FOR MEMBERS OF ELECTRIC COOPERATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI
PAPER ROUTE
MEMORIES
FEBRUARY 2023
PHILIP GUNN: ATHLETE
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My Opinion
Putting action behind Concern for our Communities I want to take a moment to reflect on the impact that co-ops truly have on the lives of their members – by supporting local charitable groups, educating members, or promoting economic development opportunities. Our Mississippi co-ops have found numerous ways to support their communities from volunteering with local agencies or awarding grants for education or supporting business development and job growth. In mid-January, cooperatives across the state participated in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which is a designated by Congress to be a “day on, not a day off” to serve others. Projects included repairs at Head Start programs, building shelves at food pantries, working on little league field equipment, performing clean up at local schools, and working at local ministries that support nonviolence. This month, the magazine highlighted the work of our cooperatives around MLK Day, and the work they did to support this day of service. I am proud to say that the work our co-ops do in their communities isn’t just one time per year; it is ongoing. Cooperatives are concerned for their communities and are constantly looking for ways to make them better.
One example is our upcoming youth leadership program. We bring together 80 plus high school juniors from across the state to teach them about the cooperative form of business, build leadership skills, and educate them on their nation’s democratic form of government. The Cooperative Youth Leaders program culminates in a six-day trip to Washington, D.C. where these high school students truly experience their nation’s capital. Our cooperatives do so much for their local communities. Many of us never think about the impact that they have until there is bad weather and the power is out, but sometimes their greatest impact is behind the scenes, making their communities stronger and serving their members. We hope you enjoy the February issue.
by Michael Callahan Executive Vice President/CEO Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Mississippi is... Home to the Naval Air Station Home to my Sailor son and daughter-in-law, Whom I indescribably love, and pray for their safety from the good Lord above! Meridian carousel horses in sight from the road, such beauty, meaning, and detail depicted Only to be viewed, not to be rode. The sound of morning and evening colors to be heard all over the base. Standing in respect and admiration, sure to bring tears to this Navy mom’s face Everyone is so friendly and willing to help. A place of calm and a sense of peace, makes it harder each time to leave, but we must leave in order to come back, this I must believe! The place where we will spend Christmas this year, blessed to make memories in this beautiful place, while spreading some of our Pennsylvania cheer! The place where I long to be, far after we are home. Counting down til our next visit, researching our next best place to comb! PJ’s, Newk’s, The Grill, and the Daily Grind, wonderful places full of friendly faces, Where the food and coffee are so divine! This state will forever hold a special place in my heart. Wherever Navy life shall lead us, we will be back to the place where they had their start!
by Jessica M. Strickland, a resident of Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania
What’s Mississippi to you?
What do you treasure most about life in our state? Send your brief thoughts to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop or mail to P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158 Submit your beautiful digital photo of life in Mississippi to Today in Mississippi, news@ecm.coop Cooperative Energy employees volunteered for MLK Day.
2023 | FEBRUARY 3
In This Issue
7 Southern Gardening Why gardening is still important
8 Outdoors Today The crappie of Grenada Lake
10 Scene Around the ‘Sip A look at special people and places in Mississippi
10
15 Local News 20
Feature
Forget about New Orleans. Mississippi has its own Mardi Gras traditions and Carnival season
20
27
For the Love of the Game A look at former Baylor football player and Speaker of the House Philip Gunn
28 On the Menu Soup is what’s for dinner
27
31 Mississippi Seen
Working at a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper
The Official Publication of the Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi
Vol. 76 No. 2
OFFICERS Randy Carroll - President Ron Barnes - First Vice President Tim Perkins - Second Vice President Brian Hughey - Secretary/Treasurer Michael Callahan - Executive Vice President/CEO EDITORIAL STAFF Lydia Walters - VP, Communications Steven Ward - Editor Chad Calcote - Creative Director/ Manager Kevin Wood - Graphic Designer Alan Burnitt - Graphic Designer Courtney Warren - Graphic Designer Chris Alexander - Member Services Coordinator Steve Temple - Social Media Director Mickey Jones - Administrative Assistant EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING 601-605-8600
Acceptance of advertising by Today in Mississippi does not imply endorsement of the advertised product or services by the publisher or Mississippi’s electric power associations. Product satisfaction and delivery responsibility lie solely with the advertiser. • National advertising representative: American MainStreet Publications, 800-626-1181
Circulation of this issue: 459,581
Non-member subscription price: $9.50 per year. Today in Mississippi (ISSN 1052-2433) is published 12 times a year by Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi Inc., P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300, or 665 Highland Colony Parkway, Ridgeland, MS 39157. Phone 601-605-8600. Periodical postage paid at Ridgeland, MS, and additional office. The publisher (and/or its agent) reserves the right to refuse or edit all advertising. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2) NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: send address corrections to: Today in Mississippi, P.O. Box 3300, Ridgeland, MS 39158-3300
www.facebook.com/TodayinMississippi www.todayinmississippi.com
On the cover
Gulf Coast Carnival Association King and Queen of Mardi Gras Bobby Knesal and Madison Warren. Photo by Chad Calcote.
Central Electric Power Association, Coahoma Electric Power Association, Coast Electric Power Association, Delta Electric Power Association, Dixie Electric Power Association, East Mississippi Electric Power Association, 4-County Electric Power Association, Magnolia Electric Power, Monroe County Electric Power Association, Natchez Trace Electric Power Association, North East Mississippi Electric Power Association, Northcentral Electric Cooperative, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association, Pontotoc Electric Power Association, Singing River Electric, Southern Pine Electric, Southwest Electric, Tippah Electric Power Association, Twin County Electric Power Association, and Yazoo Valley Electric Power Association.
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FEBRUARY | 2023
News and Notes
Stennis Space Center wrapped up a year of strong testing, activity A flurry of activity happened within and beyond the gates of NASA’s Stennis Space Center in 2022 as NASA continues exploring the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all. The year began much like it ended – by testing RS-25 engines to help power NASA’s Space Launch System rocket on future deep space missions. Every RS-25 engine that will help power the SLS rocket at launch for Artemis missions will be tested at NASA Stennis, including those that will send the first woman and the first person of color to the Moon. Between test series, NASA Stennis completed multiple upgrades to the Fred Haise Test Stand uniquely tailored for the RS-25 testing effort. The projects included installation of new test stand piping, drilling a special flame bucket hole pattern to help cool RS-25 engine exhaust, and updating the stand’s thrust vector control and data acquisition systems.
