FFA students from Bruce High School recently attended the Mississippi FFA State Convention at Mississippi State University. Pictured, from left, Mikayla Shelton, Nathan Hill, Rudy Ferguson, Emma Dorris, and Austin Bullard.

The 289th Engineer Company out of Bruce, and Detachment 1, 289th Engineer Company, of Water Valley, recently attended their annual training at Camp Shelby, MS.  The two week event is completed each year, typically during summer months, to train and improve on a variety of tasks that the 289th would be expected to perform during State or Federal emergencies or in overseas environments.

Being a vertical construction company, the ranks of the 289th and its detachment are primarily made up of carpenters and masons, electricians, and plumbers.  This year’s annual training focused on construction projects needed around Camp Shelby, including a 40 foot long footbridge located on a running path that winds for several miles through the woods, and a concrete driveway for one of the power substations on post.  The Soldiers of the 289th were also given the opportunity to hone their skills in a currently unused building.  Stations were set up around the building focusing on framing walls, doorways, and windows, running electrical wires and connecting switches and outlets, installing plumbing, and hanging sheetrock.

Capt. Andrew Walker, the 289th commander said “The training value that the soldiers got out of the building is excellent.  Having soldiers with different skill sets working side by side, and seeing how the skills intertwine as the walls go up is great.  Sometimes it seems as if it is one step at a time.  The carpenters do their thing, then the electricians come do their thing, and the plumbers do their thing.   Having them work together helps reinforce the reasons why certain pieces of the puzzle are placed when they are placed.”

The 289th also conducted familiarization and qualification on a variety of weapon systems and late-night tactical driver training using night vision goggles.  Soldiers were also given the opportunity to go through the Leader Reaction Course (LRC).  The LRC is designed as an obstacle course not only meant to test physical strength, but mental strength and cognitive thinking. The course has 17 obstacles and is run in groups of 5-8 soldiers, with one being designated as the leader.  The leader is given a time limit and a mission, generally getting all members of the team and equipment to the other side of the obstacle while staying within certain guidelines or restrictions.  “The obstacles can be pretty tough.  When you look at getting across a 10 foot gap with water at the bottom, and you only have an 8 foot board and some rope, you have to do a little critical thinking” said Capt. Walker. “But it is a great way to build cohesion and see how the soldiers work through problems.”

Calhoun County’s representative in the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled for surgery Monday to remove a small mass found on his brain

Alan Nunnelee

Rep. Alan Nunnelee was hospitalized in May after experiencing nausea and fatigue, with doctors finding what Nunnelee describes as an intracranial mass on the right side of his brain.

Thursday, he said in a statement that further tests at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston had confirmed the mass was “isolated.” The 55-year-old says his staff will keep him informed of constituent and legislative business during his recovery. Nunnelee didn’t say how long recovery would take.

Nunnelee says constituents deserve to know about his condition. He served several years in the state Senate before being elected to the U.S. House in 2010. He is seeking re-election.

Sweet potato planting has hit full stride around Calhoun County. Benny Graves of the Sweet Potato Council estimates just under 20,000 acres of sweet potatoes will be planted this year in Mississippi – 90% of which are within a 40-mile radius of Vardaman. Photo by Joel McNeece

S.P.A.C.E. students from Vardaman Elementary recently collected 620 new or slightly used books and donated them to the Edmondson Memorial Library. Pictured above, from left, front, are SPACE students Brady Sharpe, Kalee Harper, Caleb Moore, and Gavin Caples; back, SPACE teacher Jill Caples and Vardaman Librarian Janet Swindle.

Sheriff Greg Pollan is warning county residents of a phone scam telling them warrants will be issued for their arrest for not showing up for jury duty.

Sheriff Pollan

Pollan said at least ten calls of this nature were made last week with the caller mentioning Circuit Judge John Gregory.

Pollan said phone calls have been traced to a disposable cell phone in a Georgia prison.

Pollan said that scammers are telling citizens to come up with $498 or be arrested.

