Pontotoc Magazine 2011

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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WHAT’S INSIDE

Welcome Home to

OTOC P ONT2011-2012 Index

Accident reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 61 Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 61 Building permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Business directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . 17 City officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Civic groups, clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 County officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Electrical power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 61 Emergency numbers . . . . . . . . . . 15, 61 Fire departments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 61 Hospitals, doctors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Housing (senior citizen) . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Hunting, fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 Library/Museum/Theater . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Marriage licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Newspaper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Nursing homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Police. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Property taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Schools, school officials . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Senior citizens programs . . . . . . . . . . 55 Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 State officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Tourism information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Veterans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Voter registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Wildlife areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 22 Youth groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Town of Tocc op ola Welcome to our City & County 34 Steeped 5 Mayor in Chickasaw history, Jeff Stafford and Board of Toccopola is a mixture of old and new.

Supervisors President Wayne Stokes welcome you to Pontotoc city & county.

6 Walk through our town through snapTou r our Town

shots of what Pontotoc has to offer.

12 A look at the history of some Pontotoc City of Pon totoc

businesses as well as a glimpse of a bright economic future.

Ch am be r/ Mai n St re e t As sn.

17 Planning for our future while preserving our past is their goal.

wn of Ecr u 18 ATocolorful town poised for growth while celebrating its past.

Come Ou t & Play 20 Check out Pontotoc’s parks, lakes and riding trails.

Sherman 24 OnTowthenfastof track to success, Sherman looks to a great future.

26 All trails lead to a bright future for Town of Alg oma

the town “where God abides.”

31 Pontotoc offers a variety of town and community festivals.

Let’s Ce lebrate!

On the Cover: Snapshots of what Pontotoc County has to offer including playgrounds and recreation, entertainment and education, as well as community service opportunities.

(Background photo by Tim Tutor/Cover graphics and design by Kim Cooper.)

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

33 Pontotoc’s library, museum and community theater provide both Cultur al Ar ts

entertainment and education.

Town of Th axton out of Buttermilk Springs, 36 Born Thaxton retains its friendly heritage.

P on tot oc City Sc h ools 41 Teaching children the 4 R’s — including recycling — is one teacher’s mission.

Pon totoc Sch ool 42 In‘C’Nothisisrtforhfirstcaring grade teacher’s alphabet, about others. u th Pon totoc Sch ool 45 ASoteacher who believes the path to success begins in kindergarten.

Res taur an t & Di nin g Gu id e 48 Dining in or eating out, there’s a restaurant in Pontotoc for you.

Healthcare & Fitness 53 Hospitals, clinics, doctors and fitness centers in Pontotoc County.

S enior Serv ices 55 Facilities and programs available for senior citizens in Pontotoc.

Ju st the F ac ts 58 Statistics, facts and demographic data about the city and county of Pontotoc.

P on totoc Pr og re ss 64 How to get your news and

announcements in the newspaper.

Chamber Directory 68 ACommerce listing of Pontotoc County Chamber of & Main St. Assn. members.

Pontotoc Progress

STAFF Regional Manager Lisa Bryant General Manager Michelle Williams

ADVERTISERS Alfa Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Antiques Downtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Ashley Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 B & B Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Baldwin-Nowell Funeral Directors . . . . .60 BancorpSouth . . . . . . . .inside back cover Bank of Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Baptist Memorial Hospital/Union Co . . .13 Ben Russell Construction . . . . . . . . . . .66 Between Sisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Blinds & Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Boyles Tire & Auto Care . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Candy Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 City of Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 CK Walls / Trend to Pretend . . . . . . . . .14 Connie Kidd Tax Service . . . . . . . . . . . .32 County of Pontotoc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Days Inn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Deck Your Yard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 Domino’s PIzza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Dr. John T. Black, Dentist . . . . . . . . . . .29 Duff Dental Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Easy Find Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Ella Ivy Boutique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Engineering Solutions Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .52 Farm Bureau Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 First National Bank . . . . . . . . .back cover Flavia West-Huddleston, M.D . . . . . . . .16 From Rags to Riches . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Greg Brown, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . .54 H & R Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Hill Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Lep’s BBQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Little Bits Daycare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Main Street Pizza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Mapp Auto Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Marty’s Hair House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 McCoy’s Grocery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Mechanics Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Merle Norman @ Legacy . . . . . . . . . . .14 Mi Pueblo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Mills & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Montgomery Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Mossy Oak Prop./Pontotoc Ridge Realty....50 North MissMedical Center-Pontotoc . . . .8

Overstocked Name Brands . . . . . . . . . .29 Pampered Pooch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 Peeples Building Material . . . . . . . . . . .50 Phillip Tutor, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . .66 Piggly Wiggly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Playmates Learning Center . . . . . . . . . .52 Pontotoc Check Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Pontotoc Electric Power Association . . .16 Pontotoc Family Medical Clinic . . . . . . . .4 Pontotoc Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Pontotoc Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Pontotoc Title Loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Pontotoc Wellness Center . . . . . . . . . . .71 Pool Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Pure Bliss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 R & R Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Red Karma Salon, Spa & Boutique . . . .40 Reggie Collums, Chancery Clerk . . . . .30 Regions Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Renasant Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Rogers Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 Service Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Shannon & Graham Eye Clinic . . . . . . .10 Sidra Winter, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . .44 Southern Motion Furn. . .inside front cover Studio 21 Gift Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Sullivan Insurance Agency (Guide One Insurance) . . . . . . . . . . . .66 The Candy Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 The Gift Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Tim Tucker, Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . .38 Town of Algoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Town of Ecru . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Town of Sherman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 Town of Thaxton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 Tracy Robinson, Circuit Clerk . . . . . . . .30 True Value Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 True Valuables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Van McWhirter, Tax Assessor/Collector .60 Wal-Mart Supercenter . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 Washington Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 West Heights Baptist Church . . . . . . . .71 Wood Eye Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 X Factor Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 Young’s Tire Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Managing Editor Brenda Owen Writing/Photography Brenda Owen Regina Butler Tim Tutor

WHAT’S INSIDE

Published by The Pontotoc Progress in partnership with the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce.

Freelance Editorial Design Kim Cooper Advertising Consultant Angie Quarles Advertising Design Shelia Taylor Typing Mildred Taylor Office Manager Joyce Jolly

The Pontotoc Progress 13 Jefferson Street P. O. Box 210 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Phone (662) 489-3511 Fax: 489-1369

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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W

W

hether you are looking for a place to rear a family, enjoy your retirement years or you are just visiting, Pontotoc has a lot to offer.

On behalf of the Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors, let me welcome you to the place we call home.

Here, we have a world of opportunities right in our own backyard, from education to entertainment, you can find it just a few steps away.

Our schools are the envy of Mississippi, and for the sports-minded, we have several ball fields for the young and young at heart to play on. From the Hansberger Sportsplex in the heart of the county to ball fields and walking tracks in each of the towns, nobody has an excuse not to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

The outdoorsmen can find plenty to do at Trace State Park or Howard Stafford Lake. Wildlife can be seen in several locations throughout the area.

We are known for our down home hospitality and you will find it celebrated in festivals all across the county from spring to fall, and if you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, you will find us parading down the main streets of our towns even on the coldest December day.

Pontotoc has a variety of restaurants and shops, and there are civic clubs to offer a place to serve the community and lend a helping hand.

Along with numerous places of worship, we have a strong work force that allows us to be a leader in the furniture industry.

We are proud to be part of the PUL (Pontotoc, Union and Lee Counties) Alliance. This partnership enabled us to entice Toyota into making this region their home.

As you can see, we have plenty to offer. And, we would be glad to welcome you as our guest or new neighbor.

CITY & COUNTY

PONTOTOC COUNTY

TO OUR

elcome home to a place where many people would love to live. I’ve been to Los Angeles and New York. Some say the Big Apple has it all, but they don’t have fresh air.

Ask anybody from Atlanta about their water. They can only dream to have the pressure and capacity. Our natural gas system is the envy of the whole state of Mississippi.

Pontotoc also has something that many would envy, a heart for the children of this county and we prove it through offering things for them to do such as play baseball, soccer and basketball, to name a few.

Many have set down roots here and made this their home and those who have moved away never forget it. I love leaning on the fence at football games and talking with old friends of our times together here in these hills.

I love little league baseball, every strike out, homerun, bad call and every error. I also love girls fast pitch softball and soccer. I never could master the art of coaching, but I appreciate the ones who can.

Pontotoc is the home of worship. I love our churches and what they do for our youth. Church is a great place for you (and me) to charge our batteries.

Pontotoc is also the home of furniture manufacturing. I consider manufacturing jobs a natural resource because they were here when I was young and now are back.

This place is also home to great patriots.

Davy Crockett was here when he got his letter to go to the Alamo.

Pontotoc still has patriots who do the same — they fight for our freedom. I have many friends — and a few that I coached in little league — who are paying the price for freedom, some are in Afghanistan as you read this. I hope they can all "go home" as I would holler to them from third base, one more time.

I love what most people take for granted, the city employees, because they do three things for me and for YOU. They are full time ... and they are part-time ... and when the bell rings they are wide open.

And I love running wide open. Welcome Home to Pontotoc.

Mayor Jeff Stafford

WELCOME

CITY OF PONTOTOC

Wayne Stokes Pontotoc County Supervisors Board President

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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TOUR OUR TOWN

D

rive down Pontotoc’s shady streets, past the stately houses and quaint cottages, around the square with a history dating back to the city’s beginnings and you get a sense of the down-home pride personified by the town, the county and the people.

But this is only one facet of Pontotoc.

Move along the modern highways that intersect in the city limits and you will encounter a booming business and industrial community to rival any town of its size in the state.

This combination of old and new attracts hundreds of visitors and new residents each year to experience a small town atmosphere with a big city vision.

Come along as we take you on a tour of our thriving, friendly town.

Courthouse and Firs t United Methodist Church

First Baptist Church

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Bodock Festival on the Squ are

BUSINESSES New businesses start up in Pontotoc every year adding a boost to the local economy, while century-old institutions such as First National Bank and Shannon and Graham Eye Clinic form the solid foundation on which the city and county are built. For a complete listing of businesses and individuals who support the Chamber of Commerce, see pages 68-70.

TOUR OUR TOWN

CELEBRATING ON THE SQUARE Our town square, with its spouting fountain and stately monuments is a favorite meeting place for Pontotoc residents of all ages. The annual Bodock Festival is just one of the many events which take place on the town square each year. For more about our city and county festivals, see page 31.

First National Bank

Shannon and Graham Eye Clinic

CHILDREN Wherever you walk around Pontotoc, there are children — playing, laughing, learning. Children are our most valuable asset and we have schools dedicated to educating them at the highest level. For more about Pontotoc’s award-winning schools, see pages 41-46.

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

TOUR OUR TOWN

FOR

THE SOUL

From century-old edifices to modern tabernacles, Pontotoc’s more than 200 churches welcome hundreds of residents and visitors each week. Family values and faith-based living are an integral part of the small town atmosphere in Pontotoc. For a listing of Pontotoc County churches, see Pages 62-63.

FOR

THE BODY

Whether you enjoy solitary walks down shady streets or working out with the latest in gym equipment among other people, Pontotoc offers dozens of ways to exercise your body in safety and comfort. For a listing of fitness centers, walking tracks and other exercise options, see Page 53.

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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Some of the Common Eye Problems We Test For:

• Nearsightedness (Myopia) • Fairsightedness (Hyperopia) • Astigmatism • Presbyopia • Amblyopia • Eye Teaming (Binocularity) • Cataracts • Glaucoma

SHANNON & GRAHAM EYE CLINIC

Service Supply 199 Hwy. 15 North • Pontotoc

489-4363

Since 1895

DR. PHILIP R. GRAHAM - OPTOMETRIST • BILL SEAWRIGHT - OPTICIAN • MELANIE SELLERS, TECHNICIAN

14 E. Marion St. • Pontotoc, MS

•

Steve Russell, Owner

489-4741

Personal service from agents who

care.

When someone you love has an accident, the last thing you want to worry about is insurance.

So with every Alfa Insurance® policy comes a promise—to be right there with you, handling the details so you can focus on more important things. Because while it’s always great to have a good agent, sometimes it’s even better to have a good friend. For personalized service from a hometown agent, call Alfa™.

171 E. Oxford St. Pontotoc, MS 38863-2114 (662) 488-8006

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Henry Payne

Tmora Payne

Lindsey Hogue

Candice Ledbetter

TOUR OUR TOWN

Antiques Downtown

SHOPPING To enjoy downtown Pontotoc at its best, park your car and walk the city’s streets. Peek into the shop windows, then browse through the stores.

We bet you won’t leave empty-handed. Pleasing customers is part of our charm. To find ads for stores throughout the city and county which offer everything you need, check out our advertising directory on Page 3.

p ift Sho The G

The Candy Bar

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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PONTOTOC OF

CITY 12

Pontotoc: Progressive, productive, proud

T

he city of Pontotoc is located in the center of Pontotoc County. The municipality is the county seat holding both the courthouse, the chancery building and the museum. In addition to this, anyone who comes to the city may park on Main Street and do business at two banks, two loan offices, buy insurance, see several different lawyers, go to the post office, clothing stores, gift shop, buy paint or wallpaper for your home, browse antiques, go to the library, visit the Chamber of Commerce and City Hall, get your hair and nails done, buy groceries or buy a house, pay your power bill and get your eyes checked.

After all that walking, you can choose between three different places to eat and not have to crank your car until you are done.

Anyone who visits the city can rest in the court square that has a bubbling fountain, trees and swings where you can reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that many have made while gazing at the monuments erected to their memory.

Pontotoc’s oldest independentlyowned business, Shannon and Graham Eye Clinic, thrives in the community where the roots run deep.

The clinic is the oldest continuing optometry business not only in Pontotoc but in the state of Mississippi. And family is still operating the business. Marcus Lee (M.L.) Shannon established the business in 1895 and his greatgranddaughter, Millicent Seawright, is still carrying on the family tradition. Millicent said the one quality that characterized the men in their business was “Honesty. They helped people in any way they could and they were always honest with them.”

Since she grew up in the business, Millicent has seen generations come back to the eye clinic. “We have those that come in and say they can remember my granddad.”

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

One of the foundational retail businesses on Main Street is The Gift Shop.

Established in 1946, the shop has had three owners.

Present owners, Ray and Paulette Reese bought the business 33 years ago. “I like the downtown atmosphere,” Paulette said.

“There is no place like Pontotoc to do business because it seems like one big family. I love it here, there has not been a day that I have felt like I had to go to work. If you enjoy what you are doing then you enjoy coming to work.”

Her excitement and enthusiasm rubs off on a daily basis because many people who come through town always look to see how she has changed up her window with the changing seasons of time.

And with those seasons of time Paulette has had the opportunity to help the grandchildren of some of her first brides. “I have gotten to know the folks here and what their tastes are,” she smiled as she surveyed her neat shop.

“And I think that’s nice.”

Another young entrepreneur showed his faith in the people of Pontotoc by establishing Pontotoc Loans. Rickey Hodge said he established his business in August of 1987 because he had “just got married and Pontotoc was a good

place to rear a family.

The schools have always been the best.”

Even with the success of his business he hasn’t moved it elsewhere.

“Pontotoc has a small town charm where people are here to help you out. I love the fact that it is a close knit community. It is a safe place for children

and grandchildren to live and grow.

You don’t have to worry about what will happen to your kids when they walk down the street.”

From its inception, Pontotoc has been blessed with people who are progressive thinkers in making the town into the thriving municipality it is today. Pontotoc was founded by General Thomas MacMackin. Although the term general was used only as a compliment, General MacMackin was a successful land speculator and hotel keeper. He purchased the land where Pontotoc County was organized from the Chickasaw Indians for $1,000 on February 9, 1836. At its creation, the county was 900 square miles in area.