Congress passes for co-ops Looking back at 2022, co-ops marked a huge victory in August when Congress passed a sweeping budget bill that included, for the first time ever, direct-pay tax credits they can use to deploy new energy technologies such as carbon capture, nuclear energy, energy storage, renewables and more. The legislation also created a voluntary $9.7 billion U.S. Department of Agriculture grant and loan program designed specifically for co-ops that buy or build new clean energy systems. — NRECA
Additionally, a vital component needed for Green Run testing of the Exploration Upper Stage to be used on future Artemis missions arrived at the B-2 Test Stand at NASA Stennis as teams continued preparation work. At the same time, there was some notable testing activity in the NASA Stennis E Test Complex. NASA led and supported testing at the E-1 Test Stand and E-3 Test Stand for commercial companies such as Relativity Space, Blue Origin, Launcher Inc., Ursa Major, and Virgin Orbit. The NASA Stennis team conducted campaigns to test a range of rocket engine components throughout the year, and operations and design work for existing and new partners also is underway to support E Test Complex projects in 2023. On another front, the Autonomous Systems Laboratory (ASL) at NASA Stennis continues to be a leader in the design and deployment of autonomous systems. NASA Stennis is working with other agency centers to create a concept for a lunar rover that will autonomously mine lunar raw materials for processing and use on the Moon. In 2022, the Strategic Business Development Office continued its work to promote the NASA Stennis federal city model and attract new companies on site. The center also received a prestigious agency award for its work as a leader in sustainability and energy use reduction.
Singing River visits St. Martin Upper Elementary School St. Martin Upper Elementary School 4th graders recently learned about electric safety, and which tools a lineman uses to safely perform his job duties. Thanks to Singing River Metering Supervisor Brian Havens, Safety Coordinator Jason Hataway, and Construction Foreman Jason Hitt for sharing their knowledge!
2023 | FEBRUARY 5
Southern Gardening
Most gardeners start planning their flower and vegetable gardens after the first of the year. This makes sense, as cabin fever from the winter months is compounded by a case of gardening fever due to the appearance of garden catalogs. But it wasn’t always like this. Gardening came about as a matter necessity; in fact, gardening can take credit for the development of our society today. When you look at the development of human culture, having a garden was a pretty big deal and was a driver in us becoming civilized. It’s generally recognized that about 12,000 years ago, humans were hunter/gatherers following their next meal. But right about this time period, Atouk — who was portrayed by Ringo Starr in the 1981 comedy film, “Caveman” — discovered that with the domestication of plants and animals, he and his family could live in one place. Agriculture was “discovered,” and it would provide a consistent food source and put an end to the constant wandering. I’m sure that bragging about the best-tasting tomato started shortly after. Evidence of the importance of having gardens dates back to the Egyptian Pharaohs and is documented in the elaborate tomb paintings they made of the gardens of their various kingdoms. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World was the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. These gardens were said to have been built on terraces and were probably the first raised garden beds, a style of gardening still practiced today. The story goes that King Nebuchadnezzar had the gardens built for his wife. Many modern gardeners — myself included — grow flowers and vegetables because our spouses like them.
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FEBRUARY | 2023
Growing your own plants from seed is one way to keep gardeners busy before they can actually get outside.
Fast forward to gardening today. My gardening friends know I have quite the home vegetable garden. I really enjoy the taste of homegrown vegetables. I start at the very beginning with starting my own seeds. I pore over the catalogs that are already stacking up, selecting new varieties to try in 2023. With all the seed and plants we have available today, I kind of feel sorry for Atouk’s struggle. There is a bit of satisfaction in knowing that a home garden can produce good, nutritious food. One crop I grow for my wife are fresh, heirloom tomatoes. She loves them and she loves me for growing them for her, even though I really don’t like fresh tomatoes. Thank goodness we don’t have to rely on our gardens for everyday survival today, though some of you know how Katie and I are prepping for the zombie apocalypse. I’m encouraged that because of COVID, we have up to 20 million new gardeners enjoying their very own gardens. Gardening helps to build community, self-confidence, and reliability. So, get those seeds ordered and have a great garden this year.
seed catalogs allow gardeners to pick exactly what kind of plants they want to grow in their next garden.
by Dr. Gary Bachman Gary Bachman, Ph.D., Extension/Research Professor of Horticulture at the Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. He is also host of “Southern Gardening” radio and TV programs. He lives in Ocean Springs and is a Singing River Electric member.
2023 | FEBRUARY 7
Outdoors Today
Grenada Lake: Home of the 3-pound crappie Across the nation, anglers hoping to land giant crappie always think of the “I-55 Corridor” in northern Mississippi as the road to monster slabs.
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FEBRUARY | 2023
All of the “Big Four” flood control reservoirs along Interstate 55 — Arkabutla, Enid, Grenada, and Sardis — produce massive crappie. Two produced current crappie records. Arkabutla Lake in Tate and DeSoto counties delivered the state record black crappie at 4.25 pounds, but Enid near Batesville gave up the world record white crappie at 5 pounds, 3 ounces. However, Grenada Lake, about three miles northeast of the town of Grenada, consistently produces the most crappie topping three pounds. “All four of the lakes are capable of producing crappie exceeding three pounds,” stated Keith Meals, a Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks biologist. “I would rank Enid and Sardis best for numbers and Arkabutla and Grenada best for size. Grenada Lake produces many 2- to 2.5-pound fish with the biggest crappie in many tournaments often coming in around 3.5 pounds or better.” Each fall, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers draws down the reservoirs. The lakes begin to refill in mid-January, depending upon the amount of rain. Although anglers might catch huge crappie all year long at Grenada Lake, the best fishing for big ones typically occurs in late winter or early spring before the spawn. Dubbed “the home of the 3-pound crappie,” the largest lake entirely within Mississippi spreads across 35,000 acres at pool stage. Relatively shallow and full of stumps and timber, Grenada Lake drops to more than 30 feet deep in the main river channels at pool stage.
