Choctaw County, MS
October 2021- October 2022
Welcome
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Welcome Welcome to Choctaw County
on the cover:
Choctaw County Lake: a great place for recreation
Photos by Kelly Thompson
at home IN CHOCTAW COUNTY PUBLISHER Joseph McCain Ad and cover design Kelly Thompson RETAIL ADVERTISING Charlotte Newman Kathy Johnson OTHER CONTRIBUTING STAFF Chasatie Fisher Mark Newman Russell Hood 662-285-6248
The Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome you to our home. We are proud to serve, represent and enhance business growth and promote Choctaw County as a positive place to live, work and visit. Choctaw County consists of three towns – Ackerman, French Camp and Weir. Each town is unique and has something special to offer its residents from delicious food to outdoor recreation and more. Ackerman is the county seat and is home to most of Choctaw County’s shopping, restaurants, hair salons, insurance agencies, a hospital, medical clinics and more. If you want to spend time outdoors and enjoy walking you should visit the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track and let your children in the Governors Park. The Choctaw Lake Recreation Area is only a few miles outside of Ackerman. Here you can find fishing, boating, camping, hiking and more. French Camp is a small and unique town that will make you feel like you stepped back into the 1800s when you visit their Historic District. French Camp is located on the Natchez Trace and is home to French Camp Academy, several businesses and more. French Camp Academy is a private, Christian boarding school and their staff and students help make the town what it is today. Weir can be found in between Ackerman and French Camp. This town is small but full of personality. Visit Weir to find unique residents in town and in the communities just outside of town along with small, locally run businesses. Education is a top priority in Choctaw County. We are the home to the Choctaw County School District that has three elementary schools, a high school and a career and technology center. They are proud to be one of the top school districts in the state and continue working towards that goal every day. Workforce and education are important to Choctaw County. The county is an ACT Certified Work Ready Community. The Chamber is actively involved with the ACT Work Ready Taskforce and provides testing to each county senior so that they will be one step closer to joining the workforce. The Chamber strives to make a difference and give back to our county with membership dues going directly to promote our local businesses and events. Benefits that the Chamber offers to our members include ribbon cuttings/grand opening promotions, workshops and each member receives a window decal showing membership. There are opportunities to network with other organizations/businesses, receive referrals and can participate in economic and community development in our county. The Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce hosts many different types of events. A few community events are ribbon cuttings, Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, Jack O’ Lantern Jam and the Christmas Parade. The Chamber also hosts a First Responders Dinner, Industry Appreciation Luncheon, and Council of Governments Dinner. Facade Grants are granted each year, along with recognizing our county teachers, during Teacher Appreciation Week. If you are just visiting, looking for a new place to call home or are one of the county’s residents, Choctaw County and the Chamber welcomes you! Donna McKay, Executive Director Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce
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Ackerman: Small town life full of friendly people Community
By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist The Town of Ackerman is the county seat of Choctaw County and is home to 1,5068 residents along with many businesses and more. Ackerman Mayor Dale Reid says Ackerman is the “best-kept secret in the state! We are only 15 minutes from Wal-Mart and 30 minutes from Mississippi State University,” he continued. What makes Ackerman special is its residents and the quiet, peaceful town. Reid describes Ackerman’s residents as “the friendliest people you will ever meet.” He added that they “truly care about their neighbors and their town.” “Ackerman is all about living in a quiet, peaceful town. A place where people can walk around town and gather at the parks and children can visit friends and family that live down the street,” said Reid.
