The Collins Rotary Club recently recognized Paul Harris Fellowship recipients (pictured from left) Melinda Lott, Danny Frank McDonald and Patricia Speed. This is a special honor for those Rotarians that chose to contribute to the Rotary Foundation and help international projects such as literacy, world hunger and other humanitarian efforts. Pictured (far right) with the recipients is the newly elected club president-elect Josh Clayton.
Laka Till was crowned Covington County’s 2020 Miss Hospitality Friday, February 14, 2020, by Covington County’s 2019 Miss Hospitality, Larsen Sanford, at the Covington County Chamber of Commerce in Collins.
She is a 2019 graduate of Seminary High School and currently attends Pearl River Community College as a Medical Assistant/Nursing major. She received the Hunter Atwood Memorial Award and the Citizenship Award. She was the top female archery shooter and was part of the 2018 Homecoming Court. She is the daughter of Chris and Shalinda Till.
Laka will take part in the 71st annual Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition July 17 and 18, 2020, in Hattiesburg. This program was established in 1949 under Governor Fielding Wright and the Mississippi Legislature. Throughout this time, the program has championed the state’s tourism and economic development sectors while supporting Mississippi’s best and brightest young women. Contestants are eligible for more than $100,000 in scholarships and prizes.
As Covington County’s Miss Hospitality, Laka will spend a week in Hattiesburg participating in the state competition and judging. Contestants will be judged on a one-on-one interview, panel interview, Mississippi speech competition, community commercial, and evening gown.
This will be the 35th year for the Covington County Chamber of Commerce to sponsor the Covington County Miss Hospitality Scholarship Program. On the local level, scholarships were provided by Jones College, William Carey University, the University of Southern Mississippi, and The News-Commercial. Laka was awarded a full-academic scholarship to Jones College and a cash scholarship from The News-Commercial.
Collins Police Department to participate in Crime Camera Program. Cameras will be used to monitor public streets 24/7
The City of Collins Police Department has received approval from the Collins City Board of Aldermen to proceed with participation in the NOLA National Crime Camera Program. The City Aldermen voted unanimously this Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at their regular board meeting to place cameras in high-crime areas to deter or help solve crimes.
This program is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals, associations and municipalities to place cost-subsidized High Definition Crime Cameras, Gunshot Detectors and License Plate Recognition Cameras in needed areas.
Project NOLA has helped significantly decrease violent crime by dramatically increasing police efficiency and community support.
The cameras will be placed on public streets and property in the City of Collins at the discretion of the Police Department. The cameras will be monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can detect sounds, such as gunshots.
“We are hoping to be able to prevent crimes with the use of these cameras and to be able to more efficiently investigate criminal activity,” said Joey Ponder, Chief of Police of the Collins Police Department. His plan is to have the cameras operational within the next few weeks.
Other cities participating in the program include Natchez and Hattiesburg. Businesses and residents can participate in this program. If you would like more information about the NOLA Program contact Chief Ponder at Collins Police Department at 601-765-6541.
Okatoma Festival date set for May 2
The Covington County Chamber of Commerce will host the 31st annual Okatoma Festival on Saturday, May 2, 2020.
The special guest for the day and Grand Marshal of the parade will be country recording artist John King.
A native of Georgia, King has made a name for himself with his debut radio single, “Tonight Tonight.” In addition to his success as an artist, he is earning recognition as a songwriter. His current single, “Try Saying Goodbye” has garnered more than 15 million streams and was named one of Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Country Songs. For more information on John King please visit www.johnkingcountry.com, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @johnkingcountry.
The event begins Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. with the annual 5K Run/Walk. Meanwhile, numerous arts and crafts booths and food vendors will be located at every corner in downtown Collins. Live entertainment, a health fair, quilt exhibit, art exhibit, children’s activities, fair rides, rubber duck race, and much more will be provided.
For more information about the festival and vendor booth information, contact the Covington County Chamber of Commerce at 601-765-6012 or go to www.CovingtonChamber.com.
