Thank You

 Thank all of you for your support over the years!!

School Bus Fire Investigation and Rumors

 Nanih Waiya and Noxapater Fire Department's responded to reports of a burning school bus around 7:30 P.M. on Sunday, October 17, 2021.  The fire was investigated by Winston County Fire Investigator, Keith Alexander, as well as the State Fire Marshal.

 After a thorough investigation, the State Fire Marshal ruled that the cause of the fire was an electrical problem under the hood of the school bus. No foul play is indicated.

Rumors have floated around social media all day today relating to possible incidents at Nanih Waiya school. The school district and the sheriff's department have determined there is no credible evidence of a threat to the school.

Unsourced social media post are not reliable and parents who have questions should contact the school.

Again, there is no credible threat to Nanih Waiya school.

 

Missing Person!!

The Winston County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's assistance in a search for a missing person. Shaniya Jernigan, 17 year old , black female, was last seen on October 11th at 10:00 am. If you have any information as to her whereabouts, please contact the Sheriff's Department at 662-773-5881.

New Online Genealogy Database Available at All Mid-MS Regional Library System Locations

Mid-MS Regional Library System (MMRLS) is pleased to announce free access to a new online genealogy database called Heritage Quest Online. This fresh addition to the collection can be accessed from home, school, on the go, or inside the library. The residents of Attala, Holmes, Leake, Montgomery, and Winston counties can start taking advantage of this no-cost resource today.

All MMRLS library guests will need to start their online genealogy research is any internet-capable device and their 14-digit library card number. Patrons may also use any available public access computers at their local branch to conduct their research.

“Genealogy and local history resources are a vital part of our collection with people coming from all around Mississippi, other states, and even other countries to perform their family research,” said Josh Haidet, MMRLS Director. “We are thrilled to be able to offer an online resource that is a great starting point for those looking to go in-depth with their genealogy research.”

For more information, call or visit your local MMRLS branch library or the library’s website midmisslib.com. All library services are possible thanks to the continued financial support of our local elected officials.

EMCC’s Scooba Campus Offering New Workforce Programs

 East Mississippi Community College’s Workforce and Community Services Division has expanded its offerings on the college’s Scooba campus with programs of study in Electrical Technology and Heavy Civil Construction.

The first day of class for both programs was Sept. 13. Students who complete the two-semester Electrical Technology program will be awarded a vocational certificate and will learn to install, maintain and troubleshoot electrical systems. Coursework includes residential, commercial and industrial wiring, blueprint reading, electrical power systems and programmable logic controllers, among other things.

“When they finish the program, they can go to work for a contractor wiring residential houses, perform light commercial electrical services or work with one of the area electrical companies,” Electrical Technology instructor Seth Irons said. 

In addition to classwork, the students also get hands-on lab experience, running electrical wire, testing circuits and wiring equipment, such as motor controls.

Nanih Waiya resident Tatum Luke is among the 14 students enrolled in the class.

“I just thought it would be a good program to get into,” Luke said.

Cody Warren of Louisville said he wants a job where he doesn’t have to sit behind a desk and the Electrical Technology program seemed like a good fit.

“One thing I like is that it won’t take much time to finish the program,” said Christian Moore, who, along with his classmates, is scheduled to graduate in May of 2022.

“Once they graduate, we will enroll a brand-new class,” Irons said.

Students who complete the Electrical Technology certificate program at Scooba have the option of continuing their studies at The Communiversity at EMCC to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.

“We are really excited about being able to offer Electrical Technology at our Scooba campus,” EMCC Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development Dr. Courtney Taylor said. “This will help students find an entryway into the general electrical occupations since there are a lot of those jobs available, especially in our rural areas.”

Also new to the Scooba campus this term is the Heavy Civil Construction program. 

Among other things, students learn to safely operate heavy equipment used on road and bridge projects and at construction sites. They are also taught how to read site drawings and the use of math commonly used in construction.

Students who complete the 10-week program earn NCCER certification in heavy equipment operation, complete a 10-hour OSHA safety training course and are certified in forklift operation.

“It is a class you can finish fairly quickly in a field where you can make good money,” said DeKalb resident Jeremy Buie, who is enrolled in the course. “That was probably what most interested me.”

The program was first taught at The Communiversity in January. The same bulldozer, excavator and tractor used for course instruction at The Communiversity were transported to the Scooba campus for the program there, as were two training simulators equipped with the same controls as the bulldozer and excavator.

A new motor grader simulator will also be used for training at the Scooba campus and APAC-Mississippi recently donated an asphalt paving roller to the program that was refurbished by Caterpillar.

