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Table of Content 14 25 34 44 52 61 72 79 89 95 103 109

Hammers Of Hope Giving Back Is Our Special Joy The Darker The Night, The Brighter The Stars Observing Nature Is Our Forte’ Lively Lake Outdoors Is Our Second Home Wold Fowl Customs Our Community Binds Us Together Where Eagles Soar, You Find Delight Our Learning Never Stops Our Veterans are Our Treasure We Serve Day And Night

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Get Connected: City of Pontotoc Get Connected: Pontotoc County Official Contacts Clubs & Organizations

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Houses of Prayer Public Learning Institutions Calendar Chamber Business Directory

On The Cover: Darla Culpepper spends a quiet moment with her Golden Retriever, Waylon, during the snow days Pontotoc experienced last February.

Their love and adoration for each other is a perfect picture of the love and joy we share here in Pontotoc. No matter what the weather we spend time enjoying our two legged and four legged friends. Photo courtesy Karen Anderson

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Advertisers 300 Fitness.........................................76 Affordable Employee Benefits, LLC.............................123 Aleigh’s Envy....................................87 Algoma Country Store......................70 American Inn.....................................67 Artistic Taxidermy.............................75 Ashley Furniture................................33 Bank of Pontotoc................................85 Behold Home.....................................51 Blacksmith BBQ..............................100 Boyles Tire & Auto Care...................60 Browning Funeral Home..................94 Cherry Creek Orchards....................102 Circle of Friends................................30 City Mercantile..................................12 City of Pontotoc.................................22 Collier Dental..................................101 Conrad Adams, State Farm................77 Crossroads Rehabilitation.................93 First Choice Bank.................back cover First Franklin Financials..................101 Flavia West Huddleston, M.D............86 Flowers of Pontotoc by Redele.........100 Friendship Fitness...........................121 Friendship Medical Clinic...............123 Friendship Pharmacy.......................122 Friendship Travel Center.................122 H&R Jewelry.....................................50 Happy Day Café................................22 Henry Payne, Alfa Insurance...........67 Image Screen Printing........................87 Ivy Green Academy...........................87 Johnson’s Wrecker Service................23 Kennedy Financial Services............108 Lifted Nutrition..................................42 Matthews Real Estate.........................42 Mapp Farm & Hydraulics................30 Market Basket....................................71 McCoy’s Grocery & Meat Market...101 Melinda Nowicki...............................85 Merle Norman @ Legacy..................50 Michael Jolly, Shelter Insurance.......86 Modern Woodmen.............................78 Montgomery Drugs............................23 Moore’s.........................................86 Mossy Oak Properties.......................94 Mulberry Cottage Industries.............50 Needleart Fabrics & More, LLC.......50 North Mississippi Medical Center, Pontotoc...........................................2 One Up Nutrition.............................100 Oxford Home Furnishings...................9 Oxford Pawn Shop............................13

Park Medical Clinic...........................77 Patty Turk Properties, LLC..................3 PEPA..............................................60 Pickens Pest Control, Inc.................108 Piggly Wiggly....................................93 Pontotoc Animal Clinic.....................58 Pontotoc Antiques.............................50 Pontotoc Carpet Sales........................67 Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors.....................24 Pontotoc Loans..................................50 Pontotoc Progress............................108 Pontotoc Shell Express......................88 Price Cutter........................................69 Pure Bliss...........................................70 RedMed...........................................88 Renasant Bank...................................22 Rick’s Auto Repair...........................101 Ricky Ferguson..................................59 RidgeCrest Insurance........................94 Roger’s Furniture................................9 Seafood Junction...............................42 Service Supply-NAPA.............93 & 100 Sidra P. Winter, Attorney...................77 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic..........70 Snow Cream Corner...........................31 Southern Garage................................43 Southern Hills Realty & Appraisal, Inc..................77 Sunshine Health Care, Inc...................5 Sydnei’s Grill.....................................76 Tanglefoot Market at Ecru...............121 The Gift Shop....................................50 The Learning Tree Children’s Academy......................59 The Red Door...................................102 The Rack............................................12 The Tin Nickel..................................102 Town of Algoma...............................93 Town of Ecru....................................32 Town of Sherman..............................60 Town of Thaxton...............................43 Treasure Loans...................................50 Trent’s Portrait Design.......................60 True Value..........................................58 Van McWhirter..................................71 WADE..............................................8 Washington Holcomb Tractor Co.....68 Way-fil Jewelry.................................87 West Heights Baptist Church............42 Wood + Cloth.....................................78 Wood Eye Clinic...............................69 Yamato Steak House of Japan...........87 Young’s Tire Store...............................4

Published by The Pontotoc Progress in partnership with the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce.

PONTOTOC PROGRESS STAFF Associate Publisher/ General Manager Lisa Bryant Managing Editor David Helms Staff Reporter Regina Butler Sports Editor Galen Holley Graphic Designer Chelsea Williams Advertising Consultant Angie Quarles Office Manager Tonya Criddle

Pontotoc

Progress 13 Jefferson Street, P.O. Box 210 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Phone: (662) 489-3511 Fax: (662) 489-1369 www.pontotoc-progress.com Welcome Home to Pontotoc

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Our Children come first

Children’s voices. They cry out in the night. They clamor noisily when they are on the ball field. They sweetly sing while in church. Their voices catch our ear, lilting in the wind like the tinkling of a babbling brook that washes over our soul soothing away the most troublesome of days. It is in them that we rely for the next generation. It is here they learn about worship, hard work, honesty, loving one another, caring for the less fortunate and finding the good in each day that makes them responsible citizens. We realize the sands of time run swiftly. Meantime, we revel in their innocence, laugh at their antics and rejoice that there is a safe place like Pontotoc for them to grow and mature. Welcome to Pontotoc, where our family comes first and we do love every second. -Regina Butler Welcome Home to Pontotoc

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To God be the Glory!

Hammers of Hope

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Pontotoc’s hammers delivers hope to those with falling floors, leaky roofs and no handicapped ramps BY

REGINA BUTLER

Construction photos courtesy Hammers of Hope

S

ome people see their mission field in Africa, others in South America and still others in Iowa or the Mississippi Gulf Coast. And then there are those God has called to minister in the most difficult place one can; their own back yard.

Seven years ago, in 2014, God brought together a group of men and their wives to do the work of His ministry here in Pontotoc County and Northeast Mississippi. Through His timing, Hammers of Hope, a 501c3 organization was formed to help those in need of a roof, floor, or handicapped ramp. These jobs are organized weeks in advance and the actual work is done in one day, usually the third Saturday each month, through the help of other volunteers.

The board includes Jeff and Kim Cooper, Johnny and Ginger Pettit, Randy and Belinda Young and Danny and Michelle McGee. The leader that God called to do the ministry was Jeff Cooper, who leaned forward and rubbed his thin gray beard as he looked back over the years.

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Hammers of Hope OFFICERS Jeff Cooper President Kim Cooper Secretary Randy Young Vice-President Belinda Young Treasurer

BOARD MEMBERS

Johnny and Ginger Pettit Danny and Michelle McGee

501C3 ORGANIZATION Send donations the following ways

By Mail: Hammers of Hope 79 Cooper Road Blue Springs, MS 38828 Via PayPal: hammersofhopems@gmail Direct To Bank: Renasant Bank-Hammers of Hope account CONTACT

By Email: jdc38828@gmail.com 662-871-1605 IF YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER See Their Facebook Page: Hammers of Hope - Mississippi Jobs are listed before the third Saturday.

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Through silver framed glasses he glanced fervently over at his wife, Kim. “I didn’t want to do local missions,” he said.

“I spent years running from God. I went to different states with Eight Days of Hope and helped rebuild homes after hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. That was good for me. I could go, do my work and come home and did not have to worry about those projects. I didn’t want the heartache and pain of having to deal with people in my own back yard so to speak.” So like the prophet Jonah, he began running.

But God was doing something greater in Jeff’s heart than he could ever imagine.

He planted an older gentleman, Tommy Pound, along his path that kept telling him he needed to meet this guy named Johnny Pettit. And Pound had been telling Johnny Pettit that he needed to meet Jeff Cooper.

These two men live not 15 or 20 minutes from each other, but don’t go to the same church, so their paths never purposely crossed until a third man, Randy Young asked Jeff to go on a mission trip with him a hundred miles south of Pontotoc.

“It was there that I met Johnny and when we shook hands both of us knew this was a God appointment,” Jeff said.

Meantime, on a Sunday morning God’s gentle insistent knock echoed on Jeff’s heart, He sent a message just for the modern day Jonah.

“We were between pastors at Thaxton Baptist Church and Bert Harper filled in,” he said. Bro. Harper told the congrega-

tion which passage to turn to in the Bible, “which happened to be where Jesus told Peter to walk on the water. He said the title of his sermon was ‘Get out of the boat,’” Jeff related. “I turned to Kim and in an audible voice like I’m talking to you now I said, ‘I do not want to hear this. I am not listening to this.” He paused, and a faint smile traced his face. “And she told me to shut up and listen to what he had to say.”

So all through the long agonizing sermon he had to hear how Jesus walked on the water toward the disciples in the early morning and Peter telling Jesus to invite him onto the water as well, and Peter got out of the boat. And God spoke to the young carpenter, who finally had an ear to hear and a heart to obey.