Covington County Junior Livestock Show held January 17 and 18 in Collins
by Ellen Russell
Covington County ANR/ 4-H Agent
Covington County 4-H, FFA, and Junior Livestock held there County Livestock show on January 17 and 18, 2020. There was an outstanding amount of exhibitors and livestock at the show. We would like to give a huge thank you to all of our Sponsors that help support and take part in our County Show. Exhibitors will be moving on to the District livestock show and Dixie National, look for more information on how they did and district and state competition level.
Placing for the Hog Market show on January 17th:
Champion Duroc Market Hog: Jacob Russell
Reserve Champion Duroc Market Hog: Wyatt McCray
Champion Hampshire Market Hog: Jadyn Sanford
Champion Yorkshire Market Hog: Sadee Nicholson
Champion Crosses & Other Breeds Market Hog: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Reserve Champion Crosses & Other Breeds Market Hog: Britton Kirkland
Champion Spotted Market Hog: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Reserve Champion Spotted Market Hog: Gracie Leggett
Champion Hereford Market Hog: Gracie Leggett
Reserve Champion Hereford Market Hog: Rileigh McClure
Champion Chester Market Hog: Jayden Sanford
Reserve Champion Chester Market Hog: Tralyn Hanegan
Champion Bershire Market Hog: Sadee Nicholson
Reserve Champion Berkshire Market Hog: Michael Phillips
Champion Commercial Gilt Cross: Britton Kirkland
Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt Cross: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Champion Commercial Gilt Down Ear: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Reserve Champion Commercial Gilt Down Ear: Wyatt McCray
Overall Grand Champion Market Hog: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Overall Reserve Grand Champion Market Hog: Britton Kirkland
Overall Grand Champion Commercial Gilt Market Hog: Britton Kirkland
Overall Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Gilt Market Hog: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Placing for Market Steer Show January 18th:
Best of Show English & English Crosses Market Steer: Jadyn Sanford
Champion European & European Crosses Market Steer: Trent Kirkland
Reserve Champion European & European Crosses Market Steer: Jadyn Sandford
Overall Grand Champion Market Steer: Trent Kirkland
Overall Reserve Grand Champion Market Steer: Jadyn Sandford
Placing for Commercial Heifer Show January 18th:
Champion Brahman & Brahman Crosses: Rylee White
Reserve Champion Brahman & Braham Crosses: Jacob/Garrett McQueen
Champion English & English Crosses: Josef Lowery
Reserve Champion English & English Crosses: Sadee/Gunner/Gabe Dickens
Best in Show European & European Crosses: Wyatt McCray
Overall Grand Champion Commercial Heifer: Rylee White
Overall Reserve Grand Champion Commercial Heifer: Josef Lowery
Placings for Beef Breeding Show January 18th:
Champion Angus Heifer: Reagan/Weslee Odom
Reserve Champion Angus Heifer: Hagen Hinton
Champion Angus Bull: Hagen Hinton
Reserve Champion Angus Bull: Shelby Smith
Champion Beefmaster Heifer: Hailey Hamilton
Reserve Champion Beefmaster Heifer: Hailey Hamilton
Champion Brahman Heifer: Abigayle Rogers Case
Reserve Champion Brahman Heifer: Abigayle Rogers Case
Champion Brahman Bull: John Carter Dennis
Reserve Champion Brahman Bull: Abigayle Rogers Case
Best of Show Brangus Heifer: Wyatt McCray
Champion Hereford Heifer: Sadee/Gunner/Gabe Dickens
Reserve Champion Hereford Heifer: Josef Lowery
Champion Simbrah Heifer: Tatum Madden
Reserve Champion Simbrah Heifer: Tatum Madden
Champion Simmental Heifer: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Reserve Champion Simmental Heifer: Paige Ellzey
Champion Percentage Simmental Heifer: Tatum Madden
Reserve Champion Percentage Simmental Heifer: Paige Ellzey
Champion Percentage Simmental Bull: Jacob/Garrett McQueen
Reserve Champion Percentage Simmental Bull: Weslee Odom
Champion Red Angus Heifer: Sadee/Gunner/Gabe Dickens
Reserve Champion Red Angus Heifer: Wyatt McCray
Grand Champion All Breeds Heifer: Tatum Madden
Reserve Grand Champion All Breeds Heifer: Tucker/Mary Bradley Woods
Grand Champion All Breeds Bull: Hagen Hinton
Reserve Grand Champion All Breeds Bull: Jacob/Garrett McQueen
City Officials attend MML Mid-Winter Conference
City Officials for Collins attended the 2020 Mississippi Municipal League Mid-Winter Conference on January 15, 2020.