William Ottis Hurst, 79, of Bruce, went to be with the Lord June 8, 2014 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford. He was born September 27, 1934 in Pontotoc County, the son of Ottis Paul Hurst and Lubaree Cannon Hurst. He was retired from Memphis Hardwood in Bruce after 35 years, and he was a member of Bruce United Methodist Church. He was a 1954 graduate of Bruce High School, and attended The University of Mississippi from 1954 until 1958, where he was a member of the Ole Miss football team. While at The University of Mississippi he played in the Cotton and Sugar Bowls, and was in Johnny Vaught’s first recruiting class. He was a member of the National Guard. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at Parker Memorial Funeral Home in Bruce. His funeral service will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home chapel with  Bro. Aubrey Boren, Bro. Rex Wilburn, and Bro. Lannis May officiating. Burial will be in Bruce Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Billy Brewer, Paige Cothern, Eddie Crawford, Jake Gibbs, Sam Hamblin, Robert Khayat, Bill Lott and Gerald Morgan. Honorary pallbearers will be Robbie Beckett, Ryan Beckett, Charles Cain, Jon Crocker, Ottis Crocker, Cliff Easley Jr., Jeff Ferguson, Mark Ferguson, Mike Jones, Dr. Bruce Longest, all men of Bruce United Methodist Church, former Bruce football teammates,  and former Ole Miss football teammates. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Daniel Hurst, Bruce; one son, Danny and wife, Phyllis, Pelham, AL; one granddaughter, Amanda  (Josh) of Atlanta GA; two grandsons, Daniel (Amy) of Summit, and Austin Hurst, Pelham, AL; great grandchildren, Breah and Jay; one brother, Paul Wayne (Debbie) of Bruce; one sister, Carol (Herman) Austin, Pontotoc; step-mother, Marie Hurst, Bruce, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials may be made to Bruce United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 429, Bruce, MS 38915. For online condolences you may visit  www.parkermemorialfunerahomes.com

A Bruce woman is in critical condition after a violent, one-car accident on Hwy. 9 north of Bruce Monday afternoon.

Jemeika “Meika” Jones, 22, was airlifted from near the scene of the accident that occurred around 2:30 p.m.

Jones was the only person in the vehicle which left the road, crashing into some trees and then crossing the road again before coming to a stop in the middle of the highway.

Debris was scattered around the crash scene and the engine was dislodged from the vehicle during the crash and ended up in a grassy area nearly 30 yards away.

Jones was transported by ambulance to the top of a nearby hill where she was picked up by the helicopter and carried to North Mississippi Regional Center in Tupelo. At last report she was still listed in critical condition.

•QUICK BITES will meet Thursday, June 12 at noon at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Topic is  What’s in Your Personal Care Products?

•Alison’s Clubhouse’s Family affair dance will be Friday, June 13 from 6 p.m. until at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Formal wear. Theme is Prince and Princesses. Full course dinner and drinks. Door prizes, dance contest, best dressed contest, awards for clubhouse members. Call 800-2050 for info.

•INTERESTED IN LINE/COUPLES DANCING? Call Donna Jo Baker if you would be interested in taking a class, 628-0617 or contact her on facebook.

•BILL AND MARIE BRYANT family reunion will be Saturday, June 14, at Bruce Community Center. All family, relatives and friends are invited to attend. Potluck lunch.

•Biennial Hellums family reunion will be Saturday, June 14 at Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church on CR 885 (Robbs Road) in Pontotoc County. Church opens at 9 a.m., potluck lunch at noon and fellowship following.

•TRAIL RIDE Saturday, June 14 at 9 a.m. at Bentley Community Building, 10 miles south of Derma on CR 418. Morning ride at 9 a.m. also afternoon ride. Fee $15 per rider includes lunch. Wagons welcome. Contact Bentley Baptist Church member Jerry Vance 871-9330, Wendy Jones 628-9373 or Maxine McFall 628-1922 to allow group to plan for food. Proceeds will go to missions.

•NAACP PROGRAM June 14 honoring Leo Welch Sr. from noon-2 p.m. at Zion Springs fellowship hall, and celebrating the life and death of Medgar Evers from 2:30-7:30 p.m. at Zion Springs Church. For info, call Ella Ezell 662-412-2418 or Ella Stovall 662-983-2207.

•MACHEALA SHEMPERT-TELQUIST BENEFIT will be Saturday, June 14, at Thorn Community Center. Fish plates for $6, serving begins at 4 p.m. Auction at 6 p.m. Singers will be Gospel grands, Grace Praise Team, Calhoun City, Redeemed Drama Team, 1st Assembly of God, Houston. Macheala needs a heart transplant.

