Winston County, MS
October 2021- October 2022
2
Building a Better Community City Of Louisville 662-773-9201 P.O. Box 510, 2373 S. Church Street, Louisville, MS 39339 cityoflouisvillems@gmail.com cityoflouisvillems.com Police Chief: Sean Holdiness Code Enforcement: Jody Fulton Assistant Police Chief: Ed Hunt Coliseum Director: Todd McCullough E911 Coordinator: Felisha Mays Fire Chief: Robert Hutto Court Clerk: Kayla Rogers Public Safety: Chris Young Public Works: Robert Eaves P.O. Box 510 • 200 South Church St., Louisville, Ms • 662-773-9201 City of Louisville Officials: Front: Alderwoman Ward 3: Gwenita Mays, City Clerk: Wanda Hudson
Back: Alderman At Large: L.M Claiborne, Alderman Ward 2: Cody Ming, Alderman Ward One: Drew Massey, Alderman Ward 4: Eugene Crosby, Mayor: Will Hill, Municipal Judge: David Wilson City Attorney: Taylor Tucker
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Louisville has much to offer Community
By Mike Robertson At Home Edition By any reasonable measure Louisville, Mississippi is a small town, encompassing only 16 square-miles and with just over six-thousand residents according to the 2020 Census. But even so Louisville has a lot going for it. The city has weathered some difficult times in recent years, but has come out stronger and better for all that it has fought through. The leadership of Mayor Will Hill, and the Board of Aldermen, working hand in hand has been a strong guiding force in the progress the town has made. Of the aldermen, Hill said, "Every
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Community alderman that I have served with, regardless of the situation, even when there has been a disagreement, cares more about what is good for the City of Louisville overall, than any other agenda." He added that it is so much easier to accomplish things when you have people working together, toward a common goal. Louisville has many assets that make it an attractive location
including its churches, educational opportunities, industry, healthcare facilities, and airport. Many projects have been completed in recent years, but that does not mean the work is done. For instance, the South Industrial Road project which will be underway soon, and will funnel truck traffic away from downtown and from residential areas, and be more efficient and safe.
The Strand Theater renovation is underway and will provide a venue for all manner events, whether concerts or piano recitals, and so much more. That, along with existing assets such as Lake Tiak O'Khata and the Mason Boutique Hotel, which were recently voted by the readers of Mississippi Magazine as the Best Family Friendly Resort and Best Boutique Hotel in the state,
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Community
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respectively, makes Louisville an appealing destination. Recreational opportunities are always important, and in recent years the City has put a lot of time and money into upgrading and constructing new facilities. Ivy Park now features eight top-notch baseball/softball fields which can also be used for soccer. Academy Park has seen upgrades in recent years, and according to Parks Director Todd McCullough, is set for a fencing project this winter. With the addition of Shaston Coleman as Activities Coordinator/Asst. Park Director, the vision is to now ramp up the recreation part of the Parks and Recreation Dept. Coleman stated that it will be his job to bring energy, action and fun into the department, as they plan for recreational activities for all ages. Hill stated that with all of Louisville's assets and venues there is no reason that there shouldn't be something going on every weekend. Basic needs such as police and fire protection cannot be overlooked, as well as street conditions. Hill said that the streets are in better shape now than they have been in a while, but he and the Board are aware that there are still needs, and a major paving project will be undertaken, but it is an expensive process that takes time. Hill added that will all that Louisville has to offer, and continuing progress on new projects, the town is poised for growth.
In Winston County: • Hudson Place • Winston Place Apartments
Winston County including Louisville has many service clubs in the area that seek out ways to help the community. Above, the Rotary Club in Louisville gathered gifts for local senior home.
P.O. Drawer 30 Louisville, MS 39339 P:662-773-6269 F:662-773-7194 Toll Free: 800-898-0288
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Community
Great things are happening in Noxapater By Mike Robertson At Home Edition As small towns around the state and country are dying and vanishing away, Noxapater is a prime example of how a small town can not only survive, but thrive. The town of one squaremile, and about five-hundred residents has a reach that is much greater than that and hundreds of people in the surrounding area claim Noxapater as their home town. So what keeps such a
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small town on a bright path? Much of the credit goes to the leadership of Mayor Sammy Carter, and the Board of Aldermen consisting of Brian Burrage. Chris Wells, Tommy Bartholomew, Terry Kelley and Jamie Yarbrough, and residents who have a deep love for the town and a desire to see it prosper, and a willingness to work toward that end. Noxapater is located on Highway 15, at the intersection of Highway 490 East and Highway 395 West. The town is home to
• Turning Point • Emergency Department • Inpatient and Observation Care • Swing Bed: Physical and Medical Skilled Care
winstonmedical.org
• Senior Care Services • Respiratory Therapy • Sleep Study Medicine
Community
Noxapater residents gather at city hall for a community event. Noxapater residents find many ways to support their community.
