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PREP PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Caledonia’s Jessica Comer bounding back from injury
TERMINATED: Schwarzenegger, Shriver split
Sports, Page 1B
People, Page 2A
THE COMMERCIAL DISPATCH TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
West Point educator named new Columbus High principal BY CARMEN K. SISSON csisson@cdispatch.com
Columbus High School has a new principal, the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees announced during Monday night’s regular meeting at the Columbus Municipal Complex.
West Point High School associate principal Scott Hallmark will replace current CHS principal Craig Shannon, who resigned from his post in March in order to return to the central office and continue his duties as special assistant to the superintendent. Hallmark, who holds seven
years administrative experience and five years experience in the classroom, has been lauded for his work in raising math test scores — specifically in Algebra — from 18 percent to 80 percent at West Point. He was selected by an eightmember committee comprised of Columbus High School teach-
ers, parents, community members, and the CMSD central office staff. “He is a strong leader, and we’re very fortunate to have this gentleman come to our district,” CMSD board president Glenn Lautzenhiser said Tuesday morning. “He’s a knowledgeable, strong leader with success
Sweeten takes helm at Columbus Arts Council
in his background, and we welcome him.” Hallmark, who was not present last night, was invited to formally introduce himself to the board and the public at the next school board meeting. This morning, he said though he loves West Point and See PRINCIPAL, 6A
Church’s plan to occupy downtown theater challenged BY RYAN POE
rpoe@cdispatch.com Hope Community Church served up a steaming cup of controversy Monday when it asked the Columbus Planning Commission to let it move downtown and set up a coffee shop. The church, which is currently on Highway 45 North near the Riverhill Chevron, hopes to reno-
vate the old Varsity movie theater at 401 Main St., across from the Gilmer Inn, by December to accommodate the church’s 150 or so members as well as a donations-driven coffee shop. “We’ve thought about it and we want to embed ourselves in this downtown community,” said Pastor Bo Jeffares. To become the first
See CHURCH, 6A
Kelly Tippett/Dispatch Staff
Tina Sweeten, pictured at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St., has been selected as the new executive director of the Columbus Arts Council.
Veteran volunteer, fundraiser tapped to lead arts agency BY JAN SWOOPE
jswoope@cdispatch.com
T
ina Sweeten has hit the ground running. The new executive director of the Columbus Arts Council is immersing herself in the operations of the nonprofit agency that brings visual and performing arts, concerts, classes and exhibits to the Friendly City and surrounding areas. Following an extensive search, the Arts Council Board of Directors announced Monday the selection of Sweeten to serve as its new executive director, effective immediately. Sweeten brings more than 18 years experience in supervision and management of budgets, staff and volunteers, strategic planning and program development to her new position. Arts Council Board President
Weather
Jerry Clark III, Bright Beginnings Pre-K
Tonight: Mainly clear, low 65 Tomorrow: Sunshine and patchy clouds, high 90 More weather, 2A
her life, and we look forward to having her leadership and vision as we continue to serve the community through arts education and programming.” “I’m very excited to begin working with the board of the Columbus Arts Council as we collaborate to bring more programs, funding opportunities and events to the organization,” said Sweeten, who is busy this week getting acquainted with her new office and programs at the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus. The incoming director most recently served as field superviTina Sweeten sor of the Early Childhood Institute at Mississippi State University. She holds a Master of Arts degree in nonprofit manage“Tina’s background made her ment from Hamline University in an ideal fit,” Johnson said. St. Paul, Minn., and a Bachelor of “Working with volunteer organizations has been a top priority in See ARTS, 6A Elizabeth Johnson has served as interim director during the search.
“I’m very excited to begin working with the board of the Columbus Arts Council as we collaborate to bring more programs, funding opportunities and events to the organization.”
Five Questions
1 What does the E stand for in
ESRB, the software ratings board that determines an appropriate age for video games? 2 What keyboardist leads the late-night CBS Orchestra? 3 What title does Sarah Ferguson's divorce agreement prohibit her from being addressed as? 4 What 73-year-old actor became head of the National Rifle Association in 1998? 5 What “emerald beverage” did Hiroshi Maeda use to flavor the ice cream he hoped to hook Americans on? Answers, 6B
Calendar
Thursday
Girlchoir concert:The Columbus Girlchoir presents its annual spring concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Artz Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church in Columbus. The concert is free and open to the public.
Saturday
Farmers’ Market Grand Opening: Enjoy the freshest local produce, crafts, plants, children’s activity and live music at the grand opening of the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market at Second Street and Second Avenue North, Columbus, from 7-10 a.m. New hours begin May 14: Monday evenings 5-7 p.m.,
Provided Image
An architect’s rendering shows Hope Community Church’s proposed renovations to the abandoned downtown movie theater across from the Gilmer Inn.
Man shot in firefight with Lowndes deputies dies BY RYAN POE
rpoe@cdispatch.com The man who was shot multiple times in a firefight with Lowndes County deputies died at the hospital Monday. Meanwhile, five deputies have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation. John Rogers
Thursday mornings 6-10 a.m., and Saturday mornings 7-10 a.m. For more information, contact Main Street Columbus, 662328-6305.
Montgomery, who was in his mid-30s and lived at 249 Askew Road in Lowndes County, opened fire on deputies Monday morning as they were searching for him. Montgomery, who had threatened family members the previous day and evaded capture, had been off of his paranoid schizophrenia medication since See FIREFIGHT, 6A
Local Folks
Sunday
C-town Cares: The Columbus Police Department, Columbus Fire and Rescue, Station 7 and others present a benefit concert for victims of the Smithville tornado at the Riverwalk, 1 p.m.until. An admission charge will apply; monetary and non-perishable donations will be accepted. Performers include Big Joe Shelton, Cold 20, Fading Point, Fast Scarlett, Juke Joint Gypsies, Two Jazzy and more.
MAIN DISPATCH LINE 328-2424 ! NEWS TIPS 328-2471
Shane Darrell is a firefighter for Columbus Fire and Rescue.
