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oxfordcitizen.com

Volume 2 | Issue 91

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Inside 6 News

Cory Branan will be kicking off the Double Decker Arts Festival on April 22 at 6 p.m.

8 Business

JOHN DAVIS

The women of Visit Oxford, from left, Kinney Ferris, Lee Ann Stubbs, Mary Allyn Hedges and Katie Kaiser, all take part in organizing the annual Double Decker Arts Festival. Stubbs is the coordinator of the event, while Hedges is the director of Visit Oxford.

Behind the scenes

Southern Turf offers a variety of services for residents

15 Sports

Visit Oxford staff keys annual festival

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

There isn’t a fairy Godmother with a magic wand who puts together the annual Double Decker Arts Festival each year. A successful festival, one that draws over 50,000 people, revolves around a lot of hard work, and preparation.

Mary Allyn Hedges and Lee Ann Stubbs

ofVisit Oxford are just two of the many who help make the event so successful. Everyone in the office assists in that regard, while Stubbs is the actual Double Decker Arts Festival Coordinator. Hedges, the Director of Visit Oxford, is the one that makes sure everything is headed in the right direction.

“Lee Ann starts planning in September and primarily what she is working on in the fall is sponsorships,” Hedges said. “She has

done a great job of raising sponsorships and last year raised over $100,000 in sponsorships. Same with this year, so every year she is raising more and more money.”

Applications for art and food vendors are taken through November, while the music lineup is discussed and then decided around December.

TURN TO FESTIVAL PAGE 7

Lafayette has won nine straight games to advance to be one of the final eight teams in Class 4A.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Career in law enforcement turned out just right

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

When Adam Peacock first started in law enforcement, Bill Clinton was leading the country as president. It was 1998 and Peacock, who is now a lieutenant with the University Police Department, was working as a dispatcher down in Water Valley.

Peacock is a native of Water Valley. Once he graduated from high school, he was working in a lumber yard. And that’s when he made the switch.

“It was just a job and I was looking for a career. I always wanted to do law enforcement, since I was in high school,” Peacock said. “My grandfather was a police officer in Savannah, Tennessee. My dad was a carpenter and my mom worked in a factory. One of my good friends, Lance Humphreys, he’s the sheriff in Yalobusha County now, he was a sergeant with the Water Valley PD and he told me to come over and apply.

I did and I got the job.”

The role of dispatcher got

him a foot in the door and after a couple of years, he was on patrol when he turned 21. He attended the police academy and then spent a few more years working in Water Valley before he remembers when his thinking shifted again.

“One of my buddies had told me to come up and work for the UPD. I remember sitting in my patrol car, looking at the moon that night. It was huge. And I said ‘There is so much more than just Water Valley PD,’” Peacock said. “I wanted to expand my boundaries and start taking classes. I came up and talked with the chief and they hired me as a temp officer in 2002.”

When a full time job came open, Peacock was able to land it. In 2003, Peacock left the UPD to serve in Iraq with the U.S. National Guard as a combat engineer.

“I came back in 2004 and everything was good. I started back on patrol and I got a sergeant position in 2006. Then in 2009, I became a lieutenant here,” Peacock said. “I also got deployed again in 2009 and did

ON THE BEAT

Adam Peacock another year tour. I was back in 2010 before I got deployed again in 2013 to Afghanistan. Our unit, 223 out of West Point, they just loved us.”

On his last tour, Peacock was able to achieve the rank of staff sergeant. He is the father of three children who all attend schools in the Bruce school district. Peacock’s wife is from Calhoun County, but his commute is not everyday due to the shifts that the UPD have.

“I work Monday and Tuesday and then off Wednesday and Thursday and then work Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Then the next week, I’m off Monday and Tuesday and then work Wednesday, Thursday and I’m off Friday, Saturday and Sunday,” he said. “That’s pending baseball, basketball

and football games.”

Officers with the UPD do have some odd shits based on athletics. Football games take up a lot of time. Traffic is a major issue to deal with during those events. Officers from other agencies come in for the game, usually eight hours before a contest.

“Football is usually about 15 or 16 hours and we work all the basketball and baseball games. That first baseball series was a record crowd and we weren’t expecting that at all,” Peacock said. “Most people comply with you when you ask them to do something.

They know they’re in the wrong. One thing I noticed when I came up here is that it’s so easy to tell when these 18- and 19-year-olds are not telling you the truth.

When you get a guy that’s been on the street and knows the street, he will lie to you and you will believe him. These 18- and 19-year olds, there are red flags everywhere that they’re not telling the truth.”

Officers patrol the outfield of Oxford-University Stadium. If a fan is not over 21, then a possession of beer citation is issued. Peacock said officers are able to write a university ticket for possession of beer and it goes to their bursar bill.

“And they get a strike and sometimes that one is more harsh than actually taking them to jail or writing them that ticket to go to court and they have to pay the fine at the jail,” Peacock said.

When arrests are made on campus, everything is dealt with at the justice court level because UPD officers are sworn deputies for the sheriff’s department.

“We’re Lafayette County deputies that get sworn in with the judge and the sheriff and we just stay on campus unless Oxford or the county needs us,” Peacock said.

A normal day starts early for Peacock, who likes to work out before his shift.

There are times when Peacock has to plan his day

JOHN DAVIS

Lt. Adam Peacock of the University Police Department has been serving the public in law enforcement since 1998. around student disciplinary hearings.

“That’s the difference between the university and the others because you have university sanctions and then the law sanction side of it,” Peacock said. “As a university officer, the law sanction side of it isn’t always the best solution to whatever the student’s problem is.

Sometimes you take it student judicial and let them get academic disciplinary action.”

Traffic related calls lead the list of things that UPD officers deal with the most.

There are calls about smoking marijuana and alcohol in dorm rooms.

“That’s not to say that the marijuana is the biggest problem we have on campus because it’s not, but we do deal with that as much as anything else,” Peacock said adding that in a small town you can get to know the people compared to a college campus. “In Water Valley, you go to the same calls.You would get to know that person and know those people better than at the university because it’s always changing. You have new students coming in and students moving off campus. And there is so many people on campus as opposed to a smaller city or a beat that you have because you patrol the entire campus.”

One of the biggest mis-

conceptions about the UPD is the amount of training officers do.

“We do firearms training twice a year and trying to do it more than that. We do active shooter training, you name it, we do it,” Peacock said. “I’m a firearms instructor and have been since 2009. I enjoy doing that, teaching people and giving them new techniques to learn about shooting better knowing when to shoot and when not to shoot.”

A call that Peacock hasn’t forgotten about happened when he was in Water Valley.

It was the same one that made him the most scared.

“A mother called 911 and I was out on patrol. Her son was in the swimming pool and couldn’t get him out.

The dispatcher told me that the son is in the pool and he can’t swim,” Peacock said. “I know the woman and the child and all these things were going through my head and what I’m going to see when I get there. I ran blue lights and code. When I got there, what happened was the ladder fell out of the pool and the kid was standing in the pool. His momma could pull him out. When I saw that, I was so relieved. I went from the most scared to the most relieved. I will never forget that one.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PAGE 3

The Lyric's spring lineup is looking better than ever

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The spring season for The Lyric is now in full swing. As of right now, the venue has 17 more shows booked for this season.

The Lyric has been in Oxford for well over 100 years. It has served as everything from a theater to an auto body shop, to a stable for the Faulkner family. The venue now serves primarily as a music venue but still hosts the occasional oddity and wedding reception.

General Manager Lindsay Dillion-Maginnis said that this season is shaping up to be a good one. In addition to the shows The Lyric is hosting in Oxford, they are working on hosting some in various places throughout the state.

“It’s kind of the next step in our business model,” she said. “We’re trying to expand to other shows and venues so that we’ll not only have shows here, but all over Mississippi as well.”

She said the way it works is that an agent representing an act will contact The Lyric looing to book a show. If, for any number of reasons, the act cannot perform in Oxford, The Lyric tries to find them another location in the state. Once they find a venue, The

Lyric will pay a rental fee to that venue and then bring in production, ticket sales and other technical things it takes to operate a show. Once they have all that set up, the act performs. This way, though the show was not physically performed at The Lyric, The Lyric was still able to host them.

One performer following this method is Cee Lo Green, who will be performing at Hal and Mal’s in Jackson next week.

The rest of the shows this season are a follow a more Americana style of music, Dillon-Maginnis said. Americana is defined as a contemporary music genre that incorporates elements of American roots music styles to form a unique sound that can span multiple genres. Things like folk, bluegrass, rhythm and blues, Memphis soul and country, all blended together in various degrees.

Performances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Lucinda Williams, Dave Rawlings Machine, Gov’t Mule, St. Paul and The Broken Bones, Moon Taxi, Lucero and many others dot the lineup.

CHANING GREEN

chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

The Lyric’s spring season has officially kicked off and is filled with several artist bringing musical entertainment to Oxford.

Fourth Annual Oxford Craft Beer Festival set for this weekend This Saturday is the Fourth Annual Oxford Craft Beer Festival.

Since 2012, the festival has been pairing craft beers from around the world with the cuisine of local chefs.

The festival will be held in the Library on the Square and will feature live music. The first 500 ticket holders will receive a souvenir plastic mug that can be used at the festival to sample the more than 100 different craft beers being poured.

General admission tickets are $45 in advance, $55 at the gate, and $15 for designated drivers. VIP tickets are $85 and $25 for designated drivers.

Attendees are encouraged to string a necklace with pretzels in order to have a pallet cleanser during the tastings.

COURTESY OF THE OXFORD CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL

A selection of the many different types of beer available for VIP ticket holders at last year’s Oxford Craft Beer Festival.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

OBITUARIES JESSE PHILLIPS Jesse Pittman Phillips, 84, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016, at his residence. A celebration of his life was held Wednesday, March 2 at First Baptist Church in Oxford with the Reverends Robert Allen and Fred Eakes officiating. Waller Funeral home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions in Mr. Phillips’ memory may be made to the Daniel Morris Phillips Memorial Scholarship at the University of Mississippi (University of Mississippi Foundation, 406 University Avenue, University, MS 38677).

JACK LOUIS WHEELER Jack Louis Wheeler, 68, passed away Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016 at his home. The memorial service was held in the Chapel of Waller Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 1 with Rev. Randy Bain officiating.