•ROY & BESSIE HEAD FAMILY REUNION will be Saturday, June 14, at the Stone Center, 423 Washington Ave. in Oxford. Covered dish lunch at 11 a.m.  All friends and family are invited. Call 903-916-9983 for more info.

•QUICK BITES will meet Thursday, June 19 at noon at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Topic is Weed Control in the Lawn and Landscape.

•SAFEHAVEN will have a free presentation on the prevention of domestic violence Thursday, June 19 from 10 a.m.- noon at 210A N. Main St. in Vardaman next to Catholic Charities building. For info, call Nikki Kraft at SafeHaven 662-327-6118.

•Yalobusha Historical Society will meet Thursday, June 19, at 2 p.m. in its headquarters in Coffeeville.  Speaker is Tricia Raymond, Madison, and her topic is the Pledge of Allegiance. Visitors are welcome.

•FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JOHN AND VERDA KELLY will have a reunion Sunday, June 22 at Bruce Community Building. Potluck lunch will be served.

•ANNUAL FERGUSON FAMILY REUNION will be Sunday, June 22 at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. All family and friends invited. Bring a covered dish.

•Gardener’s Delight and Master Gardeners will meet Monday, June 23, at 6:30 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building. Carl Oglesby, Lee Co. Master Gardener, will be guest speaker. Everyone is welcome.

•PIECES AND PATCHES will meet and Monday, June 23 at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

•LEADER TRAINING will be at the Multipurpose Building Tuesday, June 24 at 10 a.m. with guest speaker Leah McCormick, Fabric of Hope. Everyone is welcome. A brief Ladies Fair Meeting will be held following Leader Training at 11 a.m.

•QUICK BITES will meet Thursday, June 26 at noon at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Topic is hydration essentials. Learn about healthy and tasty hydration options.

•JULY 4TH PARADE Friday, July 4 at 5 p.m. in Bruce. Parade will begin on South Newberger. Deadline to register an entry in the parade is July 1. To register or FMI Call Noel Tunnell 662-983-2444, Traci Lee 662-983-5668, or Shea Logan, or contact via Facebook.

•ASTON REUNION will be Friday, July 4 at the American Legion Building in Calhoun City beginning at 10 a.m. Potluck lunch. All relatives and friends are invited.

•DERMA?SCHOOL?REUNION… Calhoun County Agricultural High School and Derma School will have a reunion Saturday, July 5 at 1 p.m. at the Multipurpose Bldg. in Pittsboro. More information will be released later.

•BECKETT REUNION will be Saturday, July 6 at Bruce Community Building beginning at 10 a.m. Potluck lunch. All relatives and friends are invited.

•BRUCE SAWMILL FESTIVAL will be July 10-12 with the Aqua King and Queen Pageant, a concert by The Bouffants, Festival Golf Tournament, Car Show, 5K “Run For History,” Arts and Crafts show, live entertainment, local artists works displayed in Bruce Museum and more. For information, call Carol Shoemaker at 662-983-2222 or chamber@brucetelephone.com.

•BRUCE?HIGH?SCHOOL CLASS OF 1964 will have a 50-year-reunion Saturday, July 12 at Bruce Museum. Contact Rita at 662-983-7185, Sandra 662-414-7138 or Geneva at 662-983-2567.

•Calhoun City Class of 1984 will have their class reunion on July 12. For more info, contact Rhonda Langford Ray, Kim Hubbard Parker or Virginia Woodard Miller.

•FAIR EXHIBITS… Calhoun County Fair Association invites everyone in Calhoun County to enter exhibits in the county fair July 21-26. Exhibits books available at the Extension Office and public libraries at Bruce, Calhoun City, Vardaman.

•Fairest of the Fair pageant will be Monday, July 21, at 6:30 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Contest open to any participant from any county. Register for the pageant anytime between now and the start of the pageant that night.  Entry fee: Beauty/Photogenic $25, Photogenic $10, Beauty $15. Western wear only. 2013 Fairest of the Fair winners are eligible to compete this year if they move up to the next age group. Age divisions– Girls: 0-12 months,13-23 months, 2-3 years, 4-5 years, 6-8 years, 9-11 years, 12-15 years, 16-18 years. Boys: 0-12 months,13-23 months, 2-3 years, 4-6 years, 7-10 years.

