Oxford March 30, 2017

Pick up your Sunday Oxford Citizen at locations throughout Lafayette County

POSTAL CUSTOMER PRSRT STANDARD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID OXFORD MS PERMIT # 30

oxfordcitizen.com

Volume 3 | Issue 98

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Inside 8 News

Ole Miss grad student wins Chicken Salad for a year

16 Business

PHOTO BY CHANING GREEN

Five-year-old Jatavion Bean runs to embrace his father William Bean who has been serving in Kuwait and Iraq and Kuwait for the past 10 months. Jatavion's parents surprised him during a school assembly Monday morning.

Coming Home

R&R Cookies LLC Opens Store in Oxford

17 Sports

Soldier makes receives a special welcome home

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Over 100 Oxford University School students packed into the school’s library Monday morning, unknowingly about to witness an emotional reunion between a soldier and his son.

Head of School Carolyn Davis led chil-

dren to believe it was an average school assembly and that nothing was amiss. This semester, the school is focusing on the importance of approaching every situation with kindness. After calling 5-year-old Jatavion Bean to the front of the room to lead the class in the Pledgeof Allegiance, Davis went around the room asking kids how they can show kindness every day.

All the while, Jatavion’s parents were on the way to the school.

The boy said he knew something was up when he saw his mother, Chasity Hawkins enter the building.

“I saw my mom, so I knew he was coming too,” Jatavion said, sitting in his TURN TO SOLDIER PAGE 2

Making an Impact: Terrell’s contribution has helped propel Diamond Chargers

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 2

Soldier FROM 1

dad’s lap and leaning on his chest after all the other students had returned to their classrooms for lunch.

“I saw him right here and window and fwoom, I ran.”

William Bean left for training last march. He was granted a pass in June before his deployment, during which he was able to see his family. He left from there and spent nearly 10 months split between Iraq and Kuwait.

Bean is a logistics specialist for the army where he helps to operate warehouses that keep units stocked with supplies. He’s also done some work making sure that mechanics had the proper equipment needed to repair and maintain aircraft.

Davis said she’s seen things like this on the news before, but never in real life. She said having the family as part of the school is always such a blessing and that Hawkins is always looking for ways to help out and get involved. To

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

see them all back together again was really emotional for her.

“It just grabs your heartstrings,” she said. “Even watching it on videos from afar, it tears at you, but seeing it in real life was just amazing. They’ve just been a fantastic part of our school.”

Gin Gin Carlton teaches at OUS, and, like the other adults in the room, was in tears watching the reunion “Oh, it was so sweet,” Carlton said. “I know Jatavaion, and he is just the sweetest little boy.

Being able to see his reaction was my favorite thing of all. It was so amazing to a soldier who has been protecting us come back and see his son – it was all so special.”

With his son sitting in his lap, Bean said it was good to be home.

“Yeah, it’s really, really good to be home because I have a lot of toys there,” Jatavion interjected.

Now he has his dad there too.

PHOTO BY CHANING GREEN

chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

Jatavion's mother Chasity Hawkins worked with OUS Head of School Carolyn Davis to pull off the surprise. Davis said she felt very honored to be able to witness the reunion in person.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 3

Patrick Herbert seeks affordable housing HEBERT: Well, Olive Branch, so right there around the Memphis area. I Patrick Hebert is running just didn’t want to go back to against incumbent Rick that. Oxford is a lot safer.

Addy in pursuit of the Ward 1 Alderman seat. Hebert has GREEN: What else do you been a part of the Oxford for like about Oxford?

HEBERT: Oh, a lot. I guess the past seven years, moving here for school and then the main thing is that it’s a transitioning to work at the fun place to live. There’s a lot Winchester plant. He has to do. two small children, the oldGREEN: What do you do at est of which attends Oxford University School. Housing the Winchester plant? is the 25-year-old’s primary HEBERT: I’m an adjustor, concern this election. Hebert which is pretty much their took time after work to speak main job out of there. on the phone with Oxford Citizen reporter Chaning GREEN: Why did you want Green a few weeks ago to dis- to run for alderman? cuss the election.

HEBERT: The majority of the people I work with do not CHANING GREEN:Why did live in Lafayette County. I think it’s ridiculous that they you first come to Oxford?

PATRICK HEBERT: I went to can’t afford a house here. I Ole Miss, but I soon had to make about $40,000 to start working and just never $50,000 a year, depending on went back. Ole Miss brought how much overtime I get, and me here and I didn’t want to that is about the same for the move back to Memphis. whole factory. A lot of people who work there think it’s unGREEN: Are you originally fathomable to afford a house in Oxford on that salary. from Memphis?

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK HEBERT

Patrick Herbert is campaigning for the Ward 1 Alderman seat.

GREEN: And are you hoping to advocate for legislation that would help that?

HEBERT: Yes, I just want to get housing under $150,000, and make that available to people. Right now, the market is mostly made up of properties for $200,000 and up. There’s plenty of that, but very little for under $150,000. It took me more than two months to find a house listed under $150,000 within the Oxford city limits.

HEBERT: I first began thinking about it when Rick Addy first ran a few months ago, but I had some other things going on that made me unable to do so. Now I am free to do it, so why not?

GREEN: Do you plan on sticking around?

HEBERT: Oh yeah. I have two kids who were born here, my job and my house are here.

HEBERT: Yeah, I saw they’re hoping to implement more low-income housing with a rezoning over on Molly Barr Road. They’re talking about doing that.

GREEN: What are some issues that are important to you other than housing?

HEBERT: That is my main focus. I went to the housing seminar that was held on the Square a few weeks ago, and only one alderman was there. I just feel like the city is really out of touch with itself right now. I’d like for the people of the city to actually have the chance to meet their alderman. That’s what I want to bring to Ward 1.

I want to open a bit more of a dialog so that when people reach out about housing or they can’t find a job, they’ll be able to talk to someone.

That they’ll actually have someone to complain to.

GREEN: Do you have any thoughts about how the city is growing and what they’re doing to manage that?

HEBERT: I know that they need to do more high-capacity housing. Something spread out.

GREEN: What’s your campaign plan?

HEBERT: I’ll probably go door-to-door. It’s not a big city and this is just Ward 1.

The majority of the people here are my neighbors, and I know a lot of people out here.

Oxford’s a pretty transient GREEN: How long have you community where people GREEN: Is there anything been thinking about running come and go, I still know a the city is doing that you feel bunch of people here. for alderman? positively about?

GREEN: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you?

HEBERT: I’m also getting signatures to legalize marijuana in Mississippi. The Mississippi Cannabis Coalition, the organization getting signatures to put marijuana legalization on the ballots for the next election, they’ve endorsed me and they’re helping me reach out and get more signatures while I’m running for alderman. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 4

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Ole Miss Parking and Transportation Department works to make traffic flow more smoothly

BY NANCY JACKSON SPECIAL TO OXFORD CITIZEN

Many University of Mississippi students have their own vehicles and rely on them to get to and from campus daily. Most have also faced parking issues on campus. Though the university offers buses to campus from campus, seven out of 10 students said they prefer to drive.

UM sophomore Ashley Donnelly has parking woes.

“I always have trouble finding a parking spot even remotely close to my classes,” she said. “I’m usually circling around a lot for more than 45 minutes before I find a parking spot.”

Many students and faculty members have encountered the same issues.

Mike Harris, director of the UM Department of Parking and Transportation, said UM has more than enough parking for everyone on this campus.

“All of the spots are not as convenient as people wish they were,” he said. “but at

almost any given time, I will be able to show a student hundreds of empty parking spots.”