“After it was over, instead of going to the back to greet people Bro. Harper stayed up front,” Jeff said. “I went up and shook his hand and said I enjoyed the sermon; then he told me something that floored me.”

Bro. Harper told Jeff that he didn’t obey God’s voice that day, “He said that God told him to call me out and let everyone else go home if they wanted to. God said this message was for you and a team that you would get together,” he told me.

Not long after that Jeff and Johnny met and God began organizing His team for the work; people came together who were of one mind and heart, to use physical needs to share the Gospel of Jesus.

“We are all in agreement, it’s not about

the roofs or the floors or the ramps, but the Savior who gave His life for us,” Jeff said. “In fact when God brought Danny McGee and Randy and Johnny and I together they all said the same thing to me.

They said when I get to worrying about money or how many people didn’t show up they would go home. We are all firm believers that God supplies that out of His own hand.”

Jeff’s help meet in life, Kim, who has been his greatest cheerleader, coach, solid rock to lean on when times were tough and gentle smile every day, was right there in the thick of things, agonizing for her husband during those years. “I prayed a lot,” she said. “I prayed that God would show him what he was to do and to settle him. It was hard for me to watch him go through this because I am a fixer. I wanted to fix everything, but I couldn’t fix this.”

Tears streamed down her face. “Those were some tough years,” she admitted.

“I felt like I was walking around on egg shells all the time. When I saw Jeff surrender, he finally had that peace and to see the peace in his heart, it thrilled my heart.

I finally had the man back that I married and that I love dearly. When the head of the household has peace, it flows down to the rest of us the way it should.”

And that was just the beginning of her work. From there she went on to helping feed the team, going with Jeff to assess jobs and a multitude of other things, “But we are together. It is a family work.”

Jeff readily admitted he couldn’t do it without Kim. “It’s always hard to go do something with out her. If she wasn’t on hand it would be Jeff doing what he wants to do.”

He paused as tears gathered. “Not long ago I went to share at a church about our ministry and Kim had to work. Our daughter went with me, but it wasn’t the same. I missed seeing her, a part of me was missing.”

Explaining some of the logistics side of the ministry, Jeff said they all realize that everyone that calls has a need. “Every other month Kim and I spend a Saturday and go assess projects so we can get an idea of what we are looking at in terms of repair so the right materials can be ordered.

“A lot of the people we minister to are single mothers and older ladies. Kim is in there visiting with the person while I’m assessing the house. He has given her the gift of discernment and she is right away ministering to them whether we are able to take the job or not.”

He said they put new roofs on from October through April and the summer months are devoted to inside work or the handicapped ramps.

They are also mindful to be good stewards of the money God has entrusted them with, “we give the best quality we can so that we aren’t looking at a leaky roof, or a cheap faucet having to be replaced. We want the homeowners to get the good out of our work.”

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RANDY AND BELINDA YOUNG

Randy Young grew up watching missions in action through his parent’s lives. “My mama and daddy, Larry and Bobbie Young have gone on trips, giving of their time and talent so I know the impact it has on someone’s life.”

But as is the case with Randy, God calls us to be active in our own giving of time and talent to Him. “A long time ago a couple of guys, Allen Maxey and Harry Patterson, asked me to come and help put a roof on someone’s house. I didn’t know how to hammer a shingle on, but I went to help anyway,” Randy related. He smiled broadly. “I found that I enjoyed it.” And from that point he went on several mission trips with Eight Days of Hope and the Baptist Men’s Association.

“When Jeff and I started talking, I knew this is the direction God wanted me to go. God calls us to be His disciples right in our own Jerusalem first.

“It’s easy to say I’m going to some far-flung place to serve and get home and say ‘I’ve done that little thing. Got that little box checked off.’

But until I started helping Jeff, I didn’t realize the need in our own back yard. You are living the gospel when you are helping others. When you meet people’s needs you have the opportunity to share Jesus.”

“You have to show kindness,” put in Jeff.

Kim nodded. “It’s easy to put the blinders on to the need at home but Jesus met their need, then addressed their sin.”

Randy smiled. “We make sure before we leave that every home has a Bible. In meeting their need, we want to give the Word that we follow and shows why we do what we do.”

Randy readily admits the work could not go on without the wives.

“Our wives are our prayer warriors,” he said. “They are the one who keep us going. The kids and grandkids too. When God calls one he calls all of you.”

His wife and help meet, Belinda, has been right there with him. “This is something we can do together to help local people in our area,” she said.

“I like hearing their stories and how this has affected their family. We just want to follow God’s direction and have been blessed that we can help them.”

She also finds it is a way to include her whole family. “Our children are involved as well,” she said.

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JOHNNY AND GINGER PETTIT

Johnny Pettit’s involvement in the ministry has a circle of it’s own.

Johnny not only didn’t want to do mission at home, he didn’t want to do missions at all. But when he married Ginger, she was enthusiastic about doing missions and truly wanted to get out there and help people.

“God showed me early on after I got saved that I wanted to do missions work,” Ginger said. “And I wanted Johnny to go with me, but he just wasn’t the least bit interested.” But she didn’t just sit down and pout when she couldn’t get her way. She served the Lord and waited on Him to open the door of her husband’s heart. He was finally convinced to go with her to Smithville after the tornado ripped that town apart, and just drive the bus.

“That’s all I was going to do,” Johnny said. “Just drive the bus.” But his carpenter expertise was soon discovered and he was put to work.

And the missions bug bit. He went on several trips with Eight Days of Hope. When he met Jeff and listened to his heart, Johnny knew it was what God was calling him to do.

“I was so glad to see God lead Johnny into missions,” Ginger said. “I wanted us to be used by Him together.”

“She supports me completely,” Johnny said. “I couldn’t do these projects without her. She is the best cutter (of wood) and hauler I have. She is important to me even when she can’t be there she is praying for me.”

Ginger smiled thoughtfully. “You know scripture says iron sharpens iron. It is important for him to have that time with other men that are there helping to sharpen him.”

Johnny grinned. “You can just forget everything else in your life and just do the job set before you and share the gospel.”

And now that they are seven years down the road ministering together, the brothers and sisters know each others heart. “Jeff and Kim pray about the projects first,” Johnny said. “I know if he calls he has done the prayer work and the checking. I love to give to Hammers of Hope.”

He looked earnestly, “But if we ever start giving ourselves the credit instead of God the glory, I’m out. Everything I have is God’s. It’s not my money, it’s not my talent. Our money, talents and possessions belong to God. We came into this world with nothing and will leave with northing.

All that matters is that your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

DANNY AND MICHELLE MCGEE

Danny McGee is one of those quiet servants whose wisdom and work is invaluable to the work of this ministry. When he helped with his first Hammers of Hope project he was soon asked to serve on the board.

“I went and saw the work they were doing and the dedication they had to serve.

When Jeff asked me to serve, I prayed about it and God has led me to serve.”

McGee said he knew Jeff and he knew “he would do a good job and wouldn’t cut corners.”

His wife, Michelle said she is delighted they can come alongside and help in the ministry. “We are able to help others in the community who have great needs.” And the work has opened her eyes.

“It has helped me see how much of a need there is out there. I’ve taken the basic things we have for granted that are a blessing from God and it has helped me to be more thankful.”

Michelle said she appreciates that it is not “our” ministry, but God’s ministry. “We are a team and we pray for one another.” And when they are on the ground with the people who are in need, “we want them to see Jesus as we make their home more livable.”

And the greatest need the homeowner and the team has is prayer. “Prayer is the key to the whole thing,” she said. “We are only on this earth for a little while and we need to be about the Father’s business and prayer.”

Danny said he is blessed to be part of the small close knit organization. “Everyone gets along and if there is an immediate project we can approve it and go on with getting it done,” he said. “Serving alongside Christian brothers and sisters and seeing the people smile when they realize that somebody does care about them is my greatest joy.”

And if you are hesitant about wanting to get involved because you may not think you have the expertise, “Don’t be,” he advised. “Everybody learns something when we get together. There is a place for everyone. We need people to haul shingles, pick up nails, toss water to the people on the roof, all kinds of things. No job is too small or unimportant. You might be missing out on the greatest blessing of your life. It’s not about your ability, but your availability.”

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GROUND ZERO

Through these past seven years the band of sometime carpenters and all the time witnesses have seen God marvelously supply time and time again.

And it has built their faith. And it has built the faith of their children. And their children’s children.

“God sends just the right amount of money every time,” Johnny said.

“People stop and make donations to us in the middle of the road sometimes when we are helping a homeowner.”

Randy nodded. “When we decided God was going to take care of money and people, He has been faithful.”

“I remember one time we had a donation made for the next project while we were working on the current one,” Ginger put in.

And then Jeff shared of a special specific giving time. “The monies that were coming in were being spent entirely on the projects that we had lined up,” he explained. “There were no extra funds for any extra tools. You see, we use our own tools and equipment so that the money donations can go to the homeowner project.”

Jeff said they build a lot of wheelchair ramps and it takes some time to dig all the holes that are needed for each of the posts.