Originally Pontotoc County was bounded on the north by Tippah County, on the east by Itawamba County, on the South by Chickasaw County and on the west by Lafayette County.

Within a month he had divided the land into lots and had turned his investment into $80,000.

Pontotoc became a full fledged town on May 4, 1836 when the streets, public square and other property was conveyed to the appointed Board of Police.

The results of an award-winning educational system are reflected in the community spirit of Pontotoc’s residents and their support of cultural activities provided through the city’s museum, library and community theater.

As for the business community, whether you are looking to browse for antiques or sip coffee downtown, check out merchandise in one of the outlying shopping centers, dine at a favorite restaurant or zip into a drive-thru for a quick snack, today’s Pontotoc has it all.

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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D P

Shop Main

Street in

owntown ontotoc

COSMETIC STUDIO

A dept. of CK Walls Quality Clothing Consignment

Largest Stocking

WALLPAPER dealer in North Mississippi

Pizza

Main Street 101 N. Main • Pontotoc, MS

662-488-9010

®

Legacy • Merle Norman Cosmetics • OPI Nail Products • Brighton Jewelry and other gifts • Vera Bradley Bags and Papers • Brand Name Clothes • Spanx and other items VISIT US AT LEGACY “A Unique Boutique With Southern Charm”

11 S. Main St. • Pontotoc, MS 38863 (662) 489-3523

From Rags toThriftRiches Store “Where there’s something for everyone” 3 South Main Str eet Pontotoc, MS Tr ena Stanfor d (662) 871-3976 Under New Management

140

TREND TO PRETEND Consignment Boutique

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Ella Ivy Boutique at

5 S o ut h Ma i n S tr e et P ontoto c, MS

489-7272 Ho ur s : S u nd ay 1- 8 M on. -Th urs. 11-8 Fri. & Sat. 11-10

13 South Main Street Pontotoc

662-509-9002

Antiques, Gifts & More

Antiques Downtown 662-489-4458

Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.5:30 p.m.

The Gift Shop Complete Bridal Lines & Decorative Accessories & Gifts 6 South Main St. • Pontotoc

662-489-2251 Come by and visit!

Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pontotoc’s utility department offers water/sewer, gas and garbage pick-up.

Anyone applying for services must appear in person at Pontotoc City Hall with a state-issued identification card.

GARBAGE PICKUP Once weekly inside the city limits. $12.30 minimum. Anyone applying for services must appear in person at Pontotoc City Hall with a state-issued identification.

NATURAL GAS Service covers Pontotoc, Union and some of Lee Counties.

Gas inside Pontotoc City limits - $50 Installation/ inspection fee for homeowners with existing meter (non-refundable/non-transferable); $100 Installation/ inspection fee for rental property with existing meter (non-refundable/non-transferable)

In Case of Emergency, Call 911 In case of a storm or tornado, you may get to safety in one of the city’s eight public shelters: 116 North Main St. 206 Hud St. 374 Highway 15 South 290 Eighth Street

320 Clark St. 289 Lake Drive 472A Vance Street 1814 Highway 15 North

For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

CABLE TELEVISION Contact MetroCast at 1-800-457-5351.

DIRECT TV OR DISH NETWORK Contact Brad’s Electronics (488-0087) or Austin Company (489-7700).

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG Call 811 from any phone

Police Chief: 489-7804 Pontotoc City Police Department employs 14 full-time officers and four certified parttime officers.

Location: 225 West Reynolds Fire Chief: 489-7805 The Pontotoc Fire Chief leads a staff of nine full-time firemen and 17 volunteer firemen at two locations in the city.

Locations: 116 North Main 150 Henry Southern Drive Welcome Home to

PONTOTOC

PONTOTOC

ELECTRICITY Pontotoc Electric Power Association services almost 18,000 members in six counties, which includes most of Pontotoc County. The main office is located at 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc. Call 489-3211. For emergencies on nights, weekends and holidays, call 489-6711.

PHONE Land line contact: Bell South at 1-888-757-6500. Wireless contacts: Cellular South (877-276-8841), Cellphone Superstore (489-6960) or Austin Company (489-7700).

OF

WATER/SEWER Water/sewer service provided inside Pontotoc city limits and to a small portion of the county.

Water inside city limits – $50 deposit (refundable/transferable) if you own your property; $75 installation/inspection fee (non-refundable/non-transferable) for rental property.

Water outside city limits – $100 installation/inspection fee (non-refundable/non-transferable) if you own your property; $125 installation/inspection fee (non-refundable/nontransferable) for rental property.

New gas service inside city limits - $175 for owner occupied and rental property - installation fee (non-refundable/transferable).

Above fees cover first 200 feet of service line plus installation of gas meter. If new service line is more than 200 feet, extra footage will be charged $1 per foot (2-inch line = $2 per foot) and will be billed separately.

If you have any questions, you may call City Hall, 4891722 (night or weekends, 489-7805). Office hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wed., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

GET CONNECTED - CITY

W

hether you are moving into town or just changing addresses within Pontotoc city limits, sometimes you lose track of all the details that must be attended to in one move. This list will keep those much-needed numbers in one place so you can quickly contact all the right people at the right places to make the move to your new home much easier.

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BOYLES TIRE & AUTO CARE

SERVICE: OIL, LUBE & FILTER, ALIGNMENT, BRAKES, STRUTS, SHOCKS, FLATS, TIRES

dessert bar

So many choices . . . deli

gift shop

party room

candy counter

coffee shop

. . . every one delicious!

275 W. OXFORD ST. PONTOTOC, MS 38863

662-489-5221

Place Your Family’s Health In Good Hands From routine wellness exams to treatment of minor injuries, your well-being is our foremost concern.

You can also expect a caring, friendly staff whose love and concern shines through in everything we do.

F la v ia We s t H u d dl e st o n, M. D .

183 S. Main Street Pontotoc, MS

489-5038 160

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

1 South Main St. Pontotoc 488-0064 Mon.-Fri. 10:30-5:30 Wed. 10:30-4:30 Sat. 10:30-3 wi-fi

Supporting Industrial Development

Second oldest rural electric cooperative in the United States

PONTOTOC ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION “Pioneers In America’s Rural Electrification”

12 S. Main St. •Pontotoc • 489-3211

W

AND

hat began in 1977 as an experiment with the National Trust for Historic Preservation to save three Midwestern downtown cities has grown to become a national movement of which Mississippi Main Street is very proud to be leading the way.

We here in Pontotoc County are proud to be the first countywide program for the State of Mississippi. In 2007 we became the first countywide program to serve its citizens.

An excellent example of how the innovative framework of the Main Street Approach helps communities preserve their unique heritage while building a vibrant commercial district is that our boards of the Chamber and Main Street merged to form the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association to service our county better.

We are proud of all the activities that take place throughout Pontotoc County in each community from Clean Sweep, 4th of July, Bodock Festival, Holiday Open House, Christmas Parades, and many other events.

Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association encourages you to become a part of our growth in community spirit, join the Chamber/Main Street Association and be a part of the winning team.

Come spend a day — or a lifetime — in Pontotoc County, you’ll be glad you did!

— Ellen Russell Executive Director

MAIN STREET

Working with one board with a mission to make this a wonderful place to live, work, and play, our approach is leading us to the center and core of our communities. To provide support and encourage the revitalization of Main Street based on historic preservation and sound business practices has continued to blend with our outer areas of growth in the industrial world also.

We have seen a growth in businesses, industry, and housing in the past hard economic time. We are very fortunate to smile when we say, “Welcome to Pontotoc.”

Whether you are in Pontotoc, Ecru, or Sherman, the common denominator is Pontotoc.

Come and spend a day with us and you’ll want to stay. Becoming a vibrant and viable living area is our basic need.

You might ask, how I can better support this program?

Here are some simple ways: • Walk downtown (good for the economy and waistline) • Pick up someone else’s litter • Sell your community C ONTACT I NFO • Tell your history • Volunteer • Celebrate the Arts Pontotoc County • Eat locally Chamber of Commerce & • Encourage entrepreneurs Main Street Association • Support existing businesses • Think creatively

CHAMBER

Working together to build a better tomorrow

Telephone: (662) 489-5042 Fax: 662-489-5263

E-mail: chamber@pontotocchamber.com Address: Chamber of Commerce/Main St. 109 North Main St. P. O. Box 530 Pontotoc, MS 38863 Staff: Ellen Russell, Executive Director Lori Harmon, Secretary Carolyn Lauderdale, Receptionist Lee Oswalt, Board President Josh West, Economic Developer

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17

ECRU OF

TOWN 18

Ecru: A colorful town poised for growth

T

he quaint town of Ecru gets its name from the off-white color of paint that was once used on the railroad station. Today the town has come a long way from the later part of the 19th century.

Take a walk down the main street and you can buy groceries or insurance, get your hair cut, eat lunch or do banking business all within a couple of blocks. The town offers a host of modern conveniences within close proximity. Inside the city limits there are four restaurants, two supermarkets, two convenience stores, a post office, a furniture store, a bank, a drugstore, a screen printing business and three furniture manufacturing plants as well as several churches.

One business that has been a chief cornerstone of the town is the Ecru Quick Stop, located practically on the corner of Main Street and Highway 15 North.

Now owned and operated by Dan Treadaway, whose parents bought the place more than 30 years ago. Dan’s mother, Linda, remembers the years.

“This has been a great business here because of the school traffic and the factory traffic,” she said. “We’ve seen the same people come in for all these years.”

She has also watched her sons grow up in the business. “All the boys worked here and now my grandsons are working here.”

In 1988, Mike Atkeison saw a need for the convenience of pharmaceutical

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supplies in Ecru and established Ecru Discount Pharmacy.

“The county is growing and has been for a long time,” Atkeison pointed out. “The people here are the friendliest people I’ve been around in all my life.”

While he has enjoyed success during his years in business in Ecru, he does see a time when he won’t be there any more. “I’m getting close to retirement and I hope somebody will step up and carry it on. I’ve made a lot of friends here and it’s going to be hard to leave.”

Teresa Farley, owner of Winning Cuts, doesn’t live in Ecru, but she established her salon on Main Street nine years ago. She drives from Hickory Flat to operate her business.

“Years ago, when I was finishing my training as a hair stylist, I drove by here and saw Ashley Furniture Industries,” she said. “And knew I had that many paychecks available. It’s a bit of a commute, but it is worth it. We have a hidden little paradise here.”

By far, the oldest business establishment in Ecru is McCoy’s Grocery, owned and operated by Bruce McCoy since November 1, 1975. Bruce recalls the day he was asked to come work for the former owner, Lannie Browning.

“He had just bought the grocery store [in 1974] and asked me to come work for him.”

Browning asked Bruce to come work for him because he knew of the extensive grocery store experience Bruce had growing up.

“My daddy, Clark McCoy, owned a grocery store, he even had a rolling store and I just knew I didn’t

want to be a grocery man when I grew up.”

But that is exactly where Bruce landed, with his own store in Ecru.

“It has always been a good business with a lot of good loyal customers over the years.”

Today, in Ecru, you can enjoy a walking track in the small memorial park or you can enjoy a baseball game at the site where the old Ecru school once stood.

And while you are making memories of your own today, listen closely, and you just might hear the lone sound of a steam-driven train whistle like the ones that marked the beginning of the little village of Ecru which has had a long and illustrious history as recorded by these highlights.

• J.E.A. Browning and J.H. Hattox had the first gin in Ecru. A.W. Roberson and V.B. Tucker were cotton buyers in the early 1900s.

• The Ecru Fair Association was formed about 1904, the first in Pontotoc County.

• The McCoy Hotel from 1904 to 1915 was a favorite place for drummers, as traveling salesmen were called in those days, because of the excellent food served.

• The Ecru Echo was published weekly, beginning August 9, 1914.

T.M. Wingo was editor and publisher.

In 1914, E.T. Winston also founded Ecru Enterprise, so for some time, Ecru had two newspapers.

• One unusual aspect of downtown Ecru is the water pump on Main Street. It began as an artesian overflow when there was only one building on the muddy Main Street in 1902. In 1911, there were 40 wells in town.

When the town laid concrete walks, this pump was left as a landmark.

• Disaster struck Ecru on December 8, 1970, when a pre-dawn fire destroyed six businesses. Since that day, the buildings have been rebuilt and Main Street is thriving once more.

TOWN OF

Welcome to Ecru ...

Tom Todd has lived in the town of Ecru all of his life.

“I’ve never had an urge to leave,” he says. “A lot of people that I graduated with left and I never could understand that.

“I guess there wasn’t enough room for all of us,” he joked.

“I count myself as one of the lucky ones that got to live here all of my life.”

Mayor Todd says it is the

ECRU

Mayor Tom Todd

hospitality of the small town that keeps him there and has drawn other folks to live in the quaint atmosphere.

“We recently had a couple move here from Arlington, Tennessee and they say they love our town.”

While he believes that Northeast Mississippi is the best kept secret around, “the cat is out of the bag now and folks are moving in here.”

Important Numbers • Ecru City Hall Call 489-3881.

• Ecru Water Association Call 489-3881.

• Pontotoc County Schools Call 489-3932.

(For more information on how to get connected in Ecru, see Page 61.)

hool ntotoc High Sc Annual North Porade Pa ng mi Homeco

In case of emergency: Dial 911 To find shelter in case of a storm or tornado, there are several shelters in and around Ecru.

 Ecru - 7 shelters: Five at 176 Main Street; Two at the park on Central Avenue  Hurricane - 1 shelter: 7600 Highway 346 For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

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19

RECREATION AND

FUN

T

he hills and hollows, lakes and woods of Pontotoc County are beautiful any time of the year. Whether your game is hunting, fishing, playing ball, golfing or just picnicking in the park, there is fun for all ages.

So, grab your gear and come out and play!

Local Parks & Campgrounds • Howard Stafford Park, located inside the city limits of Pontotoc on Hwy. 9 South, has been upgraded and given many new features such as a new pier leading out over an 80-acre lake, which was recently drained and restocked with small fish. Fishing will resume in 2012. Meanwhile, you can set up the family camper at one of their many campsites. Stafford Park also has baseball fields and a volleyball court along with pavilions and picnic tables for family party fun. And on July 4th, the skies over the park light up with fireworks.

For more information, call the Pontotoc Park and Recreation Commission at 489-1882.

• Keel Kreek Outdoors, located in Northwest Pontotoc County, is a unique opportunity to enjoy ‘The Great Outdoors.’

Whitetail deer hunts, eastern wild turkey hunts as well as other outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, horseback riding and other nature viewing opportunities are available. You may find

Trace State Park

more information at www.keelkreek.com or call Chris or Melissa Russell at 419-3494.

• Longbow Trails, a multi-use area for horseback riding, hiking, camping, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, fishing and more, is situated in the hill country of eastern Pontotoc County.

To experience the splendor of Longbow, visit www.longbowtrails.net or call 489-4011 or 1-662-213-6719.

Open daily.

Howard Stafford Park

20

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B R U C E

McCOY’S

- - - ROCK SOLID - - -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------The Real Meat Market est. 1975 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Fresh Meat

Fresh Produce

B &B Concrete Co., Inc. We ate Apprecir You ! s Busines

Downtown Ecru 489-3161

“Serving North Mississippi Since 1949”

2 91 8 t h St r e et P o nto toc, M S 3886 3

HOURS: 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. Closed Sunday

489-2233

We Finance Cars!

Call us today for all your automobile financing needs.

