Progress 2021
Local Heroes of Pearl River County
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PEARL RIVER COUNTY TODAY
PROGRESS | 2021 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHEVY BERRY, EMT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 MICHAEL MCCLANTOC, POPLARVILLE PD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 MCWILLIAMS AND MCCORMICK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AMANDA DILL, RN
16
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KEVIN BRIGGS, FIREFIGHTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 28
ROB WILLIAMS, CORY MATAYA, PRC SHERIFF’S OFFICE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . THERESA MILAR, PICAYUNE PD
32
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DR. DEWITT BOLTON, MANNA MINISTRIES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 38
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 3
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT && SERVICES SERVICES
Prosecution is the work of the District Attorney’s Office
The 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office is responsible for prosecuting all felony criminal cases within the 15th Circuit Court District, comprised of Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence, Marion, and Pearl River Counties. Fifteenth District Attorney Hal Kittrell said, “Of our five counties, Pearl River County is the largest per capita, comprising approximately 40 percent of the District’s overall caseload and approximately 48 percent of the drug cases within the district.” To handle this caseload, the Pearl River County Office employs the following: Assistant District Attorneys John Dowdy, Jr., Beau Stewart, and Christina Holcomb handle cases investigated by the Pearl River Sheriff’s Department, the Picayune Police Department, the Poplarville Police Department, the Mississippi
Bureau of Narcotics, and the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Bureau of Investigations. Assistant District Attorney Carpenter Marsalis handles cases involving violence against women and youth, including domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. Investigator Kelvin Stanford provides specialized investigative services and serves as a liaison to local law enforcement agencies. Victim Services Specialist Anita Sumrall provides assistance and referrals for crime victims and serves as their primary contact with the office. Litigation Support Specialists Michelle Pittman and Susan Cavanaugh are responsible for complete management of all felony files, database, coordination of grand juries, issuance of discovery for attorneys, organization of court dockets, and
daily public interface for the office. Between 2007 and 2020 in Pearl River County, there were 8,511 cases presented to the grand jury or pled to bills of information. Of those, 716 were violent crimes, 57 were deaths or murders, 432 were sex crimes, and 3,506 were drug-related crimes. Our other services include assistance to crime victims and referrals to statewide resources such as the Mississippi Crime Victim’s Compensation Program, which financially assists victims of violent crimes with medical, counseling, and funeral expenses. Between 2007 and 2020, the office collected more than $849,146.00 in restitution for Pearl River County businesses and residents in relation to bad checks. To contact the District Attorney’s Office, please call (601)403-2350.
Pearl River County’s Chancery Clerk Office
With the completion of the Courthouse Annex, the Chancery Clerk’s office began a new chapter of service. With all deputy clerks cross-trained in both court and land matters, citizens enter one office with six stations for assistance by staff. In the old courthouse, citizens primarily conducted land business at a front counter in the main office or court business in an adjoining office. “In the new facility, we feel we can serve people in a more efficient manner,” said Chancery Clerk Melinda Bowman. “Being together in one space allows deputy clerks to serve both citizens and one another better because they can easily hear phones ringing and see when someone is needing additional help.” “Both my Picayune and Poplarville offices are staffed with seven of the kindest public servants who love serving people. They are: Kalyn Davis, chief deputy clerk; Rochelle Farve, Lacie Gomillion, Brittany Spiers, Lauren Goar, Hannah Dykes and Sarah Lee, who manages the Picayune
office on Goodyear Boulevard.” While the Board of Supervisors closed down both the Picayune county building and the courthouse to inside assistance for a period of time early on in the pandemic, the Chancery Clerk’s office continued to serve people in Poplarville through a window opening to the front porch of the courthouse and allowed individuals into the records room who needed to conduct land research. In an attempt to continually improve on our practices and technology to better serve people, the Chancery Clerk’s office launched a new land recording software program in early summer that has enabled attorneys, professional land researchers and ordinary citizens to research Pearl River County land records from their homes or offices. A three-and a-half-year scanning project, which digitally preserved thousands of historical records including all land deeds spanning to the late 1800s, are now available to be searched online thanks to the new DuProcess land recording system. “This launch came at the perfect time
with the pandemic looming over us,” said Bowman. While thousands of records are available online, Bowman said she is committed to expanding the digital database offered in DuProcess by continuing her records scanning efforts. Individuals can find subscription information to access Pearl River County land records in the DuProcess system by going to records.pearlrivercounty.net. The Chancery Clerk’s office records over 12,000 land documents per year and opens approximately 1,000 new court cases in addition to collecting delinquent taxes for the county, among other things. Our staff files court cases involving land and estate matters, divorce, guardianships/conservatorships, adoption, child custody, and mental and drug and alcohol commitments, to name a few. Offices in both Picayune and Poplarville are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Neither office closes for lunch for the convenience of citizens. Office phones are 601-403-2316 or 601-749-7734.
Senior Center of South Pearl River County The Senior Center of South Pearl River County is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization with the mission of providing a safe, comfortable and attractive environment for seniors ages 50 and up to participate in activities designed to enhance their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. The Center is also the gateway to connecting older adults to vital community services and activities that can help them stay active and independent. With an operating budget made up of grants and donations, the Senior Center provides services for over 400 seniors and
Pearl River County Utility Authority Pearl River County Utility Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Mississippi, created in 2006, to perform planning, acquisition, construction, maintenance, operation and coordination of water, wastewater and stormwater systems in order to ensure the delivery of those services to the citizens residing within Pearl River County. Since its creation, the Utility Authority has constructed over $55 million in new water and wastewater treatment facilities, and has acquired 10 sewer collection and treatment plants throughout Pearl River County. Total asset value exceeds $75 million. The Utility Authority operates with 16 full-time employees and provides services to approximately 15,000 residents. The Authority is
have opened this year, 25 new commercial construction permits were issued, several houses were built, bought, and sold. The city has experienced great change this year as well. Several great people have retired this year after many years of dedicated service. They include: Picayune Police Chief Bryan Dawsey, Picayune Fire Chief Keith Brown, Deputy Fire Chief Barry Lee and several in the different city departments. We appreciate their many years of service and wish them all well in the next chapters of their lives. We are happy to welcome back Freddy Dren-
nan to the Picayune Police Department as Police Chief. Chief Drennan has moved back to the area after living away for several years. Chief Drennan is assembling a great team with the leadership of Assistant Chief James Bolton and Assistant Chief Dusty Moeller. Fire Chief Pat Weaver has also assembled a great team at the Picayune Fire Department with Ronnie Reynolds as Deputy Fire Chief, Josh Abercrombie as Fire Marshall, Anthony Lossett as Training Officer, and Ottis Mitchell as Battalion Chief. The Picayune Municipal Court updated court processes to include the
use of texts and online questionnaires to gain admittance to court. Trial court sessions are now live streamed on YouTube to provide greater public access to court proceedings. This helps to keep the public, court staff, and others safe. In spite of the pandemic, the city was able to have a very successful Keep Picayune Beautiful Cleanup Day in November. Over 100 volunteers picked up several tons of debris in the City. Picayune Main Street was able to hold the bi-annual Fall Street Festival in November and in December held Christmas on the Rails, Shop by Candlelight.
Circuit Clerk of Pearl River County
To the Citizens of Pearl River County: Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Circuit Clerk. The year 2020 was challenging for all of us in so many ways. I greatly appreciate my staff’s dedication and hard work during these unprecedented times. We will continue to serve Pearl River County in a friendly, caring, and professional manner. A new website for the Circuit Clerk’s Office will be available in the next few weeks. The new website will provide current and updated information regarding voter registration, elections, passports, jury, court, marriage licenses, and other services in an easy-to-use format. Electronic filing through the Mississippi Electronic Courts (MEC) system is implemented for both civil and criminal cases in Pearl River County Circuit and County Courts.
MEC allows judges, court staff, and attorneys to file and access case documents and other information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Municipal Elections for Poplarville and Picayune for Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and City Council are set as follows: Municipal Primary Election Tuesday, April 6, 2021; Municipal Primary Runoff Election, Tuesday, April 27, 2021; Municipal General Election, Tuesday, June 8, 2021. A Special Election for Pearl River County Election Commissioner – District 1 will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. The Circuit Clerk’s Offices are located at the Pearl River County Courthouse, 200 South Main Street in Poplarville and the Pearl River County Governmental Complex Building, 917 Goodyear Boulevard in
governed by a seven member Board of Directors, appointees of the cities of Picayune and Poplarville, and the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors. Current board members are Tabatha Butler (President), Marcia Johnson (Vice President), Quinn Houchin (Treasurer), Ernie Lovell, Billy Spiers, Chuck Jones, and Bill Burns. Daily operations are managed by Cliff Diamond, Executive Director. The Utility Authority receives all operating revenues from rates and fees from its customers, and is not a taxing entity. Recently completed capital projects include the $6-million Picayune sewer rehabilitation (phase 2), which included dozens of point repairs and approximately 20 miles of pipe liners and 400 manhole linings to extend the system life
another 50+ years. The project also reduces groundwater infiltration and plant treatment costs. The Authority also completed a $1-million water/ sewer utility relocation project in Picayune to support the ongoing Highway 11 widening project. Ongoing capital projects include additional sewer utility line relocations for the Hwy 11 phase 2 widening project in Picayune and there are plans to construct a new customer service & administrative building on Goodyear Boulevard in 2021.
Veteran’s Service Office
City of Picayune The new year started out like many others of the past, filled with new ideas and new projects. All those ideas, projects, and events quickly came to a halt in March of 2020. Coronavirus Covid-19 had hit South Mississippi! Our city sales tax, that is received each month, has held steady through this pandemic. This means that city services and personnel have continued to operate within budget, because of the consistent tax revenue. Local businesses have remained open. Some businesses have even expanded during this time. Our city permit office has reported that over 20 new businesses
relies on support from the community to fulfill its mission. Line dancing, ceramics, wood carving, quilting, karaoke, bingo, painting, and exercising are just a few of the activities scheduled each month at the Center. The Senior Center provides hot nutritious meals Monday through Friday for seniors 60 years of age and up. The Senior Center is located at 45 El Patch Parkway in Picayune. Call 601-798-9892 for more information.
Picayune. If you have any questions, please call 601-403-2328.
Page 4 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
Pearl River County Veteran’s Service Office is thankful for the opportunity to serve Veterans and families. The Veteran’s Service Office in Pearl River County, manned by Pearl River County Veterans Service Officer Cindy Smith, provides assistance for veterans, their spouses, and dependents with applying for VA benefits, completing paperwork, and with their questions/ concerns. 2020 was a year of change for Veterans and Dependents through compensation programs, non-service connection benefits, and VA Health Care. The office is mandated by laws and regulations that are provided by the VARO in Jackson, Miss. and certified by MS VA. The State of Mississippi offer
different programs and assistance for veterans. For more information on programs provided by the state of Mississippi, veterans and their families may contact my office at 601-4032558. Office hours are Monday – Fri-
day 8-5, appointments are preferred and honored. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability. Office Motto: “Serving our Pearl River County Veterans and their dependents by providing Excellent Service, Care, and Assistance.”
Election Commissioners uphold voters rights The Pearl River County Election Commissioners are elected officials that serve four-year terms. They represent the same districts as their supervisors. The five commissioners currently are from left: Michelle Vogt, District 5; Tommy Breland, District 3; Reggie Hanberry, District 4; Rebecca Taylor, District 2; and Jacintha Taylor, District 1. The primary purpose of an election commissioner is to test the new voting equipment, maintain the voter rolls, and prepare for special and general elections. The election commissioners are a team, which help ensure that elections are held fairly and honestly.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 5
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT && SERVICES SERVICES
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Farr, Executive Director, at picayunechamber@gmail.com or Laci Lee, Executive Assistant at lacileepicayunechamber@gmail.com or give them a call at 601-798-3122 for membership and sponsorship information.
Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce The Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce continues to work to promote local businesses and emphasize the importance of shopping and dining locally. The Poplarville Chamber added 36 new members in 2014 for a total of 172 members. The chamber focuses on the benefits of membership, the importance of partnerships and the importance of working to make Poplarville a great place to work, play and live. Membership Benefits include the ability to network with other local businesses, the use of the Chamber Facebook account to announce business activities, and the opportunity for email us about business specials and interests to be sent to other Chamber members. Other benefits include rib-
bon cutting ceremonies to celebrate the opening of new business; the Chamber Night Out, which is held every other month at a chamber member business, and the chamber featured Business of the Month, where a selected business is featured in the newspaper and on the chamber website. Our newest event in 2019 was the Sweet Mississippi Tea Festival. We had over 50 vendors, an Art Walk by local artists, Food venders and musical entertainment by various artists. The highlight of this event is the High Tea, with participants being judged on their attire and a prize for the best hat. We expect this event to grow even more next year. It will be held each October. Partnerships for the Poplarville
Chamber include the following: • Blueberry Jubilee Council • City of Poplarville • Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home Auxiliary • Pearl River Tourism Council • Poplarville Garden Club • Poplarville Historical Preservation Society • Poplarville Rotary • Poplarville Woman’s Club • Phase II of the Chamber/Rotary Veterans Brick Memorial Walkway. • Quarterly Chamber/PRCC Lunch • Chamber/Garden Club Beautification projects • Chamber/City/Historical Preservation Society for a new Poplarville Museum • The annual Easter Egg Hunt is held the Saturday before Easter on the Main Street Town Green.
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Page 6 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
In February 2020, after lengthy discussions and negotiations, the Board entered into an operating lease with Forrest General Hospital to operate the Pearl River County Hospital and Nursing Home in Poplarville. With this agreement, the county is able to ensure the best continued medical care for the citizens of the county. Another major accomplishment was the completion of the Pearl River County Courthouse Annex, which provided office space for the Chancery Clerk’s office, Chancery Court, Tax Assessor and Collector offices, E911 Permitting and Planning office, District Attorney’s office, and County Court. While looking at the best long-term solution for 911 emergency services as a whole for Pearl River County, the Board of Supervisors, and the two municipalities entered into an agreement to operate a consolidated centralized dispatch system. The new system provides one system for dispatch, records management and jail management that allows for a more comprehensive approach for the safety of the first
responders as well as the residents. Each of the five supervisors shared their thoughts on 2020 and a look ahead to 2021. District 1 Supervisor Donald Hart “The hospital lease with Forrest Health has been a great help in trying to ensure the county hospital can maintain its critical care status. Also, the courthouse annex, and county wide dispatch were both major undertakings. We have a lot of work to do, but I remain optimistic about the direction we’re moving in here in Pearl River County.” District 2 Supervisor and Board Vice President Malcolm Perry “This has been a trying year for the Board, but we have still been able to make some very good progress. I am proud that we were able to complete the lease of our county hospital to Forrest Health. Hopefully 2021 will be a better year for everyone.” District 3 Supervisor Hudson Holliday “Like everyone else, 2020 was a trying year in many ways for the Board and Pearl River County. Our new Economic Devel-
opment Council is up and running with support from both Poplarville and Picayune. I’m confident that our efforts will produce good paying jobs and opportunities for our people.” District 4 Supervisor Jason Spence “The year 2020 was a challenge, but everyone worked together to bring some positive changes to our county. It has also been great that the city of Picayune and Pearl River County have been working together to help improve the economic development in our area.” Board President and District 5 Supervisor Sandy Kane Smith “The relocation of Power Dynamics Innovations to our county, and to see them doing well in their first year of operations, is a great example of the county being able to assist companies to locate here. The hiring of Blaine Lafontaine to lead our economic development has been proven to be an unfinished chapter in a good book. I’m keeping my head up and my faith that 2021 will be an uplifting year our county.”
Tax Assessor and Collector’s office January is always busy for the tax collector’s office with tax collections, homestead applications, mapping and deed questions and assisting taxpayers with a myriad of other problems. We mailed tax notices in early December this year. We contracted this service and your bills look different than in the past. We hope everyone liked the new mailer with the return envelope. We hope to get back to an early November mail out date. We had our first online tax sale this year. The timing was perfect with virus affecting everyone and everything. The online aspect of the sale allows purchasers from around the country to bid without travel being involved. This generated over $215,000 in overbids that go to the County General Fund. As I’ve told you before the state let a contract for a new auto tag sys-
tem called MARVIN it was installed in our county in October 2017. The new system has had lots of updates but is a major upgrade to what we had before. COVID-19 has affected your tax office as it had every aspect of your lives. We have never closed for any time. The tax staff has been dedicated to continue providing service through the worst of the pandemic. We have been drive-thru only for a while, and then switched to curbside service and finally back to allowing access to the lobby. Although we have our drive-thru window in the Picayune office, budget restraints are still keeping us from opening it full-time, but we do have it open during all but the busiest of times as we do put priority on the lobby customers. We still accept online payments at
pearlrivercounty.net, and we would like to encourage everyone who can, to do their business online at this time. We added personal property and mobile homes to the online system and of course property tax payment are still available. “The entire staff of the county tax office looks forward to assisting our taxpayers with any and all aspects of their county business,” said Pearl River County Tax Assessor Gary Beech.
FEATURE
CHEVY BERRY By Jonathan Mitchell
Being a paramedic is in Chevy Berry’s blood. Inspired to enter the field thanks to her paramedic father, Berry has spent the past 20 years working as a paramedic in the Pearl River County area and meeting the medical needs of community members. However, her job looks a little different now thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. “None of us knew what to expect all we could do was just watch what was going on in other countries. We knew it was coming and we were all scared, but it got here and we dealt with it and we’re still dealing with it,” Berry said. Even with two decades of experience, Berry and her colleagues have had to change how they approach their job. Calls are still coming in and paramedics don’t have the luxury of shutting down; they have to remain upright and available. Aside from letting the dispatcher know there’s a COVID positive patient waiting at the call location, Berry said there are several things people can do to minimize the risk of her or her partner being exposed to COVID-19. “The most important thing is to let the dispatcher know if they suspect COVID. If anybody has fever, if anybody has
been around anybody, then also to wear a mask, to wash their hands. Those kinds of things keep us safe,” Berry said. Fighting on the frontlines of a pandemic has led to Berry adjusting several aspects of her life, including the way she interacts with her family. It’s a tough sacrifice to make, but she knows what has to be done in order to keep her family safe while she consistently works with patients who may or may not have COVID-19. “It’s actually changed things quite a bit. Holidays were different this year. Our families, we’re talking a lot more on the phone. We’re not visiting like we used to. We’re hoping this vaccine is going to make it so we can all get back together again,” Berry said. Berry has already gotten both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and every day more doses are administered across the world. There’s finally light at the end of the tunnel, and after everything that’s happened over the past year with the pandemic, Berry is excited for some semblance of normalcy to return. “We like to travel and I am ready to get back to traveling. We miss traveling and our concerts. We are in dire need of that regroup time, so that’s what we’re looking forward to,” Berry said.
