Louisville's Red/White/Blue Parade and Fireworks on Friday!!!

The Chamber of Commerce/Main Street Association is gearing up for the Annual Red White andnBlue Parade on Main Street at 6:00 pm on July 1st. Children 12 years old and younger are encouraged to get their favorite “ride” decorated in red, white and blue and join the parade. No motorized vehicles please. The Louisville Lions Club will be on hand after the parade to provide hot dogs, chips and drinks to the youngsters.

The annual fireworks display will also be held on July 1st at 9:00 pm at Lake Tiak-O’Khata.

For more information call the Chamber at 662-773-3921.

Mills Retires With a Win

Retiring Eco/Devo Leader
Gerald Mills

Retiring Winston County Economic Development Director Gerald
Mills was honored today with a reception at the Winston County Development District Partnership Offices. Friends, coworkers, board members and local officials took the opportunity to thank Mills for his work over the past eleven years.

Louisville Mayor Will Hill issued a proclamation from the City of Louisville in recognition of his service. Mills also received acknowledgements from the Partnership Board including members, Wilson Webb, Sammy Carter, Grady Suttle and Mike Dowd who spoke of Mills' contribution in the development of WinstonStrong after the 2014 tornado.

Incoming Eco/Devo Director Glen Haab thanked Mills for assisting with his transition into the position. Haab noted that it was rare for an Eco/Devo leader to go out on top and to have that one last hurrah, but that was the case today as there would be an important and positive economic announcement.

Joining Mills at the podium was Russ Nowell, who is the Regional Sales Manager for Super Grip Tires based in Piney Flats, Tn. Nowell announced the expansion of Super Grip into Louisville with plans to expand to more than 40,000 sqft and as many as forty employees, Super Grip has already begun to place an input/output facility in the county owned property on South Church Avenue in Louisville (Spartus/Teeters property) Super Grip is a major supplier of industrial tires to Taylor Machine Works locally and also supplies tires for ramp services for Delta and Southwest Airlines.

Congratulations and well wishes were expressed by those present. Today, June 30 is Mills' last day on the job. He is a native of Newton, Ms. To see more photos from the event - click here or visit our photos page from our main site.

Mills - (center rear) with local leaders and officials

Community Comes Together in Prayer Vigil For Chanda

Winston Countians gathered on the steps of the First Baptist Church in Louisville on Wednesday to pray for the safety of one of their own - Chanda Stevens Smith, who hasn't been seen since Sunday morning. Smith has been missing since security camera footage showed her leaving a New Orleans motel in the early morning hours on June 26.

Participants gathered to pray and sing as a show of support and faith for the young mother and her family.

Sheriff's Junior Deputy Academy - Big Hit with Area Youth

The Winston County Sheriff's "Junior Deputy Academy" has been a big hit this week with area youngsters. The program held at South Louisville Baptist Church and sponsored by the Sheriff's Department has provided an opportunity for kids 6-12 to learn more - not only about law enforcement, but safety, fitness, nutrition and a number of issues.

Participants were entertained and educated by Ms. Highway Patrol Motorcycle Officers, watched drone flights and learned about gun and wildlife safety. Also planned this week is a visit by an emergency service helcopter, an ambulance and more instructions on bullying prevention and nutrition. A graduation ceremony for the participants is scheduled for Friday evening at the Winston County Courthouse.

Winston Co. Resident Aids Sheriff in Arrest of Scam Suspects

Two Columbus area men were arrested this morning by the Winston County Sheriff after a chase on

Baucom                                     Barfield

Hwy 25 N in the county. Sheriff Jason Pugh indicated that a call and subsequent action by a local resident led to the arrests.

David Search Baucom of Columbus, a white male age, age 71 and Edger Poe Barfield, a black male, age 49 were taken into custody and charged with False Pretense. Baucom was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Pugh indicated that the two men are suspected of attempting to conduct a scam on local residents. The men are identified as individuals who approached at least one home on Monday and requested money – claiming that a family member had been involved in a bad accident and passed away and money was needed for the funeral arrangements.

On Wednesday, the men returned to the home, again requesting money. The homeowner became suspicious, called the Sheriff’s Department and followed the men onto Hwy 25. Guided by the homeowner, Sheriff Pugh was able to locate and stop the suspect’s vehicle and after investigating further, the two men were taken into custody.