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com
2A TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
Tuesday
PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
It was a storybook marended a bumpy, tworiage in 1986 on a term run as California spring weekend on governor, a job his wife Cape Cod that united a never wanted him to princess of an American pursue. political dynasty, Maria Shriver, and the gapAl Pacino is telling a toothed muscle-clad new mob family story, movie star famous joining John Travolta Shriver enough to be known by for the crime saga one name, Arnold. Former “Gotti: Three Generations.” California Gov. Arnold Pacino will play Gambino crime Schwarzenegger and Shriver family underboss Neil announced their separation Dellacroce, an associate and late Monday, cleaving a somementor to John Gotti Sr. times-turbulent 25-year rela(Travolta), says the film’s protionship after “a time of great ducer, Fiore Films. “Gotti” personal and professional tranreunites Pacino with Barry sition for each of us,” the couLevinson, who directed the ple said in a joint statement. actor in his role as Dr. Jack The breakup comes about four Kevorkian in last year’s TV months after Schwarzenegger movie “You Don’t Know Jack.”
SAY WHAT?
“I am not where I need to be, but I am getting back.” Caledonia High School distance runner Jessica Comer. Story, 1B
A Thousand Words
SNAP JUDGMENT: ONLINE POLL Have you planted a garden yet? Yes, (26) 23% No. (37) 33% My garden is down the produce aisle. (48) 43% MORE POLLS: Vote online at cdispatch.com.
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Rodrigo Abd/AP
A new recruit loyal to the Libyan rebel fighters shouts slogans during training in Benghazi, Libya, Monday.
AROUND THE NATION, WORLD TRIPOLI, LIBYA
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NATO warplanes struck Tripoli early today in the heaviest bombing of the Libyan capital in weeks, hours after an uptick in fighting between rebels and Moammar Gadhafi’s forces on a long deadlocked front line in the country’s east. NATO struck at least four sites in Tripoli, setting off crackling explosions that thundered through the city overnight. One strike hit a building that local residents said was used by a military intelligence agency. Another targeted a government building that officials said was sometimes used by parliament members. It was not immediately clear what the other two strikes hit, but one of them sent plumes of smoke over Tripoli. Libyan officials would not say what that strike hit but the smoke appeared to come from the sprawling compound housing members of Gadhafi’s family. Between explosions, an aircraft dropped burning flares. Some residents responded by raking the sky with gunfire and beeping their horns. The Tripoli bombing came just hours after heavy fighting was reported Monday on the eastern front, south of Ajdabiya, a rebel-held town about 90 miles south of Benghazi, the rebel
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Five-Day forecast for the Golden Triangle Tonight
Wednesday
65°
Friday
Saturday
90°
85°
84°
77°
64°
62°
55°
53°
Sunshine and patchy clouds
Mainly clear
Thursday
Clouds and sun; warm and humid
Some sun, a t-storm possible
Showers and t-storms possible
Almanac Data
National Weather
Columbus Monday
Shown are noon positions of weather systems and precipitation. Temperature bands are highs for the day.
Temperature High/low .................................... 89°/62° Normal high/low ......................... 81°/58°
Winnipeg 68/41
Seattle 64/44
Precipitation
Billings 64/39
Monday ........................................... 0.00” Month to date ................................. 0.65” Normal month to date ...................... 1.32” Year to date .................................. 24.05” Normal year to date ....................... 23.37”
Flood stage
7 a.m. yest.
24-hr. change
20’ 14’ 15’ 20’ 21’
12.02’ 7.09’ 6.49’ 11.10’ 2.35’
-0.39’ -0.79’ -0.32’ -1.05’ -0.45’
Capacity
7 a.m. yest.
24-hr. change
Denver 56/39
Lake Levels Yesterday Lake
Aberdeen Dam Stennis Dam Bevill Dam
188’ 163.09’ +0.12’ 166’ 137.03’ +0.12’ 136’ 136.27’ -0.09’
Major Minor Major Minor
..... ..... ..... .....
7:33 a.m. 1:20 a.m. 7:58 p.m. 1:45 p.m.
Atlanta 92/67 Houston 87/73
Chihuahua 86/55
Major Minor Major Minor
..... ..... ..... .....
8:20 a.m. 2:07 a.m. 8:45 p.m. 2:32 p.m.
Miami 89/74
Monterrey 99/73 Cold Showers
-10s
T-Storms
-0
City Atlanta Boston Chicago Dallas Honolulu Jacksonville Memphis
Rain
0s
Flurries
10s
Snow
20s
Wednesday Hi Lo W 92 67 s 57 47 pc 84 61 t 86 67 t 87 74 sh 92 67 t 90 70 pc
Warm
Stationary
Low
Ice
30s
40s
Thursday Hi Lo W 88 65 pc 64 50 pc 80 60 t 85 65 t 87 74 pc 88 67 t 85 63 t
50s
60s
70s
City Nashville Orlando Philadelphia Phoenix Raleigh Salt Lake City Seattle
80s
90s
Wednesday Hi Lo W 90 67 pc 93 69 t 73 52 s 86 67 s 78 58 pc 61 45 s 64 44 r
100s
High
110s
Thursday Hi Lo W 86 63 pc 91 67 t 74 54 s 92 73 s 76 59 pc 71 49 s 61 43 pc
Weather(W): s-sunny, pc-partly cloudy, c-cloudy, i-ice, sh-showers, t-thunderstorms, r-rain, sf-snow flurries, sn-snow
Sun and Moon Wednesday
New York 68/52 Washington 76/56
Kansas City 86/63
El Paso 78/59
Solunar table Tuesday
Detroit 76/55
Los Angeles 72/56
Tombigbee Amory Bigbee Columbus Fulton Tupelo
Minneapolis 84/66 Chicago 84/61
San Francisco 58/48
River Stages Yesterday River
Montreal 65/44 Toronto 63/46
The solunar period schedule allows planning days so you will be fishing in good territory or hunting in good cover during those times.
