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Thursday | March 18, 2021

NEW HOPE MURDER

Witnesses: Mother-in-law admitted to 2015 killing

Defense attorney questions accuracy Christina Marti-
nez and her three
ination of Lt. Tony Cooper of
the Lowndes County Sheriff’s
gone less than a minute.
“When she came back, she

of alleged confessions on second day grandchildren.

Martinez, 61,
Office, who testified Tuesday
about arriving at the Vasquez
was saying, ‘Help. My mom’s
hurt,’” he said.
is accused of home on July 22 with a sub- Cooper said he and two oth-
of Lydia Martinez murder trial first-degree mur- poena to search the home and er deputies arrived in the de-
der in the killing take Christina Martinez to the fendant’s bedroom, where they
BY SLIM SMITH confession in the defendant’s of her son-in-law, sheriff’s office for further ques- found Martinez lying on the
[email protected] bedroom, and when Martinez Martinez
Manuel Vasquez, tioning. bed with blood on her face and
allegedly admitted her guilt to in the early-morning hours of Cooper said Christina an- arms. Cooper said he noticed a
During Wednesday’s ab- a paramedic as she was being June 24, 2015. Christina Marti- swered the door and went up- jar with a small amount of liq-
breviated session of the Lydia taken to the hospital. uid on the nightstand. Another
nez pleaded guilty to second-de- stairs to the defendant’s bed-
Martinez murder trial, the pros- The prosecution also intro- gree murder in the case in 2019 room to tell her she needed her detective discovered a letter,
ecution focused heavily on the duced forensic evidence found and is awaiting sentencing. mother to watch the children which Cooper said he read,
events of July 22, 2015, when at the home Martinez shared Wednesday’s testimony while she was at the sheriff’s describing it as a suicide note/
authorities found what was with her family — the victim began with defense attorney office. confession letter.
described as a suicide note/ Manuel Vasquez, daughter Arthur Calderón’s cross-exam- Cooper said Christina was See MARTINEZ, 6A

SPIDER-MAN RIDE Waffle House

employee who
allegedly stabbed
customer charged
with murder
Authorities identify
suspect, victim in
Wednesday morning
stabbing
DISPATCH STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS —
Authorities have
charged a Waffle
House employee ac-
cused of stabbing a
customer to death
with murder.
Hezekiah Mani-
go, 22, of Columbus, Manigo
was arrested Wednesday morning
for the death of Davartex Artez
Fisher, 28.
Fisher was at the Waffle House
location near the intersection of
Highway 45 North and Highway 82
at about 2 a.m. Wednesday when
he and Manigo apparently got into
an argument over a food order,
Deanna Robinson/Dispatch Staff according to a Columbus Police
Ridge Swain, 5, rides in his Spider-Man car at his home in Caledonia Tuesday afternoon. “I like Spider-Man because he has Department press release. The re-
webs,” Ridge said. He is the son of Mary Margaret Swain. See MANIGO, 6A

BUSINESS MOVES WITH MARY

Coffee and ice cream shop coming to Caledonia

PLUS: In-home bakery opens in Starkville Kasey Duke
opened Local Little
Local Little
Teepees has various
Over in Starkville, we have a
new bakery in town — well, in

B
y mid April, folks leaving changing, add items and keep Teepee this month, themes including home.
Ola J. Pickett Park can customers on their toes,” Ma- bringing kids’ camouflage, sports Shae McGee opened Shae’s
stop for an afternoon clean said. sleepovers to “the themed, rainbow Treats this year from her own
treat. Once open, Maclean said next level.” and unicorns and kitchen.
Sonya Maclean is opening “We offer full more. For now, McGee is baking
customers can stop by Tuesday
Sweetie’s Café at 9641 Old service party pack- “We wanted to out of her kitchen, but hopes to
through Sunday 1-6 p.m.
ages that includes bring some creativ- expand to a brick and mortar
Wolf Road, across from the “We wanted to do something
teepees, mattress- ity and versatility shop.
Caledonia park. The new café close to home,” Maclean said. “I bake a lot,” McGee said.
es, linens, pillows to the party options
will start serving customers ice “We’re excited about being and the party décor offered in our com- “More than an average person
cream, coffee, snowballs and there. I grew up in Caledo- of your choice from Mary Pollitz munity,” Duke said. by far. My friends and family
various desserts. nia, we’re building a house in our themes,” Duke Check out Local always get me to make treats
She added the new café will Caledonia, so we’re ready and said. “Our packages include Little Teepee’s Facebook page for events. … Lately it’s been
continually offer specials and excited to open up.” delivery, set up and pick up to for pricing, scheduling and vari- weekly that I get asked to, so
seasonal treats. Moving on, we’ve got a new the location of your choice in ous specials to make your kid’s I prayed about it and decided I
“We’re going to keep things kind of kid’s sleepover. the Golden Triangle.” sleepover the talk of the school. See BUSINESS, 6A

INSIDE FIVE QUESTIONS CALENDAR LOCAL FOLKS PUBLIC

Business 5B 1 What shape is a symphony
Thursday, March 25 MEETINGS
Classifieds 6B orchestra usually arranged in — April 5: Oktibbeha
Comics 4B circle, semicircle or square? ■ Candidate forum: Hear Columbus
County Board of
Crossword 6B 2 Bats are members of the bird municipal candidates at the 2021 Candi-
Dear Abby 4B family. True or false? date Forum at the Lyceum at Lee (former Supervisors, 9
Obituaries 5A 3 Which is not a color of card a.m., Chancery
Lee High School). The event is co-spon-
Opinions 4A shown by the referee during a sored by The Dispatch and WCBI and will
Courthouse
soccer game — red, yellow or April 6: Starkville
follow a Q&A format with a moderator.
black? Board of Aldermen,
4 What do the letters TMZ stand COVID precautions will be taken for a
WEATHER for, in the name of the gossip limited live audience and the event will be
5 p.m., City Hall
April 13:
website? livestreamed online by WCBI. Reserve free
High 55 Low 43
Mostly cloudy, breezy
5 In which city is Pierre Elliott
Trudeau International Airport
located?
tickets online at cdispatch.com/forum
Starkville-Oktibbe-
ha Consolidated
School District
Full forecast on Friday, March 26 Board of Trustees,
page 3A. Answers, 6B ■ Tennessee Williams 110th birthday 6 p.m., Greensboro
celebration: Visit the Tennessee Williams Center
Home and Welcome Center, 300 Main St., April 19: Oktibbe-
Columbus, at 10 a.m. for birthday cake, ha County Board
photos with “Tennessee” and his “moth- of Supervisors,
er,” Edwina Dakin Williams, and register to Owen Byrd, 12, plays baseball 9 a.m., Chancery
win dinner at Galatoire’s in New Orleans. for Caledonia. Courthouse

DISPATCH CUSTOMER SERVICE 328-2424 | NEWSROOM 328-2471

2A THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Republicans seize on immigration

as border crossings surge
GOP hoping issue can
unite party heading into Despite headwinds, House set to
next year’s elections
BY JILL COLVIN
OK Democrats’ immigration bills
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Delegation WASHINGTON — Democrats seem poised to claim victory in the

trips to the border. Apocalyptic warn- House’s first votes this year on immigration, but moving legislation on
ings. A flurry of new conferences. the divisive issue all the way through Congress to President Joe Biden
Republicans still divided over is an uphill fight.
former President Donald Trump’s The House was set to vote Thursday on one bill giving over 2 million
legacy are seizing on his signature young Dreamer immigrants and others full legal status and a chance for
campaign issue, turning their focus citizenship. A second measure would do the same for around 1 million
to immigration as they try to regain immigrant farm workers. Both seemed certain to pass.
the political upper hand. But party divisions and solid Republican opposition mean pushing
Faced with President Joe Biden’s legislation through the Senate on immigration remains difficult, es-
early popularity, good news about pecially for Biden’s goal of a sweeping measure helping all 11 million
vaccinations, and Americans’ em- immigrants in the U.S. illegally become citizens. The partisan battle
brace of the COVID-19 relief bill shows little promise of easing before next year’s elections, when Repub-
Washington Republicans opposed, licans could use it in their effort to regain House and Senate control.
the GOP is leaning in on the highly
charged issue amid a spike in border makers as child border crossings accompanied minors and families
crossings. They hope immigration have surged, straining U.S. facilities. remain lower than at various points
can unite the party heading into next The situation at the southern bor- during the Trump administration,
year’s elections, when control of Con- der is complex. Since Biden’s inau- including in spring 2019. That May,
gress is at stake. guration, the country has seen a dra- authorities encountered more than
“Heading into the midterms, I matic spike in the number of people 55,000 migrant children, including
think that Republicans are increas- encountered by border officials, with 11,500 unaccompanied minors, and
ingly realizing that this can be one 18,945 family members and 9,297 around 84,500 migrants traveling in
of the most potent issues, both to unaccompanied children encoun- family units.
motivate our voters, but equally as tered in February — an increase of But that hasn’t stopped Repub-
important, to appeal to” swing vot- 168 percent and 63 percent from the licans from seizing on the issue,
ers — especially in suburban swing month before, according to the Pew led by Trump himself. They blame
districts — who voted for Democrats Research Center. That creates an Biden, who has been deeply critical
in 2020, said former Trump aide Ste- enormous logistical challenge, since of Trump’s approach, for rolling back
phen Miller, the architect of his im- children, in particular, require high- many of the former president’s hard-
migration policies. He said the issue er standards of care and coordina- line deterrence policies. And they lik-
has been a subject of discussion in tion across agencies. en Biden’s new, kinder tone to an in-
his recent conversations with law- Still, the encounters of both un- vitation to would-be border crossers.

Asian Americans grieve, organize in wake of Atlanta attacks

BY TERRY TANG tor of the Atlanta-based targeted the spas because gunman “was very clear-
The Associated Press Asian American Advoca- of a “sex addiction.” Six ly going after a targeted
cy Fund, which does po- of the seven slain women group of people.”
Asian Americans were litical and advocacy work were identified as Asian. Being Asian American
already worn down by across Georgia. Law enforcement herself, Huang said the
a year of pandemic-fu- Many were also out- needs “some training shootings felt personal.
eled racist attacks when raged that the suspect, understanding what a She is worried that not
a white gunman was 21-year-old Robert Aaron hate crime is. This man
charged with attacking classifying the attack as a
Long, was not immedi- identified targets owned hate crime will “absolute-
three Atlanta-area mas- ately charged with hate by Asians,” said Marga-
sage parlors and killing ly discourage others from
crimes. Authorities said ret Huang, president and
eight people, most of them coming forward and seek-
Long told police the attack CEO of the Southern Pov-
Asian women. ing help.”
was not racially motivat- erty Law Center, which
Hundreds of Asian ed, and he claimed that he tracks hate groups. The
Americans and Pacific
Islanders turned to social
media to air their anger,
sadness, fear and hope-
lessness. The hashtag
#StopAsianHate was a top
trending topic on Twitter
hours after the shootings
that happened Tuesday
evening.
“I think the reason
why people are feeling so
hopeless is because Asian
Americans have been
ringing the bell on this
issue for so long ... We’ve
been raising the red flag,”
said Aisha Yaqoob Mah-
mood, executive direc-

IRS will delay tax

filing due date
until May 17
BY SARAH SKIDMORE SELL
AP Business Writer

Americans will be get-

ting extra time to prepare
their taxes. The Internal
Revenue Service says it’s
delaying the traditional tax
filing deadline from April
15 until May 17.
The IRS announced
the decision Wednesday
and said it would provide
further guidance in the
coming days. The move
provides more breathing
room for taxpayers and
the IRS alike to cope with
changes brought on by the
pandemic.
“The IRS wants to con-
tinue to do everything
possible to help taxpay-
ers navigate the unusual
circumstances related to
the pandemic, while also
working on important tax
administration responsi-
bilities,” IRS Commission-
er Chuck Rettig said in a
statement.
The decision postpones
when individual taxpayers
must file their return and
when their payment is due.
The IRS said taxpayers
who owe money would not
face any further penalties
or interest if they pay by
May 17.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 3A

