Springtime Blooming Indian Hawthorn Shrubs Available Locally at Sue's Greenhouse

ROXIE - The hard-working and low-maintenance Indian Hawthorns have star-shaped flowers held in loose clusters above evergreen foliage that is thick and leathery. 

Indian Hawthorn in Bloom

(Photo by MSU Extension Service/Gary Bachman)

As springtime arrives across Mississippi, azaleas are starting to put on their colorful show. While these walls of pink and clusters of red and spots of white are well-known and anticipated, a spring-blooming shrub that does not get as much attention is the Indian Hawthorn.

So, if your landscape needs a boost from spring-blooming shrubs, consider Indian Hawthorn selections when you go shopping at the local garden center.  One local garden center in the Franklin County area is Sue's Greenhouse located on Hwy 84 East, just east of Bude, Ms.  Ms. Sue Wallace, the owner, confirmed she carries the Indian Hawthorne in the 1 Ga container and the average price is $ 6.00 and up  However, as the demand continues she occasionally stocks the larger 3 Ga plant.  Sue's Greenhouse is open Wed - Sat from 8 AM till 5:00 PM and can be reached at 601-384-2976 for more information.  Sue's Greenhouse stocks wide selection of fruit trees such as apple, pear, apricot, plum, peach and fig.  Also, blueberry bush, muscadine (grape) plant and blackberry bush. However,  Ms Sue's "knows her stuff'" and is more than willing to share her love from her greenhouse.  

Indian Hawthorn is one of those hard-working shrubs that anchor many foundation plantings around our homes and landscapes. This shrub is one of the tough plants that will tolerate a wide variety of landscape conditions. It is used as a mainstay in many commercial landscapes and other low-maintenance locations.

It is precisely these attributes that make it perhaps the perfect evergreen shrub to plant in your home landscape. Indian Hawthorn is hardy in zones 7a through 10.

Franklin County is in Zone 8 - Picture compliments of Burpee, Inc.  

The fact that Indian Hawthorn has multi-season interest only adds to the reasons to plant it in your landscape.

In the spring, star-shaped flowers emerge in clusters held loosely at the ends of branches. Flower colors range from snow white to light pastel pink. On calm springs days, you may be rewarded by catching a hint of their delicate floral fragrance when you stroll by a hedge in bloom. The center structures -- pistil and stamens -- are reddish, and these match the color of the newly unfolding foliage, adding contrast to the flower color.

Indian Hawthorn produce fruit that are an attractive blue to black color. These ripen in the late summer and fall and will persist through the winter months. These berries are a good food source for many wildlife species.

The shrub’s evergreen foliage is thick and leathery to the touch. The top of the foliage is a lustrous dark green in the summer months, and when exposed to colder winter temperatures, it can turn a purplish-blue-green. The leaf margins have soft serrated edges that are highly variable.

Indian Hawthorn is easily kept less than 3 feet tall in the landscape. The shrub tolerates pruning especially well, but always wait to shape it after the bloom period in the spring.

Plant Indian Hawthorn in full sun to partial shade conditions. It prefers a consistently moist but well-drained landscape bed. To help ensure adequate drainage, plant the crown 1 or 2 inches above the soil level for the best landscape performance.

While most Indian Hawthorns are small landscape shrubs in the 3-foot range, there is a bigger selection I’m really excited about. Rosalinda Indian Hawthorn is promoted through the Southern Living Plant Collection. It is a large plant that can grow up to about 15 feet if left unpruned.

Selections I have seen have been trained as tree forms, and the bright pink flowers are a welcome sight in the late spring and early summer. Rosalinda is a little more sensitive to cold winter temperatures. It is hardy in zones 8 through 10, so this is better suited to the lower half of Mississippi.

Source: COMPILED BY - FCNews Staff Reporter & COMPOSITION EDITOR - Dr. Gary R. Bachman, MSU Horticulturist - Coastal Research & Extension Center

[EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. Gary Bachman is an associate Extension Research Professor of Horticulture at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi. Locate Southern Gardening columns and television and radio programs on the Internet at http://msucares.com/news/.]

Southwest Mississippi Community College Announces March 22nd - Art Series Event

SUMMIT, MS - As part of its Alpha Company, the Ballet Magnificat!, a touring Christian ballet troupe, is coming to Southwest Mississippi Community College Hurst Auditorium in the Fine Arts Building located on SMCC campus in Summit, Ms.  Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Ballet Magnificat! features dancers and teachers who share a vision to pursue excellence in the arts and will do so with their outstanding live ballet performance. 


This Christian based ballet performance will be presented as part of SMCC Foundation Community Arts Series Event at Southwest Mississippi Community College in Summit, MS. Ballet Magnificat!'s Alpha Company is currently touring ** Tara Drew's "The Arrival" and * Jiri Voborsky's "Ruth," combining the two works into one powerful night scheduled at SMCC's Hurst Auditorium in the Fine Arts Building on Thursday, March 22, 2012 with curtain time beginning promptly at 7:00PM

For tickets call 601-276-4809 or

Tickets are available at Holmes Stationers in Summit, Ms; Main Street Market in Woodville, Ms; Amite County Farm Bureau in Liberty, Ms; Dazzlin’ Dancewear in McComb, Ms; Frolic in Summit, Ms; Justin Stoll State Farm in Tylertown, Ms.  