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 7
GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT && SERVICES SERVICES
City of Poplarville The City of Poplarville had a very productive 2020 and is looking forward to the year ahead. Mayor Rossie Creel and the current Board of Aldermen promised to improve streets and infrastructure when they took office in 2017, and that promise was fulfilled in 2020 with the completion of several drainage improvement projects and street paving projects. Approximately $1.3 million dollars in general obligation bond money was invested in the city’s aging infrastructure to make needed improvements. In 2019, the new Town Green was completed in the downtown business district, which enhanced the area to make it more enjoyable for citizens and visitors. And, in 2020, Phase III of that project was
initiated to build a pavilion, stage and restroom facility on the Town Green as well. All three phases of development of the Town Green have been funded through grants from the Mississippi Development Authority. The City Park parking area was improved and increased in size, made possible by a $40,000 grant from the Mississippi Power Company. In October, 2020, a new Alderman, Daniel H. Brown, was elected to fill the remainder of Tony Smith’s term of office, when he left office after being appointed by the Governor to serve as a member of the State Parole Board. We welcome and value new businesses, and remain loyal and supportive to our locally-owned
The Crosby Arboretum
businesses that have anchored our historic city with a solid foundation; it is our locally owned businesses that have kept us thriving.
County Court continues achieving goal in 2020 On January 1, 2021, County Court began its eleventh year since being established by the Mississippi Legislature to relieve crowded court dockets. In April 2020, County Court moved to the new Courthouse Annex in Poplarville. Now located with the Circuit and Chancery Courts, County Court is in the heart of the judiciary of Pearl River County. The Pearl River County Board of Supervisors spearheaded construction of the new Courthouse Annex and provided the County Court with larger spaces to conduct jury trials, meeting rooms for attorneys and their clients, and a new courtroom with state-of-the-art technology. County Court deals with all felony matters, except for those in which life imprisonment or the
death penalty may be imposed, that are transferred from a Circuit Judge. The Court also handles all civil cases not exceeding $200,000, eminent domain cases, and all criminal and civil appeals from Picayune and Poplarville City Courts and Justice Court. The County Court Judge, which is also the Youth Court Judge, handles all Youth Court cases and has original jurisdiction over all termination of parental rights cases in which the child or children has or have been in the custody of the Pearl River County Child Protection Services. The County Court has ordered in excess of approximately $4 million in fines, fees, assessments, and restitution to victims of felony crimes. Judge Richelle Lumpkin continues to monitor the payment
of these fines, assessments, and restitution by defendants. A continued policy of the Court has been to hold show cause hearings for all defendants who are delinquent in their payments every term. The Youth Court meets regularly for scheduled settings within the term. The Court also handles many emergency hearings, which consist of detention and shelter hearings, for delinquent, abused and neglected children, respectively. The Pearl River County Youth Court ranks among the highest in the state for the timely and efficient handling of cases each year for abused, neglected, and delinquent children. One of the purposes of Youth Court is to assist in rehabilitating the youth and help them mature in a positive manner.
The Crosby Arboretum is a public garden in Picayune internationally recognized for its award-winning site master plan, and Pinecote Pavilion by architect E. Fay Jones, a Mississippi landmark. Known as the first fully realized ecologically designed arboretum in the U.S., the garden is owned by Mississippi State University and operated by the MSU Extension Service. Established as a living memorial to L.O. Crosby, Jr. a prominent local forestry figure and philanthropist, the arboretum offers exciting public festivals and educational programs for children and adults. The mission of the Crosby Arboretum is to preserve, protect, and display plants native to
the Pearl River Drainage Basin ecosystem. The dog-friendly site contains three miles of walking trails and offers recreational and educational opportunities focused on educating the public about their environment. Plants are displayed in three basic exhibits – savanna, woodland, and aquatic – and educate school groups and the visiting public about the value of coastal ecosystems. Two new architectural features were recently dedicated at the Gum Pond Educational Exhibit: Mirror Perch Bridge, the recipient of the Sambo Mockbee Spirit of Place Award, award that is given to only one project per year by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and the Rosen Pavilion, which
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was designed by Robert Poore of Native Habitats, a gift to the arboretum from the Rosen Family in memory of Yvette Rosen. For more information and the current program schedule, please see the arboretum’s Facebook page or www.crosbyarboretum. msstate.edu.
E-911 Addressing and Permitting Office This office is responsible for issuing building permits, updating and maintaining the E-911 address database, assigning addresses, and trying to safeguard citizens of Pearl River County from unscrupulous building attempts. This is done by the building code official, Kolby Davis, who inspects all new construction. Other team members include Teasha Ritchie, Dana Guillory, Ruth Preston, and Carolyn Nelson. They all work within the office of E-911 and issue building permits, assign addresses, and issue serial numbers. Serial numbers are issued to citizens when they are moving into a new structure or re-locating to a different address. When re-locating to a differ-
ent address, it is very important for the citizen to call the E-911 office. The E-911 database can be updated with information, such as how many people are in the household and if there are any medical issues that need to be noted in the system. The reason those facts should be noted is in case there is an emergency at the address. If an ambulance is called to an address, first responders can take immediate action when approaching the citizen, if they know the medical issues before hand. A private drive having proper signage, also helps first responders locate the citizen faster. If the house is down a driveway and cannot be seen from the road, the driveway needs to have
a marker with the house number. The marker should have at least 3-inch reflective numbers. House numbers should also be placed on all residential structures, with at least three-inch reflective numbers. To obtain a copy of the E-911 Pearl River County Addressing Ordinance, come by the Poplarville or Picayune Addressing/Permitting office. Floodplain management is also a responsibility of this office. Citizens can contact the Addressing and Permitting Office and find out if their property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. If the property owner plans to build in a special flood hazard area, they will be given information on how to proceed.
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Page 8 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
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GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
The Poplarville Police Department The Poplarville Police Department appointed a new Police Chief in March 2020 and has made several personnel changes in an effort to provide the most qualified, experienced and professional law enforcement services to the citizens of the city of Poplarville. Daniel (Danny) Collier is the current Police Chief and brings over 26 years of law enforcement experience to the department. The Poplarville Police Department this past year entered into a county wide central dispatch center along with the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and Picayune Police Department. The police department also purchased a new records management system and became NIBRS compliant in its ability to report data to the FBI. Chief Collier has attended several hours of leadership training in an
effort to lead the department professionally into the 21st century. The Poplarville Police Department takes pride in the numerous services provided to residents and visitors who come to Poplarville. The Police Department strives to provide quality emergency service and protection in a proficient, professional and compassionate manner. The Poplarville Police Department protects 5.2 square miles. The Police Department provides services to approximately 3,000 residents on a daily basis. That population rises to approximately 6,000 during regular attendance at the Pearl River Community College. This includes 5 early childhood learning facilities, 4 Poplarville school district campuses and the Pearl River Community College’s main campus. The Police
Department also works closely with the Poplarville Fire Department, the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department and the Pearl River Community College Police Department. The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department provides the Poplarville Police Department with services of the jail. This includes jail intake of arrests and processing into the Lenoir/Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Millard. The Police Department provides security for all of the Poplarville School events, holiday parades, festivals and other town events. Poplarville takes pride in being the Blueberry Capital of Mississippi and hosts the Blueberry Jubilee in June. Please call Chief Daniel Collier at (601)795-4447 with questions or concerns regarding your local police.
The Pearl River County Office of Emergency Services The Pearl River County Office of Emergency Services coordinates Emergency Management, Homeland Security, Emergency and Hazardous Chemical Inventory Tier II Reporting and the Volunteer Fire Service for the benefit and protection of the citizens of Pearl River County. The Emergency Operations Center conducts between 5-7 exercises annually, coordinating efforts of first responders, the Pearl River County Joint Search and Rescue team, government at all levels and our community partners. We provide a conduit to State and Federal resources in times of disaster. On May 11, 2019 those plans and processes were put to the test when sixteen inches of rain fell in 24 hours and caused flash flooding. Flood waters caused a 100-car train to derail, multiple dams to fail,
damaged 53 homes and displaced 100 residents. Thirty-seven swift water rescues and one US Coast Guard Air- Rescue were conducted over Mother’s Day weekend. The EOC coordinated response efforts with Federal, State and local resources and assisted with the formation of a Long-Term Recovery Committee comprised primarily of local faith- based organizations to conduct casework and disperse Disaster Assistance Housing Grant Funds to those households that were affected. In the 2019 Fiscal Year the Office of Emergency Services had a 100% success rate, applying for and receiving six grants totaling $383,000 in funding for projects ranging from disaster housing to obtaining equipment for the County’s Joint Search and Rescue Team
and Volunteer Fire Departments. OES Staff developed a new Continuity of Operations Plan, conducted a full-scale exercise to test the efficacy of the plan. Once revised OES presented it to the Board of Supervisors for promulgation and the State for addition to the Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. Goals for Fiscal Year 2020 were: •Establish in cooperation with our community partners a Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) •Continue to develop our social media presence to aid in public messaging and warning. •Implement Crisis Track, software designed to support in rapidly performing damage assessments, allow public self-reporting of damage, and aid in debris removal.
Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department 2020 We were eager to begin the year with the new dispatch center. This change put all law enforcement agencies within the county in one room. What this means is that agencies will no longer have to relay messages between each other and better technology will allow for the dispatcher to know where deputies are located instead of having to ask. Just these two measures alone will result in quicker response times. COVID-19 brought on new challenges in training. Several classes that deputies were scheduled to attend were canceled and some have yet to be rescheduled. Although we currently have several deputies with instructor certifications, we look to increase and expand in that area to provide more in-service training should that issue arise again. We also have the
capability of hosting events, should public buildings become an issue. Our Special Response Team has improved over the years. Several years ago, we began competing in the South Mississippi SWAT Competition. We went from not placing, to placing first in last year’s competition. Our goal is to maintain a high standard for our community and will continue looking for ways to improve ourselves this year with various training. Opioid overdose is a nationwide issue that has also affected Pearl River County. After researching this issue, we have learned that most opioid overdoses (synthetic and non-synthetic) begin with the misuse of prescription pain pills. We will be providing educational materials to schools within Pearl River County and civic groups in
Pearl River County SPCA 2020 The Pearl River County SPCA is a non profit organization founded in 1986 and dedicated to the care and welfare of animals through various programs and services to the community as a whole. Since 1998, the SPCA has operated the Pearl River County Animal Shelter at 1700 Palestine Rd. under contract to the city and county. Shelter business hours are Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Closed Sunday and Monday. Animals are accepted by appointment. All adoptable
animals are spayed/ neutered, microchipped, and given vaccinations. For current pet owners, low cost spay/neuter coupons are available at the shelter. Thanks to our many adoption programs and our low cost spay/neuter program, our intake has steadily decreased and our live release rate has increased significantly. The SPCA participates in numerous transport programs, where, every month, adoptable dogs and puppies are sent to shelters up north where there is a waiting list for them. We also offer a Wellness Clinic twice
a year where the public can bring their pets for vaccinations, microchipping, and other services. We are constantly making improvements to our shelter, and recently we added a new cat wing. Our goal, with the help of this community, is to become a no-kill shelter. In order to accomplish this, we must have a sustained live release rate of 90%. We have reached this with the dogs where we are at 91%. We are at 82% with the cats and hope to soon reach the 90% goal. The community can help us by fostering, especially during
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our busy kitten season, and by spaying/ neutering their pets. Please visit our website at www.prcspca.org for more information about our organization, volunteer opportunities, and pictures of our adoptable pets. Also check out our Facebook page for information on our upcoming events, fundraisers, and more pets for adoption. The SPCA meets the 4th Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at Bank Plus. Visitors are welcome. For more information, please call Maria Diamond at 601347-3667.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 9
Justice Court continues achieving its goal in 2020 On December 27, 2020 the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021. Section 502 extends the expiration date of CDC Order, “Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” The new expiration date was January 31, 2021 unless extended, modified, or rescinded. Billing Code:4163-18-P Look online at HHS/CDC Temporary Halt in Residential Evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 for more information on your rights and responsibilities. Also, on govinfo. gov. Due to emergency order 14, issued July 2020, masks are to be worn in the courtroom. Court personnel and all other persons
appearing in the courtrooms shall be masked at all times. Bailiffs continue to prohibit congregating outside courtroom doors and enforce social distancing inside the courtroom. Bailiffs sanitize the courtroom every morning before court. We are doing our part to keep the public safe. Judge Mitchell, Judge Fail and Judge Breland have followed orders for safety of all attending court. Court has not been canceled, please call if you have questions. A reminder on eviction process, if you allowed someone to stay on your property, provided a home to stay, without a rental agreement, you have to provide a 15-day notice. If you do have a rental agree-
ment it is still a least 3 days notice, that process has not changed. Residents have called Justice Court regarding what they thought may be a scam, but it is not. MSB (Municipal Services Bureau) were approved June 2018 as Justice Court’s collection agency and are calling and mailing notices. If you have contact please call to verify. If you have not paid your fine, you will probably get a notice. Court Clerk Kathy Mason. Deputy Clerks Anna Allen, Brittany Twiner, Erin Peterson, and Tanya Herndon. Part-time Deputy Clerk Floy Strain.
Pearl River County Library System Two libraries make up the Pearl River County Library System: Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library & Cultural Center, located at 900 Goodyear Blvd. in Picayune, and Poplarville Public Library, located at 202 West Beers St. in Poplarville. The libraries are open to all, regardless of age, race, creed, or ability to pay. Most of the services at the libraries are free to access; a few have nominal charges to cover any expense. The library system began the new year with high hopes of expanded services using the recently adopted strategic plan as a guide to which services should be offered. It switched their Integrated Library System (ILS) from Horizon, owned by Sirsi/Dynix to the cloud-based Atriuum, owned by Book Systems. The Friends of each library were active in their programming and began planning for their annual Spring Book Sales. The staff and the Board of Trustees
kept a wary eye on the COVID-19 virus. March brought the shut-down of the country. The Board of Trustees began to respond to ever-changing government orders and CDC guidelines. The libraries were closed to the public for eight weeks. The CDC gave out guidelines as to who may be at highest risk of contracting the disease. Using these guidelines, each staff member self-declared as being either highrisk or low-risk for severe illness. Over one-half of the staff declared themselves to be high-risk. Through the chaos, the annual summer reading program remained a priority. Schools sent the children home in the middle of the spring semester, making the public library’s summer reading programs even more critical. Plans were already made for the normal “in-house,” “in-person” programs. It was soon clear that the library was not going to be able to allow the gathering of children for these import-
ant programs. The staff of both libraries collaborated to create the first entirely online summer reading program. They took what was already planned and moved the programs to Facebook and a newly created page for the library’s website. Next, the library opened the stacks to a few people at a time. A staff member was stationed at the entrance to advise patrons of the new rules for library use. As of September 30, 2020, both libraries were open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 am. to noon and from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Neither library opened on Saturday. Closing in the middle of the day and earlier than 5:00 p.m. gave the staff time to clean and disinfect public areas to help prevent the spread of the virus. As of December 31, both libraries had expanded their hours to 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please call 601-798-5081 at Crosby Memorial Library or 601-795-8411 at Poplarville Public Library.
The Mississippi State University Extension Service Every county of Mississippi has its own unique strengths, challenges, and needs. That’s why the Mississippi State University Extension Service has an Extension Office in all 82 counties of Mississippi. Each office has staff waiting to help answer questions that you may have relating to any of the following topics: 4-H Youth Development, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Resources Development, and Family and Consumer Sciences. If the local office staff cannot answer your questions, they can work with faculty or staff members at Mississippi State University to find the answer to your questions. The Pearl River County Exten-
sion Service would like for you to call or stop by and see what they can do for you. The Extension Service has access to thousands of informational publications that it provides free to the public. Free workshops, seminars, and other programs are scheduled throughout the year to help educate the public on current issues that affect their lives. The Mississippi State University Extension Service provides research-based information, educational programs, and technology transfer focused on issues and needs of the people of Mississippi, enabling them to make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being. The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative
Extension System, a publicly funded, informal educational system that links the United States Department of Agriculture, the land-grant university system, and individual counties. As the off-campus educational arm of Mississippi State University, Extension provides current research and educational information to individuals in all 82 counties. Mississippi State University Extension Service is also a cooperating partner with Alcorn State University, the 1890 land-grant institution in Mississippi. Let the Extension Service provide you with information and technical assistance to improve your quality of life. The extension’s overall purpose is education.
Picayune Fire Department moving forward 2020
Page 10 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
Last year was productive for the Picayune Fire Department. Our newly constructed fire station at the end of Goodyear Boulevard has been operational for one year and firefighters are enjoying their new housing. While COVID-19 lowered the number of fire safety talks normally performed by fire personnel, crew members still provided this vital informational service to children and adults in the city. Our citizens and businesses continued to see the benefits of our department’s lowered class rating from a Class 5 to a Class 4. This class rating reduction has provided lowered insurance ratings for home and business owners. We continue to provide the most up to date training for our firefighters as a means of offering our citizens the best fire and emergency protection.
Department administrators worked throughout the year offering assistance and knowledge to see the vision of a centralized dispatch system come to fruition. This new dispatch center became operational the first week of January 2021. Crew members continued installation of fire alarms in homes throughout the city. These detectors were obtained through a grant with the MS State Fire Marshal’s office. While all detectors received through this grant have been installed, administrators are working to locate more and when they are available the department will notify city residents through the local newspaper and through social media. Our department saw a number of challenges and changes in 2020. After 24 years of service with our department, Deputy Chief Barry Lee retired on October 30th. Soon to
follow was Fire Chief Keith Brown. After 28 years of service, to include 18 years in the role of Fire Chief, Keith retired on Dec. 31. We wish Barry and Keith all the best as they move forward. They will be sorely missed. Pat Weaver, who held the position of Fire Marshal, was chosen to replace Keith Brown and now holds the position of Fire Chief. Battalion Chief Ronnie Reynolds moved from his position and is now the department’s Deputy Fire Chief. Training Officer Josh Abercrombie was moved to the position of Fire Marshal, and firefighter Anthony Lossett is now the department’s Training Officer. We are excited to see what the new year holds as the department moves forward with these knowledgeable and dedicated men as our new administration team.