First
Full
Last
New
Sunrise ..... 5:57 a.m. Sunset ...... 7:43 p.m. Moonrise . 12:28 p.m. Moonset .... 1:11 a.m. May 10 May 17 May 24 June 1 Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2011
PAKTIKA, AFGHANISTAN
A hundred or so turbaned, bearded Afghans packed the plastic mats outside the fort, staring skeptically at Afghan officials on a makeshift outdoor stage. The officials were making the case for setting up a local police force. Off to the side, watching silently, were the U.S. special operations troops who had made the meetJunji Kurokawa/AP ing possible by flying in A woman offers prayers outside her house overlooking the officials and disarm- an area destroyed by the march 11 earthquake and tsunami in Kesennuma, northeastern Japan, today. ing the villagers before they entered the comcommunist-led nation’s tion after leaving the 12pound. If all went well, latest crackdown on mile zone. the Americans would democracy advocates, later be training the arguing that long-term neighborhood-watch-like WASHINGTON stability depends on police force to protect On a clear September respecting human rights. the villagers from the afternoon, a tractorBoth sides issued familTaliban, and hastening truck crested a trailer iar grievances at the U.S.the handover of security small rise on a stretch of China Strategic and responsibility to the interstate highway in Economic Dialogue, Afghans. The Associated Oklahoma. Plainly visible which began in Press got a rare glimpse in the distance were Washington on Monday, at the ground level of more than a dozen cars but they took pains to this U.S. special operaand trucks that had stress a generally positions mission — one stopped while a fendertive track in relations vastly different from the bender was being between the two economdaring raid to kill Osama cleared. Instead of slowic superpowers. State bin Laden in Pakistan. ing, the 40,000-pound Councilor Dai Bingguo The U.S. commander in truck barreled ahead at said common interests Afghanistan, Gen. David nearly 70 mph, plowing between the world’s two Petraeus, credits into the traffic. It rode largest economies now increased use of special over three cars, dragging make them “inseparable” operations with helping them under its wheels, and destined to grow blunt Taliban momenand smashed others more interdependent. tum, largely by taking before finally halting. The annual two-day out militant leaders. Ten people were killed. round of talks brings Investigators said later together leaders on ecoTOKYO the 76-year-old trucker nomics, foreign policy had slept only about five About 100 evacuees and security. The meethours the previous night. ings, involving scores of were allowed into the He’d been on the road exclusion zone around officials, wrap up almost 10 hours. The Japan’s troubled Tuesday with news conNational Transportation Fukushima Dai-ichi ferences. Safety Board begins a nuclear plant Tuesday two-day forum today to for a brief visit to gather CARACAS, VENEZUELA hear from federal regulabelonging from their and tors, safety experts, Colombia’s extradition homes. The excursion the truck and bus indusof alleged cocaine kingmarked the first time the tries about what is being pin Walid Makled has government has felt conVenezuelans asking about fident enough in the safe- done to prevent deadly accidents like 2009 crash the huge payments he ty of the area to sanction near Miami, Okla., and claims to have made to even short trips there. why past safety recomclose associates of Residents have been mendations — some of President Hugo Chavez pushing hard for weeks them decades old — and opposition leaders are for permission to check been enacted. haven’t demanding answers. The up on their homes. The “There has been a lot of allegations, lingering evacuees — just a fracprogress — the data doubts and inquiries about tion of the tens of thoumillions of dollars in paysands forced to flee when does show that fatalities have come down — but ments purportedly made the plant started leaking to government officials radiation after the March there is still a lot of work and military officers has 11 earthquake and tsuna- that needs to be done,” NTSB member Robert prompted the independent mi — boarded chartered Sumwalt said. media to nickname him government buses for “Venezuela’s Deep the two-hour visit. They Throat.” Opposition leadwere provided with proWASHINGTON ers are asking if Chavez tective suits, goggles and China is using highwas aware of alleged dirty face masks to wear while level meetings to urge dealings, how Makled in the zone, and were amassed a fortune estiissued plastic bags to put the United States to mated at roughly $1 biltheir belongings in. They allow more technology exports into the booming lion in a decade, if investiwere also given dosimeChinese economy as a gators will try to answer ters to monitor radiation way of balancing trade. the questions and whether levels and walkie-talkies. The United States, mean- any officials will ever go to All were to be screened while, has criticized the trial. for radiation contamina-
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
ONLINE CRIME NEWS
See a gallery of local mug shots, crime trends and other law and order news at cdispatch.com/crime.
3A
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AROUND THE STATE PARCHMAN
Corrections officials were ready today for the scheduled execution of death row inmate Benny Joe Stevens. Stevens was to death in 1999 for the deaths of four people, including two children, at a mobile home in rural Marion County. Barring any last minute reprieve by the U.S. Supreme Court, Stevens was scheduled to be executed shortly after 6 p.m. at the state penitentiary in Parchman. Stevens, now 52, had been placed in a holding cell adjacent to the lethal injection room at the penitentiary at Parchman. The prison was put on routine lockdown Monday. Two more executions are scheduled for this month: Rodney Gray’s on May 17 and Robert Simon Jr.’s on May 24.
Highway Patrol wants to hear from anyone who witnessed an accident involving a man who apparently fell from the back of a pickup truck early Sunday morning and was killed. Spokesman Johnny Poulos tells The Sun Herald that 31-year-old Adam King of Denham Springs, La., was alone in the back of a westbound pickup while his brother and a friend rode in the cab. Poulos says King came out of the back of the pickup on Interstate 10 near Gulfport and was struck by more than one vehicle. Authorities were called at 3:15 a.m. The Harrison County coroner said King died at the scene. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation is reviewing the case.
D’IBERVILLE
GULFPORT
The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has arrested a man accused of leaving the scene of a fatal motorcycle wreck on March 20 and abandoning a maroon pickup truck at the scene. Highway Patrol Master Sgt. Johnny Poulos tells The Sun Herald that 41-year-old Willie Charles Cruso IV of Pascagoula was arrested Monday on a charge of leaving the scene of an accident causing a death. Cruso is being held at the Harrison County jail on $100,000 bond set by Justice Court Judge Bruce Strong. Investigators say 22year-old Sara Dellinger White of Saucier was riding a motorcycle driven by her husband when they were struck on Mississippi 67 near D’Iberville. White died at the scene and her husband was seriously injured. It was not immediately known whether Cruso has an attorney.