Ticket price is $20.00 (twenty)

Ballet Magnificat! School of the Arts was established in 1989 and presently has 400 students enrolled. The Summer Dance Intensive and Teachers Workshop, which attracts dancers and teachers nationally and internationally, was first held that same year.  The School of the Arts fosters technical and spiritual training of dancers of all ages through specialized class instruction and workshops.


Ballet Magnificat! was founded in 1986 by Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux


Kathy Thibodeaux was born in Memphis, TN, but trained and has lived in Jackson, MS, most of her life. She went on to become one of the first contracted dancers for the Jackson Ballet Company (Ballet Mississippi), dancing as principal until 1986. 


Keith Thibodeaux is the former child entertainer best known as “Little Ricky” on the I Love Lucy television series and Johnny Paul on The Andy Griffith Show. He was a drummer for the rock band David and the Giants which later became a groundbreaking Christian rock band, with Keith becoming a Christian in 1974. 


Keith and Kathy married in October 1976, and together live out the mission that God put before them. 

Kathy stepped into the spotlight of the international dance world in 1982, winning a silver medal at the II USA International Ballet Competition which rotates between Russia, Finland, Bulgaria, and Jackson, MS. For the third contemporary round in that competition, against the advice of many, Kathy chose to express her faith in a dance to Sandi Patty’s We Shall Behold Him, 
a song written by Dottie Rambo. 

Longing to see the art of dance restored to the church for the glory and honor of Jesus Christ, in 1986, Keith and Kathy founded the Ballet Magnificat! Tour Company. Kathy had a vision for something totally unheard of – a touring Christian ballet troupe that would dance to the glory of God. She envisioned Christian dancers coming together for the purpose of glorifying God in dance. In addition to bringing people into worship, Kathy wanted the group to be an outreach ministry in which dancers would share the love of Jesus with their audiences. 


With space donated by Belhaven College, and the help of Kathy’s friend and choreographer Gregory Smith, the fledgling company - the world’s first professional Christian ballet company - was soon dancing and touring across the country. 


Since its start in 1986, the company has attracted dancers from professional companies around the world and now also from within Ballet Magnificat’s own professional training program. 

In 1989, the ministry opened a School of the Arts which offers dance classes to area students ages 3 through adult. The school’s student companies – Magnificat! Youth Ballet and MiniMag! – are frequent guests as local nursing homes, schools, and churches. That same year, the Summer Dance Intensive and Teachers Workshop were started, and now brings hundreds of students annually from around the world to Jackson, MS, for a unique technical and spiritual experience. 


Keith, who had been touring with bands for most of their marriage, left the world of music and, in 1991, joined Kathy and Ballet Magnificat! He started as the “all-purpose worker”, doing whatever was necessary to help, from driving the bus to operating light and sound equipment to office work. Over time his responsibilities grew and, in 1993, Keith became the Executive Director of Ballet Magnificat! and walks side-by-side with Kathy as they follow God’s call on their lives.

In 1994, Ballet Magnificat! started the Dance Program at Belhaven University, providing curriculum, faculty, and facilities to this program that has now grown into a full Dance Major, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD).


The Pre-Professional Training Program began in 1996 with three dancers, and today has grown to two levels with approximately 40 dancers. This Trainee Program feeds dancers into the touring companies who are trained in the Ballet Magnificat! style, but also trains young people for work in other ministries such as the Ballet Magnificat! G.O. Program. The Trainee Program is recognized by the U. S. Immigration Service as a vocational school and yearly draws students from across the U.S. and many foreign countries. 


In 2004, a second touring company was added, Ballet Magnificat! Omega. This company tours the United States with its thought-provoking and ministering repertoire. Since its formation, Omega has been breaking ground in Europe each spring with performances in sold out theaters in Paris, Macedonia, Germany, Czech Republic and Italy, to name just a few. 


In August 2011, the Global Operations (G.O.) ministry was started to fulfill the Great Commission as stated in Mark 16:15, with the first dance ministers going to Honduras to start dance schools and dance in the churches and communities of two Honduran cities. 

Keith and Kathy have said "As the international field expands for both the Alpha and Omega companies, the G.O. program, and a European summer dance intensive, plus tours across the U.S. increase in number, our heart's desire is to be in that place where we can be of most service to further His Kingdom. We would like to thank those individuals who now, and in the past, have given their energies, talents, and financial gifts to make a difference here at Ballet Magnificat!."  Also,  "We are grateful to be a part of the body of Christ, and we pray that God will use our ministry to be a blessing to you."

* RUTH - A Ballet by Jiri Sebastian Voborsky - RUTH, a rich, captivating production showcases the technical strengths of Ballet Magnificat! Alpha. The elaborate lighting, sets, scenery and colorful costuming highlight a ballet that depicts the human experiences of loss, loneliness, love and ultimately hope. 


Set in Spain and America in the early 1900s, choreographer Jiri Sebastian Voborsky puts a contemporary spin on this Biblical story of tragedy and redemption. Naomi and daughter-in-law, Ruth, are bound together by their shared grief. The two women sail for America, Naomi’s home, to begin a new life. Upon arrival, Ruth is denied entrance. Boaz redeems the situation by purchasing Ruth’s citizenship in the New World. This parallels the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our salvation.