In honor of Mr. Wheeler’s service to our country, the flag of the United States Army will be flown at Waller Funeral Home. Memorial contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Ole Miss hosts the Isom Student Gender Conference

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

This week the Sarah Isom Center for Women and Gender Studies at the University of Mississippi is hosting the 16th Annual Isom Student Gender Conference.

The conference first started in 2000, spearheaded by Sheila Skemp and Jan Hawks and built upon more and more by every faculty member that came after them.

Right now, that faculty member is Theresa Ann Starkey. Starkey servers as the Assistant Director of the Isom Center and was the main planner for the event.

She has been with the university since 2008. Starkey has served in her current position with the Isom Center for four years, and taught in the English department before that.

The theme for this year’s conference is “Undoing the Norms.” Students were encouraged to submit proposals that in some way connected back to that theme. Students were allowed to submit proposals to either do a solo presentation or participate on a discussion panel. Eight of the presenters are coming from a variety of institutions out-

CHANING GREEN

Alexa Willcoxon and Alicia Marie Venchuk look over their notes before presentations began at the Isom Student Gender Conference Wednesday Morning. side of the University of Mississippi; one of which, Emily Kueppers, is coming from Champlain College in Vermont.

There were also students from Russia and Armenia that were accepted into the conference. Due to issues with travel grants however, they will not be able to attend the conference.

Besides the keynote speaker, every presenter at the conference is student, hence the name Student Gender Conference.

Starkey said there is an ex-

ception of one student who just recently graduated but completed their research during their time as a student.

Moderating the panels and discussion blocks are a combination of graduate students and university faculty. Starkey sees this as a great opportunity to involve academics from a variety of disciplines in the conference.

“I find this to be a valuable way for professors to get out of the classroom and to support students in

this type of environment,” Starkey said. “It allows students to be able to see professors, perhaps even their own professors, in a different kind of context.”

Alexa Willcoxon presented her research Wednesday morning entitled “Friend Chicken: New Approaches to a Traditional Southern Food.” WillCoxon, an English major said that she’s excited to be a part of this year’s conference.

“It’s just a fun experience,” she said. “It’s good to talk with other academics

and hear what they’re doing. It’s fun.”

Also presenting Wednesday morning was Alicia Marie Venchuk, an English major. Her presentation was entitled “Blues Feminism and the Woman Blues Gutiarist: Memphis Minnie’s Duets with Husband Kansas Joe McCoy.” “This is my first conference ever,” Venchuk said. “I think it’s important because it’s a gender conference. Any emphasis being put on gender and similar issues is, I think, really important. Of course, getting together and being able to share ideas with people is important as well.”

The Keynote speaker for the conference is Dr. Brittney Cooper. She is an assistant professor of women and gender studies and Africana studies at Rutgers University. Cooper’s work has been featured in a weekly column at Salon.com, in the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post and others.

The Isom Student Gender Conference began Wednesday morning and will continue through Friday at 1 p.m. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

Choice for president starts Tuesday with primary voting

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

It’s decision time in Mississippi. A week after Super Tuesday dominated the national political landscape, local residents will get to choose who they would like to see leading the country in 2017.

Donald Trump. Hilary Clinton. Ted Cruz. Bernie Sanders. These are just some of the names that can be selected this coming Tuesday during the Mississippi primary. Nell Green, the chairman of the election commission for Lafayette County, reminded that all polling places that residents use for county and state elections will be open from 7 in the morning until 7 that evening.

Voters need to tell poll workers which ballot, Re-

publican or Democrat, they want to use when they arrive. There are five polls located within the city limits, and 18 overall in the county. Everything is based on where a resident lives. Green said she encourages people to get out and vote since it will only take a short time to go through the ballot. So far absentee ballots have been lighter compared to other years.

“That doesn’t mean that this will be a lighter turnout this coming Tuesday,” Green added.

Absentee voting will conclude this Saturday.

Paper ballots are available inside the circuit clerk’s office.

Trump and Clinton garnered the biggest numbers, and headlines, on Super Tuesday. Trump dominated in the Deep

South, capturing Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Arkansas. He also won Vermont and Virginia. Cruz, who is opposing Trump on the Republican ballot, gained some traction by winning Texas, his home state, Oklahoma and Alaska. Marco Rubio, who is running third to Trump and Cruz, was able to secure the support of Minnesota. He now has 106 delegates to his name.

Trump has 316 delegates towards winning the nomination for president, while Cruz now has 226. It will take 1,237 delegates to be declared the winner in the race.

Jason Kent traveled from Oxford to Millington, Tennessee last Saturday to attend the Trump rally held at the U.S. Navy base.

He said there were 16,000

people inside the hangar Trump spoke from, and thousands outside still trying to get in.

“It was lined up all the way from the Navy base to Hwy. 51 with people trying to get in. It was refreshing to see people come out, in those numbers, to see what a potential president has to say and then second, just support a person who is really changing up what politicians are saying in America right now,” said Kent, who felt Trump would carry Mississippi. “I think he is showing that the mentality of the American voters is totally different. He has the support that either party would like to have. We’ve gone from what those parties would like us to see to what we want to see and hear about now. I think anybody who is wanting

better job opportunities in America has really jumped on the bandwagon.”

Clinton, meanwhile, won Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Virginia, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Texas Tuesday. Sanders took his home state of Vermont as well as Oklahoma, Colorado and Minnesota. Clinton has 577 delegates to Sanders’ 386. A name that will now be on the Democratic ballot in Mississippi is Willie Wilson, a businessman from Chicago who fought the state’s Democratic Party after he was initially rejected.

The state Supreme Court ruled last week that Wilson should be included. According to Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, it cost the state over $15,000 to add Wilson’s name to the ballot.

Mississippi isn’t the only state set to vote this coming Tuesday. Residents in Idaho, Hawaii and Michigan will go to the polls to make a choice. This Saturday, Louisiana will hold a primary for both parties.

In Kansas, Maine and Kentucky, those that are voting for Republicans can make a decision. Democrats in Maine will chose this Sunday, while those that want to vote for Clinton or Sanders can do so in Nebraska and in Kansas on Saturday.

On March 15, residents in key battleground states such as Ohio and Florida will vote in primaries. All of the caucuses, primaries and conventions held by states will run through mid June.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 5

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CHANING GREEN

LES Teacher of the Year Christi Hill standing outside of her second grade classroom.

Christi Hill named LES Teacher of the Year

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Christi Hill has been named as Lafayette Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year.

Hill has been with the Lafayette County School District for 14 years. She began as a kindergarten teacher in August of 2001.

When she was first hired, she had the option of teaching first grade or kindergarten and she chose the latter. As silly as it may sound now, she said, the first-grade class intimidated her. Her reasoning behind that was that first grade is primarily where students learn to read and, as a first-year teacher, she was not sure if she could handle it so she went with kindergarten. And she loved it. After 10 years with it though, she decided that she wanted a change. She spoke to her principle, and she soon accepted an open position for a second grade teacher. She’s currently in her fourth year in the position.

She said that, though there is a significant difference in the two age groups, a lot of the day-to-day class time is the same.

They still do a lot of group work, “circle time and carpet time.”

She said that the main difference for her is that there is less crying on the first day of school: from both parents and students.

She does miss calling every parent on the first day of class and letting them know their little one made it through the day okay and that they, as the parent, did too.

Everything is okay.

But, second grade more independent.

Hill said that she does not spend nearly as much time tying shoes and buttoning pants. The kids can also use more words and write her notes. She said her kindergarteners would always draw her pictures and she loved them, but her second grader’s notes are a little more articulate.

They let her know what each child likes about her specifically and it’s really flattering.

Hill is from Oxford. She and her family have been part of the community her entire life. Staying here during her career seemed like the only natural choice.

“I attended Lafayette Elementary, graduated from Lafayette High School, attended Ole Miss and got a job back here,” she said. “I’ve always been here. My mother actually retired form Lafayette after 31 years and my mother-in-law actually retired from Lafayette after about 35 years. I just come from a long line of teachers.”

At the university, she earned her bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. She then taught for a few years before going back to earn a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She pursued her master’s degree at night. She kept her regular work schedule during the day, attend classes in the evening and found time to take care of her son, a year old at the time.

She now has three boys, total.

During her graduate study, she also became a National Board Certified Teacher.

The process is a lengthy one that tests every aspect of a teacher’s ability to do her job and run a classroom. She worked with the World Class Teaching Program through the University of Mississippi and completed the rigorous certification process.

Hill is currently working on renewing her certification, which expires next year.

Hill is exactly where she wants to be. She said that being a teacher is something she has always wanted to do.

“Growing up, my brother was seven years younger than me,” she said. “I think I was always bossing him around. I remember teaching him about dinosaurs.

Bless his heart, he was my first student. I just always played school. It was never really a question about what I wanted to do.

I always just knew.” chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PHOTO BY DANI FRESH COURTESY OF BLOODSHOT RECORDS

Cory Branan to kick off Double Decker Arts Festival

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Cory Branan will be kicking off the Double Decker Arts Festival on April 22 at 6 p.m.

The artist’s most recent album is titled “The No Hit Wonder.” This is his fourth full-length studio album and was produced by Bloodshot Records, based in Chicago. The album is considered a country album, but that probably is not the best way to describe it.

In his bio on Bloodshot Record’s website, Branan is described as being “too punk for country, too country for punk, too Memphis for Nashville, and probably a little too Cory Branan for anyone’s damn good.” This is not an inaccurate description of Branan’s sound.

The track “A Girl Named Go” from his second album, titled “12 Songs,” is a good illustration of his

unique tone. The song is heavy in upbeat electric guitar, backed by keyboard and drums to provide a steady accompaniment to the lyrics that center on a girl that Branan meets at a red light in Tupelo. The vocals in the song go from shouting to whispering and back again. All of it feels completely necessary.

It is as though Memphis, punk and an angry Johnny Cash were haphazardly thrown together and resulted in the best possible outcome.

On his fourth album, sad Latin guitar riffs and a lazy snare beat played with brushes drive the track “All I Got And Gone.” It’s really impossible to tie any of Branan’s albums down to just one genre because they seem to incorporate several at a time.

Branan is a native of Southaven and has been playing music since he was a young teenager. Even then, he never stuck to just

one genre. Throughout his teenage years, he moved around to whatever bands would have him, adopting the style that best suited whatever band he was playing in at the time. He would go from playing metal to country within a week. He was also really into blues at this time. eventually Branan moved to Memphis and worked at the Peabody Hotel for a while. During that time he began performing in local dives.