The Mississippi
From wire reports
BILOXI
Biloxi police have arrested a man accused of having pictures of children involved in sexually explicit conduct. The Sun Herald reports 27year-old Michael William Rogers was arrested Monday afternoon on a charge of sexual exploitation of children. Detective Steve Schlicht says police received a complaint and searched Rogers’ home. Schlicht says evidence collected during the search substantiated the complaint and Rogers was taken into custody. He says detectives seized indecent pictures and also found digital photos on his cell phone. Rogers is being held at the Harrison County jail on $50,000 bond set by Justice Court Judge Albert Fountain. It was not immediately known whether Rogers has an attorney.
Ryan Poe/Dispatch Staff
Columbus police officer Kelvin Lee calls in more details about the early morning one-vehicle wreck in a drainage ditch on Ridge Road near the Columbus Country Club that left 20-year-old Mary Pruitt with moderate injuries.
Woman hurt in one-car wreck near country club BY RYAN POE
rpoe@cdispatch.com A 20-year-old woman suffered facial cuts and possibly a fracture today when her white sedan careened into a drainage ditch. Mary Pruitt, of Lowndes County, was southbound on Ridge Road at Crestwood Drive near the Columbus Country Club when she apparently lost control of her older-model Geo Prism at about 7:15 a.m.
Her car went off the right-hand shoulder of the road and plowed into the ditch embankment, where she was assisted by paramedics, Columbus firefighters and police officers. She was taken in stable condition to Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle. Information about whether she was wearing her seat belt or whether she had insurance was not immediately available.
Ryan Poe/Dispatch Staff
Columbus firefighters and paramedics prepare 20-yearold Lowndes County resident Mary Pruitt for her ambulance ride to Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle.
More than dozen cabins burn on Neshoba County Fairgrounds THE ASSOCIATED PRESS PHILADELPHIA — Authorities say 15 cabins were destroyed and seven others were damaged by fire Monday morning on the Neshoba County Fairgrounds in east central Mississippi. Most cabins usually are occupied only during the weeklong fair each sumThe Neshoba mer. Democrat newspaper reports four firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. The state fire
marshal is investigating what started the blaze in
the “new” section of the fairgrounds. Fairview
Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 8:43 a.m.
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Opinion 4A TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
BIRNEY IMES SR. Editor/Publisher 1922-1947 BIRNEY IMES JR. Editor/Publisher 1947-2003 BIRNEY IMES III Editor/Publisher
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OUR VIEW
A picture-perfect Market Street Festival What’s the impact of the Market Street festival each year? The final tally isn’t in. Amber Murphree-Brislin, Director of Columbus Main Street, estimated that the city’s ultimate downtown street party on Friday and Saturday drew up to 40,000 festivalgoers. A sur vey team from Mississippi State University is getting more scientific — the group polled attendees and measured the
crowd Saturday, and is expected to calculate its data in the coming weeks. So we’re working on the scientific impact. But we have a gauge on the less scientific, emotional impact too. We saw the laughing children, playing in the bounce houses, dunking a willing victim in a dunking booth, and even spraying Columbus Fire and Rescue fire hoses in the kids’ play area. We saw babies in strollers
pushed by proud parents, catching up with neighbors and friends. We even talked to some people milling around the food booths and crafts tables, who said they didn’t live in Columbus anymore, but use the festival as an excuse to return home, at least one weekend a year. We saw downtown come alive with the smells of food and sounds of music in the air. The sun was shining, the weather perfect.
We saw a crowd — whatever the number turns out to be — enjoying downtown Columbus. Folks have commented on the Friday night musical crowd being large and lively. Saturday night, the music relocated to the River walk — a more intimate and comfortable venue. The relocation had the added benefit of allowing the festival on Main and Market streets to break down quickly. Traffic was
flowing again before the sun went down. Kudos to the organizers and members of the city street department for this welcome wrinkle in the festivities. Laughter, friendship, reconnecting with family and old friends — and a party atmosphere. Those are emotional, intangible benefits of the festival. They’re the hardest to measure, but also the ones we value the most.
FROM OUR WEBSITE
Readers comment The messages below are excerpts from reader comments posted at the end of on-line reports at www.cdispatch.com.
Columbus police overtime: A volunteer system, spread thin - 5/7/2011 egh: The overtime probably is very much deserved. Divide the yearly pay by 52 weeks and deduct 30 percent for taxes; their net weekly take home pay is poverty level.
Who is the city of Columbus' highest paid employee? - 5/7/2011
rangle: How much overtime was handed out covering the Market Street Festival this weekend?
Liddell named interim Columbus school superintendent - 5/6/2011
life long educator: What a great choice to fill the shoes of Dr. Del Phillips. Del did a great job during his tenure and I think that Dr. Liddell is the natural choice to keep the momentum going. Columbus is moving to the top fast.
gdc10: I agree. She has the skills and demeanor to provide the continuity the City needs to sustain the gains we received from the things Dr. Phillips started. Also, she has proven herself time and again with her diligence in bringing much needed revenue to the district. She has ensured that the children have things to do after school and in the summer with ALL the grants she has been responsible for the District winning. She is a jewel and we are fortunate to have her. We need to keep her.
colomsw: I also agree. In my experiences with Dr. Liddell, she has been very impressive. She has a sincere heart for helping young people succeed. And most importantly, she seems very committed to working on the social issues that impact education. Since I've been home, I've only heard great things about her work in our district. I feel very optimistic about our future underneath her leadership. dr. carr: The CMSD school board has made an excellent selection in choosing Dr. Liddell as interim superintendent. Her vision, intense enthusiasm for excellence, love for children, ability to work cooperatively in diverse settings coupled with the success she has demonstrated in the education industry makes her the ideal person to lead the Columbus School District and carry forth its mission. Given the opportunity, I'm confident she will carry CMSD to great and new heights. Congratulations to the school board for making an extraordinary choice.