•COUNCIL MEETING will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at 2 p.m. at the Multipurpose Building during the fair. Everyone is urged to attend.

•youth speed events horse show will be at Calhoun County Agri-Center during the Fair Tuesday, July 22, beginning at 7 p.m. with the Dixie Riders performance. Youth barrels, poles and stakes at 7:30 p.m. Call the Calhoun County Extension Office (412-3177) for more information.

•UGLY LAMP CONTEST will be held at the Calhoun County Fair Bring entries to the Multi-Purpose Building Tuesday, July 22 from 4- 7 p.m. or Wednesday, July 23 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Open to all ages. One entry per person. No entry fees. Winner announced Saturday, July 26 at 3 p.m. in: Ugliest Lamp – Born Ugly; Ugliest Lamp – Made Ugly; Most Unique. Prizes awarded by Artifacts in Bruce.

•ICED CAKE CONTEST… Make an iced cake from any of the recipes published in the Calhoun County Journal and win a subscription for a year to the Calhoun County Journal. Entries must include a copy of the recipe along with the name of the featured cook that was published in the Calhoun County Journal to be eligible for the prize. For more information call 412-3177.

•YOUTH MEAT GOAT SHOW will be held at the Calhoun County Fair at the Calhoun County Agri-Center in Pittsboro, Wednesday, July 23 at 1:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come watch the show. For information contact Trent Barnett at the Calhoun County Extension Office at 412-3177.

•BISCUIT MAKING DEMO… Calhoun County Happy Homemakers MHV club will be making homemade biscuits at the Calhoun County Fair July 24-25 at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome to this demonstration. Sit down and enjoy a free sample. For information contact Trent Barnett at the Calhoun County Extension Office at 412-3177.

•PONY PULL CONTEST will be held at the Calhoun County Fair at the Calhoun County Agri-Center in Pittsboro Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. For information contact Trent Barnett at the Calhoun County Extension Office at 412-3177.

•CROCK POT SUPPER… Calhoun County 4-H will have a Crock Pot Supper Thursday, July 24 from 5-7 p.m. at the Multi-Purpose Building during the Calhoun County Fair. $5 a plate. Supper is a 4-H fundraiser project
Fair. For information contact Trent Barnett at 412-3177.

•Calhoun County Fair Rodeo will be July 25-26  at 7 p.m. with the Dixie Riders performance. Everyone is invited to come watch local cowboys and cowgirls as well as competitors from other states compete in the bull riding, bareback horses, roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing. Kids’ activities offered. For information contact Trent Barnett at the Calhoun County Extension Office at 412-3177.

•Baking Contest with adult and youth divisions will be held at the Calhoun County Fair Saturday, July 26. Registration From 11 a.m.-noon. Categories include breads, cookies, cakes, pies and candy. Call the Extension Office (412-3177) for information and an exhibit book.

•Calhoun County Fair Big Buck Contest will be held Saturday, July 26 with registration and scoring starting at 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Typical and non-typical. Limit 2 mounts per person. $10 per mount entry fee. $50 first place prize in typical and non-typical. Adult and youth division. Whitetail only. Contact the Calhoun County Extension Office at 662-412-3177 for information.

•ROUND ROBIN ROPING… Calhoun County Fair Association will host a Round Robin Roping for adults and youth Saturday, July 26 at 9 a.m. Roping will be held during the county fair at the Horse Arena. Limited to first 10 teams. Entry fees $60 per person, 60/40  payback. For information and to register, contact Angie Embry, chairperson, at 662-983-5859.

•Calhoun saddle club upcoming showdates are August 9, August 23, Sept. 13, Sept. 20 and Oct. 11 at the Arena at the Multi-Purpose Building in Pittsboro. Training is at noon and show at 1 p.m. Ranch sorting at each show, entry $25, payback $10 per head.

•DOG?LOVERS! LEAGUE?FOR?NO-KILL?SHELTER meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at Bruce Park Pavilion. For info, call 983-7471.

•DRIVER’S LICENSE RENEWAL station is open in Pittsboro every third Tuesday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the old tax assessor’s office/church building near the entrance to the Multi-Purpose Building on Hwy 9.