People who want to rent a cabin at Hugh White State Park can visit
Jarad Roper
“Anytime someone drops a bait into Grenada Lake, that person could possibly catch the biggest crappie of his or her life,” exclaimed Jarad Roper, a professional crappie angler. “Grenada does produce bigger than average fish every year. I’ve never seen crappie so aggressive as they are on Grenada Lake.” The Skuna and Yalobusha Rivers flow into Grenada Lake, the southernmost of the Big Four. A little larger than the Skuna, the Yalobusha typically carries muddier water. Since the Skuna runs a little clearer, many anglers fish this arm first during the spawning season. Look for little ditches or creek channels that lead into shallow sunny backwater areas that might warm quicker. “Water warms up faster on the Skuna arm than it does on the Yalobusha,” explained John Harrison with JH Guide Service (662-983-5999) in Calhoun City. “Crappie usually start spawning on the Skuna side about a week to 10 days before they start on the Yalobusha side. The Skuna has more sand in it so it clears up faster. Once the water temperature starts getting in the high 50s or around 60 to 62 degrees, the males start hitting the banks. I start fishing the Skuna in early March and fish around to the Yalobusha side.” Many campgrounds, hotels, and restaurants offer accommodations around Grenada Lake.
by John N. Felsher www.mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/hugh-white
For area information, see www.visitgrenadams.com
John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer, broadcaster, photographer, and editor who lives in Alabama. An avid sportsman, he’s written more than 3,300 articles for more than 170 different magazines on a wide variety of outdoors topics. Contact him at j.felsher@hotmail.com.
2023 | FEBRUARY
9
Scene Around the ‘Sip
Five years ago, Cooperative Energy and its member systems brainstormed ways to give back to the communities each system serves, creating a positive statewide impact. In doing so, the group sought inspiration from the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. From that meeting, the Cooperative Day of Service was born and is now observed annually in conjunction with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Each year, the electric cooperatives join forces to volunteer in their respective communities across the state. Each system focuses on the local communities it serves, embodying the cooperative principle ‘commitment to community.’ Through the years, electric cooperatives from the Mississippi Delta to the Gulf Coast have joined the effort, volunteering in schools, feeding their neighbors, repairing facilities, cleaning the environment, and performing other labor for non-profit organizations.
Southern Pine
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FEBRUARY | 2023
Employees from eight Cooperative Energy electric cooperatives volunteered in their local communities in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. urged his fellow man to consider what he or she is doing for others. And what better principle to embody,” Sara Peterson, director of corporate communications at Cooperative Energy said. “Serving our fellow man and giving back to the place we all call home aligns with the cooperative principle ‘commitment to community.’ The annual Day of Service is an opportunity for our employSinging River ees and the employees of our Member systems to do just that — serve our fellow man and our communities.” On Jan. 17, Cooperative Energy employees volunteered at The Arc Southeast Mississippi and performed various cleaning, maintenance, and computer tasks on campus; at the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center to clean, organize, and paint spaces to prepare for new activities; and to remove debris from the Glendale boat ramp area along the Bouie River and from the shores of Duncan Lake. This year marks Coahoma Electric’s first year to participate in the MLK Cooperative Day of Service. Employees volunteered at the Clarksdale Care Station on Jan. 13, where they unloaded and stocked canned goods for the Station’s pantry. Employees also donated items for the pantry.
Coast Electric
Dixie Electric
compost in the garden area. The third group of Coast Electric employees volunteered with two volunteers worked to replace lightbulbs and ceiling organizations on Jan. 13. The first was Manna tiles and cover the counters with laminate in the Ministries in Pearl River County. Five employee kitchen of George County’s Singing River Head volunteers helped to clean and organize Manna’s Start facility. donations warehouse. The second organization Southern Pine Electric employees volunteered at was Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence in Harrison Hazlehurst Elementary School in Copiah County, County. Ten employee volunteers sanitized toys and with the City of Brandon in Rankin County, food cleaned and washed the Center’s vans. pantries in Newton County, Dixie Electric employees voland nursing homes in Copiah unteered with one organization County. Volunteers at Haon Jan. 12, one organization on zlehurst Elementary School Jan. 13, and another on Jan. 16. Cooperative Energy and built a pollination flower bed, Three groups of volunteers prepressure washed, cleaned up, pared and served food, stocked our Member systems are and performed various beaushelves, and did other miscellaspread across Mississippi, so tification tasks. In Brandon, neous tasks at the Samaritan’s volunteers installed wooden Closet and Pantry in Wayne by joining together for the duck boxes around a quarry. County; the Petal Children’s Cooperative Day of Service, In Newton County, volunTask Force in Forrest County; teers transported food drive and the Christian Food Mission we are able to give back to to local food p in Jones County. communities across the state, collections antries. Volunteers in Copiah Magnolia Electric employees making a larger impact than County delivered collections continued their years’ long from a sock drive to two local tradition of hosting food drives any of us could alone. nursing homes. Other volunbenefiting organizations within teers in Jones County served the Magnolia service territory. food at the Good Samaritan Center. Singing River Electric employees volunteered Employees of Southwest Electric performed an with four different projects on Jan. 11; Jan. 13; Adopt-a-Highway clean-up of roads within the and Jan. 16. One group of employee volunteers Southwest service territory. painted the top of two sets of bleachers and two “Improving the communities where our benches at Bear Creek Baseball Complex ball field. consumer-members live is a staple of cooperative The volunteers also applied water sealant on six businesses,” Christa Bishop, executive director and adult picnic tables and two children tables at chief communications officer at Cooperative Energy Green Park on Main Street. said. “Cooperative Energy and our Member systems A second group of volunteers worked at the are spread across Mississippi, so by joining together Pascagoula River Audubon Center in Jackson for the Cooperative Day of Service, we are able to County to remove invasive plant species, assist in give back to communities across the state, making rebuilding the children’s play area, move and repost the story trail, and deadhead the garden/spread a larger impact than any of us could alone.” . 2023 | FEBRUARY
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MEP Annual Meeting canceled, but Board Elections continue After careful consideration, Magnolia Electric Power has regrettably canceled the 2023 Annual Meeting due to the ongoing rise in Covid cases, the rise in flu cases and RSV cases, and our overall concern for our members and employees. “MEP wants to do their part in keeping everyone as safe and healthy as we can,” said General Manager Darrell Smith. “However, our Board of Directors election process will go on as planned.” “Throughout our entire dealings with the Covid outbreaks, the safety of our members, employees, and board members has been our highest priority,” Smith said. “Our Annual Meeting brings in nearly 200 people, and we do want to continue to do everything we can to keep everyone as safe as possible.” In addition to Covid issues, this year our communities have had the added sicknesses of the flu and RSV. “We have kept a clear vision and focus on keeping our Brookhaven workforce healthy so that we can provide electric power to our members,” Smith said. 84 “We hope next year to have an in-person LINCOLN Annual Meeting.” COUNTY FRANKLIN “We appreciate everyone’s patience Bogue Chitto COUNTY during this difficult time. We have kept the 98 power on through some quite trying times Smithdale PIKE since the Covid outbreaks have reached AMITE COUNTY Summit COUNTY Mississippi including tornadoes, ice storms, and hurricanes,” Smith said. McComb “I ask that our members look for the proxies that will be dropped in the mail in 24 early February and be a part of our election Liberty process by sending in your proxies,” Smith Osyka concluded. “It is very important that our members take part in our election process.”