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We encourage you to share your opinion with readers of The Dispatch. Submit your letter to The Dispatch by: E-mail: voice@cdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 511, Columbus, MS 39703 In person: 516 Main St., Columbus, or 101 S. Lafayette St., No. 16, Starkville. All letters must be signed by the author and must include a telephone number for verification purposes. Letters should be no more than 500 words, and guest columns should be 500-700 words. We reserve the right to edit submitted information.
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Tenesha Washington, 11, works on a newspaper project in The Dispatch tent at Saturday's Market Street Fest. Tenesha attends Columbus Middle School.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Voice of the people School district handled Couey matter properly
to a copy of the document, but the school board cannot answer questions about the document. The recent decision of the Couey had three years remaining Starkville School District Board of on her contract, the value of which is Trustees to direct Superintendent $390,000. The board agreed to a setJudy Couey to take administrative tlement because parties with competleave and her subsequent resignation ing claims often negotiate a resoludue to health reasons has created tion rather than pursuing action quite the debate about the board’s which would result in a costly and release of information following an protracted legal battle. executive session about her deparWCBI was the first media outlet to ture. request the document, and the SSD According to the Attorney complied with their request within General, a school board’s legal oblithe hour. gation with respect to what happens The minutes of all the board’s in an executive session is as follows: meetings are already approved and A board, such as a school board, posted on the SSD’s website, with the may take official action in exception of the minutes from May 3. executive session. Further, a board As Board president and spokesperhas no legal obligation under the law son, I informed the reporter from the to report actions taken in executive Starkville Daily News that a student session other than through its minmatter and a matter of pending litigautes which must be recorded within tion from a previously filed federal a period of time not to exceed 30 court case were the only items disdays after the meeting was recessed cussed in that executive session. I or adjourned. also told the only reporter present Thus a school board may, but has that Couey was never even menno legal obligation to, publicly report tioned. its action immediately upon exiting While the school board certainly executive session. In any case, such understands the interest and attenaction must be reflected in its mintion surrounding Couey’s resignautes, which must be timely recorded. tion, the school board is extremely Op. Atty. Gen. No. 2004-0315, sensitive to details regarding personYes, the board did vote to direct nel as the law is clearly written to Superintendent Couey to take admin- protect the privacy of employees, not istrative leave immediately during a the school board. special called board meeting on April Like the boards of other govern20. mental entities, the school board is Yes, the board did vote to accept represented by legal counsel and has Couey’s resignation and authorized been advised every step of the way me, as the board president, to sign by two attorneys who specialize in any necessary agreements/docuschool law and advise multiple school ments to carry it out. boards and school districts. The reason for Couey’s resignaThe Mississippi Ethics tion, according to her letter, was her Commission has even found that the desire and need to concentrate on school board is in compliance with her health. the open meetings law after a comThis information was released to plaint was filed alleging the board the media and public and approved in violated it. The school board conthe board’s minutes in accordance ducts its meetings following the with the law. same laws and practices of other The school board did agree to an Mississippi school districts. The $80,000 financial settlement with members of the board also receive Couey, which was agreed upon in a hours of training yearly from the contract available through a public Mississippi School Boards records request. The personnel mat- Association about how to be effective ter is confidential to the extent which school board members while also in the law allows it to be. Members of compliance with all of the laws of this the media and the public are entitled state.
Unlike governmental entities such as municipalities, in addition to the more obvious governing functions of the school board, the board also operates as a judicial body when hearing appeals from students and their parents and district employees. All of the board’s decisions and actions are within the law. Pickett Wilson Starkville The writer is president of the SSD Board of Trustees.
Appreciates encouragement
I am writing to express my appreciation to The Commercial Dispatch and Frank Phillips YMCA for sponsoring the Possum Town Mile-A-Day Marathon that started on May 1st. There were a lot of walkers and runners at the Riverwalk a week ago, and I would encourage everyone to challenge themselves and commit to walking or running 26.2 miles during the month of May. The Y has a list of great walking and running trails in the area, such as the Riverwalk, Lake Lowndes and Plymouth Bluff. I believe people can still sign up and walk a little more than a mile a day and complete the Marathon. Again, I want to thank those at The Y and The Commercial Dispatch for encouraging us to exercise and become healthier. Al Moody Columbus
Drop for donations
Just wanted to drop a note and let everyone know about a semi trailer set up in front of Southern Family Market in east Columbus taking donations for the tornado victims. This trailer has been in place since Wednesday, thanks in part to Stevie Pyle, Gerald Banks and myself. Richard Doughty donated the trailer, Southern Family donated the space. The T-Shirt Shop donated the banners on the trailer, and several volunteers are manning the trailer. It would be nice to have some coverage about this, as I believe this is the only one in east Columbus. David L. Perr y Columbus
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
5A
AREA OBITUARIES
OBITUARY POLICY: Obituaries with basic information including relatives, visitation and service times, are provided free of charge. Extended obituaries with a photograph, detailed biographical information and other details families may wish to include, are available for a fee. Obituaries must be submitted through funeral homes. Please submit all obituaries on the form provided by the Commercial Dispatch. Free notices must be submitted to the newspaper no later than 3 p.m. the day prior for publication Tuesday through Friday; no later than 4 p.m. Saturday for the Sunday edition; and no later than 7:30 a.m. for the Monday edition. Incomplete notices must be received no later than 7:30 a.m. for the Monday through Friday editions. Paid notices must be received by 3 p.m. for inclusion the next day; and on Friday for Sunday or Monday publication. For more information, call 662-328-2471.
Jack Kemp
TUPELO — Jack Kemp Jr., 61, died May 4, 2011, at North Mississippi Medical Center. Services are Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Peter’s Rock COGIC with the Rev. Quincy Patterson officiating. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Cemetery. Visitation is today from Kemp noon until 6 p.m. at West Memorial Funeral Home. Mr. Kemp was born in Oktibbeha County to the late Mary Alice Rieves Kemp and Jack Kemp Sr. He was a laborer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Jackie Scott; and brother, J.D. Kemp. He is survived by his daughters, Rochelle Harris and Jackie Harris, both of Starkville; stepdaughter, Travonda Santiago of Starkville; son, Chris Kemp of Gulfport; stepson, Watress Harris of Starkville; sisters, Elzena Randle of Dismoor, Ill., Pauline Kemp, Maggie Bell, Beatrice Stewart, Rose Kemp, Sally Campbell, and Letha Harris, all of Starkville; brothers, Leroy Kemp, Roger Ridley, Andrew, Frank,
and Jessie Kemp, all of Starkville; and six grandchildren.