With thousands of students and faculty driving on campus daily, getting a ticket isn’t uncommon. Students are allowed to appeal the ticket if they feel it was issued by mistake. They can appeal online or in person within seven days of receiving the ticket, explaining the mistake and why it should be repealed.

Though many believe the Department of Parking and Transportation handles appeals, a judiciary board of students selected by the dean does. This separation allows for a much smoother appeals process.

Although the appeals process is separate from the Department of Parking and Transportation, department leaders still hear from many students.

“The way we address complaints from faculty and students about parking issues is to always start by listening,” Harris said. “We

NANCY JACKSON

Transportation officer scans permit to give a ticket to an illegally parked vehicle. listen to what happened and really try to see what the issue is, whether it be on the department’s end or if the driver did simply make a mistake. It’s typically a very smooth process, especially now that we have started including pictures with the tickets.”

UM freshmen Lynsey Meyer said the campus is

growing too quickly to accommodate all of the cars.

“For many people, their only option is to park off campus, then take the bus in,” she said, “which I don’t find convenient. I’m hoping the university helps fix this issue in the next few years.”

UM will open another parking garage fall 2017 that will accommodate

1,500 cars and is expected to help relieve many traffic issues.

The university will also open a new bus hub near the Student Union that will enable more students to use the campus bus system.

And they will be removing on-road parking on Rebel Drive and North Gate

Drive to enable cars and busses to flow more easily and increase safety.

“In these areas, there are too many deliveries and drop-offs being made, and there is no choice but for cars to stop in the middle of the road and cause traffic jams,” Harris said.

The department also hopes to enhance the mobile technology they currently have. UM has two free parking assistive phone apps, Passport and Parker.

The Parker app enables students to view which commuter parking lots have open parking spaces and provides directions to and from the parking lot. The Passport phone app enables individuals to pay to park in metered spots on campus or on the Square.

Harris said he hopes to incorporate more app features, such as license plate recognition, and he wants to add more campus cameras. He believes both will help eliminate permit stickers and provide more campus safety.

RIDE FOR ST. JUDE

COURTESY

The children at First Baptist Weekday Education honored their classmate Lily Baker with a trike-a-thon on Friday, March 24. This annual event is where they ride their bikes and donate money to St. Jude. This year a record amount was donated in Lily's name.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 5

OSD names 2017 Parents of the Year

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The Oxford School District recognized their 2017 Parents of the Year during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees Monday evening.

SuzAnne Liddell is the director of federal programs and student registration for the OSD. She read out the names and awarded the plaques to the parents being recognized for their service to individual schools and the district as a whole.

For Bramlett Elementary School, Tara Denevan was awarded Parent of the Year.

For Oxford Elementary, the honor went to Kyle Still.

Della Davidson’s Parent of the Year was Stephanie Young. Ashley Rhodes was named Parent of the Year for Oxford Intermediate School. Elizabeth Coon of Oxford Middle School was chosen for the honor as was Liza Fruge for Oxford High School.

Lisa Plough was named Parent of the Year for the Scott Center as well as District Parent of the Year.

Plough does not have a child currently enrolled in the Scott Center but is the mother of a child with special needs. She was emotional as Liddell read out her history of service with the school and thanked her for everything she has done for the district and its students. When asked if she would like to give a speech, through her tears, Plough warned everyone that she was a crier.

“I think I just want to say thank you to Principal Kathy Howington and all of the teachers at the Scott Center,” Plough said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“You can’t walk in there and not want to help. It’s infectious. Teachers, some have gone, but they have all left an impression. What they do and how they advocate for those kids is just amazing. You can’t walk in that building and not want

to do something. Miracles happen in that building everyday. As a special needs parent, you don’t often see other striving for your child to hit those goals, but you walk in there and you’ll never meet a bigger cheerleader or advocate for these kids. It makes you want to be a part of it, so thank you. For everything.”

Also during the meeting, Charger Cheer Squad Varsity Coach Allison Wally was named the Mississippi 2016-2017 Spirit Coach of the Year. In her acceptance speech, Wally said that she was only receiving the award because her name came first on the list of coaches. She said that without the incredible support and leadership shown by her assistant coaches and specialists that come in to work with students, she wouldn’t be there accepting that award.

The Oxford School District Foundation was also present at the meeting to

award $70,000 in grants to teachers in the district. The teachers applied for the grants for different projects within their classrooms.

Projects ranged from the purchase and implementation of Google Glass in the classroom to creating a jazz band.

Later in the proceedings, the board voted on when to hold meetings to discuss an upcoming bond referendum that would acquire the funds necessary to construct a new elementary school. These dates are tentative, but gives district officials something to work toward. The first meeting is set for April 10 at 6 p.m. and the second one for May 1 at the same time. The third would take place on June 5. The district is hoping to have a site selected for the new school by the end of June, but everything is still tentative at this point.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT

chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

Lisa Herbert has been chosen as the Oxford School District's 2017 Parent of the Year.

BRIEFING Cancellation Announcement

summer 2017. Construction on the project is expected to last from The April 5 Healthcare mid-May to early August Forum sponsored by the 2017. The closure is necLafayette County Democ- essary to completely rat Party is CANCELLED, close the project site to due to the Trump admin- finish construction of the istration's decision to roundabout by the beginwithdraw their healthcare ning of fall semester bill. The Healthcare 2017, according to a Forum will be reschedstatement put out by the uled once there is a university. clearer picture as to what The university asks that any new proposed all campus guests use anhealthcare legislation other entrance to camlooks like. pus, as vehicles will not be able to enter campus via Chucky Mullins Drive.

Chucky Mullins

Drive entrance closed this summer A roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Chucky Mullins Drive, Hill Drive and Hathorn Road starting in mid-May 2017.The University of Mississippi say the closure is necessary to keep construction on schedule.

The Chucky Mullins Drive entrance to campus will be completely closed to vehicles during

Oxford High School Theatre Program Presents “CLUE: The Musical” The award-winning Oxford High School (OHS) Theatre Program presents “CLUE: The Musical”, a musical with 216 possible endings. The internationally popular game is now a fun-filled musical which brings the world's best know sus-

pects to life and invites the audience to help solve the mystery: who killed Mr. Boddy, in what room and with what weapon?

With performances set for April 13-15 at Kayla Sue Mize Auditorium, the audience receives forms to help them deduce the solution from clues given throughout the entertaining evening. The season closer to the 2016-2017 OHS theatre season offers 7:30 p.m. performances daily on the Oxford Middle School campus located at 222 Bramlett Boulevard in Oxford. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time online at www.oxfordsd.org/OHSt heatre or at the door the night of the performance.

For more information, email OHS Theatre Program Director John Davenport at jdavenport@oxfordsd.org or visit www.oxfordsd.org/OHSt heatre.

*Free Checking with Unlimited Cashback *Terms and Conditions apply 1101 Jackson Ave. W • Oxford, MS 38655 • (662) 236-9099

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 6

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

LOU Reads launches annual book drive

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

The LOU Reads Coalition has launched their third annual book drive to provide reading materials to the kids and teens of Lafayette County.

The coalition works with the Lafayette County Literacy Council, the United Way and several other community partners to promote literacy and engage readers of all ages. Children’s books at all reading levels in new or gently used condition are being accepted. This means board books, Dr. Seuss, young adult fiction – the whole gamut. Anything appropriate for anyone 18 years or younger is being graciously accepted.

Drop off locations include the Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library, Oxford Activity Center, the OxfordLafayette County Chamber of Commerce, the Powerhouse Community Arts Center, the University of Mississippi University Museum and offices in both the

Oxford and Lafayette County School Districts.

Meghan Gallagher cochairs the LOU Reads Coalition. She helps to oversee the book drive.