Pay off expensive title loans, consolidate debt using your title, purchase a new ride, or ask about us financing vehicle repairs. *Subject to our normal credit policies

R & R Finance 284 West Oxford St. • Pontotoc, MS • 489-3040 Jacob Brasher, Manager

Christy Sumrall, CSR

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21

• Davis Lake (aka ‘the Game Area’), located at Houlka on Hwy. 15 South, has, in recent years, been refurbished and is a favorite spot for swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking and camping.

Pavilions at Davis Lake are available for family reunions and other get-togethers by calling the USDA Forest Service, Tombigbee Ranger District at 1-662-285-3264.

Call the National Recreation Reservation Service toll-free at 1-877-444-6777 for camping reservations.

• Trace State Park is located on Hwy. 6 East and has cabins to rent along with camper and RV hook-ups as well as primitive camping sites.

Fill your day with fishing, boating, walking the hiking trails, horseback riding, biking and motoring the woods on your trail bike.

Call the park office at 489-2958 for complete details.

Sports/Youth Activities  Golf • The Pontotoc Country Club is located on Hwy. 6 East, about 10 miles east of town. One of North Mississippi’s finest 18-hole golf courses with plenty of carts is available to the public, along with tennis courts and a swimming pool for members.

Tournaments are plentiful from April through September.

Call 489-1962 for more information.

and Rec Pontotoc Park

22

• The Pontotoc Park and Recreation Commission has what it takes to keep the youngest athlete up and running and parents and grandparents busy with everything from youth soccer to softball, or an Easter egg hunt to the Dizzy Dean State baseball tournament.

For updated information concerning times and fees, visit the Pontotoc Park and Recreation Commission Web site at www.eteamz.com/pontotocparkandrec, visit their offices at 374 Hwy. 15 South, call 489-1882, or e-mail the office at parkandrec@onecallinc.com.

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Howard Stafford Lak e

RECREATION AND

FUN

 Youth Activities

State Parks

Pontotoc Check Delay We hold your personal check 14-30 days, depending on your pay period.

Meranda Pickering CSR

All you need to bring us:

• Current bank statement • Driver’s license or Government I.D. • Proof of employment (most current pay stub) • Proof of residence (utility bills, etc.)

W Wood Eye Clinic

Terry Wood, O.D. • Miranda Wood Maynard, O.D. www.woodeyeclinic.com

26 South Main Street • Pontotoc, Mississippi 38863 Office Phone 662.489.5907

Fixed income customers are welcome!

Fast, friendly service!

Call or come and see us today!

291-A West Oxford Street • Pontotoc, MS

488-8406

Pontotoc Title Loans We offer cash for your car title and you keep your car!

Jodi Foster Manager

T ow n o f

A L GOM A

Where Friends Are Neighbors and Neighbors Are Friends.

ä Located five miles South of Pontotoc on Hwy 15 South ä Crosstie Festival first Saturday in October each year.

25 Bobcat Trail • P.O. Box 110 • Algoma, MS 38820

No credit? Bad credit?

No problem!

Loans ranging from $100 to $2,500

All you need to bring us:

• Driver’s license or Government I.D. • Original Title • Proof of income • Proof of residence • Must be in vehicle • Bring extra keys Fast, friendly service!

Call or come and see us today!

488-8575

291-B West Oxford Street • Pontotoc, MS Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

23

SHERMAN OF

TOWN 24

Sherman: On the fast track to success

D

rive in the town of Sherman and you will find a relaxed atmosphere where folks know one another and business is not in a hurry up and get out of here mode. Take the Simmons and Taylor Hardware Store for instance, owned and operated by Ann Simmons and Leman Taylor for the last 10 years. “I opened the place because my husband retired and he likes to tinker with appliances. So I opened the store and he keeps me stocked in appliances.”

Simmons and her husband moved to Sherman from Memphis, trading the fast-paced life of a big city for the slower-paced small town atmosphere that Sherman had to offer.

“He already had family that lived here and I liked the area. I like the quietness.” She laughed. “My daughter said that if three cars came down the street we had a traffic jam. This is a small town where everybody knows everybody and we love it.”

Red Moore over at Big R’s restaurant has been in Sherman for 13 years. His First Avenue business was bought out three years ago, “and when we learned that the other restaurant was only going to be opened at night, we wanted to make sure that Sherman had a restaurant for the daily business.”

So he went to Third Avenue and opened up his little drive-in restaurant.

“We know ’most all these people.

They are more than customers, they are your friends and we know what is

going on in each other’s lives.”

He has been heartened by the support he has received from his customers even through the hard times.

“We appreciate it because we buy gas from the same pump they do so we understand the hard economic times.”

Located in Pontotoc, Union and Lee counties, the town of Sherman stands ready for the future growth of the TriCounty area.

Less than three miles from the PUL Alliance manufacturing site, Sherman holds the crossroads between Toyota, Tupelo, Pontotoc and New Albany.

With a population of more than 600 people, Sherman offers a great deal more than its size implies. Twentyfour-hour police protection, municipal volunteer fire protection with a parttime chief and EMR services, and nine community tornado shelters all provide unmatched public safety for the residents and surrounding area. The town provides the framework for development with a comprehensive development plan, zoning code and building inspection services.

Sherman has the only permitted wastewater treatment facility within 10 miles of the Toyota site, with capacity for expansion. Sherman’s utilities also include ground water at present, and surface water regionally within the next five years.

Crossed by Highways 78, 178 and 9 and the Burlington Northern railroad, Sherman will soon link all these with a southern thoroughfare bypass. A member of Main Street, the Pontotoc and Union Chambers of Commerce, and the Lee County Council of Governments, Sherman enjoys the best that all re Store three counties have to Simmons and Taylor Hardwa

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offer. The Sherman recreational complex boasts two baseball fields, a playground, pavilion and walking track and participates in softball, youth baseball and youth tackle football in several tricounty sports leagues.

Sherman Public Library, a branch of the Dixie Regional Library System, offers large print books, books on tape, CDs, videotapes and DVDs for all ages, eight public computers with Internet, photocopy and fax machine services, summer reading program for children and a conference room, which is available for civic and educational groups.

The business community includes medical and physical therapy clinics, post office, a BancorpSouth branch, a pharmacy, a grocery store, a dollar store, a hardware store, a convenience store, restaurants and other service businesses. The industrial community includes Campbell Upholstery, EPI Advanced Plastics, Best Foam, and Premier Prints.

Mayor Ben Logan said, “Even before the Toyota announcement in 2007, we had been experiencing steady progress. We are looking forward to the opportunities of the next few years, and when Toyota resumes operations, Sherman stands ready for development with all of the infrastructure pieces in place to attract residential, commercial and industrial growth. The challenge will be to harness the energy of what will be an economic tidal wave and direct it in a manner that balances unprecedented pressure for growth with a sense of place. By careful planning and management, this growth will lead to a better quality of life for the citizens of the Tri-County area and preserve the character of our communities.”

And best of all, says Mayor Logan, you can expect to find hard-working, good neighbors, strong churches, civic pride and progressive leadership in Sherman.

TOWN OF

Welcome to Sherman...

Mayor Ben Logan loves the town that he has the opportunity to lead because it has “the small town atmosphere with the amenities of a much larger place.”

Logan said that Sherman is roughly 15 minutes from “the three largest cities in the region ... Pontotoc, New Albany and Tupelo.”

And the people who live there are a special group to Logan’s heart. “You can’t find any better folks if you look long and hard. They are progressive, fair, hard working and proud of their community. We are the heart of the tri-county region.”

Sherman is unique in that it is an incorporated town within

the counties of Pontotoc, Union and Lee and it is the closest town to the Toyota plant, which means it stands to see the biggest growth in the near future.

“I see the first major development that occurs to occur within Sherman. And when the first residential development occurs there will be a shift from other counties to Sherman and there will be a boom.”

And he is looking to keep that unique flair that Sherman has. “Even when the growth comes, we are planning it so that when you come through Sherman you will know that you have come through Sherman and not just another town on the map.”

SHERMAN

Mayor Ben Logan

Christmas Parade

Important Numbers • Sherman City Hall Call (662) 840-9185.

• Sherman Water Association Call (662) 842-6366.

• Sherman Public Library Call (662) 840-2513.

• Pontotoc County Schools - Call 489-3932.

(For more information on how to get connected in Sherman, see Page 61.)

Big R’s

In case of emergency: Dial 911 To find shelter in case of a storm or tornado, there are several shelters in and around Sherman.  Sherman - 7 shelters: 161 6th Ave.; 9 East Lamar Street; 600 Highway 178; 1041 Cr. 292; 213 First Avenue; 49 E. State Street; 26 West Lamar Street  Longview - 1 shelter: 3497 Longview Road For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

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25

ALGOMA OF

TOWN 26

Algoma: Where all trails lead to a bright future

T

oday, Algoma is a growing town with a new town hall, a twoman police force, a 20-member volunteer fire department, a post office, a community center and several churches.

The town also sponsors numerous community activities such as a Cross-Tie Festival each October and an annual Easter Parade.

Inside the city limits of Algoma are a popular seafood restaurant, a country store and a city park with the future “Rails to Trails” Tanglefoot Trail running alongside them. Also, the townspeople are in the process of renovating the old original school building to house a museum.

Mayor Harry Corder said, “We are really proud of our town and our people who work so hard to keep it growing.”

It is believed that Colonel James Drake also built a house in this vicinity and called his home “Algoma,” an Indian word meaning “God abides.” He is responsible for the old community being called Algoma.

Old Algoma became a large community having Monroe Church, several HISTORY OF THE TOWN stores and a post office.

Stephen Daggett, Lochinvar builder In 1904, the style of living and the Robert Gordon’s brother-in-law, built a economic basis of Algoma were drastilarge two-story dwelling five miles south cally altered. The Gulf and Chicago of Pontotoc, near the newly opened Railroad extended a line south from Pontotoc-Houston Road and he operated Pontotoc to about one mile west of Old a large store in the village for several Algoma. years.

Mrs. Laverene Tate Cook remembers visiting the new community of Algoma when the railroad was being built and watching the cooks prepare food for the workmen busy with the laying of cross-ties and rails.

Holes were dug in the banks of the hillside and bread was baked in these. Even today, she recalls the fragrant aroma of the crusty brown loaves as they were pulled from the hot ovens and served to the crew of hungry men.

With the coming of the railroad, new economic opportunities presented themselves. A virtual land boom started. The whole village moved west. All merchants, Old Town Hall the post office, the school, the churches Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Algoma Town Ha ll

and most of the residents moved to New Algoma.

Within a few years, Algoma had 33 stores, more than the town of Pontotoc.

This phenomenal growth was attributed to the quantity of timber available and the H.W. Owen Tie Company. Algoma called itself the Cross-tie Capital of the World.

The cutting of the bottom land timber for ties resulted in many benefits. New land was opened to cultivation. Schoona River was channeled and drainage ditches cut. Some people worked on the steam-driven dredging machines. Others of the community made their living cutting cross-ties or in the mill and lumber yards. No longer were the people of the community entirely dependent on cotton for cash money.

In addition, the railroad provided jobs for the citizens of Algoma. Many were section hands. The depot agents were always the leading citizens of the town.

The post office was always a favorite meeting place. There were several imposing homes, a number of clapboard houses and the houses for the section hands that also stretched along the railroad.

The resulting boom and necessity for order caused the land owners to have a new town surveyed into lots, streets established and a charter of incorporation drawn.

TOWN OF

Welcome to Algoma ...

Harry Corder is a lifelong resident of the Algoma community who has served more than two decades as the town’s mayor, a position he does not consider a job, but an honor.

He takes a personal pride in the growth and accomplishments of the town and expresses gratitude to Pontotoc County officials and Three Rivers Planning and Development District for their

support of past and future projects.

Algoma’s recent growth is reflected in the fact that the town’s population increased 16 percent from the 2000 census to the 2010 census.

“We welcome all the new businesses and families moving into Algoma where friends are neighbors and neighbors are friends,” Corder says.

ent John Self Monum

ALGOMA

Mayor Harry Corder

Important Numbers • Algoma City Hall - Call 489-5696.

• Algoma Water Association - Call 489-8351.

Algoma Museum

• Pontotoc County Schools - Call 489-3932.

(For more information on how to get connected in Algoma, see Page 57.)

In case of emergency: Dial 911 To find shelter in case of a storm or tornado, there are several shelters in and around Algoma.

 Algoma - 2 shelters: Both at 1310 Algoma Road  Randolph - 3 shelters: Two are located at 240 Topsy Road; one at 11800 Hwy. 9 South (Carey Springs Baptist Church) For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

al Cross-Tie Festiv

Annual Algoma Easter Parade

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27

City of

1st class workers for a 1st class town!

• City Hall - 489-4321 • Police Department - 489-7804 • Fire Department - 489-7805 • Park & Recreation - 489-1882 /City of Pontotoc

280

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Overstocked Name Brands 303 Stafford Blvd. • Pontotoc, MS Off Hwy. 15 in Pontotoc, MS

419-0579

• Electronics • Clothing • Food & Candy • Health & Beauty Aids

Hours: Thurs.-Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

John T. Black, Jr. D.M.D., P.A.

-------Dentistry ----------------For ---------Children & Adults www.DrJohnBlack.com Smile@DrJohnBlack.com 209 South Main, Pontotoc, MS 38863

Office

(662)

489-7768 Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

29

Reggie Collums

Chancery Clerk Photography by Trent

489-3900 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tracy Robinson Circuit Clerk

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

300

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Photography by Trent

489-3908

FESTIVALS

BODOCK FESTIVAL ON THE SQUARE Held annually in August, the Pontotoc County Bodock Festival is named after the twisted-trunked, thorny-branched, seedy green ball bearing bois d‘arc (bodock) tree that made its way here via wagons coming out of the bush country of eastern Texas.

A delegation of 40 Chickasaw Indians, whose forefathers used the tree branches to make bows for hunting, very fittingly returned to Pontotoc in 1994 to help jump-start this annual event celebrating the rich history of the county.

SHERMAN DAYS Although there is no set date for it, Sherman hosts a weekend of fun each year with activities such as a fish fry and water games for the children, followed by a dinner theater. To find out when these celebrations are going to take place, call the Sherman Town Hall or the library for more information.

CELEBRATIONS

The first Saturday in October, the citizens of Algoma show off their town’s heritage to visitors at the Cross-Tie Festival.

In commemoration and remembrance of the town’s early beginnings, when, at the turn of the 20th century, it was known as the railroad tie capital of the world, the first festival was held in 1997.

Most Algoma residents look at this festive annual event simply as a chance to spend a day with their neighbors, reunite with old friends or make new ones.

AND

CROSS-TIE FESTIVAL

BETTY ALLEN FESTIVAL The community of Toccopola was the final home and resting place of Chickasaw Indian Princess Betty Allen.

This annual event celebrates the lady, whose court battle for the right of a married woman to own property in her name, gave this privilege first to women in Mississippi and then to the rest of the nation.

The Betty Allen Festival, established in 2003, is held the third Saturday in September.

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31

Enrolled Agents Licensed Tax Professionals

We are a full service tax office, offering individual and business tax preparation and accounting. es ladi tax e fast, r u O rovid ice p rv will ndly se lete frie comp lity. with identia conf

We electronically file all returns, Federal and State.

5784 Hwy. 15 Ecru, MS

662-489-1515

•Free breakfast •Free high-speed internet •Microwave/refrigerator Days Inn - 217 Hwy. 15 North Pontotoc, MS 38863

Tel.:

662-489-5200 • Fax 662-489-8418 www.daysinn.com

Operated under franchise agreement with Days Inn Worldwide, Inc.

Town of

Ecru, Miss.