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Look for this brochure in early February.
LAWRENCE COUNTY
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by Darrell Smith General Manager
2023 | FEBRUARY
15
MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC POWER PRESENTS
EMPLOYEE SERVICE AWARDS Covid, and now the flu and RSV, have changed a lot of things, and MEP has adjusted accordingly so that we have been able to continue our service of providing safe, reliable electric power to our members. As we have for the past two years, we celebrated our employees’ Service Awards with a walk-through event. Although not everyone was photographed, this photo represents those who were celebrating their work milestones this past year. General Manager Darrell Smith (far left) stands with those receiving their Annual Service Awards this year. They are (starting with second from left) Stacy McCaskill, 35 years; David Rachel, 15 years, Mary Lee Moak, 10 years, Janice Thomas, five years, Ronnie Temple, 30 years, Lucy Shell, 20 years, and Terry Jackson, 25 years. Not pictured: Hollis Alford, 45 years; John McCabe, 35 years, Dennis Reeves and Paul Wilson, both 30 years, and Dennis Wilson, 20 years.
If you look around your home, you likely have more devices and equipment that require electricity than ever before. Our connected lives are increasingly dependent on more electricity to function. At the same time, as demand for electricity rises, Magnolia Electric must deliver an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply — regardless of market conditions or other circumstances. As you would expect based on your family’s habits, electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand. Magnolia Electric must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy needs of all members during times of highest energy use or “peak hours.” These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes. What you may not know is that electric utilities including Magnolia typically pay more for electricity — either from a power plant or from another utility with excess power — during those morning and evening “energy rush hours.” In addition, the demand for electricity is even higher when it’s especially cold outside, when heating systems must run longer to warm our homes. If the “peak times” concept is a bit puzzling, here’s an easy way to think about it, and it’s similar to a major concert. We know costs go up when there is strong demand for tickets (or electricity), and both are subject to the basic economic laws of supply and demand. When a lot of people want the same thing, it’s more expensive. When they don’t, it’s cheaper — like a bargain matinee or an “early bird” special at a restaurant.
16 FEBRUARY | 2023
During peak periods when the cost to produce and purchase power is higher, we encourage you to take simple steps to save energy, such as turning your thermostat down a few notches, turning off unnecessary lights, and waiting to use large appliances during off-peak times. You can also save energy by plugging electronics and equipment such as computers, printers, and TVs into a power strip, then turn it off at the switch during peak hours. If you have a programmable thermostat, adjust the settings to sync up with off-peak rate periods. When we all work together to reduce energy use during periods of high electricity demand, we can relieve pressure on the grid and save a little money along the way. Another benefit of this time-of-use approach to electricity use allows greater control over your bill. Reducing the peak impacts the powersupply cost to every co-op member. This is particularly noticeable as energy costs have risen across the U.S. Collectively, everyone conserving energy and making small changes can truly make a difference. Remember, taking simple steps to save energy throughout the day and shifting energy intensive chores to off-peak hours is a smart choice for you and our community.
Long-time MEP director passes District 9 MEP Board of Director Bruce McCaffery, 76, passed away Jan. 2, 2023, in Tylertown, MS. A memorial service was held Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at Centerville Baptist Church, in Lexie. James Bruce McCaffery was born on Aug. 26, 1946, in Tylertown to James Albert McCaffrey and Clara Belle Wood McCaffrey. He lived in the Midway community of Walthall County and was retired from both Sanderson Farms and as a dairy farmer. He had been married 55 years to Barbara Richmond McCaffery. He was a longtime member of Centerville Baptist Church in Lexie where he served as a deacon for many years and as the Adult Men’s Sunday School teacher. In the past, he also served as a volunteer firefighter. He was a hard-working man who was always willing to help others. Mr. McCaffery enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family. In addition, he served as a MEP Board of Director for 32 years, from 1990 until his passing. He was serving as an NRECA Credential Cooperative Director on Magnolia Electric Power’s Board of Directors at the time of his passing. Magnolia Electric Power Board President Hollis Alford said, “Bruce was a happy person, really. My wife Katie taught him in the third grade. She has more than once told me Bruce was always smiling and or laughing. I will always remember him that way.” “Bruce McCaffery was not only an excellent director to work for, but he was also my good friend. He loved Magnolia Electric and was always looking for ways to help our members. I will truly miss Bruce’s presence on our board,” said General Manager Darrell Smith. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Ann Richmond McCaffery; daughters, Pennelope Ann McCaffery Cassell (Donald), Leah Page McCaffery, and Pamela Renee Buchannan (Steve); grandchildren, Carol Ann Cassell Ashton (Andrew), James Garrett McCaffery, Gabe Wood and Raven Sierra Reid; brother, Jeffrey McCaffrey; sister, Anita Diane McCaffrey; and great-grandchildren Mia Skye McCaffery and Evan Lee Ashton.