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GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
Stennis Space Center
Picayune Main Street, Inc. Picayune Main Street, Inc., a 501©3 non-profit organization, is a Nationally Accredited program and a member of Mississippi Main Street Association comprised of Board of Directors, vital volunteers, and community organizers. We utilize the Main Street America’s Four Point Approach of Design, Promotion, Organization, and Economic Vitality to create annual work plans for historic downtown. It is the mission of Picayune Main Street, Inc. to drive, enhance, and encourage investment in Downtown Picayune through annual events, beautification projects. We focus our attention and resources in the heart of the city. Throughout the year, Picayune Main Street sponsors events in downtown to support a vibrant shopping/dining district, creating a place that attracts people and inspires them to enjoy events, arts, antiques, shop
& dine local. • Received $50,000.00 Grant for Downtown Revitalization Purpose • Awarded $10,500.00 Grants from Visit MS to promote Picayune MS. • Awarded $11,500.00 in Grants for 2021 Alley Projects • Received $ 1,000.00 Grant Downtown Beautification Grant from Wal-Mart • Distributed $61,000.0 in Grants for Downtown Beautification Projects • SBA PPP Loan $ 6,700.00 Grant/Loan Payment Protection Program • Secured Funding from a MS Heritage Area Program Grant • Outstanding Façade Improvement Project- Making Downtown More Lovable Campaign • Listed as 1 of 20 Premier Programs in the 2020 MS State Tour
Guide • Nominated 2nd Place Non-Profit/Civic Organization by Keep MS Beautiful Members Benefits • Volunteer and Business Members are invited to 2 General Membership Meetings & 2 Breakfast Event Planning Meetings • Eligible to apply for a Matching Façade Grant • Receive a special rate to participate in the Bi-Annual Street Festivals. • Included on the website and in Business Brochures. • Business Members Specials are shared on our Facebook page or via email when requested. We would like to invite you to join Picayune Main Street, Inc. Call 601-799-3070 for more information or visit our website www.picayunemainstreet.com.
A look back at a year as tumultuous as 2020 deserves an opening line befitting a great work of literature, perhaps the classic line – “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” There is plenty not to celebrate about 2020, but when it comes to Stennis Space Center, there also is a lot to mark down as memorable. Most notably, one marvels at the resilience and persistence of current Stennis employees in overcoming all circumstances to forge ahead with critical space exploration work. Early in 2020, NASA delivered the first Space Launch System core stage to Stennis for a series of groundbreaking green run tests on its integrated systems. In mid-March, though, activity at Stennis and many other places ground to a near halt
Picayune Police Department serving community Your State Accredited Picayune Police Department, in the interest of providing a safe environment for all, and to enhance the quality of life in this community, pledges to protect the life and property of the people of Picayune Our goal is to prevent crime, to preserve public peace, and to uphold the laws of the Constitution of the United States, the State of Mississippi, and the ordinances of the city of Picayune. The mission of the Picayune Police Department is to have a good relationship with the citizens of the city of Picayune through community policing and good relationships with community leaders. The Picayune Police Department provides the following services to our community; -Crime Stoppers -Reports for Criminal Activity -Loud Music Complaints -Investigations -Crime mapping -Patrol -Support Services
as the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. Stennis employees scrambled to convert to telework status. Soon, essential work in all key areas was transformed but ongoing. By mid-May, activity was resuming within the Stennis test complex as well, with new restrictions and practices in place to protect the employees. Most notably, at the B-2 test stand Stennis crews worked with other partner teams to resume green run test activities. Although the most active hurricane season in memory forced multiple stand downs in ensuing months, teams were quick to resume after the weather events. By early December, only two of eight green run tests remained, including a final hot fire of the core stage’s four RS-25 engines. Pending outcome of these final exercises, the
SLS core stage would head to Florida for the Artemis I test mission. At the same time, Stennis announced key changes in senior leadership with retirement of Deputy Director Randy Galloway and selection of new Deputy Director John Bailey and Associate Director Mary Byrd. In a year that threatened to disintegrate before one’s very eyes, then, the discipline, creativity, determination, and focus of Stennis employees not only kept critical work and activities on track but moving firmly forward. Perhaps Byrd expressed the mood best as center leaders and workforce stood poised to conduct final green run activities in the early weeks of 2021. “Mere words cannot express the excitement and energy,” she said. “Imagine – to be involved is to be making history!”
Poplarville Fire Department 2020
-Pro-Active Criminal Patrol -Citizens on Patrol -Animal Control Our vision for the future is a State and Nationally Accredited Police Department for which our citizens can be proud.
The year 2020 proved to be a challenging year for Poplarville Fire Department as it was for the rest of the world. Chief Jason Bannister (just 75 days into his role as Chief) along with his personnel encountered a nationwide pandemic in which no one was prepared or even knew how to deal with. To add to that, the Poplarville Fire Department was tasked with preparing for three named hurricanes. Even though the city of Poplarville did not take a direct hit from any of the storms, the department’s staff was prepared to respond. Poplarville Fire Department did acquire a used fire engine from the Pearl Fire Department in mid2020. The apparatus has and will be used as a reserve engine for the department. The fire engine came
equipped with hoses, tools, and extrication equipment. The city of Poplarville’s Fire Department strives to provide superior fire, rescue, and emergency medical services to the citizens and visitors of Poplarville’s 5.2 square miles that includes approximately 1,000 households, 5 early childhood learning facilities, 4 Poplarville School District campuses and the Pearl River Community College’s main Poplarville campus. The PFD is a progressive combination department that is made up of 18 career and 14 volunteer firefighters and the department has been dedicated to the service of our community for over 75 years. Our firefighters attend fire service classes and hone their skills by training every day. Our Main Street fire
station is home to our fire engines (Engine 2 and Engine 3) and our aerial apparatus (Ladder 1) and is staffed 24 hours a day, ready to respond to any emergency day or night. In addition to emergency response, we provide an array of other non-emergency services. Some of these include fire prevention education, smoke detector placement program, code enforcement, fire safety inspections, CPR/ first aid training, and many others. If you have any questions about the Poplarville Fire Department, would like to inquire about one of our non-emergency services, or would like information on how to join, please contact Fire Chief Jason Bannister at 601-795-2200.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 11
GOVERNMENT EDUCATION & SERVICES
Heritage Christian Academy in Picayune Heritage Christian Academy is an K-10th grade independent Christian school located in Picayune. Holding accreditations from MidSouth Association of Independent Schools and Advanced Ed., Heritage is equipped to meet our mission of glorifying God by providing a Christ-centered, academically rigorous, education where students become critical thinkers, defenders of the faith, and lovers of “whatever things are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely and commendable. (Ephesians 4:8). Our mission embraces the call to offer the highest academic standards and a consistent effort to instruct our students in character development based on the truth of God’s Word. Our faculty of certified teachers strive to meet each student and help them experience exceptional growth in all academic areas. Teachers participate in ongoing professional development to ensure that they are equipped to meet the needs of each student. Our state of the art facility offers a safe environment rich in technology tools where students are one to one with MacBooks or iPads to support learning and overflowing with a love for learning and for the learner. Registration for the 20212022 school year has begun. We are registering through 10th
grade for the next school year with plans of adding one grade level until we are a fully functional, highly competitive K-12 independent school dedicated to our Christian roots. If you are looking for an educational home for your child that aspires to the highest academic standards while teaching from a biblical worldview, come be part of the
Heritage family. When you visit HCA, you will see the difference. Come experience our campus and you will also encounter students that are happy, driven, and extremely loved. Give us a call at 601-215-6327 to set up a tour or visit our website at www. hcapicayune.com. Meet you in the near future.
Picayune Early Head Start
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www.barrettbraysoninsurance.com Page 12 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
Picayune School District (PSD) is the only school district in the state of Mississippi that provides services for children all over Pearl River County from birth to 12th grade, and has been doing so for almost 20 years. Picayune School District (PSD) Early Childhood Programs (ECP) has interwoven early care and education programs – including Early Head Start (EHS) and state-funded Pre-K programs – into a seamless, high-quality system that prepares children for school success. Services begin with our Early Head Start (Picayune & Nicholson sites) and EHS-Child Care Partnership (Annie’s Kindergarten & Daycare; PRCC Child Development Lab School) programs where 202 vulnerable children receive EHS services from birth until age 3. Spearheaded by Program Director, Dr. Pamela Thomas, Picayune School District has received over
$6,000,000 in federal, state, and local funding over the past year to support these programs. This funding has also provided over 500 jobs for qualified residents in the community. In the past, children who reached 3-years-old children leaving the EHS program would then have the opportunity to transition to the state-funded pre-k program until kindergarten, but slots were very limited; however, in July 2020, PSD ECP received funding to also provide Head Start services in Pearl River County. With two new schools, one in Picayune and one in Poplarville, PSD ECP now has the capacity to serve an additional 246 income-eligible 3 and 4-year-old children in the community. With EHS, EHS-CCP, Head Start, and Pre-K slots, we are now able to serve over 500 children throughout Pearl River County. The mission of the EHS, EHS-
CCP, and Head Start programs is to provide pregnant women (EHS) and children with educational, health, and early intervention services, family mental health services, family literacy support, parent education, parenting skills training, and links to community resources. Dr. Thomas is encouraged by federal, state, and local investments in high quality early childhood services and plans to continue to seek funding to provide high-quality opportunities for children and families in Pearl River County. According to Dr. Thomas, children who are enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program achieve more success at school. Investing in ECE helps promote economic growth while also helping to target the development of character and cognitive skills necessary for future success.
EDUCATION
Poplarville School District
Picayune School District’s Career and Technical Center The Picayune Career and Technical Center at Picayune Memorial High School is firing on all cylinders for the 2020-2021 school year. A tight knit staff of 14, the CATC is forging into the new decade with virtual, hands-on, and career and college ready students. The mission of the CATC is to create a learning culture that fine tunes student skills and talents to fill the gap in an ever changing workforce through communication, teamwork, and leadership. The motto “Learn Today. Earn Tomorrow,” resonates in the halls as students work with passion and endurance to earn certification in their chosen career cluster, scholarships, internships, and/or job offers. The CATC currently has a web page that can be accessed from the Picayune School District website. The webpage is currently listed under Picayune Memorial High School but the hope of the CATC is that there will be such a demand for the webpage and the information provided, that it will be one of the schools included in the “Schools” drop down tab. The web page has a plethora of information for students, parents, guardians or anyone interested in contributing to the advancement of student success within our city. Every program that is offered at the CATC is outlined in detail and can be cross referenced with the RCU (Research and Curriculum Unit) at Mississippi State University. Students have the opportunity to discover new career paths that they may never have dreamed were possible. The teaching staff is highly certified in each program of study and has award winning student organizations to match. Counselor and Student Services information is updated regularly so that students can do such things
Poplarville School District celebrates our heroes while training the heroes of the future As the Poplarville School District reflects on the past nine months, it recognizes all of the heroes within the school community. The heroes in our schools have made a difference by transforming education in the midst of a pandemic. Teachers became instant online instructors. School nurses continue to see a record number of students in their clinics in order to provide a healthy learning environment. Field operations staff become experts in environmental quality and maintenance schedules. Poplarville School District technology staff have not only kept our systems running, but they have helped acquire hundreds of new computing devices for the district’s students. Child nutrition workers have served meals when school was in and out of session, and the transportation department has kept our district moving by getting our students to and from school. Each employee in our school community is a hero. Future heroes are made “HERE.” The Poplarville School District recognizes the importance of preparing students for academic success and success in developing skills that guide them to a career path. Poplarville’s motto is HERE, where we focus on supporting our hometown, working toward excellence, respecting ourselves and others, and providing an engaging learning environment. With this in mind, we believe that
as explore every community college in the state of Mississippi, as well as every public and private college in the state. If a student clicks on one of the college icons, it will redirect them to the freshman experience or application process. The students also have access to tutorial videos or tips that they may find helpful while studying at home. The Counselor and Student Services Coordinator sections also provide quick tips and videos that students, parents/ guardians may watch on how to properly apply for Federal Student Aid and Mississippi Financial Aid. Coming soon on the webpage, will be resume writing and soft skills training for students to view at any time. The CATC is also pleased to announce that a Facebook page has recently been added. The function of the FB page is to update parents/guardians on student deadlines, up to date information about the center, as well as highlight student accolades such as National Technical Honor Society Induction and Student of the Month celebrations. It is evident that PMHS Career and Technical students truly enjoy training in their two year (or more) programs by creating lifelong friendships and by developing a connection with their teachers that can lead to future mentorships and job opportunities. The CATC is under the second year direction of Jill Smith, who is also the District Testing Coordinator. It is the director’s wish for anyone who is interested in more information or to become an advocate for career and technical education in our city, to please visit the webpage https://sites.google.com/ pcu.k12.ms.us/pmhscatc/home, or visit the “PMHS Career and Technical Center” Facebook page.
we are creating heroes for the future. The Poplarville School District has award-winning technical instruction at the Career Technical Education Center on the high school campus. Disciplines offered include Agriculture Sciences, Marketing, STEM classes, Digital and Graphic Design, Foods Services and Management, Teacher Academy and Allied Health. Each of these programs correlates with our staff’s training in preparing students to become our local heroes within the school community. Our CTE programs’ goal is to see how students can prepare themselves for and gain value in becoming the next generation of local heroes. Poplarville School District invites students to explore the programs offered at our Career Technical Education Center and con-
sider scheduling these programs as part of their path to graduation with PSD. Course scheduling will begin soon at Poplarville High School. CTE courses give students the foundation and the ability to gain and maintain employment skills for future jobs. Poplarville School District is proud of our school community, our students, and our families that make Poplarville School District an environment where current and future heroes can impact the greater Poplarville community. If our community members are interested in joining our team and searching for great opportunities to help mold the future, please visit www.poplarvilleschools.org to apply online. Poplarville Schools is always looking for the best and brightest in the educational and support services fields.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 13
FEATURE GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
MICHAEL MCCLANTOC By Jeremy Pittari
He may be new to the Poplarville area, but after only a short time just about everyone knows Poplarville Police officer Michael McClantoc. Since joining the Poplarville Police Department in Nov. 2019, he has been seen patrolling the streets, but what makes this officer stand out is his willingness to get out of his car so he can interact with the public. Police Chief Danny Collier said that just the other week, McClantoc heard about a local senior citizen who couldn’t get his mower to start due to a broken pull cord on his generator, which was the citizen’s only method of heating his home at the time. To ensure the man stayed warm, McClantoc brought him a new pull cord. Collier said the patrolman is also well known by the children in Poplarville due to his regular stops to hand out candy while on patrol. “He’s an excellent law enforcement officer,” Collier said. In his patrol vehicle is a box of toys that come in handy when a young child is dealing with a difficult situation, such as the arrest of a parent or house fire. At times, instead of patrolling the area in his vehicle, he will walk the streets, which gives him an opportunity to talk with business owners. “It’s easier to meet the community outside of a patrol car,” McClantoc said. This one-on-one interaction helps when he has to arrest someone for an offense. He said that some of the young adults he has had to arrest in the past still come up to him to chat. McClantoc said he puts a personal aspect into his interaction with the community so the children will see that officers are there to help. He brings 21 years of law enforcement experience to the Poplarville Police Department, having previously worked for agencies in Wiggins and Moss Point. He’s also a certified instructor, having worked for the police academy at Camp Shelby in the past. The decision to join the Poplarville Police Department was made after McClantoc and his wife visited the area. He has experience in training officers to use firearms and can teach civilians how to react to active shooter situations. “Teaching allows me the opportunity to interact with the community and put valuable information in their hands,” McClantoc said. McClantoc said he comes from a long line of law enforcement professionals, including his grandfather and father; his brother also has experience as an officer of the law. Policing during a pandemic hasn’t changed his job too much in the tight knit community of Poplraville, but McClantoc has noticed that he doesn’t get as much time to interact with the public due to social distancing. And while responding to calls, he and his fellow officers have to take extra precautions such as personal protective equipment and asking questions to determine if the risk of COVID-19 is present. Page 14 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
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FEATURE GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
MCWILLIAMS AND MCCORMICK By Cathy Cook
The pandemic has dramatically changed the day to day work for nursing home staff, said Wade McCormick, Assistant Director of Nursing at Picayune Rehabilitation and Nursing Home. “It’s touching when I wake up every morning and come to work to see my residents in good spirit when so much is going on. There’s been a lockdown and not being able to interact with their family,” said Iyannia McWilliams, CNA and CNA scheduler. Infection control guidelines from the state and the CDC change without notice and must be immediately followed. COVID prevention measures like social distancing and face masks are ubiquitous. Visitors are not allowed in the facility. “We’ve tried the best we could to let family members and residents be able to be together,” said McCormick. Families pay visits to their loved ones by standing outside the windows to their room or do so virtually. Staff have to use more personal protective equipment and follow isolation guidelines, increasing their workload. “But we’ve adapted,” said McCormick. McCormick has been at the facility for 13 years. He’s always had an interest in science and nursing. McWilliams has been there for almost three years. The death of her grandparents made her want to work at a nursing home. “It made me want to get into it. You never know who you can help,” she said. Along with taking precautions to prevent their residents from getting sick, nursing home staff are taking precautions
to protect their families from COVID. “There’s always a worry about it, but we have a job to do,” said McCormick. “We’re essential workers. We have to come take care of these patients. Our families understand that. We try to protect our families as best we can as well.” Both McCormick and McWilliams change out of their work clothes as soon as they get home. McWilliams said she is constantly buying Lysol wipes and teaching her kids about the importance of hand washing and wearing face masks. She makes sure they have hand sanitizer when they go to school. Working during a pandemic does add extra strain on staff and takes an emotional toll. “We love our residents. We’re in nursing for a reason: we care about them and we don’t ever want to see any of them pass away or be sick, so it definitely takes a toll on us,” said McCormick. The last year has also come with some uplifting moments when the community showed up for the residents. During the holidays, the nursing home had an angel tree that resulted in many people in the community bringing presents to the residents. Many have also participated in a pen pal program to connect residents with the world. Although the nursing home residents are unable to have normal visits with their family members, they are still maintaining good spirits and staff are trying to support them. “We are a part of their family and I just try to uplift them. If I can make them laugh or whatever, I try to do that for them. We pretty much, all of us are in this together,” said McWilliams.