8A At Home/ e Oct. 2021 - Oct. 2022 e/ quality education at the Noxapater Attendance Center, three churches, Choctaw Glove Factory, and Wells Church Furniture just outside of town. There is a medical clinic and a bank on Main Street, and new businesses have opened within the past few months. Mayor Carter stated that in the past four years the town has received about $4.1M in grants for work on the sewer and water systems, and with the help of state legislators have procured about $385K to go toward street paving. And progress is being seen in other ways as well. Chasity Wells reported that there was a recent meeting of concerned citizens, along with the town leaders, to discuss the purchase of new Christmas pole lights, the cost being
$11K, and by the end of the meeting $9K had been raised. The remainder of those funds have been raised, and the town has been able to use it as a match for a $10K TVA grant to go toward new playground equipment at the JWM Park, on the south side of town. In that meeting there was also a discussion about Noxapater forming their own Chamber Alliance, and a final vote for that will be held in an upcoming meeting. The meeting also resulted in the formation of several committees to oversee upcoming projects and events. The First Annual Trigger Town Chili Showdown will be held on Saturday, November 13, in conjunction with Noxapater Day. And on the evening of November 30, weather permitting, the
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Community Christmas lights will be lit, and everyone is invited to come for a time of singing Christmas carols around the town Christmas tree. The Noxapater Christmas Parade is set to return on Friday, December 10, and merchants will remain open until 9 that evening, and Santa will be present for pictures with the kids. The Cotton Gin Festival is scheduled to return next September, along with a car show and a 10K Paper Boy Run. Also, the Town of Noxapater is partnering with Noxapater High School to give students an opportunity to accumulate credit hours that go toward the Mississippi Scholars program. The students will work in town or at the JWM Park on different projects and the hours will be tracked. Wells stated that it is very gratifying to see and hear the excitement among residents, and you can be sure there are more good things to come for the Town of Noxapater.
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Education
LMSD aims for quality educational experience By Mike Robertson At Home Edition Education is one of the most important factors in the lives of young people as they grow and develop, and eventually prepare to enter adulthood. And as the only public school district within Winston County the Louisville Municipal School District touches the lives of many youth, with enrollment for the 2021-22 school year coming in at just over twenty-sixhundred, in grades K4-12. The LMSD encompasses seven different campuses: Fair Elementary, Louisville Elementary, Eiland Middle School, Louisville High School, Noxapater Attendance Center, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center and the Winston-Louisville Career Technical Center. Beginning in the spring of 2020, the advent of the COVID pandemic has brought many new and unforeseen challenges, but according to Superintendent, Dr. David Luke, it has also brought opportunities for growth and improvement. Luke added that state testing has been impacted, but the district is moving ahead and putting things in place to bridge any learning gaps. One of the areas of emphasis is technology, and the district is now in a place to provide every student access to an internet capable device, if the need should arise. Luke added that the district has also expanded its wireless footprint, and internet bandwidth capability. Technology is also aiding in student safety with the addition of state-of-the-art closed circuit television, and automated door locks. Luke stated that efforts are being made to provide students with a safe and secure learning environment. Training is being provided for
Louisville High School and LHS History teacher Billie Jean Fulton along with soem students were featured on the Today show’s in September 2021,
teachers and staff which will help them to identify and address the
emotional needs of students on a day to day basis, and teachers will
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Education be assigned a certain number of students to check on on a regular basis, as well. Luke added that they are always evaluating courses that are offered on the high school level to be sure that they are relevant and engaging, and preparing young people for the next step in life. And the Career Technical Center plays a big role for those who opt for the workforce rather than college, offering courses in Ag Power & Machinery, Construction, Culinary Arts, Forestry, Health Sciences, Welding and more, and these course are open to students from Winston Academy and Grace Christian School, also. Extra-curricular activities are important in offering young people a well-rounded educational experience, and the LMSD does not lack in that department, with sports for boys and girls. And the numerous state championship trophies are evidence that the various schools have excelled in these areas. In addition, there are other activities such as band, Beta Club, cheer squads and more for the students to be involved in. Luke stated that the district staff, including bus drivers, custodians, cafeteria workers, teachers & assistants, administrators, and central office staff are deserving of much gratitude for navigating through the COVID pandemic and continuing to provide the youth of Winston County with a quality education during extremely difficult times. And not to be overlooked is the Board of Trustees consisting of Roger Caperton, Robert Jones, Jr., Ronnie Ware, Jacqueline Steele and Brenda Johnson who are instrumental in overseeing the affairs of the district. All-in-all, the Louisville Municipal School District is ready and capable of providing a quality educational experience for the young people of Winston County.