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Due to redistricting in 2022, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson gained some new territory in Magnolia Electric’s coverage area. Michael Guest continues to serve portions of the service territory as well.
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MICHAEL GUEST 2023 | FEBRUARY
17
by Katherine Loving Conserving water at home can result in several downstream benefits and savings. Being mindful of home water use helps preserve the amount of water in our local reservoirs and reduces costs associated with water and wastewater treatment, including the cost of delivering it to the home (for those using a public water service). Leaky toilets, showerheads, and dripping faucets can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water annually. Home water conservation can simply start by checking your house for any leaks and drips. Another simple way to conserve water is to limit running water when it isn’t necessary. For example, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, and defrost food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of placing frozen food under running water. Home gardens are another potential area for water conservation. Thoughtful planning can transform your home garden from a water drain to a water-efficient oasis. Start by planting drought-resistant plants or those with minimal water needs. Group the plants by similar water needs to Harvested rainwater is an excellent option for avoid waste by watering watering ornate gardens and washing cars. from plant-to-plant. Additionally, a drip irrigation system for plants that require more water can boost efficiency by using less water over a longer period. Alternatively, set lawn sprinklers on a timer to limit water use and place them where the water will only reach plants, not pavement. Another conservation option is to use a rain barrel to collect water for non-potable purposes. Harvested rainwater is an excellent option for watering ornate gardens and washing cars. Another option for collecting water for the garden is to collect cold water that runs while you’re waiting on the water to heat. Every drop of running water you can utilize helps. Reducing water use at home can also help lower your energy use. The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for about 20% of a home’s energy bill. Switching to an energy efficient heat pump water heater can save considerable money on electric bills. Heat pump water heaters have higher upfront costs than storage tank models, but tax incentives and potential rebates can offset this cost.
If upgrading your water heater isn’t an option, there are small changes you can make to increase water heating efficiency. Reduce hot water use by switching to low-flow faucets and showerheads. You can also turn down the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees and insulate hot water lines to increase energy savings. Additional ways to conserve both water and electricity in the home upgrading clothes As you can see, there are a include washers and dishwashers variety of changes — some to newer, more energy efficient models. Running large, some small — that these appliances only when full or selecting can help you conserve a “light wash” setting water at home. reduces water and electricity use. Washing dishes by hand uses more water than an energy efficient dishwasher, so avoid this method when possible. If your home uses well water, it’s important to be mindful of water conservation, particularly in drier climates. Well pumps run on electricity and can be a source of higher energy bills. Dry, over pumped wells can cause the pump to run continuously, using excess energy in the process. Malfunctioning well pumps also lead to spikes in energy use. Regular maintenance can help identify problems, such as leaks and faulty intake, which can lead to increased use of both water and electricity. As you can see, there are a variety of changes — some large, some small — that can help you conserve water at home. Regardless of how you do it, thoughtfully managing water use can protect our water supply and make significant changes on energy bills.
Turning off the tap while brushing teeth can save up to four gallons of water per minute, or up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Katherine Loving writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. 18 FEBRUARY | 2023
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MISSISSIPPI’S
by Steven Ward
Mobile, Alabama may have been the first place to host a Mardi Gras parade, and New Orleans has the biggest, most well-known celebration, but Biloxi’s Anna Harris said there’s an argument to be made that Mississippi’s Mardi Gras is the most fun. 20
FEBRUARY | 2023
“I love that different communities and krewes celebrate in unique ways. Here in Biloxi, we kick off Twelfth Night with a special celebration of the reigning King and Queen of carnival, turning off the Christmas lights on the Biloxi Lighthouse and parading to City Hall where they turn on the lights of carnival. It is a special way to begin the season,” Harris, director of the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum, said. Mardi Gras in Mississippi is almost exclusively a southern county tradition. Part of that is due to coastal Mississippi’s proximity to Mobile and New Orleans, the primary reason is the celebration’s roots in French Catholicism. “Today, Mardi Gras is very much a cultural holiday celebrated by people of all backgrounds, but it began as a Catholic holiday. Carnival is the season that begins on the Epiphany or Twelfth Night, the end of the Christmas season. The season runs through Mardi Gras Day, the day before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Anna Harris – Director of the Christian Lent,” Harris said. Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum The state’s small Catholic population mainly live in the southern part of the state. “Mardi Gras was hugely popular in France during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the French continued celebrating in their new American territories. Many other areas of Mississippi did not see the influx of early French settlers, and consequently, did not have those early ties to Mardi Gras,” Harris said. The City of Biloxi mounted its first city sponsored parade on March 3, 1908, marking the official beginning of Mardi Gras in Mississippi, Harris said. This first parade was led by the reigning royalty King Bienville, later changed to King d’Iberville, and Queen Ixolib, which is Biloxi spelled backwards. The parade also included a grand marshal, 17 floats, 50 flambeau carriers, and the Sun Herald newspaper’s 12-piece band. The annual parade was formalized into an organization in 1916 when the Biloxi Carnival and Literary Association was incorporated. As the celebration spread beyond Biloxi, this group was renamed the Gulf Coast Carnival Association making it the oldest carnival organization in the state, Harris said.
Carnival Queen Ixolib for 2022 Madison Warren stands inside the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum.
...the reigning King and Queen of carnival, turning off the Christmas lights on the Biloxi Lighthouse and parading to City Hall where they turn on the lights of carnival. It is a special way to begin the season.