Boil water advisory lifted for Warnock: GOP voting

all of Jackson, one month later restrictions resurrect
Mayor said the crisis has been caused in part by ability to update its system has
been a rapidly declining tax base
‘Jim Crow era’
decades of neglect of aging infrastructure because of “white flight.” Jackson’s ‘One person, one vote is being
tax base began crumbling decades
BY LEAH WILLINGHAM froze equipment at the city’s water ago, starting after the integration of threatened right now’
The Associated Press/Report for America treatment plant, thousands of wa- public schools.
Voters in 2014 overwhelmingly BY BILL BARROW
ter customers went weeks with low
JACKSON — After 30 days of pressure or no pressure at all, col- approved an extra 1 percent sales The Associated Press
boiling their water to get rid of con- lecting water in buckets from distri- tax for infrastructure repairs, but
taminants and sometimes no water the $15 million a year raised is only Sen. Raphael Warnock, whose
bution sites throughout the city to
at all, Jackson residents are finally a fraction of what Jackson needs. election as Georgia’s first Black
flush toilets and clean themselves.
able to drink the water from the tap Lumumba said close to $2 billion senator gave control of the cham-
National Guard members were
after officials lifted a boil water ad- is required to modernize the water ber to Democrats, used his first
called in to help distribute water.
visory put in place in mid-February system and other infrastructure re- floor speech on Capitol Hill to blast
Volunteers loaded tanks of water on
when a deep freeze wreaked havoc lated to sewer and roads. a wave of Republican-backed mea-
trucks to deliver to apartment com-
on their water infrastructure. The Democratic mayor wrote sures that would make it harder
plexes housing seniors and those
The city’s 43,000 surface water a letter to Republican Gov. Tate to cast ballots in states around the
without transportation. Warnock
connections were released Wednes- Reeves and other officials to re- country.
Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba
day from the boil advisory put in quest $47 million in state and fed- Warnock noted Georgia’s and the country’s
said the crisis has been caused in
place on Feb. 16. A boil notice had part by decades of neglect of aging eral funding to begin repairing the history of allowing voter suppression against mi-
previously been lifted for the city’s infrastructure. Parts of Jackson’s water system. Since then, the mayor norities and the poor, and he warned that some
16,000 well water connections on water system are a century old, he and other city leaders have begun Republican lawmakers are trying to reopen those
March 10. said. meeting with legislative leaders to chapters with “draconian” restrictions he cast as a
After officials said cold weather A major factor affecting the city’s discuss options. reaction against Democratic victories like his.
“We are witnessing right now a massive and un-
abashed assault on voting rights and voter access
unlike anything we have seen since the Jim Crow
era,” Warnock said Wednesday. “One person, one
vote is being threatened right now. Politicians in
AREA ARRESTS my home state and all across America, in their cra-
The following arrests ven lust for power, have launched a full-fledged as-
were made by Lowndes sault on voting rights” and on “democracy itself.”
County Sheriff’s Office: The first-term senator’s speech followed Sen-
n Matthew Morrison, ate Democrats’ introduction of a sweeping elec-
29, was charged with sex tion law overhaul, called the “For the People Act,”
offender registration fail- that could override many of the restrictive mea-
ure. sures that Republicans are pushing at the state
n Reginald Bradley, 36, level. Warnock is the Senate bill’s lead sponsor.
was charged with sexual Morrison Bradley Dusenberry Williston B. Andrews Gardner The House passed its version in the previous Con-
battery, disorderly con- gress and again last month on a 220-210 vote that
duct, open container law fell along party lines.
and malicious mischief. Democrats cast their legislation as a way to
n Sean Dusenberry, 47, render most of the state GOP moves moot. Repub-
was charged with posses- lican leaders insist their approach, which follows
sion of methamphetamine. former President Donald Trump’s false assertions
n Adam Williston, 31, that the 2020 elections were “rigged,” is needed to
was charged with embez- prevent voter fraud and reassure voters that U.S.
Davis Pratt J. Andrews Warren Jordan Wells elections are legitimate.
zlement.
n Brandy Andrews, 30, Warnock blasted that reasoning Wednesday as
was charged with posses- part of a “big lie of voter fraud as a pretext for vot-
sion of methamphetamine. er suppression.” He added that “the same big lie
n Caleb Gardner, 21, led to a violent insurrection on this very Capitol,”
was charged with posses- as Congress met Jan. 6 to certify President Joe
sion with intent to distrib- Biden’s victory.
ute. Republican lawmakers in Georgia and other
n Damion Davis, 34, states are considering severely curtailing absen-
Hogan Spinks Norwood Edwards Vaughn Jerrell
was charged with felony tee voting; eliminating automatic and same-day
taking of a motor vehicle fice: hold for other agency. sion of a controlled sub- voter registration; and cutting back on early vot-
and failure to appear. n Sharon Jordan, 39, n Michael Spinks, 54, stance. ing opportunities, including Sunday “souls to the
n Fitzgerald Pratt, 36,was charged with domes- was charged with burglary n Jessie Jerrell, 24, was polls” voting days that are especially important
was charged with posses- tic violence-aggravated other than a dwelling. charged with possession to Black churches where parishioners lean over-
sion of cocaine. assault. n Elmer Norwood, 37, of a controlled substance. whelmingly Democratic.
n Jeremy Andrews, 30, n Ted Wells, 38, was was charged with a circuit
was charged with posses- charged with possession court order.
sion of methamphetamine. of a weapon by a felon, pos- n Lenquarius Ed-
n Louis Warren, 51, session of a stolen firearm, wards, 24, was charged
was charged with felony possession of marijuana with possession of a sto-
burglary-breaking inner more than 30 grams, care- len firearm, disregarding
door of dwelling. less driving and no drivers traffic signal, no drivers
license. license and false informa-
The following arrests n Jamichael Hogan, 21, tion.
were made by the Oktib- was charged with grand n Samuel Vaughn, 23,
beha County Sheriff’s Of- larceny, no insurance and was charged with posses-

SOLUNAR TABLE
The solunar period indicates
peak-feeding times for fish and game.
Thurs. Fri.
Major 4:45a 5:31a
Minor 10:35a 11:11a
Major 5:08p 5:54p
Minor — 12:44a
Courtesy of Mississippi Department
of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

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Opinion
4A THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 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

OUR VIEW

A single business shouldn’t stop an otherwise prudent code change

W
hen considering code of its codes. enhanced safety measures do tion Association estimates the needed to protect the public, it
regulations, cities Most prominent in Tues- not appear to be inappropriate. cost of retrofitting a commer- should stand firm.
are often required to day’s discussions was a But on the other side of the cial building with a sprinkler This speed bump shouldn’t
walk a fine line. On one hand, proposed code amendment coin, there is a cost associated system is $1.35 per square halt an otherwise prudent
codes are an essential part of that would require a business with adding a sprinkler sys- foot. That means it would cost code change. Either “grandfa-
protecting the public. On the where alcohol is served that tem, one that could potentially $6,750 to equip a 5,000 square thering in” Level III’s current
other hand, an overzealous has an occupancy of more than threaten a business’ ability to foot building with sprinklers. lack of sprinklers or allowing
approach to codes can harm 300 people to be equipped with remain open. Only the business owner them to phase in the changes
the viability of existing busi- a sprinkler system. According to Starkville Fire can determine whether the seem reasonable alternatives
nesses and discourage future The public safety argument Marshall Mark McCurdy the requirement is cost-prohibitive. to scrapping the code change
development. for adopting this amendment new sprinkler requirement Yet the fact that the new altogether.
The city of Starkville is should be obvious. There is a would affect just one existing requirement affects only one The most important factor is
now in the process of walking long and tragic history of night- business — Level III bar. business appears to have given determining whether or not the
that line as it updates its code club fires. In fact, the deadliest “If this were to be adopt- city officials pause. They cer- amendment is justified.
requirements. U.S. nightclub fire occurred in ed, it would require that one tainly don’t want the perception What do the fire experts
During Tuesday’s regular Natchez in 1940, when boarded business (Level III) to either that they are singling out a sin- recommend?
meeting the Starkville Board up windows, flammable decora- sprinkle his building or go out gle business, nor do they want City officials should follow
of Aldermen held the first of tions and overcrowding played of business basically,” Mc- to discourage future growth. those recommendations while
two public meetings to get a factor in the loss of 200 lives. Curdy said. If the city truly believes finding a reasonable solution
feedback on a planned update In that respect, requiring The National Fire Protec- a sprinkler requirement is for this single business.

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE CARTOONIST VIEW

Supports DiCicco for Ward 6
I have supported the councilman for
Ward 6 in the past, but this year, I am
voting for Jacqueline DiCicco. I hope you
will too.
When the Ward 6 councilman went in of-
fice our police department had 75 officers.
Today we have 58. Are we surprised there
is a crime surge? Our debt was manage-
able at the beginning of his term, but it’s
skyrocketed to over $20 million (a stagger-
ing 252% increase). During the 12 years of
the councilman’s tenure, the city has not
accounted for its computers, vehicles, and
other fixed assets. And it’s the council’s job
to keep the mayor in check.
That’s why on April 6th, I plan to vote for
fresh, new leadership by doing my part in
putting Jacqueline DiCicco in office. DiCic-
co will serve with the same dedication,
focus, and work she’s practiced throughout
her life. I look forward to her bringing new
ideas and energy to city hall. She will be a
good steward of our tax dollars. Columbus
has a lot of potential and could be a desir-
able place for retirees, like me. But not if
we keep with the same regime going in the
wrong direction.
Beating a long-time incumbent is tough
but together, with your help, it can be done.
The momentum is on DiCicco’s side! I
am doing all I can by putting a Jacqueline
DiCicco sign in my yard, making calls, and
going door to door. It’s my hope you will
consider doing the same in your neighbor-
hood. This is a critical moment in our city.
Election Day is April 6, and the winner
of the primary is the next councilperson.
There is no general election for this race.
Will you join me at the Brandon polling
location to vote for Jacqueline DiCicco to be
our next councilperson for Ward 6?
Dr. Sarah P. Sanders
Columbus
THE NATION
Doesn’t think state is positioned to We don’t need Biden’s infrastructure binge
D
remove income tax onald Trump did will not only create jobs Even if the United States needs
Our tax policy needs to be formulated on many bad things but also boost our eco- more investment in particular areas,
what’s best for Mississippi, not as the winds as president, but nomic productivity. But that doesn’t mean the federal gov-
blow from D.C., Harkins said Monday. he deserves a smidgen of the Reason Foundation, ernment should pick up the tab.
That makes for a good sound bite since credit for what he didn’t which issues a detailed The great majority of infrastructure
most Republicans want the people to do: go on an infrastruc- report each year on the assets are owned by state and local
believe that to put our government in a bath ture spending binge. He nation’s highways, found governments, and it’s their con-
tub and drown it, would make us all live vowed that under him, that the percentage of stituents who would gain the most
better. our roads, bridges and urban interstates rated in from resurfacing roads or bolstering
But the fact is, for every $1 we pay in waterways would be “the poor condition was lower bridges. If they are going to reap the
taxes, the government pays us $2.88. envy of the world.” He said in 2018 than a decade economic benefits of such invest-
Of all the states that are takers and that in 2016 and was still earlier. Likewise with ru- ments, shouldn’t they be willing to
givers to and from the federal government, saying it in 2020. But his Steve Chapman ral interstates. For other pay for them?
Mississippi is #3 in takers. main achievement was to major rural highways, just In fact, they seem to be unwilling.
Gunn and other supporters of the bill make “infrastructure week” a source 1.23% were in bad shape in 2018. The Center on Budget and Policy
say it could help Mississippi compete with of hilarity. The foundation’s most recent Priorities reports, “State and local
states that already don’t have a personal Now President Joe Biden is hoping report found that “the general quality infrastructure spending as a share of
income tax, including Texas and Florida. to do what Trump didn’t do, and he and safety of the nation’s highways gross domestic product is at its low-
When you think of Texas, you think of has support from such divergent has incrementally improved as spend- est point since the early 1980s.” But
oil and gas. groups as the AFL-CIO and the U.S. ing on state-owned roads increased the fact that these governments don’t
When you think of Florida, it’s tourists Chamber of Commerce. During his by 9 percent, up to $151.8 billion” want to use their own money doesn’t
and wealthy retirees. campaign, he made gaudy promises compared with the previous year. mean they won’t be happy to use cash
When you think of Mississippi, it’s tim- to “transform” our transportation net- Bridges? Notes Brown University that falls out of the sky.
ber and poultry processing plants. works, “revolutionize” railroads and economist Matthew A. Turner in That’s the political beauty of feder-
It’s easy to tell which states can make up urban transit, and upgrade water sys- The Milken Institute Review, “There al infrastructure packages: The bene-
the lost revenue. tems, broadband, bike lanes, home were more bridges in good condition fits are obvious to people getting new
Our politicians probably know what they weatherization and just about any- and fewer crumbling bridges in 2017 projects, but the costs are invisible.
want to do, but would like to play around thing else you could think of. Biden than in 1992.” Mass transit? The The timing of this push is also
with a little bit. could make the Pledge of Allegiance average age of public transit buses awkward, because the COVID-19 ca-
But whatever they do, it will probably be an infrastructure issue. has declined during that period. “All tastrophe creates so much uncertain-
another favor rewarded to the corporations His price tag for all this? Two told,” writes Turner, “investment ty about how we will live, work and
and wealthy, not the people. trillion dollars. His plan to pay for it? in the interstate, in bridges and in travel going forward. “I’m not sure
It’s in the Republicans bloodline to do Unspecified. The White House has public transit buses has matched or that at this time we want to be pour-
those things. indicated a preference for tax increas- exceeded depreciation over the past ing concrete or buying equipment
James Hodges es on the wealthy and corporations. generation.” until we see how much of this shakes
Steens When asked recently how she and As with most things that require out for a year or two,” University of
her fellow Republicans would react to money, infrastructure projects are Chicago economist Allen Sanderson
A letter to the editor is an excellent way to that idea, Sen. Susan Collins report- subject to the law of diminishing told me.
participate in your community. We request edly “burst out laughing.” returns. “Countries with undevel- Under Trump, “infrastructure
the tone of your letters be constructive and But even if there were a good way oped infrastructure are likely to week” went nowhere, time after time.
respectful and the length be limited to 450 to finance all this spending, there benefit from a relatively high level of But it may be that one thing worse
words. Political endorsements are limited to may not be good enough reasons. investment,” said a 2018 report by the than an infrastructure push that fails
one per letter-writer. We reserve the right to The need for a massive program has nonpartisan Congressional Research is an infrastructure push that suc-
edit letters for clarity, grammar and length. been greatly exaggerated, and so has Service. “Countries with well-devel- ceeds.
Letters may be emailed to voice@cdispatch. the likely payoff. oped infrastructure, like the United Steve Chapman is a columnist
com or mailed to The Dispatch, Attn: Letters We are told that our highways and States, are likely to benefit much and editorial writer for the Chicago
to the Editor, PO Box 511, Columbus, MS bridges are falling apart from lack of less from a disproportionately large Tribune. Follow him on Twitter at @
39703-0511. investment and that upgrading them investment.” SteveChapman13.
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 5A