11A At Home/ e Oct. 2021 - Oct. 2022 e/ Eiland Middle School helps students learn in different ways.
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Nowell-Massey Funeral Home is locally owned by Larry & Gail Massey and family.
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Education
Winston Academy continues to thrive in difficult times By Mike Robertson At Home Edition The mission of Winston Academy is to offer a diverse curriculum to help prepare young people for college or the workforce, and to do so in a safe, Christian learning environment. According to Headmaster Paul Hayles, the school is continuing on a consistent path through what have been some very difficult times due to the COVID pandemic. Hayles credited the faculty and staff and the WA family for the consistency, but also for making the
learning environment one that is enjoyable and worth doing. Hayles stated that the faculty has stepped forward, and continued to instruct their students, and have done their job well, adding that without those teachers the mission of Winston Academy would be impossible. Due to the pandemic, students in many areas have been forced into a 'virtual learning' environment, and data shows that many of those students have experienced a learning deficiency, highlighting the importance of the classroom experience. The effects of the virus
Winston Academy holds events after school to help create a school community.
Municipal School District
Winston County formed in 1833, is located in the east central part of Mississippi and was once the home of the Choctaw Indians. Louisville, incorporated in 1882, is the county seat. In 1995, the population of Winston County was 19,723. The first public school in Louisville was established in 1872. Winston County Schools and Louisville City Schools were consolidated in 1960 to become the Louisville Municipal School District which has a current student population of 2,700 and is served by 250 certified staff and 170 support staff members. The Louisville Municipal School District is comprised of all territory within Winston County and includes: Fair Elementary School (K-2) Eiland Middle School (6-8) Louisville High School (9-12) Nanih Waiya Attendance Center (K-12) Noxapater Attendance Center (K-12) Students in grades 10-12 are served by the Winston-Louisville Career and Technology Center. All schools are accredited by the Mississippi Accrediting Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). The Louisville Municipal School District exists for the purpose of providing a quality education for all students. We recognize that our school program should reflect the values and needs of our community. We believe that each student should be given the opportunity to develop mentally, physically, socially, culturally, and morally. Recognizing that students have varied backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, efforts are made to offer a varied and flexible education program. BOARD OF TRUSTEES District 3: Brenda Johnson District 1: Bert Jones District 4: Jacqueline Steele District 5: Ronnie Ware District 2: Roger Caperton SCHOOL DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Dr. David Luke, Superintendent Belinda Swart, Assistant Superintendent, Federal Programs Dr. Paula Stokes, Assistant Superintendent, Director of Curriculum, Professional Development/Testing Mavis Crawford, Director of Special Education Stacie VanLandingham, Director of School Finance Sheila Tanksley, Director of Food Services Corey Coward, Director of Transportation Danya Turner, Principal, Louisville High School Monica Miller, Assistant Principal, Louisville High School Dr. Andrea Pastchal-Smith, Principal, Eiland Middle School Derek Hopkins, Assistant Principal, Eiland Middle School Gina Smith, Principal, Louisville Elementary School Drew Smith, Assistant Principal, Louisville Elementary School Cynthia McDonald, Principal, Fair Elementary School Juasita Patterson, Assistant Principal, Fair Elementary School Rhyne Thompson, Principal, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center Paulette Dailey, Assistant Principal, Nanih Waiya Attendance Center Chet Wilkes, Principal, Noxapater Attendance Center Sarah Webb, Assistant Principal, Noxapater Attendance Center James Robert Webb, Director of Winston-Louisville Career & Technology Center Torya Blair, Director of Louisville REACHES Alternative School Jeffrey Woodward, Director of Technology Tony Prior, Director of Maintenance Thomas Kelly, Director of Event Security
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Education have been minimal on the WA campus allowing students to continue in the classroom. Now in its second year, Winston Academy offers a K3 program, and Hayles said that it is a joyful experience to see the younger children in the learning process. Winston Academy has partnered with Prine Consulting to offer grades 10-12 free tutoring for the ACT test, and students have been able to take the ACT on campus during regular school hours, in a normal, familiar atmosphere, resulting in a significant increase in ACT scores. Of course, some youth will choose to go into the workforce rather than college, and Hayles stated that there are a number of WA students who do take advantage of courses offered at the WinstonLouisville Career Technical Center. Hayles added that there will always be a need for workers in the trades, and there is an opportunity for young people to make a good living with very little college debt. In addition to academ-
Winston Academy offers several sport activities as part of its school programs.
