Daniel P. Edney, MD, FACP, has joined the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) in the role of chief medical officer and regional health officer for the Central Public Health Region. Edney, a 30-year Vicksburg resident, is a graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical School, where he graduated with summa cum laude distinction and numerous other honors. He has served on the staff of Medical Associates of Vicksburg and most recently as the medical director for several local nursing homes and hospice services, as well as the addictionologist for several mental health facilities. “I am so pleased to have a physician of Dr. Edney’s stature join the MSDH team. We really recognized his talents as he worked with us on COVID-19, and I am confident his contributions will be significant,” said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. Edney is a longtime member of the American Medical Association and the Mississippi State Medical Association, in which he currently serves as Immediate Past President and on the Board of Trustees, and has served previously in the role of president, speaker and vice speaker of the House of Delegates, and as chairman of the young physician’s section. “I look forward to joining this amazing team. I have always been a physician in the private sector, but this last year I have seen the importance of merging the public and private sectors. This is a great partnership that needs to continue as we move forward,” said Edney. Dr. Edney was appointed to his position on February 16, 2021.

Disability Connection is enthusiastic about announcing the MS Coast Heritage Information Center at www.DisabilityConnection.org, a four-year project for the MS Coast National Heritage Area, which is administered locally through the MS Department of Marine Resources. The MS Coast Heritage Information Center promotes the heritage areas of South Mississippi by education and connecting the public to the cultural, historical, recreational, and scenic resources. It hosts the stories of the people: their cultural and ethnic heritages, their industries, churches, traditions, foods, festivals, and events that are still present to enjoy today. The Center connects people to their roots and celebrates diversity. The Center has information to plan their travels: 3 Film Documentaries 41 Heritage Moments (films) 160+ pages of information on people & places that are a part of our heritage These resources include places to visit that are barrier- free and have special accommodations for travelers with disabilities. The films have been produced by Disability Connection in partnership with Walt Grayson, the featured state-wide host of Mississippi Roads. For more information about the MS Coast Heritage Information Center please contact Disability Connection at 228.604.4020 or 228.870.7775.

The Mississippi Public Service Commission imposed civil penalties of $280,000 against Arrowbridge Holdings, LLC for 32 violations of the state’s No-Call law, Commissioner Brent Bailey announced today. “Today, we voted 3-0 to impose the penalty against Arrowbridge Holdings, LLC, which is based in Kissimmee, Florida,” Commissioner Bailey said. “The Commission and the Attorney General’s Office work these cases in a joint effort to take action against companies and telemarketers that ignore the Mississippi registry. We will continue to hold these companies accountable should they continue to illegally harass Mississippians at their homes or businesses.” The company was accused of making unauthorized telephone solicitations and failing to register with the PSC as a telephone solicitor. “In our findings regarding the types of calls Arrowbridge made, a majority of their calls were related to vacations and timeshares,” Commissioner Bailey said. “There are a few that were related to auto warranties as well.” After the defendant failed to answer the matter, an entry of default in the PSC’s favor was granted. The commission's penalty is a civil fine, not a criminal action. Mississippi maintains a “No-Call List” as part of the Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act of 2003. The law prohibits those attempting to sell consumer goods and services by telephone from calling telephone numbers that appear on the list. Mississippians who want to add their home telephone or mobile numbers to the list may call 1-800-356-6430 or go online at www.psc.ms.gov/NoCall/home. Since the start of this Commission in January 2020, we have imposed $570,000 in fines to companies for violating the no-call law.