176 Main Street • Ecru, MS 38841 (662) 489-3881

The

B iggest “L ittle” To wn in Nor th M ississippi Conveniently located between Pontotoc, New Albany, Tupelo and Oxford.

Ecru has been blessed with all the conveniences of a large city and the warmth of a small town.

320

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

T

ake a walk down the corridors of time to yesteryear and visit what Pontotoc was like when the Chickasaws roamed the hills and the pioneers carved a town out of this red clay.

Listen and you can almost hear the wind blowing in the pines as the horses neigh while Davy Crockett is rounding them up to tame and sell. Hear the trace chains rattle as the folks come to town and watch as the transformation takes place from dirt to gravel to asphalt.

Linger awhile and think about

PONTOTOC COMMUNITY THEATER

S

ome of the most active and dedicated members of Pontotoc Community Theater never set foot on the stage, but the role they play is what keeps this small community theater group going and growing.

In real life these dedicated artisans are secretaries and lawyers, bank tellers and factory workers, but they come to the theater as volunteer carpenters, painters, seamstresses and floor sweepers, each playing their part in every production.

Whatever your interest in community theater, PCT has a place for you.

In addition to three or four

The museum is open from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday, and by appointment during other hours. There is no admission charge.

Phone: 488-0388

the people that changed this town forever. All that is found at the Town Square Post Office and Museum. Curator Martha Jo Coleman is always keeping a fresh look at history by changing the displays and making the old new again.

stage productions annually, Pontotoc Community Theater sponsors singings and variety shows throughout the year, and also participates in the Bodock Festival each August.

Located on Main Street just across from the Pontotoc County Library, the historic theater building originally housed a Ford car dealership.

At its present size, the building will seat approximately 130 people in stadium-style cushioned comfort, but the lot on which the building stands will allow for future expansion.

To support the theater, you may join for only $20 a year for individuals and $30 for families. Corporate memberships also are available.

For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce, 489-5042.

PONTOTOC COUNTY LIBRARY

P

ontotoc County Library offers convenient hours, helpful staff, and an atmosphere conducive to learning and productivity.

Just a few of the items offered include: books, magazines, audiotapes and CDs, videotapes and DVDs, wireless access and large print books.

From who-dunnit to do-it-yourself, Pontotoc County Library has what you are looking for.

Research and study materials include computer access for word processing, e-mail, reference databases and internet searches, as well as newspapers, genealogy materials, microfilm and fax/copier services.

For the youngsters, the library offers story times every Wednesday at 10 a.m. and on second and fourth

Thursdays at 9:30 a.m.

Lunching with Books programs feature area writers and interesting book reviews.

The Rozelle Calloway Wax meeting room can also be reserved for patron and community use.

Pontotoc County Library is the headquarters branch for the Dixie Regional Library System which serves more than 27,000 patrons!

Pontotoc County Library — check it out!

The library is open: • from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; • 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Tuesday; • 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday; and • 8 p.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday.

PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL ARTS

PONTOTOC COUNTY MUSEUM

www.dixie.lib.ms.us Phone: 489-3961

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33

um Toccopola Muse

TOWN

OF

TOCCOPOLA

Toccopola: Not just a place to live, but a way of life

B

oasting the best of both worlds, Toccopola has both historical charm — as represented by a local museum housed in the old post office building — and modern convenience such as an up-to-date medical clinic.

The town also has an 18-man volunteer fire department, a town marshal, a community center that also serves as the town hall and a community book exchange to encourage both children and adults to read more.

It is the mixture of past and present that have set Toccopola on the path to a bright future.

HISTORY OF TOCCOPOLA Many small towns have their business section built around the town square, but Toccopola businesses were built facing a rectangle.

The south end of the rectangle at Toccopola opened into a lovely wooded area

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Toccopola Town Hall and Comm unity Center

known as Furr’s wood lot, used for picnics, candidate speakings, and other summer time gatherings.

The other three sides of the rectangle were bordered by businesses.

In 1829 a man named John Allen became indebted to one of his tenants, John Fisher.

Fisher brought a judgment against Allen. The jurisdiction of Monroe County was extended over the Chickasaws by an Act of the Mississippi Legislature.

The suit was levied on the property of John Allen and included the slave named Toney.

Under the laws and customs of the Chickasaws, Allen had no legal title to the slave because it was the property of his wife, Betty, and daughter.

The wife and daughter title to the property was confirmed by the ruling judge.

The case was appealed in January 1837, and the court ruled that property belonging to the wife is not liable for debts made by the husband.

Two years later, the Mississippi Legislature enacted the first of the decisions into law, and Mississippi became the first government in the

world to give married women that right.

Other states took the cue from Mississippi.

Today, every country in the English-speaking world has this law written in their books.

However, Betty Allen wasn’t around long to celebrate her victory.

She died in 1837 and was buried in an Indian burial ground at Toccopola.

That graveyard later became a pasture. In 1933, the citizens of Toccopola agreed to remove her remains from the neglected area.

The history class of Toccopola High School volunteered to take over the task.

The class members recovered the bits of ashes and placed them in a small casket made from wood of a tree which grew in front of Betty Allen’s house.

The casket was buried on the campus of the Toccopola High School.

A monument was erected to the memory of the woman who was a unique figure in Pontotoc County History, and in fact the history of the entire English speaking world.

Today, Toccopola residents honor Betty Allen with an annual festival.

TOWN OF

Welcome to Toccopola...

Being mayor of Toccopola is a pleasure, says Bill Berry, because his job is made easier by a strong Board of Aldermen and helped by a dedicated department of volunteer firemen as well as a hard-working group of ladies in the local Homemakers Club.

With their help and that of

all the citizens of Toccopola, he says, “We have been able to hold on to the values of a small community where people still help and care for each other.”

This caring atmosphere makes Toccopola more than just a place to live, he says, it’s a way of life. al Betty Allen Festiv

Important Numbers

TOCCOPOLA

Mayor Bill Berry

• Toccopola City Hall Call 234-6030.

• Toccopola Water Association Call 489-2398 or 489-6537.

• Pontotoc County Schools Call 489-3932.

(For more information on how to get connected in Toccopola, see Page 61.) e Christmas Parad Annual Toccopola

In case of emergency: Dial 911 To find shelter in case of a storm or tornado, there are two shelters in Toccopola.  Toccopola: Both located near the fire department at 3100 Toccopola Junction Rd. For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

Book Exchange

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THAXTON OF

TOWN

Thaxton: Friendliness still flows in this town

T

oday, Thaxton retains the downhome character and friendliness upon which it was founded, and Mayor Johnny Coleman would like to keep it that way. “It’s a good quiet place to rear kids,” he said.

With the addition this year of a new cattle barn and a new restaurant, business is picking up in Thaxton, which already had added a dollar store up on the highway, as well as the two stores which have been in business for years.

An active local Lions Club and Boy Scout troop makes the civic pride of Thaxton residents apparent. The town also boasts a park and rec area, complete with a softball/baseball field, a walking track and a community center as well as a gym and a lunch room salvaged from the original school building and renovated by Thaxton residents.

The town also features a town hall, an 18-man volunteer fire department, a town marshall and three active, communityminded churches. There’s also a construction company, a post office, and a subdivision which is growing every year.

HISTORY OF THAXTON The Community of Thaxton took its name from Dr. Montgomery C. Thaxton, a prominent early citizen. Before Dr. Thaxton arrived, the community was called Buttermilk Springs.

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The name originated from a jug of buttermilk. One day a traveler stopped by the springs which wound their way a little northwest of Thaxton to get a drink of water. He saw a jug of buttermilk which had been placed in the spring to cool and drank it instead.

He left some small change by the side of the spring and went on his way.

The owners of the jug of buttermilk conceived the idea of selling the milk to other travelers, especially stagecoach riders when the drivers stopped to water the horses.

This refreshing beverage was well accepted by the passengers and it became a custom so that all who traveled that way spread the fame of Buttermilk Springs.

Just when the custom began or who the original family was who sold the buttermilk is not recorded, but there is record of a barbecue held at Buttermilk Springs on July 4, 1861, with “a parade and plenty of refreshments.”

Dr. Thaxton moved to the community soon after 1880. He first lived in a long house east of the main part of town, then later built a home closer to his business.

Soon after his arrival a post office was established and he became the first postmaster, a position he held for 18 years.

The post office was located in Double-L Cattle Auction

Dr. Thaxton’s apothecary shop and office near his residence. He owned the first gin in Thaxton but later it was moved to Buttermilk Branch so water would be available to generate needed power. With the help of his family, Dr. Thaxton ran the post office, the store, a gin and a carding factory.

He also practiced medicine over a wide area, riding horse back and carrying his medical supplies in his saddle bags.

The carding factory was the only one of its kind. It was located on Buttermilk Branch near the gin. Everyone brought their wool there to prepare it for spinning.

The wool was brought in by sheep owners and was carded into big rolls.

The business turned so big that in the late summer there was an advertisement in the People’s Banner (the newspaper of that day) that read: “My wool cards at Thaxton, Mississippi, 11 miles west of Pontotoc, will be in good working order by September 9. All persons having wool to card, please bring it on at once and have it carded before ginning time. We card for seven-and-one-half cents per pound or one-fourth of the wool. The wool should be clean, washed and free from burrs. The people are expected to furnish the grease — one pound to 10 pounds of wool. — M.C. Thaxton.”

Dr. Thaxton continued his varied business and medical operations until 1901 when he moved to Texas.

TOWN OF

Welcome to Thaxton ...

Mayor Johnny Coleman has lived in Thaxton all his life. He loves Thaxton “because of the down home atmosphere. I love the people who live here. Our community has always taken care of its neighbors in time of sickness or disaster.”

Mayor Coleman said the community “enjoys preserving the past. We have a school reunion every year.”

And as much as he enjoys the past, he says, “We are blessed

with the new people that have moved in here and have taken their place here. I hope they feel welcome because the community is a better place because of them.”

A thriving community, Thaxton is enjoying the success of both new and well-established businesses. “We are grateful for the new businesses as well as the old ones that have remained faithful to the community over the years.”

THAXTON

Mayor Johnny Coleman

Old School Bell

Important Numbers • Thaxton City Hall Call 489-4460.

• Thaxton Water Association Call 489-2398 or 489-6537.

• Pontotoc County Schools Call 489-3932.

(For more information on how to get connected in Thaxton, see Page 61.)

Thaxton Ballfield

In case of emergency: Dial 911 To find shelter in case of a storm or tornado, there are several shelters in and around Thaxton.

 Thaxton - 4 shelters: Two shelters are at 10260 Highway 336; One at 10632 Highway 336; And one at 10489 Highway 336 (Thaxton Baptist Church) For storm alert information, go to www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

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37

Tim Tucker Law Office A HOMETOWN

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245A W. Reynolds St. • Pontotoc, MS • 662-489-0089 Mon.-Fri.: 10-6 • Saturday 10-3

Owners: Casey & Scott Kyle

12 West Marion Street Pontotoc, MS 38863-0508

(662) 509-7133

Start Right - Start Here For All Your PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL and PAINTING NEEDS.

The Hardware Store, Inc.

155 Hwy. 15 North Bypass • Pontotoc, MS

662-489-7440

wwwtruevalue.com/pontotoc

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True Valuables (located inside True Value between McDonald’s & Wendy’s)

155 Hwy. 15 Bypass, Pontotoc

488-9947

Fine Collectibles and Accessories for Home & Garden

Taking care of the past to prepare for the future

Town of

THAXTON THAXTON MAYOR AND BOARD OF ALDERMEN (l-r) Bryson Dillard, Mayor Johnny Coleman, Luther Webb, Kelsey Bevill, Steve Moss, Sammie Jaggers, Town Clerk and Grant Gooch

Down Home, Down the Street Supermarket

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237 WEST OXFORD • PONTOTOC, MISSISSIPPI PHONE 489-4282 STORE HOURS SUNDAY THRU THURSDAY 7 AM TILL 9 PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY 7 AM TILL 10 PM Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

39

RED Body KA&RM A Soul

Boutique, Salon, Spa 334 Peoples Place Pontotoc, MS

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Amanda Rogers - Stylist & Nail Technician Anna Tyson - Stylist & Nail Technician Laci Bain - Stylist Angie Roye - Esthetician Megan Foster - Stylist & Nail Technician • Jewelry • Designer Purses • Junior & Missy Clothing • Shoes • Sormé Make-up 400

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• Facials • Body Waxing • Tanning • Sauna • Hair • Nails • Massages

Felicia Pollard:

Teaching the Four R’s: Reading, ’Riting, ’Rithmetic & RECYCLING

By REGINA BUTLER

T

he second graders in Felicia Pollard’s class at Pontotoc Elementary have been learning the importance of the fourth “R” of learning: Recycling.

“We are teaching the children life skills,” she pointed out.

“We are with them more waking hours than their parents are.

“They come in just knowing how to read and write and when they leave, hopefully, they will have the love of reading.”

Felicia said she loves teaching second graders because it is a year of growth in the personalities of the children.

“By the end of the year they know how to joke and use sarcasm, so you can joke with them.”

Felicia said she enjoys coming to school every day and her desire is to make it as much an adventure for the children as it is for her.

“When I was in kindergarten, I had Sherrod Harrison as my teacher and I wanted to be just like her.”

And being a teacher pays off in ways that shine throughout the community. She smiled broadly. “It’s hearing your name yelled across Wal-Mart or the child that comes back and says thanks.

“This is an allinclusive job. What makes Pontotoc such a special place is the community support for the schools. as M&M’s®, Skittles®, Starburst®, “We have so much opportu® — to name a few.

Snickers nity for the greatest amount of The concept has been a big hit with impact.” her students, “They ask me daily if Felicia said the most important lesthey can go sort trash today.” son she can leave with Recycling is an imporher children is to be tant lesson in life for the “It is not about “lifelong learners.” second graders, according And one important grades but giving to Felicia, because, “It is lesson she has stressed back. I want them the small seeds that are the past two years is planted to grow back to recycling. to be contributing your community. They “It started when my aunt came and wanted members to society. will be the weekend warriors, give at Habitat or at us to collect cans for Just existing is not the church.”

Habitat for Humanity,” Felicia said she wants acceptable, you Felicia said. But that this project to instill into one small idea mushmust give back.” her students the thrill and roomed into a project the responsibility of givthat has netted dollars ing back to the community. for the school just by the student sort“I want my children to remember ing out the trash that parents bring. me as someone who loved and “I went inspired them to do great things. online one “It is not about grades but givday and ing back. I want them to be confound that tributing members to society. Just you could existing is not acceptable; you save Caprimust give back.”

Sun® packAnd she constantly desires to ages and earn follow what her principal, Chad money for Chism reminds her of on a daily your school.” basis, “He says, ‘They don’t So she care how much you know until dove headlong they know how much you into it and care.’” launched a pilot program of recycling that has spread throughout the school system. “We started it small scale last year and got $50 for our efforts. This year we have gotten about $1,500 just from the trash that we were normally throwing away.”

Some of the items she and her students have been sorting and recycling besides the obvious cola can are Lunchables® containers, Lays® chip bags — large and small, candy wrappers made by the Mars company such

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PONTOTOC CITY SCHOOLS

PONTOTOC ELEMENTARY

41

NORTH PONTOTOC SCHOOL 42

NORTH PONTOTOC

Emily Newell:

In this first grade teacher’s alphabet,

‘C’ is for Caring

By REGINA BUTLER

S

ome people may go their whole lives not knowing what they want to be when they grow up.

This was not the case with Emily Newell, first grade teacher at North Pontotoc.

“I knew from the time I was in high school that I wanted to be a teacher,” Emily said. “It is a calling.”