“I started singing for the first time,” Branan said. “I was really very nervous as a kid singing, but I mostly got over that shyness.

Then I just started writing songs.”

Branan said he picked up the habit of writing songs when he was 24 or 25. He started writing one every now and then, and before he knew it, he had written twenty. Soon Madjack Records in Memphis had reached out and they

cut his first album in 2003.

It was called “The Hell You Say.” When Double Decker rolls around at the end of April, Branan will already be in Oxford. He’s going to be working with Andrew Ratcliffe of Tweed Recording on his upcoming album.

In terms of a set list for the festival, Branan said he would rather wing it.

“Oh, man, I never make one,” he said. “I’ve never made a set list in my life.

Well, sometimes. If I have a short set with a band, I’ll have a general outline so they’ll know if they have to switch a guitar or something. But I usually never make one. The gist of it is, if anyone wants to hear something, just yell it out.

It works to keep me on my toes. It also fits in with the whole incredibly lazy thing I got going for me.” chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

PHOTO BY TODD COOPER COURTESY OF BLOODSHOT RECORDS

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

FROM PAGE 1

“We start working with our talent company and looking at what our options are within our budget and routing the bands because that does have an impact on who we are able to get,” Hedges said. “Jazz Fest (in New Orleans) always works in our favor because it’s normally the same weekend.

We can usually pick people up going to coming from Jazz Fest. Putting the puzzle pieces with music starts in the fall. We try to have the music lineup finalized by Christmas, but if not, right at the beginning of the new year.”

The city’s board of aldermen allocates $55,000 for the festival, while the rest is garnered through hard work and booth fees. On the day of the festival, merchandise sales are also “huge” as Hedges put it.

“People always anticipate what the artwork is. They collect a T-shirt or the posters every year,” Hedges said. “A couple of years ago, we got the generic shirts if the artwork doesn’t appeal to somebody.”

Stubbs added she gets the sponsorship brochures ready in August, so the planning is essentially all year long.

The application fee for art vendors is $28, which is non refundable. They can obtain a single booth at a cost of $225. There is a premium and a corner booth spot available and that can cost up to $550. Stubbs said the premium booth is new this year and it’s located on The Square.

“We had 255 art vendors apply which is the most we’ve had and 159 that got in,” Stubbs said. “I really thought that was significant.”

“These are top-notch art vendors and everything has to be handmade and created,” Hedges added.

Food vendors pay a $375 flat fee or $450 with electricity. All the food vendors are local establishments and this year, there are 25 that have signed up. The food vendors are located all around the Lafayette County Courthouse. Having vendors that are local has been in place the last three or four festivals.

“That’s just to keep it fair to the locals because there are so many people outside

Oxford

Festival Double Decker Days

of here from Memphis or New Albany that want to get in,” Stubbs said. “We don’t have the space for that many food vendors. I don’t get complaints on that, I get more disappointment in that they can’t take part. I feel like the residents in Oxford and the restaurants, they’re happy we are all local.”

“We are supported by the 2 percent food and beverage tax, so we should give them priority,” Hedges added. “It was more disappointment from the locals when we did have it opened up to the outsiders.”

Hedges also said that because the culinary scene is so renown in Oxford, it only made sense to make it an attraction from a food standpoint.

“That’s why we want to celebrate our local restaurants,” she said.

Looking at numbers (subhead) There is an evaluation process that the office goes over after each festival.

Stubbs said they collect a tax from the vendors at the end of the day.

“We look at what they sale and at 5 o’clock last year, we could look out at the stage to the courthouse and it was packed,” Stubbs said. “We get feedback from our vendors and sponsors. We have art vendors that e-mail or call us and tell us if this is their best festival that they’ve had.”

Hedges said that Oxford Police Department also has a formula that is used for measuring the crowds that attend.

“And this year, we’re going to have surveys that we are going to distribute,” she added. “We did it years ago but we haven’t had a concrete system in place. We want to be able to get good data and track where visitors are coming from and if they’re spending the night, the whole demographics.”

The entire process of festival organization is an en-

joyable one even if there is a lot of work involved.

“My fall isn’t as busy as my spring. I went from a fulltime sales job and loved that, but this is a fun job,” Stubbs said. “There is stress but it’s not bad stress. It’s something that everyone enjoys. Once it comes, it’s something that everyone enjoys.”

“At the end of the day, you can see all the hard work, you can see the end results,” Hedges added.

On the Thursday before the festival, the duo love to see all the stages start to emerge above the street.

And when they saw the crowd last year, that was another highlight of the job.

“When we were on the stage and just about to honor Robyn (Tannehill), to look at all the people and say we did this, they’re all here because we planned it, that’s great,” Stubbs said.

Last year was the 20th anniversary of the festival and while this year doesn’t have that type of a number significance, the event is still a big draw for people having milestone reunions or even an anniversary to celebrate.

“They plan around Double Decker, their vacations, their class reunions around it,” Stubbs said. “People come in the fall, but this is a reason to come in the spring.”

“You know that Double Decker is always going to happen every year at the end of April,” Hedges said.

The weather always plays a part in attendance. The projection this year is for 60,000 to attend. Last year, the weather was perfect on Saturday, while rain prevented an even bigger crowd on Friday night. Jimmy Allgood, who is the Oxford Emergency Management Director, sends out a daily weather update, Hedges said. And they are always hoping for the best.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

PAGE 7

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Southern Turf offers a variety of services for residents

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD CITIZEN

The sun was just starting to rise and slightly visible on the horizon Wednesday morning when the crews that make up Southern Turf Management were packing up to serve their customers.

A checklist was already started and in the process of being completed before a clock even showed 7:30.

Taking care of lawns and eradicating weeds starts early, and March is the month when everything literally comes alive in this business.

Jon Ruscoe owns and operates Southern Turf. If his name is familiar, it’s because he served the area as the county agent for the Mississippi State Extension service for over 20 years. He retired six years ago with over 26 years of service to the state. Ruscoe had no idea that he would owning a small business, only that he knew he would be doing something.

“Owning your own small business is tough. It takes a lot. Everything falls on you.

It’s a different type of responsibility compared to working for the government,” said Ruscoe adding that the change has been enjoyable. “I love it. It’s fun.

Everyday is a new challenge. We’re doing something different just about everyday.”

Ruscoe said he still likes digging in the dirt but the services his company offers is so much more extensive.

Weed eradication, with four trained technicians on staff, is a top thing for customers. Southern Turf also deals with sod, dry creek beds, installing simple retaining walls, French drains and removing leaves during the winter. Of course they provide lawn maintenance which is really going to start increasing now that spring has started to appear.

“We do landscape maintenance and some irrigation work and we want to get more into irrigation installation,” Ruscoe said.

“We do mowing, edging, blowing and the herbicide work. We do soil testing.

Pressure washing, bush

JOHN DAVIS

Members of Southern Turf include owner, Jon Ruscoe, right, middle, his son, Ben Ruscoe, Johnathan Neilson, Brad Fitts, Dave Yarbrough and Patrica Farrar. hogging pastures for people. Just a wide array of things. It’s a handful to keep up with.”

As Oxford and the population of the county have grown, so has the need for the types of services that Southern Turf provides.

Ruscoe likes to offer those services in a certain way in order to maintain a high level of quality.

“We like to do a jobs at a high standard. I’m meticulous. That’s just the way I am,” he said. “I want to spend a little extra time, do a better job and just be satisfied with your work when you leave a property.”

When Ruscoe is away from work, he’s still digging in the dirt. He has built a small greenhouse outside and he decompresses by planting onions and other things.

The ability to identify any problems with plants is another thing that separates Ruscoe from someone else.

His education in soil, and having seen a number of issues during his time as agent, have been a key to

his current job.

“You have leaf symptoms that you can identify what is wrong with a plant. We have soils here that aren’t the best. The soil that his here and next to the Mississippi River in the Delta is completely different,” Ruscoe said. “If there is a yard that we keep up and fertilize and manage on a high standard, you look at stuff like that. You don’t just go mow the grass. If the turf grass is not responding like you want it to or look like you want it to, then you dig a little deeper with soil tests or what have you.”

There are six employees currently under Ruscoe’s direction. Workers are added in the summer when things really get busy. Winter is tapering off, as Ruscoe said, and the leaf blowing is completed. Certain trees like crape myrtle are pruned and pine straw is starting to go down.

“The fire is starting to be lit again,” Ruscoe said. “The leaves are gone for the most part so we’re starting to gear up. On our contract

people, we’re starting to get all the dead grass off and starting to mow yards down. It’s like burning a pasture years ago. We don’t do it anymore but we used to burn off pastures and it would green up real quick in the spring. Grass is going to start at the bottom and it has to go through all that dead grass and that’s shade whether you think about it not, that’s shade for a little leaf.”

More warm mornings and more sunlight means

more new plantings. While Ruscoe isn’t able to design from a landscape standpoint, he does recommend that people amend the native soil the new plants will be resting in.

“That way they have a good, fighting chance of thriving,” Ruscoe said. “I go back to the soil all the time.

That’s the base.”

Slow growth is the most ideal for Ruscoe because he feels quality is lost if the growth is too big, too quickly.

“You have to keep the quality up, that is the key,” he said. “Business is steady and we like to stay organized. There are a million ways you can get unorganized in this business. We try to be efficient as much possible without comprising the quality of our work. It’s tight sometimes but you have to keep the ball rolling. You have to stay on your toes.”

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PAGE 9

Lee Dentistry donates time, treatment to Mid-South Drs. Preston Lee and Jennifer Romero from Lee Dentistry in Oxford worked alongside other volunteers to provide more than $1 million in free dental treatment to people of the MidSouth area on Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27.

Lee and Romero saw patients in Memphis at the Mid-South Mission of Mercy, a two-day free dental clinic for people in need living in the city and the surrounding area. They worked from 6 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. More than 1,900 volunteers participated in the event.

“Giving back is a top priority for me personally and for our team,” Lee said. “The event was a wonderful opportunity to serve those in need right here in the MidSouth.”

Dental care included services such as pediatric care, extractions, fillings, cleanings and dentures.

More than 2,000 patients were treated, and the event team provided more than $1 million worth of services.

There were no income qualifications or restrictions for patients.