“I told the board I felt like we needed to buy a gasoline powered auger to help expedite the digging part,” Jeff said. “They agreed and Kim and I spent a Saturday looking for one. Those are seasonal, and obviously weren’t in season when we went to look. After going to four stores, we finally found one and paid $358.29 for it that Saturday afternoon.”

Three days later, on Tuesday, when mail was being opened there was a check in an envelope, “and the man said in his note that he had no idea what the money was for just to use it on our needs. The check was for $358.29.”

And the auger and other tools have been used to minister to 70 families, giving them sound floors, water tight roofs and a way to get to their doors in a wheel chair.

Johnny laughed. “I remember the hottest job we did was at Immanuel Baptist Church and the coldest day was the day before the ice storm this year. We had heaters going full blast.”

Their ministry is also a blessing to other’s ministries.

“We repaired the floors for a lady in Booneville,” said Jeff. “She wanted to foster children, but couldn’t because her floors were not in good condition.

While we were there doing the job, she got the call to get some children. It was a special moment.”

Kim said the hardest part of their assessing a job is “When we have to say ‘No. We can’t do it.’ Sometimes homes are beyond simple repair. Those are heart rending because you still see the home and the need and you can’t help,” she said.

And then there are times of rejoicing. “We fixed a roof for a lady that had multiple layers of blue tarp, an old billboard on it, there was just layer after layer,” said Jeff. “It took us two days to get that job done because there were so many layers to pull off. They were happy to get their roof because they didn’t have to put buckets in their house any more to catch the rain water.”

And through all this the gospel of Jesus is shared. “Our main verse is John 3:16,” said Kim. “We started with one in Hebrews, but our focus is sharing the gospel. We are sinners. Jesus, God’s Son gave his life to forgive our sin.

If we confess our sin to Him he will forgive us and we can start a brand new walk with Him. Just like we give that homeowner a brand new roof that gives them a new lease on life, Jesus gives us a brand new life. And just like the homeowner has to ask for the help, we have to ask Jesus and He is gracious and He will forgive.”

The core team of Hammers of Hope love being the hands and feet of Jesus as they nail shingles, dig holes and talk to folks, but their greatest joy is seeing others get the blessing they do when they come to help.

“Our greatest need is prayer,” Jeff said. “We covet the prayer warriors praying for us more than anything. If you want to volunteer, great! We can use you. If you want to give, great! That’s between you and the Lord. But our plea is that you cover us in prayer.”

And through the prayers of the saints and ringing of the Hammers of Hope, God is getting the glory for great things He is doing.

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To God be the glory great things He hath done; So loved He the world that He gave us His son, Who yielded His life an atonement for sin, and opened the life gate that all may go in.

Oh perfect redemption, the purchase of blood, To every believer the promise of God; The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the earth hear His voice, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, Let the people rejoice! O come to the Father, thro’ Jesus the Son, And give Him the glory, great things He hath done.

Fannie J. Crosby

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Giving back is our

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We live by the Scripture verse that says “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” You will find the folks in Pontotoc County giving to those who have terminal illnesses, the local football team that needs equipment or making sure the local cemetery has the grass cut so it can look peaceful and serene. We help the hungry, give boxes of hope to children in far flung lands or give out the Scriptures of Truth on the parking lot here at home. Giving is a way of life around here and we are always honored to lend our fellow man a helping hand.

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The Darker The Night,

The Brighter The Stars BY

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DAVID HELMS | Photography by Dr. Terry Wood

Milky Way shines over barn in Highway 6 East.

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Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn or the Christmas Star of 2020

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ost photographers—regardless of their level of expertise—are always looking for that perfect light in which to take a beauti-

ful picture.

Dr. Terry Wood, of Pontotoc, is no exception to that quest.

Wood has literally taken a million pictures over the past 10 years. And to him, photography is more than a hobby. It’s a passion.

In his travels he has taken spectacular photographs of cities, iconic landmarks, landscapes, beautiful architecture and wildlife in Iceland, Canada, Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Scotland, Austria, Czech Republic, Sweden and Nicaragua. He has photographed hundreds of sunsets in the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park and Banff National Park in Canada.

But his passion for photography is not all about finding the perfect light.

That’s because Wood also loves astrophotography (also known as astronomical imaging), which is photography of astronomical objects, celestial events, and areas of the night sky.

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Dr. Terry Wood readys for another photoshoot.

Milky Way over the Randolph community.

Wood has taken pictures of the sun, the moon, comets and eclipses, but his favorite astrophotography subject is the Milky Way. And photographing the Milky Way means finding the perfect darkness.

“To photograph the Milky Way you must find a place that’s totally dark,” Wood stressed.

“And it also means no moon and no clouds in the sky. The only light you want is the lights of the Milky Way.” “The darkest place around here to get the best pictures of the Milky Way is around the Randolph area.”

The need for darkness is not the only limiting factor in photographing parts of the galaxy.

“The Milky Way is more visible at different times of the year,” he explained. “In the winter time, say November to February, you can’t see it. But in March your opportunities begin and you need good views of the sky in the southeast and southwest.”

“The best months for shooting the Milky Way are June, July, August and September.

In the spring you get your best pictures at 4 a.m. to 5 a.m., in the summer it’s best to shoot from 10:30 p.m. to 2 a.m,., but in the fall you can get good photographs between 8:30 and 10 p.m.”

“Some people get seriously into astrophotography, utilizing big telescopes. But I just use a big wide angle lens and expose my pictures for about 25 seconds.”

Wood said he’s careful not to trespass on someone’s property in his search for astrophotography locations.

“I get landowner’s permission to take pictures on their place. It’s not as simple as just going outside and shooting pictures. All the right conditions have to come together.”

Milky Way at Zion National Park in Utah

Milky Way over Randolph cotton field.

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Solar eclipse from beginning to end.

“I’m always looking for something picturesque locally to showcase along with the Milky Way. I love taking pictures of of the Milky Way over Lochinvar. It’s such a beautiful, historic place and the lake they built gives you great reflection. It’s really neat.”

“There are some churches and other places I’d love to include in some Milky Way pictures but there’s just too much exterior light, it’s not dark enough.”

Wood said he does rely on some computer technology to help

Milky Way shines over Randolph cabin.

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him monitor the Milky Way and other celestial events.

“I have a program on my computer that helps pinpoint where the Milky Way is going to be visible based on my location. It will show me the direction at various times. I have to keep track of the moon cycles. I plan a lot of my trips around when the visibility of the Milky Way is going to be good.”

Who would have ever thought that some new technology would help keep a fellow in the dark.

Blood moon.

Full moon.

See the little black dot? That’s the transit of Venus across the sun.

Wedding ring seconds before total solar eclipse.

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Milky Way over Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

See the green star with the tail behind it in the top middle of the photo?

That’s the Neo Wise Comet.

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Milky Way over Lochinvar.

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Observing Nature is our forte´

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No artist paints a finer picture of the sky than the One who created it, and no one captures the detail in full and living color any better. Pontotoc county is resplendent with all kinds of nature from birds to butterflies to trees and the sunshine and moon. And while we may not write a sonnet about every little thing we see, these bits of God’s beauty make us stop and pause and reflect on the Creator and realize just how small we are.

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Shop Pontotoc Shop With Us!

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Lively Lake The newly reopened Old Natchez Trace Lake is better than ever

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A

BY

GALEN HOLLEY

fter feasting on a picnic spread of barbecued chicken, hotdogs, and fruit salad, Gabe McGloflin was ready to fish.

“This is a good spot,” said McGloflin, 14, as he fixed a lure onto his line. McGloflin slid on his lifejacket and fishing vest and waded into the cool water of the Old Natchez Trace Lake, his legs brushing the reeds among which his one-man kayak was moored.

The Saturday before Easter was bright and a little chilly at Trace State Park, about 63 degrees, with a whisper of a southwest breeze rippling the water across the 600-acre lake in the eastern part of Pontotoc County. Around the family’s campsite, McGloflin’s little cousins were scurrying around in a mad dash for hidden eggs. Seven-year-old Connor Cranfield tossed beanbags in a skillful arc into the cornhole chute. Bro. Joe Gullick and his wife, Leeann, kept an eye on the campfire and watched it all with joyful eyes.

“We love it here because it’s so close to home, and so clean and beautiful,” said Leeann, adding that they’d camped often at the lake, even in the four years during which it was closed for repairs by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. The Trace Lake reopened on Aug. 5, 2020, and nine months later, business was booming.

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“This has been one of our best years since I’ve been here,” said Park Manager Josh Massey, who started at the park 16 years ago. “It depends a lot on the weather, but on pretty days, like today, we’re wide open.”

As a pickup approached, Massey slid open the office window. He asked Michael Gray, along with his father, Russell, and son, Easton, to come inside and get some simple instructions before hitting the trail on their ATVs. The Gray men had come from Monroe County and were introducing young six-year-old Easton to trail riding in their Polaris side-by-side.

“A few people are out there on horseback so, if you see them, pull over, kill your engines, and let them pass,” Massey told the trio then jokingly asked Easton for his driver’s license. “Helmets are required. Ya’ll be careful and have fun,” Massey said, advising them to go online and take an ATV safety course before their next visit. The courses are offered free on a number of websites, including the ATV Safety Institute.

Trace State Lake was closed for almost four years while crews repaired a broken levee on the southeastern sector, the area used for skiing. The facilities for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails remained open, along with RV camping sites and day-use areas.