Emily said she wanted to be a teacher because of “the children. You can’t be a teacher and not love children.”

In fact, her favorite part of teaching is learning about her children.

“I don’t know all their needs at the first of the year, so I get to know them to learn their needs so I can meet them.”

And then comes the biggest challenge — “finding the time to work one-on-one with every student to help them be successful.”

She paused. “That

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is stressful because you don’t know if they are going to get it or not. to convey more than just basic textBut you have to keep at it because some students may not get the concept book skills, “My hope is that when my students are older, they will say that from any other teacher but you.”

‘Miss Emily cared for Most people think that us.’” first grade is — well, She wants to emulate “I don’t first grade — and you don’t have to remember what the teachers she had in the past. worry about what “I don’t remember my teachers they learn there what my teachers taught because they have taught me, but I me, but I remember them 11 more grades to away a tear or remember them wiping learn it, right? putting on a band-aid.

“But first grade is wiping away a “They [my students] where their foundation is are not going to rememmade,” Emily noted. “The tear or putting ber what I taught them in fundamental things are on a band-aid. 20 years, but they will laid that carry them remember that I cared.” through the rest of their school years all the way to the senior year.”

And most learning skills take place in this most fundamental year.

“They are responsive. They soak up your love of reading and other basic habits that are good. It is a critical age. If they don’t really think school is something they can succeed at, they will feel like they have to overcome it instead of enjoying it.”

And her reason for wanting them to enjoy school is so that learning will come easier.

“You have to teach the skills and concepts but it is a labor of love. Perhaps I can prepare them and help them grow.”

But, in spite of all the skills that a first grader must learn in those short months of that pivotal year, Emily said she wants

Pontotoc County

Leading the way . . .

The Pontotoc County Board of Supervisors is constantly striving to improve the quality of life in Pontotoc County.

A few of those improvements include: • Member of the PUL Alliance, bringing Toyota to the area • Upgrade of the E-911 System • Renovation of the old jail for the E-911 offices • Actively pursuing the four-laning of Hwy. 15 and Hwy. 9

. . . and many more

Seated, l-r: Reggie Collums, Chancery Clerk; Phil Tutor, Board Attorney; standing, l-r: Dennis Corder, District 5; Ernie Wright, District 4; Wayne Stokes, District 1; Dwayne Graham, District 2; Duane Tutor, District 3.

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43

Jannie Moorman:

Building a lifetime of success in kindergarten involved in teaching after I retire.” annie Mooreman is about to She believes she should erase the blackboard and go give back to the teaching home for the last time, but field because “I have been she won’t erase the memories more than nor the things she has taught blessed.” kindergartners at South One of the Pontotoc. ways she has been “I love kindergarten,” she more than blessed is said. “To see the children come in through the children not knowing what a letter is, or know- themselves. ing how to write their name, and see “It thrills me to see a them leave knowing how to do that child smile and give me a and knowing how to read is wonderbig hug and to see their ful.” face when they are sucJannie said she has cessful.” always wanted to “get She has also been able “I want them the children to feel comto follow some of her stuto see God fortable and excited dents to adulthood. through me and about coming to school “I’ve seen some of and learning.” them graduate, and I want them to She said the real key then get to that is “making them see He loves them some of feel safe in this environ- ... and hopefully their kids ment. And I have to get ... I’ve made a to teach.” to know the kids myself Jannie difference in so I can get them to that said she level they need to be. believes their lives.”

“Every day I pray, kinder‘Lord, show me the garten is way.’” one of the most imporAfter 28 years in the field, she will tant grades that a child be stepping out of a full-time position can be in. next year, but she says, “I love teach“It gives them the ing and I still want to be starting point of their education to build on.

When they leave here they are to leave feeling successful. If you can reach them in kindergarten, they can go on in other grades building upon it.”

And there are many days she feels like more than a teacher. “We are the only stable environment some of the children have. It is hard to hear the kind of life that some of the children have to live.”

The biggest reason Jannie believes she has been successful over the years is because she realized it is not all about her.

“I tell my parents that we work as a team.”

She has striven to make her students’ school days better than she remembers hers. “I didn’t really

By REGINA BUTLER

J

like school, so I have always wanted learning to be fun for all the children and to let them know that they can learn.

“Everybody has their strengths and their weaknesses.”

Above all, Jannie wants her children to remember her as “A teacher that loves God and His children.

“I want them to see God through me and I want them to see He loves them ... and hopefully ...

I’ve made a difference in their lives.”

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SOUTH PONTOTOC SCHOOL

SOUTH PONTOTOC

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OUR SCHOOLS & COLLEGES 46

PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM  Pontotoc County Schools Superintendent’s Office:

North Pontotoc High

285 Hwy 15 Bypass South Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3932

9th - 12th grades 285 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-5612

North Pontotoc Elementary K - 5th grades 285 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-5613

North Pontotoc Middle 6th - 8th grades 285 Hwy 15 North Ecru, MS 38841 662-489-2479

 Pontotoc City Schools Superintendent’s Office: 140 Education Drive Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3336

South Pontotoc Elementary K - 5th grades 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-5941

South Pontotoc Middle 6th- 8th grades 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-3476

North Pontotoc Elementary set to open Fall 20 11

South Pontotoc High 9th - 12th grades 1523 South Pontotoc Road Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-5925

Pontotoc Elementary School

Pontotoc High School

Kindergarten-2nd grades 145 Fred Dowdy Ave. Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-4973

9th -12th grades 123 North Main St. Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-1275

D.T. Cox Middle School 3rd & 4th grades 304 Clark St. Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-2454

Pontotoc Junior High 5th - 8th grades 132 North Main St. Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-6056 (5th & 6th grades) 662-489-8360 (7th & 8th grades)

HIGHER LEARNING

 Itawamba Community College – Tupelo 662-620-5306 2176 South Eason Blvd.

Tupelo, MS 38804 Web site: www.iccms.edu

Continuing education after high school is of key importance to the future of any community.

Pontotoc is less than three hours away from several of the premier learning institutions in the state.

Each of the campuses offer continuing education for those seeking to stay at the cutting edge of technology in their field.

 Itawamba Community College - Belden 662-620-5000 3200 Adams Farm Road Belden, Mississippi 38826 Web site: www.iccms.edu  Mississippi State University 662-325-2224 P. O. Box 6305 Mississippi State, MS 39762 Web site: www.msstate.edu

 Blue Mountain College 1-800-235-0136 or 662-685-4161 P.O. Box 106 Blue Mountain, MS 38610 Web site: www.bmc.edu

 Mississippi University for Women 662-329-7106 1100 College St. MUW–1613 Columbus, MS 39701-5800 Web site: www.muw.edu

 Itawamba Community College – Fulton 662-862-8034 602 West Hill St. Fulton, MS 38843 Web site: www.iccms.edu

 Northeast Community College 662-720-7751 or 1-800-555-2154 101 Cunningham Blvd.

Booneville, MS 38829 Web site: www.nemcc.edu

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 Other Pontotoc Ridge Career & Technology Center 354 Center Ridge Rd. Pontotoc, MS 38863 662-489-1826 Director: Phil Ryan  Northeast At New Albany 662-692-1501 or 662-692-1507 301 North Street New Albany, MS 38652 Web site: www.nemcc.edu  Northeast At Corinth 662-696-2352 or 662-696-2312 2759 S. Harper Road Corinth, MS 38834 Web site: www.nemcc.edu  Northwest Community College 662-562-3219 Box 4074 4975 Hwy.51 North Sentatobia, MS 38668 Web site: www.northwestms.edu  University of Mississippi 662-915-7227 or 1-800-olemiss P.O. Box 1848 University, MS 38677 Web site: www.olemiss.edu

Over 20 years serving Pontotoc for all your small loan needs!

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47

RESTAURANT & DINING GUIDE

Dining in ...

For great food at good prices seasoned with a huge sprinkling of down-home flavor, try these locally-owned restaurants: PONTOTOC Butcher Block Restaurant: A fixture for those looking for a quick bite of great food, morning biscuits are a specialty. They also serve lunch. (Hwy. 15 Bypass, 489-5542) 41 Steakhouse: Decades of business are a testament to their scrumptious steak and fish dishes. Dine in or carry out. Banquet facilites available. (4390 Hwy. 41, 489-5640) Kirk’s Grill: From sandwiches to steaks, a variety of choices. Catering and banquet room available. (371 Hwy. 15 North, 489-5213) Lep’s Bar-B-Q: Delicious pork and chicken barbecued on the premises with side dishes to complement the meats. Dine in or carry out.

(352 West Oxford St., 489-1300) Main Street Pizza: Delectable pizza with a variety of fresh toppings and stromboli, both made from scratch. Dine in or carry out. (5 South Main Street, 489-7272) Mi Pueblo: Authentic Mexican cuisine available on the buffet or from the menu at two locations. (335 Hwy. 15 North, 488-0023; 2565 Hwy. 15 N. 509-9777 ) New China Garden: Huge buffet as well as an extensive menu, dine in or carry out. (227 Hwy. 15 North, 488-8318) Pink Peony Deli & Cafe: Sandwiches, sides, soups and desserts. Party room available. (270A West Oxford Street, 488-0400) Red Rooster Cafe: Daily lunch buffet and dinner from a menu of homemade desserts, chicken, fish and steak. Large banquet room available. (107 North Main St., 488-0018) Spuds: Chicken, burgers, fish and shakes are on order along with — of course — spuds!

(104 Hwy. 15 N., 489-4444) Sydnei’s Kitchen: Food the way your mother cooked it. Daily lunch buffet, order off the menu for breakfast. Sunday lunch buffet. Catering available. (344 Hwy. 15 North, 488-9442) The Candy Bar: Homemade deli sandwiches to go. Party room available - seats 25 sitdown diners. (1 South Main Street, 488-0064)

Tony’s Sunny Side Restaurant: Family atmosphere, mouthwatering entrees and homemade desserts. Dine in or carry out. (1635 Hwy. 341 South, 489-0815)

ALGOMA Seafood Junction: Train depotstyled restaurant with a great seafood buffet or order off the menu. Catering and banquet facilities also available.

(101 Front St., 489-8946) Sloan’s: Fish, steak and more — including chicken livers — cooked up fresh and hot, dine in or carry out.

(6051 Hwy. 15 South, 489-8444) Pam’s Place: Slow-cooked barbecue — sandwiches, ribs, nachos, plates, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and more. One table inside and one outside for dining in or carry out.

(5541 Highway 15 S., 488-0303)

Main Street Pizza

ECRU Costa Oaxaquena Mexican Restaurant: Offering its Southern customers a taste from even farther south — south of the border. Dine in, carry out, lunch buffet. (6721 Hwy. 15 North, 489-2470) Ecru Fish & Steak House: Sizzling steaks and fabulous fried catfish await patrons of this eatery. Dine in, carry out, Sunday lunch. (388 Main St., 488-0066) Main Street Trolley: Quaint eatery inside an old trolley car, burgers at their best with all the trimmings. Carry out or sit at a couple of outside tables. (222 Main St., 488-8070) ENDVILLE Endville General Store: This busy country store also houses a great fish and steak house on Friday and Saturday nights. Dine in or carry out. (23 Endville Rd., 662-840-8524)

SHERMAN Cravin’ Catfish: Pay when you walk in, then eat all you want. (101 Cemetery Rd., 620-7762) Big R’s Drive-Inn: Daily hot lunches you can take out or dine picnic-style at tables under a pavilion out front. (298 3rd Ave., 662-690-9890)

THAXTON Boochey’s at the Barn: A family-style steak and fish house, located inside Double L Cattle Auction building. (Highway 6/278-West, 4191705) (Editor’s note: Some restaurants’ hours vary seasonally and others are open only on weekends, so please call ahead for specific days and hours.)

... or on the go!

Fast food means fabulous food at these Pontotoc local and chain eateries: LOCALLY-OWNED Old Man’s Pizzeria: Pizzas, salads and subs to go. Call-in, carry out orders only.

(42 Cordville Lane, Hwy. 15 N., 419-1001)

Blacksmith BBQ & Catering: Tasty barbecue sandwiches, nachos, ribs and more. Food truck parked on Fred’s parking lot on Thursdays and Fridays.

(Highway 15 N., 419-0040)

Malone’s Road Kitchen: At this mobile food truck, you can get fried catfish, shrimp and chicken strips with sides every Thursday. (Turnpike Rd., 891-9126)

FRANCHISES Burger King: 207 Hwy. 15 N., 489-7766 Hardee’s

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Domino’s Pizza: 114 Hwy. 15 N., 489-3033

Hardee’s: 125 Hwy. 15 N., 489-3002

Huddle House: 333 Hwy. 15 N., 489-4911 Kentucky Fried Chicken — Long John Silver’s: 321 Hwy, 15 N., 489-3449

McDonald’s: 145 Hwy. 15 Bypass, 489-6100 Pizza Hut: 258 Oxford St.., 489-7097

Sonic: 2 Locations • 260 West Oxford, Pontotoc, 489-6295 • 6561 Hwy 15 N. in Ecru, 489-1400

Subway: 2 Locations • 122 Hwy 15 N., 489-7300 • 100 McCord Rd., inside Walmart, 489-9913

Wendy’s: 163 Hwy. 15 N., 489-9265

To learn more, call:

280 Turnpike Road Pontotoc

489-2161

241-A West Oxford Pontotoc, MS (662) 489-4828 and 222 Hwy. 15 N. Pontotoc, MS (662) 489-8953

Little Bits Daycare Located behind Wal-Mart 179 Five Star Road • Pontotoc, MS Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

489-3999

• BBQ Nachos

• Stuffed Baked Potatoes • Ribs

• Smoked Chicken • BBQ

• Grilled Pork Chops

Owner Shandra Graham

y Thursda ay rd tu a S thru . .m a 0 10:3 m. ‘til 8:30 p

L e p ’s B a r - B - Q 489-1300

3 9 3 Ve t e r a n s H w y. W. , P o n t o t o c

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49

PROPERTIES PONTOTOC RIDGE REALTY, INC.

EACH MOSSY OAK PROPERTIES OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED.

Trust us for high-quality building materials at unbeatable pricing!

PEEPLES BUILDING MATERIAL ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

192 Hwy. 15 North • Pontotoc, MS

662-489-6132

•HOME •AUTO •COMMERCIAL Insurance for mobile homes, rental mobile homes, brick homes, frame homes, personal autos, commercial autos, motorcycles, boats, rv’s, atv’s, campers and much, much more!!

We offer great rates on SR22 drivers, drivers with no proof of prior insurance, international drivers license and drivers with tickets and at-fault accidents.

Our office is located at

351 Spur Street Pontotoc, MS Bridget Hamblin

489-7100 Cell: 213-3648

Chad Mills

Agent

Office Hours: 9-5 Mon.-Sat.

Owner/Agent

Office:

MILLS & ASSOCIATES, LLC 500

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Selecting the right real estate professional to work for you is the most important step in the process.

We work here, Live here, Play here.

We are your neighbors!

49 S. Main St., Pontotoc, MS

662-489-2848

www.pontotochomes.com

Montgomer y Dr ugs Isn’t it nice to know that we’re available to fill your pharmaceutical needs with the care and personalized attention you deserve.

• Computerized Prescription Service • Over-the-Counter Drugs • Personal Care Products • Most Prescription Plans Honored • All Major Credit Cards Accepted • City-wide Delivery Hwy. Hwy. 15 Nor th • Pontotoc

662-489-5555

Mayor Jeff Stafford Office in city hall - 489-4321 Aldermen Terry Chew, ward one 489-5374 Tommy Patterson, ward two 489-7018 D. R. Simmons, ward three 419-1903 Rayburn Mapp, ward four 489-2631 Herman Austin, at-large 489-5004 How to call: 662-489-4321 The Pontotoc City Board of Aldermen meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.