Page 16 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
EDUCATION
The Pearl River County School District
The Pearl River County School District is the place to be. Currently the Pearl River County School District has an enrollment of 3,246 students in kindergarten through 12th grades. The Pearl River County School District, in partnership with families and community, is committed to providing a diverse, comprehensive and challenging education for all students. The Pearl River County School Board asked voters to support a school construction bond in the amount of $18.5 million in May of 2018 to construct new facilities and renovate older, failing facilities across the school district. The school construction bond was passed by the voters, and the Pearl River County School Board is two years into the construction process at this time. The new construction provided additional classrooms and improved surface drainage on the McNeill and Carriere campuses. Construction
is completed at the elementary school, where 29 new classrooms were added. The middle school’s new library building containing several new classrooms and the high school’s new math building were completed for students in time for this school year to begin. Construction of the new Multipurpose Building/ Auditorium on the Carriere campus is ongoing and expected to be completed by October 2021. Our school district received new Chromebooks for every student this year. These devices were purchased with funds provided by the Equity in Distance Learning Act, which assists school districts in providing students with technology needed to learn. School safety is a priority in the Pearl River County School District. This year the school district used funds provided by a school safety grant to add additional security cameras, install an access control door
locking system, and upgrade the district’s intercom system. To combat the spread of COVID-19, the district installed hand sanitizer dispensers in every classroom and restroom throughout the district, hired additional staff to clean restrooms, hallways, and lobbies more frequently, and implemented other measures such as temperature checks on buses as advised by the CDC and MS Department of Health to keep our students and staff safe. Pearl River County School District is AdvancED accredited with high performing schools, including an “A” rated PRC High School. Academic remediation and enrichment are provided to all students to enable growth and success. PRC graduates are college and/or career ready upon receiving a diploma from the Pearl River County School District. Our heroes are our Blue Devil faculty and staff who devote their lives to make a difference one child at a time.
Pearl River Community College According to fall 2020’s 10th day enrollment report published by the Mississippi Community College Board, Pearl River’s enrollment is 5,298 with 75,615 credit hours in fall 2020. Compared to fall of ’19, Pearl River’s credit hours have increased 3.8 percent giving the institution another semester of growth. “We have put emphasis on providing efficient, accessible and affordable higher education opportunities over the past several years,” Pearl River President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “Covid-19 presented unprecedented challenges and obstacles for all members of the PRCC family. The college’s continued growth, despite these challenges, is a testament to the overwhelming commitment of our faculty, staff and students. College enrollment has dropped significantly throughout the state and nation over the past few years. To have ongoing growth for nine consecutive semesters is unique and nothing short of remarkable. The Mississippi Community College Board’s enrollment report has provided a boost of confidence to remain focused on the continued expansion of facilities and programs.” EDUCATION ON YOUR TIME Recent changes at Pearl River have made starting the education journey as attainable as ever. With online, face-to-face and hybrid classes, as well as multiple start dates throughout the semester, pursuing the path to a degree has never been more convenient. Holding together the foundation of this convenience are PRCC employees who make students a priority. “Steady, consistent increases in
enrollment are the result of the people who embody PRCC—the instructors, the office workers, the physical plant employees, the alumni,” PRCC Senior Vice President of Instruction and Provost Dr. Martha Lou Smith said. “Fall 2020 was certainly full of the unexpected, but instructors and students have risen to meet the challenges. Whether it’s COVID-19 or a potential storm, class schedules have provided flexibility allowing students to continue accessing courses even when not on campuses.” Pearl River’s commitment to educate students on their time makes an education accessible to a wide range of students. Academic and Career and Technical degree plans open a variety of post-graduation career opportunities for both traditional and non-traditional Pearl River students. Whether you are looking to go back to school after a long hiatus, wanting to change career paths or are just starting your educational career, Pearl River has a schedule that fits those needs. ADAPTING TO COVID-19 Pearl River seamlessly adapted to the conditions set by COVID-19 by adjusting teaching methods, implementing safety measures and securing materials needed to keep the Wildcat community safe. Signs were hung at key points around campus that include QR codes to direct students and employees to instant access of COVID-19 protocols and updates. Buildings are routinely sanitized, 26 temperature kiosks were installed, desks were moved to account for social distancing guidelines and more than 5,000 face masks were purchased to provide students protection free of charge. Wellness self-check emails are also
sent to employees each morning before they arrive on campus. With instructors utilizing the HyFlex teaching method, students are given the option to learn in a traditional face-to-face setting or online in real time. The virtual technologies employed have opened doors beyond COVID-19 for students to choose where, how and when they want to learn like never before. By working out learning opportunities with each class, instructors are able to meet the needs of each individual student. WE ARE W1LDCATS Pearl River recently announced the institution’s theme for the 202021 year: “We Are Commun1ty. We Are Fam1ly. We Are W1ldcats.” These words represent a variety of experiences that are at the heart of what it means to be a Pearl River Wildcat. No matter the background or plans for the future, those at The River are invited, accepted and held to a standard in line with the “Wildcat Way” of living. “‘Together we stand, divided we fall’ is a great summation to the environment we share at PRCC,” Pearl River Assistant Vice President for Hancock Center Raymunda Barnes said. “Fall 2020 presented challenges to every educational institution across the country. However, the PRCC family faced the storm of COVID-19 and alternate teaching and learning platforms standing on the principles of ‘Pride, Respect, Class and Character’ together as one team. We are W1ldcats.” For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats) Instagram] (PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 17
GOVERNMENT CLUBS & SERVICES
ARC of Pearl River County The Arc of Pearl River County is a local 501c3 non-profit that strives to help improve the lives of people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We promote and protect the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and actively support their full inclusion and participation throughout their lifetimes. We offer services that maximize their quality of life, foster independence and create an atmosphere for socialization with peers and nonpeers. We do this by offering the following services: • Information & Referral • Funding Special Request • Mardi Gras/Valentine Dance • Luau Dance
• Fall Dance • IDD Awareness/Fun Day • Beau & Beauty Pageant • Fall Craft Day • Spring Bingo • Christmas Bingo For more information or to get
Pearl River County 4-H
help with your child transitioning into adulthood, please contact one of the following: Susette @ (228) 342-3095 or Lori @ (769) 9262419. We can also be reached @ thearcofpearlrivercounty@gmail.com or FB: thearcofpearlrivercounty.
Pearl River County 4-H is a youth organization that offers a variety of projects from livestock to robotics that enable youth ages 8-18 to develop life skills, such as leadership, decision making, teamwork, dedication, sportsmanship, responsibility and many others. Pearl River County has project clubs for horse, livestock, robotics and shooting sports and community clubs that cover several project areas throughout the year. A brand new photography club is kicking off this year for youth interested in learning their way around a camera and wanting to learn picture and video editing skills! The four essential elements of 4-H are Mastery, Generosity, Independence and Belonging. Through the Master Element, 4-H’ers master
Blueberry Jubilee Council
Pearl River County Historical Society
Memorial Library, known as “History ‘n Lunch; where programs of historical interest are presented. The public is cordially invited to attend.
Through these connections, young people can find and fulfill their life’s purpose. By teaching Independence through 4-H leadership opportunities, 4-H’ers grow in self-discipline and responsibility, learn to better understand themselves and think for themselves. Through a sense of Belonging, young people can develop long-
The 39’ers Club was founded in 1978. The purpose of the club is to provide a time and place for mature adults to meet for Christian fellowship. Most members are retired but this is not a requirement for membership. The group has an outreach program for supporting local missions as well as district and conference missions. The 39’ers regular monthly meeting is held at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month in the seniors room of the Pittman Family Life Center located across from the First United Methodist Church on North Haugh Avenue, Picayune. A field trip or local social activity is also offered most months to members. For more information contact the church office at 601-798-4321.
Animal Adoption Society Created in 1994, Animal Adoption Society is a non-profit 501(c)(3), no-kill animal rescue group, operating in both Louisiana and Mississippi, dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation by helping abused, abandoned and neglected animals. Each animal is placed in a foster home until they can be adopted into a loving home. Each animal receives necessary medical care including, but not limited to, spaying/neutering and vaccinations. AAS survives on donations and the help of volunteers and foster homes. The organization is also currently looking for volunteers. Contact members by phone at 601-403-9011, email at animaladoptionsociety@yahoo.com and through Facebook at facebook.com/animaladoptionsociety. The Founder and President of the organization Evelyn Agnelly died in August 2019. The group will continue to honor her legacy.
Left to Right: Juanita Gex, Marion Burgess, Jerry Stough, Val Livengood, Ed Pinero.
interest is shared by our newsletter and by email. Meetings are held the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Holland Hall of Crosby
Through meeting new challenges, young people can discover their capabilities. The Generosity element teaches 4-H’ers to connect with their communities and learn to give back to others.
term consistent relationships with adults other than their parents. They learn that others care about them, and they are connected to others. Through 4-H, young people can feel physically and emotionally safe in a group setting.
The 39’ers Club
The Blueberry Jubilee Council was founded in June of 1983 and is responsible for holding the annual Blueberry Jubilee in Poplarville, the county seat of Pearl River County and Blueberry Capital. The Council is a 501C3 non profit that typically holds the annual event on the second Saturday in June. However this year the event was put on hold due to concerns with COVID-19 The event, when held, is set throughout Downtown Poplarville featuring vendors and activities for the kids. Members provide grants to local organizations and police/fire departments. For more information, visit www.blueberryjubilee.org.
The Pearl River County Historical Society was founded in June 1978 to bring together those interested in history, especially the history of Pearl River County and surrounding areas of South Mississippi and Southeast Louisiana. The society discovers, collects and preserves materials which establish or illustrate the history of the area. Materials are stored and displayed in the Historical Society Museum, located on the third floor of Picayune’s old City Hall, which is open by appointment by calling Jerry Stough, Museum Director, at 601-590-3268. We solicit gifts of antiques, books on history of the area, and other items from “Grandma’s attic.” Information of historical
skills to make positive career and life choices. They are given a safe environment to make mistakes and get feedback.
From top left, Evelyn Agnelly, president; Suzette Tagasen-Murphy, legal counsel and Suzette Serio, vice-president. From bottom left, Betty Bond, treasurer and Angi Scurria, publicity. Board members not pictured are Sally Fussel, corresponding secretary; Mary Licausi, newsletter; Pat Vernor, member-at-large; Kim Deluca, secretary; Tony Deluca, member-at-large and Siri Colomy, member-at-large.
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Page 18 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
We are the Blue Knights® International L.E.M.C. Mississippi Chapter IX, your local Blue Knights Chapter, with members from several local Law Enforcement Agencies. Agencies represented in Chapter IX include; Picayune Police Department, Pearl River County Sheriff’s Office, Poplarville Police Department, Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, Pearl River County School District Police, Highland Community Hospital Police Department, Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol, Mississippi Department of Transportation Police, Mississippi Department of Corrections, United States Marines Law Enforcement Division and New York Dept. of Corrections. We currently have more than 20 active members working to
provide support to our local communities. Our organization is comprised of active and retired law enforcement officers and we strive to promote our organization as being a family fraternity. Spouses and children often accompany our members to the various rides and functions. Blue Knights does not have a
probationary period for members, or prospects, and women are equal in our organization not only as members, but also in leadership locally and internationally. Especially near to our hearts is helping children. The Blue Knights is a family fraternity. Among the Blue Knight members,“There are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met.”
CLUBS
Poplarville Storytellers Guild
PR County Community Band The Pearl River County Community Band was founded in October 2008 by former PMHS band director, Mr. Johnny Baker, who also served as director until his untimely passing in the spring of 2017. The band is under the current direction of Archie Rawls, retired Director of Bands at Pearl River Community College. The band performs several concerts and community events each year including the Salute to Veterans program each November. Our band consists of talented musicians from Pearl River County, Diamondhead, Ocean Springs, Slidell, Bogalusa, Purvis, Pearl River Community College, and local high schools. Membership is open and all experienced instrumentalists are
encouraged to participate. Our student membership continues to grow and we encourage all current high school and collegiate band students to join. Rehearsals are held at 7 p.m. every other Tuesday at The First United Methodist Church of Picayune. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Pearl River County Community Band contact Archie Rawls at 601-795-
2534 and please leave a message or by email at archierawls@att.net. Notices about the band can also be found on the Pearl River County Community Band Facebook page. The band has currently suspended rehearsals due to the COVID pandemic but we are in hopes that it will be deemed safe to begin meeting again in the spring of 2021. Look for updates on our Facebook page.
Daughters of the American Revolution The Picayune Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) was founded in 1966, has a membership of 43. Purposes of the DAR are to perpetuate the memory and spirit of the men and women who achieved American Independence; to promote development of an enlightened public opinion; and to foster patriotic citizenship. Special emphasis is placed on preserving historic sites and documents, awarding medals and certificates for citizenship, ROTC and history to students in Pearl River County; recognizing and honoring service men, women and veterans and protecting and supporting the Constitution, and honoring the US Flag. The group sponsors Constitution Week activities in Picayune and Poplarviille each September 17-23.
The Poplarville storytellers Guild is the oldest Storytelling group in the South we are Planning for Blueberry Jubilee now Second Saturday In June. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Bring a story or just listen. Listeners are Kings.
Pearl River County Arts League
The chapter meets quarterly in members’ homes and Crosby Memorial Library. Officers are: Juanita Gex, Ethel Mae Furr, Vienna Snodgrass, and Lorraine Harper.
Pearl River County Arts League has been part of the history of Pear River County since May 1972. Forty-eight years ago 20 local artists gathered together and formed the Pearl River County Arts League. Over the years, local artists have spent hours of their time working to help bring art culture to Picayune. Their art work is on display in various places and businesses around town bringing joy and inspiration to the residents of Picayune, especially the children our future artist. PRCAL is a club where artists gather to talk art, to watch demonstrations and to help one another, whether a beginner or professional. The artists are painters, pencil art artists, wood carvers, segmented wood artists, digital art artist, potters
and photographers. The meetings are held the first
Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at the Kay Cee building.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 19
FEATURE GOVERNMENT & SERVICES
AMANDA DILL, RN
case could have come from and determines who else might have been exposed. She also coordinated with the company For Amanda Dill, Pearl River County Nursing Home feels that came to vaccinate nursing home residents and staff. like home. Dill is an RN Infection Preventionist and started Preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the nursing home working as a nurse at the facility in 2006. She got her RN is a team effort, and staff members in every department have license in 2010. gone above and beyond to keep residents “We make jokes about growing up safe, said Dill. here,” said Dill. “I can remember coming “From every department throughout and visiting my great-grandma when she the facility, administration down, everywas a resident here.” body has pitched in,” she said. Dill became the infection preventionist One of the more joyful parts of workfor the nursing home just eight months ing in the nursing home is when the before the pandemic began. activities department holds a bingo “As a nurse, I never would have thought game. The games are very competitive, I would have been in a pandemic type said Dill. thing, it’s something we’re going to tell “It’s entertaining to hear them yell our kids and grandkids about when we’re ‘Bingo!’ down the hallway and someolder,” she said. body get upset because they didn’t yell The coronavirus is the most challengBingo first. Those are the little things ing part of Dill’s job. She spends a lot that cheer you up when you’re having a of her time swabbing residents to test for bad day,” she said. COVID-19. Residents come to their doorways, affectionately called “They’re so tired of their noses being swabbed.” their front porch, and play Bingo in the hallways. Residents are tested once “If they have somebody that can’t come out, a week and employees are they’ll bring them activities in their room.” tested twice per week. After months of being isolated, residents are “I have a lot of help ready to see their families. Due to COVID-19 from my coworkers that are guidelines, no visitors are allowed in Mississiptrained in how to do the pi nursing homes. swabbing, so they’ve tak“It can be tough because the residents miss en some of that off of me. their families, but we’re trying everything we Swabbing goes all day long. can to keep the families in touch with their We swab anybody from the residents.” hospices who come in.” Staff members facilitate virtual visits and If someone does test poslet family members know if the residents need itive, Dill tracks where that anything brought to them. Families also pay By Cathy Cook
visits to residents’ windows. The pandemic takes an emotional toll on staff too. “You have days that you just want to cry, but for the most part you have your team that you can lean on and everybody be there for each other.” One of the most heart-
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Page 20 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
CLUBS
breaking parts of the job is when a resident passes away. One resident who passed away recently gave Dill the nickname “booger.” His spouse still lives at the home and calls her by the affectionate moniker. COVID-19 cases can be especially challenging, because it is hard to predict who will grow seriously ill from the virus. “You may have somebody who’s really with it as far as health problems and then that may be the person who passes. So you never know, and that’s why I decided to take the vaccine, because I want to protect them and I want to protect my family.” To protect her son and husband from the virus, Dill also has a new routine when she comes home from work. She takes her shoes off before entering her house, goes immediately to the shower and makes sure her work clothes go straight in the washing machine. Despite the challenges, connecting with residents reminds Dill why she entered the medical field in the first place. “It is a calling. You have to want to do it, because sometimes your days can get very long and trying and you’re like ‘Why did I become a nurse?’ and then you remember, it’s because I wanted to help take care of people.”