•CALHOUN ANTIQUE TRACTOR CLUB meets the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Vardaman Sweet Potato Festival building. Danny Tutor is club president. For more info, call 682-7594. Everyone is invited.

•ARE?YOU?A?CANCER?PATIENT? Calhoun Cares is an ongoing non-profit organization to benefit cancer patients. If you are taking cancer treatments and you live in Calhoun County, you are eligible for assistance. Contact Calhoun Cares, Tammy Tallant, 662-983-0864.

•LOOSA SCHOONA CHAPTER of the Daughters of the American Revolution will meet the second Monday of
each month from September through May at Jeffery’s on Bruce Square at 2:30 p.m. Meal is Dutch treat.

•CALHOUN?VETERANS SERVICE?OFFICER Robert Gosa is at the American Legion Building in Calhoun City on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. until. Call for appointment, 628-1933 or 983-9328.

•FOSTER/ADOPT?PROGRAM… safe and stable families are sought in Calhoun County for foster families. Contact Natalie Bryant at 628-412-3138 for info about the Mississippi Department of Human Services Resource program.

•CALHOUN CITY AMERICAN LEGION POST #50 and American Legion Auxiliary Post 50 meet the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. Meal at 6:30 p.m.

•WEIGHT?WATCHERS?IN BRUCE meets every Monday night at 5:30 p.m. at Jody’s Dance Studio.

•ANTIOCH LODGE 549… first Monday at 7:30 p.m.

•CALHOUN CITY VFW POST 12032 meets every 4th Thursday at 7 p.m. in the old Kellwood Outlet store building on N. Madison in Calhoun City.

•BRUCE VFW & AUXILIARY MONTHLY meet first Thursday of each month. Pot luck meal at 6 p.m. Meeting at 7 p.m. To rent building, call Mike Winter 412-2114 or Charlie Carter 414-0642.

•BRUCE?LIONS?CLUB meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesday at Pizza Palace at noon.

•NARCOTICS?ANONYMOUS meets Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. at Mt. Comfort Baptist Church, 38 CR?257, Bruce.

•SONS?OF?CONFEDERATE?VETERANS &?Order of the Confederate Roses meet every third Thursday at 6:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of Grace Southern Baptist Church in Calhoun City. All are invited.

•CALHOUN?COUNTY?SHRINE CLUB meets every third Thursday at 7 p.m. at Masonic Lodge in Calhoun City.

• BRUCE GROUP ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meets Friday nights at 8 p.m. at Bruce United Methodist Church.

•CALHOUN?CITY?ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS meets Monday nights at 8 p.m. at Lewis Memorial Methodist Church, Calhoun City. For info, call 628-4222.

To submit items for the calendar, call 983-2570, fax 983-7667 or email to: calhouncountyjournal@gmail.com