Expanded testing part of Biden administration school plans

‘The time is now, and schools must $1.9 trillion COVID-19
relief bill recently passed
personal protective equip-
ment. It also can pay for
implementing a testing
system that will help keep
summit with the goal of
sharing best practices
act immediately to get students by Congress as a way to
accomplish that. As part
more nurses, counselors
and janitors, and summer
students, educators and
staff safe inside school
and connecting leaders,
educators and students
safely back into school buildings’ of that effort, first lady school. buildings,” she said in a from across this country
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona Jill Biden visited a school Also Wednesday, the statement. who are navigating this
in New Hampshire on Department of Health Cardona said a sum- challenge together and
BY CAROLYN THOMPSON schools must act imme- Wednesday. and Human Services an- mit scheduled for next finding creative solutions
The Associated Press diately to get students The states will share nounced $10 billion for Wednesday will give ed- to support our students
safely back into school $122 billion for K-12 states to support school ucation leaders, teachers and bring them back to
Pushing forward with buildings,” Education schools, with allocations COVID-19 testing pro- and students an oppor- in-person learning,” Car-
its plan to reopen schools Secretary Miguel Cardo- ranging from $285 million grams. tunity to share their ex- dona said.
this spring, the Biden ad- na said Wednesday. for Vermont schools to Most public schools periences in reopening
ministration is expand- President Joe Biden, $15 billion for California, haven’t been able to afford schools. The Education
ing coronavirus testing who was inaugurated on according to the Educa- the robust testing seen as Department said first
for teachers, staff and Jan. 20, has pledged to tion Department. critical to reopening safe- lady Jill Biden will deliv-
students and convening have most elementary The money can be ly, said Randi Weingarten, er opening remarks. Dr.
a summit for educators and middle schools open used to reduce class sizes president of the American Rochelle Walensky, head
to share “best practices” to instruction by the end and modify classrooms to Federation of Teachers. of the Centers for Disease
for returning kids to the of his first 100 days in of- enhance social distanc- “With this investment, Control and Prevention,
classroom. fice. The administration ing, install ventilation help truly is on the way also will speak.
“The time is now, and has been promoting the systems and purchase to aid school systems in “We are holding this

AREA OBITUARIES
COMMERCIAL DISPATCH Home. Spring, Michigan, North Mississippi Med- Arrangements are
OBITUARY POLICY Grave- Caldonia Clark of Rog- ical Center in Tupelo. incomplete and will be
Obituaries with basic informa-
side ers, Arkansas, Floyd Graveside services announced by Carter’s
tion including visitation and Linda Burns
service times, are provided services Clark of Baltimore, will be at 11 a.m. at Funeral Services of Incomplete
free of charge. Extended obit- will be at Maryland, Willie Mae Pheba Community Columbus. 2nd Ave. N. Location
uaries with a photograph, de- 11 a.m. Summers of Colum- Cemetery in Pheba,
tailed biographical information Friday, at bus, Emogene Liddell with Willie B. Lairy
and other details families may Christian Clark of Columbus, James officiating. Visitation Ellis Rinehart
wish to include, are available Clark of Macon, Marie will be from 10:30-11 COLUMBUS — Ellis
Love M.B.
for a fee. Obituaries must be
Church Cemetery in Chambers of Hartford, a.m. prior to services at Wendell Rinehart, 62,
submitted through funeral died March 17, 2021, at
homes unless the deceased’s Macon, with Ricardus Michigan, Edward the cemetery. Carter’s
body has been donated to sci- Mixon officiating. Clark of Bowie, Mary- Mortuary Services of his residence.
ence. If the deceased’s body Visitation is from 2-6 land, Charles Clark of West Point is in charge Arrangements are
was donated to science, the p.m. today, at Carter’s Columbus, Sylvester of arrangements. incomplete and will be memorialgunterpeel.com
family must provide official
Funeral Services. Car- Clark of Seattle, Wash- Mr. Hogan was born announced by Lown-
proof of death. Please submit ington and Patricia Feb. 15, 1941 in Pheba,
ter’s Funeral Services des Funeral Home of
all obituaries on the form pro-
vided by The Commercial Dis- of Macon is in charge Dooley Columbus; sib- to the late Nash Hogan Columbus.
patch. Free notices must be of arrangements. Mrs. lings, Willie L. Hubbart and Ruth Hogan. He
submitted to the newspaper Clark was born July 18, and Roosevelt Hubbart was formerly employed
no later than 3 p.m. the day 1936, in Scooba, to the both of Erie, Pennsylva- as a mechanic with
prior for publication Tuesday late Ezell Mayberry nia; 37 grandchildren; General Motors.
through Friday; no later than 4
and Mattie B. Mayber- 27 great-grandchildren;
p.m. Saturday for the Sunday
edition; and no later than 7:30 ry. She was a member and one great-great- Linda Burns
a.m. for the Monday edition. of Christian Love M.B. grandchild. COLUMBUS — Lin-
Incomplete notices must be Church. da J. Burns, 73, died
received no later than 7:30 In addition to her Joe Jones March 18, 2021, at Bap-
a.m. for the Monday through parents, she was COLUMBUS — Joe tist Memorial Hospital
Friday editions. Paid notices Lee Jones, 93, died Golden Triangle.
preceded in death by
must be finalized by 3 p.m. for
inclusion the next day Monday her husband, Willie D. March 17, 2021. Arrangements are
through Thursday; and on Clark; son, Major Tate; Arrangements are incomplete and will be
Friday by 3 p.m. for Sunday siblings, John Mayber- incomplete and will be announced by Memori-

Roy Smith
and Monday publication. For ry, Tommie Mayberry announced by Carter’s al Gunter Peel Funeral
more information, call 662- and Mary Thompson; Funeral Services of Home and Crematory,
328-2471.
stepmother, Evalina Columbus. Second Avenue North
Mayberry; two grand- location. Roy Harvey Smith, 85, of
Josephine Clark children; and two Charles Hogan Columbus, Mississippi, passed
COLUMBUS — Jo- great-grandchildren. WEST POINT Davartex Fisher away quietly at his home on
sephine Adams Clark, She is survived by — Charles Anthony COLUMBUS — Da- January 20, 2021.
84, died March 8, 2021, her children, Mattie Wayne Hogan, 80, died vartex Fisher, 28, died Roy, the oldest of four
at Aurora Nursing C. Vergot of Berrien March 10, 2021, at March 17, 2021. siblings, was born on January
23, 1935, in Jefferson County,

Wayne Parker
MS to Harvey and Ruth Smith.
After graduating high school in
Red Lick, MS, Roy joined the
United States Marine Corps, and he served his
Breyer mum as some liberals Charles Dewayne Parker, 61,
of Columbus, MS passed away
Monday, March 15, 2021, at his
country in Korea and Japan during the time of
the Korean Conflict. During his time as an active
urge him to quit Supreme Court residence.
A visitation will be Thursday,
Marine, he became a skilled marksman, and he
honed those skills all his life. After receiving
82-year-old Justice Stephen Breyer is March 18, 2021, from 6:00-8:00 his honorable discharge, he went to work with
PM at Lowndes Funeral Home. South Central Bell Telephone Company, where
the oldest member of the court and The funeral service will be he retired after 39 years. After a whirlwind
Friday, March 19, 2021, at 2:00 courtship, he married his sweetheart Opal in
has served more than 26 years since PM at Lowndes Funeral Home 1975, and they had a long, loving marriage of 44
Chapel with Bro. Joe Fondren years.
his appointment by President Clinton officiating. Interment will be at Crossroads Roy was a quiet man, a hard worker, and his
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS is time for Breyer to go, Baptist Church Cemetery, Carrollton, AL favorite pastime was being outdoors and walking
without delay. Other liber- with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS in the woods. He valued the simple pleasures
WASHINGTON — al voices have said Breyer directing. of being at home with his family, having a good
Forgive progressives who should retire when the Mr. Parker was born on November 1, 1959, meal, and reading a good book. He was proud to
aren’t looking forward to court finishes its work for in Columbus, MS to the late Iva Mae Oglesby be a life member of the NRA. He treasured all the
the sequel of their person- the term, usually by early Parker and Charles Tillman Parker. He loved his family stories he had heard as a child growing
al “Nightmare on First summer. grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with up, and he enjoyed sharing them with his loved
Street,” a Supreme Court “He should announce his family, aunts, uncles, cousins. Mr. Parker ones. He was a loving and faithful husband to
succession story. his retirement immediate- was a loving husband and father and known also his wife, a kind, proud, and generous father to
The original followed ly, effective upon the con- as “Warden” to his nieces. He was always willing his children, and a very proud and loving Papaw
Justice Ruth Bader Gins- firmation of his successor,” to help others and someone you can depend on. to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
burg’s decision to forgo University of Colorado law Mr. Parker was a devoted Christian, Deacon, and Roy and Opal were residents of Brookhaven, MS
retirement from the high professor Paul Campos Sunday School teacher of Crossroads Baptist for many years, but in their retirement moved
court, located on First wrote in The New York Church. He worked at Twin River Transportation to Ethelsville, AL. They loved living there, and
Street in Washington, Times on Monday. as a Diesel Mechanic for 45 years. Mr. Parker Roy often said “the air just smells better in the
when Democrats con- Campos’ plea stems country!” In their golden years, Opal and Roy
was a member of Bud Price Motorcycle Riders
trolled the White House from the Democrats’ tenu- enjoyed spending time with family, watching
and enjoyed riding and traveling with his friends.
and the Senate during six ous hold on power. wildlife in their backyard, going on drives along
years of Barack Obama’s
He also enjoyed deer hunting.
A Democrat, President country roads, and looking for collectibles at
presidency, until 2015. In addition to his parents, Mr. Parker is
Joe Biden, lives in the
preceded in death by his sister, Debra Luker. local shops.
Despite some pointed White House and his par-
warnings of what might Mr. Parker is survived by his wife, Kathy Roy was preceded in death by Opal, who
ty runs the evenly divided
happen, Ginsburg re- Senate only because the Jaynes Parker of Columbus, MS; son, Blake passed away in 2019. He was also preceded
mained on the bench un- tie-breaking 51st vote be- (Monica) Parker; grandchildren, Riley and in death by his mother, father and his brother,
til her death last year at longs to Vice President Ka- Sarah; nieces, Chellie (Larry) Pittman, Crystal Lucien “Pete” Smith.
age 87. President Donald mala Harris. Luker and Stephanie (Daniel) Luker. He is survived by his children, Caryn Amaris
Trump replaced the liberal But there is no margin Pallbearers will be David Falls, Tommy (Smith) Robinson and husband Jonathan, Jesse
icon with a young conser- for a senator’s death or Fondren, Jim Hancox, Buddy Henry, Jimmy Scott Smith and wife, Debra, Gail Boggan and
vative, Justice Amy Coney incapacitating illness that Henson, Wayne Henson, Darwin Holliman and husband, Bob, John Bullock and wife, Dana;
Barrett, and cemented a could instantly flip control Tommy Yates. grandchildren, Brent, Kimberly and Lindsey
6-3 conservative majori- to Republicans. Campos Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons Boggan, Krisha and Christopher Bullock, Gage
ty on the court just over a noted that the party com- of Crossroads Baptist Church, Twin River Querns, Logan and Andrew Smith and Eli
month before he lost his position of the Senate has Employees, Peggy Youngblood, Kathy Henry, Robinson; great-grandchildren, Mason Bullock,
bid for a second term. changed more often than Ernie Jacobsen, Tonya Moore and staff of Jaco Harper Bullock-Hargrove, Maddie Sanford,
In the updated version, not in each two-year ses- and Ladies of Bud Price Motorcycle Riders. Adrian Querns and Hailyne Courtney; sisters,
82-year-old Justice Stephen sion of Congress since the Memorials may be made to Crossroads Baptist Ruby Dickerson (John) and Margie Whittington
Breyer plays the leading end of World War II. Church Building Fund 1811 Lewis Crossroads (James); sister-in-law, Betty Jean Smith; and
role. He is the oldest mem- Breyer has remained Rd. Carrollton, AL 35447. nieces and nephews.
ber of the court and has mum about his plans, at Compliments of Roy’s life will be celebrated and his and
served more than 26 years least publicly. His last Lowndes Funeral Home Opal’s ashes laid to rest in a private memorial
since his appointment by comment on the topic of www.lowndesfuneralhome.net ceremony for the family on April 17, 2021. Cards
President Bill Clinton. retirement was made to & memorials may be sent to the family at 153
With spring comes the Slate’s Dahlia Lithwick in
Cooper Road, Columbus, MS 39702.
start of the period in which an interview published in
many justices have an- December. “I mean, even- cdispatch.com Compliments of
nounced their retirement. tually I’ll retire, sure I will,” Lowndes Funeral Home
Some progressives say it Breyer said. www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
6A THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Bye Alpha, Eta: Greek alphabet