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 21
Brother’s Keeper Ministries Brother’s Keeper Ministries was founded in August 2000; we celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2020. BKM is governed by a volunteer board and staffed entirely by volunteers. We have continued to serve our client households on a reduced schedule since March when COVID-19 restrictions affected some of our volunteers. We do not consider ourselves heroes but we are here to serve and our clients and donors realize how important our ministry is to Pearl River County residents in need of food assistance. The purpose of the service organization in Pearl River County is to provide supplemental food for qualifying clients; BKM also networks with other agencies, churches, individuals and organizations to provide other needs when they are available. During 2020 BKM provided food to 3,377 households consisting of 3,332 adults, 1,625 children and 1,974 seniors (a total of 6,931 people) and distributed more than 286,577 pounds of food. The board of directors meets as needed on the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m. at our location; 208 N. Main St., Poplarville. Meetings are open; visitors
should give us advance notice of their desire to attend a meeting. Susan Fuller, contact 601-795-3173, fax 601-7953190, e-mail: brotherskeeper01@att.net P O Box 57, Poplarville MS 39470 Since March 2020 (COVID-19) our hours of operation changed: we are open to serve on Tuesdays and Fridays each week from 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. We welcome monetary and food donations. We own our building and an Isuzu box van which helps us keep our overhead expenses low so we can use most of our money on food for our clients and normal operating expenses. Prospective clients are encouraged to call before coming in to apply for food assistance so they can be given our policies, restrictions and the information needed to complete an application. If they do not receive SNAP (food stamps) we need more household information in order to initiate the process at our Poplarville based facility, located at 208 N. Main St.
Colonial Dames XVII Century T Pearl River Chapter The of Colonia Dames XVII Century is a genealogical society requiring prospective members to trace one’s ancestry back to an American colonist in the 1600s. It is a part of the Mississippi and National Society, with a membership of 23. The group is dedicated to fostering patriotism, promoting the marking of ancestral graves and historical sites, and the preservation of documents and lineage of 17th century American Colonials. Scholarships are awarded to deserving students. The national membership is over 9,000. Officers of the Pearl River Chapter are Juanita Gex, President/ Treasurer; Kathleen Kemp, Vice President, Ethel Mae Furr, Chaplain; Cathy Funk, Secretary, and
Anne Anderson, Registrar. Meetings are held in the homes of members, with programs of historical or patriotic theme.
The Pearl River County Democratic Party Established in 1848, the Democratic Party is the oldest continuing party in the United States. Today we are millions of supporters strong, fighting for progress and helping elect Democrats across the country to state government, Congress, and the White House. There are several core beliefs that tie our party together: Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own—that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same rules. Our party is focused on building an economy that lifts up all Americans, not just those at the top. That’s why Democrats are working to make progress on issues like job creation, equal pay, education, healthcare, and clean energy. If you want to be a part of our movement, the Pearl River County Democrats meet the first Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the conference room of Bank Plus, 115 Williams St., Picayune. Follow us on our Facebook pages (Pearl River Democrats, Picayune Democrats and Young Democrats of Pearl River County), visit our website: prcdec.com or contact our Chair, Agnes Dalton at 601-746-6020 or email at rock-
man1935@aol.com. “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” –Elie Wiesel
Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library Friends of the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library was established in September of 1963 and was the first such group formed in Mississippi. Currently Crosby Friends boasts over 500 members. The purpose of Friends is to serve the library, providing volunteers, programs and fundraisers to help in this endeavor. Friends contribute manpower and funds for the Summer Reading Program and other children’s programs throughout the year. The Friends also raise funds for special projects like new lighting in Holland Hall, the library’s meeting room and remodeling the library restrooms. Friends have periodic sidewalk book sales on selected weekends as well as a continuing sale of paperbacks in the library foyer. Friends
have committed to bring live online Facebook programs to the public. Anyone can like the Friends Facebook page to stay up to date on current programs and events. Our Facebook page is “Friends of Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library & Cultural Center.”
The Board of The Friends of Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library meets monthly on the second Monday at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom at this time. Meetings are open to the public. To become a friend of the library, stop by the library to fill out a membership form.
Pearl River County Federation of Democratic Women
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Page 22 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
The National Federation of Democratic Women was established in 1971 as a means of supporting women’s voices within the Democratic Party. The NFDW, consisting of 37 chapters around the country, looks to expand to every state and protectorate. The objective of the organization is to unite Democratic women; promote the cause of the Party and to encourage full participation of women in every level of the Democratic Party structure. The Pearl River County chapter of the Federation of Democratic Women was established in January of 2013 and officially chartered in November of 2014. The goal of our chapter is to empower Democratic women to seek public office in Pearl River County, voter registration, identification/re-registration of disenfranchised voters, and “Get Out The Vote”(GOTV) promotion during general elections. The PRCFDW meets on the first Tuesday of each month following the Democratic Party meeting in the conference room of Bank Plus, 115 Williams St. in Picayune. Please join us as we continue to shatter those remaining glass ceilings! For more information, call President Ruthie Long at 985-788-1158 or visit the
Democratic Party website at prcdec.com
The Exchange Club of Picayune The Exchange Club of Picayune is a non-profit organization that has been providing services to the Picayune community since it was chartered in 2007. Under the motto, “Unity for Service,” the Club seeks a better quality of life for all people by promoting
child abuse prevention, youth programs, and Americanism as well as leading a variety of community service projects. The Exchange Club of Picayune is one of 700 clubs affiliated with the National Exchange Club. This year’s officers are Courtney
Knight, President; Barret Brayson, Immediate Past President, Jeremy Pittari, Vice President; Laci Lee, Secretary; Amanda Truglio, Treasurer. To learn more, or join the club, send an email to lacileepicayunechamber@gmail.com .
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The Gainesville Volunteers
The Gainesville Volunteers, Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Camp 373, Picayune, Pearl River County, MS, was founded in 1995. Club membership: 30. Officers of the Club and their titles include: Comdr. Russ Foster, 1st Lt.-Comdr. Alan Spence, 2nd Lt.-Comdr. Tom Wolfe, Treasurer Daryl Ladner, Chaplain Frank
Egger, Judge Advocate Charlie Schmitz, and Adjutant/Webmaster Jim Huffman. The SCV (founded 1896) serves as an historical, patriotic, non-sectarian, non-political, charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that the true history of the 1861-1865 period is preserved. We mark Southern Patriots’ graves, conduct Confederate Memorial
Services, provide living history/ school demonstrations, give historical lectures, participate in re-enactments, and help people identify their Confederate Patriot ancestors. We are affiliated with the 3rd MS Infantry, the Seven Stars Artillery, and Washington Artillery (4th Co.) re-enactor units. Membership is open to all persons of good will and character, and families and visitors are welcome. The club meets at 7 p.m., second Thursdays, at the Pearl River County Senior Center, 45 E.L. Patch Parkway, Picayune. For more information, please visit our website at www.gainesville-vols.org or like us on Facebook at “Gainesville Volunteers, SCV Camp 373.” Contact person: Adj. Jim Huffman, 601.916.1783 or huffman1234@ bellsouth.net.
The Garden Club of Picayune The Garden Club of Picayune has served the community for over 60 years. Its meetings held the second Thursday of each month (Sept. to May) feature experts in various fields of gardening. Club members enjoy field trips and horticultural exhibits to educate and encourage all levels of garden lovers. In December, club members decorate the Crosby Memorial Library Christmas tree with ornaments cre-
ated by the club. This year’s theme was “Symbols of Mississippi.” Club officers are the following: Carolyn Werner and Sandy Fulenwider, co-presidents; Jean Read and Judy Kuypers, co-vice presidents; Ann Hunt, treasurer; Cindy Condure, recording secretary; Patricia Geen, corresponding secretary; Grace Booth, historian; Ethel Mae Furr, parliamentarian. Dues are $20 annually. The Garden Club plans to resume in the fall.
Highland Community Hospital Volunteer Services The Volunteers at Highland Community Hospital are an important part of the Highland team. The volunteers are active in all areas of the hospital to help provide an exceptional patient experience with World Class service. Volunteers can be found throughout the hospital providing escorts, giving directions, passing out warm blankets, providing reading material or just a friendly smile and conversation. Volunteers at Highland can be seen offering their time and talents to the community on a regular basis every day of the week. During
2018 this group logged over 1,650 volunteer hours within the hospital. During typical years, the volunteers also host 2 Masquerade Jewelry Sales to provide funding for designated items within the hospital and associated physician’s clinics. With the funds raised from these sales, the volunteers were able to provide patient and staff educational materials, project items, comfort care items for pediatric patients as well as other various items for the hospital and physician’s clinics. Twice a year, each department and clinic is given an opportunity to submit a “Wish List” for items that will promote a world class patient experience. The volunteers vote on which wishes they will grant with the available funds. The
volunteers take great pride in being able to give back to the hospital and community and truly be able to make a difference in the lives of so many. Volunteers at Highland are not just those that physically donate their time within the hospital. Highland is blessed to have various organizations and groups that donate snacks, hygiene items, and comfort care items to volunteer services. There are lots of ways to be involved and a place for anyone looking to be involved with this group. For more information on volunteering at Highland, contact Hannah Bilbo, Volunteer Coordinator at hbilbo@highland.com or go online at www.forresthealth.org under volunteer services and fill out an application.
Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive The Hilda Hoffmann Memorial Archive, Inc. maintains a family heritage library and genealogy research center that serves Pearl River County and the surrounding region. The Archive includes a vast collection of family history books, vintage photographs, maps, census data, cemetery binders, obituaries, and reference books, as well as a small museum. If you or your family have a historical connection to Pearl River County, the Archive may contain information about your ancestors. Now, you can purchase a brick and add their names to the Family Heritage Walkway. The facility is located at 301 Williams Avenue, Picayune, Mississippi 39466 Hours are, Monday – Friday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 601-799-5671. facebook.com/HildaHoffmannArchive
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 23
GOVERNMENT CLUBS & SERVICES
Junior Auxiliary of Picayune Junior Auxiliary of Picayune is a charter member of the National Association of Junior Auxiliaries. Our Chapter began the mission of serving the underprivileged youth of Picayune in 1967 and, through the years, expanded our service area to include all of Pearl River County. Essentially, every woman who serves with a Junior Auxiliary Chapter has a desire to make a lasting difference in their communities by meeting the needs of its citizens, with special emphasis on children. Each Chapter develops and administers hands-on projects that embody the Association’s slogan of “Caring Hearts. Helping Hands. Changing Lives.” One of our favorite projects is our annual Foster Family Christmas Party. Each year, foster families receive a holiday meal, fellowship with others through games and activities, take pictures with
Santa, receive gifts, and leave with a holiday food basket. This year, we had to adapt to the new state regulations but we were able to successfully and safely serve our foster families.
Keep Picayune Beautiful The city of Picayune was recognized as an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful and Keep Mississippi Beautiful on October 24, 2018. Since that time Keep Picayune Beautiful has been very busy partnering in community cleanups and beautification projects with civic clubs, school clubs, ROTC at Picayune and Pearl River Central High Schools and the local Boy Scout Troop. Keep Picayune Beautiful was recognized at the Annual Keep America Beautiful Conference held in March of 2020 and also at the Annual Keep Mississippi and Keep Alabama Beautiful Conference held virtually this year in the fall. Keep Picayune Beautiful has won 11 awards in the past two years from Keep Mississippi Beautiful for the outstanding work being accom-
plished in Picayune. Keep Picayune Beautiful won one award for starting “TTT,” which is a cleanup project. Every Thursday at 2:00 p.m. for 20 minutes people are encouraged to go outside their business, office, school, or go to a street that has litter and clean up. It’s a small amount of effort that makes a big impact. The Great American Cleanup that was planned in the Spring of 2020 was unfortunately postponed due to the COVID-19. A smaller cleanup was held in November and was a great success. Over 100 people participated in the city and county picking up several tons of litter. Thanks to those for caring about your commu-
nity and wanting to make a difference. Anyone interested in participating in a cleanup or beautification project contact Keep Picayune Beautiful Director Christy Goss at City Hall 601-798-9079. No project is too big or too small. Students who need community service hours can contact us and we will assist. Projects can be done individually or in a group. By working together we can make a difference.
Picayune Kiwanis Club Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. Our members develop youth as leaders, build playgrounds and raise funds for pediatric research. We help shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged and care for the sick. Working together, members achieve what one person cannot accomplish alone. Kiwanis’ Service Leadership Programs provide service and leadership opportunities for young people and adults with disabilities around the world. The Picayune Kiwanis Club promotes and supports many local events and organizations to help our disadvantaged citizens, including the Special Olympics, Buddy Ball, Youth Fishing Tournament, Thanksgiving and Christmas food Baskets and Christmas gifts. Our Club also supports four PRCC Vo/ Tech scholarships annually and donate funds to our local schools.
The Picayune Kiwanis Club 2020/2021 officers and members are Tom Milar, president; Jonathan Trahan, vice-president; Kenny McDonald, secretary and Jason Pigott, treasurer. We meet Thursdays at noon at Southern Char for fun and fellowship and working toward our goal of meeting the essentials of our special needs citizens of Pearl River County.
Knights of Columbus At 137 years old, the Knights of Columbus is one of the worlds largest Catholic Fraternal Service Organizations. With just under two million members and 15,000 councils world wide, our Picayune council number 6872 has been a local supporter of church, community and organizations of Pearl River County. In our charitable endeavors, the Knights of Columbus have given over 5,000 combined Thanksgiving and Christmas Baskets to our neighbors in need. Our support reaches far and wide to ensure help is available for ARC, Sav-A-Life Pregnancy Support Service, The Senior Center of South Pearl River County and St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry just to name a few. Our help knows no boundaries as we support local veterans, offer yearly scholarships to our local schools and honor our police, firefighters and EMS with a Mass of Blessings for their safety and well being since 2002 called “Blue Mass.” Charity is the foremost principle of the Knights of Columbus demonstrated by Picayune Council 6872 and Councils world wide.
The Krewe of the Pearl
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The Krewe of the Pearl, Pearl River County’s only official carnival organization, began in 1999 as the Krewe of Roses and then was re-organized and renamed the Krewe of the Pearl in 2012. The Krewe was created to bring Mardi Gras tradition to Picayune. It is a family-oriented Krewe, and dues are $150 per couple or $100 per person. The krewe’s events include a crowning party, a ball and a parade on Goodyear Boulevard, with a picnic and concert following in Crosby Commons. The 2021 Krewe of the Pearl parade has been canceled due to the ongoing pandemic. Ray and Gina Rivero will remain king and queen until this fall, at which point there will be a crowning party in either September or October. In 2022 the krewe will have a big and special celebration that will include a ball and parade, and members are invited to join. For more information contact Debbie Craig at 601-5699921, or check out the Krewe of the Pearl Facebook page.
SERVICES:
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Ladies auxiliary of Knights of Columbus The Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Oscar Gelpi Council #6872 has been assisting the Knights of Columbus in Picayune for over 40 years. Our purpose is to support the Knights in their endeavors, assist the community in various activities, and provide financial and physical support for charities and activities that benefit others in the community such as the Blue Mass. Through activities such as our bi-annual dances, bake sales, and various other fundraisers, both with and alone from the Knights, our organization has been able to help support local food pantries, senior activities, veteran assistance, and hurricane relief, as well as handing out food baskets during Thanksgiving and Christmas time. The Ladies and Knights are getting ready to gear up for the season of Lent which includes fish fry on Friday’s at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church as well as bake sales. Other events that we have and will be working on include a Ladies Day of Prayer and a Dinner
Theater Evening event to help raise funds for various charitable organizations. We are always looking for new members and enjoy and appreciate as much or as little help as you can give us. So, if you are a Catholic woman, please consider joining our organization and share in our loving, kind, generous, and supportive group of ladies that help make our community a wonderful place to live in.
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Pearl River County Master Gardeners The Pearl River County Master Gardeners help extend the educational arm of Mississippi State University Extension Service to the public by providing horticultural information and conducting volunteer service projects based on university research and recommendations. The Master Gardener volunteer program is a great way to gain horticultural expertise at a low cost, meet other avid gardeners, share gardening experiences, connect to the community, and belong to a well-respected and educational organization. Through this program, individuals receive 40 hours of training and are certified in horticulture and related areas. In exchange for educational training, individuals are asked to volunteer 40 hours of their time to help the Extension office with horticulture projects and programs that benefit the local community. After the first year in the program Master Gardeners are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education and 20 hours of service to maintain their active status as a Master Gardener. Pearl River County Master Gardeners meet the first Friday of each month under the guidance of Dr. Eddie M. L. Smith, PRC Extension Agent/County Coordinator. For more information about becoming a Master Gardener, contact the Pearl River County Extension Service office at 601-403-2280.
Millbrook Golf and Country Club Millbrook Golf and Country Club is a challenging 18-hole golf course providing a pleasurable experience for golfers of all abilities on a layout of 6,548 yards. The course is conveniently located on the quiet city side of Picayune. Millbrook offers low daily green fees and a variety of affordable golf memberships. Services and amenities include a pro shop, snack bar, swimming pool, pavilion, driving range, practice green, and golf instruction. We host many club and private golf tournaments throughout the year as well as frequent dinner socials. The swimming pool is open from Labor Day through Memorial Day and offer weekly, monthly, or season memberships. The clubhouse and pool are avail-
able to rent for special events and parties. Millbrook’s governance consists of nine board of directors with a general manager overseeing daily operations. For more information or to schedule a tee time call 601-798-8711 or go to www.millbrookcountryclub.com.
NARFE (National Active Retired Federal Employees) NARFE ( National Active Retired Federal Employees) Mission is to support legislation and regulations beneficial to federal civilian employees and annuitants and potential annuitants under any federal civilian retirement system and to oppose those detrimental to their interests. Chapter 1600 meets at Ryan’s Restaurant the first Monday of the month at 12:00 Current members are: President: Millie C. Ducote Vice President: Mary Sharp Legislative Representative, and Treasurer: Russell Foster Secretary: Jenny Clement All federal employees and their guests are invited to attend.
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 25
GOVERNMENT CLUBS & SERVICES
Next Gen The purpose of this group is to provide a time and place for middle aged adults (25ish55ish) to meet for Christian fellowship. We meet for activities such as bowling, movies, game nights, or just gathering for a meal together. Our group is full of busy people on the go, so our gatherings are flexible. We coordinate meeting dates via a Facebook page. If you are interested in attending, contact the church office at 601-798-4321 or email- fumcpicayune@ gmail.com. Meetings are held at First United Methodist- 323 N. Haugh Ave., Picayune.