For now, the program is being taught out of Oktibbeha Hall while a site is being prepared west of the main Scooba campus, across Mississippi 16 from the rodeo team’s practice area.

Heavy Civil Construction instructor Carlton Hollis said there is a lot of demand in the area for heavy equipment operators in the logging and timber industries.

“They use motor graders, dozers and track hoes in forestry,” Hollis said. “They have to construct and maintain roads for the log trucks to come in and out on and the sites where they stack the logs have to be cleared and maintained as well.”

Scooba resident Shundarius Knox enrolled in the class because he would like to work with a company that clears land.

“I saw it as a good opportunity to learn a trade,” Knox said.

The current class will finish Nov. 18, with the next class to be offered at The Communiversity in January. Email Terry Logan at tlogan@eastms.edu for information about either the Electrical Technology program or the Heavy Civil Construction program.

Wings Over Winston- Oct 9

 

Wings Over Winston- Oct 9

 

10th Annual Panhandle Community Day - Oct. 16

10th Annual Panhandle Community Day

For almost two years we have lived in a time marked by the loss of normal.  We have been confined to our homes, we have kept our distance from people, we have worn masks, we have used hand sanitizer, and we have lived in fear.  The virus scare changed our lives.  We lost much, but we gained much and we realized that life on this earth is but a moment. But let’s come together for the 10th Annual Panhandle Community Day and strive for normal. Since COVID is still a very real concern for all of us, be sure to wear your mask, and, as much as possible, practice social distancing.

The Panhandle Community Center was formerly the Panhandle Consolidated School Building.  The building contract was to Jody Moorehead and bonds  purchased and financed by Hugh Pierce of Beat 3 Choctaw County in 1929 (4 rooms, lobby and auditorium).

Panhandle Consolidated School opened in the fall of 1929 and closed in 1956.

Order by county school board giving authority to trustees to use and maintain building and grounds as a community center on September 14, 1957.

The school property was sold to the board of trustees by order of the Board of Education of Choctaw County on January 2, 1968.  The deed was recorded.

In 1972 major repairs were necessary and by community effort four classrooms were removed and the lobby and auditorium restored.

In May 1989 the community joined in a project to do repairs.  There were donations of cash, materials, cabinets, appliances and labor.  The building now had community water, a sewage system, and inspected and updated electricity.  A bathroom had been added, a complete kitchen, windows repaired, floors sanded and stained, repairs made on the outside, and painted inside and out. 

Three years ago, the Dixie Pan Club of Choctaw County took on the daunting task of refurbishing the building.  With the help of many people, the club was able to raise enough money to paint inside and out, as well as, the roof.  The windows were scraped and washed, the electricity was upgraded, new appliances were added, a porch was added, the bathroom was completely rebuilt, new heating and cooling was added, and much-needed general maintenance was completed.

Some of our most precious possessions are the memories of places and people, but they fade with time unless we renew and revisit them.  If you have history that includes a God-gifted place called Panhandle, it is time to renew those memories and visit with some of the folks that helped shape them. 

On Saturday, October 16, from 8:00-2:00, the Panhandle Community of Choctaw County will host the 10th annual Panhandle Community Day.  Held in the historic Panhandle Consolidated School building, the craft fair will feature local talent in many forms, and, of course, food.  A hamburger plate will be available for $6.00.

Two years ago a group of women from the Panhandle Community began taking a local pottery class.  This group has become known as the Panhandle Potters.  If you haven’t met the Panhandle Potters, attend Panhandle Community Day and meet them and see examples of their work.

Panhandle is rich in talent, hospitality, and wonderful people who love nothing better than to engage in fellowship with friends and neighbors.  Be sure to join us on this wonderful occasion.  Check out the talent provided by local artisans, fellowship with friends and neighbors, do some early Christmas shopping, and enjoy the atmosphere created by a historic building filled with people who love each other.  See you Saturday, October 16.

No craft fair is complete without door prizes.  Register to win when you enter the building.  Drawing for door prizes will be held hourly.

If you are interested in having a booth at the event, please contact Brenda Cagle at 552-0881.  Vendor fees go to the upkeep of the Panhandle Community Center.

You may get directions by typing in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Weir, MS on your map app.