“There are two components to this,” she said. “It’s not just about helping children build up small libraries in their home that can help them develop a strong vocabulary and comprehension skills. It’s also about raising awareness about summer learning loss.”

The phenomenon Gallagher is referring to here is exactly what it sounds like.

During the summer, kids can lose as much as two months worth of instruction over the summer if they do not stay academically engaged. This problem becomes exacerbated if a child is already struggling to read, until that student could potentially be left behind in the curriculum. LOU Reads is out to fight that.

Books received in the drive are sent to various summer programs throughout the community. The

Summer Feeding Program at Oxford Intermediate School plays a big part in this. The program feeds any child from anywhere if they walk in the door of the OIS cafeteria during the summer months during lunch time. Several programs like the Boys and Girls Club, the Oxford Park Commission and others use the program as a way to feed their participants, and several children in the community come in on their own.

Once a week, LOU Reads is there to give out a book to each kid that comes in the door.

“Reading and literacy aren’t things that have to be overwhelming; they can be small,” Gallagher said.

“Small actions pay big dividends. For a child to have eight books in the home or read for 20 minutes a day, that will help them develop vocabulary and comprehension skills that are just astounding.”

Gallagher then began citing statistics showing that if a child reads for 20 minutes

a day beginning in kindergarten, by the time that child graduates high school, he or she will have a vocabulary of over 18 million words. Activities that encourage literacy and compression could be

anything from a child sitting For those interested makdown with a novel or a par- ing donations to the proent reading out the list of in- gram with books or money, gredients on the back of the contact the Powerhouse. cereal box at breakfast one morning. It’s all about makchaning.green@journalinc.com ing an effort, Gallagher said.

Twitter: chaningthegreen

Have You Always Wanted To See The Panama Canal?

JOIN US ON AN 8-NIGHT, 9-DAY TRIP JULY 5-13 SEE THE PANAMA CANAL AND MANY OTHER PANAMA SITES.

*PRICE PER PERSON - SINGLE-$2710; DOUBLE-$2690; TRIPLE-$2590 For detailed information on this trip or to get complete list of 2017 trips, call 662-256-1122, 662-640-5273, or email ourplacetours@aol.com.

Our Place Tours Amory, MS

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 7

DAR to hold luncheon for Vietnam vets

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Next week, the Oxford chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will be hosting a special guest luncheon for veterans of the Vietnam War. The event is being held at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church through a partnership with the Unites States of America Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner Program.

Sally Malone is the sitting Regent for the David Reese Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which serves Oxford.

She’s been overseeing the planning for the event.

Malone worked with the Mississippi State Veterans Home of Oxford to identify local veterans and make sure they would have place at the luncheon. Mayor Pat Patterson and Mayor-Elect Robyn Tannehill will also be present at the lunch.

Brady Bramlett will be performing at the event.

The featured speaker at the luncheon will be author, historian and Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of History, Andrew A. Wiest. His talk is entitled “The Experience of War: The Story of a Combat Company in the Vietnam War.” “History often deals with war at its highest levels – strategies, victory, the ebb

and flow of major battles,” Wiest said in an email. “But war in reality is personal and life-changing. In my talk I take war down to its lowest level and look at how combat interacts with humanity on the battlefield. My work centers on one single combat company in the Vietnam War, Charlie Company, 4th of the 47th Infantry, to look at its war on a day to day

basis. Only by learning the story of how war affects real lives can we really begin to understand the deep debt of gratitude that we owe to our veterans.”

Wiest’s book “Boys of ’67: Charlie Company’s War in Vietnam” was released by Osprey Press in 2012. The text recounts the story of the 160 men of the Charlie Company, their entry into the war and their home-

coming.

“We’re about God, Home and Country,” Malone said.

“It’s important that these gentlemen be recognized in their later years in life.

We’re not young anymore.

Though, in truth, Baby Boomers never get old, we’re all gonna die thinking we’re young. I think that it’s fitting that the Vietnam veterans be recognized across every community across

the nation. Unfortunately, their reception home was not what it should have been at that time. If we can make up in even a small way for that, to just one individual, it’d be worth all the trouble.”

Little Easy Catering will be providing food for the luncheon, which was sponsored in large part by Ward 1 Alderman Rick Addy.

When Addy was first running for his alderman seat, he pledged to give the money he received for his service back in the community. One of his first donations was to the DAR. This donation is what the organization is primarily using to fund the luncheon. St. Andrew’s is providing use of their space at no cost.

If anyone would like to help support the luncheon or any of the DAR’s other events, please contact Sally at Malone sallyj.malone@gmail.com. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 8

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

CODY FUTRELL

A large crowd anticipated the opening of Chicken Salad chick Tuesday in Oxford.

Ole Miss grad student wins Chicken Salad for a year

BY CODY FUTRELL NEWS WRITER

Oxford resident Barry Huddk looked down at his watch.

“Wow, I have only been here four hours,” Huddk said.

Renowned author and Oxford resident William Faulkner once said “And sure enough, even waiting will end...if you can just wait long enough” said Faulkner.

Huddk did just that.

The Ole Miss graduate student on the road to his doctorate in english literature with an affinity for Faulkner was the first in line Tuesday morning at new Oxford eatery - Chicken

Salad Chick - waiting since 6:15 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. opening to grab the top prize.

Huddk won free chicken salad each week for a year.

Huddk, 40, is a native of Chicago, Illinois but has been studying at Ole Miss for the past six years and has aspirations of teaching at the college level following his graduation from Ole Miss in 2017.

His wife, Patty, is an avid fan of chicken salad and he was there to get the prize for her birthday.

“This is a birthday present to my wife,” Huddk explained. “She really likes chicken salad and really wanted to try Chicken Salad

Chick. She is working today and I was available. So iIsaid I would be come down. I was hoping to be one of the first 100 here. Lo and behold I got there and nobody was in the parking lot. I ended up being the first one.”

Huddk received a voucher for an order of chicken salad each week for a year while the next 99 customers in line - which stretched completely down the sidewalk more than an hour before the store opened - received one free order per month.

Barry said he likes plain chicken salad but decided to give the restaurant's pimento cheese sandwich a try on Tuesday.

“A SERVICE UNLIKE ANY OTHER”

IT’S THAT OF AGAIN. THE TIME ISYEAR YOUR LAWN UP TO PAR? MASTERCUTSLAWN.COM• 662-607-7773

CODY FUTRELL

Ole Miss graduate student Barry Huddk waits outside Chicken Salad Chick for more than four hours Tuesday to win chicken salad for a year.

Huddk is developing a Zora Nele Hurston used the on how Bible to look at nation dissertation Faulkner, Willa Cather and building and racial issues in

their literature. He chose Ole Miss because Oxford is the home of Faulkner who plays a key role in his studies.

“I was able to get some research done,” Huddk said.

“I browsed the internet a little bit. It was productive for me as well.”

Chicken Salad Chick is now open in the Galleria II shopping complex featuring sandwiches, soups including 13 different varieties of chicken salad and various side items. The restaurant is located at 1305 Merchants Drive off of Jackson Ave. West. For more information visit www.chickensaladchick.co m.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 9

PHOTO COURTESY OF JIMMY "DUCK" HOLMES

Renowned blues master Jimmy "Duck" Holmes will be the first to perform at the 2017 DouPHOTO BY MARY CAROLINE RUSSELL Nashville duo Muddy Magnolias will be helping to kick off the 2017 Double Decker Arts Fesble Decker Arts Festival, taking the stage at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 28. tival on Friday, April 28.

Thacker to kick off Double Decker

BY CHANING GREEN NEWS WRITER

Friday, April 28, the 2017 Double Decker Arts Festival is kicking of with some music and fun on the Oxford Square.

The first musician to take the stage will be Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.