ics, Winston Academy offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities including sports for both boys and girls, and the Patriot football team has seen more success these past two seasons than in recent memory. One of the highlights of the year is the senior play which comes at the end of the homecoming pep
rally, and this year the student body got to see a performance of Shrek. Choir tryouts are currently underway, and there are other activities for students to be involved with. Hayles added that he appreciates tradition, such as singing of the Alma Mater at the end of pep rallies, and those are
things they strive to keep alive. Despite all of the challenges of recent years, Winston Academy continues to offer a positive, thriving educational experience where students also learn about Jesus Christ.
Louisville Rotary Eupora Rotary Club Club Service Above Self - They Profit Most Who Serve Best The Eupora Rotary been encouraging andand The Louisville RotaryClub Clubhas has been encouraging fostering the ideal of service in Webster County since 1937. fostering the ideal of service in Winston County since Our service projects include sponsorship of the Eupora 1928. Our service projects include literacy, Polio Plus, Christmas Parade scholarships for deserving and Between theand Lions. The Louisville Rotaryseniors Club meets at noon Wednesday at Lake Tiak O’Khata. at Eupora Highevery School and programs to promote literacy. We ourcounty. county. Wewelcome welcome all all newcomers newcomers totoour
P.O. Box 2 • Eupora, MS • 662-258-7835
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At a glance
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Personal Income
SUBSCRIBER RATES
Single Copy$1.00
In County
Out of County
12 Months $38 6 Months $29 3 Months $22
12 Months $50 6 Months $31 3 Months $24
Effective September 1, 2021 * Seniors (55+) $5.00 discount on 12 Months
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Education
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Grace Christian School Offers Christ-Centered Education Experience By Mike Robertson At Home Edition When it comes to educational opportunities in Winston County, Grace Christian School is not the biggest school, yet it excels, it thrives and it is growing. According to Headmaster Jason Morgan, the enrollment for the 2021-22 school year has increased by more than 20 students and for the first time in the history of the school enrollment has surpassed 160. And there are young people from six different counties enrolled at GCS: Winston, Choctaw, Oktibbeha, Attala, Noxubee and Neshoba Counties are represented. Morgan attributes the increase in enrollment to a few different factors, the first being that parents know, when their children are students at Grace Christian, they will receive a distinctly Christian education and be taught a Christian worldview. Morgan stated that in the tumultuous times that we are living, he believes many parents are looking for that for their children. Another factor is that some parents reported negative experiences in the area of virtual education that their families had to deal with as a result of the COVID pandemic. GCS has a very easy virtual platform that can be utilized if the need arises. However, since returning for the spring semester last year Grace Christian has seen very little effects of the virus. A third factor that draws families to
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Education Grace Christian is its stellar academic reputation. Morgan said that families know that when their children graduate from GCS they will be ready for the next phase of their education. In the 2020-21 school year 100% of learning objectives were met, despite the pandemic; graduating classes for the past two years have averaged an ACT score of 23; and 92% of seniors go on to attend college. Sports are also a big part of student life, offering volleyball and basketball for girls and basketball and baseball for boys, with the possibility of a golf team being added
Grace Christian offers several sport activities as part of its school programs.