“It truly was an amazing weekend of helping patients,” Romero said. “The patients were so appreciative of the volunteers and

doctors, but I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I got the most benefit out of helping each patient I saw this weekend. I was truly touched.”

For more information on the event, visit midsouthmissionofmercy.org. For more information from Lee Dentistry, visit LeeDentistryOxford.com.

BRIEFING Community Garden meeting This Saturday will be the annual orientation event for those are plot holders, friends or members of the Community Garden. The meeting will start at 10 in the morning at the garden. This event is to welcome our new members, so we hope for a good showing from continuing plotholders. We'll review important rules & guidelines of the garden, using a plant give-away to do so.

Work will start around 11 that morning at the garden. For more information, visit http://www.oxfordcga.org

LOFT hosting 'Night for Nonprofits' On Aug 18, 2016, Lafayette Oxford Foundation for Tomorrow (LOFT) will host a "Night for Nonprofits" event at the Powerhouse from 6 until 9 p.m. It will feature public presentations of grant proposals and an audience vote to select a $10,000 grand prize grant winner.

Any Lafayette County 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is eligible to participate and submit a proposal on how they would utilize the grand prize grant award to improve the quality of life in the OxfordLafayette community.

A formal Request for Proposal (RFP) was released Tuesday, and the deadline for applications is March 31st, 2016.

By April 30th, 2016, LOFT’s grants committee will select a group of semi-finalists.

To advance further in the competition, the

semi-finalists must attend a grant workshop hosted by LOFT. From this workshop, the semi-finalists will have an opportunity to revise their grant application for the next round of the selection process. LOFT’s grants committee will then select a group of finalists to compete for the $10,000.00 award on the night of the event.

Remaining semifinalists, while no longer in the running for the prize, will be invited to the event to showcase their organization and good work in the community, as well as receive a portion of the event's proceeds toward their efforts.On the night of the event, the finalists will be responsible for formally presenting their proposal to the audience. The finalist receiving the most votes from audience members will then win the $10,000.00 prize.

Participation in the "Night for Nonprofits" event does not preclude any nonprofit organization or proposal from also being submitted during LOFT’s regular annual grant cycle process, which opens for applications May 1, 2016. Additional information on LOFT's regular grant program can be obtained at www.loftms.org/grants.

For more information regarding the application to participate in the “Night for Nonprofits,” questions can be directed to Jody Holland, Executive Director, 662.418.1936 or loftdirector@gmail.com.

Furthermore, one can find specific information regarding proposal submission, grant applications, and criteria for the “Night for Nonprofits” event at loftms.org/nightfornonprofits.

CHANING GREEN

Rick Addy is sworn into the office of Ward I Alderman by Mayor Pat Patterson. Addy’s wife stands to his left while his oldest son, 15, holds the Bible

Rick Addy sworn in as Alderman

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Rick Addy was sworn in as Alderman of Ward I at the City Board meeting Tuesday night.

Addy is a well-known Oxford businessman and photographer. He is the owner and photographer at Addy Photography, which is the largest school picture provider in North Mississippi serving 85 schools. During his campaign, he received a lot of attention for his vow to donate the entirety of his Aldermen salary to a different Oxford charity every two weeks.

He was elected to the Alderman seat on Feb. 16 during the special election between him and attorney Jordan Bankhead. His family was in atten-

dance of his swearing in during the meeting and his oldest son held the Bible as he was sworn in by Mayor Pat Patterson.

Alderman At-Large, John Morgan was not in attendance as he was in Canada on business. The mayor said he tried to be there over in a digital capacity but ran into some technical difficulties.

Also, discussed was the hiring of a temporary public defender since the sudden illness of longtime Oxford attorney Rick Davis. Davis’s illness was not specified.

Be sure to pick up Thursday’s edition of the Oxford Citizen for photos of the Addy’s swearing in.

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PAGE 10

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Almost sprung Jim Dees Tales of the Town

T

here’s no place like Oxford in the spring. Even though the actual start is still three weeks away, the beginning of March means February has been vanquished like the crazy uncle who has over-stayed his welcome.

There are many tell-tale signs, one of which being dogwood trees.

In north Mississippi, dogwood trees are watched with particular interest by fishermen. Once the first tip of blooms has burst forth, fishermen know the white bass will begin their annual run. The white bass run each year is akin to deer season or duck season. People take off work, boat ramps are clogged with trucks, boots are clogged with mud, and hopefully, freezers are clogged with filets.

It is scientifically proven that sunshine improves the human mood. Scientists tell us sunshine increases serotonin levels in the brain which reduces stressful feel-

ings, sadness and the winter blahs in general. Humans require more light than other species and in the short, dark days of winter, humans can get a little, well - to use a technical term, wiggy.

Back when I was still a newcomer to Lafayette County - during the first Paleolithic Age – I was introduced to the white bass run of March by a kindly neighbor, Van, who suggested we go fishing at the Yocona River.

“Leave it to me,” he told me. “I’ll put you on them.” I was fresh from the Delta and a white bass spawn was an unknown phenomenon.

We stopped at a bait shop at Grinderswitch that has since closed and even back then didn’t look open. Van emerged from the store with a handful of magic.

“Here’s what you need,” he said, unfurling his hand. In his palm he revealed several chartreuse covered hooks.

“Chartreuse is like cocaine to white bass.”

Within minutes, we were on the water in his 14 ft john boat and Van’s allegiance to chartreuse proved worthy. We began to put bass on the stringer at a pretty good clip. We caught so many we actually took a break to have a bev-

erage, and reset. We both popped Budweisers and I remember taking in the scene of one of my first Lafayette County springs: purple blooms, daffodils in clumps here and there, the muddy banks of the river, the steady brown current of the Yocona, thin clouds scudding past the sun. I took another cold swig of the Budweiser. “Van,” I said, “it doesn’t get any better…”

SPLASH! I was interrupted by a splash/crash down river. We both looked back and a small boat was heading our way.

“What the…?” Van squinted.

“Yee – haw!!” the man in the approaching boat screamed. “What chu boys doing?” he shouted as he got closer.

“Oh, no,” Van, shook his head.

“You know this guy?”

“Fraid so” he said. Turns out, I did too. It was our mutual buddy, Percy. He drew up alongside us.

“Woo hoo! Have a drank, boys,” Percy yelled offering us a pint of Schnapps. Percy’s voice reverberated so loudly, we assumed every fish in the river had spooked to the next county.

“No thanks, Percy,” Van said

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waving off the bottle. “You fishing or drinking?”

“Percy took another long pull.

“Well, I ain’t fishing - HAHAHAHAHAHAH! You boys do any good?”

“Yeah, we got a couple of keepers,” Van said as he reached to pull the stringer up out of the water.

That’s when we saw that he hadn’t tied the stringer back properly and it was gone, along with our dozen or so big white bass. It took a second for it to sink in.

“Well, I’ll be a son… Sorry Jim, looks like I lost our fish.” Percy began cackling like a hyena. “HAHAHAHAHAHAH!!”

“Guess it is Schnapps time,” Van said sadly as Percy handed him the pint. I wasn’t disappointed in losing the fish, calling to mind the old dictum, “A bad day on the water is better that a good day at work.”

Just catching them, feeling the sun and the breeze, and being on the water was enough. It’s a feeling as old as time.

I remember that day today as we embark on the month of March.

We can cross off the days of funk on the calendar, one by one, until one day, we will find ourselves luxuriating in the season of joy.

Just remember to tie your fish down.

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OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 11

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 12

103 Garden Terrace Dr. MLS#135012

GARDEN TERRACE - Great family home just minutes away from shopping. This 4 or 5BD/2BA home w/bonus room is just waiting for a new family. This is the perfect ''cozy'' home for the growing family. $219,000. Call Susan Griffin-662-542-6315.

308 West Veterans Ave.MLS#135328

CALHOUN CITY – Great 3B/2BA starter home on a corner lot with mature shade trees.

Spacious rooms and hardwood floors in all bedrooms. 2 car carport. Partial basement with additional crawlspace. $110,000. Call Nicole Cain Wright – 662-617-5744.

234 Birch Tree Loop MLS# 135374

YOCONA RIDGE- Are you ready for a great home located in one of South Oxford's most popular neighborhoods? At nearly 1800 sf, this cute 3 BD/2 BA home is move in ready. The generous space allows you room to move about plus a large bonus room upstairs.

Expansive back yard with a kid's playset. Lafayette Co Schools. $189,500. Call Blake Thompson – 662-8017014.

40 CR 409

MLS#135467

CALHOUN CITY - Beautiful 3BD/2.5BA, traditional ranch home located on a huge 2 acre lot. Extensive mature trees & landscaping make this a gardeners paradise. 2 car attached garage & an amazing bonus area in a detached 20 x 30 building that is heated & cooled. Bonus area makes a great play area for the kids or a heated shop/studio. $182,500. Call Nicole Cain Wright – 662-617-5744.

245 CR 164

MLS#134943

Oxford - Wooded rolling hills with 10 year to mature timber. Road frontage on two sides, former home site, with some county utilities present. Possible development or single family home site. Great for hunting, or view the great outdoors from your own front porch. Your own piece of country living just 15 minutes from Oxford. $150,000. Call Eileen Saunders – 662-404-0816.

Magnolia Way, Sherman MLS#133297

LAND- The acreage is located at the intersection of Magnolia Way (entrance to Toyota Mississippi), Highway 9, and old Highway 9.

The land is gently rolling/hilly in areas and flat in some areas. Owner will subdivide. $2,243,100. Call James Hunter- 662-871-8658

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

34 PR 3057 (Unit 901) MLS#135409

THE MARK- 1st floor unit with 2BR/2BA, freshly painted, tile floors. Convenient to both Ole Miss & The Square. The Mark offers great amenities such as a clubhouse w/ kitchenette, big screen TV, 24 hr fitness center, 2 swimming pools, paved walking trail, tennis & volleyball courts, etc. $118,350. Call Martin Mesecke- 662-715-1111.

903 Maplewood Cove MLS#135498

WOODLAWN - Spacious house in a great neighborhood. 3BD/2.5BA, kitchen features island to sit around & room for a table. Porcelain tile floors mimic hardwood but easier to clean. Extra room could be an office, playroom, art studio, den or great room.

Patio & large yard- great for entertaining. Muse see! $240,000. Call Eileen Saunders- 662-404-0816.