Mississippi’s graduating class of 2020 achieved a 38.2% qualifying score rate for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, an increase from the previous year's achievement rate of 32.5%. AP courses are college-level courses offered by trained high school teachers. Every qualifying AP score of 3, 4 or 5 entitles students to earn at least three college credits at any Mississippi public university or community college. Among the class of 2020, 20.7% (5,235) of graduates took a total of 11,526 AP exams during their high school experience, according to the College Board’s AP Cohort Data Report for Class of 2020 issued today. Though achievement on AP increased, the number of students taking AP exams declined. Among the class of 2019, 22.7% of graduates (5,801) of graduates took 13,178 AP exams. Though the class of 2020 saw a drop in AP participation, overall, the number of Mississippi students taking AP courses and passing AP exams have both nearly doubled since 2013. “The AP experience is an extremely valuable learning opportunity for students. It exposes students to college-level work and helps them develop the study skills they need to be successful in college,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Students who earn qualifying scores on AP exams can reduce the cost of their college education.” Mississippi’s AP policy has the potential to save Mississippi families millions of dollars on college tuition. In Mississippi, public and private high school students earned 5,648 AP® qualifying scores of 3, 4, or 5 in 2020. These scores translate into a potential savings of close to $5 million in tuition for students and their families. Research shows AP students are better prepared for college and more likely to graduate college in four years than non-AP peers. Students earning college credit can save what they would otherwise have to pay for another year of college.

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is investigating several heating-related fire deaths. At least one involved a chimney that caught fire. Others have involved space heaters. “Many parts of the state will not get a break from this extreme cold, ice, and snow for a few more days,” State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said. “When heating your home, keep flammable objects like furniture, clothing, mattresses, or bedding away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters.” Every home should have multiple smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be placed outside of each bedroom. You should also install Carbon Monoxide alarms if you are using gas. If using a generator, make sure it’s outside and well ventilated. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly killer when generators are not used correctly. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following heating fire safety tips: All heating equipment should be UL® approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional prior to being used each year. Remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters. Inspect the space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly. Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision. Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home. Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip over shut‐off switch. Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating as it will give off poisonous fumes. Never use outdoor cooking equipment like grills for heating and do not bring propane bottles inside. Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel. Have a spark screen that is age appropriate for all individuals if using a fireplace. Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood‐burning stove; never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood burning stove. Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside, call 911 and don’t go back inside the home under any circumstances.

Due to winter weather, all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments, WIC centers, and offices except those in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, George, Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar, Wayne and Jones counties will be closed on Wednesday, February 17. MSDH drive-through COVID-19 vaccination sites are cancelled tomorrow except those in Harrison, Jackson, Forrest and Jones counties. Those with cancelled appointments will automatically be rescheduled for the same time on a different day and notified by phone, e-mail, or text. MSDH COVID-19 testing sites in Calhoun, Copiah and Hinds (Farmer’s Market) counties are cancelled tomorrow. All patients have been advised to reschedule for a later date. The Hancock County testing site will be open. These details can change dependent on weather. Check the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com for the latest in cancellations. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the first case of a COVID-19 variant strain in a Mississippi resident. A case of the B.1.1.7 UK variant strain of COVID-19 was confirmed during routine testing. No international travel or spread to contacts is known to have occurred, but additional investigation is ongoing. The B.1.1.7 variant strain has been identified in 40 U.S. states and is known to spread more easily and quickly than other strains. While suspected, currently there is no direct evidence that this strain causes a more severe infection or a higher risk of death. MSDH continues to expand surveillance for variant strains in Mississippi, and it is likely that additional cases will be identified. Current available vaccines are expected to be effective against variant strains, but further research continues. Mississippians are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings, and wash hands frequently. Vaccination is also encouraged for those who are eligible. Current eligibility includes Mississippi residents or those who work in Mississippi ages 65 and older, or those 16-64 with certain underlying conditions, healthcare personnel, and residents of long term care facilities. For eligibility criteria, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/covid19. To schedule an appointment at an MSDH drive-through clinic, visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-877-978-6453. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Blood filter treats COVID-19. A new device that filters blood is showing promise at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg in treating COVID-19 patients who have not responded to other therapies. The Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter has helped most the 17 patients treated in four to six hour sessions. The filter has coated beads which bind to infectious agents, including viruses, in the blood. The hospital is using the treatment under an emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. COVID-19 spread slows. The spread of COVID-19 in Mississippi showed significant signs of slowing last month, although it is still relatively high compared to case and death numbers in 2020. The seven-day average is now at 1,623, a 20 per cent decrease since the start of 2021. Both new cases and hospitalizations are now back to the levels they were in early December. The rolling average for deaths have dropped to early December levels, about 32 per day, after peaking at 44 per day on Jan. 9. Move to privatize liquor business. Mississippi lawmakers are considering withdrawing the state from the liquor and wine business, letting private industry take over warehousing and distributing liquor. The Legislature is also considering allowing home delivery of liquor, wine and beer. Both measures appear to have traction in the Legislature this session, even in a Bible Belt state that has been slow to relax or change its strict liquor laws. Mississippi is one of 17 states that tightly control the sale of liquor, and one of 10 that sell spirits to all private package stores. Copiah $1 million winner. A Copiah County Mega Millions lottery player has won $1 million. A ticket sold at RBs One Stop on Highway 28 in Hazlehurst match all five white ball winning numbers worth $1 million. The player did not choose the Megaplier option and chose to remain anonymous. "The winner is the second millionaire to win playing Mega Millions in Mississippi," said Mississippi Lottery Corporation President Tom Shaheen. "A Gautier woman won $2 millionn in the June 9, 2020, Mega Millions drawing. Justice system drives debt. In 2019, people who had touched the criminal justice system in Mississippi held $507 million in debt as a result — more than double the $243 million they owed in 2009, new research finds. While court-ordered financial burdens grow, the minimum wage hasn’t budged and overall inflation-adjusted wages in Mississippi actually dropped in that same timeframe. Even many who finish their sentences — often coined their “debt to society” — are saddled with very literal debts that prevent them from the opportunities they need to thrive outside of prison. Schools get more funds. Schools in Mississippi are about to see a large influx of federal dollars from the second federal coronavirus relief bill passed in December. The second wave of funding allocated for Mississippi is nearly three times the amount the state received last year from the education portion of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Around $720 million is slated for Mississippi K-12 schools, compared to around $170 million the state received from CARES in 2020. Up to 10% of the second round of funding, or about $72 million, can go to the Mississippi Department of Education, and the remainder must go directly to schools.

