Discover Greene County 2024

A publication of THE TURNER GROUP, LLC

Publishers of The Richton Dispatch & the Greene County Herald 431 Main Street | P.O. Box 220 | Leakesville, MS 39451-0220 (601)394-5070 | herald@tds.net

STAFF: RUSSELL TURNER | CHERI CULPEPPER

JONI McMILLON

Special Thanks to the GREENE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

our Advertising Partners and these special contributors:

Juanita Hollinghead

Scharlotte Fortinberry

Taylor Garretson

Randy Pierce

Heather Manning Turner

DISCOVER

Carmen Walley

Shonna Kay Pierce

Chloe Dobbins

Danny Box

Welcome to Greene County, Mississippi:

| A Place of Southern Charm & Hospitality |

Welcome to Greene County, Mississippi! Nestled in the Southeast portion of the Magnolia State, Greene County is a place where Southern charm meets warm hospitality, creating an inviting atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. As the Greene County Board of Supervisors, we are thrilled to extend our warmest greetings to you and introduce you to all that our county has to offer.

Greene County boasts a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty. From our quaint towns to our sprawling countryside, every corner of Greene County tells a story of resilience, community, and pride. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a first-time visitor, there’s always something new to discover and experience here.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Greene County is its people. Known for their friendliness and generosity, the residents of Greene County embody the true spirit of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re attending a community event, exploring local businesses, or simply taking a stroll down Main Street, you’ll always be greeted with a warm smile and a kind word.

In Greene County, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in our forests and rivers. perfect for hiking, fishing, camping, and other outdoor recreational activities. Within Greene County, you’ll find the Desoto National Forest managed by the United States Forest Service, which boasts abundant land and features a 250-acre lake nestled within the Turkey Fork Recreation Area. In addition, 75 miles of the Chickasawhay and Leaf Rivers flow through the county providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment along these untouched natural treasures.

History buffs will enjoy exploring our Greene County Museum that chronicles our county’s past. Located on the fourth floor of our Greene County Courthouse, designated a Mississippi Historic Landmark in its own right, the museum brings county history to life and is a county treasure we invite you to explore. In your history exploration, you will discover that Greene County’s notable natives include accomplished writers, a university president, an Olympic Gold Medalist, and a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient.

As the Greene County Board of Supervisors, we are committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for all who call Greene County home. Through responsible governance, strategic planning, and community engagement, we strive to ensure that Greene County remains a vibrant and thriving place for generations to come.

So, whether you’re here for a day, a week, or a lifetime, we invite you to experience all that Greene County has to offer. From our scenic landscapes to our rich heritage, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy. Welcome to Greene County – where you’ll quickly understand why we say, “Greene County, it really is a great place!”

Sincerely,

Greene County Board of Supervisors

DILLON McINNIS

| District One |

FREDRICK ‘PETE’ JOHNSON

| District Two |

EFIRD EUBANKS

| District Three |

JOHN W. ‘WAYNE’ BARROW SR.

| District Four |

DAVID M. TINGLE

| District Five |

Greene County: MY HOME

| By Randy G. Pierce |

Greene County is my earthly home, and as long as I am on this side of eternity, it will always be my earthly home. The Pierce family has deep roots here. My mother was from Alabama, but dad moved Mom, me and my siblings to Greene County in 1969. I was five years old and still remember the day we drove down the dead-end dirt road to our home in the Unity Community of Greene County. My life would not be the same, and I am a better person for it.

I have been blessed to travel throughout the state of Mississippi and the United States. However, no matter where I visit or how long I am there, I am always happy to see the Greene County, Mississippi, sign as I enter one of the state’s most historic counties. The county, like many places, is named after General Nathanael Greene of the American Revolutionary War. Its history is rich, and Greene County continues to draw the hearts of its people home no matter how far they are away or how long they have been gone.

I have been blessed to have served in some capacity in all three branches of government in Mississippi. I have served in the Mississippi Legislature, served as a Chancery Court Judge and Mississippi

Supreme Court Justice, and served as the Director of the Mississippi Judicial College and taught at the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. I have taught adjunct at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Mississippi College School of Law.

In these roles, I have met countless people and have had the opportunity to be an ambassador for Greene County. These positions have allowed me to travel to other places, too. When asked where I am from, with pride I answer that I am from Leakesville, Mississippi, in Greene County.

RANDY GRANT PIERCE |

Randy G. “Bubba” Pierce is a native of Greene County and one of its best story tellers. He is a graduate of Leakesville High School, the University of Southern Mississippi (BS-Accounting) and the University of Mississippi School of Law (Juris Doctorate) and has been a practicing attorney since 1999.

Pierce has spent most of his adult life in public service, serving at the local and state levels of government. He and his wife Cheryl are lovers of the the arts, avid sports fans and hobby gardeners at their home outside Leakesville. A proud father and grandfather, Pierce has still found time to follow his passion for story-telling and writing. He is an acclaimed novelist with four popular titles to his credit thus far. His frst novel, Pain Unforgiven, was released in May 2011, and his second novel, Magnolia Mud, followed in April 2014. Pierce’s third novel, The Peter Bay, was released in March 2016, and Missy, his most recent work, published in 2020.

While serving on the state Supreme Court, I traveled to New York City for a conference. During a break I walked outside to get some fresh air. While standing outside the hotel where the conference was being held, an unmarked police car, followed by a black SUV, parked along the curb. I knew someone important had to be in the SUV. When the back door opened, Mayor Mike Bloomberg stepped onto the sidewalk to walk into the hotel. He and I shook hands and introduced ourselves. He asked where I was from and I proudly told him. We had a pleasant, though brief,

discussion, but I was proud to explain to the mayor of America’s most populous city where I was from. Weeks later, his staff sent me a photograph signed by Mayor Bloomberg.

When you ask Greene Countians what makes this place special, I am sure you will hear varied answers. For me, it is the people.

The people of Greene County have shaped me and continue to influence my life. I invite you here. Meet our people. You will discover the most generous and kindest people on earth. Neighbors who love neighbors. People who will work together on short notice to organize a community benefit for someone facing financial challenges due to illness or a hard time. People who will donate to your child so he or she can attend a summer camp or attend the Beta Convention. People who will pray for you and cut your grass when a loved one is in the hospital. In short, the people of Greene County are the good stuff.

There are many keys to success in life, but I believe hard work and kindness are essential to success and a happy life. In Greene County, we work hard. Our people are some of the best employees of small and large businesses alike.

My parents taught me that when you accept employment work as though you are working for the Lord and not for man. Work in such a manner that your boss and coworkers never want to see you leave. It is quite evident that this ethic has been taught to Greene Countians for generations.

Come for a visit. Move your family, start a business or relocate your current business here. If you do, you will not regret it. You will become a part of a special community. You will gain friends for a lifetime. And you will be in a place that I like to refer to as the southern tip of Heaven. If you become a Greene Countian, you and us will be better because you are here. We look forward to meeting you!

R U T H I E

County native Ruthie Bolton Still Making An Impact

To whom much is given much is requiredLuke 12:48. This is Greene County native Ruthie Bolton’s belief.

Bolton is one of the most accomplished female athletes in the world. If Mississippi had a Mount Rushmore for female athletes, the McLain native’s face would be on it.

Ruthie Bolton’s journey is reminiscent of Johnny Cash singing “I’ve been everywhere, man” as Ruthie blurts out:

“I’ve been everywhere, man; crossed the deserts bare, man; breathed the mountain air, man; Of travel I had my share, man; I’ve been everywhere

….I’ve been to Germany, Armenia, Australia, Kazakhstan, Papua New Guinea, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Italy and Turkey … man I’ve been everywhere!”

Before her adventurous life of travel, Ruthie grew up in the small town of McLain that as of the 1980 census had around 700 folks. She was one of 20 siblings and many cousins that just played outside every day and sang gospel songs at night. When Ruthie started high school, the McLain girls’ basketball team was led by Ruthie’s sister MaeOla and was romping, stomping and dominating the hardwood.

The team was made up of Ruthie’s first cousins or sisters, and, of course, the small gym was filled with relatives for every home game. “Growing up in a small, tight-knit community helped me learn that life was not all about me. I was taught to share and work as a team to overcome obstacles in life,” said Ruthie.

MaeOla was heavily recruited by all the big colleges and signed with Auburn. The following season, Ruthie led McLain to a second straight state championship.

Ruthie Bolton has been around the world, played on its biggest stages and enjoyed tremendous success both on and of the basketball court. But, wherever she goes, her deep roots in Greene County keep calling her home. She is shown (Top) with her two Olympic Gold Medals and (Above) with Greene County High School players after a practice session at the beginning of the 2024-25 school year.

Ruthie, however, was unrecruited coming out of high school, but found encouragement from something her dad Linwood always told her, “When a door closes, find a window to get through,” so she took a long bus ride to Auburn for a chance to play with her older sister. The year before, MaeOla had had a private plane pick her up to travel to Auburn. “Coaches at Auburn told me that I might play my junior or senior year, but the good Lord gave me a strong competitive spirit, so I was ready to prove myself,” said Ruthie.

She trained with the Auburn ROTC in the mornings and went beyond what the coaches required at basketball practice; she ended up starting her freshman year. Ruthie helped lead Auburn to three SEC championships along with two consecutive runner-up finishes in the NCAA Tournament. Ruthie ended her career with over 1,176 points and dished out 526 assists as Auburn went 119-13.

“You can be successful if you don’t listen to the detractors. In the end a great attitude and believing in yourself is the right formula.”

Another roadblock came when Ruthie was hoping to be invited to take part in tryouts for the World Championship team and hopefully the U.S. Olympic team. Again, drawing inspiration from her dad and looking for a window, Ruthie paid her own travel and lodging expenses to Colorado Springs for the tryouts even though she was not one of the 165 invited. After the three days of tryouts, she was one of the last 24 standing. “I was hungry and relentless,” she said.

She is shown (Left) in Atlanta with her father, Rev. Linwood Bolton, at the 1996 Olympic Games where she won the frst of two Gold medals as a member of Team USA.

Ruthie was crowned Olympic Champion in Atlanta in 1996 and in Sidney, Australia in 2000. The star-studded 1996 USA team that was 60-0 helped begin the present WNBA. She played professionally overseas from 1991-96 before being selected 13th overall in the first WNBA draft by Sacramento. Ruthie played in the 1999 and 2001 All-Star games and was selected on the first All-WNBA team in 1997. She scored over 2,000 points in her WNBA career.

The star has been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as well as into the Alabama and Mississippi Halls of Fame and the Auburn University Hall of Fame. Her jersey has been retired at both Auburn and Sacramento.

Today, you can see Ruthie back where it all started. She is sharing her knowledge and passion for basketball as an assistant coach of the Greene County High School Lady Wildcats basketball team, while also staying busy working on her message of “Be Bold. Be Mighty. Be You.” Ruthie is always looking to provide her knowledge and experience on and off the court. She gives back to the game through social events, corporate and community presentations and leadership talks, and she conducts sports camps. She is a published author, school speaker, producer of a gospel CD, ambassador for women sports and basketball and a domestic abuse advocate. Most of all, she is an ambassador for God.

“I believe I have found my true purpose in life. The Lord gave me a basketball platform, but He only did that because of His higher purpose for me. Basketball was only temporary. All basketball did was set the stage for something bigger,” said Ruthie.

that has been writing sports in Mississippi since 1973. Listen to Dale on the

Sports Show Tuesday at 6 p.m. on WABO FM 105.5. You may listen to the broadcast on your computer or smart phone anywhere in the world, go to Google Chrome, go to wabo105.com and click listen live. You may also go to The Brouhaha on YouTube and listen to archived shows.