James Mitchem
ABERDEEN — James Alfred Mitchem, 66, died May 8, 2011, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo. Services are Tuesday at 11 a.m. at TisdaleLann Memorial Chapel in Aberdeen with Robert Earl Fowlkes and Johnnie Cherry officiating. Burial will follow in Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. Mr. Mitchem was born Jan 30, 1945, to the late Samuel Alfred Mitchem and Laffon Brown Mitchem Pettry in Noma, W.Va. He was a road construction worker for D. B. Johnson in Iuka. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Mitchem; and sister, Farlina Mitchem. He is survived by his daughters, Madrin Griggs of Okolona, and Hazel Reynolds of Houston; son, Chad Mitchem of Houston; sisters, Edith McQullen of Ila, Ga., Barbara Lewis of Bluefield, Va., Wima Redden of Aberdeen, Mary Gorbutt of Amory, Deborah Davis of Aberdeen, Kathy Karusa of Aberdeen, and Sara Mitchem of Boone, W.Va.; brothers, Douglas Mitchem of Aberdeen, Dale Mitchem of Aberdeen, David Mitchem of Nettleton, and Woodie Mitchem of Hatley; 10 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Pallbearers are J. T. Naron, Marrvin Griggs, Jr., Chris Mitchem, Donnie Stacy, Douglas Davis, and Scott Carter.
John Montgomery
COLUMBUS — John Rogers Montgomery, 46, died May 9, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Gunter and Peel Funeral Home.
Barbara Koehler
COLUMBUS — Barbara Warren "Bobbie" Koehler, 61, died May 9, 2011, at her residence. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Gunter and Peel Funeral Home.
Corinne Brown
BRUCE — Corinne Mitchell Brown, 84, died May 7, 2011, at her residence. Services were Sunday at 4 p.m. at Parker Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Joe Barnett officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Memorial Garden in Bruce. Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce is in charge of services. Mrs. Brown was born Jan. 22, 1927, in Quitman County to the late Henry Tutor and Galada Dickey Mitchell. She was a homemaker and member of Calvary Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Freddie Brown; daughter, Hilda Hughes; sisters, Clarsia, Clara, Charlene, Christeen, and Cathalene; and brothers, Clarence, Claron, Clinton, and Charlie. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Strickland of Millport, Ala.; son, Glen Brown of Horn Lake; sisters, Clyde Bray of Mickey, Tenn., Cloise Austin of Bruce, Clela Mae Smith of Myrthle; five grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. Pallbearers are Charles Bennett, Michael Brown, Allen Gregory, Scottie Hughes, Dewayne Young, and Mark Young.
John Sanders
WEST POINT— John Ruble Sanders, 85, died May 8, 2011, at his residence. Services are Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Calvert Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Eddie Brock officiating.
Burial will follow in Memorial Garden Cemetery West Point with full military honors. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements. Visitation is today from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Sanders was born Oct. 1, 1925, in Chickasaw County to the late Daisy Clark Sanders and Frank Sanders. He was a supervisor for Babcock and Wilcox Company and a member of Trinity Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II, and a Purple Heart recipient. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sons, Steven Russell Sanders and Johnny Sanders; three sisters, and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Ruby English Sanders of West Point; daughter, Pat Davis of West Point; sons, Gary Sanders of Sulligent, Ala., and Mike Sanders of West Point; sister, Elmer Sanders Carpenter of West Point; four grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren. Pallbearers are Grant Davis, Will Sweatt, Jack Danovsky, Tommy Simmons, Billy Shirley, Jerald Andrews, and Sonny Wills. Memorials may be made to LeBonheur Childrens Medical Center, 50 Dunlap Street, Memphis, TN 38103 or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942. COLUMBUS — Willie B. Pope, 86, died May 9, 2011, at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Carter’s Funeral Services in Columbus.
Bennie Joyce Smith
Shirley Lynn Sudduth Robinson, 61 of Steens, MS passed away Monday, May 9, 2011 at her residence. Visitation will be held Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 6 – 8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10 AM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel with Michael Shelton officiating. Interment will be in Friendship Cemetery, Lamar Co., AL with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. Mrs. Robinson was born September 30, 1949 in Steens, MS to the late Frank and Edna Allen Sudduth. She was a lifetime resident of Lowndes Co., MS and retired in 1991 as a bookkeeper with Ned Hardin Appliance having 20 years of service. Mrs. Robinson also had a home owned business “Bits of Country” for 32 years. She designed and handmade ladies and children’s clothing. Mrs. Robinson enjoyed reading, sewing and spending time with her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband. James Coy Shackelford, Jr. Mrs. Robinson is survived by her husband, Danny R. Robinson, Steens, MS; daughter, Kristal L. Shackelford, Steens, MS; sisters, Pat (Barry) Shackelford, Gulf Shores, Al; Carolyn (Jimmy) Godfrey, Millport, AL; Doris (Johnny) Delmas, Pascagoula, MS; Kay Hafford, Columbus, MS; brothers, Jerry Wayne (Sharon) Sudduth, Millport, AL; Billy Sudduth, Millport, AL; Timmy Sudduth, Millport, AL; granddaughters, Amber Brasfield, Skylar Roberts and great granddaughter, Jazlyn Correll. Pallbearers will be Ralph Robinson, William Brasfield, Kenny Robinson, Stewart Robinson, Todd Ables, Jamie Sudduth and Jerry Gordon. Honorary pallbearers will be Dean McDill, Dr. Cameron Huxford, Shane Darrell, Bubba Pullen and Gordon Koenigsberger. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 353 North Mart Plaza, Jackson, MS 39206.