PONTOTOC COUNTY Chancery Clerk’s Office – 489-3900 The chancery court clerk handles documentation on divorces, property line disputes, adoptions and youth court.

Circuit Clerk’s Office – 489-3908 The circuit clerk handles documentation on marriages, voter registration, criminal and civil cases and notary public.

Tax Assessor/Collector - 489-3904

MUNICIPALITIES

JUSTICE COURT JUDGES East District: David Hall – 489-3921 West District: Ed Barton – 489-3921 Justice court judges set bonds on all county crimes, and hear cases that aren’t heard by the circuit court judges.

CONSTABLES East District: Early McKinney West District: L. D. Gillespie Constables are responsible for serving court papers and helping to keep the peace in their district. Contact them at Justice Court, 489-3921.

OTHER NUMBERS Airport – 489-3950 Extension Office – 489-3910 Library – 489-3960 MS Employment – 489-3956 Veteran’s Office – 489-3907 Youth Court Service – 489-3936 Agri-Center – 489-3969

STATE OFFICIALS Governor Haley Barbour (800) 927-6378

FEDERAL OFFICIALS Senator Thad Cochran Contact Sen. Cochran in Washington: U.S. Senate, 113 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510 Phone: (202) 224-5054 Fax: (202) 224-9450 In Mississippi: 2012 15th Street, Suite 451 Gulfport, Mississippi 39501 Phone: (228) 867-9710 Fax: (228) 867-9789 E-mail: senator@cochran.senate.gov Web site: www.cochran.senate.gov Senator Roger F. Wicker Contact Sen. Wicker in Washington: 555 Dirksen, Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: 202-224-6253 Fax: 202-228-0378 In Mississippi: P.O. Box 1482 Tupelo, MS 38802 Phone: (662) 844-5010 Fax: (662) 844-5030 Jackson: Phone: (601) 965-4644 Fax: (601) 965-4007 Web site: www.wicker.senate.gov

OFFICIAL CONTACTS

CITY OF PONTOTOC

ALGOMA Mayor Harry Corder 489-5696 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

State Representatives: Mac Huddleston: District 15 - Pontotoc County; P.O. Drawer 300, Pontotoc, MS 38863, (662) 489-5157 ECRU E-mail: Mayor Tom Todd 489-3881 Board meets first Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. mhuddleston@house.ms.gov SHERMAN Mayor Ben Logan 840-9185 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

THAXTON Mayor Johnny Coleman 489-4460 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

TOCCOPOLA Mayor Billy Berry 234-6030 Board meets first Tuesday, 7 p.m.

SUPERVISORS District 1: Wayne Stokes – 489-7341 District 2: Dwayne Graham – 489-7580 District 3: Duane Tutor – 489-4751 District 4: Ernie Wright – 844-0208 District 5: Dennis Corder – 489-2502 The supervisors oversee the budget for the entire county, make decisions on improvements county-wide including buildings, fire protection and emergency management. They also see that roads and bridges are repaired.

The Pontotoc County Supervisors meet the first Monday of the month, the 15th of the month and the last day of the month at 10 a.m. If the 15th or the last day falls on the weekend, the board meets on the Friday before.

Margaret Ellis Rogers: District 14 - Pontotoc, Union Counties; 619 Owen Road New Albany, MS 38652, (662) 534-8886 E-mail: mrogers@house.ms.gov Preston Sullivan: District 22 - Pontotoc, Calhoun, Chickasaw; 1601 CR 410, Okolona, MS 38860 (662) 447-5719 E-mail: psullivan@house.ms.gov State Senator: Nickey Browning: District 3 - Pontotoc, Union, Calhoun; P.O. Box 1051 Pontotoc, MS 38863 (662) 489-5979 E-mail: nbrowning@ senate.ms.gov

Pontotoc County Courthouse

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GOVERNMENT OFFICES •Pontotoc County Health Department – 489-1241 •Dept. of Human Services – 489-4182

AREA HOSPITALS • North Mississippi Medical Center- Tupelo – (662) 377-3000 • North Mississippi Medical Center- Pontotoc – (662) 489-5510 • Baptist Memorial Hospital of North Mississippi - Oxford – (662) 232-8100 • Baptist Memorial Hospital of Union County New Albany – (662) 538-7631

MEDICAL CLINICS

Healthcare Professionals Dentists

Dr. Denise Sojourner 489-5999 Dr. Flavia West-Huddleston 489-5038 Dr. Stephen Montgomery 489-7430 Dr. Dale Wing 489-7430 Dr. Andrea Warren 489-7430 Dr. Steven Dirmeyer 489-7430

Dr. Paige Pennington 488-9905 Dr. John T. Black, Jr. 489-7768 Dr. Marlin Duff 489-4731

Chiropractors Dr. Mark Romano 489-3322 Dr. Erik Goodwin 489-5366

Optometrists Dr. Philip Graham 489-4741 Dr. Terry Wood 489-5907 Dr. Miranda Maynard 489-5907 Dr. Thomas Coccia 488-9021

Fitness Centers, Gyms & Tracks

P

reventive measures are just as important to the health of people of a community as medical services, and Pontotoc has several top-notch fitness centers and gyms offering a wide range of services to fit the needs of adults of all ages.

FITNESS

Family Practitioners

AND

•Acute Care Family Clinic of Pontotoc — 489-2777 •Primary Care of Pontotoc — 489-5999 •Ecru Family Medical Clinic — 489-4345 •Flavia West Medical Clinic — 489-5038 •Friendship Medical Clinic — 488-8799 • Lower Crossing Medical Clinic, Sherman — 844-7999 •Pontotoc Family Medical Clinic — 489-7430 •Toccopola Family Medical Center — 488-0270 or 281-8003 •Trish Lindsay Clinic — 509-9934

HEALTHCARE

Health Service Providers

•Elite Fitness, located at 355 Peoples Drive (509-9985), caters to both men and women with both free weights and machine weights, cardiovascular equipment and personal trainers. Other products and services include dietary supplements and a tanning salon.

•NMMC-Pontotoc Wellness Center, located at 30 West Reynolds Street, provides cardiovascular training equipment, free weights, a variety of aerobic classes and an indoor walking track to more than 900 members — men and women. For more information, call (662) 489-1335 or 1-800-THE DESK (1800-843-3375).

•The Gym, (871-4015) located on Highway 6 West, offers weight training with equipment and free weights, cardiovascular training and more for students and adults.

For Ladies Only For those ladies who are a bit shy about working out in mixed company, Pontotoc features a ladies-only fitness center.

•Coco Cabana, located at 265 West Reynolds Street (489-7883), features 15 machines where women of all ages can move through workouts for upper and lower body strength as well as cardiovascular and aerobic routines.

WALKING IS FREE: The outside walking track behind the Pontotoc High School is open to the public for free. First Baptist Church gymnasium is open to the public from 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily for walking inside.

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53

SENIOR SERVICES

I

f you are looking to retire or you are in need of long-term care, Pontotoc has the agencies and services to help you make the best of your “golden years.”

Housing •Pontotoc Senior Apartments, located at 265 Lakeshore Drive. 488-9661 •Housing Urban Development, located on Industrial Drive. 489-1312

Nursing Homes •Graceland Care Center – 489-6411 •Pontotoc Nursing Home – 489-5510 •Sunshine Health Care – 489-1189

Helpful numbers • Social Security Administration

1-800-722-1213

• Three Rivers Planning Info and referral for the elderly 489-6911

Fun & Entertainment • Dr. B. T. Simms Senior Community Building. Every Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. the senior citizens meet with a fellowship meal following. Once a month, Tale Tellers meet.

489-6557

• Pontotoc County Veterans Service Officer (Handles benefits for veterans and families) Bill Wardlaw 489-3907

• The First Baptist Church’s Senior Adult Ministry meets the third Monday of the month at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall. 489-1346 • West Heights Baptist Church’s “Young at Heart” group meets every second Thursday at 11 a.m. in the fellowship hall. 489-1200 • First United Methodist Church hosts a “Sprinkling of Methodists” every third Thursday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall during the school year. 489-3076

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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Need tir es?

We’ve got’em!

Commercial Truck Tires ATV and Farm Tires

•Alignment • Brakes • Oil Changes • Shocks and Struts • Specializing in Custom Wheels Serving Pontotoc Since 1966 ~ Family Owned & Operated

662-489-3471 • 662-489-5237 8 8 M ag g i e D ri v e P o n to t oc , M S

Store #164 100 McCord Road Pontotoc, MS 38863

(662) 489-7451 OPEN 24 HOURS

Full service banking is blooming at the new

BANK of PONTOTOC a branch of Oxford University Bank

1882 Hwy 15 North at Henry Southern Drive • 489-6404 www.BankPontotoc.com

560

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

For anyone looking to get involved in their community, city and county, Pontotoc offers ample opportunities for volunteers of all ages.

PONTOTOC FOOD DEPOT

For those who need affordable housing in Pontotoc, Habitat for Humanity has been a godsend. More than 18 homes have been built through the donations from people in Pontotoc County. Call 488-9090 for more information or to volunteer.

Through the Pontotoc Food Depot, those who wish to receive food on a monthly basis sign up the first Saturday of each month at the food depot office from 8-10 a.m. The office is located at the corner of Marion and Liberty Streets.

SALVATION ARMY

PONTOTOC FOOD PANTRY

When disaster strikes in any form, the Salvation Army is there to give hope and help. A thrift store has been established in Pontotoc to aid people in the community.

Call 509-9400 for more information.

The Pontotoc County Food Pantry helps to supply food to an average of 30-50 families a month and is open from 9 a.m. - 12 noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and is located on Reynolds Street. Call 489-5042 for more information.

ORGANIZATIONS

Louise Daniels at Pontoto c Food Pantry

Clubs

AND

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

CLUBS

Organizations

Below is a list of the civic clubs and groups in Pontotoc County and a contact person for each. Some clubs are by invitation only. Please call the contact person for more information.

Children of the American Revolution Martha Jo Coleman 308-1219

City of Pontotoc PTO Elementary: Amanda Kyle - 419-6620

D.T. Cox: Jemma Clayton - 489-9636 Civitan Club Jim Reed - 489-6208

Cosmopolitan Club Joyce Odom - 489-4365

Fine Arts Club Bobbie White - 760-8600

Pontotoc Co. Historical Society Martha Jo Coleman 308-1219

Pontotoc Boy Scouts Yocona Area Council Cameron Floyd 213-8653 or 842-2871

Daughters of the American Revolution Millicent Seawright 488-1576 Pontotoc 4-H Club Sherry Thompson 489-3910

Pontotoc Community Theater Donnie Sellers - 419-8425

Pontotoc Homemakers Linda Smith - 489-3910

Pontotoc Music Study Club Marchelle Gates - 489-4651 Pontotoc Rotary J. Greg Brown - 488-4020 South Pontotoc PTO Michelle Lilly - 419-0306

Tale-Tellers B. T. Simms Senior Bldg. 489-6557 Concerned Citizens David High - 489-5319

North Pontotoc PTO Lisa Chandler - 509-2171 Tiffany Heard - 488-5023

Pontotoc Lions Club Mark Patterson - 489-3211 Pontotoc Woman’s Club Jenae Weeks - 489-3602

Town and Country Garden Club Tammy Shelton - 509-0110 Pontotoc American Legion Post #16 Jerry Bell - 509-0168 Wadelo Waldrop - 489-1218 Pontotoc Veterans of Foreign Wars Steve Organ - 489-7162

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57

DEMOGRAPHICS AND

FACTS

Pontotoc County, Mississippi County population in July 2010: 29,957 (27% under 18 years of age) From 2000 to 2010, the Pontotoc County population growth percentage was 10.8% (from 26,726 people to 29,957 people) Land area: 497 sq. mi. Water area: 3.6 sq. mi.

Population density: 60 people per square mile January 2011 cost of living index in Pontotoc County: 82.1 (low, U.S. average is 100)

Number of workers employed in Pontotoc County in 2010: 11,940 Industries providing employment: • Manufacturing (43.1%) • Educational, health and social services (14.0%) • Retail trade (10.5%).

Type of workers: • Private wage or salary: 84% • Government: 10% • Self-employed, not incorporated: 6% Median household income in 2005-2009: Pontotoc County: $38,909 Mississippi: $36,646 Most common industries for males (%): • Furniture and related product manufacturing (29%) • Construction (9%) • Plastics and rubber products (5%) • Truck transportation (4%) • Repair and maintenance (3%) • Metal and metal products (3%) • Educational services (2%)

Most common industries for females (%): • Furniture and related product manufacturing (26%) • Health care (12%) • Educational services (10%) • Accommodation and food services (5%) • Finance and insurance (4%) • Food and beverage stores (4%) • Department and other general merchandise stores (3%) Religion statistics Percentage of population affiliated with a religious congregation: Pontotoc County: 67.3% United States: 50.2% Races in Pontotoc County, Mississippi: • White Non-Hispanic (83.6%) • Black (14.0%) • Hispanic (1.8%) • Other race (0.7%) • Two or more races (0.5%) • American Indian (0.5%) (Total can be greater than 100% because Hispanics could be counted in other races) Median resident age: 34.8 years Mississippi median age: 33.8 years Males: 12,984 Females: 13,742

(48.6%) (51.4%)

(Information from www.city-data.com/county/Pontotoc_County-MS.html)

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Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

59

Baldwin-Nowell Funeral Directors & Memorial Gardens 96 South Main Street Pontotoc, MS 38863

X FACTOR MUSIC 234 Hwy. 15 N. Pontotoc, MS

“Serving as we would be served” Since 1935 Complete Funeral Arrangements at One Location Including: Services, Pre-need, Insurance, Monuments and Cemetery Plots

-----------------------------------------

Services beginning at

2,99500

$

Accept All Pre-Arrangements and Burial Insurance From Other Funeral Homes

Vicki Rushing • Location Manager

662-489-1522 Fax 662-489-1542

•New/Used Instruments •Consignment •60 Day Layaway •Instrument Repair •Performance & Karaoke CD’s •Inspirational Items & Gifts

24/7 Lessons: •Piano, •Drums •Guitar •Bass •Vocal •Flute •Mandolin •Saxophone •Clarinet •Oboe

662-488-4000 www.xfactormusicgear.com

Van McWhirter Tax Assessor/Collector Pontotoc County e-mail: vmcwhirter@pontotoccoms.com

11 East Washington Street Pontotoc, Mississippi 38863 (662) 489-3903 - Office Monday-Friday • 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

600

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

NATURAL GAS Service from the city of Pontotoc covers most of Pontotoc County. To find out if natural gas is available in your location, you may call Pontotoc City Hall - 489-1722 (night or weekends - 489-7805).

Office hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WATER Pontotoc is serviced by 11 rural water associations, located all across Pontotoc County.

• East Pontotoc Water Association Call 489-0776 • Town of Ecru Water Association Call 489-3881 • Mud Creek Water Association Call 489-6851 • Oak Hill Water Association Call 489-3692

• Randolph Water Association Call 489-8641 or 489-8820 • Toccopola Water Association Call 489-6537 • Thaxton Water Association Call 489-6537 • Troy Water Association Call 489-1425 • Algoma Water Association Call 489-8351 • Sherman Water Association Call (662) 842-6366 ELECTRICITY Pontotoc County is serviced by five electrical power associations.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is the regional electric provider. Call (662) 6903400, (662) 690-3600, (662) 690-3500.

Pontotoc Electric Power Association services almost 18,000 members in six counties, which includes most of Pontotoc County.