Crews finished repairs on the levee in December 2019, but it took time and a lot of rain to refill the lake. The reopening was also delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

On the eastern side of the lake, Josh Russell was throwing the Frisbee with his six-year-old son, Kyler.

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“My parents brought me here as a boy, and the place holds special memories for me,” said Russell, who was staying with his family in cabin number six (of nine), a cozy two-bed-one-bath dwelling on the shoreline. The cabins accommodate six occupants.

Frisbee was fine for the moment, but the fishing hole was calling Kyler’s name. “I’m going to catch a 12-foot catfish,” said Kyler as his father laughed.

“He’s a go-big-or-go-home guy,” said Russell.

Nearby, Scott Inveen was enjoying a round of Frisbee golf.

“I’ve played all over the country, and this state and area have more courses than anywhere I’ve been,” said Inveen, a Charleston, S.C. native who splits his time between the east coast and working in Tupelo as a helicopter pilot for North Mississippi Medical Center. The course at Trace Lake is good enough to host professional tournaments,” Inveen said.

“The course is really long, but it also has portions where you have to shape your shots to get through the trees,” said Inveen. “It requires a combination of a long-range game and accuracy.”

Trace State Park offers more than 70 camping sites, including 46 standard, 24 premium, and 27 primitive sites. They’re situated around an inlet that juts into the northern shore of the lake. The park also has two boat ramps, a horse barn, and linen facilities.

On the western side of the lake, outside a handsome stable, sev-

eral horseback riders were grooming their mounts and preparing for a trail ride. Further down the parking lot, dirt-bike enthusiasts fine-tuned their engines with wrenches. The guys pulled on brightly colored helmets and riding gloves then bounded off on their popping, buoyant machines in clouds of dust and smoke.

John McCommon of Olive Branch and his son, Jase, were preparing their bikes for a ride. Jase climbed onto his Kawasaki KLX 125, put on his helmet, and went on ahead. John waited a bit while he suited up. The trail for bikes and ATVs was terrific, he said.

“We come here a lot,” said John. “They have places that are easy, along with opportunities for more experienced riders.” John climbed on his Yamaha WR 250, and off he went.

Ken Kerr and his wife, Lynda, brought their dog, Duke, for an unencumbered romp through the woods. Duke leaped from the pickup and pawed impatiently at the ground for Ken to take the leash.

“The grounds here are beautiful, and it’s great to have it all so close to home. We love coming out here to relax and enjoy nature,” said Kerr as he led Duke down the trail. “Best of all, Duke gets to be himself out here.”

Trace State Park is located 2139 Faulkner Rd., Belden, approximately 13 miles from downtown Pontotoc. Phone (662) 489-2958 or, to make reservations, visit https://mississippistateparks.reserveamerica.com/camping/trace-state-park.

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Outdoors is our

Second Home

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Our ceilings are much farther than the garish lighting of LED rods. We enjoy looking at the azure sky with puffy clouds or watching the lightning play across a stormy sky. Whether we are enjoying the outside from our front porch or in a lawn chair by the lake; or just riding down the trail enjoying the wind in our faces, our thirst for God’s beauty is never quenched. Occasionally we are treated to the fluffier side of nature and take a day out to play in the snow.

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A batch of Speckle Belly Goose calls nears completion.

Wild Fowl Customs offers craftsmanship with a personal touch BY

Steven and Marlana Huffstatler stand outside the Wild Fowl Customs shop on their property.

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JONATHAN WISE

A

passion for the outdoors morphed into a hobby and then a hunting call-making business for Steven Huffstatler of Pontotoc, owner and operator of Wild Fowl Customs.

“I’ve been duck hunting since I was in high school, so that got me interested in game calls; I started learning how to blow duck calls,” Huffstatler said.

However, the journey into producing the hunting instruments was unexpected.

“I worked in pool table store that had a lathe,” Huffstatler said. “I was just playing around one night after hours.

There was a scrap pool cue, and I just turned a duck call out of that. It sounded kind of like a duck. I was like, ‘Hey, this is pretty cool; I can probably do that.’

That got him started. He purchased a lathe and started practicing and experimenting with the craft.

Huffstatler originally started Hardwoods Waterfowl Calls with a friend. After a while the partner stopped building calls due to a career change, and Huffstatler got out of it for a while as well, other than as a hobby. Eventually, however, the urge returned and he began Wild Fowl Customs.

“I’ve progressed with equipment over the years,” Huffstatler said. “I bought a metal lathe and was learning it, but I really wanted to learn CNC. So I got a degree from ICC in the tool and die department, learning how to program machines and all that.”

Huffstatler preps his laser engraver for a job.

CNC, or Computer Numerical Control, refers to the automated control of machinery. CNC machines are computer-programmed to shape various materials such as wood, metal, plastic, etc. to exact specifications. They are a mainstay of modern manufacturing.

Huffstatler was able to purchase his own CNC lathe in 2018. This allowed him to expand his business opportunities by having the ability to produce batches of calls for other custom callmakers who might not have the means to efficiently make larger numbers of calls, as well as do various other custom work for people locally.

Wild Fowl Customs’ bread and butter is waterfowl calls. Huffstatler’s years of experience in the field has allowed him to develop designs that more closely replicate the natural sounds of the birds than mass-produced calls. He builds calls out of acrylic and various woods.

For duck hunting he builds models dubbed the “XLR” or “Extra Loud and Raspy” and the “River Bottom Timber.” Huffstatler also sells a Speckle Belly Goose call.

“I like working with woods that are unique,” Huffstatler said. “I don’t want to be a cookie-cutter call company.”

Pictured are a pair of Wild Fowl Customs’ River Bottom Timber duck calls.

Huffstatler’s CNC lathe shapes a product for a client.

A pot-style turkey call nears completion as the calling surface is affixed over the sound board.

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Huffstatler has gotten back into turkey hunting in recent years and now also builds pot calls for turkey hunting in various striking surfaces such as slate or crystal. He has ordered the equipment to start producing diaphragm mouth calls in the near future as well.

Wild Fowl Customs has a laser engraver that can accommodate a wide variety of custom engraving needs for customers. Huffstatler also has a rotary attachment which allows him to engrave round objects such as tumblers. He says that is something he does a good bit of.

This also allows Wild Fowl Customs to offer custom engraving and personalization on calls.

Huffstatler lives near Algoma. His wife Marlana is a nurse-practitioner, and she assists with the details of the business. They have two daughters, Maci and Becca.

Huffstatler plans to have his game calls available locally at Moore’s Feed Store before long, as he now he has more time to devote to the shop. He has been employed with Wal-Mart Distribution Center for 16 years. Currently he only works weekends there and devotes weekdays to his call-making and custom work endeavors. His goal is to work to build connections in the industry and eventually make Wild Fowl Customs his full-time occupation after putting in a full career with Wal-Mart. If anyone is interested in a custom call, engraving, or needs CNC-work done they can contact Huffstatler at Wild Fowl Customs’ facebook page.

“It’s fun, and it keeps me outdoor-oriented, which I love,” he said. “Whenever you meet new people in this industry, we automatically have a common interest.”

A few examples of duck calls showcase some of the various materials Wild Fowl Customs offers.

A gobbler falls to a customer’s Wild Fowl Customs slate call.

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A number of duck calls wait to be finished up.

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Our Community binds us together

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Community is defined as a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. It is our life. We embrace the joy of our smiles, the love of our food and the special camaraderie that comes from living in this place we all home.

We may be enjoying a crisp fall day listening to the deer dogs run or enjoying a cup of coffee at the local diner. Whether we are dipping up hot fish, growing the biggest cabbage or just hanging out with our friends we revel in what each new day brings.

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Where Eagles

SOAR,

you find delight

I

BY

DAVID HELMS

Photography by Dr. Terry Wood

t’s simple.The first time you see a bald eagle flying in the wild you just never forget the sighting.

The average bald eagle has a body length of 28 to 40 inches and a typical wingspan is between six and seven and a half feet. An adult eagle’s average weight is 10 to 14 pounds.

The bald eagle is America’s national bird and we’ve all grown up seeing photographs of them. But when you see an eagle soaring overhead the sight of that magnificent bird just explodes the senses of the soul.

An adult bald eagle is mainly brown, but it’s their white head and white tail that tattoos that image into your memory bank for life.

In God’s sunlight an eagle’s head and tail shine like 5,000-lumen LED light bulbs.

The first time I saw the pair of eagles who have nested for almost 11 years now at Trace State Park in eastern Pontotoc County was in December of 2010. I had just walked off of no. 2 green at Pontotoc Country Club when I looked out over Trace Lake and saw them circling high above the water.

I put my golf game on pause for about 15 minutes as I watched the eagles put on an air-show. They made flying seem as effortless as breathing in and out. Only an occasional wing flap was needed to maintain their circling pattern as they scanned the water below.

Then suddenly they flew for the opposite shoreline, covering several hundred yards in a matter of seconds.

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The bald eagle is a powerful flier, reaching speeds of 35 to 45 miles per hour when gliding and flapping. Eagles can reach dive speeds in excess of 75 mph.