Pearl River County Republican Women The Pearl River County Republican Women is an active organization in the community and state for the Republican Party. Their primary purpose is to promote Republican Candidates and to assist them in their election efforts. Currently due to Covid meetings are being held via zoom as needed. Officers include: Bonnie Holland, President; Stacy Wilkes, Vice president; Ann Parker, Treasurer; Lori Cantrell Recording Secretary; Wendy Shaffette, Corresponding Secretary. For information on Front row L to R: Tammy Valente, Bonnie Holland (president), (recording secretary) Lori Cantrell and life member Pat Formby. Back row L to R: Leilani Herrin, Bea Stuart, Wendy Shafette (corresponding secretary), membership please contact Alana Campo, Ann Parker and Suzan Wilson. Not present for photo: Vernell Spence, Monica Coulon, Mary Bonnie Holland @holland_ Joy Joprd, Jackie Delaney, Anne Gendusa Smith, Lonna Surla, Irene Herring, Stacey Wilkes and Angela Hill. bonnie@yahoo.com.
Pearl Strings Dulcimer Group
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The GFWC-MFWC Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune
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The Appalachian dulcimer (or mountain dulcimer) is a fretted string instrument of the zither family, typically with three or four strings. Its origins are in the Appalachian region of the United States, but they are fashioned after European instruments. Dulcimers come in different shapes and sizes. They became popular in the United States in the 1950’s. The Pearl Strings Dulcimer Group was formed in 2008, with five ladies meeting weekly. We now have 16 members. Dulcimer festivals are held all over U.S.
Office
1301 South Haugh Avenue Picayune, MS 39466 By El Mariachi Page 26 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
The GFWC-MFWC Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune (CWC) was founded on January 9, 1959 and federated on February 13, 1959 as the local chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC), one of the oldest international women’s organization, dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. CWC currently has 25 members. Since its humble beginnings, CWC has won many national and state awards through the years, most recently winning Mississippi (MFWC) Club of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. Because of its outstanding reputation with the federation, the local club has three members currently serving on the MFWC State Board and one serving on the GFWC National Board.
CWC’s motto is “service in your community is the price you pay for the space you occupy.” A few annual projects include the Christmas Parade, the Christmas Pilgrimage, Youth Art Contest in local schools, the CWC Audeline Smith Scholarship for Picayune Memorial High School, the CWC Jane Anne Handley Scholarship for Pearl River Central High School, the Code of Ethics Award, donate items to Senior Center and SPCA, and loves to collaborate with other nonprofits, churches, businesses and government agencies to meet the needs of the community. CWC is a proud sponsor of the GFWC-MFWC Juniorette Diamonds to instill volunteerism, offer opportunities of service and leadership training for young ladies in 7th – 12 grades. In CWC fashion,
the Juniorette Diamonds have won Mississippi’s Juniorette Club of the Year in 2018, 2019 and 2020. They have also been recognized for two national awards. The 2020-2022 officers are: President Allison Meitzler, Vice President Darlene C. Adams, Dean of Chairmen Lorri Stockstill, Secretary Stephanie Morris, Treasurer Leslie Lincoln, Parliamentarian Debbie Benoit, Reporter Cynthia “Suzy” Dyle, Historian Sandy Shaw, Custodian Bonnie Sanders. Civic Woman’s Club is always looking for new members that are interested in active volunteer service. Contact them for more information through their Facebook group page – “Civic Woman’s Club of Picayune” or contact the Membership Chairman, Darlene C. Adams at 601-799-0157.
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Picayune On Stage Pearl River County’s community theater, Picayune-on-Stage, is a vibrant group of theater lovers and performers who present three to four productions a year for the community. These productions include an annual children’s and teen’s show in June. Our shows are presented at the Roseland Park Elementary school’s Multi-Purpose Center or as dinner theaters at the Hide-AWay Lake Lodge. Our Gladys Hughes Rehearsal Studio on South Virginia Avenue is where the “magic” is prepared in way of rehearsals, scenery construction, painting and props making. Picayune-on-Stage typically works on productions for the spring, which are presented in March.
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Serving Pearl River County Since 1972 Community theater is a great way to be creative, have fun and meet new people. Anyone interested in auditioning for our next show, or who would like to work backstage, please call our board of directors’ president, Donna Aguilard at 601-347-6883.
AUTO • MOTORCYCLE/ATV • BOAT • COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Picayune Piecemakers Quilt Guild The Picayune Piecemakers Quilt Guild was formed in 1984 to bring quilters together for fun, fellowship and to organize charitable projects for the community. These projects include blankets for children, dog beds for the SPCA and fidget quilts for the elderly. They currently have a membership of 45. Currently the monthly meetings are suspended but members can participate in sew-along activities via Internet or email. If interested in joining the guild, contact Mae Foster at 601-798-0326.
Robert L. “Lamont” Carr Joshua L. Carr
P.O. Box 428 601-G Hwy 11 N Picayune, MS 39466
601-798-7472 (ofc) 601-798-8678 (fax) carr9334@bellsouth.net
Picayune Writers Group The idea to celebrate local writers began with the formation of The Picayune Writers Group in 2002, which was officially established in 2005 as a non-profit organization endeavoring to promote, support, encourage, and educate those engaged and interested in the art of writing. PWG members, who range from young adults to advanced seniors, meet at 6 p.m. every Tuesday (except the first Tuesday of the month) in the St. Barnabas’ Anglican Church Parish Hall at 213 Norwood St., just south of Goodyear Boulevard, where we explore opportunities for conferences, publishing, book signings, and other writing-related activities as well as share our writing. We are from all over and pursue a variety of writing outlets as novelists, poets, playwrights, journalists, inspirational writers, children’s writers, memoirists, feature writers, short story writers, and bloggers. Some members have never been published. Others have had their work appear in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Southern Senior, Parents & Kids, Home Town Hawker, Modern Haiku, Frogpond Journal, The Herron’s Nest, The Tennessee Valley Bugle, Ribbons,
The Archive Newsletter, The Westbank Beacon, The Picayune Item, The Poplarville Democrat, and Country Roads Magazine. Some have published books; some have self-published books, and short stories via CreateSpace, Kindle, or Audible. Members’ published works can be found locally at Barze’ Place Antique Mall in Picayune; Southern Bound Book Shop in Biloxi; Sandy’s Business Center in Poplarville, and Main Street Books in Hattiesburg. Many can also be found online via Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and/or Kindle. The Picayune Writers Group will hold its 13th Annual Writers Symposium the last Saturday in September. In 2020, we met virtually online, but in 2021 we hope to be back face-to-face at the Crosby Library on Goodyear Boulevard. The Symposium is free and open to the public. It includes lunch, door prize drawings, and a Parade of Gifts Fundraiser. All interested writers and want-to-be writers are welcome visit at any time. For more information, please contact us at picayunewritersgroup@gmail. com.
At Penley Family Dentistry, we believe our patients should be treated with care and concern. Along with creating beautiful smiles for the entire family, we offer these unique services:
Pineywoods Cloggers The Pineywoods Cloggers was founded in 1983 and has 12 members. It is a family oriented club with members of all ages. Instructors are Maria Diamond and Barb Clabaugh. The purpose of the organization is to teach beginning and advanced clogging for fun and fitness and to provide entertainment at festivals, fairs, benefits, etc. The cloggers have performed at the Picayune Street Fair, Celebration in the Oaks in New Orleans, the Mississippi State Capitol, the 1984 World’s Fair, and the Sugar Bowl. In June 2018, the club celebrated it’s 35th anniversary and is still going strong. We will be offering beginner classes in the fall. Pineywoods Cloggers meet Tuesdays at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center at the First Unit-
Adrienne Varnado Penley, DMD The first step toward a beautiful, healthy smile is to schedule an appointment.
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CALL TODAY 601-749-9330 ed Methodist Church, 323 North Haugh. Visitors are always welcome.
For information on the club, or to arrange for a free exhibition, please call Maria at 601-347-3667.
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 27
GOVERNMENT CLUBS & SERVICES
KEVIN BRIGGS, FIREFIGHTER
By Jonathan Mitchell
Kevin Briggs knew he wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure what path to choose. Originally thinking of joining the military, Briggs eventually pursued a different route that still allows him to serve, firefighting. Now Briggs works with the Picayune Fire Department and for the past 13 years has served his community. “(My grandpa) had cancer at the time and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with him, so I decided not to go (into the Marines) and that’s when I found something else where I could serve my community instead of my country. That’s why I joined,” Briggs said. While fighting fires Briggs and his coworkers have also had to deal with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has altered a lot of procedures for the firefighters. Calls are now screened to see if patients have any COVID like symptoms, crews initially only send one person into a residence to assess the situation in order to limit exposure and the equipment and vehicle must be sanitized constantly. However, it’s the changes made to personal interactions that’s most affected Briggs’ relationship with his coworkers. “Usually we’d get together as a shift at one station where we’d eat together or work out together at one time. Now they’ve limited our interactions with other stations. We’re not allowed to go to other stations and mingle with other coworkers, so that if one person gets affected here we’re not sending it to another station and then it affects all three crews. We’re just trying to limit the spread if anybody were
to get infected,” Briggs said. The loss of socialization doesn’t necessarily make the job itself harder. However, the firefighters use those hours to build trust with one another so that if an emergency situation arises everyone is comfortable working together in that type of environment. Now that the interactions between stations are limited, that trust has to be inherent, instead of built over time. “It’s in the back of your mind when it comes to those things, but ultimately you have to put faith in the good Lord that He’s got you no matter what. It’s just one of those things where you just keep moving forward,” Briggs said. The pandemic has not only affected the way Briggs interacts with his coworkers, but his family as well. Briggs’ grandparents live in Houma, Louisiana and the firefighter would often bring his wife and two children to visit. However, the pandemic has changed all that. “I have two young kids and another on the way, and I know they want to see my wife and great grandchildren growing up. We just can’t make that happen so we use Facetime to let them have that interaction, but it’s still ultimately not what they want. They want to have that one on one time,” Briggs said. Like so many others across the country, Briggs is making sacrifices in order to keep his community safe. He and his coworkers still go about their job every day, and still hold community events in order to keep in touch with the people they’re protecting. “They still need to know what they need to do,
Page 28 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
FEATURE
who they need to call, how we’ll look, what we’ll sound like coming in to get them. We still have to reach out to these kids and reach out to the community and let them know we’re still out here for them no matter what,” Briggs said. The arrival of a vaccine has provided a glimmer of hope that society will slowly but surely return some sense of normalcy. Once it does, Briggs intends on making the most of his familial relationships. “I’m going to be bringing my kids to see my grandparents. They were my world when I was growing up and I know for my little ones they’re their world too. That Facetime call, it brightens their day, but it doesn’t do it justice. We want to get them those interactions before it’s too late,” Briggs said.
Pistols ‘N’ Petticoats
Picayune had its own square dance club for the past 30 years. We meet every Thursday night at The First Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall, 323 N. Haugh Avenue. We invite everyone, you ask yourself what do I need to square dance, well if you have two left feet, no rhythm, bad knees and you don’t know how to dance, that is the only requirement that we ask.
It’s a wholesome, inexpensive activity providing everyone with a mutual, healthy interest and lifelong friendships. It is friendship set to music, and the exercise, laughter and fellowship develops healthy, happy bodies. For more information: Harold Markham @ 504-810-8952 or Jeanette Laviolette 504-247-4235.
The Poplarville Historical Preservation Society The Poplarville Historical Preservation Society was organized in 2012 by a number of citizens who wanted to preserve the history of Poplarville. Their goal was to educate future generations of what Poplarville used to be in the past as well as preserving the present and future. Their first project was to open a museum. With the help of the city and many interested citizens this project was accomplished on Memorial Day 2014, with the opening of a Military Exhibit featuring the areas military heroes. Their second project was to identify homes of historical interest and designate them with attractive informational markers for a driving tour that visitors could do at any time. At present, there are fifteen homes on the tour with an ongoing project to add more homes as the
owners complete research on their homes. Meetings are currently suspended, but will resume at a later date and will meet the third Thursday of each month at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship
Hall at 4:30 p.m. The meetings feature guest speakers and field trips. Anyone interested in attending the meetings is welcome. For additional information contact Joan Bassett, president, at 601-795-8736.
Pearl River County Board of Realtors Our members are now 149 strong, both REALTOR® and Affiliate together; brokers, agents, appraisers, home inspectors and lenders and other professionals. REALTORS® are not just state licensed real estate agents, they are also members of the National Association of REALTORS® and as such are pledged to uphold one of our nation’s oldest Codes of Ethics. Our members live in and love our community. We are teachers, coaches, nurses, engineers, members of the armed services, Sunday School teachers – we are your neighbors and friends. We are also members of the PTA, the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, the Lions, Exchange Clubs,
and Animal Rights Advocates as well as volunteers at your polling places and hospitals. Whether you are buying or selling, whether your interest lies in home, land or commercial and industrial, reach out to a REAL-
TOR® in your community, your neighborhood or your church. For more information go to our website at www.prcmls.com, call us at 601749-0650, or come by our office at 104 Kirkwood Street, Suite B in Picayune.
Pearl River County Genealogy Club The Genealogy Club’s first meeting took place in January 2000 under the direction of Josephine Megehee. The Club helps its members and the general public conduct research into their ancestry and provides resources to the Crosby Library’s Family History collection each year. The Club holds an annual “I Dream of Genealogy Day” to introduce itself to a wider audience and to increase its membership. The Club currently has 16 members, led by our officers Mike Fitzwilliam (president), Sally Edwards (vice-president), and Jackie Stich (treasurer). The Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Family History Room of the Library. Annual dues are $15 for individuals and $25 for families. If you want to join or are interested in researching your family’s history, contact Mike Fitzwilliam at 601-749-4989. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions on meetings at the Crosby Library, the Club has not met since February 2020. Once conditions for public gatherings improve, the Club will notify news outlets of its updated schedule for meetings.
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 29 T
Republican Executive Board for PRC
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The Republican Executive Board for Pearl River County is an extension of The Republican Party State Executive Board for Mississippi. The Primary purpose of the executive board is to promote Republican Candidates and aid in their election. The Republican board oversees fundraising events for the Republican Party, hosts political officials at events to disseminate information in regards to the Republican Party. The Republican Party in conjunction with the Republican Women establish and conduct a Republican Headquarters every quadrennial period for the support and campaigning of federal, state and local Republican candidates. The board is elected at a quadrennial county convention and represent the different districts in Pearl River County. The Board vets all Republican candidates that have placed their application and submitted their fee to qualify to run for a county election. We collaborate with the county election commissioners to conduct Republican primaries. Officers- Chairman- Mike Tyson; Vice ChairmanChuck Pharr; Secretary- Ann Parker; Treasurer- Vernell Spence.
Front Row L to R: Bea Stuart, Bonnie Holland, Suzan Wilson, Ann Parker. Back Row L to R: Charles Pharr, Mike Tyson, Cutis Olive, Cecil Watkins. Not present for photo: Angela Hill, Monica Foulon, John Pigott, Stacey Wilkes, Charles Schmitz, John Branum and Vernell Spence.
The Retired Education Personnel of Pearl River County For any Clean-Up Project
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t w m w The Retired Education Personnel of Pearl River County, founded in 1971 is part of the Retired Education Personnel of Mississippi. The organization’s purpose is to help retired teachers of this county and other education professional retirees to maintain an identity with the teaching profession and to further the cause of education. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. in the public library’s Holland Room.
The local chapter also promotes fellowship among retirees, and to help advance the retired educators’ interests and welfare to legislators. Pictured from left to right are: Gladys Vaughn, Committee Chair, Ozzie Turner, Committee Chair, Deborah Craig, President, Connie Sable, Vice President, and Ann Spiers, Editor of handbook. The first meeting of the year is typically held in early February.
The Rotary Club of Picayune Rotary’s Mission Statement: Rotary is an organization of business and professional persons, united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and build goodwill and peace in the world. Our 2020-21 officers are seated on the front row, left to right: Debra Sharff, Secretary; Mark Faucett, Treasurer; Larry Barrios, President; Brandon Rhodes, President-Elect; Houston Costolo, Sergeant-atArms. Some of the community events that the Rotary Club of Picayune has supported are: Four scholarships awarded annually to Pearl River Central and Picayune High School seniors; Special Education Fishing Rodeo; Little Free Library;
WE HAVE THE MACHINE YOU NEED FOR THE JOB! WE SERVICE EVERYTHING WE SELL.
OPEN SIX DAYS A WEEK Hours: Mon.-Sat 7-5 Hwy 11 N. • Picayune, Ms
601-798-8611
Page 30 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
“Love Your Selfie” Young Women’s Seminar; Annual Golf Tournament; Christmas Food Baskets to the needy; and dictionaries to all third graders in Picayune and PRC schools. The Rotary Club of Picayune meets each Tuesday at noon, at
The Senior Center of South Pearl River County, 45 El Patch Parkway, Picayune. Our club was founded in 1925 and we currently have 48 members. For more information visit the website at picayunerotary. com/ or contact Debbra Sharff at 601-798-4316.
The Rotary Club of Poplarville The Rotary Club of Poplarville was established in 1926. The Rotary Club of Poplarville is a service organization which supports community and educational organizations. “Service Above Self”, is the motto for the Rotary Organization. The Club sponsors and supports community activities such as the Blueberry Jubilee 5K and Fun run, Paint the Town Pink, Scholarships for Pearl River Community College, Read Across America, Brothers Keepers, No Shave November, Excel By 5, Poplarville Reads, The Poplarville Family Clinic Children’s Vaccine Fair, Poplarville Eye Clinic Eye Vouchers for children, Teeball Team, The Market, City Square Park, Thanksgiving Baskets, Veteran Projects, Mental Health Activities, and Rotary Park Rotary Club of Poplarville 2020-2021 Officers and Board Members on the campus of Pearl River Community President Dalton Spiers, Past President Carolyn Tedford, President Elect Linda College. The Rotary Club of Poplarville is very appreciative of the support it receives Hawkins, Secretary Karla Smith Lee, Treasurer Jennifer Seal, Historian John Grant, from the community regarding club activi- Sargent at Arms Ernie Lovelle, Member at Large Tara Rouse, Member at Large Kari Eve Valence. ties, programs and projects.
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Royal Writers Royal Writers, a creative inspirational writing group, meets once a week on Mondays at 6 pm at the Resurrection Life Ministry cafe’ on Memorial Blvd. Under the direction of Doug and Grace Booth, experienced and beginner writers meet for instruction, inspiration, and information on the basics of grammar, writing, and publishing. Time for sharing is always on the schedule as well as refreshments and a brief lesson presented by Grace, a retired teacher and author of over 60 published articles. Royal Writers has published a compilation of stories and poetry from eighteen class members, titled “Maps of the Heart”. Those interested should contact Doug and Grace Booth at 601-799-3248. Meetings will be held via Zoom, same day and time for the spring semester.