The main office is located at 12 South Main Street, Pontotoc.

Call 489-3211.

For emergencies on nights, weekends and holidays, call 489-6711.

Natchez Trace Power Association services the southern part of the county toward the Chickasaw County area.

Call (662) 456-3037.

Tombigbee Electrical Power Association services the eastern part of the county toward the Lee County area.

Call (662) 842-7635.

Northeast Electrical Power Association services the western part of the county toward the Lafayette County area. Call (662) 234-6331.

The City of New Albany services the northern part of the county near the Union County area. Call (662) 534-1041.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG Call 811 from any phone GARBAGE PICK-UP Garbage is picked up once a week door-to-door. To find out when your garbage day is or ask questions about your bills, call 489-3913.

PHONE Land line contact: Bell South at 1-888-757-6500. Wireless contact: Cellphone Superstore (489-6960), Cellular South (877-276-8841) or Austin Company (489-7700).

DIRECT TV OR DISH NETWORK Contact Brad’s Electronics (488-0087) or Austin Company (489-7700).

GET CONNECTED - COUNTY

Wherever you move in Pontotoc County, don’t forget this list to get connected.

In case of emergency: Dial 911

Shelters are located in almost every community in the county.

emergency a Strevel send . ny So d an on a Robins 11room Dispatchers Lis Pontotoc County from the E9 ss ro ac l al help

Sheriff’s Dept.

489-3915 Pontotoc County Sheriff’s Department employs 17 full-time officers, 12 jailers and two school resource officers. To reach the jail, you may call 489-3915, 489-3165 and 489-3182.

Pontotoc County Fire Coordinator 489-3111 The Pontotoc County Fire Coordinator works with more than 200 volunteers who give their time in 12 community fire departments across Pontotoc County.

 Algoma - 2 shelters: Both at 1310 Algoma Road  Ecru - 7 shelters: Five at 176 Main Street; Two at the park on Central Avenue  Sherman - 7 shelters: 161 6th Ave.; 9 East Lamar Street; 600 Highway 178; 1041 Cr. 292; 213 First Avenue; 49 E. State Street; 26 West Lamar Street  Thaxton - 4 shelters: 2 at 10260 Highway 336; 10632 Highway 336; 10489 Highway 336 (Thaxton Baptist Church)  Toccopola - 2 shelters: Both located near the fire department at 3100 Toccopola Jct. Rd.

 Beckham - 1 shelter: 414 Beckham Road  Hurricane - 1 shelter: 7600 Highway 346  Longview - 1 shelter: 3497 Longview Road  Randolph - 3 shelters: Two are located at 240 Topsy Road; one at 11800 Hwy. 9 South (Carey Springs Baptist Church)  Troy/Woodland 2 shelters: 175 Rock Hill Road, 3601 Woodland Road

Storm alert information: www.alertfm.net/ms/pontotoc.

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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WORSHIP OF

PLACES

ASSEMBLY OF GOD FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD 2448 Hwy. 15 North, Pontotoc 489-0209 SOLID ROCK ASSEMBLY OF GOD Hwy. 15 South on Jefferson Rd., Pontotoc 489-5544

BAPTIST ALGOMA BAPTIST Hwy. 124 W., Algoma 489-5846 ANTIOCH FREEWILL BAPTIST Toccopola 662-801-8815 BEECH SPRINGS FREEWILL BAPTIST Beech Springs Rd., Ecru 662-844-0792 BELLEVUE BAPTIST Hwy. 6 West, Thaxton 509-9235 BETHANY PRIMITIVE BAPTIST 4905 Hwy. 346, Pontotoc 489-0222 BETHEL MB 2905 Hwy. 342, Pontotoc 509-9924 BETHLEHEM FREEWILL BAPTIST 115 Bethlehem Lane, Pontotoc 489-6848 BUCHANAN BAPTIST 4815 Friendship Rd., Pontotoc 662-489-3405

BY FAITH BAPTIST 2220 Hwy. 15 N., Pontotoc 489-7701 CAIRO BAPTIST 2610 Cairo Rd., Ecru 489-6313 CAREY SPRINGS BAPTIST Hwy. 9 SW, Pontotoc 489-1265 CENTER HILL BAPTIST 591 Brassfield Rd., Pontotoc 489-1717 CHERRY CREEK BAPTIST Cherry Creek, Pontotoc 489-6002 CHERRY CREEK MB Cherry Creek Rd., Pontotoc 489-7009

FRIENDSHIP MB County Road 134, Pontotoc 489-7070 FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST 85 Friendship Road, Ecru 489-4056 FURRS BAPTIST 9011 Hwy. 6 E., Furrs 662-840-1705 GREEN VALLEY BAPTIST 265 Old Airport Rd., Pontotoc 489-6047 HARMONY BAPTIST 3534 Hwy. 345, Pontotoc 489-1070

Lebanon Presbyte rian at Toccop ola

HEBRON BAPTIST 71 Hebron Rd., Randolph 489-6103

NEW SALEM MB Hwy. 6 E., Pontotoc 489-8791

HOPEWELL PRIMITIVE BAPTIST Robbs Road, Randolph 662-844-9633

OAK DALE BAPTIST 7230 Hwy. 346, Pontotoc

HORTON MEMORIAL BAPTIST 2120 Hwy. 346, Pontotoc 488-1136 HURRICANE BAPTIST 7975 Hwy. 346, Hurricane 489-1481 IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH 2681 Rowland Road, Pontotoc 489-4832 IN GOOD FAITH BAPTIST 685 Rocky Ford Rd., Pontotoc 489-7161

OAK HILL BAPTIST 5830 Hwy. 9 N., Pontotoc 489-1897 OPEN DOOR BAPTIST 125 Old Airport Rd., Ponttooc 489-4831 PLEASANT GROVE FREEWILL BAPTIST 7705 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 489-0280 PINEY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH Piney Grove Road, Pontotoc 489-5825

LEE MEMORIAL BAPTIST 208 Lana St., Pontotoc 489-7285

PLEASANT GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST Corner of Hwy. 41 & Pleasant Grove Rd., Pontotoc 662-682-7573

LIBERTY BAPTIST 7974 Hwy. 341, Pontotoc 489-1943

RANDOLPH BAPTIST Topsy Road, Randolph 489-4992

LOCUST HILL BAPTIST 1745 Locut Hill Road, Pontotoc

SCHOONA CHAPEL BAPTIST Hwy. 341, Pontotoc

LONGVIEW BAPTIST 406 Dozier Hill Road, Belden 489-5733

SAREPTA BAPTIST Randolph, 662-414-7451

MACEDONIA BAPTIST 777 Higgins Trail, Macedonia 489-4386

SECOND BAPTIST 189 N. College St., Pontotoc 489-1274 SELAH BAPTIST 5720 Hwy. 15 N., Pontotoc 488-8242

COOKE MEMORIAL BAPTIST 5962 Redland-Sarepta Road Houlka, MS 38850

McGREGOR’S CHAPEL FW BAPTIST Hwy. 6 West, Pontotoc

COUNTY LINE BAPTIST 14616 Hwy 9 S., Randolph 489-7363

MIDWAY BAPTIST 8773 Hwy. 15 S., Pontotoc 489-5664

EAST BAPTIST 329 Clark St., Pontotoc 489-7151

NEW FAITH BAPTIST Hwy. 336, Pontotoc

SPRINGVILLE BAPTIST 64 S. Pontotoc Rd., Springville 488-0013

NEW HOPE BAPTIST New Hope Rd., Pontotoc 489-1512

SPRINGVILLE CHAPEL MB 1870 Palestine Rd., Pontotoc 509-9511

ECRU SECOND BAPTIST Ecru, 489-5361

NEW LIFE FREEWILL BAPTIST 4449 Wallfield Road, Houlka 662-568-2072

ST. PAUL BAPTIST 360 Cairo Loop, Pontotoc 489-8417

FIRST BAPTIST 31 E. Washington St., Pontotoc 489-1346

NEW RESIDENT BAPTIST 996 Floyd Rd., Pontotoc 488-8843

THAXTON BAPTIST 10507 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 489-8534

ECRU BAPTIST 550 Main St., Ecru 489-3091

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FIRST BAPTIST OF TROY 145 Rockhill Rd., Troy 489-4624

Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

SHADY GROVE BAPTIST 1000 Shady Grove Baptist, Pontotoc 662-489-7842

THE LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH 7 Lafayette Street, Pontotoc 419-2989 TOCCOPOLA BAPTIST P. O. Box 304, Toccopola 489-7504 TOXISH BAPTIST 1841 Toxish Rd., Pontotoc 489-5839

VALLEY GROVE BAPTIST 3282 Kings Hwy., Furrs 419-0485 WATCHMEN BAPTIST 13013 Hwy. 336, Pontotoc 489-3389 WEST HEIGHTS BAPTIST 328 W. Oxford St., Pontotoc 662-489-1200 WILSON CHAPEL BAPTIST P. O. Box 906, Pontotoc WOODLAND BAPTIST 1257 Pontocola Rd., Pontotoc 489-9391 ZION BAPTIST 459 Valley Rd., Pontotoc 489-2196

CATHOLIC ST. CHRISTOPHER CATHOLIC 431 Pineridge Dr., Pontotoc 489-7749

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL NAYLOR CHAPEL CME 326 Clark St., Pontotoc 489-6082 THOMPSON CHAPEL CME 937 CR 308, Houlka 662-568-2680

CHURCH OF CHRIST BUCKHORN CHURCH OF CHRIST 13675 Hwy. 341, Randolph 662-568-2960 CHURCH OF CHRIST 276 Hwy. 15 Bypass, Pontotoc 489-5020 PONTOTOC CHURCH OF CHRIST 369 Church St., Pontotoc 489-1136 RANDOLPH CHURCH OF CHRIST Corner of Topsy Rd. & Indian Creek Trail, Randolph SHERMAN CHURCH OF CHRIST 2303 St. Hwy. 178 E., Sherman 662-844-4593

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESS 112 Old Airport Rd., Pontotoc 489-7815

EBENEZER UNITED METHODIST 1411 Hwy. 342, Pontotoc 489-7198

CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH 5206A Hwy. 15, Ecru 662-539-0040

ECRU UNITED METHODIST Church Street, Ecru 488-8178

CHURCH OF GOD OF PROPHECY 1528 Hwy. 341, Pontotoc 662-840-5708

FAIRVIEW METHODIST Hwy. 341, Pontotoc 489-6979

CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD 320 Stark Rd., Pontotoc 488-8256

FIRST UNITED METHODIST 68 S. Main St., Pontotoc 489-3076

CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD 127 County Rd. 433, Thaxton 662-236-5948

McDONALD UNITED METHODIST 194 College Street, Pontotoc 489-1020

CHRIST IS THE ANSWER MINISTRIES 3932 Nanney Road, Pontotoc 509-9605

MOUNT NEBO UNITED METHODIST 1221 Campground Rd., Pontotoc 489-7020

COLLEGE HILL 7027 Hwy. 6 E., Pontotoc 488-4060

PALESTINE UNITED METHODIST Algoma 489-7198

GOOD SHEPHERD 184 W. Bolton St., Pontotoc 489-2205

PLEASANT GROVE UNITED METHODIST 205 Martin Lane, Pontotoc 489-2087

HARVESTER CHURCH Hwy. 15 N., Pontotoc 489-4181

THAXTON UNITED METHODIST 10326 Hwy. 336, Thaxton 488-8178

HARVEST TIME CHURCH OF GOD 289 8th Street, Pontotoc 488-8715

USHER VALLEY UNITED METHODIST 754 Moorman Rd., Pontotoc 489-8020

HEAVEN BOUND CHURCH 110 Jericho Road, Pontotoc 662-308-7663

WORSHIP

TURNPIKE BAPTIST Cane Creek Rd., Pontotoc 489-1923

OTHER ABUNDANT LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER 267 W. 8th St., Pontotoc 489-8409

OF

TROY BAPTIST 8272 Hwy. 41, Troy 489-5770

METHODIST ALGOMA METHODIST Fairview Road, Pontotoc 489-7198

PLACES

THE ANCHOR BAPTIST 4495 Hwy. 9 North, Pontotoc 489-9241

OASIS OF LOVE FELLOWSHIP 27 Chunn Lane, Pontotoc 662-844-0534

PENTECOSTAL BLACK ZION PENTECOSTAL Hwy. 342, Pontotoc 489-0068

REYNOLDS CHAPEL 6498 Hwy. 9 S., Springville 489-3711

ECRU CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST 259 Old Hwy. 15, Ecru 489-4319 PONTOTOC APOSTOLIC 248 Apostolic Circle, Pontotoc 489-7121 THAXTON UNITED PENTECOSTAL 265 Wells Road, Thaxton 662-231-1197 WEST PONTOTOC PENTECOSTAL 266 Hwy. 341 S., Pontotoc 489-6700

PRESBYTERIAN FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 124 S. Main St., Pontotoc 489-2183 LEBANON PRESBYTERIAN Toccopola MAPLE DRIVE PRESBYTERIAN 146 Maple Dr., Pontotoc 488-0401 WHITE ZION PRESBYTERIAN Hwy. 6 East, Pontotoc 662-844-5648 Naylor Chapel CME

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OUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER

How to get your news in the Pontotoc Progress ...

Funeral homes may e-mail obituaries to pontotoc.obits@journalinc.com. Obituaries that are faxed or hand-delivered incur an additional $5 charge. Obituaries are accepted only from funeral homes and charges are billed through the funeral home.

No obituaries are accepted over the telephone, but funeral homes may call 4893511 with questions.

F

or more than 80 years, people of Pontotoc County have enjoyed relaxing with their Pontotoc Progress. The newspaper was founded by Grady Cook, and later owned by his son, the late Bob Cook, whose family still runs a printing business in Pontotoc. Today, the paper is owned by Journal, Inc. in Tupelo, but the focus of the Progress remains on bringing hometown people the hometown news.

Here’s how to get your news in the Pontotoc Progress: Births Birth announcements may come from hospitals or individuals but must be signed by both parents and should contain the following information: • Name • Date of birth • Weight and length • Place of birth — hospital, town • Parents’ names, town • Grandparents’ names, towns • Names of siblings (optional) Fee: $10 with a photo, FREE without a photo.

Obituaries Obituaries normally come directly from funeral homes and are submitted through the Daily Journal to also run in the Progress for an additional $7.50. The cost for a full obituary to run in both the Journal and the Progress totals $22.50.

The Progress publishes a basic obituary FREE as a public service, giving the name, age and community of residence of the deceased, date and place of death, funeral arrangements and visitation, and memorial requests.

A full obituary running only in the Progress may include biographical information, personal interests and involvements, family survivors, pallbearers and other relevant information for a $15 charge. A photo of the deceased may be run with an obituary for a separate charge of $10. Special obituaries with wording different from standard obituary style will be charged at the newspaper’s charity rate.

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Engagements/Weddings/Anniversaries Engagement and wedding announcements are $25, with or without a photo.

Announcements exceeding 600 words will be charged $10 extra.

There are no forms, but samples are available to assist in properly composing announcements.

Engagement announcements may be run as often as you wish for $25 each time they are published.

Announcements of anniversaries consist of a photo and cutline and also are $25.

Birthdays Birthday greetings and announcements are considered advertising with the standard one-column by four-inch “greeting” costing $25.56.

Announcements of celebrations consisting of a twocolumn photo with a cutline are available for the discounted church/civic rate.

An exception is made for individuals celebrating 100th and higher birthdays. These are free.

Card of Thanks Cards of Thanks are considered advertising and are available for $38.35 for a standard size.