Sheriff Pugh is asking anyone that may have been a victim of these men to contact his office. Reports have surfaced that these suspects may have been involved in similar incidents in Millport, Alabama.

Suspects' vehicle

suspects vehicle

Prayer Vigil to be Held for Missing Louisville Native

There will be a prayer vigil held today (June 29) at 6 p.m. on the front steps of Louisville First Baptist Church for Chanda Stevens Smith.

Smith is a native of Louisville now living in Union and she has been missing since Sunday June 26th while on a visit with family to New Orleans. Chanda is the daughter of Harold and Sylvia Stevens of Louisville.  Chanda was last seen on security camera footage at around 1 a.m. on Sunday morning as she exited her hotel on Canal Street in New Orleans.

The attached flyer has detailed information. If you have any information concerning Chanda, please contact the number included below.

2016 Chyna Unique Willis Scholarship Presented To Montana Eichelberger

L to R: Minister Steve Lee, Sister Kenisha Hughes, scholarship recipient
 Montana Eichelberger, Elder James Young, mayor of
Philadelphia, MS (Photo courtesy of Elmetra Patterson)

Montana Eichelberger was presented the Chyna Unique Willis Scholarship, Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the Calvary Apostolic Church, Louisville, MS. Chyna Willis passed in 2012 at the young age of 13 years. The theme for the 2016 Scholarship Presentation was “Born to Lead”. Chyna’s mother, Kenisha Hughes presented the scholarship after Minister Steve Lee delivered an inspirational message encouraging students to have a vision. Inspirational musical selections were performed by the Agape Baptist Church’s Praise Singers, Rev. Robert E. Brownlee, Sr., pastor. 

Montana has been accepted at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She completed orientation last week with plans to major in Biology with graduate interest in Forensic Science. Montana is the daughter of Paul and Rita Jackson-Eichelberger; granddaughter of Johnny K. Jackson and Betsy Ann Eichelberger.

Snow Selected President of Ms. Jewelers Association

Pictured is Mary Snow and the winning design in the ACE Design Competition.

This past weekend at The Mill in Starkville, MS, Mississippi Jewelers Association met for their 65th Annual Convention. From Friday until Sunday, they were inspired by speaker in the jewelry industry, they networked and then celebrated with a banquet. 

The main focus of the weekend was understanding and learning more about the “art” of fine jewelry. It was at the banquet that Mary Snow, co-owner of The Jewel Shoppe in Louisville, MS became President of Mississippi Jewelers Association for 2016-2018. It was also announced that her design of a vintage pendant which was fabricated by her husband won the ACE Design Competition.

Cell Phones "Do Not Call List" Begins July 1st

Mississippi Public Service Commissioners Brandon Presley, Cecil Brown and Sam Britton will hold press conferences across the state throughout the month of July to discuss the addition of cell phones to the Mississippi No-Call Program.

Beginning July 1, 2016, Mississippi consumers will be able to register their cell phone numbers in addition to their residential phone numbers to the Mississippi No Call List in writing, over the telephone, or via the PSC website. During the various press conferences, Public Service Commissioners Presley, Brown and Britton will be available to answer any questions about registration and other general information regarding the Mississippi No Call Program. The press conference schedule will be as follows:

July 1-Tupelo Mall at Barnes Crossing, 1001 Barnes Crossing Road @10:30 a.m.

July 5-Jackson Woolfolk State Building, 501 N. West Street. @10:30 a.m.

July 7-Biloxi Biloxi Welcome Center, 1050 Beach Blvd @1 p.m.

"We are committed to protecting the privacy of Mississippians and the enforcement of the No-Call list is paramount to that effort. Because many Mississippians use their cell phones as their only communication device, I am proud that we are now able to extend this program to protect them" said Chairman Brandon Presley.

“The Mississippi No Call Program is a great way to start reducing those unwanted phone calls from telemarketers” Southern District Commissioner Sam Britton said.

Summer Means "Be Watching for Snakes"

Mississippi residents are not alone in their appreciation of hiking trails and water activities during the hot days of summer. Wildlife, including snakes, are right there with them.