The Mississippi Municipal League is the Official Non-Profit private organization of Cities and Towns of Mississippi. MML lobbies the state and federal legislatures, provides education for municipal elected officials, provides technical support, represents municipalities with public and private entities, and is a networking media for municipal members.
From left: Alderman Robert Thompson, City Clerk Suzette Davis,
Senator Joey Fillingane, Mayor Hope Jones, Alderman Lester Magee and Alderman Pro-Tem Bobby Mooney.
Fire Service Legislation Day
Collins Fire Chief John Pope visited the Mississippi State Capitol Thursday, January 23, 2020 for Fire Services Legislative Day, to meet with state leaders regarding issues of fire protection.
The Covington County Volunteer Homemakers Club were part of the school program “The Fourth Grade Meets the American Flag” on Thursday, January 23, 2020, at the Collins Elementary School.
The Main Street Merchants in the City of Collins will host “Christmas in Collins” on Main Street on Friday December 6, 2019 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. The event is designed to bring families out along Main Street to enjoy the Christmas season. There will be plenty of activities for children as well as shopping and dining throughout the evening. Everyone’s favorite downtown restaurants will be open.
A live nativity will be set up next to Annie B’s and everyone is invited to come see Santa Claus in the V.O. Smith Courtyard from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and have your picture made with Jolly Old St. Nick. There will be games, a train ride and jumpers.
Guests are invited to stroll Main Street and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Christmas season.
It’s Christmastime in Covington County
Collins, Mount Olive and Seminary are all getting ready for Christmas. The Collins Christmas Parade will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019, at 6:30 p.m. Mount Olive’s Parade will be held Friday, December 6, at 6:00 p.m. and Seminary’s Christmas Parade will be held Saturday, December 7, at 6:00 p.m.
CCH Recognized with 2019 Performance Leadership Award in Quality
In conjunction with National Rural Health Day on November 21, Covington County Hospital is announcing that it has been recognized by The Chartis Center of Rural Health and the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) for overall excellence in Quality. Based on the results of the Hospital Strength INDEX from iVantage Health Analytics, the Performance Leadership Awards reflect top quartile performance among all rural hospitals in the United States in either Quality, Outcomes or Patient Perspective.
“It is a real honor to receive this recognition for the quality of care we provide,” said Kathe Bryant, Director of Quality at Covington County Hospital. “We have worked very hard to improve in areas such as Emergency Department wait times, care of patients with chest pain, timely pain treatment for patients with long bone fractures and appropriate follow-up for colonoscopy patients. These are just a few of the many ways we work to provide quality care to all of our patients.”
The Hospital Strength INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Leveraging data from publicly available data sources, the INDEX aggregates data from 50 rural-relevant metrics across eight pillars of performance. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020, the INDEX serves as the data foundation for a number of industry-leading rural recognition programs and legislative initiatives.
“National Rural Health Day has come to symbolize not just the vital role healthcare providers play in rural communities, but the dedication and hard work that goes into overcoming the unique healthcare challenges that exist across rural America,” said Teryl Eisinger, Chief Executive Officer, NOSORH. “We are proud of the work of the State Offices of Rural Health, their partners and rural hospitals do to improve care across the nation.”
“Each year, National Rural Health Day serves as a terrific backdrop for celebrating the power of rural and recognizing rural providers who continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care within their communities,” said Michael Topchik, National Leader, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. “We are delighted to be recognizing these top quartile performers in partnership with NOSORH.”