Photos by Chad Calcote
2023 | FEBRUARY 21
TWELFTH NIGHT
About an hour before 2022 Gulf Coast Carnival King D’Iberville Bobby Knesal and 2022 Carnival Queen Ixolib Madison Warren climbed aboard a float to kick off Biloxi’s carnival season, they patiently posed for photos at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum. Knesal, 67, and Warren, 24, are both from Gulfport. Warren said she first knew she wanted to be Queen of Mardi Gras after her father took her to her first Mardi Gras ball in 2011 when she was 13. “My dad was a duke, and he took me to the ball. I looked at the queen at the ball and just pointed to her and told my dad that I wanted to be that one day,” Warren said. Warren’s father told her that the maids in the organization have more fun and there was a lot more work to being the queen. “That didn’t matter to me. This has been such a special time,” Warren said. Knesal said he began his official Mardi Gras participation in 2007 as a duke. “I’ve been married for 41 years. And our wedding anniversary is on Feb. 19, Mardi Gras weekend,” Knesal said. Both Knesal and Warren waved to the crowd on the streets from the Biloxi Visitors Center across from the city’s lighthouse — where they turned off the city’s Christmas lights — to Biloxi City Hall, where they, along with maids, captains, and dukes, turned on the lights of Mardi Gras.
MARDI GRAS FAST FACTS – ORIGIN Mardi Gras can be traced back to the very beginning of the French influence in the Gulf South. In 1698, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville was sent by the French King Louis XIV to find the end of the Mississippi River. He landed on Ship Island south of present-day Biloxi, on Feb. 10, 1699. It was during this trip, on March 3, 1699, that he commemorated Mardi Gras just south of the Mississippi River, making d’Iberville and his party the first to celebrate the holiday in the Americas. Mardi Gras parties and parades were held in Biloxi during the nineteenth century, but it was not until 1908 that the first organization was established.
MARDI GRAS FAST FACTS – FLOATS Decorated fire engines and hook-and-ladder trucks served as floats in Biloxi’s first Mardi Gras parades in 1891 and 1892. Later, horses and mules pulled decorated wagons. Artist Salvador Navarro was contracted to design and build elaborate floats for the Biloxi Carnival Association in 1915.
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FEBRUARY | 2023
100 YEARS
Since 1908, the celebration has grown to include over 40 different krewes across the three coastal counties of Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson. The word krewe was first coined by the Krewe of Comus in New Orleans and is a private social club dedicated to the celebration of Mardi Gras. In 1922, the female krewe of Les Masquees was formed in Biloxi making it the first private krewe in the Mississippi, Harris said. Les Masquees was quickly followed by the first men’s krewe, the Krewe of Mithras, which held their first ball in Biloxi in 1924. Harris is a member of the Krewe of Les Masquees and the Gulf Coast Carnival Association. “Les Masquees is a ladies krewe that is especially dear to my heart. We are celebrating our 100th year as the oldest private krewe in Mississippi! It is a joy to share this krewe with both my mother-in-law, sister-in-law, and many of my closest childhood friends,” Harris said. Harris is the director of the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum. She said she loves her job. “Throughout my career I worked as a curator in fine art museums and galleries. Combine that with my family’s long history in Mardi Gras and this position was the perfect fit! I love to share my love of Mardi Gras and learn more about the 40 different unique krewes we have in Coastal Mississippi,” Harris said.
PARADES
MARDI GRAS FAST FACTS – TWELTH NIGHT A celebration on Jan. 5 that marks the beginning of the Mardi Gras season and the end of the Christmas season. The season lasts until Ash Wednesday, the day before lent.
MARDI GRAS FAST FACTS – KREWE A club that is formed for the specific purpose of celebrating Mardi Gras in a particular way.
A list of just a handful of parades around south Mississippi, and a new parade in north Mississippi
OCEAN SPRINGS
WAVELAND
Feb. 4. Elks Club Parade 1 p.m.
Feb. 12. Krewe of Nereids Parade. Noon.
BILOXI
Feb. 17. Ocean Springs Carnival Association Parade. 7 p.m.
Feb. 11. Children’s Walking Parade. 10 a.m.
LONG BEACH
Feb. 11. Carnival Association of Long Beach Parade. 6 p.m.
LAUREL
Feb. 11. Krewe of Blue. 6:30 p.m.
GULFPORT
OCEAN SPRINGS
Feb. 18. Krewe of Gemini Carnival Parade. 2 p.m.
OLIVE BRANCH
Feb. 18. The Krewe of Neptune. 5:30 p.m.
PASCAGOULA
Feb. 21. (Mardi Gras Day) Krewe of Diamonds Parade. 1 p.m.
Feb. 18. 1st Olive Twig Humanitarian Group Mardi Gras Parade. 1 p.m. Feb. 18. Jackson County Carnival Parade. 1 p.m.
HATTIESBURG
Feb. 18. Caerus Mardi Gras Parade. 1 p.m.
BILOXI
BAY ST. LOUIS
BILOXI
Feb. 21. (Mardi Gras Day) Gulf Coast Carnival Association Parade. 1 p.m. 2023 | FEBRUARY 23
WHEN USING SPACE HEATERS by Susan Collins-Smith Space heaters can help keep temperatures comfortable during cold weather. However, all types of heating equipment can be fire hazards if safety precautions are not taken. According to the National Fire Protection Association, home heating fires happen most often in December, January and February, accounting for almost half of all home heating fires. Heating equipment is the second leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, and it is the third leading cause of home fire deaths. “Space heaters and other types of portable heaters are a great way to heat a single room, or supplement a building’s main heating system, or even make outdoor activities more comfortable when temperatures are colder than normal,” said Leslie Woolington, Mississippi State University Extension Service risk management/loss control manager. “But you need to make sure you use them safely.”
Woolington suggested safety precautions for using space heaters either indoors or outdoors: • Keep heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can
burn, including upholstered furniture, bedding, curtains, clothing, insulation, cardboard, and papers.
• Never leave heaters on when unattended. Turn heaters
off, unplug electric heaters, and turn off portable propane cylinders when leaving the area.
Mississippi’s Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Connie Dolan said space heaters should only be used as a supplemental source of heat. “Space heaters are intended only to give your home a little more heat when needed,” Dolan said. “They can easily overload circuits, causing a power failure or fire.” Dolan pointed out that electric space heaters require a lot of power to run and draw high currents, which is why they should always be plugged directly into a wall outlet. “Small-gauge, low-quality extension cords cannot handle the high currents that space heaters use,” she said. “Many space heaters draw around 1,500 watts or more and should never be used with an extension cord. The high currents of electricity going through an extension cord can cause the extension cord’s insulation to melt, which could lead to a fire.”