If you are looking for a unique, small town to move to, then Ackerman could be your next home. There are many reasons to move to the Town of Ackerman. First, they have the lowest property taxes in the area. And Ackerman is just minutes from Choctaw Lake; this location has camping, fishing with walking and biking trails. “Ackerman has one of the best Elementary Schools in the state and our High School and Middle School just completed a new addition to the educational infrastructure on campus. Also, the Choctaw County School District will begin construction on a brand new Athletic Complex this year” said Mayor Reid. Another thing that sets Ackerman apart from other small towns is that Ackerman has two former governors called Ackerman home, the late J.P. Coleman and Ray Mabus. The Town of Ackerman is the center of business and
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Community shopping in Choctaw County and has much to offer. When arriving in Ackerman, you will find a wide variety of businesses, including retail, banking/finance, insurance, healthcare, restaurants, convenience stores, beauty and nail salons, and automotive repair and body shops. When asked why you should visit Ackerman, Mayor Reid said, “People should come to Ackerman just to eat at Pap’s Place; the catfish is the best you will find anywhere! Also, you will discover that Ackerman is a visitor friendly community.” When looking for a small town to visit or call home, consider Ackerman.
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Community
Explore French Camp: A Small Town that Makes a Difference By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist French Camp is a unique, small town in Choctaw County. This town can be found right off of the Natchez Trace Parkway or Highway 413. The Town of French Camp is home to 300 residents, French Camp Academy and more. French Camp Academy is a private, Christian boarding school for grades 7-12th grade. FCA's staff, students and support ministries help make the Town of French Camp special. French Camp Mayor Glen Barlow says that most of the townspeople graduated from FCA. "People remain here and keep things going," said Barlow. This includes opening their own businesses in town. "All of our local businesses (owners), except Dollar General, graduated from French Camp Academy and have lived here most of their lives," said Barlow.
This includes Henderson's Auto Parts, Barlow Blue and Leonard's 3-Way. Henderson's is much more than an auto parts store with building supplies and more. Barlow Blue is a jewelry, clothing and gift store that has customers worldwide. Leonard's 3-Way is a gas station and the Friday night fish house. This year French Camp is experiencing a business boom with the addition of several new businesses. The Town of French Camp and its residents are excited about this growth. In addition, French Camp is now the stop to several food trucks that offer the community a variety of foods and desserts they didn’t have before. Many of the townspeople are drawn to French Camp because of their mission with French Camp Academy and that mission spills over into town. Barlow said that French Camp had become a small town with a mis-
sion and purpose because of the townspeople.
This helped one of FCA's students create the town's
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Community motto, "A Small that Makes a Difference." When visiting French Camp, it only takes a short while to see that the motto is true and that there is something special about the town. When asked what keeps people in French Camp engaged, Barlow referred to the motto. "We are a small town that makes a difference. Every person in town makes a difference. We have something for everyone," said Barlow. This includes the French Camp Academy’s Welcome Center, where they make fresh bread every day, the Council House Restaurant, and the Historic District that will take you back to the 1800s. You can spend the
night at the bed and breakfast and see the stars at the Rainwater Observatory. There is even more, to explore in French Camp but you must visit to find out.
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Community
Weir: Small town full of personality By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist The Town of Weir is the perfect example of a small town in a rural county. You can find the small town of Weir just off of Highway 12. The town itself is about two square miles, but they have so much more to offer. Located in downtown Weir is a dentist office, public library, town hall,
fire department, police department and post office. Right outside of Town Hall is the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor of Big Lucky Carter. Residents of Weir enjoy a paved walking track with shade trees, benches and lights for a nighttime walk and even a movie screen. Right off of Highway 12 is Dollar General and Forks, Knives and Spoons - the local restaurant.
Weir is also the home to Weir Elementary School, where local pre-kindergarten to sixth-grade students attend school with some of the best and most dedicated teachers. WES is part of the Choctaw County School District. Weir is the home to approximately 500 residents with many more people living in the surrounding communities of McCool, Panhandle and Spay. These people keep
the Town of Weir going while adding flavor and personality to this community. Many Weir residents travel throughout Choctaw County and work and shop, but they return home to Weir every day to raise their kids and enjoy the simple, small town life. Take a drive in Choctaw County to visit Weir to see what small town life is about.