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Education
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soon. And last year, every sports team posted a winning record. And Morgan stated that students recently participated in a medieval fair and have already begun preparations for the school play, Aladdin, which will be held next spring. Students attending Grace Christian School will have a well-rounded educational experience, but the most important part is that they will learn about God, about Christ, about the Bible, and God's plan for each of their lives. Grace Christian encourages many types of learning activities. GSC British Literature class put on a medieval fair in 2021.
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Recreation
Legion offers great outdoors experience By Mike Robertson At Home Edition As one travels north from Louisville, on North Columbus Avenue, just past Brooksville Road, and on the opposite side of the street, he is greeted by a big, inviting sign that says Legion State Park, a place of great beauty and much history. Legion State Park is the fourth of the original state parks developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, during the days of the Great Depression,
Legion Lodge.
and remains as unspoiled today as when the Choctaw Indian Nation first inhabited the area many years ago. Nestled in the red hill area of Mississippi, the 435-acre park strikes a wonderful balance of natural beauty, featuring two lakes, a nature trail,
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RV lots, a primitive camping area, and several cabins.
But probably the most striking and prominent feature of the park is
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Recreation Legion Lodge, a structure of hand-hewn timbers and stone, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, between the years of 1934 and 1937. According to Park Manager, Tim Flake, the timbers for the lodge were cut on site and a sawmill used to reside in the park for that purpose. Flake added that the stone for the building came largely from Winston and Choctaw Counties. The Lodge is the oldest permanent facility in the state park system and has been designated a Mississippi Landmark by the Department of Archives and History. It was also listed in the National Register of
One of the gazebos in Legion State Park.
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Recreation Historic Places in 1998. The Lodge features a banquet room with seating for up to 125 people, and has been the scene of weddings, family reunions, and many other types of gatherings. The Lodge is not the only permanent structure in the park, as there are five cabins which were built in the same era as the Lodge, when the park was the site of a CCC camp. The cabins located in areas off the beaten path and feature air conditioning and basic kitchen appliances and equipment, along with bed linens for the bedrooms. There are 15 RV sites with full water, electrical
One of the five cabins available for rent.
Mike Robertson
Come Grow With Us! Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for man. Colossians 3:23
Winston Academy 545 Richardson Road Louisville, MS 39339 Phone: (662) 773-3569 Follow us on: www.winstonpatriots.org @Winston Academy @WinstonPatriots
Recreation and sewer hookups, picnic tables and grills and a bathhouse. And for those who choose to 'rough it' there are a number of primitive camping sites. Located at the entrance of the park, off of North Columbus Avenue, is a playground for the small ones, and there are picnic areas along Legion State Park Dr., which runs about three- quarters of a mile, up and down rolling hills, until it reaches Legions Lodge. Legion State Park Dr. is a popular walking area, and runs along past the four-acre Lake Palila. Before it was Legion
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Ladies of the Town & Country Garden Club, landscaping around the entrance sign, (l-r): Marie Shaw, Noneine Mike Robertson Keene, Diane Dempsey, Patricia Holton and Debbie Moody.
Recreation
Toppasha Lake
State Park, it was for many years known as Camp Palila, a Boy Scout camp. Lake Toppasha lies to the west of Legion Lodge and is a long, narrow, 12-acre body of water that features some good fishing, and has been the scene of kids fishing rodeos, and offers wonderful and peaceful settings for photographers. Wildlife abounds in Legions State Park and visitors might see deer, turkeys, squirrel, birds of all kinds and so much more. According to Flake the RV lots and cabins are frequently in use, and the park is a popular getaway for those who are looking for a quiet, peaceful place to relax. Information concerning the Legion Lodge, the cabins and RV lots can be obtained by calling the park office at 662-773-8323.