When purchasing an electric space heater, Dolan said consumers should look for units with these features: • A tip-over safety switch. This switch automatically turns the heater off if it is tipped over.
• An Underwriter’s Laboratory, or UL, mark. This mark is the most common independent safety certification in the U.S. and indicates the device has been tested and approved.
• A thermostat. Thermostats let the user set a temperature and allow the heater to turn off when the desired temperature is reached.
• A long power cord. Make sure the cord is long enough to
allow the heater to be a safe distance away from anything combustible.
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FEBRUARY | 2023
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Send us photos from your favorite holiday gathering. The photos could be with you and family or friends from Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. The photos can be from the last year or a previous year. The photos must be high-resolution JPG files of at least 1 MB in size. Please attach the photo to your email and send it to news@ecm.coop. Each entry must be accompanied by photographer’s name, address, and co-op. SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 1. Select photos will appear in the April 2023 issue.
For the Love of the Game
PHILIP GUNN:
A sports and political leader It’s no coincidence that competitors who excel in sports may also be poised to excel in other areas of life, including leadership positions. In the process of achieving in sports, players gain skills and lessons that will follow them into their careers. Successes on the fields, courts and diamonds followed Philip Gunn who today holds one of the most powerful positions in our state government as the Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives. Gunn is the first Republican speaker of the Mississippi House in 136 years.
Prior to the support of the voters, Gunn’s earliest and most vital support came from his parents who encouraged him as he played sports growing up. “My dad played basketball in college and knew the benefits of playing team sports,” Gunn said in a recent interview. Gunn was in his second year of law school at Ole Miss in 1988 when he lost both of his parents and his sister when their car was hit by an intoxicated driver in Oxford while they were visiting Gunn. “My mom and dad were my mentors and heroes when I was growing up,” Gunn said. Gunn began playing sports in the fourth grade, and by the time he was a senior at Clinton High School, he was the only senior athlete to play football, basketball, and baseball. One of his highlights was leading his high school football team to the state championship in 1980. The Clinton Arrows were ranked No. 1 in the final United Press International (UPI) Coaches Poll. “I really loved high school sports. Clinton played in the Little Dixie Conference, and when we played our rivals Warren Central and Pearl, we would have standing room only crowds. Those games
were something you looked forward to. Really the whole community looked forward to those games,” he said The 6-foot-4 Gunn excelled on the basketball courts, and many thought that was his best sport. Gunn’s first love, however, was football. He was named All-State quarterback by the Mississippi Sportswriters his senior year and was selected to play in the North/ South All-Star game where he threw a 70-yard touchdown pass on his team’s first offensive play. Despite his status as an All-State quarterback, those D1 offers never came, so Gunn ended up signing with Mississippi College. He would play the first semester at MC, but the desire and dream of playing for a Division 1 school was still gnawing at him. “I always wanted to play Division 1 college football,” Gunn said. Luckily for Gunn, a couple of Baylor graduates in his hometown told him about Baylor University, so he planned a visit to Waco, Texas, after that first semester at MC and met the legendary head coach Grant Teaff. “I really liked what I saw and decided to walk on at Baylor. We had some good teams back then. Even though I was only a scout team player, I really enjoyed my time and all the lasting friendships that I made at Baylor,” Gunn said. During his last semester during his senior year at Baylor, Gunn met his wife, Lisa. They married a year and half later. Today, they are the proud parents of four children: Meredith, twins Alex and Andrew, and John David. He coached all his children through youth sports. “My parents were very supportive of me playing youth sports, and I made sure I did the same for my four children.” Even though Gunn was president of the Ole Miss School of Law where he was elected Student Body President, entering politics was never a plan. He was asked to run for the Mississippi Legislature in 2003 because of redistricting that year in his hometown, Clinton. He won a very contentious election, and today the citizens of Mississippi are fortunate to have him serving as Speaker of the House.
by Dale McKee Dale McKee is a Waynesboro native who has been writing sports in Mississippi since 1973. He is a member of Dixie Electric. Contact him at ddmckee18@yahoo.com.
2023 | FEBRUARY 27
On the Menu
with Rebecca Turner
Soup warms the soul, and taste buds Nothing spells comfort better than homemade soup. Whenever it’s frigid outside, you feel blue or need solace, a bowl of soup warms you from the inside out. And, when you’re under the weather, soups help keep you hydrated and well-nourished with essential vitamins, allowing you to feel better faster. But, making soups from scratch at home can seem daunting and time intensive. Don’t be intimidated, adapt any soup recipe to a slower cooker or improve recipes with a few suggestions. Toss it in, turn it on, and let it simmer. That is the conventional way to make soup, but the timing of certain ingredients can take your soup to the next level. Some elements benefit from longer cooking times and should be added at the start. Onions, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, winter squashes, tomatoes, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli. Lean cuts from the shoulder and rump of
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts 1 large onion, chopped 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into coins 2 celery stalks, sliced 2 tablespoons poultry seasoning 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 bay leaf salt black pepper 28
FEBRUARY | 2023
beef, lamb, goat, pork, whole chicken, chicken thighs, and chicken legs. Most spices should be added at the beginning of cooking, except for the rosemary, which can become bitter over the most extended cooking times. For best results, keep rosemary till the end. Softer ingredients cook quicker and can turn to mush or lose flavor the longer it cooks. Add the following ingredients in the last 30 to 45 minutes or (sooner if in the slow cooker) of cooking. Vegetables such as peas, corn, bell peppers, and spinach. Meat such as fish and other seafood. Milk, yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese, and coconut milk are best added at the end. Cut down cooking time by adding rice, noodles, and other grains already cooked, though uncooked grains help soak up excess liquid and make them more flavorful. Remember these tips, and warm up your family with a bowl of homemade soup.
8-10 cups low sodium chicken broth 8-12 ounces egg noodles Put the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and celery in your crockpot. Add the poultry seasoning and bay leaf — season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Pour in 8 cups of the chicken broth and cook on low for 6 hours or till the chicken is tender.