(Left) John Weir House
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Community
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45 E Main St., Ackerman, MS P.O. Box 394 Ackerman, MS (662) 285-6251 ELECTED Mayor:
Public Works Director
Dale Reid
Perry Lee
Board of Aldermen:
Fire Dept. Chief
Ward 1 - Felecia Baber Ward 2 - Tommy Curtis Ward 3 - Chris Robinson Ward 4 - Brent Telano
Billy Stricklin
Town Clerk Debbie Boley
Board Attorney
At Large -
Kevin Null
Carl “Barney” Phelps
OFFICE STAFF
APPOINTED
Tonya Woods Susan Medders
Police Chief Tim Cook
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Recreation
Outdoors and Recreation in Choctaw County By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist Recreation in Choctaw County comes in different forms - outdoors sports, walking tracks, historical markers, camping, hiking, mountain bike trails, hunting and more. Beginning in Ackerman, recreational opportunities can be found at the Tom Glasgow Park, the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track, Governors Park and Choctaw Lake. Tom Glasgow Park is the home to the Choctaw County High School Chargers baseball and softball fields and the community’s little league ball fields. The park is located at 628 East Church Street in Ackerman. Just down the road from the park is the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track. This paved walking track is used morning, noon and evening by people walking and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Along the track are benches and trees to provide rest during your walk and even a small waterfall. A large pavilion can also be found to help add shade and a place to meet friends and family. Along the walking track are two historical markers that display how both Ackerman and Choctaw County are rich in musical talent and heritage. The first marker is the 139th Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor of Texas Johnny Brown, legendary blues musician who was born in Ackerman. The second is the Country Music Trail marker in honor of Hoyt Ming. Next door to the walking track is the new Governors Park that provides a playground for kids to enjoy while their parents are walking. This new park is completely fenced in with swings, a slide, a pavilion and more. The park is named in honor of two Mississippi governors that called Ackerman home - Governor JP Coleman and Governor Ray Mabus. The Choctaw Lake Recreation Area is found five miles outside of Ackerman just off of Highway 15 and offers fishing, boating, hiking, camp-
Choctaw Lake offers numerous family activities.
ing, and much more. The campground offers 20 campsites with utility hookups, 35 picnic sites, three picnic pavilions, swimming area, bath houses with showers and toilets, two boat ramps, accessible fishing pier, and a variety of trails for hiking or mountain biking. Choctaw Lake is part of the Tombigbee National Forest and this brings in hunters from all over the state in search of whitetail deer, turkeys and more. Another draw to the Choctaw Lake area is the Noxubee Hills Trail system that mountain bike enthusiasts love. The trails run through a hilly and remote area of Choctaw and Winston Counties. It features approximately 30 miles of trails that are made up of narrow single track, abandoned forest roads with two trail heads. If interested in biking these trails, make sure to download or pick up a trail map due to the rugged and somewhat isolated area.
Moving along in Choctaw County will bring you to Weir. Here you will find another Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor of Levester “Big Lucky” Carter. The marker is located outside of Town Hall. Carter, a longtime singer, guitarist and songwriter was born in Weir and raised in French Camp. Weir also offers a walking track right in town. You will find the Weir Walking Track located on North Ann Street right next to the Weir Fire Department and Police Department. The paved walking track also features shade trees, benches and lights for a nighttime walk and even a movie screen. Choctaw County also has two stops along the Natchez Trace Parkway French Camp and Jeff Busby Campground. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. French Camp is found at milepost
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Recreation 181 and is a unique find along the trace and in Choctaw County. When you stop in French Camp, you will be taken back to the 1800s when you visit French Camp Academy’s Historic District. Whether you walk along the boardwalk or drive, you will find the Alumni Museum, Blacksmith Shop, restored French Camp Post Office, Drane House and the Carriage House. The French Camp Bed & Breakfast is available if you find that you need to stay the night. Make sure to stop into the Log Cabin Gift Shop and enjoy delicious food at the Council House Restaurant. While in French Camp, take the time to explore and find more treasures. The Jeff Busby Campground is at milepost 193.1 and features an 18site free campground, picnic tables, restrooms, walking trails and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Little Mountain is one of
the highest points in Mississippi along the Natchez Trace with an elevation of 603 feet. Visit Choctaw County to see more ways to enjoy the
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Education