ditched for hurricane names
World Meteorological Organization: Practice was Braylen, Caridad and Deshawn and
ending with Will. There’s a new
confusing and put too much focus on the Greek back-up list for the Eastern Pacific
that runs from Aidan and Bruna to
letter and not on dangerous storm it represented Zoe.
Meanwhile, the National Ocean-
BY SETH BORENSTEIN when the Atlantic runs out of the ic Atmospheric Administration is
AP Science Writer 21 names for the year, saying the recalculating just what constitutes
practice was confusing and put too an average hurricane season. If it
With named storms coming
much focus on the Greek letter and follows the usual 30-year update
earlier and more often in warmer
not on the dangerous storm it repre- model, the new “normal” season
waters, the Atlantic hurricane sea-
son is going through some changes sented. Also, in 2020 with Zeta, Eta would have 19 percent more named
with meteorologists ditching the and Theta, they sounded so similar storms and major hurricanes. And
Greek alphabet during busy years. it caused problems. prominent hurricane experts want
But the Atlantic hurricane sea- The Greek alphabet had only meteorologists to rethink how they
son will start this year on June 1 been used twice in 2005 and nine warn people about wetter, nastier
as traditionally scheduled, despite times last year in a record-shatter- storms in a warming world.
meteorologists discussing the idea ing hurricane season. “Climate change is real, and it
of moving it to May 15. Starting this year, if there are is having an impact on tropical cy-
A special World Meteorological more than 21 Atlantic storms, the clones,” University of Albany atmo-
Organization committee Wednes- next storms will come from a new spheric scientist Kristen Corbosie-
day ended the use of Greek letters supplemental list headed by Adria, ro said.

Martinez
Continued from Page 1A
“The letter you found learned to be inaccurate. Richardson, who treated in a stable mental state is
implicated another sus- Is that right?” Calderón Martinez at the home and to repeat the question.
pect, that being Paul said. during the drive to the “So you killed your
Vega, right?” Calderón “I wouldn’t say that,” hospital. son-in-law and burned his
asked, naming a friend of Cooper responded. Richardson said Mar- body?” Richardson asked.
Vasquez. Following Cooper’s tes- tinez was conscious but “ … She said, ‘I shot him
“Correct,” Cooper said. timony, the prosecution not communicative at the first, then I burned him.’”
Cooper said after leav- called on Greg Nester, home, but revived on the During cross-exam-
ing the Vasquez home, he a crime scene specialist way to the hospital, ask- ination, Calderón asked
went to Vega’s home with with Mississippi Bureau ing where she was. Richardson if Martinez
a search warrant and an of Investigations, who At that point, Richard- had said Paul Vega helped
arrest warrant and took detailed the forensic evi- son did an assessment on her kill Vasquez.
Vega into custody. dence found at the scene, her mental state, asking Richardson said yes.
Calderón then con- which included potential standard questions used Calderón then ques-
firmed through Cooper blood evidence found on all patients which she tioned whether Marti-
that Vega was released downstairs in the master described as “person,
nez’s mental state was
the next day without ever bedroom, bathroom, laun- place, time and event.”
stable, asking Richardson
being charged. dry room and garage, two Richardson said Mar-
about pills Martinez had
“The information that bullet fragments found in tinez answered the ques-
taken before she arrived.
implicated (Vega) was in- the master bedroom and tions correctly.
sufficient,” Cooper said. human remains found by “At that point, I asked “She did tell me that
“There was not enough a cadaver dog outside the her what happened,” Rich- she had taken some pills,
evidence to hold Mr. Vega, residence. ardson said. “She said, but she didn’t say what
and he was released. The During cross-exam- ‘I want to die.’ So I asked kind,” Richardson said.
information that was ob- ination, Nester acknowl- her why. She told me it Judge Lee Coleman
tained was recanted.” edged that no forensic was because she killed suspended testimony at
Calderón seized on evidence was found up- her son-in-law and burned noon because of threats of
that. stairs where Martinez’s his body.” severe weather.
“So the only thing bedroom is located. Richardson said one of Testimony continues
you have to go on are The day’s last witness the techniques used to as- today.
statements that you later was paramedic Amy sess whether a patient is

Severe weather: Storms batter the South

Possible tornadoes in Alabama owns Moundville Ace
Hardware. and Building.
knocked down trees, toppled power “There’s a lot of trees
down. I guess it had to
lines and damaged homes be a tornado; it got out of
here pretty fast.”
BY JAY REEVES northeastern Louisiana Additional damage
The Associated Press across Mississippi into was reported in Loui-
Alabama was at high risk siana, Tennessee and
BIRMINGHAM, for big twisters that stay Mississippi, where vid-
Ala. — A wave of storms
on the ground for miles, eo showed an apparent
pounded the Deep South
straight winds up to 80 tornado at Brookhaven.
on Wednesday, leaving a
mph and destructive hail. High winds blew down
trail of splintered trees
and damaged buildings, Possible tornadoes signs and trees in north-
and forecasters said still knocked down trees, east Texas, and hail-
stronger ones were on toppled power lines and stones the size of base-
the way with the potential damaged homes in rural balls were reported near
for massive tornadoes, Chilton County and the the Alabama-Mississippi
downpours and hail the Alabama communities of line, the weather service
size of baseballs. Burnsville and Mound- said.
While nearly 16 mil- ville, where power was More than 70,000
lion people in the South- out and trees blocked a homes and businesses
east could see powerful main highway. were without power from
storms, the Storm Pre- “Downtown Mound- Texas to Alabama, and
diction Center said, a ville got it. Some roofs radar showed additional
region of about 3 million and stuff got taken off storms moving across
stretching from south- houses,” said Michael the region as initial clean-
eastern Arkansas and Brown, whose family up work began.

Business
Continued from Page 1A
should make it a business.” Also in Starkville, we have a new
Customers can reach out to McGee place to change your oil.
on Facebook, Instagram or they can call Take 5 Oil Change, 814 Hwy. 12, had
or text 870-917-8236. its grand opening last month.
McGee makes banana pudding, straw- The oil change franchise first opened
berry shortcake, brownies, cookies, tri- in the mid-1980s and has expanded to
fles, various cakes, petit fours and more. more than 500 franchises throughout the
If you’re interested in supporting this country.
new, incoming business to our area, Take 5 will be open Monday through
reach out to McGee. Her desserts are Friday 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-7
available for either pick up or delivery. p.m. and Sundays 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Manigo
Continued from Page 1A
lease said “a weapon was identified Fisher’s body, examiner’s office in Pearl
produced” and that Man- told The Dispatch Fisher for autopsy, Merchant
igo attacked Fisher. Fish- apparently died of stab said.
er was taken to Baptist wounds, though CPD in- Manigo is currently
Memorial Hospital-Gold- vestigators did not identi- in custody at Lowndes
en Triangle where he fy the weapon used in the County Adult Detention
died. murder. Center. His bond had not
Lowndes County Coro- Fisher’s body will be been set as of Wednesday
ner Greg Merchant, who taken to the state medical afternoon.
Sports
COLLEGE BASKETBALL
SPORTS LINE
662-241-5000 B
SECTION

THE DISPATCH n CDISPATCH.COM n THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021

Closed circuit: March Madness trip leads to life on lockdown

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS a glimpse of some green 67 games uninterrupted,
grass, this is their op- the NCA A has placed
INDI A NA POLIS tion. Their only option. players, coaches and
— At Victory Field in This is life at a basket- staff under a virtual lock
downtown Indianapolis ball tournament being and key. They don’t like
on Wednesday, a cou- played in a pandemic. calling it a bubble, but
ple of coaches running The unspoken message: semantics aside, there
laps around the warning If they came to India- is no straying between
track passed different napolis hoping for fun the team hotels, the ad-
diversions scattered and games, they are not jacent convention center
across the minor league in the right place — at for practice, meetings
ballpark. least not until tip-off. and 30 -minute windows
In one section, a bad- “I’m in a bed for, like, in the weight room, and
minton net. In others, a 15 hours a day,” Iowa Victory Field, home of
soccer ball and a foot- swingman Connor Mc- the Triple A Indianapo-
ball. No sign of a basket- Caffery said in describ- lis Indians.
ball. ing his new, austere rou- “We’ve been playing a
When the 1,500 or tine in Indy. lot of Spades,” Alabama
so players, coaches and It is, quite simply, how forward Herb Jones USA TODAY SPORTS
staff members in town things have to be over said. Indianapolis prepared to host the 2021 NCAA Division I basketball tournament on
for the NCA A Tour- the next three weeks. The Tar Heels might Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Indianapolis is hosting the entire tournament this
nament want to get a Starting Thursday, in an consider themselves year from the First Four to the National Championship game due to the coronavirus
breath of fresh air and attempt to get through See NCAA, 3B pandemic.

Six local MISSISSIPPI STATE FOOTBALL ANALYSIS

prep
powerlifters
punch tickets
Three burning questions heading into
to state
tournament
Mississippi State’s spring practices
BY THEO DEROSA
[email protected]

Cierra Crusoe didn’t

look.
The Columbus High
School sophomore
powerlifter didn’t even
glance at the board
bearing the amount of
weight she was about to
bear in a critical lift in
the MHSA A Class 5A
north state champion-
ship meet Thursday at
Lafayette High School.
Instead, Crusoe
looked at Falcons coach
Tyler Armistad, who
hadn’t told Crusoe how
much she was lifting
in fear of getting in her
head. Armistad jolted
his heavyweight lift-
er in action with three
simple words.
“Go lift it.”
That was all it took.
Crusoe completed her
See STATE, 3B

PREP ROUND UP
Starkville Jerome Miron/USA TODAY Sports

Academy Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach walks the sidelines during the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Amon G.
Carter Stadium.