Church/Civic/Community Events The Progress will publish church and community event announcements as well as photos of events which have already taken place. All church events and benefit announcements may be printed FREE for two weeks. Additional paid advertising is available at a discounted rate for churches, charities and civic organizations.

Photos The Progress encourages readers to take photos at events and submit them to the paper.

However, photos must be high-resolution in order to print properly in the paper.

Digital photos are preferred and should be shot at 300 DPI or higher — on some cameras, this is the “high” setting.

No more than two or three photos should be sent in one e-mail.

You may also bring your disk and camera into the office to download photos directly to our computers.

Photo prints should be glossy hard copies. No paper photocopies will be accepted.

Community News Almost 20 correspondents in communities across Pontotoc city and county bring everyday news of neighbors, friends and families through the Progress.

They include: Linda Weeks, Algoma; Polly McMillen, Beckham; Rose Swords, Center Hill; Bonnie Todd, Ecru; Olean Stutsy, Gershorm; Debbie McDonald, Graceland; Susan Hooker, Hurricane; Carolyn Carnes, Hurricane Community Center; Barbara Kyle, Longview; JoAnne Bradley, Pontotoc; Martha Swindle, Sherman; Ann Grant, Sunshine; Sammie Jaggers, Thaxton; Margaret Ratliff and Brenda Berry, Toccopola; Terri Kay Watts, Troy; Carol Davis, Woodland.

If you have news to share about your community, please check the Progress for the contact information for your community’s correspondent, or call the office at 489-3511.

How to contact us: • Location: 13 Jefferson St. • Phone: 489-3511 • E-mail: (Advertising) pontotoc.advertising@journalinc.com (News) pontotoc.news@journalinc.com (Sports) pontotoc.sports@journalinc.com • Mail: Pontotoc Progress, P. O. Box 210, Pontotoc, MS 38863 • Fax: 489-1369 • Web Site: www.Pontotoc360.com

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Helping y ou find y our destination and

B uilding Your D reams R ules We Build By:

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TOWN

Phillip L. Tutor SHERMAN Attorney At Law OF

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•Good Neighbors REAL ESTATE

•Strong churches

WILLS & ESTATES PERSONAL INJURY CIVIL LITIGATION BUSINESS & CORPORATE LAW “Over 30 Years Experience” 50 Liberty Street • Pontotoc, MS 38863

(662)

489-1701

e-mail: ptutor@tutorlaw.com

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•Civic pride A Growing

community to meet the needs of a growing

area!

•Progressive leadership

HISTORIC SITES Welcome Home to PONTOTOC

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CHAMBER LISTINGS

Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association The mission of the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association is to promote, support and enhance the quality of life and stimulate the economic development of Pontotoc County as an outstanding place to live and do business.

The Chamber/Main Street maintains a Chamber/Main Street membership list, provides referrals based on Chamber/Main Street membership, provides Chamber Business members with a membership plaque, maintains an Industry list for our area, maintains a listing of Civic Clubs, maintains the Web site (www.pontotocchamber.com), participates in ribbon cuttings and grand openings for businesses, rents

tables and chairs, makes the Chamber office available to local clubs and organizations, assists clubs in their community projects, maintains a listing

of available buildings for sale or lease, shows empty buildings to potential industries looking to relocate, mails out information on Pontotoc to various individuals, organizations, etc., maintains books and financial records for the Bodock Festival Association, and develops and provides a newcomer's packet.

The staff of the Chamber/Main Street Assn. is very active in promoting Pontotoc and serves as the information center for Pontotoc city and county, works with all civic organizations with each of their functions and organizes many activities, if it happens on a Main Street or in any town in Pontotoc County, the Chamber is involved.

MICHAEL T. SCOTT H & R BLOCK PONTOTOC 489-4828

BOUTIQUES: Clothes & Cosmetics KENNETH & LOUISE PREWETT MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS PONTOTOC 489-3523

CHRIS HUTCHINSON HUTCHINSON & GREENBERG, CPA VERONA 662-566-2847

BUSINESS: TERRY BUTLER MAGNOLIA CLEANERS PONTOTOC 489-1571

ADVERTISING: Specialty Specialty Items & Screenprinting DENITA SNEED IMAGE SCREEN PRINTING, INC. PONTOTOC 489-2741

JIM GOODWIN EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS TUPELO 662-842-5500

ACCOUNTANTS: JOHN LAUDERDALE, CPA PONTOTOC 489-7561

AGRICULTURE: Services TERRI BOWEN DOUBLE B FARMS GIN RANDOLPH 489-7574 KEN RACKLEY PONTOTOC COUNTY FARM BUREAU PONTOTOC 489-2361 ATTORNEYS: J. GREG BROWN ATTORNEY AT LAW PONTOTOC 488-4020 PHILLIP L. TUTOR ATTORNEY AT LAW PONTOTOC 489-1701

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To become a member of the Pontotoc County Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Association, you may contact the Chamber/Main Street office at 4895042, e-mail questions or requests to chamber@pontotocchamber.com or visit the office at 109 North Main Street, Pontotoc, or visit the Web site at www.pontotocchamber.com for a member application form.

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SIDRA WINTER ATTORNEY AT LAW PONTOTOC 489-4686 AUTOMOBILES: Parts CATHY MYERS KARS, INC. PONTOTOC 662-844-6586 STEVE RUSSELL SERVICE SUPPLY PONTOTOC 489-4363 Repair/Body Shops IVA JO BISHOP BISHOP BODY SHOP PONTOTOC 489-2328

BANKS: MIKE GREGORY BANCORP SOUTH SHERMAN SHERMAN 662-840-1088 MIKE GREGORY BANCORP SOUTH PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 488-4577 BUDDY MONTGOMERY FIRST NATIONAL BANK PONTOTOC 489-1631 JERRY ROBBINS RENASANT BANK PONTOTOC 489-4611

CABLE/SATELLITE: BRAD WHITE BRAD’S ELECTRONICS PONTOTOC 488-0087 LEE P. BECK METROCAST OXFORD 662-234-4711 CITY, COUNTY & TOWN OFFICES: JEFF STAFFORD, MAYOR CITY OF PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 489-4321 WAYNE STOKES, PRESIDENT PONTOTOC COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS PONTOTOC 489-3900

GROCERY: BRUCE MCCOY MCCOY'S GROCERY, INC. ECRU 489-3161

BEN LOGAN TOWN OF SHERMAN SHERMAN 840-9185

DENTISTS: DR. JOHN T. BLACK,JR. D.M.D., P.A. DENTISTRY FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS PONTOTOC 489-7768

JUNE WILLIAMSON PIGGLY WIGGLY OF PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 489-4282

JOHNNY COLEMAN TOWN OF THAXTON THAXTON 489-4460

DR. MARLIN DUFF, D.M.D., P.A. PONTOTOC 489-4731

CIVIC CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS: JOYCE ODOM COSMOPOLITAN CLUB PONTOTOC 489-4365

EDUCATION: DR. DAVID COLE ITAWAMBA COMMUNITY COLLEGE TUPELO 662-862-8001

BARBARA CARTER PONTOTOC COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PONTOTOC 488-9090

PONTOTOC CITY SCHOOLS PONTOTOC 489-3336

TOM TODD TOWN OF ECRU ECRU 489-3881

JIM BENNETT PONTOTOC CIVITAN PONTOTOC 489-3606 MARTHA JO COLEMAN PONTOTOC HISTORICAL SOCIETY PONTOTOC 489-3563 J. GREG BROWN PONTOTOC ROTARY PONTOTOC 488-4020 JANAE WEEKS PONTOTOC WOMAN'S CLUB PONTOTOC 489-9919 TAMMY SHELTON TOWN & COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB PONTOTOC 509-0110 COMMUNICATIONS: CELLULARSOUTH PONTOTOC 488-9545 JODY STRINGER INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS TUPELO 662-842-0234 COMMUNITY DEVELOPER/PLANNER: JOSH WEST THREE RIVERS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT PONTOTOC 489-2415

PONTOTOC COUNTY SCHOOLS PONTOTOC 489-3932 PHIL RYAN PONTOTOC RIDGE CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER PONTOTOC 489-1826 ELECTRIC & UTILITY PRODUCTS & SERVICES: PAIGE JAMISON ELECTRIC & MACHINE SERVICE TUPELO 662-842-2807 ROBERT COLLIER N.E. MS. ELECTRIC POWER ASSOCIATION. OXFORD 662-234-6331

BILL GRAY RED LINE MARKETS INC. NEW ALBANY 662-534-2004 HARDWARE: PRESTON CAMPBELL TRUE VALUE HOME CENTER PONTOTOC 489-7440 HOTELS & MOTELS: ANIL PATEL DAYS INN PONTOTOC 489-5200 INDIVIDUALS: DONNIE & MICHELLE BENJAMIN LISABRYANT KEN & BUFFIE BUTLER BARRY & WILLIE M. FORD CLAY & LANA FOSTER MARIE GARRETT BESSIE GIVHAN THORNTON GRAHAM CHUCK & ENSLEY HOWELL MABEL McGEE CAROLYN McGEHEE ROSE MITCHELL TERESA MONTGOMERY DR. & MRS. EDWIN ORR LEE OSWALT DR. JOHN PATTERSON (RET.) TUD PITTMAN

KENNETH & PATSY RACKLEY JIMMY & ROSE ROBERTS TRACY ROBINSON FRED WICKER ERNIE WRIGHT INDUSTRY: MIKE HALL ASHLEY FURNITURE ECRU 489-5655 HOWARD & SHELLY CARNES CARNES FRAMES, INC. PONTOTOC 489-8777 AL DUFF N-C WOOD PRODUCTS, L.L.C. PONTOTOC 488-8588 RANDY COBB I. T. W. PASLODE INDUSTRIAL PONTOTOC 489-4151 KEN PRUETT PONTOTOC DIECUTTING PONTOTOC 489-5874

CHAMBER LISTINGS

CONCRETE: MARK JARRETT B & B CONCRETE PONTOTOC 489-2233

CHANCERY CLERK PONTOTOC COUNTY PONTOTOC 489-3900

ALLEN ROYE PONTOTOC SPRINGS PONTOTOC 489-7846 GUY LIPSCOMB SOUTHERN MOTION PONTOTOC 488-4007 CHARLOTTE WEATHERLY SOUTHERN QUALITY MEATS PONTOTOC 489-1524 WALLY HENRY STAFAST-SOUTH PONTOTOC 489-6580

CHUCK HOWELL P.E.P.A. PONTOTOC 489-3211 ENGINEERING: MIKE FALKNER ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS PONTOTOC 489-1525 FINANCIAL: RICKEY HODGE PONTOTOC LOANS PONTOTOC 489-6237 AMY ALEXANDER SOUTHERN SECURITY FED CRED. UNION PONTOTOC 488-9411

Edward Jones Investment

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CHAMBER LISTINGS

LINDA HARDEE TRACEWAY ENGINERING & MANUFACTURING PONTOTOC 489-1314 INSURANCE: AFFORDABLE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ECRU 489-5677 HENRY PAYNE ALFA INSURANCE PONTOTOC 488-8006 MIKE MORTON HUMANA MARKET POINT 296-4040 LYNN GREGORY MECHANICS INS. PONTOTOC 489-3300 JEFF MITCHELL MITCHELL ASSURANCE GROUP 662-523-1358 KENNETH RACKLEY PONTOTOC COUNTY FARM BUREAU INSURANCE PONTOTOC 489-2361 JIMMY BLAND RIDGECREST INS., INC. PONTOTOC 489-2845 INVESTMENT BROKERS: MARK BOURNE EDWARD JONES INVESTMENT PONTOTOC 489-0170 JEWELERS: KENNETH ROYE SHANNON JEWELERS PONTOTOC 489-5634 LIBRARIES: ANNETTE MCGREGOR PONTOTOC COUNTY LIBRARY PONTOTOC 489-3960

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DR. FLAVIAWESTHUDDLESTON FLAVIAWEST MEDICAL CLINIC PONTOTOC 489-5038

RETAIL: ANTIQUES DOWNTOWN PONTOTOC 489-4458 PAT TAYLOR BETWEEN SISTERS PONTOTOC 489-0096

NORTH MISSISSIPPI HOSPICE (843) 979-7061

PLANNING/ DEVELOPMENT: RANDY KELLEY THREE RIVERS PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PONTOTOC 489-2415

Hospitals FRED HOOD NORTH MISS. MEDICAL CENTER-PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 489-5510

REAL ESTATE: RENE SIMON SIMON FAMILY PROPERTIES PONTOTOC 509-8505

Supplies KEN BUTLER MED MART HOME CARE PONTOTOC 489-9330

RESTAURANTS: ROBERT L. HUDSON McDONALD'S PONTOTOC 489-6100

MUSEUMS: MARTHA JO COLEMAN, CURATOR TOWN SQUARE POST OFFICE MUSEUM PONTOTOC 488-0388

MICHELLE SUTTON THE CANDY BAR PONTOTOC 488-0064

TOOL & DIE: PAIGE JAMISON ELECTRIC & MACHINE SERVICES TUPELO 662-842-2807

RENTAL SERVICES: KATHY PHILLIPS DAN'S RENT TO OWN PONTOTOC 489-7545

TRUCKING/RENTAL: TODD BATES J & B SERVICES, INC. PONTOTOC 662-844-1611

DANA THOMPSON GESTIVA HOSPICE TUPELO (662) 844-2417

NEWSPAPERS: CLAY FOSTER JOURNAL PUBLISHING (DAILY JOURNAL) TUPELO 662-842-2611

GOODY’S DEPARTMENT STORE PONTOTOC 489-2863 BRIAN TIMMONS WAL-MART PONTOTOC 489-7451 RETIREMENT HOMES: DONNA STEPHENS GRACELAND'S OF PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 489-6411

MICHELLE WILLIAMS PONTOTOC PROGRESS PONTOTOC 489-3511 NON-PROFIT ORGS.: BARBARA GIBSON GLOBAL OUTREACH FURRS 662-842-6220 KATIE JACKSON PONTOTOC COUNTY ANIMAL RESCUE & SHELTER A special project of the CREATE Foundation PONTOTOC 296-2356

MEDICAL: Clinics ANITA YOUNG PONTOTOC MEDICAL CLINIC PONTOTOC 489-7430

OPTOMETRIST: DR. PHILIP GRAHAM SHANNON & GRAHAM EYE CLINIC PONTOTOC 489-4741

DR. DENISE SOJOURNER PRIMARY CARE CLINIC OF PONTOTOC PONTOTOC 489-5999

PHARMACIES: JAMES RANDLE KEN CLOWERS MONTGOMERY DRUGS PONTOTOC 489-5555

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PHOTOGRAPHY: TRENT & CONNYE BAKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRENT PONTOTOC 489-7714

Shannon and Graham Eye Clinic

WEST HEIGHTS BAPTIST CHURCH 328 W. Oxford St. Pontotoc, MS 38863

662-489-1200

A family-friendly church with programs and activities for all ages!

WEEKLY SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Sunday

Wednesday

Early Worship . . . . . . . . . . . .8:30 a.m.

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . .9:45 a.m.

Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11:00 a.m.

Discipleship Training . . . . . . .5:00 p.m.

Kid Roc (children 1st-6th grade) . . .5:00-7:00 p.m.

Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:00 p.m. westheightsbaptist.com wheights@onecallinc.com

Fellowship Supper (Sept.-April) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5:00 p.m.

Prayer Meeting . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.

Mission Friends (preschool boys & girls) . . . . . . . .6:30 a.m.

RA’s (boys 1st-6th grade) . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.

GA’s (girls 1st-6th grade) . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.

The Journey (youth) . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.

Adult Choir . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30 p.m.

Nursery provided for all services.

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