By Bob Arnold For Tricia Russell, the events coordinator at Co-Lin, the past year has been a challenge, trying to do her job in midst of a pandemic in which people have been reluctant to come together and interact. "Normally, I seek to maximize space for people and groups, providing room for them to do what they want to do most efficiently in the least space," she explains. Now, it's providing room for people to do what they want to do safely. Events or meetings that required one room in the past now may need two or even three rooms. You seek to spread out people." Technology, always an important part of her work, has, increasingly, become the critical component. In some cases, meetings are wholly virtual and often partially virtual with participants attending via Zoom and other meeting apps on their computers rather than on site. Speakers now commonly come to events through telecommunication technology whether or not participants are there in person, Russell points out. In the post-pandemic future, virtual technologies will continue to play a major role in events, she predicts. Russell joined Co-Lin 1997 as secretary for community services, working in events coordination for the Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), Workforce Education, the band, senior aid and adult education. When the Thames Center opened in 1999, her work became more focused on events held there and ILR and less on the campus as a whole. From 2006 until 2018, she worked with Marilyn Brown as ILR events coordinator and with Julie Wright since then. Born at Anniston, Alabama, Russell traveled a lot in her childhood and youth in an army family with her parents, who were Brookhaven natives, and two sisters She was too young to remember the three to four years they spent in Hawaii, but recalls the field trips in Germany when she was in junior high school and life in South Carolina and Georgia before settling in Brookhaven as a junior in high school when her father retired from the military. Collecting things from places where she travelled -- stamps, coins, spoons -- occupied her as she was growing up. Russell graduated from Brookhaven High School in 1982 and then the one-year secretarial program at Co-Lin in 1983. She married Scott Russell, also a Co-Lin graduate, and moved with him to Vicksburg, where she worked for a law firm and he worked for IBM. She returned with her husband to Brookhaven, where she also worked briefly as a legal secretary before starting her career at Co-Lin. Russell and her husband, now wheelchair-bound due to childhood muscular dystrophy, live in Brookhaven. They have two daughters -- Abbey Fleming, 28, a Co-Lin graduate who is a cosmetologist, and Mandy, 23, will be graduating from the Co-Lin Respiratory Care Technology program as a Respiratory Therapist. Russell's sister Ramona Thomas teaches in the Co-Lin Medical Radiologic Technology program. What are your hobbies? I am into crafts -- sewing among other things. I like to travel. My husband, two daughters and I have made two road trips to California and back. Branson, Missouri, is another favorite destination. My husband and I are active in the Brookhaven Church of Christ. I assist with secretarial needs and teach a Bible Class. My husband is one of the church leaders. Are you a reader? I am an avid reader, particularly of Christian fiction, Christian inspirational literature and mysteries. My favorite author is Dee Henderson. Her O'Malley series is the best. The inspirational romantic suspense novels are focused on the stories of seven abandoned or orphaned teens who became a loyal, committed family which they call O'Malley. They restore strength and hope to your spirit. Do you enjoy movies or theater? Any mystery! What kind of music do you like? Country and Christian. What would you do with lottery winnings if you were so lucky? I would hit the road with my husband in a mobile home and travel. How would you change the world? I would try to shape a healthier world in which people are more grateful to God and loving, kind and respectful to each other.