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FOR SALE                       2
Houses, Land, Mobile Homes
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5 BR 3-1/2 BATH HOME IN PITTSBORO, Sutton home. Quiet neighborhood on dead end street. Move-in ready. Call 901-491-9071 or 901-491-4267.
11,18,25c-rb
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37 ACRES 12-14 year old pine plantation, two miles from Bruce. Call 662-983-8800.
28,4,11,18c-js
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HOUSE– 3 BR 2 B, Circle Dr. in Bruce on 1-1/2 acres. Call 983-0831.                21,28,4,11c-cr
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LARGE LOTS in Country Estates Subdivision, 2 miles west of Calhoun City Hospital, starting at $2,000 per lot; 3 lots in Churchhill Subdivision discounted to sell; 30 lots in Briarwood Subdivision Part II in Vardaman, practically finished, super opportunity. Fred Nabors, 456-6319.                                 9tnc
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REDUCED TO $55,000.  3 BR 2 B brick home in Bruce, 1,700 sq. ft. with 2 acres, 433 N. Pontotoc Rd. Call 983-2620 or 628-4171.                          23tnc-ec
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FOR SALE                       3
Autos, Trucks, Motorcycles
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1984 FORD F150 w/new starter, battery carburetor w/351 Windser engine, runs good. $1,800 OBO. Call 414-6332.    4,11p-cp
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FOR SALE                       4
Appliances,  Furniture
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SAVE $100s ON MATTRESSES! at The Mattress Outlet, Hwy 8, Vardaman. Open every Saturday, 9-4. Tommy Scarbrough, owner.                             21tnc
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Used appliances washers, dryers, ranges for sale at Brasher’s Home Furnishings, ph. 983-2368.
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FOR SALE                    6
Pets, Pet Supplies
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FOR SALE                     7
Misc.
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BLUEBERRY HILL VARDAMAN, 09 CR 450. You pick $8 gallon; we pick $16 gallon. Call 662-542-3020 or 662-800-4440.
11,18c-ja
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ANTIQUE CAR, $3,500. Also full blooded German Shephard, good watch dog, $150. Call John Tucker, 983-0772 or 800-4535.                               25tnc
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FOR RENT                     8
Misc.
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HOUSE FOR RENT in Bruce. 2 BR, 1 B on W. Countiss St. Quiet neighborhood and close to downtown. $425/mth + dep. Contact Clint at 317-507-8443. Employed and serious long-term applicants only, please.
-July 30-cc
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MINI-SYSTEMS of Bruce. Short or long term rental storage units. Climate Control Available! Various sizes—5×10, 10×10, 10×15, 10×20. Brasher’s Home Furnishings, ph. 983-2368.
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BUSINESSS
OPPORTUNITY                   9
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BUSINESS FOR SALE. Owner wants to retire from well established local floral and gift shop. Great customer base! Serious inquiries only. Call 414-1108.
19tnc
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WANTED                     10
Misc.
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NOTICE                        11
Misc.
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The Pickin’ Shed, Hwy 9W, Banner. Home Improvement Mdse.  Open Monday thru Saturday 9-5, closed every 4th weekend. Call 662-473-6660  for more info.                          19tnc
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The Journal assumes no responsibility for the wording or content of classifieds advertisements.
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SERVICES                   12
Misc.
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I WILL SIT WITH YOUR elderly family member. Will cook, do hair and nails and light housekeeping. References available. Call Miss Sheila, 248-688-4903.                                    11p
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WILL SHARPEN WOOD MIZER blades for band sawmill. $5 per blade. Call Ray at 628-6086 or 417-1461.                     12tnc-tj
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Bulldozer, Trackhoe and Tractor and Pan Services available. Also environmental land clearing. MARTIN AND MARTIN CONTRACTING, LLC-Banner, MS, 35 years experience. For quotes or more information, please call Freddie Martin at 662-473-6658.                         6tnc
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WINTERIZE NOW! Consider a new metal or shingle roof. Call Joey Collins for all your building, remodeling, repairs, metal roofing, plumbing and electrical needs. Free estimates. Call 662-927-0856 today!          14tnc-jc
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DO YOU NEED YOUR YARD mowed or other yard work? Call 662-628-5271 or 662-414-1831                            -6tnc-jh
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HOME REPAIR & MAINTENANCE– Carpentry, electrical, plumbing, painting and more. Tommy L. Roane, 662-983-8326 or 662- 983-7557.
17tnc
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BWS WELDING, STEEL & ALUMINUM, farm equipment repair, portable welder. Bobby W. Sexton, 614 CR 130. Call 662-414-8295 (cell)                   21tnc-bs
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MARTIN CONSTRUCTION &
Home Maintenance. Contact us for all your home repair needs. TONY MARTIN, ph. 413-4644.
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POSTED                     13
Landowner Owners
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POSTED– Land in Calhoun and Pontotoc counties belonging to Mitzi Aron, Joe Aron or Jim Jim Aron is posted against hunting, fishing or trespassing of any kind without written permission of the landowners.                  -dec31p
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POSTED–The Gullick Place land of Rabon Gullick, Nellie Davis, Lillie Newsome and Sara Quillen is posted against hunting, fishing or trespassing of any kind.

Rep. Jim Beckett will be the featured speaker at the Calhoun City Chamber of Commerce Banquet on Tuesday, June 10.

Jim Beckett

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and be held at the Methodist Corner on the Square.
Tickets are $20 and available at Laura Edwards’ accounting office and the chamber office.