This country blues artist is regarded as the last of the Bentonia Blues greats. He plays in blues festivals

across Europe and North America, but can normally be found in Bentonia at he Blue Front Café, the oldest surviving juke joint in the state.

Jim Dees and the Yalobushwhackers with Thacker Mountain Radio will also be on stage that night. The show is being broadcast live on Rebel Radio. Holmes’ performance is part of the show.

Taking the stage next

will be the Muddy Magnolias, also being featured on the extended Thacker show. This indie rock duo is based out of Nashville and is comprised of two songwriters. The pair performed at Proud Larry’s last year and recently had one of their songs included on the new “Ghostbusters” soundtrack. chaning.green@journalinc.com Twitter: chaningthegreen

PAGE 10

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

PHOTO BY CHANING GREEN

The Lafayette County School District honored their 2017 Teachers of the year last month during the districts regularly scheduled school board meeting. From left to right, the Lafayette County Teachers of the Year are Joshua Quon of the high school; Katie Szabo of the middle school; Emmie Angel of the upper elementary and Connie McCluskey of the lower elementary.

McCluskey was named the 2017 LCSD Teacher of the Year.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE OXFORD SCHOOL DISTRICT.

The Oxford School District has annonced thier 2017 Teachers of the Year. In no particular order, they are Shannon Robbins, Bramlett Elementary School Teacher of the Year Clemissa “Misa” Presley of Oxford Elementary School; Julie Kelly of Della Davidson Elementary School; Joanne McGehee ofOxford Intermediate School; Martha Tallen of Oxford Middle School; Lindsey Sneed of Oxford High School; Vernita Polk of Scott Center and Randy Taylor of Oxford Learning Center. Joanne McGehee was named the 2017 OSDTeacher of the Year.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 11

Tupelo Resident Recalls Chi Omega Tragedy DAILY JOURNAL

After raising four daughters, Cynthia Caldwell decided to take care of 200.

That was more than 30 years ago. Her husband had died and she was invited to become house mother for Chi Omega sorority at the University of Mississippi.

“It was difficult. I don’t mean the girls were difficult,” said Caldwell, 88.

“You have to try to please them with meals and anything you planned.”

She recalls propping up in bed and looking through recipes, trying to figure out if one meant for 15 or 20 could be scaled up to feed 200.

“I think they appreciated the effort I put in,” she said during an interview at Traceway Retirement Community in Tupelo.

Caldwell adapted to her role and bonded with the girls that first year. The connection became much stronger the following year, when five Chi Omega sisters were killed during a charity walk on Highway 6 from Batesville to Oxford.

“They were walking to raise money for the Kidney Foundation,” she said. “The guy who hit them said he topped a hill, but there was no hill there. I think he went to sleep.”

Caldwell clearly remembers the call she re-

ceived on March 26, 1987, and how she was the one on the scene to identify the young women who were killed.

The victims were Margaret Gardner and Robin Simmons, both of Tupelo, Ruth Hess Worsham of Corinth, Elizabeth Gage Roberson of Greenwood and Mary Pat Langford of Atlanta.

“It’s the worst thing I’ve ever been through,” she said. “I don’t like reminiscing about it, but it comes up.”

Caldwell was responsible for all of the girls, but only seniors were allowed to live at the Chi Omega house, so she knew more about them.

There were two Tupelo exceptions.

“Robin and Margaret came every morning for breakfast,” she said. “That was rare. They would knock on the door, and I’d let them in. I missed them so much.”

She attended funerals for the five victims and refocused on the survivors who needed her.

“When this happened there was a bond there with these girls that were injured. I wouldn’t have left them for anything,” she said. “One girl couldn’t eat. She was hit in the face. I had to make milkshakes for her, and she used a straw. Each girl had her sort of special need. I could not have walked out and left them. I could not have done that.”

Of the girls on the char-

“

ity walk, one escaped injury completely.

“She had a hard time dealing with that. She wanted to know why the Lord took the others. He took all her friends,” she said.

Caldwell continued as house mother until all of the sisters from 1987 graduated, and then it was time to return to Tupelo.

She’s been in touch with her former charges through the years. On the 25th anniversary, they met at the Chi Omega house in Oxford.

There was sadness, but it was far from the only emotion. The sisters had grown into women with other stories to tell.

“It was so wonderful to see they had married and had children,” Caldwell said. “It didn’t make a dent in their lives that they couldn’t get over – not that they had forgotten, by any means – but they had overcome that horrible, horrible thing that happened.”

These days, Caldwell is a proud grandmother with plenty of reasons to smile. She tries not to dwell on the past, but memories remain of the girls she looked after and the girls she lost.

“It’s very vivid to me, certain parts of it. Others, I guess I sort of blocked out,” she said, “but they will always be special to me.”

She had a hard time dealing with that.

She wanted to know why the Lord took the others. He took all her friends.

Cynthia Caldwell, House Mother for Chi Omega

$

0

• DOWN PAYMENT • FIRST PAYMENT • SECURITY DEPOSIT • DUE @ LEASE SIGNING

2017 Honda

2017 Honda

CIVIC LX

ACCORD LX

Automatic

Automatic

219

$

mo* LEASE

229

$

mo* LEASE

OR 0% 60 mo*

OR 1.9% 72 mo*

2017 Honda Accord

2016 Honda

HYBRID

FIT EX

Automatic

Automatic

279

$

mo* LEASE

$AVE BIG!

OR 1.9% 72 mo* OR 1.9% 72 mo*

scott.morris@journalinc.com Twitter: @mscottmorris

“

BY M. SCOTT MORRIS

712 SOUTH GLOSTER / TUPELO CALL 842-4162 or 1-888-892-4162 www.houseofhondatupelo.com All payments plus tax and title. With approved credit. 36 month lease through American Honda Finance. 12,000 miles per year.

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 12

Tommy Morgan

Betty Wiseman

Blake Thompson

Caroline Felker

Danny Flowers

Eileen Saunders

Nicole Cain-Wright

Paula Crum

Polina Wheeler

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Kaye Ladd

Sean Hettinger

Shaun Hudson

Stan Abel

Weesie Biedenharn

Vic Sullivan

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 13

JUST LISTED

Strong Company, Hard-Working Agent

602 Bickerstaff

® Tommy Morgan Realtors $495,000

and knowledgeAT HOME! Custom Luxury “My experience or ENTERTAIN WALK TO OLE MISS EVENTS of the Oxford market, along Townhouse, 3 BR, 3.5 BA, outstanding KITCHEN with BUILT-IN VIKING with a top-notch support staff at the number one producing real PROFESSIONAL Refrigerator, Oven/Warming Oven & Ventahood, Wine estate company in North Mississippi, add up to the perfect choice Cooler, Wet Bar with mini-frig; surround sound, gas fireplace, all heart pine for you. Whether buying or selling, trust me to help you with all hardwood, plantation shutters, private balcony off Master & Guest bedrooms, your real estate needs.”

NEW marble & granite countertops, 3rd floor plumbed and wired, Security System, Private Courtyard, professional landscaping, brick accent beds, wrought-iron fence & custom lighting, sprinkler. Too much to list.Over 20 upgrades. A MUST SEE! MLS#137956. Call Paula Crum- 662.701.7789

& Paula Crum

Strong Company, Hard-Working Agent

Tommy Morgan Realtors® “My experience and knowledge of the Oxford market, along with a top-notch support staff at the number one producing real estate company in North Mississippi, add up to the perfect choice for you. Whether buying or selling, trust me to help you with all your real estate needs.”