1615 Grand Oaks Blvd.MLS#135475

GRAND OAKS – ON GOLF COURSE This 4BD/3BA home settled on the 6th hole on the prestigious Grand Oaks golf course could not be more picturesque! Completely renovated with all of the best finishes. Granite & marble countertops throughout & high-end stainless appliances. The open concept living in this low-maintenance home is perfect for entertaining! $326,500. Call Sadie Smith- 662-678-3033

Hwy 278, Oxford MLS#133457

LAND - Over 22 acres of Prime Development Property on south side of Hwy 6, where University Ave ends. Ideal for commercial development of hotel/resort, retail, or office complex. Does not include the 3.8 acre homesite tract on North side of Hwy 6 that is part of this tax parcel. $3,200,000. Call Mark Prince- 662-871-1971.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

2206 Anderson Rd. #3101 MLS#133563

Esplanade Ridge - New Orleans style condo, 3BD/2.5BA, fully furnished, 3 numbered parking places

507 PR 3057 MLS# 135158

The Mark - 2BD/2BA unit on 2nd. Totally refurbished. This is a must see unit.

PAGE 13

1802 W. Jackson St. #125MLS# 135027

47 Hwy 9 W MLS #15-2801

306 River RunMLS# 134124

732 Nottingham MLS# 135150

318 Windsor Dr. MLS# 132987

2605 PR 3057 MLS# 134728

217 Birch Tree Loop MLS# 134355

328 Windsor Dr. MLS#134179

Near Campus - Nice 2BD/2BA condo Oxford - 12 year old 3BR/2.5BA brick Yocona Ridge - Beautiful family home w/ Notting Hill - Classy 3BD/2BA home feahome on approximately 1 acre.

Well taken care of and priced right. split floor plan, open living spaces & tures open kitchen, living and dining area. screened porch. Agent owned.

Windsor Falls - Immaculate 3BD/2BA, The Mark - Great 2BD/2BA condo with Yocona Ridge - Beautiful 3BD home w/ Windsor Falls - Fantastic 3BR/2BA home, open floor plan, large fenced lot. beautiful custom built home. Too much lots of neighborhood amenities. open floor plan & screened porch. to list.

PAGE 14

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PAGE 15

John Davis Sports Editor

Focus, heart has paid off for Tyler's Chargers

T

rips to Jackson to play in the Mississippi Coliseum are nothing new for Oxford’s Drew Tyler. The Chargers won the state title there in 2001 under Tyler and finished second there in 1999. There are six other seasons that Tyler has either finished in the final eight, six or four in Oxford’s classification. The Chargers are in 5A now. Fifteen years ago, the Chargers won the 4A title.

That March afternoon was a special moment for Tyler. He was a part of Oxford’s first state title in basketball as a player under John Sherman in 1987. To win a gold ball at his alma mater, there were tears of joy and hugs all around. That victory came over Jackson Lanier, against a team that was bigger, stronger and faster than Oxford. Stop me if you’ve heard that before.

To be fair, that 2001 Oxford team had a lot of talent on it. There were a lot of guys who loved to hoop. Before there were smart phones and I Pads, kids used to play basketball at the OPC’s activity center or on the outdoor courts behind the building after school. Tyler had players that would get out of his two-hour practice, wipe off their sweat, and then play two more hours.

Guys like Vincent Camper, Andrew Westmoreland, Rico McThune and Bennie Denton could play for hours. Still, the Chargers weren’t the favorites to win and mainly because almost the entire building was rooting for Lanier. There were Oxford fans in the stands, and they were vocal, but Lanier was there in force and they expected to see a W. Being the underdog is actually just fine with Tyler. He can coach several different levels of talent. Being on the court is like breathing to him. Having great players to mold is an ideal scenario and Tyler is like almost every coach I’ve met, he appreciates great players. The best coaches are usually the ones with great players on the roster. Winning championships is as much about talent than anything else.

That being said, Tyler thrives on a challenge. He loves to see a team like the one he is in charge of this year overcome the odds. How many people actually thought this group of Chargers would be back in the same spot they were last year about five weeks ago? Not many likely. Oxford did finish fourth out of four teams in the division. It was a tough division, a very balTURN TO CHARGERS PAGE 21

PETRE THOMAS

Shayne Linzy loves how his Lafayette Lady Commodores have competed on the court during their nine-game winning streak. LHS is back in action tonight against Florence in the MHSAA Class 4A state tournament.

Red-hot Lady 'Dores ready to face Florence

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

It’s never easy to reach Jackson to play in the annual MHSAA state basketball tournament. And it’s never easy to win once a team gets there. Lafayette has won nine straight games to advance to be one of the final eight teams in Class 4A. The Lady Commodores (22-6 overall) defeated Leake Central to reach Jackson. Linzy congratulated them about being in that position. What sold him on their drive to make Jackson was the look they had in their eyes before the meeting with the Lady Gators.

“They looked like they were ready to make a run and do this to the best of our ability, work hard and play hard and when you have a group that has that look and they put it on the

LAFAYETTE VS. FLORENCE

4A state tournament Thursday, 5:30 p.m.

Jackson State University floor like they did against Leake Central, it makes you know they will compete,” Linzy said. “You can’t ask for much from that from a team, to go down and compete and give yourself a chance to win. I think this group has that look about themselves. They’re practicing that way and having that knowledge makes my job a lot easier.”

Florence (22-4) is up next

for Lafayette. The two meet today at 5:30 at Jackson State.

“They’re a very good basketball team that have earned the accolades and the rankings they have gotten,” Linzy said. “They put five on a court that have great size. They are a really, really good team.”

Thankfully for the Lady Commodores, Linzy didn’t schedule a bunch of cream puffs to pad the resume.

They played Starkville and Jim Hill from Class 6A and both those teams advance to the state tournament.

Both have guards and size.

Corinth, a team that made the 4A state tournament, is another team that tested the Lady Commodores before division play started.

“We just feel like with the schedule we had this year, it really has worked out for us,” Linzy said. “I’m not saying that because of the schedule we’re going to win,

but because of the schedule and the different types of teams we’ve played that had size or speed or a mixture of both, we feel like we have an opportunity to be successful. We feel like it will give us a chance to compete and a chance to win.”

In order to garner a win over Florence, Linzy said his team had to do all the little things the right way.

“We’ve got to block out and with their size advantage, it’s going to be paramount that we get a body on them and either get the rebound or force them to have to go over our backs to get them in foul trouble,” Linzy said. “I think we have had to adjust our game against teams that were bigger than us, and really hone in on our fundamental skills to do it the right way.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Statement worthy Lady Chargers up for challenge of Hattiesburg

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Oxford’s Lady Chargers didn’t get a break when the bracket was made out for the MHSAA Class 5A state tournament. Hattiesburg, a team that is used to winning games and has incredible size and overall talent, is the opponent Oxford garnered in the Elite Eight Friday night. OHS coach Cliff Ormon is familiar with the Lady Tigers, who enter with a 25-4 record. He is very aware they advanced to the state tournament last season and that they have been regarded as one of the top teams in the state all season.

“They are used to winning and they are a team that we’re going to have to play our best against,” Ormon said. “As far as our team goes, I’m hoping that we play like we have all year.

There are going to be challenges. Our size is not ideal but we’ve overcome that against a lot of different opponents. I’m hoping that our players show up and play to their capabilities. If we do that, I like the way this competes.”

Oxford is resilient if nothing else. When you own a 16-game winning streak, a competitive drive has to be

OXFORD VS. HATTIESBURG

5A state tournament Friday, 5:30 p.m.

Jackson State a key. Even if the Lady Chargers have an off night from an offensive standpoint like they did against Vicksburg, the defense was there to help compensate.

Ormon very pleased with that part of his team’s game right now, adding it was very tough to hold a team to 29 points.

“Offensively, we just weren’t clicking that night.

I’m hoping that was just one of those off games where we just weren’t shooting the ball consistently,” Ormon said. “I’ve seen our team enough and I know what they’re capable of. I’m hoping that was just one of those off games where we just weren’t shooting the ball consistently.”

Both Oxford (25-4) and Hattiesburg can get up and

JOEY BRENT

Senior Kyla Malone has been healthy the entire season and a key reason why the Lady Chargers are in Jackson playing in the MHSAA Class 5A state tournament. down the court in transition. While both teams look totally different from a personnel standpoint, the philosophy is to get up and down the floor, just like the Lady Chargers have all year long.

“Shot selection will be important for us and the type of shots we’re getting

in transition. We have to be able to finish,” Ormon said.

“When we get the opportunity for a layup, we have to be able to stick those. We can’t not finish open baskets against a team like this with all the experience they have. We’re hoping to put together a good defensive game plan together to slow

them down and defense has been something we’ve been pretty good at this year. They have a lot of different challenges like size and speed. We know it’s going to be a challenge, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Ormon knew his team had the potential to be in Jackson not long after the

season started, and he said the goal is to stay longer than just one game.

“That’s the other challenge. Do we just want to get down there and say we made it Jackson? Or do we want to go make a statement?” Ormon said. “We believe that we’re going to go make a statement. The goal is to play more than one game. Everyone has the same goal now that they’re down there and that is to make it to the state championship game.”

The vast majority of the Oxford roster wasn’t around when the Lady Chargers won the state title in 2012.

They haven’t played in this type of a contest, or at Jackson State, but Ormon said that even though Hattiesburg was here last year, they didn’t play at JSU either.

“You’re hoping that the atmosphere doesn’t intimidate them or overwhelm them,” Ormon said of his team. ‘It is a plus for (Hattiesburg) playing down there, but the big thing is we will be playing at Jackson State and Hattiesburg last year was at the Coliseum.

So it will be a different venue and we’re both new to that place.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Pete Boone reflects on his time as Ole Miss AD

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Editor’s Note: This is the first part in a two-part series talking with former Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone and what he’s been doing most recently, and how the SEC has changed during his time with Ole Miss.

It wasn’t long after Pete Boone left his post as Ole Miss Athletics Director that he got back in the saddle of college athletics.

When fans and boosters raised questions at Auburn, Boone was brought in to help determine if things were being run efficiently. President Jay Gogue formed a committee and three outside people were asked to join officials from Auburn to help sort things out.