** THE ARRIVAL - Choreography by Tara Thibodeaux Drew - THE ARRIVAL challenges the artists to deliver a performance filled with unique style, high energy, and deep-felt passion. It awakens anticipation in the hearts of the viewers for the return of Jesus Christ. The dancers celebrate the Lord, long for His presence and the glories of heaven, aim to take a stand, and persevere through and for the call of urgency for believers – all to the music of Phil Wickham and Kristene Mueller, 

The beautiful pas de deux to Homeward Bound danced by Kathy Thibodeaux and John Vandervelde urges believers to run the race well and be in anticipation of the Lord’s arrival. This choreography marks the first work Tara, daughter of Keith and Kathy Thibodeaux, has set on Ballet Magnificat!




Source: FCNews Staff; News Release/Calendar of Events - Ballet Magnificat!; SWMCC Staff
2-28-2012

Social Media Buy, Sell or Trade Pages are Truly All-in-One Pages

ROXIE - Are you looking for an item to buy, sell or trade an item ?  In this new world of computers, Internet and social media sites such as  Facebook, the buy, sell or trade market has taken on a whole new look.  Everyday people have created Internet pages or groups that allow a person to list their item or items for sale, wanted to buy or willing to trade.  You can post your item with description, price, picture and contact information.  Some pages are closed membership in which you have to be accepted for membership (approved by page administrator). These page also have other rules for membership and listing items.  Some pages are open to the public. Once on the page, anyone can join (like) or not join (like) then post directly to the page. Most pages allow for comments on item posted or questions that are not listed when a person 'post' the item.  Some are community pages rather than groups. These all-in-one market  and meeting places allow individuals as well as organizations, groups, clubs, and others to promote their wares all within a local community setting or grouping. 

We have discovered 6 such pages and they are as follows: 


Franklin County Buy, Sell or Trade
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-County-Buy-Sell-or-Trade/270283773011709?sk=wall


Adams County Buy, Sell or Trade
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adams-County-Buy-Sell-or-Trade/293792080676334?sk=wall


Pike County Buy, Sell or Trade
https://www.facebook.com/groups/197821316944438/


Southern Ms Swap Shop
https://www.facebook.com/groups/southernmsswapshop/


Roxie/ Crosby/ Gloster/ sell, buy, and swap group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/roxie.crosby.gloster.andsurroundingareas/


Tri Parish Advertising,Buy,Sell,Trade
https://www.facebook.com/groups/tangiadvbuyselltrade/

Most of the listed pages above  require that you personally have a Facebook page to visit their site.  Now the opportunity to list your items to buy, sell, trade, barter or want to buy is unlimited as the 'everyday' entrepreneur has taking advantage of 'socialnomics' which combines social media with economics. 




Source: Roxie Media News (2-26-2012) & FCNews Staff 

New venue for 2012 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions Sets Record

A new venue for the Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions helped push the sale to a new record, almost $300,000. There was also a record number of scholarships given and a record number of livestock exhibitors took part in this year's competition. 


Farmweek's Amy Taylor reports.  See Video 

Contact Information
Contact 4-H and FFA if you're interested in junior livestock show circuit.


Writer: Linda Breazeale
Released: Jan. 20, 2011
Contact: Bonnie Carew, (662) 325-1321


News Release - New venue for 2012 Dixie National Sale of Junior Champions, Farmweek, February 24, 2012

Natchez Mississippi Native Begins Fun New Career

FERRIDAY, LA -  Mr. Wells Middleton, a 22 year old Natchez, Ms native who is a Class of 2009 Graduate from Trinity Episcopal  Day School, began his new career as a sales representative at Lakeside Ford last week.  Lakeside Ford, Inc. is an authorize Ford Dealer  located at 6074 Hwy 84 East in Ferriday, La. 

Wells said of his new career "it is a pleasure to come to work. The sales crew has such a good time each day.  We assist a lot of customers because Lakeside sells a lot of new and previously owned cars and trucks. The hours go by very fast and you don't realize how late it is until you are finished and ready to go home.  It was very exciting to be able to sell 4 cars my first week."  Wells also said "I appreciate the opportunity the management has given me and this is a fun job." 

Wells Middleton can be reached by calling 1-800-341-4247 or 1-318-757-3691 during Lakeside Ford's business hours which are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 7:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. Closed on Sunday.  


In addition to previously owned vehicles, Lakeside Ford, Inc., offers new Ford Cars, Trucks, SUVs and Crossovers. Their inventory of 2011 and 2012 Fords, includes the E-Series Cargo Van, E-Series Wagon, Edge, Escape, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, Fiesta, Flex, Focus, Focus Sedan, Fusion, Medium Duty Truck, Mustang, Ranger, Taurus, and Transit Connect vehicles. 




Source: FCNews Staff writer

Members of the Community & School Groups Invited to MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's Open House

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Registration is now open to school groups for the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s annual open house, to be held April 13 and 14.


The open house will take place both days between 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Wise Center, located on the south side of campus off Spring Street in Starkville. The April 13th program is for pre-registered school groups, and the April 14th program is open to anyone in the community. School groups can register for this free event by contacting Brandi Van Ormer at (662) 325-0465.


Attendees will enjoy a petting zoo, animal shows, an up-close look at a cow’s digestive system, a lesson on microchip scanning, a view of the animal hospital and classrooms, and veterinary displays and demonstrations. Children can bring in their “injured” stuffed animals for repair as part of the Teddy Bear Suture program.


Older students will have the opportunity to talk to CVM students and faculty about veterinary careers and ask questions about the admissions process, course work and the field of veterinary medicine.