Bald eagles are not actually bald, the name derives from an older meaning of “white headed.” The males and females are identical in plumage but the female eagles are about 25 percent larger than males. Juvenile bald eagles are a mixture of brown and white, with a black beak in young birds.

The adult plumage develops when they are sexually mature at age five and their head and tail feathers turn white. An eagle’s beak and feet are bright yellow. The legs are feather free and the bird’s toes are short and powerful with large talons.

The highly developed talon of the hind toe is used to pierce the vital areas of prey while it is held immobile by the front toes.

An eagle’s diet is 70 to 90 percent fish—live or freshly dead.

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They also feed on rabbits, coots and injured waterfowl.

The two eagles that I had spotted that December morning were a nesting pair and the “love birds” had only recently built a new home.

Back then, Pontotoc resident Terry Lynn Donaldson was golf course superintendent at Pontotoc and I was surprised when he told me where the eagles’ nest was located.

Instead of nesting in the Trace State Park, the eagles had built a nest in the top of a lone tall pine tree that was located only about 45 feet from number five green on the Pontotoc Golf Course.

In order to accommodate for the size of the parent birds, bald eagle nests are very large. The eagles’ nest overlooking number five green was perched at least 65 feet up in the pine tree. It was at least five feet wide and five feet deep.

By early May 2011, two baby eaglets could be seen sitting on the side of their large nest on the golf course. After another six to eight weeks the eaglets could be seen flapping their wings and lifting their feet off the nest platform.

Young eaglets fledge from eight to 14 weeks of age, but then continue to be attended to by their parents for another six weeks. When the adult eagles finally stop bringing food, the fledgling finally leaves the nest to begin hunting on its own.

In February of 2012 and 2013 the pair of eagles returned to their nest on the golf course, enlarging their home in the sky. In each of those years they raised another eaglet.

In February of 2014 the eagles again began adding to their nest on the golf course. But in March a strong storm blew through Pontotoc and the bottom portion of the large eagle nest was destroyed.

For weeks the whereabouts of the eagles were unknown, but in April it was discovered that they had built a new nest over on the Trace State Park side of the lake.

For the past seven years the two eagles have continued to live on Trace State Park and every year one or two baby eagles have been born.

In the fall of 2019 Pontotoc resident and avid photographer Dr. Terry Wood decided to find the exact location of the eagles’ nest in the park.

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“For a couple of years I had taken pictures of the eagles flying at the lake and setting on the ole dead tree at the water’s edge, but I was photographing them from the levee on the golf course side of the lake,” Wood said. “I wanted to find the nest so I could get some close-up pictures and hopefully follow them through the whole process of laying, hatching and raising some young.”

In November 2019 Wood found their nest which was high atop a slender pine tree about 30 yards into the woods from the lake’s edge on the fishing side of the 600 acre lake.

Wood frequently photographed the eagles over the next five months, but especially during the 2020 months of February, March and April, which included the birth of two eaglets.

“In 2020 during the COVID shutdown I took a lot of pictures over a six to eight week period,” Wood recalled. “In January 2020 they were frequenting the nest a lot, adding to it, and I would hang around the nest.”

“In February I saw them mate while in a tree and they usually will produce an egg in six to 10 days. They hatch out in about 35 days.”

“So I photographed them a lot over the next 30 days because they would stay close to the nest. I probably took 10,000 pictures. I was able to take lot of pictures of them flying in and out of the nest.”

“A couple of times I was able to get a picture of them bringing in a fish to the nest so we were confident they had some babies in there. Then we started seeing some heads popping up out of the nest.

They had two eaglets and it’s amazing how fast they grow. From March to July the baby eagles get huge.”

“The nest is really large so the eaglets are large by the time you see them setting up on the side of the nest. It’s amazing how quickly they mature and although it’s over a couple of months, they start flying quickly. “ “For several weeks they move out on the branches and flop around from limb to limb, but then off they go flying, like they’ve been flying for 10 years. By July they’re soaring the sky.”

“It’s extraordinary to watch them fly and maneuver, they’re just special creatures. And to listen to them call out to each other and then you hear the babies calling out to them when they leave the nest. It’s unforgettable. It was a joy — and a challenge—to photograph them.”

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Our Learning never stops

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It doesn’t matter if we are six or 96 our thirst for learning new things is never quenched and even though we may come to the end of our teaching school days, we are always endeavoring to instill what we have learned into others or learn more ourselves. Whether we are learning to pitch horse shoes or make things out of paper plates and yarn; creativity is in our blood. Our library is filled with books, magazines and newspapers that will entertain and inform. Our museum is second to none in preserving our history and in giving you a chance to touch something that has been around since the tall oak trees were small. We know that knowledge isn’t limited to those things you read but by listening to those who are older than you and handling and feeling the things that connect us to our past; and we have a rich storehouse to pass along to the next generation.

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Our Veterans are our treasure

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Ever since our country was founded we’ve had men that would step up to the battlefield to protect her. From the minutemen of old to those who don’t hesitate to sign their name on the dotted line today to commit to her protection, our county has had a long heritage of those who are willing to defend our liberty, and some have paid the ultimate price.

We consider it our special honor to hold their service and sacrifice near and dear to our own hearts and we do that on Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day as well as honoring anyone who served with Christmas Wreaths on their graves in December.

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WedayServe and night

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It doesn’t matter if the weather is freezing cold or so hot you could fry an egg on the sidewalk, you will find these men and women ready to answer the midnight call or the noon time alarm to protect the folks in our community. They are the steady kind voice when your make that frantic call to 911. When everyone else is running from disaster, they are running into it to save a life, protect a home or make sure you can breathe again. They are also the men and women who lift patients, take our temperature or make our grandparents day a little easier with their smiles and kind words. Our county would not be complete without their selfless sacrifice and courage.

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Get Connected: City of Pontotoc Whether you are moving into town or just changing addresses within Pontotoc city limits, sometimes you lose track of all the details that must be attended to in one move. This list will keep those much-needed numbers in one place so you can quickly contact all the right people at the right places to make the move to your new home much easier.

Pontotoc’s utility department offers water/sewer, gas and garbage pick-up. Anyone applying for services must appear in person at Pontotoc City Hall with a state-issued identification card.

GARBAGE PICKUP Once weekly inside the city limits. $10.80 minimum. Anyone applying for services must appear in person at Pontotoc City Hall with a state-issued identification.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, Call 911 FIRE CHIEF: 489-7805 The Pontotoc Fire Chief leads a staff of nine full-time firemen and 17 volunteer firemen at two locations in the city. Locations: 116 North Main and 150 Henry Southern Drive.

POLICE CHIEF: 489-7804 Pontotoc City Police Department employs 14 full-time officers and four certified part-time officers. Location: 225 West Reynolds In case of a storm or tornado, you may get to safety in one of the city’s eight public shelters: • 116 North Main St. • 320 Clark St. • 206 Hud St. • 289 Lake Drive • 374 Highway 15 South • 472A Vance Street • 290 Eighth Street • 1814 Highway 15 North For storm alert information, visit www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

To be alerted of a storm in your community by phone sign up at www.trpdd.com/codered. This is at no cost to you.

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WATER/SEWER Water/sewer service provided inside Pontotoc city limits and to a small portion of the county. Water: $100 Installation/inspection fee (non-refundable/non-transferable).

ELECTRICITY Pontotoc Electric Power Association services almost 18,500 members in six counties, which includes most of Pontotoc County.

The main office is located at 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc. Call 489-3211. For emergencies on nights, weekends and holidays, Call 489-6711.

NATURAL GAS Service covers Pontotoc, Union and some of Lee Counties.

Gas inside Pontotoc City limits: $100 Installation/ inspection fee (non-refundable/non-transferable).

New gas service inside city limits: $175 for owner occupied and rental property—installation fee (non-refundable/transferable).

Above fees cover first 200 feet of service line plus installation of gas meter. If new service line is more than 200 feet, extra footage will be charged $1 per foot (2-inch line = $2 per foot) and will be billed separately.

If you have any questions, you may call City Hall, 489-1722 (night or weekends, 489-7805). Office hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wed., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG Call 811 from any phone

Get Connected: Pontotoc County NATURAL GAS

GARBAGE PICKUP

Service from the city of Pontotoc covers most of Pontotoc County. To find out if natural gas is available in your location, you may call Pontotoc City Hall, 489-1722 (night or weekends, 489-7805).

Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Garbage is picked up once a week door-to-door. To find out when your garbage day is or ask questions about your bills, call 489-3913.

WATER Pontotoc is serviced by 11 rural water associations, located all across Pontotoc County.

• • • • • • • • • •

East Pontotoc Water Association: 489-0776 Town of Ecru Water Association: 489-3881 Mud Creek Water Association: 489-6851 Oak Hill Water Association: 489-3692 Randolph Water Association: 489-8641 or 489-8820 Toccopola Water Association: 489-6537 Thaxton Water Association: 489-6537 Troy Water Association: 489-1425 Algoma Water Association: 489-8351 Sherman Water Association: 842-6366

ELECTRICITY Pontotoc County is serviced by five electrical power associations.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the regional electric provider. Call (662) 690-3400, (662) 690-3600, (662) 690-3500.

Pontotoc Electric Power Association services almost 18,500 members in six counties, which includes most of Pontotoc County.