Choctaw County School District: Keep Charging Forward by Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist The Choctaw County School District is home to 1,275 students who are dedicated to “prepare all students to exit each grade level meeting or exceeding requirements to be prepared for college or careers and to be positive, productive members of society,” as their mission states. “We are a family friendly and all inclusive district that prides itself in creating an atmosphere where families want to come and be a part of our school communities!” said Superintendent Glen Beard, Jr. He added that one of the best benefits of attending school in the CCSD is “teachers and faculty that treat each student as if they are their own child.” The CCSD is committed to educating and helping students even in a pandemic. Beard says one of their accomplishments is “operating a normal traditional schedule in the middle of a pandemic while also working with students and employees as they deal with different issues caused by the pandemic.” Looking to the future, Beard says the CCSD plans to continue to provide growth opportunities for students, teachers and our communities in Choctaw County. “We just finished adding on at the high school, and now we are getting ready to start on a new football stadium and redo the baseball and softball areas. Also, we want to add a stand alone track and field area as well as locker rooms and team areas for each sport,” said Beard. “We believe by providing the best academic opportu-
nities as well as top-notch facilities around, and then we can help our county and communities grow as people on the outside see the awesome things happening in Choctaw County and want to be a part!” The CCSD is home to three elementary schools, one high school and a career and technology center Ackerman Elementary, French Camp Elementary, Weir Elementary, the Choctaw County High School and the Choctaw County Career and Technology Center. Ackerman Elementary serves 490 students in prekindergarten to sixth grade. One thing that makes AES special, according to Principal Samantha Kelly, is the overall school culture. “Part of what makes AES special is that our overall school culture is very positive, and our school feels more like an extended family than just a school building. We try to make our school a place where both students and staff members feel comfortable expressing themselves. We try to ensure that all students know that our school is a safe place where they have people who truly care about them,” said Kelly. One highlight of AES is the dedication of their staff members working every day to make sure every student feels comfortable while they focus on teaching the whole child. “A highlight of AES is the dedication shown by staff members to ensure that things run effectively and that every child is getting the best education possible. Each day our staff members put forth their best effort to ensure the lessons that are being taught are engaging, meaningful, and fun. Since
Students at FCE are so thankful for the books donated to our classroom by the Pay It Forward Foundation.
we focus on teaching the whole child, our students receive not only educational lessons but also life lessons as well. Our staff works together to make sure that each child has instruction that best meets their needs, and we are extremely proud of the commitment our staff members have ensuring that all of our students are successful and performing to the best of their abilities,” said Kelly. As a behavioral incentive, AES has continued implementing its PBIS program, which provides positive incentives to students regarding their behavior. The commitment of staff members at Ackerman Elementary shows in many ways, including how well the students perform. Kelly said they are proud that AES is “well above the state average regarding state test scores from the 2020 2021 school year,” and they were able to maintain inperson learning in the middle of a pandemic. French Camp Elementary serves around 100 students in prekindergarten through sixth grade. Not only is FCE an outstanding school, but it
serves as a centerpiece of the French Camp community and has since 1885. “Many who live in the French Camp community today and many of our faculty members walked the halls of this little school to receive their elementary education. The original hardwood floors in the main building seem to catch the eyes of most visitors and new parents coming into our school,” said Principal Shane Burton. “Parents, the French Camp community, and the staff of FCE provide amazing support and dedication to our school striving for nothing less than success and prosperity because FCE holds a special place in the hearts of our teachers and this community,” he continued. Weir Elementary School serves approximately 140 students this year. Principal Robbie Denson describes WES as a “special place to be.” “It is special because of the staff and students. We are like one big family. Our community is close-knit. We have built relationships in our community over the years. Some staff is now
