Library Christmas Tree

The Town & Country Garden Club decorated this beautiful tree for the lobby of the Winston County Library. Club members who helped with the decorations were (l-r) Noneine Keene, Shirley Hawkins, Sandra Culwell and Diane Luke. Not pictured – Marie Shaw.

Louisville Christmas Parade Scheduled for December 4th!!

The theme for the Louisville Christmas Parade is "Walking In a Winter Wonderland". The annual event is scheduled for Monday, December 4th at 5:30 pm. The route of the parade will remain the same as participants gather at the Louisville Coliseum on Ivy Avenue and proceed to Ball Drive and North Church Avenue before completing the Parade on Main Street where judging of entries will take place.

There is still time to enter and become a part of the parade. Applications for floats and entries will be accepted through today, Thursday, November 30th. Those interested can visit the Chamber's Offices on Park Street in Louisville and a parade entry form can be downloaded by clicking here!!

Merry Christmas from "The Jewel Shoppe" in Louisville

Concealed Carry Class - Dec. 9

The Winston County Sheriff's Dept. will host a Concealed Carry Class on Saturday, December 9 at the Winston County Courthouse from 8am-5pm.  Participants will need to go by the Sheriff's office in the Courthouse and pick up an application. If you have any questions,contact the Sheriff's Department or  Firearms Instructor David McCool or Sheriff Jason Pugh.The cost of the class is $80.00.

Winston County High School Football Finals

Louisville 28  - Noxubee 35

Nanih Waiya 36 - Resurrection 32

Great season for Wildcats. Nanih Waiya advances to state title game next Friday!

Winston County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) Complete Landscape Project at Louisville Welcome Sign

A project by the Winston County Master Gardeners Association (WCMGA) was completed on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. The master gardeners in conjunction with the city of Louisville and Louisville Utilities were to design, maintain and landscape the area around the Louisville Welcome sign located at Hwy 14 and Hwy 25. The master gardeners agreed to the project with the approval of Interim County Agent Dennis Reginelli. The landscaping was designed by Brenda Jowers; the group met and got the job done. Planted in the landscape are 3 Crepe Myrtles, 2 ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrums, 2 dwarf Loropetalum, 5 Abelia ‘Kaleidoscope’, 9 variegated monkey grass and 2 ‘moonbeam’ Coreopsis. After completing the project, a photo was sent to Mayor Hill. He sent a text back saying, “This is a wonderful addition to our ‘welcome’ to Louisville. Well done!!!

L to R: Elmetra Patterson, Gail Smith, Diana Northcutt, Johnna Williamson, Sandy Miles, Letitia ‘Cookie’ Jackson (president), Rebecca Gravett, Brenda Jowers. Master Gardeners not pictured: Richard Moncrief and Beverly Combs

The most difficult task in completing the landscaping was removing the landscape fabric which had a layer of top soil on it that was very heavy. The gardeners thought this would be a great opportunity to educate about the ‘cons’ of landscape fabric. The problem the gardeners were having was because fabric was decomposing and there was a soil build up. It takes the fabric 3 to 10 years to breakdown depending on the type of fabric one purchases. Landscape fabric is often used in ornamental landscapes as a method to block weed growth sometimes permanently sometimes not. However, sometimes they are used in ways that not only fail to control weeds, but cause other problems as well. Landscape fabric does not work that great keeping out fresh weeds.

Unfortunately, landscape fabric also makes weeding extremely difficult; you can't get a shovel down through the rock and fabric. The long lasting heavy fabric will make it hard for water filtering. It can interfere with oxygen getting to the root of the plant. And it's tough to pull weeds that root into the fabric The fabric keeps organic matter from the breakdown of wood mulches for being incorporated into the soil, leading to compaction, nutrient depletion, and an environment not beneficial to soil organisms. From Peterson Lawn Services on the Internet, one particularly annoying aspect of landscape fabric is that it can make weeding more difficult because grass can grow under the fabric, establishing a network that is impossible to eradicate without herbicide or lifting up the fabric barrier by lifting up the fabric. The grass can then send shoots right through at least some fabrics (and those that are beginning to deteriorate), or grow in the holes cut for planting of ornamentals. Weeds with strong taproots, such as dandelions and thistles, can either re-grow from parts of roots left in the soil before the fabric was laid then penetrate it from below, or germinate in mulch and send roots right through the fabric. For more information about landscape fabric, please contact the Winston County Extension Office.

