Happy Memorial Day

Hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day; it is summer time in central Mississippi with the temperature in the mid 90s with a possibility of 100 later this week.

End of School and Leigh Anne Ward Scholarship

School ended for most students this week; Wednesday was Carly's last day; here she is pictured walking away after receiving an award. Look carefully and notice that she had earlier won another award. Forgive Bop Bop for bragging. Can't believe my baby is now a third grader.

Bobbie Gooch Ward and her husband, Dr. Frazier Ward, endowed a scholarship in memory of their daughter, Leigh Anne, who taught at the school for twelve or thirteen years and was killed on the third day of school this year in a tragic traffic accident. One of the first recipients of the scholarship was introduced during the awards day program Wednesday.

Carrie Kelly

Carole and I express sympathy to the family of Carrie Holcomb Kelly whose obituary was in today's paper. Her husband was a distant cousin of mine, and I've known the Holcomb family all my life, especially Mrs. Flossie and her deceased sisters Mrs. Nola Berryman and Mrs Grey Collier. I, also, remember fondly her father, Rob Holcomb.

Bop Bop and Carly

Taken today after assembly at Carly's school

James Thomas Family

Carly and Peyton have been friends and in day care or school together since they were nine months old; since there are only four days between their birthdays, we have had parties together; over the past eight years, we have become friends with her grandparents, James and Sandra. Mr. James is the only grandfather I know who is as devoted if not more so than I am. Despite battling some serious health issues the past year, he still comes to almost all of Peyton's events. We were present today when Peyton and Carly, among others, received awards during assembly. Please keep my friend James in your thoughts and prayers.

Public Service Commissioner to Speak

From Mayor Holland:

"Plantersville residents, join us tonight at 7:00 pm at town hall to hear our Public Service Commissioner, Brandon Presley, speak. He has taken time out of his very busy schedule and we want to show him that we appreciate his willingness to be with us!"

Lakewood Cemetery

Lakewood Cemetery is a large cemetery located on boundary of Clinton and Jackson; the tornado that struck Clinton on April 15th blew down 300 trees in the cemetery, and it has been closed since then. At the present time, families may elect to have a private burial with only Lakewood staff present or have the funeral homes hold the bodies until the cemetery reopens.

Sunday, Mother's Day, is usually the busiest day of the year for visitors, but none was allowed in this past Sunday.

Natchez Trace

On our way to Tupelo this weekend, we observed where a tornado apparently touched down just as we got on the Trace from Highway 82 at Mathison, and it seemed to have followed the Trace for a little over eight miles. There was damage such as this on both sides of the road for that distance.

After eight miles the damage ended and then about ten miles later, another tornado crossed the Trace leaving about a quarter of a mile of fallen trees.

Mother's Day

I hope that all mothers had a wonderful day. Carole, Cam, Carly and I traveled to Tupelo for the weekend. We placed flowers on my mother-in-law's grave and viewed her marker for the first time. It was tough experiencing the first Mother's Day without her.

Tip and Laney and Paula and Zach were there with their love and support.

Welcome Cat

Apparently, there was a misprint on the mat at our front door; it must have read welcome cat rather than welcome mat, as our neighbor's cat has decided to spent most of her time at our front door and in the house and garage if we would allow it.

I always heard you don't pick cats, they pick you; Carole and I aren't cat people, but apparently she doesn't care.

Smithville Fund

For those who would like to contribute for the victims in Smithville, here is one way:

Smithville Relief, Sav a Life

306 2nd Ave A

Amory, MS 38821