Written by Dale McKee | a Waynesboro resident

Brouhaha

Ruthie is shown (Above) pushing past a defender during action with the Sacramento Monarchs, where she was a 2-time WNBA All-Star. She scored over 2,000 points in her WNBA career and was named to the frst-ever All-WNBA team in 1997.

A Few More Notable Greene Countians

DR. AUBREY KEITH LUCAS | Dr. Aubrey Keith Lucas is a native of the Greene County community of State Line, who has dedicated much of his life to serving others throughout the Pine Belt.

Lucas received both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi before earning his Ph.D from Florida State University. He became the sixth President of USM in 1975, a title he cherished for 21 years. Lucas also served as President of Delta State University for four years and since retiring has twice answered the call to serve as Interim President at USM. The most recognizable building on the main campus in Hattiesburg has since been named in his honor as the Aubrey K. Lucas Administration Building. Among many other things, Lucas also served on the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church and the Board of Directors of Africa University in Zimbabwe.

When honored by his hometown a few years ago with the renaming of the street he grew up on in his honor, Lucas shared that a large part of who he is and what he has accomplished are the results of the examples set before him and the support given to him by the people of State Line.

“You’ve all heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child,” Lucas said. “I’m so thankful that State Line was my village. The kind of raising that we received here — and I’m sure you ‘State Linians’ would agree — always fnds a way to draw you back. You never cut those special ties and relationships. You’re always coming back.”

REED GREEN | Dr. Lucas, is not the only Greene County native whose name is memorialized on the campus of USM. The namesake of the school’s basketball, Reed Green was born in Leakesville and gained fame as a football, basketball and baseball player, coach and eventually a collegiate athletics administrator. He was named the head football coach for the Golden Eagles at the ripe old age of 24 and compiled a 59-20-4 record with the team from 1937 to 1948. His winning percentage of .735 is the best of any head coach in the history the USM football program. Green became the athletic director at Southern Miss in 1949 and held that position for 24 years. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1966. He passed away in 2022.

Ed ‘Too Tall’ Freeman is a native of the community of Neely. Growing up in rural Greene County shaped Freeman’s character and values, fostering a deep commitment to service, along with a sense of duty and bravery that would defne his later years and help him become one of, if not the most famous, of the community’s residents.

Freeman left high school when he was 17 years old to serve in the US Navy. After two years of service, he returned home to graduate from Washington High School in Neely, but quickly reenlisted into military service with the US Army. It was during his Army service that he earned the nickname "Too Tall" because of his desire to become a helicopter pilot, despite being a few inches too tall for the military’s guidelines. Eventually, the height restrictions were removed,

VINEGAR BEND MIZELL |

Wilmer David "Vinegar Bend" Mizell was a professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Cuban professional league. Born on August 13, 1930, in Leakesville, Mizell went on to graduate from Leakesville High School, but earned his unique nickname from playing baseball in the small community of Vinegar Bend, Ala., near his family home.

giving Freeman the opportunity to fnally seize his dream. He would go on to save many lives as a helicopter pilot, and for his valiant acts, he was awarded many medals.

Freeman was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2001 for his actions in the Vietnam War in the Ia Drang Valley. On Nov. 4, 1965, Freeman and his unit transported a battalion of American soldiers into the valley. Soon after, the battalion came under heavy enemy fre. Freeman learned of those actions upon his return to the base, and he and his commanding ofcer volunteered to return to the valley to evacuate as many as possible. Freeman made 14 trips in an unarmed helicopter that day, saving as many lives as he could and also delivering supplies to those still on the ground.

"Major Freeman risked his life to protect countless others during the battle of Ia Drang

A left-handed pitcher known for his tall stature and imposing presence on the mound, Mizell had a 90–88 record with a 3.85 ERA in 268 games, 230 of which were starts. Writing in 1971, Ray Owen, sports editor for The Southeast Missourian, called Mizell "one of the best strikeout hurlers around the National League scene for a span of ten years."

Mizell was part of the St. Louis Cardinals' World Series-winning team in 1952 and was an All-Star in 1959. During his 9-season MLB career, Mizell also played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. After retiring from baseball, he entered politics and served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1969 to 1975, representing North Carolina's ffth congressional district.Vinegar Bend Mizell passed away on February 21, 1999, leaving behind a legacy that combines achievements in both sports and public service.

Valley," former MDOT Southern Transportation

Commissioner Tom King said at a 2021 event naming a portion of U.S. 98 in his honor. "This memorial highway is just a small way we can thank him and remember him for what he did."

Along with the Medal of Honor, Freeman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three separate times, as well as a Bronze Star, Purple Heart and 16 Air Medals. His heroics in the Ia Drang Valley were memorialized in the 2002 Hollywood flm We Were Soldiers starring acclaimed actors Mel Gibson and Mark McCracken, who portrayed Freeman in the flm.

COMEDIAN

BILL HICKS | While not a native of Greene County, groundbreaking American comedian, social critic and philosopher William Melvin ‘Bill’ Hicks spent a lot of time here with family in his younger days. Hicks began his stand-up career in the early 1980s as a teenager and quickly gained a reputation for his wit and fearless commentary on politics, religion and society in general. His standup routines pushed boundaries and created a network of loyal fans around the world.

Hicks died from pancreatic cancer in 1994 at the age of 32. He is buried in a family grave plot in Leakesville’s Magnolia Cemetery. His grave, marked by a simple headstone, still receives visits from fans from all around the globe who make the pilgrimage to Greene County and often leave assorted tokens of afection.

BYRON P. ‘PAT’ HARRISON |

Pat Harrison was born in Crystal Springs, Mississippi, but moved to Greene County in 1900 to teach school. In 1902, Harrison opened his frst law practice in the area and was later appointed as Leakesville’s frst Marshall. He was elected as District Attorney for the Second Judicial District and served in that role until being elected to represent Mississippi in Congress for two terms. In 1918 he was elected to the U.S. Senate and remained in that ofce until 1941, serving for some time a President Pro Tempore. As chairman of the infuential Senate Finance Committee, Harrison was one of the key people behind the creation of the Social Security system in 1935. An historical marker was erected in his honor by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History in 2013 on Main Street in Leakesville.

REV. MACK ARTHUR HAYES SR. |

For several decades, the late Rev. Mack Arthur Hayes Sr. played a vital role in the educational system of Greene County, particularly as the county navagated integration in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Hayes served as the first and only principal at Greene County Vocational High School, an all-African American school founded in 1961. As neighboring schools began to integrate, Hayes was asked to serve as an Assistant Superintendent for the Greene County School District and was instrumental in a smooth transition for Greene County students of all races. His efforts were recognized in 2016 when the Greene County Board of Education renamed the campus of Leakesville Elementary School (the former all-black school) as the Mack Arthur Hayes, Sr. Education Center.

WAT E R

Get Out & Experience the Natural Wonder of Greene County you waitin ’ for?

Nestled in the heart of Mississippi’s Piney Woods and at the epicenter of one of America’s most cherished natural watersheds, Greene County’s diverse landscapes and abundant resources make it one of the southeast region’s most unique treasures. And one of its hidden gems.

While not technically considered part of the state’s Pine Belt or Coastal regions, Greene County is blessed with some of the features of both — dense forests, fertile soils, mineral deposits and more. Its extensive forestland has been a cornerstone of the local economy for generations, and from its earliest settlement, the people that call this area home have learned to thrive off the land. But, what makes the land so special, what continues to fuel it today, is its connection to the largest undammed, free-flowing river system in the continental United States.

The Pascagoula River Basin covers approximately 9,600 square miles, making it the largest unimpeded river system in the lower 48 states. The basin is characterized by a network of tributaries, wetlands, swamps and coastal marshes, supporting an astounding variety of flora and fauna. It is home to species found nowhere else in the world and to over 22 threatened or endangered species and over 300 plant species. It is often referred to as the “Interstate Highway” for birds as roughly two-thirds of all the Eastern breeding migratory birds use the Pascagoula Basin and its southern marshes as a resting point.

That biodiversity has served as a source of sustenance, transportation, economic growth, cultural heritage and recreation for centuries and continues to do so today.

The two primary waterways that make up the Pascagoula Basin are the Leaf River and the Chickasawhay River, which both flow through Greene County just before joining together to form the basin’s namesake.

Spanning approximately 210 miles, the Chickasawhay River originates in Clarke County, Mississippi, where the Chunky River and Okatibbee Creek merge. There is debate over the meaning of the river’s name, but many locals prefer the translation of “the place where martins dance” an ode to the birds that make their summer homes in the area, many times building their nests in holes and crevasses in the towering soapstone bluffs along the river banks.

As the Chickasawhay flows southward, it crosses into Greene County just north of the Town of State Line. From there she meanders her way 57 miles through the county until bonding with the Leaf River to form the Pascagoula River just as the waters enter neighboring George County to the south.

Flowing approximately 180 miles from its headwaters near the town of Bay Springs, the Leaf River winds its way southward, picking up volume from numerous tributaries, including Tallahala and Okatoma creeks. The riverbank was the location of one of the county’s first settlements and the site of its first seat of government and courthouse, which was located on Boise Bluff (or Courthouse Bluff) on the east bank of the Leaf near what is now the Town of McLain. Just a short piece up river stands the historic Leaf River Bridge at Buffalo. Built in 1907, this bridge is listed on the national and state registries of historic landmarks due to its unique “Pennsylvania through truss” construction.

typically experience lower water levels.

The two rivers have been a lifeline for communities and industries throughout history. Native American tribes, mostly Choctaw and Chickasaw, once relied on the resources provided by the rivers for sustenance and transportation. Later, European settlers recognized the potential for timber and agriculture, contributing to the region’s development.

Greene County’s enduring ties to its waterways continue today as the Leaf and Chickasawhay rivers remain cherished natural resources, providing economic impact as well as offering opportunities for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, boating and wildlife observation. Their waters are home to various fish species, including bass, bream and catfish, attracting anglers from across the region.

Primary public access points for the Chickasawhay are on Buckatunna Chicora Clara Road just west of Buckatunna; on Old Avera Road in Knobtown, just a few miles southwest of State Line; and inside the City of Leakesville, just off Miss. 63 at the boat launch on River Road. Those looking to enjoy time on the Leaf River have public access at the boat launch park on Miss. 15 in Beaumont; and on the East side of the river at McLain with access to the launch just off of U.S. 98. Public access is available to many of the smaller tributaries throughout the county as well, so grab a boat, kayak, canoe or innertube and explore.

ABOVE... kayakers explore a low-lying area turned into a massive lake by food waters of the Chickasawhay River.

ABOVE.. the Leaf and Chickasawhay rivers are a paradise for fshermen looking to land bass, bream, crappie, catfsh & more. This angler pulled a nice bass during the early fall when the rivers

POKER RUN |

The annual Chickasawhay Poker Run is a great way for people to enjoy fun on the river with a chance to help out a charity of their choice. Participants play a game of blind poker where they collect cards as they make their way down the river with the best hand at the end of the day winning a 50/50 split of the entry fees, with the other 50 percent going to a charity of the winner’s choosing. Participation in the poker run and 25-mile trip down the Chickasawhay has grown each year, with several dozen boats taking part.