Bennie Smith, 79 of Columbus, MS passed away, Friday, May 6, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Golden Triangle, Columbus, MS. Visitation for Mrs. Smith was Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 6 – 8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services for Mrs. Smith were Sunday, May 8, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the Lowndes Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Kenny Gardner officiating and Bro. James Gardner assisting. Interment was in Memorial Gardens, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. Mrs. Smith was born October 13, 1931 to the late Garland Usery & Amelia Lucinda Caton Piper in Bessie, AL. She moved to Columbus in 1964 from Snowtown, AL. She was a member of the Church of God. Mrs. Smith worked as a cashier at Paul’s Drive In for 7 years. She enjoyed cooking, taking care of her family, listening to her family play and sing, watching wrestling and talking on the phone. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her husband – General Howard Smith and son – Jeff Smith. Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughter – Joy Smith, Dacula, GA, son - Leslie Smith, Columbus, MS and daughter in law – Becky Smith, Columbus, MS, Sisters – Bonnie Hilton, Columbus, MS & Mary Conner, Columbus, MS and grandsons – Donald E. Smith and Lucas A. Smith. Pallbearers were Larry Wallace, Michael Ables, Buddy Clardy, Joe Young, Kenneth Montgomery and Steve Bivens. Honorary Pallbearers were Dr. Joe Hillman, Dr. Doyle Sumrall, Jeff Britt, Dr. Jerry Turner, Dr. Matt Wade, Dr. Brad Brown, Wally Alford, Bo Jarrett and Denny Rutherford. Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association 200 Office Park Drive, Birmingham, AL 35223 or American Heart Association P.O. Box 16808, Jackson, MS 39236.
Compliments of
www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
SULLIGENT — Linda Eastman, 68, died May 8, 2011, at her residence. Services are today at 11 a.m. at Union Chapel Baptist Church with Israel Price and Tommy Spruiell officiating. Burial will follow at Webb Cemetery. Otts Funeral Home in Sulligent is in charge of arrangements. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Ms. Eastman was born Aug. 10, 1942, in Lamar County, Ala., to the late Clifton and Mary Lou Seaborn Eastman. She was a member of Union Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alvin and Grody Eastman and Kit and Margaret Seaborn. She is survived by her sister, Mavis Egger of Sulligent, Ala. Pallbearers are John Johnson, David and Dillon Barnes, Kevin McDaniel, Billy Eastman and Roger Rye.
Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Jones was born June 30, 1926, in Pickens County to the late Rich Jones and Ella Weir. He was a retired truck driver. He is survived by his daughters, Eloise Jones and Josette Roach, both of Perth Amboy, N.J., and Geralding Culbreath of Davenport, Iowa; sons, Norris Jones of Atlanta, Ga., Alfred, Lewis, Lashawn, and Kenneth Jones, all of Perth Amboy; sister, Mary Peterson of Perth Amboy; 30 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. SERVING YOU SINCE 1893
Dexter Francisco Visitation:
Tues., May 10, 2011 11-am -1pm Gunter and Peel Funeral Home
Services:
Tue., May 10, 2011 @ 1 pm Gunter and Peel Chapel
Burial:
Friendship Cemetery www.gunterandpeel.com
John Montgomery -Incomplete-
www.gunterandpeel.com
Barbara Koehler -Incomplete-
www.gunterandpeel.com
~~~~~~~~~
Jody Jones
MILLPORT, Ala. — Jody “Buttercup” Jones, 84, died May 3, 2011, in College Park, Ga. Services are Wednesday at 1 p.m. at Holly Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. O.L. Morgan officiating. Burial will follow at Holly Grove Cemetery in Millport, Ala. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. Dowdle When Caring Counts...
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Shaden W. Whitten Shaden Wilson Whitten, 80 of Columbus, MS passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – GT, Columbus, MS. Visitation was held Friday, May 6, 2011 from 6 – 8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services were held Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11 AM at Fairview Baptist Church with Bro. Mickey Dalrymple officiating, Bro. Sammy Crawford and Bro. Tommy Gillon assisting. Interment was in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Columbus, MS with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. Mr. Whitten was born January 24, 1931 in Ethelsville, AL to the late Clarence and Alice Brownlee Whitten. He retired in 1986 as a fireman for the City of Columbus with 20 years of service. Mr. Whitten also worked at Trinity Place for 17 1/2 years and retired in 2008. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served in the United States Army. Mr. Whitten was a member of Fairview Baptist Church, Columbus, MS. In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitten is preceded in death by his sisters – Louise Bradshaw and Corrine Jaynes and brothers – Carter Whitten, Troy Whitten, Calvin Whitten, James Whitten and Dewitt Whitten. Mr. Whitten is survived by his wife – Mae Whitten, Columbus, MS; son – Michael Whitten, Columbus, MS; brothers – Clarence Whitten, Jr., Ethelsville, AL, Virgil Whitten, Gordo, AL, Benny Whitten, Millport, AL, Earnest Whitten, Millport, AL; sisters – Mary Powell, Reform, AL, Blanche Taylor, Ethelsville, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were Benny Whitten, Byron Whitten, Earnest Whitten, Terry Whitten, Ricky Platt, Ryan Ferdinandsen, Bud Lambert and Greg Weeks. Honorary pallbearers were Columbus Fire Department Current and Retired Members, Trinity Place Staff and Residents and James Oliver’s Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to Trinity Place, 300 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702 or Fairview Baptist Church Haiti Missions, 127 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702. Compliments of
Lowndes Funeral Home www.lowndesfuneralhome.net
THE DISPATCH • www.cdispatch.com
6A TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2011
Miss. readies for expected river flood BY HOLBROOK MOHR Associated Press
YAZOO CITY — Mississippi residents are preparing for expected flooding from the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries as a swell of high water pushes past Memphis, Tenn., and southward along the state’s western border. People in many lowlying areas in Mississippi have already evacuated their homes. Floating casinos along the Mississippi River have closed. Farmers and merchants in the Delta say they hope their livelihoods will survive. John Hines has owned a store in rural Yazoo County for about 25 years, winning over locals with sweet tea, double cheeseburgers and friendly conversation. The 73-year-old had recently decided to sell the place. Now comes the threat of flooding.
