Author Archives: Dean Wade

Future Stars Award Winners Showcase Talents With Symphony Thursday

Three winners of the William T. Gower Awards Competition will be featured as part of the University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Future Stars winners include, from left to right: Romina Monsanto, Pablo Sotomayor and Kathleen Westfall (Submitted photo).

Symphony Orchestra’s concert set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17 in Bennett Auditorium.

Showcasing exceptional student talent of the School of Music, this annual concert has become an audience favorite. The 2010-11 winners and “Future Stars” include Romina Monsanto of Venezuela; Pablo Sotomayor of Peru and Kathleen Westfall of New Orleans.

The three competition winners will perform the music that earned them distinction among their peers including Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor featuring pianist Sotomayor; Antonin Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B minor Opt. 4 featuring cellist Monsanto and “I Want Magic” from A Streetcar Named Desire by André Previn and “Manon’s Gavotte”from Manon by Jules Massenet featuring soprano Westfall.

Guest conductors include Southern Miss students Nathan Lambert and Ivan del Prado.

Ongoing for more than 23 years, the competition was renamed four years ago in honor of William T. Gower, former professor of music at Southern Miss and a widely respected woodwind musician.

Gower, who passed away in July 2003, was an inspiration to many budding musicians through his multitude of career performances at music conventions, high schools, colleges, and universities — often performing on a variety of instruments.

The competition itself is highly competitive within the ranks of the Southern Miss School of Music and quite rigorous. “These very talented students will be our stars of tomorrow,” said Dr. Jay Dean, music director of the Symphony. “Later in life, we will be able to say that we knew them when they were students here at Southern Miss.”

The Symphony’s 2010-11 season is sponsored by BancorpSouth.Tickets for the concert are $16/$18/$20 and may be purchased at the Southern Miss Ticket Office by calling 601.266.5418 or 800.844.8425.

Filed under: Arts, Featured, Hattiesburg, USM, Entertainment/Culture, Jay Dean, Symphony Orchestra, University of Southern Mississippi

Log Truck & Pickup Collide on I-59 in Jones County | Two injured, transported to hospital

A collision between an eighteen wheeler log truck and Toyota pickup truck has sent the adult male driver and adult male occupant of the pickup truck to the hospital.

The accident occurred on Interstate 59 North near the 100 mile marker on Wednesday afternoon.

Sandersville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna, two ambulances from EMServ Ambulance Service along with units from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper John Gilliland responded to the scene.

The victims were transported by EMServ to South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel for treatment of undisclosed injuries which were not thought to be life threatening.

Filed under: Featured, Jones County, Laurel, Dan McKenna, Disaster/Accident, EMServ Ambulance Service, Jones County Fire Coordinator, Jones County Sheriff’s Department, laurel, South Central Regional Medical Center

Tentative Agenda for Lamar County Board of Supervisors Meeting for Thursday Feb 17

Board of Supervisors

Of

Lamar County, Mississippi

Board Meeting

Date: February 17, 2011 Time: 9:00 A.M.

Bid Opening:

  1. Annual, legal and depository bids.  Receive and enter Proof of Publication.  (10:00 am).

Subject Matter:

  1. Reading of Minutes for Correction and Approval
  1. Approval of the February 7, 2011 board minutes.
  1. Personnel Matters
  1. Approval to transfer 10 hours of vacation time from Jimmy Breazeale to Stephen Pierce.
  2. Approval to transfer 10 hours of vacation time from Gary Holston to Stephen Pierce.
  3. Approval to transfer 20 hours of sick time from Joey Walker to Stephen Pierce.
  4. New Hire: Trey Wood, tax office at $18.50 per hour as of February 14, 2011.
  5. Terminated: Joshua Delancey, multipurpose center as of February 14, 2011.
  6. Approval of the following county personnel handbook revision: In the event of a dismissal or delay of the work day, all employees that report to work will be compensated for the entire day, not to exceed each employee normal current daily work schedule of hours.
  1. Road Department Matters
  1. Approval of the request from the City of Purvis to remove seven big trees located off Highway 589.
  1. Bids and Claims
  1. Approval to award the bid of 35 replacement doors to 10 fire stations to Overhead Door of Hattiesburg in the amount of $61,181. The cost breakdown: $50,681 for doors, $7,000 for labor and $3,500 removal fee. (The board finds the bid of Underwood Sales failed to meet bid specifications).
  2. Approval of a check in the amount of $12,442.30 made payable to MDA for payment of a fire truck.  (Payment is due March 1, 2011).
  3. Approval of a $2,500 disbursement to the City of Purvis to assist with recreation needs.  (To be paid from Fund 012 District 2 Parks and Recreation).
  1. School Board Matters
  1. Sheriff Department Matters
  1. Approval to retire K9 dog Mikey from active duty and allow him to remain with Lt. Brad Weathers for the remainder of his retirement.
  2. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Matt Henderson and Christopher Regan to attend North American Sniper Competition, March 20-25, 2011 in Southaven, Mississippi.
  1. Planning Matters
    1. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Tara Coggins to attend the 2011 Association of Floodplain Managers Conference, April 26-29, 2011 in Natchez, Mississippi.
    2. Approval of a lot line change for Lot J-6 of Bellegrass, Neighborhood J.  (The driveway was partially built on the adjacent property; therefore, they have to move the lot line 500 feet).
    3. Discuss changes in the Site Plan Ordinance.
  1. Fairground Matters
  1. Fire Coordination Matters
  1. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend Deerfield Wage & Hour Youth Employment Seminar (to assist with Jr. Volunteer Firefighters), March 8, 2011 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
  2. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the Mississippi Association of Public Fire Safety Educators Conference, April 27-30, 2011 in Jackson, Mississippi.
  3. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the National Volunteer Fire Council Conference, April 3-6, 2011 in Alexandria, Virginia.
  4. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of George Stevens to attend the National Fire and Emergency Services Seminar, April 6-7, 2011 in Washington, DC.
  1. Emergency Management Matters
  1. Approval to transfer a 2005 Ford Truck from Hinds County to our inventory.  The vehicle to be used by the local Homeland Security personnel.
  1. Economic Development Matters
    1. Report from the Area Development Partnership/Lamar County Economic Development District.
  1. Additional Matters
  1. Approval of changes in Assessments per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  2. Approval of changes in Homestead per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  3. Approval of Tax Sale Cancellations per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  4. Approval to surrender old vehicle tags per attached as submitted by the Tax Collector/Assessor.
  5. Approval of the attached asset deletion list and sell as surplus at auction.
  6. Approval of the attached asset transfer list.
  7. Approval to pay the legal expenses of Frankie Glennis, Molly Goff, Marvin Pittman, Chance Curry, Tangi Carter, Prentiss Harrell and Matthew O’Quain to attend the Mississippi Association of Drug Court Professionals annual training conference, May 4-6, 2011 in Biloxi, Mississippi.
  8. Approval to pay the lawful expenses of Michelle Martin to attend HR Training (certification credit), March 29-30, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia.
  9. Approval to pay the annual dues of $50 to the Mississippi Recycling Coalition.
  10. Update: The County received a $23,544 grant from InterAct Funds.  (Helps pay a small portion of the dispatch upgrades).

  1. Under Advisement

  1. Approval to accept the roads for maintenance in Dandridge Subdivision, Phase 4. (May 3, 2010).
  2. The purchase of 35 replacement fire department doors.  (January 20, 2011).
  3. The recommendation of the Planning Commission to fine owners of a mobile home located on Cole Road.  (February 7, 2011).

Next Board Meeting: Monday, March 7, 2011

Future Board Meetings:
Thursday, March 24, 2011 (4th Thursday)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011

Filed under: Government, Lamar County, Oak Grove, Politics, Purvis, Sumrall, agenda, Lamar County, supervisors meeting

Mrs. Ella V. Williamson, 85, of Sumrall

Services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday at Hulett-Winstead Sumrall Chapel for Mrs. Ella V. Williamson, 85, of Sumrall.
She passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at Bedford Care Center.
Burial will be in Williamson Cemetery.
Mrs. Williamson was a Homemaker and a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Seminary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Williamson.
She is survived by six sons, Thomas Williamson of Sumrall, Glenn Williamson of Petal, Rex Williamson of Sumrall, Greg Williamson of Seminary, Burt Williamson of Oak Grove, and Roger Williamson of Purvis; four daughters, Cathy Foster, Sandra Herrington, Regina Withers, and Ophelia Davis all of Sumrall; twenty six grandchildren, fifty eight great-grandchildren, and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5:00-9:00 PM Friday at Hulett-Winstead Sumrall Chapel.

Filed under: Obituaries, Sumrall, Ella V. Williamson, Hulett-Winstead Sumrall Chapel, Obits

Mr. Oscar O Neal Massey, 84, of Purvis

Services will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday at Hulett-Winstead Purvis Chapel for Mr. Oscar O Neal Massey, 84, of Purvis.
He passed away Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at Forrest General Hospital.
Burial will be in Pleasant Home Cemetery.
Mr. Massey retired from the U.S. Navy, a retired
Purchasing Agent for Lamar County, and a member of Purvis United Methodist Church.
He is survived by wife, Betsy Massey of Purvis; one son, William David Massey of El Paso, TX; one step-son, Jack E. Johnson of Daytona, FL; one daughter, Mary Ann Bryant of Purvis; one step-daughter, Cheryle Winkey of Spokane, WA; one brother, Oliver Lee Massey of Purvis; four grandchildren, Savanna Richards, Ashley Massey, Chad Niemeyer, Jason Niemeyer, and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 5:00-9:00 PM Friday at Hulett-Winstead Purvis Chapel.

Filed under: Obituaries, Purvis, Hulett-Winstead Purvis Chapel, Obits, oscar o neal massey, Purvis

Southern Miss Set to Host Mississippi Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting

For the first time in school history, The University of Southern Mississippi will serve as the host site for the 75th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences (MAS) Meeting set for Feb. 17-18 at the Thad Cochran Center.

Elasri Mohamed

More than 400 research projects will be presented by a wide range of scientific educators, researchers and industry experts. The annual MAS conference represents the largest gathering of active scientific investigators in Mississippi.

“Hosting a prestigious meeting of this type is very important for recruitment of students and raising the profile of Southern Miss as a major research institution in Mississippi,” said Dr. Mohamed O. Elasri, associate professor of Biological Sciences at Southern Miss and current MAS president. “This allows other top researchers in the state to see the Southern Miss campus and the state-of-the-art research conducted here.”

A multitude of exhibits will be on display in conjunction with research updates from faculty and students throughout the Mississippi scientific community. Elasri points out that the meeting will also feature cutting-edge symposia on topics such as infectious diseases and genomics.

The annual Dodgen Lecture, which serves as the keynote address, will be presented by Laura Folse, director of science and technology for British Petroleum’s Gulf Coast restoration effort. Folse will offer reflections on the role of science and scientists in the energy industry and discuss the repercussions from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill last April.

“Her lecture is both timely and relevant for scientists and the general public in our region and the rest of the nation,” said Elasri.

For more information about the annual MAS meeting contact Elasri at 601.266.6916 or visit www.msacad.org/

Filed under: Featured, Hattiesburg, USM, 75th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences, education, Mohamed O. Elasri, University of Southern Mississippi

WILLIAM CAREY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE ANNOUNCES CLASS OFFICERS AND STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OFFICERS

Richard Calderone of Slidell, LA, vice president; Jessie McCallister of Irving, TX, treasurer; Seth Ladd of Soso, president; Akhila Rajaram of Albany, OR, class liaison; and Ryan Taylor of Orlando, secretary.

William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCU-COM) announces the class officers and the COM StudentGovernment Association (SGA) officers for the 2010-2011 school year. Seth Ladd of Soso is class president; Richard Calderone of Slidell, La., is class vice president; Jessie McCallister of Irving, Texas, is class treasurer; Ryan Taylor of Orlando is class secretary; and Akhila Rajaram of Albany, Ore., is class liaison.

Jason DeFatta of Hattiesburg is SGA president; Brett Hyatt of Soso is SGA first vice president; Vish Patel of Cullman, Ala., is SGA treasurer; Natasha Batra of Martinez, Ga., is SGA secretary; and BJ Burns of Sparta, Tenn., is SGA second vice president and parliamentarian.

The WCU-COM opened in August 2010, with an

Vish Patel of Cullman, AL, treasurer; Brett Hyatt of Soso; first vice president; Jason DeFatta of Hattiesburg; president, BJ Burns of Sparta, TN; second vice president and parliamentarian; and Natasha Batra of Martinez, GA, secretary

inaugural class of 110 students. The medical complex that houses the COM consists of three new, connected buildings that include state-of-the-art technology. The WCU-COM is the state’s second medical school and one of 26 schools of osteopathic medicine in the nation.

Filed under: Featured, Hattiesburg, Medical, William Carey, education, Medicine, Osteopathy, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Pine Belt Fire Coordinators Issue Outdoor Burning Warning Dry, windy conditions fueling grass, brush and woods fires

Fire Coordinators from Covington, Forrest, Jeff Davis, Jones, Lamar, Marion and Wayne counties are warning local residents in each county about the dangers of outdoor burning.  Over the past week,

volunteer fire departments in these seven Pine Belt counties have responded to dozens of out of control grass, brush and woods fires with several of the fires threatening structures.  “Our volunteer

fire departments have been very busy responding to grass, brush and woods fires with some fairly large acreage fires reported in the Pine Belt,” notes Lamar County Fire Coordinator George Stevens.

Adds Wayne County Fire Coordinator Doug Hutto, “The past several weeks have been extremely cold with numerous heavy frosts which has dried out the already dead vegetation.  Combine the dry

vegetation with moderate to strong winds and you have perfect conditions for rapid fire spread.”

Forrest County Fire Coordinator Chip Brown notes, “We are urging the public to be very careful if conducting any outdoor burning activities and refrain from outdoor burning if possible until

we have had some rainfall in the area.  When a volunteer fire department is out on a preventable wildland fire, they are unavailable to respond to potentially more serious calls such as vehicle

accidents and structure fires.”  Should a controlled fire get out of control, residents are urged to call 911 to report the fire and take steps to protect life and property.  Keep a water hose or

appropriate fire suppression equipment handy and be sure not to conduct outdoor burning activities when windy conditions are present.  “We’ve been very fortunate that no one has been injured

in some of these fast moving fires,” notes Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna.  He adds, “It just takes a moment for a small fire to get out of control and become a monster fire.  We just

want local residents to pay close attention to this fire warning and take steps to prevent damage to their homes and property and that of their neighbors – it’s a serious situation right now.”

Filed under: Covington County, Forrest County, Jones County, Lamar County, Marion County, burn, Dan McKenna, Disaster/Accident, Doug Hutto, fire, George Stevens, Wildfire

Sean Clark “Fat Boy” Guy, 43, of Purvis

Sean Clark “Fat Boy” Guy, 43, of Purvis, died February 15, 2011 at Forrest General Hospital. Services will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, February 19, 2011 at Sandy Run Worship Center.

Mr. Guy was a member of Sandy Run Worship Center.

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Guy; mother, Linda Breland; and stepfather, Marvin Breland.