baseball BY BEN PORTNOY

[email protected]
Starkville.
Jack Abraham arrives at
there’s reason to believe the
Southern Miss import will be
Blessed with arguably the
best footspeed of any receiver
picks up STARK VILLE — Mike
MSU as a walk-on, but his
ability is far from it. In 27
taking No. 1 reps when MSU
opens the season against Lou-
on the roster, senior JaVonta
Payton has played in the slot
three wins Leach’s second spring in
Starkville is taking on a dif-
career games at Southern
Miss, Abraham recorded over
isiana Tech on Sept. 4.
(This also doesn’t include
and on the outside during
his time in Starkville. So far,
in two days ferent look.
With the COVID-19 pan-
7,000 yards passing on 859
attempts. In 2019, he became
four-star prospect Sawyer
Robertson, who won’t arrive
that’s only amounted to 28 re-
ceptions for 372 yards and one
demic under slightly more
at Battle at control, Mississippi State is
just the third Golden Eagle
quarterback to ever throw
on campus until the summer
and could hypothetically fac-
touchdown, but the potential
is there to play opposite Wal-
expected to get a full spring
the Beach slate ahead of its maroon and
white game scheduled for
for more than 3,000 yards in
a season, while his 463-yard
tor into the competition as
well).
ley.
There are, of course, a
BY THEO DEROSA day against Troy was the sec- handful of other options that
April 17.
[email protected]
But things won’t be com-
ond-best mark in school histo- How does MSU balance its should give the Bulldogs a
ry. receiving corps? wealth of depth. California
pletely settled when MSU gets
OCEAN SPRINGS Most compelling, however, With Osirus Mitchell opt- transfer Makai Polk arrives at
back into the swing of things
— Micah McGee drove was Abraham’s 2018 season. ing to chase professional aspi- MSU after recording 36 recep-
over the next few weeks.
in three runs as the Taking over under center in rations, the Bulldogs are sud- tions for 478 yards and three
Here’s a look at some of the
Starkville Academy Hattiesburg following a spell denly in need of playmakers touchdowns in just 17 games
most pressing position battles
baseball team beat St. at Northwest Mississippi on the outside heading into with the Golden Bears. He’ll
heading into spring ball:
Martin 9-6 on Wednes- Community College, he fin- Leach’s second fall, though be expected to compete for a
day at the Battle at the ished third in the nation with they aren’t lacking for options. starting spot immediately.
Beach tournament in Is Will Rogers the de facto a 79.3 adjusted completion Most likely, it will be Jaden Freshman Lideatrick
Ocean Springs. No. 1 quarterback, or does percentage according to Pro Walley who becomes MSU’s “Tulu” Griffin and former
The Volunteers (10 - Jack Abraham supplant him? Football Focus under the guid- No. 1 go-to target, if he wasn’t four-star junior college re-
4) scored six runs in the Will Rogers was far from ance of then-offensive coordi- already. Bursting onto the cruit Malik Heath figure to
first inning as they won sharp when he was thrust into nator Shannon Dawson. Daw- scene during his first season get a handful of more oppor-
their third game in two a near-impossible situation of son, of course, is a longtime at MSU, Walley dazzled on- tunities in their second go-
days. relieving K.J. Costello early confidant of Leach and Hal lookers with his burst off the rounds. Griffin was a prolific
John Paul Buckner last season. But for as errat- Mumme disciple and Houston line of scrimmage and ability tool in the return game a year
and Porter Skelton each ic as Rogers was to start, he head coach Dana Holgorsen, to make catches in tight cov- ago but spent the bulk of the
drove in two runs. Skel- clearly improved over the fi- and his system closely mimics erage. Named a second-team year adding size to his 5-foot-
ton had two hits, includ- nal two months of the 2020 his mentors’ schemes. freshman all-American by 10 frame. Heath was a major
ing a home run, and season, completing at least Rogers heads into this The Athletic, he broke MSU’s fixture in last year’s puzzle,
Ayden Alsobrooks had 58 percent of his passes in all spring with a slight edge in the 43-year-old freshman receiv- and he’ll be expected to ele-
two hits. seven games he appeared in. competition if only since he’s ing record and became the vate his game in a larger role
Alsobrooks struck Yet for as much as Rogers spent a year in Leach’s sys- first pass catcher since Fred this season.
out seven in six innings progressed, it’s no guaran- tem, but given Abraham’s past Ross in 2015 to notch four con- MSU also brought in a
See PREP, 2B tee he sticks as the starter in success in an air raid scheme, secutive 100 -yard games. See MSU, 2B
2B THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

NCAA teams hit by COVID pauses take hope from antibodies

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS their legs — and lungs — season will turn out to was delayed after a letter and strongly encouraged opened with six straight
back in shape. have delivered some from the Justice Depart- to limit their movements to wins. They started Big Ten
INDIANAPOLIS — Evan Miyakawa, a measure of protection for ment warned the pro- the hotels where they are play with three straight
Baylor coach Scott Drew doctoral candidate in sta- March Madness. posed changes could vi- staying and the attached losses on their way to drop-
could sympathize with tistics at Baylor, broke “The whole season has olate antitrust laws. Now convention center where ping nine of 13 overall, but
Kansas counterpart Bill down how teams fared given us pause, right? But the DOJ is backing plain- practice courts and meet- they eventually bounced
Self when the Jayhawks this season when they you can only do so much,” tiffs against the NCAA in ing rooms are set up. back late in the season
had a positive COVID-19 emerged from pauses. Oklahoma State coach a case that will be heard There have been a trick- with victories over Ohio
test during the Big 12 He found an average drop Mike Boynton said. “It is by the Supreme Court, le of complaints about cold State, Michigan and Illi-
Tournament, forcing in adjusted efficiency not like the virus is going further complicating the food and not much to do. nois -- which all finished
them to withdraw and margin for teams follow- to just disappear. You re- situation. Baker went to Twitter on in the top seven of the final
putting their NCAA Tour- ing outbreaks was 0.016, spect it, you try to be dil- Earlier this week, Tuesday night to point out AP poll.
nament hopes in limbo. which corresponds to a igent but you can’t really NCAA President Mark the inequities some players Now, the Spartans will
After all, the Bears point-margin drop of 1.12 hide from it.” Emmert told The Asso- see. need to win Thursday’s
went through their own in a typical game. ciated Press he was frus- “Think you can defi- matchup in West Lafayette
pause this season. Twice. In other words, a team Not NCAA Property: trated by the delay in NIL nitely be grateful to play to reach the final 64 and
They struggled might- that analytics projected to reform and hoped rules this game while also un- play No. 6 seed BYU on
ily coming out of it, too, win by 4.2 points before
Players push for reform would be in place for the derstanding there’s more Saturday. That winner will
barely squeaking by the pause was projected on social media start of the next fall se- that should be on the table. face No. 3 seed Texas or
Iowa State before Kan- to win by 3.1 afterward. INDIANAPOLIS — mester as was originally Players ISOLATED entire No. 14 seed Abilene Chris-
sas dealt them their only The Bears wound up be- Several prominent play- intended. year to help make this tour- tian on Monday.
regular-season loss. They ing one of the most nega- ers at the March Madness But there is a good nament happen. NCAA: “I’m not worried about
still have not looked like tively affected teams. basketball tournament chance the gridlock rewarded w/ $900 million. facing anybody in this
the national title contend- Other teams, such as took aim at the NCAA on doesn’t let up until after Players: rewarded w/ free tournament,” Izzo said. “I
er they were before the Iona, actually fared bet- social media Wednesday, the Supreme Court hands deodorant and small boxed don’t feel comfortable with
pauses. ter coming out of pauses. demanding changes to down a decision. meals,” Baker tweeted. UCLA and BYU or Texas,
“ My heart went out But regardless of how how they are allowed to “I know the members Player empowerment but I don’t feel afraid of
to them,” Drew said of they performed — better be compensated in the lat- are ready, willing and has been one of the themes UCLA, BYU or Texas or
the Jayhawks, “because or worse — what they est organized display of able to act on (NIL), but of this past year as college anybody else because we
I know how the players all have in common are power by college athletes. there’s no doubt that this sports strained to find truly, truly have played the
feel about that, and how the antibodies that those Isaiah Livers of Mich- is all been made more ways to play during the best teams in the country
tough it is on them, and teams brought with them igan, Geo Baker of Rut- complex because of their pandemic. Football players on a night-in and night-out
I know the concerns the gers and Jordan Bohan- from the Pac-12 threatened
to the dance. position, the DOJ, the an- basis, and especially in the
coaching staff will have non of Iowa were among boycotts over concerns
“We would hope if a titrust division’s position last two to three weeks.”
to have with safety going those pushing for NCAA about COVID-19 protocols,
group has been exposed and our uncertainty about With all the complica-
forward.” reforms with the hashtag social justice issues and
and infected previous, it and its connection to tions this season, Izzo is
Then again, maybe #NotNCAAProperty. The economic rights for college
their probability of expe- the Supreme Court case,” simplifying the situation.
coaches won’t be quite as athletes, who are stay- athletes.
riencing an outbreak or Emmert said. “I still want to win the
concerned. ing at hotels a short walk Players also led move-
several members being Critics say the NCAA is weekend,” he said. “The
All those pauses that from NCAA headquarters ments to play after the Big
infected would be less,” years overdue in address- weekend just became a lit-
27 of the 68 teams in the in downtown Indy, are Ten and Pac-12 canceled
said Dr. Dana Hawkin- ing name, image and like- tle longer. So, in this year
NCAA Tournament went urging the association to their fall football seasons
son, medical director of ness issues, and college of the pandemic, in this
through during the sea- allow them to earn mon- — only to reverse course
infection prevention and sports leaders have only year of 2020-21, I might
son could end up benefit- ey for things like spon- and play abbreviated sea-
control at the University themselves to blame for as well experience some
ting them now that they’ve sorship deals, online en- sons.
of Kansas Health System. giving state lawmakers more new things.”
arrived in Indianapolis. dorsement and personal Now as players gather
“People who have been in- the opportunity to force Aaron Henry, a junior
Players, coaches and staff appearances. in the NCAA’s hometown
fected still have a possibil- “The NCAA OWNS the issue. forward from Indianap-
members who tested pos- for its signature event they
ity of being reinfected; we my name image and like- “They lead from be- olis, leads the Spartans
itive still have lingering are again speaking up.
just hope they have less ness,” Baker tweeted. hind,” said David Rid- with 15.3 points and 5.7
antibodies, making them “OUR VOICES WILL
less susceptible to getting risk of disease, severe dis- “Someone on music schol- path, associate professor rebounds per game. Joey
ease, death and transmit- of sport management at BE HEARD. #NotN- Hauser, another junior for-
COVID-19 again — and arship can profit from an CAAProperty,” Morsell
potentially forcing their ting the virus to others.” album. Someone on ac- Ohio University and a for- ward averages 9.7 points
That’s why teams that mer compliance officer tweeted. and 5.7 rebounds. Senior
team to withdraw from ademic scholarship can
the biggest tournament of have had COVID-19 still have a tutor service. For for Division I schools who guard Joshua Langford
their lives. don’t have freedom to run ppl who say “an athletic has been a sharp critic of Michigan St, Izzo in averages 9.6 points per
“While you can be- amok in Indianapolis. scholarship is enough.” the NCAA. new spot as First Four contest.
come reinfected with Having had the dis-
ease might lower the
Anything less than equal With dozens of states
working on NIL-relat-
participants Michigan State has had
11 players start at least five
COVID, and it looks like rights is never enough. I INDIANAPOLIS —
new variants may be amount of stress on some am #NotNCAAProperty” ed bills, the NCAA has Michigan State and coach games. UCLA coach Mick
able to evade some of the players and coaches, but The tweets were post- turned to Congress for Tom Izzo are in an unfamil- Cronin is impressed with
immune response, rein- every member of a team’s ed on the eve of the tour- help in the form of a fed- iar position. how Izzo has made it work.
fections are not that fre- travel party must still nament. Because of the eral law. The athletes de- Last time there was an “He’s got a different
quent,” said Dr. Tara Kirk test daily. They remain pandemic the event is cided enough is enough NCAA Tournament, the kind of team this year be-
Sell, a former Olympic confined largely to their being played entirely in and grabbed the spotlight Spartans reached the Fi- cause he’s played many,
swimmer and an assistant hotel rooms, unless they Indiana with all 68 teams as the nation’s attention nal Four in 2019 -- the most many different lineups
professor in the Depart- are headed to practice staying in what the NCAA turns to the tournament. recent of eight trips under -- they can change at the
ment of Environmental or some other approved describes as a “controlled Livers, the sec- Izzo. drop of a hat and go with
Health and Engineering event. Masks remain environment.” Players are ond leading scorer for This time, Michigan different guys, so there’s
at Johns Hopkins. “I’d ubiquitous, hand-washing largely limited to their ho- top-seeded Michigan, State needed a late surge a lot of personnel for our
imagine players who have pervasive. tels, practices and games. simply Tweeted: “I am just to get into the Big guys to digest becuase
had COVID-19 are less “It’s how the world The tournament gener- #NotNCAAProperty” Dance, and they’ll have they play so many guys,”
likely to get it now.” is right now,” Oklaho- ates nearly $900 million Bohannon has been a to win an extra game, he said. “Some of that is
Nobody knows quite ma State forward Cade in revenue for schools vocal proponent for NCAA too. The Spartans (15-12) him searching, and some
how effective antibodies Cunningham said with a and conferences from reforms that give athletes will face UCLA (17-9) on of it’s strategy to match up
are, nor how long they shrug. “We just try to take the NCAA’s media rights more rights. Earlier this Thursday in a First Four with his opponent.”
last. But recent research care of ourselves, test deal with CBS and Turner year he was among sever- matchup of No. 11 seeds in Cronin said as long as
suggests someone who negative as many times as Sports to broadcast the al college athletes in Iowa the East Region. Izzo is around, the Spar-
has recovered from we can and stay positive, games. to publicly back the state Izzo is just thankful to tans are a threat.
COVID-19 has a measure I guess.” “It’s become clear to legislature’s NIL bill. be playing, all things con- “It means we’ve got to
of immunity for eight Even then, the virus even the biggest NCAA “It’s been far too long,” sidered. beat a Hall of Fame coach,”
months, possibly longer. can slip through the apologist that we are play- he tweeted. “Time for our “You know and I know Cronin said. “One thing
That could be good best-laid plans. That was ing this tournament pri- voices to be heard. #Not- that three weeks ago no- about coach Izzo -- the
news for nearly half the the case when a referee marily to deliver content NCAAProperty” body gave us a chance, reason he has survived so
field, and especially good tested positive early this to media rights partners,” Among the other play- including probably most long and he’s had such a
for Baylor, Florida State, week. He and five others said ESPN’s Jay Bilas, ers who jumped on board of you and probably even great career is that they’re
Drexel, Grand Canyon, who went out to dinner a former Duke player. throughout the day were me,” Izzo said. “We fought never easily defeated. He
Iona and Norfolk State. were sent home before “That’s what this season Baker’s Rutgers teammate our way through, and that refuses to give in. That’s
Those six schools en- the tournament even be- was about.” Ron Harper; Creighton took some courage and why he was able to rally his
dured two pauses; the gan. The NCAA is in the star Marcus Zegarowski; guts, and I’m proud of team.”
Gaels of coach Rick Piti- “It’s not ever going to process of trying to Maryland’s Darryl Mor- them for that.” UCLA counters with a
no went 16 days during be perfect in a pandem- change its longstanding sell, the Big Ten defensive It’s fitting that the Spar- trio of sophomore guards.
one and 51 days during ic,” NCAA vice president rules to allow athletes to player of the year; Colo- tans will have just a little Johnny Juzang has aver-
the other, the longest that Dan Gavitt said. “I don’t profit from their names, rado standout McKinley bit tougher road ahead aged 14 points per game
any team was inactive this think there’s something images and likenesses. Wright; Villanova’s Jer- than most of the qualifiers. in his first season since
season. that can be pinpointed as But those efforts have maine Samuels Jr., and Al- Even in the most difficult transferring from Ken-
Those who got the vi- a kind of failure here. Just bogged down since the abama’s Jahvon Quinerly. of years, Michigan State tucky. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
rus felt lousy for days or an unfortunate set of cir- start of 2021. While in Indianapolis, faced extra challenges. averages 11.7 points and
weeks. When they came cumstances.” The NCAA was sched- players are being shielded Izzo contracted 6.0 rebounds and Tyger
back, it often took sever- Perhaps the COVID-19 uled to vote on NIL legis- from the general public, COVID-19 early in the Campbell averages 10.5
al games for teams to get pauses throughout the lation in January, but that tested daily for COVID-19 season, yet the Spartans points and 5.6 assists.