Rogelio V. Solis/AP
One resident of Satartia has encircled his home with barriers designed to keep river debris from damaging his house frame Monday. The backflow of flood waters from the Mississippi River now mix with those of the Yazoo River to threaten residents of this small rural community.
“We expect the water to get this high,” he said Monday, holding his hand about 5 feet above the floor. His store is an extension
of him. His trophy deer hang on the walls. An aerial photo of his deer camp hangs in the office, next to a picture of him and two
grandkids after a good day’s hunting. Gov. Haley Barbour, who lives just up the road, stops by from time to time,
Hines said. “We finally decided to sell this store, but it ain’t going to be worth diddly squat if it gets flooded,” Hines said. “We’d have to get it back up and running again before we could sell it.” He just doesn’t know if it’s worth the time and energy to rebuild Hines Grocery at this point in his life. But he’s not ready to abandon the place and a nearby house yet, either. “I’m going to try and hang out. But the problem is it’s going to cut me off from the highway and roads,” he said. “I’ll have to get around on a boat.” His reason for staying? “Those people that come in boats to steal stuff don’t leave much tracks, do they?“. Go west on Mississippi 3 and run into Satartia. That’s where 77-year-old Ross Nesbit has been removing the furniture from his
home and giving people rides in a boat on the flooded Yazoo River. He stopped the boat under a bridge Monday evening. “Usually, we’d be floating down the river. See how we’re just sitting here? The river is starting to back up,” he said. Widespread flooding is expected along the Yazoo River, a tributary of the much larger Mississippi. When the Mississippi is full, the Yazoo backs up and floods these fertile farmlands. “These houses are not underwater yet, but they will be,” Nesbit said. “It’s never come across that road,” he said, referring the street that runs between his house and the river. “They say this time it’s going to. I believe them.“ The flatlands of the Mississippi Delta stretch about 200 miles from Vicksburg up to Memphis.
Church
Continued from Page 1A church in the immediate downtown area, the city would have to issue a permit to allow a non-business into the community commercial district. That could set a precedent, making it hard to say “no” to the next church that asks, some commissioners said. Further complicating the issue, Jeffares said the church would pay property taxes and sales taxes on donations for coffee even though they’re exempted from them because of their nonprofit status. After hearing arguments from the church and business owners, commissioners voted unanimously to table the request until next month’s meeting while they collect more information.
Setbacks like the one Monday could cause problems for the church, whose lease ends in December. Jeffares said the church, which meets regularly just on Sunday mornings, wants to be downtown as soon as possible to reach people who have had bad experiences with traditional churches — people, he said, like some staying at the Gilmer Inn. Although the project would fill a vacant space and contribute to city coffers, downtown property owner Chris Chain said he was worried the church would take more than it gave. Not only would a downtown church fill a space that could be used by another business, but it would add to
the parking headache downtown, he said. “I’m not against the church at all, but I don’t want to interfere with the business we’re doing downtown,” he said, recommending that the church move to a residential district instead. While the church is waiting for the next commission meeting, it will likely explain its project to the Main Street Association and may go before the Historic Preservation Commission. Looking over the design schematics of the proposed facade for the church, City Engineer and Commissioner Kevin Stafford said he doubted the proposal would pass the Historic Preser vation Commission unscathed.
Provided Image
An architecht’s rendering shows the proposed interior of the old Varsity Theater, which the Hope Community Church has proposed renovating and occupying. The building is owned by Malco.
Principal Continued from Page 1A
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will miss the people as well as the family-friendly environment, he was particularly drawn to CMSD’s innovation and success with the International Baccalaureate and magnet schools programs. “West Point is a wonderful community and a great school district,” he said. “Always you have trepidations, but I’m excited about the challenge I will have. Columbus is a great school district, and it will be a great opportunity for me to play an integral role in their success.” He holds a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Delta State University in Cleveland, Miss. and is
married with two children. He and his family are considering relocating from West Point to Columbus in order to be more involved in the community. In other news, the board announced a public tea and reception for former superintendent Dr. Del Phillips, who resigned last month in order to accept a position as director of schools for the Sumner County School District in Gallatin, Tenn. Last night’s meeting was Phillips’ last at the helm; new interim superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell will lead her first regular meeting June 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Columbus
Municipal Complex. Lautzenhiser said he hopes the community will take the opportunity to attend Phillips’ farewell reception, which be held May 23, 2011 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Columbus Middle School. “We hope a large number of people can come out and thank him for his four years of service over the past four years,” Lautzenhiser said. Other upcoming dates to mark on the calendar include Class Night at the Columbus High School gym on May 19, 2011 and CHS graduation ceremonies, which will be held at Mississippi State at 9 a.m.
comes and performance management. Experienced in grantwriting, Sweeten currently serves on the boards of directors of the Center for Policy, Planning and Performance, the MSU President’s Commission for the Status of Women, and Clay County Day Care Center. “Tina also has a lot of experience working with programs focusing on youth and senior services and with programs for people with mental and physical disabilities,” Johnson added. Longtime CAC board
member Ralph Null served on the search committee. “We’re delighted to have as our new director such a well-qualified and enthusiastic leader to help the Arts Council move forward in its mission and service,” he remarked. “Her years of experience and education has made her uniquely qualified..” “I’m honored and very happy to accept this challenge,” said Sweeten. “And I appreciate the board’s trust and confidence in me to oversee the continuing legacy of the Arts Council.”
searching for Montgomery on Monday returned fire, hitting him at least twice in the upper side and right hip.
Those deputies will be on leave until the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation concludes its investigation.
Arts
Continued from Page 1A Arts degree from Western Washington University. She also holds an Advanced Graduate Study Certificate in organizational psychology from Capella University in Minneapolis, Minn., and is currently working toward her Ph.D. in sociology at MSU. In addition, Sweeten, who currently resides in Starkville, holds a Graduate Diversity Certificate from MSU and maintains professional certification as a volunteer administrator. She also earned certification from Hamline University in out-
Firefight Continued from Page 1A
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December, according to Sheriff Butch Howard. The five deputies, including Chief Deputy Greg Wright, who were