TOPS # MS 0298 Picayune Chapter TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is an organization designed to help members do just that, Take Off Pounds Sensibly. Each member has one common problem, being overweight. The desire of our chapter is to help anyone with a problem to lose weight and then to be able to maintain that goal weight. Together, as a group, much can be accomplished and we want to help you reach your goal. KOPS (Keep Off Pounds Sensibly) is represented by members that have successfulreached and maintain their weight goal. Everyone is welcome at our weekly meeting on Thursday Officers from left to right are: Leader, Sue Amacker; Co-Leader, Pam Jackson; Treasurer, mornings at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Family Life Lois Dossett; Weight Recorder, Kim Whitfield; Assistant Weight Recorder, Cyndi Gomez; Center, 323 N. Haugh Avenue in Secretary, Mary Counts (not pictured). Picayune. Come join the fellow- more information on TOPS club See you next Thursday! ship or call (601) 590-0611 for 0298 in Picayune.
Young Democrats of Pearl River County The Young Democrats of Mississippi were re-chartered on April 5, 2014. YDMS mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influence the ideals of the Democratic Party, and develop the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local, state, and national levels. The Young Democrats of Mississippi are committed to a Democratic future for our state. We are students, teachers, business owners, elected officials and more, working toward core Democratic values to improve the quality of life in our state. We know that when more people vote, more Democrats win. It’s critical for each Democrat to say “Yes, I will vote.” It’s even more critical to follow through and cast their ballot. Young Democrats of Pearl River County meet with the county Party on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the conference room of Bank Plus, 115 Williams St in Picayune. Follow the Young Democrats on Facebook at Young Democrats of Pearl River County or on our website at prcdec.com.
All Young Democrats in Pearl River County under the age of 36 are welcome.
PROUD TO PRINT 2021 PROGRESS
RELIGION
Emmanuel Baptist Church
12 Shorty Burgess Road • Behind Nicholson Elementary School P.O. Box 159 • Nicholson MS 39463 Randall Childs, Pastor • 601-569-1155 or 601-347-1300 Pastor Randall Childs and EBC welcomes all to worship services: Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His.”
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 31
GOVERNMENT RELIGION & SERVICES
ROB WILLIAMS, CORY MATAYA, PRC SHERIFF’S OFFICE
By Jonathan Mitchell
Law enforcement officers put themselves in danger every day given the very nature of their job, and that danger now includes the COVID-19 virus. The Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department has been working hard to keep its staff and county inmates safe during this unprecedented time, and the responsibility of finding the equipment to keep everyone safe falls on Captain Rob Williams who’s in charge of logistics for the department. Officers are constantly out in the community interacting with locals, both in social outreach events and in emergency situations. It’s up to Williams to make sure those agents have the equipment they need, which has become harder during the pandemic. “It has really slowed down getting stuff here that allows us to continue to do our job. Now we still have (the needed equipment), we’ve been blessed with a sheriff that believes in training and keeping the training cycle going. We keep enough stuff here so we’re not lacking, but we run low just before it restocks,” Williams said. Supply lines have been disrupted and products now take longer to come in, but Williams has done his part to ensure all of his officers are adequately equipped. However, even with all the right tools in place, the department hasn’t been spared from the virus. Williams said there’s a near constant rotation of officers who are available then unavailable, which is what makes his ability to wear multiple hats any given day even more important. “We’re around folks all day long and we’ve had several deputies catch COVID and been out sick. Then you have other guys working twice the shifts and getting twice the exposure. Then one of them will get sick and another guy will come back, so it’s just like a chessboard (with all the moving pieces),” Williams said. The pandemic has also affected the prison. Captain Cory Mataya, warden of the facility, has seen daily protocols and procedures change since the first cases began appearing in the county. However, Mataya credits his officers and staff for the way the jail has been able to limit issues regarding the virus and it’s potential to infect both inmates and officers alike. The danger of exposure is always there, but Mataya and his crew’s dedication to service keeps things going smoothly. “This is ground zero. If it wasn’t for (my officers) you couldn’t run this show. It’s challenging, but at the end of the day we know what we have to do and we’ll do the best we can with what we have. Every day you wake up it’s a gift, and we’re in the position we are to serve the community and that’s what we’re going to do,” Mataya said. Mataya, like other officers, has changed his after work routines because of the pandemic. Whereas socialization and travel was possible pre-COVID, now Mataya makes sure to limit outside interactions in order to lessen the possibility of exposing someone to the virus. “Once you leave work and go home you’re in that bubble and you enjoy home a little more, but you definitely miss the interaction with people. Concerts, going out, you miss that. That social life. We’re human. We’re meant to talk to people and mingle,” Mataya said. Williams, similar to his colleague Mataya, has a desire to help and serve his community in any way possible. It means adapting to new norms, being extra cautious when in public and making sacrifices when it comes to family interaction. However, at the end of the day, both men are intent on protecting Pearl River County any way they can, and that desire to serve means putting themselves on the front line when dealing with this pandemic. “I moved here in 1985 from Florida when I was 13. This is where my high school friends, my roots and everything were set in. This is home and it has been for a long time. That’s the only way I can explain it. This is home and we’re going to take care of each other,” Williams said.
Page 32 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
THERESA MILAR, PICAYUNE PD
RELIGION
By Jeremy Pittari
For decades, Capt. Theresa Milar has made the lives of numerous people better, not just as an officer with the Picayune Police Department, but also as a volunteer. She started her career in law enforcement in 1985 as a dispatcher. After a brief hiatus until 1995, she returned to take over the responsibility of community relations where she educated the public about proper bicycle safety and helmet use and child car seat installation in automobiles. She’s also been known to go out in the community and gather fingerprints of children. In 1999, she took over the responsibility of evidence, a job she holds to this day. When she’s not keeping tabs of the evidence collected by officers and investigators, she’s busy volunteering for Buddy Ball, and Toys for Tots. Each summer she takes the lead on organizing the Picayune Police Department’s summer camp where the challenge is finding interesting and educational things for the children to enjoy. In a normal year, parents would meet her as she coordinates the annual Picayune Police Department Summer Camp. It’s a free camp for any family who is lucky enough to get a spot for their child. Not only does it give the children something fun to do for a week out of the summer, but also exposes them to the real life people who protect and serve the Picayune community. Milar is also the coordinator for the local chapter of Toys for Tots, a community effort to ensure Pearl River County children have toys under the Christmas Tree. Other than Toys for Tots, the rest of her volunteer efforts were put on hold last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Buddy Ball, a softball/baselball league for children and adults with disabilities, and the associated festivities were canceled last year for the same reason. And with so many regulations to abide by, the summer camp was canceled as well. To ensure Toys for Tots could continue, Milar and her fellow volunteers had to implement a number of new protocols, such as giving each family a set time to come and pick out toys. Regular sanitizing of the waiting room, where chairs were spread out to promote social distancing, was also practiced after each group headed home. After wiping down all surfaces, a new group of 30 facemask-wearing parents was allowed to enter the waiting room. The demand for toys jumped this year. Milar said that last year 904 families received assistance from Toys for Tots. This year that number jumped to 1,289, the most since the program became official in 1999-2000. If a family was dealing with a situation where one of the members had COVID-19, she would let them sign up over the phone, a process that historically required in-person interaction. Since the time slot policy of setting up appointments to pick out toys seemed successful this year, Milar said she intends to continue it indefinitely. One aspect of her job was impacted due to the pandemic, bringing crime evidence to the state’s crime lab. Due to precautions put in place, Milar said she had to employ touchless drop offs of the evidence since she was unable to enter the lab. It may seem that Milar had some extra time on her hands with two of her normal volunteer efforts put on hold, but she put that time to use after the manager of a local apartment complex for senior citizens asked for help. Milar said she used that time to deliver meals to the residents of Windsor Court. With some help from her sister, Milar began cooking and packaging hot meals for those 12 residents weekly. When a milk company decided to hand out free milk to the community, Milar took it upon herself to procure enough for those 12 residents as well. And she did all of this while caring for her mother who was put on hospice last year. Milar is also a member of the local Junior Auxiliary, who held a canned food drive to ensure foster families had enough food for Christmas. Normally the club cooks a meal and holds a party for those families, but pandemic protocols forced the group to take a different approach and simply provide them with a hot meal to go along with a batch of presents that they could pick up via drive-thru.
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 33
GOVERNMENT RELIGION & SERVICES
First Baptist Church of Nicholson 3354 Jackson Landing Rd. • Picayune, MS • Rev. Tyler Vick pastor, 601-479-0982 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 74 • Nicholson, MS 39463
First Presbyterian Church of Picayune, PCA 401 Fifth Avenue • Picayune, MS, 39466 Christopher O’Brien, Pastor • 601-798-6189 www.facebook.com/FirstPresbyterianPicayune
The mission of First Presbyterian Church of Picayune is to glorify and enjoy God by equipping and enabling Christians to work together to fulfill the Great Commission by making disciples of all nations. Sunday Worship Services 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Prayer Meeting Thursday 6:00 p.m. We were founded in 1921
Service times are as follows: Sunday: Sunday School – 9:45 a.m. • Worship Services – 10:45 a.m. Wednesday: Prayer Meeting – 6:00 p.m. • Irma Friesa -- Secretary • No evening services available at this time
First Baptist Poplarville
203 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 191• Poplarville, MS 39470 601-795-4531• www.firstbaptistpoplarville.church First Baptist Poplarville welcomes you to worship with us. Services are at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Sunday and Small Group Bible study for all ages begins at 10 a.m. We also have a full program for children and students on Wednesday evenings. First Baptist is located in downtown Poplarville across the street from the Pearl River County Courthouse and Post Office.
Goodyear Baptist Church
2710 Hwy. 43 S • Picayune, MS 39466 • 601-798-6193 Pastor: Jeremy C. Williams, PhD • Worship Leader: Cassie Garrett Youth Minister: Daniel Mosely • Church Secretary: Donna Wise www.goodyearbaptist.com Goodyear Baptist Church has a lengthy history in the greater Picayune area, but GBC has an even brighter future as it continues to minister to the city and surrounding areas. We offer numerous ministries throughout the week. We have started an Upward Soccer ministry for the fall months, and we also host Christian Do Karate (an organization that teaches discipleship through martial arts). For the past couple of years, we have hosted the Picayune Farmer’s Market at GBC on the church grounds. We continue to have a wonderful, exciting children’s ministry that includes the Awana program. Our youth ministry is flourishing with many activities and ministries offered for the
First United Methodist Church
289 Juniper Grove Road • Poplarville, MS 39470 Pastor Brother Ken Rhodes 601-795-8886 • junipergrovebc@gmail.com “Everyone is Welcome!” Sunday Morning Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Founded in 1855
Newness of Life Ministries
New Henleyfield Southern Baptist 5520 Hwy. 43 N. • Carriere, MS 39426 • 601-798-2267 Pastor — Justin Anderson • Choir Director — Dr. Richard H. Bennett Youth Pastor — Travis Wienek
505 Rosa Street • Picayune, MS • 39466
Christ centered, Bible based, spirit lead, vision driven. Come grow with us. Service times: Sunday morning 8:00 a.m. worship service
Sunday Morning Schedule: 10 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Morning worship.
church is to be a body of believers that function together to reach a common goal. We are to be a closely connected family of believers that strive to accomplish amazing, transformative things in our society for our God. GBC embodies these aspects of what a church should be, and we are excited about what the future holds. For more information you can check us out on facebook at @goodyear baptist church or view our website at www.goodyearbaptist. com. An even better way to experience the great things happening at GBC is to come join us in one of our many ministries, and see for yourself what great things are occurring right here in Picayune. Visit our website for worship times and more info.
Juniper Grove Baptist Church
323 N. Haugh Ave. • Picayune, MS 39466 601-798-4321• www.fumcpicayune.com Kipp Smith, Pastor
Sunday School 9:30 a.m. & Worship 10:30 a.m. Children & Youth: Afterschool programs • Vacation Bible School • Sunday School • Scouting • Retreats. Adult Programs: Bible Studies • United Methodist Women & Men • Choir & Handbells • Sunday School • Get Fit • 39ers (senior groups) • Next Gen (adult activity group). Missions: Dresses for Africa • Mats for Homeless • Sani-pad program • Food Pantry • Operation Christmas Child • Bridgeway Activities • Bac Pac Program. Listen to Sunday Worship: Weekly on Facebook & Youtube.
youth to grow spiritually. The women’s ministry is going strong with our Sunday small group time, and their monthly gathering of the Frazzled Females group. Our Men’s ministry is gaining traction, and we are extremely excited about all the opportunities for ministry that are arising during this new year. We also have a BALL Club (Be Active Live Longer) ministry for our senior citizens that helps maintain their vibrance and the community that they love so much. We strive to have ministry opportunities for all age groups, and we desire to invest in each person that we encounter through the ministry of our church no matter age or background. The New Testament claims that the
6 p.m. Evening worship. Wednesday Schedule: 6 p.m. Adult Bible Study
6 p.m. Youth/Children Bible study.
Page 34 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
Tuesday night 6:30 p.m. Bible Study
RELIGION
Oak Hill Baptist Church 579 Oak Hill Road • Poplarville, Mississippi Dr. Shane Moore, Pastor • 601-795-8422 We exist to know, grow, and go for Jesus Christ! We are a growing church with a vision to expand! We have a dynamic heritage of making disciples and a determination to continue this great work for Christ. We have started a new ministry at OHBC, Celebrate Recovery. See all of our activities at: www. oakhillministry.org. Sundays 9:45 Bible Study Small Groups (a class for all ages) 11:00 Morning Worship Service 6:00 Evening Worship Service Wednesdays 6:00 Evening Prayer & Bible Study 6:00 Youth Ministry 6:00 Mission classes for all ages Other Activities We engage in missions, men’s special events, women’s special events, and children/ family activities.
Oak Hill
Baptist Church
Pine Grove Baptist Church
34 Pine Grove Road • Picayune, MS 39466 Dr. Cody Warren, Pastor • 601-798-3645 Pine Grove Baptist Church was organized in 1865. Records indicate there were forty-two members in 1867. Mrs. Cornelia Bailey donated land in 1891 to build a sanctuary and create a cemetery. Since then, the church has acquired more land and the facilities include a sanctuary, two educational wings, a Christian Activities Building, a pastorium, and a recreational area. Over the past 150 years, there has been steady growth with numerous programs and ministries to equip and encourage members to grow and serve the Lord. Pine Grove Baptist Church continues to be committed to meeting together to worship and praise God; to share with Picayune
and the world the Good News of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ; to train and equip our membership to live daily in accordance with the teachings of Christ; and to minister to our community with love and compassion. Ministers of the church include Dr. Jake Roudkovski, Interim Pastor; Zack Malley, Minister to Students; Donald Balch, Minister to Children; and Benjy Rigney, Minister of Music. If you have any questions, please contact us at 601-798-3645 or visit our website at www.pgbcpicayune. com. Activities and ministries of the church include:
Sunday: –Fellowship/Coffee & Donuts: 9:00 a.m. –Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. –Morning Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. –Discipleship Training: 5:00 p.m. –Evening Worship: 6:30 p.m. –Wednesday Night Bible Study (Adults, Youth & Children): 6:30 p.m. –Ladies’ Mission Group (Heaven’s Helpers): Meet the first Monday of every month at 6:30 p.m. –Men’s Ministry: Meet for breakfast the last Sunday of every month at 8:00 a.m. –Super Seniors Ministry: Meet the third Thursday of every month at 11:00 a.m.
Roseland Park Baptist Church 2130 Highway 11 North • Picayune, MS 39466 601-798-5620 • www.rpbc.us Dan Young, Pastor
Roseland Park, affiliated with the SBC, is a friendly, caring church with programs and activities for all ages. From our clean, modern nursery to the senior adult B.A.L.L. Club (Be Active, Live Longer), we strive to connect people to Christ in an environment related to their needs. Our Kids 4 Christ and Student Ministries combine fun learning activities with thoughtprovoking Bible studies and character-forming missions and service opportunities. And, our music ministry includes children’s and students choirs, a 50 member Sanctuary Choir, Praise Band, Praise Team, Women’s Ensemble, and hand bell choir. If you are new to our area or are looking for a church to call home, come check us out! Service Times: Sunday - Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Worship at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Wednesday – 6:00 p.m.
St. Barnabas Anglican Church 201 Norwood Street • Picayune MS 39466 601-799-5717 • www.stbarny.org Reverend Father David Munn, Rector St Barnabas Anglican Church was founded in September 2003. Father David Munn is the rector, and the senior warden is Rosalie Smith. Junior Warden is Laura Ewald, Clerk of Vestry Claudia Munn, Treasurer Sharon Ewald and other vestry members De Ross, Janette Burlette, Jim Elledge and Marjorie Martin. We at St Barnabas are a small family-friendly and ‘Christ centered’ church. Our members are active in local religious and social service programs like the Christian Care Food Bank, Save a Life Pregnancy center and even foreign missions to Nicaragua. Our in-church programs
include the Anglican Church Women, a men’s group, Sunday school classes for children and adults, vacation bible school during the summer and ‘Lessons and Alleluias’ event on Easter Monday and a ‘Lessons and Carols’ musical event during Advent. Our continued blessing is our remarkable church building. This historic English Gothic structure was built in 1928 and is the oldest church building in Picayune. Parishioners renovated the building after years of disuse in 2003 and we revel in the quiet worshipful dignity that is so typical of traditional Anglican worship…Our services are worshipful and reverent, and our faith is active and strong.
Picayune Church of Christ 2005 Cooper Road • Picayune MS 39466 601-590-0540 • www.picayunechurch.org We speak where the Scriptures speak; We are silent where the Scriptures are silent. Jesus, the Son of God, is at the center of everything we do. We welcome you to the family. Whether you are looking for Biblical answers to your questions, are in need of a prayer partner, are in the depths of sorrow and despair or wish to study the Bible with a small group; please consider contacting us or worshiping with us. We follow the New Testament as our window to know Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God’s plan for each of us. As a follower of Jesus Christ, we each strive to be His eyes, His hands and to be examples of His love. The Bible is God’s inspired Word which is the light
to a lost and dying world. We have Bible study classes for all ages. Just as a family, our membership ranges in age from one year to 90 years of age. Once the threat of COVID-19 has passed, our Ladies Bible study group will again meet on Tuesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. The congregation helps support two missionary families in Angola and Thailand. Locally, as the need arises, we support emergency Disaster Relief.