& Paula Crum

ALISTER COVE

AT THE HIGHLANDS OF OXFORD, MS 38655

❖ Lots $130,000 Up

SRES®, REALTOR®

❖ Homes $495,000 Up

❖ Oxford City Schools

2092 Old Taylor Rd., Suite. 101 Oxford, MS 38655 O: (662)234-5344 C: (662) 701-7789 PaulaCrum.com

2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, 662.234.5344 ❖ Community Water 210 East Main St., Tupelo, 662.842.3844

OXFORD| TUPELO

Paula Crum

2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, 662.234.5344 210 East Main St., Tupelo, 662.842.3844

paula@tmhomes.com | paulacrum.com

tmhomes.com

OPEN HOUSE

OXFORD| TUPELO

662.701.7789

❖ Community Sewer

PAULA CRUM,

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

tmhomes.com

SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ND

12004 Water Ridge Dr., Oxford $600,000 | 2:00-4:00

BEAUTIFUL 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath home with pool overlooking lake. Open floor plan with large 2 story living room highlighted by a stone fireplace. Home features wooden beams, columns and bead board ceilings. The large kitchen/keeping room combination was a brick hearth over the gas cooktop.

Large master suite is on main level with a sitting area. 2nd floor has 3 bed rooms, each with own bath. There is also a large flex room. Screened porch on the back leads to a large patio and in-ground pool. Whole lot is professionally landscaped with irrigation system. Underground fence for dogs.

All info subject to verification. Agent is related to the sellers.

16-3464.

Directions: Take Hwy 6 West, turn right onto E. Wellsgate Drive.

Turn left onto W. Wellsgate Dr., go 0.9 mile, then turn left on Water Ridge Dr.

Listed by

Meredith Martin

(662) 401.0811 meredith@tmhomes.com

Hosted by

Melissa Knotts

(662) 825.0416 melissa@tmhomes.com

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 14

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

FEBRUARY TOP PRODUCERS TOP LISTERS

Paula Crum

Betty Wiseman

Danny Flowers

TOP SELLERS

Danny Flowers

Polina Wheeler

Stan Abel

TOP PRODUCERS

Danny Flowers

Stan Abel

Polina Wheeler

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 15

I am ... Oxford.

I am ... a Tommy Morgan Realtor®.

Let me put my experience and knowledge of this market to work for you. Give me a call today, and let’s find you the perfect home or property.

Stan Abel

OXFORD| TUPELO 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, 662.234.5344 210 East Main St., Tupelo, 662.842.3844

662.816.9363 stan@tmhomes.com

tmhomes.com

Strong Company, Hard-Working Agent Tommy Morgan Realtors®

& Weesie Biedenharn 662.638.5332| weesie@tmhomes.com

Weesie Biedenharn 662.638.5332 weesie@tmhomes.com

OXFORD| TUPELO 2092 Old Taylor Rd., Oxford, 662.234.5344 210 East Main St., Tupelo, 662.842.3844 tmhomes.com

PAGE 16

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

R&R Cookies LLC Opens Store in Oxford

BY KATHRYN WINTER STAFF WRITER

It all started as an accident in December of 2012. Jessica Franks and her son were bitten by a neighbor’s dog (that had gotten loose,) and she ended up not being able to work for an extended period of time. Franks grandmother bought her first Kitchenaid mixer during this time and she began baking.

Soon after that, R & R Cookies was born.

“God gave me my business name, R & R Cookies. It comes from Matthew 11:28 ‘Come to me, all ye who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest.’ This was something I had to learn while I was recovering from our attacks and this is where my cookie store name began,” Franks said.

“God blessed my time off and He began to grow my business from home and it has blossomed into a full time business today.”

Her business officially opened in Oxford on February 14 of this year and is located at 78 Highway 30 East Suite 101. It's a painted brick building with a huge front porch.

R & R Cookies sells iced cookies, cakes, and cupcakes, but plans on offering other goods like cheese straws and breakfast items in the future. The cookie shop also has a party room for children’s birthday parties or girl’s night out events.

“People can come and have a decorating party, where you get to ice your own cookies.

We held our first one on February 17, and everyone had a great time.”

One of Franks’ customers, Catherine Weaver said, “Not only are the cookies

adorably cute and personalized, but they are absolutely delicious! Love buying cookies for holidays, parties, and even special occasions. Also enjoyed stopping by the store for an afternoon snack.”

Franks describes her store as an iced sugar cookie shop (including Gluten free cookies) a nut free facility, and other treats available on request.

“I specialize in iced sugar cookies. I can also make iced chocolate sugar cookies and marbled iced sugar cookies. Some of my favorite treats to make besides iced cookies are cupcakes, mini cupcakes, and cakes.”

Another customer, Jennifer Gross wrote, “Love these cookies!

She never ceases to amaze me in her creativity and versatility!

While they are always adorable they are also so yummy.” When she’s not baking, Franks enjoys reading and loves the Oxford community because of the small town feel and the way that people support each other through good and bad times.

Some of her most recent works include Beauty and the Beast themed cookies, emoji themed cookies, along with Easter and spring themed cookies. Visit R & R Cookies LLC Facebook page to see more examples of Franks’ work.

Anyone who wants to place an order can call the store, use Franks’ online Google document, or visit the store in person. R & R Cookies is open Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The store is closed on Sundays. As Franks’ motto says-“Rest, relax and have a cookie!”

COURTESY

Jessica Franks started R&R Cookies in 2012. She recently opened a storefront on Highway 30.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 17

Ben Mikell Sports Writer

Chargers use walks, aggressive base-running to run past Saltillo

T

he contest featured 15 walks and only seven hits, but the Oxford Chargers made the most of their chances in their 6-0 win over the Saltillo Tigers at Edwin Moak Field.

The Chargers early on weren't able to score with runners on base leaving five stranded through the first two innings. Oxford (17-2 overall, 3-0 in Division 2-5A) was finally able to bring in a couple during the third inning that started off with a pair of walks from brothers Drew and Ben Bianco. Drew stole second and third base on consecutive pitches before Ben walked and stole second base himself. Clark Stovall drove Drew in on a sacrifice fly to put Oxford on the board 1-0 and moved Ben over to third. CJ Terrell drove him in on a RBI groundout to lead 2-0 over Saltillo (103, 1-2).

Oxford put up another two runs in the fourth inning with a bases loaded RBI walk from Drew Bianco. His brother Sam Bianco scored later in the inning on a passed ball to take a 4-0 Charger lead after four innings.

"That's one thing they did for us tonight," Oxford coach Chris Baughman said regarding the Saltillo pitching staff allowing 10 walks in the contest. "We got a ton of walks, I don't know how many, and we were aggressive on the bases. I thought we won the game in a manner that we haven't won with all year and that was manufacturing runs. Sometimes that's what you have to do. I was proud of the way we got runners in tonight."

The Chargers were able to get two runs the old-fashioned way by putting the ball in play in the sixth inning. Drew Bianco reached on his third walk on the night and then stole second and third base on the next two pitches. Ben Bianco drove him in on a RBI single to left field to extend the Oxford lead to 5-0. A throwing error by Saltillo second baseman Hank White alTURN TO CHARGERS PAGE 19

JOHN DAVIS

Oxford junior outfielder CJ Terrell has been a key reason the Chargers jumped out to a 16-2 record.

Making an Impact Terrell’s contribution has helped propel Diamond Chargers

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS WRITER

CJ Terrell got off to a fast start and has maintained it for the Oxford Chargers.

Coach Chris Baughman saw it coming way back in the fall when the junior was playing safety for OHS in football.

Confidence has surely made a difference for Terrell in 2017, but he’s also matured, which has been another big help. There have been a number of big moments for Terrell this season, so many that Baughman couldn’t recall all the memorable hits.