The Winston County Master Gardeners were very appreciative of Richard Carter who stopped by the site as he was walking to the shopping area and helped dig the big holes for the crepe myrtles. He was formerly a National Emergency Grant (NEG) employee at Dean Park. The master gardeners look forward to undertaking other projects in the county. Each member is required to complete 20 service hours and 12 educational hours per year to be re-certified. They are hoping that others will take the state wide master gardening training which is scheduled to start February 2018 to become a master gardener. Please check this media for updated information or our face book page - Winston County Master Gardeners Association.

It is the purpose of the WCMGA: 1) to assist the Extension Service of Mississippi State University to 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. For more information call the Extension Office at 662.773-3091 or 662.779-7900.

By Elmetra Patterson

Donnie Graham Retires After 30 Years With LPD

City officials, friends, co-workers and family gathered on November 17 at the Winston County Library  to celebrate the retirement of Police Captain Donnie Graham who served 30 years with the Louisville Police Department. Graham is shown above with his wife and son. Captain Graham was presented a shadowbox of memorabilia from his time of service, and a watch by Police Chief L.M. Claiborne along with his service revolver by Deputy Chief Andy Taylor.

Weekend Shooting Results in Arrest in Louisville

Louisville Police responded to an area on Kennedy Street around 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 18 where multiple shots were fired. A victim was found with a shot to the head and a car chase of a suspect ensued. 18 year old Tyzarious K . Harrison was captured by LPD on Park Street and is currently in custody at the Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility (WCCRCF). The incident is still under investigation and Harrison is currently charged with aggravated assault and possession of a stolen firearm.  The victim was treated for his injuries and has since been released from medical care.

Winston County High School Football Finals

Louisville 21 - Greenwood 13

Nanih Waiya 42 - Stringer 18

Winston County Sheriff Makes Drug Arrest

The Winston County Sheriff's Office arrested Cedrick Clark, aka "Birdman" on drug charges Friday, November 17, 2017. The arrest came after an ongoing investigation yielded a search warrant of an Ivy Avenue apartment.  Confiscated in the arrest was an undetermined amount of cash, a large amount of marijuana, a gun and cell phone.

The Winston County resident was arrested around 3:00 pm on Friday afternoon and is currently being held in the Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility.

LMSD Board Recognized for Their Efforts

Members of the Louisville Municipal School Board of Trustees were recently acknowledged for their efforts of continuing education by the Mississippi School Board Association. LMSD received the Gavel Circle Honor Award, the Diploma Circle Honor Award, and the Premier Circle Award. School Board Members Shelia Hickman, Brenda Johnson, and Mark Dillard receive Distinguished Circle Awards. Bobby Pierce and Jacqueline Steele receive Master Circle Awards.

1888 Cornerstone Returned to Winston County Courthouse

In conjunction with Veterans’ Day events in Louisville, a special historical event took place as well

inside the Winston County Courthouse on Saturday morning.  The unveiling of the cornerstone from the 1888 Courthouse of Winston County was completed within the front hall.

The cornerstone of the structure, that was torn down in the early 1960’s and replaced by the present day courthouse, was presumed lost for many years until it was discovered in the backyard of a local home. Through efforts of a number of individuals including former State Senator Giles Ward, Lennie Fulton, Janice Hunter, Winston County Sheriff Jason Pugh and others.

The cornerstone now resides just outside the doors of the Winston County Tax Assessor along with photos, a copy of the original dedication speech and a transom window that served the doorway of the Chancery Clerk’s Office in the original 1888 structure.

A full video of the unveiling ceremony is available below. Area judges including: Justice Court Judges Robert Beck and Mike Fuller, 6^th Chancery Court Judges Joey Kilgore and Edward Fenwick, 5^th Circuit Court Judges George Mitchell and Joey Loper and retired Ms. Supreme Court Justice David Chandler participated in the program. This video is available on Youtube as well.

Veterans' Day Parade & Program Held in Louisville

Flags were waving and the LHS band was playing patriotic songs as Louisville and Winston County acknowledged its veterans with a parade down Main Street and a program on the Courthouse lawn on Saturday. The events were held in conjunction with a historic unveiling of the original cornerstone of the 1888 courthouse structure. (this story coming up later). The following video details the event along with a slideshow of photos than can be seen by clicking here.