As outdoor recreation picks up, so does water recreation. Where there is water, there will be snakes. There are all different kinds of snakes people encounter in Mississippi. Some are potentially dangerous and others are completely harmless.

Typically, most snakes you will encounter are harmless. The majority of snakes in Mississippi are water-snakes, which bears a striking resemblance to cottonmouths and are often mistaken and killed because of this. One reason they are so similar in appearance is because they occur in similar habitats, such as rivers, streams and lakes. They often require similar camouflage or markings to blend in more easily to that surrounding habitat.

Water Snake

Most often, snakes immediately flee when sighted. Mississippi has a total of six venomous species. The most common three of the six are the cottonmouth, copperhead and timber rattlesnake. The other three species are the coral snake, pigmy rattlesnake and the eastern-diamondback rattlesnake.

The eastern-diamondback rattlesnake is recognized as the largest venomous snake in North America and is also equipped with the largest fangs of any species in North America. These facts, in combination with its highly toxic venom, easily make it the most deadly species in our state and should be avoided at all costs.

Occurring in habitats and coastal environments of South Mississippi, the eastern diamondbacks generally do not occur north of Interstate 20. In fact, due to their persecution by the public and development of coastal areas, their populations are declining. This is unfortunate as they play an irreplaceable role in the function of their ecosystem. They also provide benefits to humans, medicinally and ecologically. In the United States, rattlesnakes are the No. 1 preventer of lime disease. They constantly, and almost exclusively eat rodents, which carry lime disease harboring ticks.

Copperhead

To simply move and locate prey, costs snakes a lot of energy. They restore this energy by feeding and basking in sunlight, which is why snakes are seen stretched across hiking trails and roads.

One of the most energy consumptive activities that venomous snakes experience is the production of venom. This venom is energetically expensive for them to make, and generally snakes will not waste their venom on things they do not plan to eat.

Venomous snakes are potentially dangerous and should always be given their space. The best way to avoid being bitten is to leave the snake alone as 80 percent of all bites occur when a person tries to kill the snake. They belong here and are part of Mississippi’s natural resources just as are the white-tailed deer and bobwhite quail.

Hopefully this passage will give you a little piece of mind when you are engaged in outdoor recreation this year and years to come.

Winston Plywood Update 6-24-16

The City of Louisville is posting progress reports on the construction of the Winston Plywood facility on a weekly basis. Click here to view the report submitted on June 24, 2016

Information can also be found on the Economic Development Partnership page at: http://chamberupdates.blogspot.com/

LHS 1959 Class Reunion

Kneeling, left to right: Lance Greer, William Clark, Bobby McWhirter, Jerry Kitchens, Duane Massingill.

Sitting in front of Duane: Louise Whitten White, Mary Shaw, Darlyne Livingston Culwell, Joe Lloyd.

Sitting left to right: Patricia Lovorn Eaves, Patricia Young Eubanks, Joe Crowson.

First row standing: Johnny Frank Smith, Reba McCullough Greer, Billy Fryery, Pat Hill Arnold, Mary Carolyn Tranum Mitchell, Marie Williams Shaw, Glynda Ming Triplett, Kathleen Shaw Nowell, Callie Hooks Alexander, Bettye Majure Duncan, Cornelia Sullivan Hall, Ralph Clark.

Second row standing: Gayle Hunt Smith, Pat Wicker McWhirter, Marie Kinard Thompson, Patsy McCool Graham, Dell Johns Gillett, Ann Rogers Reynolds, Maxine Charlton Palmer, Allen Ray Hall. Back row: Johnny McMillin, Robert Herring, Danny Wright, Johnny Woodward, Jean Sanders King.

Submitted by: Reba Greer

Patriotic Display At Library

This beautiful quilt is on display at the Winston County Library throughout the month of July. The quilt, done by Louisville’s own Sarah Ward, is called “Celebrate the 4th!”

"On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” Summer Library Program

First through fifth graders enjoyed the Bi-Okoto Dance Company from Cincinnati, OH this past Tuesday, as part of the “On Your Mark, Get Set, Read!” Summer Library Program. The children (and adults) learned about the music, language and culture of West Africa, specifically Nigeria. The dance company was formed in 1994 in Cincinnati and has traveled all over the United States performing and teaching classes to adults and children. “This was a very educational program and the performers were so energetic and fun!” said librarian Beth Edwards. “We would love to have them back for another program.”