MSU
Continued from Page 1B

plethora of talented first year players Erroll Thompson is gone, so what Zach Arnett and teammates a season Copiah-Lincoln Community College
in four-star receivers Teddy Knox and ago, burst onto the scene in playing teammates Jordan Davis and Tyrus
Antonio Harmon along with three- happens at linebacker? all three linebacker spots during the Wheat are back in the fold — though
star prospects Rodarius Thomas and For the first time in what seems 2020 campaign. With Thompson now they could play on the outside or even
Jacobi Moore. Junior college product like 20 years, Erroll Thompson will no out of the picture and sophomore Aar- move down toward the line of scrim-
Caleb Ducking, who didn’t see any ac- longer patrol the middle of the MSU on Brule slated to take on a role on mage.
tion last year, also figures to be in the defense. Thompson, who opted to the outside, it’s expected Watson will MSU finished the 2020 season fifth
mix for time this fall. chase professional opportunities over command the middle of the defense. in the SEC in total defense despite
In short, MSU has plenty of options returning for another season, will now This isn’t to say there won’t be a youthful unit. Now one year older,
to replace Mitchell’s production. The watch as sophomore Nathaniel Wat- some challenges to his throne. The Watson and his compatriots stand to
question here is moreso who sees the son presumably slides into his spot. Bulldogs signed four-star inside line- be a force in the middle of Arnett’s
field when, versus whether legit op- Watson, who received wide ac- backer John Lewis out of German- 3-3-5 scheme with another spring un-
tions exist. claim from defensive coordinator town in their 2021 class, while former der their belts.

Prep
Continued from Page 1B
on the mound. Colby Allen had three strikeouts in do 11-1 on the run rule in four innings. at Ocean Springs High School.
a scoreless frame. Starkville Academy scored four runs in the first The Vols broke a 2-2 tie with three runs in the
Starkville Academy will face Resurrection Cath- inning and added six in the second sixth inning.
olic at 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Biloxi High School. Alsobrooks had two doubles and drove in five Colby Allen led Starkville Academy with two
runs. Drew Williams pitched a complete game to hits, and Randall Futral drove in two runs.
Other scores earn the victory.
Prep Baseball Prep Softball
Starkville Academy 11, Hernando 1, four innings Starkville Academy 5, Ocean Springs 3, Tuesday At Gulf Coast Classic, Gulf Shores, Ala.
— at St. Martin Buckner struck out nine in a complete game as Tuscaloosa County 8, Caledonia 2, Monday
Earlier Wednesday, the Vols took down Hernan- the Vols beat Ocean Springs 5-3 on Tuesday night Fairhope (Ala.) 12, Caledonia 0, Monday
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 3B

NCAA
Continued from Page 1B
lucky. They’re among basketball, but the band plan here to give the circumstances sur- and at the convention of our players were so
the few teams not play- plays, the cheerleaders student-athletes the rounding the six ref- center was fine. good at it,” Gard said.
ing their first games in cheer and everyone gets opportunity to play the erees who were sent “ There may be teams It could be a long
Indianapolis. Instead, pumped for the next games successfully,” home this week — one that are being more three weeks, though
North Carolina will day’s action. NCA A vice president who tested positive and restrictive,” he said. the NCA A expects con-
face Wisconsin at Pur- This year, bands, Dan Gavitt said. “We’re five who were out with “But as long as teams ditions to improve when
due’s home court, 70 mascots and cheerlead- very confident the stu- him to dinner. It’s true, are staying in the con- 52 of these teams head
miles away. It means ers are staying at home dent-athletes, coaches Gavitt said, that they trolled environment, home following their
the Heels get to practice (at least through the and teams want that had not checked into we’re providing as losses over the first two
there, too. Elite 8), because teams environment to have their hotel when they much f lexibility as pos- rounds.
“Today, the monoto- are restricted to 34 the best chance to play went out and, so, were sible.” If a “trip” to the
ny is really going to be members for their trav- these games.” not officially in the Gavitt said takeaway Sweet 16 isn’t motivation
broken up,” coach Roy el squads. On Wednes- None of the 68 teams NCA A protocol. containers are piling enough, Gavitt dangled
Williams said. “We’re day, the four arenas in notified the NCA A they up in hallways as the this little carrot: “We’re
going to have two and Indianapolis (and the would have to with- “But it was not NCA A players order out, then going to take some
a half hours in the bus. ones in West Lafayette draw by Tuesday night’s staff that encouraged have the food delivered teams to Top Golf, where
... It hasn’t exactly been and Bloomington) were deadline. Gavitt said it meals to be had in to their rooms by staff we’ll have the whole fa-
Maui.” mainly empty, save for also was encouraging restaurants,” he said. who have been cleared cility to ourselves,” he
Or Spokane. Or Oma- the occasional deliv- that, of the 6,900 coro- “At no time was there to move around the ho- said.
ha. Or Raleigh. ery truck or work crew navirus tests analyzed direction to go have a tel. All of which fits in
Normally, on the heading in through a so far, only seven have meal at a restaurant Food isn’t all that’s with Gonzaga’s plan.
Wednesday before the service entrance. come back with positive outside the controlled being delivered. One “I brought a few golf
start of the tournament, Illinois Street, which results. He said players environment.” team ordered whiff le balls, a putter and I kind
parking lots at arenas cuts through the heart from Virginia, the only In addressing a smat- ball bats. Wisconsin of line up a water bottle
in cities such as those of downtown in front of team of the 68 not yet in tering of complaints coach Greg Gard said at the end of the room,”
would be open, with mu- the convention center, Indianapolis because of from holed-up players, a ping-pong table ap- said Corey Kispert of
sic playing, hot dog ven- was a veritable speed- a COV ID-19 outbreak Gavitt also said there peared in to the Badgers’ the top-seeded Bull-
dors working and fans way, with nothing more last week, would need was no specific instruc- team room Tuesday. And dogs. “Gotta make sure
in face paint streaming than typical lunchtime to clear three tests af- tion that players could the newest craze for the the game’s sharp by
in to take advantage of traffic passing the ter arriving in Indy on only be in their rooms Badgers: spikeball. the time springtime
free admission to team NCA A-sanctioned ho- Friday afternoon to be while at the hotel. He “I didn’t realize some comes.”
shootarounds. Cer- tels. approved to play Ohio said moving around the
tainly not much to see “We have no reser- on Saturday night. “controlled environ-
there in the way of real vations at all about the Gavitt also clarified ment” inside the hotels

State
Continued from Page 1B
lift to find she’d qual- very strong work ethic, “I’ve always told her to meet, he bowed his
ified for the Class 5A and she is a very natural do the best she can, so head and prayed, hop-
state tournament with athlete,” Blackwell said. she really tries to do ing he would qualify.
a total lift of 775 pounds “I really enjoyed see- what I’ve told her.” “I guess that prayer
across three events: ing her qualify because Used to weightlifting worked,” Jefferson said.
bench press, squat and she’s an athlete who will from his high school So did Jefferson’s
deadlift. She’ll be com- push herself.” days playing football for own immense willpow-
peting on April 16 in Crusoe, too, has the Falcons, Crusoe Sr. er — something shared
Jackson for a chance at seen a lot of improve- said it was an “out-of- by his fellow state qual-
a state title. ment from one year to body experience” see- ifiers. Blackwell said
“I’m hoping to win the next. She upped ing his daughter com- Baker’s ability to accept
the whole thing, get a her maximum by 10 -15 pete in the sport as well. coaching and her men-
ring, everything — just pounds from districts He’ll be there in Jackson tal toughness pushed
hoping for the best,” March 3 to north half next month as she goes her up from sixth in
Crusoe said. just more than a week for a state champion- north state from one
Crusoe is one of six later, and Armistad ship. year to the next.
local MHSA A powerlift- said he expects her to “I’m very proud of “When she sets her
ers who will be taking improve by the same her to see her excel in mind to it, she can do
part in the champion- margin by the time the sports or anything she
it,” Blackwell said. “I’m
ship event, which will state tournament rolls wants to do,” Crusoe Sr.
excited to see what
be held at the Missis- around. said.
she can do at the state
sippi Coliseum. Girls “She’s gotten a lot Crusoe began pow-
championship because I
will compete on April 16 stronger,” Armistad erlifting in the 2019-
know that her numbers
with boys the following said. “I think she’s built 20 school year, but
day. a great amount of con- COVID-19 canceled the can go up even further.”
“It felt great because fidence — not only in remainder of the sea-
some people don’t get her self-esteem but also son, including the state
to that point and some regarding some of the tournament. When Ar-
people don’t reach that abilities that she didn’t mistad put together his
level,” said New Hope know that she had. I team — which currently
junior Jeremiah Jeffer- think she’s grown tre- consists of five girls and
son, who qualified in the mendously as an indi- 10 boys — for the cur-
Class 5A boys heavy- vidual as well as a com- rent season, he made
weight division with his petitor.” sure Crusoe wanted to
performance in Oxford. Crusoe also plays bas- come back.
Jefferson finished ketball and competes in “Coach,” she told
third in the north half shot put for the Falcons’ him, “I’m in.”
with a total lift of 1,280 track and field team. At New Hope, Jeffer-
pounds. A standout on While Columbus’ bas- son too was in after fail-
the Trojans’ offensive ketball season wrapped ing to make the top five
line, Jefferson stayed up in late February, Cru- and qualify for state as
after football practice to soe has remained busy a sophomore in his first
put in extra powerlifting in her efforts to stay year lifting competitive-
work, according to Seth fresh in both shot put ly.
Stillman, who coaches and powerlifting. Her fa- “When I knew that
both sports. ther, Carlos Crusoe Sr., didn’t make it, I was
“He works really, re- said she’s practically al- like, ‘I’ve got to make
ally hard at it,” Stillman ways leaving one sport it this year,’” he said.
said. “He’s a great foot- and heading for the oth- “‘I’ve got to.’”
ball player, but he works er. Jefferson finished
his tail off in the weight “She doesn’t want first in his weight class
room.” to be mediocre, so she in the Region 1-5A tour-
Jefferson is one of tries to do the best she nament, held at Nesho-
four area football play- can in everything she ba Central High School.
ers to qualify for the does,” Crusoe Sr. said. Before the north state
state powerlifting tour-
nament. Starkville ju-
nior Javalon Gandy and
sophomore Eric Thom-
as punched their tickets
in Class 6A’s 242-pound
division, and West Point
junior Chris Dean qual-
ified in the 182-pound
weight class in Class
5A. Gandy lifted 1,300
pounds, Thomas fin-
ished at 1,250, and Dean
placed third with 1,150.
The Yellow Jackets
also saw junior Michaela
Baker qualify in the girls
165 -pound weight class.
Starkville girls power-
lifting coach Mauriesa
Blackwell said Baker
improved her form and
upped her maximum lift
by 55 pounds to reach
590 pounds and book
her berth in the state
meet.
“Michaela has a very,

Cheap thrills.
Go for a walk.
4B THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com

Column: Patriots reboot, but enough to win without Brady?