“He’s done a really, really good job this year of buying in with two strikes,” Baughman said. “He’s gotten several two-out hits to drive in runs. I think he was leading us in RBIs and he’s gotten several of those with two outs. A good percentage of them have come with two strikes. He’s doing exactly what we ask with two strikes which is just battling. I told the coaches if I had to pick

one guy out of a crowd to have a big year for us, it would be CJ.” Terrell hit his first home run Monday night against Houston. Baughman called it a “bomb,” while Terrell just smiled when asked about it.

When Terrell doesn’t clear the bases with one swing, he can be a danger on the bases for opposing teams. He’s not the fastest guy, but Baughman said he does a good job.

“He has very good instincts. He has very good reflexes and reaction time,” Baughman said adding he got great jumps on the ball in left field. “He’s definitely a guy that has provided us with someone who has been consistent at the plate and been very good in the field and we can trust him on the base paths.”

Baughman praised Terrell in how he has handled a greater leadership role, adding that most people don’t realize that he is young for his grade and actu-

ally should be with the sophomore class age wise.

“He is a very young junior. He still has some maturing to do, but one of the things that made me thing CJ was going to have a big year in baseball was how he matured and how he stepped up as a leader in football,” said Baughman, who returned to the sidelines this past season. “He was extremely versatile. He was our best corner but yet we asked him to play safety. When we had injuries, he was the guy we could trust.

He’s just a very, very solid athlete on both the baseball and football field.”

All the accolades, and praise from Baughman, is something Terrell doesn’t get too caught up in. He’s focused on leading the Chargers back to the MHSAA Class 5A state championship.

“I can’t get caught up in it all. I give a lot of credit to Preston Perkins and Giles TURN TO TERRELL PAGE 21

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 18

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

JOHN DAVIS

Lafayette has a number of talented athletes on this year's track team, including Brandon Turnage, Xhiir Burgess, Mariah Holland and Orianna Shaw.

Lafayette’s Mikell pleased with early track results

BY JOHN DAVIS SPORTS WRITER

Some of the most decorated, and versatile, athletes at Lafayette High are taking part in track this spring. Head coach Ben Mikell took his Commodores and Lady Commodores to Pontotoc to compete in their first actual meet of the season.

The results were favorable, especially when it comes to the Lady Commodores, who are more veteran. The leader of the Commodores is sophomore Brandon Turnage, who is a standout in the 400-meter dash and has the ability compete in several different events.

“We’re hoping we can develop something by the end of the season when we get around the division meet for the guys,” Mikell said. “We’ve got some potential with our relays, but we’re still rough around the edges.”

Once all the athletes wrap up other sports, Mikell will have more to work with on the boys’ side of the equation. Turnage, for example, trav-

eled to the University of Georgia this past weekend to take part in a football event.

The Lady Commodores are as strong as they have been in field events, Mikell said. All the basketball players are now out after winning the MHSAA Class 4A state title. Mariah Holland threw the shot put 35 feet to win first place. She also won the high jump title, and was fourth in the discus.

“That’s the kind of athlete she is. She has only been practicing a couple of days on it and she wasn’t even able to use really good technique,” Mikell said. “On top of that, she was jumping in shot put shoes, running back and forth between the two. She is a really good athlete and she is just a sophomore.

Xhiir Burgess won the triple jump, which we expected. She was 34 something and we were hoping she would be further up, but she is powerlifting this year and she had just lifted at the north half meet the day before so her legs were pretty dead. I thought that was a pretty good per-

JOHN DAVIS

Lafayette track coach Ben Mikell saw some positives to build on after the first meet of the season. formance.”

Orianna Shaw is the most decorated Lady Commodore on the team, having won several individual titles heading into her senior season. She

won the 400 title and Mikell said it was good for her to get a race under her belt.

“She isn’t really behind other than she got to the team two weeks later than

she usually does because of state basketball but we will make that trade any time,” Mikell said. “Our three basketball girls did at least as well as to be expected and in the case of Mariah, we found an event that we may get to work on.”

Mikell felt like Turnage should be back in the state meet, while the relay teams have a chance to qualify on that side for the Commodores. Doug Tanner has ability in the long jump.

“The guys are a little harder to predict because they are young but they have a lot of talent. They have worked real hard and we are hoping they can come around,” Mikell said. “Jamarcus Quarles will be fine and he didn’t get to go to the meet. He will really help our relays like he did last year. Our girls, the quality, we’re going to be really, really good. I don’t know about winning a state championship. It’s hard to tell. I know they’re going to score some pretty serious points.”

Shaw is a favorite to win

the 400 again, while Burgess has a chance to medal in the triple jump, Mikell believes.

“We’re going to look at a couple of other events with those two in the next couple of weeks to see what they might be able to help at,” Mikell said. “Orianna is going to say with the 200 but not do the 100.

That has never really been her race. Hopefully we can find another event for Orianna in the next week or two. I don’t know in what, but she is really talented.”

The 4x200 relay that finished second in the state meet last year is back, and also competing in the 4x100.

“We’ve also got some really good, solid middle school girls and we’re going to move them up to the varsity team when they finish their junior high season,” Mikell said.

“A lot of how the girls’ team does depend on how much those middle school girls can contribute. As long as people are healthy, our field events with the girls is going to be really strong, as strong as we ever had.”

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 19

SPIRIT COACH OF THE YEAR

Chargers FROM 17

COURTESY OF OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Allison Wally, Oxford Charger cheer squad’s varsity coach, is the 2016-2017 Spirit Coach of the Year for the state of Mississippi, a recognition awarded by the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA).

Under Wally’s leadership, the Oxford High School competitive cheerleader squad won the 2017 National Championship for the Medium Game Day Division at the Universal Cheerleading Association (UCA) National High School Cheerleading Championship. The national high school cheerleading championships were held this spring in Orlando, Florida.

lowed Ben to score to make it a 6-0 Charger lead.

Parker Stinnett got the complete-game shutout win on the mound for the Chargers allowing just three hits, five walks, and seven strikeouts against the Tigers. Stinnett allowed the five walks in five different innings.

"He started overthrowing his curveball," Baughman said about Stinnett when he allowed a double and a walk to start the Saltillo sixth inning. "His curveball had been real good tonight. We've relied with him a lot this year on his slider which is a pitch he just developed in January. He couldn't find his slider early, so we went to the curveball and it was really good. He started overthrowing it. The one thing he kept doing even though he kept getting behind is he kept making their hitters getting themselves out. He kept pounding the zone even when he had to come in with a fastball. He just

made them get themselves out."

Ben Bianco led the Charger offense reaching base three times on the night going 1-for-2 with two walks and two runs scored with a stolen base and had the only RBI base hit on the night. Drew Bianco reached base three times all on walks, driving one in with the bases loaded, and made the Tigers pay by swiping four bases on the night and scoring twice.

Sam Bianco, Carson Stinnett, and Clark Stovall had the other base hits for the Chargers.

Dylan Hitchcock took the loss for the Tigers allowing four runs, three earned, on just two hits, had eight strikeouts, but allowed nine walks to Charger batters in five innings of work. Hitchcock had the only extra-base hit on the night by either team with a double in the sixth inning. Ty Hill was 1for-1 with two walks, but was left stranded all three times he reached.

Oxford travels to Saltillo Friday night with the first pitch at 7:00 p.m.