This program was generously sponsored by Taylor Machine Works.

(l-r)  Mr. Timi Boroh, Lakayla Cistrunk, Mr. Chuks Arogbotimi, Gabriel Cistrunk and Mr. Matthew Shatim

Teen SLP Program With Susan Clark

Louisville ceramist Susan Clark gave a ceramics workshop this past Tuesday as part of the Winston County Library’s Teen Summer Reading Program, “Get On The Move, Read!” Teens painted ceramic tiles fired by Susan. Sports figures were on the tiles, such as footballs, soccer balls, baseballs, football players, basketball players, etc. “The teens always have a blast in Susan’s workshops,” said librarian Beth Edwards. “She teaches them so much, and they have so much fun in her programs. We are fortunate to have someone of her stature in ceramics, living here in Louisville and willing to conduct these workshops every summer for our teens!”
Susan Clark’s program was sponsored by Polo Custom Products.

Tiny Titans Program

Last week’s Tiny Titans Summer Reading Program at the Winston County Library was conducted by Lindsay Fitts, Youth Services Coordinator for the Mid-Mississippi Regional Library System. Lindsay did storytelling, music, movement and a craft. The children made Olympic Circles artwork that they took home.

"Economic Parade" as Taylor Machine Works To Deliver Machines To Winston Plywood & Veneer

Get ready for a parade, Louisville!! Thursday morning will bring an "economic parade" to town as two major local industries work together to boost production and jobs in Winston County. As Winston Plywood and Veneer gears up for production, a significant amount of machinery for their operation will be provided by Winston County's own Taylor Machine Works. Delivery day is scheduled for 9:00 am on Thursday, June 23 as trucks will carry the machinery from Taylor to the site at Winston Plywood.

The parade will start from the Taylor Machine Work Main Plant location on North Church Avenue and proceed south on South Church Avenue to Armstrong and enter the WPV gate at the former Roseburg site location.

The delivery will be assisted in escort by the Louisville Police Department, the Louisville Fire Department, Winston County Sheriff's Department, and Louisville Utilities.

The public is encouraged to come out and line the route to watch as these monstrous machines roll through town on Thursday morning.

 

LMSD Adopts Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Program

The Louisville Municipal School District announced that it has adopted Project Lead The Way's (PLTW) high school engineering program for the 2016-2017 school year. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for K-12 students and teachers, and LMSD joins more than 8,000 schools across the U.S. in offering PLTW programs to students.

PLTW Engineering empowers students to step into the role of an engineer, adopt a problem-solving mindset, an make the leap from dreamers to doers. The program engages students in collaborative, real-life activities like working with a client to design a home, using a flight simulator to learn basic pilot skills, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. As students work together to imagine and design solutions to local and global challenges, they test their limits and question what's possible. And by pushing themselves to rework and refine their projects, PLTW Engineering students learn that both failure and perseverance are key to learning and innovation.

2nd Annual Winston County Master Gardeners Association Tour

On Saturday, June 25, 2016, 8:00 a.m. – 2 p.m., Winston County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) presents three gardens on tour and the Cultivating Patch. Don’t miss your chance to view different garden styles, ask questions, and see new and different plants. We are again offering door prizes so do not forgot to sign-in at each garden.

The Grand Prize is two wooden Adirondack chairs 

2nd place is a treated wooden trellis 

3rd place is an outdoor metal butterfly

Garden Tour Locations:
1) Carolyn Hampton – 445 Hampton Road (Hwy 397 toward DeKalb, Left on Garrigues Road, Left on Hampton)