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Education
ECCC provides college footprint in county Winston County residents looking for a quality college education at an affordable price or to improve their skills in the workforce, need look no further than East Central Community College, located in Decatur. In addition to offering classes on the Decatur campus, East Central provides courses at various locations in the College’s support district, which, in addition to Winston County, includes Leake, Neshoba, Newton and Scott counties. The College also offers various financial aid and scholarship opportunities for students of all ages. In the area of academics, East Central offers coursework for more than 160 academic majors. EC also offers numerous technical programs, including automotive technology, collision repair, business and office technology, computer technology, computing network support, early childhood education, drafting and design, electrical technology, electronic technology, heating and air conditioning, machine shop, hotel and restaurant management and the most recent addition, culinary arts. Career programs include carpentry and cabinetmaking, cosmetology and welding and cutting. In the health-related field, programs include associate degree nursing, emergency medical technology-paramedic, healthcare assistant, practical nursing and surgical technology. Adult basic education and GED preparation is also an important mission of the College. Mississippi has a large population of adults
approximately 5,700 items each month from the collection. The children’s librarian hosts Children’s Story time at the library every Tuesday from 9:30 – 10 a.m. The Winston County Library is a place that each Winston Countian can all be proud of – the services are free, or at a miniscule fee, such as copying and fax service; and the library staff wants to continue to provide the services to this community that are needMany Winston Countians have built upon thier success at ECCC ed. The library and staff also who are without a high Library which opened in welcome out of town visischool degree, evidenced by 1934, is part of the Midtors to the library, to use Regional the fact the more than 500 Mississippi the Internet, read magaindividuals have earned Library System. zines or books, or conduct their diplomas at EC, The Winston County family research. The according to Gene Davis, Library is the second Winston County Genealogy dean of adult and continu- largest public library in the Room is gaining recogniing education. Classes are 5 County System, behind tion and respect throughoffered free of charge in the Attala County Library. out Mississippi - and Decatur and at various dis- The Winston County beyond state borders - for trict locations. In Winston Library continues to be a the caliber of collection. County, ABE/GED classes busy and growing library. are also provided with a Over 10,000 people visit campus site located in the library and check out Winston County. For more information contact ECCC Student Services, Phone 601-6352111 or call toll free, 1-877462-3222, ext. 205.
Bonus Learning: Library Winston County Library
serves all persons in the county for a more educated citizenry. Education begins best with reading. Reading and libraries are important to Winston counties as shown through their support of the Winston County Library. The Winston County
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Recreation
Noxubee Wildlife Refuge
Those visiting the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge may avail themselves of walks in nature, fishing, hunting, bird watching and much more. The refuge was recently renamed to Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge). The Noxubee Refuge is 42,500 acres comprised of bottomland and upland woodlands. These forest lands occupy a variety of game species including quail, deer, and turkey. The Refuge which is less than 8 miles from Louisville has many great
hunting areas, fishing areas, pristine walking trails and many more outdoor activities. The refugee staff along with Winston County government have created several well developed roads into the wildlife area. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge was created from lands obtained through the 1930’s R e s e t t l e m e n t Administration. Before Government ownership, the land area within the Refuge was intensively farmed and over grazed. After years of proper land stewardship, Noxubee is now an excellent example of forest and wildlife management. This change has caused a return of bountiful wildlife
Extension Photography Club Title: Fall on the Refuge Photographer: Zoey Gillett The Refuge is a great place to visit .
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Email: gaileaves@bellsouth.net Phone: 662-779-2125 Fax: 662-779-2126 17270 East Main Street Louisville, MS 39339
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Recreation populations and a progression toward restoration of the pine and hardwood forest types that were so devastated in the early 1900’s. The Refuge is an ecologist dream with a huge variety of species to observe in natural habitat from alligators to flying squirrels. The Refuge office is located on the banks of Bluff Lake in the center of Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. Normal business hours for the office are 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Information and brochures are available at the Refuge office and kiosks at the Woodpecker Trail and Bluff Lake public restrooms. Also, visit www.fws.gov/noxubee for more information.
Dean Park
Dean Park was established on July 21, 1980 by the Winston County Board of Supervisors. It is named after the late M. E. Dean, the County Extension Agent for many years and is located in the Center Ridge Community on Hwy 15 S.
Nanih Waiya
The tenth annual Harvest Festival was held in honor of the 75th anniversary celebration of Dean Park on October 9, 2021 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dean Park 10647 HWY 15 S., Louisville. recreation with its main offerings at Ivy Park. Ivy Park Academy Park The City of Louisville Louisville Coliseum Nanih Waiya Community offers several outlets for Park will hold its grand opening in October 2015 and is located at 9185 Highway 490 in Louisville. The Friends of Nanih Waiya Community Park fund was established to build a community park in the heart of Nanih Waiya. The Friends of Nanih Waiya Community Park is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization so all donations are tax deductible.