CHICKASAWHAY FISHING TOURNEY

| The Chickasawhay River Fishing Rodeo drew a record number of teams for the 9th annual rendition this past spring with 27 2-person team competing. It is a friendly competition, but the battle for bragging rights is always a good one. The team of Al Roberts and Rancin Robertson claimed the title for the largest fsh caught during the 3-day tournament with a tabby cat weighing in at just over 45 pounds. The father-daughter duo of Tom Wallace and Kallie Hopewell won the prize for the ‘most fsh caught’ by pulling 147 catfsh from the river.

RIVER ACCESS

| There are mulitple public access points to the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers. The river park in Leakesville, which has plenty of paved parking and a well-maintained boat launch, also serves as a landing for the Greene County Blueway. The free-fowing artesian well is also an attraction as locals and visitors regularly come to grab a drink of the cold, fresh water and even fll up containers to take with them. The boat launch in McLain, just of U.S. 98 is a convenient access point to the lower Leaf River and just a short trip downriver to where the Leaf and Chickasawhay join together to form the Pascagoula River.

C O N N E C T E D

Thanks to High-Speed Internet through Singing River Connect

When it comes to connectivity in the new digital age, Greene County residents are no longer at a competitive disadvantage. In fact, thanks to a new fiber network recently installed throughout the county, local residents have options that rival, and often exceed, the bandwidth enjoyed in much more densly populated areas.

Singing River Connect (SRC) entered the fiber internet business on behalf of Singing River Electric members. SRC has built over 2,000 miles of fiber line in Greene County to date, providing local communities the fastest and most reliable internet service available, especially in the unserved and underserved areas of south Mississippi.

As of July 2024, all Singing River Electric members in Greene County have access to Singing River Connect fiber internet, making the first entire county in Singing River Electric’s service area to be completely covered by the SRC network.

“Singing River Connect’s fiber-to-home project is set to greatly improve the lives of many of our residents,” said Greene County Economic Development Coordinator Danny Box. “Just a few years ago, such technology seemed out of reach for those living in rural areas, but now it's within our grasp.”

“We owe thanks to the Singing River Electric Board of Directors, management, and employees for their vision in undertaking the big challenge of bringing fiber to homes in Greene County.”

Box added that with Singing River Connect installed, residents can now work, learn and shop from home more effectively than ever before.

“I recognize that economic development fundamentally aims to enhance quality of life,” he added. “Thanks to the recent availability of Singing River Connect, the quality of life in Greene County has significantly improved. In simple yet direct terms, SRC came through for Greene County in a major way by implementing its Singing River Connect fiber-to-the-home project.”

digital divide, ensuring that all students, regardless of their location, have equal opportunities to succeed.”

Greene County School District Supt. of Education Charles L. Breland agrees with Box on the impact widely-available broadband can have for county residents, particularly students and teachers.

“I am thrilled to see Singing River Connect providing broadband access to all residents in the Greene County service area,” Breland said. “This is indeed a big positive step for our community, especially for students in our district.”

“Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity for education, communication, and day-to-day life. The availability of broadband will enable students to access educational resources, participate in online classes, and complete homework assignments more efficiently. This is especially useful with our dual credit classes. It will also help bridge the

SRC is also working to educate users outside the school district and hosts learning labs at its Sand Hill office and other locations to discuss streaming platforms for TV shows and movies, cybersecurity tips, smart home devices they can now utilize thanks to fiber internet, and Wi-Fi calling. This time with subscribers helps them get the most out of their fiber internet connection and realize what is now possible.

Singing River Connect installed fiber internet service for its 10,000th subscriber in July 2024. Maps of areas where service is available can be found at www.singingriverconnect.com/signup.

A broadband affiliate of Singing River Electric, Singing River Connect provides blazing-fast fiber internet service from a trusted local provider. The speed and reliability needed to power smart home and streaming devices, remote work and school, and telemedicine is paired with responsive, local customer service.

T U R K E Y F O R K LAKE & RECREATION AREA

A Treasure Tucked Away in the

Desoto National Forest

Turkey Fork Lake Recreation Area is an extremely popular site for fishing, camping, picnicking and watersports in Greene County and the USDA Forest Service wants the community to know about recent improvements to the area.

“Over the last few years, we’ve done a lot of work to maintain and improve Turkey Fork,” said Chickasawhay District Ranger Tate Thriffiley. “We recognize how much the community enjoys and values this outdoor treasure. It’s a great place to visit and experience the outdoors.”

Indeed, the Forest Service replaced electrical and water lines at the RV campground loop and installed 50-amp hookups at each campsite. They also installed a 100-ft metal floating pier. The boat ramp parking lot will be repaved this fall.

Turkey Fork has two developed campgrounds, a boat

ramp and floating dock, two swimming areas, three bathhouses and a 240-acre lake stocked with bass, crappie and bluegill. Day use visitors will find secluded picnicking sites located near the beach. A three-quarter mile hiking trail connects the day use area to the camping area.

Recent collaborative projects have included a Challenge Cost Share Agreement with Greene County for mowing of the dam and campgrounds. Additionally, the Forest Service limes and fertilizes the lake annually to improve fish habitat.

“We also have an excellent relationship with Greene County. We work closely with the county on cooperative projects,” said Thriffiley.

Scharlotte Fortinberry, a local native and former county elected official, is a regular patron to the park, enjoying the lake and campgrounds with friends and family for years.

Fortinberry says she is happy to see the cooperation between the Forest Service and local officials for improving Turkey Fork and looking forward to seeing continued investment in what she considers to be one of the area’s top assets.

“I love Turkey Fork. It is such an asset to Greene County and I am truly grateful for having this lake and campground in our county,” said Fortinberry.

Fortinberry says she has utilized Turkey Fork for family gatherings, church and youth activities and numerous personal camping, fishing and boating adventures.

“I encourage everyone to visit Turkey Fork,” she added. “Even, if you are not someone who enjoys camping, boating or fishing, I would encourage you to visit one afternoon and enjoy one of Turkey Fork’s sunsets. Believe me, they are beautiful.”

Turkey Fork Lake and Recreation Area is located near the community of Sand Hill approximately 40 miles from Hattiesburg, 44 miles from Laurel, and just over an hour from Mobile, Alabama.

From Hattiesburg, travel east on U.S. Hwy. 42 roughly 21 miles to Richton. From Richton, continue east on Hwy. 42 roughly 12 miles to Sand Hill and follow the signs from there. From Laurel, visitors can travel south on Hwy. 15 about 27 miles to Richton. Turn left onto U.S. Hwy 42 and follow the directions above from Richton. And, from Mobile, drive 55 miles on U.S. Hwy. 45 North to the MS-AL state line and travel west on Hwy. 42 for 19 miles to Turkey Fork Road. Turn left (south) and meander two miles, enjoying the beautiful Greene County countryside until you reach the entrance to Turkey Fork.

Regardless of how you get there, or whether you are looking for a quite retreat or a place to gather for a church or club event, or just with friends and family, Turker Fork Recreation Area will not disappoint. Find out more at recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10159159.

Greene County is also home to two of Mississippi’s premier Wildlife Management Areas (WMA), providing excellent hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The Mason Creek WMA is located in northern section of Greene County near the community of Sand Hill. On the south end of the county lies a large portion of the Leaf River WMA. Both provide ample opportunities for a variety of outdoor activities.

For more information on these areas, check out the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries Parks website at ww.mdwfp.com/wildlife-hunting/wildlife-management-areas.

Inside the Leaf River WMA in Greene County lies the Leaf River Wilderness area. The nearly 1,000-acre tract of land is made up mostly of meandering sloughs, oxbow lakes and river bottoms, with a small portion along its western edge being more upland woods filled with several species of majestic pine trees providing a canopy of shade for the dense understory of dogwood, redbud, persimmon, huckleberries and honeysuckle.

The 1.5 mile Leaf Trail, one of two main attractions in the area, crosses the Wilderness Area and includes three bridges and a boardwalk for hikers and campers. The other attraction is the wildlife and amazing variety of plant species.

Greene County is also home to the Chalers M. Deaton Nature Preserve. Named for one of the founders of the Mississippi Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, the 3,300 acre preserve is one of the finest natural areas remaining in Mississippi. The preserve protects the headwaters of the Pascagoula River, where the Leaf and Chickasawhay Rivers converge, and is part of a 47,000-acre swath of public lands in the Pascagoula River Basin. It too is home to unique plant species like the Bald cypress and water tupelo, prickly pear cactus, cardinal flower, Indian pink and lizard’s tail. Swallow-tailed kites, Gulf sturgeon, northern parula wood warblers, alligator snapping turtles and easter hognose snakes thrive in the area alongside white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and other native animal species.

While the area is not generally open to the public, bird watchers and other nature enthusiasts can contact Becky Stowe by email to arrange access to the property and its treasures. Stowe can be reached at rstowe@tnc.org.

A brief look at Greene County’s history

Originally, this area was part of the Mississippi Territory and was occupied by Native Americans. French, Spanish, and English colonists traded with local tribes in the early colonial years, before President Andrew Jackson forced their relocation and European-American settlers took over this area of the Mississippi Territory.

Greene County was formed out of the southern part of the Mississippi Territory on December 9, 1811 - before Mississippi became a state in 1817.

Our county’s name came from one particular individual that many of our country’s newly-formed counties and

towns took on as their own – Major General Nathanael Greene. He was an American military officer in the Continental Army and a Revolutionary War Hero. His famous quote, “We fight, get beat, rise, and fight again” could be adopted as our motto in facing our daily battles, here in our part of South Mississippi.

In 1820 Perry County was formed from Greene County and became its western boundary.

The first county seat was established at Boise Bluff and was located on the Leaf River between Atkinson’s Creek and Courthouse Creek. The post office was

Perry, George and Jackson’s too!

in the Greene County Courthouse, which was reportedly a 1-room, log structure. The county seat was moved to Leakesville around 1827, where it remains today.

In 1910 George County was established from Greene and Jackson counties and became our present-day southern border. County boundaries went through numerous changes as the population increased and new counties were created.

In the most recent census, the county’s population was about 13,530 individuals living within the 719 square miles of piney woods and river bottoms.

The Greene County Courthouse and all the county records were destroyed by fre on March 23, 1873. The second building was also lost to fre before 1899 when the third courthouse was constructed. The third building was demolished in the late 1930s to make way for the construction of the present courthouse. The fourth foor of the courthouse served as the county jail until a new jail was built in 1991. This four-story masonry building with Art Deco styling was built in 1939 and was designated a Mississippi Landmark in 1989. It was included in the book “Building of Mississippi” in 2020. It presently has an elevator to access all foors. Also, the Greene County Museum is located on its fourth foor, where the county jail was once housed.

H E AV E N

On Wheels!

Businesses built on racing and riding working together to create unique hot-spot for motors, mudders, music & more!

Motor sports have always been popular in Greene County. Whether it is four-wheels or just two, local residents enjoy building, working on, riding and racing vehicles of all types.

So, it wasn’t a huge surprise when two local businessmen started separate ventures to cater to those interests. But, what has been a pleasant surprise is how successful those ventures have been so far and how they are complimenting each other as they continue to grow and add attractions.

Davy and Lavada Busby took a leap of faith back in 2009 with the opening of Street Racin’ Haven, a small drag strip they hoped would give local car enthusiasts a safe alternative for testing their car-building and driving skills. Anyone who has witnessed a street race or two on a flat stretch of backroads knows that while they may be fun, they were also dangerous and illegal.