The main office is located at 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc. Call 489-3211. For emergencies on nights, weekends and holidays, call 489-6711.

Natchez Trace Power Association services the south central part of the county toward the Chickasaw County area. Call (662) 456-3037.

Tombigbee Electrical Power Association services the southeastern part of the county toward the Lee County area and Sherman.

Call (662) 842-7635.

Northeast Electrical Power Association services the northwestern part of the county toward the Lafayette County area. Call (662) 234-6331.

The City of New Albany services the northern part of the county near the Union County area. Call (662) 534-1041.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG Call 811 from any phone

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, Call 911 FIRE COORDINATOR: 489-3111 The Pontotoc County Fire Coordinator works with more than 200 volunteers who give their time in 12 community fire departments across Pontotoc County.

SHERIFF’S DEPART.: 489-3915 Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department employs 17 full-time officers, 12 jailers and two school resource officers. To reach the jail, you may call 489-3915, 489-3165 and 489-3182.

In case of a storm or tornado, the county has shelters in almost every community • Algoma - 2 shelters: Both at 1310 Algoma Road • Ecru - 7 shelters: Five at 176 Main Street; Two at the park on Central Avenue • Sherman - 7 shelters: 161 6th Ave.; 9 East Lamar Street; 600 Highway 178; 1041 Cr. 292; 213 First Avenue; 49 E. State Street; 26 West Lamar Street • Thaxton - 4 shelters: 2 at 10260 Highway 336; 10632 Highway 336; 10489 Highway 336 (Thaxton Baptist Church) • Toccopola - 2 shelters: Both located near the fire department at 3100 Toccopola Jct. Rd. • Turnpike Community - 1 shelter: 370 Cane Creek North (Turnpike Baptist Church) • Beckham - 1 shelter: 414 Beckham Road • Hurricane - 1 shelter: 7600 Highway 346 • Longview - 1 shelter: 3497 Longview Road • Randolph - 3 shelters: Two are located at 240 Topsy Road; one at 11800 Hwy. 9 South (Carey Springs Baptist Church) • Troy/Woodland - 2 shelters: 175 Rock Hill Road, 3601 Woodland Road For storm alert information, visit www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

To be alerted of a storm in your community by phone sign up at www.trpdd.com/codered. This is at no cost to you.

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Official Contacts CITY OF PONTOTOC Mayor Bob Peeples, Office in city hall, (662) 489-4321

ALDERMEN

MUNICIPALITIES ALGOMA - Mayor Harry Corder, (662) 489-5696 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

ECRU - Mayor Patty Turk, (662) 489-3881 Board meets first Tuesday, 6 p.m.

Lena Chewe, ward one - (662) 489-5374 Jimma Smith, ward two - (662) 760-1529 Joe DiDonna, ward three - (662) 419-5887 David Anderson, ward four - 662) 419-5318 Jeff Stafford at-large - (662) 231-0122

SHERMAN - Mayor Mike Swords, (662) 840-9185 Board meets first Tuesday, 6 p.m.

How to call: (662) 489-4321

TOCCOPOLA - Mayor Nick Brewer II, (662) 489-6122 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

The Pontotoc City Board of Aldermen meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

PONTOTOC COUNTY Chancery Clerk’s Office – (662) 489-3900 Ricky Ferguson The chancery court clerk handles documentation on divorces, property line disputes, adoptions and youth court.

Circuit Clerk’s Office – (662) 489-3908 Melinda Nowicki The circuit clerk handles documentation on marriages, voter registration, criminal and civil cases and notary public.

Tax Assessor/Collector – (662) 489-3904 Van McWhirter

SUPERVISORS

THAXTON - Mayor Steve Moss, (662) 419-2665 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

JUSTICE COURT JUDGES East District: David A. Hall - (662) 489-3921 West District: Scottie Harrison - (662) 489-3921 Justice court judges set bonds on all county crimes, and hear cases that aren’t heard by the circuit court judges.

CONSTABLES East District: Neal Davis West District: L. D. Gillespie Constables are responsible for serving court papers and helping to keep the peace in their district. Contact them at Justice Court, 4893921.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

District 1: Wayne Stokes - (662) 488-5228 District 2: Mike McGregor - (662) 419-5685 District 3: Brad Ward - (662) 419-0497 District 4: Ernie Wright – (662) 419-5245 District 5: Dan McKnight - (662) 419-2277 The supervisors oversee the budget for the entire county, make decisions on improvements county-wide including buildings, fire protection and emergency management.

Airport – (662) 489-3900 Extension Office – (662) 489-3910 Library – (662) 489-3960 Veteran’s Office – (662) 489-3907 Youth Court Service – (662) 489-3936 Agri-Center – (662) 489-3946

They also see that roads and bridges are repaired.

Governor Tate Reeves, (877) 405-0733

The Pontotoc County Supervisors meet the first Monday of the month, the 15th of the month and the last day of the month at 10 a.m. If the 15th or the last day falls on the weekend, the board meets on the Friday before.

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STATE OFFICIALS STATE REPRESENTATIVES Mac Huddleston District 15 - Pontotoc County P.O. Drawer 300, Pontotoc, MS 38863 (662) 489-5157 E-mail: mhuddleston@house.ms.gov

Sam J. Creekmore IV District 14 - Pontotoc, Union Counties 1315 Central Avenue, New Albany, MS 38652 (662) 534-9280 E-mail: screekmore@house.ms.gov Jon Lancaster District 22 - Pontotoc, Calhoun, Chickasaw, P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215 (662) 631-5065 E-mail: jlancaster@house.ms.gov

STATE SENATOR Kathy Chism - District 3 - Pontotoc, Union, Calhoun, P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215 (662) 359-4088 E-mail: kchism@senate.ms.gov Benjamin Suber - District 8 P.O. Box 8, Bruce, MS 38915 (662) 983-3000 E-mail: bsuber@senate.ms.gov

FEDERAL OFFICIALS Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith U.S. Senate, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5054 In Mississippi: 2012 15th Street, Suite 451 Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 Phone: (228) 867-9710 E-mail: senator@smith.senate.gov Website: www.hydesmith.senate.gov Senator Roger F. Wicker 555 Dirksen, Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-6253 In Mississippi: P.O. Box 1482 Tupelo, MS 38802 Phone: (662) 844-5010 Phone: (601) 965-4644 Web site: www.wicker.senate.gov Congressman First District Trent Kelly 1005 Longworth, House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-4306 In Mississippi: 431 West Main Street, Ste. 450 Tupelo, MS 38804 Phone: (662) 841-8808

Clubs & Organizations Please call the contact person for more information.

CHILDREN OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Martha Jo Coleman - 308-1219

CIVITAN CLUB

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY Phyllis High - 489-5319

MASTER GARDENERS

George Stegall - 419-2727

James Shannon - 489-3910 Julia McDowell - 760-6703

CONCERNED CITIZENS

OPEN GATE GARDEN CLUB

David & Phyllis High - 489-5319

Millicent Seawright - 488-1576

COSMOPOLITAN CLUB

PONTOTOC 4-H CLUB

Joyce Odom - 489-4365

Jane Chamblee - 489-3910

FINE ARTS CLUB

PONTOTOC AMERICAN LEGION, POST #16

Laney Sims - 489-8784

Derek Holland - 488-5235

PONTOTOC COMMUNITY THEATER

PONTOTOC VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS

Jennifer Wright - 760-9125

Tracey Robertson - 419-3823

PONTOTOC COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

PONTOTOC MUSIC STUDY CLUB

Martha Jo Coleman - 308-1219

Terera Kyle - 419-2697

PONTOTOC HOMEMAKERS

TOWN AND COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB

Linda Smith - 489-3910

Sadie Kenny - 687-1956

PONTOTOC WOMAN’S CLUB

PONTOTOC JUNIORETTES

Jenae Weeks - 488-1355

Michelle Sutton - 231-2707

PONTOTOC ROTARY

PONTOTOC REPUBLICAN WOMEN

Mack Huey - 489-3907

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

PONTOTOC ARTISTS GUILD

TALE-TELLERS

Rhonda Rodgers - 419-0948

Dr. Lee Waltress - 509-2091

B. T. Simms Senior Bldg. - 489-6557

Elise Richmond - 586-5076

HOW WE GIVE BACK Pontotoc County residents give of their time and talents to charitable organizations local and nationwide; to clubs and any local benefit, giving hundreds of thousands of dollars each year to help those in need. These organizations give folks an opportunity to give from Pontotoc to all points of the globe.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

FEEDING OF THE 5,000

Pontotoc Habitat for Humanity has built scores of homes in Pontotoc for those who need affordable housing. Volunteers from all walks of life come together to hammer and saw a house into a future home for a needy family. Call 488-9090 for more information or to volunteer.

A week before Thanksgiving churches from across the county come together to pack a meal for the home bound and elderly. The list and man power comes from the different county churches. They come together at First Baptist Church because it is in the center of the county. This even begins being organized by early October each year. If your church wants to participate please call First Baptist at 489-1346.

PONTOTOC FOOD DEPOT Through the Pontotoc Food Depot, those who wish to receive food on a monthly basis sign up the first Saturday of each month at the food depot office from 8-10 a.m. The office is located at the corner of Marion and Liberty Streets beside Cornelieson Law Office. Those who are signed up collect their food on the third Saturday.