Writer: Karen Templeton


Feb. 24, 2012
Contact: Brandi Van Ormer, (662) 325-0465


Source: News Release Office of Agricultural Communications 

MSU Sets Training Dates for Farmers’ Market Vendors Certification

MISSISSIPPI STATE – The General Food Safety Training and Acidified Canned Foods Training for farmers’ market vendors will be held March 13 in Pontotoc, March 15 in Gulfport and March 20 in Brookhaven.


Canning salsa, pickles and other acidified foods for sale in Mississippi-certified farmers’ markets requires special training and certification. The General Food Safety Training will address food handling, hygiene, fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and temperature of sampled foods. The Acidified Canned Foods Training covers state and federal food processing regulations, facility requirements, sanitation, principles of thermal processing and the microbiology of acidified foods.


The one-day training is hosted by Mississippi State University’s Department of Food Science, Nutrition and Health Promotion and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.


In Pontotoc, registered participants will meet at the Pontotoc County Extension office. In Gulfport, the workshop will be held at the Harrison County Extension office. In Brookhaven, the workshop will be held at the Chamber of Commerce.


Sign-in begins at 8 a.m. The General Farmer’s Market Food Safety Training is from 8:15 to 9:45 a.m. This training is free of charge, but registration is required.


The Acidified Canned Foods Training is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must register and pay the $100 fee at least one week before the training. The fee includes materials, a certificate, refreshments and lunch.

Participants may bring samples of their products for free preliminary pH testing. They also can bring their recipes for free and confidential product development assistance.


Individuals who complete the entire training and receive a satisfactory score on the exam will be certified to process and sell acidified canned foods in Mississippi-certified farmers’ markets. This certification does not permit these products to be sold in other retail locations or shipped out of state.


To register, go to http://www.fsnhp.msstate.edu/farmersmarkettraining. For more information, contact Dr. Anna Hood at (662) 325-8056 or annah@ext.msstate.edu.


These trainings are supported by MSU’s Extension Service, the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program.


Writer: Keri Collins Lewis
Feb. 23, 2012
Contact: Dr. Anna Hood, (662) 325-8056


Source:  News Release Office of Agricultural Communications
MSU sets training for farmers’ market vendors (02-23-2012)

Franklin County Ms News: EPA Gives Final Approval for E-15 Gas -

Franklin County Ms News: EPA Gives Final Approval for E-15 Gas -: FARMWEEK: The Environmental Protection Agency has given its final approval for "E-15" to be made and sold in the United States. The fuel i...

EPA Gives Final Approval for E-15 Gas -

FARMWEEK:   The Environmental Protection Agency has given its final approval for "E-15" to be made and sold in the United States. The fuel is approved for use in 2001 model cars to the present. This reportedly makes up 70% of all vehicles on U.S. roads. Farmweek's Amy Taylor reports in this Farmweek Video (click here to view)  As reported, Ms. Taylor said "a driver can save 10 - 12 cents per gallon" when using the newly approved E-15 gas. 

Source: News Video Release MSU Office of Agricultural Communications
Farmweek Video 

MSU is Taking Applications for Rural Medical Scholars

MISSISSIPPI STATE – Mississippi high school juniors considering medical careers in their home state have the opportunity to take part in an intense summer program at Mississippi State University.

The five-week Rural Medical Scholars summer program at MSU aims to identify the state’s future primary care doctors and help them become members of the medical school class of 2021.

“Mississippi continues to have the lowest number of physicians per capita in the nation,” said Bonnie Carew, rural health program leader for MSU’s Extension Service. “Clearly, this limits the state’s residents to access for care and contributes to many of the negative health issues plaguing the state.” Carew said the concern for adequate health care increases with a declining number of rural physicians. 

A goal of the program is to develop a pipeline of future medical providers. “The program is clearly meeting the need it was designed to accomplish -- increasing the availability of primary care physicians and health care services throughout rural Mississippi,” she said. “To date, 256 students have participated in the RMS program, with most planning health-related careers. Twenty-four of our graduates went on to medical school and 17 of those are practicing physicians today.” The program is supported with funds from MSU, the Office of Rural Health at the Mississippi State Department of Health, and the Mississippi Area Health Education Center. Twenty students, between their junior and senior years, with an ACT composite score of at least 25 will take two pre-med courses on the Starkville campus -- biology and pre-calculus -- and observe doctors at practice from May 30 until July 2.

The selected scholars will receive tuition, housing and textbooks during the program. A $60 registration fee is required after acceptance and the scholars will be responsible for their food expenses. Applications must be submitted by March 21. Applications and program details are available online at http://www.RMS.msucares.com.

Writer: Linda Breazeale

Released: Jan. 20, 2011

Contact: Bonnie Carew, (662) 325-1321

Source: News Release MSU Office of Agricultural Communications

MSU is taking applications for Rural Medical Scholars (01-20-2012)

Summit to Focus on Furniture Production

STARKVILLE -- A March 21 summit at Mississippi State University will feature the latest news in furniture manufacturing and government regulations.

Speakers at the conference include Jerry Epperson, managing director of Mann, Armistead, and Epperson Ltd.; Bruce Cochrane, owner of Lincolnton Furniture; and Wyatt Bassett, president of Vaughan-Bassett Furniture.