Co-Lin Board member and former Board chairman Eugene “Gene” Bates of Church Hill died last month in Hattiesburg. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Gene Bates," Co-Lin President Dr. Jane Hulon Sims said. "He served as a Board Member for 37 years, 17 years as chairman. We are thankful for his outstanding leadership, friendship, guidance and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by the Co-Lin family and his community. Mr. Bates continuously upheld the value of trust, accountability, caring, commitment and excellence. We are especially thankful for the passion he carried in his heart for Co-Lin.” The Board of Trustees honored Bates in 2012 with the dedication of the P. Eugene Bates Men’s Residence Hall on the Wesson Campus. A ­­­­cattleman and conservationist, Bates is a graduate of the Jefferson County public school system and attended Co-Lin. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture from Mississippi State University. Bates was an active member of First Baptist Church in Natchez, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Survivors include his wife, Susie Mae Bullen Bates; daughters, Evie Peavey and husband Woodie of Lucedale, Mississippi, Paula Green and husband Ron of Stewartsville, Missouri; grandchildren, Paul Green of Kansas City, Missouri, Shawn Sadler of Wiggins, Mississippi, Elizabeth Bortell and husband Curtis of Centerville, Iowa, Matthew Green and wife Cara of Gower, Missouri, Daniel Sadler and wife Taylor of St. Joseph, Misssissippi, Lauren Green of St. Joseph, Missouri, Morgan Lundy and husband Spencer of Stewartsville, Missouri, Madison Green of Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Green of Stewartsville, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Adrian and Elyse Green, Lily, Madalynn, Phoenix, and Linkin Bortell, Sabina, Anna, Ambrose, Monica, Gabriel and Zelie Green, and Logan Lundy; brother George Bates and wife Linda of Church Hill, Mississippi, and numerous nieces and nephews.