PONTOTOC FOOD PANTRY When your house is destroyed by fire or a sudden job loss occurs, the Pontotoc County Food Pantry is there to supply the immediate need.

The organization helps to supply food to an average of 30-50 families a month and is open from 9 a.m.-12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is located on Reynolds Street. Call 489-5042 for more information.

SALVATION ARMY When disaster strikes in any form, the Salvation Army is there to give hope and help. A thrift store is open to aid people in the community.

Volunteers also ring the bell at Christmas to collect monies in the red kettle. Call 509-9400 for more information.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Churches across Pontotoc participate in bringing brighter smiles to children all over the world by packing shoe boxes and sending them to Samaritan’s Purse to be distributed by boat, mule, bike, trike and any other means to give hope to a child in need. Call West Heights Baptist Church at 489-1200.

HAMMERS OF HOPE Hammers of Hope repairs & rebuilds homes of those in need whether affected by natural disaster or life circumstances while sharing the love of Christ. Born out of a desire to help people here at home whose homes need repair, Jeff and Kim Cooper along with volunteers make their hands busy helping those in need. 501-3c organization please contact them at 662-871-1605 or go to hammersofhopems.org. Faithful Servants Working ‘Til Jesus Returns! Hebrews 3:1-6

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Houses of Prayer ASSEMBLY OF GOD FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD 2448 Hwy. 15 North 662-489-0209

BAPTIST ALGOMA BAPTIST Hwy. 124 W., Algoma 662-489-5846 ANTIOCH FREEWILL BAPTIST Toccopola, MS 662-242-0379, 662-801-8815 BEECH SPRINGS FREEWILL BAPTIST Beech Springs Rd., Ecru 662-844-0792 BELLEVUE BAPTIST Hwy. 6 West, Thaxton, MS 662-509-9235 BETHANY PRIMITIVE BAPTIST 4905 Hwy. 346 662-489-0222 BETHEL MB 2905 Hwy. 342 662-509-9924 BETHLEHEM FREEWILL BAPTIST 115 Bethlehem Lane 662-489-6848 BUCHANAN BAPTIST 4815 Friendship Rd. 662-489-3405

BY FAITH BAPTIST 2220 Hwy. 15 N. 662-489-7701 CAIRO BAPTIST 2610 Cairo Rd., Ecru 662-266-4359 CAREY SPRINGS BAPTIST Hwy. 9 SW 662-489-1265 CENTER HILL BAPTIST 591 Brassfield Rd. Pontotoc CHERRY CREEK BAPTIST Cherry Creek 662-489-6002 CHERRY CREEK MB Cherry Creek Rd. 662-489-7009

COOKE MEMORIAL BAPTIST 5962 Redland-Sarepta Road Houlka, MS 38850

HURRICANE BAPTIST 7975 Hwy. 346 662-489-1481

COUNTY LINE BAPTIST 14616 Hwy 9 S., Randolph 662-489-7363

IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 2681 Rowland Road 662-489--4832

DISCOVERY CHURCH 3950 Hwy. 336, Pontotoc www.discoverychurchms.com

IN GOOD FAITH BAPTIST 685 Rocky Ford Rd. 662-489-7161

EAST BAPTIST 329 Clark St. 662-489-7151

LEE MEMORIAL BAPTIST 208 Lana St., 662-489-7285

ECRU BAPTIST 550 Main St., Ecru 662-489-3091 ECRU SECOND BAPTIST Ecru, 662-489-5361 FIRST BAPTIST 31 E. Washington St. 662-489-1346 FIRST BAPTIST OF TROY 145 Rockhill Rd. 662-489-4624 FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST Country Road 134 662-489-7070 FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST 85 Friendship Road, Ecru 662-489-4056 FURRS BAPTIST 9011 Hwy. 6 E. 662-840-1705 GERSHORM BAPTIST 240 Baptist Bend, Houlka 662-488-4033 GREEN VALLEY BAPTIST 265 Old Airport Rd. S. 662-489-6047 HARMONY BAPTIST 3534 Hwy. 345 662-489-1070 HEBRON BAPTIST 71 Hebron Rd., Randolph 662-489-6103 HOPEWELL PRIMITIVE BAPTIST Robbs Road, Randolph 662-844-9633 HORTON MEMORIAL BAPTIST 2120 Hwy. 346, Pontotoc

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LIBERTY BAPTIST 7974 Hwy. 341 662-489-1943 LOCUST HILL BAPTIST 1745 Locut Hill Road LONGVIEW BAPTIST 406 Dozier Hill Road, Belden 662-489-5733 MACEDONIA BAPTIST 3996 Macedonia Rd., Houlka McGREGOR’S CHAPEL FW BAPTIST CHURCH Hwy. 6 West, Pontotoc, MS MIDWAY BAPTIST 8773 Hwy. 15 S. 662-489-5664 NEW LIFE FREEWILL BAPTIST 4449 Wallfield Road, Houlka 568-2072 NEW RESIDENT BAPTIST 996 Floyd Rd. 662-488-8843 NEW ROBBS BETHEL BAPTIST 404 Robbs Bends Road, Randolph

PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH 507 S. Gilmer Road, Pontotoc PILGRIM REST BAPTIST CHURCH Hwy 32, Pontotoc, 662-509-9160 PLEASANT GROVE FREEWILL BAPTIST 7705 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 662-488-6042 PLEASANT GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH Corner of Hwy. 41 & Pleasant Grove Rd., Pontotoc 662-489-8784 RANDOLPH BAPTIST Topsy Road, Randolph 489-4992 SCHOONA CHAPEL BAPTIST Hwy. 341, Pontotoc SAREPTA BAPTIST Randolph, 662-414-7451 SECOND BAPTIST 189 N. College St. 662-489-1274 SELAH BAPTIST 5720 Hwy. 15 N. 662-488-8242 SHADY GROVE BAPTIST 1000 Shady Grove Baptist 662-489-7842 SHERMAN GROVE BAPTIST 209 First Ave., Sherman 662-372-2661 SPRINGVILLE BAPTIST 64 S. Pontotoc Rd. 662-488-0013

NEW SALEM MB Hwy. 6 E., 662-489-8791

SPRINGVILLE CHAPEL MB 1870 Palestine Rd. 662-509-9511

OAK DALE BAPTIST 7230 Hwy. 346 Pontotoc, MS 38863

ST. PAUL BAPTIST 360 Cairo Loop 662-489-8417

OAK HILL BAPTIST 5830 Hwy. 9 N. 662-489-1897

THAXTON BAPTIST 10507 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 662-489-8534

GREATEST MISSION BAPTIST 125 Old Airport Rd., Pontotoc 419-1797

THE ANCHOR BAPTIST 4495 Hwy. 9 North, Pontotoc 662-489-9241

PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH Piney Grove Road 662-489-5825

THE VINE BAPTIST 125 Old Airport Rd., S. Pontotoc 662-401-2218

Sunday mornings mean the sound of hymns in the air and wriggling children impatiently waiting on the final ‘Amen’ so they can go to Grandmas. But the church is more than just the four walls and the doors that hold the people who come together to worship, it is the hands and feet that do thousands of hours of volunteer work throughout the community to help those less fortunate or to raise money to send missionaries to the far flung field to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a warm hand shake, an understanding tear, and a friend that sticks closer than a brother. With all the houses available that holds God’s church within Pontotoc County it won’t take long to find that one that will be near and dear to your heart. -Regina Butler

TOCCOPOLA BAPTIST P. O. Box 304 489-7504

RANDOLPH CHURCH OF CHRIST Corner of Topsy Rd. & Indian Creek Tr.

TOXISH BAPTIST 1841 Toxish Rd. 662-489-5839

SHERMAN CHURCH OF CHRIST 2303 St. Hwy. 178 E., Sherman, 662-844-4593

TROY BAPTIST 8272 Hwy. 41 662-489-5770 TURNPIKE BAPTIST Cane Creek Rd. - Pontotoc 489-1923 VALLEY GROVE BAPTIST 3282 Kings Hwy., Tupelo 662-419-0801 WATCHMEN BAPTIST 13013 Hwy. 336 662-489-5560 VICTORY BAPTIST 382 South Main Street 662-489-5900 WEST HEIGHTS BAPTIST 328 W. Oxford St. 662-489-1200 WILSON CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH P. O. Box 906 Pontotoc, MS WOODLAND BAPTIST 1257 Pontocola Rd. 662-489-9391 ZION BAPTIST 459 Valley Rd. 662-489-2196

CATHOLIC ST. CHRISTOPHER CATHOLIC CHURCH 431 Pineridge Dr., Pontotoc 662-489-7749

CHURCH OF CHRIST BUCKHORN CHURCH OF CHRIST 13675 Hwy. 341, Randolph 662-308-1229 CHURCH OF CHRIST 276 Hwy. 15 Bypass 662-489-5020 CHURCH OF CHRIST 369 Church St., 662-489-1136

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S 112 Old Airport Rd. 662-489-7815

