miss. For the past 10 years, he has served as president and CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce in Gainesville, Fla.Sentencing In Scott Co. Pot Case - Dave Ingram May 14, 2012
A sentencing hearing is scheduled this week in a federal marijuana distribution case that stems from alleged activities in Scott County. Dominique Lino Epps is scheduled for sentencing May 18 in U.S. District Court in Jackson after pleaded guilty in March to racketeering. Epps had been charged with conspiracy and distribution, but pleaded guilty to only the racketeering charge. Authorities say Epps was involved with a drug ring that distributed more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in 2010.ECCC Junior High Girls Basketball Camp - Dave Ingram May 14, 2012
Area young female athletes will have an opportunity to sharpen their basketball skills by attending the annual Lady Warrior Junior High Girls’ Basketball Camp scheduled June 3-6 at East Central Community College in Decatur. Activities will be held in the Brackeen-Wood Physical Education Building. The four-day instructional clinic is designed for girls in grades four through eight, said Bill Smith, ECCC women’s head basketball coach who serves as camp coordinator. Registration is scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 3, followed by practice sessions from 4 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Three practice sessions will be held Monday and Tuesday, June 4-5, from 8 to 11 a.m., 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A final session is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, June 6. Cost is $155 for full-time campers and $120 for day campers. All checks should be made payable to ECCC Women’s Basketball Camp. For more information contact Coach Bill Smith at ECCC, 601-635-6243 or call toll free, 877-462-3222, ext. 243. His e-mail address is bsmith@eccc.edu.Training grant awarded in Meridian - Dave Ingram May 13, 2012
A $100,000 grant has been awarded to the Meridian Public Safety Training Facility for law enforcement and search and rescue training. The Meridian Star reports the grant was presented by the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security. Tim Miller, director of Meridian's homeland security department, said the grant funding will be used for instruction in police and fire services as well as for training in emergency services for other local agencies.