IN PROGRESS! 2ND QUARTER 2014 TOYOTA TACOMA TRD 4X4

2015 FORD FUSION TITANIUM

STK# UV8397

$

2014 FORD TAURUS

STK# UV8396

29,988

15,500

$

2013 HYUNDAI GENESIS

2014 NISSAN PATHFINDER

STK# UV8329

PLATINUM, LOADED, STK# UV8325 $

17,500

$

2008 JEEP WRANGLER X

16,500

2009 CADILLAC SRX

27,500

2014 TOYOTA COROLLA LE

2009 BUICK ENLCAVE CXL

STK# UV8475

STK# UV8334

13,900

$

2012 HONDA CRV EXL

STK# UV8455

$

2009 TOYOTA COROLLA

9,988

$

2014 NISSAN MAXIMA

16,550

11,550

2016 VW JETTA

13,550

STK# UV8312

16,990

76,000 MILES, STK# UV8275

11,880

$

STK# UV8423

$

13,800

22,985

STK# UV8410

$

33,990

2011 CHEVY CRUZE

2011 TOYOTA CAMRY XLE

STK# UV8400

LOADED, STK# UV8420

7,990

$

9,225

$

2014 FORD EXPEDITION XLT 2014 CHEVY SONIC LTZ

$

$

STK# UV8403

$

2015 INFINITI QX60

STK# UV8479

STK# UV8366

$

STK# UV8272

$

2011 TOYOTA 4RUNNER SR5

LEATHER, STK# UV8338

26,500

$

2015 CHEVY IMPALA LT

STK# UV8335 $

11,990

STK# UV7095

13,895

$

2015 GMC SIERRA SLT Z71 LEATHER, NAVIGATION, STK# UV8037 $

38,800

Call 662-842-4162 or 888-892-4162

DOSSETT BIG 4 www.DossettBig4.com

SOUTH GLOSTER TUPELO PRE-OWNED SALE PRICES ARE PLUS TAX, TITLE, AND FEES. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS.

2015 CHEVY CRUZE LT STK# UV7880

$

14,400

OXFORD CITIZEN

PAGE 20

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Freeman, FNC Park crew always on the run

BY JOHN DAVIS OXFORD PARK COMMISSION

Before FNC Park Director Brad Freeman gets ambushed at the start of April, he’s had a few weeks to prepare for the busy run of tournaments. Soccer’s big weekend is this Saturday and Sunday, but there has been plenty to keep Freeman and his crew busy at the complex since the end of February.

March has always been the launching point to a busy next few months at FNC Park. Outside of Oxford Park Commission games for youth soccer, softball and baseball, Freeman, Clay Brownlee, the assistant director at FNC Park, and the best field maintenance crew around are busy hosting a number of tournaments in all three sports.

There was a fast pitch softball tournament for high school teams at the start of March. Another 30 softball teams visited on a weekend in the middle of the month. The weekend

that ended spring break brought in a baseball tournament with over 60 teams while over 70 baseball teams competed in an event just a week ago. There is another USSSA baseball tournament on the grounds this weekend, to go along with the Dick’s Sporting Goods April Ambush, which features 65 soccer club teams from all over. Freeman said there would be over 90 baseball teams for that particular tournament.

“We’re in the midst of a seven weekend stretch. That happens when March hits.

Our next weekend where we don’t have an event is Easter,” Freeman said. “I say we don’t have anything, we actually have a softball tournament the Saturday before Easter. We’re going to have something just about every weekend until the end of June.”

There are a lot of reasons why FNC Park hosts so many of these tournaments.

Oxford is a desired place to visit but even more importantly, the facility is truly in

JOHN DAVIS

FNC Park Director Brad Freeman is a busy man in the spring. There are eight straight weekends set with tournaments and events set through June. a class by itself. Freeman gets positive reviews from those that take part in events, and he notices many teams coming back to play.

“I say it every time, but the guys we have on staff that take care of the grounds, they just care so deeply about it and it obviously shows,” Freeman said.

“They take the time to produce something that the community can be proud of. It’s gotten out state wide just the quality of field play you’re going to get when you’re here. Then with the addition of the four turf fields that we just installed over the winter, the reputation is just getting stronger.”

There are eight fields now

that feature a turf infield.

Even if there is a 100 percent chance of rain, the games can be played.

“Once the rain gets out of here, we can be playing five minutes later with the new fields. As long as there isn’t lightning or just a torrential downpour and does it all day, we’re going to be able to play,” Freeman said. “It’s

tough to put a price tag on something where you can hop right on the field and not have to send everybody home because you have too much rain on your field. I don’t know of any other park in the state of Mississippi that can offer that.

Maybe a few but not in the quantity that we have. That’s one of the reasons we did it, and it’s paying off already.”

When Freeman was hired 10 years ago by the city, the goal was to get things right from a facility standpoint.

The expectation has continued to rise as to what the facility can provide from a tournament standpoint.

“We were really concerned about getting the facility built correctly because you only have one shot at that. Now that it’s built, it’s been our job to continue to bring events and add events,” Freeman said. “Organizers want to come to Oxford and to have a nice park to be able to offer beside everything Oxford has to offer has been a good marriage.”

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! When you subscribe to Rebel Nation Magazine™ you’ll pay just $24 for six (6) great issues (one year) or $40 for 12 issues (2 years). Just fill out the form below (cutout, photo copy or simply include your address in an envelope) and insert check or money order and mail to: Rebel Nation Magazine™, P.O. Box 5842, Brandon, MS 39047. Make checks payable to Rebel Nation Magazine™.

Fill out the form below or subscribe online with a credit card at www.rebelnationmagazine.com - 1 year (6 issues - $24) - 2 years (12 issues - $40) BEST VALUE

Email: ____________________________

Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________St.______ Zip: ___________________

Send a one or two year gift subscription to: Include an additional $24 (1-year 6 issues) $40 (2-year 12 issues) Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________ City:______________________________________St.______ Zip: ___________________ OXFORD CITIZEN - FEBRUARY 2017

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 21

Grove City pulls away from Lafayette late

BY BEN MIKELL SPORTS WRITER

Each time the Lafayette Commodores would climb back into the game, the Grove City Greyhounds would make the road even tougher Monday.

Grove City, Ohio finally made a road Lafayette couldn't climb late as the Greyhounds defeated the Commodores 10-4 Monday night at W.V. Brewer Field.

Grove City (2-1 overall) struck first with a two-run homer by Branden Hopper to take a 2-0 lead in the top of the second inning.

Lafayette (7-9-1) answered back with a run in the bottom half with a RBI single from Ross Ingram that made it 2-1.

The Greyhounds answered Lafayette's run with three more in the third inning on RBI hits from Colton Bauer, Logan Williams, and Anthony Williams to push their lead out to 5-1 in the third inning. Lafayette coach Greg Lewis took part of the blame for leaving his starting pitcher Hunter Coleman longer than he originally planned to.

"It may have been my fault a little bit," Lewis said.

"My plan going in was for them to go two innings. I said 'y'all both did a good job for two innings' and I tried to get one more out of them and both of them got hurt on the last one. I told

Terrell FROM 17

Lamar for encouraging me.

That’s something they did even when I didn’t think I could do it,” Terrell said.

“They kept telling me to go hard and to put a show on for the coaches and that they would give you an opportunity to play.”

When Terrell got his very first hit, he felt like he could perform every single game for the Chargers.

“It was a big transition from last year. I had a lot of pinch hits in key games. I ran a lot so I knew I could

them I have to do a better job of pulling them out, but they have to be able to pitch that third inning also and compete once they get up on the mound."

Lafayette got back in the game in the fifth inning with a two-RBI double from Corey Taylor that cut the Grove City lead down to 5-3. John Tate Roberts drove Taylor in two batters later to cut the lead back down to one at 5-4.

The Commodores comeback bid was thwarted with a five-run inning by the Greyhounds in the sixth thanks to big RBI hits from Brian Lee and Hayden Cartt that allowed Grove City to put the game away.

In each inning Grove City scored in, the first player that scored reached base by either a walk or by hitting the batter. Two other Greyhounds reached base on a bunt-single.