Topics will include recent changes in China and their effect on domestic furniture production, opportunities for a resurgence of manufacturing in America, and regulations impacting furniture production. Attending Manufacturing the Future: Strategies for Success in Furniture costs $99.00 for AHFA members and $139.00 for non-AFHA members. To register for the conference, visit https://www.ahfa.us/registration/mfgsummitregform.html.

The summit will be held at the Franklin Furniture Institute at MSU. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The conference will be from 8:50 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The fee includes materials, refreshments and lunch.

For more information on the summit, contact Patricia West at pwest@ahfa.us or (336) 884-5000, ext. 1000 or Amy Garrard at agarrard@cfr.msstate.edu or (662) 325-8453.

The event is sponsored by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, MSU’s Franklin Furniture Institute and the Mississippi Manufacturers Association.

Writer: Karen Brasher

Released Feb. 24, 2012
Contact: Amy Garrard, (662) 325-8453

Source: News Release MSU Office of Agricultural Communications
Summit to Focus on Furniture Production (02-24-2012)

Franklin County Dixie Youth League T-Ball Registration Deadline is March 2nd

Franklin County Dixie Youth League T-Ball Registration remains open until March 2nd.  Forms have been distributed at the Franklin County Elementary School. However, you may also pick up and complete the form at your local  Farm Bureau office in Meadville, Ms - phone number is 601-384-2820. NO try-outs for T-Ball participates. 


Coach Pitch - 7-8 yr old's Registration is being held today - Saturday Feb 25 at 1:00 pm 

8 yr old Tryouts 

Mon - Feb 27  & Tues Feb 28 

7 yr old Tryouts 

Thurs Mar 1 & Fri Mar 2 

The tryout/training camp will be held at the League Baseball Field and is also used for teaching baseball fundamentals and to assist coaching staff in drafting of their teams. Times for tryout/training camp is 4:30 for each session


Fees are due at registration and are as follows:  $75 for one player, $130 for two players per family and $150 for three or more players per family.

( Remember: ALL Activities are held at the League Baseball Field)

To check other Dixie Youth League News that was reported by FCNews staff  click here

"Support the Effort"

Franklin County Volunteer Fire Department Annual Bull Bash Fundraiser Set

The Franklin County District 5 Volunteer Fire Department Annual Bull Bash Fundraiser  is scheduled for March 2nd & 3rd at the Ethel Vance Park, 4124 Highway 24 West, (click here for map) in Liberty, Ms.  The Annual Fundraiser is going to feature Clown Extraordinaire, Mr Rudy Burns. The gates will open at 6:00 with the Bull Bash scheduled to begin at 8:00  The Bull Bash is a favorite of the old and young alike and is presented by Dunaway Food Services,  a local food service company established in 1979, as an area Burger King Franchise.  Come support your local bull riders and your District 5 Volunteer Fire Department.  Join Rudy Burns and all the 'Bull Bashers' in a fun filled afternoon. 

Rodeo clown Rudy Burns at the Rodeo of the Ozarks on July 3, 2011

by: FCNews Staff Reporter

Local Future Farmers of America Students to Attend Legislative Breakfast

This is Future Farmers of America Week.  The Mississippi State Legislation,  FFA Sponsors, FFA Members and State FFA Advisors will  share sponsored  6:30 AM breakfast on Tuesday, February 21st at the State Capitol.  Over  670 FFA members from throughout the State will fill the seats.  The Franklin County Local FFA Chapter from Franklin County High School will attend and be represented by  Tyler Rushing, Raigen Smallwood, Tucker Whittington, Zane Terrell, Kayla Dier, Tom Conn and Agricultural Sciences Instructor  Mr.Bill Harvison. 

The Mississippi State Future Farmers of America has planned a full week with activities each day.  Some of the activies  listed are as follows:

Monday 

4:00 pm:  MS FFA Officer Team Introduced on MS Senate Floor

Harrison Lang Speaking 

Watch Live: mms://av.ls.ms.gov/senate 

Tuesday

6:30 am:  MS FFA Legislative and Sponsors Breakfast! 

Throughout day: Ag in the Classroom Programs at Richland Upper Elementary 

10:00 am**tentative: MS FFA Officer Team Introduced in House of Represenatives 

Harrison Lang Speaking 

Watch Live: mms://av.ls.ms.gov/senate

Wednesday

Chapter Visit: Newton County 

Chapter Visit: Clarkdale

Chapter Visit: West Lauderdale

Tour of Weyerhaeuser

Cahpter Visit: Leake Central 

Tour of Local Poultry Farm 

Thursday 

Chapter Visit: Starkville Millsaps

Chapter Visit: Nettleton 

12:00 pm- WTVA Interview about FFA

Watch on WTVA Channel 9 in North Mississippi 

Chapter Visit: Mantachie

Chapter Visit: South Panola

Friday 

Chapter Visit: Potts Camp

Chapter Visit: Byhalia

You may get more information about the Mississippi State FFA activies by clicking here. 

"Support the Effort" 

By: FCNews Staff 

How Many Twins Do You Know in Franklin County was the Question !

Late Wednesday afternoon on February 15th,  Ms. Betty Bonds posted a question on her Facebook wall page.

Betty ask of her friends ...  "How many sets of twins do you know in Franklin or related to us in Franklin County?" ... then she added ... "I started a list and wish you all would throw in names for me."   

Was she in for a surprise Thursday afternoon when she checked the answers to her question. She had over 61 comments to her question.   