The response has been incredible and not just locally. Competitors and spectators come from all across the southeast and from other parts of the country for big events. Of course, being featured on a popular television show hasn’t hurt.

“It has been great so far,” Davy Busby said. “We’ve gotten great response from the local area and our events just continues to grow.”

“The guys from the TV show, Street Outlaws, have come here a lot. We are all good friends. We keep in touch and help each other out when we can.”

As the Busby’s were building their business, Leakesville native Brian Dearman was working on a dream of his own, literally right next door. Dearman, his family and business partners spent over a year converting a former industrial site just outside of Leakesville into an 1,170-acre ATV park. By the time it opened in late May 2017, Wild-Country Off Road had grown into one of the largest theme parks of its kind in the southeastern United States with roughly 140 miles of trails, numerous water features and bogs, white sandbars on the Chickasawhay River and much more.

A youngster and his dad are shown (Above) taking a break from riding the trails at Wild Country Of Road to cool of in the Chickasawhay River at one of the ATV park’s two sand bars.

A large crowd is shown (Left) watching a rider taking a turn in one of the many mud pits on the nearly 1,200-acre property.

“We have a great location that is really easy to get to and offers the type of amenities and environment people are looking for,” Dearman said.

The response was strong and Dearman and his team have been expanding the operation ever since. Wild Country now boasts 390 campsites and 340 full RV hook-up sites. Dearman has added 19 cabins and suites that can handle 240 overnight guests.

Wild Country Road House is open to park guests and diners who just want to stop by for the restaurant’s popular menu featuring great steaks and seafood. The Road Kill Grill is a grab-and-go option with burgers, chicken tenders and other short-order favorites and is very popular among those

guests who want to grab something and get back on the trails.

They’ve added a 99-foot long track, complete with grandstands and other amenities. The track hosts an assortment of events, including mega truck and side-by-side (SXS) series races. Wild County will host the Mega Truck Series National Championships for the second straight year later this fall.

The park attracts local riders and visitors whenever the gates are open, which is roughly 9 months out of the year, but on big events the crowds are impressive with thousands upon thousands of people converging on the park and community.

Shown here is an aerial view of the Chickasawhay Hideway showing the Street Racin’ Haven drag strip (far right) and the lake which is the site for the water park set to open in the summer of 2025. Visible in the background is dust from the thousands of ATV riders enjoying a big weekend at Wild Country Of Road ATV park right next door.

The crowds became so big that the Busby’s opened their facility to accommodate the overflow. Instead of creating a rivalry, that scenario led to more opportunities for both venues.

“We work really well together and really work to help each other,” Busby said of the relationship. “I think we really compliment each other.”

While the street racing track remains popular, the Busby family has been expanding their operation to include new attractions. In 2022, with daughter Jordan leading the charge, the Busbys began offering canoe and kayak rentals and river floating trips along the Chickasawhay.

The monster truck SAIL is shown jumping over a concert stage to the delight of ATV enthusiasts gathered on one of the Chickasawhay River sand bars that are part of the nearly 1,200-acre Wild Country ATV Park in Leakesville. Wild Country has several big events throughout the year that draw thousands of ATV riders to the area for a weekend of mud riding, music and more.

They offer canoe, kayak and tube rentals with two, eight and 10-hours trips available. Patrons can be dropped off at the boat ramp in Leakesville and be picked up at a sandbar downstream. They also offer an excursion from the Old Avera boat ramp, which can

be an overnight trip-with safe sandbars along the way for camping. Much like Wild Country, the Busby park continues to evolve. Because of this, the Busby’s recently rebranded the park as the

Chickasawhay Hideaway. The name better reflects the park’s full offerings, which now include primitive camping, as well as full hookups for RVs and full bath and laundry facilities.

They’ve added The Haven diner and tiki hut, as well as 10 self-contained rental cabins, each with its own unique style. There is a natural lake on the property, surrounded by beautiful white sand deposited on the property by the river. In the summer of 2025, the Chickasawhay Hideway will expand once again with the opening of a unique ‘floating’ water park and a lazy river for floating and relaxing on the property.

“We are very excited about the addition of the water park,” Busby said. “It is a unique design and one we think will be a great option for families and groups and provides another fun option for visitors to our park and the ATV park next door.”

All of the expansions at both parks have been very well received and there are more plans in the works for more offerings in the future. Wild Country, for example, now hosts multiple sportsman groups for annual events, such as the annual Whitetail Unlimited Banquet that draws hundreds of whitetail deer hunting enthusiasts. They also offer a free youth deer hunt that welcomed 16 youth hunters for the inaugural event in 2023. Nine of those lucky youngsters harvested their first-ever whitetail during that event.

There is a big Halloween event every year that coincides with the Mega Truck Championships and the Whitetail Unlimited Banquet, and features the Frightmare house of horrors for those brave enough to venture in, as well as trick-or-treating for the young ones.

And, of course there is the music. Wild Country has several music stages for outdoor and indoor events. The main music hall can comfortably hold a few thousand people and has featured concerts from bands with local and regional appeal, as well as national acts like Tray Walker, Glenn Templeton and Travis Tritt so far. Dearman is promising one of the best lineups to-date in 2025 so be on the lookout for upcoming concert announcements.

The Chickasawhay Hideaway also hosts musical events, such as the Magnolia State Bluegrass Association Spring Show it began hosting in April 2024.

“It is working out really well,” Dearman said of the two parks cooperative spirit. “Every time one of us adds something, it gives people more entertainment options. And, they are really complimentary to each other.”

Ease of access is one of the big selling points for both venues as they are located right next door to each other on Miss. 63, roughly a mile from 4-lane Miss. 57/63. The address for Wild Country Off Road is 17421 Hwy. 63, Leakesville, MS 39451, while the Chickasawhay River RV Park and Cabin Rentals (race track and canoe rentals too) is located at 660 Road Raj, Leakesville, MS 39451. For more information, check them out online at www.wcoffroad.com and www.chickasawhayriverrv.com. You can also find them on Facebook.

M a k i n g t h e

G R A D E

You Beta belive it. Greene Co.

schools helping students develop the Skills to succeed A + A

When it comes to comparing local schools to others in the state, the good news keeps rolling in for the Greene County School District.

As the new school year got underway in August, students, teachers and administrators in the Greene County School District (GCSD) were still riding the momentum of the district's highest-ever rating since the state started issuing accountability grades. In September, students and staff got another boost as they learned they had secured the district’s second consecutive ‘A’ rating from the Mississippi Department of Education.

The most recent data shows the GCSD as an ‘A’ rated district for the second straight year and a Top 50 public school district based on those ratings.

“It is an amazing accomplishment for our students and teachers,” GCSD Supt. of Education Charles L. Breland said of the ratings. “This is their ‘A’ rating, they are the ones who earned it.”

“To earn the ‘A’ rating for the district and to have no school score lower than a ‘B’ for two straight years is absolutely a great accomplishment.”

Greene County High School was rated as an ‘A’ school for the second year and came in as the 7th highest-rated high school in the state. McLain Attendance Center, Leakesville Elementary School, Leakesville Jr. High School and Sand Hill School all are hi-rated ‘B’ schools in the 2024 ratings from September.

Leakesville Junior High School Beta Club member Layla Lindley and Ava Jones are shown (Above) celebrating their success at the 2024 Mississippi Beta Convention in Biloxi. The two students were among numerous Greene County students who excelled in Beta competitions at the state and national conventions this past year.

Members of the McLain Attendance Center robotics team are shown (Right) working on a project during competition at the State Jr. Beta Convention in Biloxi.

“We don’t hire a bunch of consultants or purchase big money programs," Breland noted. "Instead, we rely on our teachers to get in their classrooms and do what they do best – teach. Our students respond to that and have shown what they are capable of achieving. As superintendent, I could not be more proud.”

Results released recently from this past year’s state testing through the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) show county students performed very well with their peers

across the state. In fact, county schools earned two Top 5 rankings based on student performance on the 2023 tests, including finishing as the second highest rated district in the state in U.S. History.

“We are incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our students and teachers,” Greene County School District Supt. of Education Charles L. Breland said. “Their commitment to excellence has placed our district among the top in several areas of proficiency.”

"We see our students every day so we know what they are capable of achieving," GCHS Principal Scott Bray said. "Our students and our graduates routinely go out and prove that they can compete at the highest levels, whether that be in the classroom, on the playing fields or in the workplace."

McLain Attendance Center also got in on the action, earning a Top 5 ranking in 8th Grade Science. MAC finished fourth among individual schools in the subject area with a proficiency percentage of 87.5.

“This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of our entire school community,” Breland added. “By working together, we continue to set the standard for academic success and growth.”

As Bray noted, Greene County students love to compete and are encouraged to do so. Two national organizations that provide opportunities for local students to demonstrate their talents and develop leadership skills are Beta Club and SkillUSA. And, students from the county's three elementary school, three middle schools, high school and vocational school continue to excel on those organization's biggest stages.

Greene County students first became a force at the state and national level in Beta through group talent competitions, an area in which they continue to excel every year. But, for the past several years students from Leakesville, Sand Hill, McLain and GCHS have been top performers across the Beta spectrum.

This past summer, for example, the county was well represented in Savannah, Ga. as local students converged on that community for the National Beta Convention. After earning numerous awards at the state convention last February in Biloxi, a few dozen students, individually and as team members, moved on to compete against peers from across the country.

Students at Greene County High School performed very well on last year’s U.S. History assessment. Of the roughly 100 students tested at GCHS in the subject last year, 93.88 percent scored ‘proficient’, meaning they earned scores in the top two levels (Level 4 or Level 5) out of five possible scoring levels.

That high percentage of proficiency at GCHS was the fifth highest in the state for any given school and earned a No. 2 ranking among school districts. Students at GCHS were the only county students taking the U.S. History assessment.

Students at GCHS also performed well on the state’s Biology assessment. Of the 87 students tested at the school last year, 82.76 percent were proficient, which was 16th in the state among individual schools, but ranked the county school district sixth overall in Mississippi.

On the Algebra I assessment, 82.12 percent of the GCHS ninth graders were proficient in the subject matter tested. That ranked the school district one spot ahead of Pass Christian at 18th highest in the state.

The GCHS Robotics Team earned a ninth place finish in the Senior Robotics Division, while county students in grades 4-8 also excelled on the national stage, claiming multiple Top 10 finishes in Performing Arts, Living Literature, Songfest, Visual Arts, Photography, Creative Writing and other divisions.

Leakesville Elementary School kindergarteners look on in amazement after using magnifying glasses to fnd insects in an outdoor classroom setting. With a large group of Nationally Board-Certifed Teachers on campuses across the county and a committment to continued education for all teachers and coaches in the school district, innovative instruction is more the norm than the exception for county students.

Preparing Students for the Workforce

Greene County has long had a reputation for producing hard-working, highly-skilled tradesmen. Likewise, the county's vocational program has long been considered one of the best in Mississippi.

“The Greene County Vocational Complex has been instrumental in providing training opportunities for students in the county for decades,” said Dr. Tom Wallace, the retired Vocational Director for Greene County schools and the former Director of Career and Technical Education for the Mississippi Department of Education. “From the inception in the early 1980's until current time, the leadership and instructors have committed tirelessly to provide hands-on skilled educational instruction.”