The theme for this year’s banquet is “Hometown Heroes.” Honorees will include Sheriff Greg Pollan, Calhoun City Police Chief Benny Langford and Derma Police Chief Stan Evans, Calhoun City Fire Chief Mike Dunagin and Derma Fire Chief Shane Childs, and 911 Coordinator Wayne Stone.

The chamber will also present its annual awards for citizen of the year, chamber member of the year and business of the year.
For more information contact the chamber of commerce at 628-6990.

A rain-soaked Tuesday is in store for Calhoun County which remains under a flash flood watch. Strong thunderstorms are expected to continue through the noon hour with isolated storms continuing all afternoon.

The Calhoun City Wildcat basketball team attended the Mississippi State basketball camp last Friday at The Hump on the MSU campus.

The team is pictured with MSU Coach Rick Ray.

Jo Ann Denley was recently awarded June Yard of the Month honors by the 20th Century Club of Bruce. Photo by Celia Hillhouse

Calhoun County players stood out at the NEMBCA All Star basketball game in Booneville last weekend earning several awards.

Terrance Jones, of Bruce, was named the best defensive player in the boys’ small classification game. Jones is a football signee with ICC. Levarious Varnado, of Calhoun City, earned the Ratliff Scholarship for sportsmanship. Varnado is also a football signee with ICC.

Alison Childs, of Calhoun City, who will be playing basketball at ICC next year, was honored for selling the most ads for the all star game. V Farmer, of Calhoun City, a Northeast Community College basketball signee, scored 13 points in the girls’ lower classification game.
Calhoun City boys’ basketball coach Daren Coffey was also honored receiving the Class 1A/2A Coach of the Year award for Northeast Mississippi.

Calhoun City and Vardaman met last week in high school baseball action as part of the summer exhibition schedule.

All three county high school teams are playing a schedule of approximately 10 games through the month of June.  Bruce is scheduled to play at Calhoun City June 16 and at Vardaman June 30.

The summer schedule will end with the NEMCABB tournament with Calhoun City hosting one of the regionals June 19-20.

Below is Wildcat Clint Wolfe considering a bunt as Ram catcher Clay Miller awaits the pitch. Photo by Joel McNeece

The circuit clerk’s office is tentatively scheduled to be open Saturday, June 14 for absentee voting for the June 24 runoff between state senator Chris McDaniel and U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran in the Republican primary.

Circuit Clerk Carlton Baker said they are waiting for the Secretary of State’s office to certify the June 3 election so they can proceed with voting in the runoff.
Neither candidate was able to garner 50% of the vote in the June 3 primary in which McDaniel finished with an  approximate 1,400 vote advantage. Cochran carried Calhoun in a close race 783-648.

McDaniel won four of the 10 Calhoun County precincts and seven of them were decided by 13 votes or less. Cochran’s biggest advantage was in Calhoun City #4 (187-110) which by far had the largest turnout of any precinct. Less than 19% of the registered voters in the county took part in the election.
Any voter who voted in the June 3 Republican Primary, or registered voters who didn’t vote at all can vote in the June 24 runoff. Voters who voted in the Democratic primary on June 3 are not eligible to vote in the Republican runoff.

The other two races were on the Democratic ballot with Travis Childers easily defeating his challengers. Final totals in Calhoun showed Childers with 373 votes, William Bond Compton Jr. 22, Bill Marcy 17 and Jonathan Rawl seven. Childers will advance to the November General Election to take on the McDaniel and Cochran winner.

Ron E. Dickey won the U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District Democratic Primary over Rex Weathers. Dickey carried Calhoun 217 votes to 112. He will advance to the November General Election to take on incumbent U.S. Rep. Alan Nunnelee, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.
For more election or voting information contact the circuit clerk’s office at 412-3101.

Calhoun County’s largest municipalities all continue to show increases in sales tax returns as the end of the fiscal year approaches.

Bruce remains on track to top the half million dollar mark in sales tax returns for the first time in the city’s history. Bruce had generated $408,971 in rebate for the town thus far in 2014.

Mississippi municipalities receive 18.5% of the total sales tax generated within the city. The state keeps the rest.
Bruce’s current total, with two months remaining in the current fiscal year (July 1-June 30), is up from $398,637 at the same time last year.
Calhoun City is also enjoying an increase in sales tax rebates with $256,867 generated for the city, compared to $243,093 at this time last year.