After seeing the response, Betty then comment in her next post by saying "Day 2 - If you know of twins in FC, add to the list from post yesterday. May have it (list) added to record someday. Maybe we should be listing the MOMS and DADS who raised twins, that is where the joy. love, happiness funny events, many sleepless nights, illness, crying babies, all through them leaving home really happens in our life. Loved having twins myself. Franklin County may have some multi-seed fertilizer." 

Here is the list compiled from her original question.  There may be more and you may add in the comment section of someone you may know.  Enjoy the list ...

1. Susan and Lee Ann Hollingsworth 
2. Kay and Carol Humphrey 
3. The Romaro Twins 
4. Linda Tanner has twin Grandaughters 
5. Kevin Cotton  Twin Boys
6. Frankie and Johnnie King 
7. Will and Warren Walker
8. Brandy and Brittany Mitchell 
9. Jennifer and Janna Bonds
10. Ollie and Odie Brown
11. Louie and Lonnie Farr
12. Kirby and Luther Bonds
13. Derrick and Christie Bonds Twins
14. Brooke and Brittany (Alice Storey Gill)
15. Gertrude Storey was a twin. 
16. Faye and Gaye Lee 
17. Samantha Wilkinson has twin girls due soon. 
18. Jack Evans - Twins Sedrick and Kedrick Covington 
19. Hogan and Hannah Watts 
20. Logan and Lauren Aldridge 
21. Burt and Lindsey Smith
22. Allie and Conner Davis 
23. Myrtle Watson Ezell was a twin 
24. Eddie Louis and Louis Eddie Brown 
25. Jake Cupit - Twin Boys 
26. Jessica and Justin Martin 
27. Bill and Randy 
28. Mickey and Page Goff - Twin Boys 
29. Maye Wentworth and Faye 
30. Ruth and Rufus Carlock 
31. Harvey Prather and  Harmon Prather  
32. Robert Filbert & Eleanor Filbert (Bayless)
33. Cindy and Wendy Smith 
34. Sid and Les Larkin  
35. Mona and Peggy Harrigill 
36. Mike & Diane Zumbro
37. Jane & Janet Dulin
38. Dora and Dorothy Smith 
39. Yvonne & Yvette Frith 
40. David and Daniel McDanial (Click and Clack) 
41. Horace and Morris Foster 
42. Kay and Carol Humphrey
43. Justin and Dustin McFarland 
44. Kevin and Chandra Chaney
45. Brandon and Kennon Holford 
46. Janet Halford has 2 sets of twins 
47. Pernell Twin Girls 
48. Pernell Twin Boys 
49. Antonio and Anthony Green (last name ?)
50. Norman Twin Boys
51. Jakayla and Jakory Brown
52. Jaden and Jaylen Hunt 
53. Dan and Lashaun Griffith 
54. Prentiss and Clarence Dillon 
55. Marilyn and Carolyn Cothren 
56. David and Josie 
57. Bessie Mae and Anna Faye McFarland
58. Fiorelllo Twins
59. Paul and Paula Filbert 
60. Sis and Son McMillan
61. Patti Davis Twins
62. Dusty Hutto Twins 
63. Becky Burrow Twins
64. Christina and Catherine Wilkinson
65. Josh Springs Twins 
66. Bridget and Gidget Horn
67. Shirley Ikerd Twin Grandsons
68. Cole and Caleb Welch

S & D Ranch Announces March Spring Break Horse Riding Camp

S & D Ranch and Farrier Service announces its five day Spring Break Horse Riding Camp to be held from March 12th - 16th beginning at 8:00AM  till 3:00 PM at its Watson Rd location in Wesson, Ms.  The camp is designed for boys and girls ages 4-16 years of age with plenty of individual supervision for all.  The cost is $300.00 per camper.  S & D Ranch provides the horses plus gear and each camper will be given horseback riding lessons, learn horsemanship skills, participate in many arts/crafts and create lots of new friendships. The Staff at S & D is family oriented with a strong Christian environment.  Deadline for camp deposits is February 20th and the cost per camper is $ 300 (three hundred dollars) Camp registration packets are available now but will close when all spots are filled.  You may contact Camp Director Stacy White at 601-695-1586 or 601-669-1794 or via email at swhite4123@yahoo.com or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/S-D-Ranch-Farrier-Services/134861049899552?sk=info for information about the camp or other horse related services.  


S & D Ranch is open seven days a week from Mon - Sat 7:00 AM till 10:00 PM and Sun 1:00 PM till 10:00 PM.  Also, S & D Ranch provides honest, reliable and professional Farrier Services in addition to private riding lessons, horse breaking/training, horse tune-ups,  and colt starter training.  S & D Ranch also buys and sells well trained, good, sound and quality bloodline horses for the new rider as well as to the skilled rider.  The Staff at S & D Ranch welcomes the opportunity to help with all your equestrian needs. Call  Stacy today! 601 695 1586  or 601 669 1794 or swhite4123@yahoo.com

"Support the Effort"

by FCNews Staff 

House Bill 557 Would Require Drug Testing of TANF Applicants & Recipients

Mississippi House District 97 Representative, Mr. Sam C Mims has introduced House Bill 557 during the 2012 Regular Session.   The description as introduced would require TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) applicants and recipients to take a drug test as a condition of receiving benefits.  The General Bill and State Constitutional Amendment is currently active.  The bill requires no additional revenue but requires a majority vote to pass.  The effective date of the bill would be July 1, 2012.  The bill is currently referred to the Public Health and Human Services Committee for discussion. 