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Education teaching the children of their previous students. They are also teaching siblings of students they have had in the past. This is how we build lasting relationships. The staff at WES really demonstrate their genuine affection for students, their families, and each other. This makes WES special. We all work together to help our students succeed. Then, we all celebrate when they do. These are the memories that we cherish at WES,” said Denson. One highlight of WES is its vision to become a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) school. “We are really working toward this goal. Our program is getting stronger every year. We have been building our resources, including books, materials, and technology, to help our kids in problem-solving. We have made our library a place the students can go to support their learning. They really enjoy the time they spend there,” said Denson. “We are piloting a vision of growth mindset with our students and parents. We are encouraging resilience, persistence, grit, hard work, and determination in all our students. All these qualities help students push through adversity in any circumstance,” she continued. Choctaw County High School serves 509 students in seventh through twelfth grades. Principal Thomas Brooks describes CCHS as a “student-centered organization that places students’ needs and concerns first. We provide support for our students as they develop their plans for their future while providing opportunities for them to explore college and career options. Whether it is college or
career, our students will have a plan. Our goal is to prepare students to take leadership roles in our community, state and nation.” One highlight of the high school is that “Choctaw County High School is on the move. We are growing in student size, our facilities are being updated, and our students and staff members are amazing,” said Brooks. The students, staff and the Choctaw County community are proud of the new facilities at CCHS. “We have a new cafe that is much larger than our old cafeteria. Our new choir room will rival any facility in the state of Mississippi. In addition, we converted the old cafeteria space to a physical training studio. These are a few of the many new projects that have taken place on our campus over the last year,” said Brooks. Not only has CCHS updated the facilities, but this year they added more dual credit classes for high school students and more honors classes for their seventh and eighth-grade students. In addition, CCHS is encouraging students to develop clubs and organizations that appeal to their student interests. Brooks said their newest club is an art club organized by a team of high school students. “We are always growing and striving for excellence at Choctaw County High School. This is an awesome time to be a Charger,” said Brooks. The Choctaw County Career and Technology Center serves all students in Choctaw County in grades 8-12. It works cooperatively with Choctaw County High School and French Camp Academy to prepare students for continued post-secondary education or their chosen career field.
Athletics play a valuable learning tool
This year CCCTC Director Dudley Vance is working to shift this focus to promote the center, staff and students. “We have done a great job over the years promoting business and industry to the students that come through the CTE center, which will continue. The shift is not a change but the addition of promoting our students and staff to business and industry. We have a highly skilled and educated staff here at the CTE center and it is a privilege for the students of Choctaw County to learn from them. When you combine that quality of teachers and the quality of students that Choctaw County has to offer, you produce assets to the business and industry workforce,” said Dudley. Students at the CCCTC have the opportunity to learn new skills and experiences in six career and technical skill programs. Agricultural and Environmental Science and Technology is a course that focuses on providing students an opportunity to explore the different fields of the agricultural sciences. FFA is the student organization for AEST. Agricultural Power and Machinery is an instructional program designed to provide basic skills for students to become employed in the industry of agricultural power mechanics or to
continue their education in post-secondary institutions. FFA is the student organization for Agricultural Power and Machinery. Construction Carpentry program helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to secure entry-level employment in carpentry, brick masonry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and related areas in the construction industry. SkillsUSA is the student organization for this program. Culinary Arts is a pathway program designed to articulate to postsecondary programs in Food Production, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Culinary Arts. FCCLA is the student organization for this program. Healthcare and Clinical Services is a pathway for students in the Health Sciences career cluster. The course includes classroom and hands-on experiences that will provide students with an overview of the healthcare field. HOSA is the student organization for Health Sciences. The Sports Medicine pathway focuses on the prevention and care of sports injuries. This program is a curriculum that provides an educational option for students who have successfully completed the Health Sciences Core. HOSA is the student organization for Sports Medicine.