Winston County Man Loses Life in Early Morning Fire

The Nanih Waiya and Noxapater Fire Departments responded to a structure fire shortly after midnight
this morning on Robertson Loop Road in southeast Winston County.  The mobile home was fully consumed and the area was rocked by the explosion of at least one small propane tank during the morning hours. The body of one victim was found and is believed to be the 79 year old resident of the property. The name of the victim has not been officially released at this time.

The State Fire Marshall has been on the scene and after investigation, the fire was ruled to be accidental according to Sheriff Jason Pugh.

Figi’s Issues Recall Alert Due to Undeclared Allergen (Milk) in Dark Chocolate Gingersnaps

Figi’s Companies, Inc of Marshfield, WI is recalling the following 2 products that are related to the GKI FOODS LLC Dark Chocolate Products recall because it may contain undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life- threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Figi’s Gift #0368 Christmas Gingersnap Variety – The tin contains 5.5oz of the dark chocolate gingersnaps (all lots are being recalled).
Bulk dark chocolate gingersnaps are packaged in a plastic bulk bag with approximately 8-12 ounces of product (all lots are being recalled).

The recalled dark chocolate gingersnaps were distributed nationwide through mail orders. The mail order gifts are Figi’s Gift #0368 packed in a gold tin with an old-time winter scene on the lid. It contains a variety of gingersnaps and were distributed nationwide through a distributor who sold directly to consumers. The bulk dark chocolate gingersnaps in clear plastic bags were only distributed through Figi’s Outlet Store located in Marshfield, WI.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

Winston County High School Football Finals

Louisville 42 - Senatobia 14

Nanih Waiya 51 - East Marion 12

Stringer 16 - Noxapater 0

Louisville and Nanih Waiya advance in the playoffs. Louisville faces Greenwood and Nanih Waiya takes on Stringer.

WCCRCF and MDOC Reach Agreement on State Inmate Contract

After delays, The Mississippi Department of Corrections had signed an ongoing contract to continue

to maintain state prisoners at the Winston Choctaw County Regional Correctional Facility (WCCRCF). The facility was constructed by the county in 1999 based upon the expected proceeds from housing state prisoners and the County’s own needs.

Like almost all regional correctional facilities across the state, WCCRCF has been operating without a contract with MDOC for a period of time. MDOC had cut rates and the number of inmates over the past several years resulting in revenue losses. The new agreement guarantees a minimum of 270 inmates at a rate of $23.92 per day. The prior contract with MDOC was at a rate near $30 per day but WCCRCF has been operating at a rate of $20 per day and often with low inmate counts since the expiration of the original agreement.

County officials indicate that they are glad to finally have an agreement but noted that the rate is a major reduction. County estimates indicate that the revenue generated by the agreement will serve to cover day to day operations but will not allow for maintenance costs of the facility. WCCRCF has no debt service and has generally operated in the black over the years. County officials expect that under the new contract agreement, costs to the county will increase.

Big Playoff Weekend for Winston County Football

The playoffs are in full swing and three Winston County teams are ready for action on Friday night. Louisville heads into the second round of playoffs as they head north to Senatobia. The Wildcats triumphed last week in their first round game against Shannon. Nanih Waiya looks to continue their winning ways as East Marion visits the Warriors in the first round of 1A  and Noxapater is headed to Stringer for their first round action as well. All game times are 7:00 pm.

Holiday Garbage Collection & Landfill Schedule for City of Louisville

GARBAGE COLLECTION

THANKSGIVING:  CITY GARBAGE COLLECTION NORMALLY PICKED UP ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23 WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22.  

CHRISTMAS:  CITY OF LOUISVILLE GARBAGE COLLECTION NORMALLY PICKED UP ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27.

NEW YEAR’S DAY: CITY OF LOUISVILLE GARBAGE COLLECTION NORMALLY PICKED UP ON MONDAY, JANUARY 1 WILL BE PICKED UP ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2018.

LANDFILL SCHEDULE

THE LANDFILL WILL BE CLOSED ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2017, FOR THANKSGIVING, AND

CLOSED ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, FOR CHRISTMAS, AND CLOSED ON MONDAY, JANUARY 1, 2018.   