“This has helped create a viable, highly-skilled workforce within the county that has become generational. The vocational school has given students the capacity to

experience opportunities not typically provided through a traditional academic setting and allowed students to grow through participation with the various student organizations that are recognized throughout the region.”

“The Greene County Career and Technical Center is known throughout the state as being one of the highest performing training centers for secondary students,” Dr. Wallace added.

The school had another excellent year during the 2023-2024 school calendar. It produced 10 graduates who earned the prestigious title of Mississippi Scholar Tech Master. On top of their excellent academic records, these students participated in community service, earned the required ACT score and had outstanding school attendance in their academic and vocational classes. The designees also completed a 2-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) program.

Andy Howell (Top) and Adam Dixon (Above), local residents who have built successful careers in industrial construction, are shown supervising student competitors during the Darby Ledet Memorial Welding Invitational held at the Jones College - Greene County Center on the county’s vocational campus. The event is another opportunity for high school welders to show of their skills, win prizes and make industry connections. Howell and Dixon donated their time to help judge the event.

The school also had 17 graduates who earned their NCCER certifications and successfully completed the two or 4-year welding programs, making them highly qualified to enter the workforce for high-paying construction jobs right out of high school.

Four of the seven South Mississippi students picked by Build Mississippi as Students of the Month last year were enrolled in programs at the vocational school. One of them, recent graduate John Davis, was named as the overall South State Student of the Year by the organization.

“Greene County Vo Tech offers students in grades 9-12 a variety of career path programs,” said current GCVT Director Lesha Lott. “Each program takes two years to complete, giving students four total credits toward their graduation. Some programs offer national certification while others offer imbedded Work Based Learning.”

“Many students will have the option to continue studies past the two years and venture into lab-based or offsite Work Based Learning in their program field. This also grants

graduation credits. Each program is active in a national student organization that offers opportunities for competition in skilled and leadership events at the district, state and national level.

Students from Greene County Vo-Tech excel in head-to-head competition with their peers. This past year was no different as the school produced multiple state champions within the SkillsUSA program. In all 15 Greene County students earned the right to represent Mississippi at the National Skills USA Competition in

Atlanta, in disciplines ranging from welding to cabinet making and parliamentary procedure. Programs of study offered at the Greene County Vocational Technical School include Business, Finance and

Marketing; Health Science (for caeers in most health professions); Law and Public Safety; Culinary Arts; Engineering; Construction; Welding, Agriculture and more.

Mark and Bobbie Hicks (Front, center) are shown with a group of Greene County graduates who were recipients of the Tools for Success tool grants provided by the Garrett Hicks Foundation. The Hicks created the foundation in memory of their son and annually award senior welding students at the vocational school with a variety of tools and supplies to help them as they enter the workforce. In 2024, the foundation awarded the tool grants to 17 students who had earned their NCCER certifcations through the school’s training program.

Students in the agriculture program at GCVT are shown transplanting seedlings to grow in the greenhouse for the program’s annual plant sale, which helps raise funds for the program, while also providing valuable lessons in plant science and business management.

Jones College’s Greene County Center continues to thrive

There are no signs of slowing when it comes to the growth and the additional programs being offered at Jones College’s Greene County Center.

County leaders and college officials broke ground on the facility in 2009 as the first of the college’s free-standing centers or “mini” campuses in the Jones College district. Three additional centers have since been established in Bay Springs, Stonewall and Waynesboro to expand the reach and opportunities offered to Jones students because of the vision of college and community leaders in Greene County 15 years ago.

“This is a perfect example of a community effort driven by the leaders of Greene County to bring economic development to every home and every family that calls Greene County home,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith at the grand opening ceremony, January 17, 2012.

From the beginning, representatives from the county school sistrict, the county board of supervisors, Community Bank and Singing River Electric Power Association, worked together to secure a zero-interest loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Service to provide another level of education and training to help fund the $1.1-million dollar, 17,440 square foot Greene County Center which has led to the improvement of economic development prospects in the region.

“The Pipefitting lab was only 300 square-feet and now we’re teaching in a 2,200 square foot facility and I’m able to teach almost three times as many students,” said then, pipefitting instructor, Skip Holland.

for the community, providing convenient access to collegiate academic courses and top-tier career training

center’s oferings and impact at jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/greene-campus.

Jones College began offering adult education and workforce training in 2008. In 2012, academic classes began being offered, including English Composition and Psychology. The county’s board of supervisors introduced its Tuition Assistance program in 2013. With more students attending classes from surrounding counties, the need to expand became apparent by 2017.

Alan Cook, Dean of the Greene County Center, reflected on the Center’s beginnings since he has been affiliated with the facility during the initial building stage in 2008.

“I was actually involved with building the facility through our construction company, which did the electrical work,” shared Cook. “I knew everybody out there and to see how it serves the students in that area, and even since I’ve been hired as Dean of the Center, I see it more and more.”

“There are so many students the Center serves that would otherwise not go to college. The Greene County

Center is conveniently located and the length of travel to Ellisville or the Gulf Coast prevented many from an education and job opportunity or training in the past.”

To accommodate the growing demand for services, an additional 13,680 square feet was added in 2020. Cook is excited to now offer more medical programs and expand the electrical technology program.

“Our first Phlebotomy class graduated this spring, and we are ready to offer it again in the fall as well as the Certified Nursing Assistant program,” said Cook. “We are expecting approval to begin offering the Medical Assistant program very soon, and hopefully, we can also get the EMT program started in the near future.”

“The Practical Nursing to Associate Degree Nursing Bridge Program is another opportunity for nurses to continue their education and improve their skills that we hope to be able to offer before long.”

The Jones College - Greene County Center, located on Vo-Tech Road in Leakesville, next to the Greene County Vocational School, was the frst satellite campus for the college outside of the main Ellisville campus. It was established in 2012 and has been a huge economic driver

programs. Learn more about the

The Greene County Center offers Welding for credit and Workforce Certification, as well as day and night classes. Additionally, the Center provides Adult Education, the Out of School Youth program, CDL-Commercial Truck Driving, and the “Smart Home” course as part of the Electrical Technology program.

“It’s the next level in electrical technology,” added Cook. “People like new technology. It's just like a cell phone. If a new cell phone can do something different or new, we want it.”

“Smart Home wiring involves connecting smart devices like light switches, receptacles, thermostats, door locks and even sprinkler systems. It gives you the luxury of controlling these devices locally and or remotely. Basic installation and

programming of smart devices is covered in the electrical technology course to help students learn the new technology in the electrical field.”

The Greene County Center has impacted thousands of students and employees in the region who have taken classes or training to improve their skills and income. In the future, Cook said they will continue to build on the solid education and training foundation the Greene County region has enjoyed for decades to come.

For more information about the Greene County Center’s programs, call (601)477-4238 or email student navigator, Menyone Barrow at menyone.barrow@jcjc.edu or visit the center’s website at jcjc.edu/workforce/locations/greene-campus.

H E A LT H C A R E

The lack of adequate emergency services and general healthcare options is a problem that plagues many rural communities across the state and country. But, that is not the case in Greene County, where investment in healthcare has been strong in recent years.

The good news starts with Greene County Hospital, a county-owned facility that is operated through a lease agreement by George Regional Health System of Lucedale.

Equipped with a fully staffed and equipped emergency room, an enlarged laboratory and expanded radiology services, Greene County Hospital serves the community’s emergency medical needs, working closely with AmeriPro Health ambulance service, local medical first responders and other partners. The hospital is part of the Southeast Trauma Care network, which provides direct transfer of patients to larger hospitals, such as George Regional Hospital in Lucedale and Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg, when those needs arise.

The hospital is also a convenient location for area residents needing outpatient radiology (CT and X-Ray), laboratory and rehabilitation services (sports injury, occupational, speech and physical therapy).

“I am proud to say that comprehensive healthcare is very much accessible and available to residents in Greene County,” Greene County Hospital Administrator Richard Daughdrill said. “We are very proud of the level of emergency care we have available through the emergency room, but we also offer a wide variety of convenient services to residents through the hospital and through our sister facility

in Lucedale, where high quality general surgery and advanced imaging (MRI) are just a few minutes away.”

“If our residents or visitors have a problem, they can be assured that 99 percent of the time we are going to be able to help them on site. And, if they need a higher level of care, we can get them stabilized and moved to any number of facilities with whom we have transfer agreements and close working relationships.”

Greene County is an original member of the Southeast Mississippi Air Ambulance District and works with SEMAAD and other air ambulance providers to ensure fast and reliable access to larger hospitals throughout the state and region.

Greene County Family Medical Clinic is also located on the hospital campus, providing excellent primary care options for citizens and visitors. Greene County Family Medical Clinic is open six days a week, with expanded hours to 6 p.m. on Mondays and from 9 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays.

Certified Family Nurse Practitioner Jason Box has been a constant at the clinic for 17 years. He has seen the improvements in the community’s healthcare outlook and is proud to be a part of that upward trend.

“We have a unique situation here in Leakesville and Greene County,” Box said. “We have several clinics with good providers and staff who are willing to

The county-owned hospital in Leakesville provides 24-hour emergency care and is part of the Southeast Trauma Network and the Southeast Mississippi Air Ambulance District. Operated by George Regional Health System through a lease agreement with the Greene County Board of Supervisors, the hospital campus also features a primary care clinic (Greene County Family Medical Clinic) and a 60-bed skilled nursing facility (Greene County Health & Rehab).

collaborate with each other to help patients.”

“And, that applies to the local pharmacies as well. We all stay in contact with each other to make sure we do what is best for our patients. I believe most of our providers operate this way. We work separately, but operate much like a big family.”

Access to medical care is not limited to the hospital campus, however. Several other medical clinics operate throughout the county, giving residents quality choices for primary care. One of the more visible options is provided through Coastal Family Health Center (GFHC) with its new facility in Leakesville and a smaller, yet long-serving clinic in State Line. The organization opened its first clinic in Greene County in the 1970s as Greene Area Medical Extenders and merged with Coastal in 2017.

Certifed Family Nurse

Practitioner Jason Box has been a fxture in the Greene County healthcare community for nearly two decades. Box and members of the team at Greene County Family Medical Clinic, on the campus of Greene County Hospital, are shown utilizing some of the update technology available to them at the clinic.

The organization’s health clinic on Williams Drive had been a stronghold in local medical care for decades. But, Coastal elevated its presence in the community, and its ability to serve local residents, in 2021 when it purchased a defunct retail store at a prime location in Leakesville.

When Fred’s dollar store chain closed in Leakesville in 2019, many wondered if the prime property the chain store had occupied in town would become like so many abandoned properties across the state. While many of the company’s old stores remain shuttered, Coastal invested $2.5-miilion to purchase and renovate the property into a showpiece.

“Coastal Family Health Center (CFHC) is a testament to the transformative power of community healthcare,” said Coastal’s Chief Executive Officer Angel Greer. “For years, CFHC has been a cornerstone of wellness, providing comprehensive and compassionate care to the residents of Greene County and beyond.”

With its facility in Leakesville, Coastal Family Health offers a wide variety of

services to help address the healthcare needs of the local community. Those services include adult medicine, pediatrics, dental, counseling, x-ray, mammography, optometry and pharmacy, which Greer says not only provides a high level of convenience for those it serves, but also boosts continuity of care. The State Line clinic offers Family Practice services with laboratory services also available. The clinic offers expanded hours of operation for patients that need earlier or later appointments.