Boone was encouraged to serve by Auburn’s AD, Jay Jacobs, and once he got that blessing, things were put into motion. He interviewed people for a week straight. The committee wanted to know what fans were thinking and what the employees were thinking and what the boosters were thinking.

“We came up with several areas that appeared to need improvement or needed some work and one of them had to do with hiring a No. 2 guy that Jay never really had,” Boone said.

“The lines with the employees were kind of blurred with who was doing what. Even though they knew who they reported to, it was not logical in that sense.

After that was done, Jay came TURN TO BOONE PAGE 17

COURTESY

Former Ole Miss Athletics Director Pete Boone and his wife Scottye have been able to travel more now that he has been retired from his post the past four years.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

Boone

SPORTS IN DEPTH PREP BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS Lafayette (G) 68, Leake Central 30 Leake Central 8 8 9 5 – 30 Lafayette 16 20 14 18 – 68 Leading scorers: Lafayette – Shaniyah Buford 26. Leake Central – Alyssa Jones 14, Teanna Moore 10.

Records: Lafayette 22-6. Leake Central 20-12.

Oxford (B) 73, Canton 69 Canton 21 17 13 18 – 69 Oxford 19 11 15 28 – 73 Leading scorers: Oxford – Jarkel Joiner 32, Terry Williams 14, DK Metcalf 12, Cole Cromwell 10. Canton – Javien Fleming 26.

Records: Oxford 20-9; Canton 14-16.

MHSAA STATE TOURNAMENT QUARTERFINALS GIRLS at Jackson State Class 1A Thursday Biggersville vs. W. Lowndes, 9 a.m.

W. Union vs. Bogue Chitto, 10:30 a.m.

Shaw vs. Nanih Waiya, noon Vardaman vs. McAdams, 1:30 p.m.

Class 2A Friday Ingomar vs. Bassfield, 9 a.m.

W. Tallahatchie vs. Newton, 10:30 a.m.

Baldwyn vs. Pelahatchie, noon Coahoma Co. vs. Heidelberg, 1:30 p.m.

Class 3A Saturday Booneville vs. Tylertown, 9 a.m.

Independence vs. Jefferson Co., 10:30 a.m.

Velma Jackson vs. Forest, noon Holly Springs vs. Choctaw Cent., 1:30 p.m.

Class 4A Thursday Pontotoc vs. McComb, 4 p.m.

Lafayette vs. Florence, 5:30 p.m.

Corinth vs. Bay, 7 p.m.

Byhalia vs. Quitman, 8:30 p.m.

Class 5A Friday Ridgeland vs. Harrison Cent., 4 p.m.

FROM PAGE 16

Oxford vs. Hattiesburg, 5:30 p.m.

Holmes Central vs. Provine, 7 p.m.

Lanier vs. West Jones, 8:30 p.m.

Class 6A Saturday Callaway vs. Harrison Cent., 4 p.m.

Starkville vs. Jim Hill, 5:30 p.m.

Columbus vs. St. Martin, 7 p.m.

Murrah vs. Brandon, 8:30 p.m.

BOYS at Mississippi Coliseum, Jackson Class 1A Thursday Simmons vs. Leake Co., 9 a.m.

Ashland vs. Durant, 10:30 a.m.

Biggersville vs. West Lowndes, noon Houlka vs. Sacred Heart, 1:30 p.m.

Class 2A Friday Baldwyn vs. Heidelberg, 9 a.m.

W. Tallahatchie vs. Prentiss, 10:30 a.m.

Coahoma AHS vs. Madison St. Joe, noon Calhoun City vs. Newton, 1:30 p.m.

Class 3A Saturday Velma Jackson vs. Crystal Sprs, 9 a.m.

Humphreys Co. vs. Morton, noon Holly Springs vs. Forest, 10:30 a.m.

Booneville vs. Kemper Co., 1:30 p.m.

Class 4A Thursday Corinth vs. Pass Christian, 4 p.m.

Leake Cent. vs. Quitman, 5:30 p.m.

Gentry vs. McComb, 7 p.m.

Shannon vs. NE Lauderdale, 8:30 p.m.

Class 5A Friday Center Hill vs. Pascagoula, 4 p.m.

Oxford vs. Wayne Co., 5:30 p.m.

Saltillo vs. Laurel, 7 p.m.

Clarksdale vs. Provine, 8:30 p.m.

Class 6A Saturday Southaven vs. Terry, 4 p.m.

Columbus vs. George Co., 5:30 p.m.

Starkville vs. Biloxi, 7 p.m.

Tupelo vs. Meridian, 8:30 p.m.

over here and asked me if I would take that role in a temporary capacity because he wanted to take his time and hire someone for that. It’s critical because you have get someone who has the ability and the personality and the leadership qualities and is certainly loyal, to not only the school, but to Jay.” It was almost nine months that Boone spent going back and forth to Auburn. Jacobs was able to hire someone within six to eight months, as Boone recalled, but he stayed on just a little longer to finish up some of the projects started. A strategic plan is something Boone helped Auburn create. He also assisted in getting the Auburn ticket office reorganized. Tigers Unlimited, the official arm of fundraising Auburn, was another thing Boone was involved with during his time on The Plains.

“Jay is a good friend

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and he and I could talk, what I call off the record, because I wasn’t really holding to anybody except him,” Boone said.

“We could discuss things that probably weren’t as easy to discuss with an employee. I had a good time doing it. I learned a lot and I enjoyed the people over there. You find out that there are great people everywhere you go. The allegiances are the same and I was curious to see how Ole Miss compared to Auburn with not just the mechanical things like facilities and programs but how the fans and the staff operated and how decisions were made.”

What Boone found out that there wasn’t a “nickel’s worth of difference” in how things were done, and he felt like it would be that way at other schools that were in the SEC. Boone was able to not only meet a lot of new people but he challenged his own business instincts during his time at Auburn.

“How you work with people is transferable and that it was going to be

same over there as it was here,” Boone said. “It was really an enjoyable thing to do.”

The time spent during two stints at Ole Miss allowed Boone to garner great friendships with many current, or past, athletic leaders in the SEC. That seems to be the thing he appreciates as much as anything in retirement. Eric Hyman, who was in charge at Texas A&M and South Carolina, is someone who Boone called a friend in the business.

“Mitch Barnhart at Kentucky is someone who has also called me to see how things are going and I call to congratulate him when good things happen,” Boone said.

When Ross Bjork was hired to replace Boone at Ole Miss, one of the first things he told him was when he left was he wouldn’t be seen.

“I thought Ross needed to do things the way he needed to do them and you don’t think I’m anywhere around because I’m not,” said Boone, who has relegated himself to just being an Ole Miss fan.

Boone ended his career almost four years ago. At the time, he was the outgoing chairman of the SEC athletic directors, a position that was held by former SEC commissioner Roy Kramer. The annual SEC meetings in Destin in May of 2012 was the last official thing Boone did before his work at Auburn. Since that time, the SEC Network has taken off, producing record amounts of money for the 14 schools.

“The estimation at the time was about $10 million per school. It can be good and bad. It puts the pressure on the athletic director.

During the 15 year period I was here, with a four-year interlude in between, there was no money,” Boone said. “It was a zero sum game. If tennis needed an extra dollar, I had to go to softball to get the dollar. We were raising money and had raised more through the foundation than had ever been raised, but there was just an insatiable appetite. And it was real in the sense of keeping up with other schools.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

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OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

JOEY BRENT

Oxford's Cole Cromwell (10) has been a reliable performer for coach Drew Tyler and the Chargers this season and during their fantastic run in the 5A playoffs.

Unsung hero Cromwell has made a big impact for OHS

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

All Cole Cromwell has wanted to do is help the Oxford Chargers out on the basketball court.

Even when he faced his biggest challenge of the year in the middle this past Saturday night against Canton’s 6-foot-8 Javian Fleming, Cromwell didn’t back down. He stood tall, scoring 10 points and grabbing rebounds and loose balls to secure the victory for Oxford.

“We knew it was going to be a tough matchup the whole week heading into the game. And I knew I needed to step up my game in order to help the team,” said Cromwell, a senior.

What the Chargers and Crowell were able to accomplish against Canton should only help in Friday’s MHSAA Class 5A state tournament game against Wayne County. Cromwell, who is listed 6-5 on the roster, knew coach Drew Tyler would come

OXFORD VS. WAYNE COUNTY

Friday, 5:30 p.m.

Mississippi Veterans Coliseum Jackson, Mississippi up with something good in order to defeat the War Eagles, the team that beat the Chargers in last year’s tournament.

“It feels really good to be back.

Coach Tyler has really used the graduating of the 58 points from our seniors last year to really drive us and to get to where we are now,” Cromwell said. “It’s been motivating and it’s certainly great to get to play Wayne County and hopefully get some revenge on them.”

Cromwell has grown up in a military family. His father is a Marine and he instilled the mentality of fighting hard on the court.

“I can be a real nice guy when I’m not on the court, but when you’re out there, you want to make sure you fight hard and leave with no regrets,” he said. “I feel like I’ve done a good job this year. I’ve always done my best and I always try to hustle for every loose ball. I really try to impact the game by taking charges and getting their impact players out by getting them in foul trouble early.”

Basketball has made an impact in Cromwell’s life for as long as he can remember. It’s by far his favorite sport, and coming to Oxford has made the difference from a playing standpoint.

“This has been my first crack at a real coach. Growing up as a military child, we moved around a lot and I really was open to as

many opportunities for basketball,” said Cromwell, who lived in North Carolina and New Orleans prior to Oxford. “I played mostly rec ball until I was in ninth grade. My middle school did not have any sports. Coming to Oxford has really been my first crack at organized basketball. This is my third year here.

As far as athletics go, moving to Oxford has been one of the best parts.”

Tyler felt there have been times that Cromwell was the most improved player on the court, and other times where he thought that he was the MVP. “He’s playing well above his talent level. When you start measuring hearts, he’s off the chart,” Tyler said adding Cromwell provided the early anchor inside when DK Metcalf was getting into basketball shape. “There are times where Cromwell has the No. 1 assignment on defense and we’re taking Metcalf off and putting him

off somewhere else. They’ve helped each other all year to the point where they’re drawing a foul and they’re helping their teammate. They’re cutting down penetration, they’re recovering.

I think Cromwell has been one of the most team players I have ever coached. He’s at every open gym. He’s here early and stays late.”