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The people
Tucks passionate about Choctaw County life By Amy Stewart Cagle Freelance Journalist Emily and Johnathan Dale Tuck are very content at home in Choctaw County. The two were high school sweethearts who married in 2006. Since then, their love for each other, their family, and their community has grown stronger each year. “Choctaw County is a welcoming place where many people know each other, and it makes a great base for our family,” said Emily. “We just love it here. It’s the right place for us, and we plan to be here for a very long time.” After years of living in the county, the Tucks moved into the home previously known as the “Glasgow house” on East Cherry Street in Ackerman in 2019. It is where they plan to raise their children into adulthood. “It says a lot about a community when your kids can still ride their bikes nearby because you know your neighbors are also watching out for their safety and wellbeing,” said Emily. Emily and Johnathan had
(Above) Bentley, Colton, Kinsley, Isabella Rose and Dawson. (Far, right) Emily and Johnathan Tuck Johnathan enjoys working family ties to Choctaw later earned a master’s County before they settled degree in education from in local industry. He has been a board operator at here permanently. Emily Arkansas State University. The Tucks feel they are Southern Company was born in Baton Rouge, Hills Louisiana, but her parents blessed with career opportu- Services—Red Operations since 2013. returned to Ackerman when nities in the county. she was in the seventh grade. Johnathan is a native of Columbus, who also had family living in the county. The Tucks are graduates of Ackerman High School who attended and graduated from Mississippi State University. Johnathan earned a bachelor’s degree in education, while Emily WFCA-Good News Radio is a supearned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and port ministry of French Camp Academy.
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The people Emily is a first-grade teacher at Ackerman Elementary School in the Choctaw County School District this year, having worked there as a kindergarten teacher since the 2014-15 academic year. She initially taught school for three years at West Oktibbeha County Elementary School and then was a stay-at-home mom for a time. “I’m proud for my children to attend school in Choctaw County because I feel like we have some of the best schools and the best teachers anywhere in our state,” said Emily. “The kids are learning at a great pace and maturing into even better students scholastically each year.” The Tucks always wanted a large family. They proudly have five children—Kinsley, 11; Dawson, 10; Bentley, 8; Colton, 4; and Isabella Rose, 2, with a sixth child, another girl, due to arrive in March. The family’s activities revolve around school, sports, church and community
activities. They all attend Enon Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Ackerman. “We love sports year-round, and our children tend to be athletically inclined,” said Johnathan, who played football and softball at Ackerman High School and played rugby at college. Johnathan devotes his time to the community. He is the volunteer director of youth football and very active with the summer youth baseball league and part of the chain crew for high school football. “Our family is always busy with baseball, softball, and even travel ball for the older children—there is always an outlet for us to participate and enjoy activities with people we know and new people we meet,” Johnathan said. The Tucks work hard to be examples of good citizens in their community and hope their family ties to Choctaw County will continue for generations to come.
“When we are at home, we are v e r y happy h e r e . Choctaw County h a s everyt h i n g important for small town life, and we know we made the right decision to commit to be here for a lifetime,” said Emily. Johnathan echoes his wife’s sentiment. “I can’t think of a better place to call home. Choctaw County was a good place for us to put down permanent roots as a married couple, and we believe it will remain a good place to raise our children and hopefully for them to one day raise their own children here,” he said.
“Continuing to Grow the Economy for Winston County” What are we: • Team of committed, dedicated, and locally grown individuals. • Consumers of locally grown resources, partnering with local farmers and land owners. • Producers of quality products, shipping across North America.
Team members committed to operating with Safety, Service, Excellence, and Integrity. 1487 South Church Ave • Louisville, MS • 662-446-1900
Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce 55 East Quinn Street • Ackerman, MS • 39735
PROUD TO PROMOTE CHOCTAW COUNTY Chamber Activities: • First Responders Dinner • Kids Fishing Rodeo • Jack O’ Lantern Jam • Christmas Parade • Let Choctaw County Sparkle! Holiday/Lighting Contest
MEMBER BENEFITS: •Ribbon Cuttings • Business Workshops • Opportunity for Referrals • Community/County and Education Partners
Call us for Membership Information Contact us to rent the Choctaw County Community Center
662-285-3778 Follow us on Facebook for updates about Chamber activities, membership information and community events