Please join us as we worship God: Sunday Bible Study (9:30 a.m.) and Worship (10:30 a.m.). In February our sermon series will center on “Living as God’s Family” from the Gospel of Luke. On Wednesday our Bible Study begins at 7:00 p.m. Any questions may be directed to the leadership at our website (picayunechurch.org) or by phone 601-590-0540. Elders; Houston Costolo, Johnny Hays, Tim Herrington and John Pigott. David Turner serves
Pilgrim Bound Missionary Baptist Church 921 Baylous St. • Picayune, Mississippi 39466 Rev. Henry S. Marshall, Pastor The Holy Spirit has led the Pilgrim Bound Missionary Baptist Church to the point of bringing the men of the church from darkness to light. By Divine guidance on December 18, 2017 during the church fourth quarter business meeting , the church clerk announced that the body of baptized believers had selected and appointed brothers Aaron Haynes and Joseph Holloway as Deacons in training under the leadership of Rev. Henry S. Marshall, Pastor and Spiritual leader. As we follow Jesus Christ, we’re asking for your continued prayers as we continue Kingdom Building in the name of Jesus. Amen. Our services: 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 11:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m. Bible study (Adults and Youth)
Pleasant Valley Missionary Baptist Church 500 Weems Street • Picayune MS 39466 • 601-798-5670
Weekly Church Services and Activities Sunday School—9:30 a.m. Worship Service—11 a.m., 2nd and 4th Sunday. Starlight Bank— Monday, 4 p.m. Bible Study—Tuesday, 6 p.m. Wednesday, 6 p.m.— Pastor’s Aid, Hands Unlimited, Prayer Meeting, Mass Choir Rehearsal. Thursday, 7 p.m.— Brotherhood; 7:45 p.m., Male Chorus Rehearsal. Saturday, 11 a.m. — Youth Choir Rehearsal.
Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ 500 North Beech Street • Picayune MS 39466 Elder David Simmons, Pastor • 601-798-0230
Rose of Sharon Church of God in Christ was organized in 1921. The original congregation consisted of nearly 20 members. The members spent much of their time in each other’s homes until a suitable place could be found. The first building was erected in 1930 on 511 Rosa Street. Bishop J.E. Eaton was pastor of the church for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership the church grew to over 75 members. In 1989, a new church was built with a seating capacity of 300. In May 1990, Bishop Eaton died; the church and community felt the loss. In 1990, Elder David Simmons became the pastor of Rose of Sharon Church of God In Christ. The membership grew to over 300 members and as the church
grew it was evident that additional space was needed. In December 1999, Rose of Sharon acquired a new location, 500 North Beech Street, to accommodate the growth it was experiencing. The new location has a 1,000 seat capacity sanctuary. In 2013, Rose of Sharon celebrated over 90 years in the ministry. Our purpose is to teach others to live a more positive life in Christ. Rose of Sharon is a place of worship where you can always hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to equip believers in their Christian walk and evangelize the community. You are invited to join us as we serve God through worship, praise and
service. Service times are: Sunday School 8:30 a.m. Worship Service 10 a.m. Weekly Services ( Wed) Christian Education 6:30 p.m. YWCC 6:30 p.m. Sunshine Band 6 p.m.
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 35
GOVERNMENT RELIGION & SERVICES
First Baptist of Picayune
401 Goodyear Blvd. • Picayune MS 39466 601-798-4886 • www.fbpic.org Since 1904 Picayune’s First Baptist Church has been encouraging the greater Picayune area with the hope found in Jesus Christ. Made up of broken people who have been restored by the grace of God, her desire has always been to impact generations. While Picayune’s First has gone through many transitions the message of hope in Christ has remained the same. In 2019 the Church called a new pastor to continue to share this message of hope. Dr. Tony Lambert shared from day one a passion to see a great move of God and to intentionally impact Picayune and Pearl River County. Building a clear, compelling strategy to accomplish this included a focus on families, educational systems, leadership both elected and private and the health care community. These represent core influencers in most communities. Our ministries are continually evaluated and refocused. Below are the core events designed to prepare people to implement this vision. • Sunday Bible Fellowship small groups 9:30 a.m. United age graded Bible studies Sunday Worship Gathering 10:45 a.m. A time of prayer, praise and proclamation of the Bible • Children’s Church 10:45 A time of prayer, praise and proclamation of the Bible • Choir Rehearsal is at 5:15 p.m. • Halftime - Wednesday Nights 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Multiple discipleship studies • C20 (College and Twenties) 8 p.m. • XA Student Worship 6:30 p.m. • KIDS First for Preschool and Children Music, games, missions & bible study • Crossover sports - Seasonal sports & Cheer • WEE School- A weekday preschool ministry.
1000 Goodyear Boulevard • Picayune MS 39466 601-798-4779 • stcharlesinfo@gmail.com Rev. Bernard “Bernie” Papania, Pastor • Rev. Alwin Sami, Associate Pastor Mass Times: Saturday – 4:00 p.m. Sunday – 9:00 a.m. Sunday – 11:30a.m. (Spanish Mass) Sunday – 5:00 p.m. “Together with Christ, Let us Bring His Light to the World”
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church 700 Jones Street • Picayune, MS Dr. Phillip Lee, Pastor
Exterior of our First Baptist Church of Picayune
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1309 Highway 11 South • Picayune MS 39466 Stpaullutheranpicayune@yahoo.com • Stpaullutheranpicayune.org 601-798-4586 Rev. Bradley S. Aumann, Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1309 Hwy 11 South Picayune MS (near Friendship Park), is as bible believing and a Christ focused congregation. Lutherans believe in a literal translation of the scriptures and believe that salvation is secured by Grace through faith in Jesus Christ and what he has done for us through his; life, ministry, death, and resurrection. As a congregation in Pearl River County, St. Paul welcomes all who would come to worship and serve God and their community in the way that best meets their gifts and abilities. We are a congregation of loving people located near Friendship Park at 1309 Hwy. 11 South in Picayune.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church
You are invited to worship with us each Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and also for seasonal mid week services Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. (Lent and Advent). The community is also invited to study the word of God with us. Bible Study Groups include: Sunday morning classes offered each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.; Midweek group study at church Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m.. Instructional classes are also available for those who wish to learn more about Lutheran Theology and the mission of our Church.
An active prayer ministry also provides opportunities for spiritual growth and extends the awareness of members as to the needs of the congregation and community. You may have seen us at the Street Fair (handing out buttons that read, “It’s ok to say Merry Christmas!”) or at our Annual Garage sale to benefit mission projects. If you would like to learn more about us please look for us on Facebook or email at Stpaullutheranpicayune@ yahoo.com.
East Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church 1124 Jerusalem Ave. • Picayune MS 39466 Brian K. Dees, Pastor • 601-798-5056
For 91 years Saint James has served the community and surrounding areas commonly known as the only A.M.E. Church in Pearl River County. Saint James is steadily moving forward and under the new Leadership of Reverend Dr. Phillip Lee who embodies the balance of spiritual gifts and practical educational experiences that connects pastoral leadership and discipleship teaching. Dr. Lee is equipped and poised to initiate theological revival, decisive commitment and re-dedication to the teachings of Jesus the Christ as the foundation for personal living, family stability and community development. Dr. Lee earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian Education from Grand Canyon University, a Master of Theology and a Doctor of Biblical Psychology from Hope
Page 36 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
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Trinity United Methodist Church
3021 Woods Road • Picayune, MS 39466 • 601-799-4567 www.trinityumcpicayune.org • Rev. Lisa A. Pridmore, Pastor Welcome! Come grow with us. We strive to be a beacon in our community, a loving family who wishes to share the joy of our Lord through worship, teaching, and service to others. We are dedicated to grow in love and service to God. We worship together at 10:30 a.m. each Sunday with Sunday School for all ages at 9:30 a.m. We provide and staff a nursery for Sunday morning activities. Trinity Youth Fellowship (grades 7-12) meets Wednesday nights at the church from 6-8 p.m. Choir meets Wednesday nights at the church from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Three United Methodist Women’s circles meet monthly, as does the Sassy Seniors who are a group of ladies who
gather for fellowship and a good meal at local restaurants. The Trinity Trotters is a lunch club that “trots” around the area seeking out new places to break bread and share fellowship There are also short-term study classes at Trinity where we can study scripture and draw near to God as we learn from one another. There’s always something going on at Trinity UMC and a place for everyone
to encounter the living God. Taste and see how good the Lord is! The one who takes refuge in him is truly happy! Psalm 34:8
Union Baptist Church
1628 W. Union Rd. • Picayune MS 39466 601-798-6470 • www.ubcnet.org Bro. Brian Tatum, Pastor
Reaching the lost at any cost. Sunday school 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Morning worship begins at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Midweek service on Wednesdays, pray and bible study at 7 p.m. Youth meeting on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. House of Bread Food Bank Community Distribution gives out food on a monthly basis.
Bible Institute. The First Lady of Saint James, Dr. Linda Lee who serves as a Licentiate of the A.M.E. Church. She is a powerful communicator of the word of truth to a generation indifferent towards the Church and the message of the Gospel. She is also the founder and Vision holder of Another Chance Outreach ministry, a healing, wholeness and mission’s organization. The goal of the organization is to minister the Gospel of Grace to the whole manspirit, soul and body. She has also earned a doctoral degree in Biblical Psychology from Hope Bible Institute. Together they are planning to positively impact not only the community of Pearl River but to take God’s message to the world. Service time 1st & 3rd 11:00 Worship Service.
Union Baptist Church at Caesar was organized in 1842 and has been a vital part of the Caesar community. Through the years the
ministries have changed to meet the spiritual needs around us. However, one thing has never changed the Word of God. We agree that while methods may change, the message must never be changed. That is why we teach and preach the Bible to be the Inspired Word of God, free from errors, and always true. This has been the cornerstone of Union Baptist Church since 1842. We confidently face the future, all of its challenges and uncertainties, with a solid faith in Jesus Christ. We invite you to
join us and be a part of an exciting work of God. When it comes down to it, our story is telling His story. We invite you to come join us. Sunday School – 8:45 a.m. Worship – 10:00 a.m. Tuesday Youth Revive – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday In Person Prayer Meeting – 1:00 p.m. Facebook Live Prayer Meeting – 6:30 p.m. GA’s & RA’s – 6:30 p.m. Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal – 6:30 p.m.
RELIGION
Christian Life Assembly of God
St. Joseph Catholic Church
1015 Hwy. 43 North, Picayune, MS 39466 Rev. Darrell W. Worley, Senior Pastor • 601-798-2766.
17 Bilbo Hill Dr. • Poplarville, MS 39426 • 601-796-3053, 601-795-9164 www.trinityumcpicayune.org • Rev. Lisa A. Pridmore, Pastor
Christian Life Assembly of God was founded in 1976 and began services the first Sunday in December 1976 with 25 present. Our current pastor, Rev. Darrell W. Worley, was welcomed in August 1988 and has been at Christian Life for nearly thirty years. We currently serve a congregation of 225. The church staff includes: Rev. Darrell W. Worley, Senior Pastor; Joseph W. Bowman, Associate Pastor; Clifton D. Worley, Youth Pastor; and Sharon Worley, Church Secretary. Deacons currently serving are: Rodney Berryman, James Kinchen, Lavon Smith and Robert Thomas. Roy Cobb is recording secretary. Joe Bowman also serves as the Church Administrator and Treasurer.
Office Hours: Weds - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Rev. Fintan Kilmurray, Pastor Harold Gaule, Deacon St. Joseph Catholic Church was established in 1964 and offers many opportunities for the Catholic believer to grow in their faith experience. •Mass Schedule: Sunday Mass: 9:00 a.m. • Weekday Masses: Wednesday - 6:15 p.m. during the CCD school year Thursday - 8:15 a.m. Holy Day Masses: Call the office for Mass schedule and time.
Central Baptist Church Bible program providing a class for every member of the family on Sunday morning and evening; Mid-Week Prayer Service each Wednesday night allows an opportunity of Bible study and Intercessory Prayer experiences; Weekly Women’s Bible Study; Weekly Visitation allows an outreach emphasis to each home in our community, as well as hospital visitation; and Jail Ministry. The Church is truly mission-minded, supporting both local and international missions; Vacation Bible School, Bible Drills; Food Pantry; supports Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes, and Angel Tree Ministry. Weekly Opportunities To Worship (Service changes due to COVID 19) Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - Worship Service
family of believers who, in turn, touch the families of our community with the love of Jesus. Our weekly service schedule is as follows: Sunday school is at 9:00 a.m. for all ages. Sunday morning worship and “KMotion” Kids Church is at 10:00 a.m. Sunday evening worship is at 6:00 p.m. On Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., we offer a Bible study for adults in the church sanctuary, “Crossfire” Youth Ministry and MPact Boys and Girls Clubs (Ages 3-11). Christian Life Assembly of God is located at 1015 Hwy. 43 North, Picayune, MS 39466 and the church phone number is (601) 798-2766. You can also visit us online at www. touchingfamilies.com.
Corinth Baptist Church
20 Sones Chapel Road • McNeill, MS • 601-799-2043 Bro. Billy Galloway, Pastor • www.centralbapt4372.org Central Baptist Church of McNeill, located at 20 Sones Chapel Road in McNeill, was established in April 1972. Central Baptist Church strives to meet the spiritual needs of each individual through pastoral ministries, working daily to meet the needs of each person, and with God’s help seeking to grow a mature and loving fellowship of believers. Through this area of ministry a number of opportunities are available, including Proclamation of God’s Word, with each message on Sunday morning and evening based upon the Bible; Pastoral Counseling for families, individuals, and engaged couples, designed to help each person discover God’s will in their own lives, and uncover solutions for today’s complex problems; Bible Study – a structured
At Christian Life Assembly of God, we are dedicated to preaching the Word of God, lifting up Jesus, and ministering to the needs of people. The vision of our church is to be “a family touching families”. We believe that the family is the very core of our society and that without strong families there can never be a strong church. That is why we are committed to serving our generation by maintaining a place of worship of Almighty God, providing Christian fellowship among those in the body of Christ and assuming our share of the responsibility of telling others about Christ. We never want it to be said again, “There arose another generation which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works that He had done.” Judges 2:10-12. We want to be a
1080 River Road - Nicholson, MS, 39463 Dr. Ray M. Spence II, Pastor • 601-798-9509
Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. - No Prayer Meeting Wednesday - 6:30 p.m. - Children Missions will meet (Please contact the Church Office for updated service times) Anyone looking for a church home is invited to consider joining with other believers at Central Baptist Church of McNeill, Mailing Address P.O. Box 310, McNeill, MS 39457 Phone 601-799-2043, Fax 601-7992670 Email: centralbapt4372@bellsouth. net Website: centralbapt4372.org Facebook: http://www.facebook. com/#!/pages/Central-Baptist-Churchof-McNeill/104019203018415fe
Sunday School 10 a.m. Worship Service - 11a.m. Sunday Online Evening Worship Service - 5:30 p.m. Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study - 5:00 p.m. Access online services on Facebook via facebook.com/ ItsAJesusDeal For Directions and Information contact (601) 798-9509
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The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 37
GOVERNMENT RELIGION & SERVICES
DR. DEWITT BOLTON By Cathy Cook
Dr. DeWitt Bolton only managed to stay retired for a little under a year before he returned to an examination room. In 2007, a year after his retirement, Jameye Martin with Manna Ministries asked Bolton to become the nonprofit’s new volunteer medical director. “I missed seeing patients, so she called me and wanted to know if I wanted to come down,” said Bolton. He began treating uninsured patients at no charge three days a week. Manna Ministries offers free medical care for chronic health conditions to people without insurance. “I practiced for 42 years in Picayune, so I think that’s why I didn’t like retirement,” said Bolton. “I’ve enjoyed being out there. It’s a wonderful thing for people. I don’t know what people would do if they didn’t have this. They’d go without I suppose.” The clinic is staffed by 15 professional volunteers, including doctors and nurses, and 18 other volunteers. The majority of patients are employed, 69 percent. The only requirement to receive care from the clinic is to be uninsured. “If you work a part time job, sometimes the choice is between medicine and groceries,” said Family Advocacy Coordinator Meghan Findley. Some patients work a part time job that offers no health benefits, some might be in between jobs, while others are unable to work due to disability. To apply for disability benefits, people need medical records to prove their disability. But if they cannot afford medical care, it’s difficult for them to have a doctor document their disability. Manna solves that bureaucratic catch-22 by offering free medical care. COVID-19 forced the clinic to close
its doors for several months. Manna began seeing patients again in June, but had to close again due to the COVID-19 surge close to Christmas. “It had a big effect,” said Bolton. When a patient enters the clinic, they get their temperature checked and answer a set of screening questions. Dr. Bolton no longer conducts most of his appointments face to face to protect him from exposure to COVID-19. Instead he is in another room in the clinic, where he can talk with the patients via video call and check their vitals with tools like an electronic stethoscope and a camera that can look into a patient’s ears. When treating a patient does require him to be in the room, he dons a mask and heads down the hall. The clinic primarily treats chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension and COPD. Approximately 79 percent of patient visits in 2020 were for chronic conditions. “If you don’t treat patients in the early stages of a lot of diseases, they go on and become seriously ill,” said Bolton. “Like with diabetes, if you can get people to get on a diet and medication and stay on a program that can help with a lot of the complications, like diabetic neuropathy. The same thing with hypertension, if you don’t treat it, that can escalate into worse things, like congestive heart failure. If you treat things early and on a regular basis, you can keep people out of trouble and out of the hospital.” The clinic also provides free medication to patients, free labs, mental healthcare, tooth extractions and $1.8 million in prescription assistance for expensive medications such as insulin or inhalers. When patients are able to acquire health insurance, they are often sad to leave Manna’s care, said Finley.
Page 38 • Picayune Item • Saturday, February 27, 2021 • Progress Heroes
The Poplarville Democrat • Thursday, February 25, 2021 • Progress Heroes • Page 39