News

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced an update on the safety improvement project on US 49 in Covington County.
The project encompasses US 49 southbound from the Forrest County Line to Mount Olive and will include the addition of shoulders and safe slopes throughout the 22 miles of roadway. The US 49 intersection with Kola Road in Collins will be signalized and improved, while all crossovers and local roads throughout the project will be analyzed to identify safety issues such as site distance and accident patterns.
Originally, MDOT had plans to close Fruitstand Road at Seminary. After review, it has been decided to temporarily restrict some of the access to Fruitstand Road, opposed to closing the intersection, for the duration of the project.
“We’re planning to purchase right of way outside of the construction project to relocate the intersections of Fruitstand Road and Kelly Creek Road at a safer point of intersection with US 49,” said District 7 Engineer Albert White. “Currently, we are working on the survey and design of the new location. We will update the public once the design is completed.”
District One Supervisor Sterling Craft said he was pleased with the adjustments made to the plans for the intersection which is in his district.
“It’s oing ot take a little time to complete,” Craft said, “but once it’s finished it’s going to be better in the long run.”
Craft complimented MDOT on hearing and addressing the concerns of the residents and Supervisors.
“They heard what we had to say, and worked with us to come up with a better plan,” he said.  “With the new plan, you’ll still have another exit and entrance to Seminary.”
The original concern was by closing Fruiststand Road it would cut down to only one entrance and exit to Seminary and bottleneck traffic getting into and out of town.
“I’m pleased with their plan,” said Craft, “it’s much safer and better.”

The Collins High School Class of 1966 held its 50-year reunion at Main Street Café.  The reunion was dedicated to legendary football coach, Jack Bailey.  Coach Bailey (right) was presented with a plaque of appreciation by Charles Pipkens (left).

The Covington County Hospital (CCH) staff and members of the community gathered last week to celebrate the hospital’s 65th anniversary.
“For 65 years this hospital has been a cornerstone in this community,” said Gregg Gibbes, CCH administrator.  “It’s a testament to the staff and your dedication hard work and service to others.”
Gibbes thanked the CCH Board of Trustees and the Covington County Board of Supervisors for their support.
“To give you an idea of the impact that Covington County Hospital has on our community, I’m going to give you a few statistics.  Our emergency room sees about 7,000 patients per year and our clinics see over 25,000 patients a year.  The economic impact this hospital has on this community is over $44 million per year. I’d like to thank all of you for the opportunity to lead this organization.”
The crowd heard from patients, employees and former adminstrators.
“Your fathers brought forth this hospital,” Patricia Moore told the crowd.
“They asked me to speak because I’m the dinosaur who’s been here the longest,” she laughed.
Moore explained that the hospital was opened in 1951 with 25 beds.
“They opened the hospital with the idea that all men deserve good, medical care at the least cost possible,” she said.
The hospital was expanded in 1956 to include an additional 19 beds bringing the total to 44 beds.  The third expansion came in 1972 when the hospital added 34 beds and a dietary department, nurses’ station, cafeteria and board room.
“Patients were offered room accomodations in private rooms, semi-private rooms and three-bed wards,” Moore explained.
Moore spoke of the legendary doctors, nurses and staff who walked the halls of the hospital.
“They are the pioneers who built this hospital,” she said.
Following Moore’s address, Irving Hitt a former hospital administrator spoke to the crowd.
“I worked at the hospital for about 25 years,” he said.  “The people here did a fantastic job and our group of doctors is as good of a group as you could find in a small community.  In fact our hospital is here because Dr. Crenshaw gave the property so a hospital could be built in Covington County.”
Each of the guest speakers praised the hospital staff and spoke of the excellent care provided by the hospital.  That was also true for Melissa Sanford Gilmore, a nurse and former patient of the hospital.  Gilmore told her story.  At 36 she experienced a heart attack, but mistaking it for an asthma attack, she drove to Covington County Hospital where she was treated and then transported to a larger facility.
“I’m humbled to be here today because of Covington County Hospital,” she said.  “I’m a strong believer in rural health because of my family.  Any time we needed to see the doctor or go to the hospital, we headed to Covington County Hospital.” Gilmore told of her ordeal and the care and compassion she received and still receives when she visits the hospital.
“I tell my own patients any time they have a problem to go on over to Covington County Hospital because they will take care of you,” she smiled.  “I honestly meant it when I said that I am humbled to be here because it if wasn’t for this hospital, I would not be here.”