Along with its two clinics, Coastal Family Health also partners with the Greene County School District to help deliver convenient care to faculty and staff, and comprehensive medical care to students at no out-of-pocket costs through five on-campus clinics. Greer says CFHC recognizes the financial strain put on patients and aims to ensure affordable access to healthcare throughout the community. Sliding fee discounts are available to eligible patients based on family size and income.

“With our discount program, CFHC offers patient discounts based on income, making quality healthcare more accessible to individuals and families regardless of their economic status,” Greer said. “CFHC’s impact goes beyond its walls. Through community outreach, health education initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations, CFHC actively engages in uplifting and empowering the residents of Greene County.”

Two other medical clinics operate in the

county. Stanford Medical Clinic is a Direct Primary Care operation with a clinics in Leakesville and Lucedale. Through a unique membership model, patients pay a flat monthly fee for same day appointments and 24-hour access to the doctor via phone and secure text messaging. The clinic, located at 413-B St. Frances Street in Leakesville, is owned and operated by Dr. Casey Stanford and his wife, registered nurse Hannah Stanford.

Just across town, Greene County native and nurse practitioner Wynette Denmark cares for patients at her family medical practice, Choice Primary Healthcare.

Encore Rehab of Leakesville is another service provider that has stepped up its investment in the county. In late, 2012, Encore Rehab moved to its current location at 433 Main Street, expanding its list of comprehensive rehabilitation and physical therapy services, including sports medicine and workzone / industrial rehabilitation to get athletes and employees back in action. Encore has also added speech and occupational therapy to its services. Encore also promotes wellness via its SportsFit Gym, which offers strength and cardiovascular training options on a 24/7 basis.

There are also three other full-service, family-owned pharmacies in the county. Hodges Pharmacy and Dobbins Family Pharmacy serve clients through their locations in Leakesville, while State Line Drugs is located on Main Street in that community.

O u r J a i l H o u s e

M U S E U M

| By Juanita Hollinghead |

There are days when not a lot of traffic rolls through either of the two four-way stop signs found on Main Street in Leakesville. There is often a Mayberry vibe here in our little corner of South Mississippi, but while it may not look like much is going on if court isn’t in session at the Greene County Courthouse, located in the center of the county seat, you can bet there is lots to see upstairs, where the old jail now houses the Greene County Museum and some of the area’s most precious memories and artifacts.

The courthouse, which is designated as a Mississippi Historic Landmark, was built in 1939, but looks especially spiffy with its new landscaping, recent renovations and fresh coat of paint. The clock located on the top front center of this historicallyarchived landmark is ticking to the correct beat, after years of being stuck at 2:39. The beat goes on as you peer from ground to rooftop, notice those bars across the top row of windows. The old jail was housed on the fourth floor of the courthouse until a new facility was constructed. Just a glance at this beautiful piece of historical architecture does not give evidence to what treasures are hidden on the fourth floor.

Enter the south entrance to the courthouse, take the first right and find yourself greeted by a beautifully decorated foyer that leads to an elevator — a rarity not found in most small-town America courthouses. Step aboard and it will take you to the museum’s entrance. As the doors open, step out onto a red painted trap door, now sealed shut, and be propelled back in time. Your welcoming

A visit to the Greene County Museum is much more than just a trip down memory lane. Make it a point to stop in and check out the interesting information and artifacts soon.

committee consists of two floor-to-ceiling wall murals by local artist Beth Welford. The mural to your left gives a look at life along the Chickasawhay River for native tribes that once flourished in the area. Turning to the second mural on your right, be awed by the site of a collage of historical buildings found around the county in the early 1900’s.

A motorized chair is available to lift handicapped visitors to the museum’s only entrance. Walk or ride up the steps leading into Greene County’s past as you enter through a heavy iron door of bars

that all county criminals or their visitors would have darkened in past years. Carefully push on the cold, hard, gray handle that triggers a doorbell, step inside, and prepare to go back in time.

Looking forward to the right, you will find a framed picture of Reverend James Dunnam hanging on the wall. Dunnam’s passion and pride as a selftaught historian of Greene County led to the birth of this “Museum”. In 2003, the Greene County Museum and Historical Society was birthed, and Dunnam was considered the proud father. “Preserving

the Past for the Future” continues to be its motto. Collecting and preserving the history of Greene County, storing and displaying records and artifacts, and establishing a genealogical research room were the goals of the charter members.

Location, location, location…that was and is the “key” to this museum being like “none other.” The “key” to this unique museum is it being housed in the old county jail. Russell Turner, Editor of the Greene County Herald, believes the museum to be one of Mississippi’s best kept secrets.

“The Museum is a treasure for county natives and visitors alike,” said Turner, whose family still shepherds the newspaper, which recently celebrated its 125th year. “The museum provides a glimpse of life over the years, beginning with the earliest settlers and up through modern times. It is filled with reminders and treasures from throughout the county’s rich history.”

Renovations transformed this one-time jail into a perfect environment to house artifacts to be enjoyed by local residents and visitors. Archeologist Jean Hartfield says the Greene County Museum and

Historical Society has a wonderful collection of Americana a la South Mississippi and prehistoric artifacts exhibited in a safe environment. A museum to be envied, even by cities.”

Area children are shown enjoying making crafts during a 4-week summer program at the Greene County Museum this past year. The theme for the weekly youth camps at the museum was Choctaw arts and crafts. Participants had the opportunity to learn more about traditional native techniques for making pottery, woven baskets, arrow heads and natural, plant-based dies.

Find yourself in total awe of the treasures of Greene County contained within the walls of the old jail. Find yourself quickly traveling back in time as you enter the Research Room; full of storage drawers of old court documents. You can also find information on families histories, local cemeteries information, veterans and military documents, marriages and it goes on and on.

An abundance of pictures and artifacts to be admired are found in every nook and cranny. Old jail cells and open areas have been restored and transformed into time capsules containing historical paraphernalia from every aspect of Greene County’s past. As you tour the parameters of the museum, encounter Greene County’s history within a short walking distance. You will become intrigued with newly-found treasures that volunteers have worked hard to achieve “Preserving the Past for the Future.”

Favorite museum highlights include: n old court documents from as far back as the 1800’s n bound volumes of the Greene County Herald n Civil War memorabilia such as photos, uniforms and medals n photographic displays of county’s timber industry, churches and schools n notorious murderer Kinnie Wagner’s display including pictures, books and his gun n prehistoric findings from archeological digs in the county n locally collected Native American artifacts, n old jail cell restored

Shown here is a reassembled clay vessell discovered during an archaeological survey conducted as part of the construction of a 4-lane highway along the east side of Greene County. Archaeolgists working on the sites identifed in the survey found a treasure trove of artifacts (like this) in 2005 that changed the narrotive for historians as it provided evidence that Native people were maintaining communities here much longer than previously thought.

You won’t be disappointed by putting the Museum on your “must-do” list when you visit Greene County. Come by and get a taste of our county’s contributions to Mississippi’s History!

Our Jailhouse Museum Rocks with a burst of history you don’t want to miss out on encountering!

M . S . L . O .

| By Annette Harvison |

Working to Help Leakesville & Greene Co. Shine

Agrassroots effort to create an organization to promote local events and serve now operates much like a chamber of commerce for the City of Leakesville and the county.

The Main Street Leakesville Organization, best known locally by its acronym, MSLO, was formed in 2017 by a group of local residents and business people with a vision to breathe new life into the City of Leakesville and a desire to highlight the many family-owned businesses and local workforce that keep the town going. The continuous efforts of volunteers in the group have made an impact as the members work to plan and organize several events throughout the year, boosting traffic for local shops and providing family-friendly activities for fun and fellowship.

MSLO works to help keep the public informed of local business news and to promote member businesses through social media and other marketing.

“MSLO volunteers work hard to create a positive image for Leakesville by fostering a sense of community among the local residents,” said MSLO member Rochelle Beech. “One of our main objectives is to remind our people to appreciate this ‘little slice of heaven’ that we are blessed to call home by taking ownership and pride in our city.”

Leakesville is never short of friendly smiles or that warm, southern hospitality can be found through every door. While growth has taken place, Leakesville still maintains its small-town charm. Visitors

to the community can instantly see that charm as they make their way along Main Street. MSLO members say they are proud to show off the best qualities of the community - and the best thing about Leakesville is the people - the people of Leakesville and its surrounding communities make it all possible.

“Leakesville is made up of a diverse local population of hard-working people who genuinely care for each other; small population but big in heart,” Beech said.

These are the same people you will find in town cooking up a great lunch or making custom shirts for a local event. Leakesville has a variety of goods, from clothing, flowers and gifts to a new hairstyle and parts to fix the ATV. The

people providing these goods / services live in the community and want their children and grandkids to be able to continue to live, work, grow and play here. They know what it means to give back to the community, and do so.

“Leakesville’s small, local businesses are the heart and soul of our community and have a huge impact on the culture of our city,” MSLO Officer Tammy Clark said. “They reflect the community’s character while interacting with their neighbors on both a business and personal level.”

“They create employment, circulate money in the local economy and keep taxes close to home while building a community identity.”

MSLO volunteers Odessa Littlefeld and Kim Pierce are shown (Above) with youngster Blair Miller and Pierce’s daughter Holly Skaggs at an event in Green Park that was sponsored by the organization. MSLO hosts several events in the community each year and also works to promote Leakesville and Greene County through other activities.

Because these businesses give back to their community in such a big way, MSLO felt it was important to make sure they get the recognition they deserve. MSLO works to highlight local businesses, spotlighting these businesses on social media and in other advertising and marketing efforts.

The partnership between MSLO, local business and different government agencies has benefitted the community in many ways. Businesses work together and support one another, and community members have stepped up to offer helping hands. Pride in Leakesville has grown among its residents and surrounding communities - all thanks to people working together.

“MSLO feels it is important to highlight businesses that contribute to our organization because their support shows their willingness to invest in the revitalization and growth of Leakesville,” Beech said. “Their investments also help fund MSLO projects, which include providing familyoriented events and enhancing the appearance of the local downtown area, which benefits our local businesses.”

A large crowd is shown awaiting the start of a concert in Leakesville’s Green Park following a day full of Christmas revelry. MSLO is the driving force behind most community events in Leakesville is involved in functions outside the county seat as well.

MSLO members and sponsors work to create a welcoming atmosphere not only for hometown neighbors, but for anyone who makes their way through the community. Throughout the year, there are many family-friendly events such as the annual Independence Day and Christmas celebrations. These events feature local businesses - those with storefronts as well as those operating online from a home base. All these people have one thing in common - their community.

“We have people who are friendly, loyal, loving and support each other in times of sorrow,” Clark said. “People who not only work hard but also know how to play hard.”

“You may find them on one of our ballfields, fishing or floating the Chickasawhay River, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. People of faith gather for worship on Sunday at one of our many churches and continue the fellowship while dining at one of our local restaurants.”

When these business owners and community members began seeing growth take place several years ago, they saw a need for a partnership that would lead to a brighter future, and they stepped up to provide a plan and a way to make this partnership happen. These business owners, employees and community members work together for the betterment of their hometown. MSLO encourages community commitment and highlights all the great reasons to visit Leakesville.

“MSLO volunteers work hard as a group because it gives us a sense of purpose,” Beech said. “We believe in the quote, “bloom where you are planted,” and we use our diverse talents and gifts to contribute to something bigger than ourselves that will hopefully last for generations to come.”

“We are blessed to have the support of city and county officials, most of our local businesses and churches, and many of the residents of Leakesville and the surrounding communities,” Clark added.