Submitted by Marie Gordon

October 2021

LFD Promotes Fire Prevention Week

The City of Louisville Fire Department was proud to provide fire prevention material to all the schools in Winston County, and the Winston County Library. Over the last two days we delivered 300 bags that include activity books, goodies, and informational brochures for EVERY first grader in Winston County, and their families. Next week is Fire Prevention week, and we encourage everyone to LEARN THE SOUNDS OF FIRE SAFETY!!! For more information on fire prevention week take a look at https://www.nfpa.org/fpw

Coppertone® Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Specific Lots of Aerosol Sunscreen Sprays Due to the Presence of Benzene

Coppertone, owned by Beiersdorf, is voluntarily recalling specific lots of five Coppertone aerosol sunscreen spray products manufactured between the dates of January 10, 2021 and June 15, 2021 to the consumer level. Coppertone has identified the presence of benzene in these lots of products

Twelve lots of Coppertone spray products are impacted by this voluntary recall, specifically:

UPC	Product Description	Lot	Manufacturing Date
00072140028817	CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN0083J	1/10/2021
00072140028817	CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN0083K	1/11/2021
00072140028824	CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00854	1/12/2021
00072140028824	CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00855	1/14/2021
00072140028701	CT SPORT MIN SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN008KU	3/15/2021
00072140028701	CT SPORT MIN SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN008KV	3/16/2021
00072140028800	CT P&S SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00BR2	3/31/2021
00072140028817	CT P&S BABY SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN009GH	3/31/2021
00072140028824	CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00857	4/6/2021
00041100005069	CT SPORT SPRAY SPF50 1.6OZ 24S	TN00BU3	5/6/2021
00072140028800	CT P&S SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00CJ4	6/15/2021
00072140028824	CT P&S KIDS SPF50 SPRAY 5OZ 12S	TN00CJV	6/15/2021

For product images, lot information, and refund requests, please see www.sunscreenrecall2021.com.

To date, Coppertone has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The voluntarily recalled sunscreen spray products are packaged in aerosol cans. The products were distributed nationally in the United States through various retailers. Consumers should stop using these specific Coppertone aerosol sunscreen spray products and dispose of them appropriately.

Bayer Issues Voluntary Recall of Specific Lotrimin® and Tinactin® Spray Products Due to the Presence of Benzene

Bayer is voluntarily recalling all unexpired Lotrimin® AF and Tinactin® spray products with lot numbers beginning with TN, CV or NAA, distributed between September 2018 to September 2021, to the consumer level due to the presence of benzene in some samples of the products. Benzene is not an ingredient in any of Bayer Consumer Health products. It is important to note that Bayer’s decision to voluntarily recall these products is a precautionary measure and that the levels detected are not expected to cause adverse health consequences in consumers.

Risk Statement: Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, orally, and through the skin. Depending on duration and level of exposure, it can result in cancers including leukemia, and blood cancer of the bone marrow and blood disorders which can be life-threatening. Benzene is found in the environment from natural sources and human activity. Humans around the world are exposed to it from multiple sources and pathways, including inhalation, through the skin, and orally. To date, Bayer has no known reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The affected Lotrimin® and Tinactin® spray products are over the counter antifungal products, sold individually or in combo packs. The impacted products are:

Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal Jock Itch (AFJI) Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
Lotrimin® AF Athlete's Foot Liquid Spray
Lotrimin® AF Athlete’s Foot Daily Prevention Deodorant Powder Spray
Tinactin® Jock Itch (JI) Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Liquid Spray

Product images and information on which lot numbers fall under this recall are available at: https://livewell.bayer.com/document/2011External Link Disclaimer.External Link Disclaimer

There are no issues of concern with Lotrimin®/Tinactin® creams, including Lotrimin® Ultra, or any other Bayer products.

The recalled products are all packaged in aerosol spray cans. The products were distributed in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico through a variety of retail channels.

National Library Card Sign Up Month - New Cards Issued

Myeshia Shields and her children, Khali Riggins and Jayceon Shields, received their first library cards last week at the Winston County Library. Khali and Jayceon, students at Fair Elementary, received Noah’s Ark Stuffed Animal Kits. All three had their names entered into a drawing for a jar of candy. September was National Library Card Sign Up Month.

  

The Friends of the Library Purchase New Rocker Chairs for Teen Room

The Friends of the Library recently purchased four new rocker chairs for the Teen Room at the Winston County Library. Friends President, Theresa Bridges, is seen here in one of the colorful chairs. “We had to dispose of our Teen chairs that were purchased in 2003,” said Librarian Beth Edwards. “They were in pretty bad shape, and the Friends said they would be happy to purchase new ones for us!” Thank you Friends of the Library!!!!!

Winston County Farm Bureau Players of the Week

Congratulations to Brantlee Wright, Jesse Wooten, Ethan Yates, Kash Stribling, and Peyton Thomas for being selected as the Winston County Farm Bureau Players of the Week for Winston Academy. These O-Linemen led the way for the Patriot RB’s to rack up 330 yards rushing in their win over Winona Christian!