Firemen with the Collins Fire Department are out painting and conducting routine fire hydrant maintenance.

Mississippi’s annual Sales Tax Holiday is set for this weekend. The 24-hour tax free event will begin on Friday, July 29, 2016, and end Saturday, July30.
The items exempt from sales tax during the Sales Tax Holiday are the same as previous years, according to the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Clothing and footwear meant to be worn next to the body and cost less than $100 per item are exempt from sales tax during this period. Items priced at $100 or more are subject to sales tax at the regular retail rate of 7 percent.
For example, a customer purchases two shirts at $50 each, a pair of slacks at $75 and a pair of shoes at $110. No sales tax is required on the sale of the two shirts and the slacks totaling $175, even though the combined cost is more than the $100 limit. However, tax is due on the entire $110 for the shoes since that single item exceeds the $100 limit.
Accessories like jewelry, handbags, wallets, watches, backpacks and similar items do not qualify for the Sales Tax Holiday. Cleats and items worn in conjunction with an athletic or recreational activity are also ineligible. School supplies and computers are not included.
For an official guide regarding the Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of eligible and non-eligible items, go to www.tax.ms.gov/secondsalestaxholiday.html.
With additional questions regarding the holiday, contact the State Department of Revenue at (601) 923-7015.

Covington County students will head back to class with the help of 11 new buses.
“We are so happy to have these new buses,” said Dr. Arnetta Crosby, Covington County School District Superintendent.  “Everyone knows that our school district was in desperate need of new buses.  The school board was very clear that they wanted to purchase new buses.”
The district purchased 10 regular school buses and one special education bus, according to Crosby.
“We had planned to purchase the new buses when one of our special education buses was involved in an accident and was totaled.  So we had to go ahead and purchase a new special education bus also,” said Crosby.
The school district was able to purchase the buses with help from the state, explained Crosby.
“They grouped us with several other districts who were in need of buses and were able to purchase a larger number of buses at a better price,” she said.
The total cost for the new buses was $886,300.  Crosby explained that the buses were purchased on a lease purchase agreement.
“We have an annual payment of $139,185.52 that will allow us to pay off two buses per year,” she said.
The lease is a seven-year lease, and Crosby noted that the district plans to continue the rotation and purchase two new buses per year.
“That annual payment is the cost of two buses so we will replace two buses each year.
The district has been in need of the new buses for several years, but because of a very tight budget, that has not been possible.
“Because of all the budget cuts, there were so many other immediate needs that had to be addressed before our bus situation,” said Crosby, “but it’s no secret that we received a citation during the accrediting process for the age of our buses.  Some were over 20 years old, and we had to do something.
“With this new lease agreement, we will finally be able to update our buses.”
Not only are the new buses more comfortable, they are also much safer according to Crosby.
“The buses are designed to minimalize injuries if they are involved in an accident,” she said.  “They are going to be much safer for our children.”
Currently, the district runs 56-58 buses per day.  They will pull 10 of the oldest buses out of service and replace them with the new buses.
“The ones we replace will be used as substitutes when they are needed,” said Crosby.