MSLO’s membership includes many of the boutiques in Leakesville, such as Two Sisters Boutique, Daisy Mae Flower Shop, Little Biscuits children’s clothing store, Southern Drip Coffee Shop, Sissy’s Sparkles, Miss Muddy Puddles, Perfectly Imperfect Antiques & More and, of course, the gift shops at Hodges Pharmacy and Dobbins Family Pharmacy. Local restaurants, professional businesses, salons, banks and churches are also among the many sponsors of MSLO, each of them working together to make a brighter future for the place they call home.

For more information about the Main Street Leakesville Organization and its efforts, be sure to check out their website at www.mainstleakesville.com or find the group on social media.

E V E N T S

A Sampling of Upoming Events in Greene County

There is always plenty to do around Greene County, particularly for those who enjoy the great outdoors. But, there are also many events throughout the year that draw locals and visitors.

To follow is a sampling of some that are on the calendar for the coming year.

TREATS, TRICKS & MORE |

Halloween is always a fun time for youngsters (and our not-so-young) and there will be plenty of opportunities for the little ghouls, gobblins, etc. to knock on doors for trick-or-treating around the county. Each community will set their officials times for the activity, but there are also a couple of planned events surrounding the holiday, but at least two such events have been set. MSLO will host its ‘Treats in the Streets’ event on October 31 and local businesses, civic groups, churches, etc. will set up booths in Green Park and to pass out goodies from 6-8 p.m. Likewise, Greene County High School will also host its Trunk or Treat event on Oct. 31, from 5-7 p.m. Numerous booths will be set up around the track inside Wildcat Stadium. This typically has been a huge event for the school, which does ask for a $1 donation for attendees, but creates a lot of good will and good fun in the community.

CAR SHOWS |

Youngsters are shown competing in a sack race during a Fireworks & Freedom Celebration in Leakesville while supporters in the background cheer them on. Games such as these are part of the activities at the annual celebration of America’s independance. The event also includes live music, food and craft vendors, a beauty pageant, parade and much more. To wrap up the event, attendees are typically treated to a 30-minute freworks show that rivals any in the region.

part of a bigger festival or as stand-alone events. One such show is set for Saturday, October 19, 2024, (10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) when the Town of McLain presents its third annual Car Show featuring cars, trucks, motorcycles, side-by-side and regular ATVs.

FALL FESTIVALS

| Fall Festivals are popular in Greene County, with several municipalities, churches and others hosting some version of autumn-themed celebrations. The Town of State Line, for example, will hold its Annual Fall Festival on Oct. 19, 2024 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

annual Christmas on the Chickasawhay event on December 14, 2024. Enjoy a day filled with shopping with local businesses and vendors throughout town. Bring your appetite as tasty treats from food and beverage vendors will be plentiful and help fuel visitors for all of the exciting activities planned for all ages.

Rev up those engines for a good old fashioned car shows. Greene County residents love automobiles and car shows, whether they are of the antique, hot rod or all-of-the-above category are regular events on the calendar, either as

CHRISTMAS ON THE CHICKASAWHAY |

There is no place like the South for the holidays, and what better place is there to spend Christmas than along the Chickasawhay River? The Main Street Leakesville Organization is hosting its

As the sun sets and the stars come out, festivities will move to the river park for a parade, featuring boats, kayaks, canoes and other ‘floats’ decked out in festive lights and decorations. And, of course, there will be fireworks to enjoy. So, mark you calendar an plan to celebrate the season with a unique blend of Southern charm and holiday cheer. There will be many other Christmas events throughout the county, including parades and activities at municipal celebrations in the towns of McLain and

State Line. Of course, there are always plenty of Christmas concerts, Live Nativity scenes, worship services and other events to enjoy, so keep your eyes and ears open for details.

COMMUNITY-WIDE YARD SALE

| Lots of people enjoy searching for unique finds and great deals at rummage sales. On any given weekend its easy to find a yard, garage or rummage sale around the county. Twice each year, on the first Saturday of March and November, Leakesville’s MSLO hosts a Spring/Fall Market and community-wide yard sale in and around Green Park in the center of town. Attendees can look for special sales at local retail shops and search for ‘gold’ among the numerous individual yard-sale booths set up by individuals and community groups. You can grab a treat from a local food vendor while you shop, too. Anyone looking to clear some space at home is encouraged to participate, while those who aren't can simply come and enjoy the fun. Don’t miss out on this chance to discover hidden gems and connect with some mighty fine folks.

FIREWORKS & FREEDOM CELEBRATION

| Come on out for an Independence Day Celebration that maintains that small town vibe while providing actitivites that can compete with much larger communities. MSLO will host its annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration on June 25, 2025, from 1-9 p.m.

BATTLE OF McLEOD’S

MILL | While it doesn’t carry the name recognition of Vicksburg, Corinth or Brice’s Cross Roads, the Battle of McLeod’s Mill outside Leakesville over a century and a half ago was the most signifcant engagement of the Union’s last major advancements in the Deep South aimed at bringing the Civil War to a close. For three days on the second weekend of December, history bufs and Civil War reenactors team up to commemorate and re-enact the Battle of McLeod’s Mill in Leakesville along the banks of the Chickasawhay River, not far from the site of the original encounter.

The Battle of McLeod’s Mill occurred on Dec. 10, 1864, and was part of the much larger Pascagoula Expedition or “Davidson’s Raid”, which traversed much of South Mississippi in late 1864. The goal of the Union campaign was to destroy and sever the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, weaken the defenses of Mobile, and divert Confederate resources away from General John Bell Hood’s army outside Nashville. The frst observance of the historic engagement was held in 2014 on the 150th anniversary of the battle. The event, which includes a period church service and a second skirmish reenactment to go along with numerous living historydemonstrations, a period ball and the main battle reenactment, continues to grow. The 2024 event is scheduled for Dec. 14-15 and will be held on the grounds of Chickasawhay River Canoe Rentals / Street Racin’ Haven on Miss. 63 in Leakesville.

OLD TIME GREENE

COUNTY FAIR

| The fourth annual Old Time Greene County Fair is set for Nov. 2 and promises a lively day at the Greene County Rural Events Center on High School Road with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Activities are planned from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Attendees can engage in arts and crafts and other hands-on activities with local vendors, or visit the educational booths to learn more about businesses, groups and clubs active in Greene County. Don’t forget to catch a seat for the annual livestock show and live entertainment. Kids will especially love the “showdeo,” a rodeo just for them. With so much to see and do, this year’s fair is set to be an unforgettable experience for the entire family. For more information contact Missy Lewis at (601)770-3017.

BLACK HISTORY PARADE

| Greene County is home to one the longest running and most well attended celebrations of Black history and culture in Mississippi. Each February, on the fourth Saturday of the month, county residents and visitors from across the state and country converge on the small community of Knobtown, just outside the Town of State Line, for the annual Black History Parade and Celebration. The 2025 event will mark the 29th rendition of the event, which began in 1994 when the congregation of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church and community residents set out to educate their friends and neighbors about the great contributions of black Americans through the years. That frst event sparked a yearly grand afair, which has been described as a big family reunion and Mardis Gras parade mixed into one. The 25th event drew a crowd estimated at well over 10,000 people and the 30th anniversary event set to be held in 2026, promises to break that record. There are activities throughout the weekend, but the big draw is the parade on Saturday, which fows along a several-mile route. More information about the parade can be found via Facebook, by searching “Black History Parade Knobtown”.

HISTORICAL MARKERS | There are numerous historical sites around Greene County, including fve that are graced with historical markers from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Shown here are the markers for Clark Cemetery, Pat Harrison, the Battle of McLeod’s Mill, Neely Baptist Church and the infamous still raid murders of a U.S. Marshal Jake Green and local lawman Lawrence Dunnam in 1918. Greene County also has several highways named in honor of county residents. Mississippi Department of Transportaion Memorial Highways in the county are: 1-Senator George Cecil McL eod, Jr Memorial Highway on U.S. 98 near the southern border with George County; 2-Representative Fred Dobbins Memorial Highway on Miss. 63 close to the state prison; 3-U.S. Marshal Jake Green and Deputy Sherif Lawrence Dunnam Memorial Highway on Miss. 42 between Sand Hill and Richton; 4-Alan Smith and Dennis Rushing Memorial Highway on Miss. 42 in Sand Hill; and 5- Major Ed ‘Too Tall’ Freeman Memorial Highway on U.S. 98 in McLain.

HORSIN’ AROUND | The Greene County Rural Events Center on High School Road is the site for many great events, but it was built with agricultural events, and more specifallyequestrian events and horse enthusiasts from across Greene County and surrounding counties make great use of the facilities. Open practice nights are held two nights each week ( from 6-8 pm Tuesday and Thursday ) for youth and adult riders, and their horses, to train and practice in the arena. There are also regular events , such as the HYH Friday Night Fall Series, which features barrel racing in youth, adult and open categories, with cash prizes. Shown here are REC Coordinator Missy Lewis ( Below ) and Styles Pipkins (Right) as they took advantage of a recent practice night. For more information about the Rural Events Center or its equestrian events, contact Lewis at (601)770-3017.

P R E PA R E D

New Emergency Operations Center has Greene County ready to help county residents and neighbors when disaster strikes South Mississippi

|

By Chloe Dobbins

From severe weather to chemical spills, Greene County relies on the Greene County Emergency Management Agency to recover and help rebuild after emergencies and natural disasters.

And, now, with the completion of a new Emergency Operations Center, Greene County and its neighbors throughout South Mississippi are better prepared than ever to respond when disaster does hit.

Thanks in part to state funding, the county recently completed renovation of a county-owned facility in Leakesville to serve as a combined Emergency Operations Center (OEC) that houses the Greene County EMA office and 911 Call Center. The facility will also be utilized as a regional hub for stockpiling supplies and to serve as a staging area for major disasters, such as a hurricane hitting the Mississippi Coast.

“We are very excited about the new facility,” Greene County EMA Director Trent Robertson said. “It should serve as an asset to Greene County and the surrounding area for many years and we are thankful to Senator Dennis DeBar and the Greene County Board of Supervisors for making it a reality.”

Constructed by Brotherhood Service Company and completed in April 2024, the facility contains both 2500 square feet of offices and conference rooms as

Greene County Emergency Management Agency Director Trent Robertson is shown welcoming Congressman Mike Ezell for a tour of the new Greene County Emergency Operations Center across from the state prison on Miss. 63 in Leakesville. Ezell, who represents the people of Greene County as part of Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District, helped secure federal funding for the hardened E-911 Call Center that will be part of the new facility.

well as 2500 square feet of warehouse and a 2000 square feet open canopy for a load and dock.

According to contractor and Greene County native Benji McLeod, owner of Brotherhood Service Company, the headquarters' construction was a large project that included renovating an older building.

"The county had an existing structure they wanted to revamp,” that architects and engineers had been working on,” McLeod said. “We took the existing

foundation and structure of the building and made it new. From the ground up, we worked all the way from the electrical systems, the mechanical systems and the groundwork to finish it up."

"I believe it is a great job of utilizing an existing structure that had seen some wear and tear over the years and turning it into something the county should be proud of."

Emergency management is the science and system of preventing, preparing for and recovering from all the possible

disasters and emergencies a community is met with. In the United States, emergency management professionals work at all levels of government, from federal agencies to local offices which are often heavily involved in their communities.