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS sponsible for all the Super of course, for the Patri- lichick seems to have an offs for the first time And the Patriots are load-
Bowls the Patriots won. ots to become automatic unusually free hand to in 12 years in the wake ing up like they believe
Watching Tom Brady A pair of tight ends as favorites in sports books spend this offseason as of Brady’s departure. the Super Bowl is their
win a Super Bowl while good as any on the mar- across the country to win he tries to undo the dam- While the Patriots were birthright, with or with-
his own team floundered ket. A wide receiver who another championship. age Brady’s departure watching at home, Brady out Brady.
should have been enough has flown under the radar. That ranking was lost caused the franchise. led Tampa Bay to a Super No, Newton didn’t
to put a scowl on Bill Be- Some badly needed help when Patrick Mahomes It’s enough to make Bowl win, picking up his come close to filling
lichick’s face, assuming on the defensive side. broke out in Kansas City even the spoiled New En- seventh championship Brady’s big shoes in his
there wasn’t one already Who knows, if Cam and Brady left for Tampa gland fan base a bit excit- ring — and first outside first season under center
permanently attached. Newton can find a way Bay. ed. And it seems to have of New England. for the Patriots. But he
Still, forgive Belichick to regain his throwing There certainly won’t lit a fire under Newton, The debate when didn’t have a lot to work
if he’s tempted to crack touch maybe Patriots fans be another run of six Su- who was underwhelming Brady decided to leave with either.
a smile now that Patriots can hope the glory days per Bowl titles in upcom- as Brady’s replacement was whether the quarter- Now he’s got a new
owner Robert Kraft seems return, and the road to ing years. Those kind of last season. back or the coach should pair of tight ends that
determined to make sure the Super Bowl can once things just don’t happen “When you realize get the credit for New were the best available
he’s got a chance to win again run through Fox- in the parity-driven NFL, things are already dif- England’s amazing suc- by far. Hunter Henry
another one himself. borough. and they won’t happen in ferent ... the second go cess over the years. Ex- and Jonnu Smith may not
A spending spree in Then again, with all of New England with Brady round!!” Newton wrote hibit No. 1 in any court of make Patriots fans for-
recent days has brought Kraft’s money that Beli- playing elsewhere. in a video he posted on- public opinion was Brady get Rob Gronkowski, but
New England a ton of new chick has been throwing But $60 million in line of him walking out holding yet another Su- they should give Newton
talent. Now it’s up to Beli- around, there might be salary cap space can of Gillette Stadium. per Bowl trophy, this time some big targets, espe-
chick to make his case in another quarterback in make the difference be- Belichick and the Pa- without the frowning Be- cially if Belichick reverts
the debate over whether it New England’s future, tween a 7-9 season and triots are certainly in lichick at his side. to the two tight end sets
was the coach or the quar- too. one that includes a trip need of another reboot For that to change, it that worked so well in the
terback who was most re- None of it is enough, to the playoffs. And Be- after missing the play- has to happen quickly. past.

Comics & Puzzles

DILBERT
Dear Abby
D
EAR ABBY: pression. Are you her discipline. However, I think
My fiancee receiving treat- she should start buying some
and I have ment for it? If of her “frivolous wants” herself.
been together you are seeing a I’m willing to buy her and my
for four years. I psychologist (and other children gifts when I can
have lost A LOT being medicated), and on special occasions on my
of people in my discuss this with single income, but Gabbi often
the person who is asks me for $10 here and $10
life, so I am used working with you. there. Because it’s more than I
to death. She, on You may need a can afford, I have to say no and
the other hand, change in your see her silent disappointment.
didn’t experience medication. I know the simple answer is
it until two years It isn’t sur- to not give in, but I want my
ZITS ago, when she prising that with daughter to learn that it’s OK
lost her grand- so much loss all to spend a little on herself here
father. The next at once in her and there. I’m not sure what
year, her mother life, your fiancee words to use to convince her.
passed, and
Dear Abby is grieving and de- Can you help? — MOM ON A
last year we lost pressed. Frankly, BUDGET
a child — her oldest — my while I might sug- DEAR MOM: Your daughter
gest she join a support group is old enough for an honest
stepson. for help in coping with the loss conversation with her mom.
Abby, she is so lost. She’s of her child, she may also need Start by telling her how proud of
no longer the same person help from a licensed mental her you are that she has shown
she once was, and I totally health professional. how disciplined and responsi-
understand that. I’m sad and Although you are tempted, ble she is because those traits
depressed, too, but she’s bad. I don’t think now is the time to will serve her well in years to
I love this woman like I have abandon your fiancee and her come.
GARFIELD never loved any other. I can’t children. Once she is stabilized, Tell her you feel bad about
picture life without her, but you may not want to leave at disappointing her when you
lately I have begun to wonder all. refuse her requests, but now
how it would affect me, her DEAR ABBY: My 13-, almost that she’s nearly 14, she’s
and the kids if I left. I’m not 14-year-old daughter, “Gabbi,” mature enough to understand
equipped to deal with someone is a shining star of responsibil- you are the sole wage earner,
else’s depression on top of my ity and being self-driven. She money is tight and her frequent
own. I have been trying, but I’m also likes nice things. requests put a strain on the
finding myself getting more and Gabbi has been babysitting budget. Then point out that she
more angry. What should I do? for my sister for several months has saved quite a bit of income
— TORN IN THE EAST and has saved almost every from her babysitting, and she
DEAR TORN: You mentioned penny, which amounts to hun- should direct some of it toward
that you, too, suffer from de- dreds of dollars. I’m proud of the items she’s asking you for.

CANDORVILLE
Horoscopes
TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (March You use your time well and your LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Your
18). There’s the option of stick- energy efficiently. As others heart is open for business, and
ing with what’s expected of you, observe how you focus yourself, you’re in for lively exchanges
but you get better results when they will decide straight away until closing time brings the wel-
you forget about the “mature” that you are not someone to come lull. In solitude, you can
move and fall into carefree mo- trifle with. They’ll approach in a rest, process and ready your
ments, finding and making fun, way that won’t waste your time. heart for another round.
letting go. You’ll take something GEMINI (May 21-June 21). VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.
you’re good at and raise it to By using your time, energy and 22). There is a thing you want
such an exceptional level that vitality very well, you let others because you’d like to see their
an elite world will open to you. know that you’re in control of faces when you get it. But if no
Taurus and Gemini adore you. your life. They will not try to de- one else could know, would you
Your lucky numbers are: 11, 5, rail you or distract you, because still want it? That’s the litmus
BABY BLUES 20, 14 and 28. they see the futility in that. test that will reveal your true
ARIES (March 21-April CANCER (June 22-July 22). heart’s desire.
19). Not only will you see what Emotional and physical bruises LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23).
others overlook but you’ll also work in the same way: They’re You need humor. It’s not an
turn these details and aspects tender until healed. You avoid option; it’s a requirement.
around in your mind until you touching them until one day, you Laughter releases the tension,
start to see how they might fit realize that there are no painful elevates your point of view, lifts
together in a more useful, inter- sensations associated with your mood and aligns you with
esting or lucrative way. the area. Today brings such a the people who get you on a
TAURUS (April 20-May 20). realization. soul level.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
21). Remember how noisy
places allowed for a raucous
time without the pressure of
conversation? With your longing
BEETLE BAILEY for such environments peaking,
you’ll still seize the opportunity
to work on developing communi-
cation skills.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec.
21). If all the options that used
to be readily available were on
offer now, you wouldn’t see the
golden opportunity of this day:
to seize what is within your con-
trol. Don’t wait for the change.
The change is you.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19). A new relationship will have
you seeing an old relationship
MALLARD FILLMORE differently. Certain history will
take on altered significance,
meaning and scale as though
you’re looking at it through
someone else’s prescription
glasses.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb.
18). The excitement comes
with a realization that you don’t
have to stay stuck -- you can let
go of something and, suddenly,
there’s wiggle room. Let go of
something else and you can
practically walk right out of that
jam.
FAMILY CIRCUS PISCES (Feb. 19-March
20). Most of the opportunities
blend into the background
with the stylish camouflage of
people wearing suits made out
of the wallpaper they are stand-
ing in front of. If you scan the
scene, you’ll miss it. You have
to really look.

Game, set and match

SOLUTION:
 The Dispatch • www.cdispatch.com THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 5B

Business
Treasury: $242 billion in new
relief payments already sent
Roughly 150,000 checks rized direct payments of up to $1,400 to
qualifying individuals.
worth about $442 million Treasury said the first batch of pay-
ments went to eligible taxpayers who
also mailed to individuals provided direct-deposit information on
their 2019 or 2020 tax returns. Includ-
BY MARTIN CRUTSINGER ed were people who don’t typically file a
AP Economics Writer return but who used a non-filers tool at
IRS.gov last year to be included in two
WASHINGTON — The Treasury earlier rounds of COVID-19 relief pay-
Department says it has sent out 90 mil- ments.
lion economic impact payments totaling Officials said additional batches of
$242 billion since President Joe Biden payments will be sent in coming weeks
signed a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief by direct deposit and through the mail
plan last week. as a check or debit card.
The bulk of those payments were No action is needed by most taxpay-
made by the IRS as direct deposits, ers to receive the payments, which will
which recipients starting seeing in their be automatic and similar to how people
bank accounts last weekend, officials received their first and second round of
said Wednesday. economic impact payments in 2020.
In addition, Treasury has mailed out The payments, which are being made
roughly 150,000 checks worth about to cushion the blow from the coronavirus
$442 million. pandemic, started with $1,200 payments
Processing of the payments began in the first round last spring and $600
last Friday, the day after Biden signed payments in a second round of payments
the American Rescue Plan, which autho- approved by Congress in December.

Wall Street closes higher after

Fed says will keep rates low
BY DAMIAN J. TROISE bank shares its concerns. patient about even talking
AND ALEX VEIGA Fed Chair Jerome about raising rates,” said
AP Business Writers
Powell’s remarks during Willie Delwiche, invest-
a news conference ap- ment strategist at All Star
Stocks closed higher
peared to do the trick. Charts.
Wednesday, reversing an
Major stock indexes had The S&P 500 rose
early slide after the Fed-
been down for most of the 11.41 points, or 0.3 per-
eral Reserve reassured
Wall Street that it expects day, led by another wave cent, to 3,974.12, recov-
to keep its key interest of selling in technology ering from a 0.7 percent
rate near zero through companies as bond yields slide. The benchmark
2023. rose, driving the closely index has now notched an
The central bank’s watched 10-year Treasury all-time high 14 times this
renewed commitment yield up to 1.68 percent at year. The Dow gained
to leaving rates at rock one point, the highest lev- 189.42 points, or 0.6 per-
bottom lows comes even el since January 2020. cent, to 33,015.37. The
as its latest economic After Powell spoke Nasdaq, which had been
forecast calls for growth stocks gradually pivoted down 1.5 percent, rose
of 6.5 percent this year higher and bond yields 53.64 points, or 0.4 per-
and for inflation to climb fell. The turnaround cent, to 13,525.20.
above 2 percent for the nudged the S&P 500 and Banks, industrial
first time in years. Wall Dow Jones Industrial Av- stocks and companies
Street has been anxious erage to all-time highs that rely on consumer
about the potential for and pulled the tech-heavy spending helped lift the
higher inflation to drive Nasdaq out of the red. market. Those gains out-
up bond yields further “He reassured the mar- weighed a pullback in
and has been looking ket that the Fed is going health care, utilities and
for signs that the central to the extent possible be other sectors.

LOCAL GAS PRICES

Source: gasbuddy.com

BUILDING PERMITS COLUMBUS

2.53 MURPHY USA
■ Tameka Givens; 5091 Hardy
Lowndes County Billups Road; set up mobile 1913-A US-45 N
March 17, 2021 home; owner
■ Richardson; 672 Bent Tree
Trail; construct pool; Sobley
■ Tameka Givens; 5091 Hardy
Billups Road; move mobile
2.54 TEXACO
2110 US-45 N

Pool Company
2.54 KROGER
home; Columbus Mobile
■ Tim Anderson; 9641 Wolfe
Homes 1829 US-45 N
Road; construct storage/shop;
■ McShella Harris; 85 Ray Har-
owner
■ Annie Rogers; 275 Farmers
ris Road; construct storage/ STARKVILLE
2.48 MURPHY USA
shop; owner
Market; set up mobile home;
West Malone ■ Robert and Amy More; 2073 1012 MS-12

■ Annie Rogers; 275 Farmers Hughes Road; construct s/f

Market; move mobile home;
Southern Housing
residence; McNeese Construc-
tion
2.49 TEXACO
416 MS-182 E

2.51 MARATHON
■ Tyshon Rogers; Lodge ■ John Gibbons; Breland Over-
Street; construct storage/ look; construct s/f residence; 405 Russell St.

shop; owner Don White Construction

Classifieds
Ads appear in The Commercial Dispatch,
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 THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 2021 n 6B

Apts For Rent: Other Lots & Acreage General Merchandise Motorcycles & ATVs

Employment COLEMAN
NEW HOPE AREA:
+/− 1 acre. Open land with
CAMPER FOR SALE, $150.
Need a little care.
’05 HONDA REBEL 250
Black, red & grey. Actual
RENTALS water & electricity nearby. Brown sofa w/ matching miles, 1,432. $1200.
Call us: 662-328-2424 TOWNHOUSES & APARTMENTS $17,900. Call or text, love seat & reversible 662−364−0120.
662−435−0401. pillows, $550.
General Help Wanted 1 BEDROOM Entertainment Center, $80.
Queen Mattress w/
PERSONAL CARE: Full or
part-time position available
2 BEDROOMS
3 BEDROOMS Garage Sales
railings, $75.
Call 662−549−5332. Community
at small personal care
LEASE, Ads starting at $12
© The Dispatch

home in Columbus, MS.

Must pass background DEPOSIT Two free signs Sporting Goods
check & health screening. Travel & Entertainment
Call Collegeview Personal AND Estate Sales ED SANDERS GUNSMITH
Care 662-327-9463. CREDIT CHECK Open for season!
Tue−Fri: 9−5 & Sat: 9−12 CALL & GET YOUR NAME
Lacy Estate Sale Over 50 years experience! ON THE LIST for Constance
FULL TIME CARPENTER 662-329-2323 2604 Boyd Rd.
Columbus, MS 39705
Repairs, cleaning, refin−
ishing, scopes mounted &
lovely talk show. Greatest
talent show in town!
needed for local company. Fri. March 19, 9am−4pm zeroed, handmade knives. Singers/comedians/group
Please contact (662) 570- 2411 HWY 45 N Sat. March 20, 9am−5pm Located: Hwy 45 Alt, North dancers. 310−993−9884
5570 for more info. COLUMBUS, MS Sun. March 21, 1pm−5pm
Selling partial estate with
some nice items. Turn off
of West Point, turn right on
Yokahama Blvd, 8mi & turn
or email kandeyessence
@yahoo.com. Sudoku YESTERDAY’S ANSWER

Sudoku Yesterday’s answer

Houses For Rent: North left on Darracott Rd, will Sudoku is a number-
THE COMMERCIAL Hwy. 45 onto Holly Hills see sign, 2.5mi ahead
placing puzzle based on
Five Questions:
DISPATCH Rd., Boyd Rd. is the 3rd shop on left.
is seeking a part time COLONIAL TOWNHOUSES. road to the right, watch for 662−494−6218. Sudoku
a 9x9 gridis a several
with num- 4 3 9 5 7 2 1 6 8
2 & 3 bedroom w/ 2−3 our estate sale signs. King
employee for approxim- ber-placing
given numbers.puzzle
The object 8 7 1 4 6 9 3 2 5

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

ately 2-3 hours of work per bath townhouses. $650 to bedroom suite, chest,
based onthe
is to place a 9x9
numbers 5 6 2 8 3 1 9 7 4
1 Semicircle
day. Driving required. $750. 662−549−9555. desk, 3 sewing machines,
Wanted To Buy
Must have reliable trans- Ask for Glenn or text. washer, dryer, older fridge, grid
1 to 9with
in theseveral
empty spaces 7 1 8 2 4 3 6 5 9
portation, valid driver's
blue willow, sofa, chairs,
TREADMILL given
so thatnumbers.
each row, eachThe 2 4 5 9 1 6 8 3 7
Peter’s pottery bowl,
license & auto insurance. Mobile Homes for Rent Looking to buy a working object
column and each 3x3 the
is to place box
McCarty Bird, pearl handle
numbers 3 9 6 7 8 5 2 4 1
contains the1sameto 9 number
in
$9 per hour plus mileage.
2 False
knife sets, stoneware, treadmill. Good condition.
Apply at our office at 516 3BR/2BA MH in New Hope. Call 662−251−6621. 1 2 4 3 9 7 5 8 6
$650 dep + $650/mo. foreign money, sm. bench, the empty spaces so
Main Street in Columbus only once. The difficulty 9 5 7 6 2 8 4 1 3
or via email to Mike Floyd No pets, quiet area. Leave Wedgwood, quilts, stamp that each row, each
collection, wicker set, level increases from
at [email protected] voicemail with full name &
musical instruments, Reed column and each 6 8 3 1 5 4 7 9 2
Mondayboxtocontains
Sunday.
3 Black
message, 205−712−6697.
3x3
Vehicles
Difficulty Level 3/17
& Barton and Oneida
stainless, baskets, Tools, the same number only once. The difficulty level
ROSES DAY SPA RENT A CAMPER! paintings, art, mid−century, increases from Monday to Sunday.
Licensed Nail Tech needed iron yard items, tools,
CHEAPER THAN A MOTEL! Ads starting at $12
4 Thirty-Mile
for pedicures, manicures & Utilities & cable included, curio, kitchen items,
shellacs. Good pay. 662- from $150/wk − $555/mo books, & we are still
327-7718, ask for Logan. unboxing their items. Autos For Sale
Zone
Columbus & County School
locations. 662−242−3803 See photos @
or 601−940−1397. www.estatesales.net 2015 GMC Canyon Pickup
Stewart’s Estate Sales white, 4 door, 4 cylinder,
THE COMMERCIAL Benny Shelton
DISPATCH extra clean, 137,000

5 Montréal
Columbus, MS miles. $13,000.
Real Estate
seeks a motivated, 662−251−1515
contracted carrier for the Call 662−312−6617.
Caledonia area. Excellent
opportunity to earn money Lawn & Garden
Ads starting at $25
for college. Must have
good transportation, valid
driver's license & insur- Farms & Timberland
Merchandise
ance. Delivers on Sunday
morning and Mon-Fri after- Ads starting at $12
noons. Apply at The Com- 203 ACRES
mercial Dispatch, 516 PRIME TIMBERLAND Burial Plots
Main Street in Columbus. $270,000
No phone calls please. Exc deer, turkey hunting 2 BURIAL PLOTS
Good Investment Located in Veteran location
(615)719−8329 @ Memorial Gardens of
Transportation Columbus, MS. Must have
cash, $7500. A savings of
CLASS A CDL DRIVER with $1500. Plots include burial
Truck & Lowboy/Dump LAMAR COUNTY, AL: 63 vaults and can be
Trailer experience to load, ACRES on County Road 34. exchanged for any spot
haul, & unload heavy Exc hunting, some timber, other than a veteran.
construction equipment/ power & county water. Call 662−386−4080 or
material. Overnight travel $1,150 per acre. 205−712 662−386−4081.
required. Only qualified −5606 or 205−799−9846.
applicants with clean MVR,
current medical examiner’s Lots & Acreage

Shop
certificate and no
accidents need apply. 1.75 ACRE LOTS. Good/
Email resume to chastity@ Bad Credit Options. Good
sitemastersms.com credit as low as 20% down,
$499/mo. Eaton Land,
662−361−7711.
Classifieds
HEAVY EQUIPMENT
OPERATORS needed for
local project. Must be able
to maintain & operate
dozers and excavators.
Email resume to: chastity@
sitemastersms.com

Rentals
Ads starting at $25 ACROSS
1 Flight part
Apts For Rent: North 5 Gives over
10 Caruso, for
3BR/1BA GATED FACILITY
Central Heat & Air one
Appliances 12 Decree
$600/mo. plus sec. dep., 13 Make blank
No pets. No HUD.
662−327−0587 14 Specialized
market
15 Lob path
FOX RUN APARTMENTS
1 & 2 BR near hospital.
16 Go every
$595−$645 monthly. direction
Military discount, pet area, 18 Be important
pet friendly, and furnished 20 Frothy brew
corporate apts.
24−HOUR PROFESSIONAL 21 Methods
GYM. ON SITE SECURITY. 23 In addition
ON SITE MAINTENANCE. 24 Italy’s shape
ON SITE MANAGEMENT.
24−HOUR CAMERA 26 Grace finish DOWN 24 Peachy
SURVEILLANCE. Benji & 28 Ab’s neighbor 1 Iron output cocktail
Ashleigh, 662−386−4446. 29 Ump’s call 2 Latin land 25 Maritime
31 Pamplona cry 3 Make into law 27 Got together
Apts For Rent: West
32 Potential 4 Not neg. 28 Appears
pancakes
VIP
5 Pro wrestler/ unexpectedly
36 Old-time actor John 30 Tad Lincoln’s

Rentals
record 6 Fix a story dad
39 Freud topic 7 Give orders 33 Colorful fish
Apartments & Houses 40 Mideast 8 Flying forma- 34 Snowy wader
peninsula tion 35 Perch
1 Bedrooms 41 Lead-in 9 Sound system 37 “Toodle-oo!”
2 Bedroooms 43 Merge 11 Does usher- 38 Draws
3 Bedrooms 44 Massage ing work 42 Right away
targets 17 Weep
Furnished & Unfurnished

Service Directory
45 Print units 19 Binary base
1, 2, & 3 Baths 46 Power unit 22 Game quests
Lease, Deposit
& Credit Check
viceinvestments.com
327-8555 Promote your small business starting at only $25
Building & Remodeling General Services General Services Lawn Care / Landscaping
Apts For Rent: Other
HOME REPAIRS &
MAINTENANCE
DUMP TRUCK HAULING.
Slag − $400 BANKRUPTCY JESSE & BEVERLY’S
LAWN SERVICE
Work wanted. Carpentry, Clay Gravel − $250 CHAPTER 7 Spring Cleanup, Tree
concrete, electrical & Millie for Driveways − $375 BANKRUPTCY Cutting, Landscaping,
plumbing, shingle & metal Available for hauling any $545 plus Filing Fee Sodding & Bush Hogging
roofing, fascia & soffit materials. Filling in 662−356−6525
repairs, pressure washing swimming pools. CHAPTER 13
& mobile home repairs. Columbus. Call Walter, BANKRUPTCY Painting & Papering
No Job Too Small. 662−251−8664. All Attorney Fees Through The Plan
662−549−7031. Jim Arnold, Attorney QUALITY PAINTING
WORK WANTED: Ext/Int Painting
General Services
Licensed & Bonded. 662-324-1666 Sheet Rock Hang, Finish &
TILL SMALL GARDENS. 104 South Lafayette Street, Starkville Repair. Pressure Washing.
A & T TREE SERVICES Carpentry, minor electrical, Please visit our website: Free Estimates. Ask for
Bucket truck & stump minor plumbing, insulation, jimharnold.com specials! Larry Webber,
removal. Free est. painting, demolition, Saturday morning appointments 662−242−4932.
Serving Columbus gutters cleaned, pressure available for Starkville Office.
since 1987. Senior washing, landscaping, &
citizen disc. Call Alvin @ cleanup work. SULLIVAN’S PAINT
242−0324/241−4447 662−242−3608. SERVICE
"We’ll go out on a limb Are you a painter? Special Prices.
for you!" Advertise here! Interior & Exterior Painting.
ads.cdispatch.com 662−435−6528