Some keys in wins for the Chargers, when they have come up big in the biggest moments, has been getting into the bonus early, making free throws, hustling for all loose balls and finding a way to limit the opposing team to one shot each time down the court.

“Whenever we have been able to get all that together, it’s worked out really well for us and that’s what happened with Canton the other night,” Cromwell said.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PAGE 19

JOHN DAVIS

Former Oxford High football offensive coordinator Stan Hill is now leading the offense at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Hill ready for new challenge as NWCC's OC

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Football has been in Stan Hill’s blood his entire life. He’s been calling plays, in one form or fashion, since before middle school. In the most recent seasons, Hill has been instrumental in the success of the Oxford Chargers from a play calling standpoint.

As the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past seven seasons, the Chargers’ offense has been very potent and very entertaining. His reputation as an innovator coupled with a reputation for being aggressive led to Hill becoming the new offensive coordinator for the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers.

He is already on the job in Senatobia, working for head coach Benjy Parker. Coaching football is all that Hill is doing now rather than it being some-

thing he did on the side.

“It’s a lot different because this is all you have to do. You don’t have to teach and I was a para professional and now all I have to do is coach football. It’s a blessing, a dream come true,” Hill said.

The Rangers return a number of skill players on offense from a team that won the NJCAA national championship in 2015.

Gardner Minshew is back at quarterback and he finished with over 3,000 yards and 28 touchdowns through the air.

“A lot of coaching is making sure that you have good players.

Through my career, I’ve been blessed. Every year I’ve been labeled as the quarterbacks coach or the offensive coordinator, I’ve had a good trigger man,” Hill said. “Gardner, by far, is the best QB in the league. He’s definitely got some serious skills and Northwest is lucky to have a kid that talented. I look forward to

him having a good season next year.”

Hill, who played at Marshall University and then in the arena league, was still learning the names of his players Monday, his first offical day on the job.

The Rangers are worked out this week and will be off next week for spring break. Former Oxford High players KT McCollins and Michael McGhee are two players that Hill knows.

SIMILAR MINDS Parker and Hill both clicked when the two meet for their interview. Parker wanted to give the offense to a coach and not have to worry about anything as he led the defense. Hill said it was very similar to working for his father Johnny at Oxford.

“Dad was a guy that was like that, someone who was going to let me coach. At the same time, he’s my boss and if he wants to do something, that’s what we’re

going to do,” he said. “He just seems like he is a laid back, honest, loyal, hard-working guy. I couldn’t have asked for anything better for my first opportunity coaching in college than coaching for a guy like him.”

Teams that play football in the MACJC ranks have spread things out and thrown the ball all over the field. Hill was quick to point out that in high school, you had to play to the talent on the roster. In junior college, coaches recruit to the system.

Hill felt like the Rangers would be just like the Chargers of the past few seasons would be, multiple with the use of an H-back who would block, as well as catch, like Zach Cousar did. For the past seven years, Hill has been calling plays in preparation for an opportunity like the one he now has at Northwest.

“I love the fact that that I can go get the guys that I need and the type of player that I’m look-

ing for. That’s really exciting for me,” Hill said. “They can grow in my system and I don’t have to switch it year in and year out.

Depending on what players are coming up, I can go out and get the players that I want to fit my system.”

Hill said that there was “a ton of talent” on the roster.

“I haven’t seen them throw and catch, but there are a lot of talent walking around out there and working out,” he said. “I’m excited. I think I’m going to have plenty to work with with.”

The plan is for Hill to commute from Oxford to Senatobia.

The long-term plan is to move to town.

“We will just play it by ear. I want my boys out here with me and for that to happen, that will have to live in Senatobia,” Hill said.

John.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

JOSH MCCOY/OLE MISS ATHLETICS

Ole Miss sophomore Arianne Hartono is one of the five ranked players in the lineup. Her maturity and talent have made her a big part of the Rebels' success so far this year.

Hartono likes confidence of OM Rebels

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS EDITOR

Perfect. That’s what the No. 18 Ole Miss women’s tennis team has been so far this season.

Every time the Rebels have stepped out on the court, they’ve won. For sophomore Arianne Hartono, and the rest of the roster, it’s all about confidence.

“We’ve played some good teams and beaten them. It’s the best start in history really and we can’t take that for granted actually,” said Hartono, who has won every singles match this spring. “We don’t think about every single match like we’ve got to keep our streak going, but we look at every single match as if it’s our last really. We don’t think about the record we’re keeping. We don’t have any certain expectations to keep up. We just go out there and do our best everyday.”

So far what the Rebels have done best is play as a bonded team. Heading into the start of SEC play this weekend, they have defeated two ranked teams in Stanford and Purdue and also won matches over the likes of Memphis and Tulane along with Colorado.

“There is a lot of talent in this group as well as a lot of potential. Of course, you need something to bring that potential

VS.

Friday: 3 p.m.

Sunday: Vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m.

out,” she said. “I think we are as bonded as last year, and maybe a little better. I feel like we’ve gained so much more confidence after every match we’ve won. That just keeps adding and really the big difference from what we had last year and this year. The confidence keeps coming in really.”

Every weekend in the SEC is a grind. It’s like running a marathon compared to half marathon. There is just a different feel to it all.

“We’re going to see how the freshmen come into it because they are obviously new to it.

They’ve kind of had the idea of a dual match, but SEC is different, a little tougher than those,” Hartono said adding that the key is not thinking too far ahead. “Just keep your head in the present as if it’s your last.”

Tennis has been a part of

Hartono’s life since she was 6.

She was also a swimmer growing up, and she stayed in the pool until she was “10 or 11.”

Hartono’s brother was the one that got her into tennis.

“At the time, I was actually doing ballet lessons. My brother had private practices and then out of nowhere, his trainer asked me if I wanted to hit something,” she said. “Initially, I didn’t want to. Then my mom pressed me to trying it out and it turned out I like it.”

Doubles and singles both please Hartono, who pairs with Mai El Kamash to form the No. 24 overall duo in the nation currently. The thing she likes best about doubles is the interaction with El Kamash.

“There is so much strategy that is involved in doubles. It is so much more complicated than singles, I think,” Hartono said. “Just the way we play as a team, that excites me really.”

Moving forward, the key to wins and the season remaining successful, is to not let mental struggles get in the way.

“Every moment, just play in the present and don’t think about anything else. Just have fun really because these seven weeks, they might be over in snap,” Hartono said. “With classes and practices and eating and sleeping, it’s going to go by so fast.”

Hartono was hoping to have a large crowd out to support the Rebels, adding that they really needed that for the freshmen.

“They have never experienced something like this and we could use the support, especially with a team like we have now,” she said. “We really want people to come out and cheer for us. We encourage that.”

On a personal note, choosing Ole Miss has been the right thing for Hartono, who is from The Netherlands.

“It’s the combination of everything from the people to the facilities, all the other staff, faculty and classes, everything fits perfectly,” Hartono said. “It’s like a puzzle that matched up the amazing image it gives me.

It’s what I imagined it would be.”

Ole Miss coach Mark Beyers is glad that Hartono is a part of the team for sure. He raved about her overall talent and said that she doesn’t act like a sophomore and more like a senior.

“We’ve got five girls ranked in the individual rankings, which is the most we’ve ever had.

Florida has six kids ranked, and Southern Cal has five,” Beyers said. “That’s a testament to the depth we have, but Ari has proven that when she is healthy, she is one of the best players in the country. It’s nice to have someone at No. 1 singles that

no matter who we play, we have a chance to win.”

Ole Miss has had a lot of great singles players like Julia Jones most recently, and Beyers felt if she stayed healthy, she could be as good as any of the former standouts.

“Her ball-striking ability is incredible and her hand-eye coordination is incredible,” he added. “As she continues to gain more confidence in herself, that’s only going to increase.”

Beyers looks at a season in three parts, the pre-SEC season which turned out to be very successful, the SEC and then hopefully, the postseason. Beyers said that the SEC is a “grind” but also fun at the same time.

“As a coach, I’m curious to see what we can do against this SEC,” Beyers said. “All these SEC teams are really, really good this year. Every year we talk about the depth and it has just gotten better. And you think it can’t get better but it does somehow. It’s a gauntlet. It becomes a little more challenging knowing you will be facing a little more adversity. We’ve got a good team, but all these other teams are good. It’s going to be a lot of 43s either way and being on the winning side of those 4-3s is going to be big.” john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

PAGE 21

Chargers FROM PAGE 15

anced league compared to other years, but still it would have been tough to predict that the Chargers would be in Jackson and that they would have 20 wins on the ledger either.

Tyler has that rare ability to piece it all together. He hasn’t won 461 games in 19 seasons just because he dresses well or because he knows how to work a referee better than most. Tyler loves to mold, and he loves to coach. When he is up and down the sideline, rather than sitting or just standing, that’s when he’s at his best. This year’s team has challenged in all the right ways.

This year’s roster isn’t the most talented one he’s coached, but I’m not so sure they don’t have the most heart. If you don’t think Christopher Sandroni has passion, you haven’t been to a game. He lives OHS hoops. Sandroni loves his brothers, and they love him. Terry Williams has come in and given Tyler a solid point guard to complement Jarkel Joiner, who is the best single player that Tyler has coached. That’s saying a lot, I know, but Joiner has risen to that status. Even when we don’t think he’s done a lot he has 32

JOEY BRENT

Oxford's Drew Tyler hugs Christopher Sandroni after the Chargers defeated Canton to advance to the MHSAA Class 5A state tournament. points in the scorebook.

Tyler talked about graduating 58 points from last year’s team all summer and all fall. His players say he still talks about it before various games. Tyler knows that his Chargers have proven

the naysayers wrong. They have persevered at the right times of the season. Against Canton last Saturday night, Tyler’s Chargers played their ball even when they were down.

“That lets me know that our

players know their strengths, know our weaknesses and that we’re playing high-percentage basketball and playing towards our strengths,” Tyler said.

Joiner praised God for the season. He talked about spirit when

he talked about his teammates following the win over Canton.

And to be back in the same spot, and playing Wayne County, Joiner said one word “destiny.”

“It’s a blessing and I do give God all the credit,” Joiner said.

“Without God, we would be nothing and God pulled this team through.”

Williams felt the connection in the summer. He remembers looking at Joiner and saying “this is the best back court in the state.”