Additional information can be seen by clicking on the following links:

The Public Health and Human Services House Committee http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2012/pdf/House_cmtes/PH.xml  

See other bills introduced by House Representative Mims

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2012/pdf/House_authors/Mims.xml

The Code Section 

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2012/pdf/code_sections/043/00170005.xml 

PDF text version of the bill  

http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2012/pdf/HB/0500-0599/HB0557IN.pdf 

The Title is as Follows: AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT APPLICANTS FOR AND RECIPIENTS OF TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE TO NEEDY FAMILIES (TANF) BENEFITS SHALL BE REQUIRED TO TAKE A DRUG TEST TO DETERMINE THEIR ELIGIBILITY TO RECEIVE OR CONTINUE RECEIVING THE BENEFITS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE DRUG TEST SHALL BE TAKEN AT THE TIME OF OR AFTER APPLICATION FOR TANF BENEFITS AND ONCE EACH YEAR WHILE THE RECIPIENT IS RECEIVING TANF BENEFITS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE COST OF THE DRUG TEST IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PERSON WHO IS TESTED; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO TESTS POSITIVE FOR A DRUG IN A DRUG TEST CONDUCTED UNDER THIS ACT IS INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TANF BENEFITS FOR ONE YEAR AFTER THE DATE OF THE POSITIVE DRUG TEST, UNLESS THE PERSON MEETS CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PERSON TESTS POSITIVE FOR A DRUG AGAIN, HE OR SHE IS INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE TANF BENEFITS FOR THREE YEARS AFTER THE DATE OF THE SECOND POSITIVE DRUG TEST, UNLESS THE PERSON MEETS CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS; TO PROVIDE FOR NOTICE OF THE DRUG TESTING REQUIREMENT TO EACH APPLICANT FOR TANF BENEFITS AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION, AND TO EACH RECIPIENT OF TANF BENEFITS ONCE EACH YEAR WHILE THE RECIPIENT IS RECEIVING BENEFITS; TO PROVIDE THAT THE NOTICE MUST ADVISE THE PERSON THAT A DRUG TEST WILL BE CONDUCTED AS A CONDITION OF RECEIVING OR CONTINUING TO RECEIVE TANF BENEFITS, AND THAT THE PERSON MUST BEAR THE COST OF THE TEST; TO PROVIDE THAT IF THE PERSON TESTS NEGATIVE FOR A DRUG, THE AMOUNT OF THE INITIAL TANF BENEFIT OR THE TANF BENEFIT FOR THE NEXT MONTH SHALL BE INCREASED BY THE AMOUNT PAID BY THE PERSON FOR THE DRUG TEST; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO TESTS POSITIVE FOR A DRUG AND IS DEEMED INELIGIBLE FOR TANF BENEFITS AS A RESULT MAY REAPPLY FOR THOSE BENEFITS AFTER SIX MONTHS IF THE PERSON CAN DOCUMENT THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF A SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROGRAM OFFERED BY A LICENSED SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PROVIDER THAT IS APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES; TO PROVIDE THAT IF A PARENT OR CARETAKER RELATIVE IS DEEMED INELIGIBLE FOR TANF BENEFITS AS A RESULT OF FAILING A DRUG TEST CONDUCTED UNDER THIS ACT, THE DEPENDENT CHILD'S ELIGIBILITY FOR TANF BENEFITS IS NOT AFFECTED AND AN APPROPRIATE PROTECTIVE PAYEE SHALL BE DESIGNATED TO RECEIVE TANF BENEFITS ON BEHALF OF THE CHILD; TO AMEND SECTION 43-17-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM TO THE PRECEDING PROVISIONS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Local Pharmacy Burglary Investigation Continues

Franklin County Sheriffs office reports the investigation into the recent burglary that took place Tuesday night, February 7th at King's Pharmacy is continuing.  Based on evidence the burglar(s) obtained entrance through the roof and took an undetermined amount of narcotics and other items.  Anyone having information about this burglary may contact the Sheriff's office directly at 601-384-2323.  Sheriffs office spokesperson said 'all calls with information are confidential and citizens assistance is always appreciated and very helpful'.

"Support the Effort" 

Reward Doubled for Information in Theft Investigation

Franklin County Sheriffs office has reported the reward for information in the recent logging equipment thefts has doubled.  It has been discovered the thefts may have occurred on late Sunday night - Jan 31st or early Monday morning - Feb 1st.   The following equipment was removed and considered stolen from three different locations in Franklin County

• A 1999 Black Kentwood Four Bolster Trailer.   The trailer was stolen from the old saw mill location in Roxie, Ms.  Owner of trailer is Smith Brothers Logging Inc of Roxie, Ms.
• A 1986 Yellow Nabors Low Boy Trailer.  The trailer was stolen from the parking lot next to the Health Dept Office in Bude, Ms.  Owner of trailer is Smith Brothers Logging Inc of Roxie, Ms
• Two  Logging Trailers stolen from parking lot of the Five Star Gas Station on Hwy 84 in Meadville, Ms. One trailer owner is Dale Dier and other trailer.owner is Brad Smith of Brookhaven, Ms.