By guest columnist R. Shaw Furlow Surprise! Co-Lin's 32nd Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration (NLCC) is virtual this year. Many social events have been canceled, but NLCC producers have decided to go virtual with presentations. On a positive note, it should open the conference to people who cannot always make it to Natchez to attend in person. “In order to combat the growing virtual burnout felt by so many, we are spreading the presentations out over the entire last week of February," reports Emily Williams, Co-Lin Natchez Learning Resource Coordinator and NLCC co-chair with Lance Harris from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. " I am very excited about the schedule and the caliber of talent that will be showcased . "Most presentations will be live at either 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. each day. They will be streamed on Facebook Live. Speakers plan to participate in Q&A's, and we will monitor the comment sections on computer, collecting questions for the speakers there. We will also take questions sent in advance to nlcc@colin.edu from those who will not be able to participate live. "Of course, we hope most people can watch live, but all sessions will be available for viewing on Facebook, YouTube, and our website for a couple of weeks following." The theme this year is “Southern Environments,” which will encompass sessions in "Ecocriticisms in Southern Studies," "Southern Social Environments" and "Nature as a Character" categories. The Natchez Literary and Cinema Celebration has won numerous awards for its outstanding programming. They include a Cultural Olympiad Award, Best Event of the Year Award at the Governor's Conference on Tourism, the Mississippi Tourism Award, the Mississippi Historical Society's Award of Merit, the Mississippi Humanities Council Humanities Achievement Award, the College Public Relations Association of Mississippi Award, and the 2011 Governor's Award for Excellence in the Arts. NLCC has been called "Mississippi's most significant annual conference devoted to literature, history, film, and culture." Begun in 1990 by Co-Lin, Mississippi Department of Archives and History is a now a co-sponsor and Natchez National Historical Park supports the event. Each year, a theme is selected around which the presentations revolve. Because it is virtual, classrooms around the state can incorporate this year's event into instruction, and those who have never before attended NLCC can get a taste of what the celebration is all about. Following is the schedule. Until next time, support the arts and this event is definitely worth supporting. Monday, February 22 9:30 a.m. Film tribute to the late Governor William Winter 10:30 a.m. Ralph Didlake. "The Mississippi State Asylum: A Realm of its Own" 1 p.m. Jay Watson. "Energy & Modernity in the U.S. South" Tuesday, February 23 10:30 a.m. W. Ralph Eubanks. "How to Use Place as an Archive: Studying Mississippi Literature Through Its Landscape" 1 p.m. G Mark LaFrancis, Melanie Addington, Keith Beauchamp & James Williams. "Crafting a Documentary: Experts Share Their Knowledge" Wednesday, February 24 10:30 a.m. Carter Burns. "Thomas Affleck: Steward of the Land" 1 p.m. Tammy Greer. "Yakni Achukma, Okla Achukma (Healthy Land, Healthy People)" 2:30 p.m. Clifton L. Taulbert. "Tulsa's Black Wall Street: Triumph, Tragedy & Tenacity 100 Years Ago" Thursday, February 25 10:30 a.m. Natasha Trethewey. "A Morning with Natasha Trethewey" 1 p.m. Aimee Nezhukumatathil. "World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whales and Other Astonishments" Friday, February 26 10:30 a.m. Zaire Love. "Space in the South" 12 noon. Award Ceremonies. Presentation of Richard Wright Literary Excellence Award to Dr. Alferdteen Harrison. Presentation of the Thad Cochran Humanities Achievement Award to Dr. Billy Thames. 1 p.m. J. Drew Lanham. "Writing Beauty through Plagues -- Creating When Everything is Falling Down Around Us" 5:30 p.m. Spirits & Prose. A Cocktail and Book Pairing Hour with Mark Brockway Saturday, February 27 10:30 a.m. R.J. Lee. "Bringing More of Natchez into Rosaline" 1 p.m.Richard Grant."Writing about Place" EDITOR'S NOTE: Shaw Furlow is a local composer, musician and arts promoter. He produces an internet-based video show -- From the Shadyside -- that spotlights area musical talent and is a consultant to school bands in the region.

The magic of New Orleans Jackson Square with its painters, musicians and street performers comes to downtown Brookhaven for locals to celebrate a pandemic-safe Mardi Gras. This year, the annual Downtown Jazzed Up features loads of socially-distanced family fun in an art walk on Whitworth and Railroad Avenues and in the railroad park and municipal parking lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, in Brookhaven. Gone is the traditional fall-in parade replaced by a leisurely stroll -- a fully outdoors event highlighted by painters and other visual artists displaying their works, multiple musicians providing entertainment around the walking area, street art performances and fun and games tailored for everyone. Restaurants will offer specials. There will be sidewalk sales. A sidewalk chalk art contest for kids will run throughout the day and Yoga in the Park will provide a way for others to shirk their stresses. When things end downtown, visitors can join a Yardi Gras Drive Thru Parade in their vehicles on Storm Avenue, where residents will decorate their houses as stationary floats in Brookhaven's version of a phenomenon that started in New Orleans as a social media joke, but became a unique Mardi Gras parade pandemic alternative. Event organizers are still accepting registrations for tables, easels, spaces and time slots from participating visual and musical artists, the sidewalk chalk art contest and anything else that could enhance the celebration at https://www.bragarts.com/jazzed.html#. The Brookhaven Regional Art Guild is sponsoring Brookhaven Downtown Jazzed Up with the Mississippi School of the Arts, Brookhaven Tourism Council and Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce.