Avrionna Shelton, left, Shontina Darden, right and Shavondra Watkins, not pictured, teamed up on their senior project on the various aspects of fashion.
(Photo by Lisa Voyles)

OHS seniors complete semester projects

OKOLONA – For seniors at Okolona High School, the last semester of school was no time to slack off in Ms. Genevieve Turkett’s class.
Turkett, in her first year at OHS, assigned a semester-long senior project and students showed off their creations and the results of their reserach May 8 in the cafeteria where their projects were evaluated and judged by other faculty members.
Turkett said the idea was part of preparing students for post-secondary education and outfitting them with skills for life.
“This was a college-level project,” Turkett said. “I think it’s really important that they’re getting this experience.”
The students completed a 10-12 page research paper and added a tri-fold board, brochures and other visual aids and media accents for a total presentation.
“The big thing here was learning how to plan and put your materials together,” Turkett said.
The students were free to chose their own subject matter and for most, the choices came from personal background.
Kierra Hopson’s project was on identifying the risks of cancer and preventative lifestyle choices.
“My family has a history of cerivcal cancer,” Hopson said. “And I learned that breast cancer is not genetic, not inherited. I learned the different phases of cancers.”
Vantashia Franklin’s project examined joint replacement and sent her to North Mississippi Medical Center for research.
“My sister is a CNA at North Mississippi Medical,” Franklin said. “I went on a job-shadowing there to learn about joint replacement.”
One aspect of the project was seniors had to present it to others outside their class, whether in the community or through the school. Franklin presented hers to tenth grade students who had an opportunity to use a simulated video program on joint replacement to learn more about the topic.
William Johnson’s project detailed his desire to become an architect and he held an art show for other students in the school to view his drawings.
Turkett said the projects incorporated many aspects of education, including the new Common Core curriculum.
“In Common Core they have to be able to use domain specific vocabulary skills,” Turkett said. “They have to be able to use the vocabulary of their profession. And computer skills were important. They need computer skills. A lot of them (students) got into really good schools, State and Ole Miss, and they need to be able to do projects like this.”
Turkett said preparing them for more projects was a big part of her goal.
“When they get to college, they’ll have to do research papers and projects. But if they can do this, that will not be a problem.”

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My son graduates from Houston High School tomorrow.
I guess it is cliche to say I remember bringing him home from the hospital and softly laying him in that carefully prepared crib.
In retrospect, taking care of a newborn baby was the easy part. Turning that young man loose in the world is the part that has so recently squeezed my heart.
Robert Jacob Ingram turned 18 last month and has recently had to make some very big decisions about his future. At this point in his life we are pleased with the choices he has made.
Raising a child so they can take care of themselves is the role of a parent.
I’ve seen some parents who have done very little preparing their kids for the real world and I’ve seen others who seem to never want to cut the apron strings. I hope Sara and I have been able to strike that happy medium.

Advice to all graduates

So you are ready to be adults?
I hope someone has told you that this milestone in your life does not grant you new freedom, rather it allows you to strap on new responsibilities.
You will pick new friends, buy new cars, land new jobs and move to new places. Yes, spouses, babies, houses and stacks of bills are waiting for you in this bright new world.
Please don’t think I’m being cynical. Graduation Day is one of the most exciting days of your life. But it truly is a new beginning and not an end to 12-years of formal education.
I hope you are thankful for the people who have helped you so far. Parents should top the list.
Somebody has footed the bill for you in the form of keeping you fed, clothed and housed for the past 18 years. We don’t necessarily get in this business for the thank-you’s, but they are appreciated.
I was once told by a parent that you are not an adult until you are capable of financially providing for yourself without anybody else’s help.
I hope you will also thank the teacher or teachers who have had an impact on your education.
For those of you going to college, the professors you’ll have next year will care little for your family, the grade you make or even your general well-being.
The teachers who had the most impact on your life are those who cared.
Maybe they helped you with a difficult concept, maybe they just helped you through a difficult time in your life.
And unlike parents, most good educators are in the business only for a simple thank you from a student they helped along the way.
I also hope you will thank those neighbors, family friends, pastors and former bosses who have nudged you and pushed you to be your best.

Advice to my graduate

They will call out my son’s full name Thursday night.
If you are looking my way you will probably be able to watch my heart burst with pride. There will be no air-horns, rebel yells or whistling, just a big smile and squeeze to my wife’s hand.
Jacob, we are so proud of you.
You have accomplished a lot in the past three-years. Houston High School has suited you well and you’ve thrived in this green and Godly Mississippi rural environment.
Your mother, your teachers, your friends and I have worked hard to help you learn how to spot the truth and reject the lies and deceit of the world.
It’s time to make your own choices and then stand completely responsible for those decisions.
We also hope you realize that your education never stops.
Sure, you’re headed to Tarleton State next fall, but even with a college degree you must set your mind to soaking up all the knowledge you can.
Please be picky about what you put in your brain.
While your mother and I have not always been right, we have always been your mom and dad and we’ve always had your best interests at heart. Let me assure you there are those out there who will try to fill your mind with crap and they could care less where you end up in the world.
Last but not least, be strong and persevere.
If you want something – seek an honorable way to get it and get busy.
Most of the great accomplishments in this world are not attained by intellect or luck. The good things in life are earned by hard work and an unfailing faith that it can be done.
Jacob, you will change more in the next four years than you probably ever will in your entire life.
You will decide what habits you will carry into adulthood. You will decide how hard you want to work for the goals you set. You will make your choices and you will live with them the rest of your life.
Jacob, remember that we are your mom and dad and nothing will ever change that.
Thursday is a big day for a man with big plans. Son, you don’t know how proud we are!

Floyd Ingram is Managing Editor/News for the Chickasaw Journal. He can be contacted at 456-3771 or by email at floyd.ingram@journalinc.com

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HOUSTON – Justice Court Judge Earnest Cunningham found Okolona Assistant Police Chief Romona Robertson guilty of three of four misdemeanor charges in an eight hour trial Monday.

Robertson was found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding and disorderly conduct and will pay a fine of $600 plus court cost. Robertson was found not guilty of possession of a controlled substance. The judge did not impose jail time on any of the misdemeanor charges.

Okolona Police Chief Tommie Ivy said he did not know if Robertson would keep her job as the department’s No. 2 officer. Ivy, who recently lost the election to be Okolona’s next city marshal, did say Robertson was a good officer and he was glad the trial was over.

The charges were filed in District 1 Justice Court on Feb. 5, by Mississippi Highway Patrolman James Burrow. Burrow and Trooper Cindy Searcy stopped Robertson on Dec. 7, on Highway 32 just east of its intersection with Highway 15, prompting the case to be heard in the Houston Justice Court.

Chickasaw County Justice Court Judges, citing the political nature of the case, recused themselves, prompting Cunningham to be brought in from Marshall County to render a verdict.

Chickasaw County Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth Fox Ausbern and Chickasaw County District Attorney Ben Creekmore prosecuted the case.

“I hope the roads of Chickasaw County will be safer because of this verdict,” said Ausbern.

Creekmore said he would not speculate on why Robertson was not convicted on the possession charge.

Defense attorney Eddie Lancaster felt the judge believed the testimony of Robertson and others over the dash-board video taken of the traffic stop.

A videos shot from Burrow’s dashboard camera of the traffic stop were shown at Monday’s trial. Video shot by Trooper Searcy at Trace Regional Hospital and a third video showing Robertson’s action and demeanor as she was being transported to the hospital by Searcy were also shown.

Burrow and Searcy said Robertson initially asked to take a blood test to prove she was not under the influence. Both officers said Robertson refused the test when they took her to the hospital.

Burrow said he clocked Robertson driving a white Okolona Police Department Challenger at 77 miles-an-hour in a 55 zone and watched her cross the centerline several times. Searcy said she found 18 pills, later determined to be hydrocodone in a blue unmarked bottle in the driver’s door pocket of the patrol car.

Both Searcy and Burrow said they knew Robertson, she appeared to be under the influence and failed to follow their commands and directions during the traffic stop.

Robertson took the stand in her defense and said she had prescriptions for 120 tablets of hydrocodone issued by Okolona doctors in August, September, October and November.

Robertson said the stop was part of a conspiracy and repeatedly said she was not speeding, had back problems that prompted her unsteady walk, dental surgery that prompted her slurred speech and complied with all reasonable requests of both officers.

Robertson appeared at Monday’s trial in uniform, but told the court she had been taken off duty until the trial was over. It is not known if Robertson will keep her driver’s license due to the DUI conviction.

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HOUSTON – The Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors is looking at different methods of adding security and safety to both Courthouses in the county.
EMA Director Linda Griffin brought quotes to the May 6 meeting for fire alarm systems for the courthouses and panic buttons to be installed in the offices of the Circuit and Chancery clerks and Tax Assessor.
Currently, the Okolona Courthouse has a sprinkler system in case of fire, but the Houston Courthouse does not. None of the clerk’s offices have any type of protection installed at this time.
Griffin explained to supervisors the panic buttons would be similar to those in banking establishments that ring 911 automatically when pushed.
Griffin also requested copies of keys to each courthouse be housed in the city fire stations.
“So they can enter any time an alarm goes off without causing damage,” Griffin said.
The board is looking at options as each courthouse has slightly different needs, but does want to make the improvements to security before they are needed in the event of emergency.
“The reason we’re doing this is because of what happened in Webster County,” said Jerry Hall of the fire that destroyed the Courthouse in Walthall.

Sharing a ride

Supervisors heard from Sheriff Jimmy Simmons and Regional Jail Warden Brand Huffman about vehicle shortages.
Currently the CCRCF has a van to transport inmates but it is not economical to use when moving only one inmate. Huffman has been borrowing an extra car from the county jail, but the county facility uses it as well and scheduling is an issue.
Chief Deputy James Meyers suggested purchasing a new patrol car and moving a patrol car off the road to use at the county facility as a part-time, or back-up car. The current part-time car can then be used by the CCRCF.
Motion was made by Supervisor Russell Brooks to use funds from the Sheriff’s special fund for the purchase and seconded by Hall.
Board President Anderson McFarland requested Huffman, Simmons and Meyers get prices for a new car for the project.

In other matters, the board:
* Heard from Sheriff Simmons that water pressure at the CCRCF is not up to standard and that engineer Ed Springer recommends a new pump at the facility. Brooks recommended forming a plan of action and approaching the Houston city board for assistance.
* Accepted surrendered tags from Tax Assessor Sue Ard.
* Agreed to hire Jonathan Salmon as a certified fire instructor on a contract basis to facilitaty classes intermittently as needed.

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by Patsy R. Brumfield

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Captain Jonathan Blankenship of the Houston Fire Department and Linda Griffin of Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency go over plans for a hazardous material drill set for 6:30 p.m. Monday in Houston.
(Photo by Floyd Ingram)

HOUSTON – When you see the men in the yellow suits, it’s not normally a good day.

But May 20 will be a good day for the Houston Fire Department and the Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency to host a hazardous material drill on Harrington Street.

“We wanted to inform the public ahead of time about what is going on,” said Linda Griffin director of the Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency. “The public is welcome to watch, but we do take this training serious and just ask they stay out of the way.”

Griffin said in the event of a real hazardous material drill, the public would be kept far away from the site.

“If you do ever see the men in the yellow suits, you need to find out what is going on and the proper way to protect yourself,” said Griffin. “In any kind of HazMat incident, knowledge is power.”

Monday’s drill will see EMA and the Houston Fire Department suit-up and respond to a simulated hazardous material accident. A special decontamination tent will also be set up to initially treat and decontaminate “victims.”

“There are a lot of hazardous materials in factories around here and they can be found in trucks that ride up and down our highways every day,” said Capt. Jonathan Blankenship, of the Houston Fire Department. “A key part of this drill is teaching our guys how to protect themselves when they go to help someone who has been contaminated.”

Blankenship also pointed out victims have to be decontaminated before they can be transported to a hospital.

“If you put someone in an ambulance that has not been decontaminated and send them to the hospital, that ambulance crew and that ambulance have to be taken out of service until it is decontaminated and made safe,” said Blankenship. “If a contaminated person is rushed into an emergency room, you could be forced to close the emergency room down and decontaminate all your doctors and nurses, equipment  and rooms.

“In a real emergency, those are the last things you want to see happen,” he added.

And teaching firefighters how to use the yellow suits is also part of the training.

“Those suits have to be put on properly and our guys need to know what they can and can’t do in those suits,” said Blankenship. “If they are comfortable in those suits and know the limitations of their equipment, they can be much more effective.”

Monday’s drill will start at 6:30 p.m. and should wrap up about dark.

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HOUSTON — Habitat for Humanity of Houston is seeking applicants for homes currently planned for construction.

Persons who are interested in being considered should call Rev. Randy Rinehart at 542-1911 to begin the application process.

All information submitted to Habitat for Humanity is confidential.

Habitat does have legal guidelines to follow and a tried-and-true process that can make homeownership possible for people who might not qualify for a loan through traditional means.

Applicants are required to meet several qualifications to ensure success. In general, prospective homeowners must:

• Be a citizen or legal resident.

• Prove steady income.

• Have good credit.

• Earn a monthly income within limits of Habitat for Humanity guidelines, depending on household size.

In addition, each partner family will be required to:

• Invest “Sweat Equity” hours in building their own home or the home of others.

• Make an affordable down payment.

• Make timely mortgage payments over the life of the note.

• Attend homeowner education classes.

Churches are encouraged to contact Houston Habitat for Humanity and get the details to possibly sponsor a Habitat Home for a member of their congregation.