Remove chicken breasts. Shred the chicken breasts, return them to the crockpot, and add at least 8 ounces of egg noodles. Add the whole 12-ounce bag if you like a lot of noodles and/or have the space. You may need an additional 2 cups of chicken broth. Noodles should be covered with liquid. Add extra broth accordingly. Cook on low for another 30 minutes or until noodles are cooked but not too soft.
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoons olive oil 1 yellow onion, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 teaspoons minced garlic salt to taste black pepper to taste
1 1 1 1 1
tablespoon tomato paste tablespoon smoked paprika tablespoon cumin tablespoon dried thyme (15-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
3 cups chicken broth 1 (5-ounce) container plain Greek yogurt ½ cup half-and-half ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved, plus more for garnishing
Heat butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté 10 minutes or until tender. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomato paste, paprika, cumin, and thyme and cook a few more minutes. Add drained red peppers, tomatoes, and chicken broth. Let simmer 25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Using either a hand-held immersion blender or regular blender, puree until smooth. *Be careful adding hot liquid to regular blender. Add Greek yogurt, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until combined and let simmer for another 10 minutes.
by Rebecca Turner Rebecca Turner is an author, registered dietitian, radio host, television presenter and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A lifelong Mississippian, she lives in Brandon and has spent the last decade offering nononsense nutrition guidance that allows you to enjoy good health and good food. Her book, “Mind Over Fork,” challenges the way you think, not the way you eat. Find her on social media @RebeccaTurnerNutrition and online at www.RebeccaTurnerNutrition.com.
2023 | FEBRUARY 29
Events open to the public will be publishedfree of charge as space allows. Submitdetails at least two months prior to theevent date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change. Gospel Music Extravaganza. March 11. Hattiesburg. Ernie Haase & Signature Sound and The Hoppers will perform at 6 p.m. at Heritage Church, 3 Baracuda Dr., Hattiesburg. Details: (601)-261-3371.
Barnyard Marketplace Sweetheart Fest. Feb. 11. Poplarville. Come shop the field of vendors for that special Valentine’s Day gift. Food, crafts, photo ops, and a whole lot of fun. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 295 Buck Kirkland Rd. Follow the red fence to the Barnyard entrance gates. Details: 504-234-3579. Gospel Singing Jubilee. March 4. Magee. Performers include Gold City, QT, Terry Joe Terrell, The Revelations, and Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes. 6:30 p.m. Magee High School, 501 Choctaw St. Details: 601-906-0677 or 601-720-8870.
Melodies of Bluegrass Festival. March 24 and 25. Morton. Performers include: Bluegrass Cartel, Catahoula Drive, Edgar Loudermilk Band, Fair River Station, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run, and Weary Heart. The shows start at 1 p.m. Roosevelt State Park 2149 MS. 13. Details: 601-604-4234 or 601-527-9127.
Veterans Resource Fair. March 29. Laurel. The Laurel-Jones County Library System hosts the fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laurel Library. This free event is open to all veterans, activeduty members, reservists, and their families. Over 20 local and state agencies, organizations, and non-profits will be on hand to provide information about benefits and resources available for all those who have served our Great Nation. Light refreshments and door prizes will be offered. Details: Melinda Youngblood at 601-428-4313 Ext. 112 or email myoungblood@ laurel.lib.ms.us.
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There are instances from my childhood that I vividly remember. One of them is when I was a paperboy for the Delta Democrat Times in Greenville. with a rubber band. In bad weather, instead of me having to deliver the papers riding my bike, daddy would take me in the car. One windy February day I had run out of rubber bands and the paper was too thick to fold into a square and toss like a frisbee. So, I had to carry each paper up to every house and lay it on the porch or the steps. But there was this one house where I put the paper down with the open side toward the wind. The paper blew all over the yard. As we picked it up, daddy said for me to lay it with the folded side into the wind. He added, “There’s an art to everything.” I’ve remembered what he told me While I’m shooting photographs that day a lot. While I’m shooting photographs or video for a story. or video for a story. Or editing Or editing and trying to get it just and trying to get it just right. right. Sometimes it takes a little Sometimes it takes a little longer, but there really is an art to everything. longer, but there really is Something else my paper route an art to everything. has done for me. Instead of having to make up that “walking to school in the snow” stuff, I tell my grandkids, “Why, I’ve been working since I was 11. And my very first job was marry folks, but would rather the couples’ pastor have the honors. for a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper!” And it’s the truth! After all, it’s the minister’s job to shepherd the family.) Anyway, years ago I agreed to perform the wedding for a reporter at WLBT and her fiancé. When we had finished and the couple had kissed, the guests started milling into the reception. A lady came up to me and said hello. Puzzled, she asked me, “How is it you can officiate a wedding?” Most people know me from television. So, with a straight face, I answered, “Why, in Mississippi, weathermen can marry folks.” I should have told her I was kidding but she obviously took it for the truth. I didn’t want by Walt Grayson to her to think weathermen lied. So, I just left it at that. I should have told her I worked for a Pulitzer-winning newspaper, too. Walt Grayson is the host of “Mississippi Roads” on Mississippi Public Broadcasting I’ll keep that in mind. television and the author of two “Looking Around Mississippi” books and “Oh! Anyway, back to what I remember from my newspaper career. Daddy That Reminds Me: More Mississippi Homegrown Stories.” Walt is also a reporter was very helpful with my paper route. My bundle of papers was dropped and 4 p.m. news anchor at WJTV in Jackson. He lives in Brandon and is a Central Electric member. Contact him at walt@waltgrayson.com. at my house midafternoon. Then I would roll the papers and snug them Just an aside, I have let it slip into the conversation more than once that I was at the Delta Democrat Times during the Hodding Carter days. Association with a Pulitzer Prize-winning publication elevates your stature in literary circles. Usually, I go on and tell them that my position was a paperboy. However, sometimes I let comments like that just ride. Sort of like at a wedding where I agreed to perform the ceremony. (Yes, I can legally
2023 | FEBRUARY 31