METHODIST ALGOMA UNITED METHODIST 1161 Algoma Road, Pontotoc 662-709-0580 BEULAH GROVE UNITED METHODIST Beulah Grove Rd. 662-844-6021 EBENEZER UNITED METHODIST 1411 Hwy. 342, Pontotoc 662-760-3499 ECRU UNITED METHODIST Church Street Ecru, MS FAIRVIEW METHODIST Hwy. 341 662-489-6979 FIRST UNITED METHODIST 68 S. Main St. 662-489-3076 McDONALD UNITED METHODIST 194 College Street 662-489-1020 MOUNT NEBO UNITED METHODIST 1221 Campground Rd. 662-489-7020 NAYLOR CME 326 Clark St. 662-489-6082 PALESTINE UNITED METHODIST 2181 Palestine Road, Pontotoc 662-709-0580

PLEASANT GROVE UNITED METHODIST 205 Martin Lane 662-489-2087

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH 5206A Hwy. 15, Ecru 539-0040

THAXTON UNITED METHODIST 10326 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 488-8178

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY 1528 Hwy. 341 662-660-0406

UNION GROVE UNITED METHODIST Beulah Grove Rd. 662-844-6021

CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD 320 Starkard Rd. 662-488-8256

USHER VALLEY UNITED METHODIST 754 Moorman Rd. 662-489-8020

PENTECOSTAL BLACK ZION PENTECOSTAL Hwy. 342 662-489-0068 LIGHTHOUSE APOSTOLIC CHURCH 233 White Gold, Pontotoc 662-419-7271 THAXTON UNITED PENTECOSTAL 265 Wells Road 662-419-2993 WEST PONTOTOC PENTECOSTAL CHURCH 266 Hwy. 341 S., Pontotoc 662-489-6700

PRESBYTERIAN FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 124 S. Main St. 662-489-2183 MAPLE DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN 146 Maple Dr. 662-488-0401 WHITE ZION PRESBYTERIAN Hwy. 6 East 662-840-6589

OTHER ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER 267 W. 8th St. 662-489-8409

COLLEGE HILL 7027 Hwy. 6 E. 662-488-4060 ECRU CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS 259 Old Hwy. 15, Ecru 662-489-4319 GOOD SHEPHERD 184 W. Bolton St. 662-489-2205 HARVESTER CHURCH 686 Royal Oak Drive, Pontotoc 662-489-4677 HARVEST TIME CHURCH OF GOD 289 8th Street, Pontotoc 662-509-2517 HAYSEED COWBOY CHURCH 11171 MS-6, Thaxton 662-419-6104 HEAVEN BOUND CHURCH 110 Jericho Road, Pontotoc 662-308-7663 OASIS OF LOVE FELLOWSHIP 1195 Kings Hwy. 662-690-1920 PONTOTOC APOSTOLIC 248 Apostolic Circle 662-489-7121 REYNOLDS CHAPEL 6498 Hwy. 9 S. 489-3711 TEMPLE OF GLORY RESTORATION CHURCH 364B East Oxford St. Pontotoc, MS THOMPSON CHAPEL CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 937 CR 308, Houlka, MS 662-568-2680

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Public Learning Institutions PONTOTOC COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

NORTH PONTOTOC ELEMENTARY

Brock Puckett 354 Center Ridge Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3932

Grades K-4 8324 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-5613

Pontotoc County School Website: pcsd.ms

NORTH PONTOTOC UPPER ELEMENTARY

SOUTH PONTOTOC ELEMENTARY

Grades 5-6 1620 Old Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-2295

Grades K-5 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-5941

NORTH PONTOTOC MIDDLE Grades 7-8 8324 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-2479

SOUTH PONTOTOC MIDDLE Grades 6-8 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3476

NORTH PONTOTOC HIGH Grades 9-12 8324 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-5612

SOUTH PONTOTOC HIGH Grades 9-12 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-5925

PONTOTOC CITY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

PONTOTOC MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Michelle Bivens 140 Education Drive Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3336

Grades 5-6 132 North Main street Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-6056

Pontotoc City School website: pontotoc.k12.ms.us

PONTOTOC JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

PONTOTOC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Grades 7-8 132 North Main street Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-8360

Grades K-2 145 Fred Dowdy Avenue Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-4973

D.T. COX ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Grades 3-4 304 Clark street Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-2454

PONTOTOC HIGH SCHOOL Grades 9-12 123 North Main street Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-1275

PONTOTOC RIDGE CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER 354 Center Ridge Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-1826 Director: Patricia Ellison Website: prctc.pcsd.k12.ms.us

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE 1-800-235-0136 or 662-685-4161 Admissions P.O. Box 106 Blue Mountain, MS 38610 Web site: bmc.edu

Tupelo - 662-620-5306 Admissions 2176 South Eason Blvd. Tupelo, MS 38804 Website: icc.ms.edu

MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY

ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE Fulton - 662-862-8034 Admissions 602 West Hill St. Fulton, MS 38843 Web site: icc.ms.edu

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662-325-2224 Admissions P. O. Box 6305 Mississippi State, MS 39762 Web site: msstate.edu

MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN

NORTHWEST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

662-329-7106 Admissions 1100 College St. MUW –1613 Columbus, MS 39701-5800 Web site: muw.edu

662-562-3219 Admissions P.O. Box 4074 4975 Hwy. 51 North Sentatobia, MS 38668 Web site: north-westms.edu

NORTHEAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE

UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI

662-726-7751 or 1-800-555-2154 Admissions 101 Cunningham Blvd. Booneville, MS 38829 Web site: nemcc.edu

662-915-7227 or 1-800-olemiss Admissions P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38677 Web site: olemiss.edu

Calendar JULY • Independence Day parade downtown Pontotoc - July 3, 2021 • Independence Day picnic and fireworks in the park - July 4, 2021 • Pontotoc County Fair and Livestock show - July 5-10, 2021

SEPTEMBER • Bodock Festival September 11, 2021

AUGUST • County Wide Pep Rally

OCTOBER • Harvest Walk

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

• Veteran’s day Ceremonies • Community Christmas Tree lighting ceremony at Community House • Christmas Open House Sunday before Thanksgiving- 1-5 p.m.

• Algoma drive through nativity • Pontotoc, Thaxton, Ecru, Sherman and Toccopola Christmas Parades • Rudolph run

JANUARY • Martin Luther King Day parade and celebration

APRIL • Easter egg hunt at Howard Stafford Park • Easter parade at Algoma - April 16, 2021

MARCH • Customer Appreciation Day

MAY • North Pontotoc High Graduation • South Pontotoc High Graduation • Pontotoc High Graduation • Memorial Day Ceremonies

These are the events that are normally slated throughout the year in Pontotoc. Other events include Relay for Life and Chamber of Commerce Banquet.

Don’t forget to check out all the news items you will find in the Progress which include church announcements, what’s happening at the library and what’s happening in each of the communities across the county.

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Where Family Comes First & We Love Every Second BUSINESS & INDUSTRY MEMBERS • 1st Franklin Financial • Access Family Health Services • ALFA Ins., Henry Payne • American Inn • Anna Jade Boutique • B & B Concrete Co., INC Pontotoc • B & B Concrete Co., INC Tupelo • Bank of Pontotoc • Behold Washington,LLC • Bodock Bed & Breakfast • Brad’s Electronics • Browning Funeral Home • Carnes Frames • Chuck & Ensley Howell • Collier Dental • Conrad Adams State Farm • Covenant Financial Group • Crossroad Rehab Services INC • Double B Gin • Ella Ivy Boutique • ESI, Inc • Factory Connection • Farmers Marketing Assoc • First Choice Bank • First Choice Insurance Agency • Fred Wicker • Happy Day Café • Hughes Brown,PLLC • Image Awards & Gifts • Image Screen Printing • J. Gregg Brown, Attorney

• Ladye Kathryn Catering • Lep’s • Lundi’s • Maxey’s Fitness & Training • McCoy Gro. • Montgomery Drug Company • Montgomery’s on Main • Montgomery’s on Oxford • MS Care • North East MS EPA • North MS Medical/Pontotoc Health Services • Okee McDonald • Oxford Pawn Shop #2 • P.E.P.A. • Patty Turk Properties • Payton Mortuary • Peach Blossom Boutique • Petals & Lace Formal • Pickens Pest Control • Piggly Wiggly #222 • Pontotoc County Farm Bureau • Pontotoc Family Chiropractic • Pontotoc Health & Rehab Center • Pontotoc Loans Inc. • Pontotoc Medical Clinic • Pontotoc Progress • Pontotoc Spring • Primary Care of Pontotoc • Primerica • R & R Financial Services

• Reeders Farm Supply , Inc • Ridgecrest Ins. • Rogers Furniture • Seafood Junction • Security Plus • Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic • Simon, INC • Simos • South Main Dental • Southern Physical & Aquatic Therapy • Southern Security Federal Credit Union • Stegall & Associates, PLLC • Sydneis Grill • The Salvation Army • The Cell Phone Superstore • The Red Door • Three Rivers Planning & DEV • Toyota Motor North America • Traceway Engineering inc.

• True Blue • True Value • Tud & Kitty Pitman, Jr • V2, Inc. Taco Bell • Wade. INC • Waldo Law Firm • Wendelta, Inc Wendy’s • Wilder’s Inc • William & Bessie Givhan

WEBSITE

www.pontotocchamber.com

FACEBOOK

Pontotoc County Chamber Main Street

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