Covington County’s Miss Hospitality Leah Graves joins 27 contestants competing for the title of Miss Hospitality.
The 67th annual Miss Hospitality Pageant will be held July 22 and 23 at the Historic Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg.  Graves will leave for Hattiesburg on Sunday, July 17 and participate in a week of activities OKand competition leading up to the final two days of the pageant.
This year, as the Pageant celebrates 67 years of hospitality and grace, as Mississippi’s best and brightest young ladies take the stage to compete for the 2016 title – a title that comes with a ticket to travel thousands of miles promoting the state’s economic development and tourism programs.
Graves is a graduate of Seminary High School and currently attends William Carey University.  She is a member of Gamma Chi Sorority and is on the President’s List.  Graves is majoring in nursing and plans to attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
She is the daughter of Neil and Kristen Graves of Seminary.  She is the granddaughter of Rev. Jerry and Jackie McRaney of Collins and Lou Graves and the late Roy and Mary Graves of Collins.
Graves said she is looking forward to competing for the title.
“Excited is an understatement for how I feel,” she said.  “I have such peace as I go to represent Covington County.  I have done my part in preparation.  I just pray for whatever is God’s will to be done.”
She has worked tirelessly getting ready for the pageant.
“I have simply taken adavntage of every opportunity I have had to practice hospitality,” she said.  “I’ve spent time with our county’s children, traveled all over our state to experience tourist attractions for myself and learned fine, delicate details of my home.  I’ve also studied until the wee hours of the morning and stood to answer mock interview questions without fear.”
Naturally, Graves is looking forward to getting to Hattiesburg to compete.
“Although my favorite outfit is my destination costume, I’m just going and representing  my home which- is enough excitment for me,” she said.  “For all those who have helped me and supported me, I’m forever grateful to go and accomplish my goals.  It brings me so much joy.”
During the Pageant Week, contestants will explore Hattiesburg, attend social events, and participate in rehearsals and competitions, all leading up to the crowning of the 2016 Mississippi Miss Hospitality. Guests of this year’s pageant will experience a night filled with excitement throughout the production and discover why Miss Hospitality has been celebrated throughout the state since 1949.
Tickets to the 2016 Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant may be purchased by calling the Saenger Theater Box Office at 601.584.4888, or online at HattiesburgSaenger.com.
The Mississippi Miss Hospitality Pageant is a program of VISITHATTIESBURG™, is presented by VISITHATTIESBURG™ and the Mississippi Development Authority, in conjunction with Forrest General Hospital, The University of Southern Mississippi and the City of Hattiesburg. For more information about the Pageant, contact the State Pageant Office at 601.268.3220 or mshosp@hattiesburg.org.  Additional Pageant information can be found online at www.MissHospitality.com.

Covington County Nursing Center has identified a site in Collins to build its new multi-million dollar facility.  The nursing home is planning to build a new 60-bed facility that will cost an estimated $7 million.  The challenge has been locating a piece of property in the City of Collins that is large enough to house the facility and that would be approved by the State of Mississippi.
A piece of property located on Old Highway 49 just across from the entrance to the Duckworth Subdivision has been identified as a possible location according to Collins Mayor V.O. Smith.
City officials and nursing home officials met to discuss the property being proposed.
“They will be at our next board meeting where the Aldermen will decide whether or not to rezone the location as commercial,” said Smith.
The city’s next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 19.
Smith noted that officials with the nursing home and the architect in charge of the design for the new building met and walked off the property to see if the new structure would fit on the piece of property.  The building will measure about 45,000 square feet – significantly larger than the current facility.
“Originally they were hunting 10 acres of land in the city,” said Smith of the project.  “They found this piece of property that’s seven and a half acres and walked it off.  The architect said the building would fit on the piece of property.”
The current location is nearly 40 years old and is a 60-bed facility but with mostly semi-private rooms.  According to nursing home officials, most residents today are requesting private rooms.
Regional Care is a management company that runs nursing homes in Misssissippi, including Covington County Nursing Center.
David Flippin, president of Regional Care discussed plans with the Collins Board of Aldermen in 2014 to build a new facility, but a location had never been finalized.
Regional Care is a management company that runs 23 nursing homes in Misssissippi, including Covington County Nursing Center.
Smith said Covington County Nursing Center has served the area since the 1960s and that he and the board are excited about the possibility of its new building.
He said a facility of this size and type would be an economic benefit for the area.
“Anytime you’ve got homes like that here, it brings relatives into your city, and that’s what all cities want is traffic coming into the city. If you’ve got traffic, they’re going to spend dollars,” he said.

Collins Police Officers took part in a Domestic Violence course held last week at the Collins Train Depot.
The course was presented by Emiko Faust with Attorney General Jim Hood’s office.
The eight-hour class included instruction on laws pertaining to domestic violence, protection orders, strangulation and stalking. Additionally, the course covered information from case studies.
“It’s beneficial to law enforcement officers because domestic violence is one of the most common calls they respond to,” said Rachael Ring, Public Information Officer for the Attorney General’s Office. “Domestic violence laws are constantly changing and being updated and require certain actions from our law enforcement so it’s important to keep up with the laws as they change.”
Police Chief Joey Ponder noted the importance of officers having training in dealing with calls pertaining to domestic violence.
“Just about the majority of our calls are domestic violence calls,” he said. “It’s important for our officers to keep up to date on the laws and how to respond. These are dangerous calls.”

The Covington County Chamber of Commerce has named its new board members for the upcoming year.  Pictured from left are Janice Bryant, Chamber President; Jim Todd, Vice President; and Barbara Harris, Secretary.