Vardaman is closer to par from last year with $103,828 recorded in 2014 compared to $102,994 at the same time in the prior fiscal year.
Derma is up from $47,147 to $51,457.

Each of the smaller municipalities are experiencing slight decreases this fiscal year of a few hundred dollars.
Pittsboro currently shows $4,106 in returns, Big Creek $3,397 and Slate Springs $3,019.

Area Sales Tax Returns for 2013-14 fiscal year
Oxford        $6M
Grenada    $3.4M
Pontotoc    $1.9M
Houston    $806,515
Bruce        $408,971
Water Valley    $387,940
Eupora        $348,143
Okolona    $262,513
Calhoun City    $256,867
Vardaman    $103,828
Coffeeville    $94,753
Derma        $51,457   

I have a new favorite food blog, that I discovered, of course, through Pinterest. The blog is South Your Mouth. And the recipe that caught my attention was Butterfinger Pie with a photo that made my mouth water.

Ingredients were 14 ounces of Butterfinger candy bars, 8 oz. package of cream cheese at room temperature, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, 12 oz. Cool Whip and 9 inch graham cracker crust.
Chop Butterfingers and set aside reserving 1/2 cup to sprinkle on top of the finished pie.
Beat cream cheese and vanilla, add half of Cool Whip and mix until smooth.

Lisa McNeece

Fold in crushed Butterfingers and remaining Cool Whip and mix by hand. Spoon mixture over pie crust, sprinkling remaining Butterfinger bits on top. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours.
How awesome is that? I’ll be trying that one before the week is out.
The blog is written by Mandy Rivers who has a cookbook by the same name and is also appearing on Food Network’s America’s Best Cook.

Speaking of Butterfingers, we made the first homemade ice cream of the summer Sunday afternoon and, of course, it was Butterfinger.
I have shared this recipe before, but because it’s so easy and delicious, I will share it again.
Take 1/2 gallon chocolate milk, add a can of Eagle Brand, an 8 oz. tub of Cool Whip and six crushed Butterfinger candy bars. I stir it together in a bowl and then put it in the ice cream freezer.

The method I use for “crushing” the Butterfingers is to simply cut the candy bars with a sharp knife on a cutting board. The candy bars will shatter into small pieces.
I have tried putting them in a zip lock bag and using a spoon or other object to crush them, but that usually melts the chocolate while using the knife does not.

Joel and I took the finished ice cream, a stack of plastic cups and spoons down to my mother’s to the pool, where several of our family members were in and around the pool– sister, Deanna with Samantha and Eli, from Tuscaloosa, my mother, sister Celia with grandson Jackson, niece Abby, daughter-in-law Whitney with grands Addi Claire and Ellie Kathryn.

• • •

We are having an odd summer weather-wise– more days of clouds and rain than sun. And lots and lots of rain.

• • •

Joel and I have been going back and forth about the pesky bamboo in our back yard for a couple of years, but this weekend, he persuaded me that it should come down.
If it would just stay in one spot, it would be great, but it spreads at an unbelievable rate over an unbelievable space.
After a visit to McCarty Pottery in Merigold several years ago, we noted that they cut the leaves off the bottom of their bamboo leaving the beautiful trunks.

We have been keeping ours manicured in that fashion for several years, breaking off low sprouting limbs and trying to keep the new ones that pop up all over the back yard at bay.
That’s a full time job.
It seems like they pop up overnight and grow a foot a day.
We have had them growing through lawn chairs, the slats on a bench, pushing through the steps and now, one has grown up through the middle of Joel’s basketball goal.

That was the one that caused the most trouble when Joel was cutting down the adjoining bamboo this weekend.
He said he noticed a robin hanging around nearby and then he saw the nest of not so new baby birds among the bamboo nestled around the back of the backboard on the goal.
He stopped his project around 4 feet away from the birds to give them a few days to leave the nest.
The granddaughters were excited to see them, but it didn’t last long. The mother bird had them flying out of the nest before the end of the day.

• • •

Leah McCormick’s Patchwork store is opening this Friday. The store, which will feature items made locally and in Mississippi, also houses Leah’s Fabric of Hope. The store is on South Newberger in the former Brett King photography building.

E-mail Lisa McNeece: lisamcneece@gmail.com follow her on twitter @lisamcneece