He is survived by his wife, Lynn Guy of Purvis; two sons, Joshua Guy of Purvis and Trey Guy of Lillian, Ala.; two daughters, Shannon Guy of Lillian, Ala and Jaidon Chaney of Purvis; two brothers, Gavin (Melissa) Guy of Petal and Morris (Sheila) Guy of Purvis; two sisters, Linda Earl (Clayton) Graham and Judy Guy of Purvis; and four grandchildren, Zarek Johnson, Hunter Guy, Zackery Guy and Savannah Guy.

Visitation will be Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. at the church.

Filed under: Obituaries, Purvis, fatboy guy, Moore Funeral Home, Obits, sean clark guy

26th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo Set for Feb. 18-19

A Bareback bronco rider at the St. Paul Rodeo ...

Image via Wikipedia

The “Greatest Show on Dirt,” otherwise known as the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo hosted by The Department of Recreational Sports, is coming to Hattiesburg Feb. 18 and 19, 2011.

Raymond Whitehead, M.D., orthopedic surgeon with Hattiesburg Clinic Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, will serve as Grand Marshal of this year’s event. Dr. Whitehead is a native of Hattiesburg, who received his medical degree at the University of Alabama School of Medicine in Birmingham, Ala. He completed a general surgery internship and orthopedic surgery residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga., followed by a fellowship in sports medicine, arthroscopy and arthroscopic reconstructive surgery at the Orthopaedic Research of Virginia in Richmond, Va.

Each year at the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls show off their elite skills in barrel racing, calf roping, steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, team roping, and bull riding. The top riders qualify for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo which is held in Las Vegas, Nev. The Hattiesburg rodeo is a fundraiser for student scholarships and professional development.

usm“We are fortunate that the rodeo continues to be produced by Smith, Harper and Morgan Rodeo, the producers of the Dixie Nationals and provider of livestock to the National Finals Rodeo,” said Sid Gonsoulin, associate vice president for student affairs at Southern Miss.”Because of the quality and consistency of a professionally produced PRCA/WPRA rodeo, we have been able to provide scholarships annually to Southern Miss students.”

Lecile Harries, six-time Pro Rodeo Clown of the Year, will be making an appearance at the rodeo this year. Lecile, a 50-year rodeo veteran, works nearly 125 performances a year at the world’s biggest rodeos. He got his start as a bullfighter in the 1950’s and 60’s and helped transform the sport from thrill show to the skillful art it is today. He has also worked on various TV shows including a regular role on “HEE HAW” and movies like “The Last Days of Frank and Jesse James” and “W.W. and the Dixie Dance Kings” with Burt Reynolds.

“Lecile’s comedic mannerisms, acts and jokes are copied by clowns and showmen across the globe,” declared Bob Lowe, retired director of Southern Miss Dining and Grand Marshal of the 18th Annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo. “For nearly half a century, Lecile’s bullfighting and comedic ability have saved many a cowboy and brought smiles and laughter to millions of people. He is truly one of rodeo’s legends.”

As usual, the Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo will be held at the James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi Purpose Center on Highway 49 South. Rodeo tickets are available at TJ’s Western Ware on U.S. Highway 49 in Hattiesburg. Tickets are $10 and all seats are reserved.

The rodeo is sponsored by Coca-Cola, Southern Beverage, Comcast, B-95, McMullan Motors, Polk’s Meat Products, Keith’s Super Stores, Forrest General Hospital, Landry and Lewis Architects, Copy Cats Printing, The Hattiesburg American, and Southern Miss Recreational Sports.

Filed under: Featured, Hattiesburg, Lifestyle, Sports, USM, Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo, Comcast Corporation, Dixie Nationals, Forrest General Hospital, James Lynn Cartlidge Forrest County Multi Purpose Center, Landry Architects, Lewis Architects, McMullan Motors, Raymond Whitehead, Rodeo, Southern Miss, Sports, sports medicine