DAR Good Citizenship Awards 2017

Congratulations to the following Winston County DAR Good Citizens for this year: Alicia Hopkins from Louisville High School, Livia Rose Bush from Nanih Waiya, Yolanda Mechele Cooper from Noxapater, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Dana from Winston Academy and Evelyn Phillips from Grace Christian School.

The Nanih Waiya Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is sponsoring the DAR Good Citizens Program locally. The DAR Good Citizens program and scholarship contest is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. This program honors an outstanding young senior who best demonstrates the qualities of a good citizen –Dependability, Service, Leadership, and Patriotism—and provides an opportunity for this student to compete with other seniors in the district in the scholarship portion of the program.

Each school’s DAR Good Citizen receives a DAR Good Citizen pin, certificate, and wallet recognition card. This student is eligible to enter the DAR Good Citizens scholarship contest. By entering the contest, the student must write an essay to be judged for clarity of expression, originality, and historical accuracy. This year’s topic is “Our American Heritage and Our Responsibility for Preserving it.” The winner will receive a $300.00 scholarship.

DAR Good Citizens who enter the scholarship contest are eligible for awards beyond the chapter level. The Winston County winner will be announced at a later date.

U.S. Representative Shelia Jackson Lee To Speak at 72nd Annual State Convention NAACP

The Mississippi State Conference NAACP is pleased to announce U.S. Representative Shelia Jackson Lee as the Freedom Fund Banquet speaker at the 72nd Annual State Convention and Policy Institute. The Freedom Fund Banquet will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2017

at the Trotter Convention Center in Columbus, MS.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee is an influential and forceful voice in Washington. She is serving her eleventh term as a member of the United States House of Representatives. She represents the 18th Congressional District of Texas, centered in Houston, which is the energy capital of the world. Considered by many as the “Voice of Reason”, she is dedicated to upholding the Constitutional rights of all people.

"The Mississippi NAACP is looking forward to Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee joining us, and we are excited for her to give words of inspiration during our Freedom Fund Banquet," said Charles Hampton, Interim State President.

For information about purchasing tickets, call 601-353-8452.

Louisville Junior Auxiliary Angel Tree

"The Annual Angel Tree has started for 2017. The Angels are at the Winston County Library. They range from infant to teens. Please help the needy children in Winston County, by adopting an Angel today!

All Angels need to be adopted and delivered to the Louisville Fire Department. The 4 drop off days are as follows:

Friday Nov. 17th 2:00-5:00 PM
Saturday Nov. 18th 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday Dec. 1st 2:00-5:00 PM
And the last day for drop off Saturday Dec. 2nd 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

All names have been selected for this year, we aren't taking any more names/nominations.

Thanks for helping the Louisville Junior Auxiliary!"

Triumphant Word Center Restores after 2014 Tornado

It has been over 3 years since the EF4 tornado devastated Winston County on April 28, 2014.  Most of the structures, streets and highways that were damaged or destroyed have been replaced or renovated; however, Triumphant Word Center ‘fell through the cracks’ for funding to be renovated even with one complete side of the structure being destroyed.  Previously the building looked like a side by side duplex. Mother Terrell, the overseer of the church said, “Thank God that I never gave up.  With the help of my son, my daughter, prayers, faith, and some others, we have completed the renovation on one side and services have started”. The late Apostle L. R. Terrell and Overseer Mother A. Terrell are the founders of this place of worship and community center.  The Pastor is Diane Sims.  Order of services: Sunday School  -  10:00 am; Sunday Morning Worship - 11:00 am; Bible Study Tuesday - 6:00 pm.  Narcotic Anonymous (NA) will hold meetings there twice monthly – 1^st and 2^nd Mondays, 7:30 p.m. 

For more information about NA, please call 662.736-0096.

On Sunday, November 5, 2017, an evening service was held at Triumphant Word Center with Rev. Lorene Guyse as the guest preacher. Her subject was “What if….?” scriptures from 3^rd chapter of the book of Daniel. Rev. Guyse is the pastor of Holy Ghost Temple, 175 Hill Street, Louisville, MS.

Other evening services at Triumphant Word Center will include:  Rev. Carl Swanigan, Sr. will be the guest preacher on November 19, 2017, 4 p.m. and Dr. Willie Goss, Jr. will be the guest preacher on November 26, 2017, 4 p.m.  For more information about other services, please contact Mother Terrell, 662.242-4251.

By: Elmetra Patterson