Who would have thought that hidden away off Garrigues Road is this small but beautiful lake and house with landscape that appears to be right out of a fairy tale. You would only find it if you are looking for it specifically. This property is owned by Charles and Carolyn Rash-Hampton. This couple moved back to Winston County from Milwaukee, WI in 1998 to build their home on this property where Charles was born and raised. Carolyn stated about her gardening, “I enjoy gardening not only because it is relaxing and an excellent way to exercise, but it is a hobby that Charles and I do together and we enjoy seeing our plants grow from small to great. My interest was sparked as a little girl when I helped my mom tend a vegetable garden. She always had flower beds at her 506 Camile Street in Louisville, MS. My mom, a widow, always had an extremely large vegetable garden and peanut patch to help feed her four children.” Some of the plants in Carolyn’s garden: Hostas, Stella D'oro Day Lily, Purple Cane, Seven Sister Rose Bush, Tiger Lily, Black-eyed Susans, Shasta Daisy, Zinnias, Hydrangea (Charles favorite), Hibiscus. Carolyn keeps a friendship garden around her by naming some of her plants after people that she received them from, i. e, 'Ms. Bessie Mae's purple plant'.

2) Brenda Jowers - 226 McCullough Rd (Hwy 14 East toward Macon, Left on McCullough Road)

We had a real treat for you this year. We had scheduled the daylily gardens of Marvin and Kendall Hemphill but unfortunately this year the daylilies bloomed earlier than usual. We are definitely rescheduling for next year and hopefully have better timing. Instead Brenda's garden will be on the tour again this year. Brenda has made several changes to her garden and likes to try something different each year. Her favorite challenge this year is a 4 ft tall planter of petunias and a large planter of ornamental sweet potatoes. Her garden is comprised mostly of sun loving plants and was designed to be deer resistant. Brenda landscape has many beautiful shrubs, ornamental grasses, crepe myrtles, and many flowering perennials and annuals. She loves sharing gardening ideas and answering questions. Brenda’s husband, David loves to garden vegetables and he makes garden furniture. The Adirondack chairs in the drawing are made by him.

3) Carolyn Hisaw - 1146 Bond Road (for your SAFETY, please park on Webster B Road and follow the yellow ribbons to her yard. Please do not block mailboxes or driveways on Webster B. Visitors who are physically challenged, should enter at 1146 Bond Road)

Carolyn’s garden is like a woodland maze. She has 3 acres of garden with a house, tool shed and artist studio. It is much like public gardens that are seen as one travels around the country. It can compete with many of those internationally. Her garden has been in the making for 25 years at which time she and her husband moved to Winston County from Leflore County, Greenwood, MS. (her husband passed 4 years afterwards) .Except for a few trees, all of the trees, shrubs and plants were put there by her ‘green thumb’. She said she planted it all by ‘wheel barrel and shovel’. Outstanding in her garden is a Confederate Jasmine Vine, a Japanese Magnolia tree and plenty hosta throughout the maze. She has a variety of hosta which is widely cultivated as shade-tolerant foliage plants. The garden is mostly shade with sun peeking throughout the many trees. There is one area that is much like a forest of crepe myrtles of various colors. Hydrangeas are throughout the landscapes which most have very large blooms. Carolyn is an 81 year old master of gardening who said, “My mine works better out here in the garden”. She is also an artist who loves to paint as well as garden.

4) Cultivating Patch with Alex Cunningham (behind the Extension Office on Old Robinson Road)

This project was made possible through support of the Board of Supervisors of Winston County, Winston County Farm Bureau and private donors during the Spring of 2013. The purpose of the garden area is to provide individuals with the opportunity to grow produce for themselves and their family in an environment where they gain the skills to be successful gardeners. Presently, the winter crop is being harvests which include cabbage, onions, lettuce, red Irish potatoes and a variety of greens. Some gardeners have already planted summer plants which include tomatoes, squash, Crowder peas, green beans, herbs, eggplants, okra and cucumbers. A must see are the huge tomatoes. This garden will be educational to those who might want to try raised bed gardening at home. There are approximately 45 raised beds in the Cultivating Patch. Alex Cunningham and Tommy Hopkins are the main Master Gardeners volunteers who help the gardeners with watering and feeding.

It is the purpose of the WCMGA: 1) to assist the Extension Service of Mississippi State University accomplish its mission by providing easily accessible information about residential horticultural practices through educational presentations and use of the media; and 2) to provide a volunteer organization that completes community service projects which further the community’s understanding of and appreciation for the joy of gardening. All gardens are located in Louisville, Mississippi.

Photos are courtesy of Master Gardeners Elmetra Patterson

For more information call the Extension Office - 662.773-3091 or Master Gardener Brenda Jowers - 662.779-7900