Having worked as a volunteer firefighter, EMT and deputy sheriff before being hired by the Greene County Board of Supervisors for his current position in 2005, Robertson has dedicated much of his career to local emergency management.

“It is not an exact science from one agency to the next,” Robertson said. “In the more rural areas, like here in Greene County, emergency management has a broader scope than it does in larger areas.”

is located just

the

“In Greene County, emergency management coordinates all response efforts to natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods and hurricanes, as well as efforts on search and rescue and recovery missions. We also do a lot of outreach working with schools and other private sector and public sector partners to make sure they are prepared for natural or manmade disasters.”

Being prepared, Robertson noted, is one of the areas he believes the new facility will pay the biggest dividends for Greene County and the surrounding area.

Robertson, Congressman Ezell and Greene County Supervisor Wayne Barrow are shown in the facility’s warehouse area where emergency response items ranging from tarps and ready-to-eat meals (MREs) and bottled water will be stockpiled, not just for Greene County, but as a central hub for other EMA teams across South Mississippi. Industrial shelving will line the walls of the warehouse area, which

of

loading dock of the facility.

Greene County Economic Development Coordinator Danny Box is shown (Left) talking with Congressman Ezell and his staf members, along with multiple local ofcials during a tour of the new Greene County Emergency Operations Center back in August 2024 after the renovation was completed.

“Historically we have had to rely on storing emergency supplies for the county wherever we could find a secure spot to store them,” Robertson said. “With our new warehouse area we can keep supplies fully climate-controlled and secure. “

When thinking about emergency management, for many people what comes to mind is severe weather and other natural disasters as well as medical emergencies. While these types of emergencies are common in Greene County, Robertson says they are far from the only disasters for which the county’s emergency management office must be prepared.

“Probably the most common emergencies our responders deal with are car accidents, house fires and emergency medical events,” Robertson explained. “Some of the other situations we deal with less frequently are flash flooding events, tornadoes and other severe weather.”

“From time to time, we have to respond to more complex emergencies, such as search and rescue missions for missing persons, or an extremely complicated rescue mission where someone might be injured but trapped. We’ve had hunters being injured while in a tree stand. Two years ago, there was a little girl trapped 35 feet down a water well.”

In rural areas like Greene County, unique issues based on resources and location can arise, creating a crucial need for emergency management professionals and emergency

responders to stay flexible and have an intimate knowledge of their communities’ needs and supplies.

“Our residents relish our rural lifestyle, but from an EMA perspective, that means we really have to know on a local level how to take care of yourselves because we don’t have the resources available for a large-scale response from outside our area,” Robertson said. “We have to be able to sustain ourselves, whether it be in a rescue operation, a firefighting situation or an emergency medical situation. You have to be on top of your game because in these rural areas, oftentimes your state resources to help you could be quite some time away.”

“The new facility has a large training room,” Robertson added. “This is going to be a great addition to our emergency response training program. It’s going to give us the ability to offer a great environment for all of our responders to train in as well as offer training to our surrounding counties.”

This training often extends to people not traditionally associated with emergency response to be prepared to react in emergency situations.

“We've been in-depth with helping get our responders, our school teachers and administrators trained in active shooter response as well as basic first aid,” he added. “We've been very active in getting some of our school teachers trained to a (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians) Emergency Medical Responder level, which includes a 100 hour course that several teachers in our community have completed.” Robertson said. “You have to wear multiple hats to keep the wheel of government turning as well as to

keep our citizens safe. When we see a void of something that needs to be done, we try to step in and fill that void, and we make sure that we do all we can to keep our citizens and our responders educated and prepared as to what they need to do.”

In addition to staying prepared for often unpredictable emergencies, emergency management workers also have to stay up to date with ever-changing technology.

“Since 2005, when I began working in emergency management, our county didn’t have advanced warning for tornadoes or any severe weather,” Robertson said. “Since then we've been able to acquire 14 tornado sirens in the county. But, while we use tornado sirens, technology is still constantly changing and advancing. Those sirens still have value for our area, but we’ve also moved toward an operating system that utilizes mobile devices, which most residents carry with them constantly. We have focused on getting our residents signed up to get emergency

alerts on their phones with pinpoint accuracy,” Robertson explained. “It's hard to have a one size fits all solution for everybody. You may have some people unable to hear tornado sirens who rely on mobile alerts, and you may have others who don’t carry a cell phone that much and rely on the sirens.”

Ultimately, regardless of emergency management’s challenges, Robertson affirmed that the work is not only critical to Greene County and its communities but also fulfilling for those who do it.

“You’ve got to have a heart for others in this line of work, whether it’s firefighting, emergency medicine, law enforcement or emergency management,” Roberson concluded. “A lot of times we meet people on the worst day of their lives and in those situations we hope we are able to help and make that day a little bit better. That’s a reward you can’t put a dollar figure on.”

G O V E R N M E N T

| GREENE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS |

The Greene County Board of Supervisors oversee overall county government operations for Greene County and the fve individual Road Districts of the county. The Members are (Shown, L-R) Dist. 2 Supervisor Frederick “Pete’ Johnson, Dist. 1 Supervisor Dillon McInnis, Dist. 3 Supervisor Efrd Eubanks, Dist. 5 Supervisor David Tingle and Dist. 4 Supervisor John Wayne Barrow Sr.

| COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF |

Supervisors maintain fve separate district headquarters throughout the county, but hold their meetings in the county adminstrative ofce located in the Courthouse Annex in Leakesville. The administrative ofce also serves as the main county business ofce and house the ofces of comptroller, human resources, purchasing and receiving and economic development. Shown (Below, L-R) are Receiving Clerk Angela Roberts, Human Resources Clerk Linda Fallon and Purchasing Clerk Kristin Odom.

400 Main Street | Leakesville, MS 39451 | 601-394-2394 aroberts@greenecountyms.gov | lfallon@greenecountyms.gov kodom@greenecountyms.gov

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT | Director Danny Box dbox@greenecountyms.gov | VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER | Shonna Kay Pierce 415 Oak Street Leakesville, MS 39451 (601)394-2442 (601)410-1974 | Mobile shonnakaypierce@aol.com | EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY and 911 ADDRESSING | Trent Robertson | EMA Director and County Fire Coordinator Pam Anderson | 911 Addressing Tommy Mathis | Deputy EMA Director 401 McInnis Avenue Leakesville, MS 39451 (601)394-5627 911@greenecountyms.gov

tmoreno@greenecountyms.gov

|

Shown (Left, L-R) are Coroner Ladd Pulliam, Circuit Clerk Cecelia Bounds, Chancery Clerk Michelle D. ‘Shelly’ Eubank, Tax Assessor / Collector Mark Holder and Sherif Ryan Walley.

| GREENE COUNTY JUSTICE COURT |

Kerney Kittrell | Justice Court Judge - Post 1 Shannon Busby | Justice Court Judge - Post 2 Chris Dobbins | County Prosecutor Victoria Moss and Abbie Walley | Court Clerks 416 Main Street | PO Box 547 | Leakesville, MS 39451 (601)394-2347 justicecourt@greenecountyms.gov

| GREENE COUNTY CONSTABLES | 416 Main Street | PO Box 547 Leakesville, MS 39451 (601)394-2347

| CITY OF LEAKESVILLE |

MAYOR: David West

ALDERMEN: Joe Bullard, Bill Burley, Richard Hale, Karen Miller Smith and William M. ‘Mel’ Williams Jr.

CITY CLERK: Rex Garretson

ADMINISTRATIVE - OPERATIONS

COORDINATOR: James Radclif

CITY HALL: 301-A Lafayette Avenue Leakesville, MS 39451 (601)394-2383 leakesvillems@gmail.com www.leakesvillems.com

| TOWN OF McLAIN |

MAYOR: Steve McCluskey

ALDERMEN: Francis Byrd, Ken Cumbie, Janice Guest, David Hartfeld and Len Moody TOWN CLERK: Ashley Williams

CITY HALL: 106 Church Street McLain, MS 39456 (601)753-2205 ClerkMcL1@att.net

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SENATOR DENNIS DEBAR |

Senator DeBar represents the majority of Greene County as part of Dist. 43. First elected to the State Legislature in 2016 as the State Representative from Dist. 105, DeBar is now in his third term in the State Senate. He is chairman of the Senate Education Committee and a member of the Appropriations, Energy, Gaming, Judiciary A & B, Public Health and Welfare and Rules committees. DeBar can be reached at the Capitol at Room 214-B, P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215. He can also be contacted by telephone at (601)359-3221. or email at ddebar@senate.ms.gov.

| REP. ELLIOT BURCH |

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Senator Robinson represents Dist. 42, which includes portions of Forrest, Jones, Wayne and Greene County. She served one term in the House of Represenatives before being elected to the Senate where she is in her frst term. She serves on multiple committees including Tourism (where she is Vice-Chair). She also serves as a member of the Joint Legislative PEER Committee. She can be reached at the Capitol at Room 407, P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215. She can also be contacted at (601)359-2220 or by email at rrobinson@senate.ms.gov

| REP. SHANE BARNETT |

| TOWN OF STATE LINE |

ALDERMEN: Michael Coaker, Don R. Hinton, James Waller Jr., Michial W. West and Perry Young

MAYOR: Willie Miller

TOWN CLERK: Penny Lucas

CITY HALL: 229 Main Street | State Line, MS 39362 (601)848-7755 stateline@tds.net

Representaive Burch is in his frst term representing the people of Dist. 105 (Perry, George and Greene counties). He is a former federal law enforcement ofcer, who also served as a state prosecutor, before running for public ofce. Burch is a practicing attorney specializing in criminal defense, family law and special education matters. Burch serves on the House Agriculture, County Afairs, Constitution, Corrections, Drug Policy, Insurance and Judiciary B committees. He can be reached at P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215; at (601)359-3728; or eburch@house.ms.gov.

Representaive Barnett has served in the Mississippi House of Representatives since 2016. A real estate appraiser from Wayne County, Barnett represents residents of Greene, Wayne and Perry counties as the representative from Dist. 86. He is the chairman of the House Local and Private Legislation Committee and serves as a member of the Judiciary B, Management and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committees. Barnett can be reached via mail at Room: 400-F, P. O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215. He can be contacted by telephone at (601)359-3014.

| SENATOR ROBIN ROBINSON

BICYCLE BANDIT |

Roughly 52 years ago, on a cold Tuesday in January 1973, a bicycle bandit wheeled out of the Town of State Line with $19,600 he had stolen from the local bank. And he might have gotten away with it too if a couple local men had not seen him and gave chase, eventually forcing him to ditch his bike and fee into the woods. He emerged from hiding the following Saturday, sufering from frostbite on his feet. Few people recall his name, but David Lee Knight, a then 28-year-old long shoreman from Mobile who had once served on the Atlanta, Ga. police force, became somewhat famous after George County native and Nashville singer-songwriter Lou Stringer recorded a song about him. Shown (above) is a signed copy of the 45 RPM vinyl record that memorialized the unusual heist.

IT’S GREAT TO BE A GCHS WILDCAT | Greene County residents have diverse interests and options for entertainment, but on Friday nights in the fall, Wildcat football reigns supreme. Whether the Greene County High School team is fghting for a championship or just for pride, Wildcat fans fock to Johnny Ainswor th Field at Wildcat Stadium to cheer for their beloved Wildcats and soak in all that Mississippi high school football has to ofer. Fans are shown here celebrating a big plan in the annual Battle for the Bell rivalry game against the Rebels from George County.