Congratulations to Jaden Triplett for being selected as the Winston County Farm Bureau Player of the Week for Louisville. Jaden had 4 receptions for 70 yards and 3 TD’s for the Wildcats against Starkville.

Congratulations to Hagan Halfacre for being selected as the Winston County Farm Bureau Player of the Week for Nanih Waiya. Hagan had 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 reception for 40 yards in the Warriors 10-0 win over French Camp.

DAR Celebrating National Constitution Week - Sept. 17-23

The local Nanih Waiya chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution set up a display at the Winston County Library. Celebrating National Constitution Week, the display teaches children and adults about the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787. Shown here (l-r) are DAR Treasurer Susan Clark, Regent Theresa Bridges, and Constitution Week Chair Emily Ware. National Constitution Week is September 17-23.

Ducks Unlimited Gun Bash - Oct. 21

 

Mid-MS Regional Library System Upgrades Internet Speeds

Internet Speeds of at least ten times faster than before are now available at all Mid-MS Regional Library System (MMRLS) locations. Residents in Attala, Holmes, Leake, Montgomery, and Winston counties can now take advantage of this new super-fast internet today by using one of the many public access computers or connecting to the free wireless internet at each branch. This increase in internet speed provides library guests with better resources for their educational, job, and leisure needs.

“We know our patrons depend on faster, more reliable internet now more than ever with virtual school and remote work becoming more common, and we are glad to make this improvement,” said Michael Davide, IT Coordinator.

MMRLS continues to grow and expand its offerings to the public. Whether it is faster internet, free online tutoring through Brainfuse HelpNow, or job search assistance with Brainfuse JobNow, we are here to meet our community’s needs.

For more information, call or visit your local branch library, or the library’s website at www.midmisslib.com. All library services are made possible thanks to the continued financial support of our local elected officials.

ECCC’s Wall O’ Sound Marching Band ‘Electrifying’ Fans With Fall 2021 Halftime Show

The 125-member East Central Community College Wall O’ Sound Marching Band is back on the field this fall entertaining fans with an “electrifying” halftime show.

According to ECCC Director of Bands Zach Langley, this year’s halftime show is titled “ECDM”.

“It’s a play off of the genre Electric Dance Music,” noted Langley, in his second year as director of bands. “The show features a mix of different songs from various genres and compiles them into one electric show.”

Songs featured include 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky, Firework by Katy Perry, Rolling in the Deep by Adele, Wobble by V.I.C., and Moondance by Van Morrison.

The band will perform its full halftime show at the annual Homecoming football game Thursday, Oct. 14. The football Warriors will face Copiah-Lincoln at 6:30 p.m. in Bailey Stadium on campus.

The Wall O’ Sound Band performs at halftime of all ECCC home football games. The full band travels to one away football game each year, and a Pep Band travels to all away football games and performs at all home basketball contests. The band also performs in holiday parades.

The Color Guard performs with the band during the fall semester and at select home basketball games in the spring semester. Members can also audition to be part of a group that competes in Winter Guard competitions in the state during the spring semester.

The Centralettes dance line performs with the band during the fall semester and at select home basketball games during the spring semester.

In addition to the marching band, ECCC students can audition to become members of the college’s Symphonic Band, Jazz Band, and Percussion Ensemble as well.

Tryouts for all band positions are held each spring semester, and all members of the band receive at a minimum a full tuition scholarship.

Mandy Quinn serves as assistant band director, while Stacy Sanders coordinates the Color Guard and Julie Weaver coordinates the Centralettes.

The Wall O’ Sound Band will soon move into the new $3.5 million Thomas W. Carson Band Hall. The under construction, 13,000 square-foot facility on the north side of the Vickers Fine Arts Center is expected to open in Spring 2022. The building will house the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band practice hall, music practice studios, music teaching studios, instrument storage, a music library, and office space.

The building will be named in memory of the late Carson who was associated with East Central for more than half his life, including two years as a student and 30 years as Director of Bands and music instructor.

For more information on becoming a member of the ECCC Wall O’ Sound Marching Band, contact Langley at 601-635-6218 or zlangley@eccc.edu.

Winston County Farm Bureau Players of the Week

Congratulations to Will Thompson for being chosen as the Winston County Farm Bureau Player of the Week for Winston Academy. Will had 2 receptions for 110 yards, 1 TD, and racked up 4 tackles and 1 tackle for loss on defense in the Patriots win over Central Holmes!

Congratulations to Kylan Tippett for being selected as the Winston County Farm Bureau Player of the Week for Louisville. Kylan had 5 Solo tackles, 3 assists, 2 Int’s and 1 pick 6 in the Wildcats win over Columbus!