“Those were big words, but we meant that and we knew right then and there that we had a chance to make it back to Jackson,” Williams said. “We just had to put the puzzle pieces together and now we’re finally here. Once we got into the district tournament and started playing, I think people realized that Oxford can actually make it somewhere.”

Joiner added that when they listen to Tyler, and not play as individuals, everything works out fine.

“This year we have played team ball,” Joiner said.

And team ball, along with a lot of heart and not losing composure, has the Chargers back and knocking on the door of the Big House. john.davis@journalinc.com Twitter: @oxfordcitizenjd

Citizen

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THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

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1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Earn $800/week+ and get home weekly to enjoy the things that matter.

CALL TODAY! 1-888-540-7364

YARD SALE Let the Oxford Citizen Classifieds help you write an ad that will be seen by 69,000 readers weekly.

Deadline..............................Edition

NEEDED NOW! Learn to drive for

Schneider National

General Employment

Oxford

WEECYCLE KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE Saturday, March 5 (8 am 7 pm) ONE DAY ONLY! New Location: North Oxford Baptist Church GYM. Name brand clothing, maternity, furniture, baby gear, toys, and vendors. Free Admission! oxfordweecycle.com

SELLING ANYTHING? BUYING ANYTHING?

OXFORD CITIZEN CLASSIFIEDS ARE THE ANSWER!

Call today to place a classified ad that gets results FAST! 1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

General Employment

CARRIERS WANTED

Tuesday 4 P.M..........................Thursday Thursday 4 P.M...........................Sunday

Call 662-842-2622

Advertisements in this classification usually offer informational service or products designed to help FIND employment. Before you send money to any advertiser, it is your responsibility to verify the validity of the offer. Some ads may require a toll call or a directory purchase. Inquiries can be made by contacting the Better Business Bureau at 1800-987-8280

Route

Hours per day (approx.)

Gross per month (approx.)

Area

AMRY4......2 .........$918 ......Amory ELLIS1 ......31⁄2 .......$1,443....Ellistown FULT4 .......4 .........$1,478....Fulton MOOR2 .....21⁄2 .......$1,021....Mooreville PEPR1.......31⁄2 .......$1,296....Peppertown RIPL1 .......31⁄2 .......$1,248....Ripley MANT1⁄2 ......41⁄2 .......$1,784....Mantachie RIPY9 .......31⁄2 .......$1,564....Ripley PONT10 .....31⁄2 .......$1,530....Pontotoc $100 signing bonus after one month of service.

SERVICES Contractors A-1 Gutter Maker Call for FREE Estimates, Seamless gutters installed. No job too small. 662-213-5875

If you have a dependable car, insurance, & a good driving record

call 662-678-1634 DAILY

Journal

Newspaper Delivery Early morning hours 7 days a week Work is done before 8:00 a.m.

Oxford Citizen Classifieds are here to serve your needs.

You need answers.

You need to reach the right audience.

You need results.

Oxford Citizen Classified Ad-Visors are as close as the nearest phone, well-versed and ready to assist you. We have a variety of ways to customize your ad to get the action and results you want!

Call today to place your classified ad!

1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

Commercial Property For Rent

Commercial Property For Rent

FOR LEASE-COMMERCIAL BUILDING

2647 WEST OXFORD LOOP OXFORD, MS BUILDING FOR LEASE (33 X 100. 3300 SQUARE FEET) GLASS SHOW ROOM OFFICES KITCHEN FULL BATH REAR STORAGE 2-5 YEAR LEASE REQUIRED

EXCELLENT FOR POOL BUSINESS, CONTRACTORS OR SMALL RESTAURANT. $3500 DEPOSIT, $3500 MONTHLY

662-816-1160

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

FINANCIAL

REAL ESTATE

Business Opportunity

YOUR NEXT CAREER STARTS HERE!

Your chance to build your own business with JAN-PRO Cleaning Systems franchise.

Extensive Training Guaranteed Customers Guaranteed Financing No selling Needed Just $950 starts your career, CALL 662-534-4448!

New Albany 224 Starlyn Ave

Oxford Citizen Classifieds are here to serve your needs.

You need answers.

You need to reach the right audience.

You need results.

Oxford Citizen Classified Ad-Visors are as close as the nearest phone, well-versed and ready to assist you. We have a variety of ways to customize your ad to get the action and results you want!

Call today to place your classified ad!

1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com FAX Your Classified Ads 662-620-8301 ** 24 Hours A Day! **

All Real Estate advertising herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

If you believe that you may have been discriminated against in connection with the sale, rental or financing of housing, call The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at 1-800-669-9777.

STUFF

AUTO

Home Furnishings

Sport Utility

5X7 RUGS

(1) 6 months old, earth tone colors - burnt orange, green tan, brown, $45; Jackson Medallion Area Rug, 5x7, $45 New. Tupelo or New Albany 266-0437

SOFA AND LOVESEAT

Signature design by Ashley Only year and 4 months old. $500 for set. Smoke free home New Albany pick up. 266-3335

LEXUS LX 350 2015, Pearl White. 4 door. Still under warranty. Loaded. Like New. 12,000 miles $39,000.

Golden, MS. (662)676-2917

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISERS When Placing Ads 1. Make sure your ad reads the way you want it. Then our Ad Consultants will read it back to you.

2. Be sure your ad is in the proper classification.

3. After the deadline, ad cannot be canceled or corrected until after it runs the first day.

4. Check your ad the first day for errors. If an error has been made, we will be happy to correct it; however, we cannot be responsible for errors after the first day.

If you cannot find your ad, call us at 1-800-270-2622 the day you expect it to start.

Land Building lot in Magnolia Hills subdivision, near Wal-Mart,New Albany, with a 20 x 24 metal building & above ground storm shelter. $29,500. 662.534.1099

Resort Sales

SMITH LAKE BANKHEAD FOREST

Lake Lots, Restricted & Unrestricted, off/on water.

Call Captain Shipman 205-489-6332

PAGE 23

IT TAKES MONEY TO MAKE MONEY

RECREATION Recreational Vehicles 2012 SUNTRACKER MARINE FISHING BARGE 22 FT. DELUX MODEL WITH TRAILER, TROLLING MOTOR, MERCURY 60 HP. EXCELLENT CONDITION. $15,475 •662-419-0089

But Not Very Much When You Use The Oxford Citizen Classifieds!!

Call today to place a classified ad that gets results FAST! 1-800-270-2622 Fax: 662-620-8301 E-mail: classifieds@journalinc.com

Citizen OXFORD

stay informed

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Business Directory Apartments

Blinds

Employment Opportunities

Affordable Luxury Apartment Homes 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom

111 Grand Ole Oaks Drive Belden, MS 38826

589 N. Coley Rd. Tupelo, MS

Carey Wilson Manager

www.newcorp.com/careers Great Employment Opportunities

office: 662.823.1470 • fax: 662.823.1474 • cell:662.231.7508

www.GrandOleOaks.com Real Estate

Heating & Cooling

of Selling Is Your Heater Busted? Thinking Your Home or

Are You SURE It Can’t Be Fixed?

Before You Buy, Call Now For A

FREE SECOND OPINION!!

1255 Nelle Street § Tupelo

662-844-0270

Property?

We Have Six Full-Time Agents Pontotoc Ridge Realty, Ltd. Who Call MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE Pontotoc Home. ISEACH INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Call Us Today 662-489-2848

Technology Achieve greater network per for mance with less.

It's time to get more performance from your network with far less. As in less bandwidth utilization, fewer resources, and less cost.

ADVANCED RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT FACILITY 1150 SOUTH GREEN ST • BUILDING 1, SUITE E • TUPELO,MS 662-821-2500 • www.circadence.com

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 24

THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016

BELK FORD HWY 6 WEST • OXFORD • 662.234.4661 • BELKFORD.COM 2014 GMC SIERRA SLT 4X4

2007 TOYOTA 4-RUNNER SPORT

Stock #020749

Stock #020240

Crew Cab, Loaded!

2009 CHRYSLER SEBRING TOURING

2008 NISSAN ALTIMA

Stock #020272

Stock #020269

2003 LEXUS 300GS 2.5S, Automatic

2013 TOYOTA TUNDRA

2013 AUDI A-5

Stock #020292

Stock #020297

2009 HYUNDAI TUSCON GLS

2011 FORD F-150 LARIAT

2013 TOYOTA VENZA LE

Stock #020790

Stock #014550

OR

2013 FORD F-250 SUPER DUTY Stock #020648

2013 FORD F-150 PLATINUM

2011 HYUNDAI SONATA SE

Stock #020646

Stock #020653

$650/mo.

OR

2010 MERCEDES BENZ GLK CLASS Stock #020306

V6

$11,480

$35,980

$257/mo.

OR

OR

2009 FORD ESCAPE XLT

2012 TOYOTA RAV4

Stock #020659

Stock #020475

OR

2013 CHEVY SILVERADO CREW CAB LTZ Stock #020660

Low Miles

$16,980

$8,980

$453/mo.

OR

OR

2013 CHEVROLET TAHOE LT

2013 CHEVROLET TRAVERSE LTZ

Stock #020761

Stock #020795

4x4

$31,900

$227/mo.

$105/mo.

All Wheel Drive

$18,980

$143/mo.

$515/mo.

Super Crew, 4x4, Lariat

$44,980

$257/mo.

$392/mo.

OR

$102/mo.

OR

OR

2x4

$8,780

$18,980

$27,900

$423/mo.

Stock #020791

2.0T, Premium

OR

OR

$29,900

OR

$377/mo.

$362/mo.

4x2, Leather

$121/mo.

$26,900

$25,900

Loaded!

$9,980

OR

OR

V-6, Automatic

Stock #020286

$105/mo.

$89/mo.

Supercrew, 4x2

OR

$8,980

$7,980

4x4, Supercrew

$333/mo.

OR

OR

4x4, Crew Cab, Loaded!

$23,980

$196/mo.

$424/mo.

4x2, Double Cab

Stock #020180

4x2

$14,980

$29,980

Sunroof

2011 CHEVROLET LTZ

OR

2011 FORD TAURUS LIMITED Stock #020763

Loaded!

$26,980

$378/mo.

OR

$11,980

$151/mo.

OR

All prices & payments + tax & fees based on 72 mo. @ 2.9% financing and $2,000 down at time of signing qualified buyers. With approved credit. Warranty excludes twin turbos. Pictures are for demonstration purposes only.