Community Park
WHEN IT
REALLY
MATTERS
2105 South Church Avenue Louisville, MS 39339
662-418-8853
City recreation
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the people
The Hillyer Family is at Home in Winston County
By Mike Robertson At Home Edition Matt and Amy Hillyer arrived in Louisville 26 years ago, both coming from small towns, and found a home in another small town. Matt was from Carrollton, Alabama and Amy hailed from Charleston, Mississippi. They met while in college at Mississippi State, and after graduation Matt found a job in the engineering department of Taylor Machine Works, where he now serves as Director of Engineering. Amy serves as Executive Director of the Louisville/Winston County Chamber of Commerce and the Main Street Association. About Winston County, Amy said, "God brought us here, and it has been a blessed journey." Though Matt and Amy may not be Winston County natives, their daughters, Bella and Chloe are, having been born and raised here. Bella was honored as the 2020 Winston Academy valedictorian, and is now a freshman at MSU; Chloe is a sophomore at Winston Academy. And the connections to WA go deeper with Matt serving as President of the Board of Directors, while Amy serves as sponsor of the Citadel, the junior varsity and varsity cheerleaders.
Amy added that they have been members of First Baptist Church since coming to Winston County, and they love their church family who have been a true anchor for them. Of Winston County, Amy said that our greatest asset is our people, describing them as kind, caring, warm and helpful, and even though a diverse population everyone seems to want to work together to make Winston County a better place. Amy added that after hosting Mississippi Main Street retreats, and other events, she often receives texts and emails from attendees com-
plimenting the residents, and how friendly and welcoming they are. Winston County boasts many assets that add to the quality of life of the residents, including churches, educational opportunities, arts and recreation, vibrant downtown areas in Louisville and Noxapater, and healthcare. Louisville is the home of Lake Tiak O'Khata and the Mason Boutique Hotel, voted by the readers of Mississippi Magazine as the Best Family Friendly Resort and the Best Boutique Hotel, respectively in the entire state. Main Street is the home of
Market Cafe, and on the north side of town is Legion State Park, as well as the updated facilities at Ivy Park. And Noxapater is adding new businesses and moving forward, as well. On the county, city and community level there are people working together to improve the quality of life for everyone. Amy said, "I am honored and blessed to be a resident of Winston County and very thankful that Matt's job at Taylor Machine Works brought us here, and we're excited and thankful for the opportunities we've been given."
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the people
Young's Winston County Roots Go Deep By Mike Robertson At Home Edition In describing his feelings about Louisville and Winston County, Rion Young said, "It's a place of great Southern hospitality, a home-grown town, and we are champions all the way around. There are great, sincere people who love each other even when we disagree. It's a brave, ambitious and lovable place." Young is a product of Winston County, having been born and raised here. His parents are Terrion Young, Anitra Frazier and Michael Frazier, and he has four brothers, Michael Frazier, Pervis Frazier,
Arsenio McQueen, and Ryan Colvin. He is married to Jessica Young, and has three children, Jaiden Amarion Young, Ryker Hatcher, Zion Welch. Young graduated from Louisville High School in 2007 and spent a short time at Mississippi State University, before joining the Marine Corps Reserves, where he spent six years. From there he worked at Southwire in Starkville, then at Toyota. It was in August of 2014 that his life turned down an unexpected and difficult path. Young said that he began to feel some weakness in his legs and on September 11 of that year, he woke up and could not walk at all. He was diag-
nosed with neurosarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the lungs and neurosarcoidosis is a manifestation of the disease in the nervous system. Young was unable to work until 2019, and during that time had to use a wheelchair. He stated that his family was a great support system during those difficult days, especially his mother and brothers. Young describes himself as a small town, country boy who enjoys hunting and fishing and he felt a need to be in Louisville and that Louisville needed people like him, who truly care about the community and want to see it grow and
prosper. He could have chosen another place to bring up his family, but Louisville and Winston County is a place where they can learn good, solid values, a place where people don't just settle, and have a 'never give up' attitude. It's a place of families and good neighbors, and people who care about each other who are working toward the same goals.
Cover: Wings Over Winston 2021 Annual event Photo by Jim Lytle