Habitat is a Christian-based organization that follows a non-discriminatory policy for family selection. Neither race nor religion is a factor in choosing partner families. Partner families are always selected on their level of need, ability to pay and willingness to partner with Habitat. The final decision will be made by the local Habitat for Humanity of Houston Board of Directors.

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Orange traffic barrels have been set out and square orange barriers built to keep cars and pedestrians out of massive holes dug in streets on the Courthouse Square in Houston. The work is part of an infrastructure repairs and upgrades downtown.
(Photo by Floyd Ingram)

HOUSTON – The play a major role in city services, but most residents never see them or give them a second thought.

Houston has embarked on a downtown water improvement project that will see new water valves and selected water mains replaced.

“Those pipes are incredibly old in some places and we have tired for years to figure out where valves are downtown,” said Ricko Nichols, Manager of the Houston Street Department. “This work has needed to be done for a long time and a grant we got last year has given us the money to make it happen.”

Contractors set up on the Houston Courthouse lawn two weeks ago and drilled to a pipe on Washington Street at its intersection with North Jackson Street. A leaking valve prompted workers to dig up the pipe.

Bright orange traffic safety cones were set out and a square mesh barrier was erected to keep cars and people out of the six-foot-deep hole.

Workers dug a second hole further west on Washington Street Monday night and have also erected safety barriers there.

The city has also dug up several valves closer to the surface around the downtown area.

“We tried to shut the water off so they could work Monday night and we found out quick we just don’t have that capability,” said Nichols. “We have had fire hydrants downtown that have leaked for years because we can’t replace them because we can’t turn the water off long enough to fix them.”

City leaders have repeatedly teased Nichols that he has a good day when he discovers a new water valve on Houston’s water system.

“We found nine the other day,” Nichols said with a smile. “We are mapping each one and making sure we know what they do and how to find them again.”

Mayor Parker said the city has tried to alert citizens that the public works department is undertaking this project and may be going house to house to check water when a line is turned off. After a line is turned off, city workers will also need to confirm that the water to each house is also stopped.

“If someone is home, they’ll knock on the door and let them know what they’re doing,” Parker said.

But in the even that the home owner is absent, if city workers see an outside faucet, they may enter the yard to confirm that the home is on the line that has been stopped by checking to see if water is not available from the faucet.

The city has also been in contact with the Mississippi Highway Department about stopping a leak on the hill on Highway 8 in front of Houston Carnegie Library.

“The highway department is picky about working on their right of way and even pickier about digging up their highway,” said Nichols. “We’ve done some initial work in that area trying to get ready. When the state gets ready, we’ll be ready.”

Nichols said while working on water mains and sewer lines is not as glamorous as paving streets or building ballfields, it is a city service critical to both businesses and residents.

“I want to thank downtown businesses for being patient with us,” said Nichols. “We may even have to shut the water off in some spots before we get this all finished. We’ve even worked at night to try to accommodate downtown businesses and not inconvenience them.”

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OKOLONA – A multi-vehicle accident Wednesday night on U.S. Highway 45 near Egypt has killed the driver of an 18-wheeler and sent several area residents to the hospital.

Five people were also transported to local hospitals, including a six-month-old infant, following the three-vehicle wreck that blocked the highway for a little more than an hour.

“Around 11:30 PM a west-bound black, 2001 Nissan Maxima driven by 19-year-old Keana Brown, from Nettleton, was traveling west on Egypt Road,” said Cpl. Criss Turnipseed, spokesman for the Mississippi Highway Patrol. “The Maxima experienced a mechanical issue as it attempted to cross US 45 Alt. and stalled in the south bound lanes.

Turnipseed said a white, 1999 Honda Accord driven by Alisha Hunter, 28, from West Point was traveling south on Hwy. 45 and struck the Maxima.

“The Accord came to rest on the shoulder of the highway after the collision,” said Turnipseed. “A south-bound red, 2000 Freightliner driven by 58 year old male from Nacogdoches, Texas was attempting to avoid the Maxima and overturned.”

Turnipseed said the Freightliner then collided with both the Maxima and the Accord.

“The driver of the Freightliner was pronounced dead at the scene by the Chickasaw County Coroner,” said Turnipseed. “Ms. Hunter, the driver of the Accord, was transported to NMMC for treatment of moderate injuries.”

Turnipseed said Brown and three other passengers, including the six-month-old were driven by a privately owned vehicle to Pioneer Medical Center in Aberdeen. He said the infant was later sent to Lebonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.

“We are not relasing the name of the 18-wheeler driver, pending notification of next of kin in Texas,” said Turnipseed. “The accident is still under investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol.”

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