Those are the type of things Lewis wants to see from his pitchers try to eliminate when the Commodores continue along the region schedule.

"You've got to give them credit, but we've kept either plunking a guy or walking a guy then all of a sudden they would hit a few, because I thought we did a pretty good job when we get the first guy we did a good job of getting off the field," Lewis said. "But every time they we would plunk one or they would

bunt one we couldn't field it. Our guys just didn't bounce off the mound like they should, because both bunts are guys we should've thrown out at first I felt like, then all of a sudden they got going a little bit."

Lafayette tallied seven hits throughout the contest and Lewis thought his team's approach at the plate was good during the game.

"We wanted to get swings in, that was the main thing," Lewis said. "I was hoping to get the game in. I told them 'I'm not disappointed with the way you swung the bat, you did a good job.' I thought we got better as the game went on with a better approach while facing some good pitching at the same time.

When you face a good team that is what you want to do."

Former Ole Miss pitcher and current St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Mike Mayers is a Grove City High School alumni and one of the main reasons the Greyhounds made the trip to Oxford for three games.

Grove City in their other two games defeated the Houston Hilltoppers 6-3 last Friday before getting run-ruled by the Oxford Chargers 12-2 in the nightcap.

Lafayette continued Division 2-4A play Tuesday night against New Albany.

The Bulldogs won 4-3.

do it,” Terrell said. “But once I got that first hit, I knew I could do it every day.”

The home run was the furthest Terrell ever hit a ball. One estimate was it traveled 485 feet. The greatest moment so far for Terrell was helping Tyler Smith gain his no-hitter.

“I got the sac fly at the end, and that was probably the best because it wasn’t just for me, it was for somebody else,” Terrell said. “It was special for him.”

The success at the plate has taken pressure off Terrell in the field. He has been known to carry his previous

at bats back out on defense.

“You have three to four at bats a game, so one bad at bat isn’t going to define the whole game,” Terrell said, who has enjoyed being part of a team that is still winning despite losing so many guys from 2016. “I feel like this team this year is closer as a family. It’s more people to come to watch the whole team instead of just four people. I feel like we’ve grown a bond together. I think we’re better than we were last year as far as bonded. Our goal is a three peat and I wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

2017 Winter and Spring Sports Banquet Sponsored By

Honoring Northeast Mississippi’s Top Student Athletes and Scholar Athletes

Monday, June 5 BancorpSouth Arena Conference Center

Sponsorships Available and On Sale Now! Contact Your Journal, Inc. Sales Consultant To see highlights from Journal Inc.’s 2016 Fall Sports Banquet, go to www.djournal.com/sports/video-fall-sports-banquet/

Citizen

PAGE 22

OXFORD

OXFORD CITIZEN

toll free • 800.270.2622 p • 662.842.2622 f • 662.620.8301

NOTICE BEWARE

Publication of any classified advertisement does not constitute endorsement by Journal Publishing Company. We make every effort to screen out advertising that may not be legitimate. However, since we can not guarantee the legitimacy of our advertisers, you are advised to beware of offers that appear to be too good to be true, misleading ads and those that ask you to send money.

Lost & Found FOUND:BOXER

Male Boxer with collar, brownish red. He’s with a smaller dog.No calls after 8 pm.

(662)234-0501

YARD SALE

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

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

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

Call 662-842-2622

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

SERVICES Contractors

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

JOBS

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

classifieds@journalinc.com oxfordcitizen.com

Drivers

STUFF

Home Furnishings

RECREATION

BETTER OPPORTUNITIES!

FOR SALE! SOLID OAK ARMOIRE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER. $350.00.

CALL 662-687-2492

HARLEY DAVIDSON ULTRA CLASSIC LIMITED 2013 8300 Miles,red & burgundy, Rush Exhaust, Screaming Eagle Intake, Tuner. Oxford, $17,000. (662)316-7056

BIGGER PAYCHECKS! Become a new driver for

STEVENS TRANSPORT! FREE TRAINING

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED

CDL & JOB­READY IN 3 WEEKS!

CALL FOR DETAILS!

1­888­540­7364

Every Day In Every Way Oxford Citizen Classifieds work for you!

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

I’M LOOKING

FOR A QUEEN SIZE BOX SPRING, REASONABLY PRICED. (662)266-3335

General Employment

Motorcycles

Usse U e

CL C LA AS SS SIIF FIIE ED DS S Quick sales mean quick cash!

Game Tickets • Sports Lessons • Sporting Goods Team Jerseys • Memorabilia • Collectibles • & more!

Have tickets to sell?

Advertise in the Classifieds and reach hundreds of fans!

Call 662-842-2622 Ox O xffo orrd dC Ciittiizze en n

CL C LA AS SS SIIF FIIE ED DS S

Ca C allll 1 1--8 80 00 0--2 27 70 0--2 26 62 22 2

General Employment

The Daily Journal Classifieds In Print & Online!

General Employment

www.djournal.com

General Employment

Employment Services

CAUTION!

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

REAL ESTATE Manufactured Housing For Sale ALL MUST GO!!!

Discounted at Unbeatable Prices! Brand New Single & Double Wides. Will not last long!! Call 662-401-1093

PETS

Pet For Sale GERMAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES AKC REGISTERED 9 weeks old, shots & wormed Parents on site. $350 each (662)587-5888

Due to record business growth United Furniture Industries has immediate openings!

We are offering the following to qualified individuals:

$500 sign­on bonus New higher pay rates

Production pay opportunity of $21+ per hour We are looking for experienced:

Framers Springers Upholsterers

Highly experienced people will be placed in production paid positions ASAP! We have 100+ positons available, and are hiring for Amory, Okolona, Nettleton, and Verona facilities.

United Furniture offers a 401K, Health, Dental and a full range of ancillary benefits including Vision insurance.

Apply on line at www.ufijobs.com. Kiosk are set up at each facility to access on line application.

Hours for applying are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

United Furniture Industries is an equal opportunity employer.

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

PAGE 23

Fill all of your employment openings by placing an ad in the Daily Journal - print & online!!

"Thank you so much for the recent ad that was placed in the Journal. We have had a quick turnaround on a new hire after placing the ad with the Daily Journal. Thanks for the out reach you have allowed for our job opportunity!!!"

– D. Hall

DAILY

Journal A LOCALLY OWNED NEWSPAPER DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF GOD AND MANKIND.

Business Directory Asphalt

Blinds

TRI-LAKES ASPHALT, LLC.

Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

SERVING LAFAYETTE AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES

KRYSTAL BLACK

Residential & Commercial

Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant

Streets, Driveways, & Parking Lots

krystal.black@journalinc.com

Call 662-234-4129

PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

FREE ESTIMATES! Real Estate Thinking of Selling Your Home or Property?

We Have Six EACH MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED Full-Time Agents Who Call Call Us Today Pontotoc Home. 662-489-2848

Journal, Inc.

Technology

Achieve greater network performance 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.

Phone 662.678.1532 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.532 Fax 662.620.8301

Journal, Inc. Newspaper • Magazine • Interactive • Commerical Print

PHILLIP WILBURN Multimedia/Inside Sales Consultant phillip.wilburn@journalinc.com

C I R C A D E N C E R & D FA C I L I T Y CDF BUILDING • 398 EAST MAIN ST., 2ND FLOOR • TUPELO, MS 38804 662-821-2500 • www.circadence.com

PO Box 909 Tupelo, MS | 38802-0909 1242 South Green Street Tupelo, MS | 38804

Phone 662.678.1530 or 1.800.270.2614 ext.530 Fax 662.620.8301

PAGE 24

OXFORD CITIZEN

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017