Anyone having any information or any knowing about the current location of the above listed stolen equipment may contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 601-384-2323 

Reported 2/3/12

Franklin County News Blog Has Direct Link to the Weather Channel

You may get current local weather information by going to the main page of  Franklin County News Blog and clicking on the Franklin County Weather link in top right hand corner.  The Weather Channel offers hourly, daily or the next 36 hours of weather conditions.  You may also interact with radar showing your immediate area.









  

Severe Weather Across Franklin County Causes Concerns

Franklin County was alerted at about 6:45 PM Wednesday to a Severe Thunderstorm Alert that was upgraded by the National Weather Service to a Tornado Watch.  At 8:27 PM no damage had been reported to the Franklin County Sheriffs Office

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Issued at 8:14 PM

Expires at 9:00 PM Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Areas Affected: Bude, MS | Mc Call Creek, MS | Meadville, MS | Roxie, MS

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE JACKSON MS
812 PM CST WED FEB 15 2012

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN JACKSON HAS ISSUED A .......

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
  LINCOLN COUNTY IN SOUTH CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI...
  THIS INCLUDES THE CITY OF BROOKHAVEN...
  EASTERN FRANKLIN COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST MISSISSIPPI...

* UNTIL 900 PM CST

* AT 812 PM CST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE METEOROLOGISTS DETECTED A
  LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING DAMAGING WINDS IN
  EXCESS OF 60 MPH.  THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING
  FROM NEW HOPE TO BUDE TO 10 MILES SOUTHWEST OF BUDE MOVING EAST AT
  35 MPH.

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS WILL BE NEAR...
  LITTLE SPRINGS BY 825 PM CST...
  MCCALL CREEK BY 830 PM CST...
  LOYD STAR...CENTER POINT...WEST LINCOLN AND VAUGHN BY 840 PM CST...
  LOYD STAR BY 845 PM CST...
  BROOKHAVEN AND BOGUE CHITTO BY 850 PM CST...
  ENTERPRISE BY 855 PM CST...

Interactive Radar Picture from Fox 40
Source: Fox40 Weather                                                                                                                              

Franklin High School Annual Yearbook Purchase Deadline is March 1, 2012

The deadline to purchase the 2012 Bulldog Annual Yearbook is March 1, 2012.  Remember, Posters and other cool stuff can also be purchased.  


Any business or individual wishing to purchase an ad for the annual yearbook can do so by contacting Ms. Treva Reid at treid@fcsd.k12.ms.us   Grad Ads for Seniors are also being accepted for this years annual yearbook and Senior Grad Parents have received information in the mail. 


Annual yearbooks can be purchased at www.yearbookordercenter.com or you may call  1-866-287-3096 toll free.  Student name (or business name) and credit card required.  You may also order by cash or check by sending order to FHS office or contact the office at 601-384-2965 for more information. Remember the deadline is March 1, 2012. Effective February 1st the cost is $65.00 per annual yearbook. 

"Support the Effort"   

Source verified by ©2010 Herff Jones

Franklin County Lions Club Sets Date for 7th Annual Fundraising Golf Tourney

The Franklin County Lions Club has set Saturday, April 21, 2012 for its 7th Annual Fundraiser Golf Tournament.  Sponsorship teams of four (4) are invited to play.   Each four player sponsorship cost $300.00 (three hundred dollars) and it is a donation as part of this annual fundraiser used for the many worthy causes supported by the local Franklin County Lions Club.  The tourney begins with lunch being served to all participates at 11:00 AM and a set tee time beginning at 1:00 PM.  Hosting the tourney is the Middlefork Country Club (click here for info) located on Bunkley Road off hwy 894 west of Meadville, Ms.  For additional information contact  Mr. Jim Nix at 601-384-2679 or Middlefork Country Club at 601-384-5730


"Support the Effort" 

Learning Express Library Resources Provided by Franklin County Public Library

LearningExpressLibrary (click here) is one of the best kept secrets provided by the Franklin County Public Library.  This service is partially funded under the federal Library Services and Technology Act administered by the Mississippi Library Commission for the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Whatever your goal, Learning Express Library's resources will help you succeed. Each of our Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. 

Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you. 


LearningExpress Library's expanding list of eBooks has now grown to almost 200 career guides and study aides, each designed to help people prepare for high-stakes tests—to pass licensing, certification, and competitive entry-level exams, or to advance in school or in their careers. The following new eBooks are now available:



Academic Test Preparation
    Pre-GED Language Arts, 
    Writing
    Geometry Success in 20 Minutes a Day
College Admissions
    Write Your Way into College 
    College  Admissions Essay
Public Speaking
    Public Speaking Success in 20 Minutes a Day
Homeschooling
    Homeschooling FAQs
Workplace Skills and Career Tools
    Becoming a Culinary Arts Professional
    PRAXIS II: ParaPro Test Prep (0755 &1755)
    TOEIC Test Prep 

Visit the LearningExpressLibrary by clicking here for more information.  Learn about one of the the 'best kept secret' provided by Franklin County Public Library

Visit the listing of all the Learning Centers by clicking here.  


"Support the Effort"

Franklin County Public Library Open 6 Days A Week

The Franklin County Public Library is located at 38 First Street, Meadville, Ms.  In order to give excellent service the Public Library has very convenient hours.  Hours are: Monday and Wednesday 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM - Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 AM till 6:00 PM - Friday and Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon.  